THe proceedings of the Fleet since our weighing from Lee Road, I did on Saturday last represent by Letter from Albrough Road, to the Committee at Derby-House, with my desire that the same might be commu­nicated to both Houses of Parliament; Since that it hath pleased God to bring the whole Fleet safely into the Downes; And now I shall make bold to give the trouble of this addition.

It pleased God notwithstanding all the Counter workings of the Kingdomes Ene­mies, and the great discouragements that occurred in this expedition to inable us, after some time to get the Ships (lately in [Page 2]the River of Thames) conveniently man­ned; his power and goodnesse to the Na­tion was further manifested in giving to the companies of those severall Ships Spirits unanimously to ingage their resolutions against the common Enemies of the King­dome at Sea, that had so wickedly depar­ted from their trust and duty (whereof we had a most glorious and seasonable experiment, at that time when the Ene­my drew neare us with a Fleet above the proportion of that strength we then had) to the defeating and disappointment of that confidence of some who floolishly boasted of the greatest share and interest in their affection. That mercy the same pow­er was pleased to second, with causing those Enemies to turne their Back even when his arrowes were but making ready upon the string against the face of them, and yet God rested not there, but the next day after the Enemies retirement he was pleased to bring into a happy conjunction with us, the Portsmouth Shipps, whose [Page 3]companies had likewise testified the same Spirit of courage and unaminity for the Parliament Service, and now we are here together with a Fleet, which for number and quality of Ships and temper of Sea­men is fitted I hope through the strength of God effectually to execute and accom­plish what ever may rationally be expect­ed from it for the publique Service: a List of the Ships I have here inclosed, and tru­ly I may not omit to represent the fidelity, constancy, and courage of the Captaines, having had no occasion fince my coming forth to take notice of the lest backward­nesse in any of them to pursue their duty with the utmost diligence.

I shall stay here a little time to supply water, Ballace, and a few other necessaries which being compleated, I shall God wil­ling improve time and opportunity with all possible advantage for action; not doubt­ing but as God hath hitherto helped us, so he will still accompany us with his pre­sence, counsell and blessing, and make beare his glorious Arme at Sea as he hath [Page 4]done one Shore, and so make it good that he is the strength and confidence both of the ends of the Earth, and of them that are a farr off upon the Sea.

I shall adde, that being now upon the place I have considered the great impor­tance of getting the Castles at the Downes into a condition of Service, the protection of the Fleet and of Trade having such a Dependance thereupon; of their great ru­ines I am now an eye witnesse. If therfore a course may be thought upon for their put­ting into repaire, and setling of an establsh­ment for their future pay, it would be wor­thy of the Parliaments care to direct it, which in discharge of my duty, I doe earnestly recommend unto them accor­dingly, and so defiring God to direct and prosper all your Counsells to his glory and the Kingdoms setlement, I rest