BOTH Sides being thus fitted out, and prepared for Action, let us now
proceed,
_Thirdly_, To give an Account of the Expedition, and the several
Engagements between the two Fleets, with the final Event of the whole.
The King of _Spain_’s Instructions to his General, were[46], To repair
to _Calais_ Road, and there wait for the Arrival of the Duke of _Parma_,
who had Orders to join him with his Fleet and Forces; and, upon their
meeting, to open a Letter directed to them both, with further Orders
[particularly, to advance up the _Thames_, and attack _London_.] He was
strictly enjoined, in the mean time, to sail along the Coasts of
_Bretagne_ and _Normandy_, in order to avoid being discovered by the
_English_ Fleet; and if unexpectedly he should meet them, not to offer
Battle, but act only upon the Defensive.
With these Instructions, the _Spanish_ Fleet set sail on the 19th of
_May_ from the _Tagus_, and steer’d for the _Groyne_, the Place of
general Rendezvous. But they had not been long at Sea, before they were
so dispersed by a violent Storm, off of Cape _Finisterre_, that scarce
the third Part of them reached, some Days after, the intended Port: And
three of the Gallies, by the Stratagem of _David Gwyn_, an _English_
Slave, assisted by some of the _Moorish_ Rowers, were run into a Harbour
of _France_[47].
In the mean time, the Lord _Howard_ having continued a good while upon
the Narrow Seas between _England_ and _Flanders_[48], sent Sir _Francis
Drake_ towards the Western Coasts, with about fifty Sail, great and
small; intending to follow himself, with a stronger Force, if there
should be Occasion. For the present he remained in the _Downs_, with the
Lord _Henry Seymour_ his Vice-Admiral, where they had under their
Command twenty Ships belonging to the City of _London_, with several
other Vessels fitted out by the Coast-Towns, from the _Thames_ to
_Newcastle_. But News being brought of the Armada’s being ready to put
to Sea, the Admiral left the Lord _Henry Seymour_ with a convenient
Number of Ships, to watch the Duke of _Parma_’s Motions; and setting
Sail on the 21st of _May_, with about thirty Vessels of all Sorts,
arrived on the 23d at _Plymouth_. Here he was joined by Sir _Francis
Drake_, whom he constituted his Vice-Admiral, and whose Squadron, by the
Addition of some Vessels from the Western Ports, amounted now to sixty
Sail.
The Lord _Howard_, upon his Arrival at _Plymouth_, gave Orders for the
Victualling, and putting in Readiness, the whole Fleet, which now
consisted in all of about ninety Ships and Barks. As soon as it was
ready he put out to Sea, and cruized at the Channel’s Mouth, between
_Ushent_ and _Scilly_, looking out for the _Spanish_ Fleet. He thus
continued cruizing for several Days, sometimes upon the Coast of
_France_, and sometimes upon that of _England_; and, at last, hearing
nothing of the _Spaniards_, returned to _Plymouth_, for a new Supply of
Victuals, and other Necessaries.
Mean while, fourteen _Spanish_ Ships were discovered between _Ushent_
and _Scilly_, which were afterwards known to have been separated from
the rest of the Fleet by the late Storm. But before they could be met
with by any _English_ Ships, they had a Northerly Wind, which carried
them back to the _Groyne_; where, and at the neighbouring Ports, the
whole Fleet took in their Soldiers and Warlike Provisions.
The _Spanish_ Fleet, as has been said above, had been dispersed, and
somewhat disabled by a violent Storm. This had like to have proved more
fatal to the _English_ than to the _Spaniards_ themselves[49]. For it
being reported all over _Europe_, that the whole _Spanish_ Fleet was
destroyed, Queen _Elizabeth_ and her Ministers thought that it was at
least so damaged, as that it could not proceed ’till the next Year.
Relying therefore upon this Intelligence, which they took for certain,
Secretary _Walsingham_ signified the Queen’s Pleasure to the Lord
High-Admiral, to send back four of his largest Ships into Port. His
Lordship had, in the mean time, likewise Intelligences sundry ways, that
the Enemy’s Fleet was dispersed into several Ports of _Spain_,
distressed, spoiled, in want of Provisions, and with a great Mortality
among the Men. This, however, happened to be only a false Rumour. The
Lord-Admiral not thinking it safe to depend upon such Uncertainties,
when the Nation’s All was at Stake, got the Order countermanded;
alledging how dangerous it was to be too credulous in a matter of such
Importance, and that he would rather keep the Ships out at his own
Charge, than hazard his Country’s Safety. But, in order to be fully
satisfied, (as he was sure that the Coasts of _England_ and _France_,
which he had examined, were clear) he thought proper[50], with the
Advice of a Council of War, to take the Opportunity of the first
Northerly Wind, and go in quest of the _Spanish_ Fleet, in the _Groyne_,
and other Ports of _Gallicia_; and there utterly destroy it, if it were
already so disabled as was reported; or, if otherwise, to get certain
Intelligence concerning its true State and Condition. Accordingly his
Lordship made Sail for the Coast of _Spain_, with a Northerly Wind, and
held the same Course for about three Days, from the 8th to the 10th of
_July_. He was not then above forty Leagues from that Kingdom, when
being informed that the Enemy’s Fleet was not so much damaged as
reported, and the Wind coming to be Southerly, he judged it best (as his
Instructions were to guard the _English_ Coasts,) to return to
_Plymouth_; lest the same Wind should bring the Enemies out, and carry
them by him, unseen, towards _England_. He arrived at _Plymouth_ the
12th of _July_, and with great Expedition supplied his Fleet with
whatever Necessaries were wanting.
His Caution was indeed very seasonable: For with the same Southerly Wind
the Duke of _Medina Sidonia_ sailed, with the whole Fleet under his
Command, from the _Groyne_, on the 12th of _July_, (the very same Day
the Lord Admiral arrived at _Plymouth_,) and in two or three Days
detached a Yatch to the Duke of _Parma_, with Notice of his being
advanced so far. He pressed him at the same Time, to be ready with the
Troops and Ships he was directed to provide, in order to pass over into
_England_ under his Convoy, as soon as he should be arrived in the
Streights of _Dover_.
While the _Spanish_ Fleet lay at the _Groyne_[51], an _English_
Fisherman that was taken and brought to that Place, gave the Enemies,
either out of Ignorance or Design, this false Account: “That the
_English_ Fleet had lately been at Sea; but seeing no Prospect of the
_Spaniards_ pursuing their Design that Year, was returned, and the
greater Part of the Men belonging to the Ships discharged.” This false
Intelligence made the Duke of _Medina Sidonia_ deviate from his
Instructions; and as he vainly supposed that he could easily surprise
our Fleet, and burn or otherwise destroy it, he resolved not to lose so
glorious an Opportunity. Instead therefore of going directly to join the
Duke of _Parma_, a Resolution was taken in the _Spanish_ Fleet, to bend
their Course towards _England_.
[52]On the 16th of _July_ there was a Calm and a thick Fog ’till Noon.
Then the North East Wind blew very strong, and presently after the West
Wind ’till Midnight; and then the East-South-East Wind; insomuch that
the _Spanish_ Fleet being thereby dispersed, was hardly joined again
’till it came within Sight of _England_. At length this Fleet, after an
indifferent Passage over the Bay of _Biscay_, arrived _July_ 19, in
Sight of _England_ and entered the Channel. The first Land they made was
the _Lizard_, which they took to be the _Ram’s Head_ near _Plymouth_;
but Night approaching, they stood off, designing the next Morning to
attack the _English_ Ships in _Plymouth_ Harbour.
The same Day[53], the Lord Admiral was informed by Captain _Thomas
Flemming_, Commander of the _Golden Hind_ Pinnace, who had been left in
the Channel for Discovery, that [Sidenote: PLATE 1.] the _Spanish_ Fleet
was seen near the _Lizard_, the Wind being then Southerly, or
South-West. Tho’ the Wind blew hard into _Plymouth-Sound_, and the
Intelligence was not received ’till about four o’ Clock in the
Afternoon, yet his Lordship, with much Diligence and Industry, got out
the same Evening with six of his Ships, and anchored with them alone the
whole Night, without the Harbour.
[54]The next Day, _July_ 20, the Lord High-Admiral, accompanied with
fifty four Ships of his Fleet, that had plied out of the _Sound_,
notwithstanding the South-West Wind, advanced towards the Enemy. They
were scarce got as far as the _Eddystone_, when they discovered, about
Noon, the _Spanish_ Fleet to the [Sidenote: PLATE 2.]Westward, opposite
to _Fowey_, in form of a half Moon (the Points whereof were about seven
Miles asunder) coming slowly up the Channel, tho’ with full Sails. The
_English_ suffered them to pass by unmolested, that they might chace
them in the rear, with all the Advantage of the Wind.
The next Morning, _July_ 21, all the _English_ Ships being then come out
of _Plymouth_, and in number near a hundred, had recovered the Wind of
the _Spaniards_[55], two Leagues to the Westward of _Eddystone_. About
Nine o’ Clock, the Lord-Admiral sent his Pinnace, named the
_Defiance_[56], to denounce War against the Enemy, by the Discharge of
all her Guns. He himself immediately seconded her from his own Ship, the
_Ark-Royal_, by thundering furiously on one of the Enemy’s, commanded by
_Alphonso de Leva_, which he mistook for the _St. Martin_, the Admiral’s
Ship; but she was, after a smart Engagement, [Sidenote: PLATE 3.]rescued
by the _Spaniards_. In the mean time, Sir _Francis Drake_, Captain _John
Hawkins_, and Captain _Martin Forbisher_, vigorously engaged the Enemy’s
sternmost Ships, under the Conduit of their Vice-Admiral _Recalde_; in
one of which _Recalde_ himself was supposed to be. He did all that a
gallant Officer could do to keep his Ships together; but the Fight was
so briskly maintained, that, notwithstanding all his Endeavours, they
were forced to retreat to the main Body of the Fleet; and at length, his
own Ship being very much damaged with Shot, and grown unserviceable, he
retired thither himself, tho’ with much ado.
In this first Engagement _Recalde_’s Ship lost fifteen Men[57].
At the same time, the Duke of _Medina_ gathered together his Fleet[58],
which was dispersed about; and hoisting more Sail, held on his Course
with all the Speed he could make. Nor was it in his Power to do
otherwise, seeing the Wind favoured the _English_, and their Ships were
so light and nimble, that they would charge, wind, and tack about with
incredible Swiftness; whereas the _Spanish_ great and heavy Slugs, stood
like so many Butts for the _English_ Shot. Although the _Spaniards_ were
so briskly charged by the _English_, they made a running Fight of it;
and, after a smart Engagement of two Hours, the Lord High-Admiral
thought fit to desist, because forty of his Ships were not yet come up,
being scarce got out of _Plymouth_ Haven[59]. So not proceeding any
farther, he gave the Signal for a Council of War;——Wherein his
Lordship’s prudent and considerate Advice being very much approved,
Orders were delivered to each Captain, in what manner they should pursue
the Enemy.
The Night following, one of the _Spanish_ Ships, called the _St.
Katherine_, having received much Damage in the Fight, was brought into
the midst of their Fleet, to be repaired[60]. And a large _Biscayan_
Ship of eight hundred Tuns, belonging to _Michael de Oquendo_, Admiral
of the _Guypuscoan_ Squadron, on board of which was the Treasurer of the
Fleet, was designedly set on Fire by a _Dutch_ Gunner, who had been ill
used[61]; but the _Spaniards_ took out the best Part of the Money, when
they saw the Ship in Danger; and after her upper Part was burnt and
blown up, the Flame was extinguished by some Ships that came seasonably
to her Assistance. But one of them, a great Galleon, commanded by Don
_Pedro de Valdez_, sprung her Foremast and Boltsprit, by falling foul of
another Vessel in the Hurry and Confusion; and so, not being able to
keep Company with the rest of the Fleet, was left behind. The Night
being extremely dark, and the Sea running so high, that no Succour could
come to her, she fell the next Day, _July_ 22, into the Hands of
[Sidenote: PLATE 4.]Sir _Francis Drake_; who had her conducted to
_Dartmouth_, and sent the Captain, and some other Gentlemen who were on
board, Prisoners to _Plymouth_, where they remained eighteen Months,
’till their Ransoms were paid. In this Galleon was found fifty five
thousand Ducats of Gold, which _Drake_’s Men shared amongst themselves.
[62]This Night the _Spanish_ Fleet bore along by the _Start_, and the
next Morning was as far to the Leward as the _Berry_[63]. Sir _Francis
Drake_ had been ordered to carry Lights; but being in full Chace of some
_German_ Hulks, or Merchant-Men, which he discovered late in the
Evening, and took for Enemies, he happened to neglect it; which
occasioned most of the Fleet to lye by all Night, because not seeing the
Lights, they knew not whom to follow. For that Reason, Sir _Francis_,
and the rest of the Fleet, did not come up ’till the next Evening with
the Lord Admiral; who, accompanied only with the _Bear_ and the _Mary
Rose_, had pursued the Enemy, within Culverin Shot, all the foregoing
Night. [64]Thro’ this Mistake, the rest of the _English_ Fleet staid so
far behind, that the next Morning the nearest could scarce be seen half
Mast high, and very many were quite out of Sight.
_July_ 22. This whole Day the _Spanish_ Admiral spent in disposing his
Fleet in the best Order he could think of. [65]He commanded _Alphonso de
Leva_ to bring the first and the last Squadron together; and assigning
every particular Ship its proper Station in Battle, according to the
Plan agreed on in _Spain_, enjoined their respective Commanders to keep
the same on Pain of Death. He also dispatch’d _Glich_, an Ensign, to the
Prince of _Parma_, to advise him of his near Approach, and inform him of
the State of the Navy. In the mean time, the forementioned Ship of
_Oquendo_ having been much damaged by the Fire, the _Spanish_ Admiral
ordered, after the Officers, Men, and Money were removed into another
Vessel, [Sidenote: PLATE 5.]that she should be abandoned, and set
adrift[66]. Whereupon, the Lord High-Admiral sent the Lord _Thomas
Howard_, and Captain _Hawkins_ in a small Skiff on board her, who found
her in a very pitiful Condition. Her Decks were fallen in, the Steerage
broken, the Stern blown out, and about fifty poor Creatures burnt with
Powder in a most miserable manner. The Stench, as well as the horrible
Spectacle, soon made them return to the Lord-Admiral; who ordered the
Bark _Fleming_ to conduct her into some Port, and accordingly she was
brought the next Day into _Weymouth_.
The Night following prov’d very calm; during which, the four Galleasses
of _Naples_ singling themselves from the rest of the Enemy’s Fleet, gave
Reason to suspect that they had a Design to distress some of the small
_English_ Vessels, which were short of the Fleet; but their Courage
failing them, they attempted nothing.
On the 23d the Wind turning to the North-East, the _Spaniards_ took the
Advantage of it; and when they came over against _Portland_, tacked
about upon the _English_, who presently tacked likewise, and stood in to
the North-West, towards the Shore, as did the _Spaniards_ also. But that
Course not being good for the _English_ to recover the Wind of the
_Spaniards_, the former cast about to the Eastward. And, after several
Attempts on both Sides to get the Weather-gage, the _Spaniards_ offering
to board the _English_, a smart Engagement began, which was managed with
Confusion enough, and with Variety of Success. The Enemy seeing several
of the _English_ Ships waited their coming, particularly the _Ark_, the
_Nonpareil_, the _Elizabeth-Jonas_, the _Victory_, _&c._ they fell a
stern the _Nonpareil_, which was the hindmost Ship; and in the mean
time, the _Triumph_, with the _Merchant-Royal_, the _Centurion_, the
_Margaret_ and _John_, the _Mary-Rose_, and the _Golden-Lion_, were so
far to the Leeward, and at such a Distance from the rest of the Fleet,
that the Galleasses took Courage, and bearing down upon them, attacked
them very vigorously; but they gave them a warm Reception for an Hour
and a half, ’till some of her Majesty’s Ships came to their Relief.
The Wind then shifted to the South-East, and afterwards to the
South-South-West; [Sidenote: PLATE 6.]whereupon a Body of _English_
Ships, and several Merchant-Men attacked the _Spanish_ Fleet so sharply
to the Westward, that it was all forced to give way. The Lord-Admiral
perceiving this, and observing at the same Time the Distress which the
_Triumph_ and the five Ships above mentioned in her Company, were in, he
ordered some Ships that were then near at hand, to follow him, and to
set upon the _Spaniards_ a-fresh; and he strictly charged them, to go
within Musket-Shot of the Enemy, before they discharged any one Piece of
Ordnance, that they might have a better Mark, and more effectually
succour the _Triumph_. This was immediately performed by the _Ark_, the
_Elizabeth-Jonas_, the Galleon of _Leicester_, the _Golden Lion_, the
_Victory_, the _Mary Rose_, the _Dreadnought_, and the _Swallow_; for in
that order they proceeded. The Duke of _Medina_ perceiving their Design,
came out with sixteen of his best Galleons, to intercept the Lord
Admiral, and stop him from assisting the _Triumph_. But, after a very
sharp Conflict, the _Spaniards_ were forced to give way, and for their
greater Safety to gather themselves close into a Roundel, their best and
largest Ships standing outermost, and fencing the lesser and the most
battered. In this Conflict, _William Coxe_, Captain of a small Pinnace
of Sir _William Winter_’s, nam’d the _Delight_, was slain by a great
Shot, while he was bravely fighting against the Enemy.
Towards the Evening, four or five of the _Spanish_ Vessels edged out of
the South-Westward, where they were met by some of our Ships; amongst
which, the _May-Flower of London_ valiantly discharged some Pieces of
Cannon at them; and, on this and other Occasions, that Ship’s Company
behaved with great Resolution and Courage.
Thus the Fight continued from Morning till Night, being managed with
great Bravery; but the _Spaniards_ Shot flew, for the most part, over
the Heads of the _English_, without doing Execution[67]; the reason of
which was, that the _English_ Ships being far less than the Enemy’s,
made the Attack with more Quickness and Agility; and when they had given
a Broad-Side, sheer’d off to a convenient Distance; and levell’d their
Shot so directly at the larger and more unwieldy Ships of the
_Spaniards_, as seldom to miss their Aim. Some advis’d the Lord-Admiral,
with more Heat than Discretion, to grapple with and board them; but he
thought it neither safe nor convenient; because the Enemy’s Fleet had a
considerable Army on board, whereas ours had no such Advantage; besides
their Ships far exceeded the _English_ in Number and Bulk, and were much
stronger and higher built; insomuch that their Men having the
Opportunity to ply the others from such lofty Decks, must inevitably
have destroyed those that were obliged, as it were, to fight beneath
them. And he foresaw likewise, that the Damage and Disgrace of a total
Defeat would much outweigh the Advantage of a Victory, should he happen
to obtain it; since, if he was vanquished, it would have much endangered
the Safety of the whole Kingdom; but if he got the better, he could
obtain no more than the naked Credit of putting a Fleet in Disorder, and
baffling an Enemy.——In this Day’s Engagement, a great _Venetian_ Ship,
with several other smaller ones were taken by the _English_[68].
On the 24th of _July_, there was but little done[69]; the Fight being
only between four great Galleasses and some _English_ Vessels[70]. The
_Spaniards_, upon this Occasion had great Advantage, since their Ships
had Oars, and ours, by reason of a Calm, had no use of their Sails.
However, the _English_ galled the Enemy very much with their Cannon and
Chain-Shot; but at last, wanting Powder and other Necessaries to
continue the Fight, the Lord Admiral sent some Vessels into the next
Port for a Supply. In the mean time, a Council of War was held, wherein
it was agreed, That the Fleet should be divided into four Squadrons, to
be commanded, the first by the Lord Admiral himself in the _Ark-Royal_;
the second by Sir _Francis Drake_ in the _Revenge_; the third by Captain
_Hawkins_; and the fourth by Captain _Forbisher_. [71]This Afternoon,
his Lordship gave order, that in the Night, six Merchant-Ships out of
every Squadron (as being the lightest) should set upon the _Spanish_
Fleet in several Places at once; but it being calm all that Night,
nothing could be done.
The next Morning, _July 25_, both [Sidenote: PLATE 7.]Fleets being come
over against the Isle of _Wight_, (which the _Spaniards_ had resolved to
make themselves Masters of,) and not above a hundred Yards asunder, a
terrible Fight began[72]. The _St. Ann_, a large _Portuguese_ Galleon,
being short of the rest to the Southward, because not able to keep up
with them, was attack’d by some of Captain _Hawkins_’s Squadron, which
stood next to it; who causing themselves to be towed along, attempted to
board her, and went so close, that their Boats were beaten off with
Musket-Shot: _Leva_ and Don _Diego Telles Enriques_ perceiving the
Galleon’s Danger, issued out of the _Spanish_ Fleet with three
Galleasses, and endeavoured to rescue her; but they were so warmly
received by the Lord Admiral himself, and the Lord _Thomas Howard_ in
the _Golden Lion_, who, by reason of the Calm, had their Ships tow’d
along with Boats, that the Galleon was got off with much Difficulty, and
not without Loss; for one of the Galleasses was forc’d to be carried
away upon the Careen; another, by a Shot from the _Ark_, lost her
Lanthorn; and the third her Peak-head. Thus many Shots were interchanged
between the _Ark_ and _Lion_ and the Galleasses, in Sight of both
Fleets, which looked on, and could not come near by reason of the Calm.
At length it began to blow a small Gale, whereupon the _Spanish_ Fleet
edged up to succour their Galleasses, and so rescued them; but so
roughly were the Galleasses handled, that after this none of them would
venture upon any new Engagement.
[73]Then the Fleets drawing near one another the Fight was renewed; but
it did not continue long; except that the _Nonpareil_ and the _Mary
Rose_ were for some time engaged with the Enemy, and striking their
Topsails, lay a while by, and braved the whole Fleet of _Spain_. In the
mean while, the _Triumph_, to the Northward of the _Spanish_ Fleet, was
so far to Leward, that being apprehensive some of the Enemy might
weather her, she towed off with the Help of several Boats, and so
recovered the Wind. The _Bear_ and the _Elizabeth Jonas_ perceiving her
in Distress, bore down to rescue her, and by their Boldness put
themselves into the like Danger; but they, however, made their party
good, ’till they had recovered the Wind. And thus ended this Day’s
Fight, which was very sharp for the time.
[74]The _Spaniards_ gave a different Account of this Day’s Engagement;
for they said that the _English_ did miserably batter, with their great
Guns, the _Spanish_ Admiral, who lay in the rear; came so near him as to
kill many of his Men; brought his Mainmast by the board; and he was in
great Danger of being lost, had not _Mexia_ and _Recalde_ come timely to
his Assistance; but that, after this, the _Spanish_ Admiral and his Men,
seconded by _Recalde_, and others, set upon the _English_ Admiral, who
by the turning of the Wind happily escaped; that the _Spaniards_ from
that time gave over the Chace, and keeping on their Course, dispatch’d a
Messenger to the Duke of _Parma_, to desire him to come and join the
Armada with his own Squadron as soon as possible; and to send them
withal some great Shot for the use of the main Fleet.
[75]However it be, the _English_ had so battered the Enemy in the last
Conflict, that the latter had Recourse to the Form of a Roundel for
their better Security.
[76]On _Friday, July 26_, the Lord High-Admiral sent for the Lord
_Thomas Howard_ the Lord _Sheffield_, _Roger Townshend_, Captain _Martin
Forbisher_, Captain _John Hawkins_, on board his own Ship the _Ark_; and
there confer’d on them the Honour of Knighthood, as well for a Reward of
their good Services in the late Engagement, as for an Encouragement to
the rest of the Officers.
[77]Next, a Council of War being held, it was determined, as our Ships
began to want Powder and Shot, that they should not attack the
_Spaniards_ again ’till they came to the Streights of _Calais_; because
they would there be joined and reinforced by the Squadron under the
Command of the Lord _Henry Seymour_ and Sir _William Winter_, stationed
in those Parts to block up the Duke of _Parma_; and might, at the same
time, receive a plentiful Store of Ammunition from our Coasts.
[78]So the _Spanish_ Fleet sailed forward, [Sidenote: PLATE 8.]this and
the best part of the next Day, with a gentle Gale at South-West and by
South, the _English_ following them close, and driving them like Sheep
before them; and so far was this Invincible Armada from alarming the
Sea-Coasts with any frightful Apprehensions, that a great many of the
young Nobility and Gentry entered themselves Volunteers, and taking
leave of their Parents, Wives, and Children, did, with incredible
Chearfulness, hire Ships at their own Charge; and, in pure Love to their
Country, joined the Grand Fleet in vast numbers: [79]Among which were,
the Earls of _Oxford_, _Northumberland_, and _Cumberland_; the Lord
_Dudley_; Sir _Thomas_, Sir _Robert_, and _William Cecil_; Sir _Henry
Brooke_, Sir _William Hatton_, Sir _Charles Blount_, Sir _Walter
Raleigh_, Sir _Robert Carey_, Sir _Ambrose Willoughby_, Sir _Thomas
Vavasor_, Sir _Horatio Pallavicini_; _Thomas Gerard_, _Henry Nowel_,
_Edward Darcy_, _Thomas Woodhouse_, _William Harvey_, _Arthur Gorges_,
and others; [80]and at the same time, the Justices of Peace in the
maritime Counties, as also the Earl of _Sussex_, Sir _George Carey_, and
the Captains of the Forts and Castles along the Sea-Coasts, sent Ships,
Men, Powder, Shot, Victuals, and all kinds of Provisions, for the Relief
and Assistance of the main Fleet.
[81]_July 27._ This Day, towards the Evening, the _Spanish_ Fleet came
to an Anchor before _Calais_; [82]intending for _Dunkirk_, where they
were to join the Prince of _Parma_’s Forces; [83]but their Pilots having
told them, that, if they ventured any farther, they should be in danger
of being carried away by the Force of the Tide into the Northern
Channel, for that Reason they proceeded no farther than _Calais_; the
_English_, on their part, followed them close, and anchored within
Culverin-Shot of them; and, by the accession of the Ships under the Lord
_Henry Seymour_ and Sir _William Winter_, consisted now of a hundred and
forty Sail, all stout Ships, and nimble and good Sailors; tho’ the main
Brunt of the Engagement lay but upon fifteen or sixteen of them.
The _Spaniards_ now sent several Messengers, one after another, to the
Duke of _Parma_, to press and importune him to send out forty Fly-Boats
to their Assistance; without which, by reason of the Unwieldiness of
their Ships, they could not, as they said, engage the light and active
Vessels of the _English_; they entreated him likewise, with great
Earnestness, to use all Speed in embarking his Army, and be ready to
take the first Opportunity, under their Protection, of landing in
_England_; but it seems he was not ready, and so could not answer their
Summons; his flat-bottom’d Boats were all leaky, his Provisions not yet
all brought in, and his Sailors, who had been hitherto kept together
against their Wills, had deserted in great numbers; besides, thirty five
Men of War belonging to _Holland_ and _Zealand_, commanded by Count
_Justin de Nassau_, continued to block up the very Mouth of the Harbours
of _Dunkirk_ and _Nieuport_, from whence alone he could put to Sea; and
so well were they furnished with great Guns and small Arms, that he
could not possibly put from Shore, without running a very great and
manifest Danger; however, intending as soon as he conveniently could, to
join the _Spanish_ Fleet, he sent a Pinnace to inform the Duke of
_Medina_, “[84]That he could not be ready for them ’till the _Friday_
following, _September 4_;” but the _Spanish_ Fleet was forced to depart
before that time, in the utmost Hurry and Confusion.
[85]For, on _July 28_, the next Day [Sidenote: PLATE 9.]after their
coming to an Anchor, the Lord Admiral, by the Queen’s express Command
and Direction, singled out eight of his worst Ships; bestowed upon them
good Plenty of Pitch, Tar, Rosin, and Wildfire; lined them well with
Brimstone and other combustible Matter; and loaded all their Cannon with
Bullets, Chains, and the like destructive Instruments; thus equip’d, he
sent them with the Wind and Tide, about two o’ Clock in the Morning,
into the midst of the _Spanish_ Fleet, under the Conduct of —— _Young_
and —— _Prowse_; who when they were come within Cannon-Shot, set Fire to
the Trains, and then retired. The Approach of these Fire-Ships, and the
dreadful Blaze which the Fire made all the Sea over, was no sooner
perceived by the _Spaniards_, but it put their whole Fleet into the
utmost Consternation. Many of the Soldiers on board had been at the
Siege of _Antwerp_[86], and seen the destructive Machines made use of
there: Suspecting therefore that these were big with other Engines of
Slaughter, besides the destructive Element that show’d itself without,
they began to raise a most hideous Clamour of, _Cut your Cables, or get
up your Anchors_; [87]and in a panic Fright put to Sea with all the
Confusion and Precipitancy imaginable.
[88]The _Spaniards_ reported, however, That their Admiral, upon the
Approach of the Fire-Ships, made the Signal for weighing Anchor, and
standing out to Sea; and ordered that each Ship, after the Danger was
over, should return to her Station; that he did return himself, and
fired a Gun as a Signal for the rest to do the like; but the Report
thereof was heard but by few; because their Fears had so dispersed them,
that some were got a considerable way out to Sea, and others among the
Shoals on the Coast of _Flanders_.
However it was, the _Spanish_ Fleet being by this successful Stratagem
thus driven from their Station in _Calais-Road_[89], another very sharp
Engagement began the next Morning about Eight o’ Clock, _July 29_, and
continued eight Hours. The chief Galleass, commanded by _Hugo de
Moncada_, having in the last Night’s Confusion lost her Rudder, by
falling foul of another Ship’s Cable, and floated up and down for some
time before the Wind, endeavoured to save herself by rowing into
[Sidenote: PLATE 10.]_Calais_ Harbour; which the Lord Admiral
perceiving, he dispatch’d Mr. _Amias Preston_, one of his Lieutenants,
into his Long-Boat, with Mr. _Thomas Gerrard_, Mr. _William Hervey_, and
others, to take her; she did not however surrender ’till after a sharp
and doubtful Dispute, wherein _Hugo de Moncada_ was killed, by a Shot in
the Head; and the Soldiers and Rowers to the number of four hundred,
either drowned or put to the Sword: [90]The Ship and Guns, after the
_English_ had freed three hundred Galley-Slaves which were on board, and
taken out fifty thousand Ducats of Gold, of the King of _Spain_’s Money,
fell, as a Wreck to Monsieur _Gourden_, Governor of _Calais_[91].
[92]In the taking of this Galleass, Mr. _Gerard_ and Mr. _Harvey_
signalized themselves; for they entered it only with their Swords; a
thing then commonly spoken of with Admiration, the like having never
been hazarded before, considering the Height of this Galleass compar’d
to a Ship’s Boat.
[93]The rest of the _Spaniards_ in the mean time, managed their Fleet as
well as they could, and stood over against _Graveling_, where the
_English_ once more getting the Weather-Gage of them, deprived them of
the Conveniency of _Calais-Road_, and kept them from receiving any
Supplies from _Dunkirk_.
[94]Whilst the Lord Admiral was employed in taking the forementioned
Galleass, Sir _Francis Drake_ in the _Revenge_, with Mr. _Thomas Fennar_
in the _Nonpareil_, and the rest of his Squadron, warmly engaged the
_Spanish_ Fleet; soon after Sir _John Hawkins_ in the _Victory_,
accompanied with Mr. _Edward Fenton_ in the _Mary Rose_, Sir _George
Beeston_ in the _Dreadnought_, Mr. _Richard Hawkins_ in the _Swallow_,
and the rest of that Squadron; together with Sir _Robert Southwell_ in
the _Elizabeth-Jonas_, and Mr. _Robert Cross_ in the _Hope_; bearing up
with the Middle of the _Spanish_ Fleet, there continued all that
Forenoon a furious Engagement, wherein Sir _George Beeston_ behaved
himself very valiantly; they were in the mean time seconded by the Lord
Admiral, the Lord _Thomas Howard_, and the Lord _Sheffield_, who also
acquitted themselves very bravely: Astern of these a great Galleon was
attack’d by the Earl of _Cumberland_ and Mr. _George Ryman_ in the
_Bonaventure_, and was likewise battered by the Lord _Henry Seymour_ in
the _Rainbow_, and Sir _William Winter_ in the _Vanguard_; and tho’ she
then recovered the Fleet, yet she sunk the Night following.
[95]On the other hand, the Duke of _Medina_, with the rest of the
_Spanish_ Captains, as _Leva_, _Oquendo_, _Recalde_, _&c._ having with
much ado got clear of the Shallows, were forced to stand the Brunt of
the _English_ Fire, ’till they were miserably torn, and in several
Places shot through; [96]and a great Galleon of _Biscay_, of five
hundred Tuns, with two Saicks, were sunk. The Galleon _St. Matthew_, of
eight hundred Tuns, commanded by Don _Diego de Piementelli_, coming to
the Assistance of Don _Francisco de Toledo_, in the _St. Philip_,
another Galleon of seven hundred Tuns, they were both miserably
shattered by the Lord _Henry Seymour_ and Sir _William Winter_; [97]and
being driven on the Coast of _Ostend_, were likewise there roughly
handled by the _Zealanders_; but _Piementelli_ refusing to leave his
Ship, (though the Duke of _Medina_ sent him his own,) did all he could
to disengage himself; and therefore making towards the Coast of
_Flanders_, he was there again attacked by five _Dutch_ Men of War, and
forc’d at last to strike to _Peter Dousa_[98], one of the _Dutch_
Captains, who carried him into _Zealand_ and, for a Trophy of his
Victory, hung his Flag in the Church of _Leyden_, which reach’d from the
top of it to the bottom; [99]during which, a _Castilian_ Ship of four
hundred Tuns, was cast away on the _Flemish_ Coast. The _St. Philip_,
after having been driven almost as far as _Ostend_, where her Commander
left her because she proved extremely leaky, was seized by some Ships of
_Flushing_.
Thus did the Fight continue for the best part of this whole Day; during
which the _Spanish_ Fleet was closely pursued, extremely battered, and
reduced to the utmost Distress[100]. The _English_ Commanders in
general, shewed on all Occasions great Resolution and Bravery; and in
this last Action, the Earl of _Cumberland_, the Lords _Henry Seymour_,
_Thomas Howard_, and _Edmund Sheffield_; Sir _William Winter_, Sir
_Robert Southwell_, Sir _George Beeston_, Sir _John Hawkins_; and the
Captains _Edward Fenton_, _Richard Hawkins_, _George Ryman_, and
[101]_Robert Cross_ signalized themselves in a remarkable manner; the
latter, in particular, sunk the great Galleon of _Biscay_ above
mentioned, and two other Vessels. As for the _Spaniards_, though some of
them performed their Duty, and fought with great Bravery, yet, in
general, they acted but faintly, and stood for the most part only upon
the defensive, especially after they saw themselves disappointed of the
Duke of _Parma_’s Assistance. “The Duke of _Medina_, we are told[102],
to his Dishonour, was lodged in the Bottom of his Ship for his Safety,
and the rest of the Commanders would never turn their Ships, nor stop
them, to defend any of their own Friends that were forced to tarry
behind, but suffered divers to perish; and so fearful was the Admiral,
that if the _English_ had offered to board the _Spanish_ Ships, it was
thought they would have yielded without making any Resistance.” [103]In
this last Engagement the _Spaniards_ lost five thousand Men, a thousand
whereof were drowned[104]; and the next Day two _Venetian_ Ships sunk,
having eight hundred and forty three Men on board, which all perished.
[105]After this Fight there remained of the whole _Spanish_; Fleet but
one hundred and ten, or one hundred and twelve Ships, and those
extremely battered and shot through, and having their Rigging much
damaged with the Shot.
[106]The next Day, _July 30_, the Lord Admiral ordered the Lord _Henry
Seymour_, and Sir _William Winter_ to return back with their Squadron
into the narrow Seas, to guard the Coasts; as for himself, he resolved
to follow the _Spanish_ Fleet, ’till they came as far Northward as the
_Forth_ in _Scotland_, if they bent their Course that way; and, in the
mean time, he thought it best not to attack them any more, ’till he saw
what they proposed to do: However, being persuaded that they intended to
put into the Firth of _Forth_, his Lordship had devised Stratagems, and
taken Measures to make an utter End of them there.
[107]_July 31._ This Day the _Spaniards_ would fain have retreated,
early in the Morning, thro’ the Streights of _Dover_; but the Wind
coming up with hard Gales at North West, forced them towards the Coast
of _Zealand_; the _English_ then gave over the Chace, because they
perceived them hastening fast enough to their own Destruction; for with
the Wind at West North-West, they could not fail of being driven among
the Shallows and Sands of that Coast: But the Wind soon happening to
come about to the South-West and by West, the _Spaniards_ tacked, and
sailing before the Wind, got out of Danger. In the Evening, they held a
Council of War, wherein it was unanimously resolved[108], That seeing
they were in want of many Necessaries, especially of Cannon-Ball, that
the Ships were very much shattered, their Anchors left in _Calais-Road_,
their Provisions short, their Water spent, a great number of their
Soldiers slain, many of their Men sick and wounded, and that there was
no hopes of the Duke of _Parma_’s coming out to join them, they should
return to _Spain_, by the North of _Scotland_. Pursuant to this
Resolution, being now out of Danger, and in the main Ocean, and having
thrown all their Horses and Mules over board [Sidenote: GENERAL
CHART.]to save Water, they steer’d Northward, and the _English_ renew’d
the Chace after them; now and then the _Spanish_ Ships slacken’d their
Sails, and seem’d to stay for the coming up of the _English_, so that it
was generally thought their Fleet would tack about, but they thought
best, after all, to keep on their Course Northward.
* * * * *
Here it will not be improper to leave them for a while, and see what was
doing in the mean time in _England_[109].
The 9th of _August_ Queen _Elizabeth_ was pleased, in order both to
comfort her People, and to shew her own Magnanimity, to come and view
her Army and Camp at _Tilbury_; the next Morning after her Arrival, she
rode with a General’s Truncheon in her Hand, thro’ all the Ranks of the
Army, like armed _Pallas_, attended by the Earls of _Leicester_ and
_Essex_, _Henry Norris_, Lord Marshall, and others; having the Sword
carried before her by the Earl of _Ormond_; and among other kind and
obliging Discourses, made the following most excellent Speech to her
Army[110]: