STATEMENT CONCERNING THE FRENCH VESSELS OF WHICH CRUISE THE SEA OF
SPAIN,
Translated from the original in the Archivio de Indias, Seville, in
the same hand, says Dr. D. Francisco Xmarez, the ancient archivero,
as the letter of Alonso Davilla addressed from Rochelle to the
emperor. The hand writing is most difficult to make out. The amounts
marked CII may intend coo, and CI two CO.
The French vessels of war which cruise the sea of Spain as far as
Andalusia, of which Jn. Florin le Diepa is captain.
First, a largo ship CII. tons, in which are CII men--the half
soldiers, and the other half sailors; carries XX pieces of artillery
of brass, besides others of iron, with munitions and victuals in
large quantity.
Another vessel, built in Vizcaya, captured by the French of CI tons.
Another vessel of CI tons, made in Britany.
Five galleons-the largest of LXX tons, another of IX, another of L,
another of XL, made in Vizcaya, another of XL, which are also
provided with CC men of war, being of the French soldiers who were
in Tuenteravia, They have besides full supply of man & of artillery,
munition and victuals for one year; and, it is said, that this
armada goes direct to Andalusia, to ran that coast and take what may
come from the Indias; for this is the same armada that last year
took the CXXM ducats that were coming, consequently, it is necessary
that His Majesty should have an armada in Andalusia to go to meet
this one of France, and not suffer to do mischief.