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Saturday, October 30, 2004

The Prinses Louise over-armed with 46 guns

Dr. Elias reported that in late 1652, the Prinses Louise was armed (or over-armed) with as many as 46 guns. I have seen the drawing of the ship, and 36 guns uses up all the obvious space. The Prinses Louise was a relatively small ship at 120ft x 28ft-4in x 12ft-6in. With 46 guns, the waist must have been armed, so that guns were firing over the rails, rather than from ports. Perhaps several more guns could have been crowded onto the quarterdeck and ports opened. Even with 36 guns, the Prinses Louise was heavily armed, as she had 2-24pdr, 30-12pdr, and 4-5pdr guns.

Dutch captain: Gillis Janszoon

Gillis Janszoon lived until June 1659. He was from Veere. He served the Admiralty of Zeeland. He was a captain in 1636 and Schout-bij-Nacht in 1657. In 1639, he fought under Tromp at the Battle of the Downs.

From the beginning of the First Anglo-Dutch War, Gillis Janszoon commanded a ship with 28 guns and a crew of 100 men. This was likely the Zeeridder, a 116ft ship. In July and August 1652, he was with Tromp's fleet in the voyage to the Shetlands, where the fleet was battered by a storm. Gillis Janszoon fought under Witte de With at the Battle of the Kentish Knock. At the Battle of Dungeness, he was in Jan Evertsen's squadron. In 1653, he fought at the Battle of Portland, the Battle of the Gabbard, and the Battle of Scheveningen. In July 1654, he was still in command of the Zeeridder.

In 1657, he served under Van Wassenaer on the Portuguese coast. In 1658, he commanded the Windhond (23 guns and a crew of 67 sailors and 25 soldiers) under Van Wassenaer at the Battle of the Sound. He died in 1659, while in the Sound.

Sources:

  • Mollema's "Honor Roll"
  • James C. Bender, unpublished manuscript "Dutch Captains".
  • James C. Bender, unpublished manuscript "Dutch Ships 1620-1700"
  • "Staet van Oorlog te Water" for 1654
  • G.L. Grove, Journalen van de Admiralen Van Wassenaer-Obdam (1658/59) en De Ruyter (1659/60)
  • Dr. S.R. Gardiner, The First Dutch War, Vol.II
  • Wednesday, October 27, 2004

    Dutch Captain: Dingeman Cats

    Dingeman Cats served the Admiralty of Zeeland during the First Anglo-Dutch War. "Dingeman" almost comes across as a title, not a first name: "Thing Man". In any case, he was from Middelburg. Captain Cats commanded the small, 23-gun Zeeland ship, Gecroonde Liefde. She was only 112ft long. His ship was said to be one of the 100 ships hired in 1652. In July and August 1652, he was with Tromp's fleet on the voyage to the Shetlands. His ship survived the storm. He and his ship seem to have not been at the Battle of the Kentish Knock. In November and December, he was with the fleet at the Battle of Dungeness. He was assigned to Jan Evertsen's squadron. He took part in the Battle of Portland, and his ship was one of a group of 17 Zeeland ships that set sail, after the battle, for Zeeland. They arrived in the Scheldt on March 5, 1653. In June 1653, he fought in the Battle of the Gabbard (Nieuwpoort or the Two Days Battle). He was in Michiel De Ruyter's squadron at the Battle of Scheveningen. We can verify that because there are orders to Dingeman Cats from De Ruyter, telling him that his primary duty in the battle was to rescue crews from Dutch ships sunk in the battle. He was still to fight, but that was not his primary duty. He and his ship were still listed in the "Staet van Oorlog te water" for 1654, and his ship appears as well in the list from 1655 summarized in Dr. Elias' book, De Vlootbouw in Nederland.

    Tuesday, October 26, 2004

    Dutch Captain: Hendrick Cleuter

    For some reason, the only information that I have about Hendrick Cleuter is from the 1629 "Staet van Oorlog te Water", and possibly one other. In 1629, he commanded the Amserdam ship Haerlem, said to be of 225 lasts, a substantial ship. The Haerlem carried about 28 guns: 2-24pdr, 4-18pdr, 16-12pdr, 6-5pdr, and 7-steenstukken with 14 chambers. The 28 guns doesn't count the steenstukken, which Jan Glete says are "swivels". The Haerlem is well-armed, with 22 guns of 12pdr or larger. I have two data items for the Haerlem, and one has her crew as 95 men and the other as 90 men. She was built in 1623. I would expect a ship of 225 lasts to be about 125ft x 29ft x 13ft (Amsterdam feet of 283mm). For some reason, Captain Cleuter doesn't appear in any of the obvious books where he might be expected to be. He also doesn't appear in Mollema's "Honor Roll", such as Dr. Graefe's book, De Kapiteinsjaren van Maerten Harpertszoon Tromp, which definitely covers the 1620's and early 1630's.

    Dutch Captain: Jacob Tronquoy (Troncquoy or Turquoy)

    Jacob Tronquoy apparently was a controversial figure. There is even some question as to his identity. He may have served many years as Dionijs Tronquoy, before using the name Jacob Tronquoy, starting in 1639. According to Tromp's Journal and the "Booty List", Jacob Tronquoy was a convoyer with the Admiralty of Amsterdam. Dr. De Boer had remarked that it was strange, in examining 30 years of resolutions, to have never seen the name "Jacob Tronquoy". He says that Witte de With always referred to him as "Berchem's lieutenant". Dr. De Boer says that he is definitely mentioned as Berchem's lieutenant in De Graefe's list of ships and captains in Kapiteinsjaren. Dr. De Boer was sceptical of the charge against Tronquoy in a courtmartial for mutiny. There had been a controversial mutiny on his ship in 1641 where harsh sentences had been issued. These were later reduced, but Jacob Tronquoy never did become a "Ordinaris-Kapitein".

    I do know that a Dionijs Tronquoij commanded the Amsterdam flute Campen in 1628. This was a vessel of 140 or 150 lasts that carried 18 guns and had a crew of 80 men. In 1636, Dionijs Tronquoij commanded the Haerlem (built in 1623) which was a large ship of 250 lasts and carried 32 guns.

    I'm not convinced that Dionijs and Jacob were the same man. I have an alternative spelling of Troucquois for Jacob's last name. He is also referred to as Jacob Troucquois "alias Schaeff". In October 1639, he was under the command of Joris van Cats at the Battle of the Downs. In 1652, he commanded the Omlandia (30 guns and a crew of 100 men) . I have a listing for him as commanding the Zeelandia in 1658, which is inconsistent with what else I have seen.

    References:

    • James C. Bender, "Dutch Captains", unpublished manuscript, 2004.
    • James C. Bender, "Dutch Ships 1620-1700", unpublished manuscript, 2004.
    • Dr. M.G. De Boer, Het Proefjaar van Maarten Harpertsz. Tromp 1637-1639, Amsterdam, 1946.
    • Dr. M.G. De Boer, Tromp en de Armada van 1639, Amsterdam, 1941.
    • C.R. Boxer, The Journal of Maarten Harpertszoon Tromp Anno 1639, Cambridge, 1930.
    • Dr. S.R. Gardiner, The First Dutch War, Vol.I, London, 1898.
    • Dr. F. Graefe, De Kapiteinsjaren van Maerten Harpertszoon Tromp, Amsterdam, 1938.

    Sunday, October 24, 2004

    Dutch Captain: Jan Corneliszoon Keert de Koe

    Jan Corneliszoon Keert de Koe served the Admiralty of the Noorderkwartier. In 1636, he commanded the ship Witte Eenhoorn, a ship of 150 lasts. The Witte Eenhoorn carried 32 guns and had a crew of 90 sailors and 20 soldiers. He served with Tromp's fleet from the beginning of the campaign of 1639. He repeatedly fulfilled important assignments. On 29 April 1639, his ship lay before the Maas, in the company of Witte de With and 6 other ships. On 16 May, his ship was with Tromp and Witte de With, passing Alderney and Portland. On 22 June, the fleet was off Portland, and Captain Keert de Koe was present. On July 10, he was still with the main body of the fleet. On 27 July, he was back off of Portland under Witte de With. On about 12 August, Captain Keert de Koe left for the Seine with Cornelis Evertsen to act as a convoy to the supply fleet. On 25 August, several of Captain Keert De Koes' sailors were punished. On 27 August, Captain Keert de Koe, along with Barent Pieterszoon Dorrevelt's row-yacht chased several enemy frigates, firing at them. While off Dunkirk on 4 September, his ship lost her main topmast. When that happened, Barent Pieterszoon Dorrevelt set sail to rejoin the fleet. On 19 September, Captain Keert de Koe rejoined the fleet, coming from the North Sea. He took no part in the final battle, as he died, and his crew reported on 16 October that their captain had died. Later, a Captain Keert de Koe fought in the battle for Malacca, but this must have been a different man. References:

    • Dr. M. G. De Boer, Tromp en de Armada van 1639, Amsterdam, 1941
    • C. R. Boxer, The Journal of Maarten Harpertszoon Tromp Anno 1639, Cambridge, 1930
    • Dr. F. Graefe, De Kapiteinsjaren van Maerten Harpertszoon Tromp, Amsterdam, 1938

    Dutch Captain: Frederick Pieterszoon 't Hovelinck

    Frederick Pieterszoon 't Hovelinck of Enkhuizen was usually just called Frederick Pieterszoon. In the campaign of 1639, leading up to the Battle of the Downs, he commanded a ship hired in Amsterdam from private owners, the Groote Christoffel (28 guns and a crew of 90 men). Frederick Pieterszoon served the Admiralty of the Noorderkwartier. On 12 July 1639, he had taken a small bark heading for Dunkirk carrying apples and lemons. On 16 September, under the command of Lt.-Admiral Tromp, while sailing on the starboard tack to fight the Spanish, Frederick Pieterszoon's ship blew up killing him and most of the crew, apparently caused by mishandling gunpowder. A few survivors were picked up by the Spanish, who returned them on 22 September, along with a few sailors who jumped off Witte de With's ship when there was a fire.

    References:

    • C.R. Boxer, The Journal of Maarten Harpertszoon Tromp Anno 1639, Cambridge, 1930
    • Dr. M.G. De Boer, Tromp en de Armada van 1639, Amsterdam, 1941.

    Friday, October 22, 2004

    Dutch Captain: Cornelis Evertszoon de Liefde

    This is my translation of the entry in Mollema's "Honor Roll" for Cornelis Evertszoon de Liefde:

    He lived from 1617 to 25 September 1673. He served the Admiralty of the Maze. He was promoted to captain in 1666 and was a temporary Schout-bij-Nacht in 1673. In 1644, he was a market ferry skipper from Amsterdam to Rotterdam. In 1667, he commanded the Wassenaer (56 guns) in the Raid on Chatham. In 1673, he distinguished himself on he Delft at Schooneveld and the Battle of the Texel.

    In July 1672, Brandt indicates that Cornelis de Liefde commanded the Rotterdam ship Delft (62 guns and a crew of 295 sailors and 15 soldiers). In Warnsinck's book about the Schooneveld battles, he shows Cornelis de Liefde as commanding the Gelderland (63 guns and a crew of 345 men). He was in De Ruyter's squadron. On 17 August 1673, at the Battle of the Texel, he again commanded the Gelderland (now 63 guns and a crew of 295 sailors and 25 soldiers). He was in Jan de Liefde's division in De Ruyter's squadron. He was Jan de Liefde's older brother and still temporary Schout-bij-Nacht (as noted in Dr. J.R. Bruijn's book about the war in 1673).

    Thursday, October 21, 2004

    Dutch Captain: Paulus Egbertszoon Sonck

    Captain Paulus Egbertszoon Sonck (it is spelled Souck in The First Dutch War) commanded a ship named Amsterdam at the Battle of Scheveningen. The Amsterdam had 10 killed and 18 wounded in the battle. The ship had her mainmast, foremast and fore yard shattered, along withe the topmasts. She had taken 14 shot on or below the waterline. She had taken a great deal of damage above the waterline. She had started the battle with 5,000 lbs. of gunpowder and had 1,900 lbs. remaining at the end.

    There is a passage from Dr. Elias' book Schetsen uit de Geschiedenis van ons Zeewezen, Vol. V, page 179, which I have translated: "He [Witte de With] now had hope, as weather and wind cooperated, that this ship [the Huis te Zwieten] and the new one, built in the States shipyard in Amstelstad, armed with 50 guns, the warship Amsterdam (under the command of Captain Sonck), that had arrived in the Texel on the 2nd [of August 1653] and should be ready for sea "inside a few days".

    This leads me to believe that my previous estimate was incorrect: that Captain Souck (or Sonck) commanded the Amsterdam that had previously been commanded by Simon van der Aeck. Instead, he seems to have commanded the newly built Amsterdam, a much larger ship, at Scheveningen. The other two new ships, the Huis te Zwieten (Witte de With's new ship) and the Huis te Kruiningen (Michiel de Ruyter's new ship), were not able to be ready by the date of the battle.

    Captain Sonck commanded the Duivenvoorde (40 guns) at the Battle of the Sound in 1658, under the command of Lt-Admiral van Wassenaer. Captain Sonck's leg was shot off in the battle and he died as a consequence of his injury.

    References:

  • Dr. Johan E. Elias, Schetsen uit de Geschiedenis van Ons Zeewezen, Vol.V
  • C.T. Atkinson, The First Dutch War, Vol.V
  • G.L. Grove, Journalen van de Admiralen Van Wassenaer-Obdam (1658-59) en De Ruyter (1659/60)
  • Carl Ballhausen, Der Erste Englisch-Holländische Seekrieg 1652-1654 Sowie der Schwedisch-Holländsichse Seekrieg 1658-1659
  • Wednesday, October 20, 2004

    Dutch Captain: Joost Banckert de Jonge

    There is minimal mention of Joost Banckert in Mollema's "Honor Roll". This is my translation of what is there:

    Joost Banckert died on 28 February 1652 (the first day of the Battle of Portland: the Three Days Battle). In 1652, he fought under De Ruyter at the Battle of Plymouth. He commanded the Zeeland ship Liefde (26 guns and a crew of 86 men). In 1653, he was killed at the Three Days Battle.

    Joost Banckert de Jonge was a son of Joost van Trappen Banckert (Joost de Oude). He had two brothers: Adriaan Banckert and Jan Banckert (who was killed on 13 June 1665). He had a son, also named Joost, who was a captain in 1673. We know that on 27 June 1652, he reported that an English fleet with 1200 musketeers was headed for Zeeland to make an landing. That proved to be false. He took part in the Battle of Plymouth, under De Ruyter. On 23 September 1652, his ship was sent in as being unfit to stay at sea, so he missed the Battle of the Kentish Knock. Joost Banckert fought at the Battle of Dungeness. He was present at the start of the Battle of Portland, where he was killed on the first day. His ship was sent to Vlissingen as part of a group of 17 Zeeland ships.

    Friesland ships in March 1653

    Given what I have seen on the page of Friesland ships on the historical society website, I may be able to do a better job of filling in details of the list in Geschiedenis van het Nederlandsche Zeewezen. I am still not certain how good this list is, but it seems to be better than I have had.

    Landsschepen:

  • Groningen, 38 guns crew 110 or 140 men Hendrick Janszoon Camp?
  • Zevenwolden, 38 guns crew 110 or 140 men Frederick Stellingwerf
  • Westergo, 28 guns crew 110 men Tijmen Claeszoon
  • Omlandia, 28 guns crew 110 men Laurens Degelcamp
  • (should include the Graaf Willem jacht of 12 guns built 1644 and 74ft x 18-1/2ft x 7ft)
  • Gehuurde schepen:
  • Graaf Hendrick, 30 guns crew 110 men Jan Reynderszoon Wagenaar
  • Breda, 30 guns crew 110 men Adriaan Bruynsvelt (why wouldn't this be under the Landsschepen?)
  • Sara, 24 guns crew 90 men Lt. Hasselgants
  • Postpaerd, 24 guns crew 90 men Isaak Codde
  • Graaf Willem fluit, 24 guns crew 90 men Jan Coenders (there is a reference saying his ship is the Graaf Willem fluit, but it could be the yacht, instead)
  • Waterhond yacht, 16 guns crew 60 men Captain Oosteroon
  • Harlingen Directors:
  • Sint Vincent, 28 guns Adriaan Cleyntien
  • Prins Willem, 28 guns Andries Douweszoon Pascaert
  • Dutch captain Hendrick Janszoon Camp

    Thanks to Andrew in Russia, I have some information about Hendrick Janszoon Camp. The original was in Dutch, and this is my translation of what Andrew sent:

    From 1636 to 1637, Hendrick Janszoon Camp commanded the Directors' yacht Breda, which Trmp had sent away due to its bad sailing. The yacht was tasked to go to Cape LeFevie and Dieppe to see if there were ships there waiting for a convoy.

    On September 15, 1639, Hendrick Janszoon Camp was at the battle off Beachy Head under Tromp. He was on the Directors' yacht Gidion from the province of Friesland under the Admiralty of Rotterdam.

    On Ocotber 21, 1639, Captain Camp was on the Directors' yacht Gidion at the Battle of the Downs.

    From 1640 to 1641, Captain Camp was at the Admiralty of Friesland. In 1642, was ordered to pout to sea in the only Friesland ship that was ready at the Texel.

    In 1648, Pytter Meynerts. Spierhingh of Harlingen was lieutenant in Captain Camp's ship. From 1650 to 1652, he was with the relief force off Brazil.

    On 10 December 1652, he was at the Battle of Dungeness, off the Singels, in the ship Groningen. On 13 December 1652, he and Captain Verburch fought two larger English frigates (Fairfax and Portsmouth). His ship was heavily damaged in the fighting with approximately 100 shots above and below the waterline. Because of that, the admiralty provided him with another ship.

    Captain Camp took part in the Battle of Portland (28 February to 2 March 1653) on the ship Groningen under Tromp. Perhaps he was killed there, as his lieutenant, Frederick Stellingwerf was suggested as a possible successor, but he was probably not appointed. He did assume command of the Zevenwolden (38 guns) and took part in the Battle of the Gabbard and the Scheveningen, where his ship was sunk and he became an English prisoner.

    Tuesday, October 19, 2004

    Dutch captain: Barend Barendszoon Cramer

    This drawn from my translation of what Dr. De Boer wrote about Barend Cramer:

    In 1639, Barend Barendszoon Cramer took part in the whole campaign of the Battle of the Downs as flag captain of the Tromp in the Aemilia. He had already spent 24 years in the fleet, first as a quartermaster on the ship of Lt.-Admiral van Dorp and then with Tromp, who had appointed him as captain of the Aemilia. On 29 November 1640, he brought out an interesting report concerning the Aemilia, her poor condition, and unfitness for sea in the winter.

    Three years later, Tromp tried to provide a better command for him as a convoyer with the great fishery of the College of the Maas, and gave him a glowing recommendation. But it was to no avail. Captain Cramer applied again, the following year.

    They tried again in 1645 in Amsterdam. Now, Tromp was able to win a command for his protégé. Finally, on 9 September, he received a commission by the Admiral-General. He did not get command of the ship he wanted, the Walcheren, but the old ship of Captain Toelast, instead.

    Captain Cramer had a difficult time, then in 1647, he sailed with Witte de With for Brazil. He and the Vice-Admiral fought, and in the courtmartial, Captain Cramer was found guilty, due to the injury he caused. After returning, on 8 February 1650, with complaints about the procedures followed by Witte de With. He seems to have been rehabilitated by a resolution of 16 September, in which he requested employment. His request was considered, along with good recommendations, and he was restored. He continued to have poor relations with Witte de With, and had an incident on 22 May 1652, where orders had been issued for the division of the fleet.

    In the early part of the First Anglo-Dutch War, we know that Barend Cramer served under Commandeur Augustijn Balck in Witte de With's squadron. On July 5, he attended a council of war on board the Brederode, prior to sailing for the Shetlands. His was one of 26 Amsterdam ships operating with the main fleet. In October 1652, he was Balck's Vice-Admiral on the convoy to Muscovy. He commanded the Edam (28 guns) through the war.

    In 1659, he commanded the Hollandia (44 guns) in De Ruyter's fleet in the Sound. This was an ship that was unique in the Dutch fleet, in that her dimension were 142ft x 32-1/2ft x 14-1/2ft. She was longer and narrower than other 44 gun ships. She disappeared her service in 1659, although it just may be that no records have survived.

    Monday, October 18, 2004

    Some Dutch ships from 1639

    Dr. M.G. De Boer mentions a few ships from prior to the 1650's in his book Tromp en de Armada van 1639:
    • Laurens Pieterszoon Bachuysen ship: Salamander, 40 guns, crew 110 men (West India Company)
    • Joost van Trappen Banckert ship: Wapen van Zeeland, 32 guns, crew 120 men (Zeeland)
    • Joris Pieterszoon Broeck ship: Rotterdam, 10 guns, crew 70 men (Friesland)
    • Hendrick Janszoon Camp ship: Gideon, 24 guns, crew 100 men
    • Joris van Cats ship: Zutphen, 28 guns, crew 110 men (Amsterdam)
    • Willem van Coulster ship: Gelderland, 34 guns, crew 120 men (Rotterdam)
    • Abraham Crijnssen ship: Ter Goes, 24 guns, crew 90 men (Zeeland)
    • Adriaan Dommertszoon ship: Sint Laurens, 32 guns, crew 90 men
    • Barent Pieterszoon Dorrevelt ship: Amsterdam, 10 guns, crew 60 men (Amsterdam)
    • Jacques Forant ship: Overijssel, 24 guns, crew 100 men (Amsterdam)
    • Johan van Galen ship: Utrecht, 24 guns (Amsterdam)
    • Jan Gerbrandszoon ship: Omlandia, 28 guns, crew 80 men (Amsterdam)
    • Lambert Isbrandszoon Halffhoorn ship: Hollandsche Tuin (180 lasts), 32 guns, crew 120 men (Noorderkwartier)
    • Claes Corneliszoon Ham ship: Sampson, 32 guns, crew 120 men (Noorderkwartier)
    • Cornelis 't Jonge Hoen ship: Neptunus, 33 guns, crew 100 men (Noorderkwartier)
    • Adriaan Janszoon den Oven ship: Arnemuyden, 22 guns, crew 80 men (Zeeland)
    • Frederick Pieterszoon ship: Groote Christoffel, 28 guns, crew 90 men (Noorderkwartier)
    • Robbert Post ship: Deventer, 28 guns, crew 110 men
    • Jan Thueneszoon Sluys ship: Walcheren (180 lasts), 28 guns, crew 110 men (Amsterdam)
    • Maarten Tromp ship: Aemilia, 57 guns crew 240 men (Rotterdam)
    • Gerrit Meyndertszoon den Uyl ship: Utrecht, 30 guns, crew 120 men (Amsterdam)
    • Gerrit Veen ship: Drenthe, 16 guns, crew 60 men
    • Jan Jacobszoon Vlieger ship: Meerminne (200 lasts), 24 guns (Zeeland)
    • Sijbrant Waterdrincker ship: Bommel, 28 guns, crew 80 sailors (Amsterdam)
    • Pieter Pieterszoon de Wint ship: Frederick Hendrik, 36 guns, crew 120 men (Amsterdam)
    • Witte Corneliszoon de With ship: Maecht van Dordrecht, 42 guns, crew 140 men (Rotterdam)
    • Lunen Cornelsizoon de Zeeuw ship: Wapen van Holland, 39 guns, crew 120 men (Noorderkwartier)

    Sunday, October 17, 2004

    Dutch captain: Jan Pouwelszoon

    Jan Pouwelszoon served the Admiralty of Zeeland. The earliest mention of him that I have seen was in May 1639, when he was in Jan Evertsen's squadron, prior to the Battle of the Downs. He seems to have been present for the entire campaign, including the Battle of the Downs. In July to September 1652, he commanded the Neptunus (28 guns), as functioned as Michel De Ruyter's flag captain. I have seen a reference that suggested that the Neptunus was one of the 120ft ships. Jan Pouwelszoon fought at the Battle of Plymouth, against Sir George Ayscue's fleet. When De Ruyter's fleet joined the main fleet, under Witte de With, in September 1652, Jan Pouwelszoon's ship was found to be deficient and was sent in for repairs. He was among ten ships that missed the Battle of the Kentish Knock. Jan Pouwelszoon was present at the Battle of Dungeness, and was in Cornelis Evertsen de Oude's squadron. In a storm on December 9, 1652, Jan Pouwelszoon's ship lost its foremast. On December 12, Jan Pouwelszoon returned to the fleet and reported that Tromp's prize, the Garland, had set sail for Goeree. On December 26, Captain Pouwelszoon stopped a Hamburger merchant bound for Aveiro. The ship was allowed to proceed. Jan Pouwelszoon commanded the ship Vlissingen at the Battle of the Gabbard. His ship was lying at Vlissingen in July 1653, with the bulk of the fleet. The handwritten list of ships at Vlissingen explicitly mentioned Jan Pouwelszoon and the Vlissingen (one of the few captains mentioned at all). I have no further reference to his activities after that date. Dr. Ballhausen lists Jan Pouwelszoon (of Veere) as being at the Battle of Portland, and aboard the Neptunus, but I have not been able to confirm that information.

    Saturday, October 16, 2004

    Dutch captain: Johan Cornelszoon Lichthart

    This is my translation of the entry in Mollema's "Honor Roll" for Johan Corneliszoon Lichthart:

    Johan Corneliszoon Lichthart lived from 1601 to 30 November 1646. He served the West India Company.

    In 1629-1630, he distinguished himself as captain of the Matanzas in the conquest of Olinda (Brazil). In 1630, he distinguished himself on the Overijssel against a superior force of 3 Dunkirkers, and was awarded a golden chain. In 1633, he commanded, on the coast of Brazil, ships in expeditions against Paraiba, Itamaracá, and Rio Grande. In 1634, he commanded ships in expeditions against Santo Agostinho and Paraiba. IN 1635, he commanded the blockade fleet before Bahia and ships on expeditions against Calvo and Barra Grande, and the port of Santo Agostinho. In 1636, he distinguished himself in the fighting for Bahia. In 1637-1640, he was the admiral on the Brazilian coast and cooperated with Jol. In 1641, he distinguished himself ni the conquest of Maranhao. In 1645, he fought the Portuguese in the battle at Tamandaré. In 1646, he died on the expedition to Rio San Francisco.

    Friday, October 15, 2004

    In the last month or so, we have associated two Friesland captains with ship names

    I had recently found the name of Jan Coender's ship, the flute Graaf Willem. Now, thanks to Andrew, I also know that Andries Douweszoon's full name was Andries Douweszoon Pascaert, and that he commanded the Harlingen Directors' ship Prins Willem (28 guns). He had participated in Tromp's voyage the Shetlands, and was there for the storm on 5 and 6 August 1652, which he survived. Both the Graaf Willem and the Prins Willem were at the Battle of the Gabbard, and their captains were dismissed from the naval service. Jan Coenders was judged to be too unfamiliar with the naval service to be be further employed, while Andries Douweszoon Pascaert was cashiered for his poor performance in the battle.

    Thursday, October 14, 2004

    Dutch warships with unknown captains

    We know a few Dutch warships from the First Anglo-Dutch War for which we don't know the captain (this is probably not a definitive list):
    • Achilles, 32-40 guns (131ft x 29ft x 13ft) (built circa 1630) Amsterdam (1652-1654)
    • Bonaventura (ex-English Anthony Bonaventure) Middelburg Directors (1653)
    • Kalmar Sleutel, 24 guns Rotterdam (July 1654)
    • Keurvorst van Keulen, 34 guns (131ft x 30ft x 13-1/4ft) Amsterdam Directors (April 1653)
    • Sampson van Enkhuizen, 28 guns Noorderkwartier (or Directors) (July 1652)
    • Schacht den Harculus, 28 guns (120ft x 28-1/2ft x 13ft) Amsterdam Directors (April 1653)
    • Wapen van Holland, 30 guns Noorderkwartier (July 1652)
    • Waterhond, 24 guns Rotterdam (July 1652)
    • Zwaan, 28 guns Amsterdam (July 1652)

    Wednesday, October 13, 2004

    Locations of ships in the Shetlands after the storm on 5-6 August 1652

    Hendrick de Raedt's pamphlet published after the abortive voyage to the Shetlands lists captains and their location after the storm (on 10 August 1652):

    In Scalloway harbor (Schalaway):

    • Vrijheid, 46 guns Commandeur Augustijn Balck (Amsterdam)
    • a ship of 36 guns Jan Evertszoon de Liefde (Rotterdam Directors)
    • David en Goliad, 34 guns Claes Bastiaanszoon van Jaersvelt (Amsterdam Directors)
    • Blauwe Arend, 28 guns Dirck Pater (Amsterdam Directors)
    • Dolphijn, 26 guns Gerbrand Schatter (Amsterdam)
    • Prins Willem, 28 guns Jan Janszoon Boermans (Amsterdam)
    • Sint Matheeus, 34 guns Cornelis Naeuoogh (Amsterdam Directors)
    • Hollandia Ernest Adriaanszoon de Bertrij (Rotterdam)
    • Sint Vincent, 28 guns Adriaan Gerritszoon Cleyntien (Harlingen Directors)
    • Kroon Imperiaal, 34 guns Cornelis Janszoon Poort (Amsterdam Directors)
    • Gelderland, 30 guns Dirck Janszoon Juynbol (Rotterdam Directors)
    • Maria, 26 guns Quirijn van den Kerckhoff (Rotterdam)
    • Nieuw Gideon, 34 guns Hector Bardesius (Amsterdam Directors)
    • Groote Liefde, 38 guns Bruyn van Seelst (Amsterdam Directors)
    • Valck, 28 guns Cornelis Janszoon Brouwer (Amsterdam Directors)
    • some ship, 30 guns Jacob Pieterszoon Houck (Hoorn Directors)
    • Engel Gabriel, 28 guns Bastiaan Bardoel (Amsterdam Directors)
    • some ship, 28 guns Andries Douweszoon (Harlingen Directors)
    • Elias, 34 guns Jacob Sievertszoon Spanheim (Amsterdam Directors)
    • some ship, 30 guns Jan Friedrickszoon Houcbout (Edam Directors)
    • Swarte Leeuw, 28 guns Hendrick de Raedt (Amsterdam Directors)
    • Utrecht, 22 guns Leendert Haexwant (Rotterdam)
    • a fireship Allert Adriaanszoon (Rotterdam)

    In "Wester-baey":

    • Leeuwarden, 36 guns Govert Reael (Amsterdam)
    • Groote Vergulde Fortuijn, 35 guns Frederick de Koninck (Amsterdam Directors)
    • Zon, 28 guns Jacob Claeszoon Duym (Noorderkwartier)
    • Hoop, 28 guns Joris Colerij (Amsterdam)
    • Gecroonde Liefde, 23 guns Dingeman Cats (Zeeland)

    Two East Indiamen with three fireships:

    • Orangien
    • Breda

    Lying in "Buyten-Haven":

    • Edam, 28 guns Barend Cramer (Amsterdam)
    • Vergulde Haan, 30 guns Jan Le Sage (Middelburg Directors)
    • some ship, 30 guns Jacob Cleydyck (RotterdamDirectors)

    Captains lying to the North:

    • Witte Lam, 32 guns Jan Thyssen (Vlissingen Directors)
    • some ship, 38 guns Jan Olivierszoon (Veere Directors)
    • Wapen van Holland, 30 guns Hendrick Janszoon de Munnick (Rotterdam)
    • Roskam, 26 guns Corstiean Eldertszoon (Rotterdam)
    • Overijssel, 22 guns Cornelis Engelen Silvergieter (Rotterdam)
    • Rozeboom, 28 guns Gerrit Schuyt (Amsterdam Directors)
    • some ship, 28 guns Lambert Bartelszoon (Zeeland)
    • (continued of Rotterdam)

    Tuesday, October 12, 2004

    Dutch captain: Hendrick Denijs

    This is my translation of the passage about Hendrik Denijs from Mollema's "Honor Roll":

    Hendrick Corneliszoon Denijs lived up until about 1640. He served the Admiralty of Amsterdam. He was a skipper in the Levant in 1624. He was promoted to captain in 1625 and Commandeur in 1639. In 1625, he served under Willem van der Leck (natural son of Prince Maurits). In 1627, he was in the blockade service under Van Dorp. In 1628, he was flag captain under Van Berchem before Dunkirk. In 1639, he was a commandeur under Tromp before Dunkirk and at the Downs, where he distinguished himself.

    We know that in 1628, he commanded the ship Leiden (110 lasts). Later in 1628, he commanded the Gelderland, which was a larger ship of 200 lasts. The Gelderland carried 26 guns: 2-chambered 18pdr, 2-18pdr, 6-12pdr, 8-8pdr, and 8-5pdr. Her crew consisted of 90 sailors and 30 soldiers. A list from 1629 gives her size as only 180 lasts, pointing out the lack of consistent data from this period.

    At the Battle of the Downs, Commandeur Denijs had a squadron of 8 ships to contain the Spanish fleet at the South end of the Downs. Cornelis Jol (alias Admiral Houtebeen) was at the North end with 7 ships. Witte de With's orders were to "contain" the English fleet with 34 ships including 4 fireships, if they made any move to aid the Spanish.

    Monday, October 11, 2004

    Dutch captains: Claes, Marinus, and Dirck Juynbol

    Claes and Marinus Claeszoon Juynbol were both convoyers of the Admiralty of Rotterdam (the Maas), who came first to the blockade of the Spanish Armada in the Downs, and took part to the last aaction. They were the sons of Claes Marinuszoon Juynbol, who died in August 1629, and had taken part on the Neptunus (26 guns: 2-24pdr, 16-18pdr, 2-12pdr, and 6-6pdr), under Piet Hein, in the capture of the Spanish Silverfleet. [p.195 from Dr. M.G. De Boer's book, Tromp en de Armada van 1639. The Biographical Dictionary made an error, combining the careers of the elder and younger Claes. Mollema made that same error in the "Honor Roll". Claes (Nicolaes) had distinguished himself under Tromp against the Dunkirkers in 1634, and again at the Downs in 1639. In 1646, as a convoy commander for the Maas, fought against 6 Dunkirkers and preserved the convoy, but was severely wounded. In Rotterdam on 5 January 1647, he was assassinated. Dirck Janszoon Juynbol lived from 1615 until 11 December 1652. He was promoted to captain in 1652. In 1639, he served as a lieutenant at the Battle of the Downs. He distinguished himself at the Battle of the Kentish Knock, and was drowned during the loss of his burning ship at Dungeness. Dirck Juynbol commanded the Rotterdam Directors' ship Gelderland (30 guns and a crew of 131) during the most of 1652. Marinus Juynbol, on 26 February 1652 commanded the ship Schiedam (26 guns), which was one of a group of ships built in 1639 that had dimensions: 116ft x 27ft x 11ft. Dr. Elias says that Dirck Juynbol was his brother and that Dirck was Marinus' lieutenant on the Schiedam on 26 February. He also seems to indicate that Marinus Juynbol was dismissed and command was transferred to his brother Dirck.

    Saturday, October 09, 2004

    Dutch Captain: Claes Bastiaanszoon van Jaarsveld

    Claes Bastiaanszoon van Jaarsveld served the Directors of Amsterdam. In 1639, at the Battle of the Downs, he commanded a ship for the Northern Directors of Amsterdam. On 3 October 1639, he was a member of Witte de With's squadron. There were some notable captains in this squadron, including Jan de Lieffde, Marinus Juynbol, Abraham Crijnssen, and Frans Mangelaer.

    In early 1652, Captain van Jaarsveld was given command of the David en Goliad, one of the 50 Directors' ships that were to be hired. His lieutenant was Godefred van Beringer. The David en Goliad's dimensions were: 130ft x 32ft x 12ft, with a 7ft height between decks. Her armament was 34 guns: 4-brass 24pdr, 14-12pdr, 10-8pdr, 4-6pdr, and 2-3pdr (as of 8 November 1652).

    On 4 August 1652, he was in the Shetlands with Tromp's fleet.

    In April 1653, he was in Witte de With's squadron. On May 17, 1653, he was Pieter Florissen's Schout-bij-Nacht.

    Friday, October 08, 2004

    Dutch captains named Wijnbergen

    Several Dutch captains named Wijnbergen served during the Second and Third Anglo-Dutch Wars. One was Pieter Wijnbergen who served the Admiralty of Rotterdam (the Maas). He commanded the yacht Lopende Hert (8 guns) at the Battle of Lowestoft. A year later, he commanded the three-masted yacht Swol (18 guns) at the Four Days and St. James' Day Battles.

    Another captain with a similar name was Pieter Klaaszoon Wijnbergen, who served the Admiralty of the Noorderkwartier. He commanded the Westfriesland (50 guns) at the Battle of Lowestoft. In 1666, he commanded the Noorderkwartier (60 guns) at the Four Days and St. James's Day Battles. In 1667, he participated in the Raid on the Medway. In 1671, he commanded the Justina van Nassau (64 guns). In July 1672, he commanded the Wapen van Hoorn (70 guns).

    His son, Klaas Pieterszoon Wijnbergen, commanded the Caleb (46 or 50 guns) during the battles in 1673.

    Thursday, October 07, 2004

    Some possible Privateers Bounty scenarios

    A natural candidate for a Privateers Bounty scenario would be the Four Days Battle in June 1666. We have good OOB and ship data, so it would be a natural. The only question that I am concerned with is how to deal with a very late reinforcment by Prince Rupert's squadron on the four day. One possibility is to have an extremely large playing area (this is the only really viable alternative) and place the squadron in the far corner, away from the battle.

    The other possibility is to do the Battle of the Gabbard in June 1653. My concern with this is that I still don't have a good OOB for the Dutch, although since I would be "scaling" the scenario to fit into Privateers Bounty, I could just the information of which I am sure, and be content with that.

    Right now, all my time is going into a programming project for the period 1903-1927, so that it will be a while before I do another scenario.

    Wednesday, October 06, 2004

    I had forgotten about an English gun list from January 1655

    I had forgotten about a list of guns for six English ships in January 1655. This list is Appendix VII to Brian Lavery's book, The Arming and Fitting of English Ships of War 1600-1815 (1987). For example, the 6th Rate Truelove (12 guns) carried the following armament:
  • 8-sakers (5-1/4pdr)
  • 2-minions (4pdr)
  • 2-falcons (2-1/2pdr)
  • She carried 240 saker shot, 60 minion shot, and 60 falcon shot.

    Tuesday, October 05, 2004

    Dutch Captain: Barend Hiddes de Vries

    Barend Hiddes de Vries served the Admiralty of Friesland. At the Battle of Lowestoft, he commanded the Postiljon van Smryna (40 guns) in Auke Stellingwerf's Fourth Squadron. At the Four Days Battle, he commanded the Elf Steden (54 guns) in Tjerk Hiddes de Vries' squadron. At the St. James Day Battle, Barend Hiddes de Vries commanded the Elf Steden in the same squadron. In June 1667, his ship, still the Elf Steden, was lying with the Friesland squadron in the Konings Diep. This is the last instance where Barend Hiddes de Vries is mentioned, in Brandt's biography of De Ruyter (that I can find).

    Monday, October 04, 2004

    Some more nuggets from the March 1653 list

    Herer are some more nuggets of good information that we can glean from the March 1653 list published in Vol.I of Geschiedenis van het Nederlandsche Zeewezen: Amsterdam ships:
    • Vrijheid, 46 guns crew 150 sailors and 20 soldiers
    • Vrede, 44 guns crew 150 sailors and 20 soldiers
    • Leeuwarden, 36 guns crew 136 sailors and 20 soldiers
    • Bommel, 30 guns crew 100 sailors and 20 soldiers
    • Gouda, 28 guns crew 100 sailors and 20 soldiers

    Friday, October 01, 2004

    Ships taken in English harbors at the beginning of the First Anglo-Dutch War

    Dr. Elias mentions, in De Vlootbouw in Nederland, on page 84, that four ships were taken, as they lay in English harbors at the beginning of the First Anglo-Dutch War. These included three Rotterdam ships:
    • Prinses Roijaal Maria (34 guns)
    • Maecht van Dordrecht (26 guns; one of the 116ft ships)
    • Wapen van Rotterdam (26 guns; Jacob Boshuisen's ship, another 116ft ship)

    The fourth ship was the Middelburgh (28 guns) belonging to the Admiralty of Amsterdam.

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