English Captain: Edward Popham

Edward Popham had served in the navy prior to the Civil War. In 1636, he was flag lieutenant to Sir John Pennington. In 1637, he was captain of the 6th Rate Fifth Whelp, when she sank off Guernsey. In 1639, he commanded the Unicorn (not the second rate, but a hired merchant ship). In 1640, he commanded the 3rd Rate Antelope. In 1648, he was assigned as captain of the Swallow, but she went over to the Royalists. In 1649, he commanded a string of ships, all for a short time: the 2nd Rate Charles, the 4th Rate Adventure, the 3rd Rate Entrance, and the 2nd Rate George. In 1650, he commanded the 2nd Rate Andrew and then the 1st Rate Resolution. In 1651, he was captain of the 2nd Rate James, when he died. He was appointed one of the three Generals-at-Sea. Of the three (Robert Blake, Richard Deane, and Edward Popham), Popham was the only experienced naval officer. In 1648, he was assigned to the Summer Guard, but did not actually serve at sea, according to Michael Baumber. Robert Blake was offering Popham encouragement in late 1649, as he was reluctant to serve. Sources:

1. R. C. Anderson, List of English Naval Captains 1642-1660, 1964.
2. Michael Baumber, General-at-Sea, 1989.