English Captain: John Tyrrell

John Tyrrell served in the Restoration navy, including a long period as a lieutenant. In 1665, he was appointed lieutenant of the 3rd Rate Resolution. In 1672, he was appointed lieutenant of the Leopard. In 1674, the King appointed him lieutenant of the 4th Rate Dragon. Finally, on 16 January 1678 (under the old system, they called in 1677), the King appointed him as captain of the 6th Rate Drake. On 3 April 1680, he was given command of the prize Orangetree. On 13 April 1682, he was reappointed to command the Orangetree. On 18 April, he was switched to the Mermaid. On 23 February 1684 (again, they called in 1683), he was appointed to command the Oxford. On 1 June 1684, the King appointed John Tyrrell to command the Phoenix (42 guns). On 19 September 1685, he caught and sank a "Zanganian" pirate ship in an action notable for the boarding and survival of then Lieutenant John Byng. Then on 4 September 1688, he was appointed to command the Mordaunt (46 guns). He took part in the action on 4 October 1689, when a group of English cruisers fell in with 12 French warships, and the 6th Rate Lively prize was lost. He commanded the 3rd Rate Anne (70 guns) when she was beached and burnt after the Battle of Beachy Head in 1690. He had been assigned to the rear (Blue) squadron. He fought at the Battle of Barfleur, where he commanded the 2nd Rate Ossory (90 guns). Sources:

1. William Laird Clowes, The Royal Navy: A History from the Earliest Times to the Present, Vol.II, 1898.

2. J.R. Tanner, A Descriptive Catalogue of the Naval Manuscripts in the Pepysian Library at Magdalene College, Cambridge, Vol.I, 1903.

English Captain: William Younger

Willian Younger served in the Parliamentarian and Commonwealth navy. From 1648 to 1649, he commanded the old 6th Rate Tenth Whelp. In 1652, he commanded the Mary Flyboat (24 guns). On 30 November 1652, he fought at the Battle of Dungeness, where the Mary Flyboat was credited with 32 guns. He fought in the Battle of the Kentish Knock on 28 September 1652. He also seems to have served in the Restoration navy, at least with subsidiary commands. In 1665, he commanded the Young Lamb prize. Later in 1665, he commanded the Bramble fireship. In 1666, he commanded the Horseman prize, a flyboat. The fireship Bramble was the best ship he commanded after the Restoration. Sources:

1. R. C. Anderson, "English Fleet-Lists in the First Dutch War," The Mariner's Mirror, Vol.XXIV No.4, October 1938.
2. R. C. Anderson, List of English Naval Captains 1642-1660, 1964.
3. R. C. Anderson, Lists of Men-of-War 1650-1700: Part I English Ships 1649-1702, 1966.
4. J.R. Tanner, A Descriptive Catalogue of the Naval Manuscripts in the Pepysian Library at Magdalene College, Cambridge, Vol.I, 1903.

English Captain: John Hayward

John Hayward served in both the Commonwealth and Restoration navies. From 1651 to 1653, he commanded the Gilliflower (32 guns). In September 1652, he was in the Sound with Andrew Ball's squadron. He fought in the Battle of the Gabbard, where he was assigned to Lionel Lane's division. The Gilliflower must have been considerably damaged, as she was sent in after the battle, and did not rejoin the fleet until August. From 1653 to 1655, he commanded the Portuguese prize Convertine. From 1655 to 1657, he commanded the Entrance. From 1657 to 1659, he commanded the Essex. In 1660, he commanded the Plymouth. After the Restoration, he was continued as captain of the Plymouth. Like Henry Fenn, John Hayward was a protoge of the Earl of Sandwich. Later in 1660, he was given command of the Dover. In 1664, he was appointed to command the Reserve. In 1665, he was appointed to command the Dunkirk. He was assigned to the Earl of Sandwich's division at the Battle of Lowestoft, where he and Henry Fenn were the Earl's seconds. He fought in the Four Days Battle, where he was assigned to Sir Joseph Jordan's division. By July 1666, he was given command of the 2nd Rate St. George. He fought at the St. James's Day Battle, where he was assigned to Sir Thomas Teddiman's division. In 1667, he was appointed to command the Baltimore from 1 July until 12 September, when she was paid off. In 1668, he commanded the York. In 1669, he was given command of the Foresight. In 1672, he commanded the 2nd Rate Old James. He fought at the Battle of Solebay, where he was assigned to Sir Edward Spragge's van division. In 1673, he was appointed to command the Sovereign. Later in 1673, he was appointed as Flag Captain to Prince Rupert on the Royal Charles. He was killed in action at the Battle of the Texel on 11 August 1673. Sources:

1. R. C. Anderson, "English Fleet-Lists in the First Dutch War," The Mariner's Mirror, Vol.XXIV No.4, October 1938.
2. R. C. Anderson, Journals and Narratives of the Third Dutch War, 1946.
3. R. C. Anderson, List of English Naval Captains 1642-1660, 1964.
4. Julian S. Corbett, “A Note on the Drawings in the Possession of The Earl of Dartmouth Illustrating The Battle of Solebay May 28, 1672 and The Battle of the Texel August 11, 1673”, 1908.
5. Frank Fox, A Distant Storm: the Four Days' Battle of 1666, 1996.
6. Frank Fox, "Hired Men-of-War, 1664-7", Part II, The Mariner's Mirror Vol.84 No.2 (May 1998).
7. 22 J.R. Tanner, A Descriptive Catalogue of the Naval Manuscripts in the Pepysian Library at Magdalene College, Cambridge, Vol.I, 1903.

English Captain and Admiral: Sir Thomas Allin

During the English Civil War, Thomas Allin served in the King's naval forces. From 1644-1647, commanding ships from those fitted out for the Royalists by Sir Nicholas Crisp. In 1648, he served with the Royalists. From 1648-1649, he commanded the Royalist warship Charles, which was captured. In 1650, he was captain of the Royalist Convertine (the ship built as the Destiny by Sir Walter Raleigh, and eventually sold in Portugal). He was with Prince Rupert on his voyage to inflict damage on the Commonwealth trade. At this time, he was flag captain to the Vice Admiral. Later in 1650, he commanded the Charles Prize with the Royalists.

In 1660, he was appointed a captain in the Restoration navy of King Charles II. In 1660, he commanded the Dover. In 1661, he commanded the Plymouth. Later in 1661, he commanded the Foresight. In 1662, he commanded the 3rd Rate Lion. In 1663, he commanded the 2nd Rate Rainbow. Later in 1663, he was in the St. Andrew. He was commander-in-chief in the Downs, as he was in early 1664. In 1664, he commanded the Plymouth. He was Vice-Admiral of a fleet in the Channel under the command of the Earl of Sandwich. In December 1664, while he commanded the Mediterranean squadron, he caught the Dutch Smyrna convoy off Cadiz, and fought a sharp action with them. He commanded the Plymouth. At various times during this period, he was given an independent fleet to command on special operations. On 26 March 1678, the King appointed him to fly his flag on the 1st Rate Royal James. He died in the fall of 1685 at the age of 74.

Sources:

1. R. C. Anderson, The Journals of Sir Thomas Allin, Vol.I 1660-1666, 1939.
2. R. C. Anderson, The Journals of Sir Thomas Allin, Vol.II 1667-1678, 1940.
3. R. C. Anderson, List of English Naval Captains 1642-1660, 1964.
4. Frank Fox, A Distant Storm: the Four Days' Battle of 1666, 1996.
5. J.R. Tanner, A Descriptive Catalogue of the Naval Manuscripts in the Pepysian Library at Magdalene College, Cambridge, Vol.I, 1903.

English Captain: John Pointz

Captain John Pointz served in both the Commonwealth and Restoration navies. In 1657, he commanded the Mary Flyboat. In 1658, he commanded the old 4th Rate Providence. In 1660, he commanded the 5th Rate Wakefield. When the Wakefield was renamed Richmond, after the Restoration, John Pointz was continued in command. In 1664, he commanded the Maryland Merchant. John Pointz were her captain from 13 September 1664 until 20 January 1665. Sources:

1. R. C. Anderson, List of English Naval Captains 1642-1660, 1964.
2. Frank Fox, "Hired Men-of-War, 1664-7", Part II, The Mariner's Mirror Vol.84 No.2 (May 1998).
3. J.R. Tanner, A Descriptive Catalogue of the Naval Manuscripts in the Pepysian Library at Magdalene College, Cambridge, Vol.I, 1903.

English Captain: William Godfrey

William Godfrey definitely served in the Commonwealth navy. There was a William Godfrey, Senior, who served in the Restoration navy, as did his son, William Godfrey, Jr. From 1652 to 1653, William Godfrey commanded the Warwick (sometimes called Old Warwick, 22 guns). He fought at the Battle of the Kentish Knock in the Warwick. From 1653 to 1654, he commanded the Dutch prize Middelburg. From 1655 to 1657, he commanded the Marmaduke. In 1665, William Godfrey commanded first the Eagle, then the Satisfaction, and then the Marmaduke. The later would lead us to believe it is the same man as that who served in the Commonwealth navy, although it could be just a coincidence. It was not unusual for a captain to be posted to the same ship over a considerable period of time. In 1666, Prince Rupert and the Duke of Albemarle appointed William Godfrey to command the Crown. In 1673, he was appointed to be 2nd Lieutenant of the 2nd Rate Unicorn, and again later in the year, he was appointed to the same position. Sources:

1. R. C. Anderson, "English Fleet-Lists in the First Dutch War," The Mariner's Mirror, Vol.XXIV No.4, October 1938.
2. R. C. Anderson, List of English Naval Captains 1642-1660, 1964.
3. R. C. Anderson, Lists of Men-of-War 1650-1700: Part I English Ships 1649-1702, 1966.
4. J.R. Tanner, A Descriptive Catalogue of the Naval Manuscripts in the Pepysian Library at Magdalene College, Cambridge, Vol.I, 1903.

The Battle of Öland on 1 June 1676

In the previous action in May 1676, the Swedes had lost the storeship Konung David (10 guns) and the Leopard. They had 26 ships in the line as well as 12 frigates, 10 storeships, and 7 fireships. The Danish-Dutch fleet had 25 ships in the line, with 10 frigates, 10 small vessels, and 5 fireships. The Van was commanded by the great Nils Juel. The Center was commanded by Cornelis Tromp. The Rear was commanded by Philips Almonde, the latter two being Dutchmen. It would be nice to list the ships, but I don't have the time, right now, to do so.

English Captain: James Cadman

James Cadman served in both the Commonwealth and Restoration navies. From 1651 to 1652, he commanded the Eagle shallop (6 guns). From 1652 to 1653, he commanded the 5th Rate Pearl. He fought at the Battle of the Kentish Knock in the Pearl (22 guns). At the Battle of the Gabbard, the Pearl carried 26 guns. She was damaged enought that she was at Dover, under repair, at the time of the Battle of Scheveningen. In 1664, James Cadman was appointed captain of the hired merchantman Hamburgh Merchant (a veteran of the First and Second Wars). He was in Sir George Ayscue's division at the Battle of Lowestoft. He also took part in the attack on the Dutch East Indiamen at Bergen on 2 August 1665. He was shot and killed while on board the Revenge temporarily, presumably because of his experience in Norwegian waters. Sources:

1. R. C. Anderson, "English Fleet-Lists in the First Dutch War," The Mariner's Mirror, Vol.XXIV No.4, October 1938.
2. R. C. Anderson, List of English Naval Captains 1642-1660, 1964.
3. Frank Fox, A Distant Storm: the Four Days' Battle of 1666, 1996.
4. J.R. Tanner, A Descriptive Catalogue of the Naval Manuscripts in the Pepysian Library at Magdalene College, Cambridge, Vol.I, 1903.

English Captain: Henry Fenn

Henry Fenn served in both the Commonwealth and Restoration navies. In 1653, he commanded the hired merchant ship Roebuck (30 guns). At the Battle of the Gabbard, he was assigned to Joseph Jordan's division. He most likely was also at the Battle of Scheveningen. In 1654, he commanded the Gilliflower and the Dutch prize Augustine. In 1655, he commanded the Wildman. From 1656 to 1658, he commanded the 4th Rate Bristol. In 1660, he again commanded the Bristol. King Charles II continued Henry Fenn in command of the Bristol at the Restoration. In 1664, he was given command of the Montagu. He was again in command of the Montagu (58 guns) in 1665. The Earl of Sandwich was his patron, and had Henry Fenn and John Hayward were his "seconds" in April 1665. At the Battle of Lowestoft, the Earl of Sandwich and his seconds were in great distress. Bastiaan Centen put his ship the Oranje (76 guns) alongside Henry Fenn's ship and boarded. The Earl of Marlborough brought his ship the Old James to the rescue, and forced Bastiaan Centen to withdraw. Sadly, the Earl of Marlborough was killed later in the battle when the Dutch flagship Eendracht exploded. Later in 1665, Henry Fenn was assigned to Sir Jeremy Smith's fleet that went to Tangier from December 1665 to March 1666. At the time of the Four Days Battle, Henry Fenn's ship, the Montagu, was victualling at Portsmouth. By July 1666, he was succeeded in command of the Montagu by Daniel Helling. Sources:

1. R. C. Anderson, "English Fleet-Lists in the First Dutch War," The Mariner's Mirror, Vol.XXIV No.4, October 1938.
2. R. C. Anderson, List of English Naval Captains 1642-1660, 1964.
3. Frank Fox, A Distant Storm: the Four Days' Battle of 1666, 1996.
4. J.R. Tanner, A Descriptive Catalogue of the Naval Manuscripts in the Pepysian Library at Magdalene College, Cambridge, Vol.I, 1903.

The attack on Teneriffe in April 1657

The Spanish Plate fleet was known to have anchored at Teneriffe, and Robert Blake intended to capture it there. The English Mediterranean force sailed for Teneriffe and arrived there on 18 April 1657. Saturday was a foggy day, so the attack was delayed to be delayed until the 20th. In the end, they attacked on Monday morning.

There was a strained council of war on board Blake's flagship, and he selected 12 ships to attack. He hoped to repeat the successful assault on Porto Farina. The ships chosen were the Speaker (Richard Stayner), Lyme (John Stokes), Langport (John Coppin), Newbury (Robert Blake, the younger), Bridgwater (Anthony Earning), Plymouth (uncertain captain), Worcester (Robert Nixon), Centurion (Anthony Spatchurst), Winsby (Joseph Ames), Newcastle (Edmund Curtis), Foresight (Peter Mootham), and Maidstone (perhaps Thomas Adams). In addition, the Nantwich (uncertain captain) joined late, along with the Plymouth. They had missed the council of war.

The town of Santa Cruz lay behind the roadstead and the shore was lined with forts and gun emplacements. There was a long mole for unloading ships, and there was a natural barrier behind which ships could safely shelter. The English believed that there were 16 ships in total, with 7 large galleaons being the prize. The actual plate fleet consisted of two warships and nine armed merchantmen, so there must have been five other ships, besides.

There was a semicircle of 10 ships in the lower bay, opposite Santa Cruz. The six largest ships were anchored at the entrance. Blake lead the attack on the forts while Richard Stayner lead the attack on the 6 large galleons. All the Spanish ships were taken, and Blake ordered the prized be burnt, as they were under heavy fire from the forts. Stayner's ship, the Speaker, was disabled. The English lost 40 men killed and 110 wounded. The offshore wind which made the attack so perilous aided the English escape back to Cadiz.

Sources:

1. R. C. Anderson, List of English Naval Captains 1642-1660, 1964.
2. Michael Baumber, General-at-Sea, 1989.
3. William Laird Clowes, The Royal Navy: A History from the Earliest Times to the Present, Vol.II, 1898.

More about David Swerius (Sweers)

Mr. Stapel passed on some information about David Swerius (Sweers, or Sweerts) that may correct some things that I have written about him in the past. I will paraphrase what Mr. Stapel wrote. David Swerius was a "distant cousin" of the famous admiral, Isaak Sweers (spellings are always difficult, as there are many different versions of the same names). David Swerius wrote abot the raid on Chatham from the position of secretary to the fleet. Isaak Sweers was off the mouth of the Thames when David Swerius informed him as to the results. On 30 September 1670, he was the schrijver (writer) for Willem Baron van Ghent. He wrote to the admiralty about his operations against "the Turkish pirates. Mr. Stapel has seen this note at the Scheepvaart Museum in Amsterdam. David Swerius was wounded in the Battle of Solebay. In the following winter, he fought on land with marines under Isaak Sweers command against the French. They fought in defense of the shoreline. David Swerius commanded a small unit of 8 officers and 47 sailors, fighting ashore. He fought in the Battle of the Texel, where he lost both legs. He was taken to his cabin. He tried to attract attention, but in the heat of the battle, he was not heard, and bled to death. He was buried in the Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam with "a simple gravestone". A "death coin" was struck in his honor, and this can be seen at the Scheepvaart Museum. I have followed Mr. Stapel's account quite closely, and I hope that I have given sufficient quote marks where I have directly quoted him. I thank him for his input.

English Captain: John Lloyd

Andrew saw that a John Lloyd served in the Restoration navy. He had also served in the Commonwealth navy, and commanded the Dutch prize Princess Maria from 1653 to 1655, and then the 4th Rate Diamond from 1656 to 1660. After the Restoration, he was given command of the 4th Rate Dragon, starting in 1664. At the Battle of Lowestoft, in 1665, he was in the Earl of Sandwich's division, in the Dragon (38 guns). Later in 1665, he commanded the Yarmouth (52 guns). He was in Sir William Berkeley's division at the Four Days Battle, in the Yarmouth. In 1666, he commanded the Plymouth (58 guns) in Sir Thomas Allin's division at the St. James's Day Battle. In 1668, he was back in command of the Yarmouth. In 1669, he commanded the Swallow. In 1672, he commanded the Triumph, apparently before the Battle of Solebay, as Willoughby Hannam commanded the Triumph at Solebay, where he was killed in action. Sources:

1. R. C. Anderson, List of English Naval Captains 1642-1660, 1964.
2. Frank Fox, A Distant Storm: the Four Days' Battle of 1666, 1996.
3. J.R. Tanner, A Descriptive Catalogue of the Naval Manuscripts in the Pepysian Library at Magdalene College, Cambridge, Vol.I, 1903.

English Captain: Peter Mootham

Peter Mootham served in both the Commonwealth and Restoration navies. In 1652, he commanded the Star (24 guns). He took part in the operation to the Sound in the fall of 1652, under the command of Andrew Ball. In 1653, he commanded the prize Bear, and then the Pelican (40 guns). At the Battle of the Gabbard, he was assigned to the Generals' division. He probably took part in the Battle of Scheveningen. From 1654 to 1660, he commanded the Foresight (42 guns). He sailed with Blake, in 1654, to the Mediterranean. He was left with the blockading squadron in front of Tunis in early 1655. In April, he took part in the attack at Porto Farina. He was with the ships sent back to England in September 1655. In March 1656, his was one of two ships sent to reconnoiter Cadiz. In April 1657, he took part in the attack at Teneriffe. On 9 July 1657, he set sail with Blake for England. The King continued Peter Mootham as captain of the Foresight, at the Restoration. In 1665, he commanded the Princess (52 guns). He was killed in action at the Four Days Battle in June 1666, where he was in Prince Rupert's division. Sources:

1. R. C. Anderson, "English Fleet-Lists in the First Dutch War," The Mariner's Mirror, Vol.XXIV No.4, October 1938.
2. R. C. Anderson, List of English Naval Captains 1642-1660, 1964.
3. Michael Baumber, General-at-Sea, 1989.
4. Frank Fox, A Distant Storm: the Four Days' Battle of 1666, 1996.
5. J.R. Tanner, A Descriptive Catalogue of the Naval Manuscripts in the Pepysian Library at Magdalene College, Cambridge, Vol.I, 1903.

English Captain: Anthony Earning

Anthony Earning served in the Commonwealth navy. From 1651 to 1653, he commanded the hired merchantman Reformation (40 guns). He fought at the Battle of Portland in early 1653. At the Battle of the Gabbard, he was assigned to Thomas Graves' division. He was very likely at the Battle of Scheveningen. Fron 1653 to 1659, he commanded the 3rd Rate Bridgewater. He was with Blake in the Mediterranean Sea, and fought the castle at the Battle of Porto Farina in April 1655. He also took part in the attack on Teneriffe in April 1657. In 1660, he commanded the small 3rd Rate Worcester. Sources:

1. R. C. Anderson, "English Fleet-Lists in the First Dutch War," The Mariner's Mirror, Vol.XXIV No.4, October 1938.
2. R. C. Anderson, List of English Naval Captains 1642-1660, 1964.
3. Michael Baumber, General-at-Sea, 1989.

The Dutch ship: Spiegel

The Spiegel was built in 1663, at Amsterdam, for the Admiralty of Amsterdam. She was a three-decked ship, although the uppermost deck was not completely armed. Her dimensions were 156ft x 41ft x 15ft.

When she was brand new, she was Michiel De Ruyter's flagship for his operations against the English in 1664. Her crew was nominally 315 men.

In June 1666, she was Vice-Admiral Abraham van der Hulst's flagship at the Four Days Battle. Captain Pieter Thomasz. de Sitter was his flag captain. In that battle, she carried 8-brass 24pdr, 16-iron 18pdr, 12-brass 12pdr, 12-iron 12pdr, 16-brass 6pdr, and 4-6pdr klokwijs guns. Her crew was 350 sailors and 47 land soldiers. She lost 35 killed, including Admiral van der Hulst, and had 66 wounded.

Dirck Schey commanded the Spiegel in the Raid on Chatham in May 1667 as well as in July 1667. Her crew for that operation was 325 sailors and 50 land soldiers. She carried 70 guns during that period. Dirck Schey still commanded the Spiegel in 1671, when she had a crew of 275 sailors and 60 land soldiers.

Jacob van Meeuwen commanded the Spiegel at the Schooneveld battles in 1673. Her crew was nominally 350 men. He also commanded her at the Battle of the Texel in August 1673, when she had a crew of 314 sailors and 12 land soldiers. In 1673, her armament was 70 guns.

In June 1674, the Spiegel was commanded by Engel De Ruyter. At that date, her crew was 296 sailors and 83 land soldiers.

In July 1675, Niklaas Verschuur commanded the Spiegel. Her crew was 360 men.

In 1676, Gilles Schey commanded the Spiegel. That is the last mention of the ship.

Sources:

1. James C. Bender, unpublished manuscript "Dutch Ships 1620-1700", 2004.
2. H.A. van Foreest and R.E.J. Weber, De Vierdaagse Zeeslag 11-14 Juni 1666, 1984.

The East India Merchant (in 1666)

One of the hired merchantmen that was with the fleet at the Four Days Battle in 1666 was the East India Merchant. Her captain was William Porter. The dimensions were LK 96ft-10in and B 29ft-8in. She had been built in 1652. She was hired in August 1664 and fought at the Battle of Lowestoft. Frank Fox says that she was attached to the main fleet during the Norway operations and then was present for the actions on 3 and 9 September 1665. She was released in December but was rehired in April 1666. She apparently left Sheerness on 4 June 1666, too late for the Four Days Battle. 50 of her men were transferred to the Warspite, so she missed the St. James's Day Battle. Frank writes: "She rejoined the fleet before 22 August and was present for the minor action of 31 August. Her hire was extended for service in the West Indies". She sailed for the West Indies in March 1667, but arrived too late for the Battle of Nevis. Her armament was 44 guns, of which we only know that she had 20-demi-culverins (9pdr) and 6-sakers (5-1/4pdr). Sources:

1. H.A. van Foreest and R.E.J. Weber, De Vierdaagse Zeeslag 11-14 Juni 1666, 1984.
2. Frank Fox, A Distant Storm: the Four Days' Battle of 1666, 1996.
3. Frank Fox, "Hired Men-of-War, 1664-7", Part II, The Mariner's Mirror Vol.84 No.2 (May 1998).

Blake's deployment to the Mediterranean Sea in 1654 (Updated)

On 29 September 1654, Robert Blake sailed for the Mediterranean Sea with a substantial squadron:

1. George, 60 guns Robert Blake, Admiral, John Stoakes, flag captain
2. Andrew, 54 guns Richard Badiley, Vice-Admiral
3. Unicorn, 54 guns Joseph Jordan, Rear-Admiral
4. Langport, 50 guns Roger Cuttance
5. Hampshire, 34 guns Robert Blake, the younger
6. Bridgewater, 50 guns Anthony Earning
7. Foresight, 36 guns Peter Mootham
8. Worcester, 46 guns William Hill
9. Plymouth, 50 guns Richard Stayner
10. Kentish, 40 guns Edward Witteridge
11. Diamond, 36 guns John Harman
12. Taunton, 36 guns Thomas Foules (or Foulis) <--
13. Ruby, 36 guns Edmund Curtis
14. Newcastle, 40 guns Nathaniel Cobham
15. Amity, 30 guns Henry Packe
16. Mermaid, 22 guns James Abelson
17. Pearl, 22 guns Benjamin Sacheverell
18. Maidstone, 32 guns Thomas Adams
19. Princess Maria, 34 guns John Lloyd
20. Elias, 32 guns John Symonds

The 6th Rate Merlin also seems to have been on the voyage. The squadron stopped a Cadiz, and then proceeded to Livorno. From there Blake had intended to go to Trapani, but news that there was a fleet at Tunis changed his plans, and they sailed directly for Tunis. They arrived at Porto Farina, where they blockaded the Turkish warships. They were in various states of disrepair, but an attack still looked difficult. They were short of water, so they sailed, leaving the Plymouth, Kentish, Mermaid, Foresight, Newcastle, and Taunton to maintain the blockade. Blake sailed to Cagliari to get water and decide how to proceed. He reached Tunis on March 18th. Blake attacked on April 4th, against 9 ships, backed by forts and shore batteries. Blake sent the smaller ships against the anchored ships (Newcastle, Kentish, Foresight, Amity, Princess Maria, Pearl, Mermaid, and Merlin, along with the Ruby and Diamond, although it is not clear where they were in the line) and fought the forts with his larger ships (apparently the Andrew, Plymouth, George, Worcester, Unicorn, and Bridgewater, in that order). The breeze blew towards the town, and sent the smoke from gunfire that way, keeping the line of fire clear. Boats were launched, commanded by John Stoakes. The English boarded the ships and fired them. Only 25 English were killed in the fight. The source for this was William Laird Clowes' The Royal Navy, A history from the earliest times to the present, Vol.II, pp.210-212 and Michael Baumber's book, General-at-Sea, pp.203-204

English captain: the second Robert Clarke

There were two Robert Clarkes who served in the navy prior to the Restoration. The second Robert Clarke commanded the Charles frigate, a hired merchantman, from 1645 to 1647. In the 1645 Summer Guard, he was in the Irish Guard. The record is confusing, as the first Robert Clarke was serving at the same time, and commanded other ships. The second Robert Clarke commanded the 6th Rate Martin (12 guns and a crew of 50 men) in February 1652. The record is unclear as to whether Robert Clarke was still in command of the Martin on 19 May 1652. The Martin was definitely present in the opening action of the First Anglo-Dutch War, off Dover. Sources:

1. R. C. Anderson, List of English Naval Captains 1642-1660, 1964.
2. Dr. S.R. Gardiner, Ed., The First Dutch War, Vol.I, 1898.
3. J. R. Powell, The Navy in the English Civil War, 1962.

English Captain: Richard Beach

Richard Beach served in both the Royalist naval forces and the Restoration navy. In 1651, he commanded the Michael (24 guns), and was captured. In 1654, he commanded the Royal James (22+ guns), and was captured again. From 1657 to 1658, he again was a Royalist privateer and was captured at the end of that period. He was knighted for his services, and in 1661, he was given command of the Crown. In 1663, he was given command of the Leopard. He fought at the Four Days Battle, in command of the Leopard, while in Prince Rupert's division (Sir Thomas Allin was Rupert's flag captain). In 1666, he commanded the Fairfax at the St. James's Day Battle, where he was in the General's division. In 1667, he commanded the Greenwich. In 1669, he was given command of the Hampshire. In 1672, he was given command of the Monmouth. In 1673, he served as Rear-Admiral of the Blue, with his flag on the Monmouth. On 13 March 1683, he was given command of the Royal James. Sources:

1. R. C. Anderson, Journals and Narratives of the Third Dutch War, 1946.
2. R. C. Anderson, List of English Naval Captains 1642-1660, 1964.
3. R. C. Anderson, Lists of Men-of-War 1650-1700: Part I English Ships 1649-1702, 1966.
4. Frank Fox, A Distant Storm: the Four Days' Battle of 1666, 1996.

Thomas Allin and the Dutch Smyrna fleet in December 1664

Sir Thomas Allin commanded a small squadron of ships operating in the Mediterranean Sea nad near Tangier. On 19 December 1664, they sighted 12-14 ships which proved to be the Dutch. The English cut their cables to try to get to them, but 6 reached the Puercas rocks on the south side of Cadiz, at the entrance. Captain Wager, in the Diamond, almost ran aground. Thomas Allin caught one of the larger Dutch ships. Other captains and ships were Clarke in the Antelope and Captain Seale in the Milford. Captain Mohun was in the Oxford. There were also the famous former Royalist privateer Richard Beach in the Leopard and Captain Terne was in the Portsmouth. Captain Allin took possession of a large Dutch ship, the King Solomon. Captain Poole's ship, the Advice took damage and was driven to the leeward. They received word from a Venetian that Captain Utber and the Essex had arrived at Livorno on 26 November. Captain Clarke had the Maria Sanctus and a pink that he had taken. They sent the Abraham's Sacrifice with letters to England. On Christmas day, they heard that the Dover had gone in to Tangier. Allin's Journal is rather sketchy about events, and I have only summarized the events in December.

English Captain: Sir John Chicheley

Sir John Chicheley served in the Restoration navy. He was the protégé of the Duke of York, to whom he owed his rapid advancement. In 1662, he was a lieutenant on the 2nd Rate Swiftsure. In 1663, he commanded the 5th Rate Milford. In 1664, he commanded first the 4th Rate Bristol and then the 4th Rate Phoenix. In 1665, he commanded the 4th Rate Antelope (46 guns). He was in William Penn's squadron at the Battle of Lowestoft. In 1666, he commanded the 3rd Rate Fairfax (60 guns) at the Four Days Battle. In 1668, he commanded the 3rd Rate Rupert. In 1671, he commanded the 3rd Rate Dreadnought. In 1672, he commanded the 2nd Rate Royal Katherine at the Battle of Solebay. Sir John and part of his crew were taken prisoner by the Dutch, but the remainder of the crew were able to retake the ship. In 1673, he commanded the 1st Rate Charles (96 guns). He was Rear-Admiral of the Red at the Schooneveld battles. At the Battle of the Texel on 11 August 1673, Sir John Chicheley's squadron "was driven to leeward", which allowed the Dutch to concentrate against Prince Rupert and Sir John Harman's divisions. Sources:

1. R. C. Anderson, Journals and Narratives of the Third Dutch War, 1946.
2. Frank Fox, A Distant Storm: the Four Days' Battle of 1666, 1996.
3. Brian Lavery, The Ship of the Line, Vol.I, 1983.
4. J.R. Tanner, A Descriptive Catalogue of the Naval Manuscripts in the Pepysian Library at Magdalene College, Cambridge, Vol.I, 1903.

Ships cruising between the Lizard and the Scilly Isles on 17 December 1653

A squadron of English warships was assigned to cruising duties between The Lizard and the Scilly Isles, as of 17 December 1653. This squadron consisted of 6 ships:

1. 4th Rate Bristol, 50 guns crew 200 men Captain Roger Martin
2. 4th Rate Assistance, 40 guns crew 180 men Captain William Crispin
3. 4th Rate Hampshire, 40 guns crew 180 men Captain Robert Blake (the younger)
4. Dutch prize Elias, 36 guns crew 140 men Captain John Best
5. Prize Hopewell pink, 20 guns
6. 4th Rate Nonsuch, 40 guns crew 170 men Captain Thomas Penrose

Sources:

1. R. C. Anderson, Lists of Men-of-War 1650-1700: Part I English Ships 1649-1702, 1966.
2. C. T. Atkinson, Ed., The First Dutch War, Vol. VI, 1930.

An Obscure Source: Corbett's small book about the Earl of Dartmouth's drawings

I am fortunate to actually own the full set of drawings as well as two copies of the booklet by Julian S. Corbett "A Note on the Drawings in the Possession of the Earl of Dartmouth Illustrating The Battle of Solebay May 28, 1672 and The Battle of the Texel August 11, 1673" published by the Navy Records Society in 1908. The drawings are reproductions from drawings made in the production of tapestries illustrating the battles. The original drawings, from which these were made, were thought to have been done by Willem van de Velde the Elder. When I was preparing the Privateers Bounty scenario for the Battle of Solebay, I relied on this pamphlet, along with Anderson's book on the Third Dutch War. Corbett's booklet, for example, lists the French officer's names and the English frigates at the Battle of Solebay.

English Captain: Peter Foote (or Foot)

Peter Foote (or Foot) served in both the Commonwealth and Restoration navies. In 1653, he commanded the 4th Rate Adventure (40 guns). He was assigned to escort colliers. In 1654, he commanded the 5th Rate Bryer. In 1655, he commanded the 6th Rate Merlin. From 1656 to 1660, he commanded the 5th Rate Mermaid. In 1664, he commanded first the Bryer, again, and then the St. Paul (or Paul). In June 1665, he was assigned a scouting mission between Calais and Winterton. We only know that he died sometime before 1689. Sources:

1. R. C. Anderson, List of English Naval Captains 1642-1660, 1964.
2. C. T. Atkinson, Ed., The First Dutch War, Vol. VI, 1930.
3. Frank Fox, A Distant Storm: the Four Days' Battle of 1666, 1996.
4. David Syrett, R. L. DiNardo, The Commissioned Sea Officers of the Royal Navy 1660-1815, 1994.
5. J.R. Tanner, A Descriptive Catalogue of the Naval Manuscripts in the Pepysian Library at Magdalene College, Cambridge, Vol.I, 1903.

English Captain: William Rouse

From 1651 to 1652, William Rouse commanded the Love. Interestingly, the Love didn't show up on Anderson's radar for his Lists of Men of War, but did for the captains list. The Love may have been a Royalist prize. In 1653, he commanded the 4th Rate Portland (42 guns). Apparently, there is a "name" issue with William Rouse, as he seems to have been called William Rause in Anderson's article about fleet lists. There is a reference in The First Dutch War that calls him William Rowe. He arrived with the fleet on 30 May, right before the Battle of the Gabbard. He was killed in action at the Battle of Scheveningen. He commanded the Portland at both battles. Sources:

1. R. C. Anderson, "English Fleet-Lists in the First Dutch War," The Mariner's Mirror, Vol.XXIV No.4, October 1938.
2. R. C. Anderson, List of English Naval Captains 1642-1660, 1964.
3. C. T. Atkinson, Ed., The First Dutch War, Vol. VI, 1930.

English Captain: Thomas Graves

Andrew had found a good article about Thomas Graves. He was a settler in America, and that prompted the article. The article starts off:

Thomas Graves (1) was born 6 June 1605 at Ratcliff, England, near London (or at Stepney, England), was baptized 16 June 1605 at Stepney, part of the city of London, and died 31 July 1653 (31st day, 5th month, 1653, old style calendar) in a sea battle with the Dutch in the English Channel. (A number of sources say he died in Charlestown, MA, but this definitely appears incorrect; e.g., Tracy Genealogy, p. 177, and NEHGS Register.) His will was dated 13 June 1652 and probated 1 Oct. 1653.

R.C. Anderson has very little about Thomas Graves in the captain's list. He only says that he commanded the President from 1652 to 1653, and that he was on the Andrew in 1653, when he was killed. He also has a problem in that he sometimes calls him William Graves. Thomas Graves commanded the President at the Battle of the Kentish Knock, in 1652. He lists him as Thomas Graves, in command of the President, at the Battle of Portland. At the Battle of the Gabbard, he was Rear-Admiral of the White, with his flag on the Andrew (56 guns). He also fought at the Battle of Scheveningen, where he was killed. Mr. Atkinson, in Vol.VI, editor of The First Dutch War, notes the name problem, as well. Sources:

1. R. C. Anderson, "English Fleet-Lists in the First Dutch War," The Mariner's Mirror, Vol.XXIV No.4, October 1938.
2. R. C. Anderson, List of English Naval Captains 1642-1660, 1964.
3. C. T. Atkinson, Ed., The First Dutch War, Vol. VI, 1930.