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Tuesday, February 28, 2006

English Captain: Richard Hodges

Richard Hodges served in the Commonwealth and Restoration navies. In 1654, he commanded the 5th Rate Basing. From 1654 to 1655, he commanded the Dutch prize Rosebush. From 1657 until 1660, he was back in command of the Basing. At the Restoration, the Basing was renamed Guernsey. He continued in command of the Guernsey until 1662, when the Duke of York appointed him to command the Dutch prize Westergate (the former Friesland ship Westergo). In 1664, he was appointed to command the Swallow (46 guns). He fought in the Battle of Lowestoft, whre he was assigned to the Earl of Sandwich's division in the Blue Squadron. From December 1665 until March 1666, he was at Tangier in Sir Jeremy Smith's fleet. In June 1666, he fought in the Four Days' Battle, where he was assigned to Sir Christopher Myngs' division in Prince Rupert's squadron. Sources:
  1. R. C. Anderson, List of English Naval Captains 1642-1660, 1964.
  2. R. C. Anderson, Lists of Men-of-War 1650-1700: Part I English Ships 1649-1702, 1966.
  3. J.R. Tanner, A Descriptive Catalogue of the Naval Manuscripts in the Pepysian Library at Magdalene College, Cambridge, Vol.I, 1903.

Monday, February 27, 2006

English Naval Officer: Robert Wilkinson

Robert Wilkinson served in the Restoration navy. In 1665, the Duke of York had appointed him as captain of the Dutch prize Charity (46 guns) (the former Amsterdam Directors' ship Groote Liefde). He fought in the Battle of Lowestoft in June 1665. He was assigned to the Duke of York's division in the Red Squadron. In the initial passes in the battle, the Charity and John & Abigail got caught on the far side of the Dutch fleet, opposite from the English side, and was taken. Several ships had gotten too far to leeward. Frank Fox writes that Robert Wilkinson "foolishly tacked and threw his ship squarely in the path of the enemy". Frank also writes that Robert Wilkinson had fought hard in defence of his ship, but the Charity was boarded and taken. He was finally appointed as Lieutenant of the Dragon by Prince Rupert in 1672. Later in 1672, he was appointed as First Lieutenant of the Newcastle. Finally, on 30 June 1678, the King appointed him as First Lieutenant of the 2nd Rate Royal Katherine. Sources:
  1. Frank Fox, A Distant Storm: the Four Days' Battle of 1666, 1996.
  2. J.R. Tanner, A Descriptive Catalogue of the Naval Manuscripts in the Pepysian Library at Magdalene College, Cambridge, Vol.I, 1903.

Sunday, February 26, 2006

English Naval Officer: John Waterworth

John Waterworth served in the Restoration navy. In 1662, he was appointed Lieutenant of the 3rd Rate Fairfax. In 1664, he was appointed Lieutenant of the three ships, in turn: the 3rd Rate Bristol, the 3rd Rate Resolution, and the 2nd Rate Swiftsure. In 1665, he was appointed as Captain of the Dutch prize Bear (42 guns). He fought in the Battle of Lowestoft, where he was assigned to Robert Sansum's division in the White Squadron. Later in 1665, he was appointed as Captain of the Bonaventure (48 guns). In June 1666, he fought in the Four Days' Battle, where he was assigned to Sir Christopher Myngs' division in Prince Rupert's squadron. Later in 1666, the Duke of Albemarle and Prince Rupert appointed him Captain of the Dunkirk. He fought in the St. James's Day Battle on 25 July 1666 (old style), where he was assigned to Sir Thomas Teddiman's division in the White Squadron. In 1668, the Duke of York appointed him Captain of the St. David. Later in 1668, he became commander of the 3rd Rate Princess. In 1669, he was appointed Captain of the old 4th Rate Constant Warwick. In 1672, he was appointed as Captain of the 3rd Rate Anne (58 guns). He was assigned to Sir John Harman's division in the Red Squadron. He was killed in the Battle of Solebay on 28 May 1672 (Old Style). Sources:
  1. R. C. Anderson, Journals and Narratives of the Third Dutch War, 1946.
  2. 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.
  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.

Saturday, February 25, 2006

English Captain: John Elliot

John Elliot was a fireship commander in the Restoration navy. He commanded the Tulip fireship in 1666. Later in the year, he commanded the Fox fireship. He fought in the St. James's Day Battle in the Fox. He was attached to the Red Squadron. On 9 and 10 August, he took part in the attack on the Vlie, under the command of Sir Robert Holmes. In 1667, he commanded the Robert fireship. Much later, the King appointed him to command the Castle fireship on 1 February 1678 (they thought the year was 1677, in the Old Style). He was apparently dismissed from the service about 1679, but I am not able to find out why. Sources:
  1. Frank Fox, A Distant Storm: the Four Days' Battle of 1666, 1996.
  2. David Syrett, R. L. DiNardo, The Commissioned Sea Officers of the Royal Navy 1660-1815, 1994.
  3. J.R. Tanner, A Descriptive Catalogue of the Naval Manuscripts in the Pepysian Library at Magdalene College, Cambridge, Vol.I, 1903.

Friday, February 24, 2006

English Naval Officer: Thomas Gardiner

Thomas Gardiner served in the Restoration navy. He started as Lieutenant of the 2nd Rate Henry in 1666. Later in 1666, he was appointed as Lieutenant of the Tiger. In 1668, the Duke of York appointed him as Lieutenant of the Bristol. In 1672, Prince Rupert appointed him as Captain of the Barnaby (apparently a hired merchant ship). He is mentioned in John Narborough's journal in September 1672. John Narborough wrote that on 2 September 1672, Thomas Gardiner, in the Barnaby, was sent to Harwich "to convoy the victuallers". In 1673, the King appointed him Captain of the Falcon. On 5 November 1677, the King appointed him Captain of the Assistance. Thomas Gardiner died in 1679. Sources:
  1. R. C. Anderson, Journals and Narratives of the Third Dutch War, 1946.
  2. David Syrett, R. L. DiNardo, The Commissioned Sea Officers of the Royal Navy 1660-1815, 1994.
  3. J.R. Tanner, A Descriptive Catalogue of the Naval Manuscripts in the Pepysian Library at Magdalene College, Cambridge, Vol.I, 1903.

Thursday, February 23, 2006

English Naval Officer: Thomas Berry

Thomas Berry served in the Restoration navy. In 1672, he was appointed as Lieutenant of the Hampshire. In 1673, Prince Rupert appointed him as captain of the Dartmouth. Later in 1673, he was discharged from the service by courtmartial. On 12 August 1678, Sir John Narborough appointed him as Second Lieutenant of the Plymouth. That must have worked out well enough that the Commissioners appointed him as First Lieutenant of the Foresight. On 11 April 1682, the Commissioners appointed him as First Lieutenant of the Gloucester. Not very much later, on 15 June 1682, the Commmissioners appointed him as First Lieutenant of the Henrietta. On 11 May 1687, the King appointed him as First Lieutenant of the Anne. This is somewhat suspect, as the entry is out of order by date. the next entry shows him appointed by Lord Dartmouth as Captain and Master of the Ann yacht on 5 February 1684 (they thought it was 1683, in the old style). On 14 April 1685, he was appointed by the King as First Lieutenant of the Oxford. On 4 April 1688, the King appointed him as First Lieutenant of the Dover. Only a month later, on 3 May 1688, the King appointed him as Captain of the Deptford ketch (10 guns). The Deptford ketch was wrecked on the coast of Virginia on 26 August 1689 with almost all hands, including Captain Thomas Berry. Sources:
  1. William Laird Clowes, The Royal Navy: A History from the Earliest Times to the Present, Vol.II, 1898.
  2. David Syrett, R. L. DiNardo, The Commissioned Sea Officers of the Royal Navy 1660-1815, 1994.
  3. J.R. Tanner, A Descriptive Catalogue of the Naval Manuscripts in the Pepysian Library at Magdalene College, Cambridge, Vol.I, 1903.

Wednesday, February 22, 2006

English Captain: Hugh Hide

Hugh Hide served in the Restoration navy. He was appointed captain of the 4th Rate Adventure in 1661. In 1662, he was appointed to command the 5th Rate Richmond. In 1663, he was appointed to command the old prize, the Guinea frigate. In 1664, he was appointed to command the 4th Rate Jersey (48 guns). He fought in the Battle of Lowestoft, where he was assigned to Sir George Ayscue's division in the Blue Squadron. Sources:
  1. Frank Fox, A Distant Storm: the Four Days' Battle of 1666, 1996.
  2. J.R. Tanner, A Descriptive Catalogue of the Naval Manuscripts in the Pepysian Library at Magdalene College, Cambridge, Vol.I, 1903.

Tuesday, February 21, 2006

English Captain: Charles Howard (Haward)

According to Frank Fox, Charles Howard (or Haward) served in the Restoration navy. In 1665, the Duke of York appointed him to command the yacht Merlin. Charles Howard apparently took command of the Garland sometime after the Battle of Lowestoft. In early June 1666, he was at Plymouth, where he was assigned to the Western Station. On 25 July 1666, his ship was lying in the Thames-Medway area, needing more men. He commanded the Garland (28 guns) in the attack on the Vlie on 9 to 10 August 1666. In 1672, he was appointed as lieutenant of the Assistance. Sources:
  1. Frank Fox, A Distant Storm: the Four Days' Battle of 1666, 1996.
  2. David Syrett, R. L. DiNardo, The Commissioned Sea Officers of the Royal Navy 1660-1815, 1994.
  3. J.R. Tanner, A Descriptive Catalogue of the Naval Manuscripts in the Pepysian Library at Magdalene College, Cambridge, Vol.I, 1903.

Monday, February 20, 2006

More about the capture of the Elias, Leiden, and Klein Harder

On 25 December 1666, a force of English warships fought five Dutch frigates and took three. The ships captured were the Leiden (built in 1647), the Klein Harder (probably built in 1658), and the Elias (built in 1665). The Leiden and the Klein Harder seem to have been burnt, while the Elias was taken into the English service. The English warships included the Warspite (Robert Robinson), Jersey, Diamond, St. Patrick, Nightingale, and Oxford. They were to convoy home a fleet of merchantmen from Gothenburg. Sources:
  1. William Laird Clowes, The Royal Navy: A History from the Earliest Times to the Present, Vol.II, 1898.
  2. A. Vreugdenhil, Ships of the United Netherlands 1648-1702, 1938.

English Captain: Richard Goodlad

Richard Goodlad served in the Restoration navy. In 1665, the Duke of York appointed him captain of the 5th Rate Pembroke (28 guns). On 25 July 1666, he was at Harwich with his ship, ready for sea. On 9 to 10 August 1666, he took part in the attack on the Vlie commanded by Sir Robert Holmes. Later in 1666, the Duke appointed him as captain of the 4th Rate Foresight. Sources:
  1. Frank Fox, A Distant Storm: the Four Days' Battle of 1666, 1996.
  2. J.R. Tanner, A Descriptive Catalogue of the Naval Manuscripts in the Pepysian Library at Magdalene College, Cambridge, Vol.I, 1903.

Sunday, February 19, 2006

English Captain: Charles O'Bryan

Charles O'Bryan served in the Restoration navy. In 1665, he was appointed by the Duke of Albemarle as lieutenant of the Jersey (48 guns). Later in 1665, he was appointed by the Duke of York as Second Captain of the Royal Charles, the fleet flagship. From there, he was appointed by the Duke of York as captain of the Dutch prize West-Friesland. In June 1666, his ship was lying in the Thames without a crew, as they had been removed to improve the manning of other ships. On 25 July 1666 (old style), he fought in the St. James's Day Battle, where he commanded the Advice (48 guns). He was assigned to Sir Edward Spragge's division in the Blue Squadron. On 9 to 10 August 1666, he took part in the raid on the Vlie, under the command of Sir Robert Holmes. In 1668, he was appointed captain of the Leopard. I do not have a source which mentions his service after taking command of the Leopard, or even that indicates on what date he took command. Sources:
  1. Frank Fox, A Distant Storm: the Four Days' Battle of 1666, 1996.
  2. J.R. Tanner, A Descriptive Catalogue of the Naval Manuscripts in the Pepysian Library at Magdalene College, Cambridge, Vol.I, 1903.

Saturday, February 18, 2006

Robert Holmes' squadron in the attack on the Vlie 9-10 August 1666 (old style)

This the composition of Sir Robert Holmes's squadron in the attack on Vlieland and the ships in the Vlie, from Frank Fox in his book, The Distant Storm:
Ship         Guns Crew Commander

Tiger        40   180  Robert Holmes, John Wetwang as flag captain
Advice       48   180* Charles O'Bryan
Hampshire    42   160  William Coleman
Dragon       40   160  Thomas Room Coyle
Assurance    38   150  John Narborough
Sweepstakes  36   140  Francis Sanders
Fountain     36   130  Thomas Leggatt
Garland      28   110  Charles Howard
Pembroke     28   110  Richard Goodlad
Fanfan, yacht 2    30  William Harris

Fireships

Bryar        12    16  Joseph Paine
Richard       4    16  Henry Brown
Lizard        6    14  Joseph Harris
Fox           6    12  John Elliot
Samuel        4    12  William Seale

Dutch Captain: Jacob de Reus

Jacob de Reus served the Amsterdam Chamber of the VOC. He fought in the Battle of Lowestoft in June 1665, where he commanded the Marseveen. The Marseveen was quite large, having dimensions of 170ft x 39ft x 18-1/4ft. The Marseveen had been completed in 1660. At the time of the Battle of Lowestoft, she carried 78 guns, consisting of 4-24pdr, 24-18pdr, 6-12pdr, 20-8pdr, 22-4pdr, and 2-steenstukken. The Marseveen was assigned to Lt-Admiral van Wassenaer's 1st Squadron. At 6pm, at the end of the battle, the Marseveen (78 guns), Ter Goes (46 guns), and Zwanenburg (30 guns) turned to fight the pursuing Blue Squadron. The fighting became so hot that the Marseveen was forced to turn, and ran aboard the other two ships, and became entangled. At that point, they surrendered to the Earl of Sandwich, but an over-eager English fireship commander, Captain Gregory, attacked the surrendered ships and burnt them. Of the three crews, there were about 100 survivors. Sources:
  1. Frank Fox, A Distant Storm: the Four Days' Battle of 1666, 1996.

Friday, February 17, 2006

Dutch Captain: Cornelis de Rechter

Cornelis de Rechter (or Karsten de Rechtere) served the Amsterdam Chamber of the VOC. He fought in the Battle of Lowestoft, where he commanded the fine ship Huis te Zwieten (70 guns). Frank Fox described the Huis te Zwieten as the best Dutch ship captured by the English. He served with De Ruyter's fleet in August 1665, and then was at sea with the fleet in early September. He was assigned to Tjerk Hiddes de Vries's squadron. The Dutch fleet had become scattered, and the Huis te Zwieten was one of four VOC ships taken by the English by early 9 September. Sources:
  1. Gerard Brandt, Het Leven en Bedrijif van den Heere Michiel de Ruiter, 1687.
  2. Frank Fox, A Distant Storm: the Four Days' Battle of 1666, 1996.

Rotterdam ships: 1828 to 1632

I made this chart in early 2003 of Rotterdam ships from the period 1628 to 1632 (or should it be 1633?):
Ship                             1628   1629   1630   1631   1632

Ewer, jacht or frigate, 50 lasts X      X             X      X
Salamander  110 lasts            X      X      X      X      X
Leeuw  180 lasts                 X      X      X      X      X
Leeuwinne  170 lasts             X      X      X      X      X
Prins Hendrick  170 lasts               X      X      X      X
Sonne (Zon)  170 lasts                  X      X
Grasmeijer  140 lasts                   X      X      X      X
Sint Jacob, boat 50 or 80 lasts  X             X      X      X
Amelia  100 lasts                                     X      X
Neptunis                         X      X      X      X      X
Dolphijn                         X      X      X      X      X
Orangieboom                      X      X      X      X      X
Groene Draeck  150 lasts         X      X      X      X
Eendracht                        X      X      X      X      X
Swarten Leeuw  110 lasts         X      X      X      X      X
Zeekalf                          X      X             X      X
Vliegende Arent                  X      X      X      X      X
Tonijn                           X      X      X      X      X
Jonas                            X      X      X      X      X
Keijser Carol  170 lasts                X      X      X      X
Cleyne Orangieboom  100 lasts    X             X      X       
Wafende Maen  140 lasts          X      X      X      X      X
Oude Abraham  170 lasts          X      X      X      X      X
Prins Willem                                          X      X
Tijger                                                X
Postpaert  100 lasts             X      X      X      X       
Bruijnvisch  120 lasts           X      X      X             X
Cleyne Neptunis                  X      X      X             X?
Gelderlant  180 lasts            X      X                     
Swarten Arent, jacht 100 lasts   X      X      X
Sint Antonis  60 lasts           X      X
Zeeridder  180 lasts             X      X
Engel  60 lasts                                       X      X
Sint Anthonis  140 lasts         X
Drie Coningen  130 lasts         X
Dubbele Arent                    X
This is based on a number of documents from the Nationaal Archief that I received in early 2003.

Thursday, February 16, 2006

Dutch Captain: Cornelis Muts

Cornelis Muts served the Amsterdam Chamber of the VOC (the East-India Company). In 1665, he fought in the Battle of Lowestoft, where he commanded the ship Beurs van Amsterdam (52 guns). He was assigned to Vice-Admiral Volkert Schram's 7th Squadron. There is an excellent drawing of his ship in Frank Fox's book, A Distant Storm, on page 94. The Beurs van Amsterdam had an unusually high head, turned way up, for better seagoing on the voyage around the Cape of Good Hope. He was still with the fleet in August, now under the command of Michiel De Ruyter. In August, Cornelis Muts was assigned to Cornelis Tromp's 3rd Squadron. He still commanded the Beurs van Amsterdam. Sources:
  1. Gerard Brandt, Het Leven en Bedrijif van den Heere Michiel de Ruiter, 1687.
  2. Frank Fox, A Distant Storm: the Four Days' Battle of 1666, 1996.

Wednesday, February 15, 2006

Dutch Naval Officer: Jean Baptiste de Graef

Jean Baptiste de Graef served the Admiralty of Amsterdam. He commanded the fireship Gouden Appel (which had a crew of 24 men) in the attack on Chatham. He was said to have "lost his courage" during the operation. Sources:
  1. J. C. De Jonge, Geschiedenis van het Nederlandsche Zeewezen, Vol.II, 1859.
  2. Carl Stapel, unpublished manuscript "Vlootlijst tocht naar Chatham", 2005.

The flag used by the Spanish Dunkirkers

The Spanish Dunkirkers flew the ragged cross of Burgundy on their ships. I had first become familiar with this flag when I was researching a portrait of Abraham van der Hulst that showed a ship in the background with a lion on the upper stern and flying the ragged cross flag of Dunkirk. We never were able to find the motivation behind the ship with the Dunkirk flag, but there must have been some personal connection to Abraham van der Hulst. There are paintings of what may be Witte de With's fight with Michiel Doorn from circa 1640. This is another. There is a very good Van de Velde drawing reproduced in Dr. De Boer's book about Tromp and the Dunkirkers. I have not been able to find a copy online. Thanks to Andrew for pointing this out to me.

Tuesday, February 14, 2006

I just ordered some of the useful references for the Dutch navy from 1688 and later

I just ordered some books that cover the Dutch navy from 1688 and later. That has been a weak part of my library. If De Jonge does not cover a naval officer, I have no other options for men who were not flag officers. These are what I ordered:
  1. De admiraliteit van Amsterdam in rustige jaren, 1713-1751 : regenten en financiën, schepen en zeevarenden, Bruijn, J.R.
  2. De vloot van den Koning-Stadhouder 1689-1690, WARNSINCK, J.C.M.
  3. THE DEFEAT OF JAMES STUART'S ARMADA 1692, Aubrey, Philip.

Dutch Captain: Jacob Kleyburg

Jacob Kleyburg served the Admiralty of Amsterdam. He lived from 1666 until 1712. Unfortunately, De Jonge does not list him, so all I know is what is listed by Heinsius. Sources:
  1. Anthonie Heinsius (Institut voor Nederlandse Zeegeschiedenis), Brieven van Anthonie Heinsius 1702-1720.

Monday, February 13, 2006

Dutch Captain: Pieter Constant

Pieter Constant served the Admiralty of Amsterdam. He was appointed captain in 1676. He set sail on 16 March 1676 from the Texel, headed for Cayenne under the command of Jacob Binckes. Pieter Constant commanded the Zeelandia (44 guns). The Zeelandia was the ship commanded by Jacob Huyrluyt and then Nicolaes Marrevelt in the First Anglo-Dutch War. On 5 May, he took part in the capture of Cayenne. On 31 May, Binckes ships removed the populace from the island Marie Galante. On 15 July, they took 7 prizes. On 26 September, they attacked Tobago. On 3 March 1677, the French squadron under the command of D'Estrees attacked Tobago, and the Zeelandia was stranded and burnt by the French. De Jonge has a good map of the battle. Pieter Constant was severely wounded, to the bone, a wound that took years to heal. In 1682, he commanded the Cornelia (46 guns) which was employed as a convoyer in the Mediterranean Sea. On 17 November 1683, he sailed to Algiers, in the Cornelia, to liberate slaves by buying their freedom. This account relies heavily on my translation of Carl Stapel's document. Sources:
  1. James C. Bender, unpublished manuscript "Dutch Ships 1600-1700", 2005.
  2. J. C. De Jonge, Geschiedenis van het Nederlandsche Zeewezen, Vol.II, 1859.
  3. Carl Stapel, unpublished manuscript "Pieter Constant", 2005.

Peter's alternate site for the Dutch Navy

I noticed this for the first time, this morning: Peter's Alternate Site for the Dutch Navy (the site is in Dutch: "de Alternatieve site over onze Koninklijke Marine").

Sunday, February 12, 2006

Dutch Naval Officer: Carel Godin

Carel Godin served the Admiralty of Zeeland. He was born in Utrecht on 2 March 1677 and died about 1734. He was lord of St. Laurens. He was promoted to Captain either on 27 October 1702 or perhaps 1706. In 1707, he helped to bombard Toulon. He commanded the Veere (58 guns). Afterwards, he was in Van Wassenaer's small group of ships that went to Genoa. Here, he ship is listed as having 56 guns. He was on an expedition against Algiers in 1721. He commanded the ship Nassau (52 guns and a crew of 320 men). He was appointed as a Schout-bij-Nacht either on 1 January or 20 October 1722. He went to Algiers in 1723 to conclude peace. He flew his flag on the Sandenburg (42 guns with a crew of 250 men). The Dey of Algiers refused, though. On 9 January 1730, he was appointed as Vice-Admiral. Sources:
  1. Luc Eekhout, Het Admiralenboek: De Vlagofficieren van de Nederlandse marine 1382-1991, 1992.
  2. J. C. De Jonge, Geschiedenis van het Nederlandsche Zeewezen, Vol.IV, 1861.

One tidbit from the 15 July 1652 list of the Dutch fleet

One of the documents that I received early in 2005 was a list of the fleet commanded by Tromp on 15 July 1652. That list is similar enough to what is in Hendrick de Raedt's pamphlet for 4 August 1652, there is not much new. One thing that got my attention was that Lt-Commandeur Nicolaes Marrevelt commanded Captain Huyrluyt's ship. That was the Zeelandia (36 guns). Presumably, Nicolaes Marrevelt had been Jacob Huyrluyt's lieutenant in the famous incident off the Start where Anthony Young had stopped the convoyers and 7 straatsvaarders. Shots were exchanged, and eventually, Anthony Young let the convoy proceed. Some reports say that there were three Dutch warships convoying the 7 rich merchantmen, but we only know the names of two: the Zeelandia (36 guns) commanded by Jacob Huyrluyt and the Campen (38 guns) commanded by Joris van der Zaan.

Saturday, February 11, 2006

Dutch warships at Scalaway after the storm in August 1652

The Dutch fleet, under the command of Lt-Admiral Tromp was caught in a strong storm off the Shetland islands in early August 1652. Some of the ships took shelter at Scalaway, after the storm. This is the list of those ships, from Hendrick de Raedt's pamphlet:
In Schalaway (somewhat speculative, as the names are often misspelled):

Key: 
A      = Admiralty of Amsterdam
A-Dir  = Amsterdam Directors
Ed-Dir = Edam Directors (Noorderkwartier)
Ha-Dir = Harlingen Directors (Friesland)
Ho-Dir = Hoorn Directors (Noorderkwartier)
R      = Admiralty of Rotterdam (the Maze)
Ve-Dir = Veere Directors

Rank       Commander                      Adm/Dir guns crew Ship    
commandeur Auke Balck                     A       46   150  Vrijheid            
kapitein   Jan Olivierszoon               Ve-Dir  38   125  Wapen ter Veere               
kapitein   Dirck Pater                    A-Dir   28   105  Blauwe Arend
kapitein   Gerbrandt Schatter             A       26    95  Dolphijn
kapitein   Jan Jansz Boermans             A       28   100  Prins Willem
kapitein   Cornelis Naeuoogh              A-Dir   34   125  Sint Mattheus
kapitein   Hendrik Ernestus de Bertrij    R       ?    ?    Hollandia
kapitein   Ariaen Heeres Cleyntie         Ha-Dir  28   100  Vergulde Pelicaen
kapitein   Cornelis Janszoon Poort        A-Dir   34   125  Kroon Imperiael
kapitein   Dirck Juynbol                  R       30   131  Gelderland
kapitein   Quirijn van den Kerckhoff      R       26   110  Maria
kapitein   Frederick Bogaert              A-Dir   28   115  Engel Michiel
kapitein   Bruijn van Seelst              A-Dir   38   135  Groote Liefde
kapitein   Cornelis Jansz Brouwer         A-Dir   28   105  Valck
kapitein   Jacob Pieterszoon Hoeck (Houck)Ho-Dir  30   110  Sampson
kapitein   Bastiaen Bardoel               A-Dir   28   110  Engel Gabriel
kapitein   Andries Douweszoon Pascaert    Ha-Dir  28   105  Sint Vincent
kapitein   Jacob Syvertsen Spanheym       A-Dir   34   120  Elias
kapitein   Jan Frederikszoon Houckboot    Ed-Dir  30   110  Vergulde Meerman
kapitein   Hendrick de Raedt              A-Dir   28   130  Zwarte Leeuw
kapitein   Leendert Haecxwant             R       22    90  Utrecht
commandeur Allert Adriaenszoon            R       ?    ?    Sint Jacob, fireship        
This is based on the list in Hendrick de Raedt's pamphlet, from the Maritiem Museum Prins Hendrik, in Rotterdam and annotated from my research results.

Friday, February 10, 2006

Dutch Naval Officer Hendrik de Grave

Hendrik de Grave served the Admiralty of the Maze. He was born in Amsterdam on 5 December 1670 and died there on 25 March 1749. He was appointed as a lieutenant in 1691. In 1698, he was promoted to Extra-Ordinary Captain. In 1713, he was promoted to Captain. He was sent in 1716 to the North. Czar Peter recognized his service, where he distinguished himself. In 1722, he was appointed as a Schout-bij-Nacht, and commanded an expedition to Algiers. He complained about the weakness of his squadron. He commanded similar expeditions to Algiers in 1728 and 1729. On 8 May 1744, he was appointed as a Lieutenant-Admiral and as fleet commander. He commanded a relieve squadron to England during 1744 and 1745. Sources:
  1. Luc Eekhout, Het Admiralenboek: De Vlagofficieren van de Nederlandse marine 1382-1991, 1992.
  2. J. C. De Jonge, Geschiedenis van het Nederlandsche Zeewezen, Vol.IV, 1861.

Thursday, February 09, 2006

Dutch Naval Officer: Jan Corneliszoon Ockerse

Jan Corneliszoon Ockerse served the Admiralty of Zeeland. He was born in Zierikzee on 17 November 1673 and he died at Middelburg on 10 June 1740. He was appointed as a captain in 1698. He commanded in the attack on Vigo Bay in 1702. He also took part in the capture of Gibraltar in 1704 and Barcelona in 1705. He commanded the Katwijk (72 guns) at Gibraltar. He fought in the Battle of Velez Malaga on 23 August 1704, still in the Katwijk. In 1705, he captured the French ship le Marquis (56 guns). In 1718 or 1719, he was promoted to Schout-bij-Nacht. On 25 July 1721, he was promoted to Vice-Admiral. On 9 January 1730, he was promoted to Lieutenant-Admiral. Sources:
  1. William Laird Clowes, The Royal Navy: A History from the Earliest Times to the Present, Vol.II, 1898.
  2. Luc Eekhout, Het Admiralenboek: De Vlagofficieren van de Nederlandse marine 1382-1991, 1992.
  3. J. C. De Jonge, Geschiedenis van het Nederlandsche Zeewezen, Vol.III, 1860.

Wednesday, February 08, 2006

Dutch Captain: Isaac Sweers de Jonge

Isaac Sweers, the son of the famous admiral, lived from 3 December 1671 to 5 November 1732. He was promoted to captain in 1696. He was hurt in the fight with Jean Bart's squadron during his attack on the eastern fleet. Sources:
  1. Anthonie Heinsius, De Brieven van Anthonie Heinsius 1702-1720.
  2. J. C. De Jonge, Geschiedenis van het Nederlandsche Zeewezen, Vol.III, 1860.
  3. Annette Sweerts, "Some people and families around the Dutch family Sweers (Sweerts de Landas)", 2001.

Dutch Captain: Matthias Boudaen

Matthias Boudaen served the Admiralty of Amsterdam. He was born in Amsterdam on 21 January 1674 and died there on 3 March 1722. In 1696, he was appointed as an extra-ordinary captain. In 1698, he was promoted to captain. In 1703, in the Overijssel, he overtook one of Duguay-Trouin's ships. He commanded at Gibraltar in 1704 and at Barcelona in 1705. He helped relieve Gibraltar twice. The French ship l'Arrogant struck to him. He also took l'Ardent. He joined the Mediterranean Sea fleet in 1708. He accompanied an English squadron through the straits of Gibraltar. He helped to captured two Spanish galleons in 1710. He convoyed merchant ships to Spain and Portugal. In 1717, he was appointed as a Schout-bij-Nacht. He gave advice about building better sailing ships in 1721. Sources:
  1. Luc Eekhout, Het Admiralenboek: De Vlagofficieren van de Nederlandse marine 1382-1991, 1992.
  2. J. C. De Jonge, Geschiedenis van het Nederlandsche Zeewezen, Vol.III, 1860.
  3. J. C. De Jonge, Geschiedenis van het Nederlandsche Zeewezen, Vol.IV, 1861.

Tuesday, February 07, 2006

Lists of the Dutch fleet

I have a number of lists of captains, and sometimes guns and crew, as well, in the Dutch fleet in 1652. One list is from 15 July 1652, prior to the storm in the Shetlands. That is somewhat similar to the list in Hendrick de Raedt's pamphlet (from the Prins Hendrik Museum in Rotterdam). I also have alist from 20 September 1652 that has some nuggets that are not available anywhere else. We also know that there is a list, in a pamphlet, of the fleet on 30 June 1652. As usual, the process of transcribing and analyzing is timeconsuming.

An example of what is in the 20 September 1652 list follows:

Capitein Cornelis Jacobsz. Brouwer, 't ship de Vergulde Valck, ingecomen den 20 dito, helst onder boort 21 Meij, van 110 coppen. Volck victualen... [the rest is unintelligible].

As usual, reading one of the documents takes time, as often, it takes days or weeks to recognize the squiggles as words in archaic Dutch. (Admittedly, this example leaves something to be desired).

Monday, February 06, 2006

Dutch Captain: Jan (or Jacob?) van der Goes

Jacob van der Goes served the Admiralty of the Maze. In 1696, he commanded the Maas (or Maze) (72 guns) in the fleet commanded by Philips van Almonde. He was assigned to Philips van Almonde's squadron. I am somewhat confused, because there is also mentioned a Jan van der Goes. De Jonge's list for 1696 clearly identifies the captain of the Maze as Jacob van der Goes. However, the index only mentions Jan van der Goes. We also know that in May 1699 and in 1700, Jan van der Goes commanded the Wassenaer (60 guns). In 1699, he was in the convoy service in the Mediterranean Sea, and in 1700 was still in the Mediterranean. He helped to take Carthagena in 1706. He helped to strengthen Port Mahon until the place was forced to surrender. In 1708 and 1709, he was with the winter fleet. Sources:
  1. J. C. De Jonge, Geschiedenis van het Nederlandsche Zeewezen, Vol.III, 1860.
  2. J. C. De Jonge, Geschiedenis van het Nederlandsche Zeewezen, Vol.IV, 1861.
  3. Carl Stapel, unpublished manuscript "Wassenaar 1693", 2005.

Sunday, February 05, 2006

Dutch Captain: Andries Stilte

Andries Stilte served the Admiralty of Amsterdam. In 1686, he commanded the frigate Oudkarspel (36 guns). In that year, he refused to let the French search his ship. In 1688, still commanding the Oudkarspel, he was in the fleet that carried Willem III to England. In 1692, the Oudkarspel ran aground in the Slenk as was sunk. In 1693, he was with the Allied squadron in the Mediterranean Sea under the command of Sir George Rooke. He fought in the Battle of the Smyrna fleet, where he commanded the Gelderland (72 guns). Sources:
  1. William Laird Clowes, The Royal Navy: A History from the Earliest Times to the Present, Vol.II, 1898.
  2. J. C. De Jonge, Geschiedenis van het Nederlandsche Zeewezen, Vol.III, 1869.

Dutch Naval Officer: Jacob de Jongh

Jacob de Jongh was born in Enkhuizen about 1640. He died at Enkhuizen on 4 December 1718. He served the Admiralty of the Noorderkwartier. He was appointed as a lieutenant in 1665. He was promoted to Captain in either 1674 or 1688. He must have been the commander of the Noorderkwartier (68 guns) in the Battle of La Hougue in June 1692. He also must have commanded the Maagd van Enkhuizen (72 guns) in 1696 with the fleet commanded by Philips van Almonde. On 23 October 1699, he was appointed as Schout-bij-Nacht. In 1705, he was in the fleet in the Mediterranean Sea. On 11 April 1709, he was appointed as Vice-Admiral. On 17 Ferbruary 1713, he was appointed as Lieutenant-Admiral. Sources:
  1. Luc Eekhout, Het Admiralenboek: De Vlagofficieren van de Nederlandse marine 1382-1991, 1992.
  2. J. C. De Jonge, Geschiedenis van het Nederlandsche Zeewezen, Vol.III, 1869.
  3. J. C. De Jonge, Geschiedenis van het Nederlandsche Zeewezen, Vol.IV, 1861.

Saturday, February 04, 2006

Dutch Captain: Gerrit Hooft

Gerrit Hooft served the Admiralty of Amsterdam. In 1688, he commanded the Nijmegen (46 guns) in the fleet that took Willem III to England. In July 1689, he was in a group of three frigates commanded by Paulus van der Dussen. They fought a sharp action against four Dunkirkers not far from the Texel. Gerrit Hooft was unlucky to be killed by a cannonball. Sources:
  1. J. C. De Jonge, Geschiedenis van het Nederlandsche Zeewezen, Vol.III, 1869.

The attack on the Smyrna Fleet in June 1693

A large fleet of merchant ships from England, the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, and Sweden sailed for the Mediterranean Sea, convoyed by a force commanded by Sir George Rooke. The fleet was commonly called the "Smyrna Fleet". The convoying force was a mixed fleet of English and Dutch warships:
Ship                 Guns Commander

Royal Oak              64 Gerard Elwes, flagship of
                          Vice-Admiral Sir George Rooke
Breda                  62 flagship of Rear-Admiral Thomas Hopsonn
Monmouth               58 Peter Pickard
Lumley Castle (M)      56 George Meester
Monck                  52 Stafford Fairborne
Lion                   52 Thomas Gardner
Loyal Merchant (M)     50 Philip Harris
Princess Anne (M)      48 William Wakelin
Tiger Prize            48 Robert Sincock
Woolwich               46 Christopher Myngs
Newcastle              46 John Baker
Chatham                44 John Leader
Smyrna Factor (M)      40 Edward Littleton
Sheerness              28 John Norris
Lark                   16 Peter Wotton
Admiraal Generaal      84 Rear-Admiral P. van der Goes
Gelderland             72 Andries Stilte
Zeeland                64 Philip Schrijver
Wapen van Medemblik    64 Juriaan van der Poel
Oost-Stellingwerf      52 ?
Nijmegen               50 ?
Schiedam               50 W. van Rechteren
Wapen van den Schermer 44 ?
Salamander, bomb vessel   ?
Suzanna, bomb vessel      ?
Dispatch, brigantine    2 Thomas Peacok
Speedwell, fireship     8 Thomas Simonds
Vulture, fireship       8 William Lindsey
Muscovia Merchant, storeship
                        Daniel Parsons
two Dutch fireships
The battle went badly for the Allies, as two Dutch ships were lost, the Wapen van Medemblik and the Zeeland, as well as 92 merchantships "taken, burnt, or sunk". The result could have been worse, if the French captains had followed Tourville's orders. The battle was fought near Lagos, Portugal and Cape St. Vincent. Sources:
  1. R. C. Anderson, Lists of Men-of-War 1650-1700: Part I English Ships 1649-1702, 1966.
  2. William Laird Clowes, The Royal Navy: A History from the Earliest Times to the Present, Vol.II, 1898.
  3. A. Vreugdenhil, Ships of the United Netherlands 1648-1702, 1938.

Friday, February 03, 2006

From my translation of an article from Oud-Holland 17

This is the start of my translation of this article:

The First War with England and W. van de Velde the Elder 1) by P. Haverkorn van Rijsewijk

Translated by James Bender

The battle near Folkestone between Maarten Tromp and Blake, on 19 May 1652, was followed in July by the first war between the Netherlands and England. It began under unfavorable circumstances for our land. The Dutch fleet was weaker than the English and was hampered by the merchant fleets, which were given to them and furthermore by the administration here that was as bad as that in England was good. The war took an unfortunate turn in July when Tromp set to see from the Zeeland coast. He wanted to attack Ayscue, who was near the Downs, watching for Dutch merchant vessels. Adverse winds, however, impacted execution of his plan. After that, he wanted to follow Blake, who went to the North Sea to destroy the Dutch herring fleet. Storms prevented him from doing this, as well. On 16 August he headed homeward with undone business. His actions had failed so badly that his policies were subjected to intense scrutiny. He was dismissed and Witte Corneliszoon de With was appointed in his place.
In the beginning of August, M. A. De Ruijter sailed with a Zeeland squadron to escort a merchant fleet through the Channel. On 26 August he beat Ayscue near Plymouth. This was the first battle in this war and the last of Ayscue. Against the return of De Ruijter, Blake sailed, after defeating a French fleet near Calais on 14 September. In the Channel, he united with Penn, to combine against De Ruijter. This threat to the county was foreseen and a fleet was collected near the Wielings, under the command of Vice-Admiral Witte Corneliszoon de With. De Ruijter passed Penn in the night, unobserved, and on 2 October, near Dunkirk and Nieuport, he met the dispatched fleet. On 8 October, the State's fleet was seen, not far from the Kentish Knock, somewhat North of Blake's fleet, which was somewhat more numerous. Blake immediately sailed their way, with great resolve. They had the advantage of the wind, larger ships with larger cannons. The Dutch made the initial mistake of firing at the masts and sails, rather than the ship hulls. When about 20 captains, mostly Zeelanders, fled, so Blake achieved the victory and sailed triumphantly back to England, while the defeated Dutch fleet turned back toward Goeree on 10 October.
One result of this defeat was that Maarten Harpertsz. Tromp was restored as commander of the fleet. On 1 December he set sail to sea fro the Meuse, burned with merchant vessels destined for Bordeaux to get wine. Jan Evertsen operated near him with some warships and 70 merchant vessels. By that time, our fleet was comprised of approximately 90 ships, 8 fireships, and some small craft, accompanied by more than 400 merchant vessels. On the 4th or 5th of December, they anchored at the latitude of Dunkirk. On the 9th, Tromp was near the Southern entrance to the Downs, where Blake was situated. He left his hiding place, however due to the change of wind, he had to anchor at the latitude of Dover. Tromp was near the same area, only to the leewards, on the next afternoon, about 3 o'clock, when the two fleets started fighting near Dungeness, near the Singels. The Dutch were now more powerful than the English, and twenty ships, mostly hired merchant vessels, and were with Blake during the encounter. These had to turn toward Dover, and on the next day, he was back in the downs, where the most ships were there in the Thames. After his victory, Tromp accompanied the merchant vessels to the Isle of Rhé, taking several English prizes along the way. He stayed near Bordeaux to wait for the returning merchant fleet.

Thursday, February 02, 2006

Dutch Captain: Christiaan Bernhard, Graaf van Bentheim

Christiaan Bernhard, Graaf van Bentheim served the Admiralty of Amstedam. In 1683, he served as a volunteer in the fleet. He fought in the Battle of La Hougue, where he commanded the Edam (50 guns). He was assigned to Philips van Almonde's division. In 1694, he was sent to Carthagena in the West Indies. In 1696, he served with the fleet under the command of Philips van Almonde, where he commanded the ship Zeeland (64 guns). In the West Indies, he captured the Spanish San Christo. He died of disease in 1697. Sources:
  1. J. C. De Jonge, Geschiedenis van het Nederlandsche Zeewezen, Vol.III, 1869.
  2. Carl Stapel, unpublished manuscript "Vlootlijst La Hogue 2 juni 1692", 2005.

Wednesday, February 01, 2006

Dutch Naval Officer: Jacob Jan van Cooperen (or Koperen)

Jacob Jan van Cooperen (or Koperen) served the Admiralty of the Maze. He was born in Rotterdam in 1669 and died there in December 1732. He was appointed as a lieutenant on 27 July 1690. On 20 February 1691, he was appointed as a captain-lieutenant-at-sea. In 1693, he was promoted to extra-ordinary captain. On 15 February 1698, he was promoted to full captain. He fought in the Battle of Vigo Bay, where he commanded the Wassenaar (60 guns). Finally, on 22 September 1713, he was appointed as a Schout-bij-Nacht by the Admiralty of the Maze. In 1706, he was one of the seamen who took part in the storming of Alicante. In 1708, he was part of the force that strengthed Lisbon. In 1711, he cruised on the coast of Catalonia. In 1711, he was sent to Naples and Tuscany. In 1714, he took his division to the Baltic. In 1725, he was sent to the Algerian coast. Sources:
  1. Luc Eekhout, Het Admiralenboek: De Vlagofficieren van de Nederlandse marine 1382-1991, 1992.
  2. J. C. De Jonge, Geschiedenis van het Nederlandsche Zeewezen, Vol.III, 1869.
  3. J. C. De Jonge, Geschiedenis van het Nederlandsche Zeewezen, Vol.IV, 1861.
  4. Carl Stapel, unpublished manuscript "Wassenaar 1693", 2005.

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