A Dutch ship had been taken by the English, and was to be in service by mid-February 1653 and was renamed the
Bear. We also know that Jacob Claeszoon Boet's ship, the
Zwarte Beer, was missing and unaccounted for in January 1653. My theory is that the
Zwarte Beer was taken by the English and entered their service, shortly afterward. The
Bear was only given to the Ordnance Office for disposal in 1665. We know the English dimensions:
Bear, 44 guns
Length on the Keel: 106ft
Beam outside the planking: 26ft-6in
Depth in hold at the center: 12ft
From that, we can estimate the original Dutch dimensions in Amsterdam feet (283mm):
Zwarte Beer, 32 guns and a crew of 115 men
Length from stem to sternpost: 140ft
Beam inside the planking: 30ft
Hold at the side: 13.5ft
The
Zwarte Beer had been hired by the Monnikendam Directors in early 1652 and served the rest of the year. The ship took part in Tromp's voyage to the Shetlands in July and August 1652. She also fought in the Battle of Dungeness in December. Dr. Ballhausen credits her with fighting in the Battle of Portland, but what he cites as evidence does not support the conclusion. He cites the report that she was missing in January as evidence that she fought in the battle in late February to early March 1653.
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