of Capt. Deakings, and Capt. ashire, with two of the Parliaments Men of War,
many honor English Captine and at [unr] written [unr]w taken by two Swedish ships
carrying [unr] pieces of Ordinance, and 4 Ostenders, who wore the Princes Colours but
before liberty could be purchased, great was the dispute that hapned, the conflict continuing
for the space of two hours; but Capt. Deakings plying the Switzers with severall
broad sides, caused them to desert engagement, leaving the Offenders to the mercy of
our men, who soo yielded, and submitted to mery; but two of them escaped while our
men were busie in boarding of the other, In this conflict above 100 were slain & wounded
of the Enemy, on our part, about 17, In the sacrificing whereof 100 poor Collers
were set at liberty; two days before this conflict, the Enemy sunk four small Vessels laden
with Coals.
Weymouth Aug. 28. 1649. Fryday last was a day of much thunder and
lightening in these parts something fierce and terrible but the more fright
full in regard that at one crack a ship that lay in this Harbour had her
main Most rent from the top to the bottom, and the amsseen quite hurled
out of its place, the main Most is in more then 40 peeces, and the parts so
broken insomuch that had she been at Sea, it would have sunk her, she
begin to take fire, but it was quenched. The Princes ships are very active
and doth great harm on these Coasts.
Bristol, Aug. 31. Sir, the enemy taking advantage of the late imployment
of our Navy, have too much presumed upon the neglect of these Coasts
by shipping; and therefor Hide, Cottington, and some other of the Princes
poor distressed Councell, made an attempt with about ten sayl of the
princes best shipping, upon a smaller number of ours; the fight was desperate
on both sides, and performed with much gallantry. And this day we
heard, that four of the Princes ships are taken, and two sunk, and that
Cottington, and some others of note are taken Prisoners, but not without
some losse. By the next I sta[unr]be at be to give you a more sur board accompt
thereof, if in the Interim you receive it not from other hands. The
thanks giving day was observed by some parts of the Country, but sloghted
by most, the Ministers being generally disaffected thereunto; and say they
will rather loose their Livings, then act against their clear Consciences,
and just Principles.
From Scotland they write, That the Letter to be sent to their king is
drawn up without any alteration, and is full both as to the direction of
Parl. and to former instructions proposed: the Solemn League and
Nationall Covenant being both put home: its possible there may be a
contracting of the disaffected party, and that the quitting Montross and
a few more may content, taking in such as will repent, and go handsomly
along with the Marq. and his party. On Sunday last was a day of humiliation,
at which the ministers expressed great good affection to their
king. Let him but sign what they desire, and he instantly becomes a