aside the Pr: of Orange at present, from being Stadt-holder;
which many in Zealand were so earnest for,
that it was thought they would have carryed it;
but reason ruled at last: So that young Stuert will
have the lesse hope of winding himself or Interest
into this Country.
From ostend, September: 23. stilo. novo.
The Merchants take a course now to convey
their Goods over land from the Streights, as Piece-goods
and the like, being for the most part silks,
which are of very great value, and not to be entrusted
to the Sea without a very good convoy.
Here are upon this Coast divers small men of
war of 4, & 6 Guns apiece, which make prize of
all men trading in these parts, which speak English.
One good going Faigat would rid them all hence.
The Packet boat was taken yesterday, and carryed
by this place, attended by two stout men of
war (as you may guess) one being of 6 Guns, and
the other 4. Last week there came hither about
120 of those poor Englishmen, whom Tromp had
forced to serve aboard against their Countrey.
They related how God dealt with the Dutch by
that storm, One and twenty Sail were for certain
lost. There were very few of those that escaped,
but they lost their Masts, and scarce a Sail left to
the yard of anyone of them. But 'tis observable,
that not a ship of those wherein any English were,
was cast away.
The Zealand Fleet under de Witte, consisting of
about 50 Sail, Fireships and all, are gon to Sea, and
to joyn with Rayter.