The 17. instant de Witte lay at half sea over betwixt Boloigne
and this town. This day being the 18 they have bin
and now are at the back of the Goodwin. They are about
60. Sail in all There is no news here of Gen: Blake; De
Wittee is obliged to play som feats upon him, or else never
return into his own Countrey, where otherwise the people
have vowed to stone him.
From Gen: Blakes Fleet near St Hellens point, Septemb: 20.
By our Vice-Admirals relation it appears that all possible
endeavours were used to engage the Dutch fleet: For, the
Vice-Admiral and som 15 others being separated from the
Generall; when bee rode the 15 instant off of Torbay, discovered
a Fleet of ships to the windward of them about five
miles, which they perceived to be indeed the Dutch. Hereupon
they unanimously resolved to engage them, if possible,
it being in their choice, having the wind, and ours not able
to prevent it if they should avoid fighting; which it was
thought they would not doe, in regard they were in sight
near 3 for one, our men telling som 36. som 40 saile; some
whereof appeared very proper ships; but it seems they had
no mind to fight; for the weather growing thick our men
lost sight of them; and so they gave them the slip very
poorly. The 18 the Generall failed out of Torbuy The
19. being off the Start, about 4. in the afternoon, the East-Indy
ships came to him from Plymouth; and so we set sail
this way.
From Portsmouth, September 20.
This evening General Blake with his Fleet, the East-Indy
men also and Merchants men in company With him, Were
come to an Anchor at saint Hellen's Point, intending there
(it is conceived) to stop a little, and also to put some ships into
this Haven.
Westminster, September 21. The Parliament consider'd of
the Act for regulating of Printing; which was read twice,
and committed.
LONDON, Printed by Tho. Newcomb. 1652.