for him as yet, is, to give him free Port for such
ships as shall sail by his Commission. But now
that the Zealand Lords are arrived here, somwhat
more will be attempted, not only for him, but also
in the behalf of the Orange Family; for the better
effecting wherof, endevors are not wanting by
hook or by crook to promote it.
But the main thing which the States brew at
present, is the setting out of their new provided
shipping which are to be commanded by de Witt,
whose design is to be out (if possible) before the
English, and then to block up the mouth of the
River Thames, and keep them in. They boast
they will set out 60 Sail for this purpose, and be
cause they will not want men to man them, they
have given a stop to their Greenland Fleet for this
year. And as for money, they are fain to strain
hard, the States have taken up mod part of this
Week in debate of a new Tax; which arising net
high enough to defray the Charge, they have order'd
that the Books of Rates set 16 years agoe
in the Wars with Spain, shall be turned over, and
imposed anew upon the Provinces.
They have sent Orders to Tromp to hasten, and
bring away with him such of their French Fleet of
Traders as are ready.
The Lorainers are now gon from the Frontiers.
Westminster, Febr. 5.
A private man of War hath taken one of the
best Sailers in Tromps Fleet. And the Pelican Frigat,
a Free booter of Flushing is taken by our Frigat
called the Tygre, and brought into Newcastle.
The Dutch now all withdrawn from Portolon