our coming hither, the Dolphin, a victualling ship of ours,
came to us, who in her way had been interrupted by 7 sail
of French men of war, the best ships that the King of France
is matter of; one of them, in which rides the Admiral of
France, bearing 56 brass pieces of ordnance, and five other
very great ships, and one Victualler, which makes up 7 sail;
take one with another, France doth not afford the like. The
Captain of our Victualler being commanded aboard their
Admiral, was taken into examination; and he knowing the
Truth would make him fare the better, began to relate how
by foul weather he had been separated from the Fleet of
Gen. Blake. Then the French Admiral demanded of him
where Gen:Blake was, as he supposed. He answered him the
truth, that he was gone into the Strieghts mouth with 30
men of war. At which the French Admiral somwhat startled,
departed, immediately called a Council of war; and
that being over, sent for our Captain into his presence again,
and bemanded of him what he supposed his men had plunder'd
from him? he replied, All that lie had in his Cabin.
Then he produced a great Bag of Crowns, and bade him
take it for satisfaction; but he scorned their mony. Then the
French drank Gen. Blakes health, and gave it 5 Gunns, and
desired him to tarry while the next morning, and he should
see those men hang'd without mercy that had plundred
him; but he refused that likewise, admiring at their curtesie,
and is arived to us a gain. I conclude it timeroushels, their
men being employed against their wils, and many Protestants
among them are ready to mutiny.
The Dutch strike sail here in the Streights. De Wit sl[unr]ook
his Flag at the Diamond, and at another squadron Nov 10
Wherever they meet us they are thus courteous, and make
us almost weary to answer their salutes
As for the Spaniard, he is extreme civil, for, one of our
Captaines, and divers of our Gentlemen going ashoare at
Gibraltar, they were very nobly received at the Landing
place by Churchmen and many Gallants: and assoon as
they entred the Town-gate, four Gentlemen armed, walked