English Captain: Robert Coleman

Robert Coleman served in the Commonwealth Navy. In 1650 to 1651, he commanded the Fortune of London, a vessel of 200 tons that carried 20 guns and had a crew of 80 men. Andrew pointed this out to me and I found one of the entries in the House of Commons Journal, Vol.VI. In 1653, he commanded the hired merchantman Globe (30 guns). He fought in the Battle of the Gabbard, where he was assigned to Lionel Lane's division. Presumably, he fought in the Battle of Scheveningen, as well. Apparently, in December 1653, he commanded the Dutch prize Arms of Holland (ex-Wapen van Holland) and was engaged in convoying colliers. From 1655 to 1656, he commanded the Wexford. From later in 1656 until 1658, he commanded the 4th Rate Elizabeth. Sources:

1. R. C. Anderson, List of English Naval Captains 1642-1660, 1964.

2. C. T. Atkinson, Ed., The First Dutch War, Vol.V, 1912.

3. C. T. Atkinson, Ed., The First Dutch War, Vol. VI, 1930.

4. Journal of the House of Commons, Vol.6, for the date 29 May 1651.

Dutch Admiral: Gerard Callenburgh

Gerard Callenburgh was born in Willemstad on 6 December 1642. He died at Vlaardingen on 8 October 1722. He was a member of the corporation of Vlaardingen from 1678-1711. He commanded in the battles of Beachy Head (1690) and La Hogue (1692) and at the capture of Gibraltar in 1704. He originally served the Admiralty of the Maze (Rotterdam). He was a 2nd Lieutenant in 1666. He was promoted to lieutenant on 10 February 1671. On 15 March 1673, he was appointed as an extraordinary captain. On 13 February 1674, he was promoted to captain. He was appointed as Vice-Admiral on 16 April 1689 by the Admiralty of the Noorderkwartier. On 18 April 1692, he was appointed as Vice-Admiral by the Admiralty of the Maze. On 20 November 1697, he was appointed as Lieutenant-Admiral by the Admiralty of the Noorderkwartier. The Admiralty of Amsterdam appointed him as Lieutenant-Admiral on 14 February 1709. On 19 February 1711, he was appointed Lieutenant-Admiral by the Admiralty of the Maze. This is from my translation of the piece in Luc Eekhout's Het Admiralenboek.

Dutch Admiral: Hillebrandt Gerritszoon Quast

Hillebrandt Gerritszoon Quast was born in Enkhuizen about 1580. He died in Enkhuizen in December 1636. In his career, he fought the Dunkirkers and left the service due to having given criticisms. He served the Admiralty of the Noorderkwartier. He was promoted to captain in 1606. From 1619 to April 1620, he served as a temporary Vice-Admiral. On 29 March 1628, he was promoted to Vice-Admiral. He left the service in 1635 and died late the next year. His ship in the late 1620's was the 180 last Hollandsche Tuin. She had a crew of 85 men in 1628. His flagship as a Vice-Admiral was the Wapen van Nassau (38 guns with a crew of 100 sailors and 20 soldiers). His son-in-law was Lieven Corneliszoon de Zeeuw. He succeeded his father-in-law in command of the Wapen van Nassau. Sources:

1. James C. Bender, unpublished manuscript "Dutch Ships 1620-1700", 2004.
2. Luc Eekhout, Het Admiralenboek, 1992.
3. Dr. F. Graefe, De Kapiteinsjaren van Maerten Harpertszoon Tromp, 1938.

English Captain: John Earle

In 1664, John Earle was lieutenant of the 2nd Rate Rainbow. In 1665, he was appointed as captain of the hired merchantman Loyal George. He commanded her from 7 February 1665 until 1 June 1666, when she was captured by the Dutch at the Four Days Battle. Previously, he had fought in the Battle of Lowestoft, where he was assigned to the Duke of York's division. John Earle was wounded in the Four Days Battle where he was assigned to Sir William Berkeley's divsion. Later in 1666, he was captain of the Nightingale. In 1668, he was appointed as captain of the Tiger. Sources:

1. Frank Fox, A Distant Storm: the Four Days' Battle of 1666, 1996.

2. Frank Fox, "Hired Men-of-War, 1664-7", Part II, The Mariner's Mirror Vol.84 No.2 (May 1998).

3. J.R. Tanner, A Descriptive Catalogue of the Naval Manuscripts in the Pepysian Library at Magdalene College, Cambridge, Vol.I, 1903.

Dutch naval officer: Jan Corneliszoon Meppel

Jan Corneliszoon Meppel was born in Hoorn in 1609. He died in Hoorn on 2 November 1669. He commanded in the Four Days and St. James's Day Battles in 1666. He also commanded in the Raid on Chatham in 1667. He served the Admiralty of the Noorderkwartier. He was appointed Vice-Admiral in 1659. On 29 January 1665, he was appointed Lieutenant-Admiral. This is from my translation of a piece in Luc Eekhout's Het Admiralenboek.

Dutch naval officer: jonkheer Philips van Dorp

Philips van Dorp was born in Tholen in 1587. He died in The Hague on 5 December 1652. He commanded the naval forces of the Republic from 1627 to 1629. He was dismissed in 1637 when the herring fleet was found to be insufficiently protected. He served in the council of the Admiralty of the Maze (Rotterdam) from 1637 to 1652. He started his career in the service of the Admiralty of Zeeland. In 1621, he was appointed captain. On 16 October 1622, he was promoted to vice-admiral. On 11 June 1627, he was promoted to lieutenant-admiral. He was dismissed on 22 March 1629. On 6 May 1652, he was appointed as lieutenant-admiral of Holland and West-Friesland. On 15 October 1637, he was again dismissed from the service. I have seen him characterized as more of a politician than a naval officer, much like Joris Cats (or Catz). This is my translation of a piece in Luc Eekhout's Het Admiralenboek, with my further comments.

English Captain: James Terry

James Terry served in the Commonwealth navy. From 1653 to 1654, he commanded the Great Charity (36 guns and a crew of 130 men) (the captured Amsterdam Directors' ship Groote Liefde). The Great Charity had been taken at the Battle of Portland, on the last day. In the December 1653 list, the Great Charity is said to have 44 guns and a crew of 180 men. The Great Charity was lying at Portsmouth at that time. Later in 1654, he commanded the Jersey. In 1655, he commanded the captured VOC ship Indian (ex-Roos). He was with William Penn's fleet dispatched to the Caribbean. Sources:

1. R. C. Anderson, List of English Naval Captains 1642-1660, 1964.
2. C. T. Atkinson, Ed., The First Dutch War, Vol. VI, 1930.
3. Michael Baumber, General-at-Sea, 1989.
4. William Laird Clowes, The Royal Navy: A History from the Earliest Times to the Present, Vol.II, 1898.

Luc Eekhout has a small bio of Lieven de Zeeuw

Under the year 1639, Luc Eekhout has a small bio piece about Lieven de Zeeuw. I have seen his first name written in a number of ways, including in handwriting from 1628 or 1629. Lieven de Zeeuw served the Admiralty of the Noorderkwartier. He took part in the Battle of the Downs in 1639. He was also on the abortive expedition to Brazil, under the command of Witte de With from 1647 to 1650. In 1639, he was appointed as a temporary Schout-bij-Nacht. This is from Luc Eekhout's book Het Admiralenboek. As I have previously written, we know he was in company with Maarten Tromp on 10 July 1639. This is a link to the longer piece that I had written about Lieven de Zeeuw.

English Captain: Eustace Smith

Eustace Smith served in both the Parliamentarian and Commonwealth navies. In 1644, he commanded the Hart frigate, a hired merchantman. In 1647, he commanded the John Adventure hired merchantman, when she was held in reserve. From 1652 to 1654, he commanded the Richard and Martha (40 guns) hired merchantman. The Richard and Martha was one of the more effective hired merchantmen, so he was present at many battles. He fought in the Battle of the Kentish Knock, in September 1652. In early 1653, he fought in the Battle of Portland. In June, he fought in the Battle of the Gabbard, where his ship carried 46 guns. He very likely fought in the Battle of Scheveningen, as well. From 1656 to 1657, he commanded the Lyme. He was with Robert Blake, during operations near Spain. Eustace Smith led an attack on Malaga Roads in June. Michael Baumber says that "The Lyme commanded by Eustace Smith , did particularly good work" in the attack on Teneriffe. Later in 1657, he commanded the 2nd Rate Rainbow. In 1658, he commanded the 3rd Rate Gloucester. In 1659, he commanded the 3rd Rate Speaker. Sources:

1. R. C. Anderson, "English Fleet-Lists in the First Dutch War," The Mariner's Mirror, Vol.XXIV No.4, October 1938.
2. R. C. Anderson, List of English Naval Captains 1642-1660, 1964.
3. Michael Baumber, General-at-Sea, 1989.

Gerrit van der Dussen

Luc Eekhout has just a short bio of Gerrit (Gerard) van der Dussen. Gerrit van der Dussen was born in Schiedam on 10 November 1636. He lived until 17 July 1711. He was a commander in the expedition to take William III to England in 1688. He served the Admiralty of Amsterdam. He was promoted to extraordinary captain in 1675. In 1687, he was promoted to captain. He was promoted to Schout-bij-Nacht on 26 September 1703. He became a Vice-Admiral on 22 March 1709. This is based on Luc Eekhout's book Het Admiralenboek.

English Captain: Bartholomew Yates

Bartholomew Yates served in the Commonwealth navy. In 1650, he commanded the William ketch. In 1653, he commanded the Falcon Flyboat (28 guns and a crew of 80 men), a Dutch prize. In December 1653, he was assigned to the Winter Guard, lying in the "Ellence Roads" (the way that it was transcribed in The First Dutch War, Vol.VI). Sources:

1. R. C. Anderson, List of English Naval Captains 1642-1660, 1964.

2. R. C. Anderson, Lists of Men-of-War 1650-1700: Part I English Ships 1649-1702, 1966.

3. C. T. Atkinson, Ed., The First Dutch War, Vol. VI, 1930.

Jan Gerritszoon van Muijs

Jan Gerritszoon van Muijs served the Admiralty of the Noorderkwartier. He was born in Hoorn on 17 April 1636. He lived until about 1699. He commanded in the Battle of the Texel in 1673, and the operation to take William III to England in 1688. He also fought in the Battles of La Hougue in 1692 and Camaret in 1694. In 1667, he was promoted to Kapitein-ter-Zee. On 26 October 1691, he was promoted to Schout-bij-Nacht. This is from Luc Eekhout's book Het Admiralenboek.

English Captain: Jean Baptiste Du Tiel

Jean Baptiste Du Tiel was a Frenchman serving in the English navy. In 1665, he was captain of the prize Fountain (30 guns) and fought in the Battle of Lowestoft. He was assigned to the Duke of York's division. Later in 1665, he commanded the Jersey. In 1671, he was appointed to command a galley in the Mediterranean Sea, although Frank Fox says that he commanded the Jersey. Frank Fox says that Jean Baptiste Du Tiel took part in an action with the Algerines off Cape Spartel in 1670, and did so badly that he was dismissed from the service. Previously, he had been dismissed after fighting in the Four Days Battle. If he had not had the Duke of York as a patron, things could have gone very badly for him, such as being hung. He was relieved as captain of the Jersey by Francis Digby. Sources:

1. Frank Fox, A Distant Storm: the Four Days' Battle of 1666, 1996.

2. J.R. Tanner, A Descriptive Catalogue of the Naval Manuscripts in the Pepysian Library at Magdalene College, Cambridge, Vol.I, 1903.

Jonkheer Joris van Catz

Joris van Catz served the Admiralty of Amsterdam. He was born about 1590 and died about 1653. He was a nobleman from Coulster. He commanded in the Battle of the Downs in 1639 and in the expedition in the Sound from 1644 to 1645. He was dismissed from the service due to his arrogant actions as commander-in-chief in the Mediterranean Sea in 1652. The Duke of Tuscany was angered by his actions so he was replaced by Johan van Galen. He was promoted to captain in 1621. He served as a temporary Schout-bij-Nacht from 9 June 1645 to 2 December 1645. On 17 April 1647, he was promoted to Schout-bij-Nacht. On 25 August 1652, he was dismissed from the service. This is my translation of what Luc Eekhout wrote, with some additions.

Abraham van der Hulst

This is what Luc Eekhout had to say about Abraham van der Hulst. He was born in Amsterdam on 11 April 1619. He fought in the Battle of Scheveningen in 1653 (as well as other battles in the First Anglo-Dutch War). He also fought at the Battle of Lowestoft in 1665. He was killed in the Four Days Battle on 12 June 1666. He was hit by a musket shot. He served the Admiralty of Amsterdam. In 1650, he was appointed Kapitein-ter-Zee extra-ordinarie. In 1653, he was promoted to Kapitein-ter-Zee. On 25 July 1665, he was promoted to Vice-Admiral.

English Captain: William Coleman

William Coleman served in the Restoration navy. William Coleman was second lieutenant on the 1st Rate Sovereign in 1665. Later in 1665, he was first lieutenant on the 3rd Rate Mary. In 1666, he was appointed captain of the 4th Rate Guinea. While at Tagus, a Frenchman boasted that he would attack and beat Coleman in the Guinea. It proved an idle boast, and Coleman took two prizes, which he burnt rather than risk being undermanned. Later in 1666, Prince Rupert and the Duke of Albemarle appointed him captain of the Hampshire. In 1668, he became captain of the 4th Rate Centurion. In 1669, he commanded first the 3rd Rate Princess and then the Portsmouth. In 1672, he commanded the 3rd Rate Gloucester (58 guns). He fought in the Battle of Solebay in the Gloucester, where he was assigned to Sir John Kempthorne's division. In May, before the fleet action, Coleman succeeded in escaping 30 Dutch ships, due to his skill and resourcefullness. In 1673, Prince Rupert appointed him to command the 3rd Rate Edgar. Later, on 26 March 1678, the King reappointed him to command the Edgar. Sources:

1. William Laird Clowes, The Royal Navy: A History from the Earliest Times to the Present, Vol.II, 1898.

2. Julian S. Corbett, “A Note on the Drawings in the Possession of The Earl of Dartmouth Illustrating The Battle of Solebay May 28, 1672 and The Battle of the Texel August 11, 1673”, 1908.

3. J.R. Tanner, A Descriptive Catalogue of the Naval Manuscripts in the Pepysian Library at Magdalene College, Cambridge, Vol.I, 1903.

Dutch Captain: Jacob Corneliszoon de Boer

Jacob Corneliszoon de Boer served the Admiralty of the Noorderkwartier. He was born about 1600, possibly in Enkhuizen and died on 22 August 1655, also in Enkhuizen. He fought in the Battles of Monte Christo in 1652 and Livorno in 1653. He was appointed captain in 1639. In 1652, he was promoted to temporary Schout-bij-Nacht. On 11 November 1653, he was appointed as a permanent Schout-bij-Nacht. Source:

1. Luc Eekhout, Het Admiralenboek: De Vlagofficieren van de Nederlandse marine 1382-1991, 1992.

English Captain: Leonard Harris

Leonard Harris served in the Parliamentarian and Commonwealth navies. In 1642, he commanded the hired merchantman Paragon. In 1648, he commanded the 3rd Rate Swallow, which went over to the Royalists. From 1653 to 1654, he commanded the Little Charity. That was apparently after the Battle of Scheveningen, as a different captain commanded the Little Charity at that battle (William Whitehorne). William Laird Clowes lists the ship as being the Great Charity (36 guns and a crew of 150 men), and places him with William Penn's expedition to the West Indies that sailed on Christmas Day of 1654. Sources:

1. R. C. Anderson, "English Fleet-Lists in the First Dutch War," The Mariner's Mirror, Vol.XXIV No.4, October 1938.
2. R. C. Anderson, List of English Naval Captains 1642-1660, 1964.
3. William Laird Clowes, The Royal Navy: A History from the Earliest Times to the Present, Vol.II, 1898.

The two English captains named John Bowen

What must have been the elder John Bowen served in the Parliamentarian navy. In 1642, he commanded the 3rd Rate Antelope. In 1643, he commanded the Entrance. In 1644, he was moved to the Dreadnought (which was in the last stages of its service life). In 1645, he commanded the 3rd Rate Leopard. In 1646, he commanded the 3rd Rate Garland. In 1647, moved to the 3rd Rate Entrance. Finally, in 1648, he commanded the 4th Rate Phoenix. During this time, the younger John Bowen commanded the Hart from 1646 to 1648. In 1648, he commanded first the Weymouth and then the Recovery. In 1649, he commanded the Hind. Sources:

1. R. C. Anderson, Lists of Men-of-War 1650-1700: Part I English Ships 1649-1702, 1966.

Aert Janszoon van Nes

Aert van Nes went to sea in 1637. He was born in Rotterdam in 1626 and lived until 14 September 1693. He commanded the 26-gun ship Gelderland in 1652. At the Battle of the Sound in 1658, he commanded the Wapen van Rotterdam (40 guns). He was a flag officer in the Four Days Battle and St. James's Day Battle in 1666. He took part in the Raid on Chatham in 1667, the Battle of Solebay in 1672, the two Schooneveld battles and the Battle of the Texel in 1673. His nickname was the Jonge Boer Jaap. He was promoted to captain on 23 August 1652, and to Schout-bij-Nacht on 3 March 1662, Vice-Admiral on 29 January 1665, and lieutenant-admiral on 24 February 1666. He served until April 1693. I have augmented what Luc Eekhout listed about Aert van Nes.

A short bio of Maarten Harpertsz. Tromp

Luc Eekhout has a short piece on Maarten Tromp, along with a portrait that I had not seen previously. Like Witte de With, Maarten Tromp was born in Brielle. He was born on 24 April 1598. He was killed in action by an English sharpshooter at the Battle of Scheveningen. He served in the merchant service from 1610 to 1612, as a boy. He was a ship carpenter from 1612 to 1616, and he commanded in the Battles off Dunkirk and at the Downs in 1639. After the death of William II, he was reduced in rank, but it was restored in 1651. He commanded in the Battles of Dover, Dungeness, Portland, the Gabbard, and Scheveningen. In the last battle, he was mortally wounded and died. He had been promoted to Lieutenant-Admiral on 27 October 1637 and again on 28 September 1651.

Dutch Captain: Pieter Salomonszoon

Pieter Salomonszoon (Salomons) served in the First and Second Anglo-Dutch Wars. He had previously served in the Verenigde Oostindische Compagnie prior to 1652. He commanded one of their ships in the first war, the Vrede (40 guns). Luc Eekhout says that he fought in the original battle off Dover in May 1652, then at Plymouth, the Battle of the Kentish Knock, Dungeness, the Battle of Portland, and the Battle of Scheveningen. In the second war, he fought in the Battle of Lowestoft and the Four Days Battle, where he was killed. In 1652 he had been an extraordinary captain, in 1654, a captain, and then in 1665, a temporary Schout-bij-Nacht. Source:

1. Luc Eekhout, Het Admiralenboek: De vlagofficieren van de Nederlandse marine 1382-1991, 1992.

My latest book acquistion arrived yesterday

A reader had recommended Luc Eekhout's book Het Admiralenboek: De vlagofficieren van de Nederlandse marine 1382-1991. The copy that arrived yesterday is one I ordered directly from the publisher BV Uitgeverij De Bataafsche Leeuw. I had ordered by email and they sent the book and invoice. I'm hoping that I might make use of the book in my research. If nothing else, there is blogging material on the admirals.

English Captain and Admiral: Sir Roger Strickland

Sir Roger Strickland served in the Restoration navy and into the new regime after 1688. In 1661, he was appointed as lieutenant of the 4th Rate Sapphire. In 1662, he served as the lieutenant of the Crown. In 1663, he was moved to the old 4th Rate Providence as lieutenant. After the outbreak of the second war, he became lieutenant of the hired merchantman "Hambrough Merchant" (more creative spelling). Later in 1665, he became the lieutenant of the 2nd Rate Rainbow. Finally, in 1666, he was appointed captain of the Sancta Maria. In 1668, he became captain of the 5th Rate Success. In 1669, he was appointed captain of the 4th Rate Kent. In 1671, he was moved to the Antelope. In 1672, he commanded first the Plymouth and then the 2nd Rate Henry. He fought in the Battle of Solebay, in command of the Plymouth (58 guns), where he was assigned to Sir Joseph Jordan's division. In 1674, the King appointed him as captain of the 4th Rate Dragon. On 5 November 1677, was appointed captain of the 4th Rate Centurion, and then was moved to the 3rd Rate Mary shortly after that, on 10 December 1677. On 1 April 1678, Sir Roger Strickland and Arthur Herbert (captain of the Rupert) captured an Algerine warship. The Rupert did most of the damage, and the arrival of the Mary simply caused the Algerine to strike her flag. In early 1679 (they called it 1678, as it was in January), Sir John Narborough appointed Sir Roger Strickland to command the 4th Rate Bristol. The date was 14 January. He was reappointed to command her by the King on 23 March 1685. Finally, on 14 June 1688, King James II appointed him to command the 3rd Rate Mary. One inflammatory act by the king was to appoint Sir Roger Strickland, as Catholic, to command the fleet. He was eventually demoted, but it was another reason for the coup. By late in the year, the Glorious Revolution occurred, and the new regime came to power. Sources:

1. William Laird Clowes, The Royal Navy: A History from the Earliest Times to the Present, Vol.II, 1898.
2. J.R. Tanner, A Descriptive Catalogue of the Naval Manuscripts in the Pepysian Library at Magdalene College, Cambridge, Vol.I, 1903.

A short note about English captain Richard Kirby, who was executed for cowardice

One captain who was shot after Admiral Benbow's action in the Caribbean was Richard Kirby. He was appointed captain on 7 February 1690. In 1695, he had been part of a squadron in the Mediterranean Sea that was operating against pirates. At that time, he commanded the Southampton (48 guns). He was part of Vice-Admiral John Benbow's squadron engaged with the French in August 1702. The squadron consisted of the following ships:

• Defiance, 64 guns crew 445 Richard Kirby
• Pendennis, 48 guns crew 230 men Thomas Hudson
• Windsor, 60 guns crew 340 men John Constable
• Breda, 70 guns crew 460 men Vice-Adm. John Benbow, captain Christopher Fogg
• Greenwich, 54 guns crew 280 men Cooper Wade
• Ruby, 48 guns crew 230 men George Walton
• Falmouth, 48 guns crew 230 men Samuel Vincent

Captains Kirby and Wade were convicted of cowardice and shot. Captain Constable was acquitted of cowardice, but was cashiered from the navy for other deeds. He also was imprisoned. Syrett says that Kirby was executed for cowardice under fire on 16 April 1703. The two guilty captains were sent home before being executed on board the Bristol. Sources:

1. William Laird Clowes, The Royal Navy: A History from the Earliest Times to the Present, Vol.II, 1898.

2. David Syrett, R. L. DiNardo, The Commissioned Sea Officers of the Royal Navy 1660-1815, 1994.

English Captain: Arthur Ashby

Arthur Ashby served in the Restoration navy. In 1664, he was lieutenant on the Crown. In 1666, Prince Rupert and the Duke of Albemarle appointed him to command the Guinea frigate (38 guns). He was killed in action with the Dutch at the St. James's Day Battle on 25 July 1666. He was assigned to Sir Thomas Teddiman's division. Sir Thomas Teddiman was Vice-Admiral of the White. Sources:

1. Frank Fox, A Distant Storm: the Four Days' Battle of 1666, 1996.
2. J.R. Tanner, A Descriptive Catalogue of the Naval Manuscripts in the Pepysian Library at Magdalene College, Cambridge, Vol.I, 1903.

English Captain: William Finch

William Finch served in the Restoration navy. In 1661, he was appointed to command the 5th Rate Forester. In 1666, Prince Rupert and the Duke of Albemarle appointed him to command first the Amity and then the Foresight. In the Amity, he fought in the St. James's Day Battle, where he was assigned to Sir Jeremy Smith's division. In 1671, he was appointed to command the Crown (46 guns). He fought in the Battle of Solebay, where he was assigned to the Earl of Sandwich's division. In 1672, he was appointed to command the York (58 guns). In August 1672, he was assigned to Sir John Kempthorne's division. He fought in the First Schooneveld Battle and was killed on 28 May 1673. He was assigned to Sir Edward Spragge's Blue Squadron. Sources:

1. R. C. Anderson, Journals and Narratives of the Third Dutch War, 1946.

2. Julian S. Corbett, “A Note on the Drawings in the Possession of The Earl of Dartmouth Illustrating The Battle of Solebay May 28, 1672 and The Battle of the Texel August 11, 1673”, 1908.

3. J.R. Tanner, A Descriptive Catalogue of the Naval Manuscripts in the Pepysian Library at Magdalene College, Cambridge, Vol.I, 1903.

Another two-war veteran: the Exchange

The hired merchantman Exchange fought in both the First and Second Anglo-Dutch Wars. She was built in 1650, and had dimensions of 74ft-9in on the keel and a beam of 28ft-11in. Her burden was 332 tons. She had 9 ports on the lower deck per side. During the First Anglo-Dutch War, the Exchange fought in five battles: the Kentish Knock, Dungeness, Portland, the Gabbard, and Scheveningen. She was hired in January 1665 for service in the second war. She fought in the Battle of Lowestoft. She was meant to be at Bergen, but was prevented from being there by bad weather. She was present for the actions against returning Dutch ships on 3 September and 9 September. She was released in December 1665. In 1665, she had a crew of 170 men and carried 36 guns:

• Ship's guns: 4-demi-culverins and 14-sakers
• Navy guns: 8-culverins and 10-demi-culverins

Source:

1. Frank Fox, "Hired Men-of-War, 1664-7", Part II, The Mariner's Mirror Vol.84 No.2 (May 1998).

English Captain: Sir John Narborough

I thought it was notable that Sir John Narborough had been Christopher Myngs' lieutenant on the Victory at the Four Days Battle. On the fourth day of the battle, Christopher Myngs tried to get the wind by passing to the south of the whole Dutch fleet. He was beating into the wind when the Dutch recognized what he was doing. The Dutch rear moved to dispute the passage, and Jan De Liefde, in the new Ridderschap attacked the Victory. The two ships passed, almost touching yardarms. Christoper Myngs was shot in the cheeks by a Dutch marksman in the rigging. He stayed in command until he was shot again. He was forcibly taken below and John Narborough was left in command. Christopher Myngs lived for a week after the battle. He was a great loss, as he was an experienced seaman who had served under the Commonwealth. John Narborough steered the disabled Victory to the north so he could repair her rigging. Several van division ships stayed in support, so that the Victory was not disturbed by the Dutch. Source:

1. Frank Fox, A Distant Storm: the Four Days' Battle of 1666, 1996.

The Earl of Sandwich's division at the Battle of Solebay

If we look at the Earl of Sandwich's division in the Battle of Solebay, we see many names that I have recently written about. I believe that this is the order in which they sailed:

1. Montagu, 60 guns Thomas Darcy
2. Falcon, 40 guns (actually, an upgunned 5th Rate) Charles Mountague
3. Leopard, 54 guns Peter Bowen
4. Rupert, 66 guns Sir John Holmes
5. Royal James, 100 guns Earl of Sandwich, Richard Haddock captain
6. Henry, 74 guns Francis Digby
7. Edgar, 70 guns John Wetwang
8. Crown, 46 guns William Finch

He had reasonably strong seconds, with the Rupert and Henry, along with the Edgar right behind her. The Earl should have survived, except for the rampant indiscipline in the Restoration navy. Panicked crew members jumped into his boat, until it was swamped, and he and others were drowned. They eventually found his body washed ashore. They recognized it by the medals. This list is from Corbett's small booklet.

English Captain: William Davies

William Davies served in the Restoration navy. Pepys lists him as the first William Davies, but Frank Fox calls the other captain William Davis. This William Davies was appointed lieutenant of the 4th Rate Diamond in 1664. By 18 April 1665, he was appointed captain of the Little Unicorn. At the time of the Battle of Lowestoft, the ship was fitting out. He took command of a hired merchantman, the Maryland, on 10 July 1665. He continued in command of her until 11 December 1665. In 1666, he commanded the Dutch prize Zealand. Later, he was appointed to command the hired merchantman Coronation (52 guns). He fought at the St. James's Day Battle on 25 July 1666. Later still, in 1666, he commanded the Guinea frigate. Perhaps the note under William Davis, in Pepys, is mistaken. In 1668, he commanded the 5th Rate Guernsey. In 1669, he commanded the 5th Rate Forester. By 1671, he was appointed to command the Mary Rose. By August 1672, he commanded the 2nd Rate St. George (64 guns) in Richard Beach's division. In 1673, he was appointed to command the 2nd Rate Triumph. In June 1673, he fought in the Schooneveld battles. On 3 December 1674, the King appointed William Davies to command the 4th Rate Foresight. On 11 July 1676, he was appointed to command the Cleveland yacht. Bhy 7 January 1680, he was in command of the Catherine yacht. He was reappointed to command her on 22 October 1681, 1 April 1685, and 12 June 1687. By 13 May 1688, he was appointed to command the 3rd Rate Mary. By 29 May, he was switched to the Antelope. Almost immediately, on 1 June 1688, he was switched, again, to the Deptford. Finally, on 15 September 1688, he was appointed to command the Resolution. On 13 December 1688, he was appointed as a Rear-Admiral. On 1 May 1689, he was appointed Vice-Admiral. On 12 June 1689, he was Vice-Admiral of the Red. Sources:

1. R. C. Anderson, Journals and Narratives of the Third Dutch War, 1946.

2. Frank Fox, "Hired Men-of-War, 1664-7", Part II, The Mariner's Mirror Vol.84 No.2 (May 1998).

3. David Syrett, R. L. DiNardo, The Commissioned Sea Officers of the Royal Navy 1660-1815, 1994.

4. J.R. Tanner, A Descriptive Catalogue of the Naval Manuscripts in the Pepysian Library at Magdalene College, Cambridge, Vol.I, 1903.

The 5th Rate Forester

Pepys said that the Forester was built at the Forest of Dean by Daniel Furzer. She was completed in 1657. Her dimensions were 87ft x 25ft-6in x 10ft-6in. Her navigational draft was 12ft. Her burden was 300 tons, as built. Her peacetime complement was 75 men. In wartime, for service abroad, her complement was 100 men. For wartime in home waters, her complement swelled to 140 men. Her peacetime armament was just 24 guns, but in wartime, in home waters, she would be armed with as many as 38 guns. She was lost in November 1672, when she blew up at Livorno. It apparently was an accident. She fought in the Battle of Lowestoft, and had been assigned to Thomas Teddiman's division, when her commander was Edward Cotterell. She only carried 28 guns in the battle, and had a crew of 145 men. At the time of the Four Days Battle in June 1666, she was stationed in Ireland. During the St. James's Day Battle, she was commanded by Richard Country, and was stationed in Ireland.

English Captain: Richard Country

Richard Country served in the Restoration navy. In 1661, he commanded the Hind ketch. In 1662, he was appointed to command the Emsworth sloop. In 1664, assumed command of the Nonsuch ketch. Frank Fox shows Richard Country in command of the 5th Rate prize Greyhound at Dover in June 1665. Pepys says that in 1667, he was appointed to command the 5th Rate Forester, but Frank Fox says that he was in command of the Forester in June 1666 and was operating off of Ireland. In 1668, he was appointed to command the 6th Rate Drake. In 1672, he was appointed as lieutenant of the 4th Rate Portland, presumably to give him experience in larger ships. On 9 February 1673, he was appointed to command the Roebuck. Sources:

1. Frank Fox, A Distant Storm: the Four Days' Battle of 1666, 1996.
2. J.R. Tanner, A Descriptive Catalogue of the Naval Manuscripts in the Pepysian Library at Magdalene College, Cambridge, Vol.I, 1903.

English Captain: Robert Kirby

Robert Kirby served in both the Commonwealth and Restoration navies. Michael Baumber says that he was a captain and was wounded at the Battle of Portland, but we don't know what ship he commanded. From 1653 to 1654, he commanded the Dutch prize Sophia (Speaker's Prize). From 1655 to 1656, he commanded the old 4th Rate Providence. From 1656 until 1660, he commanded the 4th Rate Ruby. After the Restoration in 1660, he was continued in command of the Ruby. In 1661, he was appointed to command the small 4th Rate Constant Warwick. In 1664, he was appointed to command the Breda (46 guns). He fought at the Battle of Lowestoft, where he was assigned to the Duke of York's division. He was killed in the battle. Sources:

1. R. C. Anderson, List of English Naval Captains 1642-1660, 1964.

2. Michael Baumber, General-at-Sea, 1989.

3. Frank Fox, A Distant Storm: the Four Days' Battle of 1666, 1996.

4. J.R. Tanner, A Descriptive Catalogue of the Naval Manuscripts in the Pepysian Library at Magdalene College, Cambridge, Vol.I, 1903.

English Captain: Nicholas Lucas

Nicholas Lucas served in the Commonwealth navy. From 1652 to 1654, he commanded the hired merchantman Society (44 guns and a crew of 140 men). Immediately after the defeat at Leghorn in early March 1653, the navy planned to send the Society and other ships to the Mediterranean Sea, but in the end, ceded the Mediterranean to the Dutch. He fought in the Battle of the Gabbard, where he was assigned to the General's division. Later in June, after the Gabbard, Robert Blake bought powder, shot, and matches from Nicholas Lucas for the navy, according to a letter from Blake. Nicholas very likely fought in the Battle of Scheveningen, as well. By late 1653, he was engaged in protecting the collier trade. Sources:

1. R. C. Anderson, "English Fleet-Lists in the First Dutch War," The Mariner's Mirror, Vol.XXIV No.4, October 1938.

2. R. C. Anderson, List of English Naval Captains 1642-1660, 1964.

3. C. T. Atkinson, Ed., The First Dutch War, Vol.IV, 1910

4. C. T. Atkinson, Ed., The First Dutch War, Vol. VI, 1930.

English Captain: Roger Harman

Roger Harman served in the Commonwealth navy. Roberto says that Roger Harman was born about 1595. A webpage about the Mayflower says that in 1629, there was a voyage to America, and that Roger Harman commanded the Four Sisters (14 guns). They arrived at Salem, Massachussetts, in mid-July 1629, according to Anne at packrat-pro.com. We also know that Roger Harman commanded the Dutch prize Stork (36 guns) in 1653. He arrived on the second day of the Battle of the Gabbard, under Robert Blake's command. He almost certainly fought at the Battle of Scheveningen, as well. Published Sources:

1. R. C. Anderson, "English Fleet-Lists in the First Dutch War," The Mariner's Mirror, Vol.XXIV No.4, October 1938.

2. R. C. Anderson, List of English Naval Captains 1642-1660, 1964.

English Captain: Anthony Langston

Anthony Langston served in the Restoration navy. In 1665, he was lieutenant of the Vanguard. In 1666, the Duke of Albemarle and Prince Rupert appointed him to command theVanguard (60 guns). He fought in the St. James's Day Battle, where he was assigned to Sir Edward Spragge's division. From June to July, 1667, he was appointed to command the Royal Exchange, but the ship was never activated, and was released before 19 July. Later in 1667, he was appointed to command the Princess. In 1670, he was appointed to command the Newcastle. On 26 March, 1678, the King appointed him to command the Bristol. on 14 January 1679 (they called it 1678, old style), John Narborough appointed to command the Royal Oak. Anthony Langston died from disease and bad living conditions on March 19, 1679. Sources:

1. William Laird Clowes, The Royal Navy: A History from the Earliest Times to the Present, Vol.II, 1898.

2. Frank Fox, "Hired Men-of-War, 1664-7", Part II, The Mariner's Mirror Vol.84 No.2 (May 1998).

3. J.R. Tanner, A Descriptive Catalogue of the Naval Manuscripts in the Pepysian Library at Magdalene College, Cambridge, Vol.I, 1903.

English Captain: John Edwin

John Edwin served in both the Parliamentarian and Commonwealth navies. From 1645 to 1648, he commanded the 6th Rate Crescent (14 guns). In the Summer Guard for 1645, he was in the North Squadron. He also served in the Winter Guard for 1645. In the Summer Guard for 1646, he was stationed at Chatham. Again, in 1646, he served in the Winter Guard. During the summer of 1647, he was assigned to the Western Guard. During the summer of 1648, John Edwin commanded the Crescent in the Summer Guard. In 1648, he also commanded the 5th Rate Warwick (22 guns). From 1652 to 1653, he commanded the Dutch prize Oak (32 guns) (presumably, the ex-Akerboom). He fought at the Battle of the Gabbard in the Oak. He may have been at the Battle of Portland, but R.C. Anderson discounted the possibility. He was also at the Battle of Scheveningen, where the Oak was burnt. He survived, and later in 1653, he commanded the Cock (Golden Cock). This was a Dutch prize taken on the last day of the Battle of Portland. Sources:

1. R. C. Anderson, "English Fleet-Lists in the First Dutch War," The Mariner's Mirror, Vol.XXIV No.4, October 1938.

2. R. C. Anderson, List of English Naval Captains 1642-1660, 1964.

3. R. C. Anderson, Lists of Men-of-War 1650-1700: Part I English Ships 1649-1702, 1966.

English Captain: Henry Terne (Tearne)

Henry Terne (or Tearne) served in both the Commonwealth and Restoration navies. Andrew says that in 1659, Henry Terne was lieutenant of the 2nd Rate James. In 1660, he commanded the 4th Rate Hampshire. In 1661, he was reappointed to command the Hampshire. In 1663, he was appointed to command first the Milford and then the Portsmouth. In 1664 to 1665, he served under Sir Thomas Allin's command. In September 1664, Allin and his captains met with Michiel De Ruyter off Cadiz. In October, Henry Terne took part in a series of actions against Turkish pirates. In December, he took part in Allin's attack on the Dutch Smyrna convoy. In 1665, he commanded the 3rd Rate Dreadnought. In 1666, he commanded the 2nd Rate Triumph (72 guns), and was killed in action at the Four Days' Battle. Prior to the battle, he had been reassigned to the Triumph, replacing Sir Edward Spragge. The Duke of Albemarle praised Henry Terne in dispatches, following the battle. Sources:

1. R. C. Anderson, The Journals of Sir Thomas Allin, Vol.I 1660-1666, 1939.

2. R. C. Anderson, List of English Naval Captains 1642-1660, 1964.

3. Frank Fox, A Distant Storm: the Four Days' Battle of 1666, 1996.

4. J.R. Tanner, A Descriptive Catalogue of the Naval Manuscripts in the Pepysian Library at Magdalene College, Cambridge, Vol.I, 1903.

English Captain: John Parker

John Parker served in both the Commonwealth and Restoration navies. From 1653 to 1656, he commanded the 6th Rate Truelove. From 1656 to 1660, he commanded the 5th Rate Cheriton. Also in 1660, he commanded the 4th Rate Nonsuch. Pepys puts the date for John Parker's command of the Nonsuch at 1661. In 1664, he was appointed to command the 4th Rate Amity. In 1666, he was appointed by the Duke of Albemarle and Prince Rupert to command the Yarmouth. He was killed in action at the St. James's Day Battle on July 25, 1666. Sources:

1. R. C. Anderson, List of English Naval Captains 1642-1660, 1964.
2. J.R. Tanner, A Descriptive Catalogue of the Naval Manuscripts in the Pepysian Library at Magdalene College, Cambridge, Vol.I, 1903.

I am waiting to receive the results of research from the Nationaal Archief

I authorized 5 hours of research at the Nationaal Archief in the Hague, to look for the "Staet van Oorlog te Water" for 1648, and some lists from 1652. I received word that the results of the research are ready to be sent, so I await that with considerable excitement. In a side note, I am still hoping that there is something useful and interesting in what I recently received from the Zeeuws Archief, although if there is anything there, it will take work to find it, as there is a good deal of information, much of it seems to be of the nature of some man providing ballast for the ship Lam.

I received my package from the Zeeuws Archief

I have my package of copies from the Zeeuws Archief. I'm not surprised that it will take a lot of work to read and understand enough to find anything good in it. Often, it is easy to mine documents for material, but this is not the case with this material. The entire lot is handwritten material from about 1652 to 1655 relating to the various Zeeland Directors. So far, I have recognized a few names, and that is all I could read (Captain Fortuijn and Theunis Post). I can read more than that, but not so that I can actually get any sense about the nature of what I have. Supposedly, it contains information that includes the fitting out of the "Wapen van der Vere", and more. I just haven't found it yet.

English Captain: Henry Cuttance

Henry Cuttance was son of Roger Cuttance, Edward Montagu's flag captain in the Naseby, in 1660. Henry Cuttance commanded the 5th Rate Cheriton (20 guns and a crew of 90 men) in 1660. He was continued in command of the now renamed Speedwell, after the Restoration. In 1661, he comanded the Forester. In 1665, he commanded the Happy Return (52 guns). He fought in the Four Days Battle in June 1666. He was assigned to Sir William Berkeley's division. He was dimissed from the service after the battle. Sources:

1. R. C. Anderson, List of English Naval Captains 1642-1660, 1964.

2. R. C. Anderson, Lists of Men-of-War 1650-1700: Part I English Ships 1649-1702, 1966.

3. Frank Fox, A Distant Storm: the Four Days' Battle of 1666, 1996.

4. J.R. Tanner, A Descriptive Catalogue of the Naval Manuscripts in the Pepysian Library at Magdalene College, Cambridge, Vol.I, 1903.

English Captain: John Simonds

John Simonds (or Symonds) served in the Commonwealth navy. In 1653, he commanded the Pelican prize (34 guns and a crew of 120 men). Presumably, this was the Dutch Vergulde Pelikaan, and Amsterdam Directors' ship captured at the Gabbard. From 1654 to 1655, he commanded the Dutch prize Elias (36 guns) . He sailed with Blake on 29 September 1654. From 1656 to 1660, he commanded the Jersey. He did not serve after 1660. Sources:

1. R. C. Anderson, List of English Naval Captains 1642-1660, 1964.

2. R. C. Anderson, Lists of Men-of-War 1650-1700: Part I English Ships 1649-1702, 1966.

3. William Laird Clowes, The Royal Navy: A History from the Earliest Times to the Present, Vol.II, 1898.

English Captain: Robert Clarke

There were two Robert Clarkes who served in the Commonwealth navy. One was more prominent, and he served in the Parliamentarian and Restoration navies, as well. He was obviously a very trusted and successful captain, whenever he served. From 1644 to 1646, Robert Clarke commanded the hired merchant ship Jocelyn (12 guns, 59 men, and196 tons). He served in the Summer Guard and Winter Guard for 1644. In 1645, he was assigned to the Irish Squadron in the summer and also was assigned to the Winter Guard. From 1646 to 1650, he commanded the Swan. In 1646, he was in the Summer Guard and the Winter Guard, while commanding the 5th Rate Swan. In 1647, he was in the Irish Guard again during both summer and winter. We also know that he was in the Irish Guard in the summer of 1648. From 1650 to 1653, he commanded the Reserve. For a period in 1653, he commanded the 6th Rate Drake. From 1654 to 1655, he commanded the Bristol. In 1656, he commanded the Unicorn. He had been in the Mediterranean Sea with Robert Blake. He was among eleven selected to be sent home. In 1657, he commanded the George. He had to report Robert Blake's death to the Admiralty Commissioners, after he died within sight of home on 7 August 1657. As Blake was on the George, Robert Clarke must have been his flag captain. In 1659, he commanded the Triumph. Finally, in 1660, he commanded the Speaker and took part in the Restoration voyage. He continued in command of the Mary (the renamed Speaker) in 1660. In 1661, Robert Clarke commanded the St. George and the Royal Charles. In 1663, he commanded the Antelope. In 1665, he commanded first the St. George and then the Gloucester. He fought in the Battle of Lowestoft, while in command of the Gloucester (58 guns). He was asssigned to Sir John Lawson's division. He also fought in the Four Days Battle, still in the Gloucester. He was assigned to Sir George Ayscue's division. In 1666, the Duke of Albemarle and Prince Rupert appointed Robert Clarke to command the 2nd Rate Triumph. He fought in the St. James's Day Battle while in command of the Triumph. In that battle, he was assigned to the Duke of Albemarles' and Prince Rupert's division. In 1667, he commanded the Monmouth and then the Mary. In 1669, he was reappointed to command the Mary. He was very active in the latter 1660's, serving under Sir Thomas Allin. Sources:

1. R. C. Anderson, The Journals of Sir Thomas Allin, Vol.II 1667-1678, 1940.

2. R. C. Anderson, List of English Naval Captains 1642-1660, 1964.

3. Michael Baumber, General-at-Sea, 1989.

4. Frank Fox, A Distant Storm: the Four Days' Battle of 1666, 1996.

5. J. R. Powell, The Navy in the English Civil War, 1962.

6. J.R. Tanner, A Descriptive Catalogue of the Naval Manuscripts in the Pepysian Library at Magdalene College, Cambridge, Vol.I, 1903.

English Captain: Mark Harrison

Mark Harrison served in both the Commonwealth and Restoration navies. From 1654 to 1655, he commanded the Dutch prize Church (Kerck). From 1655 to 1657, he commanded the Gift. From 1659 to 1660, he commanded the Dutch prize Elias (the former Amsterdam Directors's ship Elias). At the Restoration, he was continued in command of the Elias. In 1663, he commanded the 2nd Rate Rainbow. In 1665, he commanded the 4th Rate Centurion. In 1666, he commanded the 2nd Rate Unicorn. replacing Henry Teddiman before the Four Days Battle was over. He lasted in command a week before he was replaced. On the last day of the Four Days Battle, he was judged to have performed badly, and was removed after the battle. In 1672, he was again in command of the Rainbow for a time. Sources:

1. R. C. Anderson, List of English Naval Captains 1642-1660, 1964.

2. Frank Fox, A Distant Storm: the Four Days' Battle of 1666, 1996.

3. J.R. Tanner, A Descriptive Catalogue of the Naval Manuscripts in the Pepysian Library at Magdalene College, Cambridge, Vol.I, 1903.

The squadron that brought Charles II back to England for the Restoration

Edward Montagu commanded the squadron of ships that brought Charles II and his family to England in 1660. These seem to be the ships and captains involved. You will recognize many of these names, as I have written about them:

1. Naseby, 80 guns (renamed Royal Charles) Edward Montagu and Roger Cuttance
2. London, 64 guns John Lawson
3. Richard, 70 guns (renamed Royal James) John Stokes
4. Bridgwater, 52 guns (renamed Anne) Thomas Bunn
5. Langport, 50 guns (renamed Henrietta) John Coppin
6. Plymouth, 52 guns John Hayward
7. Speaker, 50 guns (renamed Mary) Robert Clark
8. Swiftsure, 60 guns Sir Richard Staynor
9. Assistance, 40 guns Thomas Sparling
10. Centurion, 40 guns Francis Park
11. Elias, 36 guns Mark Harrison
12. Foresight, 40 guns Peter Mootham
13. Hampshire, 38 guns Henry Tearne
14. Nonsuch, 34 guns John Parker
15. Portsmouth, 38 guns Robert Sansum
16. Winsby, 44 guns (renamed Happy Return) Joseph Ames
17. Yarmouth, 44 guns Charles Wager
18. Bradford, 24 guns (renamed Success) Peter Bowen
19. Cherriton, 20 guns (renamed Speedwell) Henry Cuttance
20. Dartmouth, 22 guns Richard Rooth
21. Norwich, 22 guns Michael Nutton
22. Wakefield, 22 guns (renamed Richmond) John Pointz
23. Francis, 10 guns William Dale
24. Greyhound, 20 guns Jeremy Country

This is from:

• J.R. Tanner, A Descriptive Catalogue of the Naval Manuscripts in the Pepysian Library at Magdalene College, Cambridge, Vol.I, 1903.

The Henrietta, built in early 1654

Another ship from Pepys' list is the 3rd Rate Henrietta (from Tanner's book, Vol.I):

• She was built at Horsley Downs by Mr. Bright in early 1654
• Length on the keel: 116ft-0in
• Breadth on the beam: 35ft-7in
• Depth in hold: 14ft-4in
• Draught of water: 17ft-0in
• Burden: 781 tons
• Crew in peacetime anywhere: 215 men
• Crew in wartime abroad: 280 men
• Crew in wartime at home: 355 men
• Guns in peacetime anywere: 54 guns
• Guns in wartime abroad: 54 guns
• Guns in wartime at home: 62 guns

At the Four Days' Battle in June 1666, the Henrietta was commanded by Walter Wood. She carried 58 guns, consisting of 20-demi-cannon (32pdr), 4-culverins (18pdr), 26-12pdr, and 8-demi-culverins (9pdr). Her crew was about 300 men for the battle.

The Henrietta had been built as the Langport, but was renamed at the Restoration. She was wrecked in 1689. Sources:

1. H.A. van Foreest and R.E.J. Weber, De Vierdaagse Zeeslag 11-14 Juni 1666, 1984.

2. Brian Lavery, The Ship of the Line, Vol.I, 1983.

3. J.R. Tanner, A Descriptive Catalogue of the Naval Manuscripts in the Pepysian Library at Magdalene College, Cambridge, Vol.I, 1903.

English Captain: Sir John Ernle (or Ernley)

Sir John Ernle served in the Restoration navy. He started his career as lieutenant of the Rainbow in 1664. The next we see is that he was appointed lieutenant of the Hampshire in 1670. Finally, Sir Edward Spragge appointed him as lieutenant of the Rupert in 1671. Finally, in 1672, he was appointed captain of the Dover (48 guns). He fought in the Battle of Solebay, where he was assigned to Sir John Harman's division. Later in the year, he commanded the Revenge (60 guns). In August 1672, he commanded the Revenge in Sir John Harman's division. In 1673, Prince Rupert appointed him captain of the 2nd Rate Henry. He probably fought in the Schooneveld battles and surely fought in the Battle of the Texel in August 1673. On 21 July 1674, the King appointed him captain of the 4th Rate Foresight. On 2 April 1677, he was appointed to command the Woolwich. Finally, on 12 March 1678 (they called in 1677, under the old calendar), the King appointed Sir John Ernle to command the Defiance. I thought that he might be referenced by Clowes, but he is not. Sources:

1. R. C. Anderson, Journals and Narratives of the Third Dutch War, 1946.

2. Julian S. Corbett, “A Note on the Drawings in the Possession of The Earl of Dartmouth Illustrating The Battle of Solebay May 28, 1672 and The Battle of the Texel August 11, 1673”, 1908.

3. J.R. Tanner, A Descriptive Catalogue of the Naval Manuscripts in the Pepysian Library at Magdalene College, Cambridge, Vol.I, 1903.

English Captain: Peter Bowen

Peter Bowen served in both the Commonwealth and Restoration navies. He served long, but had relatively few commands. From 1653 to 1657, he commanded the Irish prize Mayflower. From 1658 to 1660, he commanded the 5th Rate Bradford (renamed Success after the Restoration), so he was continuously employed during the Commonwealth, from 1653 on to the Restoration. He was continued in command of the now renamed Success in 1660. In 1666, he was appointed to command the Dutch prize Mathias (54 guns). He fought in the Four Days Battle, where he was assigned to Sir Joseph Jordan's division. Later in 1666, he was appointed by the Duke of Albemarle and Prince Rupert to command the Newcastle (50 guns). He fought in the St. James's Day Battle and was assigned to Sir Robert Holmes' division. In 1669, he was appointed to command the Centurion. He was serving under Sir Thomas Allin's command. In 1672, he was appointed to command the Leopard (54 guns). He fought in the Battle of Solebay, where he was assigned to the Earl of Sandwich's division. He survived the Battle of Solebay, and in August 1672, he was assigned to Richard Beach's division in the fleet. He died in 1672, but it must have been after January, as he was given command of a group of ships in February 1673 (they called the year 1672, under the old calendar). I don't have a source that mentions the circumstances of his death. Sources:

1. R. C. Anderson, Journals and Narratives of the Third Dutch War, 1946.

2. R. C. Anderson, The Journals of Sir Thomas Allin, Vol.II 1667-1678, 1940.

3. R. C. Anderson, List of English Naval Captains 1642-1660, 1964.

4. R. C. Anderson, Lists of Men-of-War 1650-1700: Part I English Ships 1649-1702, 1966.

5. Julian S. Corbett, “A Note on the Drawings in the Possession of The Earl of Dartmouth Illustrating The Battle of Solebay May 28, 1672 and The Battle of the Texel August 11, 1673”, 1908.

6. J.R. Tanner, A Descriptive Catalogue of the Naval Manuscripts in the Pepysian Library at Magdalene College, Cambridge, Vol.I, 1903.

English Captain: Butler Noades

Butler Noades served in the Commonwealth navy. He commanded the Success (36 guns and a crew of 150 men) from 1651 to 1652. On 30 October 1651, he was involved in convoying ships and operating off of Scotland. He was killed in action. We know almost nothing about him. He commanded the French prize Success in February 1652, but he doesn't appear afterwards. He was assigned to the Summer Guard for 1652, which was made inoperative by the start of the war in May. Anderson only notes that Butler Noades was killed. By the Battle of Plymouth, William Kendall commanded the Success. Sources:

1. R. C. Anderson, "English Fleet-Lists in the First Dutch War," The Mariner's Mirror, Vol.XXIV No.4, October 1938.

2. R. C. Anderson, List of English Naval Captains 1642-1660, 1964.

3. Dr. S.R. Gardiner, Ed., The First Dutch War, Vol.I, 1898.

4. House of Commons Journal Volume 7 30 October 1651
5. House of Commons Journal Volume 7 14 January 1652

English Captain: Sir Richard Munden

Sir Richard Munden, Andrew says, was elder brother of Sir John Munden, who also served in the Restoration navy. In 1666, Prince Rupert and the Duke of Albemarle appointed him to command the Swallow ketch. In 1667, he commanded the Portsmouth sloop. In 1672, he was appointed to command the 3rd Rate Princess (54 guns). He was assigned to Richard Beach's division in August 1672. In 1673, he commanded the 4th Rate Assistance. On 14 April 1677, he was appointed to command the St. David. Andrew found more about him:

He was a naval captain, the elder brother of Sir John Munden. He first commanded at sea in 1666. He was a naval captain in 1672. He was knighted for capturing St. Helena from the Dutch in 1673. He was governor from 1673 to 1674. He convoyed trade in the Mediterranean from 1677 to 1680. He also seized three very richly laden Dutch East Indiamen.

Sources:

1. R. C. Anderson, Journals and Narratives of the Third Dutch War, 1946.

2. J.R. Tanner, A Descriptive Catalogue of the Naval Manuscripts in the Pepysian Library at Magdalene College, Cambridge, Vol.I, 1903.

English Captain: John Tyrwhitt

John Tyrwhitt served in the Restoration navy. On 20 September 1660, he was appointed to command the Happy Return. In 1661, he commanded the 4th Rate Assurance. In 1663, he was appointed to command the old 4th Rate Providence. In 1665, he was appointed to command the Reserve. In 1666, the Duke of Albermarle and Prince Rupert gave him command of the Henrietta. In 1668, he was appointed to command the Swallow. Later in 1668, he commanded the Speedwell. In 1669, he was given command of the Falcon. In 1670, he commanded the 4th Rate Adventure. On 11 July 1686, the King appointed him to command the 4th Rate Tiger. On 22 April 1687, he was appointed by the King to command the Nonsuch. Then, on 15 September 1688, the King appointed him to command the 3rd Rate Cambridge. Sources:

1. J.R. Tanner, A Descriptive Catalogue of the Naval Manuscripts in the Pepysian Library at Magdalene College, Cambridge, Vol.I, 1903.

English Captain: John Wilgress

John Wilgress served in both the Commonwealth and Restoration navies. In 1656, he commanded the Blackmoor ketch (12 guns). In 1660, he commanded the Dutch prize Bear. After the Restoration, the King commissioned him to continue commanding the Bear. In 1664, he commanded the prize Hector (22 guns). Later in 1664, he commanded the East India Merchant (44 guns), which he commanded from 5 September 1664 until 12 December 1665. He fought in the Battle of Lowestoft, and then operated with the main fleet during the operation to Norway. He also fought in the engagements on 3 September and 9 September 1665. Late in 1665, he again he was appointed to command the Bear and then the Marmaduke, although this seems unlikely from the dates supplied by Frank Fox for his command of the East India Merchant. In 1666, Prince Rupert and the Duke of Albemarle appointed John Wilgress to command the House of Swedes (70 guns). He fought in the St. James's Day Battle, where he was assigned to Sir Jeremy Smith's division. In 1670, he commanded the Dutch prize Welcome. In 1671, he was appointed to command the Assistance. Andrew reports that John Wilgress was one of those men who had paid Samuel Pepys 30s. for an officer's commission. John Wilgress was one of those who was in the Edward Montagu's squadron that brought Charles II back to England for the Restoration. Sources:

1. R. C. Anderson, List of English Naval Captains 1642-1660, 1964.
2. R. C. Anderson, Lists of Men-of-War 1650-1700: Part I English Ships 1649-1702, 1966.
3. Frank Fox, "Hired Men-of-War, 1664-7", Part II, The Mariner's Mirror Vol.84 No.2 (May 1998).
4. Frank Fox, A Distant Storm: the Four Days' Battle of 1666, 1996.
5. J.R. Tanner, A Descriptive Catalogue of the Naval Manuscripts in the Pepysian Library at Magdalene College, Cambridge, Vol.I, 1903.

English Captain: William Poole

William Poole (Senior) served in the Restoration navy. In 1660, he commanded the 6th Rate Martin. In 1661, he commanded the Charity. In 1663, he commanded the Advice, and then in According to Thomas Allin's journal, William Poole was captain of the 2nd Rate London in 1664, and acted as senior officer of the fleet, when Admirals Teddiman and Allin were absent. 1665, he was reappointed to command the Advice (40 guns). He fought at the Battle of Lowestoft, where he was assigned to Rear-Admiral Robert Sansum's division. Somewhat later in 1665, he was said to have commanded the 2nd Rate St. George, but Frank Fox has him still in the Advice in June 1666, in the Thames, repairing, during the Four Days Battle. In 1666, he commanded the 3rd Rate Mary. He fought in the St. James's Day Battle in the Mary (58 guns), where he was assigned to Sir Jeremy Smith's division. In 1667, he commanded the Crown. In 1669, he was appointed to command the Jersey. In 1672, he was appointed to command the Plymouth, and then the St. David. On 27 February 1676, the King appointed him to command the Leopard. On 11 September 1678, the King appointed him captain of the Happy Return. Then, on 21 June 1685, the King appointed him captain of the Samuel and Mary. Sources:

1. R. C. Anderson, The Journals of Sir Thomas Allin, Vol.I 1660-1666, 1939.
2. Frank Fox, A Distant Storm: the Four Days' Battle of 1666, 1996
3. J.R. Tanner, A Descriptive Catalogue of the Naval Manuscripts in the Pepysian Library at Magdalene College, Cambridge, Vol.I, 1903.

English Captain: Sir John Wetwang

Sir John Wetwang served in the Restoration navy. In 1665, he commanded the 5th Rate Norwich. He took part in the attack on Bergen on 2 August 1665. In 1666, he commanded the Tiger. At the time of the Four Days Battle, he was at Plymouth in the Tiger. He fought in the St. James's Day Battle on 25 July 1666, where he was assigned to Robert Holmes' division. In 1668, he commanded the Dunkirk and then the Edgar. In 1672, he was again given command of the Edgar (70 guns). He fought in the Battle of Solebay in the Edgar, where he was assigned to the Earl of Sandwich's division. In August 1672, he was assigned to Sir Edward Spragge's division. Later in 1672, he was in the Warspite. In 1673, he was in the 2nd Rate Henry, then the 1st Rate Sovereign in July as Prince Rupert's flag captain. He was given command of the Newcastle on 10 November 1673. In January 1678, he commanded the Monmouth. On 28 March 1678, he was given the 1st Rate Royal James. On 21 June 1679, he was given command of the Northumberland. On 21 October 1679, he was given command of the Woolwich. He was knighted on 20 November 1680. He died in 1684. Sources:

1. R. C. Anderson, Journals and Narratives of the Third Dutch War, 1946.
2. Julian S. Corbett, “A Note on the Drawings in the Possession of The Earl of Dartmouth Illustrating The Battle of Solebay May 28, 1672 and The Battleof the Texel August 11, 1673”, 1908.
3. Frank Fox, A Distant Storm: the Four Days' Battle of 1666, 1996.
4. David Syrett, R. L. DiNardo, The Commissioned Sea Officers of the RoyalNavy 1660-1815, 1994.
5. J.R. Tanner, A Descriptive Catalogue of the Naval Manuscripts in thePepysian Library at Magdalene College, Cambridge, Vol.I, 1903.

Wapen van der Vere

I had not picked up on the last item that I hope to be receiving soon: "the account of the directors of Veere concerning the extraordinary equipment of the warship 'Wapen van der Vere'." I suspect that the name of Jan Olivierszoon's ship was Wapen van der Vere, given this, as he served the Veere Directors during the First Anglo-Dutch War. Perhaps there are even specifications and armament, if this is anything like what I have from the Amsterdam Directors.

English Captain: Sir William Reeves

Sir William Reeves served in the Restoration navy. In 1664, he was lieutenant of the Henrietta. Later in 1664, he was appointed captain of the Mary Rose (48 guns) and fought at the Battle of Lowestoft in Prince Rupert's division. In 1665, he commanded the Essex (56 guns). At the Four Days Battle, his ship had become tangled with the Black Bull, and they both were taken by Hendrick Bruynsvelt in the Prins Hendrick Casimir (72 guns). Apparently, in the battle, Captain Reeves had been shot in the head, while his ship had been severely damaged. He could not speak, and the Essex fouled the Black Bull, which was also all but disabled. In 1668, he commanded the Monck. In 1673, he first commanded the Edgar and then the Sovereign. He was appointed Prince Rupert's flag captain on 1 July 1673. He died of wounds from the Battle of the Texel on 11 August 1673. He had been a Royal favorite, and was extremely well regarded. Sources:

1. R. C. Anderson, Journals and Narratives of the Third Dutch War, 1946.
2. Frank Fox, A Distant Storm: the Four Days' Battle of 1666, 1996.
3. J.R. Tanner, A Descriptive Catalogue of the Naval Manuscripts in the Pepysian Library at Magdalene College, Cambridge, Vol.I, 1903.

I am waiting anxiously for a package from the Zeeuws Archief

Hopefully, I have a package coming from the Zeeuws Archief with copies relating the the Zeeland Directors' ships and captains from 1652-1653. I have known about them for about a year-and-a-half, and finally was able to order them. They were described to me as:

At the Zeeuws Archief you can find information about 'director's ships' in the accounts in the archives of the Rekenkamer van Zeeland (Zeeland auditor's office) (Zeeuws Archief, Arch. Rekenkamer II, inv.nrs. 1179a en 1179b). You can in these archives you can also consult the following accounts (both approved by the Generaliteitsrekenkamer): - the account of the directors of Vlissingen concerning the extraordinary outlay for the equipment of warships for the actions against England by the order of the States General. - the account of the directors of Veere concerning the extraordinary equipment of the warship 'Wapen van der Vere'.

Who knows what is there, but I have high hopes for it. I have also attempted to order the search in the Nationaal Archief for the "Staet van Oorlog te Water" for the year 1648. A careful reading of Dr. Elias' work Schetsen uit de Geschiedenis van ons Zeewezen indicates that it was in existence in the period 1916 to 1930 in what was then the Rijksarchief. There also appear to be other lists that I have not seen, primarily from 1652.

English Captain: Jeffrey Dare

Jeffrey Dare served in both the Commonwealth and Restoration navies. In 1653, he commanded the hired merchantman Prosperous (42 guns). He was in Robert Blake's squadron which arrived late at the Battle of the Gabbard. He probably fought at the Battle of Scheveninge, as well. From 1653 to 1654, he commanded the hired merchantman Mary Rose. In 1654, he commanded the Dutch prize Tulip. From 1655 to 1657, he commanded the Dutch prize Bear. In 1660, he commanded the Great Gift. In 1666, he commanded the House de Swedes, and was killed in action at the Four Days Battle in June 1666. Sources:

1. R. C. Anderson, "English Fleet-Lists in the First Dutch War," The Mariner's Mirror, Vol.XXIV No.4, October 1938.

2. R. C. Anderson, List of English Naval Captains 1642-1660, 1964.

3. J.R. Tanner, A Descriptive Catalogue of the Naval Manuscripts in the Pepysian Library at Magdalene College, Cambridge, Vol.I, 1903.

English Captain: Thomas Page

Thomas Page served in the Restoration navy. In 1661, he was appointed to command the 5th Rate Nightingale. In 1664, he commanded the 5th Rate Pearl and then the Newcastle (48 guns). He fought in the Battle of Lowestoft, where he was assigned to Christopher Myngs' division. He was assigned to John Coppin's division at the Four Days Battle, still in the Newcastle, now carrying 50 guns. He was wounded in the battle. Later in 1666, he commanded the Breda. In 1667, he was appointed to command the Dutch prize West Friesland. In 1668, he commanded the Falcon. For whatever reason, after that, he was a lieutenant on the Foresight. In 1669, he was back in command of the Pearl. In 1672, he commanded the Wivenhoe pink and boats at Sheerness DY. In 1673, he commanded the Francis. Sources:

1. Frank Fox, A Distant Storm: the Four Days' Battle of 1666, 1996.
2. J.R. Tanner, A Descriptive Catalogue of the Naval Manuscripts in the Pepysian Library at Magdalene College, Cambridge, Vol.I, 1903.

English Captain: Richard Trevanion

In 1665, he was appointed Lieutenant on the 4th Rate Providence. In July 1666, he was appointed captain of the Marmaduke. At the time of the St. James's Day Battle, the Marmaduke lay either in the Thames or Medway for want of a men for the crew. Later in 1666, he was given command of the Dartmouth. In 1670, he commanded the Richmond. In 1672, he commanded the Bonaventure (46 guns) and then the Dreadnought. He commanded the Bonaventure at the Battle of Solebay, where he was assigned to Sir John Kempthorne's division. He was closely engaged in the battle around the Earl of Sandwich. By August 1672, he commanded the Dreadnought (58 guns) and was in Sir Joseph Jordan's division. On 9 March 1674, he was given command of the Dartmouth. On 22 April 1675, he was appointed as captain of the Jersey. Almost immediately, on 28 April, he was reassigned to the Yarmouth. On 21 July 1677, he was given command of the 6th Rate Saudadoes. On 12 May 1678, he was given command of the Montagu. Later in the year, on 26 October, he was moved back to the Saudadoes. On 22 October 1681, he was again appointed captain of the Saudadoes. Then, on 2 April 1685, the King appointed him to again command the Saudadoes. On 22 April 1687, he was given command of the Hampshire. Finally, on 17 September 1688, he was given command of the Henrietta. Sources:

1. R. C. Anderson, Journals and Narratives of the Third Dutch War, 1946.
2. Julian S. Corbett, “A Note on the Drawings in the Possession of The Earl of Dartmouth Illustrating The Battle of Solebay May 28, 1672 and The Battle of the Texel August 11, 1673”, 1908.
3. Frank Fox, A Distant Storm: the Four Days' Battle of 1666, 1996.
4. J.R. Tanner, A Descriptive Catalogue of the Naval Manuscripts in the Pepysian Library at Magdalene College, Cambridge, Vol.I, 1903.

English Captain: Thomas Salmon

Thomas Salmon served in the Commonwealth navy. In 1653, he commanded the Great Gift (34 guns), and was killed in action. He fought at the Battle of Portland from 18 February to 20 February 1653. He was assigned to Joseph Jordan's division at the Battle of the Gabbard. Thomas Salmon may have been killed at the Battle of Scheveningen, although I have not been able to confirm that. Certainly be December, someone else commanded the Gift. Sources:

1. R. C. Anderson, "English Fleet-Lists in the First Dutch War," The Mariner's Mirror, Vol.XXIV No.4, October 1938.
2. R. C. Anderson, List of English Naval Captains 1642-1660, 1964.
3. C.T. Atkinson, Ed., The First Dutch War, Vol.V, 1912.
4. C. T. Atkinson, Ed., The First Dutch War, Vol. VI, 1930.

I've been slowed down, yesterday, as my wireless router went down

I have some new material, but my wireless route went down yesterday, and he earliest that I may be up again (at home) will be later tonight. There seems to be plenty of new material about English captains and admirals from the Commonwealth and Restoration navies.

English Captain: Thomas Adams

Thomas Adams definitely served in the Commonwealth navy, and it may have been him who served in the Restoration navy, as well. It turns out that Thomas Adams had served with Robert Blake, in the Parliamentarian army, at Taunton. In May 1652, he was Blake's lieutenant. From 1652 to 1653, he commanded the Dutch prize Paul (30 guns). He took part in the operation into the Sound under the command of Andrew Ball in September 1652. From 1654 to 1657, he commanded the Maidstone. He apparently behaved very badly at Teneriffe, in 1657, when many of the men were greedy for prizes. Blake finally had to order the ships burnt. In 1665, the King appointed Thomas Adams as lieutenant on the King Ferdinando. In 1666, he was promoted to First Lieutenant of the 2nd Rate Unicorn. Sources:

1. R. C. Anderson, List of English Naval Captains 1642-1660, 1964.
2. Michael Baumber, General-at-Sea, 1989.
3. J.R. Tanner, A Descriptive Catalogue of the Naval Manuscripts in the Pepysian Library at Magdalene College, Cambridge, Vol.I, 1903.

English Captain: Edward Witheridge

Edward Witheridge served in the Commonwealth navy. From 1651 to 1652, he commanded the hired merchantman Success (30 guns). He fought at the Battle of Plymouth, under the command of Sir George Ayscue. From 1652 to 1653, he commanded the Dutch prize Princess Maria. In 1653, he commanded the Dutch prize Middelburg. From 1653 to 1655, he commanded the 4th Rate Kentish. He set sail with Blake from Plymouth, bound for the Mediterranean Sea, in October 1654. In February 1655, he was with the blockading fleet at Tunis. In April, he took part in the attack at Porto Farina. In September, he was with the ships dispatched to England. In 1659, he commanded the Plymouth. Sources:

1. R. C. Anderson, "English Fleet-Lists in the First Dutch War," The Mariner's Mirror, Vol.XXIV No.4, October 1938.
2. R. C. Anderson, List of English Naval Captains 1642-1660, 1964.
3. Michael Baumber, General-at-Sea, 1989.

English Captain: William Hill, after the Restoration

Andrew noticed that William Hill had served in the Restoration navy. In 1661, he was appointed by the King to command the Dutch prize Augustine. In 1663, he was appointed to command the Dutch prize Elias. In 1664, he was appointed to command the 5th Rate prize Coventry. In May 1665, the Coventry was at Portsmouth, and did not participate in the Battle of Lowestoft. In June 1666, he was on a convoy to Barbadoes at the time of the Four Days Battle. He was at Barbadoes on 25 July 1666, when the St. James's Day Battle was fought. Sources:

1. Frank Fox, A Distant Storm: the Four Days' Battle of 1666, 1996.
2. J.R. Tanner, A Descriptive Catalogue of the Naval Manuscripts in the Pepysian Library at Magdalene College, Cambridge, Vol.I, 1903.

English Captain: William Hill

William Hill served in the Commonwealth navy. From 1652 to 1653, he commanded the 4th Rate Sapphire (34 guns). He fought at the Battle of Dungeness in the Sapphire. In early 1653, he was at the Battle of Portland. In 1653 he commanded the 4th Rate Diamond (42 guns) and fought at the Battle of the Gabbard in the Generals' division. He was also very likely at the Battle of Scheveningen. From 1653 to 1655, he commanded the small 3rd Rate Worcester. In November, he commanded a squadron of 6 frigates which were assigned to look for the French squadron. Blake was dissatisfied with his performance and replaced him with another squadron of 5 ships. In early 1655, he reconnoitered Tunis and considered a boat attack, but eventually settled for a blockade. In 1656, he commanded the Speaker, and then resigned, as he refused to fight the Spanish, except in the Channel. Sources:

1. R. C. Anderson, "English Fleet-Lists in the First Dutch War," The Mariner's Mirror, Vol.XXIV No.4, October 1938.
2. R. C. Anderson, List of English Naval Captains 1642-1660, 1964.
3. Michael Baumber, General-at-Sea, 1989.

The Frisian ship: Stad en Lande

The Stad en Lande that served the Admiralty of Friesland was built in 1653 at Groningen. Her dimensions were 134ft x 34ft x 14ft. In August 1665, she was Vice-Admiral Rudolf Coender's flagship. She carried 54 guns and had a crew of 215 sailors and 42 land soldiers. At the Four Days Battle in 1666, Joost Hermanszoon Clant commanded her. She was ared with 52 guns consisting of 12-18pdr, 16-12pdr, 14-8pdr, 4-6pdr and 6 of unknown size. Her crew was 200 sailors and 28 land soldiers. In June 1667, Roelof Janszoon Ketelaar commanded the Stad en Lande. At that date, she carried 50 guns and had a crew of 265 sailors and 35 land soldiers. By July 1667, she carried 54 guns and was still commanded by Captain Ketelaar. She was last mentioned in 1676. Sources:

1. James C. Bender, unpublished manuscript "Dutch Ships 1620-1700", 2004.
2. H.A. van Foreest and R.E.J. Weber, De Vierdaagse Zeeslag 11-14 Juni 1666, 1984.

The Dutch prize Slothany (ex-Sloot Hooningen)

The English had captured the VOC ship Sloot Hooningen in 1665. She had fought at Bergen, when an English attack was repulsed. On the way back home, she was bagged, as part of the "Indian Prize". She was renamed Slothany, and fought at the Four Days Battle. She was in Sir Joseph Jordan's division at the St. James's Day Battle. In 1667, she was hulked. She was finally sold in 1686. She had been built at Rotterdam in 1654 and had Dutch dimensions of 160ft x 38ft x 18-1/2ft. Her English dimenions were LK 112ft B 36ft D 16ft-10in. She was built to the 160ft Retourschip charter. At the Four Days Battle, she carried 22-demi-cannon (32pdr), 2-culverins (18pdr), 24-12pdr, and 12-demi-culverins (9pdr). Her crew was 280 men. She was commanded by Thomas Rand for the Four Days Battle. Sources:

1. H.A. van Foreest and R.E.J. Weber, De Vierdaagse Zeeslag 11-14 Juni 1666, 1984.
2. Frank Fox, A Distant Storm: the Four Days' Battle of 1666, 1996.

English Captain: Richard White

Richard White served in the Restoration navy. He was a lieutenant on the Royal James in 1664. In 1665, he was given command of the 6th Rate Martin. From there, he was given command of the Milford later in 1665. In 1668, he was the Sovereign's lieutenant, and then lieutenant on the Falcon. In 1669, he was the Speedwell's lieutenant. He 1671, he commanded the Algier. In 1672, he commanded the Warspite. He fought at the Schooneveld battles, where he was killed in action in June 1673 in the second battle. Sources:

1. R. C. Anderson, Journals and Narratives of the Third Dutch War, 1946.
2. J.R. Tanner, A Descriptive Catalogue of the Naval Manuscripts in the Pepysian Library at Magdalene College, Cambridge, Vol.I, 1903.

English Captain: Nathaniel Cobham

Nathaniel Cobham served in the Commonwealth navy. In 1652, he commanded the 6th Rate Sun. From 1653 to 1655, he commanded the 4th Rate Newcastle. On 31 March 1655, Nathaniel Cobham lead the attack on the Turks in Tunisia at Porto Farina. It was a route, as the Turkish crews abandoned their ships, when the attack occurred. Sources:

1. R. C. Anderson, List of English Naval Captains 1642-1660, 1964.
2. Michael Baumber, General-at-Sea, 1989.

English Captain: Robert Mohun

In 1660, Robert Mohun was appointed Lieutenant of the Resolution by King Charles II. In 1661, he was promoted and given command of the Fairfax. In 1662, he commanded the Satisfaction. In 1663, he was given command of the Oxford. In 1665, he commanded the 4th Rate Portsmouth (38 guns) and fought at the Battle of Lowestoft. Later in 1665, he went to Tangier with Sir Jeremy Smith. He fought in the Four Days Battle, still in the Portsmouth, in Sir Edward Spragge's division. In 1666, he commanded the Dreadnought (58 guns) and fought in the St. James's Day Battle. Sources:

1. Frank Fox, A Distant Storm: the Four Days' Battle of 1666, 1996.
2. J.R. Tanner, A Descriptive Catalogue of the Naval Manuscripts in the Pepysian Library at Magdalene College, Cambridge, Vol.I, 1903.

The English in the Mediterranean Sea in 1671

Early in the year, a "disgraceful event" happened with Captain John Pearce ran the Sapphire (38 guns) ashore on Sicily, after sighting 4 ships which he supposed were Algerines. Pearce and his lieutenant were court martialed and shot for their trouble. In May, Arthur Herbert (later Lord Torrington), in the Dragon, was in a running fight for three days, chasing two Algerines. Later in May, Sir Edward Spragge lead an attack on Algerine pirates in Bugia Bay. An attempt was made on May 2, but it failed with the futile expenditure of the fireship Eagle. A second attempt was made on May 8th, "in broad daylight". The Little Victory was used as a fireship (under the command of Leonard Harris). Lieutenants Edward Pinn of the Mary and John Pearce of the Dragon, "who commanded the boats" and the survivors on the Little Victory succeeded in destroying all the Algerines. The Algerines sued for peace, and while negotiations proceeded, Captain John Holmes, in the Diamond, took and burnt one Algerine and drove another ashore. Source:

1. William Laird Clowes, The Royal Navy: A History from the Earliest Times to the Present, Vol.II, 1898.

English Captain: Thomas Vallis

Thomas Vallis served in the Commonwealth navy. From 1650 to 1651, he commanded the 6th Rate Nicodemus. From 1651 to 1654, he commanded the old 4th Rate Expedition (32 guns and a crew of 140 men). He fought in the Battle of the Gabbard, where he was assigned to Lionel Lane's division. We can presume that he also fought at the Battle of Scheveningen. He and his ship were in the active list for September 1653. In December 1653, his ship was with those lying at Chatham. From 1654 to 1655, he commanded the new 4th Rate Taunton. Sources:

1. R. C. Anderson, "English Fleet-Lists in the First Dutch War," The Mariner's Mirror, Vol.XXIV No.4, October 1938.
2. R. C. Anderson, List of English Naval Captains 1642-1660, 1964.
3. C. T. Atkinson, Ed., The First Dutch War, Vol. VI, 1930.