Jan Evertsz. de Liefde

I am ready to confirm that Jan Evertszoon de Liefde's ship during the First Anglo-Dutch War was in fact the Rotterdam Director's ship Jonas. Mr. Stapel pointed out to me that in the Rotterdamse Historiebladen for 1880, on page 472 the writer J Scheffer states: "I've studied the records in the Archives of the city of Rotterdam and found that late 1652 Jan Evertsz. de Liefde commanded a direction [Directors'] ship of the Maze Rotterdam called Jonas". Carl Ballhausen wrote this in his book, but I had only reluctantly incorporated that into my list. I had found that Dr. Ballhausen could be correct, or not, and that you needed to confirm before accepting what he wrote. The Jonas carried 36 guns and had a crew of 125 men, according to list published in the 1652 edition of the Hollandsche Mercurius.

English Captain: John Shelley

John Shelley served in the Restoration navy and beyond. He was appointed lieutenant of the 4th Rate Assistance in 1664. He was promoted to captain of the fireship Albemarle in 1667. In 1668, he was appointed to command the Truelove. In 1669, he was moved to the Dutch prize Welcome. In 1670, he commanded the 5th Rate Milford. In 1672, he was First Lieutenant of the 1st Rate London (100 guns) and fought at the Battle of Solebay. Later in 1672, he became 2nd Captain of the 3rd Rate Monmouth. Later still in 1672, he was appointed as captain of the 4th Rate Portland. In 1673, he commanded the 4th Rate Diamond. On 12 April 1678, Pepys wrote that he was appointed as captain of the hired ship Europa (not the Dutch prize from 1673?). On 12 September 1688, he was appointed as captain of the fireship Cygnet. 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.

One of the manuscripts that Rick van Velden found for me was the list in The First Dutch War, Vol.I

Thanks to Rick van Velden, I have a copy of the original handwritten list that was first published in the Hollandsche Mercurius for 1652 and then in Vol.I of The First Dutch War. The handwritten document only lists captains and not crew or number of guns. Those details were probably filled in by consulting Hendrick de Raedt's pamphlet which is in the Prins Hendrick Museum in Rotterdam. I will be curious to check the handwriting for Jan Maijkers, as in the Hollandsche Mercurius, it was changed to Jan Deyckers. I only knew that it was wrong when I received the first of the Director's ship documents in early 2003. Clearly the captain's name was Jan Maijkers (or Maykers). I found him and the handwriting was correct. Apparently the mangling of his name happened in the process of preparing the text for the Hollandsche Mercurius. The date of the list appears to be 24 July 1652.

You probably don't know that Jan Olivierszoon fought in the First Anglo-Dutch War

Jan Olivierszoon fought in the First Anglo-Dutch War. His ship was hired by the Veere Directors. He ship was armed with 38 guns and had a crew of 125 men. The name of his ship was the Wapen van der Vere, and her dimensions were 123-1/2ft x 28ft x 12ft. The ship seems to have been hired in March 1652. During the summer, he was with the fleet on the voyage to the Shetlands, where the fleet was dispersed by a storm. He seems to have missed the Battle of the Kentish Knock. We do know that he was assigned to Cornelis Evertsen's squadron at the Battle of Dungeness. We also know that he fought in the Battle of Portland as he was part of a group of 17 Zeeland ships that returned home after the battle with Jan Evertsen. He joined the fleet on 3 May 1653, probably as part of Michiel de Ruyter's squadron. He almost certainly fought in the Battle of the Gabbard, although I haven't been able to definitely confirm that. He definitely fought in the Battle of Scheveningen where he was assigned to De Ruyter's division.

This is major: I just found the page about the "Wapen van der Vere"

I found the letter about the Wapen van der Vere in the papers from the Zeeuws Archief. I have difficulty in reading then handwriting, but what I can read says that the Wapen van der Vere was armed with 38 guns. The length was 123-1/2ft, the beam was 28ft, and the depth in the hold was 12ft. Several pages later, Captain Jan Olivierszoon is mentioned. He is who I believe commanded the Wapen van der Vere, as his ship definitely carried 38 guns. If anyone has expertise in reading handwritten Dutch from the 17th Century, I would either send you a scanned image, or by mail, send a photocopy. I would just hope to have a report on what you found.

I am going to make time to study the papers from the Zeeuws Archief and the Nationaal Archief

I still have not picked back up the papers that I had received from the Zeeuws Archief and the Nationaal Archief. Rick van Velden had done three hours of research for me, but had not been able to find any sign of a "Staet van Oorlog te Water" for 1648. He did find some of the other documents that I had found metioned in Dr. Elias's book Schetsen uit de Geschiedenis van ons Zeewzen. I had understood (or misunderstood) that the Zeeuws Archief material included a letter about the fitting out of the Veere Directors' ship Wapen van der Vere. In scanning the materials, I never saw that, or anything else that was of obvious interest.

English Captain and Admiral: Sir Ralph Delavall

Sir Ralph Delavall served in the Restoration navy and into the reign of William III and Mary II. During 1666, he was lieutenant of the 3rd Rate Henrietta and then the 3rd Rate Cambridge. In 1668, he was lieutenant of the 4th Rate Tiger. In 1670, he was appointed as lieutenant of the 4th Rate Adventure. At the beginning of the third war, in 1672, he was lieutenant of the 4th Rate Advice. In 1673, he was appointed as captain of the 5th Rate Eagle. Then on 9 April 1677, the King appointed him as commander of the 4th Rate Constant Warwick. Finally, not long before the Glorious Revolution, he was appointed captain of the 3rd Rate York (on 1 October 1688) by King James II. This is from Pepys's papers in "Tanner".

Andrew found additional information about Sir Ralph Delavall. In 1688, he commanded the 3rd Rate York. In 1690, he was Vice-Admiral of the Blue. He was knighted in 1690. At the Battle of Beachy Head, he commanded the Rear. He served as president of the court martial that acquitted Lord Torrington of any wrongdoing during the Battle of Beachy Head. In 1692, he was was Vice-Admiral at the Battle of Barfleur. He was removed in 1693, as he was a Jacobite. From 1695 to 1698, he was member of parliament for Great Bedwin. Thanks to Andrew for the good information.

Dutch Naval Officer: Reinier Claessen

Reinier Claessen was born either in 1560 or 1665. He was killed in action at Cape St. Vincent on 7 October 1606. He was killed in the Battle of Cape St. Vincent when he exploded his ship when he was being overcome by the Spanish. He served the Admiralty of Amsterdam, and in 1588 he was promoted to captain. On 30 December 1605, he was promoted to Vice-Admiral. This is from my translation of the short entry in Luc Eekhout's Het Admiralenboek. I was familiar with his name, as I remember it being the name of a small coast defense vessel.

An unfortunate Anglo-Dutch Wars website

I looked at this website with a page about the Anglo-Dutch Wars. I immediately was struck by how wrong the dates were. I hate to think about the accuracy of the other information. I hope it is better. For the preparer of this website, they might want to know the correct dates for the first three wars:

1. The First Anglo-Dutch War (1652-1654)
2. The Second Anglo-DutchWar (1664-1667)
3. The Third Anglo-Dutch War (1672-1674)

They might take time to read the Contemplator.com's page about the Anglo-Dutch Wars. They might learn something.

The Privateers and Pirates site says "Harman Kleuter", but the correct name seems to be Hendrick Cleuter

Luc Eekhout doesn't list "Harman van Kleuter" in his list, but he does list Hendrick Dirckszoon Cleuter. The Privateers and Pirates site mentions a Harman van Kleuter in a piece about the privateer Jan Jacobszoon. Hendrick Cleuter was born in Amsterdam and died about 1631. He served the Admiralty of Amsterdam and was appointed as a captain in 1614. He was a Schout-bij-Nacht in 1627. This is from my translation of a very short entry in Luc Eekhout's Het Admiralenboek. I know a bit more about Hendrick Cleuter. In 1629, he commanded the 28-gun ship Haarlem. The Haarlem's crew was variously listed as 90 or 95 men. She was a vessel of 225 lasts. Her list of guns was: 2-24pdr, 4-18pdr, 16-12pdr, 6-5pdr and 7-steenstukken with 14 chambers. I have not included the steenstukken in the gun count, as Jan Glete says that they were swivels. These details are from the "Staet van Oorlogh te Water" for 1629.

I noticed a page about the Anglo-Dutch Wars that gives a summary

I noticed a page that is new to me that gives a summary of the first three Anglo-Dutch Wars: "The Contemplator's Short History of the Anglo-Dutch Wars" (from the Marianas Trench, at the Contemplator).

Dutch Naval Officer: Jacob van Heemskerck

Jacob van Heemskerck was born in Amsterdam on 13 March 1567. He died at Gibraltar on 25 April 1607. He was captain on two of Willem Barentszoon's voyages to the North in 1594 and 1596 to 1597. He also sailed on an exploration voyage to the East Indies. He commanded an expedition to Spain and was killed in the Battle of Gibraltar when a cannonball hit his left leg. On 18 January 1607, he was appointed as a temporary Vice-Admiral. This is from my translation of the short piece in Luc Eekhout's Het Admiralenboek.

Dutch Naval Officer: Adriaan Banckert

Adriaan Banckert was born in Vlissingen in 1620 and died in Middelburg on 22 April 1684. He was a schipper in 1639. He commanded in the Battle of Lowestoft in 1665. He fought in the Four Days Battle and the St. James's Day Battle in 1666. He fought in the Battle of Solebay in 1672, the two Schooneveld battles and the Battle of the Texel (Kijkduin) in 1673. He was on the council of the Admiralty of Zeeland from 1678 until 1684. He served in the Admiralty of Zeeland, and was appointed captain in 1642, when he was quite young. On 16 December 1664, he was promoted to Schout-bij-Nacht. After that, until May 1665, he was a temporary Vice-Admiral. On 15 July 1665, he was promoted to Vice-Admiral. On 5 September 1666, he was promoted to Lieutenant-Admiral. He left the service on 3 December 1674. This is from my translation of the piece in Luc Eekhout's Het Admiralenboek.

Dutch Naval Offficer: Pieter van Brakel

Pieter van Brakel either born in Rotterdam or Amsterdam in 1624. He was killed near Cadiz on 29 December 1664. He commanded in the invasion of Nyborg in 1659. He was killed in the defense of a merchantlfeet from Smyrna against an English squadron. He served the Admiralty of Amsterdam. He was appointed as an extraordinary captain on 25 November 1644. On 1 April 1647, he was promoted to captain. From 20 May 1659 until 1 September 1660, he served as a temporary Schout-bij-Nacht. This is from my translation of the piece in Luc Eekhout's book Het Admiralenboek. As usual, we know more about Pieter van Brakel than is found in Eekhout's book. From 1652 until 1653, he commanded the Bommel (30 guns). In 1664, he commanded the new Stad en Lande (48 guns). From 1658 until 1659, he commanded the Huis te Kruiningen (54 guns).

Dutch Captain: Abraham Crijnssen

Abraham Crijnssen served the Admiralty of Zeeland. He was born in either Vlissingen or Zierikzee. He died at Paramaribo, in Suriname, on 1 February 1669. He commanded in the Four Days' Battle and the St. James's Day Battle in 1666. He lead the expedition to capture Suriname and fought in the Battle of Nevis in 1667. He died during an expedition to Suriname. He was appointed as a captain in 1665. He may have been appointed as a temporary Schout-bij-Nacht in 1669. This is from my translation of the entry in Luc Eekhout's Het Admiralenboek. We also know that in 1666 and 1667, he commanded the frigate Zeelandia (34 guns). The Zeelandia had been completed in 1664.

English Captain: another Thomas Foulis (served from 1666 until 1673)

Thomas Foulis served in the Restoration navy. In 1666, he was lieutenant of the Golden Phoenix. Later in 1666, he became captain of that ship. In 1667, he was appointed as captain of the Wood Merchant, a fireship. Later in 1667, he was appointed as lieutenant of the Revenge. In 1668, he was appointed to command the Roe ketch. In 1669, he commanded the Running prize. In 1671, he was appointed to command the Holmes. In 1672, he commanded first the Diamond and then the Anne. He commanded the Diamond (48 guns) at the Battle of Solebay. In 1673, he was appointed to command first the Assistance and then the Princess. Later in 1673, he was appointed to the Lion. He was killed in action on 28 May 1673, at the First Schooneveld battle, while commanding the Lion. 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.

My first sailing ship photo: a Dutch warship (the Brederode?)

I am not sure how closely this follows the Brederode, but it has some of that flavor (that is how I named the photoart piece):

English Captain: Sir William Jennens (or Jennings)

Sir William Jennens served in the Restoration navy. In 1688, he went over to King James II's side. In 1661, he was lieutenant on the Adventure. In 1664, he was lieutenant on the Gloucester and Portland. On 11 October 1664, he was appointed as captain of the Ruby. In 1666, he commanded the Sapphire. Later in 1666, Prince Rupert and the Duke of Albemarle appointed him to command the Lion. In 1670, he commanded the Princess. In 1673, he commanded the Victory. Later in 1673, Prince Rupert appointed him to command the Gloucester. After the Battle of the Texel, he was put in charge of a detachment of five ships sent home. Sir William Jennings was wounded in the battle. On 26 March 1678, the King appointed him to command the 2nd Rate French Ruby. On 30 November 1678, the King appointed him to command the Royal James, which was guardship at Portsmouth. The King appointed him to command the Jersey on 18 July 1686. On 15 September 1688, the King appointed him to command the Rupert. Later in 1688, the Lord Dartmouth appointed him to command the Warspite. 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: Robert Knox

R. C. Anderson only lists Robert Knox as captain of the Charles (32 guns) in 1653. Andrew says that he was the captain of the Charles (of London) from 1650 to 1653. In any case, Robert Knox fought at the Battle of Portland in early 1653. In this battle, the Charles is listed as carrying 33 guns. We also know that he was ordered to the Downs on 20 May 1652 after the encounter between the fleets. 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.

English Captain: John Bowrey (or Bowry)

John Bowrey (Bowry) served in both the Commonwealth and Restoration navies. In 1653, he commanded the Hunter fireship. While the captain was not named, he probably fought in the Battle of the Gabbard, where the Hunter was assigned to John Lawson's division. The Hunter was definitely sunk at the Battle of Scheveningen. There is a passage in The First Dutch War that confirms that was the case. In 1655, he commanded the Eaglett ketch.From 1656 to 1660, he commanded the 6th Rate Drake. After the Restoration, he was continued in command of the Drake. 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.V, 1912.

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

English Captain: William Bustow

Apparently, Bustow is the correct spelling for William Bustow's last name. In 1664, he was lieutenant on the Unicorn. In 1666, he was captain of the fireship Young Prince. He successfully attacked and burnt Pieter Salomonszoon's ship the Liefde at the Four Days Battle. In 1667, he commanded the frigate Francis. In 1673, he commanded the Mary yacht. He was drowned in 1675, according to Pepys. 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 Werden

Andrew called him Robert Worden, but Pepys and R. C. Anderson called him Robert Werden, so I will, as well. That seems to be the correct spelling. Robert Werden served in the Restoration navy. In 1663, he was appointed as lieutenant of the 4th Rate Advice. In 1665, he was appointed as lieutenant of the Plymouth. Later in 1665, he was appointed as captain of the Dutch prize Slotheny (ex-Sloot Honingen). In 1666, he was appointed as captain of the 5th Rate Norwich. In 1669, he was captain of the hired ship William. In 1670, he became captain of the Falcon, a former 5th Rate upgraded to 4th Rate. In 1672, he commanded the Yarmouth (52 guns). He fought in the Battle of Solebay, where he was assigned to the Duke of York's division. In August 1672, he was with the fleet, assigned to John Narborough's division. In 1673, he commanded the 3rd Rate Henrietta. He fought in the first Schooneveld battle, where he was fatally wounded on 28 May 1673. Another valid spelling of his last name was Woerden, which looks rather Dutch. I can understand calling his last name Worden. He was on the North Station at the time of the Four Days' Battle. Frank Fox calls him "Robert Warden". On 25 July 1666, he and the Norwich were in the Thames area, in need of crew. 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 Wilkes

Thomas Wilkes served in the Commonwealth navy. From 1651 to 1652, he commanded the Elizabeth prize, an 8-gun 6th Rate. In 1653, he commanded the 5th Rate Swan (22 guns). He arrived at the Battle of the Gabbard on the second day with Robert Blake. From 1654 to 1655, he commanded the purchased 5th Rate Discovery (20 guns). From 1655 to 1660, he commanded the Portuguese prize Convertine. At the time of the Battle of Scheveningen, he was elsewhere, employed on convoy duty. 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: Francis Steward

Francis Steward served in both the Commonwealth and Restoration navies. R. C. Anderson confirms that he served both before and after the Restoration. In 1653, Francis Steward commanded the hired merchantman Sarah (34 guns). At the Battle of the Gabbard, he was assigned to Lionel Lane's division. He probably fought in the Battle of Scheveningen, as well. In 1665, the Duke of Albemarle appointed Francis Steward to command the Happy Entrance. At the time of the Battle of Lowestoft, the Happy Entrance was at Portsmouth, fitting out. Later in 1665, the Duke appointed him to command the Maria Sanctus (St. Maria). In 1666, he was appointed to command the Dutch prize Golden Phoenix (60 guns). Francis Steward fought in the Four Days Battle in the Golden Phoenix, where he was assigned to Richard Utber's divison. On 25 July 1666, he fought at the St. James's Day Battle, where he was assigned to Sir Jeremy Smith's division. 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. 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: Jeffrey Pearce (or Pearse)

Jeffrey Pearce (Pearse) was appointed as Lieutenant of the Dover in 1664. He was appointed as captain of the 4th Dover (46 guns) later in 1664. He fought in the Battle of Lowestoft, where he was assigned to Sir John Lawson's division. At the Four Days Battle, he was assigned to Sir Robert Holmes's division. He also fought in the St. James's Day Battle on 25 July 1666, where he was assigned to Sir Thomas Teddiman's division. In 1667, he was reappointed as captain of the Dover. In 1669, he was appointed as captain of the Eaglett ketch. In 1672, he was appointed as captain of the 2nd Rate St. George (64 guns). He was killed at the Battle of Solebay on 28 May 1672. At the Battle of Solebay, he was assigned to Sir John Kempthorne's division. 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: Ralph Lassells (or Lascelles)

Ralph Lassells (Lascelles) served in the Restoration navy. In 1665, he commanded the hired merchantman Society (36 guns). At Lowestoft, he was assigned to Thomas Teddiman's division. He commanded the Society from 21 February 1665 until 3 June 1666. He commanded the Society in the Battle of Lowestoft, the action at Bergen, and the actions against returning Dutch ships from Norway on 3 and 9 September 1665. At Bergen, the Society had two men killed. In 1666, he commanded first the hired ship George (from 4 June 1666 until 22 September 1666). At the time of the Four Days Battle, the George was fitting out. He fought in the St. James's Day Battle on 25 July 1666. He was assigned to John Kempthorne's division. Later in 1666, Prince Rupert and the Duke of Albemarle appointed him captain of the Reserve. In 1672, Prince Rupert appointed him to command the 4th Rate Assurance. In August 1672, he was assigned to Richard Beach's division. In 1673, Prince Rupert appointed him to command the Yarmouth. Finally on 9 March 1674, the King appointed him to command the Garland. Ralph Lassells died in May 1677. 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. Frank Fox, "Hired Men-of-War, 1664-7", Part II, The Mariner's Mirror Vol.84 No.2 (May 1998).

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

Dutch Naval Officer: Carel van Putte

Carel van Putte was born in Vlissingen on 11 January 1634. He died in Vlissingen on 17 April 1695. He served the Admiralty of Zeeland. He commanded in the operation to take Prins Willem III to England in 1688. He fought in the Battle of Beachy Head in 1690. In 1692, he fought in the Battle of Cape La Hougue. In 1694, he fought at Camaret. IOn 23 August 1666, he was appointed extraordinary captain. In 1672, he was appointed as captain. On 20 September 1679, he was promoted to Schout-bij-Nacht. On 1 April 1684, he was promoted to Vice-Admiral. This is from my translation of the piece in Luc Eekhout's Het Admiralenboek. We know a bit more about him, at least the ships he commanded:

• 1672: commanded the frigate Ter Goes (34 guns) Probably fought at Solebay
• 1673: commanded the warship Domburg (60 guns) probably fought in the Schooneveld battles and the Battle of the Texel
• 1674: commanded the Vlissingen (50 guns) probably in the expedition to Martinique
• 1688: flew his flag on the Gekroonde Burg (60 guns) in the operation to carry Willem III to England

This is from my unpublished manuscript "Dutch Ships 1620-1700", 2004.

English Captain: John Humphreys (or Humphrey)

John Humphreys served in the Commonwealth navy. In 1652, he commanded the hired merchantman Friendship. From 1652 to 1654, he commanded the 5th Rate Nightingale. He fought in the Battle of the Kentish Knock in the Nightingale (22 guns). In early 1653, he fought in the Battle of Portland, where the Nightingale carried 26 guns. In December 1653, he was operating on the coast of Ireland with 6 other ships. 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.

English Captain: Philip Gething (or Gethings)

Philip Gethings served the Commonwealth navy. He was first seen recovering the Mary ketch from the Royalists in 1649. He commanded the 6th Rate Tenth Whelp (16 guns and a crew of 60 men) from 1651 to 1652. In early 1652, his ship was intended for the Summer Guard for 1652. In 1651, he took part in the capture of Jersey from the Royalists. In 1653, he commanded the Convert and then the Mathias. In the Convert, he fought in the Battle of Portland. On 30 March 1653, he sailed from Portsmouth as part of William Penn's squadron. At the Battle of the Gabbard, he was assigned to Joseph Jordan's division. At the Battle of Scheveningen, he probably commanded the Mathias (38 guns). From 1654 to 1656, he commanded the Preston. In 1656 he commanded the Newcastle. He died in 1656. None of my sources mention him during 1656, so I don't know the circumstances of his death. 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. Michael Baumber, General-at-Sea, 1989.

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

English Captain: Jasper Grant

Andrew found some information about Jasper Grant, who served in the Restoration navy. He was born about 1625 and died in 1697. He served in the navy from 1665 to 1674. He had only 4 commands during that period. Before 1665, he was a merchant captain and privateer. He was "married by Gillian Hely of Kinsale in 1667, and his will was dated 8 April 1697 at Grantstown. His commision dated 17 April 1664 appointed him to "The Mermaid", and dated 2 April 1672 to the command of "The Reserve". Both commissions were signed by James Duke of York, then Lord High Admiral." From Pepys, we know a little more about Jasper Grant. Pepys has him appointed to the Mermaid in 1665. Later in 1665, he was appointed to command the 4th Rate Sapphire. In 1672, he was appointed to command the 4th Rate Reserve. He was discharged by a court martial in 1672. Frank Fox has information about Jasper Grant's service in the Second Anglo-Dutch War. Jasper Grant fought in the Battle of Lowestoft, in the Mermaid (28 guns), where he was assigned to the Duke of York's squadron. At the time of the Four Days Battle, Jasper Grant was operating off Ireland with the Sapphire. He was still assigned to Ireland during the St. James's Day Battle on 25 July 1666.

Dutch Naval Officer: Nicolaas Verschuur

Nicolaas Verschuur served the Admiralty of Amsterdam. He was born at Arnhem on 4 November 1621 and killed at Stromboli on 8 January 1676. He was a commander in the Battle of Stromboli, where he was killed. He was appointed captain in 1670 and Schout-bij-Nacht in 1675. This is from my translation of the short piece in Luc Eekhout's Het Admiralenboek. The only things that I can add is that in 1671, he commanded the 60-gun ship Geloof and in 1675, he flew his flag on the 70-gun ship Spiegel.

English Captain: Richard Blythe (or Blith)

There were actually two captains named Richard Blythe (Blith). The less prominent of the two, Richard Blythe, Jr., commanded the Mary Rose (38 guns) from 1642 to 1643, and then is not mentioned further. He was assigned to the Summer Guard for 1643. The more prominent was captain of the Leopard in 1641, in King Charles' navy. In 1642, he commanded the 2nd Rates Vanguard and Rainbow. In 1643, he was flag captain to the Earl of Warwick on the Prince Royal (70 guns). The Earl was admiral of the Summer Guard in 1643. From 1644 to 1645 (at least), Richard Blythe commanded the 2nd Rate James (50 guns). Powell credits him as being the Earl of Warwick's flag captain in 1644. The James was he Earl's flagship for the Summer Guard in 1644. In 1645, apparently the James was a private ship and was assigned to William Batten's squadron in the Summer Guard. Richard Blythe, Sr. is also listed as commanding hte James in the Summer Guard for 1646. Sources:

1. R. C. Anderson, List of English Naval Captains 1642-1660, 1964.
2. J. R. Powell, The Navy in the English Civil War, 1962.

Dutch Naval Officer: Jan (or Johan) Snellen

Jan Snellen was born in Breda on 12 May 1642. He died on 24 August 1691. He commanded in the Schooneveld battles and the Battle of the Texel in 1673. He sailed with the fleet that took Willem III to England in 1688. He fought in the Battle of Beachy Head (Bevesier) in 1690. He died in his sleep on board his ship in 1691. He served the Admiralty of the Maze. In 1673, he was appointed captain. On 7 August 1690, he was promoted to Schout-bij-Nacht. This is my translation of the entry in Luc Eekhout's Het Admiralenboek. In addition, he commanded the frigate Utrecht (34 guns) in 1673 in all the battles. In 1688, he commanded the 56-gun ship Delft.

Dutch Naval Officer: Philips van Almonde

Philips van Almonde was born in Brielle on 29 December 1644. He died at Oegstgeest on 8 January 1711. He commanded in the battles of Bornholm and Oland in 1676 at Cape La Hogue in 1692, at Camaret in 1694, and the action at Vigo Bay in 1702. The Admiralty of the Maze (Rotterdam) appointed him lieutenant in 1664. By 1665, he was promoted to captain-lieutenant. In 1666, he was an extraordinary captain and by 1667 was a full captain. On 6 October 1672, he was promoted to Schout-bij-Nacht. In the 1680's and 1690's, he was employed by the Admiralty of Amsterdam. They appointed him Vice-Admiral on 5 April 1684. On 28 March 1692, he was promoted to Lieutenant-Admiral. On 20 December 1708, he was appointed as Lieutenant-Admiral by the Admiralty of the Maze. This is from my translation of the Luc Eekhout's piece in Het Admiralenboek.

The Dutch fleet in 1685

The Dutch fleet in 1685 nominally consisted of the following strength:

1. 10 ships of 80-94 guns
2. 18 ships of 70-76 guns
3. 14 ships of 60-68 guns
4. 8 ships of 50-52 guns
5. 32 frigates of 16-44 guns

This is from an appendix to J. C. De Jonge's Geschiedenis van het Nederlandsche Zeewezen, Vol.III, 1869.

Dutch Naval Officer: David Vlugh

David Vlugh was born in 1611, perhaps in Enkhuizen. He was killed on 7 June 1673. He served the Admiralty of the Noorderkwartier. He was a merchant captain in 1658. 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 fought in the Battle of Solebay in 1672 and was killed in the First Schooneveld Battle in 1673. In 1639, he was appointed lieutenant. In 1665, he was promoted to captain. On 24 August 1666, he was promoted to Schout-bij-Nacht. This is from my translation of the piece in Luc Eekhout's Het Admiralenboek.

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.