Dutch Captain: Jan Noblet

Jan Noblet served the Admiralty of the Noorderkwartier. In 1652, he commanded one of the 100 ships hired by the admiralties in 1652. The actual number hired never was 100, but that was specified by the action taken by the States General. He commanded the 24-gun ship Land van Beloften (Promised Land). In July, he was part of the fishery protection squadron that was operating off the east coast of Britain. His ship was taken on July 22nd. There were 12 ships taken or sunk on that day. The last we hear of Jan Noblet was in 1659, when he commanded the ship Orangieboom (36 guns and a crew of 140 men). He was with Michiel De Ruyter's fleet sent to the Sound in 1659. Sources:

1. C. T. Atkinson, Ed., The First Dutch War, Vol.IV, 1910.
2. Dr. Carl Ballhausen, Der Erste Englisch-Höllandische Seekrieg 1652-1654, 1923.
3. James C. Bender, unpublished manuscript “Dutch Captains”, 2005.
4. G. L. Grove, Journalen van de Admiralen Van Wassenaer-Obdam (1658/59) en De Ruyter (1659/60), 1907.

Dutch Captain: Corstiaen Eldertszoon

Corstiaen Eldertszoon (or Elberszoon) served the Admiralty of Rotterdam. He commanded one of the 100 ships hired by the Admiralties in 1652. He ship, the Roskam, carried 26 guns and had a crew of 105 men. The Roskam was one of the 116ft x 27ft x 11ft ships built in 1639. He took part in Tromp's voyage to the Shetlands in July and August 1652. While on the voyage, he took a smack carrying ashes for glass blowing. He apparently fought in the Battle of Dungeness. He was one of the captains that was to be sent to convoy ships to Nantes. He also fought in the Battle of Scheveningen, according to Dr. Ballhausen. He references Aitzema, Vol.III, page 833. My copy is hard to read, but I obviously need to take the time to study this page in the book. In early November 1653, the Roskam and three other ships came out of the Meuse to meet Witte de With and the merchant fleet he was escorting. They were eventually caught in the great storm, but apparently the Roskam survived. Sources:

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

2. Dr. Carl Ballhausen, Der Erste Englisch-Höllandische Seekrieg 1652-1654, 1923.

3. James C. Bender, unpublished manuscript “Dutch Captains”, 2004.

4. James C. Bender, unpublished manuscript "Dutch Ships 1600-1700", 2005.

5. Johan E. Elias, Schetsen uit de geschiedenis van ons zeewezen, Vol.V, 1928.

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

7. Johan E. Elias, Schetsen uit de geschiedenis van ons zeewezen, Vol.VI, 1930.

Dutch Captain: Adriaan Corneliszoon van Ackersloot

Adriaan Corneliszoon van Ackersloot served the Amsterdam Directors during 1653. He commanded the ship Moor, of which we know the following:

• Length: 137ft
• Beam: 31ft
• Hold: 13-1/2ft
• Height between decks: 7ft
• Guns: 34, consisting of 20-12pdr, 12-6pdr, and 2-3pdr

The Moor was first listed on 28 January 1653. She may well have participated in the Battles of Portland, the Gabbard, and was definitely at Scheveningen. Captain van Ackersloot was assigned to Michiel De Ruyter's squadron at Scheveningen, and may have been as well, at the Gabbard. He was accused of deserting the fleet at Scheveningen.

Dutch Captain: Jan Janszoon Boermans

Jan Janszoon Boermans served the Admiralty of Amsterdam during the First Anglo-Dutch War. at the beginning of the war, he was assigned to Witte de With's squadron. He commanded the Prins Willem (28 guns and a crew of 100 men) until her loss in late 1653. He took part in Tromp's voyage to the Shetlands in July-August 1652 and survived the storm. He seems to have missed the battles in 1652, but seems to have fought in the Battle of Portland. We believe that he fought in the battles of the Gabbard and Scheveningen. That assessment is based on a notation on the list of ships lying at Vlissingen (and at the Texel and Goeree) in July 1653. The Prins Willem was one of the few ships actually named, although as the "Oude Prins". In October 1653, Jan Janszoon Boermans was with Witte de With and Michiel De Ruyter on the convoying mission from Norway to home waters. The Prins Willem was one of the ships lost in the storm. Witte de With had warned the authorities that the risk was great, but he was ordered to conduct the mission despite his warning. The storm caused as many losses a losing a battle to the English. Sources:

1. C. T. Atkinson, Ed., The First Dutch War, Vol.IV, 1910.
2. C. T. Atkinson, Ed., The First Dutch War, Vol. VI, 1930.
3. James C. Bender, unpublished manuscript “Dutch Captains”, 2005.
4. James C. Bender, unpublished manuscript "Dutch Ships 1600-1700", 2005.
5. Dr. S.R. Gardiner, Ed., The First Dutch War, Vol.I, 1898.

Dutch Captain: Dirck Pater

Dirck Pater started the First Anglo-Dutch War serving with the Amsterdam Directors. He commanded the Blauwe Arend (28 guns). In early 1652, his lieutenant was Hendrick Hendrickszoon Hon. The ship's dimensions were 127ft x 28.5ft x 12.25ft. The height between decks was 6ft-10in. The guns carried on November 8th, 1652, were: 4-brass 18pdr, 8-12pdr, 8-8pdr, 6-6pdr, and 2-3pdr. In November 1652, he was operating with 8 other ships against smugglers in the Sound. He was not present at the Battle of the Gabbard, where the Blauwe Arend was accused of fleeing the battle. He ended the war in command of Boëtius Schaeff's former ship Hoop. He had commanded the Hoop in the Battle of Scheveningen. Source:

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

2. James C. Bender, unpublished manuscript “Dutch Directors' Ship Information 1652-1653”, 2004.

3. James C. Bender, unpublished manuscript "Dutch Ships 1600-1700", 2005.

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

I hope to be able to offer color posters of some of my ship paintings

I have hopes that I will be able to offer color posters of some of my paintings (and possibly, drawings). They would only be digital prints of images, but that is superior to what was previously possible. I would like to have posters of my Zeven Provinciën picture and of the Brederode painting.

Dutch Captain: Willem Adriaanszoon Warmont

Willem Adriaanszoon Warmont served the Admiralty of the Maze (Rotterdam). Her was the stuurman (quartermaster) on the ship Gorcum in the Battle of the Kentish Knock, when his captain Jan Jacobszoon van Nes de Oude Boer Jaep and his son Andries van Nes with about 30 of the crew, and the ship was captured by the English. Apparently, those still on board caused the English to abandon the ship by setting a fuse to gunpowder under the deck. Warmont "perserved the floor". He apparently was then promoted to command the ship. Dr. Ballhausen writes that he fought in the Battle of Portland, presumably in the Gorcum. There is a mangled reference to Willem Adriaanszoon, so this is probably the case. He may also have fought in the Battle of the Gabbard, but there is no strong evidence that is the case. The only information we have is the list of ships at Vlissingen in July 1653, which has a list (but not ship names) of ships at the Battle of the Gabbard. He definitely commanded the ship Gorcum (or Gorinchem) in the Battle of Scheveningen. He was killed in the battle during the late morning. This seems to have been when several captains and ships were lost. Sources:

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

2. James C. Bender, unpublished manuscript "Dutch Ships at the Battle of the Gabbard", 2003.
3. Johan E. Elias, Schetsen uit de Geschiedenis van ons Zeewezen, Vol.IV, 1927.

Dutch Captain: Pieter Schellinger

Pieter Schellinger served the Admiralty of the Noorderkwartier. At the beginning of the First Anglo-Dutch War, he commanded the Stad van Medemblick, one of the 36 cruisers funded in 1651. Initially, the Stad van Medemblick carried 26 guns and had a crew of 100 men, but later, she carried 30 guns and had a crew of 110 men. In July and August 1652, he was with Tromp's fleet on he voyage to the Shetlands. The Resolutions of the States General mentions Captain Schellinger as being at the Battle of the Kentish Knock. Dr. Ballhausen mentions him, as well, although that is not a reference that would ordinarily impress me. More likely, he was in the Baltic under the command of Augustijn Balck. Certainly, at the end of November 1652, he was one of 15 ships and their captains engaged in convoying in the winter season of long nights. As they set sail for the Baltic on October 29th, perhaps he could have been at the Kentish Knock and the voyage to the Baltic. He definitely fought in the Battle of the Gabbard, where his ship was captured by the English. We suspect that he was killed in the battle. Dr. Ballhausen lists him as being at the following battles and operations (new style dates):

• Battle of Dover on May 29th, 1652,
• Tromp's voyage to the Shetlands in July-August 1652,
• Battle of the Kentish Knock on October 8th, 1652,
• Battle of the Gabbard on June 12-13, 1652

Sources:

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

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

3. Dr. Carl Ballhausen, Der Erste Englisch-Höllandische Seekrieg 1652-1654, 1923.

4. Johan E. Elias, Schetsen uit de Geschiedenis van ons Zeewezen, Vol.III, 1925.

5. Johan E. Elias, Schetsen uit de Geschiedenis van ons Zeewezen, Vol.IV, 1927.

6. Johan E. Elias, Schetsen uit de geschiedenis van ons zeewezen, Vol.V, 1928.

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

8. Dr. S.R. Gardiner, Ed., The First Dutch War, Vol.II, 1900.

Dutch Captain: Johannes Regermorter

Johannes Regermorter commanded a 30-gun ship hired by the Middelburg Directors. He seems to have fought in the Battle off Dover on May 29, 1652. In July and August, he was with Tromp's fleet on the voyage to the Shetlands, when the fleet was ravaged by a storm. In mid-August 1652, he was assigned to Witte de With's squadron. In December, he reported that Blake's fleet was on the Flemish coast. He seems to have fought in the Battle of the Kentish Knock. At the Battle of Dungeness, he was in Jan Evertsen's squadron. He fought in the Battle of Portland, where he was killed. Prior to his death, he had rescued Captain Cleydyck and most of his crew, when Cleydyck's ship was sunk. His ship carried his body back to Zeeland, as part of the 17 ships that sailed to Vlissingen after the battle. We wondered if his ship might have been the Leeuwin, a Directors ship that was known to have been at the Battle of Portland, according to Hondius. Sources:

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

2. Dr. Carl Ballhausen, Der Erste Englisch-Höllandische Seekrieg 1652-1654, 1923.

3. Johan E. Elias, Schetsen uit de Geschiedenis van ons Zeewezen, Vol.IV, 1927.

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

5. Dr. S.R. Gardiner, Ed., The First Dutch War, Vol.II, 1900.

6. Dr. S. R. Gardiner, and C. T. Atkinson, Ed., The First Dutch War, Vol.III, 1906.

7. Jodocus Hondius, Onstelde-Zee, Oft Zee-Daden, 1654.

Dutch Captain: Dirck Claeszoon van Dongen

Dutch captain Dirck Claeszoon van Dongen took part in the summer campaign leading up to the Battle of the Downs in 1639. On October 3rd, he was assigned to a squadron with captains Cornelis Engelen Silvergieter, Waterdrincker, Frans Janszoon, Forant, Regermorter, Commandeur Johan Hendrickszoon de Nijs, De Zeeuw, Juynbol, and Melcknap. He also took part in the council of war on October 8th. At the start of the Battle on 13 October, he was in Tromp's squadron. He commanded "a buss-convoyer from the Maas". Sources:

1. Dr. M.G. De Boer, Tromp en de Armada van 1639, 1941.
2. Charles R. Boxer, The Journal of Maarten Harpertszoon Tromp Anno 1639, 1930.

Dutch Captain: Robbert Post

Robbert Post commanded the ship Deventer during the campaign against the Spanish Armada in 1639 that led up to the Battle of the Downs. The Deventer was a substantial ship, being 250 lasts. The Deventer carried 32 guns and had a crew of 120 men. The Deventer had been built by the Admiralty of Amsterdam. In 1636, Jacob Brouwer had been her commander. He was succeeded by Govert Gerritszoon Voorens from June 1637 up until 1639. Due to Govert Vooren's problems, partly created by his bad relations with Witte de With, Robbert Post commanded the Deventer at the Battle of the Downs. A 250-last ship could have been 130ft x 32ft x 13ft. We really can't know the exact dimensions due to the uncertain way that lasts were calculated or measured. The "factor" could vary widely. I know of examples that vary between 217 and 233 or greater. There are a few examples where the factor is claimed to be less than 200. Sources:

1. James C. Bender, unpublished manuscript "Dutch Ships 1600-1700", 2005.
2. Dr. M.G. De Boer, Tromp en de Armada van 1639, 1941.
3. Dr. F. Graefe, De Kapiteinsjaren van Maerten Harpertszoon Tromp, 1938.

Dutch Captain: Jan Teuniszoon Sluys

Jan Teuniszoon Sluys served the Admiralty of Amsterdam. He seemingly only served from April 1637 until 25 August 1645. He was involved in the entire campaign in 1639 leading up to the Battle of the Downs. He had the honour of taking the first prize in that battle. He had been given the nickname of the Boer Jaap, which we had seen used to describe two men in the Van Nes family. This led to confusion over identities. In 1641, he was with a squadron that took Prins Willem and other dignitaries over to England for the Prince's marriage to Mary Stuart. Captain Sluys transported 24 of the passengers. He apparently died on 25 August 1645. Barent Cramer had hoped to be given command of the Walcheren, but was given the old ship of Captain Toelast, instead. The Walcheren was a ship of 180 lasts, with 28 guns and a crew of 110 men. Captain Sluys took command of the Walcheren from the previous captain Pieter Meeuwszoon Vloo. Sources:

1. Dr. M.G. De Boer, Tromp en de Armada van 1639, 1941.

2. Dr. M.G. De Boer, Tromp en de Duinkerkers, 1949.

Dutch Captain: Willem van Brederode

Willem van Brederode served the Admiralty of Amsterdam. He initially served in the army. When the so-called Nassau fleet planned to attack Spanish colonies on the west coast of America, the ship had five companies of 120 soldiers on board. These were commanded by Willem van Brederode. Apparently, Witte Corneliszoon de With was along, as well. In 1624, there is a note in the Resolutions of the Admiralty of Amsterdam noting that of 16 candidates, 8 would be appointed as captains. Willem van Brederode was one of those appointed, and his first command was the Witte Leeuw, a vessel of 110 lasts and a crew of 70 sailors. He continued to command the Witte Leeuw during 1627 and 1628. One December, his crew refused to go to sea. The beginning of his career was unhappy. Two weeks later, he was appointed an ordinary captain and given command of a new ship that was being fitted out for sea. In 1629, he commanded the Gouda, a ship of 200 lasts with a crew of 90 sailors. In 1630, he lost a ship, for which he was held accountable. In 1636, he was appointed to command the Utrecht. This was a ship of 200 lasts with either 30 or 32 guns. In 1639, he served during the campaign leading up to the Battle of the Downs. He seems to have died, as Jacob Meyndertszoon van Uyl was brought to command his ship. Much of this description is based on my translation of the entry in Dr. De Boer's book Tromp en de Armada van 1639. Sources:

1. James C. Bender, unpublished manuscript "Dutch Ships 1600-1700", 2005.

2. Dr. M.G. De Boer, Tromp en de Armada van 1639, 1941.

3. Dr. F. Graefe, De Kapiteinsjaren van Maerten Harpertszoon Tromp, 1938.

Dutch Captain: Claes Corneliszoon Ham

Claes Corneliszoon Ham lived from about 1600 until 1647. From 1636 until 1638, he served the Hoorn Directors. In 1639, he commanded the ship Sampson (32 guns and a crew of 120 men). He fought in the Battle of the Downs under Tromp's command. Charles Boxer's book is almost useless, as he seems to continually confuse Claes Corneliszoon Ham with Claes Janszoon Ham, who served the Admiralty of the Noorderkwartier. Claes Corneliszoon Ham seems to have been engaged in convoying in 1642. Claes Corneliszoon Ham was part of the expedition to the Sound under Thijssen in 1644. He was appointed Captain-at-Sea in 169 by the Admiralty of Amsterdam. In 1644, he was appointed as a temporary Vice-Admiral. Sources:

1. R. C. Anderson, Naval Wars in the Baltic, 1910.

2. Dr. M.G. De Boer, Tromp en de Armada van 1639, 1941.

3. Dr. M.G. De Boer, Tromp en de Duinkerkers, 1949.

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

Dutch Captain: Hendrick de Raedt

Hendrick de Raedt served the Amsterdam Directors during the First Anglo-Dutch War. Hendrick de Raedt commanded the ship Zwarte Leeuw (28 guns) hired by the Amsterdam Directors. He may have assumed command as early as March 1652. He was very likely present at the Battle off Dover on May 29th, 1652, under Tromp's command. He was also with the fleet on the Voyage to the Shetlands in July and August. His letter listing captains in the fleet, as well as a description of the aftermath was published as a pamphlet. In mid-December, he was sent to the Sound and the Danish ports with Barent Cramer as the commandeur, along with Joris de Caulerij and Frederick de Coninck to convoy Dutch merchant ships and to protect them against privateers. In May 1653, Hendrick de Raedt was operating under Evert Anthonissen's command (Hollandia, 32 guns) engaged in convoying along with Frederick de Coninck (Groote Vergulde Fortuijn, 35 guns), Barent Cramer (Edam, 28 guns). They were ordered to the Texel. Local defense in the Vlie roads would be provided by the Samson (Hendrick Adriaanszoon) and the Purmerland (Andries Sijvertszoon). Hendrick de Raedt very likely fought in the Battle of Scheveningen. He also seems to have been with Witte de With's convoying fleet sent to Norway in October, and survived the storm. Sources:

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

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

3. Dr. Carl Ballhausen, Der Erste Englisch-Höllandische Seekrieg 1652-1654, 1923.

4. Johan E. Elias, Schetsen uit de Geschiedenis van ons Zeewezen, Vol.II, 1923.

5. Johan E. Elias, Schetsen uit de Geschiedenis van ons Zeewezen, Vol.III, 1925.

6. Johan E. Elias, Schetsen uit de geschiedenis van ons zeewezen, Vol.V, 1928.

7. Johan E. Elias, Schetsen uit de geschiedenis van ons zeewezen, Vol.VI, 1930.

My updated translation of the piece on Hans Bournon (thanks to Marco Schuffelen)

Marco Schuffelen (of "Hear Dutch") helped me with my translation problems with the piece on Hans Bournon. Here is my latest attempt at a translation:

Hans Bournon served the Admiralty of Amsterdam. He was in the second expedition sent against Spain from 12 November 1626 to 10 July 1627. He commanded the ship Roode Leeuw, a vessel of 150 lasts. A ship of that size would be about 116ft x 27ft x 11ft. The crew was 100 sailors. He had been present in Haultain's expedition to the Mediterranean Sea from 1620-1621 and in 1623 he defended his convoy against a superior Dunkirk force and drove them off. In February 1624, he shot a Dunkerker and caused such a severe leak that the ship was stranded on the coast of the Bay of Biscay and broke up and so was lost. In 1625, he served in the fleet commanded by Haultain that aided Louis XIII in his fight with Rochelle. In 1627, he fought 8 Dunkirk privateers and escaped with his ship and crew. On 10 September 1627, he was accused of cowardice for abandoning the herring buses. This is based on the information and biography in the document sent to me by Mr. Carl Stapel: "Tweede Nederlandsche Engelse vloot in 12 november 1626 tot 10 juli 1627 naar Spanje".

The sentence of interest is the one about February 1624. The shot caused such a severe leak that the ship was stranded and broke up.

Dutch Captain: Cornelis Melcknap

This is based on my translation of the listing in Dr. De Boer's book Tromp en de Armada van 1639:

Cornelis Melcknap was a convoyer of the admiralty of the Noorderkwartier. He seems to not have been present in the early fighting. He first came to the fleet on October 2nd [1639]. He must have been experienced, as Tromp had him present, as well as Van Galen and Houtebeen, in the council of war. Possibly a nickname plays a part, and he only appears to be listed instead of a well-known commander.

Dutch Captain: Claes (Nicolaes) Janszoon (or Janssen)

Claes (or Nicolaes) Janszoon (or Janssen) served the Admiralty of Zeeland. Dr. De Boer mentions him in conjunction with the campaign leading up to the Battle of the Downs (as Claes Janssen). He definitely fought in the Battle of Portland. As Jodocus Hondius mentions the Leeuwen in his account of the battle, he very likely commanded that ship in the battle. In 1653, he commanded the ship Leeuwen (or Leeuwin), which was Jan Everten's flagship for a period in the spring of 1653. Sources:

1. C. T. Atkinson, Ed., The First Dutch War, Vol.IV, 1910.
2. James C. Bender, unpublished manuscript “Dutch Captains”, 2005.
3. James C. Bender, unpublished manuscript "Dutch Ships 1600-1700", 2005.
4. Jodocus Hondius, Onstelde-Zee, Oft Zee-Daden, 1654.

Dutch Captain: Govert Reael

Govert Reael served the Admiralty of Amsterdam. He commanded the ship Leeuwarden (36 guns) during the First Anglo-Dutch War. He had taken part in Tromp's voyage to the Shetlands in July-August 1652. After the storm, the Leeuwarden was lying in what they called "Wester-baey". He seems to have been at the Battle of Portland, and in April 1653, was operating with Witte de With's squadron. He was likely at the Battle of the Gabbard, and was certainly at the Battle of Scheveningen. Sources:

1. C. T. Atkinson, Ed., The First Dutch War, Vol.IV, 1910.
2. C.T. Atkinson, Ed., The First Dutch War, Vol.V, 1912.
3. Dr. S.R. Gardiner, Ed., The First Dutch War, Vol.I, 1898.
4. Hendrick de Raedt, pamphlet about Tromp's voyage to the Shetlands in 1652, dating from 1652. This is held by the Prins Hendrick Maritime Museum in Rotterdam.

Dutch Captain: Gijsbert Malcontent

Gijsbert Malcontent served the Enkhuizen Directors in the First Anglo-Dutch War. He commanded a ship that carried 28 guns and had a crew of 110 men. He took part in Tromp's voyage to the Shetlands in July and August 1652. He was present at the Councils of War prior to leaving for the Shetlands and after the storm. He fought at the Battle of Portland, where his ship was captured on the second day and he was killed. He had been Paulus Coolen's lieutenant on the Noorderkwartier ship Eendracht (41 guns) on Witte de With's ill-fated relief expedition to Brazil. His is one of the names that Marco Schuffelen pronounces on his website. Sources:

1. C. T. Atkinson, Ed., The First Dutch War, Vol.IV, 1910.
2. James C. Bender, unpublished manuscript “Dutch Captains”, 2005.
3. Dr. S.R. Gardiner, Ed., The First Dutch War, Vol.I, 1898.
4. W.J. van Hoboken, Witte de With in Brazilië, 1648-1649. Amsterdam 1955.

English Captain: Thomas Whetstone

Thomas Whetstone served in the Commonwealth Navy. From 1656 to 1658, he commanded the 4th Rate Phoenix. He served under Blake's command in the Mediterranean Sea in 1656 and 1657. From 1658 to 1659, he commanded the 3rd Rate Fairfax. He entered the Mediterranean Sea in January 1658, under the command of Captain Stoakes,who was Admiral. Sources:

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

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

3. J. R. Powell, Ed., The Letters of Robert Blake, 1937.

Tromp with Piet Hein from April to June 1629

Maarten Harpertszoon Tromp served as Piet Hein's flag captain from April to June 1629. His ship was the Groene Draeck, a ship of 220 lasts. The crew consisted of 95 sailors and 30 soldiers. The guns carried were bronze (or brass) cannons: 2-chambered 36pdr, 2-24pdr (half cartouwen), 2-12pdr; and iron guns: 16-8pdr and 4-6pdr. This is listed in the Staet van Oorlog te Water de anno 1629. I had not realized this, but this list was published in Aanwinsten 1901 XXXV nr.8. I have found it a valuable aid. I happen to have microfilm, scanned to images, from the original handwritten list. I would think that having a good printed text copy would be helpful. It would save having to decipher the handwriting. My translation of the account in Dr. Graefe's book:

In the spring of 1629, Tromp took command of another ship, the Groene Draeck, of 200 lasts and ared with 26 guns, with a crew of 95 sailors and 30 soldiers. In 1625, the Groene Draeck had become commanded by Jasper Liefhebber, andwhen he had been promoted to Vice-Admiral of the Maze in April 1628, it had flown his flag. Jasper Liefhebber wrote in May 1625 that the Groene Draeck was the best ship of the Admiralty of the Maze.

Marco Schuffelen's new webpage for pronouncing Dutch ship and naval officer names

Marco Schuffelen has much more on his new site "Hear Dutch Here" than just Dutch ship and naval officer names, but my primary interest is in these. He kindly added names when I had inquired as to their pronunciation.

Some information from 1638 or so

Dr. M.G. De Boer's book Het Proefjaar van Maarten Harpertsz. Tromp 1637-1639 (1946) has some pieces of information that might be useful. For example, the ship Zeekalf, Breda, Gideon, the jacht Bommel, and the Engel Gabriël were deemed to be not very useful, and they needed to be replaced. From another book, that by Dr. F. Graefe, De Kapiteinsjaren van Maerten Harpertszoon Tromp (1938) some details about those ships:

• Zeelkalf, Admiraliteit van Rotterdam, built in 1622, 200 lasts, 4 brass and 24 iron guns, crew of 90 sailors and 20 soldiers, commanded by Sijbert Vijgh
• Breda, Admiraliteit van Friesland, 24 guns, crew of 80 sailors and 20 soldiers, commanded by Hendrick Janszoon Camp
• Gideon, Admiraliteit van Friesland, 96 lasts, 22 guns, crew 50 sailors and 20 soldiers, commanded by Tjaart Rijenx de Groot
• jacht Bommel, Admiraliteit van Amsterdam, 10 guns, crew 60, commanded by Barent Pieterszoon Dorrevelt
• Engel Gabriël, Admiraliteit van Amsterdam, 16 guns, crew 50 sailors and 16 soldiers, commanded by Gerrit Veen

Dutch Naval Officer: Schrevel Janszoon Ruijmveld

In the documents found by Mr. Carl Stapel, this officer seems to have been called "Schrevel Janszoon Ruijmveld (or Ruymveld)", although Luc Eekhout seems to call him Simon Janszoon Ruijmveld. It could be a different man, but after seeing the entry in Luc Eekhout's Het Admiralenboek, I believe that it must be the same man. There is almost no useful information, but it does mention that he served the Admiralty of the Maze. He was appointed as a Luitenant-ter-Zee in 1605. In 1612, he was promoted to Kapitein-ter-Zee. In 1620, Luc Eekhout writes that Captain Ruimveld served as a temporary Schout-bij-Nacht (rear-admiral). We also know, thanks to Mr. Carl Stapel, that he was on Haultain's expedition to the Mediterranean Sea from November 1620 to September 1621. This is expedition is the period in which he served as a temporary Schout-bij-Nacht. On this expedition, he commanded the Leeuwinne, a ship of 200 lasts. On Moy Lambert's expedition from May 1618 until February 1619, Schrevel Ruijmveld commanded the ship Holland (or Wapen van Holland).

Dutch Naval Officer: Jacob Janszoon van Edam

There is almost nothing in Luc Eekhout's book about Jacob Janszoon van Edam. All we know is that for some indeterminate period, up until September 1617, he served as a temporary Vice-Admiral. He also served as a temporary Vice-Admiral during 1618, according to Luc Eekhout. He does not even mention that Jacob Janszoon van Edam served the Admiralty of Amsterdam. We already know that he was temporary Vice-Admiral involved with Haultain's expedition to the Mediterranean Sea from September 1617 until May 1618. He commanded the ship Gulden Valck. We also know that he served as a temporary Vice-Admiral on Hillebrant Quast's expedition from December 1618 to September 1619. All this we know thanks to Mr. Carl Stapel.

This is a list of flag offices on the expeditions to the Mediterranean Sea from 1616 to 1621

This is from a document from Mr. Carl Stapel listing flag officers of the expeditions to the Mediterranean Sea from 1616-1621:

 
1  Moy Lambert's expedition of june 1616 – april 1617

  Flag Officer         Role
  Moy Lambert          commander

2  Hillebrant Quast's expedition of 1617–may 1618

  Flag Officer         Role
  Jacob Jansz van Edam temporary vice-admiral
  Hillebrant Quast     commander

3  Moy Lambert's expedition of May 1618–February 1619

  Flag Officer           Role
  Moy Lambert            commander
  Cornelis Jansz Gorcum  temporary Vice-Admiral

4  Hillebrant Quast's expedition of December 1618–September 1619

  Flag Officer           Role
  Jacob Jansz van Edam   temporary vice-admiral  
  Hillebrant Quast       commander

5  supply squadron May 1619–August 1620

 Adm Flag Officer                  Ship       Lasts
  A  Dirck Jaspersz Cleynsorgh     Leyden     150 lasts   
  A  Barent Hendricksz Schaeff     Zutphen    200 lasts
  N  Albert Cornelisz ‘t Hoen      Griffioen  225 lasts

6  Moy Lambert's expedition of December 1619–October 1620

  Flag Officer           Role
  Moy Lambert            commander
  Hillebrant Quast       tijdelijk vice-admiral

7  Haultain's expedition of November 1620 – September 1621

  Flag Officer                 Role
  Schrevel Jacobsz Ruymvelt    temporary rear-admiral
  Joachim Swartenhondt         temporary vice-admiral
  Marynnes Hollar              commander and flagcaptain of Haultain
  Haultain                     admiral

Dutch Captain: Salomon Le Sage

Salomon Le Sage served the Admiralty of Zeeland. He was under the command of Abraham Crijnssen on the expedition to the West Indies for the capture of Surinam and fought in the Battle of Nevis. He fought in the Battle of Solebay in 1672 and the Battle of the Texel in 1673. His ships. The date is the date of the information:

Ship Name:             Date:   Guns:  Sailors: Soldiers: Date built:  Length:  Beam:  Hold:        

Prins te Paard, jacht  12/1666 14     75      
Delft                  1671    32     76       45        1664         116      28.5   11.5  
Vlissingen             5/1672  50                        1653         130      34     13.5  
Vlissingen             7/1672  50     92       93        1653         130      34     13.5  
Vlissingen             9/1672  50                        1653         130      34     13.5  
Vlissingen             8/1673  48     185      18        1653         130      34     13.5  

Things we need to find: updated list

There is a list of things that we really need to find. They are critical pieces of information that would expand our knowledge about Dutch ships during the 1630-1672 period. The items are as follows:

1. The information used by Vreugdenhil about Dutch ships prior to 1649
2. The list of Directors ships from March 30, 1652 that lists ships like the Harderwijck, Harderin, Weesp, and Colburg
3. The manuscript that lists the Prinses Louise upgunned to 46 guns in late 1652
4. The manuscript that tells about the Zeeland Directors ships that joined the fleet in May 1652
5. The manuscript that has details about ships such as the Walvisch from 1653
6. The documentation that provided Dr. Weber with details about ships in his book about the Four Days Battle

A story from 1623 that involves Witte de With

Mr. Carl Stapel passed on one last story about Dutch captains prior to 1630. I have slightly edited the text:

On June 12th 1623 the fleet met a Dutch warship at the Azores named Overijssel. The Overijssel was commanded by Adriaen van Crimpen. He escorted sugar ships which he had captured. A mutiny had broken out on the Overijssel about dividing the loot. l'Hermite acted promptly and put three sailors to death on the 21st of June by hanging them and keelhauled six others. Witte de With was one of the officers who sat on the court martial as a judge. By this time,he must have been familar with brutality. He was hardened by the VOC in his young years. But it was Witte de With who always got the risky assignments and never Maarten Tromp. Tromp was never sent to the West-Indies or East-Indies, it was Witte de With, instead.

Dutch Captain: Barent Hendrickszoon Schaeff

We really know very little about Barent Hendrickszoon Schaeff. We know his middle name from the Staet van Oorlog te Water for the year 1628. He served the Admiralty of Amsterdam, and he commanded ships in 1627 and 1628, although there are no details. We know that he served in Moy Lambert's fleet from 1618 to 1619, when he commanded the Vergulden Raven. That was a ship of 150 lasts. That could be a ship of about 112ft x 26.5ft x 11ft. From 1619 to 1620, he commanded the Zutphen, a larger ship of 200 lasts. That could have been about 124ft x 29ft x 12ft. My current estimation is based on a factor of 217, where you multiply length x beam x hold (in Amsterdam feet) and divide by 217 and round the result to the nearest 10 lasts.

Dutch Captain: Hans Bournon

Hans Bournon served the Admiralty of Amsterdam. He was in the second expedition sent against Spain from 12 November 1626 to 10 July 1627. He commanded the ship Roode Leeuw, a vessel of 150 lasts. A ship of that size would be about 116ft x 27ft x 11ft. The crew was 100 sailors. He had been present in Haultain's expedition to the Mediterranean Sea from 1620-1621 and in 1623 he defended his convoy against a superior Dunkirk force and drove them off. In February 1624, he shot a Dunkirker and caused a leak that necessitated stranding the ship on the coast of the Bay of Biscay. In 1625, he served in the fleet commanded by Haultain that aided Louis XIII in his fight with Rochelle. In 1627, he fought 8 Dunkirk privateers and escaped with his ship and crew. On 10 September 1627, he was accused of cowardice for abandoning the herring buses. This is based on the information and biography in the document sent to me by Mr. Carl Stapel: "Tweede Nederlandsche Engelse vloot in 12 november 1626 tot 10 juli 1627 naar Spanje". This is also my translation of that biography. I had some trouble with it, so I would welcome corrections. This is the text in Dutch:

"Hans Bournon

Hij is aanwezig bij de expeditie van Haultain naar de Middellandse Zee ( 1620-1621 ) In 1623 verdedigt hij een konvooi tegen een Duinkerkse overmacht en verdrijft hen. In februari 1624 schiet hij voor de kust van Biscaye een Duinkerker kaper zo lek, dat het schp strandde en verging. In 1625 dient hij onder Haultain op de Nederlandse vloot, welke in dienst van Lodewijk XIII die van La Rochelle moest bestrijden. In 1627 vecht hij tegen 8 Duinkeker kapers en weet te ontsnappen met zijn schip en bemanning. Op 10-9-1627 wordt hij beschuldigd van lafheid omdat hij de haringbuizen in de steek had gelaten."

Dutch Captain: Ellert Thomaszoon

In the second expedition to Spain in 1626, Ellert Thomaszoon commanded the ship Wapen van Amsterdam. His lieutenant was Arent Janszoon van Delften. Ellert Thomaszoon served the Admiralty of Amsterdam.

In 1616, he commanded the ship Valck, a vessel of 200 lasts. In April 1626, he commanded the Amsterdam, which is probably the ship called Wapen van Amsterdam on the second expedition to Spain, as it was a vessel of 180 lasts. We know a good deal about the Amsterdam, as Ellert Thomaszoon commanded the Amsterdam in 1628 and 1629. Since the ship appeared in the Staet van Oorlog te Water for those years, we know that the ship carried 26 guns, comprised of 4-18pdr, 6-12pdr, 4-8pdr, 12-5pdr, and 8-steenstukken. He crew was always listed as 90 sailors.

In 1626, Ellert Thomaszoon was already 60 years old. In 1610, he was owner of a privateer. In 1614, he cruised in the Channel under the command of Moy Lambert against the corsairs. In November of that year, he had the lions share in the conquest of a ship. He also took part in Moy Lambert's expeditions to the Mediterranean Sea (1616-1617 and 1618-1619) against the Barbary Pirates. He also took part in Haultain's expedition of 1620-16212. In 1625, he was a convoyer and was part of the cruising squadron in the North Sea under Commandeur Willem Melcknap and served in the blockade on the Flemish coast. He captured a Dunkirk privateer and refused to put the crew overboard. As a result, he did not receive a reward from the States General. Beginning in 1626, he defeated the Dunkirk privateer ship, the "Gewelt van Duynkercken", but Johan Evertsen boarded the ship, as well. So who actually captured the ship and should receive the booty? They reached an agreement and Ellert Thoamszoon received a gold chain of 400 guilders from the Admiralty of Amsterdam. In June 1626, Ellert Thomaszoon captured a Dunkirk boat (hekboot). After the second expedition to Spain, he worked again as a convoyer. In spite of his age, he still served in the country's fleet in 1633.

This is based on the account in what Mr. Carl Stapel sent me in the document entitled "Tweede Nederlandse Engelse vloot in 12 november 1652 tot 10 juli 1627 naar Spanje". The last paragraph is from my translation of the biography in that document. I have also drawn upon information from the two Staets van Oorlog te Water for the years 1628 and 1629.

The problem with the Dutch ship and captain sheet is the width

I realized that if I change the width, I could make the page size for the Dutch ships and captains for the First Anglo-Dutch War wider by going to legal size in landscape. There is the minor detail that I can't print that size (at least yet). I have been toying with acquiring a printer that will print larger sheets for some time. I see that the HP Deskjet 9800 Printer will do 13in x 19in, which would do quite nicely for now. Mostly, I print letter size, but would like the option to go larger.

The next step

The next step in analyzing the First Anglo-Dutch War from the Dutch perspective is to prepare a document that indicates which battles and operations in which each Dutch captain participated. My paper "Dutch Ships in Various Operations During the First Anglo-Dutch War" is the ultimate place such information will be published. The format of that paper is not really condusive to analaysis. Rather, it is a place to publish lists. The goals for this paper are ambitious. They include describing the 40 ships of 1648, the 36 ships of 1651, the 100 ships of 1652, and the socalled 50 Directors' ships. There were also something like 6 VOC ships allocated in 1652.

Dutch Captain: Andries Fortuijn

Andries Fortuijn served in the First Anglo-Dutch War. He commanded the ship Eendracht (24 guns). He seems to have served the Admiralty of Zeeland, although he may have been employed by one of the Zeeland Directors. He fought in the Battle of Plymouth in August 1652, where his ship was heavily damaged. He seems to have commanded a Directors' ship, at least the July 1653 list of ships at Vlissingen seems to indicate that fact. He definitely fought in the Battle of the Gabbard, as I noted in early 2004. As I noted in November 2003, his ship was blown up at the Battle of Scheveningen, and he was killed. There is also my comprehensive working list of Dutch losses in the First Anglo-Dutch War. Sources:

1. James C. Bender, unpublished manuscript "Dutch Captains", 2005.
2. James C. Bender, unpublished manuscript "Dutch Ships 1600-1700", 2005.

Dutch Captain Marinus de Clerq (de Clercq, de Klerck, or de Klerk)

Marinus de Clerq served the Admiralty of Rotterdam. In June 1652, he apparently commanded the Dolphijn (28 guns) that had been commanded by Captain Schooneman. On September 8, 1652, Witte de With wrote that Captain de Clerq came in the roads with galliots from Rotterdam. De With was at Middelburg at the time. Marinus de Clerq was with the fleet at the Battle of Dungeness. He was initially in Witte de With's squadron. When De With went home, Michiel de Ruyter commanded in his place. That is the extent of what we know about his service in the First Anglo-Dutch War. He was in De Ruyter's fleet in 1659, when he commanded the Prins Maurits (44 guns). He was still in command of the Prins Maurits when he fought in the Battle of Lowestoft. He was assigned to Jan Evertsen's squadron for the battle. In the battle, his ship collided with the Koevorden, Elf Steden, and Stad Utrecht. While the Elf Steden escaped, the Prins Maurits did not, and was burnt. Marinus de Clerq died, as a result. Sources:

1. James C. Bender, unpublished manuscript "Dutch Ships 1600-1700", 2005.

2. Johan E. Elias, Schetsen uit de geschiedenis van ons zeewezen, Vol.II, 1923.

3. Dr. S.R. Gardiner, Ed., The First Dutch War, Vol.II, 1900.

4. Dr. S. R. Gardiner, and C. T. Atkinson, Ed., The First Dutch War, Vol.III, 1906.

I am still hoping to find more about some ships mentioned in Jan Glete's notes

Back in late 2003, I had mentioned a list from Jan Glete's notes from the early 1980's. He had seen a document dated 30 March 1652, that lists some ships:

• Weesp
• Advise Jacht (?)
• Adrnsom (?)
• Colburg
• Zutphen
• Harderwijck
• Harderin

I am guessing that if the document were found, it might include captain's names. Perhaps we could decipher the garbled names, as well. Based on my experience, I think we could. My interest was prompted by a mention of a ship named Harderwijk from 1652.

Dutch Captain: Hendrick Huyskens

Hendrick Huyskens served the Admiralty of Amsterdam. In 1652 and 1653, he commanded the Westfriesland. He likely fought in the Battle of Portland in early 1653. He also very probably fought in the Battles of the Gabbard and Scheveningen in 1653. One characteristic of Dutch ships as the war progressed is that their crew size increased. The Westfriesland's crew increased from 100 to 140 by the summer of 1653. See my old post about the ships in 1653. In 1656, he commanded the Tromp (or Muiltromp) (42 guns) in the expedition to Danzig. In 1658, he commanded the Doesburg (42 guns). Sources:

1. James C. Bender, unpublished manuscript "Dutch Ships 1620-1700", 2004.

Dutch Captain: Adriaan van Loenen

Adriaan van Loenen served the Admiralty of Amsterdam during the First Anglo-Dutch War. At the outset, he commanded the 24-gun ship Patientia. He was in Augustijn Balck's convoying squadron that escorted a merchant fleet to Muscovy. In 1653, he commanded the 28-gun Goude Reael. He seems to have been with Witte de With at the Texel in July 1653. Interestingly enough, at least to me, pages 202 and 203 of Dr. Elias's book, Vol.V, refer to the" list of ships at Vlissingen" in July 1653. The title is somewhat misleading, as it includes ships in the Texel and at Goeree (I believe). Adriaan van Loenen almost certainly fought in the Battle of Scheveningen, and probably fought in the Battle of the Gabbard. Sources:

1. James C. Bender, unpublished manuscript "Dutch Ships 1600-1700", 2005.

2. Johan E. Elias, Schetsen uit de geschiedenis van ons zeewezen, Vol.V, 1928.

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

The Dutch ship Salamander in July 1653

In July 1653, two ships were hired by the Zeeland board from Burgomaster Lamsen. They were the Salamander and the new Vlissingen. We know that the Salamander was a Zeeland Directors' ship. Sources:

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

2. Johan E. Elias, Schetsen uit de geschiedenis van ons zeewezen, Vol.V, 1928.

Dutch Captain: Jan Pauluszoon van Gelder

Jan Pauluszoon van Gelder served the Admiralty of Amsterdam. He was Michiel De Ruyter's stepson. In May 1667, he commanded the Harderwijk (44 guns) in the Raid on Chatham, as well as in July. In 1671, he commanded the Noord Holland (44 guns). He fought in the Battle of Solebay, where he commanded the Provincie van Utrecht (60 guns). In July, 1672, he still commanded the Provincie van Utrecht. In the Schooneveld Battles, he commanded the Steenbergen (68-70 guns). He fought in the Battle of the Texel, still in command of the Steenbergen. He was killed in the battle. Sources:

1. James C. Bender, unpublished manuscript "Dutch Ships 1600-1700", 2005.

2. Gerard Brandt, Het Leven en Bedrijif van den Heere Michiel de Ruiter, 1687.

3. J. R. Bruijn, De Oorlogvoering ter zee in 1673 in Journalen en Andere Stukken, 1966.

Hillebrant Quast's fleet sent to fight privateers from September

Hillebrant's Quast fleet sent, presumably to the Mediterranean Sea, to fight privateers from September 1617 until May 1618:

Adm.  captain            ship             lasts   sailors  soldiers
A     Jacob v Edam       Gulden Valck       220        94        30
A     Carsten Rosegaerdt Vrieslant            -        82         -
A     Dirck Quirijn      Utrecht              -        90         -
A     Quirijn Brack      Gouden Arent       220        90        36
A     Jan Pellecoren     Hollandt           300       130         -
N     Hillebrant Quast   Orangienboom       250         -        48
N     Gerrit Ruyter      Gulden Leeu        180        85        24
N     Outger Buysman     Vergulden Makreel    -        79         -

The Admiralty key is:  A=Amsterdam, N=Noorderkwartier

Claes Marinuszoon Juynbol

Claes Marinuszoon Juynbol commanded the Rotterdam ship Neptunus in the attack on the Spanish Silverfleet. He was killed in the fight. His ship was one we know a good bit about, since it belonged to the Admiralty of Rotterdam:

• Neptunus (Neptunis in old documents)
• 26 guns: 2-24pdr, 16-18pdr, 2-12pdr, and 6-6pdr
• Crew: 85 sailors
• Built: 1623
• Size: 170 lasts

Sources:

1. James C. Bender, unpublished manuscript "Dutch Ships 1600-1700", 2005.

2. Dr. M.G. De Boer, Tromp en de Armada van 1639, 1941.

I do have a copy of the Van de Velde drawing of the Gorinchem (Gorcum)

I had not previously noticed, but I do have a copy of the Van de Velde drawing of the Gorinchem (also known as the Gorcum). The picture is facing page 138 in the book by Dr. Johanna K. Oudendijk, Johan de Witt en de Zeemacht (1944). I don't feel able to post such things, due to the rights issues. I will only post most drawings that are done "after" such pictures. The problem usually is that what I can do is not up to the original, but what can we do?

Dutch Captain: Thomas Tobiaszoon

Thomas Tobiaszoon served the Admiralty of Amsterdam. He was from Ireland. In 1673, he was flag captain (presumably to Cornelis Tromp) on the Gouden Leeuw, and in September 1673 was on the Waesdorp (68 guns) and the Steenbergen (68 guns). Frank Fox, in A Distant Storm, takes the lead from Dr. Weber and says that "Thomas Tobias" commanded the Harderwijk (44 guns) in the Four Days' Battle and St. James's Day Battle. This is probably Thomas Tobiaszoon. He commanded the Beschermer (50 guns) in the Raid on Chatham in May 1667. In 1671, he commanded the Prins te Paard (56 guns). At the Battle of Solebay, and in July 1672, he commanded the English prize Oudshoorn (70 guns), the former English Swiftsure, captured in the Four Days' Battle. The Dutch altered the quartergalleries and other details to hide the ship's identity. In June 1674, he commanded the Geloof (58 guns) in De Ruyter's expedition to Martinique. Sources:

1. James C. Bender, unpublished manuscript "Dutch Ships 1620-1700", 2004.

2. Gerard Brandt, Het Leven en Bedrijif van den Heere Michiel de Ruiter, 1687.

3. J. R. Bruijn, De Oorlogvoering ter zee in 1673 in Journalen en Andere Stukken, 1966.

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

Dutch Captain: Hendrik Brouwer

Hendrik Brouwer served the Admiralty of Amsterdam and fought in the Third Anglo-Dutch War. In 1672, he commanded the 70-gun ship Callantsoog (Kalandsoog) in the Battle of Solebay. He was assigned to Lt-Admiral Banckert's squadron in the battle. In January 1673, he was appointed as a Lieutenant-Colonel under Prins Willem III's command, with a company of sailors. Engel De Ruyter was appointed as Major and captains Ewijk, Tomas Tobiaszoon, Van Gelder, Berkhout, Bont, Schey, Uytterwijk, Swerius, Swart, and Elsevier were all to report to the Prince at Alphen. Andrew says that "Heyn Brouwer", who commanded the Klein Harder in August 1665, is actually Hendrick Brouwer, which seems right. I had not notice it until I went looking. I have a note about Heyn Brouwer that originates from Brandt. He was assigned to Tjerk Hiddes de Vries's squadron in De Ruyter's fleet. Sources:

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

2. James C. Bender, unpublished manuscript "Dutch Ships 1620-1700", 2004.

3. Gerard Brandt, Het Leven en Bedrijif van den Heere Michiel de Ruiter, 1687.

4. J. R. Bruijn, De Oorlogvoering ter zee in 1673 in Journalen en Andere Stukken, 1966.

I'm curious to know if dimensions for Dutch ships built before 1630's are known

I have wondered if dimensions are known for Dutch warship built prior to the 1630's. One for which we know length and beam, that was built in 1625, is the Noorderkwartier ship Eenhoorn. The depth in hold is not known, although we can estimate, based on the size in lasts. I have written about this, sometime in the last year or so. From looking at Ab Hoving's book about Witsen, it seems that something more is known. He has a table of dimensions and lasts towards the end of the book that looks promising. Oddly enough, there are some detailed armament lists extant for Rotterdam and Amsterdam ships from at least 1628. The Staet van Oorlog te Water for the years 1628, 1629, 1631, and 1633 all have such lists. The worst data is for Zeeland, as they had almost no information other captain's name and ship name. The best was for Rotterdam, as they often had the year the ship was built in the earlier lists. In the 1654 Staet, they only listed the years since the ship was built, and then used "Maes voeten", and didn't highlight the fact. That is what lead Vreugdenhil to publish misleading dimensions in his Dutch warship list. The list would lead you to believe that the ships were all in Amsterdam feet, but some of the Rotterdam ships were in Maas feet of about 308mm, divided into 12 inches. The Amsterdam foot was 283mm, and was divided into 11 inches.

Mooy Lambert's fleet sent to the Mediterranean Sea from 1619 to 1620

Thanks to Mr. Carl Stapel, we have the list for Mooy Lambert's fleet sent to the Mediterranean Sea to fight privateers. I have left the spellings as they appeared in the list.

The fleet of Moy Lambert to fight the
privateers in the Mediterranean from May 1619 to October 1620.

A   name               ship         lasts  sailors soldiers
M   Moy Lambert        Utrecht      300    -       -
M   Pieter Rochusz     Leeu(w)      200    -       -
M   Lenert Valck       Hollant      180    -       -
A   Jan Pellecoren     Zeelandia    280    -       -
A   Jan Ysbrantsz      -            -      -       -
A   Cornelis Moens     -            -      -       -
A   Dirck Cleysnorgh   Leyden       150    -       -
A   Barent Schaeff (!) Zutphen      200    -       -
Z   Cornelis Gorcum    -            -      -       -
Z   Jan de Cock        -            -      -       -
N   Hillebrant Quast   Orangienboom 250    -       48
N   Albert C 't Hoen   Griffioen    225    -       -
F   Tuenis Hees        -            -      -       -

Quast left the flleet on March 29th 1620 to return to Holland and Captain Gorcum became vice-admiral. Quast was a commandeur.... !

Haultain's fleet sent to the Mediterranean Sea from 1620 to 1621

Thanks to Mr. Carl Stapel, we have the list of Hautain's fleet sent to the Mediterrean Sea to fight privateers from 1620 to 1621. The admiralty key:

• M = Admiralty of the Maze (Rotterdam)
• A = Admiralty of Amsterdam
• Z = Admiralty of Zeeland
• N = Admiralty of the Noorderkwartier

The fleet list:

The fleet of Haultain to fight
privateers in the Mediterranean 1620 till 1621:

Adm  name         captain               Last   sailors   soldiers
M    Leeuwinne    Schrevel Ruynvelt     200    -         -
M    Gelderland   Geen Schapenham       180    -         -
A    Meerman      Ph van Dorp           100     70       20
A    Meerminne    Jacob v Steenbach     100     70       20
A    Gulden Leeu  Willem Claesz         130     80       22
A    Amsterdam    J Swartenhondt        350    156       36
A    Vrieslandt   Dirck P Vos           150     95       26
A    Vlack        Hans Bournon          220    110       30
A    Arent        Rem Evertsz           220    110       24
A    Edam         Thomas Pietersz       150     95       30
Z    Orranigh     M Hollar              400
Z    Mareminne    Cornelis Danielsz     260
Z    Aeolus       Louwerse Alteras      200
N    Samson       Outger Buysman        300
N    Gulden Leeu  Marten Remmertsz      180      0       32
N    Eendracht    Hillebrandt Quast     300
N    Makreel      Jan Thijsz            120

I probably can correct some spellings and supply more information about those ships that were listed in the Staets van Oorlog te Water for 1628-1633.

Dutch Captain: Jan Le Sage

Jan Le Sage commanded a Middelburg Directors' ship the Vergulde Haan during the First Anglo-Dutch War. At the beginning of the war, his ship carried 30 guns and had a crew of 105 men. He very likely took part in the opening battle of the war off Dover in May 1652. At least seven of the ships present were Zeeland directors' ships. He served with the fleet until the Battle of Portland. He probably fought in the Battle of Dungeness in 1652. He fought in the Battle of Portland and on the second day, he was reportedly killed and his ship was captured by the English after a stubborn defense. Prior to the battle, the plan had been that he and Cornelis Evertsen would separate from the larger convoy and accompany ships that were destined for St. Malo and other ports in Brittany. Sources:

1. James C. Bender, unpublished manuscript “Dutch Captains”, 2005.
2. C. T. Atkinson, Ed., The First Dutch War, Vol.IV, 1910.

The ship Groenwijf

Thanks to Mr. Carl Stapel, we know something about a hitherto unknown ship, the Groenwijf. The Groenwijf was built in Amsterdam by master shipbuilder Jan van Reenen in 1667. The Groenwijf carried 36 guns and had dimensions of 123ft x 30ft x 12.5ft.

Dutch Captain: Jan Danielszoon van Rijn

Jan Danielszoon van Rijn served the Admiralty of Rotterdam. He distinguished himself in the command of fireships. At the Raid on Chatham, he commanded the Pro Patria, which charged the cable across the Medway and broke it, opening the way for the attack on the dockyard. He attacked the Dutch prize Mathias with his fireship and burnt her. In the Battle of Solebay in 1672, he commanded a fireship that successfully attacked the Earl of Sandwich's flagship St. James (100 guns) and fired her, causing her loss. The Earl drowned, after his crew lost their discipline and swamped his boat by jumping into it. This was another catastrophic example of how morale and discipline could suddenly collapse in the Restoration navy. The loss of the Royal Prince, in the Four Days Battle, is another example. Jan Danielszoon van Rijn also fought in the Battle of the Texel in 1673, where he commanded the fireship Louise. Sources:

1. J. R. Bruijn, De Oorlogvoering ter zee in 1673 in Journalen en Andere Stukken, 1966.

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

Dutch Captain: David Laurenszoon van Convent

David Laurenszoon van Convent served the Admiralty of the Maze (Rotterdam). He fought in the Four Days Battle in June 1666, where he commanded the 64-gun Groot Hollandia in Aert van Nes's division. Later in the first day, Jan van Nes shifted his flag to the Groot Hollandia. On 25 July 1666, he fought in the St. James's Day Battle, again in Jan van Nes's division. In 1671, he still commanded the Groot Hollandia, but at the Battle of Solebay, in 1672, he commanded the Gelderland. Sources:

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

2. James C. Bender, unpublished manuscript "Dutch Ships 1620-1700", 2004.

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

De Ruyter's ships in 1664

The details about De Ruyter's ships in 1664 might be of some interest:

• Spiegel, 68 guns 1663 Amsterdam crew 315 men 156ft x 41ft x 15ft
• Provincie van Utrecht, 58 guns 1663 Amsterdam crew 265 men 145ft x 37ft x 14.5ft
• Geloof, 50 guns about 1661, Amsterdam crew 240 men 140ft x 40ft x 14ft
• Middelburg, 36 guns about 1661 Amsterdam crew 165 men
• Damiaten, 32 guns 1663 Amsterdam crew 135 men 120ft x 29ft x 12.5ft
• Edam, 34 guns 1644 Amsterdam crew 135 men 120ft x 28ft x 11ft
• Prinses Louise, 40 guns 1646 Rotterdam crew 175 men 120ft x 28.36ft x 12.55ft
• Rotterdam, 34 guns 1639 Rotterdam crew 124 men 116ft x 27ft x 11ft
• Harderwijk, 34 guns 1659 Rotterdam crew 150 men 112.5ft x 27.5ft x 10.5ft
• Noorderkwartier, 50 guns 1664 Noorderkwartier crew 258 men 136ft x 36ft x 13.5ft
• Rode Leeuw (Wapen van Holland), 36 guns about 1664 Noorderkwartier crew 150 men
• Caleb, 36 guns 1654 Noorderkwartier crew 150 men 130ft x 32ft x 12ft

Jenkins tells the story of d'Estree's abortive attack on Tabago

While Du Quesne was winning battles in the Mediterranean Sea, Admiral d'Estrees was sitting idle. He suggested that he lead an expedition to the West Indes to take the Dutch possessions. E. H. Jenkins, in A History of the French Navy (1973) tells the story of the campaign in the Caribbean in 1677-1678. This is described on pages 61-63. Jenkins mentions Vice-Admiral Binckes and the ships Berscherming (50 guns), Huis te Kruiningen (56 guns), and the Zeelandia (44 guns). D'Estrees sailed from Martinique in February 1677 to attack Tobago. Binckes didn't expect the French to attempt the narrow harbor entrance, but they did. The other Dutch ship mentioned by name was the Leiden, which caught fire and set the French Marquis afire as well. The French took the Huis te Kruiningen, but found she was burning as well. D'Estrees' flagship was the Glorieux, which caught fire when the Huis te Kruiningen exploded. The rest of the Dutch ships burned from the debris, and only the Berscherming survived. The French Preciéux was aground and was taken by the Dutch. The Dutch were left with the two ships. D'Estrees returned from France with 11 warships in December 1677. This time, the French attacked by land. They his the Bescherming with a mortar shell, exploding the magazine and killing Binckes. The Dutch surrendered. While sailing to Curacao in May 1678, d'Estrees ran his fleet aground on a low reef. D'Estrees was not punished, despite the fault being his navigation. Interestingly enough, an elderly captain named Forant was sent out to retrieve the artillery from the sunken fleet. He was able to find 364 guns and 3,000 shot. As I wrote, this is based on the account in Jenkins' book.

Dutch Captain: Claes Corneliszoon Valehen

Claes Corneliszoon Valehen (or Vale Haen) served the Admiralty of the Noorderkwartier. In the summer of 1652, he commanded a fireship. In 1658, he commanded the Kasteel van Medemblik (28 guns) and fought in the Battle of the Sound. In June 1665, he commanded the Hoorn (or Wapen van Hoorn) and fought in the Battle of Lowestoft. He was assigned to Volckert Schramm's squadron that was mostly Noorderkwartier ships, along with some from the VOC. He missed the Four Days Battle. There were only a handful of Noorderkwartier ships involved there. He did fight in the St. James's Day Battle on 25 July 1666, where he was assigned to Jan Corneliszoon Meppel's squadron. In 1672, he commanded the Drie Helden Davids (50 guns) and fought in the Battle of Solebay. In 1673, he commanded the Prins van Oranje (64 guns) and fought first in the Schooneveld battles and then the Battle of the Texel. At the Battle of the Texel, he was assigned to Vice-Admiral Enno Doedes Star's division. Sources:

1. James C. Bender, unpublished manuscript "Dutch Captains", 2005.
2. James C. Bender, unpublished manuscript "Dutch Ships 1620-1700", 2004.
3. Jaap R. Bruijn, De Oorlogvoering ter zee in 1673 in Journalen en Andere Stukken, 1966.
4. Frank Fox, A Distant Storm: the Four Days' Battle of 1666, 1996.

Dutch Captain: Bastiaan Tuyneman

Bastiaan Tuyneman (or Tuynemans) served the Middelburg Directors. At the start, he commanded the 30-gun ship Sint Laurens. In the opening action of the war, off Dover, his ship was disabled and captured by the English. In 1659, he commanded the Zierikzee, and was with De Ruyter's fleet that was dispatched to the Baltic. He fought at the Battle of Lowestoft in 1665, where he commanded the Wapen van Zeeland (36 guns) in Jan Evertsen's division. Sources:

1. James C. Bender, unpublished manuscript "Dutch Captains", 2005.
2. James C. Bender, unpublished manuscript "Dutch Ships 1620-1700", 2004.
3. Frank Fox, A Distant Storm: the Four Days' Battle of 1666, 1996.

The Dutch fleet sent to the Caribbean in 1677

I have not seen this list of ships dispatched to the Caribbean in 1677 to fight the French anywhere else. Thanks to Mr. Carl Stapel who compiled the list. All ships belonged to the Admiralty of Amsterdam. I have done only minor editing. We are the beneficiaries of Mr. Stapel's work.

• Adm Date Built, Ship, Guns, Captain
• A 1665 Beschermer, 50 guns Jacob Binckes
• A 1654 Huis te Kruiningen, 56 guns Roemer Vlacq
• A 1665 Agatha, 50 guns Jan Bont (he was later beheaded )
• A 1643 Zeelandia, 44 guns Pieter Constant
• A 1668 Leiden, 34 guns Galtie Galtjes ( he was a commandeur for captain Richewijn [who] died on the way to the West-Indies ).
• A 1661 Middelburg, 36 guns Jan Swart
• A 1661 Popkensburg, 24 guns Pieter Stolwijk

later in september 1676 they were joined by:

• A 1644 Star, 30 guns Pieter Cooreman
• adviesjachten A ? Fortuijn commandeur Jan Erasmus
• A 1675* Kreeft, 8 guns Gerrit Soeteman
• A ? Soete lam

supplyships

• A 1674* Sphera Mundi, 9 guns
• A Koning David
• A Monnik
• A 1667* 26 st
• Wapen van de Hertog van York ( a former fireship from 1667 ! ).

I may not have divided the list correctly. If not, I will correct it later.

Jan Jacobszoon van Nes (de Oude Boer Jaep)

Much of this information is thanks to Mr. Stapel. Jacob van Nes had two sons. One was Jan Jacobszoon van Nes (de Oude Boer Jaep). He lived from about 1600 until 1672. The other was his brother, also was named Jan Jacobszoon van Nes (de Jonge Boer Jaep). The first Jan Jacobszoon van Nes served the Admiralty of the Maze from 1614 until 1672. In 1652, he commanded the Rotterdam ship Gorcum (30 guns). In July and August, he had been in Tromp's fleet on the voyage to the Shetlands. He also fought in the Battle of the Kentish Knock. He was captured but his ship was released, as it was thought to be in a sinking condition. This incident came close to ending his career. Eventually, he was reinstated and served as De Ruyter's flag captain in the Four Days' Battle and the St. James's Day Battle. In 1672, he was given command of the Klein Hollandia (54 guns). He died defending the Smyrna Convoy against Sir Robert Holmes's squadron in 1672. His brother of the same name died in 1652, on board his son's ship, the Gelderland, at Le Havre. His son was Jan Janszoon van Nes (1631-1680), lieutenant on the Gelderland. The Gelderland had initially been detained in an English port at the start of the First Anglo-Dutch War but was apparently released. Sources:

1. James C. Bender, unpublished manuscript "Dutch Ships 1620-1700", 2004.

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

3. Dr. S.R. Gardiner, Ed., The First Dutch War, Vol.II, 1900.

4. Hendrick de Raedt, pamphlet "Copye een Brief, gescreven van Capiteyn Hendrick de Raedt, leggende in Hitland, voor de Baey van Schalaway, den 10 Aug. 1652", 1652.

5. Carl Stapel, correspondence about the Van Nes family from March 2005.

William Penn said that they had taken a "Wapen van Medemblick" at the Kentish Knock

William Penn wrote of taking a ship that he called the Arms of Medemblick (Wapen van Medemblick) at the Kentish Knock. He said that he recommended Captain Norman to command her in the English service. That seems pretty solid, although it is impossible to correlate that to what we know from the Dutch side. For example, the only losses mentioned were the Maria, Claes Sael's ship, captured, and the Burg van Alkmaar, Gerrit Nobel's ship, sunk. John Mildmay wrote of having three Dutch captains on board his ship, including Jan Jacobszoon van Nes, apparently, who commanded the Rotterdam ship Gorcum. Apparently, the Gorcum had been badly shot up, and John Mildmay had takeon off captain and crew, expecting the Gorcum to sink. Sources:

1. Dr. S.R. Gardiner, Ed., The First Dutch War, Vol.II, 1900.

John Mildmay's manuscript from 9 October 1652

I suspect that the 9 October 1652 date on John Mildmay's document is "New Style", as it appears in a Dutch book. John Mildmay's document is entitled: "The examinacion of Captain John Jacobson [Jan Jacobszoon van Nes] aged 52 yeares taken on board the Nonsuch by Captain John Myldmay". The document says:

Sayth that hee is an Inhabitant of Roterdam and Captian of the shipp Gorcum a frigatt betweene 30 and 40 peeces of ordinance (being the States shipp) and Rear Admirall to the Holland Admirall White (de With; that they have bin forth about a month and that they were in the Channell as hye as Beachy, butt by strong wind put to leeward as ffarr as Newport, and about 10 dayes agoe they mett Admirall Rutter with his ffleet off Ostend; he came from the West of England and sendinge part of his ffleet home wantinge vicutall, himselfe with 16 more of the best, two being East India shipps, joyn'd with Admirall White, so they came all together to the backe of the Goodwin Sand to seeke the Parliaments fleet to fight them; and that 2 dayes before wee mett them Admirall White called Counsaile and proposed to goe into the Downes to fight the Parliaments, but most of the Captaines were unfwillinge to itt, butt in fine White sayd he would goe, but the Parliaments ffleet coming forth prvented them. An further said nott.

This is quoted in its entirety on page 24 in Dr. Colenbrander's book Bescheiden uit Vreemde Archieven omtrent De Groote Nederlandsche Zeeoorlogen 1652-1676, Vol.I, 1919. It doesn't really address the issue about the seeming misunderstanding about Gideon de Wildt, but I suspect that the officer captured was Jan Jacobszoon van Nes (1600-1672), not Gideon de Wildt.

The story in Hainsworth and Church and Baumer seems to originate with John Mildmay's account

John Mildmay tells a story that Michael Baumber and Hainsworth and Churches repeat. The problem that I have with it is that no one but John Mildmay says anything about it. Besides, there are contradicting facts known to be true (about Gideon de Wildt and his ship, the Vrede). John Mildmay's story is recounted on pages 268 to 272 of The First Dutch War, Vol.II. I also looked at Colenbrander, Vol.I at John Mildmay's piece on page 24. There, he writes about Jan Jacobszoon and the frigate Gorcum. Carl Ballhausen is also referenced, but I tend to dismiss him out of hand, unless I can verify that he is correct (which he occasionally is).

I'm baffled at where reports that Gideon de Wildt's ship was taken at the Battle of the Kentish Knock

Gideon de Wildt's ship during the First Anglo-Dutch War was the Amsterdam ship Vrede (42-44 guns) built in 1650. The Vrede survived the 2nd Anglo-Dutch War,although it was not mentioned afterward. Both Michael Baumber and Hainsworth and Churches maintain the Gideon de Wildt was captured at the Kentish Knock, along with his ship and one other. Another ship was destroyed by explosion (the Noorder-kwartier ship Burgh van Alkmaar). In the battle, De Ruyter commanded the van, Witte de With the center, and Gideon de Wildt the rear. I have been checking references in The First Dutch War, Vol.II, and see nothing to indicate that Gideon de Wildt's ship was captured, along with him. The only captured ship that we know about is Claes Sael's ship, the Maria (30 guns). Dr. Elias's only mention of Gideon de Wildt at the Kentish Knock was that he commanded the rear. That is on page 75 of Schetsen uit de Geschiedenis van ons zeewezen. Dr. Elias states on page 81 that the only Dutch losses were Gerrit Nobel's ship, the Burgh van Alkmaar, and Claes Sael's ship, the Maria. Sources:

1. Dr. Johan E. Elias, Schetsen uit de geschiedenis van ons zeewezen, Vol.III, 1925.

2. Dr. S.R. Gardiner, Ed., The First Dutch War, Vol.II, 1900.

3. Roger Hainsworth and Christine Churches, The Anglo-Dutch Wars 1652-1674, 1998.

From Charles Boxer's biographical sketch of Witte de With

This is from Charles Boxer's book about Tromp's journal from 1639. The book is not as useful as it should be, due to an inadequate index. I have supplemented and corrected Boxer's account. Apparently, at the time of the Battle of the Downs, Witte de With flew his Vice-Admiral's flag on the Prins Frederick Hendrick, whose captain was Pieter Pieterszoon de Wint. Charles Boxer gives his dates as 1599-1658. He served in the East Indies in 1616. There were operations in 1619 involving Batavia (which is the modern Jakarta). In 1623, he served with the West India Company. He returned to the East India Company (VOC), and took part in the around-the-world voyage of "the Nassau fleet". He served under Piet Hein at Matanzas (in the capture of the Spanish silver fleet, where he was Piet Hein's flag captain, apparently) and Maarten Tromp at the Battle of the Downs. He captured Matthijs Rombout, the Dunkirk privateer, in June 1640. In 1645, Witte de With, in the newly completed Rotterdam flagship Brederode, commanded a fleet that convoyed a large number of merchant ships pass the Sound without paying the toll to the Danes. Next, he was given the thankless task of commanding a relief force to Brazil. His small squadron had insufficient resources and was totally unsupported from the Netherlands. He left, without orders, to preserve what was left of his squadron, and was imprisoned by Prince Willem II. As teh situation had deteriorated, some of his crews had mutinied and set sail for home. He was restored to the service in time for the First Anglo-Dutch War. He commanded at the Battle of the Kentish Knock and fought in the Battles of the Gabbard and Scheveningen. With Michiel De Ruyter serving under him, he conducted an operation to Norway to bring home returning merchant ships. The fleet was caught in a winter storm, and sustained considerable losses. Witte de With had warned against such a voyage, but was dispatched anyway. He was killed at the Battle of the Sound on 8 November 1658, when his flagship, the Brederode, ran aground while fighting the Swedes, and the Brederode was mercilessly raked by Swedish ships. Boxer says that he was hated my most of those serving with him and under him, as he was very rigid and had a bad temper. Interestingly enough, Michiel De Ruyter is credited with a bad temper as well. Witte de With had the added issue that he was strong Republican, in a service where most officers were Orangists.

Dutch Captain: Albert Claeszoon de Graeff

Albert Claeszoon de Graeff served the Admiralty of Amsterdam. In 1652, he commanded the hired ship Hollandia (32 guns). In June and July, he was in Witte de With's squadron. In July 1652, he sailed with the fleet under Tromp's command that sailed to the Shetlands. His ship survived the storm and he attended Tromp's council of war before they sailed for home. On August 14, he was still under Witte de With's command. In early 1653, his ship was lying off of the island of St. Martin. In 1659, he commanded the Marseveen (40 guns) in De Ruyter's fleet that was operating in the Baltic. In June 1665, he commanded the Huis Tijdverdrijf (58 guns) and fought in the Battle of Lowestoft. He was assigned to Jacob van Wassenaer's squadron. Sources:

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

2. Gerard Brandt, Het Leven en Bedrijif van den Heere Michiel de Ruiter, 1687.

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

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

5. G. L. Grove, Journalen van de Admiralen Van Wassenaer-Obdam (1658/59) en De Ruyter (1659/60), 1907.

Retranslating Mollema's piece on Maarten Tromp

Given that I misunderstood Tromp's relationship to Piet Hein, I thought that I needed to retranslate J.C. Mollema's entry for Tromp:

23 April 1598-10 Aug 1653. Served the Admiraliteit of the Maze. Ship's boy in 1606. Quartermaster in 1617. Stuurman in 1618. Lieutenant in 1622. Captain in 1624. Lieutenant-Admiral in 1637.

1607 Served with his father under Van Heemskerck in the Battle of Gibraltar. 1610 sailed with a merchantman and was captured by an English pirate. 1621 a Moroccan captive. 1622-24 Served in the blockade fleet on the Flemish coast. 1626 Distinguished himself in a fight with 6 Dunkirkers. 1629 Flag captain of Piet Hein, witnessed his death, captured a Dunkirker, and was rewarded with a golden chain. 1630-34 Squadron commander in the blockade service before Dunkirk under Liefhebber, captured various privateers. 1638 Organized the tightening of the blockade of Dunkirk. 1639 Lead in the fight before Dunkirk and the Battle of the Downs. 1640-44 Blockade commander before Dunkirk. 1652-53 Commander-in-chief. There was the flag incident with Blake (that started the war). He led in the Battle of Dungeness, the Battle of Portland (the Three Days' Battle), the Battle of Nieuwpoort (the Gabbard), and Terheide (Scheveningen). He was killed in the last battle.

I had things wrong about Piet Hein and he Silverfleet

This is my translation of part of the Dutch entry in the Wikipedia about Witte de With. Witte de With was Piet Hein's flag captain during the Spanish silver fleet capture:

He was born in Den Briel, like Tromp, but one year. According to the legend they were in their youth either friends or already were enemies, but there is absolutely no proof for either. Tromp left Brielle at six. In 1616 De With was cabin boy (or "saloon boy"??) for Jan Pieterszoon Coen in India. In 1622 he was already flag captain. In 1625 he visited India for the second and last time as a Vice-Admiral (in the VOC) of the retourvloot. Afterwards he was for a time commander of the large fishery. De With fought during the eighty-year-old war against the Spaniards at the Admiralty of the Maze. In 1628 he became flag captain to Piet Hein in his attack on the silver fleet. In 1637 he was appointed as Vice-Admiral of the Netherlands and West-Friesland simultaneously with the appointment of Tromp as Lieutenant-Admiral. In that role he fought under at tromp in 1639 in the battle of the Downs. In 1645 he forced the Sound [with a large fleet of merchantships] against the Danes and enforced a favourable toll treaty.

English Captain: Henry Clarke

In 1665, Henry Clarke was lieutenant on the Dutch prize Young Prince. Later in 1665, he was lieutenant of the 4th Rate Hampshire. Frank Fox tells the story about how Henry Clarke, the Hampshire's lieutenant, arrived bringing word of Prince Rupert, and how he didn't know that the Four Days Battle was underway. In 1666, Prince Rupert and the Duke of Albemarle appointed him as lieutenant on the 2nd Rate Henry. He then was appointed as captain of the John and Thomas. In 1669, he was captain of the Holmes. In 1662, he was appointed as captain of the 5th Rate Nightingale. Later in 1672, he became captain of the Yarmouth. Finally, in 1673, Prince Rupert appointed him as captain of the 3rd Rate York. 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 Dutch fleet dispatched to the Sound in 1658

The Dutch dispatched a moderate-sized fleet to the Sound to force transports through to relieve Copenhagen, which was besieged by Sweden. The fleet consisted of 35 warships, six fluits, four fireships, and 6 galliots. The fluits were loaded with troops, while some of the warships carried their usual complement of land soldiers. There is a somewhat different view of this list at KentishKnock.com.

• The Van:

1. Brederode (Vice-Admiral Witte de With), 220 sailors, 50 soldiers, 59 guns
2. Landman (Capt. Evert Anthonissen) 130 sailors, 40 guns
3. Zeeridder (Capt. Adriaen Banckert) 75 sailors, 25 soldiers, 22 guns
4. Prinses Louise (Capt. Jacob Boshuysen) 120 sailors, 31 guns
5. Kogge (Capt. Willem Jan Stoffelszoon) 13o sailors, 40 guns (hired merchantman)
6. Windhond (Capt. Gilles Janszoon) 67 sailors, 25 soldiers, 23 guns
7. Prins Willem (Capt. Jan Duym) 75 sailors, 25 soldiers, 28 guns
8. Wapen van Medemblick (Capt. Adriaen Houttuijn) 124 sailors, 36 guns
9. Maagd van Enkhuizen (Capt. Dirck Gerritszoon Pomp) 102 sailors, 27 guns
10. Kasteel van Medemblick (Capt. Claes Corneliszoon Vale Hen) 95 sailors, 28 guns
11. Groningen (Capt. Laurens Degelcamp), 120 sailors, 36 guns

• The Center

1. Eendracht (Lt.-Admiral Jacob Wassenaer van Obdam, Capt. Egbert Meeuwssen Cortenaer) 250 sailors, 75 soldiers, 72 guns
2. Rotterdam (Schout-bij-Nacht Jan Arentszoon Verhaeff) 80 sailors, 20 soldiers, 34 guns
3. Zon (Capt. Dirck Krijnen Verveen) 130 sailors, 40 guns
4. Wapen van Rotterdam (Capt. Aert van Nes) 130 sailors, 30 soldiers, 40 guns
5. Dordrecht (Capt. Jan de Liefde) 130 sailors, 30 soldiers, 40 guns
6. Halve Maan (or Maan) (Capt. Jan van Campen) 130 sailors, 40 guns
7. Duivenvoorde (Capt. Paulus Egbertszoon Souck) 130 sailors, 40 guns
8. Stavoren (Capt. Joris Caullery) 150 sailors, 40 guns
9. Deutecom (Capt. Abraham de Weerdenburgh) 74 sailors, 24 guns
10. Waag (Capta. Sijbrandt Janszoon Mol) 130 sailors, 40 guns (hired merchantman)
11. Goude Leeuw (Capt. Reynst Corneliszoon Sevenhuysen) 125 sailors, 38 guns
12. Hoorn (Capt. Claes Aldertszoon) 100 sailors, 28 guns
13. Prinses Albertina (Capt. Auke Stellingwerff) 120 sail0rs, 36 guns

• The Rear

1. Jozua (Vice-Admiral Pieter Florissen) 150 sailors, 50 guns
2. Eendracht (Capt. Gerrit Femssen) 125 sailors, 38 guns
3. Breda (Capt. Bruynsvelt) 95 sailors, 28 guns
4. Caleb (Capt. Cornelis Slordt) 125 sailors, 40 guns
5. Jupiter (Capt. Cornelis De Boer) 120 sailors, 32 guns
6. Jonge Prins (Capt. Govert Corneliszoon 't Hoen) 110 sailors, 30 guns
7. Alkmaar (Capt. Jan de Groot) 120 sailors, 36 guns
8. Monnik (Capt. Claes Arentszoon Sloot) 105 sailors, 26 guns
9. Westfriesland (Capt. Dirck Bogaart) 104 sailors, 28 guns
10. Monnikendam (Capt. Jan Samplon) 105 sailors, 32 guns
11. Hollandia (Capt. Backer) 125 sailors, 38 guns

• Transports

1. Judith
2. Vergulden Haan
3. Liefde
4. Medea
5. Perel
6. Fruitboom

This is from G. L. Grove's book Journalen van de Admiralen Van Wassenaer-Obdam (1658/59) en De Ruyter (1659/60) (1907). I have made some corrections from what I consider to be better information. I have handwritten pages that give the soldiers carried by the transports, but I still have not had time to find them, but I will do that soon.

English Captain: Richard London

Richard London served in the Restoration navy. In 1665, he was a lieutenant on the 2nd Rate Old James. Later in 1665, he was lieutenant on the 1st Rate Royal James. He became lieutenant on the 3rd Rate Monmouth in 1667. In December 1668, he sat on a court martial for Captain Scott, Sir Thomas Allin's master, who was cashiered from the service. He was serving in Sir Thomas Allin's squadron that was operating in the Mediterranean Sea. Richard London spoke Spanish, so he was often used as an interpreter. In 1669, he was lieutenant on the Resolution. His first command was the 5th Rate Guernsey, to which he was appointed in 1670. In 1671, he was appointed to the 3rd Rate Montagu. In 1672, Prince Rupert appointed him to command the 5th Rate Norwich. Sources:

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

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 Hubbard (who served starting in 1662)

There were two John Hubbards who served during pretty much the same period in the Restoration navy. Frank Fox calls him John Hubbert. This is about the John Hubbard who served from 1662 to at least 1670. In 1662, John Hubbard commanded the Royalist prize Greyhound. In 1664, he was appointed to command the Dutch prize Mathias. At the time of the Battle of Lowestoft, he was at Portsmouth. In 1666, he commanded first the 4th Rate Centurion and then the Leopard. At the start of the Four Days Battle, he was in the Centurion, which was in the Medway repairing. He arrived at the battle over the night of June 3-4. On 25 July 1666, he fought in the St. James's Day Battle, where he commanded the Leopard (60 guns). He was appointed to command the 2nd Rate Old James in 1668. Later in 1668, he was moved to the 2nd Rate Victory. In 1670, he was appointed to command the Falcon. 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 jacht Haij

I don't believe that I have written about this, before. From the "Staet van Oorlog te Water voor den Jaere 1654" there is an entry for the jacht Haij. The ship was 6 years old in 1654, so she was probably built in 1648. Vreugdenhil calls her the Haai. She is number 73 in his list. In 1654, her captain was Jan Janszoon Blom. The handwritten list I have only gives her length and hold, but Vreugdenhil has the complete dimensions: 68ft x 17.5ft x 10ft. I suspect that these are in Maas feet of 308mm, as the jacht belonged to the Admiralty of the Maas, and all older vessels were specified in Maas feet. It was only the newer ships built during the First Anglo-Dutch War that Rotterdam used Amsterdam feet for the dimensions. That makes her dimensions in Amsterdam feet 74ft x 19ft x 11ft. We know the details of her armament from the Staet as 6-4pdr and 4-steenstukken. Jan Glete says that these latter pieces were swivels. Despite their name, by the mid-17th Century, they didn't fire stone shot. Stone shot went out of use, generally, due to the cost!

The whole Maarten Tromp-WItte de With rivalry was unfortunate

Maarten Tromp and Witte de With were only about a year apart in age. Tromp was the year older of the two. I have had the good fortune to read a paper yesterday that summarized the life of Witte de With. Tromp was the more favored of the two, and he continued to receive the plum jobs, up until his untimely demise in 1653. Tromp was made Lieutenant-Admiral and was the fleet commander for the campaign leading up to the Battle of the Downs in 1639. The outcome was successful, so it added further to Tromp's fame. Witte de With's criticism of Tromp's performance in the battle may have been simply due to jealousy, although I'm not so sure that there couldn't have been some validity to it. Witte de With had the credibility that when difficult assignments came up, he was given the task to execute them. In 1645, he pushed a fleet of merchant ships into the Sound without paying the toll to the Danes. When Brazil needed rescue, but the Dutch were not willing to put the resources needed into the operation, Witte de With was sent. If Prins Willem II had not died, Witte de With might have been in trouble, but instead, he was rehabilitated in time for the First Anglo-Dutch War, where he performed credibly. Late in the war, he led the fleet to Norway and back in the winter, and survived a storm, with considerable damage. He had warned the authorities that the voyage was risky, due to weather, but he was despatched inspite of that. The most trusted naval leaders in late 1653 were Witte de With and Michiel De Ruyter. For political reasons, Jacob van Wassenaer van Obdam was put in charge instead. The situation was too politically charged.

I repeated myself

I'm sorry to say that I repeated myself when I wrote about Carel van Putte. Andrew pointed out that I had written about him on 26 April 2005. I searched with Google and didn't see the listing, so I thought that I hadn't already written about Carel van Putte. I was wrong. Google let me down, in this case.

Dutch Naval Officer: Carel van de Putte

Carel van de Putte was born in Vlissingen on 11 January 1634 and died at Vlissingen on 17 April 1695. He commanded in the voyage of Prins William III to England in 1688. He fought in the Battle of Beachy Head in 1690 and in the Battles of Cape La Hougue 1n 1692 and Camaret in 1694. He served the Admiralty of Zeeland. He was appointed as an extraordinary captain-at-sea on 23 August 1666. In 1672, he was promoted to captain-at-sea. On 20 September 1679, he was appointed as a Schout-bij-Nacht. By 1 April 1684, he became a Vice-Admiral. This is from my translation of the piece in Luc Eekhout's Het Admiralenboek.

We also know more about the ships he commanded:

• 1672: Ter Goes, 34 guns built 1652
• 1673: Domburg, 60 guns built about 1671
• 1674: Vlissingen, 50 guns built 1653
• 1688: Gekroonde Burg, 60 guns built 1682

This is from my unpublished manuscript: "Dutch Ships: 1620-1700" (2004)

English Capain: Napthali Ball (Updated)

Napthali Ball served in the Restoration navy. At the Battle of Lowestoft, he commanded the fireship Bramble, which he had been appointed to command earlier in 1665. He attacked the Dutch 60-gun warship Hilversum. While the Hilversum's crew fought the fire, other English ships came up and captured the Hilversum. He was assigned to the Duke of York's divsion in the battle. William Laird Clowes says that he commanded the Success later in 1665 and was one of those captains who succeeded in taking prizes of "Dutch merchantmen and privateers". In June 1666, he commanded the 5th Rate Success, and was engaged in a mission on the Western Station with the Milford (and missed the Four Days Battle). On 25 July 1666, he was cruising in the Channel, and also missed the St. James's Day Battle. In 1667, he was appointed to command the Roe ketch. Later in 1667, he commanded the 4th Rate Assistance. In 1672, he was appointed to command the Richmond.By August 1672, he commanded the Greenwich (60 guns). He was assigned to Sir John Kempthorne's division. Sources:

1. R. C. Anderson, Journals and Narratives of the Third Dutch War, 1946.
2. William Laird Clowes, The Royal Navy: A History from the Earliest Times to the Present, Vol.II, 1898.
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.