The miraculous victory atchieved by the English Fleete,
under the discreet and happy conduct of the right
honourable, right prudent, and valiant lord, the L.
Charles Howard, L. high Admirall of England, &c.
Upon the Spanish huge Armada sent in the yeere 1588.
for the invasion of England, together with the wofull
and miserable successe of the said Armada afterward,
upon the coasts of Norway
, of the Scottish Westerne
Isles, of Ireland
, of Spaine, of France, and of England,
&c. Recorded in Latine by Emanuel van Meteran in
the 15. booke of his history of the low Countreys.
HAVING in part declared the strange and wonderfull events
of the yeere eightie eight, which hath bene so long time
foretold by ancient prophesies; we will now make relation
of the most notable and great enterprise of all others
which were in the foresaid yeere atchieved, in order as it
was done. Which exploit (although in very deed it was
not performed in any part of the low Countreys) was
intended for their ruine and destruction. And it was the
expedition which the Spanish king, having a long time
determined the same in his minde, and having consulted
thereabout with the Pope, set foorth and undertooke
against England and the low Countreys. To the end
that he might subdue the
Realme of England, and reduce
it unto his catholique Religion, and by that meanes might
be sufficiently revenged for the disgrace, contempt and
dishonour, which hee (having 34. yeeres before enforced
them to the Popes obedience) had endured of the English
nation, and for divers other injuries which had taken
deepe impression in his thoughts. And also for that hee
deemed this to bee the most readie and direct course,
whereby hee might recover his heredetarie possession of
the lowe Countreys, having restrained the inhabitants
from sayling upon the coast of England. Which verily,
upon most weighty arguments and evident reasons, was
thought would undoubtly have come to passe, considering
the great aboundance and store of all things necessary
wherewith those men were furnished, which had the
managing of that action committed unto them. But now
let us describe the matter more particularly.
The Spanish King having with small fruite and commoditie, for above twentie yeeres together, waged warre
against the Netherlanders, after deliberation with his
counsellers thereabout, thought it most convenient to
assault them once againe by Sea, which had bene
attempted sundry times heretofore, but not with forces
sufficient. Unto the which expedition it stoode him nowe
in hand to joyne great puissance, as having the English
people his professed enemies; whose Island is so situate,
that it may either greatly helpe or hinder all such as saile
into those parts. For which cause hee thought good first
of all to invade England, being perswaded by his
Secretary Escovedo, and by divers other well experienced
Spaniards and Dutchmen, and by many English fugitives,
that the conquest of that Iland was lesse difficult then
the conquest of Holland
and Zeland. Moreover the
Spaniards were of opinion, that it would bee farre more
behoveful for their King to conquere England and the
lowe Countreys all at once, then to be constrained continually to maintaine a warlike Navie to defend his East
and West Indie Fleetes, from the English Drake, and
from such like valiant enemies.
And for the same purpose the king Catholique had
given commandement long before in Italy
and Spaine,
that a great quantitie of timber should be felled for
the building of shippes; and had besides made great
preparation of things and furniture requisite for such an
expedition; as namely in founding of brasen Ordinance,
in storing up of corne and victuals, in trayning of men
to use warlike weapons, in leavying and mustering of
souldiers: insomuch that about the beginning of the
yeere 1588. he had finished such a mightie Navie, and
brought it into Lisbon
haven, as never the like had before
that time sailed upon the
Ocean sea.
A very large and particular description of this Navie
was put in print and published by the Spaniards; wherein
were set downe the number, names, and burthens of the
shippes, the number of Mariners and souldiers throughout the whole Fleete; likewise the quantitie of their
Ordinance, of their armour, of bullets, of match, of gunpoulder, of victuals, and of all their Navall furniture was
in the saide description particularized. Unto all these
were added the names of the Governours, Captaines,
Noblemen and gentlemen voluntaries, of whom there was
so great a multitude, that scarce was there any family of
accompt, or any one principall man throughout all
Spaine, that had not a brother, sonne or kinseman in
that Fleete: who all of them were in good hope to
purchase unto themselves in that Navie (as they termed
it) invincible, endlesse glory and renowne, and to possesse
themselves of great Seigniories and riches in England,
and in the lowe Countreys. But because the said description was translated and published out of Spanish into
divers other languages, we will here onely make an
abridgement or briefe rehearsall thereof.
- Portugal
furnished and set foorth under the conduct
of the duke of Medina Sidonia generall of the Fleete,
ten Galeons, two Zabraes, 1300. Mariners, 3300.
souldiers, 300. great pieces, with all requisite furniture.
- Biscay
, under the conduct of John Martines de Ricalde
Admiral of the whole Fleete, set forth tenne Galeons,
4. Pataches, 700. mariners, 2000. souldiers, 250.
great pieces, &c.
- Guipusco, under the conduct of Michael de Oquendo,
tenne Galeons, 4. Pataches, 700. mariners, 2000.
souldiers, 310. great pieces.
- Italy
with the Levant Islands, under Martine de Vertendona, 10. Galeons, 800. mariners, 2000. souldiers,
310. great pieces, &c.
- Castile
, under Diego Flores de Valdez, 14. Galeons,
two Pataches, 1700. mariners, 2400. souldiers, and
380. great pieces, &c.
- Andaluzia, under the conduct of Petro de Valdez, 10.
Galeons, one Patache, 800. mariners, 2400. souldiers,
280. great pieces, &c.
- Item, under the conduct of John Lopez de Medina,
23. great Flemish hulkes, with 700. mariners, 3200.
souldiers, and 400. great pieces.
- Item, under Hugo de Moncada, foure Galliasses containing 1200. gally-slaves, 460. mariners, 870. souldiers, 200. great pieces, &c.
- Item, under Diego de Mandrana, foure Gallies of
Portugall, with 888. gally-slaves, 360. mariners, 20.
great pieces, and other requisite furniture.
- Item, under Anthonie de Mendoza, 22. Pataches and
Zabraes, with 574. mariners, 488. souldiers, and 193.
great pieces.
Besides the ships aforementioned there were 20. caravels
rowed with oares, being appointed to performe necessary
services unto the greater ships: insomuch that all the
ships appertayning to this Navie amounted unto the
summe of 150. eche one being sufficiently provided of
furniture and victuals.
The number of Mariners in the saide Fleete were above
8000. of slaves 2088. of souldiers 20000. (besides noblemen and gentlemen voluntaries) of great cast pieces 2650.
The foresaid ships were of an huge and incredible capacitie
and receipt. For the whole Fleete was large ynough to
containe the burthen of 60. thousand tunnes.
The Galeons were 64. in number, being of an huge
bignesse, and very stately built, being of marveilous force
also, and so high, that they resembled great castles, most
fit to defend themselves and to withstand any assault, but
in giving any other ships the encounter farre inferiour
unto the English and Dutch ships, which can with great
dexteritie weild and turne themselves at all assayes. The
upperworke of the said Galeons was of thicknesse and
strength sufficient to beare off musket-shot. The lower
worke and the timbers thereof were out of measure
strong, being framed of plankes and ribs foure or five
foote in thicknesse, insomuch that no bullets could pierce
them, but such as were discharged hard at hand: which
afterward prooved true, for a great number of bullets
were founde to sticke fast within the massie substance of
those thicke plankes. Great and well pitched Cables were
twined about the masts of their shippes, to strengthen
them against the battery of shot.
The Galliasses were of such bignesse, that they contained within them chambers, chapels, turrets, pulpits,
and other commodities of great houses. The Galliasses
were rowed with great oares, there being in eche one of
them 300. slaves for the same purpose, and were able to
do great service with the force of their Ordinance. All
these together with the residue aforenamed were furnished
and beautified with trumpets, streamers, banners, warlike
ensignes, and other such like ornaments.
Their pieces of brasen ordinance were 1600. and of
yron a 1000.
The bullets thereto belonging were 120. thousand.
Item of gun-poulder 5600. quintals. Of matche 1200.
quintals.
Of muskets and kaleivers 7000. Of haleberts and
partisans 10000.
Moreover they had great store of canons, doublecanons, culverings and field-pieces for land services.
Likewise they were provided of all instruments necessary on land to conveigh and transport their furniture
from place to place; as namely of carts, wheeles, wagons,
&c. Also they had spades, mattocks and baskets to set
pioners on worke. They had in like sort great store of
mules and horses, and whatsoever else was requisite for
a land-armie. They were so well stored of biscuit, that
for the space of halfe a yeere, they might allow eche
person in the whole Fleete halfe a quintall every moneth;
whereof the whole summe amounteth unto an hundreth
thousand quintals.
Likewise of wine they had 147. thousand pipes,
sufficient also for halfe a yeeres expedition. Of bacon
6500. quintals. Of cheese three thousand quintals.
Besides fish, rise, beanes, pease, oile, vineger, &c.
Moreover they had 12000. pipes of fresh-water, and all
other necessary provision, as namely candles, lanternes,
lampes, sailes, hempe, oxe-hides and lead to stop holes
that should be made with the battery of gunshot. To be
short, they brought all things expedient either for a
Fleete by sea, or for an armie by land.
This Navie (as Diego Pimentelli afterward confessed)
was esteemed by the King himselfe to containe 32000.
persons, and to cost him every day 30. thousand
ducates.
There were in the said Navie five terzaes of Spaniards,
(which terzaes the Frenchmen call Regiments) under the
commaund of five governours termed by the Spaniards,
Masters of the field, and amongst the rest there were
many olde and expert souldiers chosen out of the garisons
of Sicilie, Naples
, and Tercera. Their Captaines or
Colonels were Diego Pimentelli, Don Francisco de Toledo,
Don Alonco de Lucon, Don Nicolas de Isla, Don Augustin
de Mexia; who had eche of them 32. companies under
their conduct. Besides the which companies there were
many bands also of Castilians and Portugals, every one
of which had their peculiar governours, captaines, officers,
colours and weapons.
It was not lawfull for any man, under grievous penaltie,
to cary any women or harlots in the Fleete: for which
cause the women hired certaine shippes, wherein they
sailed after the Navie: some of the which being driven by
tempest arrived upon the coast of France.
The generall of this mightie Navie, was Don Alonso
Perez de Guzman duke of Medina Sidonia, Lord of S.
Lucar, and knight of the golden Fleece: by reason that
the Marques of santa Cruz appointed for the same dignitie,
deceased before the time.
John Martines de Ricalde was Admirall of the Fleete.
Francis Bovadilla was chiefe Marshall: who all of them
had their officers fit and requisite for the guiding and
managing of such a multitude. Likewise Martin Alorcon
was appointed Vicar generall of the Inquisition, being
accompanied with more then a hundreth Monkes, to wit,
Jesuites, Capuchines, and friers mendicant. Besides
whom also there were Phisitians, Chirurgians, Apothecaries, and whatsoever else perteined unto the hospitall.
Over and besides the forenamed governours and officers
being men of chiefe note, there were 124. very noble and
worthy Gentlemen, which went voluntarily of their owne
costs and charges, to the ende they might see fashions,
learne experience, and attaine unto glory. Amongst
whom was the prince of Ascoli, Alonzo de Leiva, the
marques de Pennafiel, the marques de Ganes, the marques
de Barlango, count de Paredes, count de Yelvas, and
divers other marqueses and earles of the honourable
families of Mendoza
, of Toledo
, of Pachieco, of Cordova
,
of Guzman
, of Manricques, and a great number of
others.
While the Spaniards were furnishing this their Navie,
the duke of Parma, at the direction of king Philip, made
great preparation in the low Countreys, to give ayd &
assistance unto the Spaniards; building ships for the
same purpose, and sending for Pilots and ship-wrights
out of Italy
.
In Flanders hee caused certaine deepe chanels to be
made, and among the rest the chanell of Yper commonly
called Yper-lee, employing some thousands of workemen
about that service: to the end that by the said chanel
he might transport ships from Antwerp
and Ghendt to
Bruges, where hee had assembled above a hundreth small
ships called hoyes being well stored with victuals, which
hoyes hee was determined to have brought into the sea
by the way of Sluys
, or else to have conveyed them by
the saide Yper-lee being now of greater depth, into any
port of Flanders whatsoever.
In the river of Waten he caused 70. ships with flat
bottomes to be built, every one of which should serve
to cary 30. horses, having eche of them bridges likewise
for the horses to come on boord, or to goe foorth on
land. Of the same fashion he had provided 200. other
vessels at
Neiuport, but not so great. And at Dunkerk
hee procured 28. ships of warre, such as were there to
be had, and caused a sufficient number of Mariners to
be levied at Hamburgh, Breme
, Emden
, and at other
places. Hee put in the ballast of the said ships, great
store of beames of thicke plankes, being hollow and beset
with yron pikes beneath, but on eche side full of claspes
and hookes, to joyne them together.
Hee had likewise at
Greveling provided 20. thousand
of caske, which in a short space might be compact and
joyned together with nailes and cords, and reduced into the
forme of a bridge. To be short, whatsoever things were
requisite for the making of bridges, and for the barring
and stopping up of havens mouthes with stakes, posts,
and other meanes, he commanded to be made ready.
Moreover not farre from Neiuport haven, he had caused
a great pile of wooden fagots to be layd, and other
furniture to be brought for the rearing up of a mount.
The most part of his ships conteined two ovens a piece
to bake bread in, with a great number of sadles, bridles,
and such other like apparell for horses. They had horses
likewise, which after their landing should serve to convey, and draw engines, field-pieces, and other warlike
provisions.
Neere unto Neiuport he had assembled an armie, over
the which he had ordained Camillo de Monte to be Campmaster. This army consisted of 30. bands or ensignes of
Italians, of tenne bands of Wallons, eight of Scots, and
eight of Burgundians, all which together amount unto
56. bands, every band containing a hundreth persons.
Neare unto Dixmud there were mustered 80. bands of
Dutch men, sixtie of Spaniards, sixe of high Germans,
and seven bands of English fugitives, under the conduct
of sir William Stanlie an English knight.
In the suburbes of Cortreight there were 4000. horsemen together with their horses in a readinesse: and at
Waten 900. horses, with the troupe of the Marques del
Gwasto Captaine generall of the horsemen.
Unto this famous expedition and presupposed victorie,
many potentates, princes, and honourable personages hied
themselves: out of Spaine the prince of Melito called
the duke of Pastrana
and taken to be the sonne of one
Ruygomes de Silva, but in very deed accompted among
the number of king Philips base sonnes. Also the
Marques of Burgrave, one of the sonnes of Archiduke
Ferdinand and Philippa Welsera. Vespasian Gonsaga of
the family of Mantua
, being for chivalry a man of great
renowne, and heretofore Vice-roy in Spaine. Item John
Medices base sonne unto the duke of Florence
. And Amadas of Savoy
, the duke of Savoy
his base sonne, with
many others of inferiour degrees.
Likewise Pope Sixtus quintus for the setting forth of
the foresaid expedition, as they use to do against Turkes
& infidels, published a Cruzado, with most ample indulgences which were printed in great numbers. These
vaine buls the English and Dutchmen deriding, sayd that
the devill at all passages lay in ambush like a thiefe, no
whit regarding such letters of safe conduct. Some there
be which affirme that the Pope had bestowed the
realme
of England with the title of Defensor fidei, upon the
king of Spaine, giving him charge to invade it upon this
condition, that hee should enjoy the conquered realm,
as a vassal and tributarie, in that regard, unto the sea
of Rome. To this purpose the said Pope proffered a
million of gold, the one halfe thereof to be paied in
readie money, and the other halfe when the
realme of
England or any famous port thereof were subdued. And
for the greater furtherance of the whole businesse, he
dispatched one D. Allen an English man (whom hee had
made Cardinall for the same ende and purpose) into the
Low countries, unto whom he committed the administration of all matters ecclesiasticall throughout England.
This Allen
being enraged against his owne native
countrey, caused the Popes bull to be translated into
English, meaning upon the arrival of the Spanish fleete,
to have it so published in England. By which Bull the
excommunications of the two former Popes were confirmed, and the Queenes most sacred Majestie was by
them most unjustly deprived of all princely titles and
dignities, her subjects being enjoined to performe
obedience unto the duke of Parma, and unto the Popes
Legate.
But that all matters might be performed with greater
secrecie, and that the whole expedition might seeme
rather to be intended against the Low countries, then
against England, and that the English people might be
perswaded that all was but bare words & threatnings,
and that nought would come to effect, there was a
solemne meeting appointed at
Borborch in Flanders for
a treatie of peace betweene her majestie and the Spanish
king.
Against which treatie the united provinces making
open protestation, used all meanes possible to hinder it,
alleaging that it was more requisite to consult how the
enemie now pressing upon them might be repelled from
off their frontiers. Howbeit some there were in England
that greatly urged and prosecuted this league, saying,
that it would be very commodious unto the state of the
realme, as well in regard of traffique and navigation,
as for the avoiding of great expenses to maintaine the
warres, affirming also, that at the same time peace might
easily and upon reasonable conditions be obtained of the
Spaniard. Others thought by this meanes to divert some
other way, or to keepe backe the navy now comming
upon them, and so to escape the danger of that tempest.
Howsoever it was, the duke of Parma by these wiles
enchanted and dazeled the eyes of many English & Dutch
men that were desirous of peace: whereupon it came to
passe, that England and the united provinces prepared in
deed some defence to withstand that dreadfull expedition
and huge Armada, but nothing in comparison of the great
danger which was to be feared, albeit the constant report
of the whole expedition had continued rife among them
for a long time before. Howbeit they gave eare unto the
relation of certaine that sayd, that this navie was provided
to conduct and waft over the Indian Fleets: which seemed
the more probable because the Spaniards were deemed not
to be men of so small discretion as to adventure those
huge and monstrous ships upon the shallow and dangerous
chanel of England.
At length when as the French king about the end of
May signified unto her Majestie in plaine termes that
she should stand upon her guard, because he was now
most certainly enformed, that there was so dangerous
an invasion imminent upon her realme, that he feared
much least all her land and sea-forces would be sufficient
to withstand it, &c. then began the Queens Majestie more
carefully to gather her forces together, & to furnish her
town ships of warre, & the principall ships of her subjects
with souldiers, weapons, and other necessary provision.
The greatest and strongest ships of the whole navy she
sent unto Plimmouth under the conduct of the right
honorable Lord Charles Howard, lord high Admirall of
England, &c. Under whom the renoumed Knight Sir
Francis Drake was appointed Vice-admiral. The number
of these ships was about an hundreth. The lesser ships
being 30. or 40. in number, and under the conduct of the
lord Henry Seimer were commanded to lie between Dover
and Caleis.
On land likewise throughout the whole realme,
souldiers were mustered and trained in all places, and
were committed unto the most resolute and faithfull
captaines. And whereas it was commonly given out that
the Spaniard having once united himselfe unto the duke
of Parma
, ment to invade by the
river of Thames, there
was at
Tilburie in Essex
over-against Gravesend
, a
mightie army encamped, and on both sides of the river
fortifications were erected, according to the prescription
of Frederike Genebelli an Italian enginier. Likewise
there were certaine ships brought to make a bridge,
though it were very late first. Unto the sayd army came
in proper person the Queens most roiall Majestie, representing Tomyris that Scythian warlike princesse, or
rather divine Pallas her selfe. Also there were other such
armies levied in England.
The principall catholique Recusants (least they should
stirre up any tumult in the time of the Spanish invasion)
were sent to remaine at certaine convenient places, as
namely in the
Isle of Ely and at
Wisbich. And some of
them were sent unto other places, to wit, unto sundry
bishops and noblemen, where they were kept from
endangering the state of the common wealth, and of her
sacred Majestie, who of her most gracious clemencie gave
expresse commandement, that they should be intreated
with all humanitie and friendship.
The provinces of Holland
and Zeland, &c. giving credite
unto their intelligence out of Spain
, made preparation to
defend themselves: but because the Spanish ships were
described unto them to be so huge, they relied partly upon
the shallow and dangerous seas all along their coasts.
Wherfore they stood most in doubt of the duke of Parma
his small and flat-bottomed ships. Howbeit they had all
their ships of warre to the number of 90. and above, in a
readinesse for all assayes : the greater part whereof were
of a small burthen, as being more meete to saile upon
their rivers and shallow seas: and with these ships they
besieged all the havens in Flanders, beginning at the
mouth of Scheld, or from the towne of Lillo
, and holding
on to Greveling and almost unto Caleis, & fortified all
their sea-townes with strong garrisons.
Against the Spanish fleets arrivall, they had provided
25. or 30. good ships, committing the government of
them unto Admirall Lonck, whom they commanded to
joine himselfe unto the lord Henry Seymer, lying
betweene Dover and Cales
. And when as the foresaid
ships, (whereof the greater part besieged the haven of
Dunkerke) were driven by tempest into Zeland, Justin
of Nassau the Admiral of Zeland supplied that squadron
with 35. ships being of no great burthen, but excellently
furnished with gunnes, mariners and souldiers in great
abundance, and especially with 1200. brave Musquetiers,
having bene accustomed unto sea-fights, and being chosen
out of all their companies for the same purpose: and
so the said Justin of Nassau kept such diligent ward
in that Station that the duke of Parma could not issue
foorth with his navy into the sea out of any part of
Flanders.
In the meane while the Spanish Armada set saile out
of the haven of Lisbon
upon the 19. of May, An. Dom.
1588. under the conduct of the duke of Medina Sidonia,
directing their course for the Baie of Corunna, alias the
Groine of Gallicia, where they tooke in souldiers and
warlike provision, this port being in Spaine the neerest
unto England. As they were sailing along, there arose
such a mightie tempest, that the whole Fleete was dispersed, so that when the duke was returned unto his
company, he could not escry above 80. ships in all, whereunto the residue by litle and litle joyned themselves,
except eight which had their mastes blowen over-boord.
One of the foure gallies of Portingal escaped very hardly,
retiring her selfe into the haven. The other three were
upon the coast of Baion in France, by the assistance and
courage of one David Gwin an English captive (whom the
French and Turkish slaves aided in the same enterprise)
utterly disabled and vanquished: one of the three being
first overcome, which conquered the two other, with the
slaughter of their governours and souldiers, and among
the rest of Don Diego de Mandrana with sundry others:
and so those slaves arriving in France with the three
Gallies, set themselves at libertie.
The navy having refreshed themselves at the Groine, &
receiving daily commandement from the king to hasten
their journey, hoised up sailes the 11. day of July, and
so holding on their course till the 19. of the same moneth,
they came then unto the mouth of the narow seas or
English chanel. From whence (striking their sailes in the
meane season) they dispatched certaine of their smal ships
unto the duke of Parma. At the same time the Spanish
Fleete was escried by an English pinasse, captaine
whereof was M. Thomas Fleming, after they had bene
advertised of the Spaniards expedition by their scoutes
and espials, which having ranged along the coast of
Spaine, were lately returned home into Plimmouth for a
new supply of victuals and other necessaries, who considering the foresayd tempest, were of opinion that the
navy being of late dispersed and tossed up and downe
the maine Ocean, was by no means able to performe their
intended voiage.
Moreover, the L. Charles Howard L. high admiral of
England had received letters from the court, signifying
unto him that her Majestie was advertised that the
Spanish Fleete would not come foorth, nor was to be
any longer expected for, and therefore, that upon her
Majesties commandement he must send backe foure of her
tallest and strongest ships unto Chattam.
The lord high Admiral of England being thus on the
sudden, namely upon the 19. of July about foure of the
clocke in the afternoone, enformed by the pinasse of
captaine Fleming
aforesaid, of the Spaniards approch,
with all speed and diligence possible he warped his ships,
and caused his mariners and souldiers (the greater part
of whom was absent for the cause aforesayd) to come
on boord, and that with great trouble and difficultie,
insomuch that the lord Admiral himselfe was faine to lie
without in the road with sixe ships onely all that night,
after the which many others came foorth of the haven.
The very next day being the 20. of July about high noone,
was the Spanish Fleete escried by the English, which
with a Southwest wind caine sailing along, and passed by
Plimmouth: in which regard (according to the judgement
of many skilful navigators) they greatly overshot themselves, whereas it had bene more commodious for them to
have staied themselves there, considering that the
Englishmen being as yet unprovided, greatly relied upon
their owne forces, and knew not the estate of the Spanish
navy. Moreover, this was the most convenient port of all
others, where they might with greater securitie have bene
advertised of the English forces, and how the commons of
the land stood affected, and might have stirred up some
mutinie, so that hither they should have bent all their
puissance, and from hence the duke of Parma might
more easily have conveied his ships.
But this they were prohibited to doe by the king and
his counsell, and were expressely commanded to unite
themselves unto the souldiers and ships of the said duke
of Parma
, and so to bring their purpose to effect. Which
was thought to be the most easie and direct course, for
that they imagined that the English and Dutch men would
be utterly daunted and dismaied thereat, and would each
man of them retire unto his owne Province and Porte for
the defence thereof, and transporting the armie of the
duke under the protection of their huge navy, they might
invade England.
It is reported that the chiefe commanders in the navy,
and those which were more skilfull in navigation, to wit,
John Martines de Ricalde, Diego Flores de Valdez, and
divers others found fault that they were bound unto so
strict directions and instructions, because that in such
a case many particular accidents ought to concurre and
to be respected at one and the same instant, that is to
say, the opportunitie of the wind, weather, time, tide,
and ebbe, wherein they might saile from Flanders to
England. Oftentimes also the darkenesse and light, the
situation of places, the depths and shoulds were to be
considered: all which especially depended upon the conveniencie of the windes, and were by so much the more
dangerous.
But it seemeth that they were enjoined by their commission to ancre neere unto, or about Caleis, whither
the duke of Parma with his ships and all his warrelike
provision was to resort, and while the English and
Spanish great ships were in the midst of their conflict, to
passe by, and to land his souldiers upon the Downes.
The Spanish captives reported that they were determined first to have entred the
river of Thames, and
thereupon to have passed with small ships up to London,
supposing that they might easily winne that rich and
flourishing Citie being but meanely fortified and inhabited
with Citizens not accustomed to the warres, who durst
not withstand their first encounter, hoping moreover to
finde many rebels against her Majestie and popish
catholiques, or some favourers of the Scottish queene
(which was not long before most justly beheaded) who
might be instruments of sedition.
Thus often advertising the duke of Parma of their
approch, the 20. of July they passed by Plimmouth, which
the English ships pursuing and getting the wind of them,
gave them the chase and the encounter, and so both
Fleets frankly exchanged their bullets.
The day following which was the 21. of July, the
English ships approched within musquet shot of the
Spanish: at what time the lorde Charles Howard most
hotly and valiantly discharged his Ordinance upon the
Spanish Vice-admirall. The Spaniards then well perceiv
ing the nimblenesse of the English ships in discharging
upon the enimie on all sides, gathered themselves close
into the forme of an halfe moone, and slackened their
sailes, least they should outgoe any of their companie.
And while they were proceeding on in this maner, one
of their great Galliasses was so furiously battered with
shot, that the whole navy was faine to come up rounder
together for the safegard thereof: whereby it came to
passe that the principall Galleon of Sivill (wherein Don
Pedro de Valdez, Vasques de Silva, Alonzo de Sayas,
and other noble men were embarqued) falling foule of
another shippe, had her fore-mast broken, and by that
meanes was not able to keepe way with the Spanish
Fleete, neither would the sayde Fleete stay to succour
it, but left the distressed Galeon behind. The lord
Admirall of England when he saw this ship of Valdez, &
thought she had bene voyd of Mariners and Souldiers,
taking with him as many shippes as he could, passed by it,
that he might not loose sight of the Spanish Fleet that
night. For sir Francis Drake (who was notwithstanding
appointed to beare out his lanterne that night) was giving
of chase unto five great Hulkes which had separated
themselves from the Spanish Fleete: but finding them to
be Easterlings, he dismissed them. The lord Admirall all
that night following the Spanish lanterne in stead of the
English, found himselfe in the morning to be in the midst
of his enimies Fleete, but when he perceived it, hee cleanly
conveyed himselfe out of that great danger.
The day folowing, which was the two and twentie of
July, Sir Francis Drake espied Valdez his shippe, whereunto hee sent foorth his pinnasse, and being advertised
that Valdez himselfe was there, and 450. persons with
him, he sent him word that he should yeeld himselfe.
Valdez for his honors sake caused certaine conditions to
be propounded unto Drake: who answered Valdez that
he was not now at laisure to make any long parle, but if
he would yeeld himselfe, he should find him friendly and
tractable: howbeit if he had resolved to die in fight, he
should proove Drake to be no dastard.
Upon which answere Valdez and his company understanding that they were fallen into the hands of fortunate
Drake, being mooved with the renoume and celebritie of
his name, with one consent yeelded themselves, and found
him very favourable unto them. Then Valdez with 40.
or 50. noblemen and gentlemen pertaining unto him,
came on boord sir Francis Drakes ship. The residue of
his company were caried unto Plimmouth, where they
were detained a yere & an halfe for their ransome.
Valdez comming unto Drake and humbly kissing his
hand protested unto him, that he and his had resolved to
die in battell, had they not by good fortune fallen into
his power, whom they knew to be right curteous and
gentle, and whom they had heard by generall report to
bee most favourable unto his vanquished foe: insomuch
that he sayd it was to bee doubted whether his enimies
had more cause to admire and love him for his great,
valiant, and prosperous exploites, or to dread him for his
singular felicitie and wisedom, which ever attended upon
him in the warres, and by the which hee had attained
unto so great honour. With that Drake embraced him
and gave him very honourable entertainement, feeding
him at his owne table, and lodging him in his cabbin.
Here Valdez began to recount unto Drake the forces
of all the Spanish Fleet, and how foure mightie Gallies
were separated by tempest from them: and also how
they were determined first to have put into Plimmouth
haven, not expecting to bee repelled thence by the
English ships which they thought could by no meanes
withstand their impregnable forces, perswading themselves that by means of their huge Fleete, they were
become lords and commaunders of the maine Ocean. For
which cause they marveled much how the English men in
their small ships durst approch within musket shot of the
Spaniards mightie woodden castles, gathering the wind
of them with many other such like attempts.
Immediately after, Valdez and his company, being a
man of principal authoritie in the Spanish Fleete, and
being descended of one and the same familie with that
Valdez, which in the yeere 1574. besieged Leiden
in
Holland
, were sent captives into England. There were
in the sayd ship 55. thousand ducates in ready money of
the Spanish kings gold, which the souldiers merily shared
among themselves.
The same day was set on fire one of their greatest
shippes, being Admirall of the squadron of Guipusco,
and being the shippe of Michael de Oquendo Viceadmirall of the whole Fleete, which contained great store
of gunnepowder and other warrelike provision. The upper
part onely of this shippe was burnt, and all the persons
therein contained (except a very few) were consumed
with fire. And thereupon it was taken by the English,
and brought into England with a number of miserable
burnt and skorched Spaniards. Howbeit the gunpowder
(to the great admiration of all men) remained whole and
unconsumed.
In the meane season the lord Admirall of England in his
ship called the Arke-royall, all that night pursued the
Spaniards so neere, that in the morning hee was almost
left alone in the enimies Fleete, and it was foure of the
clocke at afternoone before the residue of the English
Fleet could overtake him.
At the same time Hugo de Moncada governour of the
foure Galliasses, made humble sute unto the Duke of
Medina that he might be licenced to encounter the
Admirall of England: which libertie the duke thought
not good to permit unto him, because hee was loth to
exceed the limites of his commision and charge.
Upon Tuesday which was the three and twentie of
July, the navie being come over against Portland
, the
wind began to turne Northerly, insomuch that the
Spaniards had a fortunate and fit gale to invade the
English. But the Englishmen having lesser and nimbler
Ships, recovered againe the vantage of the winde from
the Spaniards, whereat the Spaniards seemed to bee more
incensed to fight then before. But when the English
Fleete had continually and without intermission from
morning to night, beaten and battered them with all their
shot both great and small: the Spaniardes uniting themselves, gathered their whole Fleete close together into a
roundell, so that it was apparant that they ment not as
yet to invade others, but onely to defend themselves and
to make hast unto the place prescribed unto them, which
was neere unto Dunkerk
, that they might joine forces
with the duke of Parma, who was determined to have
proceeded secretly with his small shippes under the
shadow and protection of the great ones, and so had
intended circumspectly to performe the whole expedition.
This was the most furious and bloodie skirmish of all,
in which the lord Admirall of England continued fighting
amidst his enimies Fleete, and seeing one of his Captaines
afarre off, hee spake unto him in these wordes : Oh George
what doest thou? Wilt thou nowe frustrate my hope and
opinion conceived of thee? Wilt thou forsake mee nowe?
With which wordes hee being enflamed, approched foorthwith, encountered the enemie, and did the part of a most
valiant Captaine. His name was George Fenner, a man
that had bene conversant in many Sea-fights.
In this conflict there was a certaine great Venetian
ship with other small ships surprised and taken by the
English.
The English navie in the meane while increased, whereunto out of all
Havens of the Realme resorted ships and
men: for they all with one accord came flocking thither
as unto a set field, where immortall fame and glory was
to be attained, and faithfull service to bee performed unto
their prince and countrey.
In which number there were many great and honourable personages, as namely, the Erles of Oxford, of
Northumberland
, of Cumberland
, &c. with many Knights
and Gentlemen : to wit, Sir Thomas Cecill, Sir Robert
Cecill, Sir Walter Raleigh, Sir William Hatton, Sir
Horatio Palavicini, Sir Henry Brooke, Sir Robert Carew,
Sir Charles Blunt, Master Ambrose Willoughbie, Master
Henry Nowell, Master Thomas Gerard, Master Henry
Dudley, Master Edward Darcie, Master Arthur Gorge,
Master Thomas Woodhouse, Master William Harvie, &c.
And so it came to passe that the number of the English
shippes amounted unto an hundreth: which when they
were come before Dover, were increased to an hundred
and thirtie, being notwithstanding of no proportionable
bignesse to encounter with the Spaniards, except two or
three and twentie of the Queenes greater shippes, which
onely, by reason of their presence, bred an opinion in the
Spaniardes mindes concerning the power of the English
Fleet: the mariners and souldiers whereof were esteemed
to be twelve thousand.
The foure and twentie of July when as the sea was
calme, and no winde stirring, the fight was onely betweene
the foure great Galleasses and the English shippes, which
being rowed with Oares, had great vauntage of the sayde
English shippes, which notwithstanding for all that would
not bee forced to yeeld, but discharged their chaine-shot
to cut asunder their Cables and Cordage of the Galleasses,
with many other such Stratagemes. They were nowe
constrained to send their men on land for a newe supplie
of Gunne-powder, whereof they were in great skarcitie,
by reason they had so frankely spent the greater part in
the former conflicts.
The same day, a Counsell being assembled, it was
decreed that the English Fleete should bee devided into
foure squadrons: the principall whereof was committed
unto the lord Admirall: the second, to Sir Francis Drake:
the third, to Captaine Hawkins: the fourth, to Captaine
Frobisher.
The Spaniards in their sailing observed very diligent
and good order, sayling three and foure, and sometimes
more ships in a ranke, and folowing close up one after
another, and the stronger and greater ships protecting
the lesser.
The five and twentie of July when the Spaniardes were
come over-against the
Isle of Wight, the lord Admirall of
England being accompanied with his best ships, (namely
the Lion, Captaine whereof was the lord Thomas Howard:
The Elizabeth Jonas under the commandement of Sir
Robert Southwel sonne in lawe unto the lord Admirall:
the Beare under the lord Sheffield nephew unto the lord
Admirall: the Victorie under Captaine Barker: and the
Galeon Leicester under the forenamed Captaine George
Fenner) with great valour and dreadfull thundering of
shot, encountered the Spanish Admiral being in the very
midst of all his Fleet. Which when the Spaniard perceived, being assisted with his strongest ships, he came
forth and entered a terrible combate with the English:
for they bestowed each on other the broad sides, and
mutually discharged all their Ordinance, being within
one hundred, or an hundred and twentie yards one of another.
At length the Spaniardes hoised up their sayles, and
againe gathered themselves up close into the forme of
a roundel. In the meane while Captaine Frobisher
had engaged himselfe into a most dangerous conflict.
Whereupon the lord Admirall comming to succour him,
found that hee had valiantly and discreetly behaved himselfe, and that hee had wisely and in good time given over
the fight, because that after so great a batterie he had
sustained no damage.
For which cause the day following, being the sixe and
twentie of July, the lord Admirall rewarded him with
the order of knighthood, together with the lord Thomas
Howard, the lord Sheffield, M. John Hawkins and others.
The same day the lord Admirall received intelligence
from Newhaven
in France, by certaine of his Pinnasses,
that all things were quiet in France, and that there was
no preparation of sending aide unto the Spaniards, which
was greatly feared from the Guisian faction, and from the
Leaguers: but there was a false rumour spread all about,
that the Spaniards had conquered England.
The seven and twentie of July, the Spaniards about the
sunne-setting were come over-against Dover, and rode
at ancre within the sight of Caleis, intending to hold on for
Dunkerk
, expecting there to joyne with the duke of Parma
his forces, without which they were able to doe litle or
nothing.
Likewise the English Fleete following up hard upon
them, ancred just by them within culvering-shot. And
here the lord Henry Seymer united himselfe unto the lord
Admiral with his fleete of 30. ships which road before the
mouth of Thames
.
As the Spanish navie therefore lay at ancre, the duke
of Medina sent certaine messengers unto the duke of
Parma, with whom upon that occasion many Noblemen
and Gentlemen went to refresh themselves on land: and
amongst the rest the prince of Ascoli, being accounted
the kings base sonne, and a very proper and towardly
yong gentleman, to his great good, went on shore, who
was by so much the more fortunate, in that hee had not
opportunitie to returne on boord the same ship, out of
which he was departed, because that in returning home
it was cast away upon the Irish coast, with all the persons
contained therein.
The duke of Parma being advertised of the Spanish
Fleetes arrivall upon the coast of England, made all the
haste hee could to bee present himselfe in this expedition
for the performance of his charge: vainely perswading
himselfe that nowe by the meanes of Cardinall Allen, hee
should be crowned king of England, and for that cause
hee had resigned the governement of the Lowe countries
unto Count Mansfeld the elder. And having made his
vowes unto S. Mary of Hall in
Henault (whom he went
to visite for his blind devotions sake) hee returned toward
Bruges the 28. of July.
The next day travelling to Dunkerk
hee heard the
thundering Ordinance of either Fleet: and the same evening being come to Dixmud, hee was given to understand
the hard successe of the Spanish Fleete.
Upon Tuesday which was the thirtieth of July, about
high noone, hee came to Dunkerk
, when as al the
Spanish Fleete was now passed by: neither durst any
of his ships in the meane space come foorth to assist the
sayd Spanish Fleete for feare of five and thirtie warrelike
ships of Holland
and Zeland, which there kept watch
and warde under the conduct of the Admirall Justin of
Nassau.
The foresayd five and thirtie shippes were furnished
with most cunning mariners and olde expert souldiers,
amongst the which were twelve hundred Musketiers,
whom the States had chosen out of all their garisons,
and whom they knew to have bene heretofore experienced
in sea-fights.
This navie was given especially in charge not to suffer
any shippe to come out of the Haven, nor to permit any
Zabraes, Pataches or other small vessels of the Spanish
Fleete (which were more likely to aide the Dunkerkers）
to enter thereinto, for the greater ships were not to be
feared by reason of the shallow sea in that place. Howbeit the prince of Parma his forces being as yet unreadie,
were not come on boord his shippes, onely the English
Fugitives being seven hundred in number under the
conduct of Sir William Stanley, came in fit time to have
bene embarked, because they hoped to give the first
assault against England. The residue shewed themselves
unwilling and loath to depart, because they sawe but a
few mariners, who were by constraint drawne into this
expedition, and also because they had very bare provision
of bread, drinke, and other necessary victuals.
Moreover, the shippes of Holland
and Zeland stood
continually in their sight, threatening shot and powder,
and many inconveniences unto them: for feare of which
shippes, the Mariners and Sea-men secretly withdrew
themselves both day and night, least that the duke of
Parma his souldiers should compell them by maine force
to goe on boord, and to breake through the Hollanders
Fleete, which all of them judged to bee impossible by
reason of the straightnesse of the Haven.
But it seemeth that the Duke of Parma and the
Spaniards grounded upon a vaine and presumptuous
expectation, that all the ships of England and of the
Low countreys would at the first sight of the Spanish
and Dunkerk Navie have betaken themselves to flight,
yeelding them sea roome, and endevouring onely to
defend themselves, their havens, and sea coasts from
invasion. Wherefore their intent and purpose was, that
the Duke of Parma in his small and flat-bottomed shippes,
should as it were under the shadow and wings of the
Spanish fleet, convey over all his troupes, armour, and
warlike provision, and with their forces so united, should
invade England; or while the English fleete were busied
in fight against the Spanish, should enter upon any part
of the coast, which he thought to be most convenient.
Which invasion (as the captives afterward confessed) the
Duke of Parma thought first to have attempted by the
river of Thames; upon the bankes whereof having at his
first arrivall landed twenty or thirty thousand of his principall souldiers, he supposed that he might easily have
woonne the Citie of London; both because his small
shippes should have followed and assisted his land-forces,
and also for that the Citie it-selfe was but meanely fortified and easie to overcome, by reason of the Citizens
delicacie and discontinuance from the warres, who with
continuall and constant labour might be vanquished, if
they yeelded not at the first assault. They were in good
hope also to have mette with some rebels against her
Majestie, and such as were discontented with the present
state, as Papists, and others. Likewise they looked for
ayde from the favourers of the Scottish Queene, who was
not long before put to death; all which they thought
would have stirred up seditions and factions.
Whenas therefore the Spanish fleet rode at anker before
Caleis, to the end they might consult with the Duke of
Parma what was best to be done according to the Kings
commandement, and the present estate of their affaires,
and had now (as we will afterward declare) purposed upon
the second of August being Friday, with one power and
consent to have put their intended businesse in practise;
the L. Admirall of England being admonished by her
Majesties letters from the Court, thought it most expedient
either to drive the Spanish fleet from that place, or at
leastwise to give them the encounter: and for that cause
(according to her Majesties prescription) he tooke forthwith eight of his woorst & basest ships which came next
to hand, & disburthening them of all things which
seemed to be of any value, filled them with gun-powder,
pitch, brimstone, and with other combustible and firy
matter; and charging all their ordinance with powder,
bullets, and stones, he sent the sayd ships upon the 28 of
July being Sunday, about two of the clocke after midnight,
with the winde and tide against the Spanish fleet: which
when they had proceeded a good space, being forsaken of
the Pilots, and set on fire, were directly carried upon the
King of Spaines Navie: which fire in the dead of the night
put the Spaniards into such a perplexity and horrour (for
they feared lest they were like unto those terrible ships,
which Frederic Jenebelli three yeeres before, at the siege
of Antwerpe, had furnished with gun-powder, stones, and
dreadfull engines, for the dissolution of the Duke of Parma
his bridge, built upon the river of Scheld) that cutting
their cables whereon their ankers were fastened, and
hoising up their sailes, they betooke themselves very confusedly unto the maine sea.
In this sudden confusion, the principall and greatest of
the foure galliasses falling fowle of another ship, lost her
rudder: for which cause when she could not be guided
any longer, she was by the force of the tide cast into a
certaine showld upon the shore of Caleis, where she was
immediatly assaulted by divers English pinasses, hoyes,
and drumblers.
And as they lay battering of her with their ordinance,
and durst not boord her, the L. Admirall sent thither his
long boat with an hundreth choise souldiers under the
command of Captaine Amias Preston. Upon whose
approch their fellowes being more emboldened, did offer
to boord the galliasse: against whom the governour
thereof and Captaine of all the foure galliasses, Hugo de
Moncada, stoutly opposed himselfe, fighting by so much
the more valiantly, in that he hoped presently to be succoured by the Duke of Parma. In the meane season,
Moncada
, after he had endured the conflict a good while,
being hitte on the head with a bullet, fell downe starke
dead, and a great number of Spaniards also were slaine in
his company. The greater part of the residue leaping
over-boord into the sea, to save themselves by swimming,
were most of them drowned. Howbeit there escaped
among others Don Anthonio de Manriques, a principall
officer in the Spanish fleet (called by them their Veador
generall) together with a few Spaniards besides: which
Anthonio was the first man that carried certaine newes of
the successe of the fleet into Spaine.
This huge and monstrous galliasse, wherein were contained three hundred slaves to lug at the oares, and foure
hundred souldiers, was in the space of three houres rifled
in the same place; and there were found amongst divers
other commodities 50000 ducats of the Spanish kings
treasure. At length when the slaves were released out of
their fetters, the English men would have set the sayd
ship on fire, which Monsieur Gourdon the governor of
Caleis, for feare of the damage which might thereupon
ensue to the Towne and Haven, would not permit them
to do, but drave them from thence with his great
ordinance.
Upon the 29 of July in the morning, the Spanish Fleet
after the foresayd tumult, having arranged themselves
againe into order, were, within sight of Greveling, most
bravely and furiously encountered by the English; where
they once againe got the winde of the Spaniards: who
suffered themselves to be deprived of the commodity of
the place in Caleis rode, and of the advantage of the winde
neere unto Dunkerk
, rather then they would change their
array or separate their forces now conjoyned and united
together, standing onely upon their defence.
And albeit there were many excellent and warlike ships
in the English fleet, yet scarse were there 22 or 23 among
them all which matched 90 of the Spanish ships in bignesse, or could conveniently assault them. Wherefore the
English shippes using their prerogative of nimble stirrage,
whereby they could turne and wield themselves with the
winde which way they listed, came often times very neere
upon the Spaniards, and charged them so sore, that now
and then they were but a pikes length asunder: & so
continually giving them one broad side after another, they
discharged all their shot both great and small upon them,
spending one whole day from morning till night in that
violent kinde of conflict, untill such time as powder and
bullets failed them. In regard of which want they
thought it convenient not to pursue the Spaniards any
longer, because they had many great vantages of the
English, namely for the extraordinary bignesse of their
ships, and also for that they were so neerely conjoyned,
and kept together in so good array, that they could by no
meanes be fought withall one to one. The English thought
therefore, that they had right well acquited themselves,
in chasing the Spaniards first from Caleis, and then from
Dunkerk
, and by that meanes to have hindered them from
joyning with the Duke of Parma his forces, and getting
the winde of them, to have driven them from their owne
coasts.
The Spaniards that day sustained great losse and
damage having many of their shippes shot thorow and
thorow, and they discharged likewise great store of
ordinance against the English; who indeed sustained
some hinderance, but not comparable to the Spaniards
losse: for they lost not any one shippe or person of
account. For very diligent inquisition being made, the
English men all that time wherein the Spanish Navy
sayled upon their seas, are not found to have wanted above
one hundreth of their people: albeit Sir Francis Drakes
shippe was pierced with shot above forty times, and his
very cabben was twise shot thorow, and about the conclusion of the fight, the bedde of a certaine gentleman
lying weary thereupon, was taken quite from under him
with the force of a bullet. Likewise, as the Earle of
Northumberland and Sir Charles Blunt were at dinner
upon a time, the bullet of a demi-culvering brake thorow
the middest of their cabbin, touched their feet, and strooke
downe two of the standers by, with many such accidents
befalling the English shippes, which it were tedious to
rehearse. Whereupon it is most apparant, that God
miraculously preserved the English nation. For the L.
Admirall wrote unto her Majestie that in all humane
reason, and according to the judgement of all men (every
circumstance being duly considered) the English men were
not of any such force, whereby they might, without a
miracle, dare once to approch within sight of the Spanish
Fleet: insomuch that they freely ascribed all the honour
of their victory unto God, who had confounded the enemy,
and had brought his counsels to none effect.
The same day the Spanish ships were so battered with
English shot, that that very night and the day following,
two or three of them suncke right downe: and among
the rest a certaine great ship of Biscay
, which Captaine
Crosse assaulted, which perished even in the time of the
conflict, so that very few therin escaped drowning; who
reported that the governours of the same shippe slew
one another upon the occasion following: one of them
which would have yeelded the shippe was suddenly slaine;
the brother of the slaine party in revenge of his death
slew the murtherer, and in the meane while the ship
suncke.
The same night two Portugall galeons of the burthen
of seven or eight hundreth tunnes a piece, to wit the
Saint Philip and the Saint Matthew, were forsaken of the
Spanish Fleet, for they were so tome with shotte, that
the water entered into them on all sides. In the galeon
of Saint Philip was Francis de Toledo, brother unto the
Count de Orgas, being Colonell over two and thirty
bands: besides other gentlemen; who seeing their mast
broken with shotte, they shaped their course, as well as
they could, for the coast of Flanders: whither when they
could not attaine, the principall men in the ship committing themselves to their skiffe, arrived at the next
towne, which was Ostend
; and the ship it selfe being
left behinde with the residue of their company, was taken
by the Ulishingers.
In the other galeon, called the S. Matthew, was
embarked Don Diego Pimentelli another camp-master
and colonell of 32 bands, being brother unto the marques
of Tamnares, with many other gentlemen and captaines.
Their ship was not very great, but exceeding strong, for
of a great number of bullets which had batterd her, there
were scarse 20 wherewith she was pierced or hurt: her
upper worke was of force sufficient to beare off a musket
shot: this shippe was shot thorow and pierced in the
fight before Greveling; insomuch that the leakage of the
water could not be stopped: whereupon the duke of
Medina sent his great skiffe unto the governour thereof,
that he might save himselfe and the principal persons
that were in his ship: which he, upon a hault courage,
refused to do: wherefore the Duke charged him to saile
next unto himselfe: which the night following he could
not performe, by reason of the great abundance of water
which entered his ship on all sides; for the avoiding
wherof, and to save his ship from sincking, he caused
50 men continually to labor at the pumpe, though it were
to small purpose. And seeing himselfe thus forsaken &
separated from his admirall, he endevored what he could
to attaine unto the coast of Flanders : where, being espied
by 4 or 5 men of warre, which had their station assigned
them upon the same coast, he was admonished to yeeld
himselfe unto them. Which he refusing to do, was
strongly assaulted by them altogether, and his ship being
pierced with many bullets, was brought into farre worse
case then before, and 40 of his souldiers were slaine. By
which extremity he was enforced at length to yeeld himselfe unto Peter Banderduess & other captaines, which
brought him and his ship into Zeland; and that other
ship also last before mentioned: which both of them,
immediatly after the greater and better part of their goods
were unladen, suncke right downe.
For the memory of this exploit, the foresayd captaine
Banderduess caused the banner of one of these shippes
to be set up in the great Church of Leiden in Holland
,
which is of so great a length, that being fastened to the
very roofe, it reached downe to the ground.
About the same time another small ship being by
necessity driven upon the coast of Flanders, about
Blankenberg
, was cast away upon the sands, the people
therein being saved. Thus almighty God would have the
Spaniards huge ships to be presented, not onely to the
view of the English, but also of the Zelanders; that at
the sight of them they might acknowledge of what small
ability they had beene to resist such impregnable forces,
had not God endued them with courage, providence, and
fortitude, yea, and fought for them in many places with
his owne arme.
The 29 of July the Spanish fleet being encountered by
the English (as is aforesayd) and lying close together
under their fighting sailes, with a Southwest winde sailed
past Dunkerk
, the English ships stil following the chase.
Of whom the day following when the Spaniards had got
sea roome, they cut their maine sailes; whereby they
sufficiently declared that they meant no longer to fight
but to flie. For which cause the L. Admirall of England
dispatched the L. Henrie Seymer with his squadron of
small ships unto the coast of Flanders, where, with the
helpe of the Dutch ships, he might stop the prince of
Parma
his passage, if perhaps he should attempt to issue
forth with his army. And he himselfe in the meane space
pursued the Spanish fleet untill the second of August,
because he thought they had set saile for Scotland
. And
albeit he followed them very neere, yet did he not assault
them any more, for want of powder and bullets. But
upon the fourth of August, the winde arising, when as
the Spaniards had spread all their sailes, betaking themselves wholly to flight, and leaving Scotland
on the left
hand, trended toward Norway
, (whereby they sufficiently
declared that their whole intent was to save themselves
by flight, attempting for that purpose, with their battered
and crazed ships, the most dangerous navigation of the
Northren seas) the English seeing that they were now
proceeded unto the latitude of 57 degrees, and being
unwilling to participate that danger whereinto the
Spaniards plunged themselves, and because they wanted
things necessary, and especially powder & shot, returned
backe for England; leaving behinde them certaine pinasses
onely, which they enjoyned to follow the Spaniards aloofe,
and to observe their course. And so it came to passe
that the fourth of August, with great danger and industry,
the English arrived at Harwich
: for they had bene tossed
up and downe with a mighty tempest for the space of
two or three dayes together, which it is likely did great
hurt unto the Spanish fleet, being (as I sayd before) so
maimed and battered. The English now going on shore,
provided themselves foorthwith of victuals, gunne-powder,
and other things expedient, that they might be ready at
all assayes to entertaine the Spanish fleet, if it chanced
any more to returne. But being afterward more certainely
informed of the Spaniards course, they thought it best
to leave them unto those boisterous and uncouth Northren
seas, and not there to hunt after them.
The Spaniards seeing now that they wanted foure or
five thousand of their people and having divers maimed
and sicke persons, and likewise having lost 10 or 12 of
their principall ships, they consulted among themselves,
what they were best to doe, being now escaped out of
the hands of the English, because their victuals failed
them in like sort, and they began also to want cables,
cordage, ankers, masts, sailes, and other naval furniture,
and utterly despaired of the Duke of Parma his assistance
(who verily hoping and undoubtedly expecting the returne
of the Spanish Fleet, was continually occupied about his
great preparation, commanding abundance of ankers to
be made, & other necessary furniture for a Navy to be
provided) they thought it good at length, so soone as
the winde should serve them, to fetch a compasse about
Scotland
and Ireland
, and so to returne for Spaine.
For they well understood, that commandement was
given thorowout all Scotland
, that they should not have
any succour or assistance there. Neither yet could they
in Norway
supply their wants. Wherefore, having taken
certaine Scotish and other fisherboats, they brought the
men on boord their owne ships, to the end they might
be their guides and Pilots. Fearing also least their fresh
water should faile them, they cast all their horses and
mules overboord: and so touching no where upon the
coast of Scotland
, but being carried with a fresh gale
betweene the Orcades
and Faar-Isles, they proceeded farre
North, even unto 61 degrees of latitude, being distant
from any land at the least 40 leagues. Heere the Duke
of Medina generall of the Fleet commanded all his followers to shape their course for Biscay
: and he himselfe
with twenty or five and twenty of his ships which were
best provided of fresh water and other necessaries, holding
on his course over the maine Ocean, returned safely home.
The residue of his ships being about forty in number,
and committed unto his Vice-admirall, fell neerer with
the coast of Ireland
, intending their course for
Cape
Clare, because they hoped there to get fresh water, and
to refresh themselves on land. But after they were driven
with many contrary windes, at length, upon the second
of September, they were cast by a tempest arising from
the Southwest upon divers parts of Ireland
, where many
of their ships perished. And amongst others, the shippe
of Michael de Oquendo, which was one of the great
Galliasses: and two great ships of Venice
also, namely,
la Ratta and Belanzara, with other 36 or 38 ships more,
which perished in sundry tempests, together with most of
the persons contained in them.
Likewise some of the Spanish ships were the second
time carried with a strong West winde into the chanell
of England, whereof some were taken by the English
upon their coast, and others by the men of Rochel upon
the coast of France.
Moreover, there arrived at Newhaven
in Normandy
,
being by tempest inforced so to doe, one of the foure
great Galliasses, where they found the ships with the
Spanish women which followed the Fleet at their setting
forth. Two ships also were cast away upon the coast
of Norway
, one of them being of a great burthen; howbeit all the persons in the sayd great ship were saved:
insomuch that of 134 ships, which set saile out of
Portugall, there returned home 53 onely small and great:
namely of the foure galliasses but one, and but one of
the foure gallies. Of the 91 great galleons and hulks
there were missing 58, and 33 returned: of the pataches
and zabraes 17 were missing, and 18 returned home. In
briefe, there were missing 81 ships, in which number
were galliasses, gallies, galeons, and other vessels both
great and small. And amongst the 53 ships remaining,
those also are reckoned which returned home before they
came into the English chanell. Two galeons of those
which were returned, were by misfortune burnt as they
rode in the haven; and such like mishaps did many others
undergo. Of 30000 persons which went in this expedition, there perished (according to the number and proportion of the ships) the greater and better part; and
many of them which came home, by reason of the toiles
and inconveniences which they sustained in this voyage,
died not long after their arrivall. The Duke of Medina
immediatly upon his returne was deposed from his
authority, commanded to his private house, and forbidden
to repaire unto the Court; where he could hardly satisfie
or yeeld a reason unto his malicious enemies and backbiters. Many honourable personages and men of great
renowme deceased soone after their returne; as namely
John Martines de Ricalde, with divers others. A great
part also of the Spanish Nobility and Gentry employed
in this expedition perished either by fight, diseases, or
drowning, before their arrival; & among the rest Thomas
Perenot of Granduell a Dutchman, being earle of Cantebroi, and sonne unto Cardinall Granduell his brother.
Upon the coast of Zeland Don Diego de Pimentell,
brother unto the Marques de Tamnares, and kinseman
unto the earle of Beneventum
& Calva, and Colonell over
32 bands with many other in the same ship was taken
and detained as prisoner in
Zeland.
Into England (as we sayd before) Don Pedro de Valdez,
a man of singular experience, and greatly honoured in
his countrey, was led captive, being accompanied with
Don Vasquez de Silva, Don Alonzo de Sayas, and others.
Likewise upon the
Scotish Westerne Isles of Lewis,
and Ila, and about
Cape Cantyre upon the maine land,
there were cast away certaine Spanish shippes, out of
which were saved divers Captaines and Gentlemen, and
almost foure hundred souldiers, who for the most part,
after their shipwracke, were brought unto Edenborough
in Scotland
, and being miserably needy and naked, were
there clothed at the liberality of the King and the Marchants, and afterward were secretly shipped for Spaine;
but the Scotish fleet wherein they passed touching at
Yarmouth
on the coast of Norfolke, were there stayed
for a time untill the Councels pleasure was knowen; who
in regard of their manifolde miseries, though they were
enemies, wincked at their passage.
Upon the Irish coast many of their Noblemen and
Gentlemen were drowned; and divers slaine by the barbarous and wilde Irish. Howbeit there was brought
prisoner out of Ireland
, Don Alonzo de Lucon, Colonell
of two and thirtie bandes, commonly called a terza of
Naples
; together with Rodorigo de Lasso, and two others
of the family of Cordova, who were committed unto the
custodie of Sir Horatio Palavicini, that Monsieur de
Teligny the sonne of Monsieur de la Noiie (who being
taken in fight neere Antwerpe, was detained prisoner in
the Castle of Turney) might be raunsomed for them by
way of exchange. To conclude, there was no famous
nor woorthy family in all Spaine, which in this expedition
lost not a sonne, a brother, or a kinseman.
For the perpetuall memorie of this matter, the Zelanders caused newe coine of Silver and brasse to be
stamped: which on the one side contained the armes
of Zeland, with this inscription: GLORY TO GOD ONELY: and on the other side, the pictures of certeine
great ships, with these words: THE SPANISH FLEET:
and in the circumference about the ships: IT CAME,
WENT, AND WAS. Anno 1588. That is to say, the
Spanish fleet came, went, and was vanquished this yere;
for which, glory be given to God onely.
Likewise they coined another kinde of money; upon
the one side whereof was represented a ship fleeing, and
a ship sincking: on the other side foure men making
prayers and giving thanks unto God upon their knees;
with this sentence: Man purposeth; God disposeth. 1588.
Also, for the lasting memory of the same matter, they
have stamped in Holland
divers such like coines, according to the custome of the ancient Romans.
While this woonderfull and puissant Navie was sayling
along the English coastes, and all men did now plainely
see and heare that which before they would not be perswaded of, all people thorowout England prostrated
themselves with humble prayers and supplications unto
God: but especially the outlandish Churches (who had
greatest cause to feare, and against whom by name,
the Spaniards had threatened most grievous torments)
enjoyned to their people continuall fastings and supplications, that they might turne away Gods wrath and
fury now imminent upon them for their sinnes: knowing
right well, that prayer was the onely refuge against all
enemies, calamities, and necessities, and that it was the
onely solace and reliefe for mankinde, being visited with
affliction and misery. Likewise such solemne dayes of
supplication were observed thorowout the united Provinces.
Also a while after the Spanish Fleet was departed,
there was in England, by the commandement of her
Majestie, and in the united Provinces, by the direction
of the States, a solemne festivall day publikely appointed,
wherein all persons were enjoyned to resort unto the
Church, and there to render thanks and praises unto
God: and the Preachers were commanded to exhort the
people thereunto. The foresayd solemnity was observed
upon the 29 of November; which day was wholly spent
in fasting, prayer, and giving of thanks.
Likewise, the Queenes Majestie herselfe, imitating the
ancient Romans, rode into London in triumph, in regard
of her owne and her subjects glorious deliverance. For
being attended upon very solemnely by all the principall
estates and officers of her Realme, she was carried thorow
her sayd
City of London in a tryumphant chariot, and in
robes of triumph, from her Palace unto the Cathedrall
Church of Saint Paul, out of the which the ensignes and
colours of the vanquished Spaniards hung displayed. And
all the Citizens of London in their Liveries stood on
either side the street, by their severall Companies, with
their ensignes and banners: and the streets were hanged
on both sides with Blew cloth, which, together with the
foresayd banners, yeelded a very stately and gallant
prospect. Her Majestie being entered into the Church,
together with her Clergie and Nobles gave thanks unto
God, and caused a publike Sermon to be preached before
her at Pauls crosse; wherein none other argument was
handled, but that praise, honour, and glory might be
rendered unto God, and that Gods name might be extolled
by thanksgiving. And with her owne princely voice she
most Christianly exhorted the people to doe the same:
whereupon the people with a loud acclamation wished
her a most long and happy life, to the confusion of her
foes.
Thus the magnificent, huge, and mighty fleet of the
Spaniards (which themselves termed in all places invincible) such as sayled not upon the
Ocean sea many
hundreth yeeres before, in the yeere 1588 vanished into
smoake; to the great confusion and discouragement of
the authours thereof. In regard of which her Majesties
happy successe all her neighbours and friends congratulated with her, and many verses were penned to the
honour of her Majesty by learned men, whereof some
which came to our hands we will here annexe.
AD SERENISSIMAM ELIZABETHAM ANGLIÆ REGINAM.
THEODOR. BEZA.
THE Spanish Fleet did flote in narrow Seas,
And bend her ships against the English shore,
With so great rage as nothing could appease,
And with such strength as never seene before:
And all to joyne the kingdome of that land
Unto the kingdomes that he had in hand.
Now if you aske what set this king on fire,
To practise warre when he of peace did treat,
It was his Pride, and never quencht desire,
To spoile that Islands wealth, by peace made great:
His Pride which farre above the heavens did swell,
And his desire as unsuffic'd as hell.
But well have windes his proud blasts overblowen,
And swelling waves alayd his swelling heart,
Well hath the Sea with greedie gulfs unknowen,
Devoured the devourer to his smart:
And made his ships a pray unto the sand,
That meant to pray upon anothers land.
And now, 0 Queene, above all others blest,
For whom both windes and waves are prest to fight,
So rule your owne, so succour friends opprest,
(As farre from pride, as ready to do right)
That England you, you England long enjoy,
No lesse your friends delight, then foes annoy.
