Part 1

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_ In the year one Thousand six Hundred seventy two, War being proclaimed with _Holland_, it was looked upon among Nobility and Gentry, as a Blemish, not to attend the Duke of _York_ aboard the Fleet, who was then declared Admiral. With many others, I, at that Time about twenty Years of Age, enter'd my self a Voluntier on board the _London_, commanded by Sir _Edward Sprage_, Vice-Admiral of the _Red_.

The Fleet set Sail from the _Buoy of the Nore_ about the beginning of _May_, in order to join the _French_ Fleet, then at Anchor in St. _Hellen's Road_, under the Command of the _Count de Estree_. But in executing this Design we had a very narrow Escape: For _De Ruyter_, the Admiral of the _Dutch_ Fleet, having Notice of our Intentions, waited to have intercepted us at the Mouth of the River, but by the Assistance of a great Fog we pass'd _Dover_ before he was aware of it; and thus he miscarried, with the poor Advantage of taking only one small Tender.

A Day or two after the joining of the _English_ and _French_, we sailed directly towards the _Dutch_ Coast, where we soon got sight of their Fleet; a Sand called the _Galloper_ lying between. The _Dutch_ seem'd willing there to expect an Attack from us: But in regard the _Charles_ Man of War had been lost on those Sands the War before; and that our Ships drawing more Water than those of the Enemy, an Engagement might be render'd very disadvantageous; it was resolv'd in a Council of War to avoid coming to a Battle for the present, and to sail direftly for _Solebay_, which was accordingly put in Execution.

We had not been in _Solebay_ above four or five Days, when _De Ruyter_, hearing of it, made his Signal for sailing in order to surprize us; and he had certainly had his Aim, had there been any Breeze of Wind to favour him. But though they made use of all their Sails, there was so little Air stirring, that we could see their Fleet making towards us long before they came up; notwithstanding which, our Admirals found difficulty enough to form their Ships into a Line of Battle, so as to be ready to receive the Enemy.

It was about Four in the Morning of the 28th of _May_, being _Tuesday_ in _Whitson Week_, when we first made the Discovery; and about Eight the same Morning the Blue Squadron, under the Command of the Earl of _Sandwich_, began to engage with Admiral _Van Ghent_, who commanded the _Amsterdam_ Squadron; and about Nine the whole Fleets were under a general Engagement. The Fight lasted till Ten at Night, and with equal Fury on all Sides, the _French_ excepted, who appeared stationed there rather as Spectators than Parties; and as unwilling to be too much upon the Offensive, for fear of offending themselves.

During the Fight the _English_ Admiral had two Ships disabled under him; and was obliged about Four in the Afternoon to remove himself a third Time into the _London_, where he remain'd all the rest of the Fight, and till next Morning. Nevertheless, on his Entrance upon the _London_, which was the Ship I was in, and on our Hoisting the Standard, _De Ruyter_ and his Squadron seem'd to double their Fire upon her, as if they resolv'd to blow her out of the Water. Notwithstanding all which, the Duke of _York_ remain'd all the time upon Quarter Deck, and as the Bullets plentifully whizz'd around him, would often rub his Hands, and cry, _Sprage, Sprage, they follow us still_. I am very sensible later Times have not been over favourable in their Sentiments of that unfortunate Prince's Valour, yet I cannot omit the doing a Piece of Justice to his Memory, in relating a Matter of Fact, of which my own Eyes were Witnesses, and saying, That if Intrepidity, and Undauntedness, may be reckon'd any Parts of Courage, no Man in the Fleet better deserv'd the Title of Couragious, or behav'd himself with more Gallantry than he did.

The _English_ lost the _Royal James_, commanded by the Earl of _Sandwich_, which about Twelve (after the strenuous Endeavours of her Sailors to disengage her from two _Dutch_ Fire Ships plac'd on her, one athwart her Hawsers, the other on her Star-board Side) took Fire, blew up, and perish'd; and with her a great many brave Gentlemen, as well as Sailors; and amongst the rest the Earl himself, concerning whom I shall further add, that in my Passage from _Harwich_ to the _Brill_, a Year or two after, the Master of the Pacquet Boat told me, That having observ'd a great Flock of Gulls hovering in one particular Part of the Sea, he order'd his Boat to make up to it; when discovering a Corpse, the Sailors would have return'd it to the Sea, as the Corpse of a _Dutch Man_; but keeping it in his Boat, it proved to be that of the Earl of _Sandwich_. There was found about him between twenty and thirty Guineas, some Silver, and his Gold Watch; restoring which to his Lady, she kept the Watch, but rewarded their Honesty with all the Gold and Silver.

This was the only Ship the _English_ lost in this long Engagement. For although the _Katherine_ was taken, and her Commander, Sir _John Chicheley_, made Prisoner, her Sailors soon after finding the Opportunity they had watch'd for, seiz'd all the _Dutch_ Sailors, who had been put in upon them, and brought the Ship back to our own Fleet, together with all the _Dutch Men_ Prisoners; for which, as they deserv'd, they were well rewarded. This is the same Ship which the Earl of _Mulgrave_ (afterwards Duke of _Buckingham_) commanded the next Sea Fight, and has caus'd to be painted in his House in St. _James's Park_.

I must not omit one very remarkable Occurrence which happened in this Ship, There was a Gentleman aboard her, a Voluntier, of a very fine Estate, generally known by the Name of _Hodge Vaughan_. This Person receiv'd, in the beginning of the Fight, a considerable Wound, which the great Confusion, during the Battle, would not give them leave to inquire into; so he was carried out of the Way, and disposed of in the Hold. They had some Hogs aboard, which the Sailor, under whose Care they were, had neglected to feed; these Hogs, hungry as they were, found out, and fell upon the wounded Person, and between dead and alive eat him up to his very Scull, which, after the Fight was over, and the Ship retaken, as before, was all that could be found of him.

Another Thing, less to be accounted for, happen'd to a Gentleman Voluntier who was aboard the same Ship with my self. He was of known personal Courage, in the vulgar Notion of it, his Sword never having fail'd him in many private Duels. But notwithstanding all his Land-mettle, it was observ'd of him at Sea, that when ever the Bullets whizz'd over his Head, or any way incommoded his Ears, he immediately quitted the Deck, and ran down into the Hold. At first he was gently reproach'd; but after many Repetitions he was laugh'd at, and began to be despis'd; sensible of which, as a Testimonial of his Valour, he made it his Request to be ty'd to the Main Mast. But had it been granted him, I cannot see any Title he could have pleaded from hence, to true Magnanimity; since to be ty'd from running away can import nothing less, than that he would have still continued these Signs of Cowardice, if he had not been prevented. There is a Bravery of Mind which I fansy few of those Gentlemen Duellists are possess'd of. True Courage cannot proceed from what Sir _Walter Raleigh_ finely calls _the Art_ or _Philosophy of Quarrel_. No! It must be the Issue of Principle, and can have no other Basis than a steady Tenet of Religion. This will appear more plain, if those Artists in Murder will give themselves leave cooly to consider, and answer me this Question, Why he that had ran so many Risques at his Sword's Point, should be so shamefully intimidated at the Whiz of a Cannon Ball?

_The Names of those English Gentlemen who lost their Lives, as I remember, in this Engagement_.

Commissioner Cox, Captain of the _Royal Prince_, under the Command of the Admiral; and Mr. _Travanian_, Gentleman to the Duke of _York_; Mr. _Digby_, Captain of the _Henry_, second Son to the Earl of _Bristol_; Sir _Fletchvile Hollis_, Captain of the _Cambridge_, who lost one of his Arms in the War before, and his Life in this; Captain _Saddleton_, of the _Dartmouth_; the Lord _Maidstone_, Son to the Earl of _Winchelsea_, a Voluntier on board the _Charles_, commanded by Sir _John Harman_, Vice-Admiral of the Red.

Sir _Philip Carteret_, Mr. _Herbert_, Mr. _Cotterel_, Mr. _Peyton_, Mr. _Gose_, with several other Gentlemen unknown to me, lost their Lives with the Earl of _Sandwich_, on board the _Royal James_; Mr. _Vaughan_, on board the _Katherine_, commanded by Sir _John Chicheley_.

In this Engagement, Sir _George Rook_ was youngest Lieutenant to Sir _Edward Sprage_; Mr. _Russel_, afterwards Earl of _Orford_, was Captain of a small Fifth Rate, called the _Phnix_; Mr. _Herbert_, afterwards Earl of _Torrington_, was Captain of a small Fourth Rate, called the _Monck_; Sir _Harry Dutton Colt_, who was on board the _Victory_, commanded by the Earl of _Offery_, is the only Man now living that I can remember was in this Engagement.

* * * * *

But to proceed, the _Dutch_ had one Man of War sunk, though so near the Shore, that I saw some part of her Main Mast remain above Water, with their Admiral _Van Ghent_, who was slain in the close Engagement with the Earl of _Sandwich_. This Engagement lasted fourteen Hours, and was look'd upon the greatest that ever was fought between the _English_ and the _Hollander_.

I cannot here omit one Thing, which to some may seem trifling; though I am apt to think our Naturalists may have a different Opinion of it, and find it afford their Fansies no undiverting Employment in more curious, and less perilous Reflections. We had on board the _London_ where, as I have said, I was a Voluntier, a great Number of Pidgeons, of which our Commander was very fond. These, on the first firing of our Cannon, dispers'd, and flew away, and were seen no where near us during the Fight. The next Day it blew a brisk Gale, and drove our Fleet some Leagues to the Southward of the Place where they forsook our Ship, yet the Day after they all returned safe aboard; not in one Flock, but in small Parties of four or five at a Time. Some Persons at that Time aboard the Ship admiring at the Manner of their Return, and speaking of it with some Surprize, Sir _Edward Sprage_ told them, That he brought those Pidgeons with him from the _Streights_; and that when, pursuant to his Order, he left the _Revenge_ Man of War, to go aboard the _London_, all those Pidgeons, of their own accord, and without the Trouble or Care of carrying, left the _Revenge_ likewise, and removed with the Sailors on board the _London_, where I saw them; All which many of the Sailors afterwards confirm'd to me. What Sort of Instinct this could proceed from, I leave to the Curious.

Soon after this Sea Engagement I left the Fleet. And the Parliament, the Winter following, manifesting their Resentments against two of the Plenipotentiaries, _viz. Buckingham_ and _Arlington_, who had been sent over into _Holland_; and expressing, withal, their great Umbrage taken at the prodigious Progress of the _French_ Arms in the _United Provinces_; and warmly remonstrating the inevitable Danger attending _England_ in their Ruin. King _Charles_ from all this, and for want of the expected Supplies, found himself under a Necessity of clapping up a speedy Peace with _Holland_.

This Peace leaving those youthful Spirits, that had by the late Naval War been rais'd into a generous Ferment, under a perfect Inactivity at Home; they found themselves, to avoid a Sort of Life that was their Aversion, oblig'd to look out for one more active, and more suitable to their vigorous Tempers Abroad.

I must acknowledge my self one of that Number; and therefore in the Year 1674,1 resolv'd to go into _Flanders_, in order to serve as Voluntier in the Army commanded by his Highness the Prince of _Orange_. I took my Passage accordingly at _Dover_ for _Calais_, and so went by way of _Dunkirk_ for _Brussels_.

Arriving at which Place, I was inform'd that the Army of the Confederates lay encamp'd not far from _Nivelle_; and under the daily Expectation of an Engagement with the Enemy. This News made me press forward to the Service; for which Purpose I carry'd along with me proper Letters of Recommendation to Sir _Walter Vane_, who was at that time a Major-General. Upon further Enquiry I understood, that a Party of Horse, which was to guard some Waggons that were going to Count _Montery's_ Army, were to set out next Morning; so I got an _Irish_ Priest to introduce me to the Commanding Officer, which he readily oblig'd me in; and they, as I wish'd them, arriv'd in the Camp next day.

I had scarce been there an Hour, when happen'd one of the most extraordinary Accidents in Life. I observ'd in the East a strange dusty colour'd Cloud, of a pretty large Extent, riding, not before the Wind (for it was a perfect Calm) with such a precipitate Motion, that it was got over our Heads almost as soon as seen. When the Skirts of that Cloud began to cover our Camp, there suddenly arose such a terrible Hurricaine, or Whirlwind, that all the Tents were carry'd aloft with great Violence into the Air; and Soldiers' Hats flew so high and thick, that my Fansy can resemble it to nothing better than those Flights of Rooks, which at Dusk of Evening, leaving the Fields, seek their roosting Places. Trees were torn up by the very Roots; and the Roofs of all the Barns, _&c._ belonging to the Prince's Quarters, were blown quite away. This lasted for about half an Hour, until the Cloud was wholly past over us, when as suddenly ensued the same pacifik Calm as before the Cloud's Approach. Its Course was seemingly directly West; and yet we were soon after inform'd, that the fine Dome of the great Church at _Utrecht_ had greatly suffer'd by it the same Day. And, if I am not must mistaken, Sir _William Temple_, in his Memoirs, mentions somewhat of it, which he felt at _Lillo_, on his Return from the Prince of _Orange's_ Camp, where he had been a Day or two before.

As soon after this, as I could get an Opportunity, I deliver'd, at his Quarters, my recommendatory Letters to Sir _Walter Vane_; who receiv'd me very kindly, telling me at the same time, that there were six or seven _English_ Gentlemen, who had enter'd themselves Voluntiers in the Prince's own Company of Guards: And added, that he would immediately recommend me to Count _Solmes_, their Colonel. He was not worse than his Word, and I was enter'd accordingly. Those six Gentlemen were as follows, ---- _Clavers_, who since was better known by the Title of Lord _Dundee_; Mr. _Collier_, now Lord _Portmore_; Mr. _Rooke_, since Major-General; Mr. _Hales_, who lately died, and was for a long time Governor of _Chelsea-Hospital_; Mr. _Venner_, Son of that _Venner_ remarkable for his being one of the Fifth-Monarchy Men; and Mr. _Boyce_. The four first rose to be very eminent; but Fortune is not to all alike favourable.

In about a Week's Time after, it was resolv'd in a Council of War, to march towards _Binch_, a small wall'd Town, about four Leagues from _Nivelle_; the better to cut off the Provisions from coming to the Prince of _Conde's_ Camp that Way.

Accordingly, on the first Day of _August_, being _Saturday_, we began our March; and the _English_ Voluntiers had the Favour of a Baggage Waggon appointed them. Count _Souches_, the Imperial General, with the Troops of that Nation, led the Van; the main Body was compos'd of _Dutch_, under the Prince of _Orange_. as Generalissimo; and the _Spaniards_, under Prince _Vaudemont_, with some Detachments, made the Rear Guard.

As we were upon our March, I being among those Detachments which made up the Rear Guard, observ'd a great Party of the Enemy's Horse upon an Ascent, which, I then imagin'd, as it after prov'd, to be the Prince of _Conde_ taking a View of our Forces under March. There were many Defiles, which our Army must necessarily pass; through which that Prince politickly enough permitted the _Imperial_ and _Dutch_ Forces to pass unmolested. But when Prince _Vaudemont_, with the _Spaniards_, and our Detachments, thought to have done the like, the Prince of _Conde_ fell on our Rear Guard; and, after a long and sharp Dispute, entirely routed 'em; the Marquiss of _Assentar_, a _Spanish_ Lieutenant-General, dying upon the spot.

Had the Prince of _Conde_ contented himself with this Share of good Fortune, his Victory had been uncontested: But being pushed forward by a vehement Heat of Temper (which he was noted for) and flush'd with this extraordinary Success, he resolv'd to force the whole Confederate Army to a Battle. In order to which, he immediately led his Forces between our Second Line, and our Line of Baggage; by which means the latter were entirely cut off; and were subjected to the Will of the Enemy, who fell directly to plunder; in which they were not a little assisted by the routed _Spaniards_ themselves, who did not disdain at that time to share with the Enemy in the plundering of their Friends and Allies.

The _English_ Voluntiers had their Share of this ill Fortune with the rest; their Waggon appointed them being among those intercepted by the Enemy; and I, for my Part, lost every Thing but Life, which yet was saved almost as unaccountably as my Fellow-Soldiers had lost theirs. The Baggage, as I have said, being cut off, and at the Mercy of the Enemy, every one endeavour'd to escape through, or over the Hedges. And as in all Cases of like Confusion, one endeavours to save himself upon the Ruins of others: So here, he that found himself stopt by another in getting over the Cap of a Hedge, pull'd him back to make way for himself, and perhaps met with the same Fortune from a Third, to the Destruction of all. I was then in the Vigour of my Youth, and none of the least active, and perceiving how it had far'd with some before me, I clapt my left Leg upon the Shoulders of one who was thus contending with another, and with a Spring threw my self over both their Heads and the Hedge at the same time. By this Means I not only sav'd my Life (for they were all cut to Pieces that could not get over) but from an Eminence, which I soon after attain'd, I had an Opportunity of seeing, and making my Observations upon the remaining Part of that glorious Conflict.

It was from that advantageous Situation, that I presently discover'd that the Imperialists, who led the Van, had now join'd the main Body. And, I confess, it was with an almost inexpressible Pleasure, that I beheld, about three a-Clock, with what intrepid Fury they fell upon the Enemy. In short, both Armies were universally engag'd, and with great Obstinacy disputed the Victory till Eleven at Night. At which Time the _French_, being pretty well surfeited, made their Retreat. Nevertheless, to secure it by a Stratagem, they left their lighted Matches hanging in the Hedges, and waving with the Air, to conceal it from the Confederate Army.

About two Hours after, the Confederate Forces follow'd the Example of their Enemies, and drew off. And tho' neither Army had much Reason to boast; yet as the Prince of _Orange_ remained last in the Field; and die _French_ had lost what they before had gain'd, the Glory of the Day fell to the Prince of _Orange_; who, altho' but twenty-four Years of Age, had the Suffrage of Friend and Foe, of having play'd the Part of an old and experienc'd Officer.

There were left that Day on the Field of Battle, by a general Computation, not less than eighteen Thousand Men on both Sides, over and above those, who died of their Wounds: The Loss being pretty equal, only the _French_ carried off most Prisoners. Prince _Waldeck_ was shot through the Arm, which I was near enough to be an Eye-witness of; And my much lamented Friend, Sir _Walter Vane_, was carried off dead. A Wound in the Arm was all the Mark of Honour, that I as yet could boast of, though our Cannon in the Defiles had slain many near me.

The Prince _of Conde_ (as we were next Day inform'd) lay all that Night under a Hedge, wrapp'd in his Cloke: And either from the Mortification of being disappointed in his Hopes of Victory; or from a Reflection of the Disservice, which is own natural over Heat of Temper had drawn upon him, was almost inconsolable many Days after. And thus ended the famous Battle of _Seneff_.

But though common Vogue has given it the Name of a Battle, in my weak Opinion, it might rather deserve that of a confus'd Skirmish; all Things having been forcibly carried on without Regularity, or even Design enough to allow it any higher Denomination: For, as I have said before, notwithstanding I was advantagiously stationed for Observation, I found it very often impossible to distinguish one Party from another. And this was more remarkably evident on the Part of the Prince of _Orange_, whose Valour and Vigour having led him into the Middle of the Enemy, and being then sensible of his Error, by a peculiar Presence of Mind, gave the Word of Command in _French_, which he spoke perfectly well. But the _French_ Soldiers, who took him for one of their own Generals, making Answer, that their Powder was all spent, it afforded Matter of Instruction to him to persist in his Attack; at the same Time, that it gave him a Lesson of Caution, to withdraw himself, as soon as he could, to his own Troops.

However, the Day after the Prince of _Orange_ thought proper to march to _Quarignan_, a Village within a League of _Mons_; where he remain'd some Days, till he could be supply'd from _Brussells_ with those Necessaries which his Army stood in need of.

From thence we march'd to _Valenciennes_, where we again encamp'd, till we could receive Things proper for a Siege. Upon the Arrival whereof, the Prince gave Orders to decamp, and march'd his Army with a Design to besiege _Aeth_. But having Intelligence on our March, that the Mareschal _De Humiers_ had reinforc'd that Garrison, we march'd directly to _Oudenard_, and immediately invested it.

This Siege was carried on with such Application and Success, that the Besiegers were in a few Days ready for a Storm; but the Prince of _Conde_ prevented them, by coming up to its Relief. Upon which the Prince of _Orange_, pursuant to the Resolution of a Council of War the Night before, drew off his Forces in order to give him Battle; and to that purpose, after the laborious Work of filling up our Lines of Contravallation, that the Horse might pass more freely, we lay upon our Arms all Night. Next Morning we expected the Imperial General, Count _Souches_, to join us; but instead of that, he sent back some very frivolous Excuses, of the Inconveniency of the Ground for a Battle; and after that, instead of joining the Prince, marched off quite another way; the Prince of _Orange_, with the _Dutch_ and _Spanish_ Troops, marched directly for _Ghent_; exclaiming publickly against the Chicanery of _Souches_, and openly declaring, That he had been advertis'd of a Conference between a _French_ Capuchin and that General, the Night before. Certain it is, that that General lay under the Displeasure of his Master, the Emperor, for that Piece of Management; and the Count _de Sporck_ was immediately appointed General in his Place.

The Prince of _Orange_ was hereupon leaving the Army in great Disgust, till prevail'd upon by the Count _de Montery_, for the general Safety, to recede from that Resolution. However, seeing no likelihood of any Thing further to be done, while _Souches_ was in Command, he resolv'd upon a Post of more Action, though more dangerous; wherefore ordering ten Thousand Men to march before, he himself soon after foliow'd to the Siege of _Grave_.

The _Grave_, a strong Place, and of the first Moment to the _Hollanders_, had been block'd up by the _Dutch_ Forces all the Summer; the Prince of _Orange_ therefore leaving the main Army under Prince _Waldeck_ at _Ghent_, follow'd the Detachment he had made for the Siege of that important Place, resolving to purchase it at any Rate. On his Arrival before it, Things began to find new Motion; and as they were carried on with the utmost Application and Fury, the Besieged found themselves, in a little Time, oblig'd to change their haughty Summer Note for one more suitable to the Season.

The Prince, from his first coming, having kept those within hotly ply'd with Ball, both from Cannon and Mortars, Monsieur _Chamilly_, the Governor, after a few Days, being weary of such warm Work, desired to capitulate; upon which Hostages were exchanged, and Articles agreed on next Morning. Pursuant to which, the Garrison march'd out with Drums beating and Colours flying, two Days after, and were conducted to _Charleroy_.

By the taking this Place, which made the Prince of _Orange_ the more earnest upon it, the _French_ were wholly expell'd their last Year's astonishing Conquests in _Holland_. And yet there was another Consideration, that render'd the Surrender of it much more considerable. For the _French_ being sensible of the great Strength of this Place, had there deposited all their Cannon and Ammunition, taken from their other Conquests in _Holland_, which they never were able to remove or carry off, with tolerable Prospect of Safety, after that Prince's Army first took the Field.

The Enemy being march'd out, the Prince enter'd the Town, and immediately order'd public Thanksgivings for its happy Reduction. Then having appointed a Governor, and left a sufficient Garrison, he put an End to that Campaign, and return'd to the _Hague_, where he had not been long before he fell ill of the Small Pox. The Consternation this threw the whole Country into, is not to be express'd; Any one that had seen it would have thought, that the _French_ had made another Inundation greater than the former. But when the Danger was over, their Joy and Satisfaction, for his Recovery, was equally beyond Expression.

The Year 1675 yielded very little remarkable in our Army. _Limburgh_ was besieged by the _French_, under the Command of the Duke of _Enguien_, which the Prince of _Orange_ having Intelligence of, immediately decamp'd from his fine Camp at _Bethlem_, near _Louvain_, in order to raise the Siege. But as we were on a full March for that purpose, and had already reach'd _Ruremond_, Word was brought, that the Place had surrender'd the Day before. Upon which Advice, the Prince, after a short Halt, made his little Army (for it consisted not of more than thirty Thousand Men) march back to _Brabant_. Nothing of moment, after this, occurr'd all that Campaign.

In the Year 1676, the Prince of _Orange_ having, in concert with the _Spaniards_, resolv'd upon the important Siege of _Maestrich_ (the only Town in the _Dutch_ Provinces, then remaining in the Hands of the _French_) it was accordingly invested about the middle of _June_, with an Army of twenty Thousand Men, under the Command of his Highness Prince _Waldeck_, with the grand Army covering the Siege. It was some Time before the heavy Cannon, which we expected up the _Maes_, from _Holland_, arrived; which gave Occasion to a Piece of Raillery of Monsieur _Calvo_, the Governor, which was as handsomely repartec'd. That Governor, by a Messenger, intimating his Sorrow to find, we had pawn'd our Cannon for Ammunition Bread. Answer was made, That in a few Days we hoped to give him a Taste of the Loaves, which he should find would be sent him into the Town in extraordinary plenty. I remember another Piece of Raillery, which pass'd some Days after between the _Rhingrave_ and the same _Calvo_. The former sending Word, that he hoped within three Weeks to salute that Governor's Mistress within the Place. _Calvo_ reply'd, He'd give him leave to kiss her all over, if he kiss'd her any where in three Months.

But our long expected Artillery being at last arriv'd, all this Jest and Merriment was soon converted into earnest. Our Trenches were immediately open'd towards the _Dauphin_ Bastion, against which were planted many Cannon, in order to make a Breach; my self as a Probationer being twice put upon the forlorn Hope to facilitate that difficult Piece of Service. Nor was it long before such a Breach was effected, as was esteem'd practicable, and therefore very soon after it was ordered to be attack'd.

The Disposition for the Attack was thus ordered; two Serjeants with twenty Grenadiers, a Captain with fifty Men, my self one of the Number; then a Party carrying Wool Sacks, and after them two Captains with one Hundred Men more; the Soldiers in the Trenches to be ready to sustain them, as Occasion should require.

The Signal being given, we left our Trenches accordingly, having about one Hundred Yards to run, before we could reach the Breach, which we mounted with some Difficulty and Loss; all our Batteries firing at the same instant to keep our Action in countenance, and favour our Design. When we were in Possession of the Bastion, the Enemy fir'd most furiously upon us with their small Cannon through a thin brick Wall, by which, and their hand Grenadoes, we lost more Men than we did in the Attack it self.

But well had it been had our ill Fortune stopp'd there; for as if Disaster must needs be the Concomitant of Success, we soon lost what we had thus gotten, by a small, but very odd Accident. Not being furnished with such Scoopes as our Enemies made use of, in tossing their hand Grenadoes some distance off, one of our own Soldiers aiming to throw one over the Wall into the Counterscarp among the Enemy, it so happen'd that he unfortunately miss'd his Aim, and the Grenade fell down again on our side the Wall, very near the Person who fir'd it. He starting back to save himself, and some others who saw it fall, doing the like, those who knew nothing of the Matter fell into a sudden Confusion, and imagining some greater danger than there really was, every body was struck with a panick Fear, and endeavour'd to be the first who should quit the Bastion, and secure himself by a real Shame from an imaginary Evil. Thus was a Bastion, that had been gloriously gain'd, inadvertently deserted; and that too, with the Loss of almost as many Men in the Retreat, as had been slain in the Onset, and the Enemy most triumphantly again took Possession of it.

Among the Slain on our Side in this Action, was an Ensign of Sir _John Fenwick_'s Regiment; and as an Approbation of my Services his Commission was bestowed upon me.

A few Days after it was resolv'd again to storm that Bastion, as before; out of three _English_, and one _Scotch_ Regiment, then in the Camp, a Detachment was selected for a fresh Attack. Those Regiments were under the Command of Sir _John Fenwick_ (who was afterwards beheaded) Colonel _Ralph Widdrington_, and Colonel _Ashley_, of the _English_; and Sir _Alexander Collier_, Father of the present Lord _Portmore_, of the _Scotch_. Out of every of these four Regiments, as before, were detach'd a Captain, a Lieutenant, and an Ensign, with fifty Men: Captain _Anthony Bamwell_, of Sir _John Fenwick's_ Regiment, who was now my Captain, commanding that Attack.

At break of Day the Attack was begun with great Resolution; and though vigorously maintain'd, was attended with the desir'd Success. The Bastion was again taken, and in it the commanding Officer, who in Service to himself, more than to us, told us, that the Center of the Bastion would soon be blown up being to his Knowledge undermin'd for that purpose. But this Secret prov'd of no other use, than to make us, by way of Precaution, to keep as much as we could upon the Rampart. In this Attack Captain _Barnwell_ lost his Life; and it happened my new Commission was wetted (not, as too frequently is the Custom, with a Debauch) but with a Bullet through my Hand, and the Breach of my Collar Bone with the Stroke of a Halberd.

After about half an hour's Possession of the Bastion, the Mine under it, of which the _French_ Officer gave us warning, was sprung; the Enemy at the same Time making a furious Sally upon us. The Mine did a little, though the less, Execution, for being discovered; but the Sally no way answer'd their End, for we beat them back, and immediately fix'd our Lodgment; which we maintain'd during the Time of the Siege. But to our double Surprize, a few Days after they fir'd another Mine under, or aside, the former, in which they had plac'd a quantity of Grenadoes, which did much more Execution than the other: Notwithstanding all which, a Battery of Guns was presently erected upon that Bastion, which very considerably annoy'd the Enemy.

The Breach for a general Storm was now render'd almost practicable; yet before that could be advisably attempted, there was a strong Horn-work to be taken. Upon this Exploit the _Dutch_ Troops only were to signalize themselves; and they answered the Confidence repos'd in them; for though they were twice repuls'd, at the third Onset they were more successful, and took Possession; which they likewise kept to the Raising of the Siege.

There was a Stratagem lay'd at this Time, which in its own Merit one would have thought should not have fail'd of a good Effect; but to shew the Vanity of the highest human Wisdom it miscarry'd. On the other side of the _Maes_, opposite to _Maestrich_, lies the strong Fortress of _Wyck_, to which it is join'd by a stone Bridge of six fair Arches. The design was, by a false Attack on that regular Fortification to draw the Strength of the Garrison to its Defence, which was but very natural to imagine would be the Consequence. Ready to attend that well concerted false Attack, a large flat bottom'd Boat, properly furnish'd with Barrels of Gun-Powder, and other Necessaries, was to fall down under one of the middle Arches, and when fix'd there, by firing the Powder to have blown up the Bridge, and by that means to have prevented the Return of the Garrison to oppose a real Attack at that instant of Time to be made upon the Town of _Maestrich_ by the whole Army.

The false Attack on _Wyck_ was accordingly made, which, as propos'd, drew the Main of the Garrison of _Maestrich_ to its Defence, and the Boat so furnish'd fell down the River as projected, but unfortunately, before it could reach the Arch, from the Darkness of the Night, running upon a Shoal, it could not be got off; for which Reason the Men in the Boat were glad to make a hasty Escape for fear of being discovered; as the Boat was, next Morning; and the whole Design laid open.

This Stratagem thus miscarrying, all Things were immediately got ready for a general Storm, at the main Breach in the Town; and the rather, because the Prince of _Orange_ had receiv'd incontestable Intelligence, That Duke _Schomberg_, at the Head of the _French_ Army, was in full march to relieve the Place. But before every Thing could be rightly got ready for the intended Storm (though some there were who pretended to say, that a Dispute rais'd by the _Spaniards_ with the _Dutch_, about the Propriety of the Town, when taken, was the Cause of that Delay) we heard at some distance several Guns fir'd as Signals of Relief; upon which we precipitately, and, as most imagin'd, shamefully drew off from before the Place, and join'd the grand Army under Prince _Waldeck_. But it was Matter of yet greater Surprize to most on the Spot, that when the Armies were so joyn'd, we did not stay to offer the Enemy Battle. The well known Courage of the Prince, then Generalissimo, was so far from solving this Riddle, that it rather puzzled all who thought of it; however, the prevailing Opinion was, that it was occasion'd by some great Misunderstanding between the _Spaniards_ and the _Dutch_. And Experience will evince, that this was not the only Disappointment of that Nature, occasion'd by imperfect Understandings.

Besides the Number of common Soldiers slain in this Attack, which was not inconsiderable, we lost here the brave _Rhingrave_, a Person much lamented on account of his many other excellent Qualifications, as well as that of a General. Colonel _Ralph Widdrington_, and Colonel _Doleman_ (who had not enjoy'd _Widdrington's_ Commission above a Fortnight). Captain _Douglas_, Captain _Barnwell_, and Captain _Lee_, were of the Slain among the _English_; who, indeed, had born the whole brunt of the Attack upon the _Dauphin_'s Bastion.

I remember the Prince of _Orange_, during the Siege, receiv'd a Shot through his Arm; which giving an immediate Alarm to the Troops under his Command, he took his Hat off his Head with the wounded Arm, and smiling, wav'd it, to shew them there was no danger. Thus, after the most gallant Defence against the most couragious Onsets, ended the Siege of _Maestrich_; and with it all that was material that Campaign.

Early in the Spring, in the Year 1677, the _French_ Army, under the Duke of _Orleans_, besieged at once, both _Cambray_ and _Saint Omers_. This last the Prince of _Orange_ seem'd very intent and resolute to relieve. In order to which, well knowing by sad Experience, it would be to little purpose to wait the majestick Motions of the _Spaniards_, that Prince got together what Forces he could, all in _Dutch_ Pay, and marching forward with all speed, resolv'd, even at the Hazard of a Battle, to attempt the Raising the Siege. Upon his appearing the Duke of _Orleans_, to whose particular Conduct the Care of that Siege was committed, drew off from before the Place, leaving scarce enough of his Men to defend the Trenches. The Prince was under the Necessity of marching his Forces over a Morass; and the Duke, well knowing it, took care to attack him near _Mont Cassel_, before half his little Army were got over. The Dispute was very sharp, but the Prince being much out number'd, and his Troops not able, by the Straitness of the Passage, to engage all at once, was oblig'd at last to retreat, which he did in pretty good Order. I remember the _Dutch_ Troops did not all alike do their Duty; and the Prince seeing one of the Officers on his fullest speed, call'd to him over and over to halt; which the Officer in too must haste to obey, the Prince gave him a Slash over the Face, saying, _By this Mark I shall know you another Time_. Soon after this Retreat of the Prince, Saint _Omers_ was surrender'd.

Upon this Retreat the Prince marching back, lay for some time among the Boors, who from the good Discipline, which he took care to make his Troops observe, did not give us their customary boorish Reception. And yet as secure as we might think our selves, I met with a little Passage that confirm'd in me the Notions, which the generality as well as I, had imbib'd of the private Barbarity of those People, whenever an Opportunity falls in their Way. I was stroling at a Distance from my Quarters, all alone, when I found my self near one of their Houses; into which, the Doors being open, I ventur'd to enter. I saw no body when I came in, though the House was, for that Sort of People, well enough furnish'd, and in pretty decent Order. I call'd, but no body answering, I had the Curiosity to advance a little farther, when, at the Mouth of the Oven, which had not yet wholly lost its Heat, I spy'd the Corpse of a Man so bloated, swoln and parch'd, as left me little room to doubt, that the Oven had been the Scene of his Destiny. I confess the Sight struck me with Horror; and as much Courage and Security as I enter'd with, I withdrew in haste, and with quite different Sentiments, and could not fansy my self out of Danger till I had reach'd our Camp. A wise Man should not frame an Accusation on Conjectures; but, on Inquiry, I was soon made sensible, that such barbarous Usage is too common among those People; especially if they meet with a Straggler, of what Nation soever.

This made me not very sorry when we decamp'd, and we soon after receiv'd Orders to march and invest _Charleroy_; before which Place we stay'd somewhat above a Week, and then drew off. I remember very well, that I was not the only Person then in the Camp that was at a Loss to dive into the Reason of this Investiture and Decampment: But since I at that time, among the Politicians of the Army, never heard a good one, I shall not venture to offer my Sentiments at so great a Distance.

We, after this march'd towards _Mons_; and, in our March, pass'd over the very Grounds on which the Battle of _Seneff_ had been fought three Years before. It was with no little Pleasure, that I re-survey'd a Place, that had once been of so much Danger to me; and where my Memory and Fansy now repeated back all those Observations I had then made under some unavoidable Confusion. Young as I was, both in Years and Experience, from my own Reflections, and the Sentiments of others, after the Fight was over, methought I saw visibly before me the well order'd Disposition of the Prince of _Conde_; the inexpressible Difficulties which the Prince of _Orange_ had to encounter with; while at the same Moment I could not omit to repay my Debt to the Memory of my first Patron, Sir _Walter Vane_, who there loosing his Life, left me a solitary Wanderer to the wide World of Fortune.

But these Thoughts soon gave place to new Objects, which every Hour presented themselves in our continu'd March to _Enghien_, a Place famous for the finest Gardens in all _Flanders_, near which we encamp'd, on the very same Ground which the _French_ chose some Years after at the Battle of _Steenkirk_: of which I shall speak in its proper Place. Here the Prince of _Orange_ left our Army, as we afterwards found, to pass into _England_; where he marry'd the Princess _Mary_, Daughter of the Duke of _York_. And after his Departure, that Campaign ended without any thing further material.

Now began the Year 1678, famous for the Peace, and no less remarkable for an Action previous to it, which has not fail'd to employ the Talents of Men, variously, as they stood affected. Our Army, under the Prince of _Orange_, lay encamp'd at _Soignies_, where it was whisper'd that the Peace was concluded. Notwithstanding which, two Days after, being _Sunday_ the 17th Day of _August_, the Army was drawn out, as most others as well as my self apprehended, in order to _feux de Joye_; but in lieu of that, we found our March order'd towards St. _Dennis_, where the Duke of _Luxembourg_ lay, as he imagin'd, safe in inaccessible Entrenchments.

About three of the Clock our Army arriv'd there, when we receiv'd Orders to make the Attack. It began with a most vigorous Spirit, that promis'd no less than the Success which ensu'd. The three _English_ and three _Scotch_ Regiments, under the Command of the ever renown'd Earl of _Ossory_, together with the Prince of _Orange_'s Guards, made their Attack at a Place call'd the _Chateau_; where the _French_ took their Refuge among a Parcel of Hop-Poles; but their Resource was as weak as their Defence; and they were soon beaten out with a very great Slaughter.

It was here that a _French_ Officer having his Pistol directed at the Breast of the Prince, Monsieur _D'Auverquerque_ interpos'd, and shot the Officer dead upon the Spot.

The Fight lasted from three in the Afternoon till Nine at Night; when growing dark, the Duke of _Luxembourg_ forsook his Entrenchments, into which we march'd next Morning. And to see the sudden Change of Things! that very Spot of Ground, where nothing but Fire and Fury appear'd the Day before, the yest saw solac'd with the Proclamation of a Peace.

About an Hour before the Attack began, the Duke of _Monmouth_ arriv'd in the Army, being kindly receiv'd by the Prince of _Orange_, bravely fighting by his Side, all that Day. The Woods and the Unevenness of the Ground, render'd the Cavalry almost useless; yet I saw a Standard, among some others, which was taken from the Enemy, being richly embroidered with Gold and Silver, bearing the Sun in the Zodiack, with these haughty Words, _Nihil obstabit eunte_. On the News of this unexpected Victory, the States of _Holland_ sent to congratulate the Prince; and to testify how much they valued his Preservation, they presented Monsieur _D'Auverquerque,_ who had so bravely rescued him, with a Sword, whose Handle was of massy Gold set with Diamonds. I forgot to mention that this Gentleman receiv'd a Shot on his Head at the Battle of _Seneff_; and truly in all Actions, which were many, he nobly distinguished himself by his Bravery. He was Father of this present Earl of _Grantham_.

_The Names of the English Officers which I knew to be killed in this Action_.

 
Lieut. Col. Archer,      Capt. Pemfield,
Capt. Charleton,         Lieut. Charleton,
Capt. Richardson,        Lieut. Barton,
Capt. Fisher,            Ensign Colville.
With several others, whose Names I have forgot.

Lieut. Col. _Babington_, who began the Attack, by beating the _French_ out of the Hop Garden, was taken Prisoner. Col. _Hales_, who was a long time Governor of _Chelsea College_, being then a Captain, received a Shot on his Leg, of which he went lame to his dying Day.

The War thus ended by the Peace of _Nimeugen_, The Regiment in which I serv'd, was appointed to be in Garrison at the _Grave_. We lay there near four Years, our Soldiers being mostly employ'd about the Fortifications. It was here, and by that Means, that I imbib'd the Rudiments of Fortification, and the practick Part of an Enginier, which in my more advanc'd Years was of no small Service to me.

Nevertheless, in the Year 1684, our Regiment receiv'd Orders to march to _Haren_, near _Brussels_, where, with other Forces, we encamp'd, till we heard that _Luxemburg_, invaded by the _French,_ in a Time of the profoundest Peace, had surrender'd to them. Then we decamp'd, and march'd to _Mechlin_; where we lay in the Field till near _November_. Not that there was any War proclaim'd; but as not knowing, whether those who had committed such Acts of Hostility in time of Peace might not take it in their Heads to proceed yet further. In _November_ we march'd into that Town, where Count _Nivelle_ was Governor: The Marquiss _de Grana_, at the same time, governing the _Netherlands_ in the Jurisdiction of _Spain_.

Nothing of any Moment happen'd after this, till the Death of King _Charles_ II. The Summer after which, the three _English_ and three _Scotch_ Regiments receiv'd Orders to pass over into _England_, upon the Occasion of _Monmouth's_ Rebellion; where, upon our Arrival, we receiv'd Orders to encamp on _Hounslow-Heath_. But that Rebellion being soon stifled, and King _James_ having no farther Need of us, those Regiments were order'd to return again to _Holland_, into the proper Service of those who paid them.

Tho' I am no stiff Adherer to the Doctrine of Predestination, yet to the full Assurance of a Providence I never could fail to adhere. Thence came it, that my natural Desire to serve my own native Country prevail'd upon me to quit the Service of another, though its Neighbour and Allie. Events are not always to direct the Judgment; and therefore whether I did best in following those fondling Dictates of Nature, I shall neither question nor determine.

However, it was not long after my Arrival in _England_ before I had a Commission given me by King _James_, to be a Lieutenant in a new rais'd Regiment under the Command of Colonel _Tufton_, Brother to the Earl of _Thanet_. Under this Commission I sojourn'd out two peaceable Campaigns on _Hounslow-Heath;_ where I was an Eye-Witness of one mock Siege of _Buda_: After which our Regiment was order'd to _Berwick_, where I remained till the Revolution.

King _James_ having abdicated the Throne, and the Prince of _Orange_ accepting the Administration, all Commissions were order'd to be renew'd in his Name. The Officers of our Regiment, as well as others, severally took out theirs accordingly, a very few excepted, of which Number was our Colonel; who refusing a Compliance, his Commission was given to Sir _James Lesley._

The Prince of _Orange_ presently after was declar'd and proclaim'd King, and his Princess Queen, with a conjunctive Power. Upon which our Regiment was order'd into _Scotland_, where Affairs appear'd under a Face of Disquietude. We had our Quarters at _Leith_, till the Time the Castle of _Edinburgh_, then under the Command of the Duke of _Gordon_, had surrender'd. After which, pursuant to fresh Orders, we march'd to _Inverness_, a Place of no great Strength, and as little Beauty; though yet I think I may say, without the least Danger of an _Hyperbole_, that it is as pleasant as most Places in that Country. Here we lay two long Winters, perpetually harrass'd upon Parties, and hunting of somewhat wilder than their wildest Game, namely, the _Highlanders,_ who were, if not as nimble footed, yet fully as hard to be found.

But General _Mackay_ having receiv'd Orders to build a Fort at _Inverlochy_, our Regiment, among others, was commanded to that Service. The two Regiments appointed on the same Duty, with some few Dragoons, were already on their March, which having join'd, we march'd together through _Louquebar_. This sure is the wildest Country in the _Highlands_, if not in the World. I did not see one House in all our March; and their Oeconomy, if I may call it such, is much the same with that of the _Arabs_ or _Tartars_. Hutts, or Cabins of Trees and Trash, are their Places of Habitation; in which they dwell, till their half-horn'd Cattle have devour'd the Grass, and then remove, staying no where longer than that Convenience invites them.

In this March, or rather, if you please, most dismal Peregrination, we could be very rarely go two on a Breast; and oftner, like Geeze in a String, one after another. So that our very little Army had sometimes, or rather most commonly, an Extent of many Miles; our Enemy, the _Highlanders_, firing down upon us from their Summits all the Way. Nor was it possible for our Men, or very rarely at least, to return their Favours with any Prospect of Success; for as they pop'd upon us always on a sudden, they never stay'd long enough to allow any of our Soldiers a Mark; or even time enough to fire: And for our Men to march, or climb up those Mountains, which to them were natural Champion, would have been as dangerous as it seem'd to us impracticable. Nevertheless, under all these disheartning Disadvantages, we arriv'd at _Inverlochy_, and there perform'd the Task appointed, building a Fort on the same Spot where _Cromwell_ had rais'd one before. And which was not a little remarkable, we had with us one _Hill_, a Colonel, who had been Governor in _Oliver's_ Time, and who was now again appointed Governor by General _Mackay_. Thus the Work on which we were sent being effected, we march'd back again by the Way of _Gillycrancky_, where that memorable Battle under _Dundee_ had been fought the Year before.

Some time after, Sir _Thomas Levingston_, afterwards Earl of _Tiviot_, having receiv'd Intelligence that the _Highlanders_ intended to fall down into the lower Countries, in a considerable Body, got together a Party of about five Hundred (the Dragoons, call'd the _Scotch Greys_, inclusive) with which he resolv'd, if possible, to give them a Meeting. We left _Inverness_ the last Day of _April_, and encamp'd near a little Town call'd _Forrest_, the Place where, as Tradition still confidently avers, the Witches met _Mackbeth_, and greeted him with their diabolical Auspices. But this Story is so naturally display'd in a Play of the immortal _Shakespear_, that I need not descend here to any farther Particulars.

Here Sir _Thomas_ receiv'd Intelligence, that the _Highlanders_ design'd to encamp upon the _Spey_, near the Laird of _Grant's_ Castle. Whereupon we began our March about Noon; and the next Day, about the Break thereof, we came to that River, where we soon discover'd the _Highlanders_ by their Fires. Sir _Thomas_ immediately, on Sight of it, issued his Orders for our fording the River, and falling upon them as soon after as possible. Both were accordingly perform'd, and with so good Order, Secrecy and Success, that _Cannon_ and _Balfour_, their Commanders, were obliged to make their Escape naked.

They were about one Thousand in Number, of which were kill'd about three Hundred; we pursued them, till they got up _Crowdale-Hill,_ where we lost them in a Fog. And, indeed so high is that Hill, that they, who perfectly knew it, assured me that it never is without a little dark Fog hanging over it. And to me, at that Instant of Time, they seem'd rather to be People receiv'd up into Clouds, than flying from an Enemy.

Near this there was an old Castle, call'd _Lethendy_, into which about Fifty of them made their Retreat, most of them Gentlemen, resolving there to defend themselves to the last. Sir _Thomas_ sent a Messenger to them, with an Offer of Mercy, if they would surrender: But they refus'd the profer'd Quarter, and fir'd upon our Men, killing two of our Grenadiers, and wounding another. During my Quarters at the _Grave_, having learnt to throw a Grenado, I took three or four in a Bag, and crept down by the Side of a Ditch, or Dyke, to an old thatch'd House near the Castle, imagining, on my mounting the same, I might be near enough to throw them, so as to do execution. I found all Things answer my Expectation; and the Castle wanting a Cover, I threw in a Grenado, which put the Enemy immediately into Confusion. The Second had not so good Success, falling short, and the Third burst as soon as it was well out of my Hand, though without Damage to my self. But throwing the Fourth in at a Window, it so increas'd the Confusion, which the first had put them into, that they immediately call'd out to me, upon their Parole of Safety, to come to them.

Accordingly I went up to the Door, which they had barricaded, and made up with great Stones; when they told me they were ready to surrender upon Condition of obtaining Mercy. I return'd to Sir _Thomas_; and telling him what I had done, and the Consequence of it, and the Message they had desir'd me to deliver (a great many of the _Highland_ Gentlemen, not of this Party, being with him) Sir _Thomas_, in a high Voice, and broad _Scotch_, best to be heard and understood, order'd me back to tell 'em, _He would cut them all to Pieces, for their Murder of two of his Grenadiers, after his Proffer of Quarter_.

I was returning full of these melancholy Tidings, when Sir _Thomas_, advancing after me a little Distance from the rest of the Company; _Hark ye, Sir_, says he, _I believe there may be among 'em some of our old Acquaintance_ (for we had serv'd together in the Service of the _States_ in _Flanders_) _therefore tell them they shall have good Quarter_. I very willingly carry'd back a Message to much chang'd to my Mind; and upon delivering of it, without the least Hesitation, they threw down the Barricado, open'd the Door, and out came one _Brody_, who, as he then told me, had had a Piece of his Nose taken off by one of my Grenadoes. I carry'd him to Sir _Thomas_, who confirming my Message, they all came out, and surrendered themselves Prisoners. This happen'd on _May Day_ in the Morning; for which Reason we return'd to _Inverness_ with our Prisoners, and Boughs in our Hats; and the _Highlanders_ never held up their Heads so high after this Defeat.

Upon this Success Sir _Thomas_ wrote to Court, giving a full Account of the whole Action. In which being pleas'd to make mention of my Behaviour, with some Particularities, I had soon after a Commission order'd me for a Company in the Regiment under the Command of Brigadier _Tiffin_.

My Commission being made out, sign'd, and sent to me, I repair'd immediately to _Portsmouth_, where the Regiment lay in Garrison. A few Days after I had been there, Admiral _Russel_ arriv'd with the Fleet, and anchor'd at St. _Hellen's_, where he remain'd about a Week. On the 18th of _May_ the whole Fleet set Sail; and it being my Turn the same Day to mount the Main Guard, I was going the Rounds very early, when I heard great shooting at Sea. I went directly to acquaint the Governor, and told him my Sentiments, that the two contending Fleets were actually engag'd, which indeed prov'd true; for that very Night a Pinnace, which came from our Fleet, brought News that Admiral _Russel_ had engag'd the _French_ Admiral _Turvile_; and, after a long and sharp Dispute, was making after them to their own Coasts. _

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