[] Edward Montague, afterwards Earl of Sandwich, who had command of the English fleet.
The same to the same.
Dragon frigᵗ in Dunkirke Road, this primᵒ May, 1658; Satuarday.
Honᵈ Father,
Sʳ, my last from this place was of 26th past, since wᶜʰ not anything hath ofered. The great Monsʳ with the soldiers I gave yoᵘ accᵗ of are yet before Oastend with the Vice Admirall have efected nothing, not haveing had opertunity, these out winds preventing there landing. God sending us shore winds, we shall quicklie see the result of the action in hand.
I sent to the Vice Admirall to desire he would order us into the river to tallow and revictuall; but he wrights me, in regard he hath noe ship with him to place in our roome, he will not wᵗʰout order from the Admᵗʸ. Soe this day I have wrote to them, advizeing the neere expiration of our victualling, also makeing it my humble request that we may come to Chatham to tallow and revictuall; wᶜʰ I hope they will graunt, but am dubious of my desired hapynesse of seeing yoᵘ before yoᵘ goe forth. My humble duty presented to my deare Mother, Grandfather, and Grandmᵒ, Father and Mother Steevens, wᵗʰ my loveing saluts to my wife, brothers, sisters, and freinds in genˡˡ; and, wᵗʰ my most humble duty to yᵒr selfe, wᵗʰ prayers to the Allmighty for yoʳ continued preservation, I remaine,
Sʳ, your most loveing and dutyfull sonne till death,
Richard Haddock.
Being hast, yᵉ frigᵗ under saile with a lee tyde, my wife must excuse my not wrighting her at present.