[a] Admiral Sir Richard Stayner was knighted for his gallantry in Blake’s attack on Santa Cruz. (See above, [p. 3].)
CAPTAIN RICHARD HADDOCK TO HIS WIFE.[a]
On bord yᵉ R. James, at anchor 4 miles wᵗʰout St. Hellens, this 5ᵗʰ May, 1672; Sonday night.
My deare Betty,
This afternoone we arrived this place wᵗʰ our noble fleet. Wᵗʰin, at Spitthead, we see yᵉ French fleet gote heere before us wilbe good company. Tomorrow I doubt not but we shall joyne wᵗʰ them. A few daies will prepare us to goe to seeke yᵉ Hollanders, who are out. We saw some of there scouts that day we sailed out yᵉ river. I have no other news to write thee at present.
I hope these will find yᵉ at London, where I advize thee to stay that I may the more certainely direct my letters to thee. I shall not be wanting to give the advice by all opertunities how itt fares with us. God Almighty preserve and keepe the and us in good health, and in His good tyme send us a ioyfull meeteing. My deere love to all myne and thy loveing relations. Wᵗʰ intire saluts to thy selfe and my daughter,
I remayne thyne, whilst I am
Richard Haddock.