This day I gote two protections from the Duke, one for Mr. Naufan’s ship at Lancaster for 50 men, yᵉ other for yᵉ ship wᵗʰ stores for 20 men, wᶜʰ is speciall protections, yᵗ the men will not be molested. Tell my Broʳ Bradenham I have given them to Mr. Sam. Hawkes, who is comeing wᵗʰ them.

I am sory to heare poore Sam Lane was prest into yᵉ French Victory, and since caryed into Holland. I pitty the losse of the men in her, but yᵉ Capt. will have his reward for looseing her soe basely. The Dutch fleet lye now neare the Gallaper in expectation of us; we are very neere, ready to waite on them. 2 or 3 days must not breake square wᵗʰ us; but they are deceaved to think we intend to fight them amongst the sands. I supose our martch wilbe over for yᵉ coast of Holland into sea roome and deepe watter. We are, notwithstanding Capt. Poole and his consarts leaveing us, 90 men of warr, 26 fire ships, many small vessells. I supose the Dutch daylie add to ther strength as well as wee. God Allmighty be our defence.

My deare, I am sory that my first letter from Southold, wᶜʰ went by land, advized the of our 2 days stay, whereas we have bine heere 4 days, and shall stay 3 or 4 longer. Then we shall have wattered our whole fleet for one month, and victualld compleat for 2 months, and mand I beleive thoroughout yᵉ fleet, not 500 wanting. I rather think, in a day or two longer, we may have 1000 supernumeraryes. A very worthy brave fleet, I think, as ever were together. God give us couragious hearts, and then I beleive they may be ventured.

I hope all my loveing relations at Rederif and Wapping are in health, to whome present my love and saluts. I expect to heare from the by the yacht wᶜʰ I sent my last letter by, Captain Burstow, Comander.[] I blesse God I am now in good health, though 5 or 6 days since, and when we were going to fight the Dutch, I had such a paine in my right arme that could not use it but very litle; but now, thanke God, am very well. My deare Betty, I have only to add my saluts to thyselfe wᵗʰ my daughter; doe remaine thyne till death us part,

Richard Haddock.

This I intended thee by Capt. Poole, but was gone ere I could put it on bord him; therfore doe send it by the post. I recᵈ last night broʳ Thornbrugh’s letter, 23 instant, by yᵉ Dreadnought’s Leivetenᵗ. He wrights me of thy health, and yᵗ I shall recᵉ a letter from the by yᵉ Hatton ketch.

I am thyne,

R. Haddock.

26 May, ’72.