[] This is denied. (See above, [p. 20], [note b].)
[c] Became Vice-Admiral of the Red, on the death of Sir Edward Spragge, this year.
[d] John Hayward. He fell in the action of 11th August, this year.
[e] Anthony Deane, Commissioner of the Navy at Portsmouth.
The same to the same.
R. Charles, rideing Nᵒ, 7 leagues from Oostend, this 1st June, 1673; Sonday.
My deare Betty,
Wee ride in sight of our neighbours the Dutch, not above 3 in 4 leagues distant. This morning they were under saile; we thought they would have come of to us. We put ourselves in a posture to recᵉ them. They have now the wind of us, being easterly; and may come out if they please. This morning we have accᵗ from a good hand from Oostend yᵗ they sent in 6 or 7 disabled ships to Flushing, two whereof sunck in going in. They likewise sent on shore 400 or 500 wounded men, and, as they advize from Oostend, comᵈ was given not to speake of the fight at Flushing. So doe beleive, till they recrute ther strength, we shall not heare of them; however, we are not wanting to prepare ourselves agᵗ they come. The Swiftsure is this day come to us; had like to have bine snapt Tuesday last by the Amsterdam squadron yᵗ came into the Schoon Velt tyme enough to fight.
I have but little else to write to thee. Sʳ Roger Strickland sends his hoy to Deptford for watter; and these goe by Sʳ Ed. Spragg’s yacht, who caryes up one Coll. Hambliton into the River, who lost his legg on bord us. Pray lett me heare from thee by one or both of them. My humble duty to my deare mother; love and saluts to all freinds in genˡˡ. Wᵗʰ my deare love to thy selfe, my daughter, and little Richard, I remayne