Aprill[] yᵉ 23ᵈ [1692]; Munday, in yᵉ Hooke.[c]
Honourd Sʳ,
This is to acquaint of our ingaging wᵗʰ yᵉ French and of our haveing gott yᵉ victory. Wee mett yᵐ of sea, May 19. There was about 60 saile. Wee fought yᵐ from 11 to 9 att night; since wᶜʰ, have been in pursuit of yᵐ. There is run ashoare, in Sherbrook bay, Torveil[d] wᵗʰ 3 more capitall ships, wᶜʰ are now burned. Cozen Tom Heath[e] burnt Torveil; and have chased 14 saile more in yᵉ Hooke, where wee now are. Sʳ Cloudsly Shovel is goeing in wᵗʰ yᵉ 3ᵈ rates and fire-ships to destroy yᵐ. Wee have been soe unfortunate as [to] lose Rear Admˡˡ Carter[f] in yᵉ fight. I am very well and have received no wound; only a small splinter hitt mee on yᵉ thigh, but did no damage, only made itt black and blew. I would write more particularly, but yᵉ vessell I heare is goeing away presently; soe, haveing no more att present, butt duty to your self and my mother,
I remain your dutyfull Son,
Richᵈ Haddock.
Cozen Ruffin is alive and very well. I will write yᵉ particulars of our fight as soon as wee come into any port.
Rᵈ H.
For Sʳ Richᵈ Haddock, att yᵉ Navy Office, in Crutched Fryers, London.
[a] Afterwards Comptroller of the Navy. See Preface.
[] A slip of the pen for May.