[121] Froude, vol. viii. p. 447.
[122] In the midst of such terrible outrages it is surprising how peace with Spain was so long maintained, and this can only be accounted for by the strong religious feeling which then prevailed to such an extent among the people of both countries, that their governments, even if they had the power and inclination, do not seem to have used sufficient vigour in suppressing their individual revenge and love of plunder. Numerous vessels cleared from the ports of England and France to prey upon Spanish, Portuguese, and any other Papists whom they might encounter; and although their acts were not formally recognised by Elizabeth, the officers of customs were not restrained from supplying them with stores, arms, ammunition, and, indeed, with whatever they required for their lawless exploits. In December 1562 one of these piratical rovers, commanded by Jacques le Clerc, called by the Spaniards Pié de Pálo (“Timber leg”), sailed from Havre, and captured a Portuguese vessel worth forty thousand ducats, as well as a Biscayan ship laden with iron and wool, and afterwards chased another “Papist” ship into Falmouth, where he fired into her and drove her on shore. The captain of the Spaniard appealed for protection to the governor of Pendennis, but the governor replied that the privateer was properly commissioned, and that without special orders from the Queen he could not interfere. Pié de Pálo then took possession of her as a prize, and afterwards anchored under the shelter of Pendennis, waiting for further good fortune. As it was the depth of winter, and the weather being unsettled, five Portuguese ships, a few days later, were driven in for shelter. Ascertaining the insecurity of their position, they attempted to escape to sea again, but Pié de Pálo dashed after them and seized two out of the five, which he brought back as prizes.—Froude, vol. viii. pp. 450, 451.
[123] Flanders MSS., Rolls House.
[124] Flanders MSS., Rolls House.
[125] Sir Peter Carew to the Council, April 17, 1565, MSS. Domestic, Eliz., vol. xxxvi.
[126] Council Register, August 1565.
[127] Hakluyt, vol. iii. p. 594; first voyage of Mr. John Hawkins. Macpherson thinks that this expedition was the first English slaving cruise (ii. p. 135).
[128] Da Silva to Philip, Nov. 5, 1563, MS. Simancas.
[129] So called from the port whence she had been purchased by Queen Elizabeth.—Macpherson, ii. 140.
[130] Froude, vol. viii. p. 474.