Page:Readings in European History Vol 2.djvu/228

 190 Readings in European History Destination of the Armada. of powder was spent ; and after that little done until we came near to Calais, where the fleet of Spain anchored, and our fleet by them ; and because they should not be in peace there, to refresh their water or to have conference with those of the duke of Parma's party, my lord admiral, with firing of ships, determined to remove them ; as he did, and put them to the seas ; in which broil the chief galleass spoiled her rudder, and so rode ashore near the town of Calais, where she was possessed of our men, but so aground that she could not be brought away. That morning being Monday, the 29th of July, we fol- lowed the Spaniards, and all that day had with them a long and great fight, wherein there was great valor showed gen- erally by our company. In this battle there was spent very much of our powder and shot ; and so the wind began to blow westerly, a fresh gale, and the Spaniards put them- selves somewhat to the northward, where we follow and keep company with them. . . . Our ships, God be thanked, have received little hurt, and are of great force to accompany them, and of such advantage that with some continuance at the seas, and sufficiently provided of shot and powder, we shall be able, with God's favor, to weary them out of the sea and con- found them. Yet as I gather certainly, there are amongst them fifty forcible and invincible ships. There are thirty hulks and thirty small ships, whereof little account is to be made. . . . At their departing from Lisbon the soldiers were twenty thousand, the mariners and others eight thousand ; so as, in all, they were twenty-eight thousand men. Their com- mission was to confer with the prince of Parma, as I learn, and then proceed to the service that should be there con- cluded ; and so the duke to return into Spain with these ships and mariners, the soldiers and their furniture being left behind. Now this fleet is here and very forcible, and must be waited upon with all our force, which is little enough. There should be an infinite quantity of powder and shot provided and continually sent abroad ; without