The 2nd Spanish Attack
30 May 1640
At the end of May 1640 there was a second major unsuccessful Spanish attempt to dislodge the colony on Providence. Henry Halhead, Richard Lane, Hope Sherrard and Nicholas Leverton wrote a long description of the attack and its aftermath. In the Manuscript Charles Morton refers to attack.
“In this time of their accord the Spaniards made an assault upon the island, which they did in this manner. First they sent a small frigate to pass swiftly near the shore, at which the great guns of the island being discharged, showed the enemy how every place was fortified. When they were thus informed the whole fleet drew nigh and in such a place as they thought fit, landed their men.
Mr. Leverton was engaged at the shore in encouraging the fighting men, while Mr. Sherwood with the women and the weaker people were two or three miles up in the country praying for their success, in which they had a gracious answer, for they expelled the Spaniards and slew a great many with the loss, if I mistake not, of only one person who being drunk, stood on a rock swearing, capering and beating a drum, till he was shot”.
“In this time of their accord the Spaniards made an assault upon the island, which they did in this manner. First they sent a small frigate to pass swiftly near the shore, at which the great guns of the island being discharged, showed the enemy how every place was fortified. When they were thus informed the whole fleet drew nigh and in such a place as they thought fit, landed their men.
Mr. Leverton was engaged at the shore in encouraging the fighting men, while Mr. Sherwood with the women and the weaker people were two or three miles up in the country praying for their success, in which they had a gracious answer, for they expelled the Spaniards and slew a great many with the loss, if I mistake not, of only one person who being drunk, stood on a rock swearing, capering and beating a drum, till he was shot”.
The report that follows has been transcribed from the original by Dr Sarah Barber, Lancaster University.
Right Honble
Since Captaine Butlers departure hence, Captaine Carter [and] Mr Gladman intruded themselves in despight of the rest of the Counsell to shoulder the whole burden of our Com[~]onwealth, who although they were often disswaded there from by us, wth many Argumts of love, reason [and] religion, as we had iust cause to doe, somewhat the rather, knowing their impotency [and] debility to stande under so great a weight, yet wee could nothing at all, prevaile with them to desist their Course: though they had nothing to plead for it, but alledged their will for a reason, [and] contented themselves [insert – onely] wth giving this catholiq Answer to all obiections, if we have done amisse we must answer it; so that we still remaine in an exceeding disordered condition; and had not the God of peace [and] order taken more then an ordinary care and charge over us, our state might ere this have bine brought to utter Confusion, for it was he alone yt contrary to all we could either hope or thinke, so ordered mens spirits as there was still an outward peace preserved amongst us. True it is, there were many occasions offered by them tending to discord and dissension, as their denying us that are of the Councell the priviledge of Counsellors, [and] many other particula[r] affronts [and] indignities wch were almost insufferable, being done by vile persons in the very face of the Country, [and] yt wth Capt Carter & Mr Gladmans approbation or at least connivence, and yet the Lord turned it all into an occasion of shewing us his goodnes in the continuall preservation of our piece, either by somewhat restreining the rigors of the Iniurers, or supporting the patience of the Iniured. We forbeare to mention other particulars at this time, as Capt Carters executing the office of Govrnmt wthout oath, banishing some, imprisoning others wthout alledging any cause, or affording them the iust priviledge of a triall, and winking at horrible crying sins, wch would have inforced any Magistrate indued wth that power wch he challenge[d] to himselfe, to have drawen out the sword of Justice against them, but thus unworthily hath he bine constreined to demand himself holding his authority but precarious some of the Com[~]on [margin – as it is reported] sort [scored out – have] of people have vaunted it, saying that if he pleased them not, as they had put him in, so they would thrust him out. We have many other particulars, but the wonderfull mercy of God towards us, wch we have now to declare to yor Honors, shall silence them for the present. Yet in the first place we cannot but humbly thanke yor Honors for yt good Incouragemt wch you sent us in a letter by Capt Dell; wch through the great mercy of God [word scored out] coming so seasonall to us, was a meanes somewhat to qualify the furiour [sic] Spirits of those whom Capt Butler had sett on fier against us./
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May the 27th Ao Dmi 1640. There arrived a friggot [scored out – ?of Captain Dell] [insert – belonging to a] [margin – man of warre] at our Island of Providence, wch brought us newes of a fleete of shipps lying all at trye(?) about ten leagues from the Rankadores or thereabouts in the height of or Island, wch they supposed to bee Spanish vessells sett forth for the Invasion of the same: at wch relation some of the Inhabitants skoffingly made answer yt they were deceaved in thinking them to bee shipps, for surely they were but so many boobies, so yt it nothing mooved them yt had taken all the power upon themselves, to bee any whit more watchfull or to bestirre themselves in preparation.
May 28th being Thursday About 8 of the clocke ye next morning being Thursday, the truth of their relation appeared, [and] the supposed boobies proved to bee thirteen Saile of Spanish vessells, all upon the wing ready to flye into or Harbor. Upon sight whereof there was an alarme made by three great guns from or forts, [and] or beacons throughout all the land were fired; wch caused all men to repaire to their severall forts where they had bine [insert – formerly] appointed, [and] others yt were the running leaguer to attend in severall places at Windward [and] at Leeward where [insert – it] was conceaved there might bee the greatest danger of the enemies Invasion.
They were all at first very faire for or Harbor, [and] we thought by their Course yt they would even there forthwith have assaulted us: but what they made shewe of, they attempted not upon sight (as we suppose partly of our fortifications, [and] partly of a [scored out - ?shipps of] [insert – man of warre wch had] eighteene guns [three words scored out]) wth two very small friggots lying in the harbo[r]
There was a boat sent forth to discover them, wch shooting of a muskett to the Leeward according to the fore appointed signe in case they were enemies, the Island had thereby notice what they were. They fell at length somewhat to the Leeward of the Harbor, so yt they spent all that day in beating it up to the Windward againe. Towards the Evening, nine of them came to anchor over against Brook fort, somewhat out of the reach of our guns; but for the other foure they could not attaine so to doe, being kept by the Current, as also some times by boisterous windes, and sometimes by flatt calmes from recovering up to their fellowes, onely one of them wth much adooe came to Anchor wth them the next day.
Of the vessells yt rode at anchor, two were of greater burden then the rest; the one of eight hundred tonne, & the other little inferior, wch were also of force answearable (as afterwards we were informed) the one being Admirall having twenty, the other being Vice admirall having twenty foure great guns. There was also another vessell of lesser burden carrying (as it was supposed) two guns; and a Carvill of about 80 tonne, carrying two more: they had amongst them also a shippe called the black Robin, wch [catchword – did]
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did of late belong to the Lord of Warwicke. As for the rest they were all friggots, some of greater, some of lesser burden, and what force they had we knowe not. ffor the Leeward vessells (wch God had sett the windes to take to taske) as they were kept fro[~] hurting us, so were wee from any distinct viewe of them, so as to discerne either their force or burden: onely we supposed them to bee [scored out] friggots; but we will now leave them, because they were inforced to leave both us [and] their fellowes.
In this meane while, some of or Islandrs tooke two guns yt lay uselesse, the one from Warwick fort, the other from a friggott: one of them was sent by water to bee planted in victorious bay, being the same place where the Spanyard had assaulted us five yeere since, but it was oversett in the sea wth the hazzard both of the boat & of the men yt rowed it; wch seeing they had not time then to recover, they conveied the other safely [scored out] to the place intended. This night some of or boats did lye perdue. The souldiers yt belonged to the Leeward division came up to the windward, some of them this evening; ye rest on the next morning (save onely such as manned the forts), because we expected yt the assault would have bine at the windward [margin – May 29 being ffriday] part of the land; for wch cause also [scored out – we] [insert – or men] planted a small brasse gunne [several words scored out], in Blewfields bay: In another part of wch bay there was mounted a great gun, wch was brought up this day in a boat from the black Rock fort: wch was done in the open viewe of their Carvill, being sent downe [margin – this day] to viewe or fortifications to the Leeward, as also to espye out a convenient place to land their forces, [scored out] having at this time their Gournor yt they had appointed for this Island in it who being himselfe in person to make the first assault, did iudge (as it appeared) this to bee the likeliest place for them [scored out – both] because they might discerne [insert – both] the weakening of this fort by the remoovall of the said gun, and also yt the gun at ye black rivers mouth (wch was neere to the foresaid fort, [and] a place convenient to land in) was at this time [insert – dismounted?] [word scored out – downe?] this vessell of theirs, as shee passed along (yt shee might take the better viewe), came some times wthin rea[ch] of or Ordnance, [and] [insert – shee] being shott at by or forts, [scored out – was] receaved some shott, wch was further confirmed in yt (after her returne to her consorts) shee was observed to bee careened about the shutting in of the evening. At the same time the enemy sent a small vessell also to sound or Channell to the Windward, wch being Skared by a shott from the Windermost fort, winded an horne and returned to her fellowes. All this while we expected to have a parley wth them, but wee had no such kinde dealing from them minding (as it seemes) the event of their former so doing, and therefore would now proove wiser (as they supposed) by forbearing their Rhetoriq & trying their strength at the first. [catchword – The]
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May 30 being Saterday The next morning being Saturday, they plyed it a little further to the windward, [and] there anchored againe, whether it were to allure or forces thither, or to gett better Anchorage; or both, we knowe not. About the afternoone of this same day, their boats went from vessell to vessell, as (we conceaved) for consultation so yt we expected every moment, when the onsett would bee, wch we most strongly conjectured by the working of their vessells would have bine somewhere in the windward part: but [two words scored out] there being no passage for their greater vessels wthout com[~]ing under com[~]and of three of or forts, they were better advised then so to doe, being unwilling to adventure their shipps into such danger, or their boats where their shipps could not come night to succor them.
All this while our men cheerfully attended, [and] seemed to have more then a naturall courage: onely those yt had taken upon them to bee or chiefe Com[~]andrs, shewed now in ye time of danger no small weaknes [and] pusillanimity; being so farre from directing or incouraging others yt they needed it most of all themselves. Or deputy Govrnor, Generall, Admirall, Counsell[insert – or] of warre [and] Counseller of the land (wth all wch titles he was pleased to imblazon himselfe in publike) [insert – seeing] this same number of men had not now so much spirit or power left in him, as to use but the Words of Com[~]and, [and] where Intreatyes did not prevaile, he rested himselfe content. He was tractable indeed to all things yt were suggested in this busines by others, being not able to disapproove [insert – ought] or ppound any thing wch [word scored out] might bee more convenient then yt wch (doubtlesse) God had putt into the hearts of many [and] [word scored out] those as well of the com[~]on sort, as others: but as they pposed all, so he liked all, they acted all, [and] all agreed; in so much as he neither com[~]anded, nor they obeyed; or order was disorder, and yet all wrought together for our God; thus God would have it to make his owne hand more remarkable, so yt here was enough to make an Atheist acknowledge [insert – a] deity, and to cry out wth Pharaohs magicians hic est digitus dei.
And now to returne to our enemies yt all this while delaied to make an incursion upon us, we did conjecture they did it partly to stay for their fellowes, [and] partly to gett some intelligence of the state of or Island by runnagadoes (as they might have iust cause to doe) seeing many English and Negroes had formerly so despately adventured [insert – to flee] from us to them in severall boats [and] kanooes, [and] yt too, in so long a voyage wth many times stormy [and] tempestuous weather as there could bee little probability of their safe Arrivall; much lesse might they thinke they would now forbeare; but blessed be God they failed of their Expectation [catchword – About]
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About foure of the clocke this same Saterday in the afternoone, the fleet fell downe to the Leeward wth their severall boats at the sterne of their vessells, in wch course they seemed to threaten or harbor againe; not wthstanding it appeared they meant it not, but they passed along still farther somewhat to the Leeward of the Harbor. Our forts shott at them all along as they went, [and] they also answered us from their shippes by [word scored out] divers guns some towards or forts wth shott, some wthout shott, [and] some quite from us towards the offin: wch behavior of theirs made us question whether they did it to deride us, or whether they meant to depart from us: but at last perceaving by their drawing neere the shore yt their purpose was to assault us somewhere to the Leeward; notice was given to some of or running leaguer (for it needed no more) who hastened to attend the enemy (for some were gone of them selves already as Capt Woodcock [and] his Company). But before [th]eir departure, the greatest part of them came neere unto Warwick fort, from whence being directly to goe meete ye enemy, they gave an exceeding [insert – illeg?] showt, wch much revived the drooping Spirits of the weaker sexe, who for the most part were there gathered together, amongst whom were some bigge wth childe, others wth Infants hanging upon the brest, [and] little ones in their hands, fearing the Accomplishmt of or Saviors woe upon themselves; who were now by the unexpected cheerfulnes [words scored out] of the souldiers not a little comforted: [and] so they wth the Ministers, while the enemy did lay siege to us, did by the powerfull engine of praier lay siege to heaven to helpe the Lord against ye mighty: and had yor Honors seene ye strange behavior of our causlesse Adursaries now during the time of this siege, who have formerly so bitterly and unworthily inveighed against us to yor Honors, you would have required no other testimony to iustify us in respect of their former uniust charges, [and] [insert – to] condeme them: [insert – then to have seene] how pattently contented they were then to heare of their evill waies [and] courses of opposition; and what a price [and] estimation they seemed to sett upon the Exhortations [and] praiers of those yt in ye times of safety they had so opposed [and] depraved, one would scarse have iudged them to have bine the same men
[Scored out – T] Our souldiers were not fully an hundred psons in numbr, although the forts were drained to strengthen them, there being scarse enow left in sundry forts to mannage the gunnes, (onely at Brook fort where little or no danger could bee feared the enemy being fallen downe to Leeward, the Com[~]ander of it, as divers officers complained, kept thirty men to guard his person till the day after the fight): ffor those yt had taken upon [insert – them] the com[~]and of all had much weakened the ?s[illeg ] land by sending [catchword – forth]
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forth neere about halfe ye strength of ye same in sundry vessells at sea to take purchase; some whereof were gunners of forts [and] other officers besides: and divers others also had bine gone upon the like affaires, if the enemy had delaied his coming but three daies longer. Of those fewe left among us, seaventeene were officers, whereof [margin – Exod 14.13] theree [sic] were but three of yor Honors ordeining: these for the most part were but as cyphars [and] lookers on, being so needlesse for the present occasion yt God himselfe seemed to putt them out of office in affording them no roome for any Imploymt, yt he might have all the glory of or great Victory unto himselfe alone.
This small Company marched wth all speed to repell ye enemy at his landing, some of them bareheaded [and] barefooted, [and] for other clothes having scarse enough to cover their nakednes. In this their travell being about three miles, they were wearied by reason of their much hast (as ye occasion required) [and] surbaited for want of shooes: yet through the goodnes of God, they were not disheartened, but came to ye place of ye enemies assault both opportunely and couragiously.
The enemy being now come to an Anchor directly against ye Black rock fort, began to plye his great Ordnance against ye same [and] the shore ajioyning. On the other side or men plyed ours upon them also, having but [insert – about] three or foure guns, [words scored out] yt could reach them, whereof two were at ye black rock fort, [and] one at ye black rivers mouth now lately mounted, [and] another at [margin – The fight began about sixe of ye clock at night [and] continued till about eight.] Goats point. And thus ye fight began, being iust yt day twelve month after yt Capt Butler went hence for ye taking of Truxilla. One of their vessells, viz ye Carvill drew neerer the shore then ye rest to make ye better way for ye [insert – more secure] landing of their souldiers [insert – under her gunns]: but (blessed be God) yt neither shee wth hers nor any of the rest wth their Ordnance did any hurt at all unles it were to or trees; although they had such still [and] calme seas, as there wanted no pbability to doe great execution. Moreover ye enemy in ye meane time filled nine of their boats wth souldirs, making forthwth towards ye shore; they came all in a direct line towards ye black rivers mouth, fast linked each to other, the first whereof onely rowed [and] towed all ye rest at her sterne: out of their boats wth ye souldiers in her was smoke wth a [scored out – gre] shott from one of or Ordnance by the way, [and] another of them returned back to their ships ere shee came to shore, whether upon some dangerous hurt receaved or no, we knowe not. That part of the shore upon wch ye enemies boats steered at ye first, had bine pbably convenient for them [and] dangerous forces, being [a?] levell ground where they might land wth farre more ease [and] hopes of safety then at ye place where afterwards they did; but as they were indured (as we suppose) here to attempt because of the unreadines of or great [catchword – gun]
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gun [insert – yt was there]: so seeing it now mounted [and] playing upon them they were utterly skared hence to attempt at a place wch was farre worse for them; as also somewhat [insert – the more] by the sudden appearing of some of or souldiers, who flourished their weapons [and] dared them to come on shore there: all wch (as we supposed) [word scored out] [insert – being] contrary to their first Expectation made them to direct their course to see[?k] to land upon a beach about ye midway betwixt the black rock fort, [and] ye said black rivers mouth: they came along singing wth a dreadfull and formall tone, vero, diabolo, cornuda, sa sa sa; when they came wthin musket shott of the shore their small shott began to fier in the first boat [and] so in order to ye last, so readily yt all their boats seemed to be on a light fier [all] at once: [and] when they had discharged certaine Ravenets or bases, their boats came on ground at ye foresaid beach [two words scored out] [margin – or small shott observed no ordr but evry one gave fier as fast as he could [five words scored out]] crying Victoria, victoria. In ye meane time or small shott plyed them very readily [and] couragiously both when they came wthin musket shott [insert – of ye shore] [and] at their landing [insert – [and] afterwards:] so that many of or enemies were slaine; yea [and] the very shore it selfe fought against [insert – them] [words scored out] because of the smooth, slimy and slippery stones wch would not afford them a firme footing; besides it was beset wth an high Cliffe wch was not be to Climbed up but in some places and yt not wthout some difficulty. Moreover yt great gun at ye black rivers mouth all this while did good execution [scored out – upon] [insert – among] the enemies boats till about ye time of the enemies landing, for shee having spent those five Cartridges of powd[e]r (so ill provided was shee, [although at a place so advantagious to annoy ye enemy] through the negligence of those yt should have looked better to it,) was then spiked up, least ye enemy should seaze on yt fort and ply that peece upon or men.
He came not to ye leaguer till ye day after ye battell.] But as for him who tooke upon him to be Generall, he utterly forsooke ye leaguer, [and] sheltred himselfe in black rock fort, where [words scored out] [insert – at ye] time of the fight he lay upon the battery, pretending thereby to viewe how or shott took place in ye enemies vessells but those yt best knewe him coniectured it to bee rather for feare of ye enemies shott, [and] his former duckings at every shott yt came (for wch even com[~]on soldiers were ashamed of him) seemes to confirme it. Besides there was one whom he had this day appointed Com[~]ander in this fort (wch [insert – lay] [words scored out] neere adioyning to ye place where ye enemy was landed) who did in the middest of ye fight betwixt or small shot & or enemies boats, when as at yt time, ye fort was not at all assaulted [margin – now ye enemy might have easily taken ye fort] give out a Com[~]and for the spiking up of b[o]th those two guns [insert – wch accordingly was done] (as one of the Gunners hath since affirmed to us) and all this [insert – both] in the h[word blotted – illeg] presence of him who tooke upon him to bee Generall, and by his order too as it [insert – is] most pbable because he himselfe wth yt Com[~]ander fledd out of ye fort [insert – [and]] gave order for ye powder [and] match to bee carried thence [insert – wch was done] [and] yt the leaguer [catchword – should]
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A messenger also was sent up to Warwick fort to give notice there yt ye enemy was landed [and] yt all people were enioyned to resort thither.] should repaire to Warwick fort wth all speed; [and] for it no other but this reason was expressed yt they might there die altogether but this proiect of theirs was hindrered by ye vehement out cryes [and] importunities of some of the bystanders, who wth much adoe brought them back againe into ye fort, yet did they not settledly resolve to abide there till [word scored out] ye fight was over [and] a prisoner brought thither, wch (it pleased God) was not long after. And now [three words scored out] [insert – a certaine] gunner unspiked one of ye [insert – great] guns, wch together wth the small shott from or leaguer did so good execution upon the enemy yt they cryed out alowd for quarter some of them lying on the beach, [and] others [scored out –lying?] swim[~]ing in ye sea [insert – (many whereof were drowned)] [and] crying for mercy (as they could) wth their mouthes full of water indeavouring now to returne to their boats againe, out of wch their officers had at their first landing pricked them forth wth rapides: As for ye [margin – the fight was ended ere this gun could be unspiked.] other gun it could not so easily bee unspiked as ye former but he yt took upon him ye [scored out] [insert – office] of Generall being willing (as it seemes to quitt such a place of danger) went himself three miles for a paire of pinsers [and] tooke upon him a new office, to [scored out] wit, to fetch powder & shott for others yt were [insert – more willing] to fight then himself.
Or enemies being through ye goodnes of God now vanquished yet through ye darknes of ye night or men knew not of it, especially being so busied in fight yt they could not minde ye enemies crying for quarter; onely some of or men at length taking notice of it proclaimed it to ye rest, wch made them [scored out] more eager then before so yt for halfe an houres space they never ceased powring in shott among them, till they had scarse an enemy left to shoote at. Yet many of or souldiers in ye leaguer had in ye very heate of ye battell cryed out aloud, for gods sake powder & shott wch one of or Captaines hearing charged them to bee silent, fearing least ye enemy should be thereby incouraged, [and] so bid them yt were thus destitute to doe as he did, who betooke himselfe to ye throwing of stones, for wch service or Negroes thinking themselves to bee as sufficient as others, presently put themselves forward, [and] did good Execution by this meanes.
[Scored out – S] So ill were things ordered among us, as there was no one to provide divers things belonging to the fight but the souldirs themselves; however [words scored out] he yt then tooke upon him ye Com[~]and of Warwick fort was ye man appointed [insert – (as him selfe said)] to take care to furnish all places with Am[~]unition requisite, yet was he so negligent herein as he did not onely forbeare to send it of his owne [scored out] Accord, but (as it was reported) putt of, also wth delaies some yt came for it, bidding them come to morrowe, when as the present safety of ye land required it: and for some yt came to him for shott, he answered them, yt there was no more, although he had then store of ye same in his custody; [and] being demanded afterwards the reason of it, he answered yt he did not thinke [catchwords – of it]
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of it. Besides in ye time of ye fight he intercepted ye victualls wch or souldiers [insert – of the leaguer] had formerly provided by their owne ca[re?] [and] cost, having left order to have it sent downe unto them: neverthelesse though they exceedingly needed it, being sore wearied by their painfull march [and] their great toyle in ye fight, he little considered them, who whiles they were falling in on their enemies he fell on their victualls, [and] in the very heate [insert – of the fight] shewed his stomack wch was not to fight but to feed. Moreoever, after supplying his own fort wth the spolies of his friends, he left [insert – the same] [words scored out] forthwth [and] carried the remainder on board [insert – to] a man of warre yt lay in the harbor [insert – as wee ar given to understand] for what cause we knowe not unles (as it was com[~]only spoken) it were to make him his friend to carry him away if he should see any danger, and it was ye more pbable because ye Captaine of yt man of warre coming onshore by [and] by after was heard to sweare having bine crossed in something wch he desired, yt he would see them all hanged; rather then he would cary any of them hence. And this also was generally iudged to bee ye reason of the forwardness of him yt took upon him to bee Generall, to repaire up to Warwick fort, [insert – viz] yt he [scored out – wth] might provide [scored out – himselfe] for his safety by flight [scored out – for] [insert – in] this man of warre [insert - ?] ye Captaine whereof shewed himselfe so backward to helpe us, yt he would have gone away wth his vessell not onely the first night after ye enemies Arrivall, but also in ye night of the battell in ye very houre of the same, had he not bine detained by the vehement Exclamations of divers of ye Inhabitants./
To returne againe to or enemies, who to second ye former sent a fresh supply, viz a small friggot [and] a boate at the sterne, both filled wth souldiers, but by the way they mett wth such opposition from one of or forts, [and] receaving from thence a barre shott or two gave an hideous crye, and [insert – by reason of] [scored out – being presented wth] such sad Spectacles as foure of their former boats (wch were all that returned) presented them wth [insert – about the same time,] they returned wth them to their fellowes, being fraighted for the most part wth dead carckasses [and] wounded men, so yt of the three hundred wch they sent forth in their [insert – first] supply wch were of ye Choisest & stowtest souldiers in ye whole fleet, there were but two onely yt escaped slaughter or wounds, this we heard by a ffrenchman yt was taken since in a Spanish vessell, who did also relate unto us, yt there were no lesse then 80 psons yt were wounded, or mai[m]ed [scored out – at] in ye fight at this Island, who were in the Hospital at Carthagene.
Some of or enemies there were yt by the meanes of a gutt or two in the Cliffe escaped through or running leaguer by reason of the darknes of the night into the woods; sixe whereof were taken on ye same night yt ye battell was fought by the helpe of or negroes, who diligently searched them out in ye woods. [catchword – The]
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The next morning being the Lords day, three [illeg – tear ?mor]e were taken: and foure came in of their owne Accord, amongst wch one of them was their Govrnor who was appointed for this Island (although wee knewe it not till afterwards) from whom we had intelligence yt the fleete was from Carthagene, [and] yt part of it came first [scored out – ffo] from ffernando buck having escaped the dutch there, by secret flying away in the night; all these said prisoners [scored out – b?] as well those yt surrendered themselves, as those yt were brought in were forthwith put to death by the Com[~]and of him yt tooke upon him to bee Generall, although their appointed Govrnor [and] ye three other [insert – with him] of their owne Accord came out of ye woods [and] yeelded up themselves complete in their Armes wch they resigned upon promise of quarter from one of or officers, (as we have heard affirmed) but of this we doubt not, but yor Lordps will have a fuller information hereafter concerning ye truth hereof. The next day following being Monday we tooke [scored out – as prise?] another prisoner after ye departure of ye fleet, who is yet alive, [and] as we heare is to goe for England in this vessell.
All this while (through ye exceeding goodnes of God) we suffered not so much as the losse of one man neither from their great nor their small shott, although we lay very open to them; onely we had five yt were hurt, one of wch died three daies after ye fight who had formerly twice plotted [and] once attempted to run away in a boat, but being taken in ye act was in irons for the same till ye enemy came; another died about a fortnight after, who was observed a little before the fight [margin insert – to break out] into fearfull [and] despate curses & oathes, boasting yt he would doe strange things if ye enemy durst adventure to come on shore; [and] yet this man was supposed to have receaved his deaths wound by one of or [onsert – owne] men unwittingly in their confused manner of fight in ye darknes of ye night: the other three are still alive, [scored out - &] [insert – there being] little or no danger of them; one of them receaved a shott in ye hand, another had a bullet yt grazed on ye top of his skull, carrying away onely ye skin [and] flesh wth it wthout any other hurt: [and] a third was wounded in the shoulder: divers others were very nigh danger, but were wonderfully preserved, two having their hats on their heads shott thorough [sic], a third having a bullet to hitt ye very muzzell of his muskett as he was discharging, [and] a fourth had a bullet yt alighted [and] remained fixed in ye very stocke of his musket as it was in his hands.
The [scored out – p] number of or enemies by the prisoners confession was fifteene hundred, and though they landed no more then three hundred at once, we coniecture it to bee by reason of ye losse of two of their biggest long boats ordeined on purpose for the [scored out – Cliffe?] landing of their men, wch losse they susteined in a storme some certaine daies before they arrived at or Island, two daies after they came from Carthagene [several words scored out] [catchword – By]
[f.7v]
By the prisoners confession also we receaved intelligence yt ye enemy had sent a Govrnor for this Island with sixe hundred men here to inhabite, whereof there were Eleven Cavalleroes to accompany him; who (as they told us) had vowed and taken ye Sacramt upon it, yt he would either take ye Island, or leave his carkasse there.
Such preparation they had made to invade us yt they had uterly unfurnished Carthagene, [and] all other places neere adioyning of all shippes, friggots & boats, [and] left onely one long boat [and] a Kanooe there, wch was detained to haile other shipps in case any should there arrive ere there returne Moreover they brought along wth them in there boats yt landed their men, a great woodden crosse, wch they intended to sett up for their standard, besides [insert – many] other small crosses, pictures & Images wch were found about the bodies of the slaine: one of them was observed having receaved a mortall wound to teare his gods from about his neck [and] to throwe them away wth Indignation; another of them was slaine through ye picture of their Lady Mary, wch was shott twice through as it did hang about his necke
They brought wth them also pardons [insert – (wch were found about ye slaine) to lye wth virgins and women, whom they might slay or keep alive at their pleasure, but as for the men they were all to have bine putt to the sword, as ye prisoners confessed.
About eight of ye clocke [insert – at night] this present saterday the fight was ended, ye Lord of heaven having given us victory over our enemies; [scored out] [insert – yet] or men were both in ye time of the fight [and] afterwards putt to exceeding great straits for want of [scored out] water, so ill were things ordered among us.
This night, as also the day following being the Lordsday we expected still another onsett, [and] somewhat ye rather [margin – May. 31. being ye Lords day] because one more of there vessells yt was fallen to ye Leeward was now recovered up to them this day; but they having remooved a little further [insert – of] on Saterday night, they lay still [&] stirred not at all till about eight of the Clocke [margin – June. 1. being Monday.] on Monday morning, at wch time they weighed Anchor, sett saile [and] made shewe of going to the windward, but they did suddenly beare of againe [and] made to the offin and so departed from us, being now the fift day after their first Arrivall. But their Carvill made a stay [blot] somewhat after the rest, [and] made false fires(?); wch ye two greater vessells also had oftentimes [insert – done] [scored out – up] [insert – both] on Saterday night after ye fight and also on ye night following, wch wee coniectured was a signe to their men whom they did not knowe but [scored out – at least] many or at least some of them [catchword – might]
[f8]
might haply have bine escaped into ye woods, [and] the rather because [scored out] both so fewe of their men yt they had sent on shore returned to their shippes againe, and also because ye Govrnor of Carthagene (as their prisoners confessed) told them before their coming forth yt we would fly away like so many sheepe at ye very sight of an enemy approaching, and hence it was yt some of or enemies coming on shore had their muskets fastened about their bodies; bringing wth them bottles of water, besides bread [and] cheese in their snap sackes, wth pumpion seed & pease to plant, [and] some of them had candles and linstockes in their hands (as if the day had bine theirs aforehand). But or enemies perceaving no signe at all from their men, were utterly discouraged from making any further assault upon us, but depted from us.
On Monday being June ye 8th, ye woods were rom[~]aged by or English [and] Negroes to seeke for such as might perchance have escaped us into ye woods, but there were none taken: onely some [scored out – were] supposed yt they sawe two Molatoes [and] an Indian; but concerning it there is no certainty./
On Thursday being June ye eleventh, we sett apart a day of thanksgiving [and] reioycing before or God who had so wonderfully delivered us from so im[~]inent a danger, at wch time also we had or men in Armes accompanied wth all ye rest of ye Inhabitants both English and heathens in the place where God had given us the victory wch was aforetime known by the name of Knaves Acre, but now upon this occasion was tearmed Bloody beach where after Sermon [and] praier ended we made a fier of the Gods and idolatrous monuments of or enemies in ye viewe [and] sight of or heathens, whom we did informe yt the Gods whom or enemies trusted in [and] called upon could neither save their worshipps from slaughter, nor themselves from ye fier: Thus ye Lord turned for us our mourning into dancing, and putt of or sack cloth, [and] girded us with Gladnes, and made this same a day of reioycing and [scored out] feasting, and a good day, and of sending portions one to another./
[f8v]
/In this Wonderfull deliverance we find sundry remarkable passages of Gods providence, of wch we have thought good to give a tast as here followeth.
That he should single out this time above all other to threaten us with so potent an enemy, [and] yet to discomfite him before us, when there was neither order nor strength in the land; in wch respects [insert – we [scored out] might be thought] not onely unable to withstand an enemy, but also unlikely even without an enemy to subsist being but our selves among our selves. In the [margin – Gen.22.14.] mount will the Lord be seene. God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things yt are mighty. [margin – 1 Cor.1. 27,29.] yt no flesh might glory in his sight./ Judg.7.2./
That those men yt had ambitiously aspired to places of Autority and Com[~]and, even yt God should expose these persons above all others to shame [and] disgrace, as was manifest by their flying away when none did pursue them: for though ye enemy came not against them, yet [margin – Ja.4.6.] God was against them, for he resisteth ye proud: and [margin – Dan.4.37.] those that walke in pride he is able to abase.
That two of the enemies biggest boats, wch they had pvided for the more convenient landing of their souldiers, should miscarry in a storme at sea, before ever they came nigh or Island, [and] that neither their great nor their small shott should take place to the present cutting of of [sic] any one man among us, wch made our very heathens astonished, [and] in effect to say, The Lord hath done great things for us. No Weapon yt is formed against thee [margin – Isa.54.17.] shall prosper. He covered our heads in the day of battell as if we had bine protected in ye strongest castle. Ps.91.1,3,4 17
That a certaine Gunner, seeing ye enemy approach to a place yt was farre out of ye Com[~]and of his owne fort, should of his owne Accord opportunely come to another fort yt was destitute of a Gunner, where he did no small Execution upon them. They were forward to come forth to the helpe of ye Lord against the mighty. Praise ye the [margin – Judg. 5.2, 23.] Lord for the avenging of Israel when the people willingly offered themselves.
[catchword – That]
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That another skilfull Gunner (whom with ye former the Lord made [scored out] Instrumts of our deliverance) even yt he should bee hindered from going forth to sea, and for a long time kept in prison till the very day of the enemies Arrivall; and could by no meanes obteine his liberty nor the priviledge of a triall, although he often sued for the same; wherein the very finger of God was evidently to bee seene in so ordering it [margin - * [and] hereby he gott his liberty by being an instrumt to preserve ours.] yt he should bee so strangely kept from all other Imploymts [and] reserved for this great worke, wch God hath now brought to passe [insert - *]. From heaven did the Lord behold the earth to heare the groaning of the prisoner./ This proceeded from the Lord who is wonderfull in counsell & excellent in working who knoweth how to bring good out of evill. Psal.102.19, 20. Isa.28.29.
Whenas this said Gunner gave fier to [scored out – a] [insert – one] piece of Ordnance it pleased God to direct some sparkles from it to another piece [scored out] in the same fort, so yt both of them were discharged [and] both of them did Execution upon the enemy. Digitus dei. The [margin – 1 Sa[~]. 17. 47.] battell was the Lords.
That ye enemy should come against us wth such presumptuous confidence of the victory as in their purposes and consultations to dispose of us and ours before the fight, and yet at last to bee [margin – King. 20.11. pro.19.21. La[~].3.37.] so shamefully foiled. Let not him that girdeth on his harnesse boast himselfe, as he yt putteth it of. Many devises are in mans heart, but the counsell of the Lord [scored out] shall stand. Who is it that saith and it com[~]eth to passe; when the Lord com[~]andeth it not.
That the hearts of our Negroes should bee fast knitt unto us in this time of distresse, who yet had formerly rebelled against us even in times of peace [and] prosperity: [and] yt neither any of them nor of our English should attempt to run to ye enemy lying so neere us, although divers of them had before this very desperately done it at a farre greater distance. [scored out] This was the Lords doing, who is the God of the spirits of all flesh.
That onely two of our men wch were servants should bee mortally wounded, the one whereof had attempted to run away to these Idolaters [and] enemies of the Lord, [and] the other yt had a little before the fight belched out horrible oathes [and] desperate Imprecations against himselfe, proudly vaunting what great [catchword – matters]
[f9v]
matters he would doe against the enemy; in case he came on shore. Herein the finger of God was to bee seene in singling out these two from among all the rest, setting them up as spectacles hung up in chaines for [scored out] warnings to others, not onely heathens but English also, yt they might not sinne after the like manner [margin – 1 Cor.10.11.] These things happened unto them [scored out – as] for ensamples unto us. Those yt will not take examples, may looke to make examples. The Lord of hosts will bring forth the flying roule of curses [margin – Zech.5. 2,3,4.] whereby the swearer shalbe cut of. Goe to now ye that say, to day or to morrowe we will doe this or that; for that ye ought [margin – Jam.3. 13,15.] to say, if the Lord will, we shall live and doe this or that.
That when they had purposed to Pmise us quarter by those yt gave the first onsett, and yet that their second supply consisting of slaves should cutt us all of, yt God should mete to them as they intended to measure to us; for their appointed Govrnor wth those yt came in wth him had ye same lot, where [scored out] all men might plainely read the sinne in the punishmt; every circumstance being a lively character of the same. Pertinent [margin – Judg.1.7.] hereto is the confession of Adonibezek: As I have done, so hath [margin – psal.9.15,16.] god requited me. The heathen are sunk downe in the pit that [margin – Ps.7.15,16.] they made in the net wch they hid is their own foot taken &c. [margin – Mat.7.2.] With what measure [scored out] ye mete to others, it shalbee measured to you again.
The Lord cutt of all occasion of glorying both from or selves yt no man had matter of boasting in any thing he had done, but being demanded every man was forced to confesse yt if the Lord had not bine on or side when men rose up against us, then they had swallowed us up quicke: and likewise from our enemies, who (had they prevailed) would have boasted them selves in their Idolls, have published it in ye house of their [margin – Isa.48.5.] Gods and said, mine Idoll hath done it. I am the Lord, that is my name, and my glory will I not give to another, nor my [margin – Isa.42.8.] praise to Graven images. Herein ye Lord shewed yt our enemies trusted in a lye, and yt he onely is God in heaven [margin – Isa.37.20.] above & in earth beneath.
That this should bee ye second overthrow yt the enemy hath receaved by assaulting us [insert – here,] considering their multitude and or small strength to resist, together with ye terror that or [margin – Josh.2.9.] God hath made to fall upon them by reason of us; we take it as an happy omen and presage of ye downfall of that man of sinne in these parts of ye world, from whence he fetcheth his treasure (ye sinnewes of warre) to ruinate [catchword – the]
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Judg.5.ult. the churches of God elswhere. So let all thine enemies perish O god. These shall make warre with the lambe, but the lambe shall overcome them, for he is Lord of Lords & king of [margin – Rev.17.14.] kings, and they that are with him are called and chosen and faithfull. Her plagues shall come in one day, for strong is [margin – Rev.18.8.] the Lord God who iudgeth her.
Now our heartiest praiers shalbee, yt yor Honors may bee stirred up to come cheerfully forth to the helpe of the Lord against the mighty, and because our condition is exceeding weake, wee hope Yor Honors will consider us, with a speedy and full supply both of men and Am[~]unition to defend both the Inhabitants and your Island (wherein you have bine pleased to imploy us) against so potent an enemy, of whose fresh Assault wee are in continuall expectation, wch also God himselfe (to whom bee all glory and honor for ever) seemes to incourage your Honors unto in yt he hath shewed such tokens of favour upon us for good in doing so great things for us, and so we do most humbly take our leaves, resting
ffrom yor Island of Providence.
June: 17th. 1640./
Yor Honors most submissive servants in the Lord.
Henry Halhead
Richard Lane
Hope Sherrard.
Nicholas Leverton.
Record Office for Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland (ROLLR), DG7 Box 4982, ff.2-10; Calendared HMC 17th report, (1913) vol.I, 1537-1659, pp.51-58.
Right Honble
Since Captaine Butlers departure hence, Captaine Carter [and] Mr Gladman intruded themselves in despight of the rest of the Counsell to shoulder the whole burden of our Com[~]onwealth, who although they were often disswaded there from by us, wth many Argumts of love, reason [and] religion, as we had iust cause to doe, somewhat the rather, knowing their impotency [and] debility to stande under so great a weight, yet wee could nothing at all, prevaile with them to desist their Course: though they had nothing to plead for it, but alledged their will for a reason, [and] contented themselves [insert – onely] wth giving this catholiq Answer to all obiections, if we have done amisse we must answer it; so that we still remaine in an exceeding disordered condition; and had not the God of peace [and] order taken more then an ordinary care and charge over us, our state might ere this have bine brought to utter Confusion, for it was he alone yt contrary to all we could either hope or thinke, so ordered mens spirits as there was still an outward peace preserved amongst us. True it is, there were many occasions offered by them tending to discord and dissension, as their denying us that are of the Councell the priviledge of Counsellors, [and] many other particula[r] affronts [and] indignities wch were almost insufferable, being done by vile persons in the very face of the Country, [and] yt wth Capt Carter & Mr Gladmans approbation or at least connivence, and yet the Lord turned it all into an occasion of shewing us his goodnes in the continuall preservation of our piece, either by somewhat restreining the rigors of the Iniurers, or supporting the patience of the Iniured. We forbeare to mention other particulars at this time, as Capt Carters executing the office of Govrnmt wthout oath, banishing some, imprisoning others wthout alledging any cause, or affording them the iust priviledge of a triall, and winking at horrible crying sins, wch would have inforced any Magistrate indued wth that power wch he challenge[d] to himselfe, to have drawen out the sword of Justice against them, but thus unworthily hath he bine constreined to demand himself holding his authority but precarious some of the Com[~]on [margin – as it is reported] sort [scored out – have] of people have vaunted it, saying that if he pleased them not, as they had put him in, so they would thrust him out. We have many other particulars, but the wonderfull mercy of God towards us, wch we have now to declare to yor Honors, shall silence them for the present. Yet in the first place we cannot but humbly thanke yor Honors for yt good Incouragemt wch you sent us in a letter by Capt Dell; wch through the great mercy of God [word scored out] coming so seasonall to us, was a meanes somewhat to qualify the furiour [sic] Spirits of those whom Capt Butler had sett on fier against us./
[f2v missing?]
[f3]
May the 27th Ao Dmi 1640. There arrived a friggot [scored out – ?of Captain Dell] [insert – belonging to a] [margin – man of warre] at our Island of Providence, wch brought us newes of a fleete of shipps lying all at trye(?) about ten leagues from the Rankadores or thereabouts in the height of or Island, wch they supposed to bee Spanish vessells sett forth for the Invasion of the same: at wch relation some of the Inhabitants skoffingly made answer yt they were deceaved in thinking them to bee shipps, for surely they were but so many boobies, so yt it nothing mooved them yt had taken all the power upon themselves, to bee any whit more watchfull or to bestirre themselves in preparation.
May 28th being Thursday About 8 of the clocke ye next morning being Thursday, the truth of their relation appeared, [and] the supposed boobies proved to bee thirteen Saile of Spanish vessells, all upon the wing ready to flye into or Harbor. Upon sight whereof there was an alarme made by three great guns from or forts, [and] or beacons throughout all the land were fired; wch caused all men to repaire to their severall forts where they had bine [insert – formerly] appointed, [and] others yt were the running leaguer to attend in severall places at Windward [and] at Leeward where [insert – it] was conceaved there might bee the greatest danger of the enemies Invasion.
They were all at first very faire for or Harbor, [and] we thought by their Course yt they would even there forthwith have assaulted us: but what they made shewe of, they attempted not upon sight (as we suppose partly of our fortifications, [and] partly of a [scored out - ?shipps of] [insert – man of warre wch had] eighteene guns [three words scored out]) wth two very small friggots lying in the harbo[r]
There was a boat sent forth to discover them, wch shooting of a muskett to the Leeward according to the fore appointed signe in case they were enemies, the Island had thereby notice what they were. They fell at length somewhat to the Leeward of the Harbor, so yt they spent all that day in beating it up to the Windward againe. Towards the Evening, nine of them came to anchor over against Brook fort, somewhat out of the reach of our guns; but for the other foure they could not attaine so to doe, being kept by the Current, as also some times by boisterous windes, and sometimes by flatt calmes from recovering up to their fellowes, onely one of them wth much adooe came to Anchor wth them the next day.
Of the vessells yt rode at anchor, two were of greater burden then the rest; the one of eight hundred tonne, & the other little inferior, wch were also of force answearable (as afterwards we were informed) the one being Admirall having twenty, the other being Vice admirall having twenty foure great guns. There was also another vessell of lesser burden carrying (as it was supposed) two guns; and a Carvill of about 80 tonne, carrying two more: they had amongst them also a shippe called the black Robin, wch [catchword – did]
[f3v]
did of late belong to the Lord of Warwicke. As for the rest they were all friggots, some of greater, some of lesser burden, and what force they had we knowe not. ffor the Leeward vessells (wch God had sett the windes to take to taske) as they were kept fro[~] hurting us, so were wee from any distinct viewe of them, so as to discerne either their force or burden: onely we supposed them to bee [scored out] friggots; but we will now leave them, because they were inforced to leave both us [and] their fellowes.
In this meane while, some of or Islandrs tooke two guns yt lay uselesse, the one from Warwick fort, the other from a friggott: one of them was sent by water to bee planted in victorious bay, being the same place where the Spanyard had assaulted us five yeere since, but it was oversett in the sea wth the hazzard both of the boat & of the men yt rowed it; wch seeing they had not time then to recover, they conveied the other safely [scored out] to the place intended. This night some of or boats did lye perdue. The souldiers yt belonged to the Leeward division came up to the windward, some of them this evening; ye rest on the next morning (save onely such as manned the forts), because we expected yt the assault would have bine at the windward [margin – May 29 being ffriday] part of the land; for wch cause also [scored out – we] [insert – or men] planted a small brasse gunne [several words scored out], in Blewfields bay: In another part of wch bay there was mounted a great gun, wch was brought up this day in a boat from the black Rock fort: wch was done in the open viewe of their Carvill, being sent downe [margin – this day] to viewe or fortifications to the Leeward, as also to espye out a convenient place to land their forces, [scored out] having at this time their Gournor yt they had appointed for this Island in it who being himselfe in person to make the first assault, did iudge (as it appeared) this to bee the likeliest place for them [scored out – both] because they might discerne [insert – both] the weakening of this fort by the remoovall of the said gun, and also yt the gun at ye black rivers mouth (wch was neere to the foresaid fort, [and] a place convenient to land in) was at this time [insert – dismounted?] [word scored out – downe?] this vessell of theirs, as shee passed along (yt shee might take the better viewe), came some times wthin rea[ch] of or Ordnance, [and] [insert – shee] being shott at by or forts, [scored out – was] receaved some shott, wch was further confirmed in yt (after her returne to her consorts) shee was observed to bee careened about the shutting in of the evening. At the same time the enemy sent a small vessell also to sound or Channell to the Windward, wch being Skared by a shott from the Windermost fort, winded an horne and returned to her fellowes. All this while we expected to have a parley wth them, but wee had no such kinde dealing from them minding (as it seemes) the event of their former so doing, and therefore would now proove wiser (as they supposed) by forbearing their Rhetoriq & trying their strength at the first. [catchword – The]
[f4]
May 30 being Saterday The next morning being Saturday, they plyed it a little further to the windward, [and] there anchored againe, whether it were to allure or forces thither, or to gett better Anchorage; or both, we knowe not. About the afternoone of this same day, their boats went from vessell to vessell, as (we conceaved) for consultation so yt we expected every moment, when the onsett would bee, wch we most strongly conjectured by the working of their vessells would have bine somewhere in the windward part: but [two words scored out] there being no passage for their greater vessels wthout com[~]ing under com[~]and of three of or forts, they were better advised then so to doe, being unwilling to adventure their shipps into such danger, or their boats where their shipps could not come night to succor them.
All this while our men cheerfully attended, [and] seemed to have more then a naturall courage: onely those yt had taken upon them to bee or chiefe Com[~]andrs, shewed now in ye time of danger no small weaknes [and] pusillanimity; being so farre from directing or incouraging others yt they needed it most of all themselves. Or deputy Govrnor, Generall, Admirall, Counsell[insert – or] of warre [and] Counseller of the land (wth all wch titles he was pleased to imblazon himselfe in publike) [insert – seeing] this same number of men had not now so much spirit or power left in him, as to use but the Words of Com[~]and, [and] where Intreatyes did not prevaile, he rested himselfe content. He was tractable indeed to all things yt were suggested in this busines by others, being not able to disapproove [insert – ought] or ppound any thing wch [word scored out] might bee more convenient then yt wch (doubtlesse) God had putt into the hearts of many [and] [word scored out] those as well of the com[~]on sort, as others: but as they pposed all, so he liked all, they acted all, [and] all agreed; in so much as he neither com[~]anded, nor they obeyed; or order was disorder, and yet all wrought together for our God; thus God would have it to make his owne hand more remarkable, so yt here was enough to make an Atheist acknowledge [insert – a] deity, and to cry out wth Pharaohs magicians hic est digitus dei.
And now to returne to our enemies yt all this while delaied to make an incursion upon us, we did conjecture they did it partly to stay for their fellowes, [and] partly to gett some intelligence of the state of or Island by runnagadoes (as they might have iust cause to doe) seeing many English and Negroes had formerly so despately adventured [insert – to flee] from us to them in severall boats [and] kanooes, [and] yt too, in so long a voyage wth many times stormy [and] tempestuous weather as there could bee little probability of their safe Arrivall; much lesse might they thinke they would now forbeare; but blessed be God they failed of their Expectation [catchword – About]
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About foure of the clocke this same Saterday in the afternoone, the fleet fell downe to the Leeward wth their severall boats at the sterne of their vessells, in wch course they seemed to threaten or harbor againe; not wthstanding it appeared they meant it not, but they passed along still farther somewhat to the Leeward of the Harbor. Our forts shott at them all along as they went, [and] they also answered us from their shippes by [word scored out] divers guns some towards or forts wth shott, some wthout shott, [and] some quite from us towards the offin: wch behavior of theirs made us question whether they did it to deride us, or whether they meant to depart from us: but at last perceaving by their drawing neere the shore yt their purpose was to assault us somewhere to the Leeward; notice was given to some of or running leaguer (for it needed no more) who hastened to attend the enemy (for some were gone of them selves already as Capt Woodcock [and] his Company). But before [th]eir departure, the greatest part of them came neere unto Warwick fort, from whence being directly to goe meete ye enemy, they gave an exceeding [insert – illeg?] showt, wch much revived the drooping Spirits of the weaker sexe, who for the most part were there gathered together, amongst whom were some bigge wth childe, others wth Infants hanging upon the brest, [and] little ones in their hands, fearing the Accomplishmt of or Saviors woe upon themselves; who were now by the unexpected cheerfulnes [words scored out] of the souldiers not a little comforted: [and] so they wth the Ministers, while the enemy did lay siege to us, did by the powerfull engine of praier lay siege to heaven to helpe the Lord against ye mighty: and had yor Honors seene ye strange behavior of our causlesse Adursaries now during the time of this siege, who have formerly so bitterly and unworthily inveighed against us to yor Honors, you would have required no other testimony to iustify us in respect of their former uniust charges, [and] [insert – to] condeme them: [insert – then to have seene] how pattently contented they were then to heare of their evill waies [and] courses of opposition; and what a price [and] estimation they seemed to sett upon the Exhortations [and] praiers of those yt in ye times of safety they had so opposed [and] depraved, one would scarse have iudged them to have bine the same men
[Scored out – T] Our souldiers were not fully an hundred psons in numbr, although the forts were drained to strengthen them, there being scarse enow left in sundry forts to mannage the gunnes, (onely at Brook fort where little or no danger could bee feared the enemy being fallen downe to Leeward, the Com[~]ander of it, as divers officers complained, kept thirty men to guard his person till the day after the fight): ffor those yt had taken upon [insert – them] the com[~]and of all had much weakened the ?s[illeg ] land by sending [catchword – forth]
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forth neere about halfe ye strength of ye same in sundry vessells at sea to take purchase; some whereof were gunners of forts [and] other officers besides: and divers others also had bine gone upon the like affaires, if the enemy had delaied his coming but three daies longer. Of those fewe left among us, seaventeene were officers, whereof [margin – Exod 14.13] theree [sic] were but three of yor Honors ordeining: these for the most part were but as cyphars [and] lookers on, being so needlesse for the present occasion yt God himselfe seemed to putt them out of office in affording them no roome for any Imploymt, yt he might have all the glory of or great Victory unto himselfe alone.
This small Company marched wth all speed to repell ye enemy at his landing, some of them bareheaded [and] barefooted, [and] for other clothes having scarse enough to cover their nakednes. In this their travell being about three miles, they were wearied by reason of their much hast (as ye occasion required) [and] surbaited for want of shooes: yet through the goodnes of God, they were not disheartened, but came to ye place of ye enemies assault both opportunely and couragiously.
The enemy being now come to an Anchor directly against ye Black rock fort, began to plye his great Ordnance against ye same [and] the shore ajioyning. On the other side or men plyed ours upon them also, having but [insert – about] three or foure guns, [words scored out] yt could reach them, whereof two were at ye black rock fort, [and] one at ye black rivers mouth now lately mounted, [and] another at [margin – The fight began about sixe of ye clock at night [and] continued till about eight.] Goats point. And thus ye fight began, being iust yt day twelve month after yt Capt Butler went hence for ye taking of Truxilla. One of their vessells, viz ye Carvill drew neerer the shore then ye rest to make ye better way for ye [insert – more secure] landing of their souldiers [insert – under her gunns]: but (blessed be God) yt neither shee wth hers nor any of the rest wth their Ordnance did any hurt at all unles it were to or trees; although they had such still [and] calme seas, as there wanted no pbability to doe great execution. Moreover ye enemy in ye meane time filled nine of their boats wth souldirs, making forthwth towards ye shore; they came all in a direct line towards ye black rivers mouth, fast linked each to other, the first whereof onely rowed [and] towed all ye rest at her sterne: out of their boats wth ye souldiers in her was smoke wth a [scored out – gre] shott from one of or Ordnance by the way, [and] another of them returned back to their ships ere shee came to shore, whether upon some dangerous hurt receaved or no, we knowe not. That part of the shore upon wch ye enemies boats steered at ye first, had bine pbably convenient for them [and] dangerous forces, being [a?] levell ground where they might land wth farre more ease [and] hopes of safety then at ye place where afterwards they did; but as they were indured (as we suppose) here to attempt because of the unreadines of or great [catchword – gun]
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gun [insert – yt was there]: so seeing it now mounted [and] playing upon them they were utterly skared hence to attempt at a place wch was farre worse for them; as also somewhat [insert – the more] by the sudden appearing of some of or souldiers, who flourished their weapons [and] dared them to come on shore there: all wch (as we supposed) [word scored out] [insert – being] contrary to their first Expectation made them to direct their course to see[?k] to land upon a beach about ye midway betwixt the black rock fort, [and] ye said black rivers mouth: they came along singing wth a dreadfull and formall tone, vero, diabolo, cornuda, sa sa sa; when they came wthin musket shott of the shore their small shott began to fier in the first boat [and] so in order to ye last, so readily yt all their boats seemed to be on a light fier [all] at once: [and] when they had discharged certaine Ravenets or bases, their boats came on ground at ye foresaid beach [two words scored out] [margin – or small shott observed no ordr but evry one gave fier as fast as he could [five words scored out]] crying Victoria, victoria. In ye meane time or small shott plyed them very readily [and] couragiously both when they came wthin musket shott [insert – of ye shore] [and] at their landing [insert – [and] afterwards:] so that many of or enemies were slaine; yea [and] the very shore it selfe fought against [insert – them] [words scored out] because of the smooth, slimy and slippery stones wch would not afford them a firme footing; besides it was beset wth an high Cliffe wch was not be to Climbed up but in some places and yt not wthout some difficulty. Moreover yt great gun at ye black rivers mouth all this while did good execution [scored out – upon] [insert – among] the enemies boats till about ye time of the enemies landing, for shee having spent those five Cartridges of powd[e]r (so ill provided was shee, [although at a place so advantagious to annoy ye enemy] through the negligence of those yt should have looked better to it,) was then spiked up, least ye enemy should seaze on yt fort and ply that peece upon or men.
He came not to ye leaguer till ye day after ye battell.] But as for him who tooke upon him to be Generall, he utterly forsooke ye leaguer, [and] sheltred himselfe in black rock fort, where [words scored out] [insert – at ye] time of the fight he lay upon the battery, pretending thereby to viewe how or shott took place in ye enemies vessells but those yt best knewe him coniectured it to bee rather for feare of ye enemies shott, [and] his former duckings at every shott yt came (for wch even com[~]on soldiers were ashamed of him) seemes to confirme it. Besides there was one whom he had this day appointed Com[~]ander in this fort (wch [insert – lay] [words scored out] neere adioyning to ye place where ye enemy was landed) who did in the middest of ye fight betwixt or small shot & or enemies boats, when as at yt time, ye fort was not at all assaulted [margin – now ye enemy might have easily taken ye fort] give out a Com[~]and for the spiking up of b[o]th those two guns [insert – wch accordingly was done] (as one of the Gunners hath since affirmed to us) and all this [insert – both] in the h[word blotted – illeg] presence of him who tooke upon him to bee Generall, and by his order too as it [insert – is] most pbable because he himselfe wth yt Com[~]ander fledd out of ye fort [insert – [and]] gave order for ye powder [and] match to bee carried thence [insert – wch was done] [and] yt the leaguer [catchword – should]
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A messenger also was sent up to Warwick fort to give notice there yt ye enemy was landed [and] yt all people were enioyned to resort thither.] should repaire to Warwick fort wth all speed; [and] for it no other but this reason was expressed yt they might there die altogether but this proiect of theirs was hindrered by ye vehement out cryes [and] importunities of some of the bystanders, who wth much adoe brought them back againe into ye fort, yet did they not settledly resolve to abide there till [word scored out] ye fight was over [and] a prisoner brought thither, wch (it pleased God) was not long after. And now [three words scored out] [insert – a certaine] gunner unspiked one of ye [insert – great] guns, wch together wth the small shott from or leaguer did so good execution upon the enemy yt they cryed out alowd for quarter some of them lying on the beach, [and] others [scored out –lying?] swim[~]ing in ye sea [insert – (many whereof were drowned)] [and] crying for mercy (as they could) wth their mouthes full of water indeavouring now to returne to their boats againe, out of wch their officers had at their first landing pricked them forth wth rapides: As for ye [margin – the fight was ended ere this gun could be unspiked.] other gun it could not so easily bee unspiked as ye former but he yt took upon him ye [scored out] [insert – office] of Generall being willing (as it seemes to quitt such a place of danger) went himself three miles for a paire of pinsers [and] tooke upon him a new office, to [scored out] wit, to fetch powder & shott for others yt were [insert – more willing] to fight then himself.
Or enemies being through ye goodnes of God now vanquished yet through ye darknes of ye night or men knew not of it, especially being so busied in fight yt they could not minde ye enemies crying for quarter; onely some of or men at length taking notice of it proclaimed it to ye rest, wch made them [scored out] more eager then before so yt for halfe an houres space they never ceased powring in shott among them, till they had scarse an enemy left to shoote at. Yet many of or souldiers in ye leaguer had in ye very heate of ye battell cryed out aloud, for gods sake powder & shott wch one of or Captaines hearing charged them to bee silent, fearing least ye enemy should be thereby incouraged, [and] so bid them yt were thus destitute to doe as he did, who betooke himselfe to ye throwing of stones, for wch service or Negroes thinking themselves to bee as sufficient as others, presently put themselves forward, [and] did good Execution by this meanes.
[Scored out – S] So ill were things ordered among us, as there was no one to provide divers things belonging to the fight but the souldirs themselves; however [words scored out] he yt then tooke upon him ye Com[~]and of Warwick fort was ye man appointed [insert – (as him selfe said)] to take care to furnish all places with Am[~]unition requisite, yet was he so negligent herein as he did not onely forbeare to send it of his owne [scored out] Accord, but (as it was reported) putt of, also wth delaies some yt came for it, bidding them come to morrowe, when as the present safety of ye land required it: and for some yt came to him for shott, he answered them, yt there was no more, although he had then store of ye same in his custody; [and] being demanded afterwards the reason of it, he answered yt he did not thinke [catchwords – of it]
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of it. Besides in ye time of ye fight he intercepted ye victualls wch or souldiers [insert – of the leaguer] had formerly provided by their owne ca[re?] [and] cost, having left order to have it sent downe unto them: neverthelesse though they exceedingly needed it, being sore wearied by their painfull march [and] their great toyle in ye fight, he little considered them, who whiles they were falling in on their enemies he fell on their victualls, [and] in the very heate [insert – of the fight] shewed his stomack wch was not to fight but to feed. Moreoever, after supplying his own fort wth the spolies of his friends, he left [insert – the same] [words scored out] forthwth [and] carried the remainder on board [insert – to] a man of warre yt lay in the harbor [insert – as wee ar given to understand] for what cause we knowe not unles (as it was com[~]only spoken) it were to make him his friend to carry him away if he should see any danger, and it was ye more pbable because ye Captaine of yt man of warre coming onshore by [and] by after was heard to sweare having bine crossed in something wch he desired, yt he would see them all hanged; rather then he would cary any of them hence. And this also was generally iudged to bee ye reason of the forwardness of him yt took upon him to bee Generall, to repaire up to Warwick fort, [insert – viz] yt he [scored out – wth] might provide [scored out – himselfe] for his safety by flight [scored out – for] [insert – in] this man of warre [insert - ?] ye Captaine whereof shewed himselfe so backward to helpe us, yt he would have gone away wth his vessell not onely the first night after ye enemies Arrivall, but also in ye night of the battell in ye very houre of the same, had he not bine detained by the vehement Exclamations of divers of ye Inhabitants./
To returne againe to or enemies, who to second ye former sent a fresh supply, viz a small friggot [and] a boate at the sterne, both filled wth souldiers, but by the way they mett wth such opposition from one of or forts, [and] receaving from thence a barre shott or two gave an hideous crye, and [insert – by reason of] [scored out – being presented wth] such sad Spectacles as foure of their former boats (wch were all that returned) presented them wth [insert – about the same time,] they returned wth them to their fellowes, being fraighted for the most part wth dead carckasses [and] wounded men, so yt of the three hundred wch they sent forth in their [insert – first] supply wch were of ye Choisest & stowtest souldiers in ye whole fleet, there were but two onely yt escaped slaughter or wounds, this we heard by a ffrenchman yt was taken since in a Spanish vessell, who did also relate unto us, yt there were no lesse then 80 psons yt were wounded, or mai[m]ed [scored out – at] in ye fight at this Island, who were in the Hospital at Carthagene.
Some of or enemies there were yt by the meanes of a gutt or two in the Cliffe escaped through or running leaguer by reason of the darknes of the night into the woods; sixe whereof were taken on ye same night yt ye battell was fought by the helpe of or negroes, who diligently searched them out in ye woods. [catchword – The]
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The next morning being the Lords day, three [illeg – tear ?mor]e were taken: and foure came in of their owne Accord, amongst wch one of them was their Govrnor who was appointed for this Island (although wee knewe it not till afterwards) from whom we had intelligence yt the fleete was from Carthagene, [and] yt part of it came first [scored out – ffo] from ffernando buck having escaped the dutch there, by secret flying away in the night; all these said prisoners [scored out – b?] as well those yt surrendered themselves, as those yt were brought in were forthwith put to death by the Com[~]and of him yt tooke upon him to bee Generall, although their appointed Govrnor [and] ye three other [insert – with him] of their owne Accord came out of ye woods [and] yeelded up themselves complete in their Armes wch they resigned upon promise of quarter from one of or officers, (as we have heard affirmed) but of this we doubt not, but yor Lordps will have a fuller information hereafter concerning ye truth hereof. The next day following being Monday we tooke [scored out – as prise?] another prisoner after ye departure of ye fleet, who is yet alive, [and] as we heare is to goe for England in this vessell.
All this while (through ye exceeding goodnes of God) we suffered not so much as the losse of one man neither from their great nor their small shott, although we lay very open to them; onely we had five yt were hurt, one of wch died three daies after ye fight who had formerly twice plotted [and] once attempted to run away in a boat, but being taken in ye act was in irons for the same till ye enemy came; another died about a fortnight after, who was observed a little before the fight [margin insert – to break out] into fearfull [and] despate curses & oathes, boasting yt he would doe strange things if ye enemy durst adventure to come on shore; [and] yet this man was supposed to have receaved his deaths wound by one of or [onsert – owne] men unwittingly in their confused manner of fight in ye darknes of ye night: the other three are still alive, [scored out - &] [insert – there being] little or no danger of them; one of them receaved a shott in ye hand, another had a bullet yt grazed on ye top of his skull, carrying away onely ye skin [and] flesh wth it wthout any other hurt: [and] a third was wounded in the shoulder: divers others were very nigh danger, but were wonderfully preserved, two having their hats on their heads shott thorough [sic], a third having a bullet to hitt ye very muzzell of his muskett as he was discharging, [and] a fourth had a bullet yt alighted [and] remained fixed in ye very stocke of his musket as it was in his hands.
The [scored out – p] number of or enemies by the prisoners confession was fifteene hundred, and though they landed no more then three hundred at once, we coniecture it to bee by reason of ye losse of two of their biggest long boats ordeined on purpose for the [scored out – Cliffe?] landing of their men, wch losse they susteined in a storme some certaine daies before they arrived at or Island, two daies after they came from Carthagene [several words scored out] [catchword – By]
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By the prisoners confession also we receaved intelligence yt ye enemy had sent a Govrnor for this Island with sixe hundred men here to inhabite, whereof there were Eleven Cavalleroes to accompany him; who (as they told us) had vowed and taken ye Sacramt upon it, yt he would either take ye Island, or leave his carkasse there.
Such preparation they had made to invade us yt they had uterly unfurnished Carthagene, [and] all other places neere adioyning of all shippes, friggots & boats, [and] left onely one long boat [and] a Kanooe there, wch was detained to haile other shipps in case any should there arrive ere there returne Moreover they brought along wth them in there boats yt landed their men, a great woodden crosse, wch they intended to sett up for their standard, besides [insert – many] other small crosses, pictures & Images wch were found about the bodies of the slaine: one of them was observed having receaved a mortall wound to teare his gods from about his neck [and] to throwe them away wth Indignation; another of them was slaine through ye picture of their Lady Mary, wch was shott twice through as it did hang about his necke
They brought wth them also pardons [insert – (wch were found about ye slaine) to lye wth virgins and women, whom they might slay or keep alive at their pleasure, but as for the men they were all to have bine putt to the sword, as ye prisoners confessed.
About eight of ye clocke [insert – at night] this present saterday the fight was ended, ye Lord of heaven having given us victory over our enemies; [scored out] [insert – yet] or men were both in ye time of the fight [and] afterwards putt to exceeding great straits for want of [scored out] water, so ill were things ordered among us.
This night, as also the day following being the Lordsday we expected still another onsett, [and] somewhat ye rather [margin – May. 31. being ye Lords day] because one more of there vessells yt was fallen to ye Leeward was now recovered up to them this day; but they having remooved a little further [insert – of] on Saterday night, they lay still [&] stirred not at all till about eight of the Clocke [margin – June. 1. being Monday.] on Monday morning, at wch time they weighed Anchor, sett saile [and] made shewe of going to the windward, but they did suddenly beare of againe [and] made to the offin and so departed from us, being now the fift day after their first Arrivall. But their Carvill made a stay [blot] somewhat after the rest, [and] made false fires(?); wch ye two greater vessells also had oftentimes [insert – done] [scored out – up] [insert – both] on Saterday night after ye fight and also on ye night following, wch wee coniectured was a signe to their men whom they did not knowe but [scored out – at least] many or at least some of them [catchword – might]
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might haply have bine escaped into ye woods, [and] the rather because [scored out] both so fewe of their men yt they had sent on shore returned to their shippes againe, and also because ye Govrnor of Carthagene (as their prisoners confessed) told them before their coming forth yt we would fly away like so many sheepe at ye very sight of an enemy approaching, and hence it was yt some of or enemies coming on shore had their muskets fastened about their bodies; bringing wth them bottles of water, besides bread [and] cheese in their snap sackes, wth pumpion seed & pease to plant, [and] some of them had candles and linstockes in their hands (as if the day had bine theirs aforehand). But or enemies perceaving no signe at all from their men, were utterly discouraged from making any further assault upon us, but depted from us.
On Monday being June ye 8th, ye woods were rom[~]aged by or English [and] Negroes to seeke for such as might perchance have escaped us into ye woods, but there were none taken: onely some [scored out – were] supposed yt they sawe two Molatoes [and] an Indian; but concerning it there is no certainty./
On Thursday being June ye eleventh, we sett apart a day of thanksgiving [and] reioycing before or God who had so wonderfully delivered us from so im[~]inent a danger, at wch time also we had or men in Armes accompanied wth all ye rest of ye Inhabitants both English and heathens in the place where God had given us the victory wch was aforetime known by the name of Knaves Acre, but now upon this occasion was tearmed Bloody beach where after Sermon [and] praier ended we made a fier of the Gods and idolatrous monuments of or enemies in ye viewe [and] sight of or heathens, whom we did informe yt the Gods whom or enemies trusted in [and] called upon could neither save their worshipps from slaughter, nor themselves from ye fier: Thus ye Lord turned for us our mourning into dancing, and putt of or sack cloth, [and] girded us with Gladnes, and made this same a day of reioycing and [scored out] feasting, and a good day, and of sending portions one to another./
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/In this Wonderfull deliverance we find sundry remarkable passages of Gods providence, of wch we have thought good to give a tast as here followeth.
That he should single out this time above all other to threaten us with so potent an enemy, [and] yet to discomfite him before us, when there was neither order nor strength in the land; in wch respects [insert – we [scored out] might be thought] not onely unable to withstand an enemy, but also unlikely even without an enemy to subsist being but our selves among our selves. In the [margin – Gen.22.14.] mount will the Lord be seene. God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things yt are mighty. [margin – 1 Cor.1. 27,29.] yt no flesh might glory in his sight./ Judg.7.2./
That those men yt had ambitiously aspired to places of Autority and Com[~]and, even yt God should expose these persons above all others to shame [and] disgrace, as was manifest by their flying away when none did pursue them: for though ye enemy came not against them, yet [margin – Ja.4.6.] God was against them, for he resisteth ye proud: and [margin – Dan.4.37.] those that walke in pride he is able to abase.
That two of the enemies biggest boats, wch they had pvided for the more convenient landing of their souldiers, should miscarry in a storme at sea, before ever they came nigh or Island, [and] that neither their great nor their small shott should take place to the present cutting of of [sic] any one man among us, wch made our very heathens astonished, [and] in effect to say, The Lord hath done great things for us. No Weapon yt is formed against thee [margin – Isa.54.17.] shall prosper. He covered our heads in the day of battell as if we had bine protected in ye strongest castle. Ps.91.1,3,4 17
That a certaine Gunner, seeing ye enemy approach to a place yt was farre out of ye Com[~]and of his owne fort, should of his owne Accord opportunely come to another fort yt was destitute of a Gunner, where he did no small Execution upon them. They were forward to come forth to the helpe of ye Lord against the mighty. Praise ye the [margin – Judg. 5.2, 23.] Lord for the avenging of Israel when the people willingly offered themselves.
[catchword – That]
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That another skilfull Gunner (whom with ye former the Lord made [scored out] Instrumts of our deliverance) even yt he should bee hindered from going forth to sea, and for a long time kept in prison till the very day of the enemies Arrivall; and could by no meanes obteine his liberty nor the priviledge of a triall, although he often sued for the same; wherein the very finger of God was evidently to bee seene in so ordering it [margin - * [and] hereby he gott his liberty by being an instrumt to preserve ours.] yt he should bee so strangely kept from all other Imploymts [and] reserved for this great worke, wch God hath now brought to passe [insert - *]. From heaven did the Lord behold the earth to heare the groaning of the prisoner./ This proceeded from the Lord who is wonderfull in counsell & excellent in working who knoweth how to bring good out of evill. Psal.102.19, 20. Isa.28.29.
Whenas this said Gunner gave fier to [scored out – a] [insert – one] piece of Ordnance it pleased God to direct some sparkles from it to another piece [scored out] in the same fort, so yt both of them were discharged [and] both of them did Execution upon the enemy. Digitus dei. The [margin – 1 Sa[~]. 17. 47.] battell was the Lords.
That ye enemy should come against us wth such presumptuous confidence of the victory as in their purposes and consultations to dispose of us and ours before the fight, and yet at last to bee [margin – King. 20.11. pro.19.21. La[~].3.37.] so shamefully foiled. Let not him that girdeth on his harnesse boast himselfe, as he yt putteth it of. Many devises are in mans heart, but the counsell of the Lord [scored out] shall stand. Who is it that saith and it com[~]eth to passe; when the Lord com[~]andeth it not.
That the hearts of our Negroes should bee fast knitt unto us in this time of distresse, who yet had formerly rebelled against us even in times of peace [and] prosperity: [and] yt neither any of them nor of our English should attempt to run to ye enemy lying so neere us, although divers of them had before this very desperately done it at a farre greater distance. [scored out] This was the Lords doing, who is the God of the spirits of all flesh.
That onely two of our men wch were servants should bee mortally wounded, the one whereof had attempted to run away to these Idolaters [and] enemies of the Lord, [and] the other yt had a little before the fight belched out horrible oathes [and] desperate Imprecations against himselfe, proudly vaunting what great [catchword – matters]
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matters he would doe against the enemy; in case he came on shore. Herein the finger of God was to bee seene in singling out these two from among all the rest, setting them up as spectacles hung up in chaines for [scored out] warnings to others, not onely heathens but English also, yt they might not sinne after the like manner [margin – 1 Cor.10.11.] These things happened unto them [scored out – as] for ensamples unto us. Those yt will not take examples, may looke to make examples. The Lord of hosts will bring forth the flying roule of curses [margin – Zech.5. 2,3,4.] whereby the swearer shalbe cut of. Goe to now ye that say, to day or to morrowe we will doe this or that; for that ye ought [margin – Jam.3. 13,15.] to say, if the Lord will, we shall live and doe this or that.
That when they had purposed to Pmise us quarter by those yt gave the first onsett, and yet that their second supply consisting of slaves should cutt us all of, yt God should mete to them as they intended to measure to us; for their appointed Govrnor wth those yt came in wth him had ye same lot, where [scored out] all men might plainely read the sinne in the punishmt; every circumstance being a lively character of the same. Pertinent [margin – Judg.1.7.] hereto is the confession of Adonibezek: As I have done, so hath [margin – psal.9.15,16.] god requited me. The heathen are sunk downe in the pit that [margin – Ps.7.15,16.] they made in the net wch they hid is their own foot taken &c. [margin – Mat.7.2.] With what measure [scored out] ye mete to others, it shalbee measured to you again.
The Lord cutt of all occasion of glorying both from or selves yt no man had matter of boasting in any thing he had done, but being demanded every man was forced to confesse yt if the Lord had not bine on or side when men rose up against us, then they had swallowed us up quicke: and likewise from our enemies, who (had they prevailed) would have boasted them selves in their Idolls, have published it in ye house of their [margin – Isa.48.5.] Gods and said, mine Idoll hath done it. I am the Lord, that is my name, and my glory will I not give to another, nor my [margin – Isa.42.8.] praise to Graven images. Herein ye Lord shewed yt our enemies trusted in a lye, and yt he onely is God in heaven [margin – Isa.37.20.] above & in earth beneath.
That this should bee ye second overthrow yt the enemy hath receaved by assaulting us [insert – here,] considering their multitude and or small strength to resist, together with ye terror that or [margin – Josh.2.9.] God hath made to fall upon them by reason of us; we take it as an happy omen and presage of ye downfall of that man of sinne in these parts of ye world, from whence he fetcheth his treasure (ye sinnewes of warre) to ruinate [catchword – the]
[f.10]
Judg.5.ult. the churches of God elswhere. So let all thine enemies perish O god. These shall make warre with the lambe, but the lambe shall overcome them, for he is Lord of Lords & king of [margin – Rev.17.14.] kings, and they that are with him are called and chosen and faithfull. Her plagues shall come in one day, for strong is [margin – Rev.18.8.] the Lord God who iudgeth her.
Now our heartiest praiers shalbee, yt yor Honors may bee stirred up to come cheerfully forth to the helpe of the Lord against the mighty, and because our condition is exceeding weake, wee hope Yor Honors will consider us, with a speedy and full supply both of men and Am[~]unition to defend both the Inhabitants and your Island (wherein you have bine pleased to imploy us) against so potent an enemy, of whose fresh Assault wee are in continuall expectation, wch also God himselfe (to whom bee all glory and honor for ever) seemes to incourage your Honors unto in yt he hath shewed such tokens of favour upon us for good in doing so great things for us, and so we do most humbly take our leaves, resting
ffrom yor Island of Providence.
June: 17th. 1640./
Yor Honors most submissive servants in the Lord.
Henry Halhead
Richard Lane
Hope Sherrard.
Nicholas Leverton.
Record Office for Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland (ROLLR), DG7 Box 4982, ff.2-10; Calendared HMC 17th report, (1913) vol.I, 1537-1659, pp.51-58.
