A VALIANT FIGHT 



we returned backe againe, and came into Falmouth haven, 

 where wee strucke on ground in 17. foote water: but it 

 was a low ebbe, and ready againe to flowe, and the 

 ground soft, so as no hurt was done. Here with glad- 

 nesse wee set foote againe upon the English ground (long 

 desired) and refreshed our selves with keeping part of 

 Christmas upon our native soile. 



The valiant fight performed by 10. Merchants 

 ships of London, against 12. Spanish gallies 

 in the Straights of Gibraltar, the 24. of April 

 1590. 



A.D. 



1590. 



T is not long since sundry valiant ships 

 appertaining to the Marchants of London, 

 were fraighted & rigged forth, some for 

 Venice, some for Constantinople, & some 

 to sundry other places of tranque, among 

 whom these ensuing met within the 



* Straights of Gibraltar, as they were 



taking their course homewards, having before escaped all 

 other danger. The first whereof was the Salomon 

 appertaining to M. Alderman Barnam of London, and [II. ii. 1 

 M. Bond, and M. Twyd of Harwich ; which went foorth 

 the first day of February last. The second was the February 

 Margaret and John belonging to M. Wats of London: J 59°- 

 The thirde was the Minion : The fourth was the 

 Ascension. The fifth was the Centurion of Master 

 Cordal : The sixt the Violet : the seventh the Samuel : 

 the eight the Crescent : the ninth the Elizabeth : and the 

 10. was the Richard belonging to M. Duffield. All 

 these ships being of notable and approved service, com- 

 ming neere to the mouth of the Straights hard by the 

 coast of Barbary, descried twelve tall Gallies bravely 

 furnished and strongly provided with men and munition, 

 ready to seaze upon these English ships : which being 

 perceived by the Captaines and Masters thereof, wee 

 made speedy preparation for the defence of our selves, 



31 



6 7 .] 



