1618.] CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY. 35 



In this conflict, it appears that the English were 

 either overpowered by numbers, or, being discoura- 

 ged by the unexpected attack, did not fight with 

 their accustomed coohiess and valour. They fired 

 short, according to the Dutch account, and were 

 defeated, while the Dutch had the opportunity 

 of satisfying our countrymen, as they observed, 

 that they were as little deficient in personal cou- 

 rage as in diligence and zeal, to carry on their trade. 

 These dissensions were viewed by the Govern- 

 ments of the two nations, with a happy degree of 

 moderation, though it does not appear that they 

 took any measures to prevent the recurrence of such 

 events. On the arrival of the Dutch fleet with 

 their prize in Holland, the States-General present- 

 ed the English captain with a remuneration, and 

 judiciously liberated his vessel *. 



The occurrence of these mortifying circumstances, 

 together with the arrival of the vessels of other 

 powers on the fishing stations, which tended to di- 

 vide the quarrel, had the effect of producing a con- 

 ference between the captains of the rival nations, for 

 the consideration of the best method of adjusting 

 their differences, and preventing the liability to fu- 

 ture disturbances. The English, at this time, 

 claimed the exclusive right to the fishery, while 

 the Dutch and the Danes asserted an equal title. 



c2 



* Beschryvi))g der Walvisvangst, vol. i. p. 26. 



