NATIVES OF NORTHUMBERLAND. 419 



" had informed myfelf of the road ; they being hawled into the 

 " meal-water, I immediately took my boats, and founded within 

 <{ gun-mot of them ; which they endeavoured to prevent by fir- 

 " ing at us. And, that no time might be loft, I went immecli- 

 " ately on board The St. Albans, where, for the encouragement 

 " of the feamen, I hoifted my flag ; and, having ordered The Ruby ^ 

 " with two fire-fhips to attend me, I flood in with them, leaving 

 " the great fliip without, as drawing too much water. But 

 " coming very near, they galled us fo extremely, and finding the 

 " fire-fhips could not get in, I judged it beft to retreat without 

 " fhot, and there anchored : and immediately called all the cap- 

 " tains, where it was refolved to attempt them in the morning, 

 " with all the third and fourth rates, and fire-fhips. But, after 

 " drawing them into four fathom and a half of water, I found 

 " we could not do our bufinefs, the water being fhoal ; upon 

 " which, I ordered three fire-fhips to prepare themfelves, to at- 

 ** tempt the burning them, going myfelf with all the barges 

 " and tenders to take them up, if, by the enemies fhot, they 

 ' mould mifcarry. Indeed, I may fay, and I hope without 

 c vanity, the fervice was warm ; yet, God be praifed, fo effec- 

 " tually performed, that, notwithftanding all their fliot, both 

 " from their mips and forts, two of our fire-fhips had good fuc- 

 " cefs, by burning them ; the other, by an unfortunate fhot, fet 

 " on fire, being juft going on board the enemy ; indeed, fo brave 

 " was the attempt, that I think they can never be fufHciently 

 " rewarded ; and I doubt not, but their Majcfties will do them 

 ' right. 



" The third French fliip being run a-fliorc, and obferving the 

 c< people on board to go on fhorc by boats-full, I ordered the St. 

 " Albans and Refewe, and others, to fire upon her, judging it 

 " might caufe them to quit her ; and after having battered her 



H li h 2 " for 



