towrson's second voyage. 
158 
In 1556, two vessels and a pinnace were again 
sent out under the command of Towrson. On 
arriving near the Sestos, three sail were descried 
at some distance, and the ships immediately made 
themselves ready for action, in case of these prov- 
ing *' Portingals." The vessels came up " very 
finely appointed, with their streamers, and pen- 
" dants, and ensignes, and noyze of trumpets very 
" bravely but when arrived within speech, they 
proved to be French. Towrson was not much edi- 
fied by finding these competitors in the market ^ 
but as the French were united to him by being the 
common object of Portuguese enmity, he judged 
it safest and best to accept their offer of joining 
company. They had need of all their strength 
when, after having passed " the Castle," they 
were attacked by five Portuguese vessels, and a 
most desperate contest ensued. The account is 
somewhat indistinct; but it appears pretty evi- 
dent that the combined fleets were most severely 
handled. The Tyger, Towrson's own ship, was 
left for some time to contend with the whole 
force of the enemy. On rejoining its compa- 
nions, he was assured that they had prayed most 
fervently for his success, but could not tender 
any other assistance. Towrson having expressed 
some dissatisfaction at the exclusive use of this 
aid, his brother captain declared, that his vessel 
could neither rear nor steer," and the pinnace 
