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Fight Report
About the beginning of Julie last,
(1.
Navy Ship
Name) HMS Guardland, lying off the Rock of Lisbon, upon the coast
of Portugal, we decried in the morning a ship, (since known by name of the
(2. Pirate Ship's Name) Black Bull), too or three leagues right to windward, and
coming before the wind.
But when they had perceived what I was, they
hauled their tacks aboard, and shook all in the wind, until they were, as
it seemed, thoroughly provided, and had made ready their fighters, and put
out their flag, and then presently came round. Where upon I sent my
pinnace, being better of sail then myself, to speak with them.
But when he haled, and asked of where they were,
they bad him look on their flag, (which was of Turkey). Then telling them
he was sent by me, being in a ship of her Majestie’s and that I willed
them to strike to the Queen’s ship, or strike in the name of the Queen
of England, (or to the like effect), and come on board me, they scornfully
denied, uttering such unseemly and irreverent speeches as I will not
rehearse.
Still keeping their course till they came under
my lee. So I presently shot at them, and they straight gave me their whole
broadside. Where upon we verily believed they had been one of the King’s
men of war, for they continued a very hot fight for a long while, until
the master and some of the company were slain.
The ship much beaten, having received sundry
great shot from my company, and twice shot under water, their company
distressed, neither appearing; when they struck sails and yielded any
possible means to escape us.
In testimony whereof I have here unto put my hand
and seal the 17th day of January, Anno Domini 1591, and the
year of the reign of our most gracious sovereign, Queen Elizabeth, the
four and thirteenth, &c.
(3. Earl's Name)
George Earl of Cumberland
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