Broadside Fired 1592
About the beginning of Julie last, 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 Black Bull), two or three leagues right to windward, and coming before the wind; but when they had perceived what I was, they hauled there 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 hailed, 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 unreverent 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.
George Earl of Cumberland
