A Discourse of that which happened in the battle fought between the two Navies of Spain and Portugal, at the islands of Azores.  
Anno Dom. 1582.  
¶ Imprinted at London by Thomas Purfoote, and are to be sold at his shop over-against Saint sepulchres Church without Newgate.   

The success which did happen unto the Navy of the king of Spain, whereof was general Captain the Marquis of Santa Cruse, in the battle which was fought with the Navy that Don Antony brought to the islands of Asores.  
The Lord marquess went out of the river of Lisbon, the tenth day of Julie 1582▪ with 28. ships, and with five small pinnaces, (for that other three ships which should have gone with him, could not come forth till the next day,) because he had order from his Majesty, to departed with the said Navy, without tarrying for the 19 ships, 2. galians, 12▪ galleys, and 2. pinnaces, which were prepared in And●l●zia. And following his voyage, had three days of ill weather, at the end whereof he found himself 55▪ leagues from Lisbon, about the height of the Cape of Saint Vincent, 50. leagues from him. And so the foul weather was the cause that he fell from the height of his pretended course. From whence returned one ship being an Aragoze, in the which were three companies of old soldiers of Flanders, and the Physicians, Surgians, and other officers of the Hospital, with their provision of all things necessary for that purpose: which ship returned without any order, they alleging that she was in a leek. In the 13. day it pleased God to send fair weather, by means whereof they got in one day & night that which they had before lost. And being in it, and the fair weather continuing still, he did follow his voyage, till the 21. at which time they had the sight of the isle of S. Michaeel. And the 22. day being Sunday, they approached near unto Villa Franca, which is a town of the said Island, containing about 500 households.  
The day before they arrived at the Island, the Marquis dispatched two pinnaces, under the charge of captain Aguirrei, who was captain over the five aforesaid, and did send in every one six soldiers with calivers, giving them warning to go warily, and if they should chance to meet with their enemy's Navy, that they should not come aboard any of their ships▪ neither suffer any of them to come aboard of their pinnaces. And by the said captain the Marquis did write unto Ambrose Aguier governor of the said Island, certifying him how his majesties Navy which he brought was very strong, containing 5500. soldiers, in which number was Don Lopus de Figueroa, with a 1800 of them of Flanders, over and above 200. Gentlemen and particular persons entertained with their advantages, who came to serve his Majesty. And that the Navy which was made ready in Calis, (for the which they did look every hour) was of the number and quantity aforesaid, with other 5000. soldiers, whereof was five ensigns of old Tersua of Flaunders. And the Marquis did desire the said Ambrosio de Aguier to send him such news as he had of the French Navy, & whether they had passed by that ways or not, and the number of their ships: because he was determined to go seek them, and fight with them. And that he should say unto Peter Pishoto, if he should chance to be there, that he should make himself ready to follow him with the ships of his charge.  
Whiles the Marquis was at an anchor in the road of Villa Franca, there did arrive unto the Admiral's ship, one Caruaile of the three which were left in Lisbon, for to bring the horses, who gave them to understand, that the day before were arrived to the said Villa Franca, the three ships which were left in Lisbon, who departed from thence the next day after the Marquis, in company with the said three Carnailes. They reported likewise, that the three ships, after they had fallen with Villa Franca, were forced back again to the sea, and that the two caravels were taken by the enemy, the other with the horses belonging to the general of the field, and others, went to the sea, being chased by a French ship.  
The Marquis did send some particular men to understand somewhat of them of the Island, who would not suffer them to come aland, but discharged their pieces at them. And there was a Priest that told them that the Island was for his Majesty, and that he knew nothing of the french Army, others willed them to go to the City. The marquess understanding what had passed, and perceiving by one of the two pinnaces which he had sent with Captain Aguirre, that the other Pinnace with Captain Aguirre was taken prisoner by a French Ship and other Barks that came from the land, he did then suspect that the Island had rebelled, and having sent for Don Lopo de Figueroa General of the Field, to confer with him about the landing of some quantity of men to have speech with them of Villa Franca, and likewise to take fresh water, and having sent to the Captains Michael de Oquendo and Rodrigo de Vargas, to take notice in what place they were best to anchor: in the mean time they that were in the top of the Admiral Gallion espied certain ships near unto Ponta Delgaaa, about which place is the principal place of the Island and the Castle: and seeming to the Marquis that those ships should be of the enemies, he altered his determination and went straightway near unto Ponta Delgada, and by & by they discovered ●o ships, & then they perceived that it was the army of Don Anthonio. So our army approaching unto the enemy, and having now certain knowledge of them, for that they prepared themselves towards the sea, and perceiving them to be above 60. ships of small and great, the Marquis called a council, and with the advice of Don Pedro de Toledo, the Master general of the Camp, the Marquis de la Favora, Don Pedro de Tassis general controller, Don Francisco de Bovadilla master of the Camp, and other captains & Knights being called thereunto, they determined to present the battle, and to fight with the enemy: who did the like, and put themselves in order, and so they discharged a piece of ordinance towards us in token of battle. With that the Marquis commanded to put forth a banner of defiance, and shot off one piece of ordinance, and sent captain Maroline, and captain Rodrigo de Vergas, to advertise the whole army to set themselves in order of battle, which was done in this manner: In the forefront was a row of ships and galleons, and of the right hand of the Admiral was placed the galion Saint Mattheo, wherein was the master General of the field, and the general controller: and of the left hand was the ship, wherein went Don Francisco de Bovadilla great master of the field, and four ships more to be assistants: the ten biscain's, with the other ships, wherein was the captains Michael de Ouando, and Vilia Visiosa, were placed in the rearward. And by reason the ship wherein Don Christopher de Erasso went, had strained the head of her main mast, by means whereof she could not bear her top sail, she was forced to stay behind, and could not therefore take her place accordingly. Which was a great grief to the Marquis, to want the company of Don Christopher in such a time of occasion. The Marquis himself went in the galian Saint Marten, which was admiral of the same Navy. He gave this order for the battle, that in the uppermost sight upon the poop should be 20. gentlemen and pistolets, & 20. calivers: and below the Portiugal gentlemen (except Sir james de Castro, which was upon the poop) and 20. pistolets, and 6. calivers: and lowest of all should be for help and secure Sir Anthony Pessova, Sir jews Osorio, Sir Goston Ronkelio, the colonel Mondonario, captain Quessatha, and other four pistolets: and upon the hatches of the galion 40. pistolets upon either side, under the charge of captain Gamboa: near to the chamber of the poop, was the body of the guard, with 40. soldiers, most of them particular men, which had been in office before, under the charge of captain Augustin Deherrara, for to help and succour where should be most need. In the stern of the ship was john Baptist Sauffone gentleman of Milan, with the sergeant of the captains Augustine Deherrera, and Gamboa, with 15. pistolets, and 10. calivers: in the great top was the sergeant Sir Frances Galeio with 8. calivers, and in the top of the Trinket six, besides those that were in the small tops. Under the hatches where the great ordinance doth lie, were the captains Sir Christopher Deaccovia, and Scovetho, and john Altar, and the sergeant Tauste, and Esquivel, and with every piece of ordinance one gunner, and six men to help him. And every one had an instrument called hanspiks. With the munition which was upon the hatches, was Marcelus Carraceolus: and like service was underneath. And in keeping of the gun powder was captain Grimaldo, with four mariners. He commanded also, that there should stand hard by the stern of the galion, the great boat called the salva, and four small ones, for to carry directions, and fill tub of water and hogsheads in divers places of the said galion, and divide in their places divers pikes, and that the Mariners should be in the ships apparel, and the captains Marolin and Roger Devargas (as seamen and of great experience) should attend unto the ordinance and other necessaries. All this was executed very shortly, and with a great good will. For all this was provided before they approached unto the Island.  
This being done, with great noise of wifflers and drums, and their banners open, went our navy for to invade the enemies: the which made the like in good order. But because the wind was calm, they could not fight that day, but went seaward. And yet the Marquis could not understand of the state of the Island. Afterward four owers within night arrived unto the admiral Galion, in a Pinnace, wherein was Domingo de Adurriaga, master of a ship called the Catiline, with other five mariners Biscayne's, and brought a letter from Don john de Castilio, containing as followeth.  
In the army of Don Anthonio there is 58. ships, whereof 28. be great ships, and the rest small, and in them is 6000. Frenchmen. If our army be not strong enough to fight with them, than it may draw nigh the Castle, which is for the king. And I would wish you to have a great regard to it, for if you should lose the victory, great inconvenience would ensue. Furthermore the Master and his company declared, that Don Anthonio with his army came to the Island of S. Michael the 15. day of Julie, and the 16. he set 3000. men a land, with whom Don Lorenco Noguera with iiii. ensigens of footmen did meet, being in number about 500 men, and with 150. Harquebushiers taken out of the Byskaine ships, who a little from the city did skirmish with the french army, but being overpressed with number, were forced to retire to the Castle to Peter Pisoto, with the loss of 10. Castellions, and 12. Byscaynes, Don Lorenco being hurt, whereof after he died: and in the Castle with Peter Pisoto is the son of the governor Ambrosio de Aguiar, and the Bishop, the Corigedor, and other two or three Gentlemen, and all the rest went out of the city, calling some of Don Anthonio, and the soldiers of the French army sacked the City: and that Don Anthonio sent to the Captain Don john de castilio, willing him to yield unto him the castle, knowing it to be his, and that he would give him free passage for him and his company: the which thing if he refused, that then he would bring aland 7. pieces of Ordinance from the ships, and would batter the Castle: & moreover he gave him to understand that the army of Spain would not come this year. To whom Don john, the governors son, the Bishop, and the Corigedor made answer, that the Castle was the king of Spain's, and that they would not yield it to him. The Marquis did likewise understand by the said Master, that the French men the next day (having knowledge of the approaching of our army) did embark themselves in all haste, and that the 2. Galleons and 3. great caravels of Peter Pisoto, were overthrown near unto the Castle, and the 4. Byskaine ships the French men took, after that the men were gone aland and withdrawn themselves into the Castle. The Marquis being informed of all things, wrote unto the Captain and Governor, & others in the Castle, by the said Master, encouraging them, and certifying them of the force of the king's army, not doubting but the next day to give battle, and to have the victory, and that therewith they should hold themselves contented, as he himself was much joyful of the service which they had already done to the king, which he knew should not remain unrecompensed. And with this answer they returned with the Pinnace to the Island.  
The next day being Monday, & the 23. of Julie, the two Armies came to present battle: the french Army having both the vantage of the wind and also of the Sun, came to assault our Army being divided in three quadrons, and made three several attempts, and yet could put nothing in execution. And toward night the Spanish Army making towards the sea, the french Army placed ten ships alongst the Island, thinking that night to have got the wind of us: but by reason it was calm, they could not prevail.  
The 24. day of July the Marquis returned, approaching nearer the French army, who having the vantage of the wind, gave two several attempts, and yet put neither in execution. Then the Marquis perceiving that the course towards the land was not convenient for him, he caused the army to take the course towards the Sea, thinking with himself that whiles his ships were trimming of their sails, that the enemy would assault him having the wind for their purpose: which fell out accordingly. For one of the French Captains with 7. Galleons came to assault the Captain of the Spaniards, and the Galleon Saint Matteo, but approaching near unto them, did not board them, but discharged great quantitiae of Ordinance against them, and likewise did the rest of the ships against ours: of whom they were received accordingly, in so much that our Captain did shoot of at them above 40. pieces, and also the Galleon Saint Matteo shot of many pieces, also the ship of Don Christopher de Erasso (who was now joined with the army) and also the ship of Don Francisco de Bovadilla, and Myguell de Oquendo, and others, which was a pleasant sight to behold what ordinance was shot off, they did hit our Captain with 4. shot, one in the foresail, another in the shrouds, another upon an Anchor, and the fourth in the ships side, without doing any harm: they hit the Galleon Saint Matteo with 3 shot, without doing any harm, no more did many their pieces which did hit many of our ships. And in the Galleons of the Frenchmen we might perceive many shot to light, but specially 4. out of our Captain, which made them to retire, whereby it appeared they received some harm.  
There came in the French army two Captains & two Admirals, and there was a small Galleon like a Patacha, being excellent good of sail, wherein it should seem Don Anthonio was, carrying a standard in the Poop, which did not approach the fight, but kept a far off to behold what passed. There came to the number of 40, great ships, and amongst them some very fine Galleons, the rest were small ships, but fit for the army in respect of the lightness, and there came divers other small pinnaces all about the army about 2. or 3. leagues of to discover and understand of all things, and also 2. Saities of Mercelles, very good ships of sail, and many other light Boats with ours, wherewith they did put in order the battle, and direct things as time served. The same day at night the two armies did separate themselves. The Marquis determined that at the going down of the Moon to procure to get the wind of the French army, and in the morning to assault them again, which he did, so that the 25. day of July he found himself to windward of the enemy, & so sought to board them, but because his ships were great and heavy of sail, he could not put in effect that which he purposed, but was forced to return to the rescue of Don Christopher de Erasso, who was in some distress in following the enemy, and by default of his main mast, gave him a toe with his Captain. This day there was descried a great ship of the enemies which wanted her foremast, and other 2. ships which did help her, and they being not able to help her, she was forced to sink: it is judged she had some harm with some shot the day before.  
Of the 10. Hulks of the Spanish army there did want two which carried Almains, and there wanted likewise the three ships that departed from Lisbon after the army departed, so that the Marques had in his Navy no more but 25. ships with the two galleons.  
The 26 of Julie the French army came again to assault the Spanish army, in very good order and with a favourable wind. The Marquis did cause his ships to be placed in order, although the galleon Saint Matteo was somewhat asterne, which was some grief to the Marquis, doubting that the enemy might board her, before she could conveniently be rescued: and so it fell out, for she was boarded by two galleons, a captain and an admiral, against whom she did defend herself very valiantly, being likewise assaulted by other two ships, who after they had discharged certain ordinance at her, passed forwards. At the same time came other two French ships upon the Captain, who beginning to fight with her, she gave them two such welcomes with her ordinance and arquebushe shot, that the one of them was evil to pass and almost sunk: and so they retired, having shot many pieces at the Captain, and the Captain at them. At which time came the ship of Don Francisco de Bovadilla, who was near the captain, who did likewise annoy the Frenchmen greatly with her shot.  
All this while did the Admiral, and the Vice-admiral of the French army fight with the galion Saint Mattheo, who did defend herself, and offend the others valiantly: the general master of the Camp, Don Lopo de Figueroa, Don Pedro de Tassis overseer general, with the rest of the gentlemen and soldiers that were in her, valiantly shooting at the enemies bath with great shot, arquebushot, and musket shot. The Marquis perceiving that the Spanish navy was to the windward of the French navy, & seeing the distress that the galleon S. Mattheo was in by reason of the two French men, he commanded the Captain to turn towards the enemy, & so did Don Christopher de Erasso, and the rest of the ships of the Spanish army: and the ships of Michael de Oquendo, Vilia Viciosa, and another Biskain, which were before the sternemost, by changing the wind were then the foremost, who came and boarded the Admiral of the French navy, who fought with the galleon Saint Mattheo, and afterward came the ship, wherein went Michael de Venesa, who fought with the captain of France like a good captain, and so in like sort did the soldiers that were with him, and because his ship was between, the Marquis could not at that time board the captain of France, but passed forward. In this mean time the Admiral of France was in sight with the galleon Saint Mattheo, and three ships more, who boarded her, Villia Viciosa being one of the three, and having boarded the French Admiral at the prow, was slain, with many of his company, as shall be declared. The ship of Oquendo did board her asterne, and did enter his men into her, and began to sack, and took four prisoners and the ensigns. The battle began now to increase: with that came two other French ships to rescue their captain, and putting aboard her above 300. fresh men, she got from them.  
In this mean while the Marquis gave an other assault upon the enemy with much shot, and at the last boarded with the French captain prow to prow, and so grapened together, where was a cruel fight of both sides, shooting the one at the other both with great shot and small, for the space of an hour, till she yielded, where was beheaded above 300. Frenchmen, and the Gentlemen and soldiers that were in the two fights, did defend themselves valiantly: so likewise did the two captains Augustine Deherrara, and Gamboa, and their Lieutenants. The Marquis like a general went through the fights, encouraging the people to the assaulting of the enemy, foreseeing and ordering all things needful to be done. The artilterie both below and aloft did great good, through the great diligence of those captains that had charge thereof. The battle between the other ships did proceed, giving and receiving great chargings one upon an other. The battle continued five hours, and at the last the enemy fled.  
Don Anthonio was departed in a small Pinnace, with another ship the night before the battle. Some ships were sunk, & some spoiled, having beheaded the men that were found in them, and some fled to other ships. And for that we could not toe their ships, the Marquis commanded that we should burn them, and sink such as we could, as we had begun to do. The Caruaile with the horses which they had taken, was recovered.  
It is thought that there is of the enemies above 1200. slain, drowned, and beheaded, besides many that be hurt, of them that escaped in the ships which fled. There might have been taken many of their ships more, if we had had time and mariners sufficient for to have towed them, but they were suffered to departed without men and spoiled: and it is certain, that the Admiral which was left for half drowned, and other four or siue ships more, were overthrown in the isle of Saint Michael, and it it thought others have done the like in other places.  
The number of those that were slain in the Navy of the Spaniards, was 224 men: and of those that were hurt 553. which is in all 777. Besides some that were scalded with artificial fire, amongst whom was the general controller Sir Peter de Tassis in the face.  

¶ The names of the principal men that came with Don Anthonio, of whom some were prisoners, some died, and some did run away.  
Philip Strozzi captain general was prisoner, and hurt with a shot of an harquebus, of the which shot he died so soon as he came in the presence of the Marquis.  
The Earl Devimioso was prisoner, and hurt with an harquebus, and a thrust with a sword, whereof he died in the general's ship the day after the battle.  
The County Brisak lieutenant, some say that he escaped in a boat of his ship: others say, that he was slain with a shot, the truth is not known.  
Mounsir de Piamount general master of the Camp, was slain in the battle.  
Of the eight principal captains of the eight regiments that came in the army, which was 6800 soldiers, accounting the adventerers, some were slain, & some fled away.   

The Lords of Towns and Castles, that were taken alive.  

Mounsir de Bocamaior Lord of Rousola.  
Mounsir john Delatus Lord of Heria.  
William de Sanclear Lord of Sanclear.  
jews de Clen Lord of Bronnes.  
Peter de Oube Lord of Queens.  
Gilbert de Lovel Lord of Vuell.  
Peter de Bean.  
Mounsir de Gal Lord de Gal.  
Mounsir de Gifford Lord of Giffordel.  
Mounsir de la Onet eldest son unto the Lord of Gresoul.  
Edward de Langert Lord of Piel.  
Fabio Gansete son to the lord of Gansete.  
Mounsir de Vda Lord of Vda.  
Mounsir Fransoius Lord of Montilla.  
Mounsir Laquesbai eldest son of the Lord of Biapolis.  
Mounsir Robert Debella eldest son of the Lord of Veosola.  
Mounsir Guillam Mason lord of Falla.  
Mounsir Bigart de Piloart lord of Manterie.  
Mounsir Beltram de Amigat lord of Stituias'.  
Mounsir Petro jailato lord of Sans.  
Mounsir Philip Mentado lord of Sabrussa.  
Mounsir Iohn de Bocamaior lord of Rosilla.  
Claudio de Pomoline Lord of Popalin.  
jacobo Laserean Lord of Lasserian.  
Mounsir Demondoc Lord of Mondoc.   
The Gentlemen prisoners which were no Lords of Towns nor Castles, were in number 51. And of Mariners and common soldiers 303.  
The Marquis seeing that there was peace and amity between the king his Master, and the French king, and knowing that these adventurers came only in the favour of Don Anthonio Prior de Crato, and with mind to rob and spoil his majesties Fleet of both his Indians, and to make themselves lords of his islands and dominions, as they had begun in the isle of Saint Michael, and that their meaning was to make other spoils and piracies: In punishing of their fault, and the common offence committed by them against the public peace, sworn, maintained, and kept between these two Crowns, and their subjects, did declare all the prisoners to be enemies of the quietness and common good, troublers of the intercourses, favourers of his majesties rebels: and as to such ones, and public thieves, rovers and pirates, the chief Justice of the Fleet did ordain, that for the punishment of those, and ensample to others in like cases, that the noble men should be beheaded, and that the rest should be hanged from 17. years upwards.  
And this sentence being given, it was put in execution the first day of August, of this present year 1582.    

This relation was sent by the Lord Marquis de Sainta-cruse unto his Majesty, by Sir Peter Poncei of Lion, his nephew: who departed from Villa Franca which is in the isle of Saint Michael, the fourth day of the month of August, and arrived at Lisbon the 24. day of the same, being S. bartholmew's day, in the morning.