A GREAT AND Bloody Fight at Sea ON Monday 16 August, near Plymouth: Between Sir GEORGE AYSCUE and the Holland FLEET. From one a Clock in the afternoon, until eight a clock at night. WITH A List of the particulars of the loss on both SIDES. LONDON, August .20. Printed for Robert Ibbitson dwelling in Smithfield near Hosier Lane. 1652. A Great and bloody Fight at Sea on Monday 16 August 1652. near Plymouth. A Letter from Plymouth. SIR, ON Sunday Morning last, being the 15 of this present August, Sir George Ayscue set sail to Sea. Yesterday being Monday the 16 of August, he discovered the Hollanders, and about one of the clock that day he met with a fleet of theirs, consisting of 60 sail of men of war, and 25 Merchants men. Sir George Ayscues fleet consisted of 41 with which he charged the Hollanders whole fleet and made a stout fight. Sir Geor Ayscue charged them quite through, And not being able to go to the windward of all, received 40 broad sides, and after go away. Then Sir George Ayscue charged them again, and made another furious assault. It is supposed that we have sunk their Rear Admiral; they (if not) will have much ado to save her. The fight was extreme hot, but not boarding either of other. We suppose the Hollanders loss must needs be very great, for they were extremely torn with our bullets, and we have great loss also. Captain Lisle, a precious sweet commander, is sore wounded and almost dead. Cap Pack that excellent stout Seaman, hath his leg shot off. Night approaching the fight ceased, and in the night both the fleets lay still, having both of them their lights out. On this morning being the 17 instant, we discovered the Enemy about 4 leagues off. Hereupon a Council of War was to consult what to do, in further proceed against the enemy, and it was unanimously resolved by the Council of war to engage them again. Hereupon preparation was made, our fleet presently sailed, and stood up towards them. About 12 a clock this present Tuesday, 17 August it is believed there might be an engagement. The Lord direct them and stand by them, to deliver and support our friends, and I doubt not but the Lord will perfect that work he hath thus far hitherto triumphantly carried on. Our men called upon God before they engaged, the Dutch drunk sound to make them fight, strong drink was given to their men as their custom is, to raise up a courage in them to fight the most desperately. The East India Fleet with those other ships stay until these combustions be a little over, or that they can have a sure convoy, for without doubt the mouths of the Dutch water at them. I believe by the next you will hear of a greater engagement than this. Plymouth 17. Augst, 1652. Another Letter from Plymouth. SIR, UPon discovery of the Dutch Fleet yesterday about one a clock, a Council of War was presently called, and it was resolved to fight them presently if they would stand, and accordingly, Sir George Ayscue sailed and put up towards them. About 4 a clock last night, Sir George Ayscue came up close to them and engaged, and the fight was very hot. Our men fought all stoutly, as ever was known, we had loss of some precious men, but without doubt the Dutch sustained a very considerable loss. The fight continued about 4 hours, so that about 8 a clock it growing dark, they were forced to leave off. The George and the Bonaventure being much shattered, and ready to sink came in hither, and are mending. Cap. Packs Leg is shot off in the fight, and Cap. Lisle hath a wound in his shoulder, that we fear will prove mortal. The Admiral and the rest fought with great valour and gallantry, but we have sustained loss, though I believe not so much as the Dutch. The Admiral lost in her 12 men in this fight and received 60 shot in her Hull, And so divers others have received loss, and we have many wounded men. Sir George Ayscue kept as much as he could in ken of them all night, and is resolved, if possible, to engage them this day. And accordingly 500 men, big with courage and stoutness, are gone in small ships to recruit our fleet with men. And so they are gone towards the Enemy. It being now about noon is the time we expect about which they may be engaged. The number of the Dutch that engaged yesterday with Sir George Ayscue, were 55 men of War, we were but 41. Our Admiral, Vice Admiral and Rear Admiral, with about five or six others, broke through their whole fleet, so as the 25 Merchant's men ran away to the coasts of France. What the event of this day will be the Lord alone knows, but our trust is in the Lord of Hosts, whom we hope is with us. But the next opportunity, I shall (which I believe will be within few hours) certify you what I shall further hear of the success or event. Plymouth 17 Aug. 1652. A List of the particulars of the great Fight between Sir George Ayscue and the Hollanders on Monday 16 Aug. 1652. 41. English ships fought with 55. of the Hollanders, The Dutch Rear Admiral sunk. 25 ships fled to the coasts of France. Many of the Dutch killed, and great loss on their part. Loss on the Parliaments Fleet. The George near sinking, but recovered to Plymouth. The Bonaventure near sinking, but recovered to Plymouth. Cap. Lisle wounded in the shoulder. Cap. Packs leg shot off. 60 shot in the Admiral's Hull. 12. men slain in the Admiral. FINIS.