A great and bloody FIGHT AT SEA Between the Parliaments Navy, under the Command of General Blake; and the Dutch Fleet, commanded by the Lord Admiral VAN-TRUMP.  
With the true particulars thereof; the taking of 21 Men of War, 150 Busses, 4000 prisoners; and the sinking, burning, and dispersing about threescore more of the Hollanders:  
The new Oath taken by the Dutch; the advance of Vantrump; the engaging of the Engelish; and the taking of the Samson of London, worth four hundred thousand pounds.  
Also, the bringing in of the East-India Fleet to Plymouth, by Sir George Ayscue; and four rich Merchants taken, bound for Holland.  
Examined by the Original Papers, sent to the Council of State on Sunday last; and published by Authority.  
London, Printed for J. Fielding. 1652.   

A MESSAGE SENT To the Council of State, from his Excellency General Blake, concerning the last bloody fight at Sea between the English and the Dutch.  
ON Sunday last being the first of this instant August, came Letters to the Council of State (to the great joy of their long expectance) from General Blake, intimating, That upon the return of his Scouts with advertisements, of the near approach of Vantrump, preparations were made to receive them; and accordingly on the 24 of July last, both Navies engaged, and the Generals bearing up to each other, let fly several broad sides; insomuch that great execution was done on both sides; Major Bourn (the Rear-Admiral) seeing the Resolu●ion somewhat engaged, bore up to the head of Vantrump, and presented him with several thundering salutes; and with great fury and resolution was the conflict disputed, which continued for the space of seven hours; during which time, Victory seemed dubious; but about the eighth hour, the Lord was pleased graciously to appear for Us, and to crown Us with a glorious success, to wit: That although they far exceeded us in number; yet it pleased God (after a bloody fight,) that we took nine, sunk two, fired one, the rest declined engagement, until such time that the rest of the Fleet came up, these being only two particular Squadrons; We shall expect the decision of the fatal blow suddenly; for both Navies are engaged.  
Our General even upon this very instant of time likewise engaged their other Fleet, who consisted of 25 Men of War, being a Guard for the Busses, and for safety betook them to a Bay, called Braseys Sound in Shotland; who bearing up to them, at the Mouth of the Sound the Dutchmen prepared to receive them; so that upon engagement, the dispute was maintained with great alacrity and resolution, yet the success proved fatal to Mr. Launsman; For after a desperate engagement, we sunk three gallant Men of War, took twelve, besides one hundred and fifty Busses; but not without loss; for many of our men are killed and wounded, and divers of our ships rend and torn: these Seas have plenty of Masts and pieces of ships floating. We have taken abode four thousand prisoners, and at least two hundred and fifty pieces of Ordnance.  
The Herringbusses in regard they are too low a subject for the resolution of our gallant Navy, are released, and an Oath tendered to the Masters and Mariners, never more to act or engage any th●ng that may prove to be either prejudicial or destructive to the Commonwealth of England. This uncouth dealing from an enemy, has so wrought upon the Dutch spirits, that they begin to be almost ashamed of their attempts; first, against so trusty a friend; secondly, against so gallant an enemy, who unlading what fish they had taken, honourably dismissed them. Sir, the darkness of the night, commands the subscription of  
Your obliged servant, J. Lawson. Aboard the Lion near the Sound, July 26. 1652.  
Since which time, the French men of War, which lay upon the catch between Cantire and Knockfergus, for the surprisal of those Horse to be conveyed from Air to the Highlands, missing their purpose, by divine Providence, it happened they fell upon an English Frigate of 20 Guns commanded by Captain Thompson, immediately they let fly their broad sides upon him, and the English men being willing to entertain the hazard, joined issue with them from ten of the clock in the forenoon, till eight in the evening; the conflict was disputed with great Resolution on both sides, but by reason of the great advantage of number, they put Captain Thompson hard to it; yet notwithstanding he so handsomely plied them with small shot and Volleys, that he got off with abundance of honour, and made his retreat good to the Harbour of Knockfergus, with the loss of 23 men.  
Vantrump lies with 120 sail of ships upon the Coast of Scotland, and trusses up the Fisherboats and Colliers, as a Falcon does wild Ducks; not one can peep out of Newcastle or Tinmouth Harbour, but he goes immediately to the pot. They have chased three Merchants, and forced them to run on ground; but that which seems most direful, is, their taking of the Samson of London, a ship valued four hundred thousand pounds, whose Lading was silks of rich value. In lieu whereof, Gen. Blake hath taken three Dutch Merchants ships, coming from the East Indies, valued worth nine hundred thousand pounds.  
Thus may we judge by the series of their Actions, that the Dutch are no more than juggling Timeysts; and as one side takes ships and secures them, the other takes Busses but never opens them; so that in the end the game may prove like a Southwark prize (say some) at the Hope; where a man suffers himself to be beaten, to gain the halfs of the Cheat; but the acting of this Tragedy, seems to be no such Theatre; for we are in daily expectation of the decision of the fatal blow.  
Letters from sir George Ayscue to the Council of state advertise, that he hath conveyed and brought safe into Plymouth five of the English Merchants ships, richly laden from the East Indies, and of great value.  
The Lord Shandoys hath received his Trial at Kingston upon Thames; and, by the Jury, quitted.  
FINIS.