AN EXACT NARRATIVE OF THE Affection, Services, Sufferings, and Expenses OF Capt. REEVE WILIIAMS, Both at SEA and LAND, For the advantage of the public interest of the Commonwealth of ENGLAND; From the beginning of the late War to this present: Humbly tendered unto the consideration of His EXCELLENCY the LORD GENERAL CROMWELL, And all other persons of Honour and Ingenuity, whom it may or shall concern.  
LONDON, Printed in the Year 1653.   

MY LORD,  
THat which enduced me to present your EXCELLENCY with this short Narrative of my Services, Sufferings, and Disbursements for this Nation, proceedeth neither from the vanity to magnify my own actions (being hardly worth the mentioning before your Excellency) Nor from any pressing necessity of your pity; or a present desire to be reimbursed, though I do very much need both your compassion & assistance: but the same principles of Reason, Honour, and Justice, (that obliged my primitive engagement with the first for this Nation in general, for defence of its Laws and Liberties) calling upon me to make some sure provision, that after my long and faithful service, travels and endeavours for the public Weal, I myself might not lie under a causeless calumny, doth necessitate this my humble application to your Excellency, to the end that (my cause being fully known) I might not be rendered uncapable of an owning from your Excellency, and all good men that have acted though in a higher station) on the same account.  
I have only hinted herein at what I have suffered in that kind, without recrimination, and am really as free from discontent thereby, as those who in reward of their endeavours have received greater encouragement; and if your Excellency shall deign to consider the ensuing Narrative; and upon due consideration thereof upon principles of reason, in your own judgement conclude me a lover of my Country, I shall esteem myself no loser, by all those hazards, services, and expenses I have undergone, upon the account of the Public, it having heitherto (through mercy) been always by me a conclusive satisfaction, that the dispensation of Divine Providence, had or did hand them out to me as a sufficient patrimony.  
My Lord, The assurance that I have of your Excellencies love to Justice, and enlarged affections frequently evidenced to such as have been faithful, together with the inward peace I partake as having done all things singly, with Zeal, fervour, and faithfulness, hath created in me an exceeding confidence that neither my person can any way want encouragement, nor my cause consideration, while myself and it remain under the protection of your Excellency; to whom I in all humility make my appeal, as depending on your justice (thereto encouraged by former favours) I shall with the greatest assurance depend; being with all thankfulness devoted  
My Lord, Your Excellencies affectionate and most obedient Servant, Reeve William's.   

The Affection, Services, Sufferings, and Expenses of C. Reeve Williams for the preservation of the English interest, on behalf of the Parl. and Army from the beginning of the War to this present. Tendered unto the serious consideration of his Excellency The LORD GENERAL, etc.  
BEing convinced in his understanding of the justness of the Parliaments cause in opposition to the King and his adherents, and desiring to manifest his affection thereunto. In Anno 1641. he at his own charge fitted a Ship at Dover to be employed in the service of the State against the Irish; but when he had expended a very great part of his estate therein, Impressed was denied him, and he being a stranger in those parts, and not able to bear the whole charge) was forced to return with the said Ship to Wales, there to Winter, and remain until Providence should offer an opportunity of his being serviceable to the State, which fell according to his expectation; for immediately after the Battle at Edge-hill, the late King sent one Col: Donell to Swansey to seize upon the said Ship, and in her to import Arms and Ammunition from France; but Capt: Williams having notice thereof, took his opportunity and set sail with the said Ship to Plymouth immediately; for which he was proclaimed a Traitor to the King. But being safely arrived, and having supplied the Town with some provisions, he took a Commission from the Earl of Stamford then General of the West of England; and hearing the County of Pembroke was much straitened, and in apparent danger of being lost to the enemy, the well-affected being almost quite dismayed, having very few friends, many irreconcilable enemies, and no one Ship of force belonging to the Parliament in their Harbour to support them, he set sail to Milford haven: At whose arrival, the Parliaments friends were much encouraged to defend themselves against the enemy, who were preparing to come against them; and the enemy no less discouraged and deferred. From thence he steered to Ireland, to Admiral Swanley, to whom he discovered the necessity of the Parliaments friends in Pembrokeshire, with the advantage that might accrue to the Parl. interest, if he would with any of his Ships of War but appear to countenance and encourage them. Whereupon Admiral Swanley being seriously affected therewith, sent Vice-admiral Smith with Capt. Williams to Milford, where arriving they found two men of War of the Kings riding in the Harbour, & threatening fire and sword to the Country, if they did not relinquish the Parl. interest, and adhere to the Kings; both which were taken, viz. the Fellowship by Captain Smith, and the Hart Frigate by Capt: Williams, after 24. hours' fight, to the great hazard of his own Ship.  
Soon after he reduced the Town of Tinby to the obedience of the Parl. and obliged them to receive a Garrison from Maj: Gen: Laughorne, although the town at that time had only Capt: Wyatt and Capt: Gibs and their relations that were in the said Town, friends to the Parl.  
All which services, expenses and hazards were by him performed upon the single score of Affection, he having received no assurance of pay or satisfaction from the Par. that might or did in any measure induce him thereto.  
Neither rested he there; but with his Prize taken as aforesaid, sailed to the Downs, where appearing to the Admiral and his service by Vice-admiral Smith to him manifested, the same was represented to the Parliament, to whose Officers he had delivered his Prize at Chattam, with all her stores and tackle unimbezeled, for which he received a public owning from the Parliament, and was with his Ship entertained in the public service; and in a short time was instrumental in the bringing in many rich Prizes, which were disposed for the service of the Parl.  
The next year having with the Parl. Commission put to Sea for his own account, he was taken by three of the French Kings Men of War and carried into Breast, where his Ship was sold, and he himself after many hardships and hazards escaped with life to England, by which he was damnified in his estate, as is proved in the Admiralty, above 6000. l. all which losses and hazards he sustained for no other cause but his constant adherence to, and advancement of the interest of Parl. from whom as a reward and encouragement he received a promise of reparation.  
Being disabled in his estate as aforesaid, he resolved nevertheless to engage again according to his ability: In order to which, with the assistance of some friends, he built a Frigate with 32. Oars, with which he retook the Scout Frigate formerly lost, sunk the Frigate called The Cavalier of Bristol, that infested the Western coast, especially Weymouth; also a Frigate of S. Mallows, which continually supplied the King's party with Arms and Ammunition.  
After which, and several other services done for the Public, he returned to London; where residing some small time, and finding the power of the enemy at Sea increasing, he again cast himself upon Providence, and with three Ships, viz. the Mermaid, the Warspite, and the Increase, fitted, victualled, and manned upon his own account he set out to Sea; and being outward bound in Bolloign Roade, he took the Charles Frigate belonging to Sir Nicholas crisp, which had long infested the Coast of Kent, and done much mischief to the Parliaments friends; which Frigate was also added to his Squadron, and a Commission obtained for her; soon after, ranging in the Channel he took the Prince's Dogger-Boat, a vessel of eight Guns, laden with provisions for Pendennis fort, and a packquet directed to Sir Nicholas crisp; which being transmitted to the State, he steered toward the Coast of Ireland, as well to prevent supplies consigned to the Irish from other Nations, as to make his purchase upon them. Where arriving, on the South West part of Munster at Barnet Shillock, he immediately landed some men, and forcing the Irish to retire to the mountains, he seized upon a Magazine of the enemies, consisting of a good quantity of Powder, Match, Beer, Aqua vitae, Salt Salmon, etc. all which he carried on board without any loss, notwithstanding the opposition of 120. Musketeers lodged in an adjacent thicket, that endeavoured to prevent the same, the said Ambuscado being forced to retreat to a Village, from whence they were beaten also, and the Village Plundered, Burnt and destroyed, together with the Magazine thereunto belonging; after which, he retired to his Ship without the loss of any one man, so great was the mercy of God in his preservation.  
From hence he sailed into the Bay of the Bantery, having a design on the Town of Dingle de Couch, but understanding it had been newly sacked by Admiral Moulton, he went to Anchor in the sound of the Blasketts, where hareing that a Flemish Ship was that day gone into the said Town of Dingle, he presently sent the Warspite and the Increase, to attempt the bringing her out, which was accordingly performed with much gallantry by Captain Southwood, and Captain Falconer in despite of 500 small shot that lined the banks, and endeavoured (but in vain) to Impede them.  
With this prize (being the first taken upon that Coast) he steered to Kinsale; where arriving, the Lord Broghill, than Commander in chief of the Parliament Forces in Munster, being in great necessity, used some arguments to induce him to sell part of the prize there for ready money, and to supply him therewith, by which the Soldiers would be relieved, and he being thereby enabled to take the field, the interest of Parl. would be greatly advanced, (with which he complied) as not holding his own interest any way compatible, when the public was in balance, as an evidence whereof he sold all or the greatest part of the best goods for ready money, supplied him therewith, and received Bills charged upon the Parliament, upon which account there remains to this day unsatisfied 3331.  
The forementioned services and evidences of his Faith and affection so much to the knowledge of the Parliament, by representations from several places, so far prevailed, that a Commission was sent him from the Committee of the Admiralty, to be Commander in chief of the aforesaid Squadron, and all such other Ships as he could set out, or procure to join with him, which Ships were to follow his directions; whereupon hearing that the enemy was fortifying in the Isle of Cape Clear, which being known to the Lord Inchequeen also (who was newly arrived there) and perceiving the evil consequence thereof, sent Cap: Williams a Commission to land thereon, with desire if possible to force the enemy out, and to secure the same for the service of the Parl. which he accordingly effected without the loss of one man; the enemy being forced to surrender upon quarter and promise of Transport to the main Land, leaving all their Arms, Ammunition and Spoil behind them, which booty being most in Cattle and valued at 250. l. was equally divided amongst the Mariners, Captain Williams disbursing the money, and retaining the Cattle there for the better support of the place.  
Having reduced the said Island as aforesaid, and took an exact view thereof, and finding the same (although of a small value) in respect of itself, yet very considerable to the State, as lying convenient to secure or prejudice the Southern and Western trade, he first put in 35. able Seamen to secure the Castle, who remained therein until he had procured it to be engarrisoned with a Lieutenant and 46. Soldiers of the Lord Inchequeens Army, which were maintained at his own charge; soon after, he repaired the Castle, and furnished it with suitable provisions of all sorts, to his great expense, not doubting but when upon examination it should appear what prejudice the Parliament would have sustained, had the enemy possessed the same, he should have received answerable satisfaction for his said services and expenses.  
The Island being settled, he again put to Sea, and took the Ship Cat of Rotterdam, laden with Salt and Tobacco, of which he made a man of War, and added her to his Squadron, but ranging to and fro upon the Irish coast for security of that Channel, all the Parliaments Ships being called off, the winter growing on, and having by stress of weather lost the Charles and Increase Frigates, he with the Mermaid and Warspite returned for England, leaving the Cat on that Coast, who soon after took in the River of Limbrick a considerable prize, but he himself in England, they carried her into Kinsale, and imbezel'd most of the goods, so that little advantage accrued thereby; In which services successively, there is due to him for victualling, 620l. from the State, as may appear by Bills signed by the Commissioners of the Navy.  
But the best services many times receive the least recompense or respect, as may appear by the subsequent part of this Narrative: for Capt: Williams his necessitated residence in England to procure from the Parl. the performance of their engagements to him, their nonpayment of the 333. l. due upon the Lo: Broghills Bills, nor the 620. l. due for victualling, as aforesaid, the charge of his Garrison in Cape Clear, his family and friends in England ruined by the Enemy, together with the visible necessity lay upon him to supply the said Garrison with men, in lieu of those of the Lord Inchequeens, which were to march to their Regiment at Cork, reduced him to so great a necessity (against which he could see no visible possibility of obtaining relief from the Parl. or Com. of Safety in one case or other) that he which but few months before was able and resolved to set forth to Sea, in the public service with four men of War, a Galley, and two Brigandines, was hereby so disenabled, that he was forced to sell a Considerable part thereof, only reserving to himself the Mermaid and the two Brigandines entire; which having effected, and knowing the time nigh expiring, wherein the Lord Inchequeens men were to return to their Regiment, and seeing little likelihood of gaining any thing from the Parliament or Come, of safety, that might conduce to the seasonable and effectual settlement of the said Garrison and Isle, by reason of the daily increase of new troubles; he was forced at his own charge to send his Brother, Captain John Williams into Wales to raise and transport 30. men to engarrison the said Island, and to furnish them with all necessary supplies that might enable them to secure the same, which work he suddenly effected, and arrived there in due time; the Lord Inchequeens men being called off, and the charge thereof committed to him, immediately whereupon the Lord Inchequeen Revolted from his obedience to the Parliament.  
By which means, to the forementioned troubles a new one was added, and that of a much greater concernment; for by this revolt of the Lord Inchequeen's the said Island of Cape Clear, was in danger to be lost, as to the Parliamen. Whereupon waving all other concernments, he addressed himself to the then Committee of Safety, and laid before them the consideration of the place, with all the advantages, that by the security thereof would accrue to the public, but could obtain nothing but a single Order to enable him to take care thereof, and a promise of necessary supply, although to this day he never received any.  
But being engaged to improve his utmost abilities, to preserve the said Island, and finding no possibility of obtaining any recruit either of Men, Provisions, Arms, Ammunition or ; his own estate being nigh ruined, and the Island no way able to resist the power of the Enemy; he immediately dispatched complemental letters to the Lord Inchequeen to amuse and divert him from designing or attempting any thing against the same.  
Immediately whereupon, (having first obtained a letter from the Committee of the Admiralty, to Captain Crowder Admiral of the Irish Seas, that he should contribute his utmost assistance in securing the said Island) and having also with some difficulty obtained an Order from the Committee of the Navy for the payment of 400l. in course from Sir Henry Vane then Treasurer, as satisfaction for the victualling of his two Ships, the Helena and Mermaid; but no ready money being to be had thereon he was necessitated to take up 200l. upon Bottomry, for which he paid 350l. as principal, and adventure for 8. months' 100l. upon specialty in London, and 150l. in Bristol, so great was his charge in victualling, and procuring 60. Seamen besides Soldiers, by him taken up to be employed in the said service.  
Being by the extraordinary appearance of God enabled to pass through all these difficulties, and out at Sea in the Mermaid, a dangerous combination was set on foot by some illaffected persons, officers in the said Ships, who designed to carry the Ships to Illford Sluice, where the revolted Ships then lay; but the same was through mercy discovered and prevented, and the offenders seized and secured in the Parliament Garrison at Tenby in Wales. From whence, as soon as a supply could be got, to answer the number of the forementioned Conspirators, he set sail for Ireland, and in few days arrived before the harbour of Kinsale, where coming to an Anchor without command, he writ another letter to the Lord Inchequeen, therein intimating, that according to his former letters he was come upon the coast of Ireland, with only one Ship; with which he was Commissioned to take upon the Irish by the Parliament, which service he was necessitated for 6. months to undertake as well to repair his fortunes ruined by the Irish, as to recover a cosiderable sum of money due to him for former service; and therefore desired his Lordship to take no notice of him for that time, but command the delivery of a Brigantine by him built and remaining in harbour, and that he might have provision for his money, for which favour he should remain (setting aside the aforesaid necessity) his Lordship's most faithful and obedient servant, etc. With which Letter the Lord Inchequeen was so fully satisfied, that he not only ordered the Governor of Kinsalle, but all the other English Garrisons, to let Capt: Williams have what he desired for his money; and his Brigantine was sent out accordingly, with which he immediately set sail to Cape Clear, where arriving, his Brother and Officers came aboard him, to whom he gave suitable instructions how to manage their business, competent supplies to enable them thereto, and exchange of Soldiers for fear of deficiency or combination, together with an assurance of not only frequent Visits, but Supplies, as necessity should require.  
Having thus secured the Island, he sailed toward the River of Limbrick, where he took a small Prize, which in his returning to Cape Clear was lost by foul weather. Soon after he met with a Dutch ship laden with Merchant's goods, and bound for Limbrick, which he resolved to secure in Bristol, but Providence ordered it otherwise, as by the sequel may appear; and that dispen fashion which he thought to be of a destructive tendency, proved the only means of the preservation of the said Island. For,  
Sailing along the Coast, the wind being at N. N. West, betwixt Kinsale and the River of Cork, in the fair way, the Tide being very low, and his Prize ahead some few Ships length, she struck her Rudder against a Rock, but went over without any considerable detriment: but Cap: Williams sailing speedily after, before ever they could by weasle, Gun, or other signal give notice, his Ship drawing more water, struck so violently, that 7. foot of one side of her Keel was broke off; and had she not been a very strong Ship, she had sunk down right, but with much labour the Pump kept her swimming: however he was forced to stand for Kinsale, where coming to an Anchor as formerly, without Command, and not suffering any boat to come aboard him, for fear of discovering his necessity; he writ again to my Lord Inchequeen, and in four days obtained an Order to come into Port, to enjoy security there, with liberty to put his prize to sale, and assurance that he should be free to dispose of himself and affairs at his own discretion, etc. whereupon he went into Port, haled his Ship ashore to be mended and exposed to sale, the said prize.  
While this was on foot, Captain Pen came with the Nonsuch Frigate into Kingsale with the Lord Inchequeens eldest Son, to whom he went privately and acquainted him how affairs stood with him, together with the reason of his being there, and by him to inform the Admiral of his design, with the knowledge whereof he could not trust any of his own party.  
But Capt: Williams his condition, not being publicly known, some Gentlemen carried from Ireland to Milford, reported at Tinby in Wales, that he was revolted with the Lord Inchequeen, whereupon a catch by him taken formerly from a Wexford man, was seized on for the use of the State, but his Brother together with Colonel Horton and Col: Jones, making an address unto the Admiral, who knew Capt William's integrity, caused her to be returned; in whose custody she remained several months, till afterward upon a scandalous Petition fraught with sundry false suggestions presented to the Generals, she was ordered and delivered to a Dover man, that owned her some years before; whereby he was damnified nigh 300l.  
But though it was his unhappiness to suffer causelessly, his ensuing actions manifested that his affection was not resident with his body in Kinsale, for he had no sooner repaired his Ship, but he prepared to put to Sea, in which juncture of time, Prince Rupert with the Revolted Fleet came thither; who by an Order in favour of the Limbrick Merchants, notwithstanding Inchequeens engagement to the contrary) caused his Goods to be seized; but afterwards by the procurement of the Lo: Inchequeen, they were again freed; but with so much regret on the part of the Prince's Adherents, that he went not only in great danger of his life, but was left without all visible possibility (without an extraordinary providence) either to get his Ship to England, or secure the Island of Cape Clear. Whereupon to escape their malice, and connivance to get his Ship into their Fleet, he designed her for a Voyage to the West Indies with Passengers, which with much difficulty was effected, a Kinsman of his being trusted therewith; who at his return was by him ordered to touch at Cape Clear. That design being accomplished, he then cast about how to secure the said Island until the arrival of the English Army, which he expected in the Spring, and the return of the said Ship. In order to which end, (after he had sold the remains of his goods, and performed such formalities to the Prince and Lo: Inchequeen as his condition enforced) he betook himself to the Island, where he remained, until he received intimation of the loss of his Ship and goods, to the value of 3000.l. and the arrival of the so long hoped and expected Army from England, under the command of the now Lo: General Comwell; to whom as soon as conveniency was afforded him, he made a tender of his service, (some months before manifested by Letter to the Lord Broghill) which was received with evident testimonies of good will, and his services and affection acknowledged, with promise of future favours; but the General being by public affairs withdrawn from that service, some persons to whom the management of affairs were (as to the securing of Cape Clear) committed, who (as belceved) were parties to the former false representation of his revolt; although they were now convinced of their error, yet apprehending they had justly prejudiced him against them, instead of salving the breach, withheld the relief intended for the Island, so that he was not only a third time ruined in his Estate, but also the said Island and Garrison endangered to be lost to the Enemy, who took encouragement by his necessitated absence to attempt the besieging thereof, as by the following particulars will be undeniably evident.  
First, by some underhand suggestions they endeavoured to dispossess him of the Command of the said Island, which being by the confident assertions of Sir Hardres Waller, and a perfect narrative of his services & suffering, tendered to, and considered by the Lord General, cleared and removed, he had his Commission signed and delivered with Order that direction should be given to Col: Fair Governor of Cork, to settle an establishment for the said Castle and Island, but notwithstanding all endeavours, that was for night three weeks obstructed, in which time Providence dispersed the enemy by means of a discontent that arose among themselves.  
At length with much importunity, he obtained two files of Musketeers, and an Officer, as a Recruit on the States pay, which were continued only one month in the Garrison, and then sent for away, unless Capt: Williams would maintain them at his own charge; neither were they content with this, but by some underhand working with the Commissioners for the Revenue, procured the Island to be offered at a Rent to who would give most: to colour which proceed, a letter they shown C: Williams, as pretended to be sent from the Lord Deputy Ireton, although it be evident by the purport thereof, if any such letter were sent by the Lo: Deputy; it was occasioned by some letter first writ to him, desiring his direction therein, otherwise he would never have returned in answer; amongst several other things, that unless they could prove Capt: Williams a Delinquent, it was but reason he should keep the Island, paying a Rent, etc. whereupon he seeing the design of his enemies was to take all possible occasions to eject him, he saw reason and necessity to countermine them, to which end he submitted to a Rent, without Capitulation, whereupon 30l. per an. was imposed, and he enjoined at his charge, to keep Guard in the Castle, which contract being ratified, he returned to the Island.  
But the enemy perceiving how he was slighted, and that he was no way likely to receive any assistance or relief from the adjacent Garrisons, of which it is supposed they had intimation before hand, (as by the sequel if compared will appear probable) immediately united as one man, contributing out of every family, upon an expedition for re-taking the said Island, as a place most considerable for their refuge under the conduct of Cornelius O Driscoll, who was a person in quarter, but was made Colonel for that defigne, who with the assistance of Osolivan Bear, who furnished Arms, Boats, Ordnance, and the like, and fifty of the most bloody Rogues in that part of the Country, having levied their forces, they settled at Crook Haven, some four Leagues from Cape Clear, there expecting an opportunity of transport and landing: for prevention whereof, Captain Williams designed his brother Captain John, to go to Sea with a Boat man'd with ten Musketeers, to see if he could fall into their quarters, and seize, burn or sink their Boats, provided for their Transport, which failing, upon his return he was pursued with three of the enemy's Boats, with whom he was forced to engage, and with whom he continued a desperate fight, many of the enemies being slain, and their Boats forced to retire; after which, Captain John Williams being by God's providence preserved, with all his men, who received several wounds, but none mortal, returned safe to the Island.  
Soon after he received information that the enemy had appointed a Rendezvous at a place on the main, two Leagues from the Island, whereupon he a second time sent out his Brother Captain John Williams, with a small Skiffe manned, to the end he might fall in among them, to spoil their Boats, but the weather proving turbulent, he took only three, which by reason of the foulness of the weather, being disenabled to bring them to Cape Gleere, he carried and secured at the next English Garrison; from whence he had four Leagues to Row to Cape Clear in foul weather, against the wind in a dark foggy night; but necessities overcoming all difficulties, to Sea he put, and being with much hazard got almost home, he fell among the enemy's Boats, who were viewing a place where they intended to attempt Landing, but being discovered by the enemy, a Controversy arose between them whether it was an English Boat, or one of their own Company; during which dispute he made a shift to get a small Rock between him and them, by which means he escaped, and got himself and most of his men safe on shore, and to the Castle.  
But having no considerable strength, could no way further impede their design, or prevent their landing, but was constrained to endure a siege by 600. men, who immediately made their approaches within Pistol shot of the Castle, where they raised a Battery, planted their Ordnance, and sent a summons to surrender the Castle upon good terms, but he denying to treat or surrender, they fell to battering the Castle, and spending small shot upon all places where they thought to annoy him, although to small purpose, whereupon in a dark night they attempted a storm, but were repulsed, with the loss of 19 of their stoutest men, which were left dead under the walls, without any loss received by him in the said Castle.  
The enemy seeing no probability of obtaining the Castle, only continued their siege five or six days, till they had carried away all his cattle, and stock in the Island, to the value of 800. l. as it was by Oath proved by order of the Commissioners of the Revenue. After which they marched away, and returned to their several homes, and were received into quarter upon promise to pay contribution; his losses and sufferings being not deemed considerable to be put in the balance, that he should merit repair from that enemy.  
For return of which favour, within a short time after that very enemy fell into Rebellion again, and committed many outrages. Whereupon the Lo: Broghill fell into their quarters, to whom the Commissioners of the Revenue writ a Letter, desiring him out of what prey he might or should take, to repair Capt: Williams; but although he took all their Cattle, Capt: Williams could reap no benefit thereby, in respect a precedent Order was pretended to be made by the Commissioners; whereby it was directed that all prey should be sold, and two thirds of the provenue paid into the Treasury, and the other to the party engaged in the action. In this manner, contrary to all former precedents, (it being usual to repair the English upon the Baronies that prejudiced them) he was left without possibility of relief for his damage sustained by that Enemy.  
And therefore the premises being duly weighed, and a serious consideration had both of his services and sufferings, it is very much hoped, That both your Excellency, and all persons of worth and authority, will be pleased to cast a favourable eye and respect towards him, and speedily and effectually provide for his full reparation, and just satisfaction of whatsoever shall be made appear to have been disbursed by him, or wherein soever he hath been damnified in service of the public. To give light wherein, be pleased to examine the following account.  

1. By his being employed in the taking, fortifying, and securing the same, he hath lost his Sea-imployment; in which if he had continued, would have yielded him a considerable Revenue.  
2. The loss of his own Ship, worth— 3000. l.— 0— 0  
3. The loss of the Increase and Charges Frigates, with a Brigandine employed in defence of the said Island, together with a Catch del. by order of the Gen. to the value of 500 l.  
4. For Victualling due to him— 1033. l.  
5. There is expended by him in taking, fortifying, maintaining and defending the said Castle and Island, as by an exact account will appear,— 3000. l.  
6. For damage sustained by the Siege, & loss of his cattle— 800. l.   
By all which it may appear, if duly examined, that by the preservation of that Isle and Garrison, he is damnified above 8000. l.  
Besides the loss of his employment at Sea, which if improved, might have rendered him capable of a more than ordinary relation; over and above the probable estate that he might justly have accumulated to himself in his ordinary command as Captain.  
But the forementioned losses and accidents arising thereupon, did reduce him to great necessity, his charge being certain and great, his debts contracted upon him for support of the Garrison, and other his relations numerous, and no visible possibility left him of repaying the one, or supplying the other.  
Whereupon seeing his endeavours at Land, suited not to his desires, he resolved as his last refuge to try his own proper element, the Sea; to which purpose he built him a small Frigate, which being man'd and fitted, he accordingly set Sail, and had suddenly an opportunity of relieving two Newfound Land ships, the one of Poole the other of Weymouth, the same being taken by the French, both which were restored to their proper owners. To conclude, after several skirmishes, losses, hardships and hazards, God was pleased as a return of his prayers, and reward of his industry and patience, to give him an opportunity to take upon the French, whereby he hath been enabled to pay a considerable part of his debts, and maintain his relations during the time of his Petitioning the Parliament to take his Case, Sufferings, Expenses and Services into consideration; to the end the said Island of Cape Clear, never worth in times of peace above 100 l. per an. having been by him reduced so many years since, and maintained at his charge, might in consideration of his said Services and Arrears be settled upon him and his Heirs, he engaging to plant it with English, who shall preserve the same without any charge to the State, and to receive debentures for his disbursements. In return of which favour, if he had or could obtain, (although his Arrears due for the keeping thereof, would according to the usual valuation have purchased a much better estate) it would create an exceeding obligation in point of gratitude upon him, and futurely devote him, his abilities, life and estate, faithfully to be employed and improved for advancement of the public interest.  
But God which is the wise disposer of all things, hath so ordered affairs, that his endeavours have been hitherto fruitless; only he is kept up by a principle of dependence, nay confidence, that though one Generation be passed away, that might have been instrumental in repairing not only his breach, but the breaches of the Nation, yet that the time is at hand, wherein every man that hath with Faith, Affection and Fervour laid out himself and estate, for defence of the public, shall be answerably repaired, according to their services and sufferings; In assurance whereof, he hath (principles of reason and necessity inducing) taken the boldness to draw up and present unto serious consideration this Narrative; In hope that when an opportunity shall be offered, he amongst many others may be remembered and repaired by the payment of his disbursements and arrears, or settlement of the said Island of Cape Clear upon him and his heirs, as desired for satisfaction thereof.  

CONCLUSION.  
My Lord,  
THis Narrative of my little peregrinations and services for this Nation, (yet not without many dangers and crosses to myself) together with the hard measure I have hither to found where I had hopes of better, being prepared for the true information of all such as either ingeniously desire the same, or whose worth and authority may justly expect to be satisfied therein. I have presumed (yet in all humility) to address, more especially to your Excellency, in regard I found both in yourself and your honoured son the Lord Deputy Ireton, so clear a judgement of my actions in Ireland, so free from distorting things to the worst; so sensible of what a Soldier (without suspicion to his faith) might do when surrounded with difficulties, as was sometimes my case with the Lo: Inchequeen. Thus as I must ever honour the memory of so large a worth and so clear a goodness, so when occasion shall make me happy, I shall thankfully testify to the uttermost of my abilities; And as I was blest there, with this favour from you, which (had not others envied) had eased me of this publication, and unwelcome speaking of myself; so must I with all thankfulness acknowledge, that in all my late long attendance upon the Parl, to have my services and sufferings taken into consideration, I have found none more ready and forward than your Excellency. And now my Lord, my hopes upon the late Parliament ending with its dissolution, there is not any in this world so capable of ministering relief to my languishing condition; nor (as I have good cause to believe) so inclinable to do me right as your Excellency, and therefore if where I have found the greatest virtue and readiness to help, I press with more importunity than well becomes me: Let my necessity somewhat excuse; and bear it I beseech you, as the greatest goodness hath ever been accustomed; and be pleased to favour me yet so far forth as to put my humble desires herein expressed into some speedy way of trial, as to the justness of them, and when they shall so appear, into as speedy a course for their attainment. To which end, a Petition to the Council of State is in readiness, that by your Excellencies favourable protection, both myself and Family may be supported and encouraged; and be preserved from that calamity, misery, and reproach, which malicious and ill affected persons wish unto us for our constant affection to this Commonwealth, and faithful adherence to your Excellency, for whose fruition of all temporal and eternal happiness shall ever pray,  
Your Excellencies most humble Servant, REEVE WILLIAMS.