6.  That it is the duty of the commanders and masters of all the small frigates, ketches and smacks belonging to the fleet to know the fireships that belong to the enemy, and accordingly by observing their motion to do their utmost to cut off their boats (if possible), or if opportunity serve that they lay them on board, fire and destroy them; and to this purpose they are to keep to windward of the fleet in time of service.  But in case they cannot prevent the fireships from coming on board us by coming between us and them, which by all means possible they are to endeavour, that then, in such a case, they show themselves men in such an exigent,[2] and shear aboard them, and with their boats, grapnels, and other means clear them from us and destroy them; which service, if honourably done, according to its merit shall be rewarded, and the neglect thereof strictly and severely called to account.

7.  That the fireships belonging to the fleet endeavour to keep the wind, and they with the small frigate’s to be as near the great ships as they can, and to attend the signal from the commander-in-chief and to act accordingly.

8.  If any engagement shall happen to continue until night and the general please to anchor, that upon signal given they all anchor in as good order as may be, the signal being as in the instructions for sailing; and if the general please to retreat without anchoring, then the signal to be firing two guns so nigh one the other as the report may be distinguished, and within three minutes after to do the like with two guns more.  And the commander of this ship is to sign copies of these instructions to all ships and other vessels of this fleet.  Given on board the ——­

FOOTNOTES: 

[1] See note, p. 99. [Transcriber’s note:  The text for this note reads:  ’Waft (more correctly written wheft).  It is any flag or ensign stopped together at the head and middle portion, slightly rolled up lengthwise, and hoisted at different positions at the after-part of a ship.’—­Admiral Smyth (Sailors’ Word-Book).]

[2] ‘Exigent’ = exigence, emergency.  Shakespeare has ’Why do you cross me in this exigent?’—­Jul.  Caes. v. i.

MARTEN TROMP, June 20, 1652.

[+Dr. Gardiner’s First Dutch War, vol. i. p. 321.  Extract+.]

June 20/30, 1652. The resolution of Admiral Tromp on the distribution of the fleet in case of its being attacked.

Each captain is expressly ordered, on penalty of 300 guilders, to keep near[1] the flag officer under whom he serves.  Also he is to have his guns in a serviceable condition.  The squadron under Vice-Admiral Jan Evertsen is to lie or sail immediately ahead of the admiral.  Further Captain Pieter Floriszoon (who provisionally carries the flag at the mizen as rear-admiral) is always to remain with his squadron close astern of the admiral; and the Admiral Tromp is to take his station between both with his squadron.  The said superior officers and captains are to stand by one another with all fidelity; and each squadron when another is vigorously attacked shall second and free the other, using therein all the qualities of a soldier and seaman.