The ansvver of the Parliament of the Commonwealth of England, to three papers delivered in to the Councel of State by the lords ambassadors extraordinary of the States General of the United Provinces. As also a narrative of the late engagement between the English fleet under the command of General Blake; and the Holland fleet under the command of Lieutenant Admiral Trump. And likewise severall letters, examinations and testimonies touching the same. Together with the three papers, aforesiad of the said lords ambassadors extraordinary; and the letter of Lieutenant Admiral Trump therein mentioned, translated into English.

APPENDIX.

IT is further here commanded, That all Commanders and Captains under the said Colour or Flags, shall at all hours keep ready their Canons and Fore-Arms, and coming towards any Foreign Ship of War, making all things ready, and making haste as much as weather and wind will give them leave, to go to the rest of our Ships, and there remain in a good posture: That observing well the sign of War, Defensive and Offensive (by reason of freeing from searching or visit∣ing of the Ships of these Countries, or otherwise) they may pass according to the sign, which sign of War shall be a Red Flag, under the Prince, hanging and streaming on the Admirals Great. Which seeing every one, he shal endeavor to his utmost to do what possible he can a∣gainst the parties advantage, taking them, and to bring the gotten Ships under the Flag, thereupon to resolve and to dispose as is fit; but assoon as the said Red Flag on the said Admirals great Rodol is taken in or off, all Actions of Hostility shall cease.

It is also expresly forbidden to make any unnecessary shots of Honor, but rather to keep and well to manage the Powder and Shot of the Countrey; but yet coming to any Foreign Ship of War, whereby it is re∣quisite to give some salutation by shooting for the Re∣putation of the Countrey; In that case they are to observe and maintain in all honesty the Honor of our Countrey, according as the Commanders or Captains of the Foreign Ships of War shall do the like to the Lieutenant Admiral, or to those that are in his Place

and Command; and also be wary to do no harm by the said shooting for Honor.

Further, whensoever some cross the Seas, and any of the Fleet (whether he be under the Colour or a part crossing) discovering any Foreign Ship, following the third Article of his Letter of Commission, and under∣standing of any preparation or gathering of Ships of War, wheresoever it may be, or that already some Ships or Fleet shall have passed; Then he is to learn, and observe very strictly the number of the said ships, their Arming, Guns and Men, of the said preparation; and likewise what course such a Fleet that may be passed may have taken, and thereof advise, and send in all haste word to the Admiral or Commander for the service of the Countreys, that thereupon order may be taken ac∣cordingly: And the general token or sign shall be to discover the Sea, coming together or to a Rendezvouz to advertise together of such Fleets as may be passed, whether they may be gone to any Haven of our Coun∣treys or not, or concerning any matter important to the service of these Countreys; and therefore at every half hour marked by his Hour-glass, to shoot off a great Piece of Ordnance, whereupon every one hearing the unusual sign of that shot, is to answer in like maner, and in all haste go towards the place where the foresaid shot hath been made, that speedily he may meet with the other ships, and there to do what the Admiral or Com∣mander with the Councel of War, for the good and service of these Countreys shall finde fit to be done. Datum ut Supra.

Signed, M: Harperts Trump.