A Letter from aboard the Entrance, riding off Mount Orgueil Castle in Jersey, 27 Octob. 1651.
THE Lord hath been pleased to deliver into our hands, the Isle of Iersey on the 22 instant between 11 & 12 of the clock in the night by ftorm.
Tuesday the 22 about two in the morning the Com∣mission-Officers met aboard this ship, riding in St. Bre∣lades Bay, and having sought God for a blessing upon theirundertakings, it was upon consultation agreed, that by their Boats and strength an attempt should be made upon the Enemy in Sentwons Bay, as the most con∣venient place to land in. Accordingly Gen: Blake or∣dered the open boats and Vessels that carryed the Foot and Horse to bee manned out of our owne ships, those from England refusing to run their Vessels aground, The weather admitting no delay, the Foot were embarqued and forthwith stood for Sentwons, but before we could hale close to shore, the Tide was so far spent, that it was conceived not rationall to fall on then, whereupon the boats lay by; and the ships, viz. the Elizabeth, Phae∣nix, Battery ship, and Eagle, began to play upon the Forts with great guns, and so continued near four hours, continually pelting, insomuch that they did execution both on horse and foot, and prevented their getting in∣to bodies. The Evening proving fair, and the wind fresh from off the Sea, all the Captains of the Fleet took their boats, we manned and headed the Forlorn which was led by Cap. Dover, which gave them some incou∣ragement more than ordinary. A party of the Enemies horse charged to the very heads of our boats, and for neer an hour there was a fierce encounter on both sides, till Col. Hayne and the rest could get in to their assist∣ance, who for to give them all possible and speedy re∣lief leapt into the water up to the waste, and some high∣er: Whereupon the Enemy began to retreat, our for∣ces thereby gaining ground, till after 3 or 4 volleys of shot the enemy ran, insomuch that we became masters of their Forts, all along the Bay.
What the enemies losse might be, we are not cer∣tain, but there were wounded on our side about 16. and 4 kild: The Lieutenant of the Forlorn, and one more, are since dead of their wounds. Cap. Dover was struck down with a bullet, but recovered himself again. One thing I forgot to acquaint you with, that when wee weighed from Brellades Bay, the Generall to amuse and distract the enemy, left a part of the Fleet there, which by their Guns and shooting in their boats did so alarm them, that the Pastor of a Village in that Bay with his flock and the Forces ran away to Eliz••beth castle, wher their Governour Carteret is. Some prisoners report that Carteret was himself in the action, but fled as soon as any. The next morning Col. Hayne summoned the Tower and Castle of St. Albans, where were 20 Guns, much Ammunition, Provision, &c. and on a sudden it was quitted unexpectedly, those in it betaking them∣selves to the main Castle, where (it is reported) all the chief Islanders and goods are lodged; whereof we doubt not in a short time to give a very satisfactory account. Wee are now before the Castle called Mount Orgueil, and so soon as we have done, it is possible the General will make a trip to Guernsey, and summon Corn••t-Ca∣stle, of which wee have the more hope, they having small hope of relief.
From aboard the Entrance, riding off Mount Or∣gueil Castle in Jersey 27 Octob. 1651.