Father had me attend grammar school, but after he died, our money dwindled rapidly, and I had to abandon my pursuits. .
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The captain is calling us to pump the ship now; I can already hear the loud chorus of "bully in the alley".
Sunday, July 21, 1588.
We have encountered the enemy. We were about two leagues west of Eddystone when their fleet was spotted. We saw that they prudently maintained a rigid crescent formation, and we knew it would not be easy to defeat them. The battle was long and grueling, and the outcome ambiguous. Adhering to our plans, we kept our distance and raked them with broadsides. However, we realized this did not cause desirable damage, so the Ark Royal advanced in to attack what we think to be the duke's ship, as it was one of an impressive bulk and station. Our ship, along with the Triumph and the Revenge, managed to maneuver towards their sternmost ships, where we proceeded to wound them severely. For well over two hours resonating explosions hammered against our ears, as they began to scatter in the chaos. We had them by their necks. The wind favored us, and we drove them mercilessly westward, sporadically attacking then retiring to replenish our energy and artillery. At the end of the two hours, the admiral ordered a withdrawal, seeing as forty of our ships still haven't pulled out yet. I thought it would have been wiser to continue the fight, considering we were gaining the upper hand. Now they will have ample time to recollect themselves, all the while nearing the protection of Parma. Well, orders must be obeyed. .
Later we discovered that the Ark Royal had captured a great Spanish galleon, the Capitana. It had apparently fallen foul of some other ship, and still carries its collapsed foremast. Due to its battered state and the stormy weather, it lagged behind the rest of the fleet, and Admiral Howard was able to conquer it with little effort. When they boarded it they found about four hundred men, one of which was Pedro de Valdez, the commander of the ship, and an officer of high rank.
