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A Relation of the Retaking of the Island
of Sainta Helena; and three Dutch
East India ships.
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On the 4th of May [1673] last, in the morning, we came in sight of the isle of Saint Helena. In two hours afterwards; we had concluded what to do for the retaking of the island: and ordered 200 men with field colours and officers, who were appointed to be put on board a vessel, out of which they might be landed; whilst we attacked the ships in the road, in case there should be any there.
About eleven in the forenoon, the Assistance frigate made sail, that we might be near in the night, to discover the strength of the road: the rest of our ships having furled all their sails, lay so till the evening, and came in to us in the night.
The next morning, about seven o'clock, all our ships being to the windward of the isle about five miles: our boat came on board, and told us that the road was clear. So we immediately put 200 men more, on board the Castle fireship; and left her and the other vessel to land our 400 men to the windward of the island, in Prosperous Bay.
The four Men of War made sail for the forts, against which we anchored about one in the afternoon; and after four hours' dispute [firing], went to the westward, and there let go our anchor again: being confident our men must have landed and gained the hills before that time; and that by the next morning, we might expect them on the back of the forts, against which time it was resolved to have the William and Thomas and one ship more, close under the fort. The
