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Directors Ship Information
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Jacobean and Carolean
Witte de With's fleet
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Directors Ship Information
James C. Bender
June 11, 2004

The search for this information derived interest generated by note 10 on page 355, of the book by Jan Glete, Navies and Nations:

"A list of dimensions and armament of some 40 armed merchantman hired by the directien in 1652-1653 gives interesting details. Most of them had 12-pounders or a combination of 12- and 8-pounders in the main battery."

Jan Glete very graciously gave me a copy of his notes. Unfortunately, as Jan Glete was not using information like the captain, he omitted the names from his notes. There may well have been information about which directorate to which each ship belonged. As possible, that is supplied, along with such other additional information as is known. Some of these ships can be found in Vreugdenhil's list. All measurements seem to be in Amsterdam feet.

Jan Glete's notes were augmented by copies of manuscripts from the Nationaal Archief in the Hague. This is also made possible by the research work , in the archives of the "Directies ter Equipering van Oorlogschepen, 1631-1657", by Drs. Rick van Velden who found the documents seen 20 years ago by Prof. Glete, as well as some other similar documents. Sadly, he was not able to find everything Prof. Glete had seen.

There are often no references to many of these ships in the published literature. Given that there were more captains, commanding ships, than ships listed in Vreugdenhil, there was a great likelihood that there were other, as yet unknown, ships. Hopefully, more of this can be "filled in" from archival documents, as they become available for analysis. That will also help the process of building orders of battle for the First Anglo-Dutch War battles. For the earlier battles, we have lists of the Dutch captains, but not the ships.

The data has been annotated with what is known, from other sources (primarily, The First Dutch War, Schetsen uit de Geschiedenis van ons Zeewezen, and Vreugdenhil's list), and from the list with 24 Amsterdam Directors' ships [Undated but from early 1652]. The list has been greatly augmented when the document with the 24 Amsterdam ships arrived, as this explained the list that appears in The First Dutch War, Volume I, page 262.

Alexander or Groote Alexander

This was an Amsterdam Directors' ship commanded by Jan Maijkers [Undated but from early 1652]. This is the same captain called Jan Deyckers [1DW1, p.262]. The lieutenant was Foitus Erlirst [Undated but from early 1652]

Arke Troijane

This was an Amsterdam Directors' ship commanded by Abraham van Campen. His lieutenant was Court Bruijnse [Undated but from early 1652]. In May 1652, Captain van Campen's ship was with Tromp's fleet in the Channel. His ship was one of those that lost anchors, anchor chains, and cables. Presumably, they were at the Battle off Dover [1DW1, p.218]. On August 27, 1652, Captain van Campen was with Witte de With and the fleet [1DW2, p.337]. On September 17, 1652, they exited the Zeeland shallows, heading for sea [1DW2, p.341]. On September 28, 1652, his ship had become separated from the fleet, after having lost its bowsprit on September 25, apparently in collision with Allert Janszoon's ship [1DW2, p.351]. On October 18, 1652, Captain van Campen arrived in the Goeree, in company with six other ships, and rejoined the fleet [1DW2, p.363]. On December 2, 1652, Captain van Campen and his ship were in Witte de With's squadron with the fleet [1DW3, p.224]. On February 28, 1653, the first day of the Battle of Portland, Captain van Campen was killed and his ship was sunk [1DW4, p.189].

Blauwe Arend

This was an Amsterdam Directors' ship commanded by Dirck Pater, in 1652. His lieutenant was Hendrick Hendricksz. Hon. [Undated but from early 1652] In November 1652, Dirck Pater was operating with 8 other ships against smugglers in the Sound [1DW3, p.190]. Hendrik Claeszoon van der Streeck at the Gabbard commanded the ship. After the Battle of the Gabbard, this ship was listed as being unready for sea [Schetsen V, Note p.202]. The Blauwe Arend took part in the Battle of Scheveningen, and was one of the ships alleged to have fled the battle, rather than staying with the fleet [1DW5, p.357].

Catarina

The Catarina, an Amsterdam Directors' ship, went to sea, on April 7, 1653, with Witte de With's squadron. Jan Janssen Coppe commanded the ship [1DW4, p.323 and note]. The Catarina was captured at the Battle of the Gabbard [Schetsen V, Note pp.94 and 95].

Colburg [March 30, 1652]

David en Goliad

This was an Amsterdam Directors' ship commanded by Claes Bastiaenszoon van Jaarsveld [Undated but from early 1652]. His lieutenant was Godefred van Beringer. In April 1653, Captain Jaarsveld was with Witte de With's squadron [1DW4, p.338]. On May 17, 1653, Captain Jaarsveld was Pieter Florissen's Rear Admiral (Schout-bij-Nacht) [1DW5, p.130].

Elias

This was an Amsterdam Directors' ship commanded by Jacob Sieuwertszoon Spanheijm [Undated but from early 1652]. His lieutenant was Frans Francen. On February 25, 1653, Captain Spanheijm's ship was leaky [1DW4, p.178]. Captain Spanheijm was killed at the Battle of Portland. Frans Franszoon Sluyter commanded at the Battle of the Gabbard, when the Elias was captured [Schetsen V, Note p.94].

Engel Gabriel

This was an Amsterdam Directors' ship commanded by Bastiaan Bardoel [Undated but from early 1652]. His lieutenant was Cornelis Cornelisz. Joll. In November 1652, Bastiaan Bardoel was operating with other ships against smugglers in the Sound [1DW3, p.190].

Engel Michiel or St. Michiel

This was an Amsterdam Directors' ship commanded by Fredrick Bogaert [Undated but from early 1652]. His lieutenant was Adriaen Pietersz. In April 1653, Captain Bogaert's ship was part of Witte de With's squadron [1DW4, p.338].

Faam

This is the Amsterdam Directors' ship, Vliegende Faam, commanded by Jacob Swart. His lieutenant was Afweris Lerielrie. [Undated but from early 1652] Captain Swart commanded the ship [Schetsen III, Note p.87]. The list from mid-1652 shows Jacob Swart commanding a ship with 28 guns and having a crew of 110 men [1DW1, p.262]. On June 1, 1652, Captain Swart was with Tromp's fleet. On that date, he escorted in one of the seven merchantmen that had been stopped by Captain Young's squadron [1DW1, p.234]. On August 6, 1652, Captain Swart was with Tromp's fleet, returning from the Shetlands [1DW1, p.393]. On August 24, 1653, he was with Witte de With's fleet [1DW2, p.337]. On September 17, Captain Swart was still with Witte de With's fleet [1DW2, p.342]. On October 10, 1652, there was a report that Captain Swart's ship had sailed to the Texel, with other ships, without permission [1DW2, p.360]. In April 1653, the Faam was lying in the Texel [1DW4, p.324].

Groote Fortuijn (Groote Vergulde Fortuijn)

This is the Amsterdam Directors' ship, commanded by Frederik de Coninck [Undated but from early 1652] [Schetsen V, Note p.169]. His lieutenant was Dirck Hendricksz. Vogelsang.

Gideon van Sardam or Nieuw Gideon

This was an Amsterdam Directors' ship commanded by Hector Bardesius. Originally, his lieutenant was Ulrich Claesz. de Jager. [Undated but from early 1652] On September 29, 1652, Captain Bardesius and his ship joined Witte de With's fleet off the Bruges Roads [1DW2, p.351]. On December 2, 1652, Captain Bardesius' ship was in Tromp's squadron with the fleet. Apparently, he was not present [1DW3, p.224]. By early 1653, Ulrich de Jager commanded the Gideon. [early 1653]

Harderin [March 30, 1652]

Harderwijk [March 30, 1652]

Herenberg [March 30, 1652]

Hollandsche Tuijn or Hollandsche Tujn

The Hollandsche Tuin's captain had been accused of cowardice [1DW5, p.357], at the Battle of Scheveningen, but he was acquitted [1DW6 p.46]. Joris Janszoon Block commanded the Hollandsche Tuijn [Schetsen VI, p.64]. At the Battle of Scheveningen, the ship had no crew members killed or wounded, but had taken a shot through the mainmast, and had the foremast and foretopmast "shattered" [1DW5, p.364]. The Hollandsche Tuin was an Amsterdam Directors' ship [Schetsen V, p.209].

Keurvorst van Keulen

The Keurvorst van Keulen, an Amsterdam Directors' ship, carried 34 guns in June 1653 [1DW5, p.185]. The ship was lying off the Texel, at the time.

Koning David (Koninck Davit)

The Koning David, commanded by Captain Vogelsang, was sunk off the Texel, in the storm in late October 1653 [1DW6, p.175]. This was an Amsterdam ship, probably hired by the Directors [LMWD, p.16].

Kroon Imperiaal (Croon Imperiaal)

The Kroon Imperiaal, commanded by Cornelis Janszoon Poort, was sunk at the Battle of Portland [Schetsen IV, p.84]. Captain Poort's lieutenant was Gerrit Drommont [Undated but from early 1652]. The was an Amsterdam Directors' ship, which, in mid-1652, carried 34 guns and had a crew of 125 men [1DW1, p.262]. The Kroon Imperiaal had taken part in the fleet's voyage to the Shetlands in the summer of 1652 [Schetsen II, p.130]. Following that operation, the Kroon Imperiaal took part in the convoy to the Baltic, led by Captain Balck, in the fall of 1652 [Schetsen III, pp.102-103]. On December 2, 1652, Captain Poort, and his ship, were in Witte de With's squadron with the fleet. Captain Poort was Witte de With's Rear Admiral. The plan was to separate, as part of three ships convoying merchant ships to Nantes [1DW3, p.224].

Groote Liefde

This was an Amsterdam Directors' ship commanded by Brian van Seelst [Undated but from early 1652]. His lieutenant was Elias Cornelisz. On December 2, 1652, Captain van Seelst and his ship were in Tromp's squadron with the fleet [1DW3, p.224].

Moor

The Moor was an Amsterdam Directors' ship, commanded by Adriaen Corneliszoon van Akersloot [Schetsen V, Note p.203]. The Moor was in Michiel De Ruyter's squadron at the Battle of Scheveningen [1DW5, p.321]. The Moor was another ship that was accused of having fled the battle, rather than staying with the fleet [1DW5, p.357].

Moorin

The Moorin, commanded by Captain Tol [HM 1653, p.96] was sunk in the storm, off the Texel, in late October 1653 [1DW6, p.175]. This was an Amsterdam Directors' ship [LMWD, p.17].

Nassouw or Nassouw van den Burgh

This was an Amsterdam Directors' ship commanded by Lambert Pieterszoon [Undated but from early 1652]. His lieutenant was Dirck Jansz. Soumer. On July 15, 1652, Captain Pieterszoon was with Tromp's fleet on the voyage that went into the Downs, looking for Robert Blake's fleet. After that, they headed north, to the Shetlands [1DW1, p.351]. On September 29, 1652, Captain Pieterszoon and his ship joined Witte de With's fleet off the Bruges Roads [1DW2, p.351]. Apparently, in early November, Captain Pieterszoon's ship was said to be the Hector [Schetsen III, Note p.87]. On December 2, 1652, Captain Pieterszoon, and his ship, was in Tromp's squadron with the fleet [1DW3, p.224]. On January 8, 1653, Captain Pieterszoon's ship was part of a group of 8 ships that had been separated from the fleet [1DW3, p.245].

Neptunis

This was an Amsterdam Directors' ship commanded by Gerrit van Lummen [Undated but from early 1652]. His lieutenant was Jan Danielsz. van Luijck. On July 15, 1652, Captain van Lummen was with Tromp's fleet on the voyage that went into the Downs, looking for Robert Blake's fleet. After that, they headed north, to the Shetlands [1DW1, p.351].

Pelikaan (Gulden Pelikaan)

The Gulden Pelikaan, commanded by Barend Tijmenszoon Soudaen, was an Amsterdam Directors' ship [Schetsen V, Note p.94]. The Pelikaan was lost at the Battle of the Gabbard [Schetsen V, Note p.94]. There was another Pelikaan, commanded by Captain Overcamp, that survived the Battle of Scheveningen [1DW5, p.359]. This was an Amsterdam Admiralty ship, not one hired by the Directors.

Prinses Royaal

This was an Amsterdam Directors' ship commanded by Marten de Graeff [Undated but from early 1652]. His lieutenant was Abraham de Koninck. This must be the ship said to be the hired ship, sunk in a collision in 1652 [LMWD, p.12], hired by Amsterdam.

Prins Maurits or Mauritius

This was an Amsterdam Directors' ship commanded by Nikolaas de With. His lieutenant was Marten Juriaensen. [Undated but from early 1652] The ship was wrecked in November 19, 1652, due to bad piloting [1DW3, p.57].

Rozeboom or Rooseboom

This was an Amsterdam Directors' ship commanded by Gerrit Schuyt, in 1652 [Undated but from early 1652]. His lieutenant was Barent Philipsen. In November 1652, Gerrit Schuyt was operating with 8 other ships against smugglers in the Sound [1DW3, p.190]. In April 1653, Captain Schuyt's ship was part of Witte de With's squadron [1DW4, p.338]. The English at the Battle of the Gabbard captured the ship. At that battle, Captain van Rietbeeck commanded the ship.

Samson

This seems to be the ship referred to in Thurloe as the "Ganapan". If you could see the "shape" of the Dutch handwriting, you would see that the capital "S" is written and the second "s" is shaped like an "f" without the horizontal bar resemble a "G" and a "p".

Schacht den Harculus

Sint Francisco

This ship was also known as the Zwarte Arend [Schetsen IV, p.69] and Zwarte Reiger. The commander for the duration of the war, until the ship was lost at the Battle of Scheveningen, was Christoffel Juriaenszoon (also called Stoffel Juriaenszoon) [Undated but from early 1652]. His lieutenant was Jacob Moesman. The St. Francisco was an Amsterdam Directors' ship. The list [1DW1, p.262] actually comes from what was published as the May 1652 Hollandsche Mercurius, on pages 31 to 33. The list contains information from the summer of 1653, but the Hollandsche Mercurius was compiled the year after, so they apparently included the marginal notes (presumably from the handwritten list) that were added after the initial compilation. The St. Francisco lost its mainmast on the third day of the Battle of Portland, and was captured [1DW4, p.190]. The ship was taken in to Dover, with many other prizes [HM 1653, p.17], at which time the ship was listed as having 24 guns.

Sint Jeronimus

Presumably, this was the Medemblik Directors' ship commanded by Jan Pieterszoon Renaren [1DW1, p.263]. As this was the only Medemblik Director's ship, at the beginning of the war, the St. Jeronimus seems to have been Captain Renaren's ship. In mid-1652, the ship carried 30 guns and had a crew of 110 men [1DW1, p.263]. Captain Renaren's ship joined Witte de With's fleet, prior to the Battle of the Kentish Knock [1DW2, p.351]. The ship was paid off in November 1652. The ship's crew mutinied and would not go to sea, again, in a ship they said was in such disrepair [Schetsen IV, p.27]. Tromp had the ship towed into port to be paid off [1DW3, p.47].

Rick van Velden was not able to find the sheet with this ship listed.

Sint Johannes

Sint Maria

The St. Maria was an Amsterdam Directors' ship commanded by Sipke Fockes [Undated but from early 1652]. His lieutenant was originally Pieter Jansen. At the Battle of Dover, the St. Maria was dismasted, and captured. The English abandoned the ship, thinking that the ship would shortly sink. They were wrong, as the Dutch found the St. Maria, still afloat, the next day [1DW1, p.221]. They towed the St. Maria back to the Texel [1DW1, p.262]. There no clear evidence as to St. Maria's future employment. The question is whether the ship that he commanded until his death was the St. Maria, or a 28-gun ship, the Groote St. Lucas. On September 29, 1652, Captain Fockes and his ship joined Witte de With's fleet off the Bruges Roads [1DW2, p.351]. On December 2, 1652, Captain Fockes and his ship were in Tromp's squadron with the fleet [1DW3, p.224].

Indications are that the Sint Maria survived the Battle of Portland in Dutch hands, as there is a list of repairs needed. Therefore, Sipke Fockes must really have moved to the other ship.

Sint Matheeus

This Sint Matheeus seems to be the smaller of two ships with this name. This is the one not captured. The other Sint Matheeus was captured at the Battle of the Gabbard [Schetsen V, Note p. 94]. The ship listed here is the ship commanded, for most of the war, by Cornelis Naeuoogh [Undated but from early 1652]. His lieutenant was Jan Arensen. In May 1652, Captain Naeuoogh's ship was with Tromp's fleet in the Channel. His ship was one of those that lost anchors, anchor chains, and cables. Presumably, they were at the Battle off Dover [1DW1, p.218]. On December 2, 1652, Captain Naeuoogh was in Witte de With's squadron, with the fleet, prior to the Battle of Dungeness [1DW3, p.224]. In mid-January 1653, there was concern that Captain Naeuoogh's ship might have been captured, as he had become separated from the fleet in bad weather and had been damaged [1DW4, p.25]. Lt.-Admiral Tromp felt like Captain Naeuoogh should be punished for not heading for the fleet anchored at St. Martin's [1DW4, p.26]. Captain Naeuoogh continued this behavior at the Battle of the Gabbard (running off from the fleet, in this case to avoid battle). A court martial tried him, punished him, and dismissed him from the service [1DW5, p.192].

Sint Matheeus

Commanded by captain Cornelis Laurenszoon. Captured by the English at the Battle of the Gabbard. [Schetsen V, Note p.94].

Sint Pieter

Sint Salvador

This was an Amsterdam Directors' ship commanded by Matthijs Corneliszoon (or Matheeus Corneliszoon). His lieutenant was Jan Jansz. Lons. [Undated but from early 1652] [8 November 1652].

Valk or Valck

The Valck was an Amsterdam Directors' ship commanded by Cornelis Janszoon Brouwer [Undated but from early 1652]. His lieutenant was originally Bartolomeus Riesbeeck. In May 1652, Captain Brouwer's ship was with Tromp's fleet in the Channel. His ship was one of those that lost anchors, anchor chains, and cables. Presumably, they were at the Battle off Dover [1DW1, p.218]. In November 1652, Cornelis Janszoon Brouwer was operating with 8 other ships against smugglers in the Sound [1DW3, p.190]. In April 1653, Captain Brouwer's ship was part of Witte de With's squadron [1DW4, p.338].

Wesp [March 30, 1652]

Witte Lam

This was an Amsterdam Directors' ship commanded by Cornelis van Houten [Undated but from early 1652]. His lieutenant was Jan Jansz. van de Ridderstraet.

Zutphen [March 30, 1652]

Zwarte Leeuw (Swarte Leeuw)

The Zwarte Leeuw was an Amsterdam Directors' ship. In late July 1653, the ship was hampered by the low water in the Zuider Zee, in trying to reach the Texel, from the back entrance near the Vlie. The captain was Hendrik de Raedt [Undated but from early 1652] [Schetsen V, Note p.169]. His lieutenant was Robbert Pietersz. In what may have been mid-1652, the Zwarte Leeuw carried 30 guns and had a crew of 130 men [1DW1, p.262]. On September 29, 1653, Captain de Raedt sat on a court martial board [1DW6, p.76].

Sources:

• [1DW4] Ed. Atkinson, C.T., First Dutch War, Vol.IV, Navy Records Society, London, 1909.
• [1DW5] Ed. Atkinson, C.T., First Dutch War, Vol.V, Navy Records Society, London, 1911.
• [1DW6] Ed. Atkinson, C.T., First Dutch War, Vol.VI, Navy Records Society, London, 1930.
• [OH17] Bredius, Dr. A., Moes, E.W., Oud-Holland, Vol.17, Amsterdam, 1899, Kraus Reprint, Reprinted 1976.
• [HM] Casteleyn, Pieter, Hollandsche Mercurius, volumes 1 to 5 bound in one volume, Haarlem, 1650-1654.
• [Schetsen] Elias, Johan E., Schetsen uit de Geschiedenis van ons Zeewezen, 6-vols., Martinus Nijhoff, 's-Gravenhage, 1916-1930.
• [Vloot] Elias, Johan E., De Vlootbouw in Nederland in de Eerste Helft der Zeventiende Eeuw, 1596-1655, Amsterdam, 1933.
• [Weber] Van Foreest, H.A., Weber, R.E.J., De Vierdaagse Zeeslag 11-14 Juni 1666, Amsterdam, 1984.
• [1DW1] Ed. Gardiner, Dr. S.R., First Dutch War, Vol.I, Navy Records Society, London, 1898.
• [1DW2] Ed. Gardiner, Dr. S.R., First Dutch War, Vol.II, Navy Records Society, London, 1899.
• [1DW3] Ed. Gardiner, Dr. S.R., and Atkinson, C.T., First Dutch War, Vol.III, Navy Records Society, London, 1905.
• [Grove] Grove, G.L., Journalen van de Admiralen Van Wassenaer-Obdam (1658/59) en De Ruyter (1659/60), Amsterdam, 1907.
• [Hondius] Hondius, Jodocus, Onstelde-Zee, Oft Zee-Daden. Voorgevallen Tussen De Hoogh Mogende Heeren, De Heeren Staten Generaal der Vereende Neerlanden, Amsterdam, 1654.
• [Paintings] Robinson, M.S., The Paintings of the Willem Van De Veldes, Greenwich, 1990.
• [Rotterdam] Robinson, M.S., Weber, R.E.J, The Willem Van De Velde Drawings in the Boymans-Van Beuningen Museum, Rotterdam, 3 Vols, 1979.
• [Veere] Veere, Francis, Salt in Their Blood, Cassel, London, 1955.
• [LMWD] Vreugdenhil, A., Ships of the United Netherlands, 1648-1702, London, 1938.