Source 1

Extract from a letter to English government giving details about the progress of the Armada (SP 94/3)


By l[ett]res written from Lisbon the 7 of May stilo nuovo by a Captain of an Italian shippe serving in the Spa-nish fleet, it is advertised th[at] at that instant all thinges were in readiness for the departure of the fleet th[at] all both soldiers and shippes had receaved two monthes pay, having due above seven.

In the said Captaines shippe were imbarked Don Alonso di Lieva generall of the Spanish footmen and with him to the number of 700 soldiors and mariners w[h]ich areabout 150. That they had taken in five peeces of Artigliery above the ordinary furniture of the shippe w[h]ich were great. That the whole fleet consisteth of between 125 and 130 vesselles great and small. The great shippes are about 73. There are also 4 galeasses and 4 gallyes. The number of the soldiors between ten and eleven thowsand besides the marriners. although it be given out that they are a great manie more.

The Duke of Medina Sidonia is generall of the entire prise, accompanied with a good number of gent[lemen].

A curri[e]r come from Spaigne and passed thorough Roan to the Duke of Parma, reported for certain th[at] the fleet were departed from Lisbona.

In Calais there is arrived a Spanish Shippe w[hi]ch departed from Lisbona fower dayes after the fleet w[hi]ch may be an argument th[at] not want of winde but for some other cause it stayeth at the Groyne.

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