Note 19 — THE OBSERVATIONS OF SIR RICHARD HAWKINS, KNIGHT, IN HIS VOYAGE INTO THE SOUTH SEA.

In the list of seven ships composing Lord Thomas Howard’s fleet, we find the Foresight, Captain Vavisour. He deserves great credit for attempting to yield what succour he was able to the gallant Sir R. Greenville, whose brave defence has been already alluded to in page 10. One other vessel followed, or perhaps set, the example: the George Noble, of London, falling under the lee of the Revenge, asked Sir Richard if he had anything to command him; but as he was one of the victuallers and but of small force, Sir Richard bid him shift for himself, and leave him to his fortune. Lediard adds in a note, that it is more than probable had all the other vessels behaved with the same vigour and resolution as Sir Richard and his company, they might have given a good account of the Spanish fleet. It is to be regretted the name of the commander of the George Noble is not recorded. We know not which to admire most, his bravery in fully acting up to the principle of “succouring a known friend in view,” or the magnanimity of Sir Richard in dismissing him from an unequal contest.