The next Morning, _July_ 21, all the _English_ Ships being then come out of _Plymouth_, and in number near a hundred, had recovered the Wind of the _Spaniards_[55], two Leagues to the Westward of _Eddystone_. About Nine o’ Clock, the Lord-Admiral sent his Pinnace, named the _Defiance_[56], to denounce War against the Enemy, by the Discharge of all her Guns. He himself immediately seconded her from his own Ship, the _Ark-Royal_, by thundering furiously on one of the Enemy’s, commanded by _Alphonso de Leva_, which he mistook for the _St. Martin_, the Admiral’s Ship; but she was, after a smart Engagement, [Sidenote: PLATE 3.]rescued by the _Spaniards_. In the mean time, Sir _Francis Drake_, Captain _John Hawkins_, and Captain _Martin Forbisher_, vigorously engaged the Enemy’s sternmost Ships, under the Conduit of their Vice-Admiral _Recalde_; in one of which _Recalde_ himself was supposed to be. He did all that a gallant Officer could do to keep his Ships together; but the Fight was so briskly maintained, that, notwithstanding all his Endeavours, they were forced to retreat to the main Body of the Fleet; and at length, his own Ship being very much damaged with Shot, and grown unserviceable, he retired thither himself, tho’ with much ado. In this first Engagement _Recalde_’s Ship lost fifteen Men[57]. At the same time, the Duke of _Medina_ gathered together his Fleet[58], which was dispersed about; and hoisting more Sail, held on his Course with all the Speed he could make. Nor was it in his Power to do otherwise, seeing the Wind favoured the _English_, and their Ships were so light and nimble, that they would charge, wind, and tack about with incredible Swiftness; whereas the _Spanish_ great and heavy Slugs, stood like so many Butts for the _English_ Shot. Although the _Spaniards_ were so briskly charged by the _English_, they made a running Fight of it; and, after a smart Engagement of two Hours, the Lord High-Admiral thought fit to desist, because forty of his Ships were not yet come up, being scarce got out of _Plymouth_ Haven[59]. So not proceeding any farther, he gave the Signal for a Council of War;——Wherein his Lordship’s prudent and considerate Advice being very much approved, Orders were delivered to each Captain, in what manner they should pursue the Enemy.