The number of our capital ships or men-of-war was about fifty, which were very well rig’d, mann’d, and provided with all things requisite; the number of our fire-ships was about five and twenty; lesser Men-of-war or Frigats about six and twenty; the number of Merchant Ships, Pinks, Fly-boats and others was about three hundred and odd; so the total number of the Fleet as they sailed from the Brill was about four hundred and odd ships. But at our setting out the second time, at Hellevort-Sluys, there were near an hundred vessels more, which were Schievelingers or Boats which the Fisher-men of Schieveling went to sea in.

Upon Thursday, Novemb. 1, Old Stile, Novemb. 11, New Stile, after the Prince of Orange had din’^d with all English, Dutch, Scotch, and French Lords, Knights and Gentlemen attending his Sacred Person, about three or four of clock in the afternoon, he went on board a new vessel of about Twenty-eight Guns, with the Rotterdam’s Admiral call’d the Brill, as some will have it, and being now in his Cabin, fired, for to give notice unto all the Fleet to weigh their anchors and make Sail, which was accordingly done by every Ship with all possible expedition. The whole Fleet was divided into three Squadrons; the Red Flag was for the English and Scotch, commanded by Major-General Mackay; the White Flag was for the Prince’s Guards and the Brandenburghers, commanded by Count Solms; the Blew Flag was for the Dutch and French, commanded by Count Nassau. Now every Ship had a certain Mark, or Token, that it might be known unto what Squadron she belong^d.

So once more the whole Fleet (thro’ God’s blessing) was under sail for England, with a very favourable East Wind. The darkness coming on us, all the Ships set out their Lights, which was very pleasant to see, and the Ship in which the Prince of Orange was, had three Lanthorns, the Men of War two, and each other Ship one.

On the morrow-morning, being the Lord’s day, Novemb. 4, Old Stile, which was the happy Birthday of his thrice Illustrious Highness, the Prince of Orange; most men were of opinion that we should land either in the Isle of Wight, Portsmouth, or some other convenient place, about which matter they were much mistaken, for the Prince of Orange did not sail, but observe the duty of the day; so all were driven of the Waves. Prayers and Sermon being done, he went to Dinner with some Nobles attending him, and about Four of Clock in the afternoon made sail, all the whole Fleet following the example of his ship; now every Schipper endeavour’d for to keep sight of the three Lanthorns or Admiral of Rotterdam’s Ship for the sake of his Highness therein. The darkness shutting upon us all our Lights were set out as before.

So when the day began to dawn, we found that we were very near the English Shore, but whereabout we could not yet tell. The Ship in which the Prince of Orange was sailed so near the Shore that with much facility a man might cast a stone on the Land; we were driven very slowly, all our Sails being struck. The morning was very obscure with the Fog and Mist, and withal it was so calm that the Vessels now as ’twere touch’d each other, every Ship coming as near unto the Ship wherein the Prince of Orange was as the Schipper thereof would permit them. Here we were moving for a while very slowly by the Shore, and could see all the Rocks there abouts very plain. We perceived that we should land thereabout, but no place near was commodious for either Men or Horses, it being a steep Rock to march up. The Ships did all observe the motion of the three Lanthorns, which were driven by the Coast of England back again, for we had sailed somewhat beyond Torbay. And being thus calm’d for a while, it afterwards pleased the God of Heaven, that He gave us a West or Westerly Wind, which was the only Wind that could blow to bring us safe into the Bay; for even to this place we had an East and South-East Wind, which was indeed a good Wind to bring us from Holland, and along all the Channel, but not to carry us into the Bay, there were so many Rocks and Shelves on that side. Making some Sail again, his Highness the Prince of Orange gave order that his Standard should be put up, and accordingly it was done, the White Flag being put uppermost, signifying his most gracious offer of Peace unto all such as would live peaceably: And under that the Red or Bloody Flag was set up, signifying War unto all such as did oppose his just Designs. The Sun recovering strength soon dissipated the Fog, and dispers’d the Mist, insomuch that it prov’d a very pleasant Day. Now every Vessel set out its Colours, which made a very pleasant show. By this time the People of Devonshire thereabout had discovered the Fleet, the one telling the other thereof; they came flocking in droves to the side or brow of the Hills to view us: Some guess’d we were French, because they saw divers White Flags; but the Standard of the Prince, the Motto of which was, For the Protestant Religion and Liberty, soon undeceived them.

Others more discreet said, that it was the Dutch Fleet so much talk’d of in the Nation, and so long expected by most people. This Day was very remarkable in England before, being the fifth of November, the Bells were ringing as we were sailing towards the Bay, and as we landed, which many judged to be a good Omen: before we came into the Bay’s mouth, as we were near the Rocks, the People ran from Place to Place after us; and we being so near as to see and discern the Habit of the Country People, and they able to see us and hear our voices, a certain Minister in the Fleet, on board the Ship called the Golden Sun, went up to the top of the uppermost Cabin, where the Colours hang out, a Place where he could easily behold all the people on the Shore, and where they might most perfectly see him, and pulling a Bible out of his Pocket, he opened it, and held it so in his right Hand, making many flourishes with it unto the People, whose Eyes were fix’^d on him, and duly observ’d him, thereby signifying to the People the flourishing of the Holy Gospel (by God’s Blessing upon the Prince of Orange’s Endeavours), and calling out as loud as he was able, said unto them on the top of the Rock: For the Protestant Religion, and maintaining of the Gospel in the Truth and Purity thereof, are we all by the Goodness and Providence of God come hither, after so many storms and Tempests. Moreover, said he, it is the Prince of Orange that’s come, a Zealous Defender of that Faith which is truly Ancient, Catholic, and Apostolical, who is the Supream Governour of this very great and fomidable Fleet. Whereupon all the People shouted for Joy, and Huzzas did now echo into the Air, many amongst them throwing up their Hats, and all making signs with their Hands. So after the Minister had given them some Salutations, and they returned him the same again, he came down from off the upper Deck, unto the vulgar one among his Acquaintance, who spoke to him about the People on the brow or side of the mountain.

The Prince of Orange being come into the middle of the Bay, called Torbay, attended with three or four Men of War only, that is to say, one or two sailing before his Vessel, and one on each side the Ship in which he was; and all the Merchant Ships, Pinks and Fly-boats coming round him, as near as they durst for safety, the rest of the Men of War being out in the Rear to secure all the little Pinks and Fly-boats, and withal to prevent the English Fleet from disturbing us in our Landing.

At the upper end of Torbay there is a fair House, belonging to one Mr. Carey, a very rigid Papist, who entertained a Priest in his House. This Priest going to recreate himself on the Leads, on the top thereof, it being a most delightsome day, as he was walking there he happened to cast his Eyes towards the Sea, and espying the Fleet at a distance, withal being purblind in his Eyes, as well as blinded by Satan in his mind, he presently concludes that ’twas the French Navy (because he saw divers White Flags) come to land the Sons of Belial, which should cut off the Children of God, or as they call us, the Hereticks. And being transported with joy, he hastened to inform his own Disciples of the House, and forthwith they sung Te Deum. This was a second grand Mistake, the third time will fall to our Lot to sing Te Deum for our safe Landing (as the Prince had it done at Exeter Cathedral in the Quire): And because false Reports were spread abroad, that the People of this House had shot several of the Prince of Orange’s Souldiers, and thereupon they had burnt down the House. I must inform the candid Reader that there was nothing at all in it, for our People did not give them one reviling word, nor they us; some lodged there while we were at Torbay.

The major part of the fleet being come into the Bay, Boats were ordered to carry the Prince on Shore, with his Guards; and passing towards the Land, with sundry Lords, the Admiral of Rotterdam gave divers Guns at his Landing; the Boat was held length-ways until he was on shore: So after he had set his Fleet on Land, then came all the Lords and Guards, some going before his Sacred Person, and some coming after. There are sundry little Houses which belong unto Fishermen, between the two Hills, at Torbay where we landed. The People of these Houses came running out at their Doors to see this happy Sight. So the Prince, with Mareschal Schomberg, and divers Lords, Knights, and Gentlemen, marched up the Hill, which all the Fleet could see over the Houses, the Colours flying and flourishing before his Highness, the Trumpets sounding, the Hoit-boys played, the Drums beat, and the Lords, Knights, Gentlemen, and Guards shouted; and sundry Huzzas did now echo in the Fleet, from off the Hill, insomuch that our very hearts below in the water were even ravished for joy thereof. On this Hill you could see all the Fleet most perfectly, and the Men of War sailing up and down the Seas, to clear them of all enemies; the Ships in the Rear making all the sail and speed they could.

The Navy was like a little City, the masts appearing like so many Spires. The People were like Bees swarming all over the Bay; and now all the Schievelingers are set to work to carry the Men and Horses unto Shore with speed, for as yet they had done nothing. The Officers and Souldiers crowded the Boats extreamly, many being ready to sink under the Weight; happy was that Man which would get to Land soonest: And such was the eagerness of both Officers and Souldiers, that divers jeoparded their Lives for haste. Sundry Oars were broken in rowing, because too many laid hands on them, some jump’d up to their Knees in Water, and one or two were over Head and Ears. Extraordinary pains was now taken by all sorts of Men to get their necessary things to shore, every one minding his own concern. The Night was now as the Day for Labour, and all this was done, lest the Enemy should come before we were all in readiness to receive them. The Country Harmony was, ringing of Bells for our arrival.

The Officers and Souldiers were continually marching up the Hill after the manner of the Guards, with their Colours flying and flourishing, Hoit-boyes playing, Drums beating, and all shouting and echoing forth Huzzas.

The 4th of November it anchored safely in Torbay. This was the anniversary of the Prince’s birth and marriage, and he therefore wished to render it more memorable by landing on the British shore. The preparations, however, could not be completed that night, but on the following day, the Prince, attended by his principal officers, proceeded to raise his standard on Brixham Quay. At this time Brixham contained but few houses, and the good people, astonished at the appearance of such an armament, are said to have stood in silent wonder on the beach. At last William approached the shore and demanded whether he was welcome, when after some further pause he was asked his business, and his explanation considered satisfactory, he was, after a little more parley, informed that he was welcome. “If I am, then,” said the Prince, “come and carry me ashore,” and immediately a little man, one of the party, plunged into the water and carried him triumphantly ashore to the steps of the pier. On his landing the inhabitants are said to have presented their illustrious visitor with the following address:

The subsequent history of the “little man” who carried the King on shore is rather singular. Having a short ambling pony, which was commonly used in fish-jolting, he rode bare-headed before the Prince to Newton and afterwards to Exeter, and so pleased him by his zeal that he told him to come to him to court, where he should be seated on the throne, and he would make a great man of him. He also gave him a line under his hand, which was to be his passport into the royal presence. In due time accordingly the little man took his course to London, promising his townsmen that he should come back among them a Lord at least. When, however, he arrived there some sharpers, who learnt his errand at the inn where he put up, made our poor little Brixhamite gloriously drunk, and kept him in that state for several successive weeks. During this time one of the party, having obtained the passport, went to court with the little man’s tale in his mouth, and received a handsome present from the King. Our adventurer, recovering himself shortly afterwards, went to the Palace without his card of admission and was repulsed as an impostor, and came back to Brixham never to hold up his head again.

As soon as the Prince had viewed well the Ground upon the top of the Hill, and found the most commodious place for all his Army to encamp, he then gave Orders for everything, and so returned down the Hill unto the Fishermen’s little Houses: One of which he made his Palace at that time, instead of those at Loo, Honsterdyke, and the Hague. The Horse Guards and some Foot were round about him at other Houses, and a strong Guard but a little below the House wherein his Highness was. All the Lords were quartered up and down at these Fishermen’s Houses, whereof these poor Men were glad. Now the camp began to be filled with Officers and Souldiers; for no Officer must move from his Company or Post. The Foot Guards belonging to the Prince of Orange did encamp within an enclosure of plowed Land, about which there was a natural Fence, good Hedges and little Stone Walls, so that no Horse could touch them; Count Solms being their Colonel or Commander. Count Nassau’s Regiment encamp’d in another Craft or Inclosure joyning to that of the Guards, having the like Fence about it as before. The Regiment belonging unto Colonel Fagell encamp’d in a Craft or Inclosure next to that of Count Nassau, and so all the English, Dutch, French, and Scots encamp’d according to the aforesaid manner. The Souldiers were marching into the Camp all hours in the Night; and if any straggled from their Companies, it was no easy matter to find them in the dark amongst so many thousands; so that continually some or other were lost and enquiring after their Regiments.

It was a cold, frosty night, and the stars twinkl’d exceedingly; besides, the Ground was very wet after so much Rain and ill Weather; the Souldiers were to stand to their Arms the whole Night, at least to be all in a readiness if anything should happen, or the enemy make an Assault; and therefore sundry Souldiers were to fetch some old Hedges and cut down green Wood to burn therewith, to make some Fire. Now one Regiment beginning all the rest soon followed their Example. Those that had Provision in their Snap-sacks (as most of the Souldiers had) did broil it at the Fire, and others went into the villages thereabouts to buy some fresh Provisions for their Officers, being we were newly come from Sea; but alas! here was little Provision to be gotten. There was a little Ale house amongst the Fishermen’s Houses which was so extremely throng^d and crowded that a Man could not thrust in his Head, not get Bread or Ale for Mony. It was a happy time for the Landlord, who strutted about as if indeed he had been a Lord himself, because he was honoured with Lords’ Company.

On the morrow after we landed, when all the Souldiers were encamp’d, the Prince with sundry Noblemen rode and viewed each Regiment, and then return’d to Dinner at this little House. The number of his Highness’s Regiments landed here at this Bay was about six and twenty, the number of Officers about one thousand, the number of Field Officers about seventy-eight. The number of all his Forces and Souldiers about fifteen thousand four hundred and odd men. You might have seen several hundred Fires all at once in this Encampment, which must needs signify to the Country round about that we were landed. The Prince here was pleased to accept of Peoples Good-Will for the Deed, because things were not here to be bought for Mony, no Market-Town being near. Many People from all the adjacent places came flocking to see the Prince of Orange. The Horses were landed with all the speed that might be, and truly were much out of order, and sorely bruised, not able to find their Legs for some days: Everything that was of present use was posted to shoar, but the Artillery, Magazine, and all sorts of Baggage and cumbersome things were left on Shipboard, and order’d to meet us at Exeter.

There are few now left who can say as I can that they have heard their father and their wife’s father talking together of the men who saw the landing of William the Third at Torbay. I have heard Capt. Clements say he as a boy heard as many as seven or eight old men each giving the particulars of what he saw then. One said a ship load of horses hauled up to the Quay and the horses walked out all harnessed, and the quickness with which each man knew his horse and mounted it surprised them. Another old man said, “I helped to get on shore the horses that were thrown overboard and swam on shore, guided by only a single rope running from the ship to the shore”; and another would describe the difference in the rigging and build of the ships, but all appeared to welcome them as friends.

My father remembered only one “Gaffer Will Webber,” of Staverton, who served his apprenticeship with one of his ancestors, and who lived to a great age, say, that he went from Staverton as a boy, with his father, who took a cart-load of apples from Staverton to the high-road from Brixham to Exeter, that the soldiers might help themselves to them, and to wish them “God-speed.”

Upon Wednesday about Noon, Order was given to march towards Exeter, and so every Souldier was commanded by their Officers to carry something or other besides his own Arms and Snap-sack, and this made many murmur exceedingly. Sundry scores of Horses were thrown overboard which died at Sea, so that by just Computation the Prince lost about six hundred Horses at least by the Storm. As we marched here upon good ground, the Souldiers would stumble and sometimes fall, because of a dissiness in their Heads after they had been so long toss’d at Sea, the very ground seem’d to rowl up and down for some days, according to the manner of the Waves: Therefore, it is the Lords Goodness that our Foes did not come upon us in this juncture and unfit Condition. The whole Army marched all the same way, in a manner which made very ill for the Rear Regiments, and cast them much behind. Many Country People which met us did not know what to say or think, being afraid that we should be served as the D. of Monmouth’s handful of Men were. Notwithstanding, some were so courageous as to speak out and say, truly their Hearts were for us, and went along with us, and pray’d for the Prince of Orange; but they said the Irish would come and cut them in pieces if it should be known. Some Souldiers asked them if they would go with them against the Popists? and many answered they were enough themselves, and wanted no more. His Highness, with Mareschal Scomberg, Count Sohms, Count Nassau, Heer Benting, Heer Zulustein, Earl of Shrewsbury, Earl of Macclesfield, Viscount Mordaunt, Lord Wiltshire, and divers other Knights and Gentlemen, came in the Rear of the middle Line; for as soon as we could conveniently, we were to march in three Lines, and the Prince was commonly or always in the middlemost Line, which was the meetest place. So he went unto a certain Gentleman’s House, about two miles off, where the last Line encamp’d the Second Night, and lodged there, his own Guards being with him. The first day we marched some hours after Night in the Dark and Rain; the lanes hereabout were very narrow, and not used to Wagons, Carts or Coaches, and therefore extreme rough and stony, which hindered us very much from making any speed. Divers of the Dutchmen being unaccustomed to such bad ways and hard marching in the Dirt, wished themselves back again in their own Country, and murmured because of the Dark and Rain. At length we came to the Corn-stubble Inclosures on the side of a Hill, where we encamp’d that Night. It was a red clay, and it rain’d very hard the greatest part of the Night; the Winds being high and stormy. Nevertheless, the poor Souldiers being much wearied with the Tent-Polls, Spare Arms, and other Utensils for War, which they had carried all Day and some hours after Night, as well as with the badness of the March, lay down to take their Repose; and verily the water run over and under some of their legs the major part of the Night, and their Heads, Backs and Arms sunck deep into the Clay, being so very wet and soft, notwithstanding they slept all Night very sweetly, in their Pee or Campagne Coats. The Souldiers here fetch’d some old Hedges and Gates to make their Officers and themselves some Fire (as they had done the night before), else some would have perished in the Cold, being all over in a Froth with Sweat in marching. And the old Hedges and Gates not being enough, they fetch’d away the new ones, for the Weather was not only raw and cold but we ourselves were so too, having nothing to eat or drink after so bad a day’s journey. The Souldiers had some good Holland’s Beef in their Snap-sacks, which they brought, and their Officers were very glad to get part with them, so they broil’d it at the Fire; some had bought Chickens by the way, but raw, which they broil’d and eat as a most delicate Dish. Sundry Captains offer’d any Mony for a Guide to bring them to a House thereabout, where they might have some provision for their money, but no Guide could be found; it was exceeding dark, and being all Strangers and unacquainted with the Country, we could not tell where to find one House, for those few that were scattering here and there were either in some little grove of Trees, and so hid from our Eyes, or else in a bottom amongst the Hills, and so could not be seen. These Quarters did not content our Minds, for tho’ we got as near to the Hedges as we could possible with our Fires, yet we could not be warm. Many of the Souldiers slept with their feet in the Ditch, and their Heads on the side thereof. We thought this Night almost as long as that in the Storm at Sea; and judged it to be the dawn of Day some hours before it was. The Morning appearing rejoiced our very Hearts, for we thought now we should march presently; and we were sure of this, that worse Quarters we could never meet with, but much better we hoped to find. A private souldier, therefore, going in the next Croft for to seek a convenient place, he found it to be an Inclosure with Turnips, so bringing his Burden away with him, he came to the Fire and gave those there some, telling his Comrades of the Place, who soon hastened thereto, and brought enow with them: Some roasted them and others eat them raw, and made a brave Banquet. The Souldiers were busy in discharging their Musquets, after the Wet and Rain, for they durst not trust to that Charge; and about 11 of the Clock the Army received Orders to march.

The Prince of Orange with the Lords and Gentlemen, rode from this place unto Sir William Courtenay’s, within a mile of Newton Abbot, the first Line being about Newton, and the last on their march thither. The Place where we encamped was trodden to Dirt, and stuck to our Shoes wretchedly. Now the Regiments marched sundry Roads, of which we were right glad, hoping to meet with better Quarters than the Marl and Clay Crofts. The People came in flocks unto the Cross-ways to see the Army, but especially the Prince. We met with much civility on the Road; now they began to give us Applause, and pray for our Success; sundry Persons enquired for the Declaration of his Highness.

Now being on their march to Newton Abbot, a certain Divine went before the Army; and finding that ’twas their Market-day, he went unto the Cross, or Town Hall; where, pulling out the Declaration of the Prince of Orange, with undaunted Resolution, he began, with a loud and audible voice, to read as follows: William Henry, by the Grace of God, Prince of Orange, &c., of the Reasons inducing him to appear in Arms in the Kingdom of England, for preserving of the Protestant Religion, and restoring the Laws and Liberties of England, Scotland, and Ireland, &c.

When the people heard the Prince of Orange’s name mentioned, they immediately crowded about him in a prodigious manner to hear him, insomuch that some jeoparded their lives.

The Declaration being ended, he said, God bless and preserve the Prince of Orange: To which the People, with one Heart and Voice, answered Amen, Amen; and forthwith shouted for Joy, and made the Town ring with their echoing Huzzas. The Minister, nolens volens, was carried into a Chamber near the Place: the Windows were shut, the doors lock’d and bolted, to prevent the crowd from rushing in.

The People of the House, and others very kindly asked him: Sir, What will you be pleased to eat? or, What shall we provide for you? Name what you love best, it shall be had. The Minister answered, What you please, give me what you will. So they brought forth such as was ready; and having eaten and drunk well, they desired him to spare them but one Declaration. Yes, says he, for I have enow in my Pocket, and pulling them out, he gave Three, because they were of distinct Parishes. He told the People, he would go and visit their Minister, and cause their Bells to ring, because the Prince of Orange was come into the Parish, at Sir Will Courtney’s, tho’ not into the Town; and (says he) this being the first Market-Town, I cannot but think it much the more proper and expedient. Whereupon he went to the Minister’s House, and enquiring for him he was courteously invited in, and desired to sit down: The Reverend Minister of the Parish coming presently to him, they saluted each other; and after some communications passed between them, this Divine from the Army, desired the Keys of his Church Doors, for to welcome the Prince of Orange into England with a Peal (that being the first Market-Town they came to). The Minister answered; Sir, for my own part, I am ready to serve his Highness any way, but of my own accord cannot give the Keys; but you know you may command them, or anything else in my House in the Name of the Prince of Orange, and then I will readily grant it. So the Divine said: Sir, I demand your Keys of the Church Door only for an hour to give his Highness a Peal, and then I will return them safely unto you.

The Minister presently directed him to the Clerk’s house, and desired him to come and take a Glass of Wine with him after the Peal was ended, (but the Ringers coming together, they rung sundry Peals) and he returned the Keys to the Minister.

The People of the Town were exceeding Joyful, and began to drink the Prince of Orange’s Health. The Country People in the Town were well inclined towards us; and here was the first favour we met with worth mentioning. His Highness was most kindly receiv’d and entertain’d at Sir Will Courtney’s, the Souldiers generally well treated by the Vulgar.