Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1825-12-28
SIR ANDREW WOOD.

Sir Andrew Wood received grant
of Largo from James III. in 1888,
which was confirmed by James Nv. in
1883 and 1897. He was celebrated for
his courage and naval skill. When the
council Of James ~. wished to punish
Wood, who had been strongly attach
ed to his unfortunate prince, James III.
they applied to the ship-masters OF
Leith to seize him and his vessels. But
they declined the hazardous service, in.
forming the council, that no ten ships
Of Scotland would dare to assault his
two vessels, such was his strength in
men and artillery, and such his mari
time and military skill. The baroness
Of naval transactions in the Scottish
history, renders the deeds of Wood not
little singular and interesting; for
which reason the minute relation OF
Lindsay shall be followed. Five Eng
lish vessels having entered the Forth,
despoiled some mercantile ships be-
longing to Scotland and her allies
James w. and his council, irritated by
the indignity, eagerly desired revenge,
but could not prevail upon any mas
tiers of vessels to proceed against the
enemy, till they applied to Sir Andrew
Wood, Of Largo, whom they melted
by Large offers of men and artillery, Of
royal favors and rewards. Being fur
nished with an ample provision OF men,
cannon, and arms, Wood proceeded
with his two ships, the Flower and the
Yellow Carvel, against the English,
who werc>alss not deficient in ar tile
nv; and finding them opposite to Dun
bar, an obstinate and sanguinary con-
flict ensued Woods extreme courage
and naval skill, at length procured the
victory; the FIVE English vessels were
taken, and brought to Leith; the COM
mander presented to the king and coun-
Gil. The spirit and conduct Of Wood
were recompensed by honorable re-
wards, by the favor Of James and the
mobiles, and by the loud voice OF public
fame. Henry VII. concerned at the
unusual disgrace Of the English flag,
inflicted by power unknown in the
annals of the sea, offered large yearly
sum to any commander who should
capture Wood. But the skill, valour,
and fortune Of the Scottish leader were
now so celebrated, that fear depressed
avarice. At length Stephen Bull, an
English officer, en- gagged to seize Wood,
dead or alive; and was provided with
three stout ships, completely equipped
for war. Bull passing to the Forth,
anchored behind the Isle Of May, where
he awaited the return Of Wood, who
had escorted some merchant vessels to
Flanders, expecting that peace was es-
tablished with England. The English
captain seized some 6shing-boats, and
retained the mariners, that by their in
formation he might not mistake his
object. On a summer morn, little
after dawn, one of the English ship
masters deserted two vessels coming
under sail, by ST. Abb's Head: the pri.
soners were ordered to the tops, that
they might declare whether these YES
sells were Woods, or not; and, upon
their hesitation, freedom being offered
in case this was the expected prey, they
announced the Scottish Admiral. Bull
with the exultation ofEnglish courage,
ordered the preparations for battle;
and after distributing wine, command
ed all to their stations. Wood advan.
ced, unconscious of foes, till he per.
ceived the three ships under sail, and
attired for combat. He instantly pre-
pared, and addressed his men in the
plain and boisterous phrase ofthe sea:
."These, my lads, are the foes who ex-
pect TO convey us in bonds to the Eng.
lish king: but by your courage, and the
help Of God, they shall fail. Get your
selves in order, every man to his station.
Charge gunners: let the crossbows be
ready: have the lime-pots and fire-baIIs
to the tops: two hundred swords to the
fore-rooms. Be stout, be diligent, for
your own sakes, and for the honor Of
this realm" Wine was then dealed
around; and the ships resounded with