In the beginning of the reign of Henry III. the Ports fitted out 40 ships, which putting to sea under the command of Hubert de Burgo (then Warden of the Cinque Ports, and Governor of Dover Castle), came up with, and engaged 80 sail of French men, who were coming to aid Louis, the French King's son; when, after a furious engagement, he took several ships, sunk others, and dispersed the rest.
In the year 1406, the Ports' navy, under the command of Henry Paye, surprised and took 120 French ships laden with salt, iron, and oil.
In the 38th year of Queen Elizabeth, An. 159-5, the Ports, at the Queen's command, fitted out five ships of l6-0 tons burthen, which they maintained five months at their own charge.
These, and many other actions performed by the Ports, evidently shew their great weight and consequence in former times, and that the great privileges and immunities
