The fight was long and doubtful,
for Barton, being an experienced seaman, and having under him a
determined crew, made a desperate defence, himself cheering them with a
boatswain's whistle to his last breath. The loss of their commander,
however, caused them to submit, on which they received fair quarter and
good usage. In the meantime, Sir Edward attacked and captured the _Jenny
Perwin_, after an obstinate resistance. Both these ships, with as many
of their crew as were left alive, about one hundred and fifty, were
brought into the river Thames, on the 2nd of August 1511, as trophies of
the victory. The prisoners were sent to the Archbishop of York's palace,
now Whitehall, where they remained for some time, but were afterwards
dismissed and sent into Scotland.
James the Fourth having then ascended the Scottish throne, after the
murder of his predecessor, exceedingly resented this action, and
instantly sent ambassadors to Henry demanding satisfaction, on which the
king gave this memorable answer, "That the punishment of pirates was
never held a breach of peace among princes." King James, however, was
still dissatisfied, and from that time was never thoroughly reconciled
to the English nation.
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