four o'clock
The _ James _ bore the brunt of the action . Her masts were knocked away , her hull riddled , and many officers and men were killed . `` Young Robert Blake , who -- Vice-Admiral Penn being absent -- took command of the _ Triumph _ , greatly distinguished himself , succouring his uncle and contributing much to the success of the day . `` From four o'clock to nightfall the battle raged , when Admiral Bourne arriving with his squadron turned the scale , and the Dutchmen took to flight , leaving two ships in our hands , while the rest were more or less disabled , with two hundred and fifty prisoners and many more killed . `` Admiral Blake thus remained master of the narrow seas , and in less than a month had captured forty rich prizes from the Dutch , which he sent into the Thames . As the Government were well assured that the Dutch would try to revenge themselves , great preparations were made for renewing the contest , and in one month one hundred and five vessels carrying three thousand nine hundred and sixty-one guns were placed under Admiral Blake 's command . `` As sufficient seamen were not to be found , two regiments of foot were sent on board the fleet .