A discourse on the journey from Chester to Loch Foyle - Capt. Humphry
Willis.
We shipped at Neston, Hilbree, Liverpool and other adjoining
harbours, on the 22 April 1600, with a fair wind ENE. The 24th at 12
o'clock, the wind came up well at E and we fell down and
anchored at Hilbree; to gather the rest of our fleet. [They arrived at
Carrickfergus on 28th]
Names of some of the vessels engaged to carry the troops
[the mayor of Chester was empowered to impress vessels trading to
Chester for this service]: Swartrutter of Delft; Susan; Margarite of the
Poele of Fowdre [Piel Island]; Ellen of Liverpool; Cartelage of Chester;
Peter of Drogheda; Angel of Hilbree; Honey of Drogheda; Peter of Dublin;
Elizabeth of Dublin.
With 3000 men, 200 horses and 3 cannon, the above 10 named vessels would have been overfull - so other vessels would presumably have been involved. Two men o'war are also mentioned as being involved.