The life of Cornelius Van Tromp, Lieutenant-Admiral of Holland and Westfriesland containing many remarkable passages relating to the war between England and Holland. As also the sea-fights, and other memorable actions of this great man, from the year 1650. to the time of his death.

THE LIFE OF Cornelius Tromp, Lieutenant Admiral of Holland and of West-Friesland. The Second BOOK. (Book 2)

[ 1654] WHILST the two formidable powers of England and Hol∣land were thus in vain con∣suming all their Forces by such a cruel War as that of which we have above re∣lated the principal Events, the Corsairs of Bar∣bary, being secured by these troubles from any power able to Curb their Excursions, ranged a∣bout without controul, and made all Europe feel the smart of their outragious Pyracies, so that the Commerce of the Christians to the Levant was so miserably interrupted, that there was nothing to be heard of in those parts, but the continual losses of the Merchants trafficking that way. Nay, and the Insolence of those Bar∣barians was advanced to that height, that not

contenting themselves to Pyrate upon the Me∣diterranean, they impudently ventured to appear upon the Ocean, and make Excursions as far as the Coasts of Portugal; And shew'd themselves near the Cape St. Vincent, with Fleets some times of above 20 sail of Men of War well mounted and appointed for service, and keep∣ing the Mouth of the Streights shut up, they snapt up all the Merchant Ships that came thi∣ther from the four corners of the World, who by that means fell as 'twere into those Rovers Mouths.

For the redressing of all these mischiefs, after the Peace was concluding with England, the Ad∣miralty of Amsterdam sent de Ruiter into the Mediterranean with 5 men of War, partly to Convoy outward some Merchant Ships, and part∣ly to Conduct others homewards at his return. He therefore set out from the Texel, the 17th of June, with 14 Merchant Ships, accompanied by the Captains, Brakel, Verburg, Ooms, and Pietersz. In his way, he joyned Rear-Admiral Tromp with the Captains, Vander Hulst, Verveen, Huiskin's and 6 Merchant Ships, that sail'd out of the Tex∣el, two days before him; And proceeding from thence together as far as Ayamonte, they took leave, and parted one from the other.

De Ruiter past the Streights steering his course towards Legorn, where he staid, upon the instant solicitation of the Dutch Merchants there, about the space of a Month, to wait the coming in of some more of them. During his stay there, the Captains Verburg and Ooms, saild away for Ve∣nice, to convoy from thence 5 Merchant Men. De Ruiter having unmoored from Legorn, set sail towards the Island of Minorca, and from thence proceeded to Alicant, Cartagena, and Malaga, where he was informed, that there were arrived at Cales, 2 Zealand men of War Com∣manded by the Captains Mangelaar and Wa∣ter

Drinker, who were ready to return for Zealand assoon as some Merchant Ships of that Province should have taken in their freight. Upon which advice, he left the rest of his Squadron at Mala∣ga, to convoy thence the Wine Fleet, and setting Sail the 29th. of September, he arrived in the be∣ginning of October in the bay of Cadiz, and Anchored there.

At his arrival, the Dutch Consul, and chief Merchants of his Nation came on board him, and with a sensible displeasure delivered him some Letters from Sally, which related with how much inhumanity the Sid treated the Hollanders, upon the taking of a Flute from them near Mamora called the Hound, by Rear Admiral Tromp, and the Sid highly incensed thereat, having by way of reprisal, seized 3 Merchant Ships of Amster∣dam full freighted, had imprisoned all the Ma∣sters and men in the said Ships, and threatned to make them slaves, unless the Flute and her Cargo were speedily restored. In the same Let∣ters it was intimated, that the Prisoners passi∣onately desired, that de Ruiter would come to Sally, in hopes they should obtain their Li∣berty by the influence of his great Experience, and the acquaintance he had formerly made with the Sid. De Ruiter accordingly being wil∣ling to prevent those growing troubles, and the mischievous consequences they might draw after them, set sail the 6th. of October, accompanied with the Captains, Mangelaar and Water Drink∣er, and arrived in Sally road the 10th. of the same Month. The next day he received a Let∣ter from the Dutch Consul, informing him, how that the Sid, extremely provoked at the Hosti∣lity committed by Rear Admiral Tromp, had sent for him into his Palace, and had demanded of him an indemnification for the Ship and her Car∣go that was taken, telling him that as Consul of the Dutch Nation, he was respo••sible for the

damages done by the Dutch men of War, Ad∣ding, that after he had answered all those com∣plaints as well as he could, he had promised the Prince of Sally, to write to Tromp to come himself in person to that road, to justifie himself and to pray him in the mean while not to suf∣fer the Cargo of the said Ship to be meddled with; that having accordingly written such a Letter, Tromp thereupon came to Sally road ac∣companied with Captain Huiskens, from whence he had notified to the Sid by a Letter,

THat the Ship he had seized,* 1.1 having refused to send a Boat on Board him, tho' he had put out a White Flag; that upon that refusal he was confirmed in the Opinion he had, that she was an Algerine, he had taken her with so much the more reason, because all her men deserted her, and run away to shore after they had taken with them all that was most valuable on board her; And that if the Prince of Sally, thought himself offended by that proceeding, he might Complain to the States General, who were accustomed to do Justice to e∣very one, concluding his Letter with this prote∣station, that he had no Commission to do the least wrong to any of the Subjects of Sally.

That after the reading of that Letter, the Sid answered, he could give no credit to it, for that he could not believe, that Rear-Admi∣ral Tromp would have dared to venture upon any such attempt upon those of Sally, without Express Orders from the States so to do; Ad∣ding, that on the other side, if it were true that he had acted as he had done without the Con∣sent or Privity of his Masters, he had no oc∣casion to wait their Orders for the Restitution of the Prize in Question to its right owners. De Ʋries likewise informed de Ruiter withall,

that the Prince of Sally's answer could not be carried on board of Tromp, because the Sea was then so very rough, that no Boat durst stir out of the Port, so that Tromp not being able to stay any longer there, hoisted sail, and went away for Cales. He reported likewise that the Sid two or three days before his departure, had caused the Master of the Ship called the Tyger to be seized and imprisoned with all his Men, after he had given leave to two other Ships of Amsterdam, to unmoor.

Vice Admiral de Ruiter sent likewise the same day a Letter to the Prince of Sally,* 1.2 which was to this effect: That upon his arrival at Cadiz, he had with much displeasure heard of the diffe∣rence caused by the taking of the Flute, called the Hound: and how that in Consequence of it, The Master of the Ship, Walishsz with all his Men had been seized; which News had obliged him with all diligence to come before Sally, to assure his Highness, that their High and Mightinesses, the States General had no other design than to pre∣serve and maintain the Treaty of Peace conclu∣ded with Sally; And if there had hapned any thing prejudicial to it, by the seizure of a Vessel through mistake the States having nothing so much to heart as Peace would be sensibly concerned at it: That for his own particular he was extreme∣ly sorry, that the Orders of the States his Ma∣sters would not permit him to leave his Ship, and go ashore to kiss his Highnesses hands, and wish him a long and happy Reign; as undoubted∣ly promising himself withall, that if he could but have the advantage to tell him his reasons by word of Mouth, that he would be fully satisfied with them, and would thereby be induced glad∣ly to renew the Friendship that had so long con∣tinued between the Ʋnited Provinces and the people of Sally; and in fine, since necessity engaged him to stay on board his Ship,

He prayed the Sid, to be pleased to give leave to the Consul de Uries, and to Walishsz, the Mr. of the Ship that was seized, to come to him to in∣form him more amply of all things, that so he might be able to write of them more at large to his Highness.

The Reading of this Letter that was tran∣slated into Spanish, so extraordinarily satisfied the Prince of Sally, that he immediately consent∣ed, that the Consul should go on board the Ad∣miral. He likewise at the same time ordered 30 Sheep, 14 Bullocks, and some other Refresh∣ments to be got ready, to be presented to Vice Admiral de Ruiter, by two Deputies; and some days after, sent him a Letter, expressing,* 1.3 That he had secured himself by way of Provision, of the Ship Tyger, till the Vessel taken by Rear Admi∣ral Tromp should be restored; But that however, he gave full liberty to all other Dutch Ships, to go out of and come into his Ports, for that he was resolved to continue to entertain a perfect good Correspondence with the Ʋnited Provinces, &c.

Affairs were there upon that foot, when De Ruiter was forced by a sudden Tempest, to weigh Anchor, and sail away from Cadiz, from whence he returned back into Holland with a Merchant Fleet that had put themselves under his Convoy, and arrived at the Texel about the end of the Month.

The States General of the United Provinces being desirous to free the Sea for the Yoke of the Corsairs of Barbary, [ 1655] and at the same time to prevent the troubles that were like to arise at Sally, gave order to de Ruiter, to pass again into the Mediterranean, with a Squadron of 8 men of War, and 2 Advice Yachts. His Commissi∣on which was signed the 29th. of June, Imported, that he and the other Captains of his Squadron, where or whensoever they should happen to

meet any of the Corsairs of Barbary, and espe∣cially them of Tetuan, Algiers, Tunis, or Tripoli, on this side the Kingdom of Candy, giving chace to any Ships belonging to the States Sub∣jects, they should attack them, and sink or burn them, if possible; That all Voluntary Renegado's found on board any of the Corsairs should be punish'd with death; But the others that turn∣ed so from their youth, or were forced to be∣come so by necessity, especially if they had ren∣dered any services or good Offices to the Chri∣stian slaves, and seemed to Compassionate their misfortune, should be spared, and distributed into the States Ships; that the Turks and Moors should be publickly sold, and the Money ari∣sing by their sale, should be laid up: That the Christian slaves should be set at liberty, and put ashore, if they desired it, or else entertained in the Ships, and entered into pay according to their respective Capacities: That he should likewise go again and Anchor before Sally, in order to enter into a Negotiation for renewing the Treaty of Alliance and Amity concluded in 1651, between the States General of the United Provinces, and those of Sally.

Accordingly, on the 18th of July Vice-Ad∣miral de Ruiter, sailed out of the Texel with 8 Men of War, and 55 Merchant Ships bound for France, Portugal, Spain, and other places in the Mediterranean; and on the 3d. of August, he arri∣ved in the bay of Cadiz, with a Fleet of 44 sail; on the 7th. he past the Streights, steering his Course towards Malaga, Cartagena and A∣licant, into which places, some of the Merchant Ships entered. The rest of them quitted de Ruit∣er near the Isle of Formentera, which they had chosen for their place of Rendezvous, in case they should come to be separated by any accident. De Ruiter departed thence with design to go before Algiers, sending the Captains, de Wilde,

Sweers, and Zaalingen, before him, to see what Ships they could discover riding before that Town, so famous for its Pyracies.

On the 30th. he began to come in sight of it, and coming up with the Captains he had sent before, they reported to him, that they had been so near the Town, that they had seen people walking on the Cawsey, and discerned 5 Ships in the road, and 6 or 7 within the Mole. The same night de Ruiter advanced with his Squa∣dron, within Cannon shot of the Town, and Anchored in 42 Fathoms depth of Water. The 2 Yachts, the Pearl, and Fortune were already prepared for an Enterprize; and the better to deceive the Corsairs, de Ruiter Commanded all his Captains, to put up English Colours. Up∣on which, those Barbarians shew'd themselves upon some small vessels near the shore, but durst not come very near the Hollanders. Then the Dutch Captains being all summoned on board the Admiral, a Council of War was held; wherein it was resolved, that in the night by fa∣vour of the Land Breezes, they should make sail, to Conduct, if it were possible, their Fire-Ships back by 3 men of War, up to the Brigantines to burn them, but so great a Calm lasted all the night, that it was hard to know on which side the Wind was. The next Morning it con∣tinued still Calm, and the Dutch perceived that the 5 Brigantines that were in the Road the day before, were then retired within the Mole, so that it was not difficult to Judge by the Counte∣nance of the Turks, that they were upon their guard.

[ 1654] Whereupon another Council of War, being called, it was resolved, that since by reason of the Calm, it was impossible to undertake any thing upon the Enemy, they should weigh An∣chor, and make the best of their way towards Malaga; which accordingly was put in Execu∣tion about noon. As the Dutch drew near that place, they discovered some Corsair Ships, to which they gave chace; and on the 17th. of September, they took a Tetuan Brigantine man∣ned with 20 Moors, whose Captain was a Spa∣nish Renegado named Arnando Dias, who had done a great deal of mischief to the Christians, and had caused very great losses to them, having in about 12 years time, made near 2000 slaves whom he had all cruelly sold, and amongst them, as 'twas credibly related, some of his own near kindred; and bragged several times, that he would treat his own Father after the same manner, if he fell into his hands; And therefore according to his Execrable merits, he was immediately hang∣ed up upon a Top-mast.

On the 9th. of the same Month, de Ruiter continued on his Course, and arrived two days after, in the bay of Gibraltar; the day follow∣ing, weighing Anchor, he repast the Streights, and steered his Course towards Cadiz, with de∣sign to make for the Coast of Barbary. On the 27th. he discovered 2 Corsair Ships at the mouth of the Streights to the Eastward, and another to the South-West-ward. De Ruiter gave chace to this last, as appearing to be the biggest of them. The Corsair made away as fast as she could, directly towards Arzila, a little Town in the Kingdom of Fez about 12 Leagues from Tangier. And it proved to be the Admiral's Ship of Algier, that was taken from the Hollanders but the year before, and by the Dutch was called the Wheel of Fortune, but by the Turks, named the Golden Palm-tree. That Ship was full as

big as de Ruiter's own Admiral Ship, and car∣ried 38 Guns, and 250 men, amongst whom were 50 Christian slaves that were forced to serve on board her.

De Ruiter chased her as far as into the very Haven of Arzila, where with much ado she made a shift to save her self, after having lost many of her men in the fight, and principally her Cap∣tain who lost his life in the Skirmish. The Dutch Fleet continuing on their Course, came and Anchored in the road of Sally, on the 1st. of October, after they had taken one Turkish Ship and a Tartan, and stranded a Renegado Corsair. De Ruiter, at his arrival saluted the Town with 9 Guns, the great Castle answer∣ing him with 5, and the little one with 4, after which, according to his Commission, he endea∣voured to enter into a Negotiation with the Deputies of Sall, in order to appease the dif∣ferences they had with the United Provinces; but he being delayed several days without being able to do any thing, and in the mean while receiving advice, that the most part of the Tur∣kish Pyrates kept the passage of the Streights shut up, and returned daily from thence to Al∣giers with Prizes, he thought it was not neces∣sary for him to stay in Sally road with all his whole Squadron; but calling thereupon a Con∣sultation of his Captains on board him, it was resolved, that de Wilde, and Rear Admiral Ver∣veen, and Captain Zaalingen, should sail away towards the Streights, to give chase to the Corsairs. And accordingly they unmoor'd with the New Moon, steering towards Cadiz, whilst on the o∣ther side, Captain Vander Zaan kept out a cruizing with two Men of War more. De Ruiter in the mean while staid with two of the ships of his Squadron, before Sally▪ to pursue the Negotiation of the Treaty. In the midst of which Transactions, on the 16 of October he

discovered between Sally and Mamora 3 Sail making towards Sally, but were kept back by the Calm Weather; Upon which, de Ruiter weighing Anchor, accompanied by Captain A∣delaer, advanced with design to cut off their passage, the Corsairs having perceived them, made back as fast as they could, to the main Sea again, the Wind being then North-North-East, de Ruiter used all possible endea∣vours to get up with them, but night coming on, he lost sight of them; However, some hours after having discovered them again, he boarded one of them about 3 in the Morn∣ing, by the assistance of Oars, notwithstanding the Calmness of the Weather. At his very first firing, the Turks got into their Boat, and fled away, leaving no body on Board but two Por∣tugueses that were in the Ship. She was a ve∣ry good Sailer of about 90 Tuns, that was ta∣ken by the Turks near the Isle of Madera. The 2 others were Corsairs of Algiers, where∣of one carried 26, and the other 16 Guns, who made their escape by favour of a fresh gale of Wind that soon carried them out of Reach. The next day towards Evening, de Ruiter re∣turned into Sally road again. In the mean while, the Negotiation for a Treaty having been brought upon a good foot by the Deputies on each side, the Turks stood firm to their Pretentions, which were, that they should receive an indemnification for their Ship that was taken, till at last, af∣ter several Conferences, the Treaty of Peace was concluded, and renewed on the 22d. of October upon the following Articles,* 1.4 viz.

1. That His Highness, Sid Abdala, Ben Sid Mahumad Ben Bukar, Prince of Fez, Lord of South and North Sally, should without delay re∣store to his former Liberty, Consul David de Uries who was arrested for some mis-understanding that hapned to fall out.

2. That his said Highness should immediately give orders for the Releasing of the Ship called the Tyger, and the Galliot de Ruiter, seized at Sally, and likewise their Cargoe, as much as was yet remaining of them, or the Equivalent of the profit arising from them, as likewise for the set∣ting at liberty all the Pilots and Mariners be∣longing to them.

3. That two men taken in a small Dutch Ship, called the Arms of Hinlopen, and sold at Sally, should be presently freed out of slavery, and set at liberty.

4. That the States General of the Ʋnited Pro∣vinces on their part should cause to be restored to his Highness, that which had been seized, which should be still in nature, or the profits which a∣rose from the Ship, called the Hound, taken near Mamora, by Rear Admiral Tromp the year be∣fore, upon the refusal the said Ship had made, to render the usual salute, and shew her Passports.

5. That their High and Mightinesses, to In∣demnify his Highness for the loss of the above∣said Ship, should remit to him the full enjoyment of the Flute, called the White Falcon, taken at Sea by those of Sally, and seized and detained to that present day.

6. That the losses and damages caused to the Subjects of both parties by the differences lately arisen between them, shall be rendred Common, and forgotten on both sides.

7. That under this Common annulling of the losses and damages on both sides, should not be compre∣hended the lawfull right of Pilot Warebout, con∣cerning the Confiscation of his Ship and her la∣ding, which the Administrators of Sally, had en∣gaged to pay according to the account that had been delivered in of them, which should subsist till it were fully paid.

This Treaty was signed for the States Gene∣ral, by Consul de Ʋries, and Gilbert de Ʋyant, Fiscal, or Treasurer of the Fleet, and lower, by Vice-Admiral de Ruiter, and sealed with his seal. On the Prince of Sally's side, it was signed by Ibrahim Duque, and Aly Cordevees.

After this business thus dispatcht, they proceed∣ed to treat about the choice of a signal by which the two parties might know one another Reci∣procally when they met at Sea. After which several Articles were drawn up in writing, in or∣der to render the Ancient Treaty of Peace the more firm and inviolable▪ but because 'twas im∣possible for de Ruiter to make any longer stay before Sally, as being obliged to return back again to the Streights, that project could not then be finish'd only he promised, next year to come again to Sally, to pursue the Execution of it and to put it to a finishing stroke. De Ruiter then hav∣ing appeased all things and secured the Peace on that side, unmoored from Sally the 2d of No∣vember, and sailed towards the Streights, and on the 10th. of the same Month came to an An∣chor in the road of Cadiz. Two days before the Captains Vander Zaan, Bosch, and de Wilde, had given chace to 3 Turkish Corsairs, one of which being pursued by Bosch was stranded on the Coast to the Southward of Larache, a small Town in the Kingdom of Fez about 6 miles from Arzila, from whence being got off, she was taken. She proved a Flute of Lubeck call'd, the Fortune, taken before by the Algerines. De Wilde chased another which was a Frigat of A••g••ers, carrying 30 Guns, and 250 men, which likewise run a ground to the Southward of La∣rache, the Moors having quitted her, and fled away there were found on board her 25 Chri∣s••ian slaves who were freed thereby from the y••ke of those Barbarians, and 7 Renegado's whose lives were spared, because tho' it was

in their power to have saved themselves with the Moors, they refused to do it. But it being impossible to get the Frigat off from the Coast which she was run upon, she was burnt. The third of these Corsairs being more fortunate than the rest, saved her self by her swift sail∣ing.

About the 15th. of November, de Wilde and Zaalingen attackt an Algerine Frigat, called the Shepherdess Commanded by a Christian Rene∣gado of Amsterdam, named Leendertsz, who de∣fended himself vigorously had above 120 Moors killed on board him, which so discouraged the others, that they begun to think of yielding; but about 30 Christian Renegado's would not hear of laying down their Arms, till the Hol∣landers had promised them by Oath, to grant them their lives. Nay some of those wretches were so desperately bent, that they were alrea∣dy gone down to clap fire into the Powder room to blow up themselves together with the Hollanders that were entred upon the Deck, had they not been perswaded from that dismal enterprize by fair words. There were found likewise in this Corsair 32 Christian slaves, whereof 17 were Dutch Men; 124 Moors or Turks were sold to the Spaniards, 28 Chri∣stian Renegado's were condemned to the King of Spain's Gallies, for Term of life; but the Captain Leendertsz was saved by the favour and at the request of the Christian slaves, because of the Gentleness and humanity he had used to∣wards them, as likewise were two other Rene∣gado's, one whereof was Mounikendam, and the other, a Polander.

On the 20th of November, the Captains Van∣der Zaan, Bosch, and Adelaer, gave chace again to a Brigantine, and a great Turkish Corsair, called, the Golden Eagle, the last of which was chased upon the Coast near Arzila, where she

was believed to have been stranded, but having had nothing but the handle of her Rudder bro∣ken, she slink'd away from the danger, and got out into the main Sea again. Vice-Admiral de Ruit∣er having divided his Squadron into 3 parts, set sail towards the Streights Mouth, followed by de Wilde, de Zaalingen, and Adelaer, with design to cruize there against the Corsairs; he gave Orders at the same time, to Rear-Admi∣ral Verveen, and Cuptain Vander Zaan, to con∣voy to the Northward of Cape Verd 3 Merchants richly laden, and bound for Amsterdam, because he had heard, that Commander Colart was cruiz∣ing off of that Cape, with 4 or 5 French Pri∣vateers, and took indifferently all Ships he met with, without having any respect to their Banner. The Captains, Sweers and Bosch had orders to return to Sally, as well to reconduct thither one of the Prince of Sally's Deputies, and de Ʋries, the Dutch Consul, who had been forced by the ill Weather to stay on board of Sweers, as also to take in some Letters from the Consul for the States. De Ruiter having chosen the Mouth of the Streights to be the Rendezvous of all the Ships of his Squadron, sailed on the 29th. of the same Month, towards Arzila, and having a far off descried two Ships at Anchor, resolved to make up to them, upon the report made to him by Captain Leendertsz late of the Corsair called the Shepherdess, That they were the Golden Eagle, carrying 26 Guns, and 250 Men to which before he had given chace, and the St. Catharine carrying 20 Guns, and 200 Men all Turks. Those Pyrates had Anchored very near the Town. De Ruiter charged them vigorously with his Artillery, and the Infidels defended themselves with much obstinacy, till at last the St. Catharine, being shot through and through, and leaking on all sides, sunk to the bottom of the Sea: Then having grapled the Golden

Eagle, he made himself Master of her, and af∣ter the fight, carried her to Malaga. Out of those 2 Corsairs, there were 20 Christians deli∣vered out of slavery, 50 Turks or Moors made Prisoners, and all the rest of their Men either escaped to shore, or were killed.

Vice Admiral de Ruiter, after he had brought the Corsairs of Barbary to their duty, and freed the Sea from their Robberries, came on the 15th. of March, to Anchor in the Road of Ma∣laga, [ 1656] where he received a Letter from the Col∣lege of the Admiralty of Amsterdam, dated the 29th of December of the preceeding Year, by which they testified themselves to be very well satis∣fied at his happy Expedition into the Mediter∣ranean, and Commanded him by vertue of an Order from the States General, immediately up∣on the reading of that Letter, to get all the Ships of his Squadron together, and to return with all diligence into the Ports of the United Provin∣ces, without having regard to any other Consi∣deration, how pressing soever it were; permit∣ing him however to stop 8 or 10 days at most in Cadiz road, to wait for the Spanish Gallions, that were to come thither, and to take under his Convoy, a great Number of Merchant Ships richly laden and homewards bound for Holland. Having then set sail in Obedience to those Or∣ders, he arrived to an Anchor in Cadiz Road the 20th. of that Month, and sailed away again from thence on the 15th. of April. The Spa∣nish Gallions arriving at Cadiz 2 days after him, about 22 sail of Merchant Ships joyned themselves to the Admiral's Flag. with whom happily continuing his voyage homeward, he arrived in the Texel the 2d of May, after ha∣ving met in his way, Withorn Comadore of a Squadron of 7 English Men of War who were looking sharp after the Merchant Fleet laden with Silver, which he had the charge of

Convoying. But Withorn f••nding himself too weak to attack him, stood away of to Sea, be∣ing desperately vext that he had mist so fair a hit. De Ruiter gained in this Expedition so much the more honour, in that he took 6 great Tur∣kish Corsairs, and 2 Brigantines; sunk or burnt 3 more of their vessels, and got off and saved one of them, that was run ashore; de∣livered at the same time a considerable Num∣ber of Christian slaves from the servitude of those Barbarians; pacified the troubles that were arising with those of Sally, and at length terminated so many happy successes by Convoy∣ing home prosperously into his Country, a vast Treasure in spite of the vigilance and avidity of the English.

About that time, a War arose in the North between Charles Gustavus King of Swedeland, and John Casimir King of Poland, which pre∣pared new affairs for the Hollanders, and gave great Umbrage to the States General of the U∣nited Provinces, who looking upon those Trou∣bles as likely to cause a great interruption, if not a ruin to their Commerce on that side, thought fit to contribute to the preservation of Dant∣zick and of Prussia, on which Swedeland might easily at that time seize, unless they timely op∣posed it. The States therefore knew of what great Consequence it was, to keep the Sound open, to have a free passage into the Baltick Sea when they pleased, resolved, to Equip out a Fleet, a••d to give the Chief Command of it to Lieu∣tenant Admiral Opdam. But whilst that was preparing, not to lose time, they Ordered De Ruiter, and Vice Admiral Florisz, and Rear Ad∣miral Tromp, to get all the Men of War toge∣ther that were ready, and to sail away into those parts before the Grand Fleet. Most part of those Ships were Equipt at Amsterdam, and some of them in North-Holland; and some

Regular Troops were put on board them, to succour Dantzick, in case it should be besieged by the Swedes. De Ruiter then having divided his Fleet into 2 Squadrons, whereof that which bore the Admiral's Flag was under his own Con∣duct, and the other, under the Command of Vice Admiral Florisz, set sail the last day of May, and on the 8th. of the next Month, came to an Anchor near the Sound; where as soon as he was arrived, he went on shore at Elsenore, accompanied by Tromp and Florisz, and thence went on to Copenhagen to confer with their High and Mightinesses Ambassadors there, who were at that time Mr. Van Beuniegen, Pensioner of Amsterdam, Amerongen, and Van Viersen: After which, they were all three to make a visit to the Chief State Minister of the Kingdom, to the Chancellor, and to Admiral Lindenhout, and then returned again on board their Fleet; which in the mean while entred the Sound, in expecta∣tion of new Orders, and of a reinforcement with Admiral Opdam. The 13th. of the same Month, 2 fresh men of War, four on the 16th. and afterwards several more joyned the Admi∣rals Flag, and reinforced the Fleet. On the 27th. 3 Men of War more were discovered approach∣ing the Sound, which proved to be Admiral Op∣dam, Captain Van Nes and Kuiper, who joyned the Fleet the same evening. The Orders Lieu∣tenant Admiral Opdam received from the States on that occasion, Imported, That he should secure the Commerce of the North; That he should defend and Protect by force of Arms, the States Merchant Ships against, all that should attempt upon their liberty; impowring him besides to Free the Bal∣tick Sea from the oppression of all those that should offer to disturb its Navigation. Afterwards he received new orders to go and Anchor with all his forces in the Road before Dantzick, to pre∣vent the Swedish Fleet from blocking up the pas∣sages

of it, and to facilitate the going in and coming out of the Dutch Merchant Ships, by taking them into his Protection; And in all other things, to regulate himself according to the Commission he had in general, to oppose all manner of attempts. Mr. Opdam going likewise presently ashore, speed∣ed away to Copenhagen, where he had a Con∣ference with the States Ambassadors, after which he had Audience of the King of Denmark, and received all imaginable honours from the Grandees of the Court. And his Danish Majesty being willing to give some marks of the concern he had in the laudable intentions of the States his Masters, in sending him for the Protection of Dantzick, honoured him with the Collar of the Order of the Elephant, which was carried him the 19th. of July, by the Vice-Roy of Norway, after he was returned on board his Fleet.

Vice-Admiral de Wit putting out likewise from the Meuse, with several men of War more, came and joyned the Fleet, which afterward set∣ting sail, arrived at Copenhagen on the 29th. of the said Month, and the next day, the States Ambassadors, advising them to continue on their way, they set sail again to enter into the Bal∣tick Sea, so that 6 days after, the whole Fleet came to an Anchor in Dantzick road, being 42 sail of Frigats and men of War,; viz. 7 of Rotterdam, 24 of Amsterdam, 7 of North-Hol∣land, 2 of Zealand, and 2 of Friesland.

At the arrival of this Potent Fleet, the Ca∣stle of Termund, which is at the Mouth of the Vistula in the Gulf of Dantzick, saluted them with several Guns, and immediately after, some Emi∣nent Persons came in a Galliot from the Town on board the Admiral, to salute him, and to let him know the Joy the whole regency was in at his arrival. Mr. Fabricius Pensionary of the Town, and famous for his great learning, Com∣plimented Lieutenant Admiral Opdam, from the

Magistrates, and invited him in their name, to be pleased to come ashore into their Town; and the publick rejoycings and other transports of joy which all the People shew'd upon that occa∣sion, lasted several days. The States had had notice given them some time before, as from the King of Sweden, that his said Majesty had form'd a design to block up the Town of Dantzick, and afterwards to besiege it, and that he prayed their High and Mightinesses to be pleased to suspend their Commerce during that time, and to for∣bid all Merchant Ships belonging to their State, to go thither to take in any fraight. But the unexpected arrival of that Fleet broke all the designs of Swedeland, and tho' it was sent out for no other end but to free the Baltick Sea from the Yoke of that power, yet it was strong enough to make all the fair hopes that Crown had conceived of Compassing so great an En∣terprize as that vanisht to into smoak, and that without any effusion of blood. On the 1st. of September following there appeared likewise at Sea, a Fleet of 9 Danish Men of War under the Conduct of Admiral Lindenhout, which came also and Anchored before Dantzick. They had the same design as had the Dutch Fleet, which was to de∣fend that Hanseatick Town and the Freedom of Navigation. In the mean time, the States De∣puties, Slingeland, Van Dorp, de Hubert, and Jabrandt being entred into a Negotiation at El∣bing with the King of Swedens Plenipotentiaries about a Treaty of Alliance, the Dutch Fleet that continued still before Dantzick Contributed much to advance it, so that it was concluded and signed on the 1st. of September, on both sides.

The States knowing the abovesaid Treaty with Swedeland, was upon the point of being con∣clu••ed, thought fit to recall Lieutentant Admi∣ral Opdam with 30 of the biggest Ships of War of the Fleet, and to leave Rear Admiral Tromp

in his place, with a Squadron only of 12 o•• the lightest Ships. And the Letters that con∣tained this order were delivered him at Dant∣zick, at the beginning of October.

The Danish Squadron was already sailed away ever since the 25th. of September, for Copenhagen, whither the King of Denmark had recalled it, as being ill satisfied at the Treaty Concluded with Swedeland without his privity. In fine, on the 6th. of October, the most part of the Troops that were on board the Fleet, were re∣moved, and distributed into the 12 Ships that were to stay in the road; only 280 men which there was no room to place there, entred into the Town by the Magistrates leave, and towards the Evening, the Fleet sailed away. But before his departure, Lieutenant Admiral Opdam received a present from the Magistrates of a very fine Silver Ewer with a crossed handle, valued at 600 Crowns.

Not long after the departure of the Grand Fleet, Vice Admiral Tromp received likewise or∣ders from the States, to quit the Baltick Sea, and to return into Holland, with his Squadron. So that having landed 1200 Musketeers he had on boa••d his Fleet, they were placed in the Town to help to guard it, together with those that had been sent thither before. After which Tromp writ the following Letter to the States, to give them Advice of his departure in pursuance of their Commands, and of the taking of General Coningsmark.

* 1.5SInce it has pleased their High and Mighti∣nesses, to let me know their Intention, by their Letter of the 9th of October last, by which, they order me to put the Troops embarked on the Fleet into Dantzick, to help to preserve that place,

and afterwards to set sail with my Squadron back for Holland; in pursuance of that Order, we put out from that Road the 30th. of October, ha∣ving the day before received General Konings∣mark, who was brought in a Flute, and two days before that, another vessel; there being in both those vessels about 200 Scotch Soldiers. The af∣fair passed in this manner: Tbe Soldiers that were in the first of these Ships revolted against their Officers, saying they were inrol'd for the Service of Dant∣zick and not for the King of Swedeland; they were by the ill weather forced to Anchor near Heel, where they constrained their Officers and their Pilot, to carry them to Dantzick. Being come into the Vistula, they reported, that Gene∣ral Koningsmark lay at Anchor in the same place, upon which Advice 3 Galliots were sent towards him, who attackt him before noon, so that he was made prisoner in sight of our Fleet. The same Evening I went with the Governor of the Town, to visit him in the Fort, Termund; and he told us, he came from Stetin, with design to go to Pilau. There was in this Rencounter, one man killed, and 5 wounded.

To report the misfortune of General Kon∣ingsmark with its principal Circumstances, you must know, that at his departure from Stetin, there was a ship which had on board her, 130 Scotch Soldiers, that set sail at the same time with him, steering her course towards Pilau; but a Tempest, and a contrary Wind having kept them back 10 days upon the Sea, the Ship being o∣ver loaden with soldiers, fell a Leaking so very much that she could no longer keep the Sea, which obliged the soldiers to take arms against their Officers, and the Master of the ship, whom they forced at length to Land them at Dant∣zick, where they informed the Magistrates where∣abouts Koningsmark lay at Anchor. Upon that

Report, they presently mann'd out 3 Galliots which were detacht against him on the 20th. of October, about break of day, and between 9 and 10 a Clock before noon, attackt his ship, just when General Koningsmark was busied in hear∣ing of a Sermon. The preacher perceiving the Enemies, gave notice of it to the General, who thereupon Commanded the Pilot to cut the An∣chor-Cables, and with all possible haste to make all the sail away he could: But the Pilot an∣swering him, that it was impossible to do it, he gave Orders to his men to do every man his best to defend themselves; But before they could get into a posture of defence the Enemies boarded him, Koningsmark retiring in∣to the Master's Cabbin, demanded Quarter, which was granted to him and all his Men. So that this General, as great a Commander as he was, yet for want of skill in the Art of fighting at Sea; that skirmish being perhaps the first of that kind he ever was in, was forced to yield himself at the discretion of the Victors, who carried him pri∣soner to Dantzick.

But to return again to the States Fleet, Lieu∣tenant Admiral Opdam entred on the 6th. of November into Helvoetsluys with a part of the men of War that composed the Fleet, and the rest of them almost at the same time got into the Ʋlie; and some weeks after, Rear-Admiral Tromp followed with his Squadron.

Whilst the States General were endeavouring with so much success to pacifie the troubles of the North, the Christian French and Portuguese Privateers, and the Turkish Pyrates domineer'd in the Mediterranean, exercising without controul all sorts of Robbery; so that the Hollanders Trading suffered extreamly from them by the continual losses of their ships: Which obliged the States to sen•• de Ruiter thither before Win∣ter, with a Squadron composed of the ships Com∣manded

by the Captains, Brakel, Kampen, and Oms, who were to be joyned by de Wilde, and Van∣der Zaan, who were then towards Cadiz, as likewise by the Amsterdam men of War that were in those parts, in case de Ruiter stood in need of more considerable Forces for the Execu∣tion of his designs. He therefore set sail the 24th. of December, having under his Convoy a Merchant Fleet of about 80 sail, bound for France, Portugal, Spain, or the Streights, [ 1657] on the 20th. of January, he arrived at Cadiz, where he Anchored the 28th. of the same Month, he set sail again, and past the Streights, with 5 Mer∣chant ships; two days after meeting with de Wilde, and Vander Zaan, between Gibraltar and Malaga, he shewed them the States Or∣der for them to joyn his Admiral Flag: On the 19th of February, he arrived in Legorn Road, with 9 Merchant ships, whilst the rest separa∣ting themselves from the Squadron, steer'd their Course towards Malaga and Alicant whither they were bound. On the 26th. unmooring a∣gain, he was informed by a Hamburgher, that 2 French Privateers, had appeared in those parts, and that three more were Equipping at Thou∣lon.

The losses the Privateers had caused to the Hollanders for several years past, in the Neigh∣bouring Seas, and especially in the Mediterranean were very great, and sensible. For when the Sieur Boreel, Ambassador from the United Provinces arrived at the Court of France towards the end of the year 1650, there were already 168 Dutch Merchant ships taken by French Ca∣pers, since which, they were reckoned to have taken 160 more, so that the whole Number of all those prizes amounted to near 328 Ships which the Privateers of that Nation had taken, Detained, Pillaged, or Confiscated without any other grounds than th••se of a manifest usurpati∣on.

These damages were reckoned at above 30 Millions of Livers. France even then in those early days, when she was so miserably torn and rent with intestine divisions, yet begun to make her Neighbours feel some effects of her Ambiti∣on, and in a time when one would have thought she had more need of Courting the Amity of the United Provinces, yet took a hank to attempt upon their Liberty by all those injustices; which ought to have been a warning piece to the Hol∣landers, and an assured presage for the time to come, to have made them fear much greater in∣justices from her afterwards whenever she should become Absolute Mistress of her then disconten∣ted people; what instances soever the States Ge∣neral could make to obtain satisfaction for so many damages, the Kings Council, and the Com∣missioners of the Admiralty took a Resolution to Restore nothing; so that what great justice so∣ever the Ambassador Boreel had on his side, to solicit the release of them in the name of the States, and in spite of all the diligence he could use for that end, he never was able to obtain any thing, the indulgence shewn by the Court to those Privateers its Subjects, was so great that it encouraged them so extremely, that there was no possibility of obtaining the release of any one Prize. Whereupon, the States General being at length wearied out with making so many fruit∣less Complaints, and apprehending lest their o∣ver great Patience might ruin their Commerce and their Subjects, they resolv'd at last to free themselves from all those Robberies by force of Arms, and to make use of reprisals. And accor∣dingly they Ordered de Ru••ter to attack the French Men of War that came out of the Ports of Provence to make excursions in the Mediter∣ranean, and to do all he could to take or sink them. De Ruiter then had been informed, as we have said, by a Hamburger, that 2 French Priva∣teers

that had Plundred him were still roving about those Seas. And on the 28th. of February at break of day, he discovered 2 ships near the Isle of Corsica, at about 3 miles distance from him, which seemed to look sharp after him, but when they came nearer within about a Mile of him, they begun to find they had to deal with men of War, and not with Merchant ships, which made them betake themselves to flight. However, about noon the ships of both Parties met between Gorgona and the Island of Corsica, without firing so much as a Gun on either side. Then de Ruiter Commanded the Cap∣tain of the biggest Caper to enter into his Boat, and come on board him; but the Captain contented himself to send his Lieutenant whom de Ruit•••• detained, sending word to the Cap∣tain again that if he refused to obey his sum∣mons, he would immediately board him, and would make him suffer the punishment due to his obstinacy: At this second Command he en∣tred into the Boat, and came on board the Ad∣miral. Whilst de Ruiter and de Wilde kept close to the great Caper, the Captain Ooms, and Vander Zaan gave chace to the other, and like∣wise Commanded the Captain to come on board the Admiral, which he having done, Vander Zaan detained him likewise. So that the 2 Privateers seeing there was no hopes to escape, drew in their Guns out of their port-holes, and throwing down their Arms, submitted themselves to the Clemen∣cy of the Victor. They were 2 Swedish Ships which some time before had been presented to the French King, but were afterwards Armed out by some Private Persons, and employed in the Pyrating Trade. The biggest of them called the Queen, had on board her 230 men, and 32 guns, whereof 30 were brass, the lesser which was called the Hunter, carried 182 men, and 28 guns, whereof 18 were brass. The French Sea∣men

that were on board them, were Con∣ducted in 3 Barks, to Marseilles, but the Cap∣tains and Lieutenants were kept by the Hollan∣ders, and their ships carried to Cadiz.

The news of the taking of these 2 Privateers made a great noise in France, the Court there looking upon it as the most hanious attempt that de Ruiter could have committed in time of profound Peace. And Cardinal Mazarine who then had the chief management of all the Af∣fairs of the Kingdom, pretended to make it pass for an outrage that deeply wounded the Glory of his Master, and was a cruel stroke at his Grandure, and at that deference the United Provin∣ces ought to have for it. They gave out, that those ships were the Kings, and that it was an intollera∣ble piece of Boldness, to offer to attackt and seize them. And therefore in revenge, Express orders were sent to all the Harbours in the Kingdom, immediately to seize all Ships, Merchan∣dizes, and effects belonging to the Hollanders; which was executed accordingly. The Haughty and Imperious manner with which the Court of France treated the United Provinces on such an occasion as that, surprised them so much the more, because the King having at first imputed that pretended Hostile attempt wholly to De Ruiter, believed he had done it without the knowledge or consent of his Masters, who ex∣pected nothing less, than to see their Subjects to be ill treated by the confiscation of the ships and goods they had in that Kingdom. And that way of proceeding seemed so much the harder upon them, in that the French Court had pas∣s••d to the Execution of it without any warning given to the States, or desiring to know of them, whether they approved or disapproved of that Action of de Ruiter, and without so much as suffering their High and Mightinesses, after having so often reiterated by their Ambassadors so ma∣ny

great and just Complaints of the damages they suffered by the French Privateers, to do themselves Justice. The States of Holland, though they had the greatest interest of any of the Provinces, in a Commerce with France, were for intirely forbidding all Trade with that King∣dom; after they had seized and stopt all French ships and effects in Holland, and all the other Pro∣vinces. But the States General not being so much concerned at what past in France, as the Province of Holland, That Resolution was let fall, and came to nothing. All that they could do, was only, to prevail with the States Ge∣neral, to Summon Deputies to the Hague, from all the Colleges of the Admiralty, to Consult, about Arming out a Fleet of 48 men of War, which they resolved to put out to Sea; with Orders, to give private notice to all Pilots and Masters of Merchant ships, to avoid the Ports of France. The States writ also to Mr. Boreel their Ambassador in France, to represent to His Majesty the injustice that was done them, in order to obtain a discharge of the ships, and Merchandizes, that were seized; as likewise all the Insupportable Robberies Committed upon their Subjects for several years together by the French Privateers; without forgetting the 2 Capers taken by de Ruiter. But Mr. Bo∣reel had prevented these Orders of the States before he received them. For immediately af∣ter the abovemention'd Resolution of the Court, he demanded Audience of the King, in Order to Represent to him his Rea∣sons. Which being granted him, He Re∣monstrated very fully and at large, That it had been but fit before his Majesty had proceeded a∣ny further, to notifie to the States General of the Ʋnited Provinces, his Mrs. the reasons that in∣duced the Court to take Resolutions so prejudicial to them, that the said States on their side, might

enter into Consideration how to give his Majesty all agreeable satisfaction on that Subject. After which, he excused de Ruiter, as far as the Infor∣mation he had been able to get of the matter, would permit, and according to the reports that were spread abroad of his late Enterprize, and of that attempt which was the Subject of the Courts Complaint. He passed on next to the dama∣ges the Subjects of their High and Mighti∣nesses had suffered for so many years, by the con∣tinual depredations which the French Privateers had Committed, and continued still to Commit up∣on their Merchant Ships, notwithstanding the so often repeated instances to the Contrary, in the Court of France, and always in vain. He ad∣ded, that in the space of 9 years, as we have said, there had been about 328 Merchant Ships be∣longing to the States Subjects, Taken or Plunder∣ed; He made mention likewise of 58 sentences given against French Privateers, which he had still in his hands, without ever having been able to get any of them put in Excution, through the fault of the Courts of justice that were too indul∣gent to those Privateers, which made them so inso∣lent and seditious, that they had ventured even to attempt upon the Authority of his Majesties Com∣missaries at Thoulon, by driving them away like miserable wretches; that the Dutch Consul na∣med, de la Fleur, who resided at Thoulon, was attackt in the streets by those villains, who char∣ged him with unmercifull blows, and would doubt∣less have Assassinated him, if he had not found means to escape out of the reach of their fury, with great hazard of his life; and all that, with∣out any other Reason, than because he had deli∣vered into the hands of his Majesties Commissi∣oners, the sentences rendred against them, in Or∣der to get them put effectually in Execution. In fine, he intreated the King, that sufficient time might be granted him, to inform the States his Ma∣sters,

of the Subject of his Majesties Complaint; and that in the mean while, he would be plea∣sed to suspend the Execution of the Orders that were given to seize the Ships and effects of his Nation; as not at all doubting, but that the States would give his Majesty all reasonable satis∣faction.

The King having heard him very quietly, made him this Answer: I have sent Orders to ••r. de Thou, who is on his Journey to Holland to demand Reparation from the States for the Hostile attempt committed by de Ruiter, and when I shall have received satisfaction thereup∣on, I know what I have to do concerning your de∣mand: But at present I have nothing to Answer to it. Mr. de Thou arrived at the Hague, the 25th. of April, and in the first Audience he had of the States General, he loudly Resound∣ed the Complaints of his Master concerning the taking of the 2 Privateers, demanding, without offering to speak of other things, they should be forthwith restored without any further de∣lay, and that de Ruiter should be severely punish'd. To which they answered him, that as to what concerned the taking of the said two ships, and the Conduct of the States in that matter, they pretended to give him such a rea∣sonable explication thereupon as should make it so clear to him, that he himself would at∣tribute all the Justice to the States. In the mean while, the States of Holland among o∣ther propositions made there, had Voted in the Assembly of the States General, that to oblige the French King to submit to reason, it was neces∣sary to forbid all Commerce in any of the Mer∣chandizes of France; to stop and seize all Ships and effects belonging to the French, and to take all their Ships they could meet with at Sea. That further it would be requisite, to Augment

the Fleet they had resolved to Arm out, with 12 Ships of War more, to render it the more Potent. In Consequence of all which Resoluti∣ons, an Ordinance was publish d sign'd the 26th. of April, by virtue of which, all the Ships, Mer∣chandizes, Moneys, Effects, Letters of Ex∣change, and Debts, which should be found to be∣long to the French in the Province of Holland, were to be seized and Confiscated. After which, the States General, at the sollicitation of the States of Holland, publish'd another Ordinance dated the 11th of May, by which they for∣bad the importation of Salt, Wines, and Fruits, and all other Commodities of the growth of France, and all Merchandizes of their Manufactures.

In fine, there was a great deal of reason to fear, that these growing troubles would quickly degenerate into a cruel War between the Crown of France, and the United Provinces: But those two powers reflecting seriously upon the mis∣chiefs and Calamities such a War would assured∣ly bring upon the people on both sides, France became more tractable and peaceable; And Hol∣land having no other end than to preserve Peace with that Crown, it was at last agreed on both sides, that the Ships and Effects of both Nations should be mutually released; that the two Ships the Queen and the Hunter, taken by de Ruiter should be restored, and that for the future, such proper measures should be taken, as might be effectual to prevent the hapning of any more like disorders.

During these intervening transactions, de Rui∣ter, lying at an Anchor, in Cadiz Road, Recei∣ved on the 7th. of April, a Re-inforcement of 6 Men of War, Commanded by the Captains, Verveen, Vander Hulst, Sweers, Kampen, Schat∣ter, and Adelaar. So that having then under his Conduct a Squadron of 12 men of War, he resolved, to go again before Sally. In Order

to which, he had beforehand written in the Month of January preceeding, to de Ʋries, Con∣sul of the Dutch Nation for the Coast of Bar∣bary, residing at Sally, that he intended, in pur∣suance of the Orders of his Masters, to come to Sally again at the spring of the year, to put a finishing hand to the Treaty of Peace already begun the year before; and that therefore for that effect, he charged him in the name of the States, to give notice of it to Prince Sid Abdala, and to dispose all things in such a manner, that at his arrival, they might proceed on both sides to the speedy Execution and Compleating of it without any delay. He accordingly arrived be∣fore Sally, on the 18th of April, two days af∣ter 4 Ships he had detacht out of his Squadron to give chace to the Corsairs, had rejoyned him: And hearing at his arrival, that the Treaty was already concluded, he went back and Anchored a∣gain at Cadiz.

In September, Vice-Admiral de Ruiter received Letters from the States General, and from the Ad∣miralty, with orders to cruize upon the Coasts of Portugal, to joyn the Fleet of 13 men of War which the States were sending that way under the Command of Lieutenant Admiral Opdam. For the differences the United Provinces had had with France, having engaged them for their se∣curity, to Arm out that Force, they were wil∣ling to make use of it after they were appeas∣ed to bring Portugal to reason, that it might not be said, they had been at all that great ex∣pence for nothing. The States pretended by the way of Arms, to force the King of Portu∣gal, to make Reparation for all the Hostilities Committed by the Portugueses upon their Sub∣jects in Brasile and other places; For which effect, they gave notice to de Ruiter: that whilst he was waiting for Lieutenant Admiral Op∣dam's Fleet, he should cruize against the Portu∣guese

Fleet that was to come from Brasile, and against all other Ships belonging to that Nation, and should endeavour to take them, in order to facilitate thereby an Accommodation with that Crown, and force it to give an account for all its usurpations; which obliged them likewise, to send some Deputies along with Lieutentant Admiral Opdam, into Portugal; adding, That if the Portuguese Ships offered to make any re∣sistance, de Ruiter should fight them, and do his best to take, or sink them.

The Fleet designed for the Ocean, under the Command of Lieutenant Admiral Opdam; sail'd then out of the Meuse, the 5th. of September Consisting of 12 Men of War, 1 Advice Yacht, and 1 Flute laden with Provisions. They came to an Anchor on the 25th. in the mouth of the Tagus near Lisbon. The same day the Sieurs Ten Hove and de Wit, Envoys from the States, going into a Yacht, went up the River, and two days after, were admitted to an Audience of the Queen Mother who then held the Reins of the Government, assisted by some Grandees of the Kingdom, during the minority of the King her Son. The Envoys then Represented their Grievances, and demanded restitution of all that had been taken from the States in Bra∣sile and elsewhere, and an indemnification for all their losses. But the Portugueses after some Con∣ferences, answered, that they were resolved to Restore nothing? No, not so much as one foot of Land. So positive an Answer as that put an end in an instant to their Negotiation. Some days before, that Court had put out an Order, to forbid all the Dutch Ships at Lisbon, and St. Hubes, to stir out of those Ports till further Order. In the mean while, the States Envoys set on work the Dutch Consul, named Vander Hoeve; who u∣sed all imaginable ipmortunities at the Court of Portugal, to obtain a Liberty of Commerce, since

as he alledged, the States Fleet had not yet Com∣mitted any Act of Hostility against the Portugue∣ses, Representing to them at the same time, that the seizure and stoppage they had newly made of the Dutch Ships, was like to be the Plreudium of a world of Mischiefs.: But with all he could say, he could obtain nothing of them but a few fair promises without any effect. The Envoys therefore seeing they did but lose their time there to no purpose, Demanded their Au∣dience of leave: But Answer was made them, that the Queen was so indisposed that she was not in a Condition to give them Audience at that time. Upon which, they delivered to Pedro Vierra de Silva, the Secretary of State, a Let∣ter sealed up, telling him withal, that they were very sensibly troubled, they could not take leave of the Queen in the usual Form, by reason of her Majesties indisposition, and that therefore they prayed him to deliver her Majesty that Letter, which in substance imported, that since they had used all the means they could, to terminate the differences between the two Nations in an amicable manner without any success, they had Order from the States their Masters, to declare War against the Crown of Portugal, as ac∣cordingly they did; after which going again on board their Yacht, they joyned the Dutch Fleet the 23d. of October, where they informed Lieu∣tenant Admiral Opdam of all that had passed. On the 26th. of the same Month, de Ruiter's Squadron joyned the Admirals Flag, and the Fleet by that Junction, was reinforced to the Number of 27 or 28 men of War. During the time that Lieutenant Admiral Opdam continued on the Coasts of Lisbon, some Portuguese Ships or other vessels laden with their Merchandizes were taken; but the Booty taken off of Roxont was much more considerable; For in the night time, a Part of the Portuguese Fleet of about 40

sail coming from Brasile Laden with Sugar, fell into the Dutch Fleet, and tho the darkness of the night favoured their fight, by stealing them from their Enemies fight, yet 20 of them were taken. There were still 44 more with their Convoy that remained behind, being kept back by a Tempest, against whom the Hollanders for some days cruiz'd, watching for their coming, but seeing they appeared not, and being uncertain whe∣ther they were not already gotten into some safe Port, they took a Resolution to prevent Winter, by retiring home to their own Coun∣try, before the Stormy Weather came in. And accordingly, they arrived in Holland with all their Prizes at the beginning of December.

The year following, de Ruiter was sent again to the Coast of Portugal, with a Fleet of 22 Ships of War; [ 1658] But the Portuguese considering of what great Consequence it was for them, to preserve their Sea Forces, and how dangerous to hazard them in a Battle, kept their Fleet within their Ports, being perswaded, that Win∣ter would, as it did last year, force the Hol∣landers to quit their Coasts; so that de Ruiter was able to do them no other harm that Expedition, than only to interrupt their Commerce, and alarm their whole Country.

We have above related, what means the U∣nited Provinces used, to break the designs of Swedeland, in the year 1656, and to free Dant∣zick, and the Baltick Sea from the oppression of that Power. That War which had made the States so uneasie, and put them to so much expence, was followed by another much more bloody and dangerous. For Frederick the III. King of Denmark, seeing the Swedish Monarch Employed with his whole Forces in prosecuting the War he had with Poland, and considering, that was a fair occasion for him to strike in, and Revenge his Father, Christiern the Vth's Quar∣rel,

who about 15 years before was oppressed by his Arms, and had part of his Dominions taken from him, he without any hesitation, de∣clared himself, being inflamed on one side, with the desire of Revenge, and on the other, put for∣ward by the secret allurements of a certain Fo∣reign Power. And accordingly marching his Ar∣my into the Country of Bremen under the Com∣mand of General Bilde, he attackt and took se∣veral places belonging to the Swedes. But For∣tune that had gone along with his Arms in their happy beginning proving afterwards Jadish to him, deserted him to that degree, that he soon saw himself at the point of losing all his Do∣minions. For Charles Gustavus, King of Swede∣land, Quitting Poland immediately upon that News, came hastning to the Assistance of what more nearly concerned him, and fell with all his forces into Hostein belonging to Denmark, so that by that Diversion, he forced General Bilde to Quit the Dutchy of Bremen, and to retire to Fredericksode. But that place being situated upon the little Belt that separates the Isle of Funen from the Firm land of Jutland, was soon reduced under the obedience of Swede∣land. King Gustavus stopt not the Career of his Conquests there, but passing his Army which was almost all Horse, over the Ice, he enter∣ed the Isle of Funen, where he put to the Sword all that opposed his Triumphant Arms: In that passage, the Ice hapning to break in a certain place, 2 Ensigns and the King of Swedens Coach were swallowed up. Odonsee, the Capital Town of the Island yielded without resistance, and the Town of Nyburg was also taken.

King Charles Gustavus being eager to carry the Terror of Arms his yet further, Consulted with his Generals, to resolve, whether it were practi∣cable for him to pass his Army over the Ice, to enter into the Isle of Zealand. But they being

now to pass the Grand Belt, which is an Arm of the Sea about 4 hours march over, that Enterprize seemed to them extreamly Rash and Dangerous, because if the Ice should happen to break, the whole Army would be in hazard of being swa••lowed, or if any part of it should be so happy as to escape, they would be shut up in that Isle till the spring time. But Gustavus, who was a Couragious and Daring Prince, was willing to prove Fortune that had so far ac∣companied his Arms, and resolved to attempt that undertaking▪ which he lookt upon as what would Compleat all his Labours. In the mean while Sr. Thomas Meadow Ambassador from the Protector Cromwel, at the Court of Denmark, desirous to put a stop to the Conquests of that Prince, dispatcht a Courier to Funen, with Letters in which he made him some overtures for Peace. King Gustavus observing, that the Cou∣rier had past upon the Ice over the Grand Belt on horse back, concluded, it would be strong e∣nough to bear his Army, and therefore fin••ing, that the cold Augmented, instead of abating, he advanced the very next morning without Re∣maining any longer in suspence, towards the Isle Langeland, and from thence into the Coun∣try of Laland, where the Town of Naskou was reduced to his obedience. From thence he car∣ried his Arms into the Isle of Falster, where he took the Fort Royal, Nikoping, after which, having crossed the Belt, he entered into the Isle of Zealand, that is to say, into the heart of the King of Denmarks Dominions, and immediately got possession of the Town of Wisburg, and was just ready to march at the head of his Army, before Copenhagen, when the Ambassador from the Court of England arrived, to present him a Mediation for a Peace. At his first interviews with him, King Charles Gustavus finding himself in the midst of so many Prosperities, refused it,

but at last, growing more tractable, he consent∣ed to a Project of Peace that was drawn up and Concluded at Toustrup the 28th. of February, and on the 8th. of March following, after it had been more amply examined, it was ratified at Rotschild. That Treaty was altogether disad∣vantagious to the King of Denmark, and to the United Provinces, because it was therein a∣greed between the two Princes of the North, to shut up the Sound, and suffer no Forreign Man of War to pass into the Baltick Sea. Be∣sides, the King of Denmark by reason of the Conquests Gustavus had newly made, to yield up to him the Propriety of a good part of his Dominions, namely Ho••land, Schoonen, Blecking, Bornholm, Bahus, and Drontheim. And though these Conditions were very hard to Denmark, yet the Swede was not content with them, but threatned to enter a second time into the Isle of Zealand, to besiege Copenhagen, and to reduce the whole Kingdom under his obedience, if the King of Denmark did not fully satisfy all points of the Treaty of Rotschild. The Article of which that obliged them to shut up the passage of the Sound against all Foreign Ships of War, caused new Umbrages, because the Danes would by no means consent to it. Whereupon at last, the K. of Sweden being desirous fully to gratifie his Ambition, and push forward his great designs to their utmost extent, made a descent in the Month of August, with a powerfull Army in∣to the Isle of Zealand, and whilst his Troops were landing there, he made his Fleet advance before Copenhagen, to form the siege of it; which was so effectually done, that it may be said, that if the Hollanders had not time∣ly succor'd it, in all appearance, the Triumphant Gustavus would have reduced that Capital Ci∣ty to his obedience, and put a Period to the Kingdom of Denmark, tho' formerly its Mistress;

so great a Vicissitude there is in the Fortunes of States and Kingdoms!

The Affairs of the North being in that ticklish Condition, the States of the Ʋnited Provinces made serious Reflexions upon what might happen in the Time to come, and thought upon freeing the Baltick Sea from the Oppression of Swedeland, by sending speedy a••d powerful Succours to the King of Denmark, who was on the Point, otherwise, in all Appearance, to lose all his Dominions. For the Security of their Commerce in the North, that supplied them with a great part of their Riches, and with Naval Stores, and other Necessaries for Building and Maintaining their Shipping, and Sup∣porting their Sea-power; by which they were en∣abled to carry on their Traffick all over the rest of the World, and to secure indeed their all, both by Sea and Land, wholly depending upon their brisk and timely Interposition, in that critical Juncture, suffered them no longer to hesitate in their Reso∣lutions. And therefore the States determined in so pressing an occasion, to assemble all the Ships of War, that were in a Condition to put to Sea, in order to form a considerable Fleet; the chief Com∣mand of which was conferred upon Lieutenant-Admiral Opdam; the other General Officers were, the Vice-Admirals de Wit, and Florisz. They em∣barked also on Board that Fleet Thirty eight Com∣panies of Regular Infantry, in all about Two thou∣sand Men, with design to throw some of them into Copenhagen, and the rest into the Castle of Kro∣nenburg, upon the Sound. The Fleet then being equipped with an incredible Diligence, Lieutenant-Admiral Opdam set sail the 17th of October; it was composed of 38 Ships of War, and six Flutes, laden with Ammunition and Provisions, of four Fire-ships, and six Galleots.

About the end of the same Month, the Fleet ar∣rived to the North-east of Jutland: But in the mean while, the Castle of Kronenburg had surren∣dred

to the Swedes, on the 26th of September, af∣ter a Siege of three Weeks, and Copenhagen it self was briskly pressed. The King of Denmark be∣ing then in Person in that his Capital City, ani∣mated by his Presence, the Soldiers and Burgers, to make a vigorous Resistance, flattering them with the Hopes of seeing themselves in a short time delivered by the Hollanders: But the Swedes, as we have said, having made themselves Masters of the Castle of Kronenburg, had shut up the Sound with their Fleet, so that the Dutch Fleet was forced of necessity to open its way through the midst of that of the Enemy's, which was near of an equal Force with theirs, and to endure all the Fire of both the Castles, on each Side, that de∣fended and stopt up the Passage of that Strait. It's true, the Danger was very great, but the At∣tempt was glorious, since it aimed at no less than at the Deliverance of a distressed King; who, af∣ter having lost all his Dominions, was ready to fall himself into the Hands of his Enemies. The 3d of November, the Dutch Fleet, by a contrary Wind, was obliged to anchor behind the Lap, at the Mouth of the Sound. Wrangel, Admiral of Swedeland, had under his Flag Thirty eight Men of War, which were mostly mann'd by English and Sco••ch Seamen; and his Design was to dispute the Passage of the Sound, against the Hollanders. In the mean while, Lieutenant Admiral Opdam, who waited for nothing else but a favourable Wind, to advance, finding it on the 8th chopt about to the North, he divided his Fleet into Three Squa∣drons, and set sail about Break of Day. Vice-Admiral De Wit led the Vanguard, Lieutenant-Admiral Opdam the main Battle, and Vice-Admiral Florisz commanded the Rear. About Eight a Clock before Noon, De Wit's Squadron was got∣ten into the middle of the Sound, between the Two Castles of Kronenburg and Elsenburg, where∣of one is in the Isle of Zealand, and the other in

the Province of Schoneng. As soon as De Wit was come right against those Fortresses, King Gustavus fir'd against him,* 1.6 all the Artillery of both the Castles; nay, and that Prince, who was in Per∣son at Kronenburg, fir'd with his own Hand the first Gun that was discharged at the Dutch. How∣ever, the Dutch Men of War, gliding along di∣rectly in the Middle of the Strait, there were very few Bullets that reach'd to do them harm, so that they past through without much Loss. About Ten a Clock in the Forenoon the Two Fleets engaged in a Cruel Fight, in View of the King of Swede∣land, of the Queen, and of the Princess his Sister, Wife to the Count de la Guarde, as also of eldest Son of the Prince of Holstean Gollorp, and of several other great Lords of the Court, who, being alto∣gether in the Castle of Kronenburg, were joynt Spectators of that Bloody and Terrible Fight. The Swedes, at first, bent all their principal Forces against the Dutch Lieutenant-Admiral, and his Two Vice-Admirals, as thinking, if they could but disable the Generals of their Enemy's Fleet, it would be no hard matter for them to gain the Victory over the rest, when they should want Heads to command them. And, in effect, that be∣ginning did not succeed amiss to them, at first: For Vice-Admiral De Wit, after having signaliz'd himself to the utmost, was mortally wounded; and his Ship taken for want of Help; but he Dy∣ing, and the Ship sinking immediately after, no∣thing remained to the Enemies but his Body. Vice-Admiral Florisz underwent the same Fate as De Wit, for as he was fighting with an unparallel'd Intrepidity, he lost his Life with Sword in Hand, as likewise did the Captain under him, and 36 of his Men: So that none of the General Officers were then left but Lieutenant Admiral Opdam, to bear the whole B••••nt of the furious Efforts of the Swedes, who ••••hav••d himself so couragiously, that he qui••kly ••••••de th••m see, by a vigorous Re∣sistance,

that Fortune had chosen him to revenge the Death of so many other brave Men. For, du∣ring Two long Hours together, without any other Help, he stood the Fire of all the Guns of Seven Swedish Ships, who hotly ply'd him all that Time with continual Broad-sides of their Cannon. He had received several Shot between Wind and Wa∣ter; which latter had gain'd already Five or Six Foot deep in his Ship, and his Prow was on Fire: His Masts, his Rigging and all his Sails were shot down close by the Board, so that he was reduc'd into a very pitiful Condition, when Captain Van Nes advanc'd one of the foremost, to his Assi∣stance. Captain Kampen, likewise, having forc'd his Passage through the Enemy's, with an admirable Courage, flew in like Lightning to the Admiral's Aid; which Two Ships were extremely shattered, and that of the Admiral run great Danger of being sunk or burnt. He had on Board him Thirty seven Men killed, and about One hundred wound∣ed; but he triumphed over all those Disasters, by his great Bravery and wise Conduct. But if the General Officers of the States Fleet happened to be ill treated, those of the Swedes fared never the better for it: For Admiral Wrangel, and Vice-Admiral Bielkenstern, and several others, having their Ships shot through and through, and all shattered, were forced to retire out of the Fight. Three Swedish Ships were taken, and Eight sunk, or burnt. The Hollanders lost in all that Action on∣ly the Ship Brederode, commanded by Vice-Ad∣miral De Wit, which, as we have said, sunk, after she was taken. The Swedes, on their Side, had above Two thousand Men killed, besides what were wounded and made Prisoners; the Number of which latter was reckoned to be about Four hun∣dred and fifty. The Number of the Slain, on the Hollander's Side, amounted to near Four hun∣dred Men, and a great many they had wounded. Among the former, were counted the Two Vice-Admirals,

and the Captains Bruinsveld and Ver∣veen. The Battle lasted 5 or 6 Hours, till the Swed••sh Fleet made away towards the Main Sea: For tho' they had the Advantage of the Weather-gage, yet they suffered the Hollanders to retreat, who were stopped from advancing towards them by a contrary Wind; shewing sufficiently by their Behaviour, that they knew well enough, there was nothing to be gotten by them, and that they could not venture to charge the Dutch again, without running great Hazard of an entire Defeat. Lieu∣tenant-Admiral Opdam, seeing the Swedes were be∣come immo••eable, by refusing to renew the Fight again, got his Ships together, and sail'd towards the Isle of Huen. Towards evening, he met B••elk, the Danish Admiral, who by a North Wind was hindred from coming to joyn the Hollanders, and share with them in the Glory of that Fight. After that junction, the Fleet, came and anchored near the Coast of Zeland, between ••l••enore and Copen∣hagen; and the Swedish Fleet retired under the Canon of the Castle of Kronenburg: But King Gustavus, not thinking it secure enough there, gave them Order to put into the Haven of Lands∣kroon; which is a Town in the Province of Scho∣nen.

* 1.7That Prince being minded, after the Fight, to give the World some Proofs of his incomparable Generosity, and of the high Veneration he had for those Great Men that glory in spending their Blood for their Country's Service, commanded the Body of Vice-Admi••al ••e Wit to be cloathed with white Satin, and to be put into a Coffin covered with black Cloth, and adorned with the Arms of the deceased: After which he caused it to be embarked in a Galliot, painted with Black, with Streamers of the same Colour, and to be carryed to Lieute∣nant Admiral Opdam. The Bodies of the Two Vice-Admirals, De Wit and Florisz were after∣wards transported into Holland, and buryed at

the Charge of the State, with all the Honours due to their Memory, De Wit was interred at Roter∣dam, and Florisz at Hoorn; and the States, to im∣mortalize the Memory of their good Services, or∣dered to be paid to the Heirs of each of them 3000 Livers, to be bestowed upon a Piece of Marble, whereupon to engrave their Epitaphs. That of Vice Admiral De Wit was as follows, in Latin.

Meritis & Aeternitati Wittenii Cornelii de With, Equit.

Qui Magnitudinem suam eidem Elemento de∣buit, cui praecipuam hactenus Hollandia debet; totum Terrarum ambitum circumnavigavit, utramque Indiam, Nauta, Miles, Praefectus∣que Nautarum ac Militum vidit; expugnato Speculatorio Navigio, cum viribus ipse multo inferior, animo Major esset Argentiferae Classi Americanae viam patefecit. Innumeras variarum Gentium Naves cepit, incendit, sub∣mersit: Per omnes gradus Militiae Navalis eluctatus, Propraetor Patriae, Classis & Expe∣ditiones Maritimas XX. annos rexit. Decies quinquies Classibus collatis cum Hoste conflixit, raro aequata clade; plerumque Victor, & Tri∣umphator Praeliis rediit. Restabat Magnus tot Belli facinoribus imponendus Dies VIII. No∣vembris, Anno MDCLVIII. In Freto Maris Baltici supremum Virtutis opus edidit. Ibi primus in Praelium ruens, Praetoriam Sue∣corum invasit, afflixit; dein Propraetoriam, ac Praegrandes eorundem alias, armis, viris, animis instructissimas, sola Propraetoria sua, rejecit, afflixit, submersit; donec a sociis undique desertus, ab Hostibus undi{que} circumfis∣sus,

discerpto Globis corpore, Bellatricem ani∣mam Coelo reddidit. Corpus ipse Rex Hostis, Generosae Fortitudinis Hostilis admiratione, splendide compositum in Patriam Remisit: Sic Redeunt quos Honos ac Virtus Remittunt. Vix∣it ann. LIX.

In English thus.

To the Merits and Immortality of De Witten Cornelius de VVith, Kt.

Who owed his Greatness to that Element, to which Holland hitherto owes the chiefest of hers; who has sailed about the whole Globe of the World, and seen both the Indies, in Quality of Mari∣ner and Soldier, and afterwards of Captain both of Mariners and Soldiers; after he had taken a Scout-Ship, called, the Guard, as be∣ing superior in Courage, tho' inferior in Force, he opened a Way to the taking of the Spanish American Plate-fleet. He took, burnt and sunk an infinite number of Ships of divers Nations; and having passed through all the Degrees of Naval Warfare, he was made Vice-Admiral, and had the Conduct of the Fleet of his Coun∣try, and of their Sea-Expeditions, for the Space of Twenty Years. He fought Fifteen set Bat∣tles with the Enemies Fleets, and came out of the Fight seldom with equal Loss, but most commonly Victorious and Triumphant. There remained but one Great and Fatal Day, to put an End to so many Heroick Feats of War, which was the 8th of November, in the Year 1658. when he gave the last Proof of his Va∣lour, in the Strait of the Baltick Sea; where rushing foremost into the Fight, he attacqued

the Admiral of Swedeland, and disabled him; and afterwards fighting with the Vice-Admi∣ral, and several other great Ships of the same Enemy's, extreamly well provided with Arms and Couragious Seamen, He, with his single Vice-Admiral's Ship, repulsed, disabled, and sunk them; till, at last, being wholly deserted by his Companions, and on all Sides surrounded by the Enemies, his Body being rent with Bul∣lets, he yielded up his War-like Soul to Heaven. The King himself, his Enemy, out of an Ad∣miration of the generous Fortitude of so brave an Enemy, sent back his Body, magnificently habited, and put up, into his Country. So Re∣turn all they whom Honour and Valour send back. He lived LIX. Years.

The next Day after the Battle, the Transport Ships, laden with Troops and Ammunition, went before Copenhagen, where Colonel Fuchler, who commanded the Soldiers, landed them. So that the Hollanders may be said to have gained all the Advantage of that celebrated Fight, because they executed their Design, which was to succour that important Place. However, Lieutenant-Admiral Opdam had Orders from the States, to winter with his whole Fleet at Copenhagen; where his Presence, and the Assistance of the Soldiers and Dutch Seamen he brought with him, contributed not a little to the Repulsing of the many violent Assaults the Swedes made from time to time upon the Works of the Town.

In the mean while, the States, who laid nothing so much to Heart as the Consequence of the Affairs of the North; and knowing of what great Impor∣tance 'twas, to keep an even Ballance between Swede∣land and Denmark, by hindring the stronger of them to oppress the weaker, resolved to arm out, for that purpose, a second Fleet, the chief Com∣mand

of which was given to De Ruiter, who was returning from Portugal. It consisted of Forty Men of War, on Board which was embarked a Succour of Four thousand Regular Troops, com∣manded by Colonel Killigrew.

On the 20th of May, Vice-Admiral De Ruiter, set sail. Meppel, who was made Vice-Admiral of Holland, of the College of the Admiralty of the North, took the Place of Vice-Admiral Florisz, and embarked, by way of Provision, on the Ship cal∣led the Orange-Tree, of North-Holland. De Rui∣ter divided his Fleet into three Squadrons; the first was under his own Command, the second under Evertsz, and the third under the Conduct of Mep∣pel. The 10th of June he arrived at the Mouth of the Belt, and some Days after, he joyned Lieute∣nant-Admiral Opdam; so that then the States Fleet was Seventy eight Sail strong of Men of War, Six or Seven Fire-ships, and Ten Galliots, mann'd with One thousand three hundred Mariners and Soldiers, besides the Four thousand Regular Troops that were in de Ruiter's Fleet; and was mounted with Three thousand two hundred Guns.

In the mean while, the English, conceiving a Jea∣lousie at the formidable Forces the Hollanders had assembled towards the North, sent likewise thi∣ther a Fleet of Forty two Sail of Men of War, under the Comman•• of Admiral Mountague, who came into the Belt to observe their Motions. Op∣dam, not being able to penetrate the Design of the English, put out a white Flag, and summoned on Board him all the General Officers and Captains of his Fleet, and commanded them to keep them∣selves in Readiness for a Fight, and not to forget their Honour, and the Oath of Fidelity they had sworn to their Country. The next Morning Ad∣miral Mountague writ to Lieutenant-Admiral Op∣dam, and to Vice-Admiral de Ruiter, telling them, That he was come to endeavour to bring the Two Crowns of the North to an Accommodation;

that he was persuaded, their High and Mightinesses Fleet had likewise no other Aaim but that, and therefore that it would be convenient for them to act by Consent on both Sides, and to put in pra∣ctise all proper Means that might contribute to the pacifying of those two Crowns, and to the main∣taining a perfect Union between the two Repub∣licks. Answer was made him, That the Dutch had no other Design neither, but that: Upon which, the English Admiral set sail, and after noon ad∣vanced further into the Belt. The Dutch perceiv∣ing it, unmoored likewise, and stood after the English, to hinder them from cutting off the Da∣nish, and some Holland Ships, that lay at Anchor near Nyburg, by separating them from the Body of the Dutch Fleet. But the English making off into the Main Sea, retired to Kallundburg, and the Hollanders towards the Isle of Rouse; where the Danes came and joyned them. In the mean time, while the Ambassadors of the States, that came with de Ruiter's Fleet, were negotiating a Treaty of Peace between the Two Crowns at Copenhagen, the English interrupted it by their un∣derhand Practices, in proposing a Cessation of Arms for Three Weeks; which extremely trou∣bled the Hollanders, and obliged de Ruiter to write about it to the College of the Admiralty of Amsterdam, intimating to them, That the English, as far as he was able to judge by their manner of Proceeding, seemed ill intentioned, notwithstand∣ing all their fair Protestations, and that he believed, they turned Affairs in that manner, with Design to favour Swedeland. Three Days before the Term prefixed for the Suspension of Arms was to expire, which was on the 10th of July, Lieutenant-Admi∣ral Opdam's Fleet, in conjunction with the Danes, making together about Thirty seven Sail of Men of War, set sail directly for Copenhagen; which the Swedes kept besieged with a Fleet of Thirty three Ships of War; but at the Approach of the Admi∣ral

of Holland, they retired, without daring to stand a Fight; which much surprized Opdam, who expected not to be rid of them at so cheap a rate.

[ 1659] In the mean while, the English Ministers that were endeavouring, with those of Holland, to mediate an Accommodation, considering, it was not ne∣cessary the two Mediating Powers should have such numerous and formidable Forces towards the North, only to counterbalance Swedeland, proposed that they might be diminished. But the States suspect∣ing there was some Mystery in the Matter on the English side, ordered, That but 20 of their Ships should be recalled, causing private Notice to be given to Lieutenant-Admiral Opdam, not to send them away neither, till a like number of the En∣glish were gone before them. But all those Precau∣tions of the States became in short time needless, by the Revolution that was ready to happen in England, by the Intriegues of General Monk, whose Aim was, to pull down Cromwel's Party, in order to restore King Charles to the Throne. For Admiral Mountague, who held Intelligence with Monk, burn'd with an impatient Desire to quit the North, with the English Fleet, and to hasten home to the Assistance of King Charles's Party; and seeking all the Pretences he could think on to promote his speedy departure, he gave out, That, for want of Provisions, his Fleet was able to sub∣sist no longer abroad, and so setting Sail on the 5th of September, he returned back to the Coasts of England.

Vice-Admiral de Ruiter having weighed An∣chor the same day, moved, and cast Anchor a∣gain at Amak near Copenhagen, from whence he went ashore and went to a Tent set up between the Town and the Swedish Army, where the States Ambassadors, and those of Sweden and Denmark were in Conference about a Peace. But Affairs going quite another way than towards

an Accommodation, Hostilities were begun again. In the mean time Lieutenant Admiral Opdam ha∣ving written to the States, to desire leave to re∣turn home because of his indisposition, he accord∣ingly set sail at the beginning of November, with a Fleet of 20 sail of Men of War, and a great Number of Merchant Ships, accompanied with the Vice-Admiral's Evertsz and Meppel. De Ruiter then being left in the North, to Com∣mand in chief in the absence of the Lieutenant Admiral, joyned his Fleet with that of the Danes, Commanded by Admiral Bielke, and having ta∣ken on board, a good Number of Troops, both Horse and Foot, steer'd directly towards the Isle of Funen. To attempt a descent there, and if it were possible, to drive out the Swedes from thence. On the 8th. of November, he advanc'd as far as before the Town of Nyburg, situated in the East part of Funen, upon the Belt. Tho a great body of Swedish Horse appeared upon the Coast to oppose a descent, yet Marshal Schak and other General Officers resolved to fall upon them, notwithstanding the night was coming on. But that Undertaking was not so well backt as it should have been, because there was no body that was well acquainted with that place. In the mean while, the Swedes having raised some batteries, begun to fire upon the Dutch Fleet, and they fired no less briskly a∣gain upon the Swedes, and upon the Ramparts of Nyburg. The next morning before day, the Officers, Soldiers, and Seamen that had passed the night in Boats, and suffered much by the cold, came back again on board the Fleet, with∣out having done any thing, because it was so very dark that they could not see the Coast. After this attempt, the General Officers resol∣ved to weigh Anchor, and to draw towards Kor∣temunde, another Town in the same Isle, where they arrived on the 10th. about noon.

De Ruiter thereupon, gave order immediately to Evertsz, de Wilde, to Rear Admiral B••akel, and to the Captains, Van Amst••l, and Aldert Machysz, to joyn him, and to draw up in a line of Battle, in Order to Batter the Town with their Artillery, so that soon after, it was seen all in flames, and the Swedish Horse was forc'd to scamper here and there, not knowing where to shelter themselves. De Ru••ter observing that disorder, without losing any time, posted 4 men of War more in such a manner, that their guns swept all the plain Country clear, and gall'd the Flank of the Swedish Cavalry. In the mean time the Danish Admiral Bielke, and Vice Admiral Held coming to de Ruiter, prayed him to be pleased to go to Marshal Schak, to endeavour to perswade him, upon that fair opportunity, to put in Execution without delay, the descent he be∣fore had designed to make, because it was alrea∣dy 2 a Clock in the Afternoon. After several deliberations, the Danish and Holland Troops chosen to form the Van guard, entred into Boats, which landed them within Pistol shot of the Town Bridge. The Swedes had retrenched them∣selves in two different places and had raised Forts from the Town to the Bridge, having po∣sted on one side, 2 Regiments of Horse, and on the other 3. Whilst the Dragoons were left in the Town, to defend that. At the approach of the Danes, the Swedes fired hotly upon the Boats, and killed some of the Hollanders. De Ruiter being in Person in one of those Boats, seeing the danger, cried out? My Boys; Have Courage, advance, and march up to the Enemies: Or else you are all lost men! That discourse so extream∣ly revived the fallen Courages of his followers, that a French Gentleman, named Fleury de Cu∣san, Lord of Buat, and Captain of a Troop of Horse in the States service, who came in the Fleet in Quality of a Volunteer, hearing those

words of de Ruiter, leapt presently out of the Boat with his drawn Sword in his hand into the Sea up to the middle in Water, crying out, Friends, fol••ow me! Upon which, the Soldiers and Mariners being ashamed not to follow his Ex∣ample, leapt out likewise in Troops, and got to Land, whilst the Men of War fired without in∣termission upon the Town; so that advancing fur∣ther, the Confederate Troops vigorously attackt the Swedish Horse, who came to meet them to dispute their passage. There was never any thing more bloody than that shock, nor was there ever any Courage appear'd so undaunted as that shewn by the Allies in that Rencoun∣ter; so that the Swedes being no longer able to endure so fierce and obstinate an attack, quit∣ted their ground, and retired in Confusion to∣wards the Bridge. But the Danes and Holland∣ers pursued them so close, that they entred with them into the Town, set it on fire in two pla∣ces, and then quitted it again. However, the fire did no great damage, because it was quick∣ly quench'd by the diligence of the Enemies. The day following de Ruiter detacht away 4 men of War, to go and cruize between the Isles of Langeland, and Spro, and 3 more, to go and block up the passages of Nyburg, in Order to prevent the Swedes from putting any succours into Fu∣nen. In the mean while, a part of the Danish Horse had already begun to disembark, and the next day, they all Landed.

Some days before the descent, King Gustavus Adolphus had entred the Isle of Falster, at the head of a Body of Horse, to encourage his Troops by his presence, and defend the Neigh∣bouring Isles from the Irruption of the Danes; and before his departure, he seemed to the Am∣bassadors to be more inclinable to a Peace than before. But all those fair appearances were but the pure effects of a dissembling Policy that in∣duced

him to make all those advances, to gain time, and to prevent the mischiefs threatned him by the Junction of the Danish and Dutch Fleets; so that he was extreamly surprised, when he was infor∣med a little while after, that the two Fleets were already at Sea. Upon that news, he hastned a∣way with all speed to Kotfoot, with a full Re∣solution, to throw succours into Funen, where he foresaw, the Enemies designed to make a De∣scent. But the Confederate Fleets having pre∣vented his vigilance, he was much astonish'd to hear at his arrival, the Extraordinary noise of Cannon and small Arms, which put him into such a Transport of fury, that he Resolved to go immediately in Person into Funen, to rouse up the drooping courage of his men, and thereby prevent a blow that was likely to Ruine his fairest hopes, and cut short the swift Career of his Conquests. But his Council more wise and Considerate than he, disswaded him from it, by Representing to him, to what great and inevita∣ble danger he would thereby expose himself, since there being no other way for him to pass into Funen, but in a pitiful sorry boat, in which he could hardly without a Miracle escape being taken by his Enemies. Having therefore chang'd his resolution, he only sent thither General Steen∣bok, who arrived there time enough to be a Spectator of the misfortune of his Party, and to bear a share in the total defeat of the Swedish Army.

In the mean while, the Hollanders and the Danes, seeing Fortune begun to declare for them, resolved, without any demurring, to push on their Enter∣prizes to the utmost, while Time was, and to pre∣vent the Winter, which would soon disable their Fleets from staying any longer at Sea. General Ernest Albert de Eberstein was arrived at the Ar∣my of the Allies, ever since the 14th of the same Month, with a Reinforcement of 4 German Regi∣ments,

4 more of Brandenburghers, 800 Polanders, and 1000 Danish Horse, besides Foot; he had landed near Middlelvaart, in the Isle of Funen, and two Days after his Arrival, he joyned General Schak, near Odenzee. On the 22d the Danish Ar∣my, with all those Auxiliary Troops, advanced within a Mile of Nyburg, where they arrived about 11 a Clock, and discovered the Sweedish Ar∣my, under the Command of the Prince of Sults∣back, and General Steenbok, ready ranged in Or∣der of Battle, upon the side of a Mountain, in a very advantagious Place for them, since they had the Town of Nyburg behind them, and tall Hedges, and a large deep Ditch before them, which they had thick lined with Musqueteers and Dragoons, well retrencht. However, the Danes, put them∣selves likewise in Order of Battle. General Eber∣stein commanded the Right wing, Marshal Tramp the left, and General Schak the Main Battle, where were placed the Dutch Colonels, Killigrew, Kuik, Meteren, and Ailua, with their Troops. The Fight was begun by the Danish Horse; for Eberstein and Schak fell with all the Vigour imaginable upon the Enemies, and broke through them, as far as the Hedges; but there they found so much Resi∣stance from the Swedish Musqueteers and Dragoons, that it was impossible for them to get any further: For the Swedes, adding Desperation to their natural Bravery, not only repulsed their Enemies, but put them into such disorder, that both the Right and Left Wing of their Army began to give way; and further, they made themselves Masters of some of their Cannon; upon which Schak, having sent Order to the Dutch to come up and charge, the Colonels, Killigrew, Meteren and Ailua, putting themselves at the Head of them, led them up, charging them to keep close together; the Right Wing of the Swedes did their utmost to break them, but the Pikes having repulsed them, they were forced, in a few Moments after, to quit their

Post and their Cannon, and betake themselves to Flight. The right Wing of the Swedes, having been thus driven out of the Field, the Hollanders fell upon the Left, which they likewise broke, so that the Victory, which seemed at first to have de∣clared for the Swedes, then forsook them. Upon which, the Imperial••sts, Brandenburgers, Danes, and Polanders, taking Advantage of that Defeat, charged the Swedish Horse with so much Vigor, that they forced them to retire into Nyburg, so that their Foot being deserted by the Horse, was surrounded by the Polanders, who cut them almost all in pieces. The Prince of Sultsbach, and Gene∣ral Steenbok, seeing the Fortune of the Day lost, being loth to coop themselves up in Nyburg, fled through a Wood towards the Sea-coast; where, finding a Fisher-boat, by vertue of large Offers of Mony, they persuaded the Master of it to pass them over the Night following into Zealand, ac∣companied only with two or three Servants.

Whilst the Land-Army of the Allies was en∣gaged with the Swedes, General Sohak sent to in∣treat de Ruiter, to advance with his Fleet before Nyburg, in order to besiege it by Sea, in case the Allies proved victorious by Land. The 25th of the same Month, the Swedes, having been constrained to quit the Fort Knotshover, because it was laid flat by de Ru••ter's Guns, some Men of War of the Fleet went and anchored so near the Town, that they could make th•• least Guns they had bear to fire into it with effectual Execution: And the whole Fleet, being thrown into a Line of Battle, fired ••o furiously into it, with all their Guns, that so many Houses were beaten down by them, that the Swedish Horse and other Soldiers that were retired thither, knew not where to fly for Shelter; and that small Place was soon reduced to Ashes, by the continual Broad-sides that flew from the Navy, that swept away Men, Women and Horses, and made the Air most dreadfully echo with the lamen∣table

Cries of an infinite number of wounded Peo∣ple; and the Desolation was so great and so uni∣versal, that very few Persons could escape from it. The Swedes therefore, having lost all Hopes of be∣ing able to defend the Place any longer, sent a Trum∣peter to the Generals Schak and Eberstein, to let them know, They were ready to capitulate, and to desire them to give order for the Cannon to cease Firing. But they replied, They must expect no other Accommodation from them, but to surrender themselves at Discretion. In the mean while, the Cannon played upon them without Intermission, and a little while after, three Swedish Lords came out to the Camp, with Offers to yield at Discre∣tion. Whereupon, the Allies named the Sieurs Alefeld and Tromp to go on their part into the Town, to treat with the Swedish Generals, and a Trumpeter was sent on board de Ruiter, to desire him to intermit Firing, in regard the besieged were treating to surrender at Discretion. De Rui∣ter answered, That they must resolve to do it out of hand then, or else he would reduce the Town to a Heap of Rubbish. Those Words were fol∣lowed with a short Cessation of Arms; but be∣cause the besieged made some Demur in coming to an Execution of all those Offers, de Ruiter fired upon them again more fiercely than ever, till by a Letter from General Schak, he was informed, That the Swedes, had at last submitted to the Clemency of the Victors, and that the Allies were infinitely obliged to him for having brought things in so short a time, to so happy an Issue. Twelve Regiments of Swedish Horse, making in all 3000 Men, were made Prisoners of War on this occasion. The Pri∣soners of note, were 12 Colonels, and the Majors General Horn, Weyer and Waldeck; and the Duke of Weymeren, and the Count Coningsmark, were taken Prisoners in the Battle. That Victory was so compleat, that there never was its parallel known, since of all the whole Swedish Army in

the Isle of Funen, consisting of above 7000 Fight∣ing Men, there escaped but two General Officers, and some few Private Soldiers, that saved them∣selves in the Woods, when they were defeated. And besides, it's worth remark, That those Troops, so defeated, were the Bravest, most Faithful, and most Veteran, and Disciplined Soldiers of all the Forces of the King of Swedeland. On the Danes and Allies side, there were about 500 Men killed, among whom were reckoned 8 Officers of note, among whom was Captain Hemmema. The Hol∣landers lost very few, tho' they bore the greatest brunt of the Battle. All those happy Progresses were followed by the speedy reduction of the greatest of the Danish Isles, except Zeeland, to that before oppressed Crown, and that in less than 16 Days. Near 100 Pieces of Cannon, and great store of Ammunition were taken, and 120 Stan∣dards or Colours. About 2000 Swedes were kill'd, and 5000 made Prisoners. As for the Cavalry that were taken, they were part of them distributed among the Danish, Imperial and Brandenburg Horse. The Town of Nyburg was plundered by the Imperialists and Poles, whilst the Hollanders kept still under Arms.

Funen being thus reduced under the Obedience of its rightful Prince, Vice-Admiral De Ruiter represented to General Schak, That it was impossi∣ble for the Fleet to subsist any longer in those parts, because of the Dearness of Provisions; adding, That the swift advance of the Winter obliged him likewise to retire. And, accordingly unmooring, on the 28th of November, he sailed away to Lu∣beck, with a Fleet of 120 Sail, great and small, to take in a Supply of Provisions. The News of so many Advantages, gained by the Arms of the Con∣federates, was like a stroke of Thunder to King Gustavus; for, after that Time, he gave himself so much to Melancholy, that he was never after seen in a good Humor: Nay, his Health was sen∣sibly

endamaged thereby. He retired into the Castle of Knonenburg; where Reflecting upon the declining Condition of his Affairs, he judged there was no other way for him to take to retrieve them, than to reconcile himself with the Ʋnited Provin∣ces, as the only Power that had broke his Designs, and interrupted the Course of his Conquests. And so earnestly did he prosecute that expedient, that on the 9th of December, that is to say, fifteen Days after the Reduction of Nyburg, the Treaty of Alliance between Swedeland and the States was renewed, and signed by the Ambassadors of both Powers; which Treaty was followed with the Conclusion of the Project, formed before at Elbing with all its Dependencies; with this provisional Condition, That the abovesaid Treaty should be of no Validity▪ and should not be put in execution till a Peace were first made and ratified between the two Crowns of Sweden and Denmark. Such were the first Fruits of the Conquest of the Isle of Funen.

The 1st of December, De Ruiter, having Or∣ders from the States to winter in the Baltick, in order to take care to secure Copenhagen, came to an Anchor in the Road of Trave-Munde, from whence he sailed next Day to Lubeck; where he took in Provisions. On the 15th he steered away for Co∣penhagen, where Admiral Bielk, coming on board him, presented him with a Golden Chain and a Medal of great Value, from the King of Den∣mark. The King of Sweden having still considera∣ble Forces in the Isle of Zeeland, the Danes had some reason to fear some Irruption from them, when the Time of the Ice should come; so that they reinforced the Garrison of Copenhagen, and plant∣ed a greater Number of Guns upon the Ramparts of the Town; and every Captain had his parti∣cular Quarter assigned him, that they might be ready to oppose any Assaults from the Swedes; The Ice was broke for 40 Foot round every Man of

War; and the Danes, in the mean time, making several Sallies against the Enemies, gained conside∣rable Advantages over them.

* 2.1This was the state of the War in the North, when de Ruiter, at the beginning of the following Spring, having unmoored from Copenhagen, on the 3d of March, 1660. went and posted himself, with his Fleet before the Haven of Landskroon, to block up its Passage, and hinder the coming out of the Swedish Fleet, which was then about 50 Sail strong of Men of War. He had likewise at the same time detached from his Fleet a Squadron of 16 Men of War, to convoy home some Merchant-ships to Holland. Amidst those Transactions he heard the News of the Death of Charles Gustavus, King of Sweden; which happened on the 23d of February at Gottenburg, a violent Distemper, of not above 6 Days continuance, having carried him off, in the 36th Year of his Age. The unexpected Death of that great Prince revived the Hopes and raised the palled Courage of the Danes, who, not without sufficient Cause, looked on him as the Scourge of their Nation, by reason of his extra∣ordinary Valour and Success.

In the mean while the Negotiation for a Peace, which the Plenipotentiaries of th•• mediating Pow∣ers were endeavouring, was drilled on to a tedious length, notwithstanding the frequent Conferences they had about it in the Tent, erected for that effect between Copenhagen and the Swedish Army; which Delay was caused by the Intrigues of the French and English Ambassadours at the Court of Swedeland; for that they were so far from endea∣vouring heartily to bring that Power to an Accom∣modation, that underhand they blew the Coals, and exasperated Matters, by luring on that Court with the Airy Hopes of several Conquests. But, However, at last, after many Obstacles, it was happily concluded on the 6th of June. And four

days after, the Swedish Army raised the Siege of Copenhagen; and the two Northern Crowns there∣by put an end to those Troubles that seemed to have rendred them irreconcilable, and that had kindled the Jealousie, and raised the Arms of so many Princes against the growing Power of Swede∣land.

The States seeing Affairs were happily terminat∣ed on that side, sent Orders to de Ruiter, that as soon as the Swedes should have restored to Den∣mark all the Places they were obliged to restore by the Treaty, he should re-imbark the States Troops, and return back with his Navy to Hol∣land. But the King of Denmark, considering the great Service he had received from de Ruiter, not willing to let him depart, without giving him some Marks of his Acknowledgment, would needs honour him with the Order of Knighthood, for him and his heirs, and with Letters of No∣bility, to which he added an annual Pension of 800 Crowns. Pulchler likewise who Com∣manded the Land Forces, was gratified with an annual Pension, a Golden Chain, and a Me∣dal. And the other Officers received also every one presents proportionable to their rank, and the merit of their Services.

The War the United Provinces had with Por∣tugal, [ 1661] which we have already mentioned, was also terminated by a Treaty signed the 6th. of August, to the extreme displeasure of the Pri∣vateers of several Nations that made use of the Commissions of that Crown the more secure∣ly to go a Pyrating after the Dutch Merchant Ships.

In the mean time, the Corsairs of Barbary did so much mischief in the Mediterranean, [ 1662] that the States were forced to send thither Vice-Admiral de Ruiter with a Fleet of about 20 men of War.

For about the space of 6 Weeks, he only sail∣ed about the Mediterranean, Convoying Mer∣chant Ships, without discovering any Pyrate, but on the 26th. of February he gave chace to a Corsair Ship of Tunis, called the Crescent, and forcing her to run a ground upon the Coast, he delivered 40 Christian slaves.

Two days after, he went and Anchored before Tunis, where he Concluded a Treaty of Peace between the United Provinces, and those Bar∣barians, and delivered 60 Dutch slaves more, who were Exchanged for the Turks taken in the Corsair called the Crescent, which he had lately taken. But because there were some Articles in that Treaty that displeased the States, de Rui∣ter, at his return to the Coasts of Barbary in November following, caused them to be alter∣ed.

There was likewise a Treaty of Peace Conclu∣ded with the Algerines about the end of the Month of March, in which likewise some change was made by the consent of those Corsairs; but they soon after broke it.

[ 1663] Rear-Admiral Tromp and Captain Schey had like∣wise orders to go into the Mediterranean, with a Fleet of 10 Merchant Ships; and on the 1st. day of January 1663, the two Fleets having met and saluted one another, De Ruiter steer'd towards A∣licant, and Tromp towards Leghorn. Some weeks after, namely on the 17th of March, de Ruiter having receiv'd order from the States, to leave the Command of the Fleet that was to stay in the Mediterranean, to Tromp, and to return back himself into Holland, accordingly left it to him, together with the necessary instructions relating to what remained yet to be put in Execution; and at the same time put on Board of Tromp the Fiscal Vyant, who had assisted at all the Treaties that had been made with the Turks, that he might

serve him for his Counsel. But instead of being a∣ble to pacifie the turbulent humour of those Bar∣barians; the Algerine grew thereupon the more insolent. For because the Ratification of the Trea∣ty was not presently sent them, and that several months had past, without their seeing either any one Dutch Man of War, or the promised ransome for the Slaves of that Nation, they began to grow so much the more impatient, because the Plague that then raged among them, sweeping away many of the Dutch Slaves, deprived thereby their greedy Patrons of their Ransom too; So that the mur∣murs of those discontented Barbarians, soon after broke out in new Hostilities. For at the beginning of the Summer, they took upon them to visit the Dutch Merchant Ships, and then under pretence they were laden with Merchandises belonging to their Enemies, they pillaged them without Con∣troul. And not long after they carried a Dutch Merchant Ship to Algiers, confiscated her Cargo, and sold her Men for Slaves. The States hear∣ing of all these mischiefs Writ to their Consul there, Vanden Burg, to sollicit the Restitution of the Effects that were seiz'd, and the Liberty of the Slaves those Barbarians had newly made; But the Corsairs refusing to give any satisfaction, the States gave Orders, they should be obliged to it by force of Arms.

Rear-Admiral Tromp therefore having begun to give them Chace, took several of them, [ 1664] and freed thereby a great number of Christian Slaves. And a∣mong others, he took two Algerine Corsairs on the 10th of January, near Malaga, whereof one carried 18, and the other 20 Guns, and had on board her 180 Turks or Moors, 25 Christian Slaves, and 5 Rene∣gadoes. These Prises caused great alarms at Algeirs, where the Barbarians gave out, that their losses in them amounted to the number of 6 or 700 Turks, Moors or Renegadoes, for which they demanded Re∣paration

of the Dutch Consul. Offering to make satisfaction for their own Hostilities; to Re-esta∣blish all things again upon a good Foot, and to break the Treaty Concluded with the English: They promised likewise, they would stay for the Money designed for the Ransoming of the Dutch Slaves, and demanded earnest for it, thinking it was not yet too late to obtain, a Ratification of the last Treaty of Peace. But the States being but too well acquainted with the Perfidiousness, and Inconstancy of those Barbarians, were so far from hearkning to them, that they sollicited the Kings of France, Spain and England, to joyn their Forces with those of the United Provinces, to Destroy them; since they exercised their Piracies no less upon the Subjects of those Crowns, than upon those of the United Provinces. And the States would fain have perswaded those Powers to have set out three several Fleets, under the Flagg of each Nation, to go and Besiege their Harbours, Chace them from the Sea, and utterly ruine their abomi∣nable and insupportable Domination, without ha∣ving any regard to any former Treaty of Peace or Alliance. Which Project seemed very important and well contrived: But yet not one of those three Princes could be perswaded to hearken to it.

The French King indeed highly praised it, and gave leave to the Dutch to erect Magazines for that effect, both of Provisions and Ammunition, at Thoulon, or Marseilles. The King of Spain gave Order, that the Dutch Men of War might have free Ingress and Egress in and out of his Ports: And the King of Great Britain resolved to send a Fleet into the Mediterranean, but it was more, to give new Umbrages than to correspond with the design of the States, and many already could see in the shuffling conduct of that Prince, certain pre∣sages of an approaching Rupture of the Peace be∣tween him and the United Provinces. For at the same time that he proposed to send a Fleet into the

Mediterranean, to act in concert with that of the States, he had on the other side given private order to Captain Holms to sail to the Court of Africa to ruin there the Commerce of the Dutch West-Indian Company, and to seze their ships and Forts. The States therefore seeing there was little Reliance to be made upon the assistance of any of all those Fo∣regin Powers, in order to free the Sea from the intolerable Robberies of the Algerines, Resolved to concern themselves no further than for the pre∣servation of their own Subjects, by sending ano∣ther Fleet into the Mediterranean, under the Con∣duct of de Ruiter, because Rear-Admiral Tromp had not sufficient Forces to accomplish so great an Enterprise. That Fleet was composed of 12 Ships of War, and one Flute laden with Provisions.

They put to Sea about the beginning of May, and on the 19th of June, arrived in the Road of Algiers. De Ruiter presently sent notice of his ar∣rival to the Divan, to remind them to pay him the usual Honours, and to Congratulate his arrival. But they were so far from acquitting themselves of the Duty he pretended from them, that they refu∣sed to let the Dutch Consul come on board to speak with the Vice-Admiral, and to send Hostages for the security of the Credential Letters, which were to be presented to the Divan from the States; for all they would do, was only to Grant a Pass∣port by vertue of which the Commissioners, Mortaigne, and Reyn••ld de Koeverden went in∣to the Town: who in the first Audience they had, demand the exchange of Prisoners, and the re∣lease of the Christian Slaves at the rate they were first sold for, according to the Conditions of the last Treaty of Peace, adding that as for other differences, they should be adjusted by the Com∣missioners to be appointed for that purpose on each side. All which was refused by the Divan, who pretended, before they entered into any Confe∣rence about the Release of Prisoners, to know

upon what grounds they might be assured of a Peace. De Ruiter upon that, sent them a Memorial that made a great noise amongst those Barbarians, because they would by no means consent to any indemnification, nor to the Condition in∣sisted upon by the Dutch that no free Ship should be liable to be visited, which was the Griev∣ance of the Hollanders. So that that point was hotly disputed on both sides in the Divan; But after all, the Algerines were obstinate, and would absolutely reserve themselves a pow∣er, to visit all Dutch Ships, and to declare for Lawful Prize all the effects they found in them to belong to other Nations. In fine, the Con∣clusion of the Negotiation was this, That those Barbarians, declared to de Ruiter, that if he would not accept their propositions, he would not permit the Dutch Consul to retire on board him, till he had before hand sent on shore 37 Turks or Moors that were Prisoners in his Fleet. Which demand of theirs he thought fit to grant, to prevent the mischiefs that might o∣therwise happen to the Dutch Consul and his Retinue, of which he had a fresh Example in the Person of the English Consul whom those Pyrates had cruelly handled, after they had bro∣ken the Peace with England.

De Ruiter therefore plainly finding, that it was to no purpose to use any gentle methods with them, Ju••g••d there was no other way to be taken, but to reduce the Algerines to reason by force of Arms, and accordingly he declared War against them the 4th. of June.

The next day, the Fleet unmoored, and went and Anchored on the 7th of the same Month at Alicant, where de Ruiter Received a Letter with advice of the new Troubles that Threatned the United Provinces from the English and with or∣ders to him, to u••e great Prudence and such Complaisant measures with the Ships of War

that Crown had in the Mediterranean as to give them no new causes of Umbrage or dissatisfa∣ction. And accordingly there were no Acts of Hostility Committed between them at that time, but when the Captains of both Nations met, they Reciprocally saluted one another with some Guns in a very amicable manner; whilst the main Body of the English Fleet consisting of 13 sail of Men of War under the Command of Admiral Lawson kept at the Mouth of the Straits.

Scarcely had England and Holland begun to tast of the fruits of Peace which had cost so much Blood to the two Nations, but it was disturbed again by new Hostilities as the Dutch pretend begun by the English, out of Jealousie at the flourishing Commerce, and great prospe∣rity of the United Provinces, which prepared for de Ruiter, who was then busie in scouring the Medi∣terranean of the Corsairs, new work in the O∣cean, whither Rear-Admiral Tromp was already returned. In the Months of May and June, news came to Holland, that the English under the Com∣mand of Robert Holms, Committed strange de∣predations towards the Isles of Cape Verd; and that in January before, they had taken a Ship called the Spectacles, and a Yacht, called the Neptune, which belonged to the Dutch West-India Company. The English Ship that took the Nep∣tune, the better to deceive those she had a mind to attack, put up Dutch Colours. The same advices likewise reported, that Holms had on the 31st. of the same Month, summoned the Fort of Cape Verd situated in the Isle of Goe-rede, and that upon the Governours refusal to surrender it, the English had by their Cannon forced him to yield it, and had at the same time taken ano∣ther Yacht called the Crocodile; that the E∣vening before, they had taken two other small Ships. That Holms had at first, promised the

Subjects of the Dutch Company which were a∣bout 140 men, to restore them the Ship called the Moon, to serve to transport them back into their own Country, but that having seen a great quantity of Merchandizes, put on board it for Holland, he changed his mind, and told them, he had occasion for that Ship himself, to trans∣port his own Goods to Sie••ra Lions; But that however, at last he had granted them a Portu∣guese Ship for their transportation: That in the Month of July, the States had other fresher news, concerning the Hostilities Committed on the Coast of Guinea, where Captain Holms, with a Squadron of 14 English men of War, had seiz'd all the places and Forts belonging to the Hol∣landers, except the Castle del Mina, exercising all manner of Cruelties towards the Men, as they pretended to make appear by the following Let∣ter written from the Castle del Mina, by Gene∣ral Valkenburg.

Ever since the English have endeavoured to establish the Royal Company upon this Coast, they have not only troubled themselves no further to contribute to the preservation of the Peace be∣fore Concluded, but they have proceeded to cruel Hosti∣lities by Sea and Land against all of our Nation, and to drive at the utter ruin of our Commerce. Those Fatal attempts begun by the arrival of two of the King of England's men of War, and some others belonging to the Royal Company, under the Command of John Stoats, who being overcome with the great honour and beneficial civilities done him by the Hollanders, could not find in his heart to execute any thing against them. But they stopt not there, for on the last day of April, there ap∣peared a Squadron of 2 men of War and 6 Fri∣gats, under Captain Holms's Flag, and that of one Joseph Cubits, who being afterwards Reinforced to the Number of 14 men of War, have commited in

the midst of Peace all the Acts of Hostility they could have committed in the middle of a Decla∣red War, attacking both by Sea and Land, our places, and taking from us by Force, the Fortres∣ses, Tacorari, Cabo-Cors, Adia, and Ameabo. They have also besieged Chama, and keep us here blockt up so close that very hardly can we find means to send you a Letter. The losses caused to the Company thereby, amount to several Tuns of Gold; And as to the Persons of the Hollanders, especially those of Adia, after they had given them quarter, they have treated them with all the ri∣gour and barbarity Imaginable, cutting off their Noses and Ears, to leave them afterwards to ling∣er out a miserable and languishing life; and others throats they have cut, as if they had been so ma∣ny beasts. The dead Bodies that were buried in the Earth which God and Nature had allotted them to enjoy repose and silence in, have been pull'd out of their Graves, and their heads cut off and fixt on Pikes tops as 'twere in Triumph. And those who were dying, or already dead, had their Privy Members, Heads, Arms, and Legs, cut off, and by an Excess of cruelty some had their Hearts pull••d out. The Prisoners were most unmercifully treated with design to make them Perjure themselves. The English have continued all these cruelties to this very day, and say they still expect another Reinforcement of 6 great men of War to drive the Hollanders from this Coast. Our men are still more severely handled by the Natives of the Country who usually fol∣low the Victorious Party. The English assure us, we shall receive no succour, and scatter abroad writings by which they promise a recompense to al that shall embrace their Party. We will endea-l vour in so fatal a conjuncture, honourably to defend the place, in hopes to receive a considerable suc∣cour from the Ʋnited Provinces, by the means of which all things may be re-established.

This Letter was printed by the States Order, and Copies of it sent to all Ships of War, and to all Frontier places that had Garrisons in them. However, supposing all that dreadful Relation true to a Letter, the English could cite for their excuse the precedent set them before by the Dutch at Amboyna. But the truth was ma∣ny had been the wrongs the English pretended to have suffered both in persons and effects from the Hollanders in several parts of the World, for which having often demanded and received no satisfaction, they proceed••d to reprisals which occasioned some Foreign Emissaries and Incendi∣aries, common Enemies to b••th Nations, greedi∣ly laying hold of, used all the little Arts and Tricks imaginable to represent all that was done on either side tho' never so trivial, in the most dreadfull Colours on purpose to exasperate the two Nations to worrie one another like Wild Beasts till they were able to stand no longer, that so a third might come in, and devour them both. For that the English set on by the same pernicious instruments were not a whit behind hand with the Dutch by rendering them as O∣dious on the other side by writings and mani∣festo's stuffed with no less specious Complaints, appears by the following Remonstrances presen∣ted against the Hollanders, to the English Par∣liament, and by the Parliament presented to the King: Which we have likewise inserted, that the Reader might see what each party had to say, and did actually alledge for them∣selves.

The Complaints of the English East-India Com∣pany against the Dutch, set forth,

I. THAT the English East-India Company strongly insist, to have an Indemnification for all the Damages they have suffered ever since the Year 1656. valued at 14008000 l. for the Ships and Effects taken from them by the Dutch, and 87000 l. for the Losses they have suffered, according to a modest and just Supputation that had been made of them, with respect to their Factories, that have been burnt or destroyed by the same Hollanders; most of which had happened since the glorious Re∣storation of his Majesty. That they complained likewise, That the Isle of Poleron had been possessed by the Dutch for the space of 42 Years, against all sort of Justice, since the States had no lawful Right to it, and had consented in the Treaties that had been made with them, to restore it, and yet persisted to keep it by Force. They demand also, to be Reim∣bursed the Charges for the two Ships that were sent the Year, before to take Possession of the said Isle, which amounted to 23000 l.

II. The said Company complains also of the indi∣rect means the Dutch use in the Indies, to interrupt their Commerce, by affecting to declare War against all those Places where the English settle any Factors for carrying on their Traffick; and that under Pre∣tence of that Declaration, they send Ships to an∣chor before those Places, only with pure Design to destroy the Commerce of the English, of whom they are extremely jealous; so that the Declaration of War against those Places, is but a meer Juggle, by which the English really suffer.

III. That under Pretence of having made an Agreement with the Kings of those Countries about the principal Commodities of them, they disturb the Commerce of the English, and fire upon their Boats

that Approach the Coast; telling them, to excuse themselves from Blame, That they have already bought up all the Commodities; when there is no∣thing so false.

IV. That when those Artifices fail them, they put an Arrest upon the English Ships, both great and small, as is practised among Enemies.

V. That they affect to publish aloud, That they are Sovereigns of the Indian-Sea, and so under the Shadow of an Imaginary Dominion, affront the Ban∣ner of England, to the great Contempt of his Ma∣jesty and dishonour of the Nation.

The Turky Company complain,

That since the Restoration of his Majesty, the Hollanders have taken from their Merchants two Ships, valued at 110500 l. under Pretence of Letters of Reprisal from the King of Spain; and that af∣ter the said Letters Patents have been recalled by the King of Spain, in consequence of a renewing of Alliance between the two Crowns: And that the Man of War that took them was both built and equipped in Holland.

The Royal Company of Guiney represent,

I. That the Hollanders had done all they could, to drive their Merchants out of the Coasts of Africk; that they likewise endeavour to destroy their Com∣merce, by chasing their Ships from one Harbour to another, to interrupt their Traffick with the Ne∣groes.

II. They have persuaded the Negroes, to destroy their Slaves and Forts.

III. They have seized & arrested their Effects and their Barks.

IV. They have seized upon the Fort Cabo-Cors, of which they are still in Possession, tho it of right belongs to the English.

V. That they have fired upon his Majesty's Flag, even then when they had no other Design but to put our Merchants and their People on Shore, to go to our Factories.

VI. That they have twice sent their Protestations to the English, to advertise them to offer to sell no more of their Commodities on that Coast; and if they refused, to threaten them, They would proceed to Hostilities, and declare the English to be the Au∣thors of the War.

The Merchants trading to Portugal, complain,

That a Dutch Man of War, called, The Sluis van Ulissingen, had attaqued and seised The Brasi∣lian Frigat, belonging to them, valued at 16000 l.

The Merchants of the Royal African Company complain,

That the Losses, they had suffered from the Dutch, amounted to at least 33000 l. That several of their Ships had been burnt or sunk, and some taken, and that the Men of them had been either poysoned, or had had their Throats cut; that some of them having scaped the Rope, had been chaced, like mi∣serable Wretches, up and down the Coasts of Barba∣ry; four of which, by Divine Providence, got at last into England: And that two of these last had testified the same in Holland, and reproached them to the Face with it, who had so inhumanly treated them.

For which offences the Hollanders had never, to that present time, made any Reparation to the English, tho' all those hostile Attempts had been fully clear∣ed and proved, by Oaths made before the Admi∣ralty, and by the Complaints put up to the States by His Majesty's Envoy Extraordinary; who demanded, at the same time, satisfaction for them.

All which Losses, suffered by the East-India Compa∣ny, as well in Ships as Merchandises, amounts to the Sum of	258000 l.
For the Turky Company,	110500 l.
For the Portugal Merchants,	160000 l.
For the Private Merchants trading to the Coasts of Africk,	33000 l.
Besides the Losses of the Isle of Poleron, which, according to the just Estimation that had been made of them, amounted to above	4000000 l.

Whilst these things were transacting, Advice was sent, in a Letter, from England to Holland, to an eminent Person among the States, of all the Preparations of War that were making in that Kingdom; which Letter was conceived in these Terms.

EVer since the second of June, they have begun here, with all imaginable Diligence, to hasten the Equipment of the Navy. The King, and the Duke of York his Brother, have been in person, to visit the Ships in the Thames, giving Order, with all speed, to equip out those set down in the follow∣ing List. For that end, they have raised a great number of Mariners, Fishermen, Carpenters, and other Sea-faring Men, to be employed in working, without Intermission, in arming out the Fleet, of which the most considerable will most of them, be ready next Week, as tis believed. The Magazines are provided with all things. Those that are equip∣ping at Portsmouth advance likewise apace, and will be ready much about the same time. They have likewise begun this Week to kill Beasts, and press Men, ••n which they meet with no great Trouble, because of the Good-will of the Seamen to the Cause, who come in Troops to offer their Service; so that the sixt Number of 10000 Seamen will be soon compleat. They have also chosen 25 new Cap∣tains,

without any distinction of Religion, they who have served under Cromwel, and are most of them Anabaptists or Presbyterians; they give out, That the Fleet will be composed of 30 Capital Ships of War, and that the rest shall be kept in Readiness, to be employed upon occasion, to form a second Fleet. They say, Prince Robert, the Duke of Albemarle, and the Earl of Sandwich are proposed for General Officers. The Ship that was designed to go and fetch the Earl of Carlisle from Stockholm, is counter∣manded, and is now with another Fregat at Tilbury-Hope, to stop all Dutch Seamen, and take the choic∣est of them to serve in his Majesty's Ships; as also the 6 Ships, of which I informed you in my last, which are equipt by the Royal Company. There is also at Portsmouth a King's Ship of 36 Guns rea∣dy to sail with the first fair Wind, hitherward, as is likewise another that is refitting. I am informed, That the Advice Yacht, that brought the News of the Surrender of Cape-Verd, has brought back the Governour of that Place, who is kept Prisoner some∣where in the Kingdom.

A List of the Ships that are equipping.

• At Chatham, the Royal James, augmented with an Addition of several Guns, the Royal Prince, the Royal Charles, the London, Henry, Matthias, Dreadnought, Revenge, Portland, E∣lizabeth, Hampshire, Diamond, Ruby and Adven∣ture. These Capital Ships, the most of them carry∣ing 3 Tires of Guns, are equipping with all diligence. And, for want of Men they have taken a great many Watermen and Fishermen off of the River, and pressed Seamen to arm out the Ships, and pro∣vide them with all sorts of Ammunition and Provi∣sions. At Woolwich they are fitting out these Third Rate Ships, viz. the Dunkirk, the Henrietta, the Plymouth, the Crown, the Anne, and the As∣surance: And at Deptford, of the Fourth and Fifth Rates, the Convertine, the Pearl, the Dort∣muyen,

• ... the Hector and the Dolphin. The most of these last have their Sails already spread, and their Guns ready, whilst they are working with all Dili∣gence in fitting out the rest.

Affairs being in that State, and the Ʋnited Pro∣vinces apprehending that all those Squablings would quickly break out into an open War with England, began to put all things in order: And it was re∣solved in the Assembly of the States, That No∣tice should be given to the Ships bound Westward, to go round about Scotland. The Zealanders like∣wise sent 2 nimble sailing Ships to Hitland, to give warning to the Ships belonging to the State, to avoid the Harbours of England, to prevent the falling of the Ships, coming back from the East-Indies, into the Hands of the English; and Rear-Admiral Tromp was sent out to Sea with a Fleet of 23 Men of War, to cruise for them, and to secure their Retreat home.

In the mean while, Mr. de Goch set out the 17th of June, in Quality of Ambassadour from the States, towards the Court of England, to endea∣vour amicably to appease and compose the Diffe∣rences that threatned the two Nations with a Rup∣ture. He arrived on the 22d at London, and was received by the Master of the Ceremonies, with great Marks of Friendship, and the very same Evening had Audience of his Majesty at White∣hall; and after the usual Compliments, their Dis∣course fell upon the Affairs that concerned the East and West-India Companies, upon which the King, among other Reasons, told him,

That it was not to be suffered, That the DutchWest-India Company only by the means of a few Forts, and 3 or 4 Ships, without possessing elsewhere any Country within Land, should pretend to render the Coasts of Africk inaccessible to all others, by blocking up the Havens and the Mouths of the Rivers, against their Commerce, and keeping

them off, and driving them away from every Place. The Ambassadour replied, 'That all the Difficulties about that Affair were terminated by the last Treaty; and that it ought to be examined whether the Dutch had done any thing in contra∣vention to it.

After that he made his Complaints of the Hostile Attempts of Captain Holms, in Guiney:

To which the King made him the same Answer he had done before upon the like Subject, That he had not the least Knowledge of that, but that as soon as he should be informed of it, he would act as he found convenient.

After which he begun to speak of the great Naval Preparations that were making in Holland. The States Ambas∣sadour justified himself, by answering,

That those Preparations were chiefly for the great Con∣voys they were forced to allow their Merchant Ships, for the Security of their Commerce;

pray∣ing his Majesty withal,

That he would please to give order, as the States would likewise do, on their side, that nothing might pass between the two Fleets, that might disturb the Peace, or ali∣enate the good Correspondence settled between the two Nations.

The next day Mr. de Goch, had Audience of the Duke of York, and in the Evening of the Chancellour; in which they dis∣coursed of nothing else but of the great Preparati∣ons for War, and of the Affairs of the East and West-India Companies. Some Time after, the States Ambassadour presented a Memorial concern∣ing the extraordinary Naval Preparations in Eng∣land, and about the Hostilities committed by Cap∣tain Holms, and the forbidding of the Importation of Dutch Commodities into the Kingdom, under the Pretence of the contagious Disease that then reigned in Holland. The King answered very largely to all those Points, in Writing; of which the Substance was,

That he had no Design his Fleet should commit any Act of Hostility; That he had given no Order to Captain Holms to seise

upon Cape-Verde, or any other Forts belonging to the Hollanders, nor to attempt any thing a∣gainst the Subjects of the United Provinces; That they ought to have more confidence in his Roy∣al word, than in the Reports of Pilots and Ma∣riners, who were very often ill informed: That as what concerned his forbidding the importation of Dutch Commodities, upon the account of the Contagion, he was obliged so to do, for the pre∣servation of his Kingdom, and of the health of his Subjects.

In the mean while the French King by his Am∣bassadors at London and the Hague, presented his Mediation in order to appease the differences that were ready to kindle a War between those two Powers; which the United Provinces agreeably received, but ••ngland refused: Which was the cause, that a little time after the Ambassadors of that Crown returned home very ill satisfied. The States laying nothing more to Heart, than the maintenance of Peace, and being very sensible how dear the last War had cost them, were glad before they engaged themselves in such ano∣ther, to try all means possible to avert it. For that effect, they writ a Letter to the King of Eng∣land, to signifie ••o him, that they had no other Passion greater than that to preserve Peace, hop∣ing his Majesty would be of the same mind. The King made answer to the States by another Letter, which was delivered them by the English Ambas∣sador at his return to the Hague, for he had made a step to London, to endeavour to terminate the differences between the two Companies of the East and West Indies. That Letter was full of protestations, signifying the great desire the King had on his side, to maintain the Peace; But then returning to the accustomed complaints, it was ad∣ded, that he saw with great regret, that they went not about to give any satisfaction to the English for their losses; and in fine, concluded with

a protestation before God and Man, that they would be guilty of all the Inconveniencies, and fatal Consequences that would follow, if a speedy Reparation were not made.

The States, after the reading of that Letter, found well enough, that they were no longer to flatter themselves, the Intention of the Court of England being there clearly enough laid open to them, and without mincing of the matter, the King foretold them a part of those disasters that were ready to happen. In the mean while the English Navy was assembling with all diligence in the Downs, and about the Isle of Wight; And some Dutch Advice-Yachts that were sent out from time to time, to view and observe them were seized: Which confirmed the States in the Resolution to have Recourse to nothing else but the force of Arms.

Rear-Admiral Tromp being at Sea, as we have said, to Cruise upon the Watch for the Ships that were expected from the East-Indies, had met them in the month of August, at Fairhills near Hitland, and had conducted them into their respective Ports, without seeing any English by the way. And four Merchant Ships belonging to the West-India Com∣pany, Bound for the Coast of Guiney were ready to set sail; but it was not thought fit to let them go without a good Convoy, because of the advice they had had, that Prince Robert with a Squadron of 18 Men of War, was ready to set out for Guiney, whither he was going to fa∣vour the depredations the English were making in those parts. The States in regard of the Good Services they had received from the West-India Company in several occasions, were resolved to employ their Forces to protect them: And for that end gave order to Captain Kampen with a Squadron of 10 Men of War, to Convoy to Gui∣ney the 4 Ships bound thither belonging to that Company. But because they doubted not but that the King of Great Britain would construe

that Resolution for a new attempt on their side to∣wards the Breach of a Peace, they sent orders to their Ambassador at London to present his Maje∣sty the following Memorial thereupon.

* 4.1THE States General of the United Provin∣ces having had advice from their Ambas∣sador at London, by their last Letters from him, That the King of Great Britain, the Duke of York, and his Majesties chief Ministers of State, had testified some discontent at their arming out some Ships of War designed for the Coast of Guiney, have thought fit for the taking away of all sort of Umbrage to declare the Reasons that moved them to that extraordinary Arming. Which are, That the States of the United Pro∣vinces having heard with much regret, That some Nation among which were some Subjects of his Majesty, contrary to his approbation, and his re∣peated Protestations that he had given no order for it, had some time since, by some hostilities attempted upon the Liberty of the Good Sub∣jects of the State, and especially those in their Countries in Africk, belonging to the West-In∣dia Company, and principally upon the Coasts of Guiney, in seizing upon their Ships and Effects, and attacking in the bosome of Peace, this State, by taking of the Forts and Places it possesses: The United Provinces judging it their Duty to Protect their Good Subjects in those Countries, as far as it should be in their Power, and to se∣cure them for the future from the like attempts, had resolved to send thither a Squadron of 10 Men of War, and so much the rather because the West-India Company is about sending thi∣ther four Merchant Ships richly laden, which it was not thought fit to expose without a Con∣voy to the danger the others have incurred, knowing ••hat the Enemies they have in that

Country, by means of a Re-inforcement they have lately received, have sufficient Forces to make themselves Masters of the said four Mer∣chant Ships at their arrival there, as they have done of the others. And that his Majesty may be fully assured of the sincere intention of their High and Mightinesses, principally in what con∣cerns their maintaining of the Peace, and pre∣serving of a perfect good understanding between England and the United Provinces, the States were willing by this Memorial, to let his Maje∣sty know, That their Resolution is, to give Or∣der to him that shall have the Command of the said 10 Men of War, that in case he comes to meet on the Coasts of Guiney, or any where else in his way, with any of his Majesties Ships, or with those of any other Ally of this State, he shall not do them any offence against their liber∣ty, tending to the interruption of their Com∣merce, provided they have the same regards for the Subjects of the United Provinces; upon which his Majesty may entirely rely. And forasmuch as their High and Mightiness••s expect from the Justice of his Majesty, that his Subjects, who without his orders and approbation, have com∣mitted all sorts of Hostility out of his Kingdom, shall not be protected or supported in their enter∣prises, and that it will please him to give his orders to that purpose, to the Admiral of his Fleet that has been already sent into those Coun∣tries, or to others that shall hereafter be sent thither; In that confidence, their High and Mightinesses are assured, there will not happen on their part any mischievous Rencounter be∣tween his Majesties Ships and the States 10 Men of War, that will be capable to disturb the Uni∣on and good Correspondence of the two Nations. On the other side, may it please his Majesty, in order to the taking away all cause of complaint and jealousie, by a Generous and equitable Re∣solution,

to assure their High and Mightinesses, of the Restitution of the Ships and Forts that cause so great damage to the Subjects of this State, and to their West-India Company; which is what their High and Mightinesses expect from the Friendship and Generosity of his Majesty.

The States being glad to use all imaginable pre∣cautions to prevent any attempts of the English against those Ships, because they knew well enough from good hands, that the English-Fleet was rea∣dy to put to Sea, gave order to Lieutenant Ad∣miral Opdam, who was then at Goree with a part of the States Fleet, to Convoy them the length of the Channel. That Fleet that had been equipt with all diligence, was composed of 39 Men of War.

But it seems afterwards, the Guiney Expedition was countermanded both by the English, and the Dutch: For Prince Robert received other Orders, and the Ships of the Company as well as their intended Convoy were detained by contrary Winds.

In the mean while, news came to the Dutch, That the English had appeared with some Men of War before New Amsterdam, situated in New Holland, in the West-Indies, and had taken it, and forced all the Colony to submit to their Obe∣dience, with so much the greater Facility, because the Hollanders had no relief to hope for, and the English were ten to one, The Capitulation was signed the 8th of September, under the following Conditions.

Articles of the Surrender of New Holland to the English.

1. WE consent, that the States General, or their West-India Company, shall keep and possess peaceably all the Buildings and Houses except those which shall be found within the Fort; And that they shall be permitted to trans∣port within the space of 6 months, all the Arms and Ammunition belonging to them, or else they shall be paid for them.

2. All the Publick Houses shall be employ'd to the same use as at present.

3 Every Private Man shall remain a free Burgh∣er, and shall retain his Lands, Houses, Goods, and Ships in what part of the Country soever they be, to dispose of them as he shall think Good.

4. That if any of the Inhabitants have a mind to retire elsewhere, they shall have a year and six weeks time granted them, for transporting their Wives, Servants and Effects, and dispo∣sing of their Lands.

5. That if any of the Publick Ministers there shall resolve to retire into England, they shall be transported thither in his Majesties Frigats, with∣out paying any thing for their Passage.

6. It is likewise freely granted to any person, to come freely from Holland into this Country, to make Plantations here; and Dutch Ships may Anchor here with all liberty, and return at plea∣sure, or send back their Ships laden with all sorts of Merchandises into their own Country.

7. All Ships coming hither from Holland, or elsewhere, shall be freely received here with their Merchandises, and as freely permitted to go away again elsewhere, as was practised before our ar∣rival, and that for the space of six months con∣tinuance.

8. The Hollanders here shall enjoy. Liberty of Conscience in Divine Service, and Ecclesiastical Discipline.

9. No Hollander, nor any Ship belonging to him shall be forced in time of War to take Ser∣vice against any Nation whatsoever.

10. No Manathan, or Inhabitant of the Coun∣try shall be charged with Quartering of Soldi∣ers, till the Officers have fully paid and satisfi∣fied him for it beforehand; and that too only when the Fort shall not be able to lodge all the Soldiers within it; and then the Burgomasters shall be oblig'd to chuse out some houses for that purpose.

11. The Hollanders shall keep their ancient Customs concerning Inheritances and Succes∣sions.

12. All Publick Writings and Contracts concern∣ing any ones Inheritance, or Ecclesiastical Go∣vernment, and the Diaconie, or Orphans Cham∣ber, shall be carefully preserved by those who have received them: And if there be any Writ∣ings that concern the States General, they shall be sent to them upon occasion.

13. The sentences that have been given here shall be firm and stable, without being stopt by any new proceedings; But if any one think inju∣stice has been done him, and that he shall appeal to the States General; the contrary party shall be obliged to answer his Grievances.

14. If any Hollanders dwelling here, shall de∣sire to go into England, or any other part of his Majesties Dominions, to Trade there, or would traffick with the Indians, upon his pre∣senting for that effect a Petition to the Gover∣nour, a Writing shall be granted him by which he shall be declared a Burgher of that Place, and in that Quality he shall be permitted to trade there with all Liberty.

15. All Subalternate Burghers, Officers and Ma∣gistrates shall be continued in their Offices if they desire it, till the time prescribed for a new Election, and then new ones shall be chosen, up∣on this Condition, that the new elected Magi∣strates shall be obliged to take an Oath of Fideli∣ty to his Britanick Majesty before they enter upon their Office.

16. That if it appears expences have been made for the Publick, and means found out to erect Funds designed for the paying them, those means shall still subsist, and be put in execution accor∣ding to the first project formed of them, till all the said Charges be re-imburs'd.

17. All Contracts formerly made, and all Debts and Obligations, that concern the Inhabitants of this Province, shall be exacted and prosecu∣ted according to the Customs practised by the Hollanders.

18. That if it be certified, that the Amster∣dam Company of the West-Indies, owe any sum of Money to any one of this Country, it is a∣greed, that the enquiry after the Ships and Goods designed for the United Provinces shall be conti∣nued 6 months and more.

19. All Military Officers and their Soldiers shall march out with the Equipages Compleat, Colours flying, and Drums beating; and if any one of the Body of those Troops shall be mind∣ed to employ himself in planting, he shall be allowed 50 Acres of Land; and if any one of them will serve in quality of Servant, he shall be received as a free person, and shall afterwards be made a free Burgher of the Country.

20 That in case the King of Great Britain and the States of the United Provinces should agree, that this Province should be restored to them, with the good pleasure of his Majesty, it shall be redelivered to them upon the same foot and under the same Conditions.

21. The Town of the Isle of Manathan shall have the Privilege to elect Deputies who shall have their free Votes in all publick Affairs as well as the other Deputies.

22. They which shall have any Houses in the Fortress of Orange, may, if they please, demo∣lish the fortification, and preserve their Houses as it is practised in all open places in which there is no Fort.

23. If any one amongst the Soldiery, shall de∣sire to go away for Holland, and that the Am∣sterdam Company, or any other private Person be minded to charge themselves with his trans∣portation, they shall be provided with a free Passport which they shall receive from Colo∣nel Richard Nichols Deputy Governour under his Royal Highness and the other Deputies, by way of Provision for the security of such Soldiers and of the Ships that shall transport them as well as their effects, against all Acts of Hostility from his Majesti••s Ships, or those of any of his Subjects.

24. That the Copy of the Kings Patent to his Royal Highness and the Copy of his Roy∣al Highnesses Commission granted to Colo∣nel Nichols, Signed and Authorized by two other Deputies, and by Mr. John Winschrop, for true Copies shall be deliverd into the hands of Mr. Stuyvesand, the present Gover∣nour, to the end that on next Monday at 8 a clock in the morning, near the Old-Mill they may be Sealed, as well as the Articles grant∣ed by Colonel Nichols, Lieutenant Governour for his Royal Highness; and that two hours, after, the Fort, and the Town, called New Amsterdam in the Isle of Manathan, shall be delivered into the Hands of the said Colonel Richard Nichols, by the means of them whom he shall Depute thereunto under his Hand and Seal.

New Holland had been possess'd by the U∣nited Provinces above 60 Years, but being join∣ed on one side to New England, so near a Neigh∣bourhood of the two Nations made them that they could not endure one another together, and was a perpetual source of Jealousie and dispute; to prevent which, in the year 1663, they agreed upon certain limits that were to separate them. But the Engli••h broke that project under pre∣tence they had received no Orders for so doing, and whilst the Deputies from the Hollanders were at Boston busied in Regulating the limits, the English fell upon some Villages belonging to the States, and took them, publishing at the same time, that they knew no New Holland, but on∣ly a New England, of which all the Country depended, so that they influenced many of the Inhabitants to take Arms against the Govern∣ment. The directors of the West-India Com∣pany made their Complaints of it, to their High and Mightinesses, hoping they might come to an amicable Accommodation about it, but the result made it▪ plainly appear, that the English intended nothing less than Peace.

In the mean while the King of great Britain had Advice from Vice Admiral Lawson, and Captain Berkley at Cadiz, that Vice Admiral de Ruiter having Anchored in the Road of that Town, had taken in Provisions for a year, and that on the 5th. of October at 8 in the morning he weighed Anchor, with a Squadron of 12 great Men of War, in order to make the best of his way in all appearance towards the Coasts of Guiney, tho' he had given out that he was go∣ing to Sally. And indeed the suspicions of the English in that point were not without some foundation, for de Ruiter had received Express Orders from the States, to sail towards Cape Verd and the Coast of Guiney; to reduce the English to reason, and make them restore by force what they had unjustly usurpt.

Upon that news all the Dutch Ships were stopt in England, and Letters of reprisal were granted; but all those Commissions granted in haste were recalled, as well to shew all Europe, that they would not be Aggressors, as to gain time to Compleat the manning of their Navy. It was thought more proper to let loose the men of War and Capers upon the Hollanders as well to encourage their press'd Seamen, and to get men enough to furnish their Grand Fleet, as the more effectually to interrupt the Com∣merce of the United Provinces, by taking their Merchant Ships that went to and fro in the Channel.

And because they knew, they in Holland ex∣pected about that time the return of their Ships from France and the Streights, they thought it their best way to go and meet them, and to en∣deavour to take them, before they let the Pri∣vateers go out, who in all likelihood, would but have awakened the Hollanders, and made them think the more of securing themselves. And this project succeeded well with them: For the Mer∣chant Fleet consisting of 113 sail, having quit∣ted the Coast of France, to pursue their way home along the Channel, was taken, and carri∣ed into the Ports of England. But amongst so great a Number of Merchant Ships, there being some Ships belonging to other Nations, they were redemanded, yet all the rest remained in their hands. At the same time the King of England in Justification of that proceeding, publish'd the following Declaration

* 5.1HIs Majesty having considered the Injuries, Af∣fronts and Damages suffered in the Per∣sons of his Subjects, by the loss of their Goods and Ships, by the West-India Company, and o∣ther Subjects of the United Provinces, and those

losses amounting to very considerable Sums, for which no Reparation could yet be obtained, notwithstanding the Complaints so often reite∣rated by his Majesty to the States General for that purpose, which have had no effect, His Majesty has thought fit by the Advice of his Privy Council, to grant Letters of Reprisal a∣gainst the Ships or Merchandizes belonging to the States of the United Provinces, or their Subjects, so that not only his Majesties Fleet, and Ships of War, but all sorts of Privateers shall have right by Letters of Reprisal, or per∣mission to be given him from his Royal High∣ness the Duke of York Lord High Admiral of England, to arrest and seize all Ships and Ef∣fects belonging to the States of the United Pro∣vinces, in Order to put them under the Jurisdicti∣on of the Court of Admiralty, which shall be Authorized to Act thereupon according to the Customs and Laws of Nations. And whereas several Ships and Effects belonging to the Uni∣ted Provinces or their Subjects have been alrea∣dy taken according to his Majesties Orders, and are kept in his Harbours, His Majesty, with the Advice of his Privy Council declares, that the abovesaid Ships and Effects are Comprized in the aforesaid Letters of Reprisal, and that they shall be proceeded against before the Ad∣miralty according to the Customs and Laws of Nations, till a final Judgment: And the Present Declaration shall serve for warrant for all that the said Court of Admiralty shall do in that matter. Dated at Whitehall December the 16th. 1664.

The United Provinces seeing themselves thus engaged in a War with England, and the Pro∣per season for putting out their Fleet to Sea be∣ing past, they thought however, that at least they ought to put a stop as much as 'twas possi∣ble,

to all those Hostilities, and to provide for the security of their Subjects. Accordingly the States prohibited all their Merchant Ships to go out of their Ports, and their Seamen to take ser∣vice under any Foreign Prince. They likewise rigorously prohibited the going out of any ves∣sels and exportation of any Ammunitions, and generally of all materials serving to the building of Men of War, or furnishing their Equipages. Then Mr. Van Beuningen was sent to the Court of France, Mr. de Amerongen, into Denmark, and Mr. Ysbrands, into Swedeland, in Quality of Ambassadors Extraordinary, to inform the Princes that were Allies of the State of all that had lately passed, because the English by a fetch of their dissembling Policy, endeavoured in all those Courts, to make the Dutch pass for the Aggressors, and to attribute all the wrong to them. They resolved likewise to raise a fund of 14 Mil∣lions of Livers, as well for the building of 48 men of War, as for Levying of some Troops, to Re-inforce their Companies and their Garrisons, for the raising of a Marine Regiment, and a new Regiment in reserve, and lastly, for defraying the expences of the fortifications of the Brill, of Helvoet, of Maesland, of the Texel, and of the other necessities of the State. The East-India Company engaged to Equip 20 Men of War for the service of the United Provinces. The Zealand Privateers received Letters of Re∣prisal, so that the Capers in little time after took 30 prizes from the English. They also appoint∣ed a day of Prayer which was celebrated the 21st. of January 1665, to implore the Protecti∣on of Heaven against the Contagion then Reign∣ing, and to beg a Continua••ion of Peace and of the Prosperity of the Prov nc••.

[ 1665] In the mean while the S••••ur de Goch, used all imaginable instances with 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••••ng of England, to endeavour to obtain the r•• ••ng of the Ships

which had been taken; But all in vain. For the King made him Answer, That he had cau∣sed to be arrested in his Ports; or to be taken at Sea, the Dutch Ships, upon the certain Advice he had, that de Ruiter was sent to Guiney, to in∣terrupt the Commerce of his Subjects, and to seize on their Ships, and Merchandizes, so that he in∣tended to indemnifie him for all those losses by the Confiscation of the goods that had been taken; that for the same end, he would stop all Dutch Ships that should come in his way, till he heard further news of de Ruiter, &c. The Duke of York also declared, in Quality of Lord High Admiral of the Kingdom, that he would go next spring to Sea, to maintain the Honour and Glory of the Crown.

And the Court of England was just ready to put out a Declaration of War against the Hol∣landers; But that Turner and Walker two Fa∣mous Advocates of the Court of Admiralty Re∣presented to the King, that if he declared War at that time, the Ships taken before the Decla∣ration, could not according to the Law of Na∣tions, be confiscated, upon which, 'twas thought fit to defer it for some time. However the Dutch Ships were declared Good Prize on the 6th. of January 1665. But when they came to the sale of them, the Commissioners of the Admi∣ralty were far from finding their account advanced by it, so little money did they receive from it be∣cause besides that all the best of what was in those Ships, had been imbezell'd, the charges of the Admiralty Court amounted to very considerable sums.

The French begun likewise to resent the un∣supportable Dominion of the English at Sea: For they pretended to visit their Ships in the Channel, to see whether they carried any Dutch Merchandizes, and several of them were seized on that pretence, and carried into the Ports of

England, and sold according to their value be∣fore any Plea could be put in for their release. About the end of the precedent year, the English just as if War had been declared, had attackt the Convoy of the Dutch Smyrno Fleetnear Cadiz, un∣der the Command of Commadore Brakel who was kill'd on that occasion after he had sig∣naliz'd himself, as appears by the following Let∣ter written upon that Subject to the Admiralty of the College of Amsterdam, by Captain Van Meeuwen.

THe 26th. instant we unmoor'd from Malaga under the Command of Commadore Brakel Captain Roetening, and Captain Kuiper of Zea∣land, with a Fleet of about 30 Merchant Ships great and small, steering our Course towards Cadiz. When we were arrived near Cape Moly 3 Merchant Ships more joyned our Flag, viz. one Dutch one, and two Foreigners, we made all together towards the Mouth of the Streights, and having past it on the 28th. with some Merchant Ships of our Fleet separated from us; the same night being arrived within 3 miles of Cadiz Bay, Commadore Brakel gave the signal to cast anchor; the next morning at break of day, we set sail again, and some of our Merchant Ships were scattered from us: The 29th. in the morning we met 8 or 9 English Ships, upon which Brakel advancing towards their Flag, saluted it with some Guns, but the English Ad∣miral waiting his opportunity till Brakel came up side by side with him, powered in upon him a whole Broad side. When we saw that, we repaid him his change. But several Mer∣chant men, contrary to the Orders of their High and Mightinesses, and in contempt of their honour, and the Oath of fidelity sworn to their Country, basely deserting us to Retire into the Road. We had not all the advantage

we had reason to hope for if we had been se∣conded; for without difficulty with the Di∣vine Protection, the English would have been beaten, whereas on the contrary to our great regret, Commadore Brakel was kill'd, as also two others, and some wounded in his Ship which has received some shot under Water, and we are now busie in repairing her. Captain Roe∣tening has likewise had 2 men kill'd, and some wounded. As for my self, God be prai∣sed, I have received no damage excepting some shot in my sails, and some of my Rigging shat∣tered. The English have taken 2 small Ships. The Pilot John Roelofsz who was in the Ship King Solomon, was sunk after he had defended himself like a brave Soldier: The Ship St. Ma∣ry, one of those we lost in the Night, was ta∣ken by the English before the fight, as she was retiring into the Road, where we arrived in the dusk of the Evening. The English keep the bay besieged. I could wish I had received orders from their High and Mightinesses, to un∣lade some Ships and take them into their Ser∣vice; For then I should flatter my self with the hopes, by the blessing of God, to chase them Quickly out of the Bay.

This Letter as well as another from Commis∣sioner Giisbert T••mels written from Port St. Ma∣ry the same day, viz. The 30th. of December, agreed together in all the Circumstances of that Action: They were read in the Assembly of the States General, who in Consequence of them, publish'd on the 24th. of January, the following Declaration.

AFter having maturely examined and consi∣dered the offences and frequent Acts of Hostility committed since some time on the part of the King of Great Britain,* 5.2 or his Subjects

by usurping Countries, Towns, Fortresses, and Vilages, first on the Coast of Guiney after∣wards in New Holland, and lastly by the ta∣king of several Ships in Europe; It hath been resolved, that all sorts of English Ships whether Men of War, or Merchants, shall be taken and seized by the States Men of War, and brought into the Ports of the United Provinces, till his Britannick Majesty shall have made Reparati∣on for the Hostilities committed, or that some Accommodation be made, and in Consequence hereof, the Colleges of the several Admiralties shall be Ordered to send out immediately to Sea some light Frigats, and to put in Executi∣on the above said intention of their High and Mightinesses by the General Officers and Cap∣tains of the Men of War under their Respe∣ctive Jurisdiction, or which depend of them, &c.

In pursuance of that Declaration, Express Or∣ders were sent to the Colleges of the Admiral∣ty to cause all diligence to be used in endea∣vouring to forward the Equipages of the Men of War, that they might be Compleated by the next spring. The States on the other side thought fit for very important reasons, to Cre∣ate three new Lieutenant Generals, or Admirals over and above those that were already honour'd with those High Offices, and according to that project, Vice-Admiral Me••wisz Rortenaar, was elected Lieutenant Admiral of the College of the Admiralty of the Meuse; Vice-Admiral Michael Adriansz de Ruiter, was made Lieutenant Ad∣miral of the College of Amsterdam; and Vice-Admiral John Cornel••us Meppel was Created Lieut••nant Admiral of the College of West-Fries••and, for the North. Some change was al∣so made amongst the other Officers of the Fleet. For Rear-Admiral Aart Van Nes was made Vice

Admiral of the Admiralty of the Meuse, and Cap∣tain John de Liefde was made Rear Admiral in his place, Rear Admiral Cornel••us Tromp was Created Vice Admiral of the College of Am∣sterdam, and Captain de Wilde substituted in his place of Rear Admiral; Keort Siewersz Ade∣laar, Famous for his Exploits against the Turks, and who afterwards went into the Service of the King of Denmark, was elected Vice-Admi∣ral of the College of West-Friesland for the North, but he thanked the States for the Ho∣nour they intended him, and so Rear-Admiral Volkert Schram was made Vice-Admiral in his place; and Captain Frederick Staghouwer had the Office of Rear-Admiral of the same College. The Quality of Lieutenant Admiral of Zealand was likewise given to Vice Admiral John Evertsz. But Mr. Opdam Lieutenant Admiral of Holland and West-Friesland was named by the States, to Command in chief, in all the Sea Forces of the States, in Quality of Lieutentant Admiral General, and Lieutenant Admiral Kortenaar had order to take the place of Opdam, in case of his death or sickness.

A little time before, some Deputies of the States had been sent to Muster the inhabitants of the Villages near the Coast of Holland, be∣ginning at the Village, Ter Heide near the Hague, and so on to the Texel, and found their Number to amount to 36000. In the mean while an Ordinance was publish'd, prohibiting all Sub∣jects of the United Provinces to stir out of their Ports, upon pain of Confiscation of their ships and Merchandizes, in case they were ta∣ken; And they likewise prohibited in particu∣lar the exportation of all sorts of Ammunition and the going out of the ships designed for the Whale-Fishing, and all sorts of Fishing about Greenland, and small Fishing, and the importa∣tion of Herrings, and other salt Fish: which

was done with intent thereby to get up the more men to Compleat the manning out of the Fleet, and to prevent the Dutch ships from being ta∣ken by the English. And for the Encourage∣ment of the Seamen greater Recompences were setled than ever before upon all such who should make themselves Masters of any English man of War, or of any of their Flags. For to that ef∣fect, there was an Ordinance publish'd, dated the 10th. of March, by which it was promised, That whatsoever ship of the States should in a General Sea-fight between the two Fleets or in any Rencounter, take any English ship, should have not only the ship so taken, with all that belonged to it as a reward, but that over and above that, he that should take the chief Ad∣miral ship of the English should have 50000 Livers Gratification;, for every other Admiral ship, 30000 Livers; for every ship of other General Officers, 20000 Livers; for every other ship of War carrying 40 Guns, 10000, and for every other ship less considerable, excepting Yachts, 6000 Livers: That he that should bring away the Flag of the chief Admiral should have 5000 Livers Reward, and for the Flags of the other Admirals, 2500 Livers; for the Flag of a fore mast, 1250 Livers; for that of the mizzen mast, 750 Livers and for the Flag on the Poop 250 Livers. The Captains of the Fire-Ships that should burn any of the Enemies Ships, were to have for each of them so burnt the 3d. part of the Sum promised to those who take an English man of War. The same reward was Assigned for those who in quality of Volunteers, should set out Fire-Ships for the Service of the State. He that could sink or otherwise destroy any of the Enemies Fire ships that were ready to en∣damage any of the States men of War, was to have 6000 Livers Gratification, Those who out of an Extraordinary affection to their Country

should furnish out any man of War to join the Flag of the States Fleet, to endeavour the ruine of the Common Enemy, were to receive double the reward granted to the other ships of the State, both for the English ships they should take and for their Flags, and that in acknowledge∣ment of their Zeal, their Fidelity, and their Bravery, There were also particular Recompences allotted to those that should rescue out of dan∣ger any of the States Men of War that hap∣pened to be surrounded by the Enemies, and ready to be burnt or sunk, and to those who out of a General fight, should take any English man of War. Besides all which, there was granted to the Widows and Children of those that should happen to be killed in the fight, double the sum of their Husbands or Parents Wages; It was likewise Ordered, that the said Recom∣pences should be granted, tho' the ships that had merited them shou'd happen to be sunk, or that they could not be brought back into their Ports. And to second, and raise the Courage of the Great Men, and inspire honour into the Cowards and run-aways, it was decreed, that those who should deliver up any of the States men of War into the hands of the English should be Con∣demned in a Council of War, and punish'd with death, without distinction, and without remissi∣on; and that all Sea-Officers whether General or Subaltern, who should quit the Flag without ex∣press order from the Admiral, should also be pu∣nished with death, &c. A little while after, a∣nother Ordinance came out from the States, bearing date the 17th. of March, allotting re∣compences for those who should be disabled, or maimed in the Service of the States, after the following rates, viz.

	Livers
For the loss of both Eyes,	1500
For one Eye,	0350
For the loss of both Arms,	1500
For the Right Arm,	0450
For the Left	0350
For the loss of both Hands,	1200
For the Right Hand,	0350
For the Left,	0300
For the loss of both Legs,	0700
For one Leg,	0350
For the loss of both Feet,	0450
For one Foot,	0200

As for other lamed Persons, the College of the Ad∣miralty reserved to themselves the care to allow them recompences according to their discretion. It was likewise ordered, that all those that were disa∣bled from getting any thing towards their subsist∣ence should receive each a pension of a Ducatoon per week, during the remainder of their lives, and the rest of the disabled men, proporti∣onably.

The States General thought fit also to adver∣tise all the Neighbouring powers, that in case any of their Subjects should be met at Sea, ar∣med out to prey upon the ships of the United Provinces, under colour of any Commissions bor∣rowed from the English, that if taken, they shall be punish'd as Pyrates: And that if any Hol∣landers, Subjects of the States should be found and taken on board any English Privateers, they should be punish'd with death without remission, and their Goods confiscated. The English and Scotch Captains that had been several years in the States service in their Land Forces, having re∣fused to take a new Oath of Fidelity to them for fear of losing their Estates in their own Coun∣try, were thankt for their former services, and transported home in one of the States men of War.

In the mean while, the King of England having been a long time impatient to declare War against the Ʋnited Provinces, at last published his so long intended Declaration for that effect, on the 14/4th of March, 1665. by his Heralds, who proclaimed it by sound of Trumpet in the great Streets of West-minster and London- It was conceived in these Terms.

WHereas,* 5.3 upon the Complaints of divers Of∣fences, Injuries and Usurp••tions, commit∣ted by the East and West-India Companies, and other the Subjects of the Ʋnited Provinces, upon the Persons, Goods and Ships of our Subjects, to their great Damage, which amount to very considerable Sums, instead of receiving the Satis∣faction so often demanded, we have found, that they have given Order to de Ruiter, not only to quit the Project formed against the Corsairs of the Mediterranean, in Consequence of the Union that had been proposed to us by the States Gene∣ral, but also to attempt upon the Liberty of our Subjects in Africk, by using against them all sorts of Hostility. After which, we gave Orders to stop all the Ships belonging to the Subjects of the Ʋnited Provinces; tho' we never granted any Commissions to use Reprisals, or suffered any Proceedings against the Ships so stopt, till we had a full Assurance, that de Ruiter had put in execution the said Orders, by the taking or seve∣ral of our Subjects, and of their Ships and Mer∣chandizes. Finding at present bv these new Of∣fences and Attempts, and by the Advices we have received of their Preparations for War, and of their granting out Letters of Reprisal against our Subjects, that our over-great Indul∣gence, and all the other Remedies employed by us, to induce them to entertain a true Amity with us, have been ineffectual, seeing they are resolved by Force of Arms to maintain their unjust At∣tempts;

we therefore have thought fit, with the Advice of our Privy Council, to testifie and de∣clare to the Face of the whole Earth, That the said States are the Aggressors, and ought justly to be acknowledged such by all the World; so that our Fleets and Ships, as well as all other Ships that shall receive Commissions from our well-beloved Brother the Duke of York, Lord High Admiral of England, shall have Right, and may, by vertue of them, Fight, Take, and make themselves Masters of all the Ships, Vessels and Effects belonging to the Subjects or the Ʋnit∣ed Provinces, or to them that shall be bound for their Country. We also expresly forbid all our Subjects (as we likewise advertise all other Per∣sons, of what Nation soever they be) to carry or Transport any Soldiers, Arms, Powder, Am∣munition, or other contraband Merchandizes, into the Lands, Countries, Plantations, or Pro∣vinces, belonging to the said States, for that such things, when taken, shall be adjudged good Prize. And further, we declare, That every Ship, of what Nation soever it be, that shall be found to have on Board her any Effects, Mer∣chandises, or any number of Persons belonging to the United Provinces, or their Subjects, shall be declared good Prize, with her Lading: Also, That all the Effects and Merchandises of what Nation soever they be (whether they belong to us or Foreigners, it matters not) which shall be found in any Ships belonging to the States, or to any of their Subjects, they all shall be de∣clared good Prize, unless the said Ships be pro∣vided with good Pass-ports, granted to them by us, or our Dear Brother.

And that this our Declaration may be publick, and all the World may have perfect Knowledge of it, our Will and Pleasure is, That this pre∣sent Declaration be publisht with all the usual formalities, as it ought to be, &c.

As soon as this Declaration appeared, the States sent Copies of it into all the Courts of Europe; which they directed to their Ministers there, to present them to all the several Princes and Powers, and to make them take notice, at the same time, what Losses and Damages they must expect from such a Declaration, by the Interruption of their Commerce, since by that not only the Merchan∣dizes, which should be found on Board the Dutch Ships, were to be declared good Prize, but also all the Vessels belonging to them, if they were laden with Dutch Commodities; or if they had on board them any of the Subjects of the Ʋnited Pro∣vinces. The French, and those of Hamburg and Ostend sufficiently felt the Effects of it, since ma∣ny of them, tho' they were going toward Neuter-Places, were seized and carried into the Ports of England; from whence they were not released till a long time after, and with much Difficulty, and after great Expences.

The War then being declared, the English Navy Royal, under the command of the Duke of York, consisting of above 100 Sail of Men of War, great and small, set sail the first Day of May, and two Days after, arrived before the Texel; a little too soon, and before it was well compleat. The cause of that great Precipitation was, a false piece of News sent to White-hall by the Earl of Ossory, Son to the Duke of Ormond, Vice-Roy of Ireland, That a certain Bark had discovered, behind Hit∣land, a Fleet of 60 Sail, which they thought at first to be de Ruiter's Fleet, with some Prizes: but on the 8th of the same Month the English Fleet was saluted with a violent Tempest, in wnich some of their Ships were scattered, and others very much damnified: So that seeing de Ruiter appeared not, they were forced to return back into their own Ports, without having made any other Progress than the taking of 7 Ships laden with Wine, with another Ship that served them

for Convoy, an English Prize, taken by the Hol∣landers near the Ca••ibee Islands, and a Ship of Lisbon: But the Men of War that were their Convoy, being nimble Sailers, escaped by the Fa∣vour of the Night.

Whilst the English were busie in repairing the Damages done to their Fleet by the ill Weather, the Zealand Fleet, consisting of 31 Men of War, having set sail the 22d of May, at break of Day, joyned that of Holland, under the Command of Lieutenant-Admiral Opdam. After which jun∣ction, the whole Fleet kept on their Course, being composed of 103 Men of War, 7 Yachts, 11 Fire∣ships, and 12 Galliots, carrying 4869 Guns, and 21631 Men, and was divided into 7 Squa∣drons.

The first was under the Conduct of Admiral Opdam, Vice-Admiral Vander Hulst, and Rear-Admiral de Graaf. The second was commanded by Admiral John Evertsz, Vice-Admiral de Liesde, and Rear-Admiral Cornelius Evertsz. The third was under the Command of Admiral Kortenaar, Vice-Admiral Schey, and Rear-Admiral Marce∣veld. The fourth was under the Conduct of Ad∣miral Stellingwerf, Vice-Admiral Koenders, and Rear-Admiral Bruensveld. The fifth was under the Command of Admiral Cornelius Tromp, of Vice-Admiral Koeverden, and of Rear-Admiral P. Salomonsz. The sixth was commanded by Ad∣miral C. Evertsz, Vice-Admiral Bankert, and Rear-Admiral Bronsaart. And lastly, the seventh was under the Conduct of Admiral Schram, Vice-Admiral Staghouwer, and Rear-Admiral Hour∣tuin.

That Fleet, one of the finest and most formida∣ble that ever appeared on the Northern Seas, seized and took, soon after, about 20 English Ships; the News of which coming to London, put the Mer∣chants almost out of their Wits, for Vexation: Which made double Care and Diligence be used

in Pressing of Men, and arming out the English Fleet, so that at length it put to Sea again, con∣sisting of 107 Men of War, and of 14 Fire-ships or Advice-Yachts, and was divided into 3 Squa∣drons: Whereof the first, under a Red Flag, was commanded by the Duke of York, Pen and Law∣son. The second, being the White Squadron, was under the Conduct of Prince Robert, Mings, and Samson. And the third, being the Blue Squa∣dron, was commanded by the Earl of Sandwich, Cuttins and Sir George Ayschew.

The Two Fleets were not long before they en∣gaged in a Battle, that was cruel and bloody, of which these were the principal Circumstances.

On the 8th of June, the English Fleet,* 5.4 being re∣fitted, put to Sea a second time, unmoored from Gunfleet Bay, near Harwich, and came to an Anchor in Southwold Bay, as well to take in a new Supply of Provisions as to be nearer hand to ob∣serve the Dutch Fleet, that was expected on the English Coasts. The Wind being easterly, the English kept, during the Night before Alborough, at about 5 Miles distance from the Shore; about Midnight the Duke of York received Advice, That the Dutch Fleet, steering towards the South-east, was making directly up to him, and was not above 6 Miles from him; upon which News, the English made all their loaden Ships retire towards the Shore; and the Dutch, on their side endeavoured to get the Weather-gage. The 12th of the same Month, the Wind being at East, the Dutch were at about 5 Miles Distance from the English to the South-eastward, and then the Wind, turning to the South-west, continued so all Night, and the two Fleets met before Laystoff, at about 8 Miles distance from the English Shore. That Night, a Dutch Fire-ship took Fire, by the Imprudence of him that commanded it, who was got drunk; which Accident the English took for a happy Presage of Victory to them. However, the Dutch Fleet, in

spite of the Disadvantage of the Wind, of which the English were Masters, during the whole Fight, fell upon Prince Robert's Squadron that was backt by Vice-Admiral Mings. The Duke of York's Squadron formed the main Battle, and that of the Earl of Sandwich made up the Rear. The Battle begun at 3 in the Morning. Admiral Opdam vigo∣rously broke through Prince Robert's Squadron, being followed by Lieutenant Admiral Kortenaar, Lieutenant Admiral John Evertsz, Vice-Admiral Cornelius Tromp, Stellingwerf, Bastian, Senten, &c. The two Fleets engaged in streight Lines, without throwing themselves into Crescents, and so recipro∣cally broke through one another, remaining still in Presence one of the other, without rallying presently to make a fresh Charge. The Wind was West, and the English were towards the North-west, and the Dutch to the South-westward; the two Fleets broke through one another the se∣cond time, at 6 in the Morning. And because the Duke of York's Squadron kept still the Weather-gage, without engaging in Fight, it was impossi∣ble for the Dutch to win that Advantage from them; but it fared not in the like manner with that of Prince Robert, which was broken through by the Hollanders. But the two Fleets having till then done nothing but canonaded one another afar off, at length the Earl of Sandwich advancing, about one in the Afternoon, separated the Dutch Fleet in two; and then the two Fleets coming to a closer Fight, and firing at one another very fiercely, Ad∣miral Opdam boarded the Royal Charles, in which was the Duke of York in Person; and those two Admirals thundred at one another so furiously, with continual Broad-sides, that the Earl of Fal∣mouth, and the Lord Muskerry, and Mr. Boyle, and some of that Princes Footmen, were killed by the Duke of York's Side, and he himself was slight∣ly wounded in the Hand, which was dyed with the Blood of Mr. Boyle; and just then, as they were

distributing the Cartridges in Admiral Opdam's Powder-room, an unlucky Shot coming, as is said, from a small English Ship,* 5.5 commanded by one Smith, afterwards Sir Jeremy Smith, who in that nick of Time, seeing the Duke's Danger, had un∣perceivedly stole under the Dutch Admiral's Side, set Fire to his Powder and blew him up in a mo∣ment, with all his Men, excepting only 5, about 3 in the Afternoon. Mr. Opdam had not as yet been wounded when this fatal Disaster happened to him, but he perished on that unhappy occasion; How∣ever, the Hull of his Ship, after having floated some time, was towed off into the Ʋlie.

This sudden and unexpected Loss of Admiral Opdam, put the Hollanders in a great Consterna∣tion, and extremely raised the Courage and Hopes of the English, and that so much the more because till then the Victory seemed to waver and to be uncertain for which Side to declare. And that dis∣mal Accident was soon followed by a second; for 3 Dutch Men of War, viz. the Marsseveen, com∣manded by Captain Reus, the Tergoes, by Captain the Kruining, and Swanenburg by Captain Kuiper, happened to be intangled together so strongly, and the two latter imprudently falling foul upon the Prow of the Marsseveen, engaged themselves so fast to her Fore-mast, that it was impossible to part them, tho' 200 of their Seamen did all they could, with their Axes, to do it; which Disorder being perceived by the English, they resolving not to lose the Opportunity of making their Advantage of it, immediately detacht away a Fireship to burn them, which accordingly fastning upon the Ter∣goes and Swanenburg, both new-built Ships, pre∣sently set them on Fire, and the Flames swiftly passing to the Marsseveen, reduced them all three to Ashes: At which Disaster, the Seamen leapt all into the Sea, and the Fire soon after gaining to their Powder, the 3 Ships were blown up into the Air. Captain Reus leapt into a Boat, but yet could

not save himself. In the mean while, at that Spe∣ctacle, the English cry'd out, You Rogues, you Fel∣lows, you must be killed. The Master, George Thomas, with some others that could swim, saved themselves in a deserted Boat, and got to Schevel∣ing. At the beginning of the Fight Tromp, being seconded by the Captains Tierk, H••ddes and Swart, so miserably battered the English Ship, called the Charity, Captain Wilkinson Commander, that soon after she became an easie Prey to Captain Haan, and 90 of her Seamen, leaping into a Long-boat, were afterwards conducted to Harwich. In the mean time, the Duke of York, observing that some Dutch Ships made shew as if they had no great Sto∣mach to come on to charge again, sent Lawson, with some English Men of War, to attack them; but he found so much Resistance from them, that having one of his Knees all shattered to pieces, he was carried to Shore and died. Bastian Senten that commanded the Ship called the Orange, finding himself alone among the Enemies, fought with all the Bravery imaginable: For he had the Cou∣rage to board the Mountague, and took her, and pulling down her blue Flag, he put up the Princes Flag in stead of it, which he kept up above an Hour, according to the faithful Report of all that were Spectators of so bold an Action: But the Mountague was afterwards regained by the Royal James of the White Squadron, where the Earls of Marlborough and Portland lost their Lives; And at last, the Orange, after she had signalized herself against Captain Smith that commanded the Mary, was burnt and blown up, and her Cap∣tain Bastian Senten died of his Wounds. Admi∣ral John Evertsz stoutly attacked the Ships Speaker and Charles, that seconded the Duke of York, and did them very much damage; and the Admiral∣ship it self, commanded by the Duke of York, was very near being burnt by a Fireship, had she not by a dextrous and nimble turn avoided it. Captain

Koenders likewise fought with much undaunted∣ness, as did also Stellingwerf. This latter had his Body cut off in the middle with a Cannon Bullet. Lieutenant-Admiral Kortenaar said at the begin∣ning of the Fight, Methinks our Admiral falls a little too low, it's impossible that way for us to get the Weather-gage; and he falling upon the Royal Catharine, was shot above the Knee with a Can∣non-Ball, and died immediately. Cornelius Evertsz being hard by, and hearing of the Death of that Admiral, gave Notice of it to John Evertsz, cry∣ing out, that it belonged to him now to put up the Admiral's Flag; which he presently did; but having been in all the Attacques that had been made, from 3 in the Morning till 7 in the Afternoon, and having received 17 Shot under Water, had 13 Men killed and 40 wounded on Board him, and spent 14000 Pound of Powder, being no longer able to keep the Sea, he retired towards the Meuse, and some Men of War, that had not yet fought a Stroke, were so basely cowardly as to follow him against his Will: Upon which, many in the Fleet mistaking the Departure of John Evertsz for a Retreat, there were above 36 Men of War more, of the finest and best in all the Fleet, that turned likewise Tail, and steered away for the Texel: Whilst undaunted Tromp, after he had put up the Admiral's Flag, as thinking John Evertsz was also killed, maintained the Fight still a considerable while longer: But however, that unlucky Rout preceeding, caused the Loss of many brave Men, that were by that means left helpless, surrounded on all sides by the Enemies, and for want of Assi∣stance, either perished or were made Prisoners. To all which Misfortunes, may be added, the Mu∣tiny that arose among the Men belonging to the Ships, Helversum, Charles V. and Nagelboom, &c. who revolting against their Captains, basely forced them to yield to the English; those Ships were commanded by Allert, Matthysz, Trelon

and Boon, who had every where given sufficient Marks of their Courage, but yet were forced, on that occasion to yield to Necessity. One Cap∣tain Jenraan Poel, retired in the Night towards Wyk, being impatient to be one of the first to leave the Fight, with one of the finest Ships in the Fleet, called, the Delfland, crying out upon the Coast, That the Brave Men were left behind, to be but∣chered, whilst the Cowards ran away. The Night being come, and the English, being employed in giving Chace to some Barks belonging to the Vi∣ctuallers of the Dutch Fleet, those Cowards were covered and secured in their lurking-Holes, by Tromp, who keeping fighting still against the Ene∣mies, had all his Sails and Rigging shot down, and shattered to pieces. The Nagelboom being come to an Anchor before Petten, the Captain would not desert her, tho' she were left dry; but the Seamen running all away, wandred begging along the Coast like so many Rascals as they were, so that the English coming up, took her, as they did several other very fine Ships, that were lost to the State, by the meer Cowardice of the Seamen. The Master of Kortenaar's Ship, Ate Inter Instra, instead of staying in the Fight, basely deserted it, and was followed by a great many others, which yet, when they were come into the Texel, had the Confidence to complain, That they had been so much exposed, when they scarce had had the Pa∣tience to take any more than a Glympse of the Ene∣my. Only Tromp, accompany'd with a small num∣ber of others, held out the Fight till the last, giving every where signal Proofs of his undaunted Courage: He was five Times with Swartsz and Cornelius Evertsz engaged in the midst of the Ene∣mies, and furiously battered by their Guns on eve∣ry side, and buried, as 'twere under so thick a smoak, that the Seamen in his Ship, openly ascribed to a Miracle the Preservation of his Ship and Per∣son. The valiant Tromp writ with a sensible Dis∣pleasure

the following Letter to the College of the Admiralty of Amsterdam concerning the un∣happy success of this Battle.

High and Mighty Lords,

MY last was of the 9th. of June,* 6.1 at 18 miles distance from the Texel. On the 11th. of the same Month we discovered the English Navy to the Westward, and it being impossible for us by reason of the Calm, to get near them, the wind being North East, we steer'd to the East, South-East ward as much as we could, to gain the Wea∣ther gage, but a Calm came on, which continuing all night, and next morning too, we could attempt no∣thing; and finding the design of the English was to draw us upon the sand banks to which we were pretty near, we resolved to tack about to the West. On the 12th. it being still indifferent Calm, we found our selves to the East North East, and the North Westward: Towards evening we came a little near one another, the Wind continuing during the night, South and South South West, so that we had some hopes of getting the Weather gage, but it chopping about to the South East, both sides began to Cannonade one another. And the Powder of the Powder-room of the Admiral Ship catching fire through carelessness, she was blown up into the Air together with Admiral Wassenaar; which caused so great a confusion among the Ships of the Fleet that they all betook themselves to Flight by favour of the Enemies Wind; by which means some Ships falling foul upon, and being entangled one with the other, were burnt or taken by the English. At length after they had continued firing till the beginning of the night, that disorder forced them to separate from the others. The next morning we observed the Duke of York and the Earl of Sandwich following close behind us we having then not above 10 or 12 sail about us, and be∣cause

it was impossible for us to rejoyn our other Ships, the Enemy followed us as far as before the Tex••l, where the most part of our dispersed Ships came up to us again but however we know not at present, how many we are in Number; and we fear many of them are missing; time will quick∣ly shew us how all things will end. Lieutenant Admiral John Evertsz is also missing. Lieuten∣ant Admiral Kortenaar, and Stellingwerf are dead. As for other private Captains, I know nothing of them, but that Captain de Haan was taken by an English man of War of 46 Guns. We saw that the Ships Marsseveen, Tergoes, and a Frigat of Amsterdam falling foul one of a∣nother so entangled themselves together that they were burnt, as were also some other Ships. The English likewise set fire to some other Ships besides, because as far as we could see, they were un∣masted and most shrewdly shattered.

Postscript.

We have lost together with our Ships our Bar∣ges and long Boats, which we desire their High and Mightinesses may be prayed to remember. We have found in our Ship 44 men wounded, and 18 kil∣led, about whom I request their High and Mihgti∣nesses would please to take Order.

The Winning of this Battle ought not to be imputed to the Bravery of the English, since the greatest part of the ships they took in it, were delivered them by the Rebellion or Co∣wardice of the Seamen, who received in England the just reward of their infidelity by the mi∣series they were made to suffer there in the Pri∣sons. The Action of 85 Villains that surrender∣ed to the English the ship Charles the 5th. is a terrible and abominable Example of it. They were some Soldiers who in the night of the Battle, joining with some insolent and seditious Seamen seized of all the small fire Arms, nailed up the

Cannon, struck their Flag, spread their Sails, tur∣ned their Barges and long Boats a drift to the mercy of the Waves, and in that condition wait∣ed the approach of an English Fregat that was in chace of them, to which they Voluntarily yiel∣ded themselves, after they had with their drawn hangers and cockt pistols presented to their breasts forced the Captain and Officers that belonged to the ship, who would have opposed them, to remain in silence, under pain of death, and to be spectators of so detestable an Action without during to speak a word. The men of the ships Helversum and Nagelboom, as also some Officers of the Fleet, of whom we shall speak more amply afterwards, did the like without ha∣ving any regard neither to their honour, nor to the allegiance they had so solemnly sworn to their Country.

The English, (as the Dutch would have been in the same case, and as they affected to do afterwards, upon less occasions of Bragging than this,) being proud of all these advantages, failed not to publish them with all the glorious Circumstances imaginable. They Rung the Bells and made Bonfires every where, and put every thing else in practice that might tend to add splendor and renown to the Memory of so great a Triumph. 1500 Dutch Prisoners were carri∣ed to Colchester; and it may well be judged by so great a Number what cruel and base Co∣wardice the Captains were guilty of, who chose rather shamefully to leave their Companions ex∣posed to the Flames, or to a Lamentable ship∣wrack and drowning, than to venture to snatch them from the devouring Jaws of death, by re∣ceiving them on board them when they fled, so that they must have perish'd, if their Enemies had not taken more Compassion of them then their own unnatural Officers. Amongst those per∣sons there was a Woman named Willemite Ger∣rets

a Native of Embden, that had performed the function of Gunner in the ship Marsseveen, who being discovered, was released and set at liberty by King Charles the second for the ra∣rity of the adventure. She came afterwards to the Hague drest in the habit of an English Wo∣man, where she recited all the adventures of her life, and how she was saved, and the pleasant discourse she had with the King of England: And it appeared, that she had always carried her self very honestly, and that she was present at the fierce Battle of Funen in the North, no body on board the Marsseveen ever having dis∣covered her to be a Woman. Here follows an account of the losses on both sides in this fight.

On the English side.

• The Duke of York Lord High Admiral of England, was wounded in the hand with the splinters of the scull of Mr. Boyl, and his face besmear'd with the blood of the Earl of Fal∣mouth, the Lord Muskerry, and several of his Domestick servants that were kill'd by his side by a chain-shot from Admiral Opdam's ship.
• The Earl of Portland kill'd.
• The Earl of Marleborough kill'd.
• Rear Admiral Mountague Samson kill'd.
• Vice Admiral Lawson; who feeling himself mortally wounded, sent word to the Duke of York, that he was uncapable of doing any fur∣ther service; who thereupon put Captain Jor∣dan, afterwards Sir Joseph Jordan, in his place; And Lawson being carried to Greenwich upon the Thames, died there.
• Captain Ableston of the ship Guinea killed.
• Captain Kirby of the Breda kill'd.
• The ship called the Charity carrying 46 Guns, was taken by Captain de Haan, and brought into the Texel, but many of her men first sa∣ved themselves, and the rest were kill'd before.

• Besides these, it was computed there were 800 men killed on board the English Navy, and a great number wounded.

On the Hollanders side,

• Lieutenant Admiral General Jacob de Wassenaar Lord Opdam, was unfortunately blown up by a shot into his Powder-Room.
• Lieutenant Admiral Kortenaar, dead of his wounds. Stellingwerf shot in sunder with a Cannon Ball. Schram killed in the Fight.
• Captain Allert Matthysz of the Helversum be∣ing forced to yield himself by his mutinous Seamen that refused to fight, was taken by the Bristol Frigat. She carried 60 Guns.
• The ship Charles the 5th. commanded by Cap∣tain Kuiten shamefully yielded up likewise to the English by the Rebellion of the Seamen. She carried 54 Guns.
• The Delft Commanded by Captain Boshuizen taken by the Breda. She carried 32 Guns.
• The de Ruiter Yacht, Captain Vogel Com∣mander, carrying 18 Guns, taken by the Dol∣phin
• The Young Prince Commanded by Captain Halfhoorn, carrying 36 Guns, taken by the Mar∣tin.
• The Mars Captain Kats Commander, carry∣ing 46 Guns, taken by the Assurance.
• The Nagelboom, Captain Boon Commander, carrying 52 Guns, taken by the Colchester.
• The Arms of Zealand Commanded by Cap∣tain Twineman, carrying 44 Guns, taken by the Centurion.
• The Swarte Bull, Captain Burger Commander carrying 36 Guns, taken by the ships Anne and Ruby.

Ships burnt.

• The ship Koeverden of 60 Guns, Command∣ed by Captain Kampen, burnt by the ship call'd the Renown.

• The Prince Maurice, Simon de Wit Comman∣der, of 50 Guns.
• The Town of Ʋtretcht Commanded by Oudart of 44 Guns.
• The Swanenburg, Captain Kuiper Commander of 30 Guns.
• The Tergoes of 34 Guns.
• The Marsseveen of 78 Guns.
• The Orange of 75 Guns, being hampered all together were burnt or sunk.

Before we pass, any further, we will report here some remarkable Circumstances relating to this fight.

The States after the Battle, being willing to provide against all Events had sent Orders to the Fleet to keep the Sea, tho' they had had the worst, as well to support the Reputation of their Arms, as to lessen the Glory of the Victors, that would have made that retreat pass for a total defeat. And for that effect, Mr. Witsen, Ʋrybergen, and Schrick being sent to the Texel, in Quality of Deputies from the States, went out of the Port, and sent for Vice-Admi∣ral Tromp on board them giving him Order to keep the Fleet out at Sea, and not to suffer it to enter into any Harbours. But Tromp being griev∣ed at the disasters that had newly hapned by the Baseness and Cowardice of the Officers and Soldiers of the Fleet, and his heart being ready to burst with indignation at them, could not for∣bear Answering, the Deputies that he could not execute their orders with men that had so base∣ly deserted him in time of danger, and upon whose Courage or Fidelity so little reli∣ance could be made. So that without minding the Orders of the Deputies, the Fleet under the Conduct of Tromp and Cornelius Evertsz entred into port, being in all about 60 Men of War, of which the most part were but little endama∣ged. Admiral Wassenaar, or Opdam's ship, was,

as we have said, blown up; Kortenaar 〈…〉〈…〉 but his ship was saved. However, it w•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 known yet what was become of John E•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Stellingwerf and Schram. On the 15th. of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the States Deputies took a review of the ships remaining in the Texel, found all of them in ge∣neral very little endamaged, and the most part in good condition, having lost very few Men, and in a Word, more afraid than hurt. The ships that were still in the Texel were 58 in Number, 7 that had staid behind in the Road and 2 unmoor'd that were put in before. They had advice that 18 were in the Port of the Vlie, and 16 or 17 in the Meuse, &c. So that they found none were missing but those we have set down, of all the whole Fleet.

In the mean while however, the murmurings of the People that were ill satisfied at the suc∣cess of the Battle and the Conduct of the Ge∣nerals, were grown to an extream height, and al∣ready begun to threaten mischievous Consequen∣ces. The first sparks of them begun to appear at the Brill, where John Evertsz of Zealand had like to have lost his life. For being come with his Ship into the Meuse, and Landing at the Brill, at his arrival the Mobb that judge of things always by the success, laid all the blame upon him, and imputing to him a great part of all the misfortunes that had hapned and accusing him of Cowardice, threw him into the Water, where he would certainly have been drown'd if he had not been rescued from the People by a good Number of Soldiers. But they stopt not there, for that Rascality growing thereupon more insolent endeavoured, all they could to sa∣tisfie their unruly passion, and pusht on their resentments to the utmost; so that in the night there appeared a great many Boats filled with Troops of Mutineers and Women, passing the Meuse to go and watch his coming to Maas∣landsluis,

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where he was to come to go to the 〈◊〉〈◊〉: But they were deceived in their expe∣••••••••••••n, for that setting out at 2 in the morn∣••••g he was conducted under a good guard, to Helvoetsluis, and thereby escaped the danger of being made the Bloody Victime of an enraged people. Being come to the Hague, he there gave an account to the States, of his Conduct, and afterwards appeared before a Council of War held at the Texel, who were constrained by the force of truth, highly to applaud his Bravery and Conduct in the Battle. That Council was com∣posed of the following persons, viz.

Vice Admiral Tromp, Vice Admiral Cornelius Evertsz, Vice Admiral Koenders, Rear Admiral de Liefde, Rear Admiral Bankert, Rear Admiral Bruinsveld, the Captain and Commander Van∣der Hulst late Vice Admiral to Mr. Wassenaar or Opdam, Captain Nicholas Marreveld, late Rear Admiral to Lieutenant Admiral Kortenaar, Captain Peter Solomon, late Rear Admiral to Vice Admiral Tromp, Captain Bronser, late Rear Admiral to Vice Admiral Cornelius E∣vertsz, Captain de Haan, Captain Simon Blok, Captain Jacob, and Andrew Swart.

This Council of War then having drawn up an Indictment against those Officers of the Fleet that first begun to flie, as Authors of the disa∣sters and of the defeat of the Fleet they were condemned, and accordingly the Cap∣tains John Peitersz Onklaar, Anthony Evertsz, De Marre and Jacob Bruining were shot on the 13th. of June in the Fort of the Texel, in view of all the people, and on the same day and in the same place, the Captains VVilliam Codde, Vander Burg, John Vander Mariche and Apollonius Pool had their Arms broken at their Feet by the Common Hang-Man; and Samuel Huisman and Jacob Vander Kams were degra∣ded, and the first of them made uncapable of

bearing Arms any more in the Service of the State. Ate Inter Estra, Mr. of Lieutenant Ad∣miral Kortenaar's ship, who had Cowardly de∣serted the fight with the Admirals Flag, was con∣demned to stand with a halter about his neck under the Gallows, and afterwards to perpetu∣al Banishment. But if the States on the one side thought good to punish Criminals, so on the other, they were as Zealous to Recompence the deserving. And accordingly Captain De Haan that had fought so bravely, and taken the English Ship called the Charity, received 10000 Livers reward. The States likewise were pleased to honour the Glorious Memory of Lieu∣tenant Admiral Opdam, who unfortunately, pe∣rish'd in the Battle, by erecting to him a State∣ly Monument in the great Church at the Hague whereon is inscribed the following Epitaph in Latin.

Honori & Gloriae Herois Illustrissimi, & ex vetustissima Nobilitatis Batavicae stirpe, per continuam, & legitimam Successionem prognati, D. Jacobi Dynastae de Wassenaer, Domini de OPDAM,* 7.1

Foederati Belgii Archi-Thalassi, &c. Rebus prae∣clare Terra Mari{que} Gestis, non tantum in Atlan∣tico Oceano, unde sparsa fugataque Lusitanorum Classe, magna{que} onustus praeda, Domum rediit, sed & in Freto Baltico, ubi pulsis Adversariis, & insigni Parta Victoria, laboranti Daniae suc∣currit, & simul Majestatem Reipublicae as∣seruit,

& stabilivit, ac eandem contra Ʋniver∣sam Anglorum Classem cum paucis fortissime di∣micans, ac undique cinctus, ne sic quidem cessit hostibus, sed magna primo edita strage in∣censa{que} demum Praetoria sua navi Herculeo ex∣emplo, flammis viam sibi ad superos paratam invenit. Anno Aetatis LV. Illustrissimi & Potentissimi Foederati Belgii Proceres viro fortissimo•• optime{que} de Republica merito, Mo∣numentum hoc posuere, Anno Reparatae Salutis MDCLXVII.

Anno Aerae Christianae MDCLVII. Classis Foe∣derati Belgii Ductu Dynastae de Wassenaer, pro∣pe Ostia Tagi, Naves Lusitanicas Brasilia redu∣ces invadit.

Anno Aerae Christianae MDCLVIII. Foederati Belgii Classis, ductu & auspiciis Dynastae de Wassenaer, Fretum Balticum ingreditur, affli∣ctisque Daniae rebus salutarem fert opem, pulsa fugataque post acerrimum conflictum Adversari∣orum Classe.

The Sense of which in English is thus.

To the Honour and Renown of the most illustrious, descended from a most ancient Stock of the Nobi∣lity of Holland, by a continued and lawful Suc∣cession, Jacob Baron of Wassenaer, Lord of OPDAM,

Admiral of the Ʋnited Provinces, &c. who af∣ter many brave Exploits both by Sea and Land, not only in the Atlantick Ocean, wherein having scattered and put to flight the Portuguese Fleet, he returned home laden with rich Spoils, but like∣wise in the Strait of the Baltick Sea; where af∣ter

he had repulsed the Enemies, and gained a glorious Victory over them, he succoured distressed Denmark, and at the same time asserted and securely established the Majesty of the Common∣wealth, and at last, after having fought most valiantly with but few Ships, against the whole Navy of England, and being by them surrounded on all sides, yet even then did not flinch from his Enemies, but after having made great Slaughter among them, and his Admiral Ship taking Fire, Hercules-like, by the Flames found a way prepared for him to the Coelestial Heroes, in the 55th Year of his Age. The most Illustrious and Potent Lords, the States of the United Pro∣vinces, have erected this Monument, as to a most valiant Man that has highly well deserved of the Commonwealth, in the Year of our Lord 1667.

In the Year of our Lord 1657. the Fleet of the Unit∣ed Provinces, under the Conduct of the Baron of Wassenaer, defeated the Portuguese Fleet, near the Mouth of the Tagus, that was coming home from Brasil.

In the Year of our Lord 1658. the Fleet of the Unit∣ed Provinces, under the auspicious Conduct of the Baron of Wassenaer, entred into the Sound, and carried salutary Assistance to the desperate con∣dition of expiring Denmark, after having in a most furious Fight repulsed and put to Flight the Enemies Fleet.

Great Honours were likewise paid to the Memo∣ry of Admiral Kortenaar, whose Tomb is to be seen at Rotterdam, with the following Epitaph in Dutch.

Ter erre van den onvergeliikeliiken Held Egbert Bartholomeusz Kortenaar Admiral. Hebben d'Ed Mognede Heeren des Admiralteit de Maas dit Gedenkreken van ziin dapperheld en roemruchtige dooddoen stellen.* 8.1

De Held der Maas verminkt aan Oog en rechter hand, En echter't Oog van't Roer de Vuist Van't Vader∣land: De Groote Kortenaar de Schrik van's Vyandre Ʋlooten. D'ontsluiter van de Sond, leyt in dit graf be∣slo••ten.

Of which the Sense in English is thus.

Egbert Bartholomew Kortenaar Admiral. Their High and Mightinesses of the Admiralty of the Meuse have caused this Monument to be ere∣cted to the eternal Memory of his Great Cou∣rage and Glorious Death.

The Hero of the Meuse, after he had lost one Eye and his Right Hand, yet however continues to Govern the Fleet by his good Conduct, and to support his Country with his valiant Arm; The Great Kortenaar, the Terror of the Enemies Fleet, he that opened the Sound, Rests inclosed in this Tomb.

A little while after the Criminals had been so pu∣nisht, and the merit and valour of those that had sig∣nalized themselves been rewarded, viz. on the 23d of July, Vice Admiral Tromp was elected Lieutenant Admiral of the College of the Admiralty of the Meuse, in the place of the Deceased Kortenaar in ac∣knowledgment of the eminent Bravery he had shewn in the last Battel. His advancement to that Office, rekindled a fresh the before damped zeal of the Seamen who testified an extraordinary joy at it, by reason of the extreme affection they bore him, which equall'd that they always had for his Father.

In the mean while, the States being intent upon consulting the means how to repair the ill success of their Arms, by new Forces, gave orders for working with all possible diligence in all the Pro∣vinces near the Sea, to fit up the Fleet again, and put it in a good Condition, and that so much the more prestingly, because they knew the Eng∣lish Fleet was crusing in the Channel, to watch for de Ruiter's return, which was daily expected. After the Death of Mr. Opdam, they were much puzled about the choice of a person fit to be in∣trusted with the chief Command of their Fleet. Many of them cast their Eyes upon Lieutenant Admiral Tromp, but the obstinacy he had shewn against the Orders of the Deputies, when instead of keeping the Fleet out at Sea after the defeat, as they had Commanded, he made it go into the Texel, gave grounds for some misunderstanding, and caused a great many murmurings to arise, to the disadvantage of his reputation. Yet on the other side, they put great confidence in his un∣daunted Courage, and in the singular affection the Seamen had for him; but those good thoughts were again over balanced by the suspicions some predominant Members of the States of Holland then ha•• conceived of his Conduct, because that being passionately devoted to the interest of the then ungratefully contemned Prince of Orange, then excluded from all great Employments, those Insolent and Ambitious States-men were afraid the inclination he had for that Prince, might over-sway him against that Obedience he owed to those Masters who he knew had usurped from him his Rights. But however, the most judicious among them contested against all those seeming specious reasons, with more solid proofs drawn from his incomparable great Worth and Merit, not stick∣ing to say without bogling, that they could not well chuse another to that high Preferment without doing him injustice. At length after many debates

and contrary Opinions thereupon, they resolved by common consent to confer upon him that great Employment,* 8.2 but yet with these Conditions, that there should be three Deputies of the States ap∣pointed to go along with him, with full Power over the Fleet, viz. Mr. Huiens, Deputy of the Assembly of the States General for the Province of Guelders, Mr. De Wit Pensionary of Holland and West-Friesland, that noted enemy to the Orangian Family, and Mr. Borreel, Burger Master of Middleburg.

Lieutenant Admiral Tromp being thus promo∣ted to the chief Command of the Fleet, applied himself with all imaginable care to fill up with all speed the Compliment of Sea-men needful for the effectual manning out the Fleet, that it might be ready to put to Sea again assoon as possible. But when all things were just ready, and Tromp was already on Board his Ship called the Amity, with the Deputies of the States appoin∣ted to attend him,* 8.3 news came, that de Ruiter was arrived at Eems, which occasioned a change in all the Resolutions that had been taken. De Ruiter gave notice of his arrival to the States, by the following Letter,

High and Mighty Lords,

* 9.1AFter having made my salutes in general, this shall be to inform your High and Mightines∣ses, of the safe arrival of the Fleet that under my Conduct, has made so long a Voyage, which came in the 6th. Instant in the afternoon to the West-ward of Eems, with 5 English Prizes where∣of 3 are laden most with Sugar, and the other 2 are empty, one of which served us for a Fire-Ship in our way. A Merchant Ship likewise came from the Caribee Islands, which retired under our Con∣voy, &c. July the 19th. we approached towards the Isles of Fero, to get intelligence of the Eng∣lish,

but no body could tell us any News of them, the 21 we past to the East-ward of Hitland; on the 22d. in the afternoon, a Galliot of Huisd••n came and joyned us, who reported to us the un∣fortunate success of the late Battle fought between the two Fleets, &c. On the 23d. we came near Bergen, where we received a Confirmation of what had been related to us. We pursued our way all along by the Coast of Norway, making all the sail we could, and on the 6th. of August we came into the West-ward of Eems, upon Advice that the English Fleet kept near the Coasts of Holland, being by our inequality in strength obliged to avoid them. And besides we had hardly 10 days Provision left, nay, some of our Ships had not for above 5, and what is more they were leaky, and the most of them much endamaged. Captain Sweers has lost his Mizzen-mast and Bolt-sprit; the Ships of the Captains Pomp and de Hoen, leak on every side, so that they were by necessity constrained to cut down their Fore-masts, and their Prows; neither is Rear-Admiral Haakwants Ship in any better Condition. In fine, we praise God for bringing us home in sa••ety. We have brought Prisoners with us, the Governour of the Castle Cormantine Francis Sullevin, and desire their High and Mightinesses to be pleased to pre∣scribe us an Order how to deal with him. We took 15 Ships in the West-Indies, of which the most part were burnt. We found only 7 Ships in Newfoundland, which we took on the 16th. and 17th, of June, 3 of which were burnt, and 3 more were given back to the Enemies, to serve to tran∣sport home 150 of them that were our Prisoners, whom we released to be Conducted into Old or New England. We unmoor'd on the 19••h. from St. John's Bay in Newfoundland, bringing off with us an English Frigat of 18 Guns, which I took my self. I will stay near the Fleet till further. Or∣der, hoping to receive it quickly, that we may be

able all of us together to Regulate our selves ac∣cording to it.

The particulars, and more remarkable Cir∣cumstances of de Ruiter s Voyage into Guiney and to the West-Indies, may be more fully seen in the following Relation.

A particular Account and Relat••on of de Ruiter's Voyage into Guiney and the West-Indies, in a Letter to a Person of Note.

SIR,

I Find my self indispensably engaged to in∣form you of the principal Events of this Voyage, which was begun on the 1st. of Octo∣ber in the year 1664. At which time de Rui∣ter, having received the necessary Orders for that effect, from their High and Mightinesses, summoned on board all his Captains, and gave them notice to furnish themselves with all ne∣cessary Provisions for their Men; after which, the Fleet being composed of 12 Men of War, namely 6 of A••sterdam under the Command of de Ru••ter himself, and 6 others under the Command of Vice Admiral M••pp••l••n, unmoor'd from Cadiz, and past before an Engl sh Squadron of Men of War, that was riding before a little Town cal∣led Rot••. About Evening, turning about to the South-South-West-ward we pursued our way. On the 16th. de Ruiter ordered every Ship to provide two scaling Ladders ready to mount to the Assault with; and at the same time we were informed, that we were going towards an Isle called Goede-ree, which the English had surprised from the Hollanders some Months before. Upon which we all testified a great deal of Alacrity and Resolution to go upon that enterp i••e. We arrived there on the 22d. of the same Month, and sound there 9

English Ships, viz, 7 Merchant men, 1 of the King's Frigats, and 1 small Yacht, that was employed to carry the Merchandizes and Ef∣fects of the English from one place to ano∣ther. At our arrival, the Fort and Castle had put up the English African Companies Colours. The English Ships perceiving we were coming to attack them presently yielded at discretion. After which Command was given to the Kings Frigat, to unmoor, and retire, which she im∣mediat••ly did. Then the other Ships Crews, gave Oath that they were freighted for the English Company. Upon which, the Merchan∣dizes and Effects were seized, and removed in∣to our Ships: They consisted of divers Stuffs, Muskets, Forked Irons, Knives, Cloths and several Bales of Cotton. The Ships were re∣leased, but the Effects were declared good prize, as belonging to the English Company. When those in the Fort and Castle saw what passed they sent out a Barge with a White Flag, to de Ru••ter's side, and surrendred immediately, to save their lives and goods. Upon which the Troops on board our Squadron were sent on shore with Banners displaved, who took possession of the Fort and Castle and put up there the Princes Colours. The English Go∣vernour with his men were conducted into one of the Ships, and ordered to retire where he best pleas••d. We were extreamly surprized when we found in the Castle 9 pieces of Can∣non, and 4 Granado Mortars, and in the Fort 12 pieces, with a Garrison of 150 men, and sufficient store of Ammunition and Provision, and that yet notwithstanding all these advan∣tages they had surrendered without resistance. After the retreat of the English, we made a detachment of 10 Soldiers and 2 Seamen out of every Ship, making in all 136 men, with the Officers, whom we left in the Country to

secure it; And then we weighed Anchor and sailed away for Sierra Liona, where we arrived the 4th. of December. We perceived in that place a horrible Comet having the body turn'd to the East-South-East-ward, and the tail to∣wards the North-North-West. We discover'd there a Lodgment which the English had made defended by 2 pieces of Brass Cannon, and 2 of Iron, which we took; after we had ruin∣ed the Lodgment. We found there a good quantity of Elephants Teeth, and Forked bars of Iron, a great many other things, and like∣wise a Dutch Man, and 2 Children that were Prisoners there, whom we set at liberty; and after having watered there, and supplied our selves with Limons, and other refreshments, Vice-Admiral de Ruiter fired the parting Gun, and sailed away, steering to the South-West-ward. On the 5th. of January 1665, we came to an Anchor before Tacorary, and the Castle of Witsen, which the English had likewise seiz∣ed from us, and summoned them by a Letter to surrender: But upon their refusal some of our Ships approach'd, and fired upon the Ca∣stle, which did the same upon the Hollanders. At the ••ame time without delay, we Landed a∣gainst them all the Soldiers in our Fleet, who at first met with a great deal of Resistance from the Negroes, who killed and wounded ma∣ny of them, out they betaking themselves to flight soon after the descent, our men set fire to their Lodges. The English upon that de∣feat put up a White Flag and demanded qua∣ter; after which they yielded up the Castle, where we found 24 Men in Garrison, and 7 pieces of Cannon. A litle while after, disco∣vering an English Ship at Sea, de Ruiter Or∣dered her to be attackt, and after an hours fight, she was taken. She proved a Ship car∣ing 33 Guns, and 50 Men, called the Victory.

The next day we blew up the Castle of VVit∣sen, and set sail again towards the Castle of Soma belonging to the Dutch West-India Com∣pany, which saluted our Vice-Admiral with some Guns. The 7th. of January 1665, our Squadron Anchored in 6 Fathom Water before the Castle del Mina, where Mr. Val∣kenburg Commanded, who likewise saluted us with some Guns. We there unladed all the Booty we had made in the Isle of Goede-ree, of which that Garrison stood in Great need, having of a long time received no supply, nor having any hopes to receive any. On the 9th. of the same month, we discovered another Ship at Sea, which was attackt and brought the same day into the Fleet. She proved to be an English ship of 20 Guns, and 40 Men, call'd the St. Martha; which after we had unladen, we converted into a Fire-ship for the Service of the Fleet upon occasion. In that place we separated our selves for some days, as well to go and take in fresh Water, as to unlade our ships. On the 10th. we received Letters from the States, with orders to destroy all the Eng∣lish ships we could find on the Coasts of Gui∣ney and of the West-Indies. On the 6th. of February, we weighed Anchor, and set sail toward Cormantine, possessed by the English, and situa∣ted some miles from the Castle del Mina. Af∣ter noon, we past by a place belonging to the English called Cabo Corso, and near a Danish Castle, as far a as place called then Morea, but formerly Nassaw, of which the Dutch are in possession, whither after de Ruiter had sent a Letter, we continued our Course, and soon af∣ter past by the Fort Anamabo, and towards evening came to an Anchor between Adia and Cormantine which are two places possest by the English. There we found an English Ship which upon sight of us, made towards the shore, and

all her men deserting her, retired into the Ca∣stle. The next day, 500 Negroes, of the Ca∣stle Morea and del M••na, came on board Vice-Admiral de Ru••ter in their Canoes, well pro∣vided with Axes, Fire-Arms, and Colours af∣ter the Indian-Mode. Upon which all our long Boats and Barges were manned out with Sol∣diers and Seamen, and Scaling Ladders were prepared for an Assault. Captain Vander Zaan Commanded the Seamen and Count Hoorn, the Soldiers. And so they Landed their Men in good order, to attack the Castle of Cor∣mantine. As soon as we were Landed the English blew up the Castle of Anamabo, which encoura∣ged us extreamly; But alas, those happy be∣ginings had not the same successes afterwards; For at our approach to Adia, the English on the one side, and the Negroes on the other, that in great Numbers appeared on the Coast, charged us so vigorously from their Lodges and Retrenchments, by continually firing upon us both with great and small shot, whilst on the other side, the Castle likewise thundred upon us with their Cannon that many of our Indi∣ans Canoes were sunk thereby, and we forced to retreat with loss back to our Ships: That day we made no other attack, but obliged our Negroes to retire on board with us, with de∣sign the next day to make a fresh Assault, as we did with more success. For in the Night some of the principal of the English Negroes came on board Admiral de Ruiter, promising him to let us Land without opposition. In answer to which welcome proffer we made them a present of a Tun of Brandy, and some glas∣ses such as the Negroes use; after which, they retired. De Ruiter observing the good dis∣position they were in towards us, Resolved to make his best advantage of it, and accordingly without losing time, ordered a second descent

to be made. Our Whites inclusively with their Officers were 750 Men, and our Blacks 500. The Negroes that held intelligence with us put up the Princes Colours upon the Ruines of the Castle of Anamabo which had been blown up a little before, so that we Landed without any resistance from the Negroes, but yet not without a great deal of danger by reason of the Roughness of the Sea. About noon we began to come near the Castle of Cormantine, whilst some of our Ships getting in a line under the Castle as near it as possibly they could, play'd hotly upon it with their Guns, and battered it to ruin with much success. In the mean while our men marching up in a close body to the Negroes that held still for the English put them to the Rout, and forced them to Retire back towards their Commander named John Gabia, who having raised a Battery of 3 great Guns upon a hill, galled us extreamly; But our Troops despising that danger forced them at length to retire and leave their Cannon be∣hind them, and advanced just under the Ca∣stle. Our Negroes likewise fought with much bravery, set fire on the English Negroes Lod∣ges, and cut off the heads of as many of them as they could catch, and carried them away with them, leaving their Bodies in the Field of Battle, because we had promised them a fixt Reward for every Head; but several of our Negroes were likewise killed and wounded. As soon as they in the Castle per∣ceived what Progress we had made, they put up a white Flag, and demanded Quarter, so that we made our selves Masters of it with little Loss. It was defended with 32 Pieces of Cannon, and a Garrison of 52 Men. The General of the Ne∣groes, above-mentioned, having several times so∣licited the Governour to blow up the Castle, and being refused, was so enraged at it, that he cut

two of his Childrens, and two of his Nephews Throats, and then stabbing himself several times into the Throat and Belly, he threw himself down from the Walls of the Castle, which not killing him out-right, he crept behind a Rock, and was there found dead. We gave Quarter to the En∣glish: After which, our Officers placed good Guards every where, and the better to prevent any Insolences that might happen from the Soldi∣ers, they forbad them all sorts of strong Drink. But the next Day, as our Barges drew near the Shore, to take in our Men, an infinite Number of Negroes flockt together, from all pa••ts about the Castle, and flew fiercely upon all that offered to stir out of it, cutting off the Heads of all that resisted them, without any further Ceremony; so that we lost more Men that way than we had done in the Assault. But our Men thereupon fir∣ing the Castle Guns upon them, killed and wound∣ed a great many Negroes, and put the rest to Flight; which so terrified them, that a little while after, the General of the Negroes appear∣ed before the Castle, with a white Flag, demand∣ing Peace, and free Commerce, which being granted them, they retired. And then all our Men, but what were to be left in Garrison, re∣turned again on Board the Fleet. One Samuel Smith, of Gravenweert, a native of Guelderland, and Merchant of Morea, was chosen Governour of the new-taken Castle. And then, in mark of our Victory, all the Guns were discharged both from the Castle and the Men of War. On the 12th of February we unmoored from thence, and on the 13th came to an Anchor before the Castle del Mina; where we were well received; so that after we had set all things in order there, put on Board the Chests of Gold, and taken in a Provision of fresh Water, we set sail the 27th of February, 1665. tacking about to the South-ward. On the 8th of March we passed the Equi∣noctial

Line, and on the third of April, in the Morning, the Wind being risen higher, we re∣passed it again. On the 6th of the same Month Captain Byland died▪ and the next Day his Body was committed to the Deep, in the Latitude of 1 degree and 4 minutes. On the 30th of April, about Noon, we arrived before the Island of the Barbados, where we found 40 English, which we forced ashore, after some Hours firing upon them. We likewise fired so hotly upon the Castle, that we beat down the Walls, and forced the English to run away in Troops. However, the Seamen belonging to the English Ships, making at first some Resistance, we had some Men killed and wounded on our side; but when we made up towards them, to grapple them, we had like to have run aground, which obliged us to sheer off further from the Coast, and then we cast An∣chor; yet we continued to fire without Interrup∣tion, upon them, till we shattered them all to pieces. From thence we sailed away to Martini∣co, where we buried our dead Men: And after we had paid those last Honours to them, we set sail again, and took divers Prizes in the Islands of Montferrat, Nevis, and Guadaloupe; forcing them every where to flie under the Shelter of their Castles. Some we burnt, and some we sold at S. Martins and S. Christophers Islands, and the rest, that sailed well, we carried home with us. The 15th of June we arrived before Newfound∣land, where we took 8 Prizes more, seizing on their Merchandises and Effects, but burning the Ships. We found there abundance of Salt Cod, and some English Bread; which came very oppor∣tunely to us. And then unmooring, we set sail again. On the 9th of July we coasted along the Isles of Fero, and on the 23d we arrived in the Country of Bergen in Norway; where, by a Galliot that was cruising there to wait for the homeward-bound East-India Ships, we were in∣formed

of the unfortunate Death of Admiral Op∣dam, blown up by a fatal Accident, and of the Defeat of the Dutch Fleet, by the shameful Flight and Cowardice of several Captains; upon which de Ruiter gave order to every Officer in his Squa∣dron, to make the best of their way back into their own Country, with all the sail they could. But the Calmness of the Weather, or contrary Winds, forced us to luff. In our way, from time to time, we spoke with some Barks, who inform∣ed us; That the English Fleet, being 80 Sail strong, was cruising before our Coasts; but we thank God, for having made us take Care to avoid them, fince we were in no condition to have re∣sisted them, altho' we would not have failed to do our utmost to have done it.

On the 6th of August, 1665. we arrived with a contrary Wind, to the westward of Eems, be∣fore Delfzyl; where we lie expecting fresh Or∣ders.

A List of the Prizes taken, and of the Conquests made by Lieutenant Admiral de Ruiter's Fleet, about the Coasts of Guiney, and elswhere.

• Three Ships laden with Sugar, and two empty ones; five in the West-Indies, most of which were burnt, and three sent back again with two hundred and fifty English Prisoners, that were set at Li∣berty.
• A Frigat of 18 Guns, taken in S. John's Bay.
• Francis Stillevin, or Sullevin, General of Cor∣mantine, made Prisoner.
• Two Castles in Guiney taken, and afterwards blown up.
• Several Merchandises and Effects taken about Cape Verd, or in other Places, and among other things 16000 l of Elephants Teeth,* 10.1 682 Marks of Gold, amounting very near to the Sum of 229152 Livers, besides what the Seamen plundered.

The News of de Ruiter's being come home, was brought to the Texel in the Night between the 7th and 8th of August. And Pensionary de Wit writ to him the very same Night, as soon as ever he had received News of him, to desire to know of him by the same Courier,

How many Ships, Dutch and others, were come with him to Delf∣zyl, &c. advertising him, That the States had a consi••erable Fleet in the Texel, of about 90 Sail of good Men of War, that would be ready to sail in few Days.

This Letter was delivered to de Ruiter about the beginning of the Night, on the 9th, to which he immediately made answer,

That he had 9 Men of War still in his Fleet that were fit to do service, only they were very foul, and want∣ed Sails, and to be new calkt. That the Men in them were in good Health, but so extremely fa∣tigued with so long a Voyage, that they would need some Days Refreshment on Shore. That, as for himself, and the rest, both of the General and Inferior Officers of the Fleet, they were in perfect Health, and still in a Condition to do their Country Service, &c.

The Election of a Successor to the Office of a Lieutenant-Admiral, vacant by the Death of Mr. Opdam, had a good while taken up the Coun∣cil of State, and many of the Members of the States of the Province of Holland had appeared about the middle of July, wholly inclined to confer it upon de Ruiter, even whilst he was yet abroad at Sea, so that at the News of his Arrival, without any longer Hesitation, he was on the 11th of Au∣gust chosen Lieutenant Admiral of Holland and West-friesland; to have in that Quality the chief Command of the whole Fleet, but yet under the Inspection of Mr. Huigens, Mr. de Wit, and Mr. Borcel, as Plenipotentiaries of the States; as appears by the following Resolution.

After Deliberation thereupon had, it is thought fit, That under the Super-intendence, Direction and Conduct of Mr. Huigens,* 10.2 Mr. Pensionary de Wit, and Mr. John Boreel, Deputies and Plenipo∣tentiaries of their High and Mightinesses in the States Fleet, Michael Adrian de Ruiter, Lieute∣nant-Admiral of Holland and West-friesland, shall command in chief during the approaching Expe∣dition; and that in this Quality he shall be ob∣liged to take the usual Oath, by vertue of the Resolution of the States General, on the 2d of this Month; having under him, for General Of∣ficers, Cornelius Evertsz, Lieutenant Admiral of Zealand, Lieutenant-Admiral Cornelius Tromp, Lieutenant-Admiral Meppel Tierk Hiddes, Lieu∣tenant-Admiral of West-friesland; the Vice Ad∣mirals, Van Nes, Vander Hulst, Bankert and Koenders; and the Rear-Admirals, Deliefde, Cornelius Evertsz the younger, and Bruinsveld. That if it shall happen by any unforeseen Acci∣dent, which God forbid, by Death or Sickness, that Lieutenant-Admir. de Ruiter shall be no longer able to perform his Office, Lieutenant-Admiral Tromp shall succeed him in the same Quality, and shall en∣joy the same Prerogatives, having the Super-inten∣dence and chief Government of the Fleet; and for that effect, as well the said Lieutenant-Admi∣ral de Ruiter, as the other General Officers shall give such good Order to the Ships depending of their respective Squadrons, that in case of any fatal Accident, as of Death, at the Hour of Bat∣tle, and when the two Fleets shall be engaged to∣gether, they may shew no manner of Consterna∣tion, or surprize, but continue still to behave themselves with Presence of Mind, and a con∣stant and firm Resolution, keeping silence till the Fleets come to be disingaged and rejoyn their Flag, or till some other favourable occasion; and then they shall give notice of it to the General that is to succeed. And the present Resolution of

their High and Mightinesses shall be sent to the said Lieutenant-Admiral de Ruiter, with order to him to go immediately to the States Fleet, as∣sembled in the Texel, to joyn himself with their Plenipotentiaries, and to carry with him Lieute∣nant Admiral Meppel, and Vice-Admiral Van Nes, as likewise all other general Officers whom he shall judge fit to do Service in the next Expedition, provided it can be done without incommoding the Service of the Fleet, that is now riding at An∣chor at West Eems; with the Design however, and the Intention, that as well Lieutenant-Admi∣ral de R••iter, as the said Lieutenant-Admiral Meppel, Vice-Admiral Van Nes, and other Offi∣cers, shall submit to the Orders that shall be prescribed them by the Deputies of the States. And for that end, this Resolution of their High and Mightinesses, shall be sent to the said Depu∣ties, to serve them for an Instruction, whereof they are hereby ordered to cause an Extract to be delivered to every one of the General Officers of the Fleet. And the said Deputies are hereby au∣thorised, at the same time to take care that the present Resolution be executed in all its Parts, as far as 'tis possible, that the going out of the Fleet upon the approaching Expedition may in no wise be retarded; and the Dispatches resulting there-from, shall be sent away without delay, &c.

This Commission was immediately carried to de Ruiter, who thereupon went from Delfzyl to Grooningen, thence to Dockling, thence to Leeu∣warden, from thence he passed to Franeker, thence to Harlingen, and from thence he arrived on the 13th in the Texel.

In the mean while, the Deputies, the next Day, signified the said Resolution of their High and Mightinesses to all the General Officers of the Fleet in the Texel. Who all professed to be well satisfied with it, and unanimously promised to con∣form

thereunto, except only Lieutenant-Admiral Tromp; who protested, That he pretended not to serve under the Command of Lieutenant-Admiral de Ruiter, and that he did not intend to go to Sea at all; since after he had taken so much Care and Pains to get the Fleet into a good Condition another was put up over his Head, to command above him. The Day following, as they were deliberat∣ing in his Presence about the Departure of the Fleet, he renewed his Complaints, tho' in very respectful, yet very resolute Terms; telling the Deputies, That he prayed them to be pleased to discharge him from his Employment, at least for that time, since he could not assist at that Expedition so much against his Heart, without doing extreme violence to himself. Adding, That in any other Occasions, he would never refuse to give all desirable Proofs of his Zeal, and stedfast Affection for the Service of his Country. The Deputies of the States hav∣ing conferred thereupon with the Deputies of the College of the Admiralty, represented to him, That his Honour was in that matter no way touch∣ed or offended, and therefore earnestly advised him to wave that needless and unseasonable Nicety, and to think only of doing his Duty. But he con∣tinuing still obstinately to urge a Dismission from his Employment, they at last answered him, That they had no Power to discharge him, without of∣fending against the Resolution taken by their High and Mightinesses, on the 11th of that Month; but that if he would needs persist in his Intention, he might solicit his Dismission himself, by a Letter to their High and Mightinesses. However, that up∣on such an occasion, to do him a Pleasure, they would joyn their own Instances to the States with his, by writing to them to back his Request; but that in the mean while he was obliged to stay for their Answer, or at least till their High and Migh∣tinesses should send particular Orders to their De∣puties, directing them how they should regulate

themselves in such a Circumstance as that: And that tho' he should obtain his Discharge, yet he could not in Reason withdraw himself till after the Arrival of Lieutenant-Admiral de Ruiter, to the Fleet. After such an Answer, Tromp left the De∣puties, with a wavering Mind, whether he had best to write to the States or not.

In the mean time, the Deputies, without mind∣ing any of those private Disgusts and Differences, caused all imaginable Diligence to be used to get the Fleet into a Readiness speedily to unmoor, as being convinced by Experience, that a favourable, occa∣sion to sail out, being once neglected, was not ea∣sily to be met withal again, especially when they considered, they must be forced to stay for an East-Wind, to get out of the Harbours, and get the Fleet over the dangerous Places.

The States of Holland having been informed by a Letter from Mr. Witsen, ancient Burgo Master of Amsterdam, and from Mr. Pensionary de Wit, written from the Texel, That Lieutenant Admiral Tromp, appeared unwilling to serve at Sea under the Command of de Ruiter, signified their Thoughts thereupon to their Deputies, in the following Letter.

Noble, Magnificent, Knowing, Wise and Circumspect Lords.

WE hear, with much Displeasure and Surprize,* 11.1 that Lieutenant-Admiral Tromp, in conse∣quence of our Resolution, has taken occasion to conceive Jealousie at the Election of Lieutenant-Admiral de Ruiter, to command our Fleet in chief, making Difficulty to continue his Services, and refusing to obey him, and rather chusing not to go to Sea at all this approaching Expedition. Yet we are perswaded, that when he has seriously re∣flected upon an Affair of so great a consequence, in which he is so highly concerned to render Ser∣vice to the Publick, and to his Country, with∣out

making any particular Reflections, disadvan∣tagious to his Reputation, he will resolve upon a wiser Conduct. But be it how it will, since the Service of our Country is now the concern to which we ought to sacrifice all sorts of particular Interest. We will, That you employ all possi∣ble Means and Ways to terminate all things, and that, without having any regard to the Person of the said Lieutenant-Admiral Tromp, whether he change his Mind, or persist imprudently to press a Dismission from his Employment, the Depar∣ture of the Fleet may not on that account be at all hindred, but rather the more hastily advanced, and put in Execution, without losing Time or Opportunity. However, we shall expect your Answer concerning the last Resolution that shall be taken by the said Tromp, that we may be able to regulate our Deliberations accordingly; hav∣ing in all other Respects a full confidence in your wise Conduct, and in the Care we doubt not but you will take to get our Fleet with all possi∣ble speed out to Sea. We recommend you to the Protection of God, &c.

And the Intention of the States was accordingly executed; but Tromp, whether he came to him∣self of his own accord, or were over-persuaded to it by his Friends, conformed to the Will and Plea∣sure of the States.

In the mean while there arose a great Commo∣motion among the Seamen of Lieutenant-Admiral Tromp's Ship, about weighing Anchor, which they refused to do, but in the Prince of Orange's Name: And their Insolence transported them so far, as to rebel against their Officers, who made a shift to appease them for a while, with gentle Words; but the Tumult began again soon after afresh, when the Cook came to serve them out their Victuals: For not being content with what was given them, they ran with their Porringers, to the Captain's

Cabbin, making a horrid Noise, till at last the Of∣ficers, taking notice who were the Ringleaders of the Disorder, seized them, and put them in Hold, in order to have them punished according to their Deserts; and a Council of War being called to sit upon them, after having heard the Criminals, on the 11th of August, condemned two of the most faulty of them, to be hanged, to serve for an Ex∣ample to all the rest of the Seamen and Soldiers. For that effect, two Bills were put into a Dish, cover∣ed with a Napkin, whereof one had in it the figure of a Gallows, and the other was a Blank, and they being made to draw for their Lives, he that drew the Gal∣lows was hanged on the Main Yard, and the other was whipt, markt with the States Arms, and then turned ashore, as unworthy to serve any more.

3 Days after, being the 14th of the Month, a great part of the Fleet put out to Sea, and the Day after the rest followed them, to which the indefatigable Care of Mr. Pensionary de Wit did not a little con∣tribute, by the singular Pains he took to see all the Parts of the Texel sounded, through which they were to pass; where he found in some Places 4 Foot of Water more than the Sounders ever found before, which in all likelihood happened by their Carelesness, so that it was thought not im∣possible to get out at 28 Points of the Compass. The Fleet was then composed of 96 Sail of Men of War, and 22 Fireships and Advice Yachts, and was divided into 3 Squadrons.

We shall here, by the way, desire you to take notice, That the Commander Vander Hulst had been not long before made Vice-Admiral by the States of Holland, for the College of the Admi∣ralty of Amsterdam, in the Place of Tromp, who was raised to the Dignity of Lieutenant-Admiral of the Meuse, vacant by the Death of Kortenaar, and that Cornelius Evertzen had been named by the College of Zealand, to supply the Place of his Brother John Evertsz, in Quality of Lieutenant-Admiral,

who was dispensed with from serving in this Expedition.

When the Fleet was at Sea, the States Pleni∣potentiaries, in conjunction with Lieutenant-Ad∣miral Tromp, and the other General Officers, made a Regulation, and establisht an Order, according to which, the Chiefs of Squadrons and other Cap∣tains were to act during a Fight. It was there sp••cified, what Squadron it was, that when they were right before the Wind, should keep to the Right or the Left of Lieutenant-Admiral Tromp's Squadron; and in time of a Calm, which Squa∣dron should go before, which in the middle, and which behind; at what Signal, and in what order the Squadrons, if it were thought fit, should tack about; in what Order the Squadrons should make Sail in case their Fleet got the Weathergage of the Enemies, to keep that Advantage; that every Cap∣tain should keep a watchful Eye upon the Chief of his respective Squadron, without recoiling before the Enemy, observing him always, unless he be forced to do otherwise by extreme Necessity, upon default of which, he should be punished with Death; that each Lieutenant Admiral should pre∣sently divide his Squadron between his Vice and Real Admirals, to prevent all Surprise, and to be always in a posture to fight, if the Enemies should on a sudden present themselves to him; that eve∣ry Captain should take care to keep at a fit distance and to gain Sea-room enough, that their Ships might not fall foul on one another, nor be incom∣moded with one another's Guns. That each Lieu∣tenant-Admiral should establish an Order in his Squadron, according to which, the Fireships s••all be obliged to regulate themselves, and shall have always Frigats ready to save the Men, when any Ship should happen to be burnt or sunk; in what manner they were to govern themselves in case their Fleet should happen to have the Wea∣thergage of the Enemies, and they should come by

the Lee, in order to preserve that Advantage: What Squadron, if the fleet made to the left-hand, should go before or behind the other Squadrons, which should have the Disadvantage of the Wind: What Order the Squadrons should observe, if the Dutch Fleet should make towards the right-hand, and the Enemy should be to the Leeward; at what Signal each particular Squadron, and at what Signal the main Body of the Fleet should attack that of the Enemies; or that every one should fall to board∣ing them: That every one should observe his Rank and keep near the Chief of his Squadron, whe∣ther there be any Enemy near or no, upon Pain of being fined 100 Livers, for the first Default, 200 Livers for the second, and of being cashiered from his Employment, for the third, whatsoever Excuse he could alledge to justifie himself: That the General Officers should every Day detach out some of the best Sailers and some Galliots, to go a scouting to discover the Enemy; and that as soon as they hear any thing new they shall give notice of it to the States Deputies, and to the Lieutenant-Ad∣miral: That if any of the Frigats, detached to go a scouting after the Enemies, should chance to make Prize, during their Course, of any Merchants Ships that should be declared good Prize; that then the Booty should be divided among the Ships of the Squadron from which the detachment was made; that if the said Frigats should happen to take a Man of War, they should not only remain Posses∣sors of her, and of her Guns, but should also have over and above that, the sum ordered by the Estates in that case, for a Reward: That besides, if any one should have received a dangerous Shot in his Ship, or by any other dismal Accident, find himself forced to quit the Enemy, for want of Help, he should be obliged to put up a Flag upon the Poop▪ which yet he should not do but at the last Extre∣mity. In fine, that none should offer to give Ch••ce to any of the Enemies Ships, ti•••• Li••utenant Admi∣ral

Tromp should have given order for so doing, by firing a Signal-Gun, and that in such a Rencoun∣ter those Ships that should happen to be nearest the Enemies Ships should give them Chace: That upon the Discovery of one of the Enemies Ships, two of the Dutch should be detached after it, if two, three; and if three, four should be sent after them, and so proportionably for more, always taking care to detach those Ships against them that should be nearest to the Ships they should desire to give Chace to.

Lieutenant-Admiral Tromp was considered in that Regulation as the chief Commander of the Fleet, and all was done in his Name, because Lieu∣tenant-Admiral de Ruiter was not yet come thither. Tromp also established an Order concerning the general Rendezvous of the Fleet, in Case of Sepa∣ration by Tempest, or by the Darkness of the Night that should make them lose Sight of their Flag. And that Order was regulated according to Times, Opportunities, and the Winds that should happen to prevail.

Lieutenant-Admiral de Ruiter arrived in the Texel, the 16th of August, where there were left three Frigats, to conduct him to the Fleet, but by a contrary Wind he was detained till next day Morning, when he set sail accompanied with Van Nes, who had taken the Oath in Quality of Vice-Admiral of the Meuse, at the same time that de Ruiter was sworn in the Texel, before the Depu∣ties of the States General, in quality of Lieutenant Admiral of Holland and West-friesland, to com∣mand in Chief. He therefore went to the Mouth of the Spanish Hole, where he went on Board the Frigat, Schiedam, carrying 25 Guns and 81 Men, and the next Morning he arrived on Board the Ship called the Amity, then commanded by Lieutenant Admiral Tromp, where he was received by the De∣puties of the States with great Demonstrations of Kindness. Tromp likewise shewed a great deal of

good Temper and Moderation towards him, by smothering in Silence a part of his Resentments, which already gave the Nation great Hopes they would shortly be perfectly reconciled.

Whilst things were thus passing on the Side of the Ʋnited Provinces, the English Fleet, under the Command of the Admirals, Mountague, Pen, and Allen, had made an Excursion towards the North, to cruise there against the Ships belonging to the Dutch East-India Company, that were expected coming homewards; but they having had time∣ly notice of it by some Dutch Galliots, happily retired into the Harbour of Bergen in Norway, to the Number of 10 Ships; and two more belong∣ing to the same Company went into Drontheim; and besides them, there were 60 Merchant-ships more richly laden, bound homewards to Holland. The Admirals of the English Fleet, upon that News, were desperately enraged they had let slip so rich a Booty out of their Chops, so that calling a Coun∣cil of War, they resolved to attack the Dutch in the Bay, whether they could get the Governour of Bergen's consent or no, with Design and Hopes to take, or at least burn and destroy their Fleet there. They sent therefore to the said Governour, named Aleveld, to desire his Consent to their Enterprize, who being unprovided then with Guns and Ammu∣nition sufficient to resist them, held them off 3 Days with fair Words, telling them, He durst not let them attempt upon any Ships in that his Master's Port, without express Orders from his Majesty, to whom he would send to know his Pleasure about it, conjuring them, in the mean time, not to offer by any Hostility to violate the Liberty of his Master's Harbours. But after 3 Days, during which he had supplied himself with Guns, Powder and all other Necessaries from the Dutch Ships and elsewhere, having sent the English a flat Refusal, they detached away Captain Tyddeman with a Squadron of 14 Men of War with 3 Fireships and 2

Advice Boats who entered boldly into the bay, with∣out sparing the Danes their Allies any more than the Hollanders their Enemies. The Circumstances of what passed in that occasion, are related in the following Letter written by the General Offi∣cers that Commanded the Dutch East-India Fleet.

SIR,

THE English having had advice, that we were arrived here with a Fleet of 10 ships from the East-Indies, were in an unconceivable vexa∣tion at it; so that the day before yesterday they came and posted themselves between the two Castles that defend the entrance of the Port, with a Squadron of 14 Men of War, 3 Fire-ships, and 4 Advice Yachts, making in all 21 sail, and fell upon our Fleet with so much fury, that we were forced to stand up in our own defence, and by the help of the Castles, and of some batteries we had raised on shore against them with Guns drawn out of our ships we repulsed them with so much success, that after a fight of about 3 hours and a half, they were forced to cut their Cables, and shamefully betake themselves to flight. We are told for certain, that whilst they were retreating 3 of their Ships sunk, whereof one carried an Ad∣mirals Flag. It appears by the marks of their defeat, that they were very severely handled, since 30 of their dead men were cast ashore by the Waves, who were strip'd by the Inhabi∣tants, and 6 of their ships were so battered, that they were forced to Anchor, at about 3 miles from hence, to patch themselves up again as well as they could, being able no longer to keep the Sea.

We had in this fight 25 men killed, and 70 wounded; and we lost the Merchant, Mr. Pe∣ter de Sandvlied, after he had shewn a great

deal of Bravery. The Masts, Sails and Rig∣ging of our ships are extreamely endamaged, so that they will take us up several days time to repair them. We have reason to thank God for having so powerfully protected us. A Merchant ship of Lisbon, Commanded by the Master Ruth Maximilian, fought valiantly af∣ter the Example of our men, and so did General Alefelt, and the Governour Van Steignon, who after he had done all he could to divert the English from their design by fair words, with∣out any effect, have at last by the force of their Arms, and the powerfull Rhetorick of the Cannon of their Castles, maintained their rights, and the Protection they had granted to strangers, so that all things succeeded to the honour of the Victors. Three Months pay Extraordina∣ry was granted on this occasion both to the Sea∣men of our ships, as of those of the Merchants, by way of reward for their good Service, who were employed either on board our ships, or else on shore in managing the Batteries there erected for our defence; which is to be paid by all the ships which are here and we hope you will not take that proceeding ill from us, since it was put in practice only to raise the Courage of the men in that pressing occasion, and to in∣cite them the more vigorously to repulse a bold and potent Enemy who came with a greedy and eager Appetite, to seize upon so much riches, the loss of which would have been very heavi∣ly sensible to you. The bearer of these dis∣patches can inform you more fully of the other Circumstances of this Fight, because he was an Eye-Witness of all that passed in it. Up∣on the Advice we have had from several Persons, that past last Sunday near the Enemies Fleet, about 20 miles to the Westward of Schuitenes, we thought we had some reason to fear, they would attempt a second charge upon us; which

makes us put in practice all things that may tend to secure our preservation; having for that effect, pray'd the Governour to Order the Barrier to be repaired that shuts up the Port, that so being shut up, we may be in safe shel∣ter from Fire-ships. We also have intreated him to repair the works and Batteries, and put them into a better condition, as likewise to cause some new works to be raised in convenient pla∣ces, to plant Cannon upon. And he has assu∣red us, he will take care to have all things done that may contribute to the security of the Ha∣vens of the King his Master; that we are at present busied in transporting to shore 20 peices of Cannon out of our ships and 10 more out of the Merchants ships, which we can very well spare by reason of the smallness of the Port, to be employed there in our defence; we will likewise endeavour to make a Fire-ship if we can perswade one of our Merchants to give us his ship for that use. All things being so Ordered, we hope under the Protection of God sufficiently to provide for the security of so rich a Booty as that intrusted with us, by vigorously repulsing the attacks of the English in which we implore the assistance and blessing of God; and we promise on our part to contri∣bute thereto with all that shall lie in our pow∣er, &c.

The English lost in that attack, 2 Captains, with one of Mountague's Sons, and 3 men of War, whereof one stuck in the Rocks, out of which the Dutch took the Guns, to employ them in their own defence. And the Wooden Posts that formed the Barrier of the Haven were Re∣implaced in Order to secure the Fleet from the English Fire-ships. But they durst not venture upon another charge, but tackt about towards their main Fleet, quitting the Rocks of Norway to

make the best of their way towards their own Country: And so by that means the Dutch ships that were pregnant with immense Riches, the ships alone that came from the East-Indies, being valu∣ed at above 12 Millions of Livers, or one Mil∣lion Sterling, were delivered from the disasters, that threatned them. When Admiral de Ruiter was arrived in the Fleet, as we have said, it was thought fit, by the Advice of all the rest of the General Officers, that the States Deputies and Lieutenant Admiral de Ruiter should remove out of the ship Amity, into the Delfland, called for∣merly, the Great Spaniard, and that each Squa∣dron of the Fleet should make a detachment of 7 Frigats, or bigger Men of War, with some Fire-ships, to form a 4th. Squadron for Admi∣ral de Ruiter, who had to Command it under him, Aart Van Nes, Vice-Admiral of the Meuse, and Frederick Staghouwer, Rear-Admiral of the College of the Admiralty of the North. They likewise regulated the placing of the Flags, or∣dering, that Admiral de Ruiter's Squadron should bear it on their main mast; that of Lieutenant Admiral Cornelius Evertsz, on their mizzen-mast, the Squadron of Lieutenant Admiral Tromp on the Poop, and that of Lieutenant Admiral Tierk Hiddes, on the Fore mast.

All the World begun already to conceive great Hopes of so formidable a Fleet, commanded by 2 of the greatest men of the Age, and directed by the Council of the wisest Deputies of the State.

Things being in that Condition, there Re∣mained nothing but to form some Noble Enter∣prize that might raise the Glory of the Chief∣tains, and the Courage of the Seamen that was pall'd by the ill success of the last fight. And accordingly the Deputies, and Admiral de Rui∣ter with the rest of the General Officers of the Fleet Resolved to sail towards the Coasts of England or Scotland, as thinking they might meet

at some advantage with the English Fleet, as they were supposed to be coming back laden with the spoils of the Dutch East-India ships, or at least might succour these latter and rescue them out of the Enemies hands. That project seemed well contrived, but a contrary Wind hindred the exe∣cution of it, for growing more boisterous and turning quite opposite against them, it was im∣possible for the Fleet to steer to the North-ward; which at the same time favoured the retreat of the English. On the 25th. of the Month of August, the Advanc'd guard of the Dutch Fleet having pursued two English Advice Yachts, took them, and by their means were informed, that the English Fleet consisting of a∣bout 70 sail of Men of War, had been cruiz∣ing some days upon the Coast of Norway, to hunt after the East-India ships; but that af∣terwards pursuing their course on the 18th. to∣wards Hitland, they came to an Anchor in the bay of Breezond, having left upon the Coasts of Norway a Squadron of 20 ships under the Com∣mand of Captain Tyddeman; and that on the 23d. having unmoored from Hitland, they put out to Sea again. On the 25th. of the same Month, the Advanced guard of the Dutch Fleet discovered an English man of War of the white Squadron, so that they found by that, the two Fleets were pretty near one another, yet with∣out being able to see one another, or to disco∣ver what course each other steer'd. During these transactions, the Dutch resolved to sail with all possible diligence towards Bergen, in hopes to meet and maul the small English Squadron in those parts; and accordingly on the 29th. the Hol∣land Fleet arrived upon the Coast of Norway, and heard there by the report of some Galliots, that the English had attack the Dutch homeward bound East-India ships in the Port of Bergen, as likewise other Dutch Merchant ships that were

retired thither, but that, after a fight of 3 hours and a half, they were forced to cut their Anchor Cables, and shamefully to flie away with con∣siderable loss and damage. So, that the Dutch Fleet had not only mist of the English Fleet, but arrived too late before Bergen, to attach Tyd∣deman.

In the mean time the States Deputies received a Letter from Captain Bitter that Commanded in chief the East-India ships; who signified to them, that since the fight with the English, things there went very strangely: For that Mr. Ale∣felt or Aleveld, General of the Danish Troops in Norway, and Mr. Steignon, Governour of the Town and Castles of Bergen, who told the Dutch very roundly, that if they expected they should continue their care to protect them from the oppression of the English, they must pay them down on the nail the sum of 100000 Crowns to satisfie them and the rest of the Officers and Soldiers for the pains and hazard they had been at in their defence; and that when they should have received that money, they would be ready to sacrifice their Lives and Estates against all that should attempt upon the liberty of their Harbours adding, that for the love they had to the United Provinces, they would act freely with them and without any manner of dissimula∣tion; That the English from whom they had much more advantageous Offers, if they would accept them, were but two or three miles from Ber∣gen: And that the account they were to render to the King their Master about observing a Neu∣trality was not the least bar to them in that case; that therefore they expected the Dutch should immediately satisfie their demand in ready cash or upon their default, they knew where to fur∣nish themselves, and in two days time would ob∣lige them to make a serious reflection upon the premisses, &c.

Bitter added, that he had answered them that the Dutch Merchants there were not in a con∣dition out of their own Money to pay so con∣siderable a sum; that a recompence of such a value as that was the concern of the State a∣lone, and that no private Person ought to med∣dle with it. However he told his Masters that he had endeavoured to drill on the affair with them to what length he could, by paying them 3000 Crowns in hand, and that they were ma∣king a Collection of 8 or 10000 Crowns more amongst the Merchant men come from Spain, which sum was to be imployed in fortifying the Castle where a great many men were already at work for that effect, &c.

The States had named Lieutenant Colonel de Gent, the Colonels Dolman, and Maregnault the Lieutenant Colonel de Santen, and Serjeant Ma∣jor Wynbergen, to Command the Troops on board their Fleet. And before the Deputies had received Bitter's Letter, they had sent the first of those Officers to the Governour of Bergen to compliment him in their Name, and to return him thanks for the Protection he had granted to the Dutch ships in his Port, and to desire him at the same time to continue it, and to order things so, that the Merchant Fleet there might speedily be dismist out of that Harbour, and sail out to secure themselves under the Admiral Flag of the States Grand Fleet. Mr. de Gent was accordingly re∣ceived by the Governour with great marks of respect: Upon which the Deputies having some reliance, writ to Bitter to use all the diligence he could to get the Ships out of that Port, as being perswaded the Danes would not offer to oppose their going; but withal assuring him, that if he feared they would make any difficulty to let them quietly depart, that they might expect all the assistance imaginable from the powerfull Fleet that was so near at hand, at their disposal. But

alas the very noise alone of the arrival of that Fleet upon the Coasts of Norway, made Affairs there change face immediately, and after that the Dutch heard no more from the Danes of their demand of 100000 Crowns. On the contrary, they agreeably and obligingly consented to the departure of their Merchant ships, but yet they re∣fused to restore 41 pieces of Cannon that the Hollanders had drawn out of their East-India, and other Merchant ships, to be imployed part∣ly in the Castle, and partly in Batteries rais∣ed on the shore, during the late fight with the English. For when the Dutch redemanded them, the Danes answered, that they had need of them themselves for their own defence against the Eng∣lish, whom they had incensed against them up∣on their account; so that with all the Dutch could do or say, they could never perswade them to part with them again.

After the East-India and other Merchant ships had joyned the Grand Fleet of men of War, they unmoor'd from the Bay of Bergen, at the beginning of September, and about 4 days after were saluted by so terrible a Tempest that they were almost all entirely scattered one from an∣other. And besides the loss of two Fire-Ships that were cast away, there were many Ships shrewdly endamaged. Two East-India Ships, viz. The Golden Phoenix, and the Fort of Hu∣ningen, and 4 men of War, viz. the West-Fries∣land, the Groningen, the De Zevenwolden, and the Hope, being separated from the Admiral's Flag, by the ill Weather, fell into the hands of the English near the Dogger-Sand. And some days after, the Ships, Huis te Swieten, the Cavaleer of Guelders the St. Paul of Zealand, and the St. Paul of Enkhuizen, together with 3 Merchant Ships, 2 Fire Ships, &c. were likewise taken, being drawn into the snare by the treachery of a Pilot of Bremen, who being askt, whether he could

tell any news of the English? answered, that he had seen them pass by about 80 sail strong, and so councelling them to steer to the East-South-East, cruelly betrayed the Hollanders, by send∣ing them into their Enemies mouths. However the Dutch grand Fleet made a shift to get back about the 24 of September, and to come most part of them to an Anchor, in Goree, without coming to any Action, except it were Vice-Ad∣miral Van Nes, who fired some Guns upon some English Ships that would have taken from him two East-India Ships, but no fight ensued, because the English thought fit to sheer off, and leave them to pursue their voyage.

A little time after, the taking of those Ships, the English Fleet steer'd away homewards for their own Harbours, and on the 21st. at night the Earl of Sandwich came to an Anchor in Sol∣bay, with a Squadron of 18 men of War, two East-India Ships, and some other prizes taken from the Hollanders, as appears by the Letter he writ from thence to General Monk, whereof here follows the Copy.

May it please your Excellence,

* 13.1I Hope my last, dated the 5th. of this month, was delivered you, by which I informed you of the taking of the Vice and Rear Admirals of the Dutch East-India Fleet, 4 of their men of War, and 3 or 4 other Merchant Ships. Since which on Saturday the 9th. Instant at night, we met 18 sail more most of which were taken, and a∣mongst them, a man of War of 70 Guns, another of 40, and some West-India Ships laden with Ammunition and Provisions for the Fleet. As for this last rencounter I cannot yet tell you all the Circumstances of it, because the Wind rising in the night, and the darkness redoubling, we were separated one from an other. But God be thank∣ed,

that he was pleased to be so gracious as to conduct me back to Anchor here last Night with a Fleet of Eighteen Sail, having with me, the Royal Sovereign, 2 East-India Ships, and some other Men of War, taken from the Hollanders: We discover at present some Ships at Sea, making all the Sail they can to come in hither, so that I doubt not but God will grant them that Favour, supposing them to be some of our own; but yet I cannot discern any of the White and Blew Squadrons, except only that of the Rear-Admiral of the Blue Squadron. I have resolved to send the Great Ships with the Prizes, into the River of Chattam, on the first Opportu∣nity, and to leave the most part of the small Frigats at Hartly-Bay, and Harwich. We have made 1000 Prisoners on board our last Prizes. I recommend your Excellence to the Protection of God Almighty, &c.

Thus the English retired into their Harbours, laden with the Spoils of the Hollanders. In which Transaction, it seems something strange, the two Fleets should come so near one another with∣out fighting, since their Vanguards were sometimes near enough to have engaged; but it is thought the English intended nothing less than a Fight, when they saw so fair an Occasion to make a Rich Booty without it.

In the mean while, the Dutch used all imagina∣ble Industry, to assemble their Fleet before Goree, and to get them in readiness to go out once more in search after the English, and to engage them, if possible, to a Battle. But a horrible Tempest a∣rising on the 29th of September, so endamaged most of their Ships, that they were glad to retire again into their Ports. But however, de Ruiter, in spite of all those cross and mischievous Acci∣dents, unmoored on the 5th of October following, from before Goree, to go into the Texel, and joyn

the other fresh Ships there, with Design after he had taken in a Supply of necessary Provisions, to sail out with them towards the Coasts of England. And on the 11th the Dutch Fleet, consisting of about 90 Sail of Men of War, weighed Anchor, with a Resolution, to go and attack the English, at Solbay, at Harwich, in the Thames, or in the Downs; for which effect, the States Deputies had taken care to detach away some Yachts and Galliots, to go out a scouting towards those Pla∣ces, and to get what Intelligence they could of the English, and to spie out the Number of their Ships. And one of those Yachts and a Galliot, being re∣turned, met the Grand Fleet on the 12th off of Schoowen, and reported, They had seen 23 English Ships behind the Banks of Harwich, and that some French Fishermen had assured them, The English Fleet was not yet come out. Relying upon that Report, the Hollanders appeared on the 15th be∣tween Yarmouth and Laystoff, where they took a small Bark, and enquiring of the Prisoners taken in it, how all things stood, they answered, That they knew nothing but only that the great English Men of War had orders not to stir out, and that there were none at all on the Northern Coasts; that the last week before there died in London 9000 People of the Plague, and that several other great Towns in the Kingdom were afflicted with the same pernicious Disease. The next Day, the Fleet ad∣vanced towards Solbay, where they found no Ships at all. In the mean while, all the Coast was in an alarm; and the People of Suffolk were up in Arms, and had fired the Beacons all-a-long the Sea-Coast, to give notice to the Inhabitants, that the Enemy was upon their Coast. On the same Day, 16 of the King's Ships having had notice of the Approach of the Holland Fleet, unmoored from Harwich, and retired into the Thames. On the 17th the Dutch were resolved to make sail towards Har∣wich, across the Banks, but were hindred by a

contrary Wind; and therefore steered towards the Thames, where they saw 13 English Men of War go in, which they could not possibly inter∣cept, because our Men were near 3 Miles off from the Body of the Grand Fleet. It was supposed, they were the Ships that were come from Harwich. The next night, the Dutch Fleet anchored at the Mouth of the River, and on the 18th they unmoor∣ed, and made off for the Downs, thinking to block up the Passage thither, and to surprize the English Ships they should find there. But that Project was broken either by contrary Winds, or Calms, if it had not been for which they might have taken 5 English Men of War and 3 or 4 Privateers, who by that means had time to escape. However, the Fleet returned again to the Thames; and on the last Day of the Month, the Lords Deputies, with the Admiral de Ruiter, went on Board the Frigat Gornichem, and with 3 Galliots accompanying them, advanced a great way up the River, follow∣ed at a distance by de Ruiter's and Tromp's Squa∣drons. About a mile from thence they found the River very large and deep, and the next evening after they had taken a View of all things, they re∣turned to the Fleet. But all those Precautions were but needless, because they were founded only upon the Advice they had had, that an English Fleet, to the Number of about 60 Sail, of stout Men of War, was ready to sail out of the Thames, with intent to give Battle to the Hollanders, and chase them from the Coasts of England; which proved false, for they offered not to stir out.

In the mean time Winter was coming on, and Mortal Diseases began cruelly to rage in the Fleet; where 140 Seamen were already dead, 355 had been sent back sick into Holland, and there were reckoned 970 more to remain still in the Fleet. Lieutenant Admiral Tromp had 34 Sick on board him, besides 33 more he had sent home before. On the 1st of November, all the General and In∣ferior

Officers in the Fleet were summoned on Board the Admiral, to give him a more particular account what condition they were in, by whose Report it appeared, That some Captains who had all their Men healthy and sound, but on the 27th of the last Month, complained, that since that time they had had one with another 40 Men apiece sick on board them. And Lieutenant Admiral Tromp was one of the most unfortunate in that Rencounter, having in two days time 50 Soldiers taken sick in his Ship alone. Vice-Admiral Ban∣kert reported likewise, That the Day before 20 of his Men had had the same Misfortune. So that every Captain complaining in that manner of the number of sick Men they had on Board their re∣spective Ships, the Deputies, and the Generals of the Fleet, judged thereupon, That it was impossi∣ble to remedy those Disasters, and that therefore it was best for them to retire home, and that so much the rather, because the English appeared not at Sea, and that the Tempestuous Weather, that coming on with the Winter, would not permit them to stay any longer there. Pursuant to which Resolu∣tion, 6 light Frigats, and 4 Galliots were detach∣ed away to go and cruise for 3 Days at the Mouth of the Thames, both to advertise the Ships that might have been sent from Holland to the Fleet, and to seek out the Ships that belonged to the Flag, to give them notice of the Departure of the Fleet. They thought likewise fit to order a Squadron of 18 Ships, whose Men were as yet all sound, to keep the Sea three Weeks longer; the Command of which was given to Sweers, who was made Rear-Admiral of the Admiralty of Amsterdam, up∣on the Death of de Wilde. He had Orders to cruise about the Dogger sand till the begin∣ning of December, and to do his best to go to meet the Ships bound homewards from the East-Indies, and that were expected back from Norway, in order to convoy them safe home; and at the same

time, to have an Eye upon the English Merchant-Ships, coming out of the Sound, or from Ham∣borough, towards the Thames, or that should come out of the Thames, to go towards the North, commanding him to give them Chace, and to do all he could to burn them, sink them, &c.

The same Day, viz. the 1st of November, after∣noon, the Fleet set sail, and tackt about, and stood to the Eastward. Lieutenant Admiral Cornelius Evertsz led the Right Wing, Lieutenant Admiral de Ʋries the left, and the Squadrons of de Ruiter and Tromp composed the Main Battle. The next Day de Ruiter put up a White Flag upon his Miz∣zen Mast, and fired 3 Guns for a Signal to the Squa∣drons to separate. The Lieutenant Admirals, Tromp, Evertsz, and de Ʋries answered the Ad∣miral, according to the Order settled for that ef∣fect, each of them with 7 Guns, Each Vice-Admi∣ral with 5, and each Rear-Admiral with 3. And then Admiral de Ruiter replied to all those Admirals, again, at once, with 9 Guns; and so the several Squadrons of the Fleet quitted one another about Mid-way towards home; Tromp made towards Goree, and the Meuse, the Zealand Squadron to∣wards W••elingen, and de Ruiter sailed towards the Texel and the Ʋlie, whither also went Lieutenant Admiral Hiddes de Ʋries, with the Friesland Ships.

The Lords Deputies of the States having quitted de Ruiter, landed on the 4th of November in a Galliot at the Helder, and thence went to the Hague, where they made their Report to the States General of what had passed in that Expedition, for which they received the Thanks of their High and Mightinesses, as appears by the following Writing.

Mr. Huigens, Mr. Pensionary de Wit, and Mr. John Boreel, Deputies Plenipotentiaries of their High and Mightinesses in the States Fleet, have made a Summary Report of the things that passed in the

last Expedition, upon which the States having delibe∣rated, and taken into Consideration the Care and Pains the said Plenipotentiaries have therein taken, as well as the Vigilance and good Conduct they have shewn by the tender Affection they have exprest for their Country, by acting Night an Day, as far as God, and the State of Affairs would permit them, with an inde∣fatigable Zeal for the Good of the State, their High and Mightinesses have consequently thankt them for it, and hereby declare themselves perfectly well sa∣tisfied with their Admin••strat••on.

The Dutch Fleet then did nothing that Expe∣dition, but cause some Alarms upon the Coast of En∣gland, and all the Honour they gained by it was only that of having offered Battle to the English Fleet, whilst they kept themselves within their Harbours, as being debarred by a raging and pestilent Distem∣per from accepting it, and having interrupted the Commerce of the English Merchants, by keeping the Mouth of the Thames blockt up for about 16 Days together. In the mean while, the Negotia∣tion for a Peace was broke off; for the French King, who had offered his Mediation, finding that the English had more Inclination to continue the War, than to treat with the Dutch, and having some By-ends of his own upon the Hollanders, tak∣ing a Pretence of Dissatisfaction against the En∣glish, because their Ships daily appeared near S. Ma∣lo's and the Coasts of Normandy, firing upon his Subjects, and committing several Attempts against them, contrary to the Treaties of Alliance and Confederacy he had with the King of England, recalled the Duke of Vernueil, the Count de Con∣ings, and Mr. Courtin, his Ambassadors from that Court, after having commanded them publickly to declare to the King of England, which they ac∣cordingly did on the 15th of October at Oxford;

That the King of France their Master, seeing all the Propositions that had been made to procure

an Accommodation between the 2 contending Na∣tions of England and Holland were rejected by the English, his Majesty was resolved to assist the Hollanders, according to the Treaty of Alliance he was engaged in with them.

To which the King of England answered coldly enough, That the French King knew his own Interest, and so did the King of England know his too. So that the French Ambassadours having demanded their Audience of Leave on the 10th of December, embarkt on the 23d of the same Month, at Dover, and arrived the next Day at S. Valery. Hollis likewise, the English Ambassadour in France, was also recalled, and having had his Audience of Leave, he made shew as if he would depart, but yet took the Li∣berty to stay 6 Months after, in the Kingdom, out of Paris, under Pretence of his Lady's being sick.

The French King having notified to the States, the recalling of his Ambassadours out of England, they sent Order to the Sieur de Goch, their Ambas∣sadour at the Court of England, to retire likewise immediately. For tho' Sir George Downing, Am∣bassadour to them from the King of England, were gone from Holland ever since the Month of Au∣gust, yet the States of the Ʋnited Provinces, in hopes to be able to pacifie, in an amicable manner, the Troubles that had newly kindled a War be∣tween the 2 Nations, had thitherto deferred the Departure of the Sieur de Goch, but at last he took his Audience of Leave at Oxford, and delivered at the same time to the King, the following Decla∣ration of the States; by which they represented to his Majesty the ardent Passion they had for Peace, and the means that had been proposed to procure it. The Sieur de Goch then departed, on the 26th of December towards Dover, where he embark'd upon one of the King's Ships, and on the 29th of the same Month he arrived at Flushing, from whence he speeded away to the Hague, to

make his Report to their High and Mightinesses, of all that had past in his Negotiation.

The Letter or Declaration from the States, left by him with the King of England was in these Terms.

SIR,

* 14.1THat we might give evident Proofs of our Desire and Inclination for Peace, we were willing after the Rupture, to defer even till this Day, to recal our Ambassadour from the Court of England. And tho' we had already by just and reasonable Of∣fers, satisfied all the Complaints put up to us by Sir George Downing, in a Time when we could hardly believe, that Matters would ever have come to an Extremity; yet we have done still more, by leaving our Ambassadour in England, after the tak∣ing from us not only several Places, but some whole Provinces belonging to the States in both Worlds, and the stopping the Ships of their Subjects in the Face of all Christendom, and that without any previous Declaration of War. By an effect also of an over-great Confidence, neither did we recal our Ambassa∣dour presently after your Majesty had recalled yours, in hopes you would at last be pleased to make some Reflection upon the Mischiefs a War would bring up∣on the two Nations. Your Majesty alone is Witness of the advantageous Propositions that have been made you, in order to attain a Good and Solid Peace. We have offered to conclude it as your Majesty should desire, either that each Party should restore what they had taken from each other, or else that if En∣gland should think that best for its Interests, each side should keep and remain in possession of their Conquests, and that with this Advantage for En∣gland, that those Propositions might have been ac∣cepted by your People at a Time when the United Provinces as yet were ignorant what had been taken from them in remote Countries. To which may be added, that it cannot be said, That we flattered

our selves with the Hopes of receiving any other Fruit from thence, than a bare indemnification for the Losses the States have suffered, incomparably greater than those of England. Notwithstanding all this, your Majesty has not only refused to accept all these advantageous Conditions, which may con∣vince you of the sincere Desire the States have for a Peace. But further, were not pleased to be satis∣fied with those other Proposals so disadvantageous to the States, offered you by the Mediation of France, which they never consented to. Besides, your Ma∣jesty would never make, or order any one to make, the least Overture on your Side, of any Conditions upon which you pretended to enter into Negotiation with the States: And tho' you have been pleased to testifie to our Ambassadour, That you desired nothing so heartily as Peace, yet you would never determine to make choice of any means by which it might be attained, or explain your Mind clearly thereupon, either to him or to the other Mediators. We are per∣suaded, there is no Christian Prince in Europe who would not chuse rather at all times to prefer the Sweetness of a good Peace before the Mischiefs of a Cruel War, how just soever it may be; and we make thereupon the same Judgment of your Majesty's Sentiments, since you exercise the same Religion with us. But reflecting upon your Majesty's manner of dealing with our Ambassador, in contempt even of those advantageous Propositions made you by the French Ambassadours, tho' they were altogether contrary to the true Interests of our State, in that you would never vouchsafe to make any advan∣ces that might serve for a Ground for us to treat upon together, we thought then that our Ambas∣sadour could no longer stay in the Court of En∣gland, without Injury to the Reputation of the State; and therefore have thought fit to recal him, and that so much the rather, because by recalling yours, has been pleased to let us know you would not take it ill at our Hands. This shall not hinder, but that

we shall ever retain a sincere desire to come to a good Accommodation, as soon as we shall have Opportu∣nity to do it, in conjunction with our Allies. In the mean while, we shall wait the time till it shall please God to inspire your Majesty with such Senti∣ments as may dispose you to declare what your will is, and what are the Conditions that may reconcile us, that we may stop and prevent the Effusion of so much Christian Blood, which is now spilt, and still ready to be spilt in this unhappy Quarrel. We can say, That we shall not be responsible for it, since both before and since the Rupture, we have done all we could imagine to be just and reasonable, and that could be expected from us, and that we are still actually in the same Mind, and yet without ever having been able hitherto to find out what your Ma∣jesty's Intention is upon that Subject. We will there∣fore wait till you have more Inclination for Peace; but yet it were to be wisht, you would be brought to those good Thoughts of your own accord, without staying till the Mischiefs and Disasters that are now ready to afflict Christendom, inspire them into you. We pray God to avert them, and to take, Sir, your Majesty's Sacred Person into his holy Protection.

[ 1666] The Threats made by the French Ambassadours at Oxford, to the King of England, were soon followed by a Declaration of War from that Crown. For Mr. Van Beuningen, Ambassadour from the States at the Court of France, had a long time before powerfully sollicited them to declare, by vertue of the Treaty of Alliance, concluded in the Month of April, 1662. with the Ʋnited Provin∣ces; urging them out of Hand to unite their For∣ces with those of the States against the King of Great Britain, the Violater of the Peace. Upon which the Most Christian King, being easily Per∣suaded that the best way for him to bend the King of England to a pliable Temper to him, and to make his Ends upon both Nations, was to declare

War against the English in that Juncture, pub∣lished the following Declaration.

The French King's Declaration of War against England.

HIS Majesty being informed, there was some mis-understanding between England, and the United Provinces, gave order to his Ambas∣sadors in ordinary, to employ all imaginable care in his name, to endeavour to stifle all those troubles in their birth, and having with dis∣pleasure heard, that things were carried to that extremity as to come to a Rupture, his Ma∣jesty sent Extraordinary Ambassadors to the King of Great Britain, to endeavour by new Instances to pacifie those two powers, and in∣duce them to come to some Accommodations; but his mediation had not all the success that was to be wisht for. In the mean while, the States General of the United Provinces strong∣ly soliciting his Majesty to execute the Treaty of a defensive Alliance concluded the 7th. of April, 1662, between the States and his said Majesty, the King finding himself thereupon ob∣liged to perform his Royal Word, and the Engagements into which he entred by an Au∣thentick League in a time when England and Holland were as yet in good understanding together, and out of all appearance of a Rup∣ture; his Majesty has declared, and does declare by these presents, signed with his own hand, that he is resolved to assist the said States General of the United Provinces, in pursuance of the said Treaty of a defensive League, and to joyn all his Forces to theirs, in Order to Act joyntly with them against the English as well by Sea as by Land. And for that ef∣fect his Majesty Commands expresly all his Subjects and Ships, to attack and fight the Eng∣lish,

forbidding them on pain of death to have any Communication, [ 1665] Commerce, or Intelligence with them. And for those ends, His Majesty has revoked, and does revoke all permissions, Pass-ports, Safe-guards, or safe-Conducts, which may have been granted by him, or by his Lieu∣tenants General, and other Officers, contrary to these presents; declaring them null, and of no effect, forbidding all to whom they shall come, to have any regard to them. And his Maje∣sty commands the Duke of Beaufort, Peer of France, Great Master, Chief, and Super-inten∣dent General of Marine Affairs, and of the Commerce of France; and likewise to the Mar∣shals of France, to the Governours and Lieute∣nant Generals of his Majesty, as well those of his Provinces, as of his Armies, to Camp Mar∣shals, Brigadeers, Colonels, Captains, and other Commanders of his Troops, as well Infantry as Cavalry, French, or Strangers, and to all o∣ther Officers to whom it appertains, to lend a hand to the Execution of these presents, e∣very one in his place, and his Jurisdiction. For such is the pleasure of his Majesty. Who likewise wills that these presents be published and fixed up in all his Towns, upon Sea, and elsewhere, in all the Ports and other places of his Kingdom, where it is necessary, that none may plead cause of Ignorance, and that to the Copy of them duly compared, the same credit be given as to the Original.

In the month of February following, the Uni∣ted Provinces concluded another strict Alliance with Denmark, in Consequence of which, orders were sent to Funen, into Holstein, Jutland, and Norway, to lay an Embargo upon all Danish Ships, and to forbid them to stir out of their Ports, that so by that means the Danish Fleet might be the more expeditiously equipt and Ar∣med out. The Articles of that Treaty were.

• I. [ 1666] THat each party should absolutely desist from all pretensions they might have one upon the other.* 15.1
• II. That all manner of mis-understanding in Norway should be laid asleep and forgot.
• III. That the States General should engage to pay to his Danish Majesty 1500000 Livers per an∣num, as long as the War against England should continue, of which the French should be obliged to pay 300000 Livers yearly for their part: For which sum, the King of Denmark should engage on his side, to maintain a Fleet at Sea of 30 Ships of War, of which some should be furnished with a sufficient number of Regular Troops, to be employed in the Service of the States, when they should need them.

That Treaty was a stroke of Thunder to the English, who were the more sensibly concerned at it, because they had not heard the least inkling of it, till they heard of its conclusion. For Dreyer the Secretary of the King of Denmark's Embassy in Holland, was sent incognito by the Ministers of that Prince that were at the Hague Mr. Catisius, and Mr. Klingenberg, immediately after the Conclusion of the Treaty, to the King their Master, to present it to him and get his Ratification, after which the Secretary came back again with all expedition to the Hague. This politick silence was the cause, that the English Resident at the Court of Denmark had not time to advertise the Merchants of his Nation of it, so that all their effects were seized and confis∣cated throughout the whole extent of the King∣dom. It's true the Danes proceedings on that occasion had some appearance of Justice and E∣quity, because the English from the very time they made that Hostile attempt of which we have spoken, upon the Port of Bergen in Norway, had not only seized on the Danes Ships and Mer∣chandizes,

but had likewise taken their men Pri∣soners, so that the Crown of Denmark in that Rencounter seemed to do no more than to use Reprisals, had it not afterwards appeared, that they had dealt perfidiously in that matter with the King of England, and secretly invited him to that Enterprize for which they afterwards de∣clared War against him.

In the mean time the United Provinces, in order to facilitate the Arming and manning out the Fleet, publish'd on the 1st. of February an Ordinance, forbidding all Merchant Ships, and Fishing vessels, to stir out of their Harbours, upon pain of Confiscation of their said Ships and Goods: They likewise forbad the great and small Fishery under the same penalties and the Ordi∣nance for forbidding the Greenland Fishery, was also renewed. But the States however, declared that their intention in all those prohibitions, was to find them subsistance all the year, without a∣ny alteration even after the Fleet should be gone out, &c.

About that time, Tromp signified to the States that he should be glad if they would please to change his Quality of Lieutenant Admiral of Holland and West-Friesland, or of the College of the Admiralty of the Meuse into that of Lieu∣tenant Admiral of the College of the Admiral∣ty of Amsterdam, which request the States granted upon Condition he got the consent of both those Admiralties thereunto: so that having ob∣tained it, on the 6th. of February, he was created Lieutenant Admiral of the College of the Admiralty of Amsterdam; and on the 24th. of the same month, Vice Admiral Aart Van Nes, succeeded him in qua∣lity of Lieutenant Admiral of the Meuse, and Cap∣tain John Van Nes was made Rear Admiral.

In the mean while the English being sensible of the great Force of so powerfull a League, made very great preparations for War on their

side, and exerted as we may say the utmost of their efforts to make a vigorous resistance: But because money was wanting they were forced to borrow 1250000 l. Sterling more at great Interest, and besides to help towards the defraying of the extraordinary charges of the War the two East-India Ships, viz. the Phoenix, and the Fort of Huningen taken from the Hollanders were sold, which yielded the sum of 1600000l. And because the French King had first declared War against England, the King of Great Britain who was no less Jealous of his honour than the Monsieur, publish∣ed likewise a Declaration against that Crown, in the following Terms.

The King of England's Declaration of War against France.

WHereas the French under pretence of a defensive League concluded with the States General of the United Provinces accuses us of having violated the Peace, though all Europe be well enough informed of the contrary; And upon that Ground, has declared War against us on the 26th. of January last, making himself thereby the Aggressor and Infractour of the Peace which we have always desired to preserve with the said States, on whose behalf the Ambassa∣dors of the most Christian King never offered any indemnification for the losses suffered by our Subjects, nor given any Guarrantees for the security of their Commerce for the future: We therefore trusting in the Almighty power of God, and in the justice of our cause, and being likewise assured of the Bravery and Fi∣delity of our Subjects, have thought fit for their Common security, to declare, that we are resolved to carry on the War vigorously, by employing all our Forces as well by Sea as by Land, against France, which has newly begun

it with us, against all the Laws of Justice. And to that end, we Command our Royal Bro∣ther Lord High Admiral of England, and our Trusty and well beloved Cousin and Councel∣lor, George Duke of Albemarle, General of our Armies by Land, our Lords Lieutenants of Coun∣ties, Governours of Provinces, and all other in∣feriour Officers and Soldiers, under their Com∣mands as well by Sea as by Land, to oppose all the Enterprizes of the French King and his Subjects; And for the more effectual putting in execution all manner of Acts of Hostility against the said French King, his Ships, or Sub∣jects, we hereby most expresly forbid all our Subjects to hold any Correspondence with them upon pain of death, excepting those who shall be forced so to do; to get their Goods safe out of the Enemies Country. And whereas there are in our Kingdom, a great Number of the Subjects of France, and of the United Provin∣ces we hereby Declare, and give our Royal Word, that all Persons of the said Nations, which shall submit to our Obedience, without holding any intelligence with our Enemies, whatsoever they be, shall be defended and pro∣tected in their Goods and Persons. And more∣over, we declare, that all French or Dutch Subjects, who out of love to our Government or by reason of the Calamities they may be made to suffer in their own Country, shall retire into our Kingdom for refuge, shall be favoured with our protection, as well in their Goods as Persons, and especially those of the Reformed Religion, whose Interests we shall e∣ver dearly tender, &c.

In the mean while, the French being, as they are always, diligent in making their preparati∣ons, put out their Fleet to Sea at the very be∣ginning of April, consisting of 30 Men of War

12 Galliots, and 10 Fire-ships, who were joined with 6 of the States ships under the Command of Gedeon Verburg, and Captain Ooms. The Duke of Beauford Admiral of France, had or∣ders from the King his Master, to enter the Chan∣nel, and join the Holland Fleet. And accord∣ingly appearing upon the Coasts of England, he put them in alarm, and made a descent in seve∣ral places, and carried off a few sheep, and some other small Booty, which was all the ser∣vice he did the Hollanders whom he never join∣ed, or the harm he did the English, whom he ne∣vea fought, save only that by sculking about, and keeping the Enemy in fears however that he would join the Dutch he caused the English to divide their Force and send a part after him where he was not to be found, and so gave op∣portunity to the Hollanders to batter and distress the other part, with their whole Force, and to obtain such an advantage over the English, as they could never do when their Forces were United. And the Hollanders paid dear for that advan∣tage too: for under pretence of their small ser∣vices in that War, the French cunningly wheed∣led them to build them a great Number of men of War, with which they afterwards scourged them at Palermo.

The English and Hollanders both, in so pres∣sing an occasion, had great need of Seamen, to perfect the Compliments of their ships; which obliged the English to consent to the Exchange of Prisoners, man for man, which they would never be perswaded to do before, by all the In∣stances and Sollicitations the Dutch could make for that effect. But because the Number of the Dutch Prisoners in England, was much greater than that of the English, in the United Provin∣ces, tho many of the former perisht by the Plague, Famine, and other Hardships they were made to suffer, they drew them out by Lot,

which they that got were delivered, and those that met with Blanks remained in Captivity and Misery.

A little time after, viz. On the 1st. of May, War was likewise declared against the English by sound of Trumpet, at Bergen in Norway, by or∣der of the King of Denmark.

In the mean while the English, having used all the diligence imaginable to get their Navy E∣quipt, put it to Sea about the end of May, which consisted of 81 men of War, 21085 men, and 4460 Guns, and was divided into 3 Great Squadrons; the first of which being the Red one was Commanded by Prince Robert and Ge∣neral Monk. The White Squadron was Con∣ducted by Sir George Ayschew, and the Blew one by Sir Thomas Allen.

As soon as the Holland Fleet had advice, that the English Navy was at Sea, they weigh'd An∣chor on the 1st. of June, being then 96 sail strong of men of War, and carrying 4716 Guns, and 20642 men, and was Commanded in chief by Lieutenant Admiral de Ruiter.

And on the 11th. of June the two Fleets met, and fought that celebrated Battle of 4 days, the memory of which ought to be preserved to all posterity, as well for the unexampled Bravery of the English tho' overpowered by Numbers, be∣cause divided in Force, as for the dear bought advantage of the Hollanders in it, which yet was far from meriting the name of a Victory, tho' State policy required it should be bragged of and proclaimed Abroad as one no less than of the most Absolute sort. How the Dutch Re∣ported of that Famous Action, may be seen by the following Letters and Relations: whereof the first is

A Letter written to the College of the Admiralty of Amsterdam, by Hondius, Captain on board Lieutenant Admiral Tromp, and dated the 12th. of June New stile from Goree, whither the Ship Hollandia in which he was, was brought in after the fight.

ON the 11th. of June, at the break of day, being come to an Anchor to the North-West-ward, and at 9 or 10 miles distance from O∣stend, our Advanced guards that were detach'd to go out to discover the Enemy, came back to the Fleet, and brought us word, that the English Navy was to the Windward of us; and a little after, we saw 10 of their scout-Ships, who as soon as they had viewed us tack∣ed about, and steered back to the North-west-ward to rejoyn their Grand Fleets. The wind being turn'd to the South-West, and South-West and a Quarter to the West, begun to grow high, and the Sea to swell. In the mean time, all was ready for giving the English battle, and our Ships faced those of the Enemy that were to the Wind-ward. After noon, we perceived the Enemies Fleet consisting of about 70 men of War, making directly towards us. At that time, we were, as I have said, still at Anchor; and because the Wind was high and the Sea was somewhat rough, we thought the English had the Weather-gage, and would likewise come and cast Anchor, but they instead of that, af∣ter they had faced our Fleet a while, fell to rights upon us; which hapning whilst we were busy in unmooring, and had our Anchors yet but half up, we were forced to cut our Ca∣bles in all haste, because the Enemy was alrea∣dy come within Cannon shot of us. without losing time then we hoisted our Main-Sails and saluted the Vice Admiral of the White, who was on our right hand, with some Guns; and

then the Enemy begun to fire likewise, they which were nearest us answering us each of them with a broad side. Our Fleet, but especially the Squadrons of the Lieutenant Admirals, E∣vertsz and de Ʋries, which according to the Order given were to have been to the Wind-ward, were fallen to Leeward, and were the hindermost of all the Fleet: But a little while after, upon a Signal we made to them to fol∣low us in their due rank, they advanced in good Order. The English Admiral putting up a Roy∣al Flag, attack'd us behind; but he was so vi∣gorously charged by the Ships that followed us, that he was forced to tack about to the North-ward, which made him with some of his fol∣lowers, fall into our Fleet, which caused a great deal of disorder in the English Fleet. A Fiery Bullet from the Enemies set fire to the Right side of our Gallery, which we had much ado to quench. The Vice Admiral of the Red, ob∣serving that the abovesaid Admiral that carri∣ed the Royal or Union Flag, whose Main mast was shot down, had tackt about, would fain have followed him; but being already very much shattered, it was impossible for him to do it. The Vice Admiral of the White having followed the motion we made to the South-ward, was about the distance of a Musket shot from us, who being attackt by Solomonsz and de Haan, was extreamly endamaged: For his main sail was shot to pieces, so that seeing him∣self in such a pitifull condition he fired some Guns without Bullet, to advertize his followers to come in to his Assistance; but they making as if they heard him not, betook themselves to flight, and left him in the danger. And then we thought we might conveniently grapple him in Order to board him; But Captain Solomonsz Ship falling foul just in that nick, upon ours, we were entangled for some time together, but

however soon after we got free of one another with∣out damage. In the mean time the aforesaid English Vice-Admiral, making use of that op∣portunity, was fled away, in Company with some other English Ships; which being pursued by ours, were taken; And the Vice-Admiral of the White was forced to surrender himself to Cap∣tain Adriansz who had grappled him. During all the time of the fight, we vigorously charged the English Navy together with our whole Fleet, till at last our masts were shot close by the Board, and our Mizzen and Fore-Masts tumbled into the Sea; so that our Ship being quite disabled and out of a condition to make any more Resi∣stance, Admiral Tromp leapt into a Galliot, to go on board some other Ship, after he had re∣commended to his Officers, that they would take care to save the Hull of his Ship by carrying it into the first Harbour they met with, we were brought in hither to day by the Asperen Frigat, &c.

Lieutenant Admiral Tromp having removed him∣self on Board the Ʋtrecht, writ also the following Letter in haste, to the States, dated the 14th of June.

High and Mighty Lords,

TIll at present by the protection of God, we are Masters of the Victory. Yesterday the Eng∣lish, to the Number of 30 men of War,* 18.1 betook themselves to flight, whom we pursued till the dusk of Night, and we have forced the Admiral of the White Squadron, who Commanded the Royal Charles to yield himself and Ship, which carries 90 Brass Guns. I was then on board Rear-Admiral Sweers; but after we had taken her, we burnt her. The Enemies Fleet is now coming up to us again, being Re-inforced with 22 men of War, great and small; 12 of our Ships that were scattered, are come in again to the Admiral, so that we are still 70 sail strong, and what is more considerable, God be thanked, is that they are all full of Courage. We flatter our selves

with the hopes by the Protection of Heaven, to bring things to a happy issue. I beseech your High and Mightinesses to be pleased to excuse me for sending you no more particulars, because time is now so precious to us.

Admiral de Ruiter being on board the Ship cal∣led, the 7 Provinces, writ also the following Let∣ter to the States dated the 14th. of June.

High and Mighty Lords,

SInce my last of the 10th. of this Month, we had a Calm all night, and on the 11th. in the morning, the Wind rising higher, turned to the South-West, which induced us to hasten to go and Anchor between Dunkirk, and the North of these Provinces. About 9 a Clock our Ad∣vanced guards gave us notice by the appointed signal, that they had discovered the Enemies Fleet. At 10 a Clock the mizzen-mast and Bolt-sprit of Colonel de Gent's Ship being blown into the Sea by the violence of the Wind, we Ordered him to retire into the first secure Harbour. At 11 we discovered the English Fleet making to∣wards us whose Admiral carried on his Main-mast top the Union Flag of England, and the Red Flag on his Mizzen-mast top, and upon oc∣casion for a signal he sometimes put up a third upon his Poop, without any blew in it. The Lieutenant Admiral carried a White Flag on his Main-mast, without any blew. There were 3 Vice-Admirals, and Rear-Admirals that carried White and Blew Flags. The whole Number of the Ships that composed their Fleet was 70 sail great and small. We expected their charge at Anchor, because the Wind was so high and the Sea so rough that we could not possibly weigh; so that when the English came within Cannon shot of us, we cut our Cables, by which means we lost each of us an Anchor, and one or two Ca∣bles.

About noon, the fight begun by the Squa∣dron of Admiral Tromp and Van Meppelen, who were the foremost advanced on my left hand. The English had the Weather-gage, and we were to Leeward, which gave us the more advantage to fire our lower tires of Guns: After we had fought in that manner about three hours, with almost equal loss on both sides, the English tackt about to the North-ward; and then the Vice-Admiral of the White, and two or three other English Ships were separated from the body of their Fleet, they being so much shattered, that they were not able to follow them; so that the Captains, Vander Zaan, Adriansz, and Van Amstel pursuing them close, took them. These are all the particulars I know. About that time Admiral Tromp's Ship having lost her Masts, I found by the hoisting of his Flag on board a∣nother Ship, that he had been obliged to change his Ship. I perceived likewise, that a Ship of my Squadron, Commanded by Captain Otho Tres∣long in which were the Prince of Monaco, and the Count de Guiche, with their retinue as Vo∣lunteers, was all on fire caused by some stopples; upon which, those Lords fearing the fire might get to the powder-room, and blow up the Ship retired on Board my Son-in-Law John Gelders Ship, from whence they came on board me on the 12 in the morning.

The English having as we have said, tackt about to the North-ward, Admiral Evertsz and de Ʋries went on and charged them again, whilst we were repairing our damages. And the Ene∣mies finding themselves to the Wind-ward of some of our Ships, the English Admiral General followed by several of his Ships, and some of the General Officers of his Navy, came to an Anchor, thinking to rally his Squadrons, and to stop the holes of such of his Ships as had been pierced with Bullets. But when he saw us make

a tack towards him, he cut his Cables and ad∣vanced towards us with much Resolution. We re∣ceived him as we ought, and having intercepted their Rear Admiral of the White, I sent up my Fire Ship to burn him; but they shoved her off with Oars and Iron Leavers as they did like∣wise another Fire-Ship of Zealand; however, near 200 of his Men, for fear of the flames, leapt into the Sea, and Admiral Evertsz kept close to him till the last shot he fired. In fine that Eng∣lish Rear-Admirals ship, called the Injury sunk, but we know not whether any of the rest of the men that staid on board her, were saved or no. She carried 54 Brass, and 20 Iron Guns, and 400 Men. The night parted the Fray, and we passed it in repairing our Ships, charging our Cartridges, and casting out all incumbrances.

On the 12th. at break of day, the English having the Weather-gage came powring upon us again. The fight was furious and bloody, and the two Fleets having broken through one another twice, at the third time, Admiral Tromp, and Vice Admiral Vander Hulst, and some other ships of their Squadron, fell into the main body of the English, where they fought most desperately. I seeing the danger they were in, put a Red Flag for a signal, to the whole Dutch Fleet to Ad∣vance and Fall upon the Enemy; which was put in Execution. Our Ships were extreamly endamaged by the stout resistance the English made. Captain Solomonsz's Ship being fastned upon by an English Fire-ship, was blown up, but most of his men were saved; and the ships of Vice Admiral Vander Hulst, and Captain de Haan being both disabled were forced to retire into the next Harbour. In the mean while the two Fleets broke through one another twice more and the last time my main Top-mast and Admi∣rals Flag were shot down. Afternoon the Ene∣mies betook themselves to flight, and their De∣feat

continued all night, they Retreating to∣wards the Thames. On the 13th. of the same month, being re-inforced with a Squadron, of 20 light Frigats, amongst which were 3 or 4 great ships, they renewed the fight, but the night parted us. The Admiral's Ship of the White, being ready to sink, we burnt her. Ad∣miral Ayschew and his men were saved by one of our Ships. This morning having called on board the Admirals Ship, all the Captains of the Fleet we have resolved to pursue the Victory, in hopes that God will bless our Arms with a Compleat one. I cannot yet be informed of the particulars of our Losses, any more than of those of the Enemies. But I know very well, that whilst we pursued them, we could scarcely count — or 40 of their Ships together before they receiv∣ed a Reinforcement, &c.

Ruth Maximilian, who was lately raised from the low degree of an ordinary Sailer, to that of a Captain, for his signal Bravery in the Action at Bergen in Norway, the year before, writ the fol∣lowing Letter to the College of the Admiralty of Rotterdam.

Noble and Potent Lords,

I Shall inform your Noble Mightinesses of the most Remarkable Circumstances that are come to my knowledge of the Battle, lately fought between the two Fleets. On the 11th. Instant, at noon, we were riding at an Anchor near Newport, when the Wind being grown high, and the Sea rough, the English Navy consisting of about 58 sail came from the West-ward, and fell upon us. It was Commanded in chief by Admiral Monk. Lieutenant Admiral Tromp's Squadron was posted to the South-West-ward, that of Ad∣miral de Ruiter in the main Battle, and that of Lieutenant Admiral Evertsz extended towards

the North-East. The Enemies begun their at∣tack upon Lieutenant Admiral Tromp's Squa∣dron, who was obliged to cut his Anchor-Ca∣bles, and to bear the greatest brunt of their assailing Arms. His Masts being shot down were tumb∣led into the Sea by the violence of the Wind. Tromp's Squadron thereupon begun to give way, and to make back towards the main Body of the Dutch Fleet, and then de Ruiter advanced to support them, accompanied with some other ships. 'Tis true? The Engl••sh had the ad∣vantage of the Wind, but it being violent, their Ships being by it heav'd all on one side had much ado to play their Guns with any suc∣cess, whereas we with our lower Tires fired up∣on them with no small effect. At the beginning of the night, we had already dispersed a part of their Fleet. In which their Vice Admiral of the White was taken by a Ship of the Ad∣miralty of Amsterdam, and the Rear Admiral of the same Squadron run in great danger of being burnt to Ashes by three Fire-ships, which yet wrought not the effect expected from them: For having carried their Flames no further than his Poop, they were quencht, and the Fire-ships repulsed; so that the ship escaped by favour of the night, tacking away to the Eastward; how∣ever a good part of her Seamen seeing her dan∣ger leapt into the Sea, choosing rather to perish in the Water than to be burnt. There is rea∣son to believe, that ship so shattered as she was sunk soon after, because she was never heard of since. During the obscurity of the Night, the dispersed ships of the Enemies got together a∣gain and we made a task to the South-Ward. On Saturday morning, we perceived the English behind us, and made up to them, but they without waiting for us, advanced to meet us with∣much Resolution and Courage. And then the two Fleets broke through one another tho' a∣cross

the continual Fire of each others Guns. A Calm came on, and after that, the Wind turn∣ed to the South, of which the English had the advantage. Our Admiral having broke through the Enemies Fleet, got the Weather-gage of them, so that he prevailed with the greatest part of his Forces over the English Fleet, excepting only Tromp, who with 7 or 8 Ships of his Squadron was to Leeward. He had changed his Ship, and was then in that called, the Province of Ʋtrecht; he was very ill handled, as was al∣so his Vice Admiral, and had like to have been reduced to Ashes by an English Fire-ship. De Ruiter considering the danger in which Tromp was, resolved to dis-engage him, and for that effect, he ordered the greatest part of his Fleet to make a tack to the South-ward, whilst him∣self with his Rear fell upon the Enemies main body, making directly towards Tromp, to assist him: The English seeing him come, opened them∣selves, and the Admiral of the White advanced at the head of his Squadron, followed by two Fire-ships, to stop de Ruiter, who observing the motion the Enemies had newly made, tackt to the South-ward, to rejoin, if possible, the rest of his Fleet, which was tackt about to the North-ward, with the same intention, so that the Eng∣lish contented themselves with firing upon him at a distance with their Guns, without offer∣ing to follow him. But methinks committed then a strange fault. For it had been easy for them to have destroyed the few Ships de Ruiter had with him, and Tromp's Squadron was able to make no more Resistance against them, where∣as in spite of their Cannonadings, the intended Junction was effected. The matter passed al∣most in the same manner, as it did the year be∣fore, for by the motion we made, two English ships were separated from the rest, whereof one was sunk, to which I my self, without bragging

contributed the most, and the other was so shat∣tered by de Ruiter, that the Enemies finding her no longer able to keep the Sea, set fire to her. In the mean while, the two Fleets being got to∣gether again, the fight was renewed, and we engaged together three times more, firing per∣petually at one another till the dusk of the evening. And then the English losing Courage, did not think fit to charge us any more, but tackt a∣way to the East-ward, in the mean while we chaced them as far as the Calm Weather, and the approach of the night would permit us. On Sunday Morning, the Wind was fair, and the Wind turned to the East, and we pursued the English again till 4 a Clock in the after∣noon, the most part of which retreated towards the West-South-West, in pretty good order; And then they were reinforced, by Prince Ro∣bert s Squadron consisting of 20 Men of War, coming from the South-ward. In the mean time whilst we were chacing them Sir George Ayschew's Ship Admiral of the White Squadron, call'd the Royal Prince, carrying 92 Guns, was stranded at the mouth of the Thames and yielded to Lieutenant Admiral Tromp without firing so much as a Gun, which after we had taken out of her, the Admi∣ral and his men we burnt. On Monday the 14th. in the morning, the English having receiv∣ed a Reinforcement of a fresh Squadron, took new Courage, and came and attackt us again. De Ruiter thereupon having summoned all his Captains on board the Admiral Ship, Recom∣mended to them their duty and the honour of their Country, after which we renewed the fight again, and having the Weather-gage we resolved to break through the Enemies Fleet, and by that means, quickly to put them to the Rout. But the English Received us with much Resolution and Bravery, and it may be said, that there and then it was, that the Valour of

all in General, and of every one in particular was seen to appear in its full Lustre. After the Fight, had been vigorously maintained till 4 a Clock, our Fleet was divided into two Parts: For de Ruiter, at the Head of one of them, made a Motion above the Enemies Fleet, whilst the other had order to keep below them, with Design to enclose them. We had scarce past by the half of the English Fleet, but we fell upon them, and broke through them, from the one end to the other, with so much Fury that they were presently put to the Rout. And then it was, there was a sad Spectacle to be seen of dead and wounded men, and a terrible har∣vest of Masts mown down, and of Sails, and all sorts of tackle tumbled into the Sea, as well on the one side as the other. About 6 in the Evening the Enemies betook themselves wholly to flight, and we gave them chace. Being advanced near Prince Robert, we boarded one of the Enemies Ships, called the Havertuin, carrying 56 Guns, which yielded in sight of Prince Robert, he not da∣ring to come to her Assistance, but contented himself with killing me one Seaman, and shoot∣ing of the Arm of another. And besides the ship I took the same evening there were 4 more ta∣ken in my sight. In the mean while the whole English Fleet was entirely dispersed, and every one of them sought to save themselves by a nim∣ble retreat! the Sea was covered with wander∣ing Vessels, the most of them steering Westward. Admiral Monk, and an English Rear Admiral lost their main Masts, so that I doubt not but they will fall to day into our hands; and so much the rather, that every one of them minding on∣ly their own preservation before that of any one else, they were seen to scamper about with pre∣cipitation without taking any care what destiny befell the rest. In fine, we have all the reason in the World, to thank God for the signal Vi∣ctory we have newly obtained, and for having

so powerfully protected our Arms, to the destru∣ction of our Enemies, &c.

These Letters, how Authentick soever they were, met with no credit in England: And on the con∣trary, it was noised throughout all the Kingdom that they had defeated the Enemies Fleet, and chaced the Hollanders as far as into the very Ha∣vens of Zealand; Nay, that they had mist but little of taking Admiral de Ruiter's Ship, (as indeed they had, had they minded their business, and Tromp too;) that the Dutch had lost in that fight, 40 Ships, and at least 6000 men; whereas the loss of the English was reduced to but 4 men of War, 3 Captains, some few Seamen or Sol∣diers killed, and about 300 wounded; that their Fleet was but very little endamaged, and would be fit to put to Sea again in 15 days at furthest, &c. The people of Brabant, Cologne, and Ham∣borough were credulous enough to believe all those false reports; But in a little time after; they found by experience the vanity of those English Boasts by the great number of the dead and woun∣ded of which all the Harbours of Great Britain were full. Their Great Ships were so miserably shattered, that the people were by publick pro∣hibition Restrained from going into the Ports, tho' out of meer curiosity. The Soveraign, the Royal Charles the Catharine, and several others were mown close to their very Hulls; The Rainbow who saved her self by flying towards the Coasts of Flanders after she had put her dead and woun∣ded men on shore at Ostend, retired by stealth tho' with much ado into Dover. Admiral Ayschew was made Prisoner; Barklay, Mings, and Herman killed. Prince Robert, Monk, Allen, and Smith ha∣ving had their ships most grievously shattered, sought shelter in the Ports of the Gunfleet, Nor∣bay, &c. Thus because each party claimed the Glory of that Action, and the Honour of the Vi∣ctory,

and that the English proceeded so far as to publish a Relation Printed by Authority, of which the whole design was, to prepossess peoples minds with an opinion, that they had had the advantage. The States on their side, thought fit to undeceive the Publick, by an Authentick Relation, Autho∣rized by the pretended faithfull Report of all the General and Inferiour Officers in their Fleet. Which Pensioner de Wit, and Ʋrybergen, Vander Houlk, Kann and Gerlacius, the Deputies and Plenipo∣tentiaries of the States, and who were no less fruitfull in invention than any of the English Cour∣tiers, were appointed to draw it up: And as soon as it was publisht, they sent copies into all the Courts of Europe to let all Princes see, that the Bonfires, and other dissembling Rejoycings of the English tended only to the unjust usurping to themselves a Triumph; all the Glory of which if they might be believed, was due to the Arms of the States; such as it was, we could not dispense with our selves from inserting it here at length.

A Relation of what passed in the fight between the English Fleet, and that of the Ʋnited Pro∣vinces, which hapned on the 11, 12, 13, and 14th of June 1666, drawn up after a serious Exami∣nation, and according to the faithfull Report both of the General and Inferiour Officers of the whole Holland Fleet on the 24th of the same month according to the order of the States General by the care of their Pensionary De Wit, Mr. Urybergen, Mr. Vander Houlk, Mr. Kann, and Mr. Ger∣lacius, Deputies and Plenipotentiaries of their High and Mightinesses, at present at Wielin∣gen, for the present Naval Expedition of the said States.

THe Holland Fleet having spent from the 1 of June to the 5th of the same month of the year 1666, in getting out of the Texel by reason of

several cross Winds and Calms that hindred them, it was impossible for them because of contrary Winds, to pursue their designed Course, and to go towards the Coasts of England, according to the Orders they had received for that purpose, before the 8th. of the Month. On the 11th. in the morning, they with much ado got as far as 7 or 8 miles to the East-South-East-ward of the North Foreland, which is a part of England that extends between the Channel and the Thames whereby a South West wind that blew very fiercely they were forced to Anchor. The English Fleet being come some days before to Anchor in the Downs, unmoor'd from thence on the 11th. of June, probably upon the advice they had heard of the approach of the Dutch Fleet. And about noon, the two Fleets met. That of Holland was com∣posed of 83 men of War, or Frigats, besides Advice-Boats, Fire-ships, and other small Tenders on the Fleet. But it hapned, that about an hour before the Battle, one of the most considerable Ships of the Dutch Fleet, commanded by Colo∣nel de Gent having unfortunately lost her Fore-mast, and afterwards her mizzen mast by the vio∣lence of the Wind, de Ruiter Judging her in that condition uncapable to fight, sent her out of the Fleet in sight of the Enemies, to retire into Hol∣land: The said de Gent removed after that into the Ship of Captain Henry Gotskens. As for the English Fleet, they were 80 sail strong as they were counted by the Hollanders at the very time of fight. About 1 a Clock afternoon, they be∣gun to play their Guns. Some moments be∣fore, the Hollanders, had cut their Anchor-Ca∣bles to make the more haste, and to Accommodate themselves to the season, and the violence of the Waves which would not permit them to weigh: The two Fleets being then met, they both of them made a tack to the South ward, the Wind

being then turned West-South-West. That mo∣tion was the cause that Lieutenant Admiral Tromp and Van Meppelen, who were before placed in the Rear, found themselves in the Van, and were forced to bear the brunt of the most furious and terrible shock that hapned during the whole fight, which they did most valiantly. The fight being thus begun, the Squadron of Admiral de Ruiter and of Lieutenant Admiral Van Nes, followed by their other Officers, fell thundering upon the Enemies with an undauntedness, without Example. A lit∣tle while after, an English Frigat of the Blue Squa∣dron, carrying 50 Guns, sunk, after she had receiv∣ed a Farewell Broadside from de Ruiter. The Squadron of Lieutenant Admiral Cornelius Evertsz and Tierk Hiddes de Ʋries had all the difficulty in the World, to get to engage at first, because they were to Leeward, and at a pretty distance from the Enemies. In the mean while, the two Fleets char∣ged one another vigorously, making always the same motion, which lasted till 5 a Clock in the after∣noon; when the English tacked to the North-westward, as well to keep the Weather-gage, as to avoid the sand Banks of Flanders. That motion engaged the Squadron of Lieutenant Admiral E∣vertsz and Tierk Hiddes de Ʋries in a Bloody Fight, in which the undaunted Valour and Cou∣rage of those two Generals were seen to shine with equal Luster. The English being thus tackt about, the Dutch Fleet found means thereby to intercept some of their biggest Ships which were presently boarded and taken by 3 Dutch Men of War, and afterwards carried into Holland. One of them called the Swiftsure carried 70 Guns, most of them Brass, Commanded by Barkley, Vice-Admiral of the White Squadron, who lost his life there after he had Signalized himself a∣gainst Captain Henry Adria••sz's Ship carrying likewise 70 Guns; another called the 7 Wonders,

of 60 Guns, was taken by Captain Vander Zaan's Frigat which carried 52 Guns; and the Third, called the Loyal George, of 44 Guns, fell into the hands of Captain Andrew Swart, whose Ship called the Deventer, carried 66 Guns: All those Captains belonged to the Admiralty of Amster∣dam. And on the contrary, in the first attack, there were two Dutch Ships burnt, viz. The Duiven∣voorde of 46 Guns, and Commanded by Otto Van Treslong; the second called, The Court of Zealand, had on board 58 Guns, and was Com∣manded by Captain Blok. We are informed assuredly, that these two Ships were unhappily burnt to Ashes by some stopples blown back on board by the force of the Wind, just at the time that their own Guns were discharging. The Prince of Monaco, and the Count de Guiche were Volunteers on board the first of these, who hap∣pily escaped the danger of the Flames, by Reti∣ring nimbly into the Ship, called the Little Hol∣land, Commanded by Cornelius Evertsz Van Gel∣der, Son-in-Law to Admiral Ruiter, who receiv'd them afterwards on board his own Ship. In the first attack, the Sails, Masts, and in General all the Tackle of Lieutenant Admiral Tromp's Ship, were so endamaged, that another Ship falling foul on him in passing by, all his Masts were tumbled thereby into the Sea. Rear Admiral Van Nes's Ship came off at a not much better rate, since almost at the same time his Mizzen-Mast was shot by the board. Upon which those two General Offi∣cers were forced to remove into other Ships for the security of their Persons. In which as soon as they had put up their Flags they were seen again to renew the Fight, and to Signalize themselves. Their unmasted Ships being carried out of the Fray, were towed away into Holland. The Eng∣lish Fleet having advanced above the Hollanders, their Chief Admiral followed by some Ships of

his Squadron, cast Anchor; but a little while af∣ter, seeing de Ruiter coming towards him, at the head of the Dutch Fleet, he cut his Cables at his approach, so that they engaged again afresh, and the fight was furious and very bloody on that occasion, and yet, God be thanked, without the loss of any of the Dutch Ships; whereas about 7 or 8 a Clock in the evening, a great English Ship of the Blew Squadron carrying between 60 and 70 Guns, sunk within Musket shot of Admi∣ral de Ruiter. The two aforesaid English Ships sinking in the view of the Officers and Sea men of the whole Dutch Fleet, I think there is no rea∣son to doubt of it. It's true we are not sure whe∣ther any other English Ship perished that day, but at the beginning of the night, the Rear-Ad∣miral of the White, whose Ship was a first Rate, having been vigorously attackt by De Ruiter, and some other Ships of his Squadron, and being al∣ready very much shattered, de Ruiter sent out a Fire Ship from his Squadron, which fastned upon her and set her on fire, but the first Fire-Ship be∣ing put off, sunk, and the flames in the said Rear Admirals were quencht? Then another Fire-Ship of the Zealand Squadron was sent to burn her; and set the English Ship again in Flames, but that was likewise Repulsed, and the fire quencht. A third Fire-Ship under the Covert of Lieutenant Admiral Evertsz's Guns was once more sent to Try to repair the ill success of the others, but was not a whit luckier than they, for fastning upon the English Rear Admiral, he set Fire to him indeed, but a moment after, that was quencht, and the Fire Ship was sunk with Cannon shot, so that according to the Testimony of all the Dutch Officers which were present, and were spe∣ctatours of that Glorious Action, the undaunted Bravery of that English Rear-Admiral cannot but be Admired, which was so much the more Remarka∣ble, because some of his men having saved them∣selves

by swiming, and got on board a Dutch Ship, assured us, that near 300 of his men leapt into the Sea, at the approach of the two first Fire-ships, choosing rather to perish by Water than by Fire. The same Rear-Admiral performed like∣wise at the end of the fight, an Action Glorious to him, but fatal to us, by a Cannon shot, that took away the life of the Illustrious Cornelius Evertsz Lieutenant Admiral, whose good Conduct and great Courage had made him to be Admired not only in that fight, but in many other rencounters besides. The night then parted the Combatants, it being impossible for us to see, by reason of the darkness, or the thick smoak, whether the afore∣said Rear-Admiral, being shrewdly battered scap'd away and saved himself, or whether he sunk to the bottom of the Sea.

When the night was past, the English Fleet found it self on the 12th. of June at break of day, having the Weather-gage, about half a mile off of that of Holland, the Wind at West-South-West. The two Fleets made a motion, viz. The Hollanders towards the North-West, and the Eng∣lish toward the South, with design to follow one the other; But the English having the Ad∣vantage of the Wind, disputed their Enemies pas∣sage, and without waiting any longer, advanced to them, and fell upon them. The Hollanders, without changing their Course or their Countenance, stood firm in Luffing, so that the two Hostile Fleets broke through one another and began a most furious fight; yet there was not so much as one Dutch Ship that was so unfortunate as to be lost in it, according to the Testimony of all the Officers, both General and Inferiour of the Holland Fleet, given in to the said Deputies and Ple∣nipotentiaries of the States. The Fleets then ha∣ving broke in upon one another in that manner, their Guns made strange Havock: For the most part of the Ships of the two Fleets had their Masts,

their Sails and Tackling either shot away, or shat∣tered to pieces. And as each party was endeavour∣ing with all speed to repair their damages, there hapned a Calm, which produced a Cessation of Arms, so that the two Fleets floated about in presence of one another, till about 11 a Clock before noon, and then the wind rising, they charged again, and renewed the Engagement more hotly than ever. The Hollanders had then the Weather-gage, De Ruiter having penetrated to the very center of the Enemies Fleet, heard a most horrid noise of both great Guns and Muskets which made him believe, that some of his Ships being surrounded by the Enemies, were making their last efforts, and were in danger of being lost without speedy as∣sistance, so that without any longer hesitation, he advanced with his Squadron, and falling upon that part of them, he forced a passage through the Storms of the Enemies shot and fire, and found Lieutenant Admiral Tromp, whose Flag was then hoisted in de Swart's Ship, in the last ex∣tremity, but yet fighting with all imaginable in∣trepidity, as likewise did Vice Admiral Vander Hulst, and the Captains, Solomonsz, de Haan, and Van Amstel, their Ships being surrounded and battered on all sides by the English, were able to hold out no longer, and were at the point of being burnt or sunk, without the assistance of de Ruiter. At his approach, Captain Solo∣monsz's Ship was already all on fire, which 'twas impossible to Quench. That Captain and a good part of his men had very much ado to save them∣selves on board another Dutch Ship. Solomonsz as soon as he was got out of that danger, went on board Captain Schey's Ship, where after he had further Signalized his Bra∣very, and given great Proofs of his Courage, during the whole time of the fight, he died at last in the bed of Honour. Captain Swa••t's Ship on board which was Lieutenant Admiral Tromp, as

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likewise the Ships of all the three other Captains abovenamed, were reduced into so pitifull a Con∣dition, by the loss of all their Masts, that Lieu∣tenant Admiral Tromp was again obliged to change Ship, and those which were Commanded by Vice-Admiral Vander Hulst, and the Captains de Haan Swart and Van Amstel, being quite disabled for fight, had Order to go out of the fight and seek shelter in the first Harbour they came to. In the same shock, Vice Admiral Vander Hulst was killed with a Cannon shot, being extreamly Re∣greted because of his great Merit, Experience, and Bravery. But God be thanked those losses were doubly Recompenced the same day by the great number of English Ships that were burnt or sunk according to the following Order, viz. 1. A Ship of the Red Squadron carrying near 60 Guns was sunk in the Van guard of the English Fleet, about noon. 2. A Ship of the blew Squadron, carrying between 50 and 60 Guns, sunk at three in the afternoon, presently after de Ruiter had thundred at her in passing. 3. A Ship of the White Squadron carrying near 50 Guns, sunk a little after, by the side of Vice Admiral de Liefde, who shot her through and through in so many places that she rowled on one side, and was swallowed up by the Waves. 4. Another Ship of the White Squadron carrying 50 Guns, sunk half an hour after, in sight of de Ruiter's Squadron, and of Captain Van Meeuwen who fol∣lowed her close, and gave her a Broadside in passing. And absolutely to convince the World, that the two abovesaid Ships of the White Squa∣dron were two different Ships, it is to be observ d that several Officers and other Sea-faring men saw both of them sink, that is to say, that the same persons that saw one perish, saw the other under∣go the same fare a little after; for we have so care∣fully distinguisht things in our Examination, that there is no reason to fear, we have mistaken a

Ships for one. 5. The Ship called, the Golden Eagle, or the Arms of Groningen, taken the Au∣tumn before by the English when the Dutch Fleet was dispersed by a Tempest, was sunk by a broad side from Captain Marreveld. 6. Another Eng∣lish Ship sunk in the midst of their own Fleet, after she had in vain signifyed her danger to her Companions, without receiving any assistance from them.

In the fight of the two first days, as like∣wise in that of the fourth, of which we shall speak more largely afterwards, it is certain, that 'tis not to be doubted, that some English Ships were burnt, which yet we could not be abso∣lutely assured of, because fire being set to several Fire-Ships at divers times, we cannot positively say whether the Ships they grapled were destroyed, or whether they escaped, except only two that we are sure were burnt to Ashes during the fight, because the Officers and Seamen that served on board the said Fire-Ships are now actually sol∣liciting for the reward allotted by the States for such Service, by producing good Certificates of their performance of it: Besides, that the Eng∣lish prisoners drawn out of the Waves, and sent into the respective Colleges of the Admiralty, are able to answer if carefully examined, and to tell out of what Ships they escaped. It is cer∣tain that by that means, it will be found, that a greater Number of English Ships than we know of, were burnt or sunk.

The fight of the 12th. of June was terrible and Bloody, especially afternoon, so that there were few Ships of either Fleet but sufficiently felt the effects of it by the loss of their Masts, Round-Tops, Top-Masts, Sails, and Rigging: A∣mongst others, the Top-mast and Admirals Flag of de Ruiter's Ship was shot away, about 3 or 4 a Clock, which obliged him to give Order to Lieutenant Admiral Van Nes, till such time as

he could repair it, to put the Admirals Flag on board his Ship, and to Command in Chief in his absence, according to the Orders before given: Which he did with so much Courage and Con∣duct, that after the two Fleets had broke through one another three times, as the Hollanders were ready to fall on the fourth time, the English tackt about and made with all the sail they could for their own Coasts. Their Fleet was then weak∣ned by the loss of 8 or 9 men of War. The Hollanders seeing them flie made all the sail they could, to pursue them; But their flight was fa∣voured by the obscurity of the night, and the Calms that then begun to come on, which obli∣ged the Hollanders to veer back towards their own Admiral again.

In the mean while, de Ruiter having Repaired his damages, put up the Admiral's Flag again, and re-assumed the chief Command of the Fleet on the 13th of June. But the English discovering at break of day, the mischiefs that the obscurity of the night had hidden from them, and seeing a good Number of their Ships much shattered, thought fit to burn them, to prevent the pursuit of their Enemies and prevent their falling into their hands. After which they did their best to get into the Thames. The Wind was at East, and then turning to the East-South-East, grew so weak that they were forced to crowd all the sail they could. It was impossible for the Hollanders, to know justly how many Ships the English had burnt. But the English in their publick News of the 17th of June, Printed at London by Authority, made loud claim to the Victory, and pretended they burnt but three by order of the Admiral, viz. the St. Paul, and two other lesser Ships. The English continuing thus their retreat all the day came at last so very near the Sand-banks that are at the mouth of the River, that Sir George Ayschew, Admiral of the White Squadron, who

was in the Royal Prince carrying 90 Brass Guns, one of the most considerable Ships of the Eng∣lish Fleet, run a ground upon the bank called, the Galloper, which was a great misfortune for a Ge∣neral who had given signal proofs of his Courage all the whole time of the fight, and who was then retiring only by order of his Admiral: And 'tis a very astonishing thing that after he had fired several Guns to give notice to the rest of the Ships of the Fleet to advance to his assistance, yet no body would offer to come nigh him, but he was thus deserted and left exposed to danger even by the Ships of his own Squadron. Being in that pitiful condition, he saw himself just go∣ing to be burnt by the approach of two Dutch Fire-ships, if Lieutenant Admiral Tromp, who was then in the Ship of Rear Admiral Sweers, had not given a signal to Command the Fire-Ships to pro∣ceed no further, so much the rather because by putting up a Flag on board him, in the manner u∣sual on such occasions, he shewed marks of Sub∣mission, and demanded Quarter, upon which the Seamen of Rear-Admiral Sweers Ship, had Order from Lieutenant Admiral Tromp, to go on board Admiral Ayschew, which they did accordingly. And Admiral Ayschew, and some of his Officers were Conducted on board Rear Admiral Sweers, and the next day being put into a Galliot, he was conveyed to the Hague, by order of Admi∣ral de Ruiter. As for his Ship, the Prince Roy∣al, tho' she was afterwards got off of the Bank, yet because she was so extreamly shattered that de Ruiter thought her not in a condition to be a∣ble to follow the main body of the Fleet, he Com∣manded her to be burnt; which was immedi∣ately put in execution, after they had taken out the men. Near about the same time towards evening a Squadron of 22 English Men of War appeared towards the West, under the Command of Prince Robert, who according to the advices we

had of him, was detached away the Day before, to sail towards the Harbours of Plymouth and Ports∣mouth, in order to joyn some other Men of War, and to go meet the Duke of Beauford, Admiral of France, and to fight him. Three other great En∣glish Ships that were come out of the Thames like∣wise joyned him, which altogether made a Rein∣forcement of 25 Men of War. At the Sight and Approach of that Succour, the Squadron of Zea∣land and Friesland advanced to fight them; but Prince Robert avoided them, and tackt away to joyn the Body of the English Fleet, so that he joyned them accordingly about the Dusk of Night. And then the Enemies Fleet was composed of 60 Men of War, of which the most part were fresh and in good Con∣dition. The Dutch Fleet was still 64 Men of War strong, but having maintained already a Fight of 3 Days, both their Ships and Men had suffered very much, and their Forces were in a manner spent. As for the rest of the Dutch Fleet, there were three of them burnt or sunk, as has been already said; the rest were detached away, to conduct into Holland the Prises taken from the Enemies, or those of our Ships that were unmasted and disabled by them.

Things being in that State, and the Hollanders be∣ing still at the Eve of another bloody Battle, made a Motion in the Night, in order to avoid the Banks, and get more Sea-room. When it was Day, Admi∣ral de Ruiter fired several Guns to summon the Ge∣nerals and Captains of the Dutch Fleet on Board him, where he held a Council of War, and ex∣horted every one of them in particular, to have in Recommendation his own Honour, and the Glory of his Country. So that after he had given them the necessary Orders, the Fight begun again on the 14th of June, at 8 in the Morning, and was fought between the Foreland, and the Banks of Flanders, in the open Sea, about 8 miles from the Shore. The Wind was South South East, so that the Hollanders having the Weather-gage, came powring with the

Three Squadrons of their Fleet upon the Enemies Navy, in three several Places, forcing a Passage through them, by which means some English Ships were separated from the rest. After which, de Ruiter caused a Motion to be made to the South-ward, with design to charge the Enemy again, who did the same on their Side; which was renewed three several times. Thus the two Fleets fought all the Day with much Obstinacy, the Victory all the while seeming equally balanced, and not to know for which side to declare. In the Time of this cruel Fight, a Dutch Ship commanded by Captain Ʋitten∣hou••, was burnt and sunk. And an English Fire-ship seeing the Ship of Vice-Admiral de Liefde un∣masted, was going to grapple him, but was repul∣sed by the said Vice-Admiral, and chancing to fall foul upon another Dutch Fireship, they were both reduced to Ashes. On the other side, one of the Dutch Fireships endeavoured also to fasten upon Prince Robert's Ship, to burn her, but was grap∣pled her self by an English Fireship that kept by Prince Robert's side, so that they were both burnt together with an English Ship that chanced unfor∣tunately to fall foul upon them, and all perish∣ed in the Flames. In the mean while, Lieutenant Admiral Tromp with Rear Admiral Sweers Ship, which he was in, and some others of his Squadron, after he had maintained a long and furious Fight, found himself reduced into so pitiful a Condition, that he was forced to retire out of the Fray, to re∣fit and repair his Damages, with Design to return again, as soon as was possible to the Charge. De Ruiter, tho' weakened by the Retreat of several of the most considerable Ships of his Fleet, which had been already disabled, considering, that the Sun begun to decline, resolved to make a last Effort, to force the Victory to declare it self; and according∣ly gave the Signal to the Hollanders, to fail on on all sides upon the English Fleet. At which Signal the Lieutenant Admirals, van Meppelen and de Ʋries,

as also the Vice-Admirals Bankert, Schram, and Koenders, and Rear-Admiral Bruinsveld broke in among the Enemies with all imaginable undaunted∣ness, and it happened, that Lieutenant-Admiral Van Nes and Vice-Admiral de Liefde, with the Rear-Admirals Van Nes, and Evertsz, followed by several other Ships, finding themselves below the English, and Admiral de Ruiter with the rest of the Fleet, above them, that part of the English Fleet that was between them, was so furiously attack'd, as was likewise their whole Navy in general, af∣terwards, that in less than half an Hours Fight, they were put in Confusion and begun to fly the se∣cond Time. On the one side were to be seen the White Squadron with 8 or 10 Men of War flying right before the Wind, and on the other, the Admirals of the Red and Blue making likewise full Sail, and doing what else they could, to advance their Re∣treat towards the English Coasts. In the mean while, the Dutch Ships at de Ruiter's Signal, took all the English Ships they came near enough to Board. Rear-Admiral Bruinsveld, having with much Cou∣rage and Resolution grappled two of the Enemies Frigats, took them, but afterwards, whether it were for want of Order, or by the Fault of those that had the guarding of them, the English retook them again. Some time after, Captain Pauw hear∣ing of that Action, fell vigorously upon them again, and wrested them once more out of the Hands of the English. But one of those Frigats, called the Bull, was so shattered that she, no longer able to keep the Sea, soon after sunk. The other, called the Essex, carrying 58 Guns, and less endamaged, was carried into the Texel. A like Accident hap∣pened to another English Frigat, but she was reta∣ken by the Enemies. Vice-Admiral Koenders took likewise at the same time a Ship called the Nagel∣boom, that was taken from the Dutch the Year be∣fore, carrying 62 Guns, and sent her into the Texel Captain Ruth Maximilian, took also the Ship call'd

the Couvertyn of 54 Guns, and sent her into Goree. Besides them, the Dutch Officers pretend to know of two English Ships more that were sunk the Day before, viz. one of the White Squadron, swallowed up by the Waves at 6 in the Evening, and a little while after the other met with the same Destiny; which makes us apt to think that several other En∣glish Ships might have the same Fortune, tho' the Dutch Officers know nothing of it, the Enemies being in so deplorable a Condition, and pursued by the Hollanders. It seems, that God, after he had so gloriously favoured the Arms of the Victours, was not pleased they should be utterly defeated by the Destruction of their whole Navy, which appeared as unavoidable: For the shattered Re∣mainder of them miraculously escaped by the Fa∣vour of a thick Fog, about 7 a Clock at Night. However, the Dutch Fleet being victorious and tri∣umphant, continued to chace them a long time after their being routed, and would have pursued them into their very Ports, if they had not been afraid their Ships would have lost themselves, and have been scattered. And therefore de Ruiter having fired some Guns for a Signal to advertise all the Ships of his Fleet to veer back towards their Admiral, and the whole Dutch Fleet thereupon assembling toge∣ther, they sailed away all Night leisurely, and with little Sail homewards.

The next Morning, which was the ²²••th of June, the English appearing no more at Sea, the Hollan∣ders gave over chacing them, and de Ruiter arrived the same Day, and anchored at Wielingen, which was the Rendezvous appointed them by the States, his Fleet then consisting of 60 Men of War. Nine Holland Men of War, besides that Commanded by Colonel de Gent, which were most endamaged, or who had Orders to guard home the Prises taken from the English, were already arrived at Goree: Ten more had been sent before at several Times up∣on the same Errand to the Texel, which was the

Place of their Rendezvous. And the four others, as we have already related, were burnt or sunk in the Fight, making in all, with a light Frigat of the Meuse, that had served the Fleet as an Advice-Yacht, the number of 85 Men of War that com∣posed the Fleet, besides Fireships and Tenders, when it came out of the Texel: Whereas on the contra∣ry we hear, That the Remainder of the English Fleet retired in Disorder into the nearest Harbours, and the most of them into Harwich. To this let us add for conclusion, That the Ʋnited Provinces have all the reason in the World to thank God for blessing their Arms with so signal a Victory, since without counting in those Ships of the Enemies that were burnt or sunk, of which the Dutch Officers had no Knowledge, the English Fleet was weakened with the Loss of 23 Men of War taken or destroy∣ed by the Hollanders; among which, were an Ad∣miral and a Vice-Admiral: Whereas on the side of the Ʋnited Provinces, there are counted but 4 lost, neither did there remain any thing in the Hands of the English, after a Battle of 4 Days, that could shew the least Advantage they had gotten over the Hollanders that could diminish the Glory of the Vi∣ctory, that was so justly due to them.

This was the Relation publish'd by the States, of the memorable Battle of 4 Days, the Bloodiest and most terrible one certainly that ever was fought at Sea. But the unexpected speedy coming out of the English Fleet again in little above 6 Weeks after, with much greater Strength than before; and with several of those Ships said to have been lost, took off very much from the Credit of the abovesaid Re∣lation, how Authentick soever it had appeared before. However, that dear-bought Advantage which they called a Victory, was so much the greater on the Hollanders side; because their Allies, the French, were not there to share with them in it, but only decoying away a considerable part of the English Forces to hunt after them, where they were resolved

not to be found, had left the Dutch the fair Oppor∣tunity, with their whole Force, to fall upon little more than half the English Royal Navy. For not∣withstanding all the fair Promises France had made, to joyn their Fleet to that of the States, and the mighty Hopes they had given them of their great Designs, they all vanisht into Smoak, the French having no other Design at the Bottom, as has been already hinted, and has since more visibly appeared, but to get their Ships built, to procure Men skilful in Naval Architecture, and to learn the way of Sea-Fight; which they effected first by striking in with the Dutch, and afterwards perfected by wheedling the King of England, which has proved since to the Smart of both Nations. In a Word, as to the Fighting Part, the French left the Dutch to cope alone with the Maritime Forces of England, as they did in a following War, the English to deal with those of Holland, tho' to hinder England from putting forth its full Strength, they were pleased to appear with their Fleet to be Spectators of the Fray in which they were sure to be Winners whosoever lost. But to return again to our direct Subject, it may be said, That under God the undaunted Cou∣rage and wise Conduct of Lieutenant Admiral de Ruiter had the greatest Share in what Advantage was gotten in that fierce Battle against the Potent and Warlike, who tho' outnumbred and overpowered, yet fought so obstinately, that they would in all pro∣bability have ravished the Victory from a less expert and valiant Chieftain than he. For he ranged his People in Battle with so much Judgment, and made them fight in such admirable Order, that in spite of the most desperate Efforts the Enemies could make to break his Squadrons, it was impossible for them to effect their Purpose. For that Great Man was observed with an indefatigable Care, to encourage his Captains and Seamen, and influence them to make his Fleet tack and wheel about with such nim∣ble and well-timed Motions, that at the least signal

he was immediately obeyed, and thereby lost no opportunity to charge the Enemies where there was any prospect of advantage. But his Courage appeared in its Chiefest Lustre when he had occa∣sion to break into the heart of the Enemies Fleet to relieve any of his Ships and Commanders that were distressed and surrounded by them; so that by his presence and the good Order he gave e∣very where and in every thing, he from the ve∣ry beginning of the fight did all that could be done to trace out himself a way to Victory.

Neither was the bravery of Lieutenant Admiral Tromp less Admirable than that of de Ruiter, con∣sidering his undaunted boldness in breaking in a∣mong the Enemies, and in exposing himself so much to the most imminent dangers, that he was several times forced to change his Ship. At the sight of his Flag the Enemies seldom failed soon to turn Tail and fly, looking upon him to be the scourge of their Arms. And because his Flag had been put up in several other Ships he was forced to remove into during the fight, the Eng∣lish askt, whether there were five or six Tromp's in the Holland Fleet or no? For indeed, it may be said, he was in a manner every where, never recoiling, but being often enclosed in the midst of the Enemies Squadrons, enduring the greatest fire of their Guns by the terrible and frequent broad sides, they let flie at him. The rest of the Officers of the Fleet, both General and Inferiour, strove likewise with Emulation, which should give the most signal marks of their Courage in that fierce Engagement. However the gaining of that Bat∣tle cost the Hollanders the Blood and Lives of a great many brave men who died there in the Bed of Honour, viz. Cornelius Evertsz, Vice Admiral Van∣der Hulst, Rear Admiral Staghouwer, the Captains Otho Van Treslong, Solomonsz, Jansz, Ʋttenhout, Wouter, Wyngaarden, Adam Hourtuin, Simon Bink, and about 800 Seamen or Soldiers. The Num∣ber

of the wounded amounted to 11 or 1200, a∣mongst whom was Captain Vikrot who died a little while after at Hoorne. But the loss of the English, was as we have said, related to be in∣comparably greater, there being reckoned to be a∣bout 6000 men killed, amongst whom were the Vice Admirals, Sir Wil. Barkley and Sir Christopher Mings, and several Captains. And about 3000 English were made Prisoners, that were either saved out of the ships that were sunk, or else found on board those that were taken. Besides which, the Holland Accounts rec∣kon them to have lost 23 men of War, whereof 17 were said to be burnt, or sunk, and the other 6, viz. the Swiftsure, the Loyal George, the Le∣venwolden, and the Couvertyne were carried into Goree, and the Essex and the Nagelboom into the Texel.

Amongst other remarkable passages in that fight, the undaunted Resolution of Vice-Admiral Barkley was much admired, who having 40 men killed on board him, and being no longer a∣ble to make resistance, yet was so obstinately bent to fight, that he would take no quarter, and would have killed with his own hand 3 or 4 of his Enemies that had boarded his Ship; but at last being shot into the throat with a Mus∣ket Bullet, he retired into the Captains Cabbin, where laying himself down at his length on a Table, he was found in that posture dead by the Victors, all over besmear'd with the blood flowing out of his wounds. Rear Admiral Sweers, hav∣ing boarded Admiral Ayschew's Ship, this Latter delivered to him the Keys of his and yielded himself up to the discretion of the Victour. The Hollanders took out of his Ship, 500 men, and a little while after the flames get∣ting to the Powder Room, it blew up about 11 a Clock at night. That Ship carried 92 Guns, of which those of the lowest Tire were of thirty six Pounds Bore, and there were 8 of 48. Her whole Compliment of Men was 620, and

she was the same Ship that the King of Eng∣land embark'd in when he returned to be Re-esta∣blish'd in his Throne, in 1660. Vice Admiral Mings having received a Musket shot in his throat stood about half an hour holding his Finger upon the wound, to keep it closed, and to stop the blood, but a second Musket shot taking him in the neck he died, after having given most signal proofs of his Courage to the very last gasp. Admiral Ayschew was carried to the Chatellany at the Hague, on the 16th. of June, from whence he was Conducted to the Audience of their High and Mightinesses, and afterwards carried to Louvestein, under a good Guard of Horse, from whence he writ the following Letter to His British Ma∣jesty.

SIR,

* 22.1YOur Majesty without doubt has heard of the Battle fought on the 11th. of this month be∣tween the two Fleets, off of Duinkerden, and the North Foreland. The Enemies riding at Anchor, cut their Cables at our approach. We charged them fortunately two or three times, but our Forces be∣ing much Inferiour to theirs, and our Fleet falling into a Consternation at the very beginning of the fight, we could not have all the success that was to be wisht for. And therefore the Squadron of Ships un∣der the Command of his H••ghness your Majesties Nephew, would have been a great help to us, if they had not unhappily been sent to the Westward. That day many of our Ships were extremely en∣damaged, in the Number of which was that of the Duke of Albemarl. Some Dutch Ships were re∣duced to Ashes, as well by our Fire-ships, as by their Powder taking Fire. The next day we re∣newed the fight with much Resolution and Courage. But on the 3d. day I was enclosed by the Enemies together with some other Ships of my Squadron, and being vigorously attackt was forced to my great

regret, to yield, through want of power to resist a∣ny longer, I having 150 men killed on board me. I am as yet in perfect health, and was removed hi∣ther after I was made Prisoner. When I came on board a Dutch Rear Admiral, I heard that the Ship committed by your Majesty to my trust, was burnt. My Vice Admiral was also taken, and Sir William Barkley kill'd. As to what remains, the Silence and Secrecy that prevails here keeps me in Ignorance at present of the other particulars of the fight. The Reports that go abroad here, make our losses to amount to 36 men of War taken, burnt, or sunk, and 4000 Prisoners. God grant they may prove false. In the mean while, I beseech your Majesty, to take our misfortune with patience, and to have compassion of our Family.

Postscript.

I Have received all imaginable civilities as well from the Officers of the Dutch Fleet, as from the States General. I was much suprized when I arrived at Rottendam, to see the Streets so full of Seamen; for I could not Comprehend how so powerfull a Fleet and that was so well mann'd should leave so many Seamen still in the Country.

The States considering the great worth, and noble extraction of Sir William Barkley who was one of the Kings chief Favourites, and Bro∣ther-in-Law to the Duke of York, having mar∣ried a Daughter of the Lord Chancellour Hide about two months before, ordered his Body to be Embalm'd, and deposited at the Hague. And sent the following Letter to his British Majesty to inform him of it.

SIR,

WE always thought,* 23.1 the honours due to the great men were not incompatible with the duties of War, and that Virtue and Valour ought to

be respected even in the persons of our Enemies. Which induced us to give some singular marks of it in relation to the Body of S r Willaim Barkley Vice Admiral of the White Squadron in your Ma∣jesties Fleet. He gave such great proofs of his bravery and undaunted Courage in the last fight, that we were willing to pay those best duties to his Il∣lustrious memory. For that effect we have Order'd his Body to be embalm'd, till such time as his near Relations, and those to whom his memory is dear can otherwise dispose of it, as they shall think best. In the mean while, we have caused it to be placed in the great Church, in a State suitable to his Birth, Valour, and the great Services he has ren∣der'd your Majesty, who may please to send such order concerning it as you shall think fit. And if it be your good pleasure to have it transported into England, we desire you would be pleased to grant the necessary Passports for the security of the Yacht we intend to give for his Transportation. But if on the contrary, your Majesty shall chuse rather to have him Inter'd in the place where he now is, you will be pleased to let us know your will, to which we shall always endeavour to conform our selves, as far as the present State of affairs will permit. We recommend your Majesties Sacred person to the protection of God, &c.

In the mean while, the States to thank God for the gaining of so great an advantage, and to pray him to bless their Arms in the rest of the Course of the War as he had done in those happy be∣ginnings, ordered a Thanksgiving-day, which was solemnly observed the last day of June, and fol∣lowed by publick Rejoicings and Bonfires, in which not only the people of the United Provinces had part, but likewise all the Countries in which their High and Mightinesses had any Ministers residing. All the Captains of the Danish Fleet fired all their Guns three times to the honour

of the Hollanders, their Allies; And the Queen of Denmark, gave a splendid Feast to all the Lords and Ladies of the Court, at which the King was present. And the same Rejoicings were celebrated at Stockholm, at Ratisbonn, at Paris, at Madrid, at Genua, and at all the Courts of Eu∣rope where the States had any Ambassadors, which were continued three days together, with Feast∣ings, Fire-works and Vollies of small shot. The Town of Brussels was the only place that lookt upon all that with an evil Eye. For the Mobb getting together near the Dutch Resident Sasburg's house, committed a thousand insolences, and be∣cause they were hindred from pulling down the Scaffolds set up for some Fire works, they were so Transported with Rage and Fury, that they fell upon the house of the Resident, crying out; Long live the King of Spain and the King of Eng∣land; and those Mutineers continued their in∣solences till the Marquess of Castel Rodrigo, Go∣vernour of the Low-Countries reduced them to their duty with a Body of Horse; after which he made excuses to the States, Testifying to them how sensibly displeased he was, that he was not able to prevent all those disorders.

On the 5th. of July, were performed the Fu∣nerals of Lieutenant Admiral Cornelius Evertsz, and Vice Admiral Vander Hulst, to whom great honours were paid. The latter of them was in∣terr'd in the Old Church at Amsterdam, where a Marble Tomb was erected with his Statue, at the publick charge, in Memory of his great A∣ctions. And his Epitaph was engraven on a Table of Black Marble in these Terms in Dutch.

Ter Onsterlijker gedachtenis van den Ed. Manhaf∣ten Zeeheld Abraham Vander Hulst. Vice-Admiral van Holland en West Friesland, gebooren tot Amsterdam den 9 April MDCXIX.

Here rust by dio niet Rusten kon, Eer by Zijn Vyand overwon: Om Hoog lieft by en Vreugden, In Marmor door Ziin deugden.

Anno 1666.

Of which the Sense in Englsh is this,

To the immortal Memory of the Illustrious Hero, Abraham Vander Hulst. Vice-Admiral of Holland and West-Friesland, Born at Amsterdam April 9. 1619.

He that never had any rest till he had vanquished his Enemies, now rests here. He lives in Heaven in perfect Felicity, and upon this Marble by his Ver∣tues. Anno 1666.

Lieutenant-Admiral John Evertsz, whose Con∣duct had appear'd suspicious, and whom the States, to appease the incensed People, had order'd to quit his Employment for a time, would needs sollicite for a re-establishment after the death of his Bro∣ther; and for that effect he writ to the States of Zealand, representing to them, That he passionate∣ly wish'd he might be permitted to render his Ser∣vices to his Country as he had done before, in qua∣lity of Lieutenant-Admiral of that Province: That he ardently desir'd to sacrifice his Life for the Pub∣lick Interest, in so pressing an Occasion as that as

his Father, four of his Brothers, and one of his Sons had done before him with so much Glory, who all had the Happiness to die in the Service of the State, with their Arms in their Hands, af∣ter they had signaliz'd themselves in many Battels. The States of Zealand making Reflection upon his consummate Experience in Sea-affairs, and the un∣daunted Courage and good Conduct he had shewn in several Battels, and even in the very last Years Fight, according to the unanimous Testimony of all the Officers of the Fleet, granted his Demands, as being perswaded, that at a time when they had lost so many great Men, this Gentleman might do good Services to his Country by succeeding them. And accordingly having propos'd it in the Assem∣bly of the States-General, they consented to it.

The States Fleet being got ready to put to Sea again, and being 60 sail strong of Men of War or Frigats, unmoor'd on the 5th of July from Wielin∣gen, under the Conduct of Admiral de Ruiter; and some regular Land-Troops, drawn out of the Garrisons, were privately march'd beforehand, to be embark'd on board some Transport-ships, which were design'd to make a Descent. And all the whole Fleet being thus advanced over against Schoonevelt, was reinforced with 5 Men of War and 7 Frigats, besides another Reinforcement they receiv d some days after, by the arrival of Lieutenant-Admiral Tromp, and some other general Officers, out of the Meuse or the Texel. The great diligence and expe∣dition that was used to get betimes to Sea, and to prevent the English, made them conceive great Hopes of Success; for they promised themselves to be able to surprize the Enemies, to enter into the River of Thames, or Harwich, to make some consi∣derable havock there, and destroy the Enemy's Fleet, or at least to make some Descent. But they were mightily surpriz'd when they saw those Peo∣ple whom they thought they had maul'd and wea∣ken'd beyond a recovery for that Year, appear of

a sudden towards Diep Royal, with a Fleet of no less than 88 sail of Men of War or Frigats, 13 Fireships, 20 Advice-Yatchts, besides Transport-ships; so that the English Fleet, who had had Ad∣vice of the setting out of the Holland Fleet, knew so well how to secure themselves of all the Posts where any Descent could be made, by placing there both Horse and Foot, that they quite broke all the Designs of the Hollanders, who saw themselves thereby disabled to attempt any thing for want of good Sounders.

The Dutch Fleet was divided into three Squa∣drons, the first of which was under the immediate Conduct of Lieutenant-Admiral General de Ruiter; the second under the Lieutenant-Admirals Evertsz, and Tierke Hiddes de Ʋries; and the third was commanded by the Lieutenant-Admirals Tromp and Van Meppel; and in that order they kept the mouth of the Thames shut up till the first day of August; and then the English Fleet, being 90 sail strong, taking advantage of the Tide, came out of the River in sight of the Dutch Fleet, which gave place to them, because de Ruiter was afraid of run∣ning aground upon the Coasts of England, and so had done all he could to make his Fleet sheer off to a convenient distance from it, that he might give no Advantage to the Enemy so near their own Coasts. And as it hapned, 'twas a great Happiness for the Dutch Fleet they had done so; for the next day, the Wind rising high, was follow'd with a fu∣rious Tempest of Thunder, Lightning, and a great Rain; but, which lasted not very long, the next day, viz. the 4th of August, the two hostile Fleets anchor'd pretty near one-another, and passed all the Night in presence one of the other.

The English Navy commanded by General Monk was composed of 90 sail of Men of War, and 20 Fireships, and was likewise divided into three Squadrons, viz. the White Squadron, commanded by Sir Thomas Allen; the Red one, under the Con∣duct

of General Monk; and the Blew one, comman∣ded by Sir Jeremy Smith. The fight begun about noon next day, and was so very disastrous to the Hol∣landers, that it render'd almost for ever ireconcilable the two greatest Men for Sea-affairs that ever the Ocean bore, or that ever the Ʋnited Provinces had to command their Fleets; I mean, de Ruiter and Tromp: Whether it were that that Misunder∣standing proceeded from the Jealousie Tromp had conceived, by reason of the States conferring upon de Ruiter the chief Command of the Fleet at his return from Guiney; or whether Providence, that presided over all Events, had a mind to conceal from us the true Cause of it, we know not; but yet methinks 'tis more probable to believe, that Envy, which is always the Enemy of the Vertue and Merit of Great Men, was minded that way spightfully to make a mortal thrust at the Reputation of Tromp; but that his Reputation was always so well and firm∣ly establish'd in the World, that nothing will ever be able to shake it, nor make the least impression upon it. Let us say then rather, that in the heat of the Fight, and being transported by his natu∣ral Eagerness and Intrepidity, he would needs give chase to the English Blew Squadron, and that was it that was all his Crime; for if de Ruiter and the Lieutenant-Admirals Evertsz and de Ʋries had gained any advantage over the English, I am per∣swaded, they never would have complain'd that Tromp had deserted them. In the mean while, by a sad reverse of Jadish and Unconstant Fortune, the Hollanders, who had gathered some Lawrels in the precedent Expedition, were forced in this last to yield to the English the so much contested Em∣pire of the Sea.

The better to satisfie the World of the princi∣pal Circumstances of that famous Fight, we shall insert here the Letters written by the general Offi∣cers of the Fleet, to the States, about it.

High and Mighty Lords,

* 25.1SInce my last, of the 4th of this Month, before Noon, the 2 Fleets engaged in Fight, about ele∣ven of the Clock, the Wind at North, our Van∣guard, under the Conduct of Lieutenant-Admi∣ral Evertsz, begun the Attack, and engaged with the Enemies White Squadron: The main Battel, under my own Command, fought against the Red Squadron; but it was a great surprize to me, when I saw Lieutenant-Admiral Tromp, who command∣ed the Rear, instead of advancing with his Squa∣dron, to lag behind, which gave opportunity to the English to separate us, and get between him and I. I am also obliged to tell you, That I did not perceive he was in any Action with them till towards Evening, when he fought a very lit∣tle while against some Ships of the Blew Squa∣dron. However it was, my Ship being attackt by the Soveraign General, on the one side, and by the Naseby and several other Ships on the other, withstood the greatest shock of the Enemies, as likewise did my whole Squadron; but we recei∣ved them so vigorously that after an obstinate Fight of three hours, they were forced to quit us for some time. In that while General Monk's Ship was so shatter'd, that he was forced to change his Ship, as we found by the removal of the Admiral's Flag; as was afterwards more par∣ticularly reported to us. We therefore took our advantage of the Respite and Release given us by the English, to repair our Losses and Damages; and having observed that our Vanguard went still further and further from my Squadron, following the advantage of the Weathergage which they had gotten, I fired some Guns, to command them to veer back towards the Admirals Flag, but that was not able to stop them. The English Admi∣ral having remarkt that, came pouring with his Squadron upon me and some other Ships belong∣ing

to my Flag, which engaged me in a cruel fight, which yet I maintain'd vigorously, in hopes that either Tromp or Meppel would come in to my assist∣ance from behind, or else Lieutenant-Admiral Evertsz, who had the Vanguard, from before; but I afterwards found that I had but vainly flatter∣ed my self with that Hopes, so that my Ship ha∣ving had all her Sails and Rigging shot down by the board, I saw my self disabled to govern her any longer: and being thus reduced into a con∣dition not to be able to make any more resistance, by reason of the great number of killed and woun∣ded I had on board me, I was constrained with small sail to follow the body of my Squadron, which began to fly. As for Lieutenant-Admiral Tromp, who had the weathergage, it was easie for him to have veered back towards us, whereas it was impossible for us to move towards him; and I know not what obliged him not to do it. Seeing our selves thus deserted, we thought there was no other Remedy left for our preservation, but to tack away to the southward, and to fight retreat∣ing: Besides that, the Calm which began to come on would not suffer us quickly to get out of the Fight; and we being likewise glad to make but little sail away, as thinking that by favour of the Night the said Rear might joyn us, and that we might return all together to the Charge, and dispute the Victory with the Enemy. But after all, when the Day was come, we perceived none come near us but the main Body of the English Fleet, who began to play their Guns upon us in pursuing us: We answered them as well as we could, from behind; but the English having de∣tached out a Fireship to come and burn me to Ashes, I made my Barge advance, which was backt by some others, into which those brave French Volunteer Lords, de Lorrain, de Lavoy, and de Coaslin leapt with their Retinue, who went and forced the Fireship's Men to jump into the Sea,

and save themselves by swimming, after they had set Fire to her, and so by that glorious Action pre∣served the Admiral Ship from Flames. In the mean while having discovered some of our Ships that were scattered from us in the Darkness of the Night, the English sent a Detachment of some Ships from their Fleet to give them Chace; which as soon as I perceived I summoned all the Officers on Board the Admiral Ship, 20 of which were commanded by Order of Vice-Admiral Bankert, to oppose the Design of the Enemies. As soon as the Account of the Ammunition and Provision, which the said Officers of the Fleet have need of, as also of the Losses and Damages they have suf∣fered, shall be drawn up, as they have represented it to me several times, I will take Care to send it to the Colleges of the Admiralties. I have also been informed in general, with much Regret, of the Death of some of our General Officers and Captains; namely, of Lieutenant Admiral John Evertsz, who having one of his Legs shot off, died a little after. Lieutenant Admiral Tierke Hiddes de Ʋries, has likewise a Leg shot off, and is in Danger of Death; his Ship lost us in the Night, and that of Vice-Admiral Bankert is sunk: Vice-Admiral Koenders is likewise killed, as also the Captains Ruth Maximilian, Jeupian Poel, and Henry Vroom. Captain Hugh van Nieuhof hav∣ing lost a Leg, and Cornelius Hogenhoek being wounded in the Belly are also in great Dan∣ger of losing their Lives. As for the Enemies Losses, I have yet no Knowledge of them, but by the Report of the abovesaid Officers, 2 English Ships were sunk, and 2 burnt. However, it is certain, and we were Eye-Witnesses of it, that they were very roughly treated, and that most part of their Ships will be forced to retire soundly bat∣tered. I am peswaded your High and Mightinesses will be informed of it, even before you have re∣ceived this present, &c.

Lieutenant Admiral Tromp coming next Day be∣fore Wielingen with his Squadron, writ to the States the Letter following.

High and mighty Lords,

YEsterday Morning,* 26.1 the Enemies Fleet being about 90 Sail strong, came up with us; the Wind was North-East mixt with a Calm, Lieutenant Admiral Evertsz having the Weather-gage, vigorously attack'd the English. I commanded the Rear, and that of the Enemies was commanded by Sir Jeremy Smith, carrying a Blue Flag, through which I opened my self a Passage with my Squadron, till I had gained the Weather-gage; so that the Enemies Rear being thereby separated from their Main Battle, we fought them till N••ght came on, and till at last we put them to the Rout; we chaced them all Night, without being able to hear any thing either of the Vanguard or of the Main Battle. The next morning, finding our selves neer the Galloper, we continued still for some time to pursue the Enemies, but seeing 'twas to no purpose, and that nothing was able to make them stop, we resolved to veer back towards Admiral de Ruiter. When the flying English saw that, they veered back towards us, and followed us with little Sail till the Dusk of Night. Then we discovered the main Body of the English Fleet to Leeward of us; who Luffed, to make up to joyn us; but we could hear nothing all the while neither of Admiral de Ruiter, nor of the other General Officers of our Fleet, till towards Even∣ing we discerned a Ship coming towards us, which ap∣peared to us to be that of Lieutenant Admiral Tierke Hiddes, but because she had neither Flag nor Top-mast, we took that for an unlucky presage. We are arrived this Day before Wielingen, with our Squa∣dron which is still in a good Condition, and wants nothing but Ammunition. If we were so happy as to be informed where Admiral de Ruiter is, we would use all diligence imaginable to go and joyn him. The Main Body of the Enemies Fleet luffs as much as

'tis possible, so that if no Assistance come in to us, we shall be forced to our great Regret to retire to Wielingen.

Lieutenant Admiral John Cornelius Meppel, who joyntly with Tromp had given Chace to the English Blue Squadron, came to an Anchor before Ter Veer, from whence he writ the following Letter to the College of the Admiralty of the North.

Noble and Potent Lords,

THis present is only to let your High and Migh∣tinesses know,* 27.1 That on Wednesday last, the States Fleet engaged in a Fight with the English, which was so cruel and bloody, that 'tis almost incre∣dible. All the afternoon I fought against the Vice-Admiral of the Blue Squadron, being backt by the Captains belonging to my own Flag, who seconded me with all imaginable Bravery, so that the abovesaid Vice-Admiral was forced to retire sorely battered. It was then calm Weather, which hindred us from advancing. I have above 100 Men killed or wounded on Board me, whom I will endeavour with all speed to send on Shore. My Main Mast has been shot through with 7 Cannon Balls, and my Ship is so pier∣ced with Shot too, that 'tis scarce to be believed; I was in Danger of Sinking, and my lower Tire of Guns was already under Water; but the great Diligence we employed in stopping up the Holes, has preserved us. I am sensibly concerned that things did not go, as it was to be wished. However, Tromp and I for∣ced the Enemies Squadron to betake themselves to Flight, which they continued to do the next Day as fast as they possibly could. And because we thought not fit to pursue them any longer, we tackt about to the Southward, to seek out de Ruiter, whom we have not been yet able to find, and we are much troubled, he was not seconded. But God knows the Bottom of the Affair, of which doubtless your High and Mighti∣nesses will afterwards be informed.

POSTSCRIPT.

Our Rear-Admiral de Haan is killed, with James Gerritsz Roemer, and 15 or 16 more were likewise killed or wounded. Vice-Admiral Schram and I are well. Captain Isbrand Clement has his Leg quasht to pieces; my two Lieutenants are mortally wounded. Tys Ryndertsz is well.

Seven Days after the Arrival of Tromp, Admiral de Ruiter writ the following Letter, as he rid at Anchor between Flushing and Zouteland.

High and mighty Lords,

SInce my last, written on the 5th of this Month, Lieutenant Admiral Tromp has appeared in the Road with the Squadron under his command, and as far as I could observe as it was passing, it was very lit∣tle or nothing at all endamaged. He has reported to me, That on the 4th towards the Evening, he was in Acti∣on with the Blue Squadron, which he put to the Rout, after he had burnt one of their Ships carrying 64 Guns, whereof 53 were of Brass, and a Fireship which he also destroyed with the Flames. The Ship of the deceased Admiral Tierke Hiddes de Uries is also come, very much shattered, into the Road with the said Squadron of Tromp, so that of all the States Fleet we have lost only the Ship of Vice-Ad∣miral Bankert, and that of Ruird Hille∣brandt. Yesterday in the Evening we came to an anchor between Zouteland and Flushing, from whence we perceived the English Fleet before our Coasts con∣sisting of about 80 Sail great and small. I hourly expect the Deputies of your High and Mightinesses, to give Order about all things, &c.

Tho' the Loss of this Battle was very sensible to the Ʋnited Provinces, yet they pretended, the English had no reason to brag of having got any other Advantage over the Dutch Fleet than that of

having divided their Squadrons; tho' 'tis true, they thought by that means the more easily to de∣stroy them one after another. Here follows an ex∣tract of the Letter sent by Prince Robert and Ge∣neral Monk, to White-Hall, after the Fight, by which it appears what their Design was. We flat∣tered our selves very much, that de Ruiter would fall into our Hands; but it was calm Weather, and our small Frigats were not such nimble Sail∣ers as theirs. They were before their own Coasts, and we were afraid of running upon the Sand Banks. In the mean while as we were holding a Council of War, we heard some firing of Guns towards the North-west, which made us presume that it was Tromp, with Smith, and therefore we resolved to make up towards him before he approached any nearer Home. But Tromp retired safely, and we follow∣ed him in the Royal Charles, till we came within 6 Fathoms depth of Water, &c.

Smith, who commanded the Blue Squadron, met with but a very ill Reception in England, because they were the first that begun to flie, and the Offi∣cers of the other 2 Squadrons made great Complaints against him.

In the mean while, the Deputies of the Ad∣miralties and the Plenipotentiaries of the States with the Pensioner de Wit, came on board Admi∣ral de Ruiter, as well to inform themselves of the particulars of the fight, as to give orders for put∣ting the Fleet to Sea again with all imaginable di∣ligence. In that time the Differences between the two Admirals de Ruiter and Tromp begun to break out. For de Ruiter complained by word of mouth to the Deputies and Plenipotentiaries, as he had done before by Letter, to the States, of the Con∣duct observed by Tromp, and openly charged him with all the disorder that had hapned in the Fleet, and with the ill success of the Battle. Tromp having understood all the shrewd passes de Ruiter had made at his Reputation, thought

of nothing more than of Vindicating himself from so great and bloody an outrage, by charging de Ruiter, in return, with all the blame he imputed to him: And for that effect, he writ the follow∣ing Letter to the States General, and to the States of Holland.

High and Mightinesses.* 29.1

I Find my self indispensably obliged to inform you of all the particulars of the last fight between your Fleet, and that of his British Ma∣jesty. On the 4th. of this Month, the English Na∣vy came up right to us, the wind at North-west mixt with a Calm. Our Fleet was to Lee-ward, Lieutenant Admiral Evertsz having the Van∣guard, advanced in good order by favour of the Wind. At that motion, the White Squadron, followed by the main body of the English Bat∣tle fell upon him, whilst de Ruiter who Com∣manded the main body of our Fleet, staid about two hours and an half below the Rear of which I had the Conduct, so that Lieutenant Admiral Evertsz was already so far advanced, that his Flag was hardly to be discerned, and the great distance there was between the Van and the Main Battle of our Fleet gave the English the greatest advantage in the world to separate one from the other. And Lieutenant Admiral de Ruiter, who remained immovable in his post, be∣gan then only to advance to follow Evertsz when the Van-guards of the two Hostile Fleets begun to Cannonade one another. In the mean while my Squadron that shut up the Rear was forced to remain in its post till de Ruiter was advanced, and then being impatient to engage, we endeavour'd to gain the Weather-gage, to be able to get up to the English, whilst a part of the ships of de Ruiter's Squadron were still mingled among ours. As our Squadron was thus advancing in good order, the Rear Admiral

of the Blue Squadron, followed by a Fire-ship came and fell upon one of our foremost ships, which our Rear-Admiral Vander Zaan seeing, he set the Enemies Fire-ship on fire with shot from his great guns. The Admiral of the Blue Squadron followed likewise by a Fire-ship came up with me and attackt me, Who was backed by the Captains de Haan and Van Amstel. We plaid our Guns at him and at the other English ships, whereof one being very much shattered, and I finding it was practicable to get the wea∣ther of her, we boarded her, being backt with a Fire-ship, and after we had battered her a long time with continual Broad sides, we fast∣ned our Fire-ship upon her, to burn her to Ashes. That ship was called the Resolution, and carried 64 Brass Guns, and 2 Iron ones, and having 140 men on board her, whereof 45, among whom were a Pilot and a Quarter Master, were saved by our men. Lieutenant Admiral Van Meppel, and Vice-Admiral Swers withstood at the same time a very furious Shock. This latter fought a long time against the Vice-Admiral of the Blue Squadron, who returned often to the Charge upon him with fresh Men; but he was so vigorously repulsed by the brave Van Meppel, that he was forced to quit him with Loss; However Van Meppel's Ship was so miserably shattered, that she had above 5 Foot Water in her Hold. Our Squadron therefore be∣ing thus engaged in Fight, separated the English Rear-Guard from their Main Battle, so that we fought with it till about 5 a Clock in the After∣noon. And my Ship had then fired away 10300l of Powder. The Vice-Admiral of the Blue which was behind, within Cannon-shot from us, did all he could to burn Captain de Haan, but the Fire-ship's Crew that were detached for that purpose, seeing our Boats ready to receive them, retired with haste, after they had received some Cannon-shot. We used our utmost Endeavour by towing to get

up to him, but to no purpose. However, soon after the Wind beginning to freshen, and being turned to the South-west, we took the Advantage of it to return again to the Charge. And accord∣ingly I gave the Signal for our whole Squadron to fall all together at the same time upon the Enemy; and at the same time our other Ships, the Wind being changed, were endeavouring what they could, to get the Weather-gage. By the Favour of that fresh Gale, we came up with the Admiral of the Blue, whom we treated so roughly with our Guns, that he was at last disabled; and his Master's Cab∣bin being set on Fire, he fired some Guns to adver∣tise his Vice and Rear-Admirals to veer back to∣wards him to come to his Assistance; but the Ene∣mies fearing the Danger, instead of veering back towards him, shamefully betook themselves to Flight; And had it not been for the Calm which then came on, in all probability, not only that Ad∣miral, but the most part of the Ships of his Squa∣dron would have fallen into our Hands. Having gotten then such great Advantages over the most considerable of the Enemies Squadrons, we were, in the Judgment of all Men experienced in Marine Affairs, engaged to pursue the Victory, and with∣out committing an irreparable Blunder, we could not let them retire without giving them Chace; for supposing we had let the Enemies go off, and turned back to go to the Assistance of Lieutenant Admiral de Ruiter, besides that the Calm would not have permitted us, we should have been the Cause of the Routing of the Ships of de Ruiters, and Evertsz's Squadrons, because they would have presumed we had given way, and had the Enemies at our Backs, so that by that means, we should not only have discouraged our own Ships, but have raised the Courage of our Enemies, who would not have failed in that case to pursue us. I leave it therefore to your High and Mightinesses, and to all brave Marine Officers that have long time fre∣quented

the Sea, to judge, Whether if Lieute∣nant Admiral de Ruiter had timely cut off the Enemies Vanguard from their main Body, as we did their Rear, we should not have gained a signal Victory? I add, That that might have been exe∣cuted with so much the more Ease, because our Van-Guard was strong enough successfully to have fought that of the Enemies. I protest to your High and Mightinesses, That Partiality has had no share in what has been set forth, I being ready to maintain in the Face of the whole World, that 'tis all conformable to the Truth; and I declare be∣fore God, That I have done nothing that betrays my Intentions, which were for the Good of the Publick, and the Glory of my Country.

And now, High and Mightinesses, I cannot suf∣fer without Reparation, that without having any Regard to all the faithful Services I have done, Ad∣miral de Ruiter, out of a Principle of Hatred and Jealousie, should offer such a bloody Outrage to my Honour and Reputation, as to make me pass for a villainous and ill-intentioned Man, only because God did me the Favour to make me triumph over the Enemies with a small Force, when he with a Strength incomparably greater, met only with Shame and Disadvantage on his side. So then, if I have in this occasion, acted contrary to my Ho∣nour and Duty, I see my self uncapable for the future to render my Services to my Country. And besides, 'tis not now a Time to suffer any cowardly or villainous Persons in the great Employments at Sea, but it is rather necessary, to make Choice of Prudent and Valiant Captains that may be ready at all times to sacrifice their Estates and Lives for the Good of the State, which Advantages I can with∣out vanity say, I have hitherto possessed in such a manner, that I believe neither Lieutenant Admiral de Ruiter, nor any other Man living upon the Face of the Earth, is able to ravish them from me. But I apprehend with a sensible Regret, that many Dis∣orders

will happen in the Fleet; and that the Officers and Seamen, when they come on Shore, will proceed to pernicious Extremities, which I pray God of his Clemency to avert, putting my g eatest Hopes in him, and in the wise Conduct of your High and Mightinesses, whom I recommend to his Holy Protection, and remain, &c.

The States of Holland fearing that Hatred be∣tween the two Admirals might be attended with fatal Consequences, committed that Business into the Hands of some Members of their Assembly, to be examined; and Pensionary de Wit, who had al∣ways entertain'd an irreconcilable Hatred for Tromp, for being well affected to the Interests of the illu∣strious House of Orange, proposed to the Assembly of the States of Holland, the Resolution of the Commissioners appointed for that purpose, viz. That in order to the preserving of Ʋnion and Peace in the Fleet, Tromp should be cited to come and ju∣stifie himself; That he agreed not with Admiral de Ruiter, in what he had advanced; That the Service of the State absolutely required, That one of those two Admirals should be put out of his Place; and that they could better be without Tromp, than de Rui∣ter, &c.

That Project was approved by the Nobles, and by the Towns of Dort, Delf, Leyden, Amsterdam, Gouda, Rotterdam, Gornichem, Schiedam, Schoon∣hoven, the Brill, Alkmaer, Hoorn, Edam, Meden∣blick and Purmerend. The Town of Harlem would have Tromp cited to be examined about the Letter he writ to de Ruiter. The Town of Enku••sen was of the Opinion, That Endeavours should be used, to reconcile them together again in a friendly man∣ner. Monikendam would have Tromp to present a Petition to beg his Acquittal, but the States at length took the following Resolution.

THE Pensionary has made Report to the Assembly of the Considerations the Deputies of their High and Mightinesses have made,* 29.2 in Pursuance of the Commission given them on the 18th instant, concern∣ing the Resolutions their said High and Mightinesses are to take, in order to stop and prevent the fatal Disorders that might happen in the Fleet, and to pro∣vide for the maintenance of that good Ʋnderstanding that ought to prevail among the Sea-Officers, and prin∣cipally upon the Examination that has been made of Lieutenant Admiral Tromp's Letter to the States, from the Ship called the Holland, in the Road of Flushing, dated the 13th instant, in which he gives a particular Relation of what passed in the Fight against the English, and of the Conclusion he infers thence, as appears by these following Words:

And now, High and Mightinesses, I cannot suffer without Reparation, that in Contempt of all the faithful Services I have rendred Admiral de Rui∣ter, &c.

Ʋpon which having deliberated, we have judged, That the said Lieutenant Admiral Tromp, after such great Marks of the Hatred and Animosity he has conceived against Lieutenant Admiral de Ruiter, Commander in Chief of the States Fleet, could not be continued in his Employment joyntly with de Rui∣ter, without exposing the Fleet to an inevitable Ru∣ine, by the Disorder and Confusion that would pre∣dominate in the Command of it. Wherefore, for the preventing of such great Disasters, it has been re∣solved, and we will, That the Commission of Lieute∣nant Admiral of Holland and West-Friesland of the College of the Admiralty of Amsterdam, provision∣ally granted to the said Tromp, be Revoked and Re∣mitted by these Presents, and that in consequence of the same, his Employment vacant by his Dismis∣sion shall be filled up with another Officer of Merit: And that the whole may be done in good Order, the Matter shall be put in Execution by the Generality, and the said Tromp shall be summoned without De∣lay

before their High and Mightinesses, and at his Arrival his Dismission shall be made Publick, as it ought to be.

Lieutenant Admiral Tromp then coming to the Hague on the 23d of the Month,* 29.3 in Obedience to the abovesaid Resolution, presented himself next Day before the Assembly of the States; where Pensionary de Wit told him from their High and Mightinesses, That it was their Will and Pleasure to take from him the Commission of Lieutenant Ad∣miral of the College of the Admiralty of Amster∣dam, that had been granted him. Tromp made him answer, That he was ready to pay a willing Obedi∣ence to their High and Mightinesses, with many Thanks besides for the Honours they had done him. But because it was feared some Mutiny might hap∣pen in the Fleet by reason of the great Affection the Seamen bore to Tromp, the States forbad him to stir out of the Hague till further Order, and to go or write to the Fleet, upon pain of being accounted the Author of all the Mischiefs that might ensue. And in Truth there was some Danger of it, but the good Order that was given and the Prudence that was used in so Nice a Business as that, restrained the Malecontents within the Bounds of Obedience. The same Day the States of Holland advanced to the Office of Lieutenant Admiral, vacant by the Dis∣mission of Tromp, Mr. de Gent, Colonel of a Ma∣rine Regiment; Sweers likewise, who was Rear-Admiral before, was made Vice-Admiral of the same College in the Place of Vander Hulst, Verburg succeeded Sweers in the Place of Rear-Admiral, and Captain David Ʋlug was made Rear-Admiral of the College of the Admiralty of the North, in the room of de Horn, who was killed.

Mr. De Gent being informed of the Honours the States were doing him, would fain have excused ac∣cepting them, and among other Reasons he repre∣sented, That having frequented the Sea but a little

while he thought himself not capable to Com∣mand a Squadron; but the States pressing him a∣gain to accept the place that was presented him, and Tromp with whom we had contracted an in∣timate Friendship, joyning his perswasions with the instances of the States, he was at last prevailed with to consent to it, and accordingly took the Oath in Quality of Lieutenant Admiral of Am∣sterdam, about the end of the month. Thus Tromp after he had given so many signal proofs of his Courage, was at length constrained to quit the Sea service.

Hectora qui solus, qui ferrum, ignemque, Jovemque Sustinuit toties, unam non sustinet iram, Invi∣ctumque virum vincit dolor.

* 29.4The Count d' Estrades, Ambassador from the Court of France to the States, observing what had hapned to Tromp, thought it would be for the in∣terest of the King his Master, to wheedle him to pass into his Service, being perswaded, that Admiral, whilst his resentments were yet boiling hot, would easily be induced to accept the great advantages that he should offer him from the King his Master; and accordingly he made him an o∣verture to that effect, offering him an annual Pen∣sion of 50000 Livers; but Tromp, to his great surprize, bluntly answered him; That he had ra∣ther live all the rest of his days as a simple Bur∣gher, and continue faithful to his Country, than to betray it at the expence of his own honour, by taking service under a Foreign Prince, what migh∣ty offers soever were made him on that account.

In the mean while, they were busy at work in Zealand, in Arming out the Fleet with an indefa∣tigable care and diligence, whilst the English lu∣red on by the hopes of Booty, appeared before the Ʋlie with a Fleet of 60 sail of men of War. And that they might with the less incumbrance car∣ry

on so desir'd an enterprize, they had sent all their sick and wounded men back into England; And 9 or 10 Dutch Merchant ships outwards bound, either to the North, or France, were newly fallen into their hands. The English Fleet then approaching near the Dutch Coast, seemed at first to despair of being able to do all the mischief there they had before flattered themselves with the conceit of, by reason of the difficulties that presented themselves in their way; But being instructed con∣trary to their expectation, how to surmount them, by one Heemskerk, formerly a Captain in the ser∣vice of the United Provinces, but who was dis∣carded from it for his Cowardice, they were en∣couraged to such an attempt as might make the Zealanders feel the fatal effects of the loss of the Battle, by a malicious and mischievous enterprize that Traitour proposed to them.

The English Fleet being arrived on the 17th.* 29.5 of August near the Ʋlie, got advice by a fisher-man that fell into their hands, that the Isles of Ʋlie and Schelling were the most exposed of all those Maritim•• Countries, that there were some Maga∣zines belonging to the States, or the East-India Chamber, unprovided of any Garrison to defend them, and that there were in the Port a great Number of Merchant-ships richly laden. 'Tis true, those Merchant-ships, as well as those in the Texel had been advertis'd before hand by the Deputies, to retire in time into Harbours of security, but not being sensible at first, of the importance of those Advices, they unfortunately had ventured to stay behind. The English therefore together with Heemskerk, held a Council, and after they had projected their enterprize, resolved to put it in execution the next day at 8 in the morning. By favour of the Tide, and of a North-wind, 10 men of War, 5 fire-ships, and 7 Yachts sail∣ed in as far as below the Brandaris of the Isle of Schelling, whilst another Yacht slid into the

Ʋlie, where she told 160 Merchant-ships, and 2 men of War, their Convoys.

Sir Robert Holms, of whom we have already spo∣ken several times, was the Head of that enter∣prize. He considered, that if he attackt the Isles first, the Merchant ships would thereby gain time to provide for their security, and therefore detacht away 2 Frigats which entred into the Ton∣n••n, and followed them with the rest of his ships, but being stopt by a contrary wind, he was for∣ced to fall back again towards the Brandaris. Then after he had held a Council of War, he ordered the Pembroke Frigat followed by 5 fire-ships, to advance to go and attack the Merchant fleet. And accordingly Captain Brown, having fastned upon the ship of Captain Adelaar, one of the chief of the Convoys, reduced her to ashes. The Captain after he had made all the resistance possible, leaping at last into a Boat with sixteen 16 of his men, to save himself, both he and they were unhappily swallowed up by the Waves. The second Convoy ship was likewise burnt, but Tol, the Captain of her was more lucky than his Com∣panions, for he escaped in his Boat. The Mer∣chant ships cut their Anchor Cables at so horri∣ble a spectacle to flie as well as they could from the fury of the flames. In the mean while the men in the three English Fire-ships that still re∣mained advanc'd? Crying out! I am Heemskerk the Author of the enterprize; and set fire to some Merchant ships richly laden, and bound for Mus∣covy, which after their men had signaliz'd them∣selves to the utmost in their defence, were like∣wise burnt to ashes. After that, the English with 22 Boats went out of the Brandaris, and by fa∣vour of their Oars and the Tide together gave chace to the Merchant ships, that were flying, and all of them they could reach, they set on fire with flaming trusses of straw which they threw into them. However, because the English Seamen were

Commanded under pain of death not to pillage, the Pilots and Masters of the Dutch ships found opportunity by that means to save their men and their Money in their Boats. Some of those un∣happy wretches that dwelt in the Ʋlie, fearing the English would come and plunder the Isle, had with-drawn their best effects from thence, and transported them on board the Merchant-ships, so that they had the cruel displeasure to see them destroyed by the flames. Three Privateers and one Merchant ship bound for Guiney well Arm'd and Provided with able Seamen made a very vi∣gorous resistance; for they repulsed the English, and sunk some of their Boats, so that under their shelter, several rich Merchants designed for Mus∣covy were preserved from the Enemies fire, who durst follow them no further for fear of running a∣ground.

Holms being informed by some Prisoners, that the Ʋlie likewise was in no condition to defend it self, detacht away two Frigats and some small Vessels, with orders to Land their men in the Fort: But a Tempest arising with a most ter∣rible rain that lasted all night, it was impossible for them to put their project in execution, because their powder, and other necessary materials to do execution withal were wetted, and their matches Quencht: And besides, the men that were Com∣manded out upon that design were so miserably Weather-beaten, that they were quite spent, so that 'tis certain if the Dutch had had so much presence of mind with them, as to have sent thi∣ther three Companies of Seamen that were hard by, the English Incendiaries would have been in great danger of being totally defeated, because their Boats being most of them staved to pieces by being tost against the shore, were then become most of them but the sport of the Waves. But their attempts had more success in the Isle of Schelling, for having landed 11 Companies of Re∣gular

Troops near the Brandaris, without meet∣ing with the least resistance from the Inhabitants, the most part of which are Fishermen, and Men∣nonites, a sort of Sect that think all War unlaw∣ful, 5 Companies of Incendiaries advancing to the Windward, set on fire 350 houses, and amongst them, the Church of the reformed was also half burnt down, and it was one of the saddest spe∣ctacles in the World, to see the poor inhabitants of that place in the utmost desolation, and the af∣frighted women running cross the Country with their little Children in their Arms, seeking to save them both from the rage of the Incendiaries, and the fury of the flames. In fine the English pil∣laged what the fire had spared.

Holms would have carried on those strange succes∣ses further into the Country, and two other Villa∣ges in the same Isle were just ready to be treat∣ed after the same rate; but that being obliged to stay till 24 hours were past, before he could at∣tempt any thing more, and to wait for a favour∣able wind to execute his enterprize, and besides, finding that the inhabitants having begun to Re∣trench themselves at the East-ward of the Village, had raised two Batteries, and expected every mo∣ment some Cannon from Enkuisen, he thought it would be two hazardous to push his design any further, and that it would be much better to think of retreating, and so ordered all his men to return immediately on board, and on the 20th. of August he rejoined the English Grand Fleet, by order of Prince Robert and General Monk, who seeing that sickness begun to reign amongst their Men, made sail back towards the Coasts of England.

The States being sensibly concerned at the mis∣chief done by the English Incendiaries to those poor Islanders, watcht all opportunities to Return them a Rowland for their Oliver, and in little time after, met with a very favourable one to wreck part of their Revenge. For two Dutch

men of War that were convoys, seconded by two others that had rid a good while at Anchor un∣der Gluckstadt, fell on the 27th. of August with a fair Wind, upon a Merchant Fleet of 17 Eng∣lish ships that were at an Anchor near the New-Mill, and fired so terribly at them with their Guns, that not knowing where to shelter them∣selves, they cut their Anchor Cables, and fled to save themselves. But when they of Hamborough saw them approach towards their Town, they sounded an alarm; all the streets were in a mo∣ment filled with people, and it being just at the beginning of night, all the Town was on a sud∣den enlightned with a Million of Candles and Torches, and the Burghers were all in Arms. A∣bout 9 of the Clock, 4 Merchant ships, viz. 3 English, and one Hamburgher were on fire, this last hapning unluckily to ride too near the others, and if the wind had not chopt about to the North, it is certain, that all the rest that escaped, would have likewise been reduced to Ashes. Two days after that expedition, de Ruiter was sent for to come ashore, to speak with the Count d' Estrades the French Ambassador, the Marquess of Belle∣fonds, and the Deputies of their High and Migh∣tinesses, which were met there, to treat about the place where the French Fleet was to join that of Holland. For the Duke of Beauford, Admiral of France, had been a long time expected home, and they had received advice, that he was ready to quit the Coasts of Portugal whither he was gone some months before, in order to return to Rochel∣le. In the mean while, the most Christian King had Commanded the Count d' Estrades, to present the Order of St. Michael to de Ruiter, in acknow∣ledgment of the undaunted Courage and Singular Conduct he had shewn in the last Battle. But to return to what concerns the pretended Junction of the two Fleets, the Court of France after their usual manner, contented themselves with bubling

off the Hollanders with fair promises and specious hopes that vanisht all but into smoak; for the Jun∣ction, as it was never intended, so it was never made.

The States Fleet being got ready, unmoor'd on the 5th. of September, consisting of 71 men of War or Frigats, and 27 fire-ships. Besides the New Of∣ficers abovementioned, Vice Admiral Bankert suc∣ceeded as Lieutenant Admiral in the room of John Evertsz; and Captain Matthysz was made Rear-Admiral of Zealand. The fleet was divided into 3 Squadrons; the first was Commanded by de Rui∣ter himself; the second by Lieutenant Admiral de Gent; and the third by Lieutenant Admiral Bankert. On the 8th of September, the Dutch fleet came to an Anchor between Dunkirk and New∣port, and upon some advice receiv'd from Paris, that the Duke of Beauford, Admiral of France had un∣moor'd from Rochelle: Nay, and that he was come al∣ready as far as the mouth of the Channel, in order to join de Ruiter, the States fleet weighed Anchor on the 11th. in the morning, and made sail towards Callis and Bullen: Where the Vice Admirals Sweers, and Evertsz, meeting with a great English ship, called the Loyal Charles, carrying 56 Guns, and 200 men, they took her. She had underwent a most terrible Tempest, in which she had lost her Fore-mast and Bolt-sprit, so that de Ruiter order∣ed her to be burnt. About noon, he heard, that the English fleet consisting of above 100 sail was following after that of Holland, whereupon de Rui∣ter presently put up a Red Flag as a signal to his fleet to fall all together at the same time up∣on the Enemies. But the English Admiral tacking about to the North ward, sheered away with all his Navy from the Dutch fleet, which chased them, and fired at their Rear, in the view of an infi∣nite Number of People that were got together on the Coasts of France, and were spectators of the da∣ring Courage of the Hollanders, and of the Re∣treat

of the English, who, as was supposed, for want of Men, who in great Numbers had been swept away by Sickness, contented themselves only with making a Shew at Sea, but did not think fit to hazard an Engagement, and so made towards Ports∣mouth. And as for the Admiral of France, he ap∣peared not, and so de Ruiter being weary of wait∣ing so long for him in vain, had Orders from the States, to conduct the Fleet back again into their respective Ports, and only to detach a Squadron out of them of 25 Men of War, to cruise to the North∣ward, to look for the Ships that were expected com∣ing back from the East-Indies.

Four Days after, the States had News of the Burning of London by the most terrible Fire that ever was yet seen.* 29.6 For beginning on the 12/2 of Septem∣ber, it made such an Advance by favour of the Wind, that it was not extinguished till the 16/6th, that is to say, 5 Days after, when at last they were fain to smother it by blowing up some Houses, as the last Remedy that could be thought of. It seemed as if Fire had been fallen from Heaven to punish that proud City, and that God, the just Revenger of Crimes had determined to reduce it into Ashes, or at least to chastise it in such a manner, that it should for ever wear lasting Marks of his Punishment. For that dreadful Conflagration extended from the Tower to Temple-bar, and in all that space, there remained not a House standing all-a-long by the Thames, so that it may well be said, That by that Judgment the Inhabitants of that great City, and even of all England suffered Losses incomparably greater and more sensible than the English had lately caused to the Inhabitants of the Isles of Ʋlie and Schelling, which were esteemed at Twelve Millions of Livers, whereas those of the English amounted to One hundred Millions. And the Desolation was so great that Multitudes of People were seen to wan∣der about almost in deep Despair without any Home or other Place of Shelter to go to, and were reduced

to the greatest Depth of Misery, and would have perished by Hunger, if the King had not ordered some Provision to be made for their Subsistance, other particulars as well known, and amply recited in other Writings obvious every where, we shall omit to insert here.

The Pensioner de Wit upon that Advice, as he was an implacable Enemy to the King of England, as well as to the House of Orange so nearly allied to that Royal Family, and had secretly blown up the Fire of that War, resolved to make his best Advantage of it, and presently writ to Admiral de Ruiter, to let him know, That so fatal and unforeseen an Acci∣dent as that, might possibly induce the States to change the Resolution they had before taken, to lay up their Fleet in their Ports, because it had been certified from good Hands, That Monk was returned to London, and therefore it was easie to presume, the English Fleet would not be so soon ready to unmoor. And the States accordingly by his Instigation writ to de Ruiter on the 26th of the same Month, that upon a piece of News of so great importance, they had resolved to keep their Fleet out still at Sea, till fur∣ther Order. De Ruiter obeyed their Order, but without any Success at that Time: For the English sailing out again on the 5th of October, made a Mo∣tion as if they would advance to attack de Ruiter, but as soon as they saw him move towards them to engage them, they sheered away again to avoid him. At that time the Duke of Beauford, Admiral of France sent de Ruiter Word, that it was impossible for him to come and joyn him, and therefore desi∣red him to excuse him for having put in with the French Fleet into Brest. So de Ruiter seeing there was no appearance of attempting any thing to ef∣fect, retired again about the middle of October with his Fleet, whereof a part put into Zealand, another into the Meuse, and the rest into the Texel.

A little time after, there were some happy steps made towards a Peace for the States, as we have already said, having written to the King of England about the Funeral of Sir William Barcley, that Prince was so sensibly touched with the oblig∣ing Deportment of the States in that matter, and with the Honours they had rendred to the Memory of a Person that was so dear to him, that he return∣ed them Thanks for it by the following Letter, dated the 11th of August.

High and Mighty Lords, and Right Dear Friends,

WE have seen by your Letter,* 30.1 dated the 10th of June, brought to us by a Trumpeter, a glorious Example of your Civilities, concerning the Honours you have been pleased to render to the Body of Sir Wil∣liam Barkley, who after having signalized himself, lost his Life for the Service of his Prince and Coun∣try: After his Death, he fell into your Hands by the Fortune of War, and the Honours you have ren∣dred to his glorious Memory were very pleasing to me; I shall always consider them as an effect of your ge∣nerous Good Will, and whenever the like occasions shall happen, we will endeavour on our part to answer them, by acknowledging Vertue and Merit even in the Person of our Enemies, to whom we shall give Proofs of our Tenderness, as far as the Occurrences of War shall permit us. And because the near Relations of the Deceased desire, his Body may be interred in the Tomb of his Ancestors, upon the Offer you have made us, to grant them that Favour, we have consented to it; and that the Vessel designed for his Transporta∣tion may not be attacked in its Passage by our Subjects, we have added to this inclosed, the necessary Passport. Besides, we assure you from the bottom of our Heart, That the Advantages our Arms have lately gained by the Blessing of God, shall not render us so haughty, as to make us forget the Damages the present War causes to the Reformation, and how great the Hopes

are that our Enemies have conce••ved from our Trou∣bles and Dissentions: So that we are ready to put our hand to so pious a Work, as is that of pacifying them, upon the first Just and Reasonable Condition that shall be proposed to us on that Subject.

The States comprehending by the Expressions con∣tained in the King of England's Letter, That that Prince seemed more inclinable to terminate the War, and to hearken to Propositions of Peace, than for∣merly, writ to him the following Letter, dated the 16th of September, by the Yacht ordered to trans∣port into England Vice-Admiral Barkley's Body.

SIR,

* 31.1BEing informed by your Majesty's Letter of the 4th of the last Month, that your Intention was, That Sir William Barkley's Body should be trans∣ported into England, in order to be delivered into the Hands of his Relations, we accordingly send it, to satisfie the Offers we made your Majesty to that effect.

Moreover, we have with much Pleasure seen the good Disposition in which your Majesty is, menti∣oned towards the close of your Letter, which sig∣nifie the Inclination your Majesty would be pl••ased to have to put a stop to that Current of Mischiefs the War has lately brought upon the two Nations, with this Clause, As soon as your Majesty shall be invited to so holy a Work by reasonable Cond••t••ons. We therefore doubt not of the sincerity of the so often repeated Protestations newly made, signi∣fying your Inclination for a Peace: But we are not ignorant likewise, that you are perswaded there will be no Advance made towards Peace, so long as you shall make no Overture of the parti∣cular Conditions upon which you judge it might be concluded. However, we on our side have given all imaginable clear Explications of our sense thereupon by our Ambass••do••r, whom we ordered

to stay in the Court of England expresly upon that account, tho' your Majesty had already recalled yours. Mr. Van Beuningen, our Minister extra∣ordinary at the French Court, renewed them in the last Place in presence of the Queen your Majesty's Mother, to Mr. Hollis your Embassador, without receiving any positive Answer thereto from your Majesty. We could not with Justice, according to what is practised in such Negotiations, have or∣dered our Minister in the Conference held at Paris with the said Hollis, to sollicit him to make the Overture of the Conditions upon which your Majesty pretended to make Peace, as we had done, or at least to have agreed beforehand, that your Majesty should give a final Answer, sincere, and without Reserve to the Advances we had made, and that in a prefixed Time: But however to give Proofs at the very first of the ardent Passion that induces us to labour to bring about so Christian a Work, we have passed over all those Formalities, making it our Glory to make the first Advances, and to go as far with them on our side as is possible, hoping that your Majesty acting in the same man∣ner, the so much desired Peace might be conclud∣ed without delay, and that by that means the effu∣sion of so much Christian Blood as was shed in the ensuing Battles might have been prevented. And since by the Letter of the 11th of December last Year, and afterwards in the Conference held at Paris, it was proposed to your Majesty's Choice to treat of Peace, either under condition, That both Parties should mutually restore all that each of them had taken from the other before or after the War, and thence to pass to the Examination of the Pretensions that were in question before the War; or that each Party should keep the Con∣quests they had made before or after the Rupture, with respect to the Time when the said Offer was signified to the Parties; and that in consequence of that, all the Pretensions concerning any Losses

or Damages suffered, should be forgotten, and held for Null on both sides. It seems to us, That the Clause specified in the abovesaid Letter of your Majesty is already fully executed, and that thereby your Majesty has been several times invited to the Conclusion of so pious a Work. For we cannot persuade our selves, that as to what concerns the Offer of the abovesaid Conditions, there can be any proposed more advantageous, if Regard be had to Reason and to the Justice of the Cause, considering that all we possess, or that we have taken from your Majesty or your Subjects, is adjudged to be good Prize, and ought to be pre∣served according to the Laws of a just War, since we took up Arms only for our own Defence; whereas, on the contrary, all that has been taken from the Ʋnited Provinces, or their Subjects, which amounts to above 100 Ships, with their Mer∣chandises and Effects, as likewise the Fort of S. Andrew, the Isle of Boavista, New Holland, and Cabo Corso, all that was taken by Surprize un∣justly, and without any Declaration of War. And yet your Majesty slighting so advantageous a Proposition, never considered to explain your self openly, nor to determine upon the Choice either the one or the other of the proposed Condi∣tions, or so much as to relate the Reasons you had to reject them, or at least to make us a clear and sincere Overture of what other Conditions might have induced you to a Peace, to which we have often solicited you. On the contrary, your Ma∣jesty broke off the foresaid Conference, which was the greatest Hopes of those that ardently de∣sire Peace, and which was happily begun in the pre∣sence of the Queen your Majesty's Mother; you broke it off, we say, by the sudden recalling of your Ambassador, without shewing any manner of way your Approbation of it. Things being thus, we leave your Majesty to judge, what all those general Protestations of Affection and Passion of

Peace can tend to so long as they shall not be fol∣lowed by particular Conditions which are to be the Foundation of it. And because Experience teaches us, That the Mediation of Foreign Power is not unprofitable but may contribute much to the Conclusion of so holy a Work, that Consideration induced us to determine to accept of the Mediati∣on of the King of Swedeland, in the Confidence we have, that that Prince being equitable, will have regard to the just and Advantageous Proposi∣tions we make, tho' that Prince having been put by your Majesty into the Number of your Allies, it seems obvious, that we might look upon him as suspicious, and a Party adverse to us, and conse∣quently as one interested in the Treaty. Besides that, your Majesty has declared, You could not enter into Negotiation without his Consent. The Kings of France and Denmark, who are in War as well as we, against your Majesty, have in like manner accepted the said Mediation of Swedeland. We made no Difficulty at the very first Offer made to us of it, to give our Consent to it in Writ∣ing, that it might be presented to your Majesty; but yet hitherto, whatever Instances have been made, it has been impossible for us to induce the Minister of the Crown of Swedeland residing here, to make us the same Declaration from your Majesty; namely, Whether you would please to accept of the said Mediation of Swedeland or no? as well in regard of our selves, as of the Kings of France and Denmark our Allies, which being once granted, we protest again once more, not only in general Terms, that we continue still in the vio∣lent Passion that incites us to the Conclusion of a solid Peace, but we make all the particular Advan∣ces besides that Right and Justice can exact of us. And because a general Declaration that com∣prehends no real express and reasonable Condition, either on the one side or the other is more capable to produce new Umbrages, and leave the Mind in

suspense, than to promote a Treaty of Peace, we declare consequently, That we stand to the Propo∣sitions that were made on our part in the Confe∣rence held at the Court of France in the presence of the Queen, your Majesty's Mother, as has been already related.

In fine, we pray your Majesty to confirm the general Profession and Protestation you have made, That you desire nothing more than Peace, and to be pleased to joyn to it a particular Declaration, that may shew that you determine upon the Choice of one of the Conditions, which you may think convenient for that purpose; and in consequence of it, your Majesty is also prayed to be pleased to let the said Conference already begun to be conti∣nued, as well in respect of the Place, as to the Per∣sons. But if your Majesty should make any Scru∣ple to do it, and should have any Reasons not to consent to it, that then your Majesty would con∣sent that the Mediating Ministers of the Crown of Swedeland may make Choice of another Place, where not only our Plenipotentiaries, but likewise those of our Allies as well as those of your Ma∣jesty may be obliged to meet with all Diligence. And we shall take it for one of the greatest Testi∣monies of the sincerity of the Protestation your Majesty has so often repeated concerning Peace, if it stir up no Jealousie nor Disunion between us and our Allies, to obstruct it.

In fine, we will wait your Majesty's Declarati∣on in Writing, which being signified to us by the Minister of Sweden, by which the Mediation of that Prince, presented to all the Members of the League, as well to the aforesaid Kings of France and Denmark, as to us, shall be authorized. And we pray God to inspire your Majesty with such Sentiments for Peace as we have our selves, and such as may consequently move you to resolve to make Choice of the necessary means whereby to promote so great a Work; that so we may in a

short time enjoy the Effects of a firm, solid, and inviolable Peace, to be concluded between your Majesty, and the Powers at present in War against England: And for our particular, we shall make most ardent Prayers to God for the Prosperity of your sacred Person, and for the Subjects of the two States.

The King of England made the following Reply to the States.

High and Mighty Lords,

WE received Yours of the 16th of the last Month,* 32.1 which was delivered us by one of your Trumpeters that accompanied the Body of the Deceased Sir William Barklay, in order to be committed into the Hands of his near Relations. We consider that Mark of your Civility with all possible Resentment, and we pray you to be per∣suaded, that we will do the same by you, as often as occasion shall serve.

As to the other Part of your Letter, concerning Peace, and the frank and free Answer we made you on the 14th of August, by inviting you to seek it, we cannot enough complain, That all the Ad∣vances we have made for that purpose, should end in no other effect, but to make us be charged with ill-grounded Reproaches that openly condemn the manner of Acting we have observed, tho all the World be informed to the contrary. Those are without doubt such Preliminaries, as are not very capable to facilitate it, and tis a thing altogether surprizing, that you should endeavour to persuade your own People, and all Europe at the same time, That we are the Aggressors and Authors of the fatal Consequences which have been enkindled between us: You unjustly accuse us of shutting our Ears to all the Proposals you make for an Accommoda∣tion, by refusing to inform you of our lawful Pre∣tensions: In fine, you pretend that we alone re∣ject

it, whilst you and your Allies desire it, and passionately seek for it, whereas the Truth is, you your selves have to this very present Day refused to make the least step that was capable to advance it, and to extinguish the fatal Torch of War. This conduct so contrary to your pretended Intentions, obliges us for the Defending of our Honour, and the Justice of our Cause from such sensible Out∣rages, to declare before the Face of the whole World, how ill-grounded your Reproaches are: It forces us, I say, to renew once more the Advan∣ces we have made for the Re-establishment of Peace, ever since the very beginning of the War, and which yet you have always rejected. We protest to you then, that, if you think fit, for the Time to come, to charge your selves with all the Blame, which engages our Honour to provide for its Secu∣rity, then we may by the Assistance of Heaven, deliberate with Success about the means that shall be judged proper to pacifie our Troubles, and put a stop to the cruel Effusion of so much Protestant Blood. In the mean while we cannot forbear re∣lating the following Particulars, to undeceive the Publick.

1. That we have made several pressing Instances, but all to no purpose, to move you to make Repa∣ration for the Damages suffered by us and our Subjects, which you were engaged to do by the last Treaty, which was not violated on our part.

2. That the Commanders of your Fleet in the East-Indies prohibited our Ships under the Com∣mand of the Earl of Marlborough, the Entrance, of a Harbour, where there had been a long Time an English Manufactory settled, provided with a great Quantity of Merchandises designed for the lading back of the said Ships at their Return; all which Merchandises were soon after stopt by your Officers, under pretence, That you having declar∣ed War against the Princes with whom we pre∣tended

to trade, it was no longer lawful for us to have any more Commerce with them. And about the same Time, that Imperious and Extravagant Declaration was published likewise in your Name, in Africa, by the Officer that commands there for you, with a Prohibition to all our Subjects to traffick with the Inhabitants of that Country; so that when we demanded Reparation for the Da∣mages suffered, shewing you an Authentick Copy of the Declaration lately published there in your Name, against the Glory and Interest of the Kings and Princes that have Commerce there, and that are not able without Resentment to endure so cruel an Outrage, you were pleased to disown that At∣tempt, and absolutely refused to give us any Satis∣faction.

3. We say, That as soon as ever your Ambassa∣dour complained of the Hostility lately committed by Captain Holms in taking of your Fort near Cape Verd, we assured him upon our Royal Word, That that Attempt was committed without our Knowledg and Participation; so that after having disavowed it, we summoned him up to appear here, and after having seriously examined the Affair, we declared, that the said Holms should be punished according to the Rigor of the Laws, if he were found guilty, with Intention to make Reparation for the Dama∣ges you had suffered. But that Protestation, how sincere soever it were, was not capable to satisfie you, tho' it ought to have done so however, ac∣cording to the Tenour of the Treaty: On the contrary, you persisted to reproach us with having authorized the Insult made by the said Captain; who being at length come back into England, we forbad him to present himself at Court, and what is more, we committed him presently to the Tow∣er of London, where he continued Prisoner till after the Rupture. And yet your Ambassadour never in all that Time advanced any thing against him, that was a sufficient Ground to bring him to

his Trial; And what is more, Holms alledged, That before he attacked your Fort, he intercepted in his Way to Guiney, Orders by which your Officers were enjoyned to seize upon the Castle of Cor∣mantine, which they afterwards actually at∣tacked.

4. The Isle of Poleroon was not delivered into our Hands, according to the Conditions of the Trea∣ty, tho' we were engaged to great Expences, in Arming out two Fleets at two different Times, which we sent thither to go and take Possession of it; the Governours excusing themselves, by the Orders that had been signified to them, alledging they were not sufficient for their discharge.

5. We say, That de Ruiter had order to attack our Subjects, at the same Time when you caused Instances to be made to us, to stop the Departure of our Fleet designed for Guiney, under fair Ap∣pearances, That your Fleet should stay in their Ports in Expectation of coming to an Accommoda∣tion; at a Time, I say, when you were solliciting us to joyn our two Fleets together, to go and re∣duce the Corsairs of Algiers to their Duty, which we consented to with Pleasure. And yet de Ruiter separating himself from our Forces in the Medi∣terranean, without giving the least Notice of his Design, went to the Coasts of Guiney to commit all sorts of Hostility against our Subjects, and to seize upon the Country under our Obedience. All that passed before we had caused any of your Ships that were stoped, to be sold, or that we had attempted the least thing against your Subjects. These Five Points being proved, and being entirely conformable to the Truth, as we have shewn, and all these things having past before we thought of providing for our Security, by using the means an Offensive War engaged us to, we doubt not but you will pass in the World for the Aggressors, and that our Honour will for the future be safe from being aspersed with the Blame which ought wholly

to be charged upon you. A War being thus kindled then, and God having blest our Arms with happy success, we find our selves so much the more inclined to Peace, and evidently to set forth the sensible outrages that are done us, by representing as if we were obstinately bent to continue the War by refusing to propose pro∣per means to procure a Peace.

As for the overture made to us by your Am∣bassador during the time he remained in this Court, we refer our selves to the answers we made to all the memorials he presented us, which give sufficient Testimony of the inclinations we have for Peace.

As to what passed in the particular Conferen∣ces we had together, it is easy for you to satis∣fy your selves about it by the faithful Report of a man of Honour in whom we have had an extream confidence, and we wish he would de∣clare himself, whether we have not always Te∣stified a great Aversion to War, and as much inclination for Peace as a Christian is obliged to have, not thinking it fit to commit particulars to writing, that we might not expose our selves to those Inconveniences which your manner of pro∣ceeding would have excited at that time.

As for what concerns the recalling of our En∣voy from the Hague, before your Ambassador was called from London, it is notorious, he was dri∣ven thence by the cruel Treatments used to him, for being dispoiled of all the privileges annext to his Character, his Domesticks being imprison∣ed, and notwithstanding all the Complaints made of it from us, and the promises made us, that the like should not happen any more, his secre∣tary being put also under an arrest, without a∣ny reasonable pretence, and guards being placed before his house, and nothing having been neg∣lected that was capable of stirring up the Rab∣ble to rise upon him, all those violences, I say,

obliged him to provide for the security of his person by a handsom retreat.

'Tis true, the most Christian Kings Ambassa∣dors, after a stay of some months, and after we had accepted their Mediation, made us some par∣ticular propositions, but it is true likewise, that they afterwards disavow'd them, as they were ordered by you to do, and gave us to under∣stand, that you had absolutely disapproved them, in confidence that the sickness that reigned then in our Kingdom had so much weakned it, and reduced our people into so pitious a Condition, that it would be impossible for us to put out our Fleet to Sea again. The Ambassadors of the Court of France presented afterwards some other Memorials, assuring us from the King their Master, that he would engage to make you con∣sent to the project that had been proposed; and that as to what concerned the exorbitant and unreasonable demand we had made, it seemed improper to serve for the ground of a Treaty; adding, that your Ambassador might receive full power to treat of those propositions, or else of some others equally profitable to both Parties. And there their Mediation ended, so that they de∣parted, after having declared, that upon the re∣fusal of the abovesaid propositions, their Master would be obliged to assist you during the rest of the War. Things then having past in that manner, 'tis easy to Judge whether we are at pre∣sent in a State to make you any other proposals on our part.

As to what passed at Paris between our Am∣bassador Extraordinary, and Mr. Van Beu∣ningen, we think our selves obliged to relate it a little at length, to undeceive the pub∣lick, by informing them what pains was taken, to perswade them, that we were formally en∣tred into a Negotiation, that reasonable and advantageous proposals had been therein made us,

but that we had rejected them, and that in fine by a Criminal obstinacy we had broken off the Negotiation. A sound Judgment may be made how things passed by what we are going to re∣late, that you may be disabused of the unfaith∣full Account that has been given of them, and of the false prejudices pretended to be drawn from thence.

We could do no less than to recall our Am∣bassador Extraordinary from the Court of France after the recalling of the Ambassadors of the most Christian King, and the Declaration of War that follow'd close after it. Our Ambassadour then having signified his Letters of Revocation, being very much indisposed, a great Lord of the Court that was much considered, came to visit him, and told him as a secret he intrusted to him, that the King his Master took all imagi∣nable pains to induce you to a Peace, that Mr. Van Beuningen your Envoy would be ready to make an overture of some propositions, that might be made for a ground for it. And therefore for that effect he prayed him to defer his Voyage, and to order it so as to meet the said Envoy at the Queen our Mothers Palace to treat there in her presence about the means of attaining to a Peace. Our Ambassador answered him? that having received his Audience of leave, he was devested of his Character, that he had no power to enter into a Negotiation, and that according to his orders he was obliged to depart as soon as ever his health would permit him. A few days after, the same Lord made him a second visit, in which he renewed his instances, and declared to him in his Masters Name, that if he persisted in his Resolution to depart, without hearing what they had to propose to him for promoting of a Peace, he would undoubtedly be charged with all the blood that was going to be spilt, for ha∣ving refused to lend an Ear to those expedients

that might be capable to prevent so great mis∣chiefs. Upon such pressing Sollicitations, our Ambassador promised to meet them at the Queen our Mothers Palace, declaring however, that he had no power, but that if he did it, it would be out of Complaisance and Curiosity to hear what proposals they had to make. And accordingly he went thither at the appointed hour, as like∣wise did one of the Ministers of the most Chri∣stian King. Their Conversation having been em∣ployed some time in discoursing about the War, and your Envoy obstinately maintaining that we were the Aggressors, he proposed again the same Alternative that you now have newly proposed to us, to which he demanded a positive answer, namely, That reparation should be made on both sides for all the damages suffered since the be∣ginning of the War; or else, that each party should remain in possession of what they actually possessed. Our Ambassador shewed him the mistake in rea∣soning after such a manner, and how far we were from being the Aggressors; he also Represented to him the impossibility of determining upon the choice of either of those proposals, till it had been first examined, when the War begun! how? and by whom; without which it was impossi∣ble for him to understand the true Sense of that proposition. After that discourse, our Am∣bassador concluded that he had not power to treat, but an express order to be gone immediate∣ly. But that however they might dispatch a∣way an express to inform Us of those proposals, which was in his opinion, the only way to come to a Peace, to which he knew of his own cer∣tain knowledge, I was altogether inclined. That was the end of an enterview, which they would needs have to pass in the world for a Negotiati∣on, and of which all the blame, and ill success has been imputed to Us. And since you repeat the same thing in your Letter, as a considerable

advance for Peace, we have likewise right to make you the same answer now which our Ambassa∣dor made them at that time, namely, that 'tis impossible for us to explain our selves clearly concerning those two propositions, till you have first explained the terms of them. In that view, we have accepted the Mediation of our dear Bro∣ther, the King of Swedeland, as we are ready to refer it to any other Prince, who shall not have declared himself a party against us, in hopes that by that means it may clearly appear, what conditions you desire a Peace should be conclu∣ded upon; tho' you are not ignorant we have particularized several things about that Subject, as also several of your own people have done that are well affected to Peace, and to the good of their Country, that are at present prosecu∣ted, because they suffered themselves to be too easily perswaded into a belief, that as to what concerns the abovesaid propositions, you would take a resolution to dispatch some body to Us, to treat about proper means to procure a Peace, and to prevent the inconveniences that have follow∣ed since.

As to the nomination of a Neuter place to treat of Peace with France and Denmark which are engaged in the present War, we say, that as we have no differences with the most Christian King, but only so far as he has concerned himself in your quarrel, we doubt not but we may Ac∣commodate our selves together by acknowledg∣ing our true interests, which permits us not to suffer a good Correspondence that has prevailed so long time together between us, and that Crown, should be destroyed by the obstinate refusal to agree to just and reasonable means to come to a Peace. As for the King of Denmark, who could not meddle in these disputes without vio∣lating the engagements he had equally both with you and Us, we cannot consent with re∣spect

to that Crown, to the Nominati∣on of a Neuter place. Nay we are con∣strained to declare here that the enterprize made in the Haven of Bergen, would never have come into our thoughts, if that Prince had not in∣duced Us by his sollicitation to send our Fleet thither by the hopes he made us conceive of sha∣ring together in the spoil of your ships. How∣ever notwithstanding the sensible outrages we have received from him on all occasions that have pre∣sented themselves, we make no scruple to tell you, that as we accept the Mediation of our dear Brother, the King of Sweden, as well in regard to France, as to your selves, so when our particular differences shall be composed, we will accept your Mediation to procure a Peace with Denmark upon reasonable Conditions, and that with design to strengthen the Union that ought to Reign between the Protestant Princes.

That therefore you may have no more mat∣ter to entertain your people withal in the de∣ceitfull opinion, that we refuse to explain to you the conditions upon which we desire a Peace, and tho' that manner of proceeding be quite out of Common use; namely, to outrage and at∣tack in an open War your Allies and Neighbours, and then to demand of them afterwards what are their pretensions, instead of offering them a just Reparation for the damages they have suffered, notwithstanding the inconveniences that may fol∣low therefrom we will not omit to let you know at the same time, what we would not have and what we pretend. We desire not your State should suffer the least change, that the Soveraign∣ty by which you Reign over your people should be in any manner weakened or altered, and much less yet, that you should depend on any Prince neither do we pretend any other Empire over the Sea, but such as our predecessors have at all times incontestably possess'd.

We demand only, that you should inviola∣bly, and in every point observe the last Treaty that was concluded between us, and that the in∣jurious Declaration publisht by your Governours in the East-Indies and Africk, be suppress'd and disavow'd, as contrary to the honour of all So∣veraigns and the common right of Nations; and that besides such a Regulation of Commerce may be establisht in the West-Indies, that our Subjects may be secured from the insults and oppressions to which they have at other times seen themselves exposed.

And tho' we propose not a Reimbursment in money to satisfie the immense charges of the War, yet we demand a moderate Sum in consideration of the damages, and to indemnify us for the los∣ses we and our Subjects have suffered, such a one as shall be judged reasonable; and moreover that security be given, that the said Treaty shall be inviolably observed in all things as the Me∣diators shall find agreeable to Reason and Ju∣stice.

In fine, we expect that in order to the pro∣moting so pious and important a work as is that of the Peace to be made between us, and which is to confirm and preserve that of all Christen∣dom, you shall depute some person to come to us to Regulate the Preliminaries that may con∣tribute to bring the Treaty to perfection. This being done we doubt not but God will protect us, and that he will turn all things to good, which will appear principally by reciprocal Testimonies of tenderness, and on our part by the continuation of the good will we always have had for your State; but if for particular reasons, you reject this expedi∣ent, and that you obstinately persist against your true interests to refuse to accept the Peace that is put into your hands, I leave it to the pub∣lick to Judge, whether of us ought to be char∣ged, if the War continue, with the fatal Ca∣lamities

and terrible misfortunes that will accom∣pany it, and whether we have not done on our side, all that our honour would permit us, to prevent them. I pray God so to dispose your Hearts as to make serious Reflections upon the true interest of Protestants, and to consider how much it will be exposed to the rage of its Ene∣mies if the War continue. We Recommend you, High and Mighty Lords, to his holy and happy protection, &c.

This Letter extremely surprized the States, they thinking it a very hard and sensible thing to the United Provinces, that the English should pretend to have all restored that had been taken from them, without being willing to restore any thing they had been taken from the Dutch. The States therefore in order once more to shew all the fair appearances of Justice on their side, and of the pretended sincere desire they had for Peace, caus∣ed remarks to be made upon the King of Great Britain's Letter, tending to justify their Conduct, and to answer separately to the Five points that were there advanced, and sent them to the King joined with the following Letter.

The States Answer to the King of England's Let∣ter of the 14th. of October 1666.

SIR,

WE have received your Majesty's Answer da∣ted from Whitehall the 4th. of October Old Stile, or on the 14th. of October last, to the Let∣ter we writ you dated on the 16th. of Septem∣ber; and tho' at the very beginning of your Let∣ter, your Majesty endeavours to justify your Arms against this State, we believe it to no pur∣pose to enter actually into any dispute about that Subject, because we are perswaded that if your Majesty would take the pains to peruse the wri∣tings

that have formerly been delivered into the hands of your Ministers, and that have been like∣wise made publick, that you would be undoubted∣ly convinced, as well as all the World, of the Justice of our cause, and of the Motives that engaged us to our own defence.

As to the five points in the Conclusion of your Majesty's said answer, we are in a State to pro∣test by the faith of men of Honour, that we have not violated the last Treaty in any of its parts, and that we will engage for the future, inviola∣bly to observe the Peace, in case it be made, praying your Majesty moreover, to set your self at rest in that respect, and to be pleased to give order, that it be punctually observed on your part.

As to the second point, tho' your Majesty's Mi∣nisters and particularly Agent Selwyn, published upon the Coasts of Africk a Declaration without Contradiction, more imperious, and injurious, than that which ours could have invented, and much less have put in execution, as has been made amply to appear elsewhere, yet we have silence thereupon, and we have not been observed to make any noise about it in the World. How∣ever, to shew that we are ready to remove that obstacle we consent that the two abovesaid De∣clarations shall be both disannull'd and disavow'd as well on your Majesty's part, as on ours.

To the third, that we are no less inclin'd than your Majesty, to consent to a Regulation of Commerce, provided it be General and Recipro∣cal, being hardly able to conceive that your Ma∣jesty would refuse in Europe and elsewhere, what you pretend to be Equitably your due in the East-Indies.

To the fourth, that tho' we are so far from being in a Condition to consent to a Re-imburs∣ment for the charges of the War, or the da∣mages suffered by your Majesty or your Subjects

that on the contrary, we have right to pretend the restitutien of the Ships and effects of our good Subjects, stopt in the Harbors or upon the Ri∣vers of your Majesties Kingdom, or that were taken at Sea by surprize, upon the Coasts of England; as likewise of New-Holland, Cabo Corso, and o∣ther places taken in Africk, without publishing before hand any Declaration of War, and in the time when our said Ships entred into your Ma∣jesty's Ports, trusting in the publick faith of a Treaty of Peace, in confidence in the sincere De∣claration which you had caused to be several times reiterated to us by your Ministers that resided then at the Hague, namely, that we ought not to take any umbrage at your Majesty's Arming, nor in any manner to apprehend the meeting of any of your Majesty's Ships of War, adding that your Majesty should always abhor the Conduct of the usurper Cromwel towards us, and would never enterprize any thing against the Liberty of the State, and of its Subjects; but that if it should happen that your Majesty could receive no satisfaction upon the Complaints that should be made to us on your part, that as a Generous Prince you would Declare War against the State, before a∣ny Act of Hostility were Committed. However it be, we shall be always ready to stand to the Terms of the said Declaration, if any thing must be expected of us.

As to the fifth, which is that your Majesty would make a Difficulty to trust to our Word or Seal, tho' on our side we were ready to trust to your Majesty's, we shall readily agree to any other proposition to render it the more firm and inviolable by the Guarantie of other Princes or States that are Friends or Allies.

But since your Majesty testifies by your An∣swer above annexed, that you have some grounds to hope to induce us to a particular Treaty, to the exclusion of our Allies, we find our selves

obliged to advertise you, that that cannot be, and consequently, it is absolutely necessary in Order to come to a good Peace, that your Majesty de∣termine to treat joyntly with us and our Con∣federates, and that you must needs dispose your self to consent that choice be made of a Neu∣ter place where the Plenipotentiaries as well of the Crowns of France and Denmark, as those of your Majesty may jointly with ours meet with all Liberty, without which all the pains that can be taken about it, will be to no purpose, because we are resolved to remain inseparably linkt to our Allies, and to hearken to no proposition that may tend to break our Union, directly or indirectly, and that with so much the more confidence be∣cause we are fully perswaded, our Allies will re∣main always unshaken in the same mind. We therefore make ardent prayers to God, to be pleased to incline your Majesty to a thing that is a Preliminary, without which 'tis impossible to come to a Peace; and we hope when affairs shall once be placed upon a good foot, we shall have new reasons to redouble our Zeal, and to put up prayers for the prosperity of your Majesty's reign.

However all hopes of being able to effect a Peace that year vanisht to nothing, and the Uni∣ted Provinces began to labour vigorously in refit∣ing and remanning out their Fleet. And for that end they resolved to keep their Seamen in pay all winter that they might have their full Com∣plements of men ready early in the Spring. For they thought it good Policy to make that last ef∣fort to oblige England to accept a Peace which they called just, by endeavouring to obtain by the force of Arms, or by subtilty of intrigue, what they could not effect by fair means.

The Ministers of the Crown of Sweden coming to the Court of England about the latter end of the Year 1666. used all the Diligence imaginable in qua∣lity of Mediatours, to compose the Differences among the Princes that were in War. The first Step they made in that Affair was, to prevail with the King of England, to consent to the naming of a Neuter Place, where the Plenipotentiaries of each Party might securely meet in order to treat of a Peace. After much Pains taken in it, they obliged the States to write the following Letter about that Subject to the King of England. The Respect due to that Prince, obliged the States to make that first Advance, whilst the Ministers of Swedeland on the other side endeavoured their utmost to perswade his Majesty to grant their Demand.

The States Letter to the King of England, con∣cerning the Nomination of a Neuter Place.

SIR,

WE exprest to your Majesty in ours of the 26th of November, the Reasons that hindred us from sending our Ministers to London to treat there of a Peace joyntly with the other Plenipotentiaries. And we doubt not but your Majesty, upon a serious Reflection thereon, will be of the same Mind with us. But that your Majesty may not think we neglect any thing on our side, that may contribute to any thing that may be capable to advance so important a Work, and to give you the clearest Evidences imaginable of the Sincerity of our Intentions upon this Subject, we were willing to assure your Majesty by these Pre∣sents, That the Instances we have made hitherto, to perswade you to name a Neuter Place, does not at all concern our particular Interests; Nay, and we protest, That if that Affair concerned us in parti∣cular, we would take Pride in passing by all Forma∣lities, by heartily consenting that our Differences might be terminated any where, wheresoever it should please

your Majesty, not excepting England it self. But because by virtue of the Alliance in which we are en∣gaged with the Crowns of France and Denmark, it is impossible for us to act otherwise, we hope your Ma∣jesty, will think good, that the Negotiation of the Treaty may be begun and perfected elsewhere than in the Dominions of your Majesty. We have therefore thought fit, for the facilitating so Holy a Work, to pray your Majesty by this Letter to consider this Af∣fair as it is really at the Bottom, and at length to be pleased to let the Treaty be carried on in a Neuter-place, where the Plenipotentiaries of each Party may meet. And since we have sufficiently explained our selves thereupon, if your Majesty will but be per∣swaded of the sincerity of our Sentiments, there is all Appearance, we shall soon see the End of a Work that is the Subject of the greatest Hopes of our People, and of the Glory of the Princes interested there∣in. To which we pray God be pleased to in∣cline your Majesty; In confidence of which we shall make Wishes for the Prosperity of your Majesty's Reign, and the Preservation of your Majesty's Sacred Person.

This Letter being put into the Hands of Mr. Ap∣pelboom, Resident from the King of Swedeland, at the Hague; that Minister sent it away presently to London, to the Ambassadours of that Crown there, who delivered it to the King of England; who made the following Answer to the States.

The King of England's Answer to the States last Letter.

High and Mighty Lords,

HAving received yours of the 13th of this Month, by the Hands of the Ambassadour Extraordina∣ry of the King of Sweden, by which you repeat your pressing Instances, to induce us to name a Place where the Plenipotentiaries of the Princes engaged in the

present War may meet; and since you protest besides that if it were not upon their Consideration, you would make no Scruple to consent that the Congress might be in England; and on the other Side, the said Am∣bassadours, Mediatours, having confirmed to us the sincerity of the violent Inclination that moves you to seek for a Peace, by praying us most earnestly to be pleased to consent to your Demand as to the only means by which to be able to effect the Conclusion of so Chri∣stian a Work; therefore to give you real Marks of the Passion we have to enter into new Engagements of Peace and Ʋnion with you, for the Good and Repose of all Christendom, and principally of the Reforma∣tion, we not only consent that the Treaty shall be man∣naged in a Place whither the Ministers of your Allies may come with all Security, but further to lay the Foundations of a new and solid Confidence, and in order to prevent the Delaies and Obstacles which will undoubtedly arise by naming any other Place, we have resolved to send our Ambassadours to the Hague, where the Plenipotentiaries of your Allies either actu∣ally are or may be in a little time, to treat there all together about the so much desired Peace. And if you be speedy in sending us a Passport for the Security of our Ambassadours they shall go to the Hague before the end of February; assuring you, That it shall be none of our Fault if Christendom do not soon enjoy a Peace, as well as our own Subjects: To which we pray God to incline you, and to take you, High and mighty Lords, into his Holy Protection.

The Hague being thus chosen by the King of En∣gland, for the Negotiation of a Peace; the States, for particular Reasons approved not that Choice, but writ again about that Subject, to pray him to be pleased to name another Place; representing to him, That since his Majesty upon the Instances made to him to persuade him to consent to a Neuter Place, had had the Goodness to do them the Honour to will that the Peace should be treated on in their Country,

they assured themselves, That his Majesty would make no Difficulty to send his Ministers to Ma∣stricht, Boisleduc, Breda, &c. However the other Allied Princes were not content neither with that last Choice; for the French King refused to accept of the 3 Places the Hollanders had last named, and would rather have Dover chosen for the Negotia∣tion. The Ambassadours of Swedeland perceiving that all those Nicities of France were not at all sea∣sonable at that time, laboured so hard with that Court, that at last Breda was accepted, whither all the Plenipotentiaries being come, in the Month of May, the first Conference began in the Castle the 4th of June 1667.* 35.1 Whilst they were busie in Regu∣lating the Preliminaries of the Treaty, a Squadron of Men of War that was sent by the States of Zea∣land into America, under the Conduct of Comma∣dore Kryusen, made strange Depredations there. For on the 26th of February, they took a Castle, seated on the River of Surinam in Guiana, where there was a considerable English Colony; they con∣tented themselves with obliging them to submit to the Obedience of the Hollanders, and left them in Possession of their Goods and Estates; besides which, the Zealanders made several other Con∣quests. In the mean while the English, whether they were enfeebled by their great Losses by War, Fire and Plague, or whether that Court was blinded by false and treacherous Counsels, which latter was most probable, neglected to arm out their Fleet that Year, and appeared not at all in the Channel, but in small Squadrons and Convoys. But the Dutch Fleet to the Number of 60 Sail of Men of War,* 35.2 besides those of Zealand and Friesland, which had not yet joyn'd them, set sail the 11th of June under the Command of Admiral de Ruiter, accompanied with Mr. Cornelius de Wit, Deputy of the States, and Brother to the Great Pensionary of that Name: They steered their Course towards the River of London, with a Design not only to go and attack the

English in their Harbours, but likewise to make a Descent some where to ravage the Country. For that effect they held a Council of War to consult by what means they might run some light Frigats a con∣siderable way up the River, to go and burn the En∣glish Ships that were there. Lieutenant Admiral de Gent was chosen for that Expedition, for which they gave him the Command of a Squadron formed out of the Detachments made from the Grand Fleet. It was composed of 6 Men of War, 1 Advice-yacht, and 2 Fireships of the Admiralty of the Meuse; of 11 Men of War, 4 Advice-Yachts, and 2 Fireships of the Admiralty of Amsterdam, and 13 Galliots. The next Morning, being the 19th of June, Lieu∣tenant Admiral de Gent, and Mr. de Wit, Deputy of the States, went up the Thames at the Head of that Detachment, and by an Enterprise they went so much the boldlier upon, because they were well informed, They should meet with little Opposition, revenged the Mischief the English had done before in the Isles of Ʋlie, and Schelling; as appears by the Report the said Mr. de Wit made of that Action to the States,* 35.3 in the Letters he writ them on that subject; the substance of which imported,

That on the 17th instant the Dutch Fleet coming to an An∣chor at the Mouth of the Thames, as they were con∣sulting with the general Officers of the Fleet, what Enterprise to go upon, having received Advice by a Pilot of a Norway Ship, coming from London, That 10 or 12 English Frigats, carrying from 30 to 40 Guns apiece, together with about 20 Mer∣chant Ships, outwards bound to the Barbadoes, were riding at Anchor in the Hope, near Graves∣end, it was resolved they should go and attack them, and to endeavour to destroy or take them. And for that effect a Detachment was made from the Fleet, of 17 Light Frigats, 5 Advice-yachts, some Galliots, and some Boats. That on the 19th, about 4 in the Morning, the Wind being turned about to the South-West, they were forced to luff,

and afterwards constrained by that contrary Wind to cast Anchor: [ 1667] But that the Wind chopping about at length to the South-East, was more fa∣vourable to them; which made them resolve to unmoor, without any further Loss of Time, in Hopes to execute their Enterprise that same Even∣ing: But the Wind slackning, they were forced to stop a Mile and a half short of the Hope, which gave Time to the English Ships to escape away. However, to Day, continues he, about Noon, as the Tide begun to come in, we advanced as far as the Mouth of the River of Chattam. We pre∣sently gave Order to the Land-Troops and Marine Soldiers to make a Descent, and to attack the Fort of Sheerness; In the mean while we advanced with our Men of War, and anchored before the same Fort. At our Approach, one of the King's Fri∣gats with some other Vessels,* 35.4 and some Fireships that were there, betook themselves to Flight, and the Men in the Fort ran away likewise before our Troops got thither; so that after the Fort had been cannonaded about an Hour and an half, our Sea∣men scaled it to pull down from thence the English Banner. We found there 15 Pieces of Cannon, which we carried off to our Ships; and a great Magazine of Masts, Yards, and in general of all Necessaries for the Rigging of Ships, valued at near 400000 Livers. We gave Order to all our Captains, to carry each of them on Board them a good quantity, and to set Fire to the rest. Because the most part of our Land-Troops were separated from us by the foul Weather, the Gene∣ral Officers thought not fit to engage themselves too far up the Country with so few People, or else they might have done a great deal of Mischief. We are however of Opinion, to keep the River of London blocked up, and to hinder the Passage of Ships there as much as 'tis possible for us. And for that effect, Lieutenant Admiral de Ruiter is to come up and joyn us with the Main Body of the Fleet.

All those happy Successes were further seconded by a much more mischievous Expedition, in which several English Men of War were burnt in the Ri∣ver of Rochester, as you may find by the following Letter.

High and Mighty Lords,

* 36.1SInce my last of the 10th, by which I informed your High and Mightinesses of the taking of Sheerness, we have received fresh Marks of God's Protection, by several glorious. Advantages we have newly ob∣tained. After we had detached away some Advice-Yachts, and several Boats armed, to go and sound the Passage from hence to Chattam, we resolved to send up thither to Day Lieutenant Admiral de Gent's Squadron; and accordingly by the Favour of a good North-East Wind, we unmoored from Sheerness at 6 in the Morning. About Noon we arrived near some English First-Rate Men of War, having on Board them very brave Guns, and being very well manned, who made a Shew at first as if they would make a brisk Defence; but as soon as we had burnt 4 or 5 of them, some of the others were deserted, so that we took them. I cannot at present give you a particu∣lar Account what Ships perished by the Flames; but I know very well, that the Royal Charles, carrying 90 Brass Guns, and another carrying a like Number, fell into our Hands. There are still 4 or 5 more a little above us, against which we have sent some of ours, and because there is a very great Consternation among the English, we doubt not but to take them. According to the Advices we have had of the Enemy, they have sunk 16 or 18 Ships, the most part Fire-ships, to block up the Passage of the River against us: But in spite of all these Precautions, our Ships are passed up, and we flatter our selves with the Hopes to bring along with us those which we shall have taken. We are in the Resolution to wait here your High and Mightinesses Orders, that we may be able to regulate what we are to do more; thanking God for having

so powerfully protected our Arms to the Destruction of our Enemies, which makes us conceive new Hopes of Peace, to the Advantage of our Nation, or at least we can boast to have had the Glory to ruine their Forces in such a manner, that if the War continues, they will be no longer in a condition to hurt us, and we shall have no reason to fear them any more: Which we: passionately wish, and at the same time all sort of Prosperity to the State.

On the 23d of June Mr. de Wit sent some other Dispatches to the States, to inform them of several remarkable Circumstances, which were not before come to his Knowledge, and added thereto the sequel of so many happy Progresses. He informed them, that the Bed of the River was so narrow, that there could but one Ship pass along it abreast, and that the English fired so hotly from their Artillery, that none of the Hollanders durst advance to go near them any more: But that Captain Brakel, belong∣ing to the College of the Admiralty of Roterdam, offering himself to that Service, made appear, that nothing is impossible to a great Courage. For tho' he commanded but a sorry Frigat, ill manned and equipp'd, yet he undertook alone to go up and burn the English Men of War, so that being advanced with all imaginable Resolution, without firing a Gun, he endured all the Enemies greatest Fire. He was scarcely arrived within Musket shot of an En∣glish Man of War, but that he fired a Broad-side at her, and falling upon her at the same time, by the Favour of the Wind, grappled her and took her, with the Loss only of 3 Men. A Dutch Fireship grappled likewise another English Man of War of 52 Guns and burnt her. That Disaster struck such a Consternation into the Enemies, that a part of the Royal Charles's Men fled away, and the rest jumped into the Water. We took with the Help of our Boats, without any Resistance, another English Ship, called Charles the Fi••th of 50 Guns, but being

grappled by one of our Fire-Ships, she blew up in the night. The ship call'd the Fort of Hunningen being de∣serted by her men that fled away in Boats was taken: she carried 70 Brass Guns; but she was unfortunate∣ly burnt contrary to the Orders we had given. This loss was followed with that of another very considerable English Ship which we likewise de∣stroyed with the Flames. Yesterday we percei∣ved 3 more above us which we hope to destroy to day; the Water was so low that it was im∣possible for us to get up to them. However the North wind continuing to blow, and the rest of our Fire-Ships that were scattered from the Flag being veer'd back again towards the Admiral, we gave them orders to go up and burn them. And tho' it seemed, that Ʋpton Castle situated upon the River side, might have opposed that enterprize, because the passage being very narrow in that place, our men must have been forced to have endu∣red its fire, yet in spite of all those obstacles, the business was carried on with so much prudence, that we burnt them to day about 3 in the after∣noon. Those 3 Ships were the most considerable in all the English Navy, they were named the Loyal London, the Royal James, and the Loy∣al Oak. Mr. de Wit adds in the close, We have obtained, says he, all these Glorious advantages hitherto without the loss of above 150 men. We are at present resolved to go down the River, to join the Main Body of our Fleet. According to the advices we have, all the Kingdom is in A∣larm, and they are there Assembling a great Num∣ber of Troops; But all that is not able to inti∣midate us. However because most of our Fire-Ships have been spent, we pray the States to give Order that we may have more. All our Officers both General and Inferiour have Signaliz'd them∣selves, and given proofs of an unparallelled Bra∣very. Lieutenant Admiral Aylva's Squadron, has joined the Admiral's Flag, so that the Fleet is Re∣inforced

with a Considerable Number of Ships of War, and we have nothing more to do but to put up prayers for the continuation of the prosperities with which it has pleased God hitherto to bless the Arms of the State.

The Duke of York and General Monk were the melancholick Spectatours of the Expedition, and according to the report of some Prisoners, they had been but the day before on Board those 3 Ships that were last burnt. Retiring to Roche∣ster they were in an unconceivable vexation, to see the Finest and Richest Ships of all their Fleet destroyed so strangely, and they in no Conditi∣on to put a stop to those terrible Ravages of the Hollanders. There were several other Ships and Fire-Ships likewise lost, which the English them∣selves sunk in the River of Chattam, on purpose to stop the Hollanders passage, and besides them were lost 8 of the most considerable men of War in the whole English Fleet: Which made both Court and Country exclaim against those pernici∣ous Councellors that had advised the King to be amused so far with the hopes of a Peace, as to venture to treat without Sword in hand, and af∣ter so great a Victory as he had had the last time over the Dutch to be perswaded under pretence of saving Money, not to put his Fleet out, when it was so necessary for the obtaining an advanta∣geous Peace, and of preserving the Honour and Reputation the Nation had gotten at so dear an expence in two consecutive Dutch Wars, which now was by one of the greatest oversights ima∣ginable in Policy obscured and tarnisht all at one blast, and never since recovered it self altogether to its former Luster.

Those surprizing and heavy mischiefs much A∣larmed and imbittered the people. So that an insurrection was feared in Kent, and about Ro∣chester. Upon which the Duke of York, and Ge∣neral Monk apprehending least those glowing Sparks

might if not timely quencht kindle into an Uni∣versal Conflragation that might endanger the Go∣vernment, thought it best to stifle them in time by sending with speed a good Body of Troops both Horse and Foot, down to the Coasts, as well to awe the Mutinous People as to oppose the Hollanders. However the whole Storm of the publick discontent fell afterwards upon Chancel∣lor Hyde, as being the reputed Author of those Counsels that were supposed to have caused all those ill successes, so that he was forced to flie into Exile, to avoid a worse destiny, from which the King his Master could not have protected him without exposing himself to the extreamest dan∣ger. In the mean while the Common Opinion a∣mong the People in Holland was, that these new attempts instead of disposing the States to a Peace would have kindled fiercer flames of War, and have made the two Nations irreconcilable; But experience quickly shew'd the contrary the Nego∣ation for Peace at Breda, was thereupon all on a sud∣den further advanced than it had been in many con∣ferences before.

On the 25th. of the Month, it was resolved in a Council of War held on board the Fleet, to detach away Lieutenant Admiral de Gent with a Squadron of 22 Sail of Men of War and Fire-Ships, towards the North, as well to endeavour to seize upon the Isle of Hitland, as to cruize for the Ships that were expected from the East-Indies. But as for De Ruiter with the Rest of the Fleet, they went and Anchoured before the Isle of Sheppey, where they Land∣ed Four or Five hundred men, who advanced into the Country without Resistance, and brought off to the Fleet, a great quantity of Refreshments of all sorts.

The Count de Hoorn was afterwards sent with his Regiment on board the Fleet, and de Ruiter received orders, to remount the Thames, in order to attempt some further enterprize. For which effect, Lieutenant Admiral Bankert who was newly come to the Fleet with a Reinforcement of some Ships from Zealand, was Commanded with a Squa∣dron of 14 of the lightest Ships, and 2 Fire-Ships to advance near Gravesend, and do all the mischief he could. But that new enterprize had no suc∣cess, but only served to augment the consterna∣tion that was already among the inhabitants of London, because the English had sunk so many Ships to stop up the passage of the Thames, that it was impossible for the Dutch to make any advance; and besides the Batteries of Great Cannon that were raised all along on both sides the River fired so hotly upon the Ships that ventured within their reach, that Bankert was forced to retire, and veer back towards the Admiral.

The Fleet then having been Reinforced by the Troops brought by the Count de Hoorn, the Ge∣nerals thought fit to attack the Fort near Har∣wich, the principal Circumstances of which Acti∣on are Related in the Letter Mr. de Wit writ concerning it to the States, of which here follows the extract.

I Having represented to all the Officers of the fleet that it was fit the States Troops should be em∣ployed in some remarkable Expedition,* 36.2 and several Persons in the Fleet pretending they had particular knowledge of the Fort of Harwich, the General Of∣ficers thereupon resolved to detach 1600 Land-Soldiers and 400 Seamen, under the Conduct of Rear Admiral Vlug, and the Captains Swart and Luz, and that being divided into equal Companies at 12 in a Company, 4 of each Company should be chosen to throw Granado's, and the rest should car∣ry Scaling-Ladders, and Axes to cut down the Pa∣lisado's,

if they met with any. Things being thus order'd, we caused Vice Admiral Evertsz to advance with 14 men of War, 1 Advice Yacht, and two fire-Ships, to attack the fort on one side, which Squadron was divided into two Parts. And Rear Admiral Van Nes had order to enter the Bay with 6 men of War, to approach nearer the fort, whilst Vice-Admiral Evertsz should vigorously attack it on another side. When the signal was gi∣ven the Troops were transported to shore in Boats and Galliots, with all imaginable speed. Observing, that Vice-Admiral Evertsz who was to attackt the fort before, kept at too great a distance from the Ramparts, and that Rear-Admiral Van Nes went not into the Haven, as had been projected, we Re∣solved, de Ruiter and I, to go up to them, and make them advance. But when we came there, we found it impossible for Vice-Admiral Evertsz to get any nearer, and upon the Report made to us by the Soldiers we sent to Van Nes, that there was no going in on that side, the Boom being cut, we re∣solved to send in some Boats to sound the passage, but the Tide going off, and a Calm coming on, it was impossible to execute any thing. Evertsz approach∣••ng as near the Ramparts as he could possibly, fired at the fort, but the shot he made had but very little effect, because it was almost out of his reach: Whereas the Castle fired vigorously on their side up∣on his men of War. When we saw nothing consi∣derable could be done on that side, de Ruiter and I took a Boat and went on shore to the Troops there, which we found there drawn up in order of Battle, and waiting till the men of War were got in: And after we had related to them the obstacles we met with, we resolved to make them advance and to attack the fort vigorously by Land, since 'twas im∣possible to do it by Water. The Generals thought fit to leave a body of foot under the Conduct of the Count de Hoorn, to guard a certain passage, as well to secure our Boats as preven•• the Enemies from fal∣ling

upon us behind. When all things were ready we marcht our Troops towards the fort, and when we were come very nigh it the Seamen that carri∣ed the Scaling Ladders, had others to advance; in the mean while, the Enemy fired so terribly with their small arms both from the Fort, and from a Galliot that was in the Harbour, that our Officers, after they had examined more nearly the works of the Fort, finding there was no appearance of their being able to take it, resolved to Retire; which was done in good Order. The body of Foot that was posted to guard the passage was vigorous∣ly attackt by the Enemies Horse and Foot, but were received so briskly by them, that after a long and ob∣stinate fight, they were forced to retire with loss.

That attempt having thus failed, de Ruiter ad∣vanced higher up the River and made the Ships of his fleet bespread the whole breadth of it that they quite blockt up its passage. Rear-Admiral Vander Zaan was ordered to stay with 8 men of War, at the mouth of the Harbour of Harwich, to observe the Enemies Ships coming or going to and from the Northward, and Vice-Admiral Evertsz, and Star were sent towards the North-Foreland, to hinder the English from coming in on that side.

In the mean while this strange and indirect pro∣ceeding of the States Forces made a great change in the Negotiation for Peace that was managing at Breda. For the States Plenipotentiaries stuck not to say, That the advantages their Arms had newly obtained, might perhaps make their Masters alter their minds; That however they consented to conclude a Peace upon the conditions that had been presented, but that they could not answer for its Ratification. And that it was not to be imagi∣ned, the States and their Allies should stand to the offers that had been made, if God cont••nued to bless their Arms with new Conquests. The Dutch Aim∣ing by that Declaration, to oblige the English to

make choice of one or the other of the proposi∣tions that had been made them, viz. That each party should either render back Reciprocally what they had taken or else keep on both sides what they had. And the King of England's Plenipo∣tentiaries appeared likewise much more inclinable to Peace than they had done before, and the Differen∣ces as well with the States, as with the Kings of France and Denmark were at last terminated on the 10th. of July; save only that Mr. Coventry one of His Britannick Majesty's Plenipotentiaries was obliged to go back with all speed to London to get some points agreed to, which it was not in their power to decide.

The news of a Conclusion of the Peace was brought to the Fleet the 14th. of the same month, and yet because it was not fully ratified, such was then the insolence of the then Lovestenian Go∣vernment, for which they afterwards paid dear, that orders were sent for all that, next day to de Ruiter, to continue still to do all the mischief he could upon the English Coasts, because the Peace was not yet fully concluded. Upon that advice the Fleet was divided the same day into 2 Squadrons, whereof 1 under the Command of Lieutenant Admiral Van Nes, was ordered to block up the River of Thames, and the other un∣der the Command of de Ruiter in person Quitted the Thames to go a cruizing along the Channel to infest the several Ports of the Kingdom there.

On the 18th de Ruiter's Squadron passed the Strait of Callis, and the next day advanced right a∣gainst the Singels without meeting any Ship. But the English Barbado's and Smirna Fleets which they had flattered themselves with the hopes of taking, were got safe into Port before they could reach them. Seeing then they had mist their desi∣red prey, they resolved next to attack Torbay, where there were 2 Merchant Ships. Which enterprize

put all the Coasts of England so much the more in alarm, because de Ruiter having divided his Squa∣ron into several bodies, made them appear in se∣veral places at one time, which so perplext the English that they knew not which way to bend their Force to hinder a descent. On the 8th of August, having received a Reinforcement of 7 men of War, and 8 Fire-Ships, he sailed as far as Ply∣mouth, upon advice he had received that a good Number of English men of War were there as∣sembling. The next day towards evening, a Boat came out of Plymouth carrying a White Flag, which came directly to de Ruiter to tell him the News of a Peace. There were in it two Eng∣lish Colonels accompanied with two other Gentle∣men who came on board the Admiral, and told him that Peace was Concluded between England, and the United Provinces; after which they made him great protestations of Amity, praying him to order all Acts of Hostility to cease. They complained at the same time of the fight that had newly hapned on the Thames between Lieutenant Admiral Van Nes, and some of the King's Ships; and how that, contrary to the Peace, many of their Ships had been endamaged, and several Fire-Ships burnt to Ashes, &c. But de Ruiter without taking any notice of all those Compliments, thought not fit to discontinue his Enterprize as believing the States would not have failed to have informed him of so great a piece of News, if things had been really so as the English pretended.

Lieutenant Admiral Van Nes having received orders from the States, to remount the River of London and to go and attack the English men of War and Fire-Ships that were in the Hope, and to keep the English in a perpetual alarm, set sail accordingly with his Squadron, on the 2d. of Au∣gust and found there Admiral Spragg with 5 Fri∣gats, 17 Fire-Ships, and a great many small Ves∣sels. The principal Circumstances of the fight

that hapned between them on that occasion, are Related in the following Letter written by Lieu∣tenant Admiral Van Meppelen, who led the Van∣guard.

* 36.3UPon the advice we had, that 5 of the King's Frigats whereof the biggest carried 54 Guns, 16 or 18 Fire-Ships, and a good Number of small Vessels were riding a little below Graves∣end, we resolved to go and attack them. I led the Van, and Captain Naalhout was Commanded with 8 Fire-Ships, to go and begin the attack. I following him close with five men of War, and was backed by Lieutenant Admiral Van Nes. At our approach the Enemies hoist∣ed their Sails, and staid in their post till we came near their Fire-Ships that were at Anchor; we prest them so closely, that some of them in a fit of despair, cut their Anchor-Cables and retired towards the King's Frigats who likewise began to flie. Captain Naalhout fell upon them with so much Courage, that he forced them to veer back towards their Fire-Ships who enclosed them so round, and kept so close to them, that it was Difficult to come near any of them. Then a Calm coming on, the small English Vessels fi∣red so many shot at our Fire-Ships, that we were forced to quit some of them, after we had set fire to them, and there were two of them set on fire and burnt by the Guns of the English. But as soon as the Wind began to rise a little they all betook themselves to flight, and we cha∣ced them as far as under the very Fort of Gravesend which fired fiercely upon us, with its Cannon. We Anchored with our whole Squa∣dron in the same place from which we had chased them, and we lost in that Action 11 Fire-Ships, so that there was but one left us, and the English lost 7.

On the next day being the 3d. of August, we perceived the Enemies coming down the Ri∣ver, and making towards us. We therefore quitted our post, and as we were retiring, be∣cause the only Fire-Ship we had left, run a ground and that it was impossible to save it, we set it on fire towards Evening. The English were al∣ready got very near us with their Fire-Ships; we received them vigorously, and both sides conti∣nued firing at one another, till we cast Anchor, and then the English quitted us. The next day we advanced so fast, that by the good Conduct of Lieutenant Admiral Van Nes, we were out of danger of running a ground. However, the English left not off following us, in Hopes to burn the first of our Ships that should have run aground; But we gave them chace again about the dusk of the Evening.

On the 5th. of August in the morning, we descried 21 Sail making towards us with a fresh East-North-East Gale, which we easily discover∣ed to be the English come out of Harwich. They had 5 Frigats, 14 Fire-Ships, and 2 Galliots. Whereupon Lieutenant Admiral Van Nes held a Council, and it was resolved we should cast Anchor, and manfully to stand the Enemies shock, in spite of the danger we exposed our selves to of losing some Ships. As soon as they got near enough to us, the first motion they made, was to come and fall upon Captain Naalhout to en∣deavour to burn him; but he hastily weighing up his Anchor, vigorously Repulsed two Fire-Ships that were coming to grapple him, and e∣scaped as 'twere by Miralce. The Rear-Admiral of Zealand was very near being burnt, but he escaped the danger by Repulsing the Fire-Ship with his Guns.

The Number of Fire-Ships that were destroyed as well on the English as the Dutch side, was ve∣ry near equal. After that Rencounter Lieutenant Admiral Van Nes returned to his post to keep the River blockt up, as he had done before.

A Peace was at last Concluded the last day of July. And Admiral de Ruiter having received ad∣vice that the Ratifications were exchanged on both sides, the 25th. of the same month, and thereup∣on the Peace was accordingly Proclaimed, order∣ed all Acts of Hostility to cease. Such was the end of the Second War the United Provinces had with England; which was terminated indeed by a Peace, but such a one, alas that was but of small duration, since scarce had those two Powers laid down their Arms, but they were forced to take them up again, as will appear in the sequel of our History.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Tromp's Letter to the Prince of Sally.
• * 1.2

  De Ruiter's Letter to the Prince of Sally.
• * 1.3

  The Sid's Answer to de Ruiter.
• * 1.4

  A Peace renewed ••ith Sally.
• * 1.5

  Rear Ad∣miral Tromp's Letter to the States.
• * 1.6

  A cruel Fight be∣tween the 2 Fleets of the King of Swede∣land, and of the Ʋ∣nited Pro∣vinces.
• * 1.7

  Honours done by the King of Swede∣land to the Body of Vice-Ad∣mir••l De Wit.
• * 2.1

  1660.
• * 4.1

  The Me∣morial presented to King Charles II. by the States Am∣bassador's, Concern∣ing the Squadron of men of War sent to Guiney.
• * 5.1

  The King of Egland's Declarati∣on about the taking of the Dutch Ships.
• * 5.2

  A Declara∣tion of the States Ge∣neral.
• * 5.3

  The King of Eng∣land s De∣claration of War a∣gainst the States.
• * 5.4

  A Fight between the Duke of York and Admi∣ral Opdam.
• * 5.5

  Admiral Opdum blown up.
• * 6.1

  Tromp's Letter to the Lords of the Col∣lege of Ad∣miralty of Amster∣dam.
• * 7.1

  Admiral Opdam's Epitaph.
• * 8.1

  Admiral Kortenaars Epitaph.
• * 8.2

  Tromp cho∣sen Admi∣ral in chief upon cer∣tain con∣ditions.
• * 8.3

  De Ruiter returns from Guiney.
• * 9.1

  His Letter to the States.
• * 10.1

  A Mark of Gold is 8 Ounces.
• * 10.2

  The Reso∣lution of the States General constitut∣ing de Rui∣ter Lieute∣nant-Ad∣miral in chief.
• * 11.1

  A Letter from the States of Holland and West-Friesland, to the chief De∣puties, a∣bout Tromp's re∣fusal to serve.
• * 13.1

  A Letter from ••••e Earl of Sandwich, to General Monk.
• * 14.1

  The States Remon∣strance to the King of England, concern∣ing the rupture of the Peace.
• * 15.1

  The Arti∣cles of the Dutch League with Den∣mark.
• * 18.1

  Tromp's Letter to the States, about the fight with the English in June, 1666.
• * 22.1

  Admiral Ayschew's Letter to the King of Eng∣land.
• * 23.1

  The States Letter to the King of Eng∣land.
• * 25.1

  Admiral de Ruiter's Letter to the States about the Fight in August, 1666.
• * 26.1

  Lieute∣nant Ad∣miral Tromp's Letter to the States.
• * 27.1

  Lieute∣nant Ad∣miral Mep∣pel's Letter
• * 29.1

  Tromp's Letter to the States in his own Vindicati∣on.
• * 29.2

  The States Resolution about de∣posing Tromp from his Place of Lieute∣nant Ad∣miral.
• * 29.3

  Tromp dis∣placed by the States of Holland.
• * 29.4

  Tromp so∣licited by the Count d' Estrades to take service un∣der the French King, but in vain.
• * 29.5

  The spoils done by the Eng∣lish at the Ʋlie.
• * 29.6

  Dreadful Fire of London.
• * 30.1

  The King of Eng∣land's Let∣ter to the States.
• * 31.1

  The States Letter to the King of England
• * 32.1

  The King of Eng∣land's an∣swer to the States Letter.
• * 35.1

  Surinam taken by the Zea∣landers.
• * 35.2

  The Dutch Fleet sails out, and makes to∣wards the Thames.
• * 35.3

  Cornelius de Wit's Letter to the States, about the Duthc go∣ing up the River of Thames.
• * 35.4

  The Fort of Sheer∣ness taken.
• * 36.1

  De Wit's second Letter to the States.
• * 36.2

  Harwich Fort••st ••••∣med.
• * 36.3

  A fight in the Thames between Admiral Sprag and the Dutch Squadron under Lieute∣nant Admiral Van Nes.