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.  
LONDON, Printed by J. Orme, for R. Clavel, J. Sturton and A. Bosvile in Fleetstreet, and J. Cater in Holbourn. MDCXCVII.   

THE Author's Preface.  
THE World is so earnest after the Events of the Present War, that it has hardly Leisure enough to read the several Accounts which are continually printed on that Subject: And this takes up all our Thoughts so much, that we have scarce Time to reflect on past Transactions. I must confess, we have Reason enough for this; for what is passed cannot effect us much, because it can neither add to our Misery, nor better our Condition.  
But, the War, wherein Europe is now engaged, is of so great a Consequence, that, according to the Turn of Affairs, every one must have their Hopes or Fears, either to expect a Happy Change in their Fortunes, or to dread the contrary. Yet tho' we now seem wholly taken up with the present, there are, however, some Histories of former Times capable to excite the Curiosity of the Public, because what is past may enable us to argue on what's to come, and to draw Consequences accordingly.  
The following History, of Van Tromp, is of this kind; and what the States have performed under the Conduct of that Great Man, and sometimes, by themselves, and against Two formidable Powers; we may reasonably conclude, that now, since the said States and England are united, nothing can be able to oppose them at Sea, provided they will be but unanimous and act in Consort:  
The manner of the Deliverance of the United Provinces in 1672. from the Slavery wherewith they were threatened, next to the Favour and Assistance of Heaven, through the wise Conduct and Valour of the Prince of Orange, now King of England, and by the Victories which the Admirals of this State have obtained over both the Fleets of France and England, then joined together, gives us very good Reason, likewise, to conclude; that there is nothing we may not at this Day expect from these two Potent States, since they have both put themselves under the Conduct of that Prince, who commands their Armies conjunctly, and since their Naval Forces are united against the Common Enemy.  
We are therefore persuaded, that this Work will not now be unseasonable, but will have the good Fortune to be well received by the variety of Events, of which we have hitherto had but a very imperfect Account; because that few Historians have made it their Business to treat at large of Matters relating to the Sea. Herein you will find exact Relations of many bloody Engagements performed in most Seas, and which have been often followed by Descents on the Territories of those that have had the wors● of it. Herein you will see, how Victory has been disputed between the most powerful, as well as most numerous Fleets, and the greatest Admirals that ever fought on the Ocean. In a Word, you will have a full Account of what England and the Provinces have hitherto been capable of executing at Sea, and when they have been the single Combatants.  
But we will leave the Reader his full Liberty to make what Reflections he shall think fit, and content ourselves with the Performance of a Faithful Historian, by giving you a plain Relation of Matters of most Importance in the Times we shall mention, and particularly of what concerns the Great Cornelius Van Tromp, whose Life we here present you. We have also been obliged, by the buy, to touch a little upon the most remarkable Actions of the Famous Martin Van Tromp, and several other Admirals, whose Memories will always be dear to Holland, on the Account of the great Reputation they acquired, as well as for their Zeal shown for the Service of their Country.  
It will also be necessary to acquaint you, That we have not been able (to preserve both the History contained, and the Succession of Years entire) to avoid relating several Events, which seem to have but an indirect Tendency to Cornelius Van Tromp's Life, because we would fill up the Chasms wherein he was not employed, nor commanded the Naval Forces of this State in chief, or else was in the Service of the King of Denmark.  
And, to make the History the more acceptable by Variety, we have inserted the Epitaphs of most of the Hero's of this Republic, whose Names we had occasion to Mention, as so many Monuments, which contain the most important Actions of their Lives, and which are not to be found elsewhere; whereby the Care which the United Provinces have taken to reward their Merit, and make their Glorious Memory Immortal, will be sufficiently evident.  
We have also added the most considerable Letters which the several Admirals have written, as so many eminent Proofs to authenticate the Actions we relate, and which will show, that we have made this our inviolable Rule and Standard, Not to write any thing with Flattery or Falsehood, but to give a Body of Truth to this Work.   

THE LIFE OF Cornelius Tromp, Lieutenant Admiral of Holland and of West-Friseland. The First BOOK.  
THERE is no Flourishing State in the World but must acknowledge itself to be supported chief by two main firm and solid Pillars: I mean, 
1650.  Wise Ministers of State, and Great and Experienced Commanders, who Constitute the Primary Cause of its Grandeur and Exaltation. The former of these by their admirable Skill form out into Regular designs in the Council Chamber those Secret Maxims that Policy Dictates to every Nation as the most adapted to their peculiar Genius and condition, whereby they may best Govern themselves, grow powerful and become formidable to their Neighbours; and the others are those Hero's that in order to put in Execution what was Resolved in the Cabal of State courageously lead on the Armies, fight the Enemies, and gloriously obtain Victories: all which duly considered, what honours ought not to be rendered to the Memory of those great men after their Deaths? Certainly it is not only just to give them in some sort a new life by the Recital of their noble Exploits, but it is likewise of great use to others, to render them Recommendable to Posterity by a History of their worthy Actions, since 'tis the surest and most Expeditious means to move those who read it to a like Course of Virtue, and to excite them to follow the Steps of those Illustrious Hero's that have generously Sacrificed their own private repose, and spilt their best Blood for the Glory of their Country. 'Twas upon this consideration that the Greeks and Romans, not to speak of the Nations that preceded them, took such great care to commit to writing the lives of their Brave men, and were so accurate to Paint them out to us in such lively and natural Colours, that even to this day, at that vast distance whenever we Read their story, we are apt to fancy, we see themselves before our Eyes. But if those two Renowned Nations took such a Religious care to consecrate the Memory of their great Captains to Immortality, what ought not Holland to do, to Immortalize that of its Famous Admirals? If ever there were any State that has made a noise in the World, and made itself formidable by Sea, is it not this powerful Republic which has done more in this respect, than all other States put together besides? It would be but needless here to repeat the History of its first rise, and of its progresses since, and to enter into so long and particular a Narration as that would require, to prove a truth so generally acknowledged. Neither as to the History of our Admirals, is our Age the first that has employed its writers upon so noble a Subject, our Ancestors have led the way, and set us worthy Patterns how to acquit ourselves of this Just duty. And accordingly emboldened by their Example I venture to Compose the History of one of those Hero's, who without tarnishing the glory of the others may be said to have been one of the greatest and most Renowned Commanders that ever appeared on the Ocean, a Hero whose very name was a terror to his Enemies; That was descended of a Father who had been present in above Fifty Sea Battles in which he either Commanded in chief, or had at least one of the principal Posts of Authority, whose good Conduct and undaunted courage had much contributed to make Holland one of the Richest and most flourishing States of Europe; and who at last after gaining so many Triumphs and Victories, died with Sword in hand for the advantage of his Country; a Hero, in fine, that always followed the glorious foot steps of his Illustrious Father, who was as much beloved by his own Seamen and people, as he was dreaded by his Enemies, and who in a supreme degree possessed all the virtues of a great and accomplished Captain.  
We shall say nothing of the first years of the life of Cornelius Tromp, whose History we design here to write, because there usually happens nothing to men in that time of infancy that much concerns or is much worth the Curiosity of the public.  
It will be enough only to remark to you that having been as 'twere wholly nourished and brought up at Sea from his most tender youth, scarcely was he arrived to a Capacity of Commanding but he was made Captain of a Ship which employment he discharged with so much Courage and Ability that gave the World a certain prognostic, he was destinated to exercise those of greater importance.  
One of the first occasions in which he was employed, and of which doubtless a particular Relation will be acceptable, was in the War the States were obliged to make against the Corsairs of Barbary. For those Pirates taking daily a great Number of Dutch Merchant-Ships, bound either to Spain, or for divers other ports in the Mediterranean; the States at length tired out and vexed with so many losses, gave order to John de Galen, Famous for his brave Actions, to Join himself to the Commander de wild, and to the Capt. Tromp, and Van Velsen, to go before Sally, and to Block up that Port by Sea, in order by that means, to put a stop to the Course of its Piracies.  
He had orders to Convoy by the way, as far as Cadiz, all Merchant-Ships going into France or Portugal, and to steer away from thence towards Sally. Accordingly Setting sail and being come into those Seas, he was informed by Captain Vries who was Cruising there, that no Corsair had yet appeared in those parts, because those Barbarians were at Intestine Jars about the Government, and that they of the old Town had taken up arms against those of the new; but that notwithstanding the differences among themselves, they were unanimously inclined to hearken to a Treaty of Peace whenever it should be offered to them by the State's General, because they stood in much fear of their power. And in effect, de Galen was no sooner arrived thither, but a Negotiation was presently entered into to draw up the Conditions of the Treaty.  
In order to which, it was first agreed upon, that as soon as the Moors should have put up a White Flag in the Fort, de Galen should put up the like upon his Main-Mast-Top, for a Signal that the Deputies of Sally, might safely come on Board the Admiral. At which Signal accordingly four Moorish Deputies came thither, whom the Galen received in the Captain's State-Room, with great Civility. He that was the principal amongst them, said that the Princes both of Old and New Sally, had expected with great impatience the arrival of the Holland Fleet, in hopes of coming to a Treaty of Peace with them, to which they were entirely disposed, and so much the more upon Consideration, that they had formerly lived in good Correspondence with them before they had thrown off the Yoke of those of Morocco; for that it was surprisingly strange, they should whilst they were yet slaves, have preserved Peace with a free Nation as were the Dutch, and that now since they were come out of Slavery into Liberty, they should fall out with the same people, but that the cause of all those unhappy Hostilities that had happened since between them, were to be attributed to some of their Chiefs; and that, in a word, they Earnestly desired, that such Reasonable Conditions might be proposed, that might be the foundation of a lasting Accommodation; to satisfy which desire of theirs, our Admiral proposed to them the following Articles, viz.  
1. That all Christian slaves of what Nation soever that had been taken on Board any Dutch Ships, should be Released without Ransom and without any wrong done to them.  
2. That for the Future no Ship belonging to the States, should be stopped upon any pretence whatsoever.  
3. That no Corsair Ship should be suffered to go out of Sally, without giving in first sufficient security, that none of the States Ships should be molested by them.  
4. That such Dutch Ships as had been taken by the Corsairs of Algiers or Tunis, and brought into their Ports to be sold, should be Restored into the hands of their Respective owners.  
5. That it should not be lawful to retain any Native Subject of the united Provinces, as a slave, nor to sell him as such within the Countries under their Jurisdiction, but he should be immediately set at Liberty.  
6. That the Hollanders should Trade freely and safely with them.  
7. That no Merchandises Imported or Exported by the Hollanders should pay any higher Duties, than those of the Moors themselves.  
8. That if it so pleased their High and Mightinesses, the States, their Allies should likewise be included in the same Treaty. And lastly that this Treaty should in all points be observed as firmly and inviolably as the Treaty before made between the said States and the King of Morocco. It was likewise thought fit by the Council on our side, that Captain de Uries should take Boat and go into Sally, to push on with so much the more Vigour the Negotiation of the Peace.  
In the mean while in spite of all the vigilance of our men in guarding the Avenues of the Port, one of their Corsairs, slily gliding in along by the Ramparts, stole into the Town. On the other side, Captain de wild, was ordered to go with his Ship to Mamore a little sorry Town about 500 paces from the main Sea, situated at the mouth of the River Subus, and twelve Miles distant from the Town of Sally, with design to stop up that passage from the Enemies, and to hinder them from watering there. He was received there by the Governor with great demonstrations of friendship, and after he had performed the Orders he had Received, he returned again to his Station before Sally, where he was extremely surprised to see the Treaty of Peace broken off.  
For the Moors were so far from consenting to Release the Prisoners without Ransom, that they would not endure to hear it moved, and those of Aribal were so refractory as to make a difficulty likewise of accepting the other Articles of the Treaty. Which obstinacy in those Barbarians had like to have provoked the Hollanders to show their Resentment by the last extremities; however, they could not forbear replying to them in such high Terms as sufficiently testified how deeply they were incensed at their proceed. But with all this Huffing, they were not able to gain upon the Moors to make them alter a whit of their Resolutions, nor yet by several other Negotiations by Letters, which produced no effect.  
In the interim our Admiral had advice, that there had appeared about Cape St. Vincent seven French Privateers looking sharp after Merchant Ships: Upon which, the Wild, Tromp, and S●●ert, were ordered to sail away towards Cadiz, to Convoy the Ships that were in that Road, till they were out of danger, and then to make back again to observe those Privateers; all which did not interrupt the Negotiations of Peace before Sally. But still the Moors would not abate an ace of their pretensions concerning the Ransoming the slaves that were to be set at liberty; nay, on the contrary, they were so insolent as to threaten our Fleet, that if they would not agree with them upon their own Terms; that they would send away all the Dutch slaves they had in their power, either to Algiers, or elsewhere. This Menace made the Officers of the Holland Fleet, who were then all present, to yield to those Barbarians, that the slaves should be ransomed, at the Price they were first bought for. And as to the rest of the Articles there was all likelihood they would have been agreed to, if the Moors had not changed their minds on a sudden, and started abundance of New difficulties against the advancement of the Treaty, upon occasion of some advice that was come to them from Tetuan, which gave them hopes to compass the destruction of the Holland Fleet, which was this: Nine Algerine Corsairs that put in for Refreshment there, had signified to them, that they had a design to surprise and seize one of the Dutch Ships that were riding before Sally. Admiral de Galen's Ship, was in most danger, and most exposed, because he was often all alone. The noise of this enterprise being confirmed by the Vries, put the Dutch Commanders upon more Circumspection in observing the Enemies. The other Ships of the Fleet tacked and stood back towards the Admiral, and used all the precautions vigilance could inspire them, to avoid a surprise. In the mean while, they beginning to want fresh Water, Tromp was detacht away, to fetch them some from La ●ache, and returned not till Nine days after. During these transactions, de Vries came back on board the Admiral, with Letters, and brought with him a Spanish Merchant. But de Galen thought not fit to make any answer to these Letters, because he knew well enough, that the Prince of South Sally was set out some ●ays before towards Fez, and that the Prince of North Sally was likewise to follow him in two or three days, in order to make their Treaty with the K. of Morocco, to whom the most part of Barbary had newly submitted, and who most favourably received those that were most forward to range themselves under his obedience: However the Galen desired the Spanish Merchant at his return to Sally, to let those people know from him, that if they offered to send away any of the Dutch slaves to other places, as they had threatn d, that he would immediately break off the Treaty, and never enter into any Negotiation with them any more.  
Assoon as the Princes of Sally were returned from Fez, they presently sent to give the Fleet notice of their arrival, signifying withal, that there was nothing they more hearty desired than a Peace, and that they passionately longed to see the Treaty already begun, brought to a happy Conclusion. At the same time, Captain Blok, who was dispatched out of the Texel to go to Sally, arrived there with orders to De Galen from the States, to go away for the Coasts of Bourdeaux or Rochel, to Convoy the Merchant Ships that were to go back from thence towards Holland. De Galen in pursuit of those Orders, went on board the Ship called the Rose, leaving at his departure the care of the Conclusion of the Treaty at Sally, to Captain de wild, and other Captains of the Fleet, who after many contestations on both sides, concluded it at length on the 9th. of February 1651, upon the following conditions.  
1. That the Governors and Princes of the two Towns of Sally, 
1651. A Peace concluded between the States of Holland and those of Sally.  engage for themselves and their Descendants, to cause to be set at liberty all the Slaves taken on Board any Vessels belonging to the United Provinces, that are at present under their power, according to the List already drawn, or that shall be afterwards drawn up of them, provided they on their part, pay their respective Ransoms at the price they were first sold for, each one by name, and in the order they shall be set down in the List signed on both sides; and that it shall not be lawful in any wise to raise their price for the profit of those concerned with them, and much less to hid and conceal them, or send them away elsewhere during the time their Friends are to be allowed to get up the Money necessary for their Ransom, which shall extend to the space of three Months after the Date of the present Treaty.  
2. That no Corsair Ship shall be permitted to go out of Sally, till he have given good and sufficient security not to molest any of the Subjects of the United Provinces, nor to meddle with any of their Ships or Effects, against whose liberty it shall not be lawful for them to make any attempt.  
3. That if any of the Subjects of the United Provinces being on board other Ships, shall happen to be taken by any of the Corsairs of Sally, it shall not be lawful to sell them, but they shall immediately be set at liberty.  
4. That the above said Governors and Princes of Sally shall not suffer the Pirates or Corsairs coming from Tunis, Algiers, Tripoli, or any other place in Turkey, to bring in any Prizes thither taken from the Subjects of the United Provinces, to fell them either directly or indirectly, in any wise whatsoever; or at least when any of these prizes shall fall into their power, the prisoners that belong to them shall be set at liberty.  
5. That the Impost laid upon Merchandises Imported or Exported shall not be augmented, but continue at the same rate at which they are paid at present.  
6. That the abovesaid Governors and Princes of Sally, and all their Subjects shall permit all Dutch Merchants there inhabiting, as likewise such as from time to time shall come thither from the United Provinces, to enjoy a freedom of Trade and good Correspondence, and shall demean themselves in all things as good Friends and Neighbours of the State's General.  
7. That it shall not be lawful for the abovesaid Governors and Princes of Sally, either directly or indirectly, to grant any Commissions to the Pirates or Corsairs of Barbary or Turkey to be made use of against the Ships of War of the United Provinces, or under what pretence soever, to insult any of their Merchant's Ships.  
8. That the Ships of the State's General shall not attempt any thing against the liberty of the Ships of Sally, or endeavour to seize them, upon any pretence whatsoever, but on the contrary, shall show them all sort of Friendship and .  
9 That it shall not be lawful for any of the Pirates of the Towns of Sally when they are out in Course, and meet any Merchant Ships belonging to the States to take out of them any strangers of what Nation soever, but on the contrary they shall be obliged to show them friendship, and shall render them all manner of good Offices.  
10. That the whole shall tend in all points to preserve the Friendship and Alliance m●de between the State's General of the United Provinces, and the King of Morocco.  
After this Peace, Holland had some grounds to hope she should enjoy many long years of Repose, and after having by that laid open to herself the Commerce of the Levant, she might fill her Coffers with new Riches. But Fortune that seems to have made it her business to keep this Republic in a perpetual agitation, made her soon perceive, that the Peace she had newly concluded with those Barbarians, was designed only to prepare her for a much more bloody and dangerous War.  
England at that time had erected herself into a Republic, and expulsed from the Government the Heirs of the Crown, who thereby were forced to seek an Asylum abroad, and implore the Succour and Protection of France and of the United Provinces: And the unexperienced youth of King Charles the II. having swelled the daring and ambitious humour of the Protector Cromwell beyond all bounds, as seeing himself Arbitrary Master of that potent Nation over which he Lorded it with an Empire more Absolute than that of any Crowned Heads, Holland had reason from thence, to dread some very fatal Consequences. For that new Republic grown insolent with the many advantages she had newly gained against the Family of the Stuarts, thought there was left nothing else in the world capable to stop the career of her Ambition; and was so wonderfully increased in power, that she begun to grow insupportable to her Neighbours, and particularly to the United Provinces, who saw themselves upon the point of coming to a Rupture with her. But in regard the late long War they had had with Spain had not yet given them time enough to recover their strength, they chose rather to temporize a while with England, than to embroil themselves hastily in a new War. And therefore employed all sort of means imaginable to divert that Storm, by hastening to send Ambassadors into England. Accordingly the Heers Cats, Schaap, and Vanderperre were dispatched to London in that quality, who were received there with great Honours, but yet in such a manner as promised nothing less than a happy issue of their Negotiation.  
In the mean while; Holland was no longer able to keep silence after the many bloody outrages she had received from the English. For her Merchant-Ships had suffered and daily suffered losses that were reckoned to amount to some Millions, by the Prizes taken by the English Privateers, to the number of near two hundred Ships. Yet Holland had thitherto suffered all those cruel Hostilities without complaining, and would not perhaps have come to an open Rupture for them: So much did she dread the dismal consequences of a War that had no other ground but Ambition, if her too great patience had not at length been pushed to the last extremity. But that which seemed an unexampled piece of Hardship imposed by the English on the Dutch, was that they pretended, they ought to be permitted even in the midst of a profound Peace, to visit not only the Merchant Ships of the States, but their Men of War too, under pretence they carried Contraband Goods to their Enemies. And besides, that, they had forbidden them to traffic into that part of the Islands called the Antilles, under their Dominion. Notwithstanding all that, the States sent Orders to their Ambassadors, to try all amicable ways to come, if 'twere possible, to an accommodation: but when they saw there was no hopes of Peace, they took at last a resolution to arm, for the security of their Commerce. Then the English made no difficulty to declare openly to our Ambassadors, that the Empire of the Sea belonged to them, that they would always oppose the Hollanders keeping a Fleet there, because that was a Right belonging to them, which their Ancestors had gotten by dint of Sword from other Nations; And therefore that they would never suffer any other Flagg to appear upon the Ocean, but that of their own Republic.  
However, this Declaration hindered not the Naval Army of the United Provinces, being then ready, from disposing itself to set Sail under the Command of Lieutenant Admiral Tromp, who was promoted to that High Office in the year 1637, in the room of the Sieur Dorp, who quitted the Service. But before they set out, Tromp desired the States to give him directions how he should behave himself towards the English concerning the honour of the Flagg, of which they have in all times been extremely jealous. The States asked him how he had behaved himself in that point in the time of King Charles; Tromp replied, that when any English Vessels happened to meet them towards Calais or near the Coasts of England, especially if the English were strongest, the Hollanders used to salute them with some discharge of their Canon, and by lowering their Flag; upon which, the States left the matter to his discretion, to act therein according as his prudence should direct him; ordering him to do nothing to the disadvantage of the Nation, or prejudicial to the Glory of the State; And that he should defend their Vessels from all manner of attempts against any that should attack them: And that however, to avoid giving any new matter of jealousy to the English, he should endeavour not to go near their Coasts.  
But a Tempest and contrary Winds hapening to arise, Tromp was forced to quit the Coasts of Holland and Flanders, and much against his will, to make towards the English Coast, to save his Fleet, and to preserve it from a fatal Shipwreck, but he quitted it again as soon as possible he could, and made towards Calais. A while after being informed that Seven Dutch Merchant Ships Richly Laden were coming from the straits, and that two English men of War and some Frigates were in quest of them to take them, Tromp changed his Course to go to their assistance. And in his way near Dover, on the 29th. of May, he met Robert Blake Admiral for the Parliament of England, having under his Command a Fleet of about 28 Capital Men of War and Frigates, that put to Sea the 5th. of May to go a cruising upon the Coasts of the Low Countries. Tromp seeing him disposed himself to pay the usual Honours to the Banner of England, and likewise ordered a Boat to be ready to carry one of his Captains on board the Admiral to Compliment him. But Blake who was in the James carrying 82 Guns and 700 Men, not minding all those marks of Submission, or at least making as if he perceived them not, made three Canon Shots one after another at Tromp's Ship, called the Brederode, carrying 54 Guns, and 250 Men, who answered not the English Admiral till after the third Shot: And than 'twas, that the Fight began to grow hot, and Bloody, the two Fleets continuing to Canonade one another for four full hours, and then were parted more by the obscurity of the night, than for having satisfied the eager desire they had to fight.  
The two Naval Armies than Sheering off into the main Sea, fell to work each of them to repair their losses, and together together the vessels shattered and scattered in the fight. The Hollanders having hung out lights during the darkness of the night, discovered next morning at break of day, the English Retreating towards Dover. The Captain's Tuinemen and Sipke Fokkes, being cut off from the Rear of the Fleet, were forced to yield to the Enemies, after a long and vigorous resistance. But Fokkes' Ship having all her Masts shot by the board, and leaking extremely, as being shot through and through in many places, was quitted again by the English as soon as they had Plundered her, for fear she should sink under them; but yet as much mauled as she was she made a shift to get to the Dutch Fleet again the same day. Blade's Ship was so battered, that she could keep the Sea no longer, but was fain to be towed with much ado into the Downs. It is certainly said, that if Tromp had had Sea room enough during the fight, the English would not have come off at so Cheap a rate as they did.  
After such an Action as that, which was to be looked on as the Praeludium of a Bloody War, which was ready to break out between the two States, Tromp being willing to Justify himself, and to show that he was not the Aggressour, nor had not passed his Orders, Writ the following Letter upon it to the States.  
High and Mighty Lords,  
SInce my last of the 20th Instant, after having Cruized before the , Wielengen, Ostend, and Newport, till the 24th. we were forced to weigh Anchor, because of the Boisterous Wether, and the Tempest growing still more furious, several Captains came aboard the Admiral, to inform him what Anchors, and Cables they had lost, some of them having but two left; and because the Wind continued to grow more violent, we Resolved for the preventing of a greater disaster, to make towards the Coast of Dover. We got into the Downs at one a Clock, when I immediately dispatched away Captain Theyssen of Flushing, and Captain Allen, to Compliment Bourn, who was then Riding there with a Squadron of the English Fleet under his Command, and to desire him from me, to take no Alarm at the sight of the Hollanders upon the Coasts of England, because it happened only by an unexpected effect of the Tempestuous Wether, and to assure him, they had no other design there than to refit their Vessels in order to return as soon as they could, towards the Frontiers of the State, and that the Orders we had from the State's General concerned only the security of our Trade and Fishing, and maintaining the Glory of our Nation. Bourn having heard this Message, made answer thereto with some Compliments he charged my two Officers to make me, desiring them withal, to return me his thanks for my advertisement. The 29th. of the same Month, we unmoored with a Wind blowing fresh at North-East, steering our Course towards Calais, with design to go and Cruize upon our own Coasts, to refurnish ourselves with Anchors and Cables. We met in our way, the Captain Van Saanen of Amsterdam, coming from the straits, with Captain Huntbuyt, who informed us, that being come along with Seven Merchant Ships valued at above 50 Tuns of Gold, they had left them at Anchor right against Fiverly, not far off from 12 Men of War belonging to the English Parliament. And how that the abovesaid Van Saanen, having likewise met on the 22d. of May, near to Goudstart, an English Frigate that would needs have obliged him to strike to her, against which he defended himself about two hours, till at last she was forced to quit him; all these Circumstances had obliged him to make to the Fleet, to give them notice in what danger the Merchant Ships were. This made me Resolve to go to their assistance, and to Rescue them out of the hands of the Enemies, according to the 7th. and 8th. Article of my Commission. In our way we met 15 of the Parliaments men of War, or Frigates, upon which I presently lowered my Sails, and struck my Flag, in order to pay the Honour's due to the Banner of England. Being come within Cannon shot, the English Admiral let fly a shot at me, to which I made no Answer; he than gave me another, to which I Answered, upon which he let fly a whole Broad side at me, which made so great Havoc on board me, that several of my men were Wounded, and some of them had their Arms or Legs shot off. I then likewise discharged a Broad side at him, yet was not able all this while to discover what the English meant by this, so great a silence there was kept on both sides. And thus the two Fleets came all on a sudden to be Engaged in a general Battle. In the mean while Major Bourn being come out of the Downs with a Squadron of 12 men of War, or Frigates, whereof the first carried from 60 to 70 pieces of Cannon, and the others from 38 to 50, came and fell thundering upon our Rear. So the Fight being begun at 4 in the afternoon, lasted till 9, and was not broken off but by the obscurity of the Night. Then we made out into the Main Sea, and the Ships of both Fleets tacked about towards their Admirals, to refit themselves. We remained all the Night, hanging lights out in every Ship. The 30th. in the Morning, we discovered the English Fleet to the Leeward, making towards Dover. We have lost two of our Ships that were in our Rear, viz. Those Commanded by the Captains Tuynemans of Middleburg, and Sipke Fokkes, of Amsterdam, this last having had all his Masts shot do unclose by the Board. The Master and other Officers reported to us, that they were taken by three of the Parliaments Ships about 9 a Clock at Night, who after they had taken out of her the Captain and Lieutenant with about 14 or 15 men, put a great many English on board her, but they being afraid she would sink under them, after they had Plundered her, quitted her. They reported likewise, that Captain Tuyneman's Ship was taken an hour before theirs. We design now to Cruise along the Channel, to seek out our Merchant Ships coming from the straits, and to Convoy them all together home to our own Country.  
At the same time Tromp dispatched away an Express into England, with the Copy of his Letter to the States, to be delivered to our Ambassadors there. And to make it appear more Authentic, he caused it to be signed by all the Officers of the Fleet. But it happened, that their High and Mightinesses Ambassadors, having left London because of the thick Fogs that usually infect the Air there, were gone then to Reside at Chelsey, and the Express being stopped, Tromp's dispatches were not delivered to them.  
The English Admiral Ship, leaking on all sides, and very much shattered, had much ado to get into the Downs. There Blake Buried his Dead, in the Number of which were his Master and several other Persons of Note, to whom he caused very particular honours to be rendered; which done, he put Pen to Paper to inform the Parliament of all that had passed. Whereof here follows the Copy.  
Most Honourable Lords,  

Admiral Blake's Letter to the Parliament.  I have written to you the present dispatches, to inform you of what past yesterday between the two Fleets. Upon the advice Major Bourn gave me, that Tromp appeared toward the Souther-sand with a Fleet of 40 sail, I used all possible diligence to get up with him. Yesterday we discovered him below Dover Road, and being come within 3 miles of him, Tromp unmoored with an Easterly Wind, which made us think he endeavoured to avoid us, because of the dispute about the Flag. About two hours after, the Dutch Fleet changing its course, tacked about, and stood right towards us, Tromp being at the head of this motion. We put ourselves into a line of Battle, not doubting but Tromp's intention was to Engage. When the two Fleets were come within Musket shot of one another, I made a shot at his Flagg, which I Repeated three times: After the third shot, Tromp let fly at us a whole broad side. In the mean while Major Bourn coming out of the Downs brought a new Squadron of men of War to the fight, which ceased not till Night put an end to it; and then our Ships not being able to keep the Sea any longer, because of the great quantity of Masts Sails and Cordage we had lost, it was Resolved by the advice of all the Captains, to come to an Anchor at 3 miles off the Ness, where we kept hard at work all night in Refitting our Ships. The next Morning at break of day, we discovered the Dutch Fleet about 4 miles from us, making towards the Coast of France. We Judged fit in a Council of War, to keep the Wether gage of them, to prevent a surprise, in case they should Charge us again, that so at the worst, we might have nothing else to do but to cut the Cables of our Anchors. As yet we have not been able to discover whither they are steering, nor what damage they have sustained. But however we are assured, that one of their Ships is sunk, and that we have taken another from them of 30 guns, with two Captains. The first of these Ships having her Main Mast shot by the Board, and leaking on all sides, Captain Laarsons was fain to quit her. We had in this fight 6 killed, 9 or 10 Mortally wounded, and 25 less dangerously; among which number are my Master, one of his Mates, and some other under Officers. The Admiral Ship received in her sides, and masts, about 70 great shot, and in her sails and Rigging, almost an infinite Number, I having been engaged with the Main body of the Enemy's Fleet for about four full hours. Notwithstanding which, our happiness is to be admired at, that we received no more damage, and we have reason to hope, that the protection of God will favour our Arms, if a War should once break out between the two Nations. The Hollanders are the Aggressours, and watch all occasions to come and affront us, and Brave us upon our own Coasts, as Experience has newly shown us.  
The News of this Fight being brought to England, so wrought upon the Mobb, that they made an insurrection, and went all in a fury to Chelsey where the Dutch Ambassadors were lodged, with design to have sacrificed them to their Resentments, if the Parliament had not provided before hand against the mischief, by sending them a body of Horse to Guard all the passages about their lodgings, with strict command, to let no body go in or out. And besides preventing by that means any disorder, they designed by the same Expedient, to cut off all ways of Correspondence from the Ambassadors.  
In the mean while there was nothing to be heard but Complaints and Murmur from all parts. For the Country people in Kent and Suffolk were so alarmed at this news, that many of them deserted their houses, and others came and Complained to the Parliament, Representing to them what great danger their Coasts were as being the most exposed to an Invasion, and putting them in fear that the Hollanders would come and Ravage the whole Country. Upon which, Oliver Cromwell, than General of all the Forces of England, and who was the Primum mobile of that Infant-Republick, immediately set out towards the Maritime places, as well to appease the people's disturbed Spirits, as to inform himself of the particulars of the fight. Some Regiments were likewise detached from the Army, and ordered to march towards the Sea Coasts, which were Quartered at Greenwich, Gravesend, Sandwich, and Dover.  
Cromwell having carefully Examined into all the reports of the Battle, was very ill satisfied at it, and so much the more because Captain William Brandley, and Captain Dennis Bond, both English Men that were in Dover Castle at that time, agreed together, as well as the Dutch Captains, Tuynemen and Sipke Fokkes, who were prisoners, that it was their opinion, that Blake had made three shots at Tromp, before he offered to defend himself. After such a discovery as that, Cromwell returned to the Parliament at London, and at his arrival, all was pacified, and the unruly Mobb quietly laid down their arms.  
However what had passed, left no Room for any to doubt, but that a War would thereupon break out between those two potent Republics, tho' both parties endeavoured to excuse and Justify themselves of any blame in the matter, because they were loath to pass for the Authors of the sad-disasters that must needs ensue thereon. For the English pretended, that the Dutch were the Aggressors, but they maintained the contrary. Tromp having writ a Letter to the States with all the Circumstances of the Fight, as we have already seen, caused likewise a more exact information to be drawn up of the whole matter of Fact, which was signed by Forty Dutch Officers of the Fleet. It contained the whole account of that action, and of all its particulars; and all the Captains unanimously agreed in their report, that Tromp had no other design in this Expedition, than to maintain the freedom of Commerce, and that he intended to pay the honours due to the English Flag, but that Admiral Blake had made three shot at him with his Guns, before he made any at him, till at last his Patience being pushed to the utmost extremity, he found himself obliged to answer him in the like Language, at the third discharge.  
On the other side all the Captains of the English Fleet, being likewise called together by the Admiral's command, drew up a Manifesto, by which, after they had related all the Circumstances of the fight, they pretended to prove, that Tromp came up to the English Fleet, only to dare them, tho' he against all sense, thought to excuse himself under the specious pretence of coming only to the assistance of the Dutch Merchant Fleet, when it was well known they had already weighed Anchor, and past by the Saturday before, in sight of Admiral Blake, who never made the least offer to attack them. That Tromp with a very Criminal boldness coming to an Anchor before Dover, never made offer to salute the Castle, tho' the Castle had discharged three Guns, at three different times, to give him notice of his duty; but that yet Tromp out of contempt, dissembling that he perceived it, remained in his post all Night, and next day till Noon, without striking his Flag. And to add the more weight to this Manifesto, the English added some Articles of the orders that Tromp had given the Captains of his Fleet; which the English had gotten information of from the two Dutch Captains they had taken prisoners. They contained among other things,  
I. That the Chiefs or Captains of Squadrons already Equipped, or to be hereafter Equipped, had Express Orders to take care to preserve the vessels belonging to these Provinces, and not to suffer them to be visited; without comprising therein, the disputes that necessarily happen at Sea concerning the passports and Evidences that every Ship whatever she be, is obliged to show at the first demand, according to the Marine Treaty concluded with the K. of Spain, the 17 of December 1650. That they should defend them from all manner of Attempts, and Endeavour to re-take them from those who should have taken them, by employing for that effect their whole force against the Aggressor, for the service of their Country, and Act in all things conformably to their Commission, and to the Customs of Seafaring men.  
II. That if in fight against any Foreign Ships whether to defend themselves, or other Ships belonging to the State, they should happen to take them, they should be obliged to carry them into Holland, with a very exact information of all passages between them, to be presented to the Admiralty of the place from which the Victorious Ship set out.  
III. To these Articles, they added besides, that every Chief, or Captain should keep his Guns and his Arms always in readiness, and should tack about towards the Admiral, and the main body of the Fleet, upon sight of any Foreign Man of War. That he should take good heed to the Signal of War, and mind whether it were offensive or defensive, that by protecting the State's Ships and not suffering them to be visited, th●y might be the better able to pursue their Respective Voyages by Regulating themselves by the Flag, which being red, and fastened to the Top Gallant of the Admiral's Main Mast, should be understood to betoken War, at the sight of which, every man should strive to do his b●st, in order to gain some advantage upon the Enemy. That if they took any of their Ships, they should carry it under the Admiral's Flag; but that as soon as the bloody Flag should be taken down, all acts of Hostility should cease.  
iv It was moreover expressly forbidden them, to pay any salutes with their Guns, by way of honour to any, unless upon very good grounds; that however, if they chanced to come near any Foreign Man of War, which they were under a kind of an Engagement to salute, because it concerned the honour of the United Provinces so to do, they should in such cases, use great Circumspection, especially if the Chiefs or Captains of such Foreign Ships should have first saluted the Lieutenant General, or him that commands in his place, but above all, they were to take care, it might be done without damage.  
Likewise when any of the Ships of the Fleet being sent a cruising to Sea, should discover any Foreign Ship; or, that she got Intelligence that Warlike preparations were making any where, and that Ships were gathering together, to compose a Fleet, than the said Ship was to get the exactest information possible, of the Number of their Men of War, and of their Arms, Guns, and Men, that she should take good notice, which way they steered, and whether in their passage, they offered to commit any act of Hostility. That in this case, they should give the Admiral advice of it with all the diligence imaginable, who thereupon, was to give the following Orders, viz. That scouts be sent to all parts of the Seas, that all the Ships of the Fleet should repair to the appointed Rendezvous, where they should consult together what design the Fleet so discovered might have, what course they steered, and into what Harbour they would enter, whether into one of the ports belonging to the States, or some other. And if it should happen, they had failed at first to use all those precautions, that then they should let off a Great Gun for a Signal; that so every one taking notice it was an Extraordinary Signal, and Judging from thence of the importance of the business, might return answer thereto, each of them likewise, with a Gun Extraordinary; after which every one of them should be obliged to make to the place whence the first Gun was fired, that all the Captains of the Fleet meeting together on board the Admiral, might take such Resolutions as should be most convenient for the time, and for the good of the State.  
From which Articles and Instructions of Tromp to his Officers, tho' the English pretended to draw invincible proofs, that the Hollanders were the Aggressors in the late bloody attempt upon their Fleet, yet the Dutch on the contrary, pretended it was visible from thence, that their main Aim was only to secure their Trade, and defend the Glory of their Nation, in case they were attacked, but that they had not the least design to be Aggressors against the English.  
After this Lieutenant Admiral Tromp, whilst he was Cruising below Bullen, writ a Letter to Admiral Blake, dated the 2d. of June, in which he entreated him to release the two Capt. of his, he had made Prisoners, and who were already carried to London, and to order the Restitution of Captain Tuynemen Ship.  
But Blake as yet red hot with Resentment, for what was so newly passed between them, and being much surprised, that after the Rough Compliments between them in that Rencounter, Tromp should presume to Write to him upon such a Subject as that, in very great indignation, made him the following Answer.  
SIR,  
NOthing ever surprised me more than yours of the 2d. of June last, in that, 
Blake's answer to Tromp.  though you affect with so much vanity, to pass for a Man of Honour, yet 'tis no way visible, that you maintain that Character by any of your Actions. The Cruel attempt you lately made against the Parliament of England's Fleet, whose ruin you had conspired, is an evident proof of this: That Fleet, I say, to which you were in duty obliged to pay your Humblest Respects and Submissions, since you have not refused to pay them in several other Rencounters. That Act of Hostility you have so lately committed, is so much the more Criminal, because there was no occasion given you from England, to engage you to proceed to such an extremity, since you were pleased to do it in a time when your Ambassadors were flattering our Commonwealth with new hopes of Peace and Union, and pretended to solicit with much earnestness a speedy conclusion of a Treaty of Mutual Alliance and Confederation. That is the Brave Exploit upon which at present you found your glory, and for which you frame an unjust Apology, as pretending you did nothing else but defend yourself. But God in whom we put our greatest hopes, having made your designs serve to your own destruction, we have taken some of your Ships, which you now are pleased to redemand with as much confidence, as if the action lately committed had been no act of Hostility, as it appears in your Writings, by your affecting to give it another name. In fine, I thought not fit to give you any other answer, but this, That I am persuaded, you will find the Parliament of England very ill satisfied with your Conduct; because they cannot but regard with horror the Innocent Blood of their Subjects that has been spilt; and on the other side, that after all, you will find yourself constrained, always to give them the marks of an entire submission.  
In the mean while, the State's Ambassadors, were at London endeavouring to Renew the Negotiation for a Treaty, and having for that purpose, demanded Audience of the Parliament, it was granted them. It was their business then, to endeavour to appease their exasperated Spirits, and thereby to put a timely stop to the dismal consequences of the War that was ready to burst out between these two Formidable Powers, which was a Task of no small difficulty. However, they employed their industry and parts in it to the best advantage they could, and accordingly on that Subject, made the following Speech to the Parliament.  
Most Honourable Lords.  
WE expected nothing less than the fatal disaster which has lately happened. 
The Dutch Ambassadors Audience of the Parliament and their Speech to them.  And if what Public Fame says, of a Sea fight between the two Fleets, prove true, this disgrace is so much the greater and more afflicting to us, because our Men are looked upon as the Authors of it. All those stories that are whispered about concerning this matter, are already looked upon by the people, as the mournful presages of the ruin of two States that have hitherto been ever linked together in a strict Alliance, and now by this fatal blow, see themselves at the eve of a Bloody War. We are so sensibly concerned at all the false Rumours that are spread abroad to the disadvantage of our Nation, that we will call God to witness, that the State's General were so far from contributing to the late unhappy recounter, that they had not the least knowledge of it, and desire nothing so much as Union, Peace, and an inviolable Friendship with England. However 'tis not impertinent to the matter in question, to let you know, that it may be observed from the Letter written to us by the Admiral of Holland, that the true Cause of that action was very different from what 'tis reported to have been: And what is more, Tromp declares in that Letter, in express terms, and he repeats it three times, that he had not received any other Orders from the States, than only to defend the Merchant Ships belonging to the States, from the oppression of those who might be capable to disturb the freedom of their Commerce, and to Cruise upon the Frontiers of the State without going far from Ostend and Newport; from whence 'tis as clear as the day, That the State's General of the United Provinces never had any thoughts to attempt any thing that might be capable to break the strict union that has always been between England and Holland. And if any thing has happened contrary to the sincerity of their intentions, they who shall be found to have violated the Rules, and passed the Bounds that were prescribed them, aught to be Responsible for it.  
According to the Orders given us by their High and Mightinesses, to endeavour a Treaty of Alliance, we presented some days ago to your Commissioner, a Memorial, in which we propose means, not only for composing the differences about Commerce, but likewise for the securing of it, and rendering it more flourishing. And we desire nothing else at present but to see them brought to a speedy and happy conclusion. And indeed who could believe, that a Treaty that is at present the firmest support of good and well disposed people, and the most solid foundation of the Reformation, should be interrupted by the capricious humour of a few ill intentioned persons? It is a Natural Law acknowledged by all the World, That, in Private Affairs, if an Attorney or Proctor; or in Public Affairs, if a Minister of State, offers to pass the Duties of his Office; or if a General of an Army, without any Order from his Sovereign, Ravages and lays Waste the Countries of his Allies, or like a wild unruly Beast that has broken his Chains, runs about the Fields and does all the mischief he can, then in such a case, it is but Justice to hold the Sovereign's blameless, and to charge the ●rime upon those who are the true Authors of it; and especially if the Sovereigns disavow the Fact, as there is reason to expect, the States will do in the case now in debate. However there is no doubt, but that it would be a thing altogether unheard of, and condemned both by Divine and Humane Laws, to go about to commit any acts of Hostility, without hearing first what reasons the Adversary had to allege for himself. 'Tis a Maxim universally received by all Nations conducted by the light of Reason, That when any mischievous fact is committed, the examination of the crime, should precede before Sentence be given; But likewise, if the Party offended receive ample satisfaction, ought he not to lay by his Resentment? And it is not to be wondered at, if all Nations naturally avoid War, and are inclined to Peace, since War is a horrible Monster that causes a thousand unhappinesses and feeds upon nothing but innocent Blood. Some holy Fathers of the Church have very truly and pertinently said, That men ought to have War in abomination, even when Justice or Necessity itself obliges them by force to take Arms, but especially Christians, who ought to have learned to be sparing of the Blood of other people as well as of that of their own Subjects. Experience shows us in natural things, that when the most excellent Wines come to corrupt, they change into Vinegar most extremely sharp. So likewise if these two Nations that have for so many years been united together, in Religion, Commerce and Liberty, and whom the Neighbourhood of the Sea, the Glory of Arms, and their known valour have rendered yet more inseparable, should come once to break that Union, what else must be expected thence but their common Ruin? Would not they be then like th●s● Sons of the Earth, that destroyed one another, as we are told in the story of Cadmus? And will not even our Religion be thereby exposed to contempt; and will not our common Enemies draw from our troubles new matter of triumph?  
Truly our sense in this case differs nothing from that of some of your Writers, who have very judiciously compared our two Republics to two Earthen Vessels floating on the Sea, with this Motto, Si collidimur fragimur, i. e. If we fall foul on one another, we shall certainly break. That is an Emblem that admirably well shows that a perpetual Peace ought to render them inseparable. For if a well cemented Union might once be settled between these two Nations, what felicities are there they might not enjoy? By that, we shall see Religion firmly established, the Sea open to us, Navigation free, and the Enemies of the two Nations put out of all power to hurt them, Peace and Tranquillity secured, and what is still more to be desired, the Blessing of Heaven entailed upon us. In fine, to conclude, we therefore most earnestly beseech you, that you would order a Copy of a Relation of the late fight as it really passed, to be delivered to us, and to permit us to send it to the State's General of the United Provinces, that by examining carefully the relations of both Parties, the truth may the more easily be detected; That in the mean while, all Hostilities may cease on both sides. That the Negotiation for a Treaty of Peace, may not be broken off on this occasion, That so by remedying the misfortunes lately happened, we may at last effect the conclusion of a solid and durable Peace, which we passionately wish for, and which we pray God the Sovereign Arbiter and Lord of Peace, to be pleased to grant us.  
After this discourse, the Ambassadors retired, and were guarded home to their Lodgings by a Party of the English Guards. The Parliament seemed to them to be extremely divided, and to waver much in their Resolutions about so weighty and Nice a Point, but yet without positively declaring, which of the Admirals they judged to have begun the Fight. The major part of the Members maintained, that the English Admiral had right on his side, but Tromp was not of that opinion. The rest of the Parliament being stirred up by the secret practices of the Spanish Faction, said, that the Hollanders had by the late action given an evident proof of their Treachery; That the Republic of England had reason to be much alarmed at it, and to look upon it as an assured presage of their future Ruin. Yet there were several Members of that Illustrious Body, whether moved by some private interest, or by a principle of friendship, that were more inclined to an accommodation with the Hollanders than to a Rupture, in the number of which, were these Gentlemen, viz. Mildmay, Vane, Pembroke, and several others: But Cromwell who was in the highest degree of his fortune, of which he made his Idol, was the only man that had the secret of working upon the spirits of that Nation. His Party was backed by Harrison, Whitlock, Bradshaw, St. john's, Harrington, Fleetwood, and Mr. Scot, who fomented the Jealousies and lying stories that the hatred the people had conceived against the Hollanders had lately produced, nay, and they had blown up the flame to so great a height, that they reported, that Tromp was come to London with a design to make a general Massacre of the people; but his enterprise not taking effect, he had commanded those of his Fleet, to put all the English they met with to the Sword; and that besides, he had given orders to all his Captains upon pain of Death, that at the approach of any English Man of War, if they found themselves in danger of being taken, having got all their Seamen upon the Deck, they should clap a lighted Match into their Powder-room, as well to destroy their Enemies by blowing them up into the Air, as to take from them all hopes of any Booty. The Sieur Nieuport who was sent some weeks before, as well to carry some Papers to the Ambassadors concerning their Negotiation, as to tell them several things by word of mouth that were entrusted with him by the States, run great danger of his life, because he was taken for a Spy. In a word, the mutual hatred between both Nations was risen to that high degree of bitterness, that there was reason to fear they would never be reconciled more.  
The Ambassadors well observed, that Cromwell acting like an able Politition, used great dissimulation with them, and that besides, other motives that actuated him, he was further influenced by his own private Ambition. He appeared the first days of the contest very moderate towards them, and wholly inclined to lay, by some gentle expedient, the Storm that was newly risen, but yet at the bottom, he was of the same mind with the Parliament, or to speak more properly, 'twas he that underhand spurred them on to Revenge, and he that persuaded them to employ all their Forces to destroy the Hollanders. The Ambassadors having then discovered the Parliaments design, and that they were fitting out a formidable Fleet to Sea, on which were to be embarked 4000 Soldiers, resolved to present a second Memorial to the Council of State, which was conceived in these Terms.  

The Memorial presented to the Council of State, by the Dutch Ambassadors.  The Ambassadors of the State's General of the United Provinces having protested on Monday last before this August Council, and called God himself to witness their Innocence, and the Justice of their Cause, declaring that the Fight between the two Fleets did not happen by any premeditated design of their High and Mightinesses: They have judged it expedient for the better clearing of that point, to put into your hands a Copy of Tromp's Letter, by which this Republic may evidently see, that their High and Mightinesses gave him no other Commission than to cruise on the Frontier Seas of their own Dominions, without passing any farther, for fear of giving jealousy to their Neighbours. And therefore the said Ambassadors come again to day, to give you new assurances upon their having received by yesterday Post, all the informations given in from the 22d to the 29th of the last month, New stile, concerning the Battle in Question, by which it appears still more clearly, That the States had no hand in that action, directly or indirectly, declaring themselves ready to conclude a strict Alliance that may be capable to unite the two Republics by eternal and inviolable friendship. It is certain, That is their last and most sincere intention.  
Moreover, the said Ambassadors pray the Council of State to be pleased to give them a speedy Answer, such as they in their prudence shall think most proper, in the present juncture, to prevent the mischievous consequences of some more dismal Accident. Neither will it be unseasonable, to acquaint the Council that the Sieur Newport sent from their High and Mightinesses to their Ambassadors for business concerning their Negotiation, is upon his departure to repass the Sea, if the Council of State will please to grant him a Passport, as we pray them to do, and that he may have leave to choose one of the States Ships that is now in the Thames, or elsewhere.  
The Sieur Newport having expedited his affairs, waited only for a Passport to be gone, but he found great difficulty to obtain it, which retarded his departure for several days. He got at last out of London with much ado, and came to Gravesend, thinking to embark there. But at that time, the English, by showing fresh marks of their resentment, rekindled those flames which were thought to be half extinguished, and made appear by their slighting the instances of the Ambassadors, and by new acts of Hostility, that all those troubles would soon degenerate into an open War. The Channel was full of their Privateers, who took without any distinction all manner of Ships that came in their way, without excepting even those that belonged to France or Spain. All the Dutch Ships that were in the Thames, were likewise stopped the 13th of June, and their Captains went to Chelsey, to make their Complaints of it to the Ambassadors, who were extremely surprised at all these new attempts, and thought it thereupon necessary to present yet a Third Memorial more, which they did the very same day, in these following Terms.  
Another Memorial presented by the Dutch, Ambassador to the Council of State.  We having on the 3d and 6th of this Month clearly made appear to the Council of State, as well by Writing as word of Mouth, taking God, that knows the Hearts of Men, to witness, That the Bloody Battle that was lately fought between the two Fleets of the two Republics, happened without the knowledge, and against the will of the United Provinces, so are we more and more confirmed both by Letters and Expresses, that our Masters have been sensibly grieved at this Combat, and that farther, upon the Advices we have given them, they have applied themselves with all care imaginable, to seek out Remedies that may be able to quash all these growing Troubles in their Birth, and timely stop the blood of so dangerous a wound. 'Twas for that effect they have called a solemn and General Assembly of all the Members of the State, in which we not at all doubt, but with the assistance of Heaven, they will find out the true means to renew again that ancient Friendship and Union that has always reigned between the two Nations, and that they will remove all the difficulties that seem at present to render them irreconcilable, which will be an assured advance towards the Conclusion of the Treaty already begun. Their High and Mightinesses desire it with so much the more Passion and Earnestness, because it so highly concerns the Welfare and repose of the two Republics, and will effectually stop the fountains of Christian Blood that has been shed. This is what at present flatters the hopes of so many Nations, and especially of the Protestants, so that we entreat you both by the Sacred Bond of Religion that unites us together, and by the Sweet Liberty we equally enjoy, That nothing may be done with too much precipitation, for fear the Remedies that may be afterward judged proper for our reconciliation, coming too late, may prove ineffectual. We also pray you, as soon as possible without delay, to answer favourably to our last demand, which we solicit with so much the more earnestness, because we are informed, that the Ships and Mariners of our Nation are taken, and stopped by your orders, on the High Seas, or in your Harbours, the one by pure force, and the other after Fight. 
The Parliament at last answered them in such a manner as might well be expected after what had lately passed. 
The Parliaments answer to the States Ambassadors.  And here follows the Tenor of their Answer.  
The Parliament of the Commonwealth of England, reflecting upon all the proofs of benevolence and sincere Friendship, they have often given to the State's General of the United Provinces, even from the first beginning of the troubles of this Kingdom, having omitted nothing of what might conduce to the maintaining a perfect Correspondence between them and it, and render their union much more strict than ever before, find themselves at present heinously offended by an unexpected attempt, which is an act of Hostility committed upon the Coasts of England against the Fleet of the Republic, after a mature deliberation, and examination of the Writings which their Excellencies the Ambassadors of the United Provinces have put into our Hands, we have thought fit to make them the present Answer.  
Tho the Parliament were inclined out of a principle of affection and tenderness, to receive favourably the expressions contained in the abovesaid writings, tending to represent the late Fight between the two Fleets, as a thing that happened without the knowledge and against the will of their High and Mightinesses, yet upon due reflection made thereon, it appears, That the Resolutions of the States; and the Conduct of their Admirals do no ways agree with all those protestations, especially in a time whilst a Treaty of Alliance was managing, which they themselves had sought for, and which had been Negotiated by their own Ambassadors. Besides, what could be the scope of so formidable an Arming of 150 Ships of War, made by them without any occasion for it, was it not for the design which has now lately broken out? Which is nothing else but the effect of a real jealousy, even by the confession of the Ambassadors themselves, at the same time they pretend to excuse themselves of it; and according to the Tenor of the Commissions their High and Mightinesses have given to the Chief Commanders of their Naval Armies, there are but too many reasons that persuade us to believe, that the States do thereby but aspire to Ravish from England by force of Arms, her ancient Prerogatives, and the Rights she has over the Seas; and that further, they aim at nothing else but the destruction of our Fleet; which is our Barrier, and our securest Rampart, and by that means to expose this Commonwealth to an Invasion, as they intended to do by the late attempt. Upon which, the Parliament think themselves indispensably engaged with the assistance of Heaven to exact speedy satisfaction for the outrages done to the Nation, and to put themselves in such a condition that the like may happen no more for the future. And yet they do all this with design however to appease if possible the Troubles that have lately risen between the two Nations, by all ways of Humanity and moderation, if God who by his Wisdom and Almighty Power, is able to do all things, shall please to furnish us with more proper and efficacious means for that end, than have been hitherto employed.  
This Answer, together with that proud and haughty way the English have with them, begun to give new alarms to Holland, and make her fear the Consequences would be fatal. It was a very sensible Vexation to the States, to see themselves upon the point of coming to a Rapture with that New Republic, whose happy progresses in her beginnings had made them conceive fair hopes, that she would let her Ally Holland share with her in the prosperities she enjoyed by the good Correspondence and strict Friendship which was like to Reign between them. The Merchants were almost out of their Wits at it, by reason of the great loss they daily suffered both of their Ships and Goods, which unhappily became a Prey to the English Privateers. Which obliged the States, before the Negotiation already begun was quite broken off, to dispatch another Extraordinary Ambassage to London, being willing to appease all disputes by Amicable ways, if it were possible to find out any means to do it, and it being necessary for that purpose to make choice of some person of great Merit, they cast their Eyes upon Mr. Pauw, Lord of Heemsted, Pensioner of Holland, one of the ablest Ministers, even by the Testimony of Foreigners themselves, the Republic ever had. He set out from the Hague, the 25th. of June, on his way to the Brill, and at 6 a Clock at Night the same day he got on Board a Dutch Man of War; the 28th. he arrived at Gravesend, and sent notice of his arrival to the States Ambassadors, and to the Parliament, who were not a little surprised at it. The Ambassadors came presently to him, to inform him of all that had passed. The 30th. Mr. Heemsted was Conducted to London with the Ceremonies usual at the Entry of Ambassadors. He was received at the Tower, by three members of Parliament, and Conducted thence by them to the House appointed for his Lodging attended by a very fine Train of Coaches of many great Lords and persons of Quality. He presently demanded Audience of the Parliament, which being granted him the very next day, he there pronounced a discourse in Latin whereof here follows the Translation.  
Most Honoured Lords,  

The Speech of Mr. Heemsted Ambassador Extraordinary to the Parliament.  THe Public Testimonies and Authentic proofs of a sincere and cordial Amity which the States of the United Provinces and their Subjects have always shown to the British Nation, and especially towards the Parliament of the Commonwealth of England, whose Government is at present so happy and flourishing, are so well known to all Christendom, that no body doubts of them, any more than they do of the ardent passion they have had, to render it perpetual, firm, and unmoveable. But because, by reason of the inconstancy of worldly things, there often happen unlucky accidents and disorders in Humane life, that change the State of affairs, and seem to cover over its face with a thick and sable Cloud that obscures for a time that agreeable Union, and happy mutual Benevolence, there is need of a great deal of precaution to stop its mischievous Consequences; above all, if it be considered, that when such kind of troubles are timely stifled in their birth, and that unhappy misunderstanding started by them comes once to cease, it may be said, they serve more to strengthen and confirm that mutual Union, than any way to weaken or dissolve its Bonds.  
'Tis for this design, that my Mrs. the State's General of the United provinces, have been pleased to send me in Quality of their Ambassador extraordinary to the Parliament of the Commonwealth of England, tho' otherwise they had no reason to doubt either of the Prudence or of the Capacity of the Ambassadors they had here already for Affairs of high importance. I am therefore sent, to assure the Commonwealth of England from them, of the sincere and inviolable desire they have to see its Government continue in that Peace, Happiness and Prosperity which at present it enjoys, and to offer it at the same time, all the services they are capable of. And I can give you this Testimony of them with the more assured fidelity, because having always been present in their assemblies, and coming now but newly out of them, I have been an Eye witness of the zeal and ardent passion they have, to contribute all that lies in their power, that may possibly conduce to the maintaining a firm and solid Friendship between the two States, and to prevent all that may shake it. And therefore 'twas with great Astonishment, and with a very sensible Regret they heard of what has passed between the Admirals of the two Republics; and for fear that fatal Rencounter altogether unexpected should cause some new misunderstandings and raise new Jealousies, or that by putting a stop to the present Treaty, it might make it impracticable to come to a conclusion of a Renovation of the Ancient Amity that has always been between the two Nations, the States, my Mrs. judged it necessary I should come hither, because having been always present at all their deliberations by reason of my Employment, I was best able to Represent to the Commonwealth of England, the naked truth, and all the Circumstances of that Action, as they have been related to them, in order to the rasing out all suspicions that might be capable to distemper or destroy the good intelligence and true Amity that is between the two Nations, and remove all obstacles that might, hinder the conclusion of the Treaty already began.  
Moreover I protest and declare in the presence of the Parliament of the Republic of England by virtue of my Credential Letters; and in the Name of the State's General, my Mrs. that they never had any thoughts to attempt any thing, or give order, that any thing should be attempted that might give any just cause of Umbrage to the Sovereign power of this Commonwealth, to break or weaken the Union and good Correspondence that has been so long cultivated between the two Republics, or under what pretence soever, to sow any discord between them. But rather on the contrary, I can say, that the States have been moved by their own inclinations, and by the sentiments of a real Friendship, carefully to study out all that might conduce to the hastening the conclusion of a strict and inviolable Alliance between the two Nations. It's true a very considerable Fleet was Equipped in Holland, but at the same time there's no body but knows, the States were forced so to do by the continual complaints of their Subjects, and that they gave notice of it to the Parliament. And they published beforehand, that this arming was for no other end than for the liberty and security of Commerce, which was much endamaged and interrupted by many very sensible Losses the Subjects of the United Provinces daily suffered of their Ships and Goods; and certainly, it is but natural to make use of the means that force and necessity put into our hands, to protect oppresed innocence: But they thoughr of nothing less than a fight, to create new troubles between the two Nations, and Revive the disputes that were already terminated. But things being so, and there happening by accident a fierce Battle between the Fleets of the two Nations, the State's General have thought fit to Communicate to the Parliament of England an exact and faithful Relation of all that passed, such as they have received from their Admiral, authorized by the Testimony of all the Captains and other persons worthy of Credit: namely, that Admiral Tromp came towards the Fleet of this Republic, more by necessity than out of any premeditated design, and that after he had paid his Civilities to Major Bourn, as he was pursuing his voyage, he fell into the presence of Admiral Blake before he was ware; that presently he ordered an advice Boat to be made ready, to send some Officers of the Fleet to Compliment him, but that Blake answering him with Civilities of a quite contrary nature, let fly all his Guns at him, and that then Tromp discharged his, more to defend himself, than to offend the Aggressor. This was the cause of an Engagement, in which, the Capricious humour of Fortune had more share than any design of Council premeditated, and swelled up with Ambition, so that it being begun about a mistaken point of Honour, and not continued by our men out of any principle of animosity, the State's General pray the Commonwealth of England, to be persuaded, they had no hand in that Action, but to take it for an Event of pure chance, and of the inconstancy of Worldly affairs, and that accordingly they would be pleased to recall their Orders and Commissions, and to let all Acts of Hostility cease that now disturb Commerce, and the States on their part, are ready to consent to the same, and always to employ all possible means to facilitate an Accommodation.  
They are very sensible, that all Christendom is deeply concerned in so great an affair as this, and especially the reformed Churches of all Europe, who all equally wish and desire, that our troubles may be stifled in their Birth, as being persuaded, that discord arising between Neighbouring States of the same Religion, may not only draw after it the Ruin of that Commerce that makes them Flourish, but likewise awaken the drooping hopes of both their secret and open Enemies, who would not fail to take occasion thereupon, to foment some new Plots in some Province or other of this Commonwealth which would afterwards break out, and so passing from one to another, we should see our States become the bloody Theatre of a War. To prevent therefore and put a stop to the Course of so great mischiefs, I have Orders without further delay, to Represent to you, and employ all my industry that some assured means may be agreed upon on both sides to accommodate the differences about what has past, and for the taking such just Measures for the future, that there may never happen the like accidents again between the two Fleets; and that so thereby the Greatness and Glory of the Parliament of England may be secured from the danger of all sorts of attempts against it.  
Since then the State's General openly declare to the Parliament the ardent passion they have to see the two Nations perfectly United together and their differences entirely composed, and that the propositions on both sides may at last terminate in a strict Alliance, all the favour I desire of the Parliament, is that they would please to give order to their Commissioners, and to the Council of State, to give me speeddy Audience, and to labour jointly with me for the Conclusion of the Treaty, in order to terminate the principal business that is the foundation of my Negotiation, as well as of that of the other Ambassadors In extraordinary, of the States.  
In the mean while, I acknowledge myself infinitely obliged to the Parliament, that they have been pleased to grant a Ship to Mr. Nieuport to repass the Sea, and go into Holland; I will add here, that being a Member of the State, he has had order to remain with me, to assist me with his Council, till my return, which I dare be confident, the Parliament will not take ill; and that they will be pleased favourably to accept my most humble services which I present them.  
Mr. de Heemsted going the next day to the Council of State, 
Mr. de Heemsted's Speech to the Council of State.  made them the following Speech, which he pronounced in French. Since it has pleased my Lor●s, the State's General of the United Provinces besides the Ambassadors they have already here, to send me extraordinarily in the same Quality to the Parliament of the Republic of England, to whom I had the Honour yesterday in a full Assembly, to declare the Subject of my Ambassage, and the sincerity of the intentions of the High and Mighty Lords, my Mrs. I thought myself indispensably obliged to appear before this August Council, as well to present them my Credential Letters, as to assure them for my own particular, how much I tender the prosperity they enjoy in the management of those great and important affairs entrusted to them by the Commonwealth and which they discharge with so much Wisdom and Prudence. And as I have already declared to the Parliament, so I Reiterate again here, that the State's General desire nothing so much as the Continuation of a good, and intimate Correspondence, and the Renewing of a durable and solid Friendship with England, of which they had in several Rencounters given very signal marks. It is Certain, the States, my Mrs. wish nothing more hearty, than to see the Treaty of Peace brought to a Conclusion, and the Union between the two Republics, thereby Re-establisht and Corroborated, and all Subjects of hatred and misunderstanding that might be able to disturb it, thereby entirely dispelled. Gentleman, it is the Aim of the Enemies of the Reformation, by Divisions, not only to weaken but totally to ruin the two Republics, but the two Nations having received so many great marks of the blessing of God, as well by their partaking in the true Religion of which they are the trusty Guardians, as by the prodigies that have appeared in their foundation and establishment, in several parts of the World, whither they have so happily advanced Commerce in spite of all the dangers of the Seas; the States, my Mrs. Judge it absolutely necessary to maintain Religion, and strengthen our Republics which cannot be effected otherwise than by a happy Complication, and an agreeable confusion of their Riches and common Interests; that will be the true means with the assistance of Heaven to prevent all that may be capable to trouble their happiness and felicity.  
Upon which considerations the State's General were so extremely surprised at the news of what passed lately between the two Naval Armies, and at the mutual jealousy the two Nations have conceived thereupon, That they thought it most highly important, to depute me extraordinarily towards the Parliament of the Commonwealth of England, and towards this Venerable Council, to represent to them the true State of things, so much the rather, because having the honour to assist in two Assemblies, namely that of the State's General, and of the States of Holland and West-Friesland, I have a full knowledge of their most secret and most weighty Affairs, and that by consequence, I am able to assure them, that there never was any Project formed, any Resolution taken, nor any Commission given directly or indirectly, to offend the Republic of England, and to give them any just Cause of Jealousy, and much less, to go and attack their Fleets: But rather on the contrary, it was ordered. That wheresoever our Men should meet with those of that Nation, they should treat them as true Friends; though in the fatal rencontre we have newly mentioned, things happened quite otherwise, of which I gave yesterday a Relation ample and particular enough to suffice at present, because it is not convenient to be so often Renewing the Memory of past things that ought to be buried in eternal oblivion, in the mean while, finding by the last answer given to our Ambassadors, that you pretend satisfaction for what is past, and assurances for the future; and besides the States, my Mrs. Judging it Requisite first to remove all preventions and mistaken prejudices concerning what is past; and that the two Republics should endeavour to find out means to secure them against the like accidents for the time to come, that the Treaty of Alliance already in good forwardness be without interruption, carried on, that besides, the surest means imaginable be provided to prevent all suspicion and distrust, and that a standing order be established according to which the Naval Armies on both sides shall be obliged to Regulate themselves, concerning which points I have received the necessary instructions from my Mrs. I entreat you Gentlemen, to be pleased to name some of your Illustrious Body, to treat with me out of hand concerning the affairs in Question. I must add to all I have just now asserted, that the States never had any thoughts to dispute with the Republic of England, that Grandeur and Sovereign power that distinguishes it with so much Glory from all the other Republics of Europe; Hearty wishing besides, that by the Union of two such potent States as England & Holland, the two Republics may contribute to the mutual preservation of one another, be secured against the Conspiracies of their Enemies, and assure to themselves a firm and lasting Peace. In the mean while I pray you to give order by your Wise Conduct as soon as possible, that the mischief caused by that unfortunate Rencounter, may not be increased by new Hostilities committed against the Ships of the States; but rather that you would straight forbid the same, without staying till the sore be grown incurable, and till by that, we awake the drooping hopes of our Enemies; being persuaded, that we shall find out effectual means to reconcile us, to the shame and confusion of those that are jealous of our prosperity and common felicity. I shall be most sensibly obliged to this August assembly, if they will please to give me a speedy answer, that so without losing time, I may fall to work upon a business of so great advantage and importance, recommending myself in the mean time with all possible respect, to your Benevolence.  

June 24.  Two days aft●r, the Mr. of the Ceremonies gave notice to 〈…〉 ●●eemsted, that the Parliament had ap●●●● 〈◊〉 commissioners to Treat with him. And 〈…〉 ●●●●ence being thereupon entered into, Mr. ●●●●s●ed begun with declaring to the Commissioners. That the States had never given any cause of Complaint to the Republic of England, but rather all the demonstrations of a true and sincere Amity; that their intention could not be doubted of, since it was Notorious, that it had been always such in time past, and should be so for the time to come, that if there had happened any thing that seemed contrary to that intention, it ought not to be imputed to the States, as an offence proceeding from them, nor any occasion taken upon that account, to attempt any thing against their Subjects, but that generously forgetting on both sides what was past, Provision ought to be made for their mutual security, by giving the necessary Orders to prevent the like accidents for the future; unless the Parliament should think it fit to name Commissioners on both sides, to make a through scrutiny into the Business in dispute, and above all, to inquire who was the Aggressor. That their High and Mightinesses in case Tromp should be found to have begun first, would not only disown his Conduct, as contrary to their Orders, but would cause him to be severely punished, but that if on the contrary, Blake should be convinced of having been the Aggressor, the Parliament was likewise obliged to Chastise him; so that by that proceeding it would be known, not only what was the real intention of their High and Mightinesses, but an assured way would thereby be laid open, to pacify all troubles, after the Example of several other States and Republics, who have successfully practised the like Expedients. That their High and Mightinesses never had the least thoughts of making any encroachment upon the Grandeur of the British Nation, in any way to Diminish it, but that after the late unhappy Rencounter, they had given new Orders, that for the future, at the approach of any of their Fleets, or Ships of War, the same honours should be rendered to the Parliament in the point of the Flag, that had been usually paid to that Nation during the preceding Reigns, hoping by that means, both Parties would have reason to rest satisfied; that the Treaty of Alliance about which, the State's Ambassadors had declared the intention of their Mrs. in several Conferences, might be at length continued and that it would please the Council likewise to declare their intention that the differences being once known, the obstacles that hindered an accommodation might be removed, and a happy conclusion of an Eternal Alliance and inviolable Friendship might be obtained; that an end might be put to all Acts of Hostility, and a Restitution be made of all the Ships and effects belonging to persons that were Innocent in the matter. That for that end, he prayed the Council to be pleased to declare their Resolution concerning the points abovementioned, and principally concerning the continuation of the Treaty that was begun, the Cessation of Hostilities, and the Releasing of the Ships and Persons seized, and so much the rather because they had not delayed a moment to inform the Council of State of the good intentions of their High and Mightinesses.  
This Conference passing the 24th. they had a second the next day, which was followed by a third the 27th. of the same Month in which Mr. Heemsted pressingly demanded a positive answer, adding to what he had already advanced the following propositions. viz.  That the States were still in the same mind, to live in perfect Union with the Republic of England; that upon that consideration, they had promised their protection to the English Company in Holland, in case the troubles should happen to increase, that he on either side that had transgressed his Commission in the late fight near Dover, should be obliged personally to answer for it, that it might be no cause of a Rupture between the two Nations; that in order to pacify all things, Commissioners should be appointed on both sides, to make a strict enquiry into all that had passed, and that they who should thereupon be found guilty, should according to the Maxim, of all other States, be punished, as Authors of the Misfortunes and Calamities of the people, that the Ships of War on both sides, being ordered when they meet one another at Sea, to behave themselves as formerly they used to do, there would happen no more disputes for the future about that Subject, that when a perfect Union should be once established between the two Republics, very great advantages would undoubtedly result from thence for their mutual defence and preservation. 
On the 29th. the Council of State having examined all these Reasons, 
The Council of States Answer.  gave the following answer to Mr. Heemsted, viz. That he might well enough see what was the intention of the Parliament, by the answer given to the three Memorials of the other Ambassadors, before his arrival, since nothing had been proposed since, neither by him nor any other, that was capable to make the Parliament change their Resolution; that if the attempt made by the Holland Fleet, as much by surprise as it was had succeeded according to their hopes, it might have been said, that the Commonwealth of England would have seen itself plunged into the greatest disasters imaginable, and that therefore it was not reasonable, after they had been so miraculously preserved, they should expose themselves again to the like disgraces for the future. That they could not suffer themselves to be any longer amused under the specious pretence of an Examen, or by Examples not pertinent to their Case, of what other States may have done; but that rather they were resolved to employ those means which necessity and the Nature of the Fact Require to be used; that besides, they could not consent to the Conclusion of a Treaty of Alliance, till they had received satisfaction about the point in Question, and that as to the demonstrations of a sincere and real Friendship from their High and Mightinesses, which their Ambassadors so much boasted of: The English on their side likewise had no less reason to value themselves upon the Authentic proofs they have given of the like to the Hollanders, either in general or particular; and that in a word, they could not change any thing in the Answer they had already given them.  
Mr. de Heemsted having received this Answer, demanded on the 1st. of July a new Conference, in which he Renewed his instances, by declaring, That there never had past any thing on the State's side that was capable to give any just cause of jealousy to the English; That they had proposed an assured way, to prevent all sorts of Contestation, and to discover the truth, but that they would not follow it, and that a Manifest injustice was done to his Mrs. That it was very easy to Judge of that by the refusal the States had made to their Subjects, notwithstanding the pressing solicitations used by them for that purpose, to grant them any Letters of Reprisal; that lastly to show, they were wholly inclined to Peace, they had promised their Protection to the English Company at Rotterdam; that if the English persisted to Reject all the favourable means to procure an Accommodation, it would cause a great Consternation amongst the people of Holland; That in fine, he therefore prayed the Council of State, to be pleased to propose some other means themselves, and in the mean while, to forbid all Acts of Hostility, and to Release the Ships that had been taken.  
After this last Conference, Mr. de Heemsted seeing they neglected to give him an answer; delivered another writing to the Council of State, by which he Represented the Eminent danger that threatened the two Republics, by the mischiefs that would undoubtedly follow upon their Refusal to accept the means he had proposed, adding, that he desired them to propose some other of their own if it were possible, that might be more effectual.  
The Parliament could no longer Recoil, 
Articles proposed to the Dutch by the Parliament.  but at last proposed the following Articles as a ground for the Re-establishment of a Peace: viz.  
1. That the State's General of the United Provinces should be obliged to pay to the Republic of England, a compensation towards the indemnifying them for the losses they had sustained by the Arming of the Holland Fleet, and by the attempt they had lately made upon them, of which the particularities should be reported at large, in time and place.  
2. That presently after the payment of the said sum, the Parliament should surcease all Acts of Hostility against the Hollanders, and all Ships seized since the last troubles, should be released.  
3. That these two Conditions being first agreed to, and put in Execution, they would proceed to a Treaty of Alliance which should straightly Unite the two Republics together, render their interests common, and their Friendship perpetual, and inviolable, and that for this effect, the Parliament would be always Ready to accept all just and reasonable ways proposed to them.  
The Ambassador of the States being astonished at such an answer, demanded on the 6th. of July a new Conference, wherein he Represented, That their High and Mightinesses had been obliged to make an Extroardinary armament, and to be at Excessive Expenses for the Reasons he had already mentioned; that their Subjects had suffered considerable damages by the taking of a great many Holland and French Ships; that the States and their Merchant Subjects still felt the losses that had been caused to them, that if they would needs stand upon the point of indemnifying, they needed only to compare the losses of the one Nation with those of the other, to be convinced, that the State's General had been the greatest sufferers, which would be easy to demonstrate, provided the business were not spun out to too great a length, by an over Captious discussion; That if the said Commissioners would on their side make a just and Reasonable estimation, It would then plainly appear, that the true intention of their High and Mightinesses is to terminate things by an amicable way. As concerning the Treaty of Confederacy, between the two Republics, and the mutual assistance they might afford one another upon occasion, in case their common Enemies should go about to attempt upon their liberty, the States other Ambassadors had sufficiently before explained the intentions of their Mrs. upon that Subject, being always ready to pursue the said Treaty, if it would be consented to: That if the said Commissioners should think fit to render that Treaty more ample and Authentic, it would be a very agreeable thing to him, and that he passionately desired they would please to give him all possible instruction imaginable thereupon. That moreover, he thought it would be highly important if not very necessary, that orders should be given to the two Fleets not to come near one another, and that they might not come to any new Engagements, as 'twas to be feared they otherwise would; And that besides that, he insisted, that they would without delay release the Ships that were seized, that so their Spirits being once calmed, the two Nations might be ●indly disposed of themselves, and without any Constraint, to the concluding of a firm, solid, and unmoveable Alliance, that in fine, He waited with the greatest impatience for a favourable answer to all he had j●st then proposed, that so being animated with the hopes of a happy success, he might employ his industry with the States to endeavour to find out proper means to effect an Accommodation; that he desired it the more earnestly, because he was obliged to obey the Orders of his Mrs.  
The Council of State, made answer, 
The Answer of the Council of State.  that having maturely Examined the writing delivered by Mr. de Heemsted Ambassador Extroardinary from the State's General of the United Provinces into the hands of the Commissioners, and having found nothing in it that answered clearly or directly to the last proposition made to his Excellency by the Parliament the Council demanded of him a speedy and positive answer, at least to the first Article, which being granted, they would apply themselves to the fixing a moderate and Reasonable sum, that so after that, they might proceed to the Execution of the second Article, by the restitution of the Ships seized, and the suspension of all acts of Hostility; And that as for the third Article, it should be taken care of afterward more at Leisure.  
The 7th of July, the Sieur de Heemsted demanded another Conference in pursuance of the orders he had received from his Masters, adding, that if the Republic of England would not openly declare themselves, he would demand his Audience of Leave, and that with so much the more Justice; because instead of an Accommodation with which they had flattered themselves, the Parliament had given orders to their Fleet, to destroy the Dutch Herring Fishery, and to sink all Holland Ships, whilst to the Northward they were watching for our Ships that were returning from the Indies. He represented therefore in that Conference,  That whilst he was busied in answering the Writing that was delivered him by Mr. Oliver Fleming from the Council of State, he had with much displeasure been informed, that the English Fleet was put to Sea, in order to some enterprise; That he had likewise received Letters, by which the States his Masters had ordered him, that since he had used all his endeavours to no purpose, to obtain a Cessation of acts of Hostility, he should demand his Audience of Leave, in order to return with all diligence into Holland, to give the States an account of his Negotiation. And therefore in Obedience to the Orders of his Mrs. he damanded, he might be permitted to take his leave of the Council of State, the next day, and might for his Transportation make use of the man of War commanded by Captain John Verbaaf, in which he came into England. That the said Captain might be provided with a Passport, that he might not be molested in his way by the Parliaments Ships: Adding, that because the other Ambassadors had signified to him, that they had likewise order to retire, he desired they might be permitted to take their Audience of Leave at the same time, and to provide themselves with Ships necessary to transport their persons and Equipages. The Council of State answered, That they were obliged first to make their Report to the Parliament who were to sit the next day, or the Tuseday following after the Memorial was delivered from the State's Ambassador Extraordinary to the Commissioners; And that till than they could give no other Answer to the said Ambassador. 
But that on the 8th of July Mr de Heemsted presented to the Council of State, two Memorials: The first of which was conceived in these Terms.  The Ambassador Extraordinary of the States, 
Mr. Heemsted's first Memorial.  having seen the Answer given by the Council to his last Proposition, has thought fit to declare a new that he intended as soon as he came back into Holland, in consequence of the Overture made to him for that purpose, to apply his whole endeavours to find out some proper means for the Reuniting the two Nations, and dissipating all the Umbrages that seemed then to render them irreconcilable, that having at length attained to that happy Union so necessary for their common Security, there might be nothing able to disturb them: And as that Resolution was full of sincerity, and aimed only at the tranquillity and happiness of the two Republics, so it was accordingly expedient, to prevent by a diligent execution, some Evils that otherwise would grow incurable, if they were not stopped in their very Source, That upon this consideration, he requested, the Council would be pleased to order, he might be speedily dispatched, by granting him his Audience of Leave, and the necessary Passports for his Ship that waited for him at Gravesend; and that being persuaded, That the Council of State would have regard to his Quality and Character, he dared to flatter himself, they would render him the same Honours at his Audience of Leave as were done him at his Entry, and for which he was very much obliged to the Council. 
The other Memorial imported, 
The second Memorial.  that the Ambassador Extraordinary of the States found it necessary to Represent to the Council, That if they thought it fit, after he should have made his Report to their High and Mightinesses, he desired his Secretary, or some other trusty Person, might come back to London, to maintain a Correspondence together, whether by delivering or receiving to and from the two States, all that might any way conduce to the re-establishing a strict Alliance and perfect Union between them: And that in order thereunto, it would please the Council, to Grant the necessary Passport for the security of that Person; That he should also have permission to stay at London so long as the Parliament, or the States should think fit; or else that the Council would name some person themselves, whom they thought fit to receive the Letters that should be written to that purpose, and to solicit their Answers. But they made no Reply to this last Proposal, how equitable soever it appeared, as being jealous that under that Covert some Dangerous Intelligence might be carried on against them in favour of the pretensions of the Family of the Stuarts. The three other Ambassadors presented likewise to the Council of State the following Memorial, on the 8th of July. That since the Ambassadors of the State's General had Orders by the last Letters they received, to Retire without delay, to go and give an account of their Negotiation to the States their Masters, they therefore prayed the Council, they might be permitted to take their Audience of Leave of that August Assembly, and that accordingly Ships necessary for their Transportation and that of their respective Equipages, together with Passports for their security might be granted them; adding, that there were some Ships of their Nation ready for that purpose, as Captain de Boet, and three other Ships of Dort.  
The Republic of England fortifying every day more and more their Authority, began to render themselves insupportable, by their excessive Pride and Haughtiness. For Sweden and Denmark, several Princes of Italy, the Hanse-Towns of Germany and other Free Cities of Europe were forced to acknowledge their upstart Government. And they troubled themselves not much about the State's Ambassadors, as the scornful disdain they shown of all their Remonstrances was a visible proof, so that no body was surprised at all to see with what facility they granted them their Audience of Leave. They consented that two of their Men of War should Convoy them, and two other Ships Transport their Equipages. And so the next day the fear Ambassadors were conducted to their Audience, and Mr. de Heemsted made the following Discourse, in the name of them all.  
The State's General of the United Provinces have sent their Ambassadors Extraordinary to the Parliament of the Republic of England, 
Mr. de Heemsted's Speech at his Audience of Leave.  to endeavour by all sorts of ways to induce them to renew the ancient Amity between the two Nations, and to confirm more straight their Alliance. They were followed a little while after by Mr. Nieuport a Member of the States of Holland and Westfriesland who was sent to clear some difficulties, and to give a more Authentic proof of their Good Intentions concerning the Treaty of Confederacy.  
In fine, it pleased their High and Mightinesses some days after, to make yet another Extraordinary Deputation, and to make choice of me for that, with Express Order to come and give the Republic of England, new, more particular and stronger Assurances of a faithful and sincere Amity, in order to dispel all Umbrages and all Subjects of misunderstanding, and to prevent all Obstacles that might hinder the Execution of so laudable a Design.  
For that effect, it was proposed. That an enquiry should be made by some judicious persons on both sides, into the Action that lately passed between the two Fleets, and which happened not by any premeditated design, but by pure accident, that so according to their Verdict, satisfaction might be given to the Party offended. For we Protest before God, and before Men, and in presence of the Parliament of the Republic of England, That the States our Masters never had it in their thoughts, to offend this Republic, and much less to commit any act of Hostility against it. But that they were more disposed by a sense of a true and sincere affection, to contribute to the maintaining a stable and good understanding and inviolable Peace between them.  
But since unfortunately in spite of the steps that have been made, and the pains taken, to pacify all these Troubles, the two Ambassages have proved ineffectual, and frustrated of the hopes they had with so much justice conceived, and that, by new Disputes that have arisen and caused great losses; and that besides, the States are threatened with new Hostilities from the Parliaments Fleet, without having had the least notice given them of it: The Ambassadors thought themselves obliged in prudence to prevent the Storm, and to retire into their own Country, as well to go and give an account of their Negotiations, as to take new Instructions from the States their Masters. For this end, we present ourselves all together before this August Assembly to give them notice, That we have received order to retire, and are upon the point of our departure.  
We have already represented to the Council of State what things are necessary for our departure, with Respect to the Juncture of time and our Character, and we wait their Answer.  
In the mean while, it is not only our Duty but a point of Justice to entreat you, that all our Ships that have been brought into the Ports of England, or been stopped there before the publication of any Declaration of War, without any offence given by any of the Masters of the said Ships, may at last be released with all their Men, that they may pursue their intended Voyages, without being molested in any manner whatsoever; and that all be done according to our ancient Friendship, and the Law of Nations practised among Christians. We hope the Justice of the Sovereign Republic of England will not refuse us a demand so equitable as this.  
Moreover, we Implore the Protection of Heaven, and beseech God, the Author of Peace, that he will please of his Goodness to inspire the Parliament of this Republic with such Sentiments as may induce them to a Speedy Reconciliation with the States of the United Provinces, for the maintenance of the Reformation whose firmest support, and most solid foundation has always been Peace, in the Bosom of which it Flourishes, and quietly enjoys Prosperity, and which, on the contrary, if our Troubles should continue any longer, would see itself brought to an inevitable Destruction, and plunged into the greatest Miseries. We still pray God to be pleased to avert the Course of the Mischiefs and Calamities that accompany War; and to pour forth his precious Blessings upon the two Republics.  
And as we are ordered to retire forthwith into Holland, we shall accordingly take leave of this Illustrious Assembly, with all imaginable thanks for the kindnesses we have received from them, in full confidence, that they will not refuse us the things we have already demanded of them, and which are every where granted to Ambassadors, in regard to their Character, for the security of their Persons.  
Lastly, we recommend to you the Dutch Merchants residing at London, or elsewhere within this Kingdom, that their Goods and Persons may be taken into the Protection of the Parliament.  
These were the steps made by the State's Geneneral of the United Provinces, to prevent a Rupture with England, by which, all the world may judge, how great the Power of that new hatched State was, though scarcely yet fledged, to make them so Courted by a Nation that at that juncture, more feared than loved them, and how great and presumptuous their pride was too, in refusing such fair offers and venturing to engage in a War with so potent an Enemy, as the States of Holland, when their own settlement at home was so unsecure. But the flames were blown up on both sides, by the secret friends of the Stuarts, and by the Emissaries of those Nations that envied to both people, both their Religion, and above all, their formidable Power at Sea, and their flourishing and universally extended Commerce; by some of whom, out of the same malicious principles, the same fire, that was but rak't up for a while, in Embers, was rekindled, and set a burning with a more pernicious violence than ever, to the manifest increase of a Third Power, that though before, it durst scarce peep out at Sea, has since appeared a formidable Enemy even upon their own Element, to those Redoubted Masters of the Ocean, and has had the insolence for a while by its dextrous managing of intestine Factions among us, to Brave both our Fleets, till like Capaneus defying Jove, its Marine Forces were at length by the magnanimous Russel and his Valiant Copartners, the Dutch Admirals, Thunderstruck, and in a manner quite driven off the usurped Main, daring never since to appear on it otherwise than only as Rovers, and skulking Pirates.  
On the 11th of July, that is to say, four days after the English Fleet set sail for the North Sea, to go and destroy the Dutch Fleet of Herring Busses, and to watch for their Ships coming back from the Indies, the Ambassadors departed London, 
The Dutch Ambassadors departed.  and on the 13th near Schouwen, met with Lieutenant Admiral Tromp, to whom Mr. de Heemsted gave a Memorial containing an account of the Forces of England; he likewise informed him, that Admiral Ayschew, who but a little before had given chase to a Merchant Fleet of about 30 or 40 sail between Calais and Swartenes, homeward bound from St. Hubes, and Portugal, was then in the Downs, with a Squadron of 21 Men of War, where he might be easily attacked and Beaten.  
Tromp having received Express Orders from the States, who found themselves obliged to make use of Reprizals, not to spair the English any longer, but to do them all the mischief he could, resolved to go and attack Ayschew. Vice Admiral Evertsz, had the Command of the Van, with a Squadron of 21 Ships of War; Lieutenant Admiral Tromp Commanded the main Body of the Fleet, consisting of 30 Ships; and Rear Admiral Florisz, the Rear, composed of 28 Men of War. But there happening a Calm, and after that a contrary Wind, it was impossible for them to execute that project. Tromp therefore steered his Course towards the North, in search of Blake. Ayschew kept close in the Downs, whilst Blake with a Fleet of between 66 and 68 Sail, having discovered before Boeknes, the Herring-Fleet, under the Convoy of 12 Ships or Frigates carrying from 22 to 30 Guns, caused them to be attacked by a Squadron of 20 men of War that composed his Vanguard: The Fight was sharp, and lasted above three whole hours, till at last the weaker was forced to give way to the stronger. Captain Venhuysen, and all the Herring Busses excepting four fled away; Ten of them were taken, whereof two sunk, after they had made all the resistance imaginable, and another was at last quitted by the Enemy. Blake joined five of them to his Fleet, and sent three of them to Inverness, with his wounded Men; but those of the Dutch were conducted to the Texel.  
The States to Varnish over their Arms with all the Colour of Justice they could, published a Manifesto, setting forth the Reasons why they had declared War against the English; and they did the same on their side against the Hollanders. We shall repeat neither of them here, because they are to be found in several places, and that 'tis easy to guests by what has been said, what were the contents of them: And because our design is, to insist only upon relating the Bloody Battles that were fought between these two potent Republics, and in which the Hero's of this History, the two Tromps, Father and Son, had the most share.  
The English had already seized upon the Isle of Inseith, where the Hollanders used to water, and these, latter advancing towards the Coasts of Scotland, arrived near Fulo and Fairhill, where they espied Blake, who was watching for our Ships coming back from the Indies. The two Fleets were disposing themselves for a Fight, when in the night between the 5th and 6th of August, the Sky grew dark by little and little, and soon after there appeared certain presages of a violent Tempest: 
Tromp distressed by a dreadful Tempest.  For the wind having long been shifting about, turned at last to the N. N. West, and blew with so much impetuosity, that our Sails were all rent and torn in pieces, and the Waves rolled through them, and so went and spent themselves against the Rocks of Hitland, throwing their Foam up to the very Heaven. Thus the Fleet being as 'twere buried by the violence of the Sea, in most horrible Abysses, risen out of them only to be tossed up to the very Clouds. Here the Masts were beaten down into the Sea, there the Deck was overflown by the prevailing Waves: Here the Tempest was so much Mistress of the Ships, that they could be no longer governed, and on another side, appeared all the doleful forerunners of a dismal Wrack. And the Darkness increasing the danger, and the confused cries of the Mariners redoubling the common fear, both together made the saddest and most frightful spectacle, that was ever seen.  
When the day was come, the disorder was clearly discovered: Two Ships were found ramed in between two Rocks, and the Shattered Relics of three Fireships, that were separated from the Fleet by the violence of the Waves, left no manner of Room to doubt of their being lost. But Providence that presides over all Events sweetened these Evils to our men, by the happy arrival of three Indian Ships, and of several others that were coming from the Islands called, the Antilles, who unexpectedly fell into our Fleet, whereof some put into Schalloway, others made to the South-West of Hitland, some others to the West, and the rest to the North of the same Island. In the mean while Tromp went before, sailing towards, the , with a Fleet of 39 sail, and one of the Ships come from the Indies; And in the Latitude of Scotland, he discovered Blake with 62 Great Ships much less damaged then his own, because that by a great happiness for him, the Tempest having driven him to the Northward of Hitland, he found on that side, more Shelter, as soon as Tromp espied him, he disposed himself to stay for his coming up to him, with intention to present him battle. But Blake either being loath to lose the Weather-Gage, or for some other Reasons unknown, would not accept it. Soon after, observing that Tromp was sheered off into the main Sea, in order to pursue his first intended course, he likewise fell down towards the , having done nothing with his so potent Fleet, but scattered the Herring Fishers, destroyed their Convoy, and taken two Zealand Ships that were cruizing in those Seas, and which fell by chance into his Fleet, but who had first destroyed him two of his Frigates. The rest of the Holland Fleet after they had spent some weeks in refitting, entered happily into the Vlie and the Texel at the beginning of September. Whilst Tromp was out at Sea, the State's General resolved to set out another Fleet, besides, both to secure their Merchant Ships, render Navigation more Free, and put themselves into a Condition the more powerfully to oppose the English. This Resolution taken, they were next to seek for a Man Recommendable for his fidelity and Experience to vest with the Command of it. The States of Zealand cast their Eyes upon Michael Adrian de Ruiter, 
De Ruiter Refuses to to go Sea, but at length Consents.  well known by his great Reputation, but he having no inclination to go any more to Sea, had resolved to pass the rest of his days in Peace and Repose. Some members of the State having represented to him, that his Country then stood in pressing need of his Service, he answered them, that his intention was to live in Tranquillity, and to meddle no more with any Sea affairs. But they pressed it to him again, telling him, that such a man as he, that had given so many Signal proofs of his Bravery, and of his Zeal for his Country, ought not now to refuse at a dead lift, to give it the last marks of his steadfast affection that were desired of him, especially since, he would be only obliged to go as 'twere a roving. So that at last he let himself be persuaded, and went on Board the Ship called the Neptune, carrying 28 Guns, and 134 Men. But the Fleet that was to assemble at Wielingen, was forced to stay some time for several Men of War which were at the Texel, and other Ports. De Ruiter being embarked on board the Neptune, put to Sea, and arrived on the 10th. of August at the Fleet which was then but 15 sail of Men of War, and 2 Fireships. Some days after having received a Reinforcement of 7 men of War and 2 Fireships, he set sail towards the Straight of Calais, according to the Order he had received from the States for that effect. His Commission was, to Convoy along the Channel the Merchant Fleet that was then in the Texel, ready to set sail to the Westward, and afterwards to Cruize about the Channel to pick up the Ships that were coming from divers parts of Europe, and Conduct them into Holland. For that purpose Order was likewise given to the Merchant Fleet in the Texel, to speed away to Wielingen, to endeavour to join the Fleet of Men of War, or at least to go and seek them out towards the Straight of Calais, or in the Channel. In the mean while De Ruiter received advice by two Boats laden with Dutch Prisoners that had been taken on board some Ships that were stopped before the Rupture, but were discharged by the Parliament, that passing by near the English Fleet between the Isles of Wight and Portland, they found it 46 sail strong, of which about 12 were of a prodigious bigness. De Ruiter, writ word of it to the Admiralty of Zealand complaining of the piteous condition in which he found the Ships of his Fleet, and Representing to their High and Mightinesses, that he needed greater Forces, to form any enterprise, and to attack the Enemy pursuant to the Orders he had received. He kept himself sometimes below Swarteness, and afterwards Cruizing along the Channel, he advanced as far as the Cingles. During all which time, he sent out from day to day, several light Frigates to inform themselves of the Countenance of the English, and to look out for the Texel Fleet. On the 21st. of August, 8 Men of War, and 50 Merchant Ships, under the Command of Gideon Verburg joined De Ruiter Westward of Gravelling; the same day he writ another very pressing Letter to the States, in which he desired them to send him some Ships of bigger Force, and better appointed for War, because those he had were very ill Equipped, being not furnished with half their Compliment of Guns and Men, especially those of the Province of Friesland. The following days he passed the Straight of Calais with the Merchant Fleet, and pursuing his way along the Channel, he advanced as far as the Latitude of Plymouth; but being near the Coast of France, on the 26th. of August, about 2 a Clock in the afternoon, the Wind at North-East, he perceived a Fleet of 45 sail to the Northward of that of Holland. De Ruiter imagining presently thereupon, that it was the English Fleet Commanded by Admiral George Ayschew, watching for the Dutch Merchant Ships, tacked about, and stood directly towards Admiral Ayschew, the English Fleet was composed of 40 Men of War, whereof 12 as we have said, were of an Extraordinary bulk. For there were two of them of 60 Guns each, and 8 from 36 to 40, and besides them 5 Fireships. De Ruiter's Forces consisted of 30 small Ships of War, and 6 Fireships. The greatest of those Ships had not on board above 30 Guns, excepting 2 of them, namely the Peace, and the Ostrich that carried each of them 40, and that were Equiped by the care of the Indian Chamber of Amsterdam, for the Service of the State; and the others had not half their Compliment of Men; besides which disadvantage, de Ruiter was hampered with a Merchant Fleet of 60 sail, who were the principal mark at which the English leveled their designs. Some days before, de Ruiter had put all things in order, and divided his Fleet into 3 Squadrons, the first of which he himself Commanded, the second was under the Conduct of Vanden Brock, in quality of Vice-Admiral; and the third was under that of Verbaas in quality of Rear-Admiral. To each Squadron, he had joined 2 Fireships, ordering them to keep themselves in readiness upon the approach of the Enemies, to go and set fire to the biggest of their Ships. And for the Merchant Ships, be placed them along the Fleet in such a manner as they might be most secure. About 4 a Clock in the afternoon they began to Fight. 
De Ruiter Engages Admiral Ayschew.  De Ruite● was in the main Body, Vice-Admiral Vanden Broek in the right Wing, and Rear-Admiral Ve●baa● in the left. The Fight was fierce, and bloody. De Ruiter Fought twice through the English Fleet, and if he could but have gained the Weather-gage of which the Enemies had the advantage, 'tis to be presumed, he would have entirely defeated them, especially, if the Dutch Fireships that had the Wind against them, could have come up with them. He found himself Engaged for some time with but 6 or 7 of his Squadron, between the English Admiral and Vice-Admiral. The Rear-Admiral Verbaaf with the rest of the Fleet found themselves to the leeward, and some of his Ships performed their duty very ill, whilst the rest coming to Grapple with the Enemy, Fought in every respect with a Bravery that has few Examples.  
The Night parted the Combatants, when the English making their way into the main Sea, escaped to the Northward. It was impossible for the Ruiter to follow them, because many of his Ships were much endamaged, and that he had a Merchant Fleet besides to guard, whose Ships were scattered about here and there. The Event of that Fight extremely surprised de Ruiter, considering the inequality of his Forces to those of the Enemy; which made him cry out, That when the Arm of Almighty God was pleased to favour the Arms of the weaker side, by inspiring them with more than ordinary courage, the Victory was always on their side. And this work, added he, was carried on by God himself, for reasons that are hidden from us.  
The Hollanders loss, according to their own report, was so very small, that 'tis hardly to be believed, they having lost none of their Ships, and having had but 50 or 60 men killed, and about as many wounded; whereas on the English side, it is pretended according to the most faithful account, there were above a 1000 killed or wounded, and two or three of their Ships lost.  
The Memory of the remarkable Action done on this occasion, 
A Remarkable Action of a Dutch Captain.  by one Douve Aukes a Native of Friesland, Captain on board the Ostrich belonging to the East-India Company, is worthy to be transmitted to all future Ages: For that brave man, finding himself encompassed by the Enemies, and having fought till his Sea men despairing to save themselves, would needs have forced him to yield up the Ship, taking up a stick with a lighted Match at the end, made offer to set fire to the Powder, crying out as loud as he could possibly strain his Voice, Take courage, my Boys? take courage, I will sh●w you the way, and when you are able no longer to resist the Enemy, I will deliver you from prison, with the stick I hold in my hand; And he swore to them at the same time, that he would in earnest set fire to the Powder, if he heard them speak any more of yielding. Which undauntedness of their Captain, or rather the panic fear of an assured death, put such fresh courage and vigour into those cowardly wretches, that they promised him from that moment, an inviolable obedience, adding, that they would fight to the last drop of their blood, and thereupon every one of them returning to his former post, and the brave Douve giving the Signal, he with but 24 Guns, attacked an English Ship of 40, and letting her come up just close to his side, he fought her so to purpose, that he sunk her with all her men; another Frigate of 50 Guns coming up likewise to him, was also sunk, and after that again, a third coming to assault him, was so belaboured, that she had much ado to hold up above water long enough to save herself in the first English port she could reach. It is reckoned, there were in the two first Ships that perished above 800 persons, very few of which were saved. After the Battle, de Ruiter spent all the night in repairing the damages, the Ships of his Fleet had suffered; and that the Merchant Ships that were dispersed from him during the Fight might be able the better to rejoin him, he put up lights in four different places on Board his Ship. The next morning at break of day; the Hollanders having discovered the English Fleet at about 2 mile's distance from them, de Ruiter Summoned all the Captains on Board him, to a Consultation, in which 'twas resolved, to pursue the Enemies till Noon, with design, in case they stopped not, to send back the Merchant Ships into their own Country. They tacked then about to stand towards the English, which was continued till after Noon, to endeavour to draw them to a Battle, but not being able to bring them to it, towards the Evening the Merchant Ships were sent away under the Convoy of two Men of War, the rather because they were assured, there were no more Enemies to be met with to the Westward.  The day following the Ruiter calling together all the Officers of the Fleet, told them, 
De Ruiter proposes to go and attack the English in their own Harbours.  it was certain, that Admiral Ayschew was retired with his Fleet to Plymouth, after the Fight, to repair his damages there; and that for his part, he was of the mind, that 'twere best to go and attack him there, whilst he dreamt of nothing less than that, and whilst most of the Captains of his Fleet might be perhaps a shore to refresh themselves; that he flattered himself by the Divine protection, to be able totally to destroy them, before they should be in a condition to come themselves and attack him with fresh Forces; that the last Fight sufficiently shown their small courage, and their weakness, and that therefore it was easy to Judge from thence, that if they were attacked now whilst they were still in that disorder and consternation, they might be entirely defeated without any great trouble; that they had Triumphed over them even whilst they had yet a Merchant Fleet of 60 sail to guard, tho' they were much superior to them in strength, an● had the Weather-gage, not to mention the Cowardice of several Holland Captains that were wanting in their duty; That those who were in the Number of these last would meet with a fine occasion to repair their lost honour; that their Country and the Victors would thereby acquire immortal Glory, which would be so much the brighter, and carry the greater sound, because they would have defeated the Enemy upon their own Coasts; that such a loss as that would be very sensible to them: That the Justice of the cause for which the States had armed out that Fleet to Sea, and the Bravery of those who Commanded it, gave him already very hopeful presages of a Victory, and that in fine the Enemies would have the shame to see the shattered relics of their last Engagement totally ruined and destroyed in their own Harbours. 
All the Officers applauded this Speech of de Ruiter, and it was concluded in the Council, to put this resolve in Execution with all the Expedition imaginable. But when they were just going to attempt it, the night before, which was on the 30th. of the Month, the Wind changed to the South South East, and turned afterwards quite to the South. And then the Fleet was got within two miles of Goodstart, and was driven so fiercely by the Wind that they were forced to quit that project, De Ruiter by Cruizing before Goodstart, had alarmed all those Coasts, and constrained Ayschew with all his Fleet to shut themselves up in their Harbours. At which time receiving advice from divers parts, that Admiral Blake passed on the 30th. of the same Month near Bevezieck with a Fleet of 72 sail, to the Westward, with a design to make towards him to give him Battle, he thereupon judged it more Expedient for him to keep to the Westward of the English Fleet, because he found himself too weak to hazard a second fight.  
The 22d. of September following, as he was still cruising, he was assailed hard by Sorles, by a furious Tempest that lasted three days together, and on the 3d. day the Wind being appealed, he would fain have given chase to a Squadron of 25 of the Parliaments Ships, and that very evening he found himself already advanced within a mile of the English, with some Ships of his Fleet, but the biggest of them remained still scattered to and fro. The same night another fierce Wind arose, and again dispersed the Ships of his Fleet, so that he missed his blow. For what care soever de Ruiter could take all the time he was cruising in the Channel, to get his Ships together in a Body, yet he could never effect it. One morning he found them so very much scattered, that there were several of them that were three miles distant one from the other; and he was so much in wrath at it, that he could not forbear signifying to his Captains, that he was unhappy to have to do with Men that heeded not his Orders. Besides that, his Fleet began to be in want of many necessaries, and that which was most vexatious for the Ruiter, was that he saw himself in danger suddenly to be attacked by the whole power of England; upon which, having held a Council of War, it was there concluded, that since the Enemies were every where much stronger than they, it was to be feared, that being informed of their weakness, they would take their time to come and overwhelm them; and that therefore to avoid that Misfortune, it was requisite they should with all diligence pass the Straight of Calais, in order to go and meet Vice-Admiral de Wit, 
The junction of the Ruiters Fleet with that of de Wit.  who was coming that way with fresh Forces. On the 28th of the same month, advice was brought of his arrival, and on the 2d of October, the two Fleets joined one another between Dunkirk and Newport.  
The States had it seems thought fit to let Lieutenant Admiral Tromp rest a while, and to give the Conduct of their Naval Army, 
Reasons that moved the States to appoint the Wit Admiral instead of Martin Tromp.  that is, of all the Ships that were left of it, that were still in a condition to keep the Sea, after the Tempest of which we have spoken, to Vice-Admiral the Wit, in hopes that this latter would perhaps have better luck than Tromp had in his last expedition; and because many of the fickle Mobb begun to murmur at Tromp, and because he had not been so fortunate in his last undertake, as they expected, to look upon it as a Judgement upon him, for being the cause of that Great War.  
The State's Commission to the Wit imported, that he should go and join de Ruiter. Blake had likewise received orders from the English Parliliament, to go and join Ayschew, who was retired to Plymouth after the loss of the last Battle, that they might endeavour to hinder the Junction of the two Holland-Fleets; but the Wind proving contrary to them, it was impossible for them to oppose it. Vice-Admiral de Wits Fleet being 45 Sail strong when he joined the Ruiter, after their Junction, it was resolved with all possible diligence to sail away to the Westward. De Wit who had the chief Command of the whole Fleet, sent for the Captains that had served under the Ruiter in his absence, and carefully enquired of them in what condition their respective Ships were, and what necessaries they wanted, and found, that 10 of the Ships of that Fleet were disabled either by the late Fight or Tempest; so that it was thought requisite to send the said 10 Ships, and 5 Leaky Fireships that had lost most of their Sails and Rigging, back into Holland, with Orders to come and rejoin the Fleet again so soon as they should be refitted. The Neptune that de Ruiter went in was one of that number, which obliged him to Remove into the Lovisa.  
But we shall leave that Fleet for a moment, to entertain you with the Relation of one of the first Actions of the Hero that is the principal Subject of this History.  
The States fearing their Commerce in the Levant might be disturbed by the English, sent into the Mediterranean Vice-Admiral Catz with a Fleet of 14 Men of War. 
Vice-Admiral Catz sent into the Mediterranean.  He arrived the 7th. of July in Legorn Road; and Appleton who for fear of the Hollanders, put out a little before from Smirna, with a Squadron of 7 or 8 Men of War, was already arrived behind the Basin of Legorn, where he had cast Anchor.  
Catz, willing to execute the Orders given him by the States, notified to the Governor of the place, That his Commission obliged him to Fight and attack all English Ships wheresoever he found them, but he had thitherto suspended the Execution of his orders in Confidence, that the Governor would not suffer the Ships to be unladen, for that if he offered to permit it, he should be obliged to oppose it by attacking them. The Governor made answer, That the Ports of the Great Duke of Tuscany his Master were open in general to all the World. After some contestations, the English at last unladed their Ships without any opposition from Vice-Admiral Catz, 
Catz is recalled from the Mediterranean, and de Galen sent in his place.  which gave occasion to the States, as ill satisfied at his Conduct, to recall him, and to send in his room, John de Galen, a Man of great Reputation for having signalised himself in divers Rencounters.  
De Galen then went by Land to Legorn, and producing his Commission to the Fleet, it soon appeared what he was capable of, by the attempt he made upon the English Ships coming from the Levant, whilst on another side Captain Salingen kept Appleton blocked up. The 6th of September, de Galen discovered them between Elba and Monte Christo, and immediately used all the diligence imaginable to get up to them. That Fleet consisted of 4 Men of War, and 4 Merchant-Ships under the Conduct of Commodore Bodley. And the State's Fleet under the Command of de Galen was 10 Sail strong of Men of War, of one of which, Cornelius Tromp, who was then but a private Captain, had the Command.  
The English seeing it was impossible for them to escape, threw themselves into a Halfmoon, and put themselves in order of Battle, between the two Islands just-now mentioned: Whilst the Galen going personally to every Ship of his Fleet, did all he could to encourage the Seamen with the hopes of the Riches of the Levant, that was likely very soon to be their prey. The Captains at the same time burning with Ambition to signalise themselves, and to get though it were but grinning Honour, at 3 a Clock in the afternoon, James de Boet the Dutch Rear-admiral begun the attack, 
A Fight between Bodley and de Galen.  and the Fight growing very hot on both sides, would yet have proved much more Bloody, if a Calm had not hindered the two Fleets from a Close-fight, and coming to Board one another. However they continued firing at one another till the beginning of the Night: When the Galen whose Ship had most of her Rigging endamaged, that his Fleet might not be scattered, and lose one another in the dark, hung out lights all night in two different parts of his Admiral Ship, viz. a double one in two Lantherns, upon his Poop, and another in a single Lantern, above his Mainmast Top.  
The English kept themselves along by the Flatts towards Monte-Christo; where at Break of Day de Galen went with design to visit them, but finding himself weakened by the absence of 3 of his Ships which the Tide had carried away to the Leeward, it was impossible for him to execute his enterprise. In the mean while the English Merchant Ships taking this opportunity to cheat the greedy Dutch that had counted without their Host, of their desired prey, got out to Sea, and escaped; and than Bodley being not able to recoil any further for fear of running upon the aforesaid Flatts, threw his Ships again into a Halfmoon, and stood firmly to receive the Hollanders, who were now but 7 Sail. De Galen coming up with Bodley gave him a Broadside, which he answered with another. And after he had received 7 Cannon shot between Wind and Water, and was weakened by the loss of 17 Men killed and 27 dangerously wounded, and had escaped the Flames three times, and had almost all his Sails and Rigging torn to pieces, yet he went for all that, and attacked another that was one of the biggest and strongest Ships the English had. Rear-Admiral de Boet who was in the Union, having attacked Bodley at his Prow, shot down his Mainmast close by the Board, which tumbled into the Sea. Wartsworth an English Captain seeing him thus disabled, advanced to take his Post, but Rear-Admiral de Boets's Seamen finding opportunity to favour them, Boarded him, and in a moment made themselves Masters of the Phoenix Frigate which he Commanded. But Bont and Swaart were not so fortunate, for though they had grappled Bodley on each side they found so much resistance that they were forced to retire well mauled after a long and Cruel Fight, and the loss of both their Captains. 
Cornelius Tromp puts into the Road of the Isle of Corsica, to repair his damages in the Fight.   
The English Admiral seeing himself thereby disengaged, thought it best to fly while he might, and make the best of his way. But de Galen and some other Dutch Captains pursued him. Cornelius Tromp on the other side, who had signalised himself in the Fight, made it sufficiently appear by his undaunted bravery what might one day be expected from him; his Ship as well as de Boet's having so extremely suffered, that they were fain to put into the Road of the Isle of Corsica to repair their damages.  
After the Battle, de Galen took a very partiticular care of his wounded Men, and caused the broken Masts to be pieced up, and all the Ships of his Fleet to be repaired, that they might be in a condition to give a second Battle to the English the next day. But they for fear of being pursued, retreated, towing away their Vessels without hanging out any lights all the Night. When day was come, they were descried near the Isle of Elba, and making their way with all diligence, they were got already near Portolongone, before the Dutch could reach them. The Hollanders coming to an Anchor likewise in the same Harbour, designed to besiege them there, but the Governors' Secretary John Ba●t●sta Brancattio, came to them and declared to them from his Master, that he would not suffer any acts of Hostility to be committed upon the Coasts of his Catholic Majesty, adding, that in that case he would fire at the Aggressor. And to show he would be as good as his word, he had placed a strong Guard over a Battery of five pieces of Canon that was planted on the side of the Shore. Captain Tromp and Captain Blok going a shore to Compliment Brancattio, Bodley permitted them likewise to go on Board him, and entertained them there with a great deal of Civility and kindness. They drunk together Admiral de Galen's health, and when they went away, they were honoured with a Salute of five Guns.  
A little time after the Fight, the same honours were done on Board the Dutch Admiral, to Captain Hoyen Cox, who came thither from the English. But for all these mutual Civilities that past betwixt them, each party was never the less watchful to seek their advantages, and to repair their battered Ships with all the diligence imaginable, with design to get them as soon as possible, into a condition to be able to enter upon new erterprises. De Galen having a mind to render the last duties to his Dead, The Governor Brancattio permitted him to bury them near to a Fountain which Frederick Barbarossa had caused to be built of white Marble, for the refreshment of his Ships when coming from Constantinople, with a Naval Army he landed on the Coasts of Italy. The Bodies of the Vice Commander, Jonge Hoen, Jans● Bont, and Swart, were interred near the seven Figtrees under the Rosemary, attended by 40 Musketeers, who paid several Volleys of Shot to the honour of the Memory of those brave Captains, who newly died in the bed of Honour, for the service of their Country. After these Funerals were over, de Galen considering it would be but to lose time in vain, to stay any longer in that Harbour, resolved to weigh Anchor in order to sail towards Legorn, thinking thereby to draw the English out of the secure Post in which they then were.  
After having related what passed in the Mediterranean, we shall return to the Ocean. The State's Fleet Commanded by Vice-Admiral de Wit, after the departure of the 10 Ships that were detacht from it, consisted of 64 Men of War, and that of the English under the Conduct of Admiral Blake was composed of 68 But the Ships of these latter were incomparably much better furnished for the War, than were those of the Dutch. De Ruiter, after he had well examined all things, found so great a difference between the Naval Army of Holland, and that of England, that he saw there was an utter impossility to be able to attempt any thing without exposing the Fleet of the United Provinces to an inevitable Ruin. 
De Wit slights de Ruiter's sage advice, and rashly fights the English.  But the Wit was of another mind, and assoon as ever he came to Sea, affected to let the World know, he had great designs in his Head. His advice was, to go and attack the English in the Downs, and according to that project, de Ruiter was to lead the Vanguard; But the English having gotten ready sooner than the Wit imagined, appeared all on a sudden at Sea, the 2d of October, and coming up directly to him with a fair wind, his surprise was so great, that he had not time so much as to call a Council of War, besides, that he was in no readiness for a Fight, because that many of his Ships having been scattered here and there by a Tempest that had happened the day before, had not yet time to get together again.  

A fight between the English and Dutch between Calais and Dover. Octber 2. 1652.  Vice-Admiral de Wit seeing there was no flying back, sent by an Advice-Boat, to exhort all the Captains of his Fleet, to do their duty in their respective places. The fight begun at three a Clock in the Afternoon, and was fought at the entrance of Callis-strait. De Ruiter had the Vanguard, the Wit the main Body of the Fleet, and the Wild Commanded the Rear. And Evertz attended besides with a Body of Reserve, to be ready to give assistance to those that should have need. The two Fleets piercing one into the other plied one another hotly with the Thunder of their Cannon; the English loss being most in Men, and that of the Dutch in Sails and Rigging. De Ruiter and the Wit did wonders, 
The Dutch Worsted.  but for all they could do, in a little time they were so roughly handled, that they had much ado to turn themselves. De Ruiter had a great many killed and wounded; he had received four shot between Win● and Water; the Main-yard of his Ship was over-turned to the left side, and his main and mizzen Sails, as well as his Rigging were all torn to pieces. Some Captains following his example, signalised themselves, whilst o●h●●s gave all the marks of a shameful Cowardice; and several kept at a great distance behind, ●ill night coming on and parting the Combatants, th●y could get together again by favour of th● darkness of the night, in order to renew 〈…〉 ●gain the next day, if the wind and opp● 〈…〉 ●●ved favourable to them. But the 〈…〉 ●●ceived in the night a Re-inforcement of 16 Great Ships which Admiral Ayschew brought from the Downs, whereas the Hollanders found themselves weaker by 20 Ships, through the Cowardice of many Captains, who stole from the Fleet by favour of the darkness.  
Notwithstanding all these disadvantages, Vice-Admiral de Wit was still obstinately bend to attack the English, and was for that purpose, making towards them, when perceiving, that he should be but very slenderly backed, he made a stop, In the mean while the Wether falling to a Calm, the Wit called together all the General and Under Officers of his Fleet to a Council of War, to deliberate about the present State of affairs. De Ruiter and Evertz that were in joint Command with him, maintained, that 'twas a great Rashness, to expose the Fleet to so imminent a danger; because their Ships were so much scattered one from the other, that it would be four a Clock in the afternoon, before the forwardest, and Dusk of night before the backwardest of them could come up with the body of the Enemy's Fleet; that the English had received a considerable Reinforcement, whereas the Hollanders on the contrary were grown weaker. That the former had a great advantage by their Fireships, whereas they could make no use of theirs; that their Fleet was very ill manned, and a great many of their men sick and wounded, that two of their Ships had lost their Fore-Masts, that the Mainmast of the Ship called the Prince William, was quite disabled, and many other Ships much endamaged; and in fine, that there would be no manner of tolerable reason to be alleged in excuse of so great a fault as it would be at that time, to put the States and the Government in imminent danger of ruin, by so rashly exposing their Fleet. All these reasons were too evident to be rejected; and therefore they tacked about to get away from the Enemies, only 7 Ships that were kept back by a contrary Wind, were forced to lag behind, and endure the Force of the English Admiral and his Squadron who had the Weather-gage of them, till the Dusk of Night, hut without any great damage. The D●tch Fleet then having thus made a Retreat under the favourable covert of the Darkness, Vice-Admiral de Wit who affected to show courage out of season, called another Council of War, and proposed, that the Fleet should keep to the leeward, but all the Officers smelling out his design, Unanimously maintained, that it 'twas not at all advisable to stand another attack from the English, because they were too weak to cope with them, and it would he too great a hazard to venture it, but that it would be much safer to Retreat with all the sail they could, towards Goree, to recruit themselves, and to wait the Orders of the States.  
It was impossible for the Wit, to oppose that Resolution, and so much the more because he plainly perceived, that many of his Captains were resolved to lie still, and be bare spectators of a Fight to which they were no ways consenting, and that of all the whole Fleet there were but 15 Ships that he could trust upon, so suspicious to him was the fidelity of all the rest, so that there was no other way lest for him to take, but to make as fast as he could from the Enemy, which at last, tho' much against his stomach, that Bully-Admiral was fain to resolve upon; yet terribly fretted he was, to see himself so deserted at a time when his foolish Ambition flattered him, that he might have gained immortal Glory to himself and a great Triumph for his Country. So the Fleet made all the sail they could for Holland, and the English pursued them till noon; but seeing 'twas but in vain, they tacked, and stood another Course. The same Evening the Dutch came in sight of the Isle of Schouwen, and on the 13th. of October got into Helvoetsluys.  
The shameful Cowardice of the Captains that had fled in such a Rencounter as that, was so much the more Criminal, because there was not so much as one ship lost in the Fight out of the whole Fleet. For one Ship that had all her sails and rigging shot away, yet got away in that sad condition, into the , and all the rest that had been battered, made a shift likewise to save themselves. It will not be impertinent to insert by the way the relation of a very Remarkable action. Broer Jaap, Captain of the Ship we told you, was so miserably mauled, being Grappled with an English Frigate, had his Mizzen-mast and Bolt-sprit, and part of his Ships Head shot away; upon which, seeing himself in such a miserable and helpless condition, he leapt into a Boat and relinquish'h his Ship to the discretion of the Enemy. But a Gunner 
A remarkable action of a Gunner.  of the same Ship took up a lighted match and went down into the Powder room, crying out? my Comerades, is it possible, you should yield! Let us rather put fire to the Powder, and so we shall all be set at liberty; Which bold and desperate Resolution so frighted the English that had Boarded her, that they immediately quitted the Ship, and left the Mr. quietly to Conduct her into the .  
The State's General, to remedy all these disorders, took a Resolution, after they had well informed themselves of the particulars of all that had passed, to punish those that had shown any symptoms of Cowardice, and accordingly they had began to make an exact inquiry into the Behaviour of those Officers, but soon let it fall because on one side the Number of the Criminals was too great, and on the other the favour of powerful interceding friends prevailed over the severity of Justice.  
Tho' the English had had some disadvantage in the Mediterranean, yet were they not for that a whit the less venturous to endeavour to retakethe Phoenix which they had lost, and which young Tromp then was in, because his own Ship called, the Maiden of Enkuisen was so battered in the Battle of Elbaa and Monte Christo, that she was hardly able to keep the Sea. And they effected that enterprise with so much the more ease, because the Hollanders having taken some fresh Codd, were gotten into a debauch, and thought themselves secure enough in Legorn Road, to dispense with keeping of a good Guard.  
Bodley and Captain Cox being informed of their Frolicksome security manned out three Boats with 30 armed Seamen each, who were furnished with bags of Meal to throw in the Dutch men's Eyes. 
A bold enterprise of the English.  Being thus provided, they set out in the evening, and tho' the Darkness for a while made them lose one another's Company, yet they got together again at break of day, and clapped the Frigate a board, dividing themselves into three Companies: The first of which had Orders to cut the Cables, the second to Govern the Sails, and the third, to shut down the Seamen under Deck, and to kill all they met in their way. Captain Tromp hearing the alarm, 
Tromp in danger of being drowned.  got presently out of his Bed, and fired his Pistols two or three times at the English that were already Mrs. of the Frigate; but finding it was too late to save her, he endeavoured at least to save himself by leaping out of the Window of the Captain's Chamber into the Sea, where he swum till a Dutch Boat came and took him up. The English having thus regained their Ship, without losing any time, made sail immediately away towards Naples, and were pursued by two Dutch Men of War, but in vain, the Phoenix being a very Nimble sailor.  
There were 8 Seamen killed in this Rencounter, and those that were wounded were set ashore at Naples. Notwithstanding this, the English were still much weaker than the Dutch in the Mediterranean, For besides the 14 Men of War Commanded by the Galen, the Dutch Consul at Legorn had hired 11 more, tho' 'tis true, that de Galen's Squadron were much endamaged by the late Fight, and the others could not quickly be got ready for want of Seamen.  
After the unfortunate expedition of Vice-Admiral de Wit, the States began to cast their Eyes again upon Lieutenant Admiral Martin Tromp who was as much beloved of the Seamen for his mild Temper; as the Wit was hated by them, for his Cruelty; besides that there was no body that would offer to go about to parallel the merit of the former with the great Capacity of the other. 'Tis true, some seemed not very well satisfied with the last excursion Tromp had made, but however the Major part were of opinion, that as things were, they could not be without him.  
Thereforeat the beginning of Novemb. the States took a Resolution, 
The Command of the Fleet given again to Martin Tromp.  to give him the Command of the Fleet that was then Equipping. Vice-Admiral Evertsz, de Wit, de Ruiter, and Rear-Admiral Florisz were named to Command under him: But the Wit falling sick was put ashore, and de Ruiter substituted in his place.  
This Fleet was composed of about 73 Men of War, besides Fire Ships and other smaller vessels and Tenders. Besides which, there were 300 Merchant Ships that were joined to the Admiral's Flag, which Tromp had orders to Convoy as far as Cape St. Lazar. He then put to Sea with this so potent Fleet, and made towards the Straight of Calais. Between Dover and Folstan, he discovered the English Fleet under the Command of Admiral Blake. 
A fight between the Admiral's Tromp and Blake.  And so the two Fleets coming up one with the other, begun about noon, to fire at one another, and about three in the afternoon, came to a full Engagement. When Tromp was advanced pretty near Blake, this latter who had the Weather-gage of him, gave Tromp a broad side, who answered him vigorously with another, Captain Batten that Commanded the Ship called the Rose and Crown, carrying 44 Guns followed the English Admiral so close, that Tromp Grappled him and run against him with so much violence that the Head and Boltsplit of the Ship Brederode were broken to pieces with the shock. Whilst Tromp was Grappled on one side with Batten, Achson coming up to his assistance brought the Ship Bonaventure to his other side; which is so much the more Remarkable because the Captains of those two English Ships had sworn to Blake either to bring him the Dutch Admiral, or else at least to sink him to the bottom of the Sea. Achson advancing to the head of Tromp's Ship let fly a Broad side that raked his Deck fore and aft, killed his Secretary by his side and did a great deal of other mischief on board the Dutch Admiral. But yet Tromp keeping still an undaunted presence of mind, endeavoured by his discourses, to revive the palled spirits of his men by inspiring into them a love for their Country; while things were thus passing, one of Tromp's sailors contemning all danger, taking hold of the Cables of the Rose and Crown, vaulted into her through a shower of shot, and climbing up to the Mainmast Top Gallant, pulled down the English Flag and put up the Princes in its stead; for which Heroic Action he had a Gratification given him by the States of 500 Dutch Livers; At length Batten after he had lost above 60 men, and was quite disabled, yielded his Ship; and on the other side Evertsz coming to a close Engagement with Achson, handled him so roughly that he was fain to quit the Bonaventure.  
Blake being attacked by the Ruiter, lost his Masts, and the Captain de Haas, and the Liefde falling likewise upon him, attacked him on both sides so that he was forced to quit the Fight, and retire very much battered and disabled, to Dover. The night at last parted the Fray, but those that were Engaged the furthest amongst the English Ships left not of shooting till towards 9 a Clock. The particularities of this Battle may be seen in the following Letter written by Tromp to the States.  
SInce my last of this Month, 
Martin Tromp's Letter to the States.  we have used all possible diligence to make towards the Downs. And on the 9th sailing between Calais and Dover, we perceived a Fleet. We set sail at 2 a Clock, the Wether being Calm; the English after our Example, unmoored likewise, being 52 sail strong, great and small. At one a Clock, the Wind that was North-West changed to the West. In the Evening about 5 a Clock, we cast Anchor and the English Fleet did the like to the Westward of Dover. That night we had a storm; at 10 in the morning the Wind was North-North West. Some of our Ships of War, and Fireships were scattered from us. At Noon, we set sail, the English did the same, and we strove to get up with them. At 1 a Clock some of our nimblest sailors began to Fire at them, about 3 a Clock we arrived at the Singels with design to prevent the Enemies, but Blake drawing towards us, we made up directly to him, which assoon as he perceived, he did what he could, to get the Weather-gage of us, in which he succeeded, but we Exchanged in passing, each of us a Broad side; and the Ship called the Rose and Crown, carrying 44 Guns, and about 200 men Commanded by Batten, followed him very close, upon which, we fell foul upon with so much impetuosity, that our Bolt-sprit and the point of our Ships head were broken with the shock. At the same Moment, another English Captain, named Achson who Commanded the Ship Bonaventure, carrying 30 Guns, having likewise attacked us on the other side, we fought for an hour between them both, till at last the Rose and Crown having 60 Men killed, and a great many wounded, and two Captains killed, was forced to yield herself.  
Our Vice-Admiral Evertsz having attacked the Bonaventure on her other side, we were four Grappled together, and the Bonaventure likewise yielded. We took possession of the Rose and Crown, after having taken above a 100 men out of her, and put in 60 of our own men instead of them. We had in our Admiral's Ship 3 men killed, and 21 wounded. Vice-Admiral Evertsz took likewise possession of the Bonaventure, and the Night having put an end to the Fight, we cast Anchor, and gave order to our Master that kept our prizes, to do the same. About 9 a Clock we still heard the noise of the Firing of our Rears. About the Dusk of night, Captain Juinbol's Ship fell on fire, by what accident we know not, and perished with a great part of her men, but the rest were saved. We spent all the night in repairing our Ships and our damages.  
On the 11th. of the aforesaid Month, in the Morning the Wind being West-North-West, we perceived 2 Ships to the Westward, to which we gave chase. Captain Van Sanen, took one of them, which proved an English Ship of 14 Guns, laden with Figs coming from Condat. We called all our Captains on Board us, and their men in the mean while, helped to repair our Ship, and all the other Ships in the Fleet that had need of it. We had but very few men killed and wounded. Some of our Ships are scattered from us, and we know not which way they have steered. And about one a Clock, we were got in a readiness to weigh Anchor, with a design to go and seek out the English, either at Dover, or towards the Downs. We accordingly advanced for some time, and then the Night coming on, we were forced to come to an Anchor, Dover bearing North-East from us. On the 12th. at 10 a Clock; Captain Sentson brought in to us one of the Parliament Ships, called the Hercules, carrying 26 Guns, which had on board her 80 Vagabonds that had saved themselves upon that Coast, she was bound from Portsmouth for London, in order to join the other Men of War that were there, designed to be sent into the Mediterranean. At the same time some of our strayed Ships found the way back to us again. We used all possible industry clapping on all the sail we could, to make towards the Downs, but found it impracticable to do it. The 13th. in the Morning, the Wind being at North North-East, we weighed Anchor, and stood towards the Coast of France, and came to an Anchor in the Road of Bullen, where we received the dispatches of your High and Mightinesses, dated the 7th. of this Month. As soon as we shall get all our Fleet together again, if the Wind and opportunity permit, we will go and make another attack upon the English, according to our Orders. We have gotten an account from our Prisoners, of the present condition their Men of War are now in, which we have set down in the Memorial hereto annexed, but we know not whether their report may be relied on. We impatiently expect our Merchant Fleet, as also the Men of War and Fire Ships which lagged behind us when we came away; and for that effect, we have sent out our best sailors a cruizing along the Straight of Calais, to hasten them back, etc.  
In all propability Tromp in that Action would have entirely destroyed the English Fleet, if they had not timely retreated into the Thames; and if he could have procured any good sounders, he would have gone to seek them out even in that their place of refuge, but wanting that necessary help he was fain to content himself with the taking of the Ships, the Rose and Crown, the Bonaventure, the Hercules, and another little Ship of 14 Guns, taken by his Cruizers, etc. However the Dutch Merchant Fleet passed the Straight of Calais about the 15th. of the same Month, and happily pursued their designed Voyage.  

The English dissatisfied at Blake.  In the mean while great Complaints and Murmur begun to break out at Westminster, they being much dissatisfied there at the weak resistance● Blake had made in the last Engagement, and if he had not had the affection of the Officers and Seamen of his Fleet, he would undoubtedly have incurred a disgrace from his Mrs. and the Mobb would have carried their resentments much further; But Policy being dextrous in covering the failings of great Men, hushed them all up in silence. Oliver Cromwell however, going to Spit-head, where the Fleet then lay at Anchor, caused several Captains to be seized in order to fine them in punishment of their Cowardice. Ayschew having been deserted by Blake charged him with the loss of the Battle, and openly protested, he would serve no longer: The Parliament to appease him, ordered him a Gratification of 300 l. in Sterlin besides 180 l. that had been assigned him before upon the Revenues of some Lands in Ireland.  
Lieutenant Admiral Tromp, after he had cruized some time in the Channel, to wait for the Ships that were to come from Holland, arrived at the beginning of February near the Isle of Rhee, to Convoy 250. Merchant Ships that were there assembled from divers parts of Europe; and after having stayed there 7 days he set out with that Fleet to Conduct them home to their own Country; but towards the end of the Month, as he came near Portland, he descried the English Fleet under the Command of Blake, upon which he stood directly towards them, and came up with the Enemies about 10 a Clock in the forenoon, which gave occasion to another Fight which was so much the more bloody, because Blake on the one side burnt with desire to regain by a Victory his lost reputation, and Tromp on the other, was inflamed with no less passion to preserve the glory he had won, and the vast riches of which he was the Conductor.  
The two Fleets were scarcely advanced within Cannon shot of one another, 
Another Cruel fight between Tromp and Admiral Blake.  but Tromp tacked about upon Blake, who presently began to play upon him with all his Artillery, tho' without doing Tromp any great harm because he was at such a distance from him: But this latter forbearing to fire till he came within Musket shot of his Enemy, let fly at him a broad side, and then tacknig about nimbly, he fired a second at him on the same side, and then flanking him again on the other side, thundered off a third at him with so great success, that there were nothing but cries and groans to be heard on board of Blake, who fought after that only in retreating and shearing away as far as he could from Tromp who ceased not to pursue him. After this Praeludium, the two Fleets intermixing one with the other, the Battle grew so furious, that there was little else to be seen but Masts overturned into the Sea, and splinters flying on all sides, Sails rend in pieces, and Masts and Cables cut short in sunder; in one place, the Enemy was boarding our Ships, and in a moment after, were chased off again, where they were seen to be blown up into the Air with the Deck they stood upon; And on another side, was seen a Ship swallowed up by the Waves with several hundreds of Men, and the Sea turned red with humane blood, and covered over with dead bodies, and floating pieces of shattered Ships, which yet instead of dismaying the Combatants, served only to inflame their Courage the more, and flesh them on the more cruelly to mutual and implacable slaughter: And the Complaints and Lamentations of the miserable wounded wretches, instead of mollifying their hearts with any sentiments of pity, and inspiring them with abhorrence for such cruelty, rendered them but the more bloody minded, and the more violently excited them to fierce and remorseless Revenge. Bullen and its Mountains on one side, and Portland on the other, were terribly shaken with the thundering noise of their dead-doing Guns; and in a word, it may be said, that never was there any fight seen more cruel and obstinately bloody than that. de Ruiter had dreamt the night before, that a Bird came and perched on his hand, but flew away as he was going to take her, so that seeing the English draw near the next day, he cried out, There's the Bird I dreamt of; he found himself Engaged with a great English Ship carrying 44 Guns, and 270 men, called the Prosperity, which fired most terribly at him, which put him in such perplexity, that he thought the best way to shelter himself from her fury, would be resolutely to board her: And accordingly his Seamen readily presenting themselves for the Enterprise, with a great deal of courage and undauntedness, they leapt into the Enemy's Ship, but were so hotly received there, that they were forced to retire again; but yet de Ruiter not despairing for all that, to carry her, at last, cried out to his men, My Boys? That touch was worth nothing, I pray you, my Lads, once more Courage. Upon which, giving another assault, they won the Ship, but the Ruiter, being afterwards over powered by the Enemy's Numbers, and deserted by the rest of his Squadron, was much against his will, constrained to let that be tamely taken again from him that had cost him so dear.  
He found himself once encompassed with above 20 sail of the Enemies, but at length Vice-Admiral Evertsz coming in to his relief, he by his undauntedness, forced his passage through that great Number; after which, being seconded by the Captains, Kruik and Swers, he fought a long time against 7 Great English Men of War, among whom was Vice-Admiral Pen, who was fain to retire very much battered to the Isle of Wight; there was another like wise disabled, all his Masts and rigging being shot away close by the board; there came up besides 4 or 5 English Ships more, and attacked afresh de Ruiter, and his assistants, Kruik and Swers, who for all that, defended themselves till evening, without receiving any other succour than that which their own great courage was able to furnish them.  
Lieutenant Admiral Tromp pierced through and through the English Fleet which took up about a mile in extent, thundering at all that opposed his passage. Captain Kruik signalised himself every way; for his Ship, called the Ostrich, fought on still some time longer against several English Ships, sunk one of them, and defended herself as long as she had any men left, but at last the valiant Tromp observing she had lost all her Masts and rigging to the very Hull, and was ready to sink, Is it possible! cried he in a passion, to his followers, There should be any Captains in the State's Fleet so Cow-hearted, as to suffer so brave a Man to be over whelmed by Numbers? And gave order at the same time to the Wild to go and rescue him. In pursuance of which, he had already fastened a Harser to his Ship to tow him away, but the Calm hindered him, so that all he could do, was only to save some of the Seamen that threw themselves on board him, whilst the Ostrich was left swimming in a manner as much in blood as in water, and especially upon the Deck there was nothing to be seen but a most horribl● spectacle of dead and wounded Men, there being reckoned 80 of the former, and of 40 young Seamen of Schiedam, all under the Age of 20 years, there were but 3 left alive. The English had already boarded her to pillage her, but being afraid, she would sink under them, they quitted her, till the same Enemies finding her again next day without any soul in her, they carried her to Portsmouth.  
Captain Port having attacked a great English Man of War, sunk him, but two more falling in upon him a moment after, he received several shot between Wind and Water, which obliged him to call Swers to his assistance, who presently advanced to the head of Ports Ship at the instant when the two Englishmen were battering both his sides. And so the 4 Ships being Grappled to one another, the Port's Ship was overturned and sunk together with an Englishman, but most of the Men were saved by Swers. At the same time Port was cruelly wounded in the Reins by a splinter, and was seen tho' thrown down on his back on the Deck to Wave his hanger in his hand to the last and to encourage his men, till the Waves swallowed up both him and his Ship. Swers likewise on his part had so severely handled an English ship that had attacked Port that he was also sunk, but almost at the same time his Ship was attacked by 4 other English, and sunk. He and some of his Men were saved by the Enemies, and carried to London after the fight; but understanding perfectly well the Spanish Tongue, he made himself pass for a natural Spaniard, so that shuffling himself in amongst the Domestic servants of the Spanish Ambassador, he found means to get a passage into Flanders, and from thence into his true Country. This was the same Swers that was afterwards made Vice-Admiral of Holland, of the College of the Admiralty of Amsterdam, and who gave many signal marks of his Courage and Ability. Captain Kleidyk of the Brill, received almost at one and the same time, the fire of 3 Great English Men of War, and being already reduced into a very pitiful condition, Regemorter a Zealand Captain came in to his Aid, and cleared one of his sides, than Kleidyk began to take a little breath, and sunk one of the English Ships that lay against the other side of him but soon after, his own Ship underwent the same fate, yet he saved himself and his men after a most wonderful manner, for throwing themselves into the English Ship that lay against the side of Regemorter, they leapt at the same moment from thence on board Regemorter who was just then killed with 30 or 40 of his men. Kleidyk then being got thither, took the Command of the Ship, and spoke with so much courage to his people, that they begun to fire afresh at the English Ship, and that, with so much success, that it was disabled and soon after buried in the Deep. Captain Municks Ship, of Amsterdam was taken about the same time, and towards evening they burned her.  
Captain Aart Van Nes, following close after Tromp, found himself in the midst of the Enemies, where he gave signal proofs of his undaunted Courage. He would have Grappled an English Ship that had the disadvantage of the Wind, but she letting fly at him a broad side, made him glad to sheer off; after which, he attacked another which he furiously battered. He fought likewise for some time, against the two English Vice-admirals' of the Blue and White Flags; and afterwards when he saw the Ruiter surrounded by 4 or 5 English Men of War, he flew in like lightning to his assistance, with Captain Balk, in which place they fought on both sides with an unconceivable obstinacy, till at last the English letting go their hold, and tacked to the West, and then Van Nes turned his to the East because all his Cartridges being discharged, he wanted Respite to charge new ones, besides that his Foremast was so shattered, that there was no piecing it up again. Rear Admiral Florisz was for a good while, enclosed by 6 English Ships, and fought valiantly, till Tromp came and rescued him. De wild, and the other Captains Ʋander Zaen Kemper, etc. Signalised themselves. Likewise Captain Scholte Wiglemo after a long fight, was blown up into the Air with all his Men. Some say, that being Grappled by two English Ships, and seeing no hopes of saving himself, he had the Courage with his own hands, to set fire to his Powder, that he might destroy the Enemies at the same time he was going to perish himself. There were likewise some other Ships on both sides that were sunk. About 4 a Clock in the afternoon, Tromp was much surprised to see 26 of his Captain's desert the Admiral's Flag, and to retire out of the fight, whilst on the other side, several of the best English Frigates were detached, to go and fall upon the Merchant Ships which were under the protection of his Squadron. It was presumed, the English intended to unmast them, that being not able to follow the main body of the Fleet, they might with the more ease make themselves Mrs. of them; but Tromp took care to prevent the Enemy's design, by speeding to their assistance, and chasing from them the English Frigates. This first days fight ended not till night. It was found, that Tromp had made that day 800 Cannon shot from his Ship alone, and that one single Brass Gun that was towards the poop, had been discharged 70 times.  
The Holland Fleet wandered about here and there during the obscurity of the night, every vessel endeavouring to repair each one their Respective damages, and to recover themselves into a condition to maintain a second fight. The next day being the 1st. of March, Admiral Tromp put up a White Flag, and called together on board him the principal Officers of his Fleet, and exhorted them to acquit themselves worthily of the duty they owed to their Country, and to fight like men of Honour and Courage. The English followed them close at the heels and the Battle begun again next day at 10 a Clock in the morning, about 3 miles to the North Westward of the Isle of Wight. The English had the Wind, but coming near them, we could not find they had any inclination to come to a close fight, they contenting themselves only with shooting at our Masts, Sails, and Rigging, as they had done the day before. Tromp had drawn up his Fleet into the form of a Crescent, to be the better able to cover the Merchant Ships; and the English came up six several times, to endeavour to cutoff those Ships from the main body of the Fleet, but were always repulsed.  
Tromp was ravished with Joy, to see some of his Captains fight more courageously that day than they had done the day before. Captain Van Nes kept so close to Tromp, that he could easily call him to his assistance in case of need. De Ru●ter also gave upon this occasion, New proofs of his bravery; for after he had received his orders from the Admiral, he engaged so far amongst the thickest of the Enemies, that he was many times in danger of being oppressed by them, and after noon, he was so grievously battered, that he was not able any longer to move either forward or backward upon which, Tromp Commanded Captain Du●n to assist de Ruiter to get off, and go out of the Battle. Almost at the same time, the Admiral was informed, that the Merchant Ships were standing to the South-East-Ward, upon which, Captain Van Nes was detatcht away, to Command them by Tromps order, to stand to the East-North Eastward in order to make towards the Straight of Calais. Van Nes performed his Commission, and bid them at the same time clap on more Sail; but happening to come too late, and they having neglected to execute the orders given them, the English took their opportunity to Snap some part of that Fleet together with two Men of War of which they made themselves Mrs. of which one that was Commanded by Le Sage, yielded not till after a very stout Resistance. Of the Merchant Ships, there were 12 taken, others were defended by the Men of War, and part of them saved themselves in Haure de Grace, as did likewise two Men of War that had lost their Masts. At the coming on of the night, an English Ship took fire, and then the fight ended.  
In the mean while, some Captains sent word to Tromp, that they wanted Powder, and were not in a condition to make any longer resistance, upon which, Tromp ordered them to keep by the Merchant Ships, and to make as fair a show as they could with their presence, to make the Enemy believe, they were there to defend them; and then all things were disposed to be in a readiness for a third fight. The next morning at break of day, the English were seen to come on again to charge them. Upon which, Tromp having put all things in order for that purpose advanced towards the Enemy's Fleet, with more Courage and Resolution than any Forces he had to fight them. For at most he had but one poor Squadron under his Flag that had any Ammunition left, whilst the Rest were unprovided of all things. At 10 of the Clock in the morning, the two Fleets came up with one another, and commenced a third Battle, which was very obstinate and Bloody, yet without any great advantage to the Enemies. The English Vice-Admiral of the Blue Braved for some time the Dutch Admiral, thundering continually at him with his Guns, but he forbearing to fire till he came up almost close to his side, gave him then first one Broadside, and after that another, so much to the purpose, that he was forced to retire. But whilst on one side, the Valiant Tromp signalised himself, many of his Captains basely deserted him on the other, and betook themselves to a shameful flight, besides several others that were constrained to it by pure necessity, for want of Powder. Towards the Evening, the English took some more of our Merchant Ships. Captain Van Ness, at the beginning of the fight, advertised them by order from the Admiral, to clap on all the Sail they could, and make towards the straight of Calais; but those orders were neglected; Tromp sent to them, the Fisc●l, or Treasurer of his Fleet, to press them to make the more haste, but all in vain, it being impossible with all that could be done or said, to make them to go forwards; so that some of the Enemy's Frigates appearing in the evening, came and fell upon the main Body of that Fleet.  
Van Ness did all he was able, to defend them, 
More Dutch Merchant Ships taken.  but they falling into confusion and disorder, one part of them blindly threw themselves among the Enemy's Men of War, whilst the others falling foul upon one another, knocked themselves to pieces. And for the Dutch Men of War that were there, they alas, could give them no assistance for want of Powder, so that a considerable part of those Merchant Men fell into the hands of the English.  
At the approach of the night, Blake made a show as if he would have come on again to charge the Dutch Fleet, but Admiral Tromp keeping himself in a posture ready to stand the shock, the English Admiral retired, steering his Course towards the Coasts of England, whilst the State's Fleet made sail quietly without being pursued, towards the Coasts of Flanders, and came to an Anchor on the 3d of March, within three Miles to the Northwestward of Dunkirk, from whence they got into the Harbours of Holland and Zealand. These three successive Battles as the Dutch would needs flatter themselves, cost very nigh as dear to the English as the Dutch. It's true the Hollanders confess they lost 24 Merchants Ships, but the English reported them at London to be above 40. These Dutch Men of War, viz. the Great St. Luke, the Ostrich, the Amity, and the Golden Cock were taken and carried into Plymouth and Dover; The Crown, the Angel Gabriel and Keidyk were sunk, and Schelten Wiglemo blown up. Among the Captains that were killed, were reckoned Balk, Van Zaanen, Port, Spanhem, Allart, Sipke Fokkes and Regemorter, Schey, Van Zeelst, and Swers were made Prisoners. The number of men killed was about 600, and that of the wounded somewhat more. De Ruiter having lost all his Masts, and most part of his Men, was forced to retire before the end of the Battle.  
On the side of the English, the Rainbow, the Saturn, the Samson, the Rose, and Captain Button's Ship were sunk, and the Charles Burnt, as was likewise the Fregat called the Fairsax, but that was done by the English themselves at Chatham, because she was not in a condition to be made fit for Service again. The Marmaduke, the Merlin, the Pheasant, the King David, the Greyhound, and the Seven Brothers were so miserably battered, that they never appeared at Sea since. The Admiral, the two Vice-admirals', and the Rear-Admiral had likewise no reason to boast of any better Treatment. De Ruiter took from them the Ship called the Prosperity. The number of men killed and wounded of the English, according to the accounts given in Holland, amounted to about 2000 Seamen and Soldiers, among which were reckoned the Captains Mildmay, Barker, Bale, Hall, Kirby, Dakirs Broadbridge, Jeffew, and Button, killed, and Back, Day, Taduel, Lawson, and some others wounded; to which, they add, that the number of the maimed was very considerable.  
But letting alone those relations as less authentic, it will be much more pertinent to our purpose, to insert here the Letters of the two Admirals, by which the truth of things will best appear, and which party had the advantage, and besides, the Curious will be glad to read such Original Narrations as those, because in them are many Circumstances reported, that are not to be found in the Body of any History of those times. Accordingly we shall present you with a true Copy of the Letter sent by Admiral Blake upon this Subject, to the Speaker of the Parliament at Westminster.  
The Almighty power of God in which we put all our trust, 
Admiral Blakes Letter upon the Subject of the Sea Battle that lasted three days  hath newly given his Servants real marks of his Blessing, by the Defeat of the formidable Fleet of Holland, we having beaten them in three successive Battles, given three several days one after another, so that a great number of Prisoners are fallen into our hands, the others are dispersed, and part of them chased into places out of the reach of the pursuits of the Victors. God be praised, that he has been pleased to honour his children with his Protection, by disarming their Enemies. Ever since the 10th of this month, he hath given us assured presages of his assistance, by sending us favourable winds. Our Fleet was right against Portland, and much perplexed for fear the Enemy upon sight of us, should have made away farther from us. Two days before, we were at Prayers, and on the 18th, we perceived, that God was going to inform us, where they were. The Text that day was taken out of the 2 Chron. 20.16. in these words. To morrow go ye down against them, etc. And the Chapter was scarcely expounded, but even before break of day, we discovered the Enemy's Fleet; upon which, we immediately set Sail, to make to them, and the Enemy did the same by us, and scarcely were the two adverse Fleets met, but they engaged in a Battle. We had at fi●st the disadvantage, because the Enemies had the weather-gage, and that the major part of our best Ships could not come up to us. Which was the cause, that our Admiral-Ship, the Triumph was forced all that day to endure the greatest fire of the Enemies, whilst the others at the same time were in no less peril. But God was our Sovereign Protector, for though our Ship had already lost half her men, yet the courage of the rest gave us still great hopes, and much allayed our grie● for the loss of the others. But more could not be expected from them than it pleased God they should do, 
〈…〉.  and which our Enemies doubtless have sufficiently experienced. The first day we took from them three Rearadmirals', and one Vice-Admiral, and a little after, we sunk them 3 Ships; the others are now at Portsmouth. The 2d day we burned or sunk 8 or 10 more of them; The 3d day, they began to give way, and betake themselves to flight. Their losses are so much the greater and more sensible, in that we took from them above 40 men of War and Merchant Ships. We Boarded them in the sight of Tromp, he not being able to oppose us. Captain Lawson Grappled a great Ship and took her, but he was very much battered. Marten and Gaver took also two Ships, so that we have taken several, and our Enemies will be forced to own their loss to be great. We have lost several Officers recommendable for their Merit and Valour, as likewise 5 or 6 Masters of the first ranks much lamented for their good conduct and great fidelity, besides a great many other brave men that were in the Fleet. But we have lost never a Ship except one which we sunk ourselves. Our Admirals behaved themselves with an unexampled bravery. Admiral Blake was wounded in the Thigh, but we hope he will not be much incommoded by it. He would hardly be persuaded to go down into the Ship, to be dressed, and never quitted his Post during the whole fight. In fine, we observed, that every day as long as the Battle lasted, the Arm of the Almighty God favoured our Arms, being bound to acknowledge, That 'tis he that gives the Victory, and not the great number of Ships, or the strength of Armies.  
This Letter seemed very edifying by the great show of Piety that appeared throughout it, but it must be observed, that this was the stile of the English in Cromwel's time, that able Politician covering himself usually with the Cloak of Religion to make his Ambitious Projects take effect, and the way to make a man's Court with him, was to affect a great show of Devotion. The same Character now reigns in France, where people are obliged to appear Bigots, to make their Fortune, the Prince's humour of late being turned wholly that way.  
Here follows now the Letter Written to the States upon the same occasion, by Tromp.  
High and Mighty Lords,  
THis Battle that has lasted 3 days together begun the last of February at 9 a Clock in the morning, 
Tromp's Letter to the States about the same fight.  and ended not till the 2d. of March, when the Night parted the Combatants. It was, given in that extent of Sea that is between Portland, and Swartness or Bullen. The English had about 69 or 70 sail of Frigates and Men of War, and we 70 Men of War, and 150 Merchant Ships. I cannot yet give your High and Mightinesses all the particulars, because most of the Captains hardly had time the 1st. of March, to come on board the Admiral.  
They have informed me, that de Ruiter's Squadron which fell upon the Enemy's Rear, took some Ships from them, whilst several others on both sides, were sunk. As for our Van guard of which I had the joint Conduct with Rear Admiral Florisz, we attacked that of the Enemies under the Command of Blake. The fight was fierce and obstinate, and the Victory very wavering, so that neither of the Parties had any cause to brag of any advantage they had. This was the success of the first days fight. About 4 a Clock in the afternoon observing that the English had detacht a Squadron of their nimblest Sailors, to go and fall upon the Merchant Fleet, with design to burn them, we quitted the Fight, to hasten to their assistance. After the Action was over, I sent for the General Officers of the Fleet, Evertsz and De Ruiter, on board the Admiral, whilst Florisz was left to take care those Ships of the Fleet should be repaired that had need of it. We therefore consulted upon the present State of Affairs, whether it would be advisable for us to leave our Merchant Ships to their shifts, to go and attacked the Enemies once more, since we were to weak to spare a detachment of Men of War strong enough to Convoy them; and besides that we had some grounds to fear, the English might have still some body of reserve towards Calais, or whether it would not be better, to defend them, by making them keep close by us, and so in a fight posture to wait the Enemy's charge. And because we were in want of Powder, order was given to husband it well, and not to make one shot unprofitably. We discovered to the Eastward at a good distance from us, the Ship called the Ostrich so terribly battered and disabled, that she had nothing left but her Main, and Mizzen Sa●ls, whereupon, I ordered the Wild to go and take her, and bring her to the Fleet. As soon as we had got together all our Sh●ps both Men of War and Merchants, we stood to the North-West, and towards evening we had a great Calm. But the Wild not being able to bring off the Ostrich, the English carried her away next day to their Fleet.  
That day about 11 a Clock, the Enemies came and charged us again. They had posted in the Wings of their Fleet, five or six of their best Sh●ps, to Endeavour to intercept some of our Ships. We fought all that day till the Dusk of N●ght. Captain le Sage of Zealand, and le Bruin, Van Zeelst of Amsterdam, and some Merchant Ships were separated from the Fleet. Towards evening several Captains came and Complained, that they had no Ammunition left, upon which, because I had on board the Admiral a great many Bullets, 8 pounders, I distributed them amongst those, who had Guns of that Boar. We still pursued our Course the Wind at West-North-West, and every one endeavoured to repair their respective Ships as well as it was possible.  
On the 2d. of March, the English attacked us again with a great deal of vigour; and we had hardly fought two hours, but half of our Ships had spent all their Ammunition. we fired some guns for a signal to them to come on board us, which they did. I placed them in the main body of the Fleet, and charged them to make show as if they wanted nothing, telling them, that they which still had any Ammunition, should take care to defend them; so that I made a shift to maintain the fight till night, defending them all that while with not above 25 or 30 Ships that were still provided with Powder and Bullets. Two hours after, Blake having assembled all his Forces, made show as if he would fall upon us once more. When I saw that, I took in my Sails, and let him know, I was ready to begin again with him; upon which, after the Vaunt-guards of the two Fleets had charged one another for some time, the English at length sheered off, to Sea ward, and Blake being out of Cannon shot, came no more at us. Vice-Admiral Evertsz coming then to me, told me, they wanted Powder and Bullets. When night was come, we hang out Lantherns, continuing all the while our former Course with a North North East Wind. Blake likewise hung out his Lanthenrs, being to the Leeward. Towards midnight, we lost sight of the Enemy's lights; and the next morning we perceived Calais bearing South-West of us at about 2 mile's d●stance, without seeing any English at all. I am persuaded, they are retired towards the Isle of Wight to repair and resit their Ships, etc.  
The success of this Battle made so great a noise at London, that they made no difficulty to publish abroad that Tromp, Evertsz, and de Ruiter were totally Routed, and that 100 Merchant Ships, and 50 Men of War of the Dutch were taken or sunk; nay, and this noise was Echoed over all Europe; and was carried into France, Sweedland, Denmark, and to render what they affected to speak of it, the more credible, the Parliament appointed an Extraordinary Thanksgiving day to be kept on that occasion; and what seemed fully to Authorise so great a Triumph, and exalt the glory of Blake, was, that the Prisoners were led in a Drove to Canterbury, under the Guard of a Troop of Horse, and that in all the places through which they passed, they affected to ring the Bells, thereby to make that defeat to appear the more signal and incontestable; though the Dutch at the same time no less confidently pretended, that the Action did not pass altogether so much to the advantage of the English, that they ought to have attributed to themselves all the Glory of it, since, say they, excepting the Merchant Ships that fell into their hands, the Hollanders had not much less right to pretend to the Victory than their Enemies.  
But tho' the Arms of the United Provinces had received some Check on the Ocean, 
The Great Duke of Tuscany ill satisfied at the Conduct of the English.  yet they were Victorious in the Mediterranean; that which had passed in the attempt made for the recovery of the Phoenix had so offended the Great Duke of Tuscany, that he looked upon such a violence committed in his Ports, to be an entrenchment upon his Sovereignty, so that he Commanded the 6 English Men of War, either to go out of that Harbour in which the Hollanders had kept them besieged almost 8 Months, or else to restore them their Frigate again. Appleton who Commanded those Ships in chief held a consultation with Bodley who had another Squadron of 8 men of War and one Fireship at Porto Longone. They resolved then, that as soon as Bodley should have weighed Anchor, Appleton should slip out of Legorn in order to go and join him, and to attack the Hollanders with their United Force. On the 12th. of March at the Dusk of night, the Dutch begun to discover Bodley's Squadron, and the day following, four of his Ships came nearer, followed by the rest that appeared to be still at about 4 or 5 mile's distance from the former.  
The Forces of the Hollanders consisted of 16 Men of War and a Fireship, besides 6 or 7 Merchant Ships that came from the straits, to whom the Dutch Commanders declared, That if they would take part with them in the Battle, they should share with them in the Booty. As to the Forces of the English, they were reduced to two Squadrons, whereof one was of 6 and the other was of 7 Men of War, besides a Flute and a Fireship. According to the project concerted between Bodley and Appleton, this latter was not to come out of Legorn, till Bodley had begun the fight. Bodley accordingly detacht out 3 of his Men of War and a Fireship, to go and brave the Hollanders, who seeing Appleton offered not to stir out, thought it necessary to use a Stratagem, by making as if they would go out against Bodley, and in effect they tacked about after him, but keeping their Eye still upon the Harbour, being impatient to see Appleton weigh Anchor; who thinking the Hollanders would indeed have pursued their way, to make up to Bodley, ventures at length to come out with his Squadron of 6 Men of War, which the Hollanders no sooner perceived, 
De Galen attacks the English in the Mediterranean.  but immediately veering back, they fell all on a sudden upon him. De Galen attacked the Bonaventure carrying 40 Guns, and 180 men, and without giving him time to make ready for a defence, he fired at him several broad sides, one after another, so thick, that at last a Bullet chancing to penetrate into her Powder-Room, she was blown up into the Air with all her men, except 6 or 7 Seamen that were saved. That disaster extremely discouraged the English, and raised the courage of their Enemies.  
Appleton Commanded in the Ship called the Leopard, carrying 54 Guns, and near 200 men. He was attacked by the Ships the Sun and the Julus Caesar, who battered him in a most terrible manner.  
Tromp the Son who was then advanced to the Office of a Rear-Admiral, 
Cornelius Tromp made Rear Admiral.  Commanded in the Ship called the Moon, vacant by the death of Captain Bont, who was killed in the fight of Monte Christo; he attacked the Samson, carrying 40 Guns, and 130 Men. He fought with so much the more valour, because he still remembered the affront he lately suffered in the Phoenix; so that coming to Board her, after he had grappled her, he poured into her so great a number of Seamen, that she was forced to yield. But in the mean time there was a Dutch Fireship, that slipping along cunningly by the other side of the English Ship, under the favourable covert of a thick smoke, and grappling her, the flames overrun her with such Rapidity, that they penetrated into her Powder-Room, and blew her up. But the men in her had better luck than those in the Bonaventure, the most part of them being saved by the Dutch Boats.  
The Ship called the Levant Merchant was attacked by the Captains, Form and the Ham, who likewise boarding her, forced her to yield at Discretion, after the fight, she was carried into Legorn. The Ship called the Traveller being attacked by the Vries and Boutebotter, was also constrained to undergo the same Treatment. Amidst these Transactions, an English Fireship was played at the Dutch Rear-Admiral, to burn him but the Gal●n espying her coming, sunk her with his Cannon.  
The Ships called the Sun and Julius Caesar, battered Appleton's sides, who seeing himself deserted by Bodley, defended himself like a man in despair, and obliged the Aggressors to retire. But Captain de Boet having at last grappled him, encouraged the other two to come on and charge him again; so that Appleton seeing no less than three Enemies upon him at once, despaired of saving himself, and in that humour was going to set fire to the Powder, but his men having hindered him from executing that horrid design, he was forced to yield the Leopard which he Commanded, having 80 men killed, and 60 wounded.  
Of 6 Ships of which Appleton's Squadron was Composed, there were 5 destroyed or Mastered, there was but one left, called the Marie, which making use of her sails instead of her guns, saved herself by flying towards Bodl●y, who with his Squadron of 8 Ships, tho' he had the Weather-gage, did nothing during the whole fight, but make some discharges with his Guns against the Dutch Captains, Sybrant Moll, Rijkhoven, Slortz, Oosterwout, Roodhaas, Govertsz, and Viotnhoven: But as soon as he heard of the defeat of Appleton, he put up all his sails, and betook himself to flight. Tromp would have given him chase with some of the Ships that were least endamaged, but the night coming on, he stole away by favour of the darkness, and so escaped the pursuits of the Victors.  

De Galen mortally wounded in the fight.  But the Glorious advantages the Dutch had thus newly gained, were traversed by the loss of him that had the most contributed thereto, and who had managed that Action with all imaginable Conduct and Prudence. This Valiant Man being on board in his Post, had his right leg shot off by the second Cannon ball that was shot at his Ship, but yet that his men might not be discouraged, he for some time concealed his hurt; till the Mrs. chief Mate of his Ship, being the first that perceived it, represented to him, that he lost so much Blood that he would be in evident danger of his life, if it were not instantly stopped. He was therefore carried down into the Hold, where his Leg was sawed off below the knee; and a glass of Wine being presented him to fortify his heart, he drunk it of as briskly as if he had felt no harm, after which, he lay down, saying these words: The English King-killers shall pay for all. He was hardly dressed but he would needs be carried up again to be a spectator of the rest of the fight, but he was so extremely weakened, that his people would not obey him in that point. All that he could do then in the pitiful plight he was in, to satisfy that desire of Glory that accompanies all Hero's to their last gasp, was to encourage his men by his discourses; and as soon as he heard, the English had betaken themselves to flight, he Commanded his men without losing of time immediately to hoist up all their sails, and to pursue them, but they being got already a great way off, the night put a stop to the intentions of the Victors, who were forced to return to an Anchor in the road of Legorn.  
The English lost in this Action, 6 Men of War, of which one was sunk, 3 were taken, and 2 burnt. And they had 286 men killed, 293 wounded, and some made Prisoners. The Hollanders loss amounted to 123 men killed, and near as many wounded, and one Ship called, the Madonna Della Vignia was also lost.  
Admiral de Galen 
De Galen dies.  being carried to Legorn, the Great Duke of Tuscany did him all the honours imaginable, sending him presents of all that was capable to give him any ease or refreshment, till the day of his death, which was on the 23d. of March. He was 48 years old, and was as much lamented for his Merit, and the Great Experience he had in Marine affairs, as for the great and signal Services he had done to his Country. His Body was transported into Holland, and interred the 13th. of December in the new Church at Amsterdam. The States ordered a Magnificent Tomb to be erected, 
Is intered in Amsterdam.  to immortalise the Memory of so great a man; Upon which his Figure is placed lying on his back with his Arms and Armour, having his head piece at his Feet. Below the Tomb upon a Table of White Marble, 
His Tomb, and Epitaphs.  there is represented a description of the Battle which we have just now related. And underneath are written in Golden Letters upon black Marble, the following verses, composed by that famous Dutch Poet J. V Vondel.  
Higher Legt in't graf van eer de Dappre van Galen,  
Die eerst ging buit op buit Castilien ashaalen;  
En met en leeuwenhert, nabyed Toskaner strand,  
De Britten heeft verjaagd, veroverd en verbrand.  
Which may be thus Englished.  
The Stout de Galen here in honour's bed is laid,  
Famed for the Rich Booties he on the Spaniards made;  
Who with heart undaunted attacked the English Fleet,  
And near the Tuscan shore; gave them a sore defeat:  
And took and burnt their Ships, to serve him for a light  
Down to the Gloomy shades, and so bid us good night.  
Above the Tomb there is an Oval Table of Black Marble, flourished all round with Flags, Standards, Streamers, Pikes, and all the Arms used in Sea-Fights. And thereupon is Engraven the following Latin Epitaph in Letters of Gold.  


Generosissimo Heroi Johanni a Galen, Essensi.  
Qui ob res saepe fortiter & feliciter gestas, Sexies uno anno Duinkerkanorum Praedatoriam Navem captam, & a Barbaris opima spolia Reportata, Ordinum Classi in Mari Mediterraneo praefectus, memorabili praelio ad Livornam, Deo Auxiliante, Anglorum navibus captis, fugatis, incendio & submersione deletis, Commercium cum dicti Maris Accolis restituit, Idibus Martii An. 1653, & altero pede truncatus, nono die post victoriam, Annos natus 48, obit, ut in secula per Gloriam viveret, Illustris. & praepot, Foederat. Belgii Ordinum Decreto Nob. & Pot. Senatus Archithalas. qui est Amstelodami.  
M. H. P.  
Which we have rendered in English thus.   

To the most Generous Hero John de Galen of Essen.  
WHO for his many courageous and successful Exploits; for having in one year taken six Dunkirk Privatiers, and brought away many rich spoils from the Barbarians, being afterwards made Admiral of the State's Fleet in the Mediterranean, having in a memorable Battle near Legorn, by the help of God, taken, put to flight, burnt and sunk the Ships of the English, restored Commerce again with the inhabitants of those Coasts; on the 15th of March 1653. And having lost one of his Legs, he expired on the 9th. day after the victory, aged 48 years: And that he might live by his Glorious Fame, to all succeeding Ages, By order of the Most Illustrious and Mighty States of the United Netherlands, the Senate of the Admiralty of Amsterdam have erected to him this Monument.    
When Bodley was got back to London, Appleton charged him with the loss of the Battle, with so much the more grounds of probability, because the Captains of the State's Fleet that were returned to Amsterdam, gave a noble Testimony of the Bravery of this latter. The Subject of Appleton's Complaint, was, That Bodley had not performed his promise, but had basely left him to be a Victim to his Enemies; but that difference was not decided.  
The Council of England being grown somewhat more sensible of the complaints made by the people of Great Britain, 
The English Council incline to Peace, but hindered by Cromwell. Cromwel's Letter to dissolve the Rump Parliament.  upon the Subject of the differences that had caused the War with the Hollanders, began to be a little more inclined to Peace: But Cromwel's intrigues defeated their purposes, he out of a pretended zeal to the Common Good, taking upon him to assemble a new Parliament, holding frequent Conferences for that purpose with the Chief Members of the Council of War assembled at St. James'. And in effect, pursuant to the Resolutions taken there, he was so daring as to write a Letter soon after, to Dissolve the Parliament, which was published throughout all the three Kingdoms. The substance of it imported, That the great prosperities that England had enjoyed for some years past, by its Conquests and the Battles which its Armies had won for the security of the people of the three Kingdoms, being a very sensible token of the Blessing of God, they had been guilty of so heinous an ingratitude as not to behave themselves thankfully to him for the same: For that wickedness, and all manner of Vices were so increased, that they were seen to domineer with so much insolence, that a general Subversion was to be feared of all the affairs of the Government; and that therefore the necessity of the time was so pressing, that it required speedy Remedies; That it was not to be doubted, but that the over long sitting of Parliaments was an inexhaustible Fountain of Troubles and Disorders in the State. That the Peace and Quiet of the Commonwealth was best secured by making a fit Choice and Election of Members to serve in Parliament, that were good men fearing God, to succeed in the places of others at certain limited times, that so a free power might not degenerate into a Tyranny. That all things ought to be regulated as might best conduce to the common good and preservation of the people, by discharging them of Taxes and burdensome Impositions, and by making Religion flourish, and propagating the Gospel every where; That provision ought to be made for the Pastors; and that Liberty of Conscience ought to be granted to all, except to the Popish Religion, and Idolatrous Superstitions.  
The Queen of Sweden, writ almost at the same time, 
Queen Christina of Swdens' Letter to the States to Mediate a Peace.  a Letter to the State's General, to offer them her Mediation in the Differences between the two Republics: It contained, in substance, That she had heard with a very sensible displeasure, by the reports that were spread abroad about them, in her Capital City, of the Disputes that had newly kindled a War between Holland and England; That she thought herself obliged, in consideration of the common friendship she had with them both, to propose some means to reconcile, if possible, the two Nations; That the Sieur Appleboon that was her Envoy at the Hague, would wait the States Answer concerning the mediation she offered them; adding, that she had also made the same offers to the Republic of England.  
The laudable Cantons of Switzerland were likewise no less concerned at all these disorders, than Queen Christina. And therefore writ also to the States, to offer their Mediation.  
The States of Holland on their side, who desired nothing more than Peace, writ a Letter to the Parliament of England, which was made public, which imported,  That God, the Just Revenger of Crimes, seeing they were come to their full ripeness, 
The State's Letter to the Parliliament of England.  had doubtless stirred up England and Holland to employ all their forces to their own mutual ruin, and common destruction, whilst their Confinity in Religion and Government, and their neighbourhood to the Sea, secured motives rather to engage those two Republics in an inseparable Union, and to link them so straight together as to oblige them to assist one another; That the sworn Enemies of the Reformation were ravished with joy, to see two Allies of the same Faith thus Remorseles●y to shed Christian Blood; and that they who never could resist one of the Republics, now flattered themselves with the hopes of destroying them both; That it would be impossible to resist them, if the Party of the two that should prove Victorious, after they had so vainly exhausted all their strength should be afterwards suddenly assailed by a new Enemy, being reduced into an impotent condition, and deprived of the succour of its former Ally; That was no Victory more unhappy than such a one as was gained over an Ally, without whose assistance one could not be without a notable weakening of one's self: That if the English would seriously reflect on considerations o● such high Importance, there was no doubt, but things might be soon brought to an accommodation; but since they found that such equitable sentiments as those, made no impression on their minds, they were resolved, to wait from the hand of God the event of all things. 
The Parliament assembled at Westminster, having Read their High and Mightinesses Letter, sent an Answer to the State's General, and another to the States of Holland. The first of which intimated, That the Sincere Amity of which the English had given sufficient proofs to the Hollanders at all times, was well known to all the world; That besides that, they might rely upon the Passion they had, to re-establish the ancient Peace and Amity between the two Nations; That the Parliament were not inclined to continue the War with an Ally which the ties of Religion ought to render inseparable from them; but that rather they were ready to do any reasonable thing in order to stifle these troubles in their beginning, that so they might amicably come to an accommodation.  
The Letter which the Parliament of England writ to the States of Holland, was to this effect, viz.  
THat since the happy Revolution that had changed England into a Commonwealth, 
The Parliament of England's Letter to the States of Holland.  they had extremely well considered, how important it was straight to unite themselves with a Nation, the least difference with whom, might draw after it very mischievous Consequences, because in regard of Religion, the two Republics were so dependant one of another, that they ought to be inseparable. That if they came to a Rupture with them, it was much against their wills, that the Parliament consented to the effusion of Blood that was so dear to them, being fully persuaded, that the Enemies of the Reformation had conspired their common ruin, by making use of their own Arms to destroy them: That if Mr. De Heemsted's proposals to which they had yet made no answer, because of his hasty departure, had been debated in their Assembly; the Peace would be at present concluded. That the sincerity and ardent passion the Parliament testified for the renewing of a Peace, fully justified to the world, that it was never their intention to have any hand in so ruinous a War. And that their present Conduct, and the Protestation they now made; that they were ready to renew the Negotiation for a Treaty upon the same Foot as before, sufficiently manifested, what their Sentiments were in that matter.  
At the same time, Mr. Appleboon presented a writing at the Hague, to the State's General in the Queen of Swedland's name, which was to this effect: That her Majesty did not so much as pretend to penetrate into the bottom of their Affairs, having no other end in so pressing an occasion, but to manifest the sincere desire she had to mediate a Peace between the two Republics, so much the rather, because her Majesty, and particularly the late King her Father had always lived in perfect good intelligence with the United Provinces; That 'twas to be feared, if they too obstinately persisted in a War with England, it would prove a fountain of irreparable mischiefs: That her Majesty offered her Mediation, and that if the States thought fit to accept it, he would wait for the necessary instructions to enable him to make a more particular Overture of it to the Plenipotentiaries.  
The State's General made answer to the Parliaments Letter: That the inclination they always had had for Peace, and for maintaining a straight and inviolable Union with England, was well known to the Council of State, nay, and to all the wo●ld: And that they were ready on their side to use all sorts of reasonable means, to put a stop to the dismal consequences of so fatal a War, and disposed, to send Plenipotentiaries with full power, for that purpose, to any Neuter place that should be agreed upon.  
The Parliament having discontinued their sitting, there was nothing left at the Helm but the Council of State, and Cromwell remained the sole Arbiter of all the Affairs of the Government, who replied to the Letter of the State's General: That the change that had newly happened in England, had not at all changed the just inclinations the Nation had for Peace: That the offers the last Parliament had made by their Letter to the State's General, and to the States of Holland to renew Mr. de Heemsted's Negotiation, and pacify the Troubles between the two Nations were approved by the Council of State; That if they would prevent the Obstacles that might happen in the way, there was grounds to hope for a perfect union and perpetual good correspondence between England and Holland; and that the project of it would without contradiction be the sooner advanced, if the Disputes about choosing a neuter place for the Ambassadors of both Parties to treat in, did not drill on the Negotiation to too great a length; especially considering that affairs were then in such a posture as would admit of no delays: And that as soon as their Plenipotentiaries should be arrived thither from the Hague, the Council of State would be ready to enter into Conference with them, with a promise, to neglect nothing that might conduce to the facilitating of an accommodation.  
Upon all these fair appearances, the United Provinces dispatched away Mr. de Bevering, and Mr. de Nieuport, Ambassadors from the States of Holland, Mr. Ʋander Perre, from those of Zealand, and Mr. Jongstal, from the States of Friesland. Whilst they were thus flattering themselves with Peace, the States were minded to reward the merit of those that had signalised themselves in the last Battle. Lieutenant Admiral Tromp had a chain of Gold valued at 2000 Livers; The Vice-admirals' the Wit, Evertsz, and de Ruiter had each of them one of 1500 Livers; and the other Officers, were gratified by the Council of the Admiralty, every one according to their deserts. But the Captains Lueas, Albertsz, Reinier, Sikkema, Look, Hansbek, Ewood, Heironymus, Allard, Jansz and others that had behaved themselves Cowardly, were punished.  
The United Provinces hoping quickly to see an end put to the troubles that had kindled that War, begun to retrench a part of the vast expenses they were by it obliged to be at. The Fleet being ready to sail, Tromp thought fit, to divide it into 5 Squadrons. The first was under his own Conduct, and had the Wild for Vice-Admiral, and Ʋander Abel for Rear-Admiral; the 2d. was to be Commanded by the two Brothers, John, and Cornelius Evertsz, the first as Lieutenant, and the other as Vice-Admiral, and by Captain Kemp, as Rear-Admiral; The 3d. was to be under the Conduct of the Wit, as Lieutenant Admiral, having Captain Lapper for Vice-Admiral, and Kleidyk for Rear-Admiral; The 4th. was to be Commanded by the Ruiter, as Lieutenant Admiral, having Captain Van Oven for Vice-Admiral, and Hartman for Rear-Admiral; And lastly the 5th. was to be under the Direction of Florisz, as Lieutentant Admiral, and was to have Kampen, for Vice Admiral, and Jaarsveld, for Rear-Admiral.  
The English Fleet was divided into 3 Squadrons; The First under the Red Flag, was Commanded by the Admiral's Dean and Monk, who were to be together in the Ship called, the Resolution; the two others under the Blue. Flag, were Commanded by Vice-Admiral Pen, and Rear-Admiral Lawson. Their whole Fleet consisted of 105 Men of War, among which were 26 Frigates newly built. There were in it 16269 men, and 2840 Guns. Lieutenant Admiral Tromp having received the chief Command of the Fleet, was not at all satisfied at it; having by writing, declared to the State's General, 
Admiral Tromp's Complain to the States, and his Reasons Contradicting the par●●● reports ●●posed on the people in Holl●●●, concerning thei● success 〈◊〉 the W●● and pla●●ly con ●sing th●ir great losses.  and to the States of Holland, the reasons he had to Complain, which were, that the States best Ships had been burnt or sunk in the precedent Battles, whilst on the other side, they had neglected to repair those Ships that might have been made fit for further service; That it was none of his fault, that greater advantages had not been obtained against the English, that however he would obey the orders of the States, but that he was so far from doing it willingly, that on the contrary, he should be very joyful to see the Command of the Fleet given to any man else but himself, adding, that when mischiefs and losses should come to be talk of, which he but too well foresaw would happen they should have nothing to say against him. But no answer was made to any of his Complaints.  
Yet his discontent was so much the better grounded, because he was obliged to put to Sea, with a great Number of small vessels ill provided for War, accompanied with a great many Cowardly and unexperienced Officers, whereby it was to be considered, he must needs not only expose his life, but likewise that great Reputation he had gotten by so many brave Exploits. But time would not then permit the States to Redress so many grievances at once. 'Tis True, that at the instances made by the States of Holland, a Resolution was taken to build 30 new men of War of sufficient bigness to withstand the English, but that was a work required time; and in the mean while, Tromp was fain to make shift with those sorry ones he had already, for want of better, which at that Juncture were not to be had.  
The Orders he had from the State's General, imported, that he should Convoy towards the North of Scotland, a Fleet of 200 Merchant Ships bound for France and Spain, and should Conduct back those other Ships that should be arrived in that Sea from divers places.  
The Admiral's Dean and Monk, who as we have said, had the joint Command in chief of the English Fleet, being informed of these Orders, resolved to be beforehand with Tromp, by attacking him before his Junction with the Zealand Squadron, and other Ships designed for his Re-inforcement; but they came a day too late, so that a few poor Fishermen were forced to bear the brunt of the displeasure they had conceived for so unluckily missing their blow. There were 54 of them then in Terreer Road newly came from Zerikzee, of which 47 were destroyed; and of two Ships that served them for Convoys there was one that had but 4 Guns, and yet defended herself so valiantly that the English Frigates were forced a while to let her alone, but at last being attacked by a great man of War, she was forced to yield. Monk and Dean were informed by the Prisoners taken on that occasion, of the State of the Dutch Fleet, and then they put them a shore, upon promise they should never serve against the English, after they had used all their flatteries they could, to no purpose, to court them into the service of England. The two English Admirals writ the following Letter to the Parliament, to inform them of what had past.  
The Letter of the two English Admialrs to the Parliament.  SInce our last, we saw ourselves just upon the point of a Bloody Battle, but God having Ordered it otherwise, was pleased to permit Tromp and the Wit to prevent us by steering away to the Northward, with a great number of Merchant Ships, as well to Convoy them that way, as to Reconduct the Ships they should find there, coming from France, but especially those returned from the East-Indies. In the mean while, we doubt not but you have heard of the new prosperities which it has pleased God to heap upon us, having put us in a Condition, to strike terror into the heart of the Enemy's Country, by a descent upon their Coasts, which was followed by several advantages, and chief by the taking of 50 Fishing vessels newly come from Zerikzee. We have put all the Country in Alarm, for fear we should make an irruption, and that we should make use for that effect, of the vessels we have taken from them. However, 'tis a great mortification to the Poor Inhabitants of Zerikzee, and a great loss to the whole Country, because they used to furnish Fish to the Towns of Amsterdam and Rotterdam. We flatter ourselves with the hopes, we shall quickly meet with Tromp. May it please God to favour the desires of those that pray for us. 
'Tis true, the English had begun to carry the Terror of their Arms to our Coasts near the Texel and the Helder, but having landed some men, they were received with so much courage and Resolution, as made them have little stomach to venture again upon such another attempt. The 13th. and the 14th. of May, the English Fleet sailed towards the Coasts of Zealand, and on the 15th, the two Fleets came within 5 miles one of another, yet without meeting together. Our Merchant Fleet consisting of 300 sail having fetched a Compass about Scotland, by the greatest happiness in the world was already safe arrived into our Ports, without seeing any Enemies by the way. Tromp having Convoyed our Merchant Ships to the Northward as far as Hitland, and not finding those there that were to come from France, and which he had Orders to Conduct home, returned towards the Coast of Holland, about the end of the Month; and entered into the , where he received a Re-inforcement of 17 Men of War and one Fireship brought him by Rear Admiral Florisz from Zealand, upon which he went to Goree to take the Admiral Ship, the Brederode which was there repaired, having been extremely endamaged in the last fight.  
On Witsunday, Tromp had a Conference with three Deputies of the State's General: The Result of their Consultation, was that Tromp should make towards the Downs of England, in hopes to meet there with some of the Parliaments Ships. On the 4th. of June they discovered some of them to the Northward, upon which holding a Council of War, it was resolved that de Ruiter with his Squadron jointly with Rear-Admiral Florisz, should steer to the Southward, whilst Tromp with Vice-Admiral de Wit should move to the Northward, that so by shutting up the Enemy's Squadrons within the Downs, they might attack them with the greater effect. But the English, especially Bodley, who was returned with a Squadron of 8 men of War, and 8 Merchant Ships, from the Mediterranean, were come to an Anchor under the Castles of the Downs, of which Tromp had had advice; Bodley to escape him, had removed to the Westward, so that Admiral Florisz coming thither first, found no more but two little Ships that were retired under the Cannon of the Castles of Dover, and the Downs, the Dutch begun then to Cannonade them briskly, to which they returned as vigorously; But the Hollanders at length getting nearer Dover, found in that road 5 small vessels, of which three were taken, tho' they had at the very first sight of our Ships, cut their Cables, to escape, the fourth fled, and the fifth which was a Frigate retired quite under the Castle.  
The English fired most terribly from the Castle of Dover upon the Hollanders, but Tromp answered them so vigorously, that all the Inhabitants of the Country were alarmed at it, knowing not where to fly, and durst not stay in their Houses which they saw unroofed by the Hollanders Cannon balls.  
After that Expedition, Tromp advanced towards Swartness, where being informed, that the English Fleet had appeared near the Vlie, he thereupon resolved to go in search of them, and on the 24th. having discovered them over against Newport, he made up directly to them. The Dutch Fleet was then composed of 98 men of War, but all of them much smaller, and nothing near so well provided for War, as those of the English. The Wind was North-East, and the English had the Weather-gage. The two Fleets having remained some time in presence of one another, without any offer made by the English, to attack the Hollanders, Tromp did all he could by Luffing to get up to them; when he came nigh them, the English began at length to cast their Fleet into a line of Battle, and divided it into three Squadrons. They at first made a Motion with design to enclose the Dutch within a Crescent, but when they saw the others observe them very narrowly, and seem resolved to stand them, their Squadrons joined again, and advanced within Cannon shot of their Enemy; and then Monk and Dean gave the signal for Battle and so the two Fleets engaged about 11 a Clock before noon. 
A cruel fight between Tromp and the Admiral's Dean and Monk.   
The Wind being North West favoured De Ruiter's Squadron, so that he taking advantage of that opportunity fell upon the English, and got the Weather-gage of them, and then the two Fleets most vigorously charged one another Admiral Dean was killed by one of the first shot that flew from the Hollanders; 
Admiral Dean killed  Monk seeing him fall, covered the Body with his Cloak, and endeavoured to encourage the Sea men. The fight was furious, and bloody, particularly between Lawson's and de Ruiter's Squadrons; For this latter fought with such Courage and obstinate eagerness, that he consumed most part of his Powder, than Tromp came into his assistance, which Monk perceiving, he advanced with his main strength, and fell upon the Dutch Admiral, which redoubled the fury of the Fight, and the Courage of the Combatants.  
Lawson at the head of 9 or 10 Frigates, advanced with intent to intercept the Captains Ʋander Zaan, and Joost Bulter, of Groningen, who made great resistance, but at length Bulter's Ship, called the Camel, having received 4 or 5 shot between Wind and Water, was forced to yield, and presently after sunk: Bulter who was wounded in the middle of his Body with a splinter, died with his drawn hanger in his hand, and was swallowed up half dead by the Waves with part of his wounded men; the rest of the Ships crew saved themselves on board Ʋander Zaan, who ran great hazard of being involved in the same misfortune as Bulter, being likewise surrounded by the Enemies, but at last he made his way through them by sinking one of their Ships. Tromp made all imaginable efforts to grapple the English Admiral, but never could get near enough to him. While they were fight, the wind happening quite to fall, the English White Squadron was by that means separated from the rest of their Fleet; the Hollanders willing to improve that opportunity, advanced with design to intercept it, whilst the English on the other, did all they could, to rejoin their Forces, but before they could effect it, the Dutch pressed close upon the English Blue Squadron, and with broadsides made their way through the English Fleet.  
The Victory having a long time Wavered, begun then to declare itself for the Hollanders, who making their Enemies give way, pursued them, but a great disorder happening in their Fleet, the English knew so well to make their advantage of it, that they gained the Weather-gage of them, which gave life to a second Engagement no less bloody than the first, and which caused the destruction of the most part of the Ships that composed both the Fleets. About 9 at night another English Ship was burnt, but they continued still fight till the night parted them; And then the English stood to the Northward, and the Hollanders to the ; but unfortunately, when the Enemies were already retired out of Canon shot, as Captain Van Velzen was firing off his last shot, his Powder took fire, and blew up his Ship with almost all his Men, hardly 55 escaping of the whole Ships Crew.  
The whole night was spent in repairing the damages received in the Battle, and mending up as well as possible, the Ships that were most battered. At break of day, next morning, the two Fleets found themselves not above a mile distant one from the other. Lieutenant Admiral Tromp put out the usual signal to call his Officers on board him, at whose arrival, he with much vexation heard the ill news, that most part of the Ships of his Fleet wanted Ammunition, by which they were disabled to stand a second Battle. It must be confessed, that if Tromp had been seconded as he ought to have been the day before, by some Captains in his Fleet that failed in their duty, and were false to the fidelity they had sworn to their Country, the English had been so well reduced to reason, that they would hardly have had any mind to begin a new Battle the next day. Vice-Admiral de Wit had so small a Quantity of Powder and Bullets left, that it would hardly serve him three hours firing: and de Ruiter had less than he: And besides, a great many other Ships were much weakened by the great Numbers of Men they had killed, and sick. Notwithstanding all these disadvantages, Tromp was in the mind to venture a second Battle, as thinking, if he were worsted to retreat toward Wielingen, to take in necessary Provisions and Ammunition. But before the second Fight begun, Tromp Writ to the States the following Letter.  
High and Mighty Lords,  

Martin Tromp's Letter to the States.  THe 12th. Instant we perceived the Enemies hover about Newport. Our Forces consisted of 98 men of War, and 6 Fireships, and those of the English of between 95 and 100 sail, amongst which were reckoned 77 or 80 large Men of War, or Frigates well manned and provided. The two Fleets engaged in Fight about 11 a Clock before noon, and ended not till night which separated the two Parties, who both stood off to Sea about 9 a Clock. We lost that day Captain Joost Bulter, whose Ship was sunk with part of her Men, the other being saved by our people. Captain Velzen's Ship was blown up, there being but 5 of her men saved. This day all the General and Subalternate Officers of the Fleet came on board the Admiral, and were informed, that the most part of them had so little Ammunition left, that 'tis impossible for us to be able to stand a second Fight. Among others, Vice-Admiral de Wit has not for above three hours spending, and de Ruiter has less than he. However, we have resolved to attack the Enemies this day, and to retire to Wielingen, and fight our way thither retreating, if the English ●●esist to Fight so long. In fine, we pray your High and Mightinesses, that we may be Reinvested, and may receive the Ammunition necessary, and that it may please you, to send Deputies into Zealand to remedy all things, etc.  
Lieutenant Admiral Tromp had done all he could from the first appearance of the morning, 
A second Battle fought the 13th. of June.  to tack to the Southeast, to be able to get the Wether gage which the English had, that so he might the more successfully force his way into the middle of their Fleet. About 8 a Clock the Van-guards of the two Fleets began to fire at one another at a distance; but Tromp pursuing his design, had already about 10 a Clock got Dunkirk at the South-South Eastward of him, and was in hopes to get up to the main body of the English Fleet, and to intercept a good part of their Ships. But they were no sooner engaged, but their happened a Calm, which was the cause, that the Hollanders found themselves to the lee-ward, and the English had the Weathergage; which opportunity they improving, came Thundering about 11 a Clock upon the Dutch Fleet, with so much the greater advantage, because Blake had reinforced them in the night with a Squadron of 28 great men of War which he had brought from Portsmouth. Tromp thereby found himself obliged to close up the Rear of his Fleet, to endeavour as well as 'twas possible, to sustain the shock of the Enemies. Tromp, De Wit, De Ruiter, and some others fought with an unparallelled bravery; But unhapily from the very beginning of the fight, a disorder having happened in the Dutch Fleet for want of Experience in the Officers, they began to give way, and at length were part of them taken, and part sunk; nay, the Confusion was so great among them, that some of them quitted their Fireships after having set fire to them themselves, who endeavoured to palliate their infamous Cowardice, by pretending, they had received several shot between Wind and Water. However, tho' the valiant Tromp saw himself thus deserted by his Rearguard, yet he lost not his courage for that, but possessing still the same presence of mind, and being animated by Reflections upon his past glory, and by the hopes and unextinguishable passion he had, still to maintain it to the last, grappled Vice-Admiral Pen, boarded him, and ed so many men into his Enemy's Ship; that he had already made himself Master of her, when 13 English Frigates tacking about upon him, so cruelly handled him, that they forced him to let go his hold.  
The Enemies likewise in their turn, grappling afterwards Admiral Tromp, poured in so great a Number of Sea men, on board him that his men were forced to fly all under Deck. Upon which, Tromp seeing himself over poured with Numbers, thought there was no other Remedy, but to set fire to some barrels of Powder, which he did so effectually, that in an Instant as by a clap of Thunder, the Enemies were blown up Pell Mell into the Air, and their bodies were seen to fly about half burnt, and rend to pieces. Yet this blow did not so much discourage the English, but they came on and charged him afresh; and he had certainly been lost, had not the Wit and de Ruiter, espying the great danger he was in, come up without losing time and disengaged him about 7 a Clock in the Evening.  
Captain Schellinger's Ship being much battered, and deserted by most of her Sea men, fell into the English Fleet, and was soon after burnt to Ashes. The Ship Westergoo, being surrounded, by three English men of War, that furiously battered her on all sides, was forced to yield just when she was ready to sink; a little before that, Captain Verburg's Ship having had her Helm shot away, fell into the Enemy's hands, and after a vigorous resistance, was at last constrained also to yield. Tromp and the other General Officers fought till within night, when the English made off to Sea, steering Northward; but the Hollanders made for Ostend, where they arrived about midnight, and cast Anchor.  
The next morning the English appeared again; But because there were many Ships in the Dutch Fleet very much shattered, and that wanted both Provision and Ammunition, Tromp with the advice of the other General Officers, thought it best to retreat with the whole Fleet towards Wielingen, where being arrived he writ the following Letter to the State's General.  
High and Mighty Lords,  
YEsterday at 11 a Clock before noon, 
Martin Tromp's Letter to the States concerning the last Battle.  I writ my last Letter just when I was using all my endeavours to gain the weather-gage, in order to fall into the middle of the Enemy's Fleet, But a Calm preventing us, the Enemies gained it, and came up and attacked us. The Fight broke not off till towards Evening. There happened some disorder amongst some Ships of the Fleet, caused doubtless by the Ignorance and want of Experience of the Sea Officers, which was the reason that the nimblest English sailors coming up with them, easily intercepted them, and either took or sunk them. So that according to the report made to us this morning on board the Admiral, we hear, that the Captains, Verburg, Schellinger, Laurensz, Duin, Fietersz, and Westergoo, are fallen into the hands of the Enemies. If there were any more taken or sunk, it is more than I know yet, because I have been able to know nothing but by the report of others, and because the thick smoke arising from the Canon, hindered, me from discerning what passed in the Fight; But however, I am sure we have lost the Captains abovementioned. It is possible they might lose us in the night, and may be gotten into some Harbour, tho' against Order. The Pilot Ʋander Heyden, being just now come hither, has delivered us the two Letters from your High and Mightinesses, dated the 9th. of this Month. he reports, he met 17 of our Ships before Schowen, and that he spoke with 4 of them. Our Ships are in a most pitiful Condition, and want both Provisions and Ammunition. The two Fleets are still in presence one of the other, and the English with the Reinforcement they have received are now 100 sail strong of Men of War. By the advice of all the General Officers of the Fleet; we have resolved to retire to Wielingen, to wait there for the Deputies of your High and Mightinesses, to come and give Order, that the Fleet may receive the necessary Ammunition, and a considerable Reinforcement, to enable them to make head against their Enemies. For otherwise, Humanely speaking, if all the things I have spoken of, be neglected, nothing else can be expected but shame and confusion to the States, and misfortune to their Arms, considering the mighty power of their Enemies. Our Admiral Ship, the Brederode has received several shot between Wind and Water, and though we have had her calked as well as possible, yet she leaks still so much, that in the night the Water gained upon us, in spite of all our Pumps, above 5 foot in height, however till at present we have made a shift by the help of many hands to keep her above Water; but if after all, we find our labour lost, we shall be obliged to run her ashore behind Ramekens, etc.  
Tromp, and the rest of the General Officers of the Dutch Fleet being come to Flushing, into the presence of the Deputies of the States, 
The complaints of the General Officers of the States Fleet.  they all unanimously declareed, that it was impossible for them, to continue their Services, unless the Fleet were reinforced with a considerable number of Great Ships, well appointed and furnished for War; And so much the more, because there were in the English Fleet above 50 Men of War, the least of which was better than that in which Admiral Tromp sailed, whereas on the contrary, there were reckoned above 50 Ships in the Dutch Fleet that were unfit for Service, etc. De Ruiter made no scruple to say, That he intended to go no more to Sea, 
The remarkable Speech of Vice-Admiral De Wit, in the Assembly of the States. The English Besiege the Dutch in the Texel. Three Dutch East-India ships, and several other Merchant men taken by the English.  unless the Fleet were reinforced, and made more numerous, and were better Armed than it had been before: And Vice-Admiral De wit being afterwards present in the Assembly of the States, added to all those Complaints, these words: Why should I keep any longer silence? I am here before my Sovereigns, and am free to speak; and I can say, That the English are at present Masters both of us, and of the Seas, etc.  
The State's General therefore endeavoured to remedy all those Disorders, and to repair all the losses they had lately sustained, as well as 'twas possible, in so pressing a juncture. But in the mean time, the English Fleet held the Coasts of Holland, as 'twere besieged, after they had stopped up the mouth of the Texel: Which obliged the States to prevent any descent from them, to post some Troops in the Isles, and on the Coasts. During which Distress, 3 Ships returning from the East-Indies, richly Laden, unfortunately fell into the hands of the English, as did likewise two others coming from Portugal, and 3 more from Swedeland, whereof 2 were Burnt, and the rest taken. And towards the straits of Calais, Captain Wight likewise, was taken with 4 Ships laden with Salt.  
About that time the United Provinces began to feel the Effects of new Troubles raised by a Faction form among the Mobb, 
Tumults in Holland upon the late bad success.  which being always accustomed to measure things only by the Event, attributed the Cause of the Disasters of the State, and of the destruction of Commerce, to their Governors. For Trading was interrupted, and the Artificers and Handicraft People knew not which way to subsist any longer. The Town of Enkuisen had a great hand in all these Disorders. The Townsmen being desperately enraged, to see the Sea shut up against them, and their Fleet that was ready to sail out to go a Herring-fishing, on which in great measure depended the Prosperity of all the United Provinces, to be thus Cooped up, and forced to lie idle in their Ports.  
The murmur of the people were risen to that height, that 'twas impossible to stop them. For they loudly complained, that none of them could tell how to get their living any longer, what Trade soever they took to; That if they had a mind to oppose the English, why did not Tromp come back from Zealand? Why were not the Enemies driven out of the Harbours of the Texel, who without control, took daily from them Ship after Ship, whilst they saw themselves besieged, and threatened with an inevitable Series of Mischiefs, etc.  
The Magistrates of that Town, thinking to put a stop to the fatal Consequences of all those Disorders, would needs have Recourse to force of Arms, and sent for some Troops which in Boats approached the Town: But the Mobb the more fiercely enraged at that, got together in such multitudes, that they carried all before them, and seized upon the Town-House, the Gates, the Ramparts, and all the Stores of Warlike Ammunition. Which done, they put up upon the Towers, the Prince's Colours, as designing by that, to revenge the slight the Government had of late put upon his Authority: They than proceeded to Depose the Magistrates, and fired several Volleys of Shot from their Muskets, upon the Soldiery that was embarked in the Boats. The Deputies from the States, and the Sieur Brederode, who were sent from the Hague, to appease, if it were possible this popular Commotion, were constrained to stay without the Town-Gate. And if the Gentleness and Moderation which they used had not at last prevailed over the Fury and Insolence of those rash and headstrong Mutineers, they would have been in great danger of being overturned with their Coaches off from the Causeway into the Sea.  
So Bold an example opened a door to the licentiousness of other Factious Spirits, which was so much the more dangerous, because the Affairs they meddled with, were both Nice and Important.  
The War against the English was not hearty undertaken, said they, 
The Subject heads of the people's complaints.  and yet the Subjects of the United Provinces were daily more and more impoverished thereby. They further alleged, that the interruption of Commerce both within and without the Country, presaged already great misfortunes to them, their Numerous Inhabitants being able to subsist no longer, being deprived as they were, of traffiking with the neighbouring States. That if they had Forces, they ought to be employed, to free the Sea from the Yoke of a Power that claimed to itself the sole Dominion of it; That they had reason to fear the worst that could be imagined from the cruel Injustice of their Neighbours, if after having lost so much Blood, they should fall to so low an ebb of strength as to be unable to resist the Enemy; That their Merchant Ships were taken in view of the Texel, and the Seamen made the Innocent victims of Cruelty; That their Ships were so ill Equipt, that they were not able to resist the full manned, and well appointed Ships of the English; that they were no longer, able to support the Violences and Hostilities used by them to the States Ships, the major part of them having been shattered to pieces by their Guns, their Masts and all their Rigging being shot away close by the Board; that to Complete their Misfortune, if there were left any that made resistance, they were basely deserted in their danger, by their cowardly companions; that if there were any shadow of Justice yet left, the crimes of those cowardly deserters ought not to be suffered to go so long unpunished; and that they ought to have been brought sooner to condign Punishment, that they might serve for such effectual examples to others, as might make them more hearty and faithfully stick for the future, to the interest of their Reputation, and of their Country. After all which they represented, the Tranquillity the Government had enjoyed under the happy and auspicious influence of the Stateholders', who had the only secret harmoniously to accord and reconcile so many jarring Tempers, and different Spirits; That a Power composed of so many Heads was but a monstrous Hydra, from whence sprung all the disorders that troubled the Repose of the State; That the sensible decay that had lately happened in all their Affairs, was a manifest consequence of the plurality of their Governors; That the inequality, or subordinate dependence of the one upon the other, kept the Power of the State in a due Aequilibrium; That none of them could pretend to be ignorant, that they were all beholding for the sweet Liberty they then enjoyed, to the House of Nassau; That that Illustrious House had been always the most firm and solid pillar and support of their Peace and Happiness: That they had reason to thank God, for that they had still left so worthy and hopeful a Sprout of so Noble and Precious a Blood: That the United Provinces never had any reason to Complain of the moderation of their Government: And that therefore, they could not comprehend for what reason the lawful heir of that August Family was not put into possession of the Offices and Dignities which his Predecessors had justly merited for him and his Descendants, by so many Brave and Glorious Actions.  
This was the substance of the people's discourse, who were animated by the name of Orange, which they repeated, every moment, without paying any deference to the Orders of the States. And the Drummers that beat up for raising of Seamen, without making use of the old accustomed Terms, In the name of the Prince of Orange, were ill handled by the people; so that at last the Government was obliged to publish an Ordinance to put a stop to those Commotion; and at the same time another was likewise set out, to forbid the carrying of any Provisions to the English Fleet that lay before the Texel and the Vlie.  
In the mean while the English did a wonderful deal of mischief upon the Coasts of Holland, but were partly punished for it by the loss of 3 of their Ships that run a Ground upon the Sands of the Coast; they had also some Boats overset.  
Amidst all these Transactions, the Hollanders wrought with all the diligence imaginable upon the Fleet, in order to Repair and Reinforce, and Man, and Provide it sufficiently to be in a capacity to put again to Sea. But because most part of the Ships were equipt in Zealand, they were in extreme pain to study out a means, how those that came from Zealand should join with those that were in the Texel, since the English were Masters of its entrance, and kept the Coasts of Holland besieged. However Tromp after six week's stay in Zealand, put at length to Sea the 6th of August, with a Fleet of between 80 and 90 Sail, with a resolution, assoon as he had joined Vice-Admiral De Wit's Squadron, to make up drectly to the English, to give them Battle, and chase them if possible, from the Coasts of Holland.  
About that time the State's General of the United Provinces, to encourage their Officers and Sea men of the Fleet, the more hearty and warmly to bestir themselves in the Service of their Country, by the hopes of Reward, published a Declaration, which was Read on Board every Man of War, and was as follows.  
The State's Declaration for the encouragement of their Officers and Seamen.  The State's General of the United Provinces have thought fit for the greater encouragement of their Officers and Seamen vigorously to perform their respective Duties in the Service of their Dear Country, to Declare; That whosoever shall Board any of the Enemy's Ships, and shall take it, shall have the Ship with the Men and all that belongs to her for his free Booty; That he who shall Board the Chief Admiral, shall have not only the Ship and all her Equipage to himself, but a Recompense besides, of 10000 Livers; and for the Ships of the other Admirals, 6000 Livers, and for those of the Subalternate General Officers, 4000 Livers a piece; Those who should have the Courage with their Arms in their hands, to venture to go and pull down the Flag off from the Mainmast of the Enemy's Admiral Ship, shall receive a 1000 Livers recompense, and for those of the other Admiral's 500 Livers each. For the Flag of a Foremast 150 Livers, for that upon the Poop 150, and for those of less consideration, 50 Livers a piece. And moreover, we give express notice by these presents to all Captains and other Sea-Officers, that in case any of them with his Ship shall offer to departed from the Admiral's Flag, without the consent of the Lieutenant Admiral of the Fleet, shall be punished with Death without Remssion. Given at the Hague, the 4th of the Month of August New Style, 1653. 
A few days after, they published another Ordinance, by which they granted certain fixed recompenses, to those who should be maimed in the Service of their Country, which were as follows.  
 livers pen. deni. For the loss of both Eyes, 1066 23 3 For the loss of one Eye, 840 00 0 For the loss of both Arms, 1066 13 3 For the Right Arm, 0333 06 6 For the Left Arm- 0266 13 3 For both Hands, 0933 06 6 For the Right Hand, 0266 13 3 For the Left, 0240 00 0 For both Legs, 0533 06 6 For one Leg, 0240 00 0 For both Feet, 0333 06 6 For one Foot. 0160 00 0  
The recompense of those that were only lamed was left to the discretion of the Colleges of the Admiralty. There was also a Regulation made, 
Note that a Liver is 20 d. and a Denier, the 12th part of a Penny.  by which those who were incurable, and consequently uncapable of getting any part of their subsistence, were allowed a Pension each of them of a Crown a Week.  
The Holland Fleet then being got to Sea, arrived the 7th of August towards the Evening, to the Northwards of Gravezande; on the 8th at break of day, they sailed near to Zandwoort, and advanced about 8 a Clock the same morning near Egmond. Their advanced Guard detacht some of their best Sailors, to advertise Tromp, that the English Fleet were but 5 Miles from him to the Northeastward, and soon after they begun to perceive them. About a 11 a Clock, the English got the Weather-gage, the wind being West-North-West. However Tromp thought it best to tack about to the South-South-West, to make away from the Enemies, with design to draw them after him, and entice them to quit the Texel, that Vice-Admiral De Wit taking advantage of their withdrawing, might the more easily get out of the Harbours there, with the rest of the Fleet. The light Frigates of the English took that day some of the Dutch Ships that being sluggish Sailors lagged behind the rest. The Van-guards of both Fleets being come near one another, 
A fight near Katwyk between the English and Dutch Fleets.  began to play at one another with their Guns. Trump stood the assault of the English without Flinching, and so the two Fleets engaged in a general fight, which was terrible and bloody. The English Fleet was 120 Sail strong. Here follows the Letter written by Tromp to the States about it.  
High and Mighty Lords,  

Lieutenant Admiral Tromp's Letter to the States.  MY last was dated yesterday at 8 at night, before Scheveling; the wind was then South-West. We sailed all night along by the Coasts, and arrived to day at 8 in the morning near Egmond. A little time after, some Captains detacht from our Advanced-Guard, came on Board the Admiral, to tell us, they had discovered the English Fleet before the Texel, at about 5 mile's distance to the North and a quarter Eastward from us. We immediately tacked about to make up to them. About a 11 a Clock, the wind turned to the West-North-West, and the English had the advantage of it: upon which, we thought fit to draw back, to oblige the Enemy to draw likewise out from the Texel, to facilitate thereby the coming out of the rest of the Fleet under the conduct of Vice-Admiral De Wit. But having in the Fleet some very sluggish Sailors, which some of the Enemies light Frigates fell fiercely upon, several of them were taken. The English are 120 sail strong, great and small ships▪ we stood them, and engaged in a general Battle that lasted till the beginning of the night, without any advantage, God be thanked, that we could perceive, they got over us. They have still the Weathergage. Time will inform us, how affairs will go to morrow. We pray God to be pleased of his Clemency, to make all succeed to his great Glory, and for the Good and Advantage of the State. If we had received the Reinforcement from the Texel, we should have reason to flatter ourselves, humanely speaking, with some hopes of driving away the Enemies from our Coasts. However, we will do all that Men of Honour and Fidelity to our Country, shall be able to do in such a rencontre as this, etc.  
The day following, the Wind was so high that it was impossible to renew the Battle; which extremely favoured the Hollanders. For by that means Vice-Admiral De Wit had time to come out of the Texel, being hastened by the Deputies of the States, who upon advice of the two Fleets being come in presence of one another before Egmond, made him use all the diligence imaginable. He came out then about midnight by the Spanish Hole, conducted by 4 Sounders, who went before him in Boats, having each of them an open Lantern with them; and so he arrived at the place of Battle.  
On the 9th. of August at 6 a Clock in the morning, Tromp being right against Scheveling, approached the Enemies, being backed by some men of War of the Van guard, and fired at them some broad sides, but finding himself too weak, he retired towards de Ruiter's Squadron, and stood to the North North-East. And the Wind being again grown fiercer, it was impossible for the two Fleets to engage, upon which, the Dutch Fleet approached again to the . The Wind turning afterwards to the North West, the English had the Weather-gage, and pursued the Hollanders.  
About noon, the Wit begun to appear with a Reinforcement of 27 Men of War, and 4 Fireships. The two Fleets joined about 5 in the afternoon, in sight of the Enemy's Fleet, they not being able to hinder them. Tromp being then 106 sail strong, advanced directly towards the Enemies, who at first seemed to fly, only out of design, as afterwards it proved, to get more convenient Sea room; Tromp pursued them all night with a Wind North-West, and a quarter West, and the day following being the 10th. of August, the two Fleets met again before the  over against Heide and Scheveling.  

The last and fatal fight between Tromp and the English.  Lieutenant Admiral Tromp led the right Wing, de Ruiter, the left, Evertsz the main Battle, and the Wit and Rear-Admiral Florisz, the Rearguard. And so the Fleet being divided into 5 Squadrons, fell as soon as it was Morning, upon the English. There never was any thing seen so cruel and so bloody as the beginning of that fight. One would have said at first view, that the Sun being covered with a thick smoke, endeavoured to hid his face, that he might not be the spectator of so horrible a slaughter. The noise of the Canon much louder than that of Thunder made all the neighbouring shores to tremble, and flying from thence to spend itself in the Downs, was redoubled thence by Echoes, and became much more frightful. And the Sea being tinged all over with the blood of so many Butcheries, swallowed up with equal greediness both Men and Ships.  
Tromp had already the first time pierced into the English Fleet with so much success, that he had some reason to flatter himself with the hopes of a Victory; and coming on a second time, and falling upon the biggest of the English men of War, there the undaunted Courage of that Great Admiral, and the bravery of his Seamen, were seen to shine forth in their full Glory: For sometimes he went into the Captain's Chamber, and taking up a Telescope, he took a view of all the Squadrons of his Fleet, and observed whether every one did his duty or no, and thence returning again upon Deck, he went and encouraged his men, and used all the Rhetoric he could to inspire them with love for their Country. However, after all, being engaged a great way within the very heart of the Enemy's Fleet, he found himself overpowered by their Numbers, and deserted by his own Ships, at which, conceiving a mortal resentment, he uttered these words: Will any thing be done or no? I must it seems perish! No body comes in to my assistance; Must I alone this day, be the Victim of the Enemies? His Ship being covered with a thick Cloud of smoke was not to be seen any longer, and in the mean while the English Rear-Admiral followed by some Frigates, approaching to him, there flew from the third of that Rank, 
Lieutenant Admiral Tromp killed in the Battle.  a fatal ball that struck him on the left Temple, as he was giving order about his Guns, and laid him for dead at the feet of his Lamenting Seamen.  
So mournful an accident pierced them to the Quick, that to revenge the death of so valiant a man, and that it might not be said, the Author of so terrible an Action went unpunished, a Common soldier of the Admiral Ship, advancing upon the Deck, shot the Captain of the aforesaid Frigate in the cheek, and felled him dead with a musket Bullet, as he was making Bravadoes with his drawn hanger in his hand. Lieutenant Admiral Tromp being carried immediately into the Captain's Chamber, was laid upon a Pillow, and some moments after, gave up the Ghost, after he had exhorted his Seamen, to fight like men of Courage and prayed God to take into his protection all that were under his Command. Some report, 
He dies.  that at the approach of death, he addressed these words to his men? I have finished my Course, have good Courage.  
In the mean while, the Ship, Brederode was engaged within the main Body of the Enemy's Fleet; and because every one attentively looked out to see whether the Bloody Flagg which was the signal for coming on board, appeared upon the Admiral's Poop, the Chief Officers of the Dutch Fleet, found by that, they were Commanded on board the Admiral. Where being come, and being informed of their great loss, upon a consultation held thereupon, they all resolved, that to prevent the Seamens being discouraged, the death of the valiant Tromp should be concealed; and recommended to the Captain on board the Admiral's Ship, that he should keep to the Orders Tromp had before given, and keep up same Flag. After which they all hastened back every one to his respective Ship, and continued the fight.  
Upon this fatal blow, it appeared what a desperate and undaunted resolution are able to make men do: For all the Captains of the Fleet were so sensibly touched at the loss of their Admiral, that breathing nothing but rage and fury, they pierced three times through and through the Enemy's Fleet, fiercely firing at and battering all that opposed their passage; but as an addition to the unhappiness of that unfortunate day, Vice-Admiral Evertsz's Ship, who after Tromp's death had the chief Command of the Fleet, was so miserably shattered and disabled, that to avoid falling into the hands of the English, they were forced to carry her off into the , having on board her 70 men killed or wounded. De Ruiter who was in the Ship called the Lamb, carrying about 40 Guns and 150 men, was exposed to the greatest fire of the Enemies, fight with so much Courage, that he made his way through the midst of the English Squadron; but he found himself at length so extremely weakened, that he had hardly half his men left, 43 of them being killed, and 35 wounded: His mizzen mast, his main yard, and in General, all his rigging except of his Poop was shot away, and of Ammunition he had but 700 pound of Powder and very few Bullets left, so that seeing himself reduced into so pitiful a Condition that he was no longer able to keep the Sea, he was at last forced to be towed away into the  by Captain Aldertsz de Hoorn.  
The English Admiral being grappled by two Fireships, his Ship was in an instant all in a flame, and some of his men began already to fly out of her; they which were about Captain Peacock were at the last extremity; and Captain Bitter was completing their destruction by plying them with frequent broadsides, but that one of the Fireships happening to be too slowly pushed forward, gave time and occasion to the English to take new Courage, and briskly to employ their Guns again, and beat off their Enemies. The English Ship, the St. Andrew, having been furiously battered by the Guns of Vice-Admiral Florisz, was so terribly mauled and shattered, that it was ready to sink, being half consumed with the flames, had not two other Ships come in timely to her aid, and rescued her from the Eminent danger she was in. Captain Grave perished by fire with a great many of his Seamen. As for Captain Haas who Commanded the Ship called, the Rose and Crown, being attacked by 3 English Men of War, he defended himself vigorously, till such time as his Masts and all his rigging being shot away close by the board, his vessel half burnt, and many of his men killed, he thought fit to retreat, and as much shattered and disabled as he was, made his way through the Enemies, and got likewise to Goree.  
Hoyen Cox, whom we have several times mentioned upon occasion of the Ship Phoenix, and Captain Zanger, fought against one another with so much courage and obstinacy, that both their Ships, viz. The Phoenix and the West Kappel were sunk. Schatter finding himself engaged with the Van guard of Monk's Squadron, made head against them alone, and if his Ship, the Golden Dolphin had not at last been sunk, being pierced through and through as she was with Bullets, he would doubtless have made the Enemies pay somewhat dearer for her loss: But however fortune being willing in some sort to recompense desert, had compassion of so many brave men, and permitted a Frigate to pass by his side, as he was just ready to be swallowed up by the Waves, and happily to save him and all his men. But Captain Vanger was more unfortunate than those Prisoners, his Ship and all his men sinking in an instant into the deep.  
We ought likewise to allow an honourable place in the list of those that signalised themselves in this fight, to the Wild, and to the Captains Marreveld, Swart, and de Kampen. About 2 a Clock in the afternoon, both the contending parties begun to make out into the wide Sea. The Dutch had broken four times quite through the Enemy's Fleet, so that there was nothing to be seen almost but masts tumbled into the Sea, and several Ships on fire both of the one and other side, amongst which there was one English Ship that was blown up, and some others that were sunk. Schevelin, Heide, Katwik, Nordwyk, Zandvort, and all the whole Coast were Witnesses of this bloody fight, and of the bravery of two such formidable Nations. By favour of a Western Wind, the two Fleets approached the Coasts of Holland, however the Enemies were observed to use all their endeavours to retire, and the Dutch thereupon were persuaded to believe, they had some disadvantage; so that finding the English stood to the Northward, they resumed the courage to pursue them, after they had received a recruit of 30000 pound of Powder and other Ammunition proportionable, which was brought them by some Fishing vessels. The Wind rising higher, the two Fleets by favour of the Tide, approached towards Gorce, and continued firing at one another till 11 a Clock at night. At last the Wind chopping about to the South-West, drove them insensibly towards the Texel. 
The Hollanders routed.  The English having made a tack to the Westward, set sail, whilst 20 Dutch Captains detaching themselves from the body of their Fleet, shamefully deserted the line of Battle, and steered away for the Texel. The Moon then shone so bright, that the English perceived it; which made them conceive new hopes, and encouraged them to give the Dutch another on set, upon which, Fifty more of the Ships of the Holland Fleet that had suffered most, fled away to the Northward, whilst a good part of the rest threw themselves cross the Sand-banks! crying out? all was lost  
After so fatal a rout, 30 other Ships that were least endamaged, came out of the Rear guard and advanced against the English. And Rear Admiral Florisz endeavoured with those feeble and shattered relics of so potent a Fleet, to cover the Admiral Ship the Brederode, which was in so much the more danger of falling into the Enemy's hands, bccause she was so cruelly shattered, that she was incapable of making any Resistance. Yet her preservation was so much the dearer, and the more important for that the loss of the Battle depended thereon. The last new Encounter of this horrible Fight, lasted three full hours. Vice-Admiral de Wit let fly several broad sides at the Cowardly deserters to stop them, if possible, but seeing all in vain, he rallied together into one body the rest of the Ships of the Fleet, by leaving the Main-sails but half displayed.  
That unexpected firmness and resolution so much surprised the English, that being advanced as far as right against the Lordship of Brederode, they put up all the sail they could, and steered away towards the Coasts of England, quitting those of Holland with much regret, and sore against their Wills, as thinking they had won Glory enough, and that it would be too much to expose both it and their Fleet, in the shattered condition they were in, to prosecute their Victory too far, and that after they had been at home and recruited, they might insult as they pleased over their vanquished foes, before they could recover themselves of this last fatal blow. In their retreat, they set fire to some of their Ships that were so shattered and mauled, that they were not able to get them back into their Ports. By favour of the night, the flames were seen from far, and the Sea was enlighted with them almost as much as if it had been by the Sunbeams at Noon day. The next morning, Vice-Admiral de Wit, found himself before Wyk, disengaged from all his Enemies, and sailed away with the rest of the Fleet towards the Texel. The loss of the Dutch in this Battle, 
The loss on the Dutchside.  according to their own account, amounted to no more than 9 men of War burnt or sunk, most of whose men were saved by the English, because they sunk amongst their Squadrons, so that by that means, they made above 700 Prisoners. The Admiral Ship, Brederode and 3 other Ships were extremely shattered. There were 50 that had endured the hottest of the Enemy's fire, and 30 others that were not so much exposed. The Number of their dead were reported to be but 500, tho' 'tis more probable 'twas 5000, and that of their wounded, 700 men.  
The English are said to have lost, the Phoenix, 
The loss of the Englsh side.  the Oak, the Hunter, the George, the Prosperity, the Tulip, the Portland, the Dragon, the Laurel, the Willaim, and the Golden Cock. besides which, to facilitate their retreat, they are reported to have burnt 8 more that were not able to keep the Sea. Monk having been very severely handled, was one of the first that went out of the fight. Amongst their dead, whose Number was said to amount, to 600, were Reckoned, Rear-Admiral Graves, the Captain's Peacock, Edmond, Chapman, John Tailor, William Newman, Hoyen Cox, and Crips. The Number of their wounded was said to be little less than 2500, amongst whom were reckoned Vice Admiral Lawson, the Captains William Reus, Holland, Joseph Cubit, John Stokes, and some others. The Ships that had most suffered, as the Triumph, the St. Andrew, the Assurance, and the most considerable Frigates, were sent into Yarmouth, Dover, Harwich, and Solbay, or to Chatham on the Medway. And 40 sail more, which were the rest of the English Fleet, came to an Anchor about 6 miles from the Coasts, to take in a fresh supply of Provisions and Ammunition.  
Whilst the Dutch thus by palpable falsities endeavoured to cover their defeat, and indeed, to make it none at all, and to attribute the greatest loss to the known Victors; The English were not behind hand with them, but ascribing to themselves the whole Glory of that Memorable Engagement, loudly proclaimed the defeat of the Hollanders all over England, spreading aboard a report that a Squadron of 24 English men of War kept the miserable shattered Relics of the Holland Fleet besieged before the Texel, and that 30 more fresh Ships were sailed out, to reinforce them, and to assist them to Complete their destruction. And to render this representation of their Victory so much the more probable, they affected to publish a list of about 50 Dutch men of War taken, , or sunk in that Fight: And Monk had a chain of Gold, and Pen and Lawson, each of th●m a Silver Medal, as an honourable acknowledgement of their Service in obtaining so signal a Victory.  
The Hollanders on the Contrary, pretended the Victory was on their side, because said they, they had obliged the English to quit their Coasts which they had kept besieged for several week's space, which was the end for which they fought, which exc●se was the more plausible, because it was well known, that the English retired to their own Coasts, the night after the Battle, tho' it was only to make a speedy return with a powerful recruit of Ammunition and Shipping, as it would soon after have proved, to the greater terror of Holland, and perhaps to the utter destruction of their Sea power, before they could have had time to find means to recover themselves, if kind Providence, minded to reserve them for greater things, had not by a sudden turn of the Government in England, diverted their impending fate, and procured them a speedy Peace with that Nation.  

The order and solemnity observ●d at the Funea l of Lieutenant A●●iral Tromp.  The Body of Lieutenant Admiral Tromp being sent on shore near the Helder, was carried in a Coach to the Hague, and thence conveyed by Water, to Delft the 5th. of September, and buried in the Choir of the old Church there. The order and solemnity observed in paying the Funeral honours to a Hero that was justly accounted the Prime Sea General of his Age, and whose loss was resented by the States as a very sensible detriment to his Country, was this. The Guards of the States of Holland, to the Number of 400, marched before, trailing their pikes and Colours, with the muzzles of their Muskets turned downwards, and their stocks covered with black cloth; After them followed 4 trumpeters, accompanied with a Herald armed Cap-a-Pee, who represented the Admiralty; next them were carried the great Admiral Flag, the little Standard, the Coat of Arms, the Gauntlets, Head-piece, Spurs of Knighthood, and the Sword. And immediately before the Body was led the Funeral Horse laden with all the Arms of the deceased, and covered over with a large Mantle of black Cloth, the corners of which were held up by some Sea Captains.  
After the body, marched the Commissioners of the Admiralty, followed by the three Sons of the deceased Admiral, his Sons-in-Law, and others of his near kindred; after them went the State's General, the Council of State, the States of Holland, the great Council, the Court, and the Chamber of Accounts of Holland, accompanied by the Magistrates, the Ministers of the Ecclesiastical Council, and the Burghers of the Hague. In this manner the Corpse was conducted to the Boat, amidst the Tears and Lamentations of the people, to be conveyed to Delft, where he was received by 4 Companies of Burghers in Arms, and Buried in the Church there, and honoured at his interment with a farewel salute of 3 Volleys of Musket shot.  
But the State's General, to Immortalize his memory, and leave a lasting Monument to Posterity, of the most valiant Hero that ever appeared upon the Ocean, and whose name alone had made their Enemies tremble, granted the sum of 10000 Livers, for the erecting him a stately Tomb.  
This Monument being made according to the directions of the famous de Kampen, Master Architect to the States, was placed upon a high Pedestal, the Pilaster of which, as also the raised work going round them, are of white Marble, and the middle of Touchstone. The principal part of that Pedestal jets out in a square form, and bears upon its fore side, an Enchased Table of white Marble containing an Admirable description of the Battle that cost Martin Tromp his life. On both sides, on the right and left, are to be seen several Ornamental works in Relief, or raised work, of white Marble, representing Crowns of Laurel, Garlands of Fruits, and flowers, and Garnitures of Sea-shells.  
Upon this Pedestal lies the Statue of the Admiral in complete Armour, with the head resting upon a piece of Cannon, the Body upon the Helm of a Ship. Behind the Body there is a square Table of Marble, in which is enchased a Plate of touchstone, on which is engraven in Golden Letters, the Epitaph we shall afterwards recite. Underneath upon the same piece of Marble, are several pieces of raised work, representing several little Cupids, of which two are the most remarkable, which stand in the middle behind the Admiral's Statue, one of them holding the Arms of the State's General, and the other those of the States of Holland and Westfriesland, having before and behind them several Cornets, Battleaxes, Pikes, ancient Bucklers, and other sorts of Roman Arms. On the left hand towards the Admiral's Feet, there is a Helmet garnished with Plumes of Feathers, placed upon a Marble Cannon. Above those Armorial pieces, we have spoken of, there is a flying Cupid holding a Naval Crown, and above him another having his arms extended, with a scroul in which are written these Latin Verses.  
Vrbs Phoebi Cineres jactat, sed Currus Honours,  
Ingreditur quoties, egrediturque Mari.  
Of which we have endeavoured to represent the sense in English, thus,  
From Phoebus' City burning Ashes rain,  
Whilst his bright Chariot Honours does dispense;  
Each time he baths himself i'th' Liquid Main,  
And being refreshed, retires again from thence.  
There are likewise several other little flying Cupids to be seen playing upon Hauboies, or blowing Trumpets. On each side of these Base Reliefs there are plates of Touchstone plain and unwrought, and upon the two extremities of the Tomb, are represented most part of the Arms of the Ancient Romans, upon white Marble. All this great work is enclosed with beauty a fair square of white Marble that encompasses it round, the top of which is adorned with the Admiral's Arms most artfully engraven upon white Marble, and enriched and augmented with the honours done him by Lewis the XIIIth. of France, when he had gained that famous Battle against the Spaniards near the Downs in the Year 1639. 
Tromp's Epitaph.  On each side of the Arms, there is a Triton, blowing a Sea-shell for a Trumpet, whose bodies are represented as overgrown with Moss and Sea-shells. And they are each of them accompanied▪ with a Dolphin, who terminate the extremities.  
Here follows the Epitaph we before mentioned, in Latin.  


Aeternae Memoriae.  
Qui Bativos, Qui Virtutem, ac verum laborem amas, Lege ac Luge.  
Batavae Gentis decus, Virtutis Bellicae Fulmen, heic jacet, qui Vivus nunquam jacuit, & Imperatorem stantem debere mori exemplo suo docuit. Amor Civium, Hostium terror, Oceani stupor, Martinus Harperti Trompius, quo nomine plures continentur laudes quam hic lapis capit sane angustio●; Et cui Oriens & Occidens mare materia Triumphorum, Vniversus Orbis Theatrum Gloriae fuit: Praedonum certa pernicies; Commercij faelix Assertor; familiaritate utilis, non vilis, postquam nautas & milites, durum Genus, paterno, & cum efficacia benigno rexit Imperio; Post 50 Praelia, quorum dux fuit, aut pars magna, Post insignes supra fidem Victorias; Post summos infra meritum Honore●; Tandem Bello Anglico tantum non Victor certe invictus X August. Ann. Aerae Christianae MDCLIII. Aetat. LVI. vivere ac vincere desiit. Foederati Belgij Patres, Heroi optime merito.  
M. P.   

That is to say, To Eternal Memory. You that love the Netherlanders, Virtue and True Labour, Read and Weep.  
The Ornament of the Holland Nation, the thunderbolt of Military Valour, he that living never reposed, and taught the World by his own Example, that a Great General ought to die standing, reposes here. The love of his Countrymen, the terror of the Enemies, and the astonishing wonder of the ocean, Martin Harpertez Tromp, in which name alone are more praises included, then so scanty a Marble is able to contain; to whom both the Eastern and Western Seas were a Subject of Triumph, and the whole world a Theatre of Glory: The certain destruction of Pirates! the happy Assertour of Commerce; Familiar enough with his men, to be useful to them, and to be beloved, but not to be despised by them: After he had, with a Command gentle and mild, and tempered with a Paternal tenderness, efficaciously governed his Mariners and Soldiers, otherwise a Rough and headstrong Race: After 50 Sea-Battles, in which he had either the Supreme, or a very considerable Command: After many famous, and almost incredible Victories: After he had received the greatest Honours which yet were below his Merits; At last, in a War against the English, being tho' not quite a Victor, yet so near one as to remain unconquered, he ceased at once to live and to vanquish, on the 10th of August, in the year of our Lord, 1653, New Style, and in the 56 year of his Age. The States of the United Netherlands, have as to a Hero most highly deserving from them,    
Erected this Monument.  
On the lower part of the Tomb, are written these following Dutch Verses, composed by that famous Holland Poet, J. V Vondel.  
Higher Rust de Zeehelt Tromp de Dappere Besschermer  
Der Zeevaert en der Zeeten dien van'tvrye Land,  
Dat's man's gedachtnis bewaart in korstig Marmer.  
Zo levendig gelijk High stierf voor Hollandes strand;  
Beluid nied moordyeschrey en Dondren van Kartouwen,  
Daar Groot Brittanje in Brand aled water vich te kleens;  
High highest zich Zelv' in't heart der Burg'ren witehouven;  
Dat Held verduurt de praeht van Graf en Marmersteen.  
The Sense of which in English Prose is this:  Here lies the Hero of the Sea, Tromp that valiant Defender of Navigation, in the Service of this Republic. 'Tis to the Momory of that Great Man, which is preserved by the power of Art, in this curiously wrought Marble, as fresh and lively as he was himself, when he lost his life before the Coasts of Holland, lamented by the Tears of the People, and by the Thundering noise of the Cannon, whereby all Great Britain was set on fire, and the Sea became too narrow for him. He hath engraven himself in the hearts of his Countrymen by the love they bore him, and hath erected himself there such a solid Statue as will outlast this stately Tomb, and the marble itself of which it is composed. 
Here is likewise another Latin Epitaph, which Professor Thysius composed at the same time, and which was designed to have been made use of, but was not, for some Reason unknown to us; However to satisfy the Curiosity of the Reader, we will insert it here.  Qui Patre viro fortissimo, ac Hemskerkana quoque ad Gades Expeditione inclyto, quique & ipse Patriae vitam impendit, Genitus, ab ipsa statim Adolescentia per discrimina multa ac maria,  tractus & exercitus, captusque aliquando & ob maritimarum rerum singularem scientiam ipsis etiam hostibus aestimatus; sed inter & minas autem promissa horum ingentia, fidus semper Patriae, ac constans, Libertati ac Patriae redditus, huic juvandae totum se dedit, & tandem ad praefecturam Maris admotus, quam septendecim fere annorum non tam spacio, quam admirandis successibus nobilem fecit, post Duinkerkanorum vim saepius, imprimis ad Mardicum, fractam, post Hispanorum magni Terroris Classem repressam, post tandem in Cantii litore dissipatam, gestaque alia, vi hostium ac manu plerumque minor, sed virtute, animo, ac usu, semper major, interritus, invictus, tandem maritimo cum Anglis Bello, Republica praeter expectationem nuper illigata, dum neque hostibus parcit, neque sibi, Publici egregii bono devotus glande plumbea percussus victor occubuit, & insignem Hostibus Cladem ac Terrorem, majorem ●urbato mari Se●uritatem, Patriae Ingens desiderium sui sibi Gloriam nominis Immortalem, se Rei Nilitiaeque Navalis Peritiae, Fidei pro Republica, Prudentiae, Fortitudinis, Magnanimitatis, ac Constantiae Nobilissimum, exprimendumque posteris exemplum reliquit. Hoc Monumentum ingentium meritorum ergo, Foederatorum Belgarum Ordines posuere. 
Which in English is Thus,  Here lies he, who being descended from a Father who was a most valiant man, famous likewise in the Victorious Expedition under Admiral Hemskerk near the Straits of Gibraltar, and who also himself lost his life in the Service of his Country, was even from his Blooming Youth, variously engaged, and exercised in many dangers and many Seas, and sometimes though when taken Prisoner, he was for his singular knowledge in Marine Affairs, highly esteemed and courted by the Enemies themselves, yet amidst all their high threats, and mighty promises, remained always faithful and constant to his Country; and being set at liberty, and restored to his Country, entirely dedicated himself to its Service and Defence, and being at length promoted to be Lieutenant Admiral at Sea, during almost 17 years' space, in which he exercised that High Office, made it Famous and Renowned, not so much for the number of years he held it, as for a Series of most admirable Successes. And after having often broken the Forces of the Dunkirkers, but especially at Mardyke; after having first repressed the formidable Fleet of Spain, and afterwards entirely defeated it upon the Kentish Coast; after several other Brave Actions, wherein, though he were most commonly inferior to the Enemies in Force and Numbers, yet was ever superior to them in Valour, Courage, and Experience, and always undaunted and unconquered: At last the Republic being of late unexpectedly engaged in a Sea War with the English, whilst he spared neither the Enemies nor himself, but was wholly devoted to the public good, the most Glorious 'Cause he could espouse, being struck with Musket-shot, he fell a Victor, leaving great Loss and Terror to the Enemies, a greater security to the disturbed Sea, a sensible regret and sorrow for his loss, to his Country, to himself an immortal and most glorious name, and in his person, a most Noble and Heroic Example, most worthy by all Posterity to be imitated, of incomparable skill in the art of Navigation, and military Naval conduct, of Loyalty to the Republic, and of Prudence, Fortitude, Magnanimity and Constancy; in acknowledgement of which vast Merits, the States of the United Netherlands have erected to him this Monument. 
And indeed that valiant Man may be said to have ma●e his Fortune in Arms, without any other Support or Backers than his own personal Merit and Bravery. He was born at the Brill, in the year 1597, and was but 9 years old when he began to go to Sea, with his Father, Captain Harpert Martin Tromp, with whom he was present at the famous Battle fought near Gibraltar under the Conduct of Admiral Hemskirk. Some time after, following his Father again in a Cruise he made towards Cape Verd, or the Coast of Guiney, where being attacked by an English Privateer, his Father lost his Life in the Skirmish, and after so sensible a loss, the Ship being taken by the said Privateer, young Tromp was constrained to serve the Captain as his  Boy for about two years and a half, but afterwards, he found means to disengage himself. From that time forward, he got some Employments. In the year 1617. he was made Quartermaster under Captain Mooy Lambert, and afterwards Pilot or Master of the same Ship. After having made a Voyage towards the Straits, in a Merchant Ship called the Tuchthuys; he was taken by the Turks, but by the particular favour of the Bassa of Algiers, he was released. In the year 1622, he was made a Lieutenant under Captain Bagyn, and after a little while, removed into Captain Jonge Boes' Ship in the same Quality. Two years after, Prince Maurice made him Captain of a little Frigate which carried but 40 men, so that having run through all manner of Sea Employments, there was nothing done remarkable at Sea during the ensuing years, but he was present at it, giving every where signal proofs of his Great Virtue and Conduct.  
In the year 1629, De Hein who had made himself famous by taking some Spanish Galleons laden with Silver, being made Lieutenant Admiral of Holland, put again to Sea in the Ship called the Green Dragon, which was a very fleet Sailer, but was soon after unfortunately killed by Tromp's side. The Testimony he gave of Tromp is altogether remarkable. He had, said he, known many brave Captains, in whom he had however still found some failing or other, but in Tromp he professed he never had observed any thing but what was great and virtuous, and therefore judged him to possess all the happy Qualities necessary in an Admiral. The Ship that Heins was in, was, as we have said, a very good Sailer, but after he was dead, it was by favour given to another and not to Tromp, at which, he was so sensibly displeased, that out of mere indignation he quitted the Sea, and retired into the Country, where he exercised an employment that only at a distance related to Marine Affairs.  
In the year 1637 Lieutenant Admiral Dorp having quitted the service, Prince Frederick Henry, upon the recommendation of the States of Holland, gave the Command of the Fleet to Tromp, in quality of Lieutenant Admiral, with a provisional Commission only for one year: which time being expired, the Prince granted him a Continuation of it with a more ample Commission. In the sequel, he got a great deal of Honour, and signalised himself in divers Battles which he fought against the Dunkirkers, the Spaniards, the Portugese, and the English, so that he was looked upon by all the Nations of Europe, to be the ablest and most valiant Sea Commander of the Age in which he lived. He was so tenderly beloved by the Seamen, that both the Captains and Mariners used to call him their Father, and Tromp out of a Reciprocal love to them, used to call them likewise, his Children. But there was nothing so admirable in him as the Moderation, and cool and sedate Temper of blood which he shown in the greatest heat of a fight in which he Commanded. For he appeared as quiet and composed when he gave his Orders, as if he had been at home in his own house under safe shelter from all dangers.  
But to recontinue the thread of our Discourse, de Ruiter's Ship which was quite disabled to keep the Sea any longer, was carried out of the fight by Captain Aldertsz, and arrived about the Dusk of Night, before the . The next day two Gentlemen came on board the Admiral, and delivered him a Letter from the States of Holland in which their High and Mightinesses demanded of him an account of the success of the Battle, and of the destiny of their Fleet. De Ruiter answered the States, and in few words related to them all the Circumstances of the Battle according to the best knowledge he had of them. The day following he entered into the , where Vice-Admiral Evertsz came to him from Goree, and brought him a Letter from the State's General, by which he was Ordered to remove into Evertsz's galeot, and to go along jointly with him, in search of the Fleet. Pursuant to which, they sailed along by the Coast, and found Captain Taneman to the Northward of the , whose Ship being already sunk 14 Fathom deep under Water, shown nothing but the very Tops of her M●sts.  
At about 2 miles from Scheveling, they found Captain Swart at Anchor, who Commanded a Ship freighted by the ●ast-India Company. De Ruiter and Evertsz then Rowed off further into the Sea, to learn what news they could of the Enemies Fleet. The 13th of the same Month, they came towards the Texel, where they found the Holland Fleet to be 84 sail strong of Men of War, besides 12 more that were in the , at Goree, or▪ in Zealand, so that, if they gave a true account, the Dutch lost in all but 9 Ships in the whole Fight, as has been already said.  
The State's General of the United Provinces being willing to persuade all Europe, that it was not without some grounds, they gloried to have gained considerable advantages in that Battle, since they had thereby freed their Coasts and Harbours from the oppression of the English, who had a long time held them straightly blocked up and besieged, used all possible care to make their interrupted Commerce flourish again. For that design, they assembled a great Fleet of Merchant Ships, bound part of them to the North, and part to the Westward; besides which, there were several others bound homewards from the Indies, and from divers parts of Europe, which waited in the Sound, or in the Ports of Norway, for a Convoy.  
Vice-Admiral de Wit to whom the chief Command of the Fleet was then given, set sail the 10th. of September, with a Fleet of 40 sail, Composed of the Ships that had suffered the least damage in the last fight. 70 Merchant Ships from the Texel, and 100 more from the Vlie came out and joined him. On the 30th of September he arrived with this Potent Fleet near little Holms, where he met 5 East-India Ships, and a great many other Merchant Ships coming from the Sound under the Convoy of 14 Danish Men of War, who unmoored upon his approach, and joined themselves to the Admiral's Flag. Besides these, there joined him above 160 more, coming from Mardon, and other Havens. And over and above all those, there came to him from time to time reinforcements of several men of War, from Holland, which Augmented his Fleet at last to the Number of 76 sail of Men of War, which together with the Merchant Men, made up a Fleet of 400 sail; who all came happily into the Texel or the Vlie at the beginning of November, without meeting any English, tho' they were then at Sea with a Fleet of 50 sail of strong Men of War. The States having resolved to keep their Fleet out at Sea all Winner, the Men of War that were to compose it kept about the Texel, to take in Provisions of Victuals, when a furious Tempest arising, had like to have destroyed them. The Fleet then consisted of 76 Men of War, as we have said, besides two Flutes laden with Ammunition and Provision. Assoon as the Wind began to freshen, they set sail towards the Main Sea, and came to an Anchor within 2 miles and a half to the Eastward of Kykduin. The Wind freshning again on the 9th. of November, before day, blew afterwards so fiercely and with so much violence, from the West-North-West, turning sometimes full to the North-West, that several Ships were driven upon their Anchors, and others having cut down their Main masts run into the Texel, without considering the great danger they thereby exposed themselves to. The night following the blustering Wether still continued, and the next day grew so furious, mixed with a fierce storm of hail, that Vice-Admiral de Wit and 10 other Ships of the Fleet were thereby driven from their Mooring, several perished, and others were stranded upon the Coasts.  
On the third day the Tempest abated a little, when of so potent a Fleet there remained but 47 Ships, 23 of which had had all their Masts and Rigging blown away close by the board. But such a disaster as that had been in some measure more supportable if it had not been unhappily followed by the sad news of the loss of 12 or 13 men of War that had likewise perished together with a Fleet laden with Ammunition, and several Merchant Ships, and a great many people with them. There were some Ships all whose men were drowned without so much as one Person escaping: And they which were left were so endamaged, that when the Wether grew calm, they were forced to return into their Harbours to repair and resit themselves. Neither did the English Fleet come off at a much Cheaper rate, for after being very roughly used by the Tempest, the Parliament thinking them uncapable to keep the Sea any longer, ordered them to put into their Ports to be disarmed.  
About that time there was spread abroad in Holland a Lamentable report of the deplorable condition into which the Dutch prisoners in England were reduced, and the cruel treatment reported to be used to them there, which excited a most raging and furious resentment in all people at such supposed barbarity. Their Number was about 900, who were said to be most of them shut up in the then old decayed, unfinished and uncovered College of Chelsey, between four bare walls, in the wide fields, exposed to the open sky, and to all the rigours of the season, laid only upon straw without any thing to cover them: so that many of them not able to endure that misery died. Nay, and 'twas affirmed further, that the hardheartedness of the English proceeded so far against those poor wretches, as to forbid those of the Dutch Nation that lived at London, to assist them as they had before done till towards the end of the Month of August, having expended from the beginning to that time above 500 l. Sterlin in relieving them, so that coming afterwards to want that charitable assistance, many of them languished to death. Some of them looking upon the peril of an inevitable death as the lesser evil of the two, preferred it before so many sufferings, and endeavoured to make their escapes, tho' with the evident hazard of breaking their necks, by clambering over the Walls, but when any of them were perceived so attempting, the Soldiers would not fail most mercilessly to shoot them, or else to run them through with their swords. But it must be considered indeed that this was the cruelty of a then lawless people, and no worse than what they had used to their own Countrymen, and their own natural Prince, and his most faithful servants, and so is the less to be wondered at, and not imputable to that nation in more regular times. However notwithstanding all those cruelties, some stole away from the vigilance of their guards, in spite of all the exactness they could use, and amongst the rest, Captain Schellinger who was one of those unhappy captives, found means to escape and to get into Holland, where he made a dismal Relation of all those inhumanities'. But soon after, the Prisoners on both sides were exchanged.  
During the last expedition that the Vice-admirals' the Wit and de Ruiter had newly made together, the States of Holland had been deliberating upon the choice of a fit person worthily to supply the place of Lieutenant Admiral, vacant by the death of the Incomparable Tromp: And their opinions were so divided thereupon, that they knew not well what to determine in the matter. Vice-Admiral de Wit, they knew well enough to be a man that had given signal proofs of his Courage, and to be one of them that ha● some pretention to aspire to so great an Employment, but when they considered his odd humour, and that by a certain rude and Imperious way he had of Commanding, he had raised no small aversion to him in the Minds of most of the Captains and Seamen, the States were fearful to repose so great a trust entirely in him. On the other side, they were sensible enough, they could not make choice of another which was no more than his equal, and much less of one that was inferior to him, without giving him an Extraordinary cause of Jealousy, and indeed without doing him a manifest injustice; and yet, that if they should not admit him to that Employment, it was to be feared, that the dissension that would undoubtedly arise upon that occasion amongst the General Officers of the Fleet, might draw after it most pernicious and disastrous consequences, whenever they happened to come to an Engagement. At last therefore after having judiciously weighed an affair of such high Importance, they thought fit to make choice of a Person as Recomendable for his Merit, as his Birth and noble Extraction, who was descended from the ancient and illustrious house of Wassenaer, whose Valour and great Capacity in Marine affairs was known to all the World; And that was Mr. Opdam, Colonel of a Regiment of Horse, and Governor of Heusden, whose Father likewise formerly exercised the same Employment. Besides Mr. Opdam, they proposed likewise Lewis of Nassau, natural Son to Prince Maurice; but both their inclinations having been preconsulted in the case, they both declined it with an obliging excuse. However, Pensionary the Wit, and some other Members of the State, to whom their High and Mightinesses had left the care of that affair, managed it so well, that on the 22d. of September, Mr. Opdam was elected Lieutenant Admiral, under certain conditions.  
The States of Holland being likewise convinced that the providing of a sufficient Number of able General Sea Commanders was a thing that contributed very much to the gaining of a Naval Victory, 
Mr. Opdam Chosen Lieutenant Admiral. The States resolve upon a new promotion of General Sea-Officers. De Ruiter made Vice-Admiral of Holland.  and that the United Provinces might reap very great advantages thereby, decreed, about the Month of November, that in every College of Admiralty of their province; there should be established a Vice Admiral, and a Rear-Admiral according to the Laudable Custom practised in the College of the . De Ruiter was not forgot in this Rencounter; for the very same day when that great man expected to have perished by the terrible Tempest he suffered near the Texel, he was constituted Vice-Admiral of Holland in the College of the Admiralty of Amsterdam. Rear Admiral Florisz was advanced to the Dignity of Lieutenant Admiral of the North; Captain Verbaaf was elected Rear Admiral of the Admiralty of Rotterdam; 
Cornelius Tromp made Rear Admiral of Holland.  Cornelius Tromp Eldest Son of the late Lieutenant Admiral of that name, was also created Rear Admiral of the Admiralty of Amsterdam, and Cornelius de Boet was made Rear Admiral of the Admiralty of the North.  
The States were willing by this promotion, not only to show young Tromp some token of their acknowledgement for the great services done by his renowned Father, to his Country, but likewise in part, to recompense his own Personal deserts, he having upon several occasions given them very signal marks of his Extraordinary Courage, and especially in the fight at Legorn, under the Command of Admiral de Galen. As for Vice-Admiral de Wit, he was placed in the Admiralty of Rotterdam, that he might hold the principal Rank between the two other Vice-admirals'.  
About the end of this year there happened a Great Revolution in England. For Cromwell by his subtle contrivances, 
Cromwell makes himself protector in England, etc.  and secret practices, made himself the sovereign Arbiter of all the Affairs of the Government, under the title of Protector of the three Kingdoms; so that seeing himself thereby possessed of more force and power than any one of the Kings that had Reigned before him, his next thoughts were wholly taken up with seeking out and employing the most proper means to secure his new dignity, and to maintain himself in that supreme and boundless Authority he so boldly had assumed, to which, Judging the Friendship and Good Correspondence of the United Provinces to be absolutely necessary, he began underhand to Court them to a Peace: To which the States of Holland were so much the more inclined, because they were in some consternation at their late losses, and knew well enough that England at that time was in a condition to come again upon them with greater force than ever, and perhaps totally to crush their Sea power, and give a mortal stroke to their already agonizing Commerce, before they could furnish themselves with a sufficient recruit of strong and defensive Ships, (which must be a work of time, and of peace,) to oppose such a rough Enemy with whom nothing was to be got but a fruitless and heavy loss both of Blood and Treasure, the Prodigious expenses of that War together with the daily and vast losses sustained by their Rich Merchants, being a burden too insupportable for them to bear much longer. And besides, the Domestic troubles in their Provinces increased day by day so much upon them, upon that occasion, that they thought nothing but a good Peace with England would be able to appease them, by restoring Tranquillity and their usual Freedom of trade to their people.  
Besides that, another powerful reason prevailed much with them at that time to influence them to a Peace, which was to prevent those growing Factions that aimed at the Election of a Captain General, or a stadtholder, which they were afraid would have forced them against their wills, to be Honest, Just and Grateful to the Illustrious and August House of Orange, which they had no Mind to be at that time, nor perhaps never would if the Terror of the French Arms afterwards, and the imminent destruction of the State, had not unanimously inspirited the people to put more Generous and public minded patriots at the Helm, who restored this almost overturned State to its pristine stability and prosperity, by restoring to them the necessary assistances and services of that most Noble and Ancient house, which were always the very vitals of this Republic, and by rendering to the princely Heir of it, those Honours, Dignities and Emoluments, which merits never to be canceled or superannuated, had made as inseparably necessary for the Common good, as indispnesibly due to him. Having then, as we have already said renewed the Negotiation for that purpose, the year before, upon these weighty considerations, they now pressed it on with so much earnestness, that after many obstracles, 
A Peace concluded with England.  the Treaty was concluded and signed at Westminster, ●●th. of April: The Articles of which we shall not here repeat, because they are to be fland in several other Books.   

THE LIFE OF Cornelius Tromp, Lieutenant Admiral of Holland and of West-Friesland. The Second BOOK.  
WHILST the two formidable powers of England and Holland were thus in vain consuming all their Forces by such a cruel War as that of which we have above related the principal Events, the Corsairs of Barbary, being secured by these troubles from any power able to Curb their Excursions, ranged about without control, and made all Europe feel the smart of their outrageous Piracies, 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 Barbarians was advanced to that height, that not contenting themselves to Pirate upon the Mediterranean, they impudently ventured to appear upon the Ocean, and make Excursions as far as the Coasts of Portugal; And showed 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 keeping the Mouth of the straits shut up, they snapped up all the Merchant Ships that came thither 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 Admiralty of Amsterdam sent the Ruiter into the Mediterranean with 5 men of War, partly to Convoy outward some Merchant Ships, and partly 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 joined Rear-Admiral Tromp with the Captains, Ʋander Hulst, Verveen, Huiskin's and 6 Merchant Ships, that sailed out of the Texel, 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 straits steering his course towards Legorn, where he stayed, 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, sailed away for Venice, 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 Commanded by the Captains Mangelaar and Water 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 Malaga, to convoy thence the Wine Fleet, and setting Sail the 29th. of September, he arrived in the beginning 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 Amsterdam full freighted, had imprisoned all the Masters and men in the said Ships, and threatened to make them slaves, unless the Flute and her Cargo were speedily restored. In the same Letters it was intimated, that the Prisoners passionately desired, that de Ruiter would come to Sally, in hopes they should obtain their Liberty by the influence of his great Experience, and the acquaintance he had formerly made with the Sid. De Ruiter accordingly being willing 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 Drinker, and arrived in Sally road the 10th. of the same Month. The next day he received a Letter from the Dutch Consul, informing him, how that the Sid, extremely provoked at the Hostility committed by Rear Admiral Tromp, had sent for him into his Palace, and had demanded of him an indemnification for the Ship and her Cargo that was taken, telling him that as Consul of the Dutch Nation, he was responsible for the damages done by the Dutch men of War, Adding, that after he had answered all those complaints 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 justify himself and to pray him in the mean while not to suffer the Cargo of the said Ship to be meddled with; that having accordingly written such a Letter, Tromp thereupon came to Sally road accompanied with Captain Huiskens, from whence he had notified to the Sid by a Letter,  THat the Ship he had seized, 
Tromp's Letter to the Prince of Sally.  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 State's General, who were accustomed to do Justice to every one, concluding his Letter with this protestation, 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-Admiral Tromp would have dared to venture upon any such attempt upon those of Sally, without Express Orders from the States so to do; Adding, that on the other side, if it were true that he had acted as he had done without the Consent or Privity of his Masters, he had no occasion to wait their Orders for the Restitution of the Prize in Question to its right owners. De Vries likewise informed the Ruiter withal, 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, hoist 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 Tiger 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, 
De Ruiter's Letter to the Prince of Sally.  which was to this effect: That upon his arrival at Cadiz, he had with much displeasure heard of the difference 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 State's General had no other design than to preserve and maintain the Treaty of Peace concluded with Sally; And if there had happened 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 extremely sorry, that the Orders of the States his Masters would not permit him to leave his Ship, and go ashore to kiss his Highness' hands, and wish him a long and happy Reign; as undoubtedly promising himself withal, 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 gladly to renew the Friendship that had so long continued between the United 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 inform 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 translated into Spanish, so extraordinarily satisfied the Prince of Sally, that he immediately consented, that the Consul should go on board the Admiral. He likewise at the same time ordered 30 Sheep, 14 Bullocks, and some other Refreshments to be got ready, to be presented to Vice Admiral de Ruiter, by two Deputies; and some days after, sent him a Letter, expressing, 
The Sid's Answer to de Ruiter.  That he had secured himself by way of Provision, of the Ship Tiger, till the Vessel taken by Rear Admiral 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 United Provinces, etc.  
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 State's General of the United Provinces being desirous to free the Sea for the Yoke of the Corsairs of Barbary, 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 Commission 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 especially them of Tetuan, Algiers, Tunis, or Tripoli, on this side the Kingdom of Candy, giving chase to any Ships belonging to the States Subjects, they should attack them, and sink or burn them, if possible; That all Voluntary Renegadoes found on board any of the Corsairs should be punished with death; But the others that turned so from their youth, or were forced to become so by necessity, especially if they had rendered any services or good Offices to the Christian slaves, and seemed to Compassionate their misfortune, should be spared, and distributed into the State's Ships; that the Turks and Moors should be publicly sold, and the Money arising 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 State's General of the United Provinces, and those of Sally.  
Accordingly, on the 18th of July Vice-Admiral 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 arrived in the bay of Cadiz, with a Fleet of 44 sail; on the 7th. he passed the straits, steering his Course towards Malaga, Cartagena and Alicant, into which places, some of the Merchant Ships entered. The rest of them quitted the Ruiter 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 wild, Sweers, and Zaalingen, before him, to see what Ships they could discover riding before that Town, so famous for its Piracies.  
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 Causeway, and discerned 5 Ships in the road, and 6 or 7 within the Mole. The same night de Ruiter advanced with his Squadron, 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 Enterprise; and the better to deceive the Corsairs, de Ruiter Commanded all his Captains, to put up English Colours. Upon which, those Barbarians showed 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 favour of the Land Breezes, they should make sail, to Conduct, if it were possible, their Fireships 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 continued 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 Countenance of the Turks, that they were upon their guard.  
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 Anchor, and make the best of their way towards Malaga; which accordingly was put in Execution about noon. As the Dutch drew near that place, they discovered some Corsair Ships, to which they gave chase; and on the 17th. of September, they took a Tetuan Brigantine manned with 20 Moors, whose Captain was a Spanish 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 hanged up upon a Topmast.  
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 following, weighing Anchor, he repast the straits, and steered his Course towards Cadiz, with design to make for the Coast of Barbary. On the 27th. he discovered 2 Corsair Ships at the mouth of the straits to the Eastward, and another to the South-West-ward. De Ruiter gave chase 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 Algiers, 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 Palmtree. That Ship was full as big as de Ruiter's own Admiral Ship, and carried 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 herself, after having lost many of her men in the fight, and principally her Captain 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 answering him with 5, and the little one with 4, after which, according to his Commission, he endeavoured to enter into a Negotiation with the Deputies of sal, in order to appease the differences 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 Turkish Pirates kept the passage of the straits shut up, and returned daily from thence to Algiers with Prizes, he thought it was not necessary for him to stay in Sally road with all his whole Squadron; but calling thereupon a Consultation of his Captains on board him, it was resolved, that the Wild, and Rear Admiral Verveen, and Captain Zaalingen, should sail away towards the straits, to give chase to the Corsairs. And accordingly they unmoored with the New Moon, steering towards Cadiz, whilst on the other side, Captain Ʋander Zaan kept out a cruizing with two Men of War more. De Ruiter in the mean while stayed 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 Wether; Upon which, de Ruiter weighing Anchor, accompanied by Captain Adelaer, 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 endeavours 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 Morning, by the assistance of Oars, notwithstanding the Calmness of the Wether. At his very first firing, the Turks got into their Boat, and fled away, leaving no body on Board but two Portugueses that were in the Ship. She was a very good Sailer of about 90 Tuns, that was taken by the Turks near the Isle of Madera. The 2 others were Corsairs of Algiers, whereof 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 returned 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 Pretensions, which were, that they should receive an indemnification for their Ship that was taken, till at last, after several Conferences, the Treaty of Peace was concluded, and renewed on the 22d. of October upon the following Articles, 
A Peace renewed ●ith Sally.  viz.  
1. That His Highness, Sid Abdala, Ben Sid Mahumad Ben Bukar, Prince of Fez, Lord of South and North Sally, should without delay restore to his former Liberty, Consul David de Uries who was arrested for some misunderstanding that happened to fall out.  
2. That his said Highness should immediately give orders for the Releasing of the Ship called the Tiger, 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 setting at liberty all the Pilots and Mariners belonging 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 State's General of the United Provinces 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 arose from the Ship, called the Hound, taken near Mamora, by Rear Admiral Tromp the year before, upon the refusal the said Ship had made, to render the usual salute, and show her Passports.  
5. That their High and Mightinesses, to Indemnify his Highness for the loss of the abovesaid 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 rendered Common, and forgotten on both sides.  
7. That under this Common annulling of the losses and damages on both sides, should not be comprehended the lawful right of Pilot Warebout, concerning the Confiscation of his Ship and her lading, which the Administrators of Sally, had engaged 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 State's General, by Consul de Vries, and Gilbert de Vyant, 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 dispatched, they proceeded to treat about the choice of a signal by which the two parties might know one another Reciprocally when they met at Sea. After which several Articles were drawn up in writing, in order to render the Ancient Treaty of Peace the more firm and inviolable▪ but because 'twas impossible for de Ruiter to make any longer stay before Sally, as being obliged to return back again to the straits, that project could not then be finished 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 having appeased all things and secured the Peace on that side, unmoored from Sally the 2d of November, and sailed towards the straits, and on the 10th. of the same Month came to an Anchor in the road of Cadiz. Two days before the Captains Ʋander Zaan, Bosch, and the Wild, had given chase 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 called, the Fortune, taken before by the Algerines. De wild chased another which was a Frigate of A●g●ers, carrying 30 Guns, and 250 men, which likewise run a ground to the Southward of Larache, the Moors having quitted her, and fled away there were found on board her 25 Christian slaves who were freed thereby from the y●ke of those Barbarians, and 7 Renegadoes 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 Frigate off from the Coast which she was run upon, she was burnt. The third of these Corsairs being more fortunate than the rest, saved herself by her swift sailing.  
About the 15th. of November, de Wild and Zaalingen attacked an Algerine Frigate, called the Shepherdess Commanded by a Christian Renegado of Amsterdam, named Leendertsz, who defended 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 Renegadoes would not hear of laying down their Arms, till the Hollanders had promised them by Oath, to grant them their lives. Nay some of those wretches were so desperately bend, that they were already gone down to clap fire into the Powder room to blow up themselves together with the Hollanders that were entered upon the Deck, had they not been persuaded from that dismal enterprise 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 Christian Renegadoes were condemned to the King of Spain's Galleys, 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 towards them, as likewise were two other Renegadoes, one whereof was Mounikendam, and the other, a Polander.  
On the 20th of November, the Captains Ʋander Zaan, Bosch, and Adelaer, gave chase 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 broken, she slinked away from the danger, and got out into the main Sea again. Vice-Admiral de Ruiter having divided his Squadron into 3 parts, set sail towards the straits Mouth, followed by the Wild, de Zaalingen, and Adelaer, with design to cruize there against the Corsairs; he gave Orders at the same time, to Rear-Admiral Verveen, and Cuptain Ʋander Zaan, to convoy to the Northward of Cape Verd 3 Merchants richly laden, and bound for Amsterdam, because he had heard, that Commander Colart was cruizing off of that Cape, with 4 or 5 French Privateers, 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 Vries, the Dutch Consul, who had been forced by the ill Wether 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 straits 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 chase, and the St. Catharine carrying 20 Guns, and 200 Men all Turks. Those Pirates 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 grappled the Golden Eagle, he made himself Master of her, and after the fight, carried her to Malaga. Out of those 2 Corsairs, there were 20 Christians delivered 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 Malaga, where he received a Letter from the College of the Admiralty of Amsterdam, dated the 29th of December of the preceding Year, by which they testified themselves to be very well satisfied at his happy Expedition into the Mediterranean, and Commanded him by virtue of an Order from the State's General, immediately upon 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 Provinces, without having regard to any other Consideration, how pressing soever it were; permitting him however to stop 8 or 10 days at most in Cadiz road, to wait for the Spanish Galleons, 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 Orders, 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 Spanish Galleons arriving at Cadiz 2 days after him, about 22 sail of Merchant Ships joined themselves to the Admiral's Flag. with whom happily continuing his voyage homeward, he arrived in the Texel the 2d of May, after having 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, being desperately vexed that he had missed so fair a hit. De Ruiter gained in this Expedition so much the more honour, in that he took 6 great Turkish Corsairs, and 2 Brigantines; sunk or burned 3 more of their vessels, and got off and saved one of them, that was run ashore; delivered at the same time a considerable Number 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 Convoying 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 prepared new affairs for the Hollanders, and gave great Umbrage to the State's General of the United Provinces, who looking upon those Troubles 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 Dantzick and of Prussia, on which Swedeland might easily at that time seize, unless they timely opposed it. The States therefore knew of what great Consequence it was, to keep the Sound open, to have a free passage into the Baltic Sea when they pleased, resolved, to Equip out a Fleet, a●d to give the Chief Command of it to Lieutenant Admiral Opdam. But whilst that was preparing, not to lose time, they Ordered De Ruiter, and Vice Admiral Florisz, and Rear Admiral Tromp, to get all the Men of War together 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 secure 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 Conduct, 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 entered the Sound, in expectation 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 joined the Admiral's Flag, and reinforced the Fleet. On the 27th. 3 Men of War more were discovered approaching the Sound, which proved to be Admiral Opdam, Captain Van Nes and Kuiper, who joined the Fleet the same evening. The Orders Lieutenant 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 State's Merchant Ships against, all that should attempt upon their liberty; impowring him besides to Free the Baltic 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 prevent the Swedish Fleet from blocking up the passages 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, sped away to Copenhagen, where he had a Conference 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 Viceroy of Norway, after he was returned on board his Fleet.  
Vice-Admiral de Wit putting out likewise from the , with several men of War more, came and joined the Fleet, which afterward setting sail, arrived at Copenhagen on the 29th. of the said Month, and the next day, the State's Ambassadors, advising them to continue on their way, they set sail again to enter into the Baltic Sea, so that 6 days after, the whole Fleet came to an Anchor in Dantzick road, being 42 sail of Frigates and men of War,; viz. 7 of Rotterdam, 24 of Amsterdam, 7 of North- Holland, 2 of Zealand, and 2 of Friesland.  
At the arrival of this Potent Fleet, the Castle of Termund, which is at the Mouth of the Vistula in the Gulf of Dantzick, saluted them with several Guns, and immediately after, some Eminent 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, Complimented Lieutenant Admiral Opdam, from the Magistrates, and invited him in their name, to be pleased to come ashore into their Town; and the public rejoicings and other transports of joy which all the People showed upon that occasion, lasted several days. The States had had notice given them some time before, as from the King of Sweden, that his said Majesty had formed 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 forbid all Merchant Ships belonging to their State, to go thither to take in any freight. 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 Baltic 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 Enterprise as that vanished to into smoke, 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 defend that Hanseatick Town and the Freedom of Navigation. In the mean time, the State's Deputies, Slingeland, Van Dorp, de Hubert, and Jabrandt being entered into a Negotiation at Elbing 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 concluded, thought fit to recall Lieutentant Admiral 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 contained this order were delivered him at Dantzick, 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 removed, and distributed into the 12 Ships that were to stay in the road; only 280 men which there was no room to place there, entered 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 orders from the States, to quit the Baltic Sea, and to return into Holland, with his Squadron. So that having landed 1200 Musketeers he had on board 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.  
Rear Admiral Tromp's Letter to the States.  SInce it has pleased their High and Mightinesses, 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, having the day before received General Koningsmark, who was brought in a Flute, and two days before that, another vessel; there being in both those vessels about 200 Scotch Soldiers. The affair passed in this manner: the Soldiers that were in the first of these Ships revolted against their Officers, saying they were enrolled for the Service of Dantzick 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 General Koningsmark lay at Anchor in the same place, upon which Advice 3 Galliots were sent towards him, who attacked 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 Koningsmark 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 over 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 Dantzick, where they informed the Magistrates whereabouts Koningsmark lay at Anchor. Upon that Report, they presently manned 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, attacked his ship, just when General Koningsmark was busied in hearing of a Sermon. The preacher perceiving the Enemies, gave notice of it to the General, who thereupon Commanded the Pilot to cut the Anchor-Cables, and with all possible haste to make all the sail away he could: But the Pilot answering 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 into the Master's , 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 fight 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 prisoner to Dantzick.  
But to return again to the State's Fleet, Lieutenant Admiral Opdam entered 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 Vlie; and some weeks after, Rear-Admiral Tromp followed with his Squadron.  
Whilst the State's General were endeavouring with so much success to pacify the troubles of the North, the Christian French and Portugese Privateers, and the Turkish Pirates domineered in the Mediterranean, exercising without control all sorts of Robbery; so that the Hollanders Trading suffered extremely from them by the continual losses of their ships: Which obliged the States to sen● de Ruiter thither before Winter, with a Squadron composed of the ships Commanded by the Captains, Brakel, Kampen, and Oms, who were to be joined by the Wild, and Ʋander 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 Execution 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 straits, 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 straits, with 5 Merchant ships; two days after meeting with the Wild, and Ʋander Zaan, between Gibraltar and Malaga, he shown them the State's Order for them to join his Admiral Flag: On the 19th of February, he arrived in Legorn Road, with 9 Merchant ships, whilst the rest separating themselves from the Squadron, steered their Course towards Malaga and Alicant whither they were bound. On the 26th. unmooring again, he was informed by a Hamburgher, that 2 French Privateers, had appeared in those parts, and that three more were Equipping at Thoulon.  
The losses the Privateers had caused to the Hollanders for several years passed, in the Neighbouring 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 Capers, 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 usurpation. These damages were reckoned at above 30 Millions of Livers. France even then in those early days, when she was so miserably torn and rend with intestine divisions, yet begun to make her Neighbours feel some effects of her Ambition, and in a time when one would have thought she had more need of Courting the Amity of the United Provinces, yet took a thank to attempt upon their Liberty by all those injustices; which ought to have been a warning piece to the Hollanders, and an assured presage for the time to come, to have made them fear much greater injustices from her afterwards whenever she should become Absolute Mistress of her then discontented people; what instances soever the State's General could make to obtain satisfaction for so many damages, the King's Council, and the Commissioners of the Admiralty took a Resolution to Restore nothing; so that what great justice soever 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 shown 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 State's General being at length wearied out with making so many fruitless Complaints, and apprehending lest their over great Patience might ruin their Commerce and their Subjects, they resolved at last to free themselves from all those Robberies by force of Arms, and to make use of reprisals. And accordingly they Ordered the Ru●ter to attack the French Men of War that came out of the Ports of Provence to make excursions in the Mediterranean, 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 Privateers that had Plundered 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 mile's 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 Captain of the biggest Caper to enter into his Boat, and come on board him; but the Captain contented himself to send his Lieutenant whom the Ruit●● detained, sending word to the Captain again that if he refused to obey his summons, he would immediately board him, and would make him suffer the punishment due to his obstinacy: At this second Command he entered into the Boat, and came on board the Admiral. Whilst de Ruiter and the Wild kept close to the great Caper, the Captain Ooms, and Ʋander Zaan gave chase to the other, and likewise Commanded the Captain to come on board the Admiral, which he having done, Ʋander Zaan detained him likewise. So that the 2 Privateers seeing there was no hopes to escape, drew in their Guns out of their portholes, and throwing down their Arms, submitted themselves to the Clemency 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 Seamen that were on board them, were Conducted in 3 Barks, to Marseilles, but the Captains and Lieutenants were kept by the Hollanders, 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 heinous attempt that de Ruiter could have committed in time of profound Peace. And Cardinal Mazarine who then had the chief management of all the Affairs 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 Grandeur, and at that deference the United Provinces ought to have for it. They gave out, that those ships were the Kings, and that it was an intolerable piece of Boldness, to offer to attacked and seize them. And therefore in revenge, Express orders were sent to all the Harbours in the Kingdom, immediately to seize all Ships, Merchandizes, 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 expected 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 passed 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 many 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 entirely forbidding all Trade with that Kingdom; after they had seized and stopped all French ships and effects in Holland, and all the other Provinces. But the State's General not being so much concerned at what passed 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 State's General, 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 the Ruiter. But Mr. Boreel had prevented these Orders of the States before he received them. For immediately after the abovementioned Resolution of the Court, he demanded Audience of the King, in Order to Represent to him his Reasons. Which being granted him, He Remonstrated very fully and at large, That it had been but fit before his Majesty had proceeded any further, to notify to the State's General of the United Provinces, his Mrs. the reasons that induced 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 Information he had been able to get of the matter, would permit, and according to the reports that were spread abroad of his late Enterprise, and of that attempt which was the Subject of the Courts Complaint. He passed on next to the damages the Subjects of their High and Mightinesses had suffered for so many years, by the continual depredations which the French Privateers had Committed, and continued still to Commit upon their Merchant Ships, notwithstanding the so often repeated instances to the Contrary, in the Court of France, and always in vain. He added, that in the space of 9 years, as we have said, there had been about 328 Merchant Ships belonging to the States Subjects, Taken or Plundered; 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 Execution, through the fault of the Courts of justice that were too indulgent to those Privateers, which made them so insolent and seditious, that they had ventured even to attempt upon the Authority of his Majesty's Commissaries at Thoulon, by driving them away like miserable wretches; that the Dutch Consul named, de la Fleur, who resided at Thoulon, was attacked in the streets by those villains, who charged him with unmerciful blows, and would doubtless 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, without any other Reason, than because he had delivered into the hands of his Majesty's Commissioners, the sentences rendered against them, in Order to get them put effectually in Execution. In fine, he entreated the King, that sufficient time might be granted him, to inform the States his Masters, of the Subject of his Majesty's Complaint; and that in the mean while, he would be pleased 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 satisfaction.  
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 thereupon, I know what I have to do concerning your demand: 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 State's General, he loudly Resounded 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 delay, and that de Ruiter should be severely punished. 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 reasonable explication thereupon as should make it so clear to him, that he himself would attribute all the Justice to the States. In the mean while, the States of Holland among other propositions made there, had Voted in the Assembly of the State's General, that to oblige the French King to submit to reason, it was necessary to forbid all Commerce in any of the Merchandizes 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 Resolutions, an Ordinance was publish d signed the 26th. of April, by virtue of which, all the Ships, Merchandizes, Moneys, Effects, Letters of Exchange, and Debts, which should be found to belong to the French in the Province of Holland, were to be seized and Confiscated. After which, the State's General, at the solicitation of the States of Holland, published another Ordinance dated the 11th of May, by which they forbade 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 mischiefs and Calamities such a War would assuredly bring upon the people on both sides, France became more tractable and peaceable; And Holland 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 the Ruiter should be restored, and that for the future, such proper measures should be taken, as might be effectual to prevent the happening of any more like disorders.  
During these intervening transactions, de Ruiter, lying at an Anchor, in Cadiz Road, Received on the 7th. of April, a Re-inforcement of 6 Men of War, Commanded by the Captains, Verveen, Ʋander Hulst, Sweers, Kampen, Schatter, 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 preceding, to de Vries, Consul of the Dutch Nation for the Coast of Barbary, residing at Sally, that he intended, in pursuance 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 Completing of it without any delay. He accordingly arrived before Sally, on the 18th of April, two days after 4 Ships he had detacht out of his Squadron to give chase to the Corsairs, had rejoined him: And hearing at his arrival, that the Treaty was already concluded, he went back and Anchored again at Cadiz.  
In September, Vice-Admiral de Ruiter received Letters from the State's General, and from the Admiralty, with orders to cruize upon the Coasts of Portugal, to join 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 security, to Arm out that Force, they were willing to make use of it after they were appeased to bring Portugal to reason, that it might not be said, they had been at all that great expense for nothing. The States pretended by the way of Arms, to force the King of Portugal, to make Reparation for all the Hostilities Committed by the Portugueses upon their Subjects in Brasile and other places; For which effect, they gave notice to de Ruiter: that whilst he was waiting for Lieutenant Admiral Opdam's Fleet, he should cruize against the Portuguese 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 resistance, 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; sailed then out of the , 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 the 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 Brasile and elsewhere, and an indemnification for all their losses. But the Portugueses after some Conferences, 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 State's Envoys set on work the Dutch Consul, named Ʋander Hoeve; who used all imaginable ipmortunities at the Court of Portugal, to obtain a Liberty of Commerce, since as he alleged, the State's Fleet had not yet Committed any Act of Hostility against the Portugueses, 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 Audience 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 Silua, the Secretary of State, a Letter 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 Majesty's 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 accordingly they did; after which going again on board their Yacht, they joined the Dutch Fleet the 23d. of October, where they informed Lieutenant Admiral Opdam of all that had passed. On the 26th. of the same Month, de Ruiter's Squadron joined the Admiral's 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 though the darkness of the night favoured their fight, by stealing them from their Enemy's 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 cruized, watching for their coming, but seeing they appeared not, and being uncertain whether they were not already gotten into some safe Port, they took a Resolution to prevent Winter, by retiring home to their own Country, before the Stormy Wether 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; 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 persuaded, that Winter would, as it did last year, force the Hollanders 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 United Provinces used, to break the designs of Swedeland, in the year 1656, and to free Dantzick, and the Baltic Sea from the oppression of that Power. That War which had made the States so uneasy, and put them to so much expense, 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 Quarrel, who about 15 years before was oppressed by his Arms, and had part of his Dominions taken from him, he without any hesitation, declared himself, being inflamed on one side, with the desire of Revenge, and on the other, put forward by the secret allurements of a certain Foreign Power. And accordingly marching his Army into the Country of Bremen under the Command of General Belde, he attacked and took several places belonging to the Swedes. But Fortune 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 Dominions. For Charles Gustavus, King of Swedeland, Quitting Poland immediately upon that News, came hastening 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 Belde to Quit the Duchy 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 Swedeland. King Gustavus stopped not the Career of his Conquests there, but passing his Army which was almost all Horse, over the Ice, he entered the Isle of Funen, where he put to the Sword all that opposed his Triumphant Arms: In that passage, the Ice happening to break in a certain place, 2 Ensigns and the King of sweden 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 practicable 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 Enterprise seemed to them extremely Rash and Dangerous, because if the Ice should happen to break, the whole Army would be in hazard of being swallowed, 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 Courageous and Daring Prince, was willing to prove Fortune that had so far accompanied his Arms, and resolved to attempt that undertaking▪ which he looked upon as what would Complete all his Labours. In the mean while Sr. Thomas Meadow Ambassador from the Protector Cromwell, at the Court of Denmark, desirous to put a stop to the Conquests of that Prince, dispatched a Courier to Funen, with Letters in which he made him some overtures for Peace. King Gustavus observing, that the Courier had passed upon the Ice over the Grand Belt on horse back, concluded, it would be strong enough to bear his Army, and therefore fin●ing, that the cold Augmented, instead of abating, he advanced the very next morning without Remaining any longer in suspense, towards the Isle Langeland, and from thence into the Country of Laland, where the Town of Naskou was reduced to his obedience. From thence he carried 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 Denmark's 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 consented 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 disadvantageous to the King of Denmark, and to the United Provinces, because it was therein agreed between the two Princes of the North, to shut up the Sound, and suffer no Foreign Man of War to pass into the Baltic Sea. Besides, 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 threatened 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 gratify his Ambition, and push forward his great designs to their utmost extent, made a descent in the Month of August, with a powerful Army into 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 timely succoured it, in all appearance, the Triumphant Gustavus would have reduced that Capital City 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 United Provinces made serious Reflections upon what might happen in the Time to come, and thought upon freeing the Baltic 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 Supporting their Sea-power; by which they were enabled to carry on their Traffic 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 Resolutions. 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 Command of which was conferred upon Lieutenant-Admiral Opdam; the other General Officers were, the Vice-admirals' the Wit, and Florisz. They embarked also on Board that Fleet Thirty eight Companies of Regular Infantry, in all about Two thousand Men, with design to throw some of them into Copenhagen, and the rest into the Castle of Kronenburg, 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 Fireships, and six Galliots.  
About the end of the same Month, the Fleet arrived to the North-east of Jutland: But in the mean while, the Castle of Kronenburg had surrendered to the Swedes, on the 26th of September, after a Siege of three Weeks, and Copenhagen itself was briskly pressed. The King of Denmark being then in Person in that his Capital City, animated by his Presence, the Soldiers and Burghers, 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 defended and stopped up the Passage of that Straight. It's true, the Danger was very great, but the Attempt was glorious, since it aimed at no less than at the Deliverance of a distressed King; who, after 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 manned 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 chopped about to the North, he divided his Fleet into Three Squadrons, 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 gotten into the middle of the Sound, between the Two Castles of Kronenburg and Elsenburg, whereof 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 fired against him, 
A cruel Fight between the 2 Fleets of the King of Swedeland, and of the United Provinces.  all the Artillery of both the Castles; nay, and that Prince, who was in Person at Kronenburg, fired with his own Hand the first Gun that was discharged at the Dutch. However, the Dutch Men of War, gliding along directly in the Middle of the Straight, there were very few Bullets that reached to do them harm, so that they passed 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 Swedeland, of the Queen, and of the Princess his Sister, Wife to the Count de la Guard, as also of eldest Son of the Prince of Holstean Gollorp, and of several other great Lords of the Court, who, being altogether in the Castle of Kronenburg, were joint Spectators of that Bloody and Terrible Fight. The Swedes, at first, bend 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 beginning did not succeed amiss to them, at first: For Vice-Admiral De Wit, after having signalised himself to the utmost, was mortally wounded; and his Ship taken for want of Help; but he Dying, and the Ship sinking immediately after, nothing remained to the Enemies but his Body. Vice-Admiral Florisz underwent the same Fate as De Wit, for as he was fight with an unparallelled 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 schauld himself so courageously, that he quickly ●●●de th●m see, by a vigorous Resistance, that Fortune had chosen him to revenge the Death of so many other brave Men. For, during Two long Hours together, without any other Help, he stood the Fire of all the Guns of Seven Swedish Ships, who hotly plied him all that Time with continual Broadsides of their Cannon. He had received several Shot between Wind and Water; which latter had gained 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 reduced into a very pitiful Condition, when Captain Van Nes advanced one of the foremost, to his Assistance. Captain Kampen, likewise, having forced 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 wounded; but he triumphed over all those Disasters, by his great Bravery and wise Conduct. But if the General Officers of the State's 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 only the Ship Brederode, commanded by Vice-Admiral 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 hundred and fifty. The Number of the Slain, on the Hollander's Side, amounted to near Four hundred Men, and a great many they had wounded. Among the former, were counted the Two Vice-admirals', and the Captains Bruinsveld and Verveen. 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; showing 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. Lieutenant-Admiral Opdam, seeing the Swedes were become immoveable, by refusing to renew the Fight again, got his Ships together, and sailed towards the Isle of Huen. Towards evening, he met B●elk, the Danish Admiral, who by a North Wind was hindered from coming to join the Hollanders, and share with them in the Glory of that Fight. After that junction, the Fleet, came and anchored near the Coast of Zealand, between ●l●enore and Copenhagen; 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 Landskroon; which is a Town in the Province of Schonen.  

Honours done by the King of Swedeland to the Body of Vice-admiral De Wit.  That 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-admiral ●e Wit to be clothed 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 carried to Lieutenant Admiral Opdam. The Bodies of the Two Vice-admirals', De Wit and Florisz were afterwards transported into Holland, and buried at the Charge of the State, with all the Honours due to their Memory, De Wit was interred at Rotterdam, and Florisz at Hoorn; and the States, to immortalize the Memory of their good Services, ordered 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 debuit, cui praecipuam hactenus Hollandia debet; totum Terrarum ambitum circumnavigavit, utramque Indiam, Nauta, Miles, Praefectusque 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, submersit: Per omnes gradus Militiae Navalis eluctatus, Propraetor Patriae, Classis & Expeditiones Maritimas XX. annos rexit. Decies quinquies Classibus collatis cum Hoste conflixit, raro aequata clade; plerumque Victor, & Triumphator Praeliis rediit. Restabat Magnus tot Belli facinoribus imponendus Dies VIII. Novembris, Anno MDCLVIII. In Freto Maris Baltici supremum Virtutis opus edidit. Ibi primus in Praelium ruens, Praetoriam Suecorum 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 undique circumfissus, discerpto Globis corpore, Bellatricem animam Coelo reddidit. Corpus ipse Rex Hostis, Generosae Fortitudinis Hostilis admiratione, splendide compositum in Patriam Remisit: Sic Redeunt quos Honos ac Virtus Remittunt. Vixit ann. LIX.  
In English thus.   

To the Merits and Immortality of De Witten Cornelius de With, 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 Mariner and Soldier, and afterwards of Captain both of Mariners and Soldiers; after he had taken a Scout-Ship, called, the Guard, as being 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 Country, and of their Sea-Expeditions, for the Space of Twenty Years. He fought Fifteen set Battles with the Enemy's 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 Heroic Feats of War, which was the 8th of November, in the Year 1658. when he gave the last Proof of his Valour, in the Straight of the Baltic Sea; where rushing foremost into the Fight, he attacked the Admiral of Swedeland, and disabled him; and afterwards fight with the Vice-Admiral, and several other great Ships of the same Enemy's, extremely well provided with Arms and Courageous 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 rend with Bullets, he yielded up his Warlike Soul to Heaven. The King himself, his Enemy, out of an Admiration of the generous Fortitude of so brave an Enemy, sent back his Body, magnificently habited, and put up, into his Country. So Return 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 secure 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 Importance 'twas, to keep an even Balance between Swedeland and Denmark, by hindering the stronger of them to oppress the weaker, resolved to arm out, for that purpose, a second Fleet, the chief Command 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, commanded 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 called the Orange-Tree, of North-Holland. De Ruiter divided his Fleet into three Squadrons; the first was under his own Command, the second under Evertsz, and the third under the Conduct of Meppel. The 10th of June he arrived at the Mouth of the Belt, and some Days after, he joined Lieutenant-Admiral Opdam; so that then the State's Fleet was Seventy eight Sail strong of Men of War, Six or Seven Fireships, and Ten Galliots, manned 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 Jealousy at the formidable Forces the Hollanders had assembled towards the North, sent likewise thither a Fleet of Forty two Sail of Men of War, under the Command of Admiral Montague, who came into the Belt to observe their Motions. Opdam, 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 themselves 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 Admiral Montague writ to Lieutenant-Admiral Opdam, 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 practise all proper Means that might contribute to the pacifying of those two Crowns, and to the maintaining a perfect Union between the two Republics. Answer was made him, That the Dutch had no other Design neither, but that: Upon which, the English Admiral set sail, and after noon advanced further into the Belt. The Dutch perceiving it, unmoored likewise, and stood after the English, to hinder them from cutting off the Danish, 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 joined 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 underhand Practices, in proposing a Cessation of Arms for Three Weeks; which extremely troubled the Hollanders, and obliged the 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, notwithstanding 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-Admiral 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 Admiral of Holland, they retired, without daring to stand a Fight; which much surprised Opdam, who expected not to be rid of them at so cheap a rate.  
In the mean while, the English Ministers that were endeavouring, with those of Holland, to mediate an Accommodation, considering, it was not necessary 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 suspecting 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 English were gone before them. But all those Precautions of the States became in short time needless, by the Revolution that was ready to happen in England, by the Intrigues of General Monk, whose Aim was, to pull down Cromwel's Party, in order to restore King Charles to the Throne. For Admiral Montague, who held Intelligence with Monk, burned with an impatient Desire to quit the North, with the English Fleet, and to hasten home to the Assistance of King Charles' 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 subsist 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 Anchor the same day, moved, and cast Anchor again 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 having written to the States, to desire leave to return home because of his indisposition, he accordingly 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 Command in chief in the absence of the Lieutenant Admiral, joined his Fleet with that of the Danes, Commanded by Admiral Bielke, and having taken on board, a good Number of Troops, both Horse and Foot, steered 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 advanced 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 backed 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 again 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, without having done any thing, because it was so very dark that they could not see the Coast. After this attempt, the General Officers resolved to weigh Anchor, and to draw towards Kortemunde, another Town in the same Isle, where they arrived on the 10th. about noon.  
De Ruiter thereupon, gave order immediately to Evertsz, de Wild, to Rear Admiral B●akel, and to the Captains, Van Amst●l, and Aldert Machysz, to join 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 forced 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 galled 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 persuade him, upon that fair opportunity, to put in Execution without delay, the descent he before had designed to make, because it was already 2 a Clock in the Afternoon. After several deliberations, the Danish and Holland Troops chosen to form the Van guard, entered into Boats, which landed them within Pistol shot of the Town Bridge. The Swedes had retrenched themselves in two different places and had raised Forts from the Town to the Bridge, having posted 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 extremely revived the fallen Courages of his followers, that a French Gentleman, named Fleury de Cusan, Lord of Buat, and Captain of a Troop of Horse in the State's service, who came in the Fleet in Quality of a Volunteer, hearing those words of the 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, follow me! Upon which, the Soldiers and Mariners being ashamed not to follow his Example, leapt out likewise in Troops, and got to Land, whilst the Men of War fired without intermission upon the Town; so that advancing further, the Confederate Troops vigorously attacked 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 appeared so undaunted as that shown by the Allies in that Rencounter; so that the Swedes being no longer able to endure so fierce and obstinate an attack, quitted their ground, and retired in Confusion towards the Bridge. But the Danes and Hollanders pursued them so close, that they entered with them into the Town, set it on fire in two places, and then quitted it again. However, the fire did no great damage, because it was quickly quenched by the diligence of the Enemies. The day following the 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 Funen. 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 entered the Isle of Falster, at the head of a Body of Horse, to encourage his Troops by his presence, and defend the Neighbouring Isles from the Irruption of the Danes; and before his departure, he seemed to the Ambassadors to be more inclinable to a Peace than before. But all those fair appearances were but the pure effects of a dissembling Policy that induced him to make all those advances, to gain time, and to prevent the mischiefs threatened him by the Junction of the Danish and Dutch Fleets; so that he was extremely surprised, when he was informed a little while after, that the two Fleets were already at Sea. Upon that news, he hastened away with all speed to Kotfoot, with a full Resolution, to throw succours into Funen, where he foresaw, the Enemies designed to make a Descent. But the Confederate Fleets having prevented his vigilance, he was much astonished 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 Ruin his fairest hopes, and cut short the swift Career of his Conquests. But his Council more wise and Considerate than he, dissuaded him from it, by Representing to him, to what great and inevitable 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 changed his resolution, he only sent thither General Steenbok, 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 Erterprises to the utmost, while Time was, and to prevent the Winter, which would soon disable their Fleets from staying any longer at Sea. General Ernest Albert de Eberstein was arrived at the Army of the Allies, ever since the 14th of the same Month, with a Reinforcement of 4 Germane Regiments, 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 joined General Schak, near Odenzee. On the 22d the Danish Army, with all those Auxiliary Troops, advanced within a Mile of Nyburg, where they arrived about 11 a Clock, and discovered the Sweedish Army, under the Command of the Prince of Sultsback, and General Steenbok, ready ranged in Order of Battle, upon the side of a Mountain, in a very advantageous 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 themselves likewise in Order of Battle. General Eberstein 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 Resistance 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 Moment's 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 declared for the Swedes, than forsook them. Upon which, the Imperial●sts, Brandenburgers, Danes, and Polanders, taking Advantage of that Defeat, charged the Swedish Horse with so much Vigour, 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 General Steenbok, seeing the Fortune of the Day lost, being loath to coop themselves up in Nyburg, fled through a Wood towards the Sea-coast; where, finding a Fisherboat, by virtue of large Offers of Money, they persuaded the Master of it to pass them over the Night following into Zealand, accompanied only with two or three Servants.  
Whilst the Land-Army of the Allies was engaged with the Swedes, General Sohak sent to entreat 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 Broadsides that flew from the Navy, that swept away Men, Women and Horses, and made the Air most dreadfully echo with the lamentable Cries of an infinite number of wounded People; and the Desolation was so great and so universal, that very few Persons could escape from it. The Swedes therefore, having lost all Hopes of being able to defend the Place any longer, sent a Trumpeter 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 Discretion. 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 Ruiter 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 followed with a short Cessation of Arms; but because 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 Prisoners of note, were 12 Colonels, and the Major's General Horn, Weyer and Waldeck; and the Duke of Weymeren, and the Count Coningsmark, were taken Prisoners in the Battle. That Victory was so complete, that there never was its parallel known, since of all the whole Swedish Army in the Isle of Funen, consisting of above 7000 Fight Men, there escaped but two General Officers, and some few Private Soldiers, that saved themselves 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 Hollanders 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 Standards or Colours. About 2000 Swedes were killed, 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 impossible 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 Lubeck, 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 Confederates, 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 Humour: Nay, his Health was sensibly 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 United Provinces, 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, form 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 Orders from the States to winter in the Baltic, 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 Copenhagen, where Admiral Bielk, coming on board him, presented him with a Golden Chain and a Medal of great Value, from the King of Denmark. The King of Sweden having still considerable 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 planted a greater Number of Guns upon the Ramparts of the Town; and every Captain had his particular 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 considerable Advantages over them.  

1660.  This was the state of the War in the North, when the 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 extraordinary Valour and Success.  
In the mean while the Negotiation for a Peace, which the Plenipotentiaries of th● mediating Powers 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 Ambassadors at the Court of Swedeland; for that they were so far from endeavouring hearty to bring that Power to an Accommodation, 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 thereby put an end to those Troubles that seemed to have rendered them irreconcilable, and that had kindled the Jealousy, and raised the Arms of so many Princes against the growing Power of Swedeland.  
The States seeing Affairs were happily terminated on that side, sent Orders to de Ruiter, that as soon as the Swedes should have restored to Denmark all the Places they were obliged to restore by the Treaty, he should reimbark the State's Troops, and return back with his Navy to Holland. But the King of Denmark, considering the great Service he had received from the Ruiter, not willing to let him departed, without giving him some Marks of his Acknowledgement, would needs honour him with the Order of Knighthood, for him and his heirs, and with Letters of Nobility, to which he added an annual Pension of 800 Crowns. Pulchler likewise who Commanded the Land Forces, was gratified with an annual Pension, a Golden Chain, and a Medal. 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 Portugal, which we have already mentioned, was also terminated by a Treaty signed the 6th. of August, to the extreme displeasure of the Privateers of several Nations that made use of the Commissions of that Crown the more securely to go a Pyrating after the Dutch Merchant Ships.  
In the mean time, the Corsairs of Barbary did so much mischief in the Mediterranean, 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 sailed about the Mediterranean, Convoying Merchant Ships, without discovering any Pirate, but on the 26th. of February he gave chase 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 Barbarians, 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 Ruiter, at his return to the Coasts of Barbary in November following, caused them to be altered.  
There was likewise a Treaty of Peace Concluded 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.  
Rear-Admiral Tromp and Captain Schey had likewise 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 steered towards Alicant, and Tromp towards Leghorn. Some weeks after, namely on the 17th of March, de Ruiter having received 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 able to pacify the turbulent humour of those Barbarians; the Algerine grew thereupon the more insolent. For because the Ratification of the Treaty was not presently sent them, and that several months had passed, without their seeing either any one Dutch Man of War, or the promised ransom 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 murmurs 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 Control. And not long after they carried a Dutch Merchant Ship to Algiers, confiscated her Cargo, and sold her Men for Slaves. The States hearing of all these mischiefs Writ to their Consul there, Vanden Burg, to solicit the Restitution of the Effects that were seized, 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 Chase, took several of them, and freed thereby a great number of Christian Slaves. And among 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 Renegadoes. These Prizes 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 Reparation of the Dutch Consul. Offering to make satisfaction for their own Hostilities; to Re-establish 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 harkening to them, that they solicited the Kings of France, Spain and England, to join 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 persuaded those Powers to have set out three several Fleets, under the Flagg of each Nation, to go and Besiege their Harbours, Chase them from the Sea, and utterly ruin their abominable and insupportable Domination, without having 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 persuaded 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 presages of an approaching Rupture of the Peace between 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 Foregin Powers, in order to free the Sea from the intolerable Robberies of the Algerines, Resolved to concern themselves no further than for the preservation of their own Subjects, by sending another Fleet into the Mediterranean, under the Conduct 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 arrival 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 refused 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 Passport by virtue of which the Commissioners, Mortaigne, and Reyn●ld de Koeverden went into the Town: who in the first Audience they had, demand the exchange of Prisoners, and the release 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 Commissioners to be appointed for that purpose on each side. All which was refused by the Divan, who pretended, before they entered into any Conference 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 insisted upon by the Dutch that no free Ship should be liable to be visited, which was the Grievance 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 power, 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 Conclusion 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 otherwise happen to the Dutch Consul and his Retinue, of which he had a fresh Example in the Person of the English Consul whom those Pirates had cruelly handled, after they had broken 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 the Ruiter Received a Letter with advice of the new Troubles that Threatened the United Provinces from the English and with orders 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 dissatisfaction. 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 taste 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 Jealousy at the flourishing Commerce, and great prosperity of the United Provinces, which prepared for de Ruiter, who was then busy in scouring the Mediterranean of the Corsairs, new work in the Ocean, whither Rear-Admiral Tromp was already returned. In the Months of May and June, news came to Holland, that the English under the Command of Robert Holms, Committed strange depredations 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 Neptune, 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 Goerede, and that upon the Governors' refusal to surrender it, the English had by their Cannon forced him to yield it, and had at the same time taken another Yacht called the Crocodile; that the Evening before, they had taken two other small Ships. That Holms had at first, promised the Subjects of the Dutch Company which were about 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 transport his own Goods to Sie●ra Lions; But that however, at last he had granted them a Portugese 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 seized all the places and Forts belonging to the Hollanders, except the Castle del Mina, exercising all manner of Cruelties towards the Men, as they pretended to make appear by the following Letter written from the Castle del Mina, by General 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 before Concluded, but they have proceeded to cruel Hostilities 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 stopped not there, for on the last day of April, there appeared a Squadron of 2 men of War and 6 Frigates, under Captain Holms 's Flag, and that of one Joseph Cubits, who being afterwards Reinforced to the Number of 14 men of War, have committed in the midst of Peace all the Acts of Hostility they could have committed in the middle of a Declared War, attacking both by Sea and Land, our places, and taking from us by Force, the Fortresses, Tacorari, Cabo-Cors, Adia, and Ameabo. They have also besieged Chama, and keep us here blocked 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 rigour and barbarity Imaginable, cutting off their Noses and Ears, to leave them afterwards to linger out a miserable and languishing life; and others throats they have cut, as if they had been so many 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 pulled out of their Graves, and their heads cut off and fixed 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 pulled 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 follow the Victorious Party. The English assure us, we shall receive no succour, and scatter abroad writings by which they promise a recompense to all 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 succour from the United Provinces, by the means of which all things may be reestablished. 
This Letter was printed by the State's 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 many 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 proceeded to reprisals which occasioned some Foreign Emissaries and Incendiaries, common Enemies to b●th Nations, greedily 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 dreadful Colours on purpose to exasperate the two Nations to worry 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 Odious on the other side by writings and manifestos stuffed with no less specious Complaints, appears by the following Remonstrances presented against the Hollanders, to the English Parliament, 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 allege for themselves.  

The Complaints of the English East-India Company 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 Restoration 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 Reimbursed 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 indirect 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 Traffic; and that under Pretence of that Declaration, they send Ships to anchor 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 mere 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 nothing 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 Banner of England, to the great Contempt of his Majesty and dishonour of the Nation.   

The Turkey 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 after 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 afric; that they likewise endeavour to destroy their Commerce, by chase their Ships from one Harbour to another, to interrupt their Traffic with the Negroes.  
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, though 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 Authors of the War.   

The Merchants trading to Portugal, complain,  
That a Dutch Man of War, called, The Sluis van Ulissingen, had attaqued and seized The Brasilian Frigate, 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 poisoned, or had had their Throats cut; that some of them having scaped the Rope, had been chased, like miserable Wretches, up and down the Coasts of Barbary; 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 cleared and proved, by Oaths made before the Admiralty, 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 Company, as well in Ships as Merchandises, amounts to the Sum of 258000 l. For the Turkey Company, 110500 l. For the Portugal Merchants, 160000 l. For the Private Merchants trading to the Coasts of afric, 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 following List. For that end, they have raised a great number of Mariners, fishermans, Carpenters, and other Seafaring 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 equipping 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  of the Seamen to the Cause, who come in Troops to offer their Service; so that the sixth Number of 10000 Seamen will be soon complete. They have also chosen 25 new Captains, without any distinction of Religion, they who have served under Cromwell, 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 countermanded, and is now with another Fregat at Tilbury-Hope, to stop all Dutch Seamen, and take the choicest 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 ready 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 Governor of that Place, who is kept Prisoner somewhere 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, Mathias, Dreadnought, Revenge, Portland, Elizabeth, Hampshire, Diamond, Ruby and Adventure. These Capital Ships, the most of them carrying 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 provide them with all sorts of Ammunition and Provisions. At Woolwich they are fitting out these Third Rate Ships, viz. the Dunkirk, the Henrietta, the Plymouth, the Crown, the Anne, and the Assurance: And at Deptford, of the Fourth and Fifth Rates, the Convertine, the Pearl, the Dortmuyen, 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 Diligence in fitting out the rest.   
Affairs being in that State, and the United Provinces apprehending that all those Squabling would quickly break out into an open War with England, began to put all things in order: And it was resolved in the Assembly of the States, That Notice should be given to the Ships bound Westward, to go round about Scotland. The Zealanders likewise 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 Ambassador from the States, towards the Court of England, to endeavour amicably to appease and compose the Differences that threatened the two Nations with a Rupture. 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 Whitehall; and after the usual Compliments, their Discourse 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 afric 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 Ambassador 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 contravention 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 State's Ambassador justified himself, by answering, That those Preparations were chief for the great Convoys they were forced to allow their Merchant Ships, for the Security of their Commerce; praying 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 alienate 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 Chancellor; in which they discoursed of nothing else but of the great Preparations for War, and of the Affairs of the East and West-India Companies. Some Time after, the State's Ambassador presented a Memorial concerning the extraordinary Naval Preparations in England, and about the Hostilities committed by Captain 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 seize upon Cape-Verde, or any other Forts belonging to the Hollanders, nor to attempt any thing against the Subjects of the United Provinces; That they ought to have more confidence in his Royal word, than in the Reports of Pilots and Mariners, 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 preservation of his Kingdom, and of the health of his Subjects.  
In the mean while the French King by his Ambassadors 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 another, to try all means possible to avert it. For that effect, they writ a Letter to the King of England, to signify ●o him, that they had no other Passion greater than that to preserve Peace, hoping 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 Ambassador 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 added, 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- Indieses, 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 Company, 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 favour 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 Guiney 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 towards the Breach of a Peace, they sent orders to their Ambassador at London to present his Majesty the following Memorial thereupon.  
The Memorial presented to King Charles II. by the States Ambassador's, Concerning the Squadron of men of War sent to Guiney.  THE State's General of the United Provinces having had advice from their Ambassador at London, by their last Letters from him, That the King of Great Britain, the Duke of York, and his Majesty's 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 Provinces having heard with much regret, That some Nation among which were some Subjects of his Majesty, contrary to his approbation, and his repeated Protestations that he had given no order for it, had some time since, by some hostilities attempted upon the Liberty of the Good Subjects of the State, and especially those in their Countries in afric, belonging to the West- India Company, and principally upon the Coasts of Guiney, in seizing upon their Ships and Effects, and attacking in the bosom 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 secure 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 thither four Merchant Ships richly laden, which it was not thought fit to expose without a Convoy 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 Merchant 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 concerns their maintaining of the Peace, and preserving of a perfect good understanding between England and the United Provinces, the States were willing by this Memorial, to let his Majesty know, That their Resolution is, to give Order 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 Majesty's Ships, or with those of any other Ally of this State, he shall not do them any offence against their liberty, tending to the interruption of their Commerce, 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 committed all sorts of Hostility out of his Kingdom, shall not be protected or supported in their enterprises, 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 Countries, 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 between his Majesty's Ships and the States 10 Men of War, that will be capable to disturb the Union 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 jealousy, by a Generous and equitable Resolution, 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 precautions to prevent any attempts of the English against those Ships, because they knew well enough from good hands, that the English-Fleet was ready to put to Sea, gave order to Lieutenant Admiral Opdam, who was then at Goree with a part of the State's 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- Indieses, and had taken it, and forced all the Colony to submit to their Obedience, 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 State's 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 transport 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 Public Houses shall be employed to the same use as at present.  
3 Every Private Man shall remain a free Burgher, 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 week's time granted them, for transporting their Wives, Servants and Effects, and disposing of their Lands.  
5. That if any of the Public Ministers there shall resolve to retire into England, they shall be transported thither in his Majesty's Frigates, without 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 pleasure, 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 arrival, and that for the space of six months' continuance.  
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 Service against any Nation whatsoever.  
10. No Manathan, or Inhabitant of the Country shall be charged with Quartering of Soldiers, till the Officers have fully paid and satisfified 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 obliged to choose out some houses for that purpose.  
11. The Hollanders shall keep their ancient Customs concerning Inheritances and Successions.  
12. All Public Writings and Contracts concerning any one's Inheritance, or Ecclesiastical Government, and the Diaconie, or Orphan's Chamber, shall be carefully preserved by those who have received them: And if there be any Writings that concern the State's General, they shall be sent to them upon occasion.  
13. The sentences that have been given here shall be firm and stable, without being stopped by any new proceed; But if any one think injustice has been done him, and that he shall appeal to the State's General; the contrary party shall be obliged to answer his Grievances.  
14. If any Hollanders dwelling here, shall desire to go into England, or any other part of his Majesty's Dominions, to Trade there, or would traffic with the Indians, upon his presenting for that effect a Petition to the Governor, 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 Magistrates 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, upon this Condition, that the new elected Magistrates shall be obliged to take an Oath of Fidelity to his Britannic Majesty before they enter upon their Office.  
16. That if it appears expenses have been made for the Public, and means found out to erect Funds designed for the paying them, those means shall still subsist, and be put in execution according to the first project form of them, till all the said Charges be reimbursed.  
17. All Contracts formerly made, and all Debts and Obligations, that concern the Inhabitants of this Province, shall be exacted and prosecuted according to the Customs practised by the Hollanders.  
18. That if it be certified, that the Amsterdam Company of the West- Indieses, own any sum of Money to any one of this Country, it is agreed, that the enquiry after the Ships and Goods designed for the United Provinces shall be continued 6 months and more.  
19 All Military Officers and their Soldiers shall march out with the Equipages Complete, Colours flying, and Drums beating; and if any one of the Body of those Troops shall be minded 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 public Affairs as well as the other Deputies.  
22. They which shall have any Houses in the Fortress of Orange, may, if they please, demolish 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 desire to go away for Holland, and that the Amsterdam Company, or any other private Person be minded to charge themselves with his transportation, they shall be provided with a free Passport which they shall receive from Colonel Richard Nichols Deputy Governor 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 Majesty's Ships, or those of any of his Subjects.  
24. That the Copy of the King's Patent to his Royal Highness and the Copy of his Royal Highness' Commission granted to Colonel Nichols, Signed and Authorized by two other Deputies, and by Mr. John Winschrop, for true Copies shall be delivered into the hands of Mr. Stuyvesand, the present Governor, 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 granted by Colonel Nichols, Lieutenant Governor 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 possessed by the United Provinces above 60 Years, but being joined on one side to New England, so near a Neighbourhood of the two Nations made them that they could not endure one another together, and was a perpetual source of Jealousy and dispute; to prevent which, in the year 1663., they agreed upon certain limits that were to separate them. But the English broke that project under pretence 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 only a New England, of which all the Country depended, so that they influenced many of the Inhabitants to take Arms against the Government. The directors of the West-India Company 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 going 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 usurped.  
Upon that news all the Dutch Ships were stopped in England, and Letters of reprisal were granted; but all those Commissions granted in haste were recalled, as well to show all Europe, that they would not be Aggressors, as to gain time to Complete the manning of their Navy. It was thought more proper to let lose the men of War and Capers upon the Hollanders as well to encourage their pressed Seamen, and to get men enough to furnish their Grand Fleet, as the more effectually to interrupt the Commerce of the United Provinces, by taking their Merchant Ships that went to and fro in the Channel.  
And because they knew, they in Holland expected about that time the return of their Ships from France and the straits, they thought it their best way to go and meet them, and to endeavour to take them, before they let the Privateers 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 Merchant Fleet consisting of 113 sail, having quitted the Coast of France, to pursue their way home along the Channel, was taken, and carried 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, published the following Declaration  
The King of Egland's Declaration about the taking of the Dutch Ships.  HIs Majesty having considered the Injuries, Affronts and Damages suffered in the Persons of his Subjects, by the loss of their Goods and Ships, by the West-India Company, and other 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 reiterated by his Majesty to the State's 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 against the Ships or Merchandizes belonging to the States of the United Provinces, or their Subjects, so that not only his Majesty's Fleet, and Ships of War, but all sorts of Privateers shall have right by Letters of Reprisal, or permission to be given him from his Royal Highness the Duke of York Lord High Admiral of England, to arrest and seize all Ships and Effects belonging to the States of the United Provinces, in Order to put them under the Jurisdiction 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 United Provinces or their Subjects have been already taken according to his Majesty's Orders, and are kept in his Harbours, His Majesty, with the Advice of his Privy Council declares, that the abovesaid Ships and Effects are Comprised in the aforesaid Letters of Reprisal, and that they shall be proceeded against before the Admiralty according to the Customs and Laws of Nations, till a final Judgement: 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 Proper season for putting out their Fleet to Sea being past, they thought however, that at least they ought to put a stop as much as 'twas possible, 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 service under any Foreign Prince. They likewise rigorously prohibited the going out of any vessels 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 Millions of Livers, as well for the building of 48 men of War, as for Levying of some Troops, to Reinforce their Companies and their Garrisons, for the raising of a Marine Regiment, and a new Regiment in reserve, and lastly, for defraying the expenses 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 Reprisal, so that the Capers in little time after took 30 prizes from the English. They also appointed a day of Prayer which was celebrated the 21st. of January 1665, to implore the Protection of Heaven against the Contagion then Reigning, and to beg a Continuation of Peace and of the Prosperity of the Prov nc●.  
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 caused 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 interrupt the Commerce of his Subjects, and to seize on their Ships, and Merchandizes, so that he intended to indemnify 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, etc. 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 Hollanders; But that Turner and Walker two Famous Advocates of the Court of Admiralty Represented to the King, that if he declared War at that time, the Ships taken before the Declaration, could not according to the Law of Nations, 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 Admiralty were far from finding their account advanced by it, so little money did they receive from it because besides that all the best of what was in those Ships, had been embezzled, the charges of the Admiralty Court amounted to very considerable sums.  
The French begun likewise to resent the unsupportable 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 before 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 attacked the Convoy of the Dutch Smyrno Fleetnear Cadiz, under the Command of Commadore Brakel who was killed on that occasion after he had signalised himself, as appears by the following Letter written upon that Subject to the Admiralty of the College of Amsterdam, by Captain Van Meeuwen.  THe 26th. instant we unmoored from Malaga under the Command of Commadore Brakel Captain Roetening, and Captain Kuiper of Zealand, 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 joined our Flag, viz. one Dutch one, and two Foreigners, we made all together towards the Mouth of the straits, 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 Admiral 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 Merchant 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 seconded; for without difficulty with the Divine Protection, the English would have been beaten, whereas on the contrary to our great regret, Commadore Brakel was killed, as also two others, and some wounded in his Ship which has received some shot under Water, and we are now busy in repairing her. Captain Roetening has likewise had 2 men killed, and some wounded. As for myself, God be praised, I have received no damage excepting some shot in my sails, and some of my Rigging shattered. 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. Marry, one of those we lost in the Night, was taken 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 unlade some Ships and take them into their Service; For than I should flatter myself with the hopes, by the blessing of God, to chase them Quickly out of the Bay. 
This Letter as well as another from Commissioner Giisbert T●mels written from Port St. Marry 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 State's General, who in Consequence of them, published on the 24th. of January, the following Declaration.  AFter having maturely examined and considered the offences and frequent Acts of Hostility committed since some time on the part of the King of Great Britain, 
A Declaration of the State's General.  or his Subjects by usurping Countries, Towns, Fortresses, and Villages, first on the Coast of Guiney afterwards in New Holland, and lastly by the taking 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 State's Men of War, and brought into the Ports of the United Provinces, till his Britannic Majesty shall have made Reparation 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 Frigates, and to put in Execution the above said intention of their High and Mightinesses by the General Officers and Captains of the Men of War under their Respective Jurisdiction, or which depend of them, etc. 
In pursuance of that Declaration, Express Orders were sent to the Colleges of the Admiralty to cause all diligence to be used in endeavouring to forward the Equipages of the Men of War, that they might be Completed by the next spring. The States on the other side thought fit for very important reasons, to Create three new Lieutenant Generals, or Admirals over and above those that were already honoured 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 ; Vice-Admiral Michael Adriansz de Ruiter, was made Lieutenant Admiral of the College of Amsterdam; and Vice-Admiral John Cornel●us Meppel was Created Lieutenant Admiral of the College of West-Fries●and, for the North. Some change was also made amongst the other Officers of the Fleet. For Rear-Admiral Aart Van Nes was made Vice Admiral of the Admiralty of the , and Captain John de Liefde was made Rear Admiral in his place, Rear Admiral Cornel●us Tromp was Created Vice Admiral of the College of Amsterdam, and Captain de wild substituted in his place of Rear Admiral; Keort Siewersz Adelaar, Famous for his Exploits against the Turks, and who afterwards went into the Service of the King of Denmark, was elected Vice-Admiral of the College of West-Friesland for the North, but he thanked the States for the Honour 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, beginning 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 published, prohibiting all Subjects of the United Provinces to stir out of their Ports, upon pain of Confiscation of their ships and Merchandizes, in case they were taken; And they likewise prohibited in particular 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 importation of Herrings, and other salt Fish: which was done with intent thereby to get up the more men to Complete the manning out of the Fleet, and to prevent the Dutch ships from being taken by the English. And for the Encouragement of the Seamen greater Recompenses were settled 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 effect, there was an Ordinance published, 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 Admiral 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 Fireships that should burn any of the Enemy's Ships, were to have for each of them so burned 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 Fireships for the Service of the State. He that could sink or otherwise destroy any of the Enemy's Fire ships that were ready to endamage 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 State's Fleet, to endeavour the ruin 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 acknowledgement of their Zeal, their Fidelity, and their Bravery, There were also particular Recompenses allotted to those that should rescue out of danger any of the States Men of War that happened 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 Recompenses should be granted, tho' the ships that had merited them should 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 runaway, it was decreed, that those who should deliver up any of the States men of War into the hands of the English should be Condemned in a Council of War, and punished with death, without distinction, and without remission; and that all Sea-Officers whether General or Subaltern, who should quit the Flag without express order from the Admiral, should also be punished with death, etc. A little while after, another Ordinance came out from the States, bearing date the 17th. of March, allotting recompenses 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 Admiralty reserved to themselves the care to allow them recompenses according to their discretion. It was likewise ordered, that all those that were disabled from getting any thing towards their subsistence should receive each a pension of a Ducatoon per week, during the remainder of their lives, and the rest of the disabled men, proportionably.  
The State's General thought fit also to advertise all the Neighbouring powers, that in case any of their Subjects should be met at Sea, armed out to prey upon the ships of the United Provinces, under colour of any Commissions borrowed from the English, that if taken, they shall be punished as Pirates: And that if any Hollanders, Subjects of the States should be found and taken on board any English Privateers, they should be punished with death without remission, and their Goods confiscated. The English and Scotch Captains that had been several years in the State's service in their Land Forces, having refused to take a new Oath of Fidelity to them for fear of losing their Estates in their own Country, were thanked 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 United 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, 
The King of England s Declaration of War against the States.  upon the Complaints of divers Offences, Injuries and Usurpations, committed by the East and West-India Companies, and other the Subjects of the United Provinces, upon the Persons, Goods and Ships of our Subjects, to their great Damage, which amount to very considerable Sums, instead of receiving the Satisfaction so often demanded, we have found, that they have given Order to de Ruiter, not only to quit the Project form against the Corsairs of the Mediterranean, in Consequence of the Union that had been proposed to us by the State's General, but also to attempt upon the Liberty of our Subjects in afric, by using against them all sorts of Hostility. After which, we gave Orders to stop all the Ships belonging to the Subjects of the United Provinces; tho' we never granted any Commissions to use Reprisals, or suffered any Proceed against the Ships so stopped, till we had a full Assurance, that de Ruiter had put in execution the said Orders, by the taking or several of our Subjects, and of their Ships and Merchandizes. Finding at present bv these new Offences 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 overgreat Indulgence, 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 Attempts; we therefore have thought fit, with the Advice of our Privy Council, to testify and declare 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 wellbeloved Brother the Duke of York, Lord High Admiral of England, shall have Right, and may, by virtue of them, Fight, Take, and make themselves Masters of all the Ships, Vessels and Effects belonging to the Subjects or the United Provinces, or to them that shall be bound for their Country. We also expressly forbid all our Subjects (as we likewise advertise all other Persons, of what Nation soever they be) to carry or Transport any Soldiers, Arms, Powder, Ammunition, or other contraband Merchandizes, into the Lands, Countries, Plantations, or Provinces, 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, Merchandises, 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 declared good Prize, unless the said Ships be provided with good Passports, granted to them by us, or our Dear Brother.  
And that this our Declaration may be public, and all the World may have perfect Knowledge of it, our Will and Pleasure is, That this present Declaration be published with all the usual formalities, as it ought to be, etc.  
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 Merchandizes, 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 United Provinces. The French, and those of Hamburg and Ostend sufficiently felt the Effects of it, since many 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 Expenses.  
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 complete. The cause of that great Precipitation was, a false piece of News sent to Whitehall by the Earl of Ossory, Son to the Duke of Ormond, Viceroy of Ireland, That a certain Bark had discovered, behind Hitland, 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 the 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 Hollanders near the Ca●ibee Islands, and a Ship of Lisbon: But the Men of War that were their Convoy, being nimble Sailors, escaped by the Favour of the Night.  
Whilst the English were busy in repairing the Damages done to their Fleet by the ill Wether, the Zealand Fleet, consisting of 31 Men of War, having set sail the 22d of May, at break of Day, joined that of Holland, under the Command of Lieutenant-Admiral Opdam. After which junction, the whole Fleet kept on their Course, being composed of 103 Men of War, 7 Yachts, 11 Fireships, and 12 Galliots, carrying 4869 Guns, and 21631 Men, and was divided into 7 Squadrons.  
The first was under the Conduct of Admiral Opdam, Vice-Admiral Ʋander 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 Marceveld. The fourth was under the Conduct of Admiral 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 Admiral 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 Hourtuin.  
That Fleet, one of the finest and most formidable 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 Merchants 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, consisting of 107 Men of War, and of 14 Fireships or Advice-Yachts, and was divided into 3 Squadrons: Whereof the first, under a Red Flag, was commanded by the Duke of York, Pen and Lawson. The second, being the White Squadron, was under the Conduct of Prince Robert, Mings, and Samson. And the third, being the Blue Squadron, was commanded by the Earl of Sandwich, Cuttins and Sir George Ayschew.  
The Two Fleets were not long before they engaged in a Battle, that was cruel and bloody, of which these were the principal Circumstances.  
On the 8th of June, the English Fleet, 
A Fight between the Duke of York and Admiral Opdam.  being refitted, 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 observe 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 Southeast, 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 Fireship 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 backed by Vice-Admiral Mings. The Duke of York's Squadron form the main Battle, and that of the Earl of Sandwich made up the Rear. The Battle begun at 3 in the Morning. Admiral Opdam vigorously broke through Prince Robert's Squadron, being followed by Lieutenant Admiral Kortenaar, Lieutenant Admiral John Evertsz, Vice-Admiral Cornelius Tromp, Stellingwerf, Bastian, Senten, etc. The two Fleets engaged in straight Lines, without throwing themselves into Crescents, and so reciprocally 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 Northwest, and the Dutch to the Southwestward; the two Fleets broke through one another the second 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 impossible 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, Admiral Opdam boarded the Royal Charles, in which was the Duke of York in Person; and those two Admirals thundered at one another so furiously, with continual Broadsides, that the Earl of Falmouth, and the Lord Muskerry, and Mr. boil, and some of that Prince's Footmen, were killed by the Duke of York's Side, and he himself was slightly wounded in the Hand, which was died with the Blood of Mr. boil; 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, 
Admiral Opdum blown up.  commanded by one Smith, afterwards Sir Jeremy Smith, who in that nick of Time, seeing the Duke's Danger, had unperceivedly stole under the Dutch Admiral's Side, set Fire to his Powder and blew him up in a moment, 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; However, the Hull of his Ship, after having floated some time, was towed off into the Vlie.  
This sudden and unexpected Loss of Admiral Opdam, put the Hollanders in a great Consternation, 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 dismal Accident was soon followed by a second; for 3 Dutch Men of War, viz. the Marsseveen, commanded by Captain Reus, the Tergoes, by Captain the Kruining, and Swanenburg by Captain Kuiper, happened to be entangled together so strongly, and the two latter imprudently falling foul upon the Prow of the Marsseveen, engaged themselves so fast to her Foremast, 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 fastening upon the Tergoes and Swanenburg, both new-built Ships, presently 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 Spectacle, the English cried out, You Rogues, you Fellows, you must be killed. The Master, George Thomas, with some others that could swim, saved themselves in a deserted Boat, and got to Scheveling. At the beginning of the Fight Tromp, being seconded by the Captain's Tierk, Heads and Swart, so miserably battered the English Ship, called the Charity, Captain Wilkinson Commander, that soon after she became an easy Prey to Captain Haan, and 90 of her Seamen, leaping into a Longboat, were afterwards conducted to Harwich. In the mean time, the Duke of York, observing that some Dutch Ships made show as if they had no great Stomach 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 Courage to board the Montague, and took her, and pulling down her blue Flag, he put up the Prince's 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 Montague 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 signalised herself against Captain Smith that commanded the Mary, was burnt and blown up, and her Captain Bastian Senten died of his Wounds. Admiral John Evertsz stoutly attacked the Ships Speaker and Charles, that seconded the Duke of York, and did them very much damage; and the Admiralship itself, 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 undauntedness, as did also Stellingwerf. This latter had his Body cut off in the middle with a Cannon Bullet. Lieutenant-Admiral Kortenaar said at the beginning 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 Cannon-Ball, and died immediately. Cornelius Evertsz being hard by, and hearing of the Death of that Admiral, gave Notice of it to John Evertsz, crying 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 , 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 preceding, 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 Assistance, either perished or were made Prisoners. To all which Misfortunes, may be added, the Mutiny that arose among the Men belonging to the Ships, Helversum, Charles V and Nagelboom, etc. 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 Captain 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 butchered, whilst the Cowards ran away. The Night being come, and the English, being employed in giving Chase to some Barks belonging to the Victuallers of the Dutch Fleet, those Cowards were covered and secured in their lurking-Holes, by Tromp, who keeping fight still against the Enemies, 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, wandered 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 mere 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 Patience to take any more than a Glimpse of the Enemy. Only Tromp, accompanied with a small number 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 Enemies, and furiously battered by their Guns on every side, and buried, as 'twere under so thick a smoke, that the Seamen in his Ship, openly ascribed to a Miracle the Preservation of his Ship and Person. The valiant Tromp writ with a sensible Displeasure the following Letter to the College of the Admiralty of Amsterdam concerning the unhappy success of this Battle.  
High and Mighty Lords,  
MY last was of the 9th. of June, 
Tromp's Letter to the Lords of the College of Admiralty of Amsterdam.  at 18 mile's 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 steered to the East, Southeast ward as much as we could, to gain the Wether gage, but a Calm came on, which continuing all night, and next morning too, we could attempt nothing; 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 ourselves 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 Wether 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 Enemy's 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 than not above 10 or 12 sail about us, and because it was impossible for us to rejoin 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 quickly show us how all things will end. Lieutenant Admiral John Evertsz is also missing. Lieutenant 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 Frigate of Amsterdam falling foul one of another 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 unmasted and most shrewdly shattered.  
 
Postscript.  
We have lost together with our Ships our Barges 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 killed, about whom I request their High and Mihgtinesses 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 Cowardice of the Seamen, who received in England the just reward of their infidelity by the miseries they were made to suffer there in the Prisons. The Action of 85 Villains that surrendered 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, turned their Barges and long Boats a drift to the mercy of the Waves, and in that condition waited the approach of an English Fregat that was in chase of them, to which they Voluntarily yielded themselves, after they had with their drawn hangers and cocked 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 having 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 splendour and renown to the Memory of so great a Triumph. 1500 Dutch Prisoners were carried to Colchester; and it may well be judged by so great a Number what cruel and base Cowardice the Captains were guilty of, who chose rather shamefully to leave their Companions exposed to the Flames, or to a Lamentable shipwreck and drowning, than to venture to snatch them from the devouring Jaws of death, by receiving them on board them when they fled, so that they must have perished, if their Enemies had not taken more Compassion of them then their own unnatural Officers. Amongst those persons there was a Woman named Willemite Gerrets 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 rarity of the adventure. She came afterwards to the Hague dressed in the habit of an English Woman, 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 herself very honestly, and that she was present at the fierce Battle of Funen in the North, no body on board the Marsseveen ever having discovered 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 besmeared with the blood of the Earl of Falmouth, the Lord Muskerry, and several of his Domestic servants that were killed by his side by a chain-shot from Admiral Opdam's ship.  
The Earl of Portland killed.  
The Earl of Marleborough killed.  
Rear Admiral Montague Samson killed.  
Vice Admiral Lawson; who feeling himself mortally wounded, sent word to the Duke of York, that he was uncapable of doing any further service; who thereupon put Captain Jordan, 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 killed.  
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 saved themselves, and the rest were killed 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 being forced to yield himself by his mutinous Seamen that refused to fight, was taken by the Bristol Frigate. She carried 60 Guns.  
The ship Charles the 5th. commanded by Captain 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 Commander, carrying 18 Guns, taken by the Dolphin  
The Young Prince Commanded by Captain Halfhoorn, carrying 36 Guns, taken by the Martin.  
The Mars Captain Kats Commander, carrying 46 Guns, taken by the Assurance.  
The Nagelboom, Captain Boon Commander, carrying 52 Guns, taken by the Colchester.  
The Arms of Zealand Commanded by Captain Twineman, carrying 44 Guns, taken by the Centurion.  
The Swart Bull, Captain Burger Commander carrying 36 Guns, taken by the ships Anne and Ruby.   

Ships burnt.  
The ship Koeverden of 60 Guns, Commanded by Captain Kampen, burnt by the ship called the Renown.  
The Prince Maurice, Simon de Wit Commander, of 50 Guns.  
The Town of utretcht 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, Vrybergen, and Schrick being sent to the Texel, in Quality of Deputies from the States, went out of the Port, and sent for Vice-Admiral 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 grieved at the disasters that had newly happened 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 forbear Answering, the Deputies that he could not execute their orders with men that had so basely deserted him in time of danger, and upon whose Courage or Fidelity so little reliance could be made. So that without minding the Orders of the Deputies, the Fleet under the Conduct of Tromp and Cornelius Evertsz entered into port, being in all about 60 Men of War, of which the most part were but little endamaged. 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 State's Deputies took a review of the ships remaining in the Texel, found all of them in general 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 stayed behind in the Road and 2 unmoored that were put in before. They had advice that 18 were in the Port of the Vlie, and 16 or 17 in the , etc. So that they found none were missing but those we have set down, of all the whole Fleet.  
In the mean while however, the murmur of the People that were ill satisfied at the success of the Battle and the Conduct of the Generals, were grown to an extreme height, and already begun to threaten mischievous Consequences. 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 , 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 happened and accusing him of Cowardice, threw him into the Water, where he would certainly have been drowned if he had not been rescued from the People by a good Number of Soldiers. But they stopped not there, for that Rascality growing thereupon more insolent endeavoured, all they could to satisfy their unruly passion, and pushed 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  to go and watch his coming to Maaslandsluis, where he was to come to go to the 〈◊〉: But they were deceived in their expectation, 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 Victim 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 composed 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 Ʋander 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 Evertsz, 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 fly, as Authors of the disasters and of the defeat of the Fleet they were condemned, and accordingly the Captains 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 William Cod, Ʋander Burg, John Ʋander Mariche and Apollonius Pool had their Arms broken at their Feet by the Common Hangman; and Samuel Huisman and Jacob Ʋander Kams were degraded, and the first of them made uncapable of bearing Arms any more in the Service of the State. Ate Inter Estra, Mr. of Lieutenant Admiral Kortenaar's ship, who had Cowardly deserted the fight with the Admiral's Flag, was condemned to stand with a halter about his neck under the Gallows, and afterwards to perpetual Banishment. But if the States on the one side thought good to punish Criminals, so on the other, they were as Zealous to Recompense 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 Lieutenant Admiral Opdam, who unfortunately, perished in the Battle, by erecting to him a Stately 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, 
Admiral Opdam's Epitaph.   
Foederati Belgii Archi-Thalassi, etc. Rebus praeclare Terra Marique Gestis, non tantum in Atlantico Oceano, unde sparsa fugataque Lusitanorum Classe, magnaque onustus praeda, Domum rediit, sed & in Freto Baltico, ubi pulsis Adversariis, & insigni Parta Victoria, laboranti Daniae succurrit, & simul Majestatem Reipublicae asseruit, & stabilivit, ac eandem contra Vniversam Anglorum Classem cum paucis fortissime dimicans, ac undique cinctus, ne sic quidem cessit hostibus, sed magna primo edita strage incensaque demum Praetoria sua navi Herculeo exemplo, flammis viam sibi ad superos paratam invenit. Anno Aetatis LV. Illustrissimi & Potentissimi Foederati Belgii Proceres viro fortissimo● optimeque de Republica merito, Monumentum hoc posuere, Anno Reparatae Salutis MDCLXVII.  
Anno Aerae Christianae MDCLVII. Classis Foederati Belgii Ductu Dynastae de Wassenaer, prope Ostia Tagi, Naves Lusitanicas Brasilia reduces invadit.  
Anno Aerae Christianae MDCLVIII. Foederati Belgii Classis, ductu & auspiciis Dynastae de Wassenaer, Fretum Balticum ingreditur, afflictisque Daniae rebus salutarem fert opem, pulsa fugataque post acerrimum conflictum Adversariorum 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 Nobility of Holland, by a continued and lawful Succession, Jacob Baron of Wassenaer, Lord of OPDAM,  
Admiral of the United Provinces, etc. who after many brave Exploits both by Sea and Land, not only in the Atlantic Ocean, wherein having scattered and put to flight the Portuguese Fleet, he returned home laden with rich Spoils, but likewise in the Straight of the Baltic Sea; where after 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 Commonwealth, 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 Celestial Heroes, in the 55th Year of his Age. The most Illustrious and Potent Lords, the States of the United Provinces, 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 United 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 United Provinces, under the auspicious Conduct of the Baron of Wassenaer, entered into the Sound, and carried salutary Assistance to the desperate condition 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 Memory of Admiral Kortenaar, whose Tomb is to be seen at Rotterdam, with the following Epitaph in Dutch.  


Ter err 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. 
Admiral Kortenaars Epitaph.   
De Held der Maas verminkt aan Oog en rechter hand,  
En echtered Oog vaned Roer de Vuist Vaned Vaderland:  
De Groote Kortenaar de Schrik van's Vyandre Vlooten.  
D'ontsluiter van de Sound, leyt in dit graf beslo●ten.  
Of which the Sense in English is thus.   

Egbert Bartholomew Kortenaar Admiral. Their High and Mightinesses of the Admiralty of the  have caused this Monument to be erected to the eternal Memory of his Great Courage and Glorious Death.  
The Hero of the , 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 Enemy's Fleet, he that opened the Sound, Rests enclosed in this Tomb.    
A little while after the Criminals had been so punished, and the merit and valour of those that had signalised themselves been rewarded, viz. on the 23d of July, Vice Admiral Tromp was elected Lieutenant Admiral of the College of the Admiralty of the , in the place of the Deceased Kortenaar in acknowledgement of the eminent Bravery he had shown in the last Battle. 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 equalled 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 Provinces 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 English 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 puzzled about the choice of a person fit to be entrusted with the chief Command of their Fleet. Many of them cast their Eyes upon Lieutenant Admiral Tromp, but the obstinacy he had shown 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 murmur to arise, to the disadvantage of his reputation. Yet on the other side, they put great confidence in his undaunted 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 than 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 Statesmen were afraid the inclination he had for that Prince, might oversway 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 sticking to say without boggling, that they could not well choose 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, 
Tromp chosen Admiral in chief upon certain conditions.  but yet with these Conditions, that there should be three Deputies of the States appointed to go along with him, with full Power over the Fleet, viz. Mr. Huiens, Deputy of the Assembly of the State's General for the Province of Gelder's, 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 promoted to the chief Command of the Fleet, applied himself with all imaginable care to fill up with all speed the Compliment of Seamen 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 appointed to attend him, 
De Ruiter returns from Guiney.  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,  

His Letter to the States.  AFter having made my salutes in general, this shall be to inform your High and Mightinesses, 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 Westward of Eems, with 5 English Prizes whereof 3 are laden most with Sugar, and the other 2 are empty, one of which served us for a Fireship in our way. A Merchant Ship likewise came from the Caribee Islands, which retired under our Convoy, etc. July the 19th. we approached towards the Isles of Fero, to get intelligence of the English, but no body could tell us any News of them, the 21 we passed to the Eastward of Hitland; on the 22d. in the afternoon, a Galliot of Huisd●n came and joined us, who reported to us the unfortunate success of the late Battle fought between the two Fleets, etc. 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 Westward 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 Captain's 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 safety. We have brought Prisoners with us, the Governor of the Castle Cormantine Francis Sullevin, and desire their High and Mightinesses to be pleased to prescribe 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 transport home 150 of them that were our Prisoners, whom we released to be Conducted into Old or New England. We unmoored on the 19●h. from St. John's Bay in Newfoundland, bringing off with us an English Frigate of 18 Guns, which I took myself. I will stay near the Fleet till further. Order, hoping to receive it quickly, that we may be able all of us together to Regulate ourselves according to it.  
The particulars, and more remarkable Circumstances of the Ruiter s Voyage into Guiney and to the West-Indies, may be more fully seen in the following Relation.  
A particular Account and Relation of de Ruiter's Voyage into Guiney and the West-Indies, in a Letter to a Person of Note.  
SIR,  
I Find myself indispensably engaged to inform you of the principal Events of this Voyage, which was begun on the 1st. of October in the year 1664. At which time de Ruiter, 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 necessary Provisions for their Men; after which, the Fleet being composed of 12 Men of War, namely 6 of A●sterdam under the Command of the Ru●ter himself, and 6 others under the Command of Vice Admiral M●pp●l●n, unmoored from Cadiz, and past before an English Squadron of Men of War, that was riding before a little Town called 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 Frigates, and 1 small Yacht, that was employed to carry the Merchandizes and Effects of the English from one place to another. 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 King's Frigate, to unmoor, and retire, which she immediately did. Then the other Ships Crews, gave Oath that they were freighted for the English Company. Upon which, the Merchandizes and Effects were seized, and removed into our Ships: They consisted of divers Stuffs, Muskets, Forked Irons, Knives,  and several Bales of Cotton. The Ships were released, 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 surrendered 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 Prince's Colours. The English Governor with his men were conducted into one of the Ships, and ordered to retire where he best pleased. We were extremely surprised when we found in the Castle 9 pieces of Cannon, 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 advantages 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 turned to the East-South-East-ward, and the tail towards the North-North-West. We discovered there a Lodgement which the English had made defended by 2 pieces of Brass Cannon, and 2 of Iron, which we took; after we had ruined the Lodgement. We found there a good quantity of Elephants Teeth, and Forked bars of Iron, a great many other things, and likewise a Dutch Man, and 2 Children that were Prisoners there, whom we set at liberty; and after having watered there, and supplied ourselves with Lemons, 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 seized from us, and summoned them by a Letter to surrender: But upon their refusal some of our Ships approached, and fired upon the Castle, which did the same upon the Hollanders. At the ●ame time without delay, we Landed against them all the Soldiers in our Fleet, who at first met with a great deal of Resistance from the Negroes, who killed and wounded many of them, out they betaking themselves to flight soon after the descent, our men set fire to their Lodges. The English upon that defeat put up a White Flag and demanded quater; after which they yielded up the Castle, where we found 24 Men in Garrison, and 7 pieces of Cannon. A little while after, discovering an English Ship at Sea, de Ruiter Ordered her to be attacked, and after an hours fight, she was taken. She proved a Ship caring 33 Guns, and 50 Men, called the Victory. The next day we blew up the Castle of Witsen, and set sail again towards the Castle of Soma belonging to the Dutch West-India Company, 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. Valkenburg 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 attacked and brought the same day into the Fleet. She proved to be an English ship of 20 Guns, and 40 Men, called the St. Martha; which after we had unladen, we converted into a Fireship for the Service of the Fleet upon occasion. In that place we separated ourselves 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 English ships we could find on the Coasts of Guiney and of the West-Indies. On the 6th. of February, we weighed Anchor, and set sail toward Cormantine, possessed by the English, and situated some miles from the Castle del Mina. After noon, we passed 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 after past by the Fort Anamabo, and towards evening came to an Anchor between Adia and Cormantine which are two places possessed 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 Castle. The next day, 500 Negroes, of the Castle Morea and del M●na, came on board Vice-Admiral de Ru●ter in their Canoes, well provided with Axes, Fire-Arms, and Colours after the Indian-Mode. Upon which all our long Boats and Barges were manned out with Soldiers and Seamen, and Scaling Ladders were prepared for an Assault. Captain Ʋander Zaan Commanded the Seamen and Count Hoorn, the Soldiers. And so they Landed their Men in good order, to attack the Castle of Cormantine. As soon as we were Landed the English blew up the Castle of Anamabo, which encouraged us extremely; But alas, those happy beginnings 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 thundered upon us with their Cannon that many of our Indians 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 design 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 glasses such as the Negro's use; after which, they retired. De Ruiter observing the good disposition 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 Prince's Colours upon the Ruins 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, played 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 extremely; But our Troops despising that danger forced them at length to retire and leave their Cannon behind them, and advanced just under the Castle. Our Negroes likewise fought with much bravery, set fire on the English Negroes Lodges, 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 fixed Reward for every Head; but several of our Negroes were likewise killed and wounded. As soon as they in the Castle perceived what Progress we had made, they put up a white Flag, and demanded Quarter, so that we made ourselves Masters of it with little Loss. It was defended with 32 Pieces of Cannon, and a Garrison of 52 Men. The General of the Negroes, , having several times solicited the Governor to blow up the Castle, and being refused, was so enraged at it, that he cut two of his children's, and two of his Nephew's 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 outright, he crept behind a Rock, and was there found dead. We gave Quarter to the English: After which, our Officers placed good Guards every where, and the better to prevent any Insolences that might happen from the Soldiers, they forbade 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 flocked 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 firing the Castle Guns upon them, killed and wounded a great many Negroes, and put the rest to Flight; which so terrified them, that a little while after, the General of the Negroes appeared before the Castle, with a white Flag, demanding Peace, and free Commerce, which being granted them, they retired. And then all our Men, but what were to be left in Garrison, returned again on Board the Fleet. One Samuel Smith, of Gravenweert, a native of Guelderland, and Merchant of Morea, was chosen Governor 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 . On the 8th of March we passed the Equinoctial Line, and on the third of April, in the Morning, the Wind being risen higher, we repassed 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 Anchor; yet we continued to fire without Interruption, upon them, till we shattered them all to pieces. From thence we sailed away to Martinico, 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 fly under the Shelter of their Castles. Some we burned, and some we sold at S. Martin's and S. Christopher's Islands, and the rest, that sailed well, we carried home with us. The 15th of June we arrived before Newfoundland, 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 opportunely 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 informed of the unfortunate Death of Admiral Opdam, 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 the Ruiter gave order to every Officer in his Squadron, to make the best of their way back into their own Country, with all the sail they could. But the Calmness of the Wether, or contrary Winds, forced us to luff. In our way, from time to time, we spoke with some Barks, who informed 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, since we were in no condition to have resisted 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, before Delfzyl; where we lie expecting fresh Orders.  

A List of the Prizes taken, and of the Conquests made by Lieutenant Admiral de Ruiter's Fleet, about the Coasts of Guiney, and elsewhere.  
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 Liberty.  
A Frigate of 18 Guns, taken in S. John's Bay.  
Francis Stillevin, or Sullevin, General of Cormantine, 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, 
A Mark of Gold is 8 Ounces.  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 the 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 Delfzyl, etc. advertising him, That the States had a considerable 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 wanted Sails, and to be new calked. That the Men in them were in good Health, but so extremely fatigued 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, etc.  
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 Council 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 August 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. the 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, 
The Resolution of the State's General constituting the Ruiter Lieutenant-Admiral in chief.  Mr. Pensionary the Wit, and Mr. John Boreel, Deputies and Plenipotentiaries of their High and Mightinesses in the State's Fleet, Michael Adrian de Ruiter, Lieutenant-Admiral of Holland and West-friesland, shall command in chief during the approaching Expedition; and that in this Quality he shall be obliged to take the usual Oath, by virtue of the Resolution of the State's General, on the 2d of this Month; having under him, for General Officers, Cornelius Evertsz, Lieutenant Admiral of Zealand, Lieutenant-Admiral Cornelius Tromp, Lieutenant-Admiral Meppel Tierk hide, Lieutenant-Admiral of West-friesland; the Vice Admirals, Van Nes, Ʋander Hulst, Bankert and Koenders; and the Rearadmirals', Deliefde, Cornelius Evertsz the younger, and Bruinsveld. That if it shall happen by any unforeseen Accident, which God forbidden, 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 enjoy the same Prerogatives, having the Super-intendence and chief Government of the Fleet; and for that effect, as well the said Lieutenant-Admiral 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 Battle, and when the two Fleets shall be engaged together, they may show no manner of Consternation, or surprise, but continue still to behave themselves with Presence of Mind, and a constant and firm Resolution, keeping silence till the Fleets come to be disengaged and rejoin 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 State's Fleet, assembled in the Texel, to join himself with their Plenipotentiaries, and to carry with him Lieutenant 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 Anchor at West Eems; with the Design however, and the Intention, that as well Lieutenant-Admiral de R●iter, as the said Lieutenant-Admiral Meppel, Vice-Admiral Van Nes, and other Officers, 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 Deputies, 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 authorised, 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 therefrom, shall be sent away without delay, etc. 
This Commission was immediately carried to de Ruiter, who thereupon went from Delfzyl to Grooningen, thence to Dockling, thence to Leeuwarden, 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 conform 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 intent 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 deliberating 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 steadfast Affection for the Service of his Country. The Deputies of the States having conferred thereupon with the Deputies of the College of the Admiralty, represented to him, That his Honour was in that matter no way touched or offended, and therefore earnestly advised him to wave that needless and unseasonable Nicety, and to think only of doing his Duty. But he continuing still obstinately to urge a Dismission from his Employment, they at last answered him, That they had no Power to discharge him, without offending 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 upon such an occasion, to do him a Pleasure, they would join 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 Mightinesses should send particular Orders to their Deputies, 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 Deputies, with a wavering Mind, whether he had best to write to the States or not.  
In the mean time, the Deputies, without minding 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, occasion to sail out, being once neglected, was not easily 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 the 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 Surprise, 
A Letter from the States of Holland and West-Friesland, to the chief Deputies, about Tromp's refusal to serve.  that Lieutenant-Admiral Tromp, in consequence of our Resolution, has taken occasion to conceive Jealousy 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 choosing not to go to Sea at all this approaching Expedition. Yet we are persuaded, that when he has seriously reflected upon an Affair of so great a consequence, in which he is so highly concerned to render Service to the Public, and to his Country, without making any particular Reflections, disadvantageous 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 possible 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 Departure of the Fleet may not on that account be at all hindered, 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; having 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 possible speed out to Sea. We recommend you to the Protection of God, etc.  
And the Intention of the States was accordingly executed; but Tromp, whether he came to himself of his own accord, or were overpersuaded to it by his Friends, conformed to the Will and Pleasure of the States.  
In the mean while there arose a great Commomotion 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 , making a horrid Noise, till at last the Officers, 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 Example to all the rest of the Seamen and Soldiers. For that effect, two Bills were put into a Dish, covered 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 Gallows was hanged on the Main Yard, and the other was whipped, marked 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 the Wit did not a little contribute, 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 Carelessness, so that it was thought not impossible 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 Ʋander Hulst had been not long before made Vice-Admiral by the States of Holland, for the College of the Admiralty of Amsterdam, in the Place of Tromp, who was raised to the Dignity of Lieutenant-Admiral of the , 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 State's Plenipotentiaries, in conjunction with Lieutenant-Admiral Tromp, and the other General Officers, made a Regulation, and established an Order, according to which, the Chiefs of Squadrons and other Captains were to act during a Fight. It was there specified, 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 Squadron 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 Captain 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 presently 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 every 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 incommoded with one another's Guns. That each Lieutenant-Admiral should establish an Order in his Squadron, according to which, the Fireships s●all be obliged to regulate themselves, and shall have always Frigates 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 Weathergage of the Enemies, and they should come by the Lee, in order to preserve that Advantage: What Squadron, if the fleet made to the lefthand, 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 boarding them: That every one should observe his Rank and keep near the Chief of his Squadron, whether 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 allege to justify himself: That the General Officers should every Day detach out some of the best Sailors 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-Admiral: That if any of the Frigates, detached to go a scouting after the Enemies, should chance to make Prize, during their Course, of any Merchant's 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 Frigates should happen to take a Man of War, they should not only remain Possessors 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 Extremity. In fine, that none should offer to give Chase to any of the Enemy's Ships, ti●● Lieutenant Admiral Tromp should have given order for so doing, by firing a Signal-Gun, and that in such a Rencounter those Ships that should happen to be nearest the Enemy's Ships should give them Chase: That upon the Discovery of one of the Enemy's 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 Chase to.  
Lieutenant-Admiral Tromp was considered in that Regulation as the chief Commander of the Fleet, and all was done in his Name, because Lieutenant-Admiral de Ruiter was not yet come thither. Tromp also established an Order concerning the general Rendezvous of the Fleet, in Case of Separation 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 Frigates, 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 , at the same time that de Ruiter was sworn in the Texel, before the Deputies of the State's General, in quality of Lieutenant Admiral of Holland and West-friesland, to command in Chief. He therefore went to the Mouth of the Spanish Hole, where he went on Board the Frigate, 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 Deputies of the States with great Demonstrations of Kindness. Tromp likewise shown 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 United Provinces, the English Fleet, under the Command of the Admirals, Montague, 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 timely 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 belonging 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 Chaps, so that calling a Council of War, they resolved to attack the Dutch in the Bay, whether they could get the Governor 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 Governor, named Aleveld, to desire his Consent to their Enterprise, who being unprovided then with Guns and Ammunition 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, without 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 Officers 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 vexation 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 Fireships, 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 Admiral's 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 stripped by the Inhabitants, 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. Peter de Sandulied, after he had shown a great deal of Bravery. The Masts, Sails and Rigging of our ships are extremely 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 after the Example of our men, and so did General Alefelt, and the Governor Van Steignon, who after he had done all he could to divert the English from their design by fair words, without any effect, have at last by the force of their Arms, and the powerful Rhetoric 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 Extraordinary was granted on this occasion both to the Seamen 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 incite 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 heavily sensible to you. The bearer of these dispatches can inform you more fully of the other Circumstances of this Fight, because he was an Eye-Witness of all that passed in it. Upon the Advice we have had from several Persons, that past last Sunday near the Enemy's 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, prayed the Governor to Order the Barrier to be repaired that shuts up the Port, that so being shut up, we may be in safe shelter from Fireships. We also have entreated 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 places, to plant Cannon upon. And he has assured us, he will take care to have all things done that may contribute to the security of the Havens of the King his Master; that we are at present busied in transporting to shore 20 pieces of Cannon out of our ships and 10 more out of the Merchant's 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 Fireship if we can persuade 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 entrusted 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 contribute thereto with all that shall lie in our power, etc.  
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 form the Barrier of the Haven were Reimplaced in Order to secure the Fleet from the English Fireships. But they durst not venture upon another charge, but tacked 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 valued at above 12 Millions of Livers, or one Million Sterling, were delivered from the disasters, that threatened 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 formerly, the Great Spaniard, and that each Squadron of the Fleet should make a detachment of 7 Frigates, or bigger Men of War, with some Fireships, to form a 4th. Squadron for Admiral de Ruiter, who had to Command it under him, Aart Van Nes, Vice-Admiral of the , and Frederick Staghouwer, Rear-Admiral of the College of the Admiralty of the North. They likewise regulated the placing of the Flags, ordering, 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 hide, 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 Remained nothing but to form some Noble Enterprise that might raise the Glory of the Chieftains, and the Courage of the Seamen that was palled by the ill success of the last fight. And accordingly the Deputies, and Admiral de Ruiter 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 secure these latter and rescue them out of the Enemy's hands. That project seemed well contrived, but a contrary Wind hindered the execution of it, for growing more boisterous and turning quite opposite against them, it was impossible for the Fleet to steer to the Northward; which at the same time favoured the retreat of the English. On the 25th. of the Month of August, the Advanced 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 about 70 sail of Men of War, had been cruizing some days upon the Coast of Norway, to hunt after the East-India ships; but that afterwards pursuing their course on the 18th. towards 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 Command 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 without being able to see one another, or to discover what course each other steered. 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 Holland 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 fly away with considerable loss and damage. So, that the Dutch Fleet had not only missed of the English Fleet, but arrived too late before Bergen, to attach Tyddeman.  
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. Alefelt or Aleveld, General of the Danish Troops in Norway, and Mr. Steignon, Governor 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 satisfy 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 dissimulation; That the English from whom they had much more advantageous Offers, if they would accept them, were but two or three miles from Bergen: And that the account they were to render to the King their Master about observing a Neutrality was not the least bar to them in that case; that therefore they expected the Dutch should immediately satisfy their demand in ready cash or upon their default, they knew where to furnish themselves, and in two days time would oblige them to make a serious reflection upon the premises, etc.  
Bitter added, that he had answered them that the Dutch Merchants there were not in a condition out of their own Money to pay so considerable a sum; that a recompense of such a value as that was the concern of the State alone, and that no private Person ought to meddle 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 making a Collection of 8 or 10000 Crowns more amongst the Merchant men come from Spain, which sum was to be employed in fortifying the Castle where a great many men were already at work for that effect, etc.  
The States had named Lieutenant Colonel de Gent, the Colonels Dolman, and Maregnault the Lieutenant Colonel de Santen, and Sergeant Major 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 Governor 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 dismissed out of that Harbour, and sail out to secure themselves under the Admiral Flag of the States Grand Fleet. Mr. the Gent was accordingly received by the Governor 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 persuaded 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 powerful 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 refused to restore 41 pieces of Cannon that the Hollanders had drawn out of their East- India, and other Merchant ships, to be employed partly in the Castle, and partly in Batteries raised 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 English, whom they had incensed against them upon their account; so that with all the Dutch could do or say, they could never persuade them to part with them again.  
After the East-India and other Merchant ships had joined the Grand Fleet of men of War, they unmoored 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 another. And besides the loss of two Fireships that were cast away, there were many Ships shrewdly endamaged. Two East-India Ships, viz. The Golden Phoenix, and the Fort of Huningen, and 4 men of War, viz. the West-Friesland, the Groningen, the De Zevenwolden, and the Hope, being separated from the Admiral's Flag, by the ill Wether, fell into the hands of the English near the Dogger-Sand. And some days after, the Ships, Huis te Swieten, the Cavalier of Gelder's the St. Paul of Zealand, and the St. Paul of Enkhuizen, together with 3 Merchant Ships, 2 Fire Ships, etc. were likewise taken, being drawn into the snare by the treachery of a Pilot of Bremen, who being asked, 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 sending them into their Enemy's 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-Admiral 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 steered away homewards for their own Harbours, and on the 21st. at night the Earl of Sandwich came to an Anchor in Solbay, 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,  

A Letter from ●●e Earl of Sandwich, to General Monk.  I 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 amongst 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 rencontre 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 thanked, 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 Blue 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 Opportunity, and to leave the most part of the small Frigates 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, etc.  
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 without fight, since their Vaunt-guards 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 imaginable 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 arising 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 Accidents, unmoored on the 5th of October following, from before Goree, to go into the Texel, and join 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 State's Deputies had taken care to detach away some Yachts and Galliots, to go out a scouting towards those Places, and to get what Intelligence they could of the English, and to spy out the Number of their Ships. And one of those Yachts and a Galliot, being returned, 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 between 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 advanced 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 Harwich, across the Banks, but were hindered 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 intercept, 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 unmoored, and made off for the Downs, thinking to block up the Passage thither, and to surprise 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 Frigate Gornichem, and with 3 Galliots accompanying them, advanced a great way up the River, followed at a distance by de Ruiter's and Tromp's Squadrons. 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 returned 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 Inferior 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 Bankert 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 respective Ships, the Deputies, and the Generals of the Fleet, judged thereupon, That it was impossible 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 Wether, that coming on with the Winter, would not permit them to stay any longer there. Pursuant to which Resolution, 6 light Frigates, and 4 Galliots were detached 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, upon the Death of the Wild. He had Orders to cruise about the Dogger sand till the beginning 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 Hamborough, towards the Thames, or that should come out of the Thames, to go towards the North, commanding him to give them Chase, and to do all he could to burn them, sink them, etc.  
The same Day, viz. the 1st of November, afternoon, the Fleet set sail, and tacked about, and stood to the Eastward. Lieutenant Admiral Cornelius Evertsz led the Right Wing, Lieutenant Admiral de Vries the left, and the Squadrons of the Ruiter and Tromp composed the Main Battle. The next Day de Ruiter put up a White Flag upon his Mizzen Mast, and fired 3 Guns for a Signal to the Squadrons to separate. The Lieutenant Admirals, Tromp, Evertsz, and de Vries answered the Admiral, according to the Order settled for that effect, each of them with 7 Guns, Each Vice-Admiral 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 Midway towards home; Tromp made towards Goree, and the , the Zealand Squadron towards W●elingen, and de Ruiter sailed towards the Texel and the Vlie, whither also went Lieutenant Admiral hide de Vries, with the Friesland Ships.  
The Lords Deputies of the States having quitted the 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 State's 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 the Wit, and Mr. John Boreel, Deputies Plenipotentiaries of their High and Mightinesses in the State's Fleet, have made a Summary Report of the things that passed in the last Expedition, upon which the States having deliberated, and taken into Consideration the Care and Pains the said Plenipotentiaries have therein taken, as well as the Vigilance and good Conduct they have shown by the tender Affection they have expressed for their Country, by acting Night an Day, as far as God, and the State of Affairs would permit them, with an indefatigable Zeal for the Good of the State, their High and Mightinesses have consequently thanked them for it, and hereby declare themselves perfectly well satisfied with their Administration. 
The Dutch Fleet then did nothing that Expedition, but cause some Alarms upon the Coast of England, 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 Distemper from accepting it, and having interrupted the Commerce of the English Merchants, by keeping the Mouth of the Thames blocked up for about 16 Days together. In the mean while, the Negotiation 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, taking a Pretence of Dissatisfaction against the English, because their Ships daily appeared near S. Malo'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 Conings, and Mr. Courtin, his Ambassadors from that Court, after having commanded them publicly to declare to the King of England, which they accordingly 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 Nations 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 Ambassadors having demanded their Audience of Leave on the 10th of December, embarked on the 23d of the same Month, at Dover, and arrived the next Day at S. Valery. Hollis likewise, the English Ambassador in France, was also recalled, and having had his Audience of Leave, he made show as if he would departed, but yet took the Liberty 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 Ambassadors out of England, they sent Order to the Sieur de Goch, their Ambassador at the Court of England, to retire likewise immediately. For tho' Sir George Downing, Ambassador to them from the King of England, were gone from Holland ever since the Month of August, yet the States of the United Provinces, in hopes to be able to pacify, in an amicable manner, the Troubles that had newly kindled a War between 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 Declaration 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 embarked upon one of the King's Ships, and on the 29th of the same Month he arrived at Flushing, from whence he sped away to the Hague, to make his Report to their High and Mightinesses, of all that had passed in his Negotiation.  
The Letter or Declaration from the States, left by him with the King of England was in these Terms.  
SIR,  

The State's Remonstrance to the King of England, concerning the rapture of the Peace.  THat 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 recall our Ambassador from the Court of England. And tho' we had already by just and reasonable Offers, 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 Ambassador in England, after the taking 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 overgreat Confidence, neither did we recall our Ambassador 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 upon 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 England should think that best for its Interests, each side should keep and remain in possession of their Conquests, and that with this Advantage for England, that those Propositions might have been accepted 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 ourselves 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 convince you of the sincere Desire the States have for a Peace. But further, were not pleased to be satisfied with those other Proposals so disadvantageous to the States, offered you by the Mediation of France, which they never consented to. Besides, your Majesty 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 testify to our Ambassador, That you desired nothing so hearty 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 persuaded, there is no Christian Prince in Europe who would not choose 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 Judgement 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 Ambassadors, tho' they were altogether contrary to the true Interests of our State, in that you would never vouchsafe to make any advances that might serve for a Ground for us to treat upon together, we thought then that our Ambassador could no longer stay in the Court of England, without Injury to the Reputation of the State; and therefore have thought fit to recall 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 Opportunity 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 Sentiments 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 Majesty's Intention is upon that Subject. We will therefore wait till you have more Inclination for Peace; but yet it were to be wished, 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.  
The Threats made by the French Ambassadors at Oxford, to the King of England, were soon followed by a Declaration of War from that Crown. For Mr. Van Beuningen, Ambassador from the States at the Court of France, had a long time before powerfully solicited them to declare, by virtue of the Treaty of Alliance, concluded in the Month of April, 1662. with the United Provinces; urging them out of Hand to unite their Forces with those of the States against the King of Great Britain, the Violater of the Peace. Upon which the Most Christian King, being easily Persuaded 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, published the following Declaration.  
The French King's Declaration of War against England.  
HIS Majesty being informed, there was some misunderstanding between England, and the United Provinces, gave order to his Ambassadors in ordinary, to employ all imaginable care in his name, to endeavour to stifle all those troubles in their birth, and having with displeasure heard, that things were carried to that extremity as to come to a Rupture, his Majesty sent Extraordinary Ambassadors to the King of Great Britain, to endeavour by new Instances to pacify those two powers, and induce them to come to some Accommodations; but his mediation had not all the success that was to be wished for. In the mean while, the State's General of the United Provinces strongly 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 obliged to perform his Royal Word, and the Engagements into which he entered by an Authentic League in a time when England and Holland were as yet in good understanding together, and out of all appearance of a Rupture; 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 join all his Forces to theirs, in Order to Act jointly with them against the English as well by Sea as by Land. And for that effect his Majesty Commands expressly all his Subjects and Ships, to attack and fight the English, forbidding them on pain of death to have any Communication, Commerce, or Intelligence with them. And for those ends, His Majesty has revoked, and does revoke all permissions, Passports, Safeguards, or safe-Conducts, which may have been granted by him, or by his Lieutenant's 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 Majesty commands the Duke of Beaufort, Peer of France, Great Master, Chief, and Superintendent General of Marine Affairs, and of the Commerce of France; and likewise to the Marshals of France, to the Governors and Lieutenant Generals of his Majesty, as well those of his Provinces, as of his Armies, to Camp Marshals, Brigadeer, Colonels, Captains, and other Commanders of his Troops, as well Infantry as Cavalry, French, or Strangers, and to all other Officers to whom it appertains, to lend a hand to the Execution of these presents, every 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 United 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 Armed out. The Articles of that Treaty were.  

I. THat each party should absolutely desist from all pretensions they might have one upon the other. 
The Articles of the Dutch League with Denmark.   
II. That all manner of misunderstanding in Norway should be laid asleep and forgot.  
III. That the State's General should engage to pay to his Danish Majesty 1500000 Livers per annum, 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 politic 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 confiscated throughout the whole extent of the Kingdom. It's true the Danes proceed on that occasion had some appearance of Justice and Equity, 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 Merchandizes, but had likewise taken their men Prisoners, 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 Enterprise for which they afterwards declared War against him.  
In the mean time the United Provinces, in order to facilitate the Arming and manning out the Fleet, published 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 forbade the great and small Fishery under the same penalties and the Ordinance for forbidding the Greenland Fishery, was also renewed. But the States however, declared that their intention in all those prohibitions, was to find them subsistence all the year, without any alteration even after the Fleet should be gone out, etc.  
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  into that of Lieutenant Admiral of the College of the Admiralty of Amsterdam, which request the States granted upon Condition he got the consent of both those Admiralties thereunto: so that having obtained 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 quality of Lieutenant Admiral of the , and Captain John Van Nes was made Rear Admiral.  
In the mean while the English being sensible of the great Force of so powerful 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 1600000 l. 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, published 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 State's 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 Ambassadors of the most Christian King never offered any indemnification for the losses suffered by our Subjects, nor given any Guarantees 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 Fidelity 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 Brother Lord High Admiral of England, and our Trusty and well beloved Cousin and Councillor, George Duke of Albemarle, General of our Armies by Land, our Lords Lieutenants of Counties, Governors of Provinces, and all other inferior Officers and Soldiers, under their Commands as well by Sea as by Land, to oppose all the Erterprises 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 Subjects, we hereby most expressly 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 Enemy's Country. And whereas there are in our Kingdom, a great Number of the Subjects of France, and of the United Provinces 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 protected in their Goods and Persons. And moreover, 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 ever dearly tender, etc.  
In the mean while, the French being, as they are always, diligent in making their preparations, put out their Fleet to Sea at the very beginning of April, consisting of 30 Men of War 12 Galliots, and 10 Fireships, 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 orders from the King his Master, to enter the Channel, and join the Holland Fleet. And accordingly appearing upon the Coasts of England, he put them in alarm, and made a descent in several places, and carried off a few sheep, and some other small Booty, which was all the service he did the Hollanders whom he never joined, or the harm he did the English, whom he nevea fought, save only that by skulking 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 opportunity 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 advantage too: for under pretence of their small services in that War, the French cunningly wheedled 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 pressing 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 persuaded to do before, by all the Instances and Solicitations 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 Provinces, though many of the former perished 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 order of the King of Denmark.  
In the mean while the English, having used all the diligence imaginable to get their Navy Equipt, 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 General Monk. The White Squadron was Conducted by Sir George Ayschew, and the Blue one by Sir Thomas Allen.  
As soon as the Holland Fleet had advice, that the English Navy was at Sea, they weighed Anchor 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, because 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 not less than of the most Absolute sort. How the Dutch Reported 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 mile's distance from Ostend, our Advanced guards that were detached 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 tacked about, and steered back to the North-west-ward to rejoin their Grand Fleets. The wind being turned 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 Enemy's 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, after they had faced our Fleet a while, fell to rights upon us; which happening whilst we were busy in unmooring, and had our Anchors yet but half up, we were forced to cut our Cables in all haste, because the Enemy was already come within Cannon shot of us. without losing time than we hoist 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, Evertsz and de Vries, 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 follow us in their due rank, they advanced in good Order. The English Admiral putting up a Royal Flag, attacked us behind; but he was so vigorously charged by the Ships that followed us, that he was forced to tack about to the Northward, which made him with some of his followers, 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, observing that the abovesaid Admiral that carried the Royal or Union Flag, whose Main mast was shot down, had tacked 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 , was about the distance of a Musket shot from us, who being attacked by Solomonsz and de Haan, was extremely endamaged: For his main sail was shot to pieces, so that seeing himself in such a pitiful condition he fired some Guns without Bullet, to advertise 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 without damage. In the mean time the aforesaid English Vice-Admiral, making use of that opportunity, 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 Captain 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 Resistance, Admiral Tromp leapt into a Galliot, to go on board some other Ship, after he had recommended 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 Frigate, etc.  
Lieutenant Admiral Tromp having removed himself on Board the Vtrecht, 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 English, to the Number of 30 men of War, 
Tromp's Letter to the States, about the fight with the English in June, 1666.  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 burned her. The Enemy's Fleet is now coming up to us again, being reinforced 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 ourselves 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 called, the 7 Provinces, writ also the following Letter 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 Advanced 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 towards us whose Admiral carried on his Mainmast top the Union Flag of England, and the Red Flag on his Mizzen-mast top, and upon occasion for a signal he sometimes put up a third upon his Poop, without any blue in it. The Lieutenant Admiral carried a White Flag on his Mainmast, without any blue. There were 3 Vice-admirals', and Rearadmirals' that carried White and Blue 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 Cables. About noon, the fight begun by the Squadron 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 tacked about to the Northward; 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, Ʋander 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 another Ship, that he had been obliged to change his Ship. I perceived likewise, that a Ship of my Squadron, Commanded by Captain Otho Treslong in which were the Prince of Monaco, and the Count de Guiche, with their retinue as Volunteers, 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 Gelder's Ship, from whence they came on board me on the 12 in the morning.  
The English having as we have said, tacked about to the Northward, Admiral Evertsz and de Vries went on and charged them again, whilst we were repairing our damages. And the Enemies 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 advanced towards us with much Resolution. We received 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 Levers as they did likewise another Fireship 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 English Rearadmirals' ship, called the Injury sunk, but we know not whether any of the rest of the men that stayed 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 encumbrances.  
On the 12th. at break of day, the English having the Weather-gage came pouring 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 Ʋander 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 Advance and Fall upon the Enemy; which was put in Execution. Our Ships were extremely endamaged by the stout resistance the English made. Captain Solomonsz's Ship being fastened upon by an English Fireship, was blown up, but most of his men were saved; and the ships of Vice Admiral Ʋander 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 Topmast and Admiral's Flag were shot down. Afternoon the Enemies betook themselves to flight, and their Defeat continued all night, they Retreating towards the Thames. On the 13th. of the same month, being reinforced with a Squadron, of 20 light Frigates, 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 burned her. Admiral Ayschew and his men were saved by one of our Ships. This morning having called on board the Admiral's Ship, all the Captains of the Fleet we have resolved to pursue the Victory, in hopes that God will bless our Arms with a Complete 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 received a Reinforcement, etc.  
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 following 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 Westward, 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 Admiral de Ruiter in the main Battle, and that of Lieutenant Admiral Evertsz extended towards the North-East. The Enemies begun their attack upon Lieutenant Admiral Tromp's Squadron, who was obliged to cut his Anchor-Cables, and to bear the greatest brunt of their assailing Arms. His Masts being shot down were tumbled 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 English had the advantage of the Wind, but it being violent, their Ships being by it heaved all on one side had much ado to play their Guns with any success, whereas we with our lower Tires fired upon 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 Admiralty of Amsterdam, and the Rear Admiral of the same Squadron run in great danger of being burnt to Ashes by three Fireships, which yet wrought not the effect expected from them: For having carried their Flames no further than his Poop, they were quenched, and the Fireships repulsed; so that the ship escaped by favour of the night, tacking away to the Eastward; however a good part of her Seamen seeing her danger leapt into the Sea, choosing rather to perish in the Water than to be burnt. There is reason 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 again and we made a task to the . On Saturday morning, we perceived the English behind us, and made up to them, but they without waiting for us, advanced to meet us withmuch Resolution and Courage. And then the two Fleets broke through one another tho' across the continual Fire of each others Guns. A Calm came on, and after that, the Wind turned to the South, of which the English had the advantage. Our Admiral having broke through the Enemy's 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 Vtrecht; he was very ill handled, as was also his Vice Admiral, and had like to have been reduced to Ashes by an English Fireship. De Ruiter considering the danger in which Tromp was, resolved to disengage him, and for that effect, he ordered the greatest part of his Fleet to make a tack to the , whilst himself with his Rear fell upon the Enemies main body, making directly towards Tromp, to assist him: The English seeing him come, opened themselves, and the Admiral of the White advanced at the head of his Squadron, followed by two Fireships, to stop de Ruiter, who observing the motion the Enemies had newly made, tacked to the , to rejoin, if possible, the rest of his Fleet, which was tacked about to the Northward, with the same intention, so that the English contented themselves with firing upon him at a distance with their Guns, without offering to follow him. But methinks committed then a strange fault. For it had been easy for them to have destroyed the few Ships the Ruiter had with him, and Tromp's Squadron was able to make no more Resistance against them, whereas in spite of their Cannonading, the intended Junction was effected. The matter passed almost in the same manner, as it did the year before, for by the motion we made, two English ships were separated from the rest, whereof one was sunk, to which I myself, without bragging contributed the most, and the other was so shattered by the 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 together again, the fight was renewed, and we engaged together three times more, firing perpetually 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 tacked away to the Eastward, in the mean while we chased them as far as the Calm Wether, 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 afternoon, the most part of which retreated towards the West-South-West, in pretty good order; And then they were reinforced, by Prince Robert s Squadron consisting of 20 Men of War, coming from the . In the mean time whilst we were chasing them Sir George Ayschew's Ship Admiral of the White Squadron, called 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 Admiral and his men we burned. On Monday the 14th. in the morning, the English having received a Reinforcement of a fresh Squadron, took new Courage, and came and attacked us again. De Ruiter thereupon having summoned all his Captains on board the Admiral Ship, Recommended 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 Enemy's 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 the Ruiter, at the Head of one of them, made a Motion above the Enemy's Fleet, whilst the other had order to keep below them, with Design to enclose them. We had scarce passed 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 harvest 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 chase. Being advanced near Prince Robert, we boarded one of the Enemy's Ships, called the Havertuin, carrying 56 Guns, which yielded in sight of Prince Robert, he not daring to come to her Assistance, but contented himself with killing me one Seaman, and shooting of the Arm of another. And besides the ship I took the same evening there were 4 more taken 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 nimble retreat! the Sea was covered with wandering 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 only their own preservation before that of any one else, they were seen to scamper about with precipitation 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 Victory we have newly obtained, and for having so powerfully protected our Arms, to the destruction of our Enemies, etc.  
These Letters, how Authentic soever they were, met with no credit in England: And on the contrary, it was noised throughout all the Kingdom that they had defeated the Enemy's Fleet, and chased the Hollanders as far as into the very Havens of Zealand; Nay, that they had missed 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 Soldiers 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, etc. The people of Brabant, Cologne, and Hamborough 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 wounded of which all the Harbours of Great Britain were full. Their Great Ships were so miserably shattered, that the people were by public prohibition Restrained from going into the Ports, tho' out of mere curiosity. The Sovereign, the Royal Charles the Catharine, and several others were mown close to their very Hulls; The Rainbow who saved herself by flying towards the Coasts of Flanders after she had put her dead and wounded 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 having had their ships most grievously shattered, sought shelter in the Ports of the Gunfleet, Norbay, etc. Thus because each party claimed the Glory of that Action, and the Honour of the Victory, and that the English proceeded so far as to publish a Relation Printed by Authority, of which the whole design was, to prepossess people's minds with an opinion, that they had had the advantage. The States on their side, thought fit to undeceive the Public, by an Authentic Relation, Authorized by the pretended faithful Report of all the General and Inferior Officers in their Fleet. Which Pensioner the Wit, and Vrybergen, Ʋander Houlk, Kann and Gerlacius, the Deputies and Plenipotentiaries of the States, and who were no less fruitful in invention than any of the English Courtiers, were appointed to draw it up: And as soon as it was published, they sent copies into all the Courts of Europe to let all Princes see, that the Bonfires, and other dissembling rejoicings 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 ourselves from inserting it here at length.  
A Relation of what passed in the fight between the English Fleet, and that of the United Provinces, which happened on the 11, 12, 13, and 14th of June 1666, drawn up after a serious Examination, and according to the faithful Report both of the General and Inferior Officers of the whole Holland Fleet on the 24th of the same month according to the order of the State's General by the care of their Pensionary De Wit, Mr. Urybergen, Mr. Ʋander Houlk, Mr. Kann, and Mr. Gerlacius, Deputies and Plenipotentiaries of their High and Mightinesses, at present at Wielingen, 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 hindered 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, unmoored 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 composed of 83 men of War, or Frigates, besides Advice-Boats, Fireships, and other small Tenders on the Fleet. But it happened, that about an hour before the Battle, one of the most considerable Ships of the Dutch Fleet, commanded by Colonel de Gent having unfortunately lost her Foremast, and afterwards her mizzen mast by the violence 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 Holland: The said the 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 begun to play their Guns. Some moments before, the Hollanders, had cut their Anchor-Cables 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 motion 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 happened 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 little while after, an English Frigate of the Blue Squadron, carrying 50 Guns, sunk, after she had received a Farewell Broadside from de Ruiter. The Squadron of Lieutenant Admiral Cornelius Evertsz and Tierk hide de Vries 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 charged one another vigorously, making always the same motion, which lasted till 5 a Clock in the afternoon; when the English tacked to the Northwestward, as well to keep the Weather-gage, as to avoid the sand Banks of Flanders. That motion engaged the Squadron of Lieutenant Admiral Evertsz and Tierk hide de Vries in a Bloody Fight, in which the undaunted Valour and Courage of those two Generals were seen to shine with equal Luster. The English being thus tacked 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 Signalised himself against Captain Henry Adria●sz's Ship carrying likewise 70 Guns; another called the 7 Wonders, of 60 Guns, was taken by Captain Ʋander Zaan's Frigate 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 Amsterdam. And on the contrary, in the first attack, there were two Dutch Ships burnt, viz. The Duivenvoorde of 46 Guns, and Commanded by Otto Van Treslong; the second called, The Court of Zealand, had on board 58 Guns, and was Commanded 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 happily escaped the danger of the Flames, by Retiring nimbly into the Ship, called the Little Holland, Commanded by Cornelius Evertsz Van Gelder, Son-in-Law to Admiral Ruiter, who received 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' 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 Officers 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 Signalise themselves. Their unmasted Ships being carried out of the Fray, were towed away into Holland. The English Fleet having advanced above the Hollanders, their Chief Admiral followed by some Ships of his Squadron, cast Anchor; but a little while after, seeing the 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 Blue Squadron carrying between 60 and 70 Guns, sunk within Musket shot of Admiral 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 reason to doubt of it. It's true we are not sure whether any other English Ship perished that day, but at the beginning of the night, the Rear-Admiral of the White, whose Ship was a first Rate, having been vigorously attacked by De Ruiter, and some other Ships of his Squadron, and being already very much shattered, de Ruiter sent out a Fire Ship from his Squadron, which fastened upon her and set her on fire, but the first Fireship being put off, sunk, and the flames in the said Rear Admirals were quenched? Then another Fireship 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 quenched. A third Fireship 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 fastening upon the English Rear Admiral, he set Fire to him indeed, but a moment after, that was quenched, 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 spectators of that Glorious Action, the undaunted Bravery of that English Rear-Admiral cannot but be Admired, which was so much the more Remarkable, because some of his men having saved themselves by swimming, 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 Fireships, choosing rather to perish by Water than by Fire. The same Rear-Admiral performed likewise 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 than parted the Combatants, it being impossible for us to see, by reason of the darkness, or the thick smoke, whether the aforesaid Rear-Admiral, being shrewdly battered scaped away and saved himself, or whether he sunk to the bottom of the Sea.  
When the night was past, the English Fleet found itself 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 English toward the South, with design to follow one the other; But the English having the Advantage of the Wind, disputed their Enemy's passage, 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 Inferior of the Holland Fleet, given in to the said Deputies and Plenipotentiaries of the States. The Fleets then having broke in upon one another in that manner, their Guns made strange Havoc: For the most part of the Ships of the two Fleets had their Masts, their Sails and Tackling either shot away, or shattered to pieces. And as each party was endeavouring with all speed to repair their damages, there happened 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 centre of the Enemy's 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 assistance, 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 hoist in de Swart's Ship, in the last extremity, but yet fight with all imaginable intrepidity, as likewise did Vice Admiral Ʋander 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 Solomonsz'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 themselves 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 Signalised his Bravery, 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 likewise the Ships of all the three other Captains abovenamed, were reduced into so pitiful a Condition, by the loss of all their Masts, that Lieutenant Admiral Tromp was again obliged to change Ship, and those which were Commanded by Vice-Admiral Ʋander 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 Ʋander Hulst was killed with a Cannon shot, being extremely Regreted because of his great Merit, Experience, and Bravery. But God be thanked those losses were doubly Recompensed 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 blue Squadron, carrying between 50 and 60 Guns, sunk at three in the afternoon, presently after the Ruiter had thundered 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 rolled 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 followed her close, and gave her a Broadside in passing. And absolutely to convince the World, that the two abovesaid Ships of the White Squadron were two different Ships, it is to be observe d that several Officers and other Seafaring men saw both of them sink, that is to say, that the same persons that saw one perish, saw the other undergo the same far a little after; for we have so carefully distinguished 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 Autumn before by the English when the Dutch Fleet was dispersed by a Tempest, was sunk by a broad side from Captain Marreveld. 6. Another English Ship sunk in the midst of their own Fleet, after she had in vain signified her danger to her Companions, without receiving any assistance from them.  
In the fight of the two first days, as likewise 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 absolutely assured of, because fire being set to several Fireships at divers times, we cannot positively say whether the Ships they grappled 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 Fireships are now actually soliciting for the reward allotted by the States for such Service, by producing good Certificates of their performance of it: Besides, that the English 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 certain 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: Amongst others, the Topmast and Admiral's 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 Admiral's 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 Conduct, 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 tacked about and made with all the sail they could for their own Coasts. Their Fleet was then weakened by the loss of 8 or 9 men of War. The Hollanders seeing them fly made all the sail they could, to pursue them; But their flight was favoured by the obscurity of the night, and the Calms that then begun to come on, which obliged 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 public 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 English Fleet, run a ground upon the bank called, the Galloper, which was a great misfortune for a General 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 going to be burnt by the approach of two Dutch Fireships, if Lieutenant Admiral Tromp, who was then in the Ship of Rear Admiral Sweers, had not given a signal to Command the Fireships to proceed no further, so much the rather because by putting up a Flag on board him, in the manner usual on such occasions, he shown marks of Submission, 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 Admiral de Ruiter. As for his Ship, the Prince Royal, tho' she was afterwards got off of the Bank, yet because she was so extremely shattered that de Ruiter thought her not in a condition to be able to follow the main body of the Fleet, he Commanded her to be burnt; which was immediately 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 Portsmouth, in order to join some other Men of War, and to go meet the Duke of Beauford, Admiral of France, and to fight him. Three other great English Ships that were come out of the Thames likewise joined him, which altogether made a Reinforcement of 25 Men of War. At the Sight and Approach of that Succour, the Squadron of Zealand and Friesland advanced to fight them; but Prince Robert avoided them, and tacked away to join the Body of the English Fleet, so that he joined them accordingly about the Dusk of Night. And then the Enemy's Fleet was composed of 60 Men of War, of which the most part were fresh and in good Condition. 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 Prizes taken from the Enemies, or those of our Ships that were unmasted and disabled by them.  
Things being in that State, and the Hollanders being 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, Admiral de Ruiter fired several Guns to summon the Generals and Captains of the Dutch Fleet on Board him, where he held a Council of War, and exhorted 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 pouring with the Three Squadrons of their Fleet upon the Enemy's 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 , 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 Vittenhou●, was burnt and sunk. And an English Fireship seeing the Ship of Vice-Admiral de Liefde unmasted, was going to grapple him, but was repulsed 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 grappled herself by an English Fireship that kept by Prince Robert's side, so that they were both burnt together with an English Ship that chanced unfortunately to fall foul upon them, and all perished 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 refit 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 itself; and accordingly 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 Vries, as also the Vice-admirals' Bankert, Schram, and Koenders, and Rear-Admiral Bruinsveld broke in among the Enemies with all imaginable undauntedness, and it happened, that Lieutenant-Admiral Van Nes and Vice-Admiral de Liefde, with the Rearadmirals' 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 attacked, as was likewise their whole Navy in general, afterwards, that in less than half an Hours Fight, they were put in Confusion and begun to fly the second 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 Retreat 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 Courage and Resolution grappled two of the Enemy's Frigates, 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 hearing of that Action, fell vigorously upon them again, and wrested them once more out of the Hands of the English. But one of those Frigates, 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 happened to another English Frigate, but she was retaken by the Enemies. Vice-Admiral Koenders took likewise at the same time a Ship called the Nagelboom, that was taken from the Dutch the Year before, carrying 62 Guns, and sent her into the Texel Captain Ruth Maximilian, took also the Ship called 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 English 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 Victor's, was not pleased they should be utterly defeated by the Destruction of their whole Navy, which appeared as unavoidable: For the shattered Remainder of them miraculously escaped by the Favour of a thick Fog, about 7 a Clock at Night. However, the Dutch Fleet being victorious and triumphant, continued to chase 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 together, they sailed away all Night leisurely, and with little Sail homewards.  
The next Morning, which was the22●th of June, the English appearing no more at Sea, the Hollanders gave over chasing 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 Prizes taken from the English, were already arrived at Goree: Ten more had been sent before at several Times upon 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 Frigate of the , that had served the Fleet as an Advice-Yacht, the number of 85 Men of War that composed the Fleet, besides Fireships and Tenders, when it came out of the Texel: Whereas on the contrary 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 United 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 destroyed by the Hollanders; among which, were an Admiral and a Vice-Admiral: Whereas on the side of the United 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 show the least Advantage they had gotten over the Hollanders that could diminish the Glory of the Victory, that was so justly due to them.  
This was the Relation published 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 Relation, how Authentic 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 Opportunity, with their whole Force, to fall upon little more than half the English Royal Navy. For notwithstanding all the fair Promises France had made, to join their Fleet to that of the States, and the mighty Hopes they had given them of their great Designs, they all vanished 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 Fight 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 Courage 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' outnumbered and overpowered, yet fought so obstinately, that they would in all probability have ravished the Victory from a less expert and valiant Chieftain than he. For he ranged his People in Battle with so much Judgement, 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 nimble 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 occasion to break into the heart of the Enemy's 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 every where and in every thing, he from the very 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, considering his undaunted boldness in breaking in among 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 English asked, 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 Enemy's Squadrons, enduring the greatest fire of their Guns by the terrible and frequent broad sides, they let fly at him. The rest of the Officers of the Fleet, both General and Inferior, strove likewise with Emulation, which should give the most signal marks of their Courage in that fierce Engagement. However the gaining of that Battle 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 Ʋander Hulst, Rear Admiral Staghouwer, the Captains Otho Van Treslong, Solomonsz, Jansz, Vttenhout, Wouter, Wyngaarden, Adam Hourtuin, Simon Bink, and about 800 Seamen or Soldiers. The Number of the wounded amounted to 11 or 1200, amongst 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 incomparably greater, there being reckoned to be about 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 reckon 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 Levenwolden, 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 able to make resistance, yet was so obstinately bend 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 Musket Bullet, he retired into the Captain's , where laying himself down at his length on a Table, he was found in that posture dead by the Victors, all over besmeared with the blood flowing out of his wounds. Rear Admiral Sweers, having boarded Admiral Ayschew's Ship, this Latter delivered to him the Keys of his and yielded himself up to the discretion of the Victor. The Hollanders took out of his Ship, 500 men, and a little while after the flames getting 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 England embarked in when he returned to be re-established 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 Majesty.  
SIR,  

Admiral Ayschew's Letter to the King of England.  YOur Majesty without doubt has heard of the Battle fought on the 11th. of this month between 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 being much Inferior 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 wished for. And therefore the Squadron of Ships under the Command of his Highness' your Majesty's 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 endamaged, in the Number of which was that of the Duke of Albemarl. Some Dutch Ships were reduced to Ashes, as well by our Fireships, as by their Powder taking Fire. The next day we renewed 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 attacked was forced to my great regret, to yield, through want of power to resist any longer, I having 150 men killed on board me. I am as yet in perfect health, and was removed hither 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 killed. 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, , 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 State's 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 powerful a Fleet and that was so well manned 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 King's chief Favourites, and Brother-in-Law to the Duke of York, having married a Daughter of the Lord Chancellor Hid about two months before, ordered his Body to be Embalmed, and deposited at the Hague. And sent the following Letter to his British Majesty to inform him of it.  
SIR,  
WE always thought, 
The State's Letter to the King of England.  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 Majesty's 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 Illustrious memory. For that effect we have Ordered his Body to be embalmed, 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 rendered 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 intent to give for his Transportation. But if on the contrary, your Majesty shall choose rather to have him Interred 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 ourselves, as far as the present State of affairs will permit. We recommend your Majesty's Sacred person to the protection of God, etc.  
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 beginnings, ordered a Thanksgiving-day, which was solemnly observed the last day of June, and followed by public Rejoices 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 Rejoices were celebrated at Stockholm, at Ratisbonn, at Paris, at Madrid, at Genua, and at all the Courts of Europe where the States had any Ambassadors, which were continued three days together, with Feast, Fireworks and Volleys of small shot. The Town of Brussels was the only place that looked upon all that with an evil Eye. For the Mobb getting together near the Dutch Resident Sasburg's house, committed a thousand insolences, and because they were hindered 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 England; and those Mutineers continued their insolences till the Marquis of castle Rodrigo, Governor 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 Funerals of Lieutenant Admiral Cornelius Evertsz, and Vice Admiral Ʋander Hulst, to whom great honours were paid. The latter of them was interred in the Old Church at Amsterdam, where a Marble Tomb was erected with his Statue, at the public charge, in Memory of his great Actions. And his Epitaph was engraven on a Table of Black Marble in these Terms in Dutch.  


Ter Onsterlijker gedachtenis van den Ed. Manhaften Zeeheld Abraham Ʋander 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:  
Am 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 Ʋander 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 Virtues. Anno 1666.    
Lieutenant-Admiral John Evertsz, whose Conduct had appeared suspicious, and whom the States, to appease the incensed People, had ordered to quit his Employment for a time, would needs solicit for a re-establishment after the death of his Brother; and for that effect he writ to the States of Zealand, representing to them, That he passionately wished he might be permitted to render his Services to his Country as he had done before, in quality of Lieutenant-Admiral of that Province: That he ardently desired to sacrifice his Life for the Public 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, after they had signalised themselves in many Battles. The States of Zealand making Reflection upon his consummate Experience in Sea-affairs, and the undaunted Courage and good Conduct he had shown in several Battles, 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 persuaded, 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 proposed it in the Assembly of the States-General, they consented to it.  
The State's Fleet being got ready to put to Sea again, and being 60 sail strong of Men of War or Frigates, unmoored on the 5th of July from Wielingen, under the Conduct of Admiral de Ruiter; and some regular Land-Troops, drawn out of the Garrisons, were privately marched beforehand, to be embarked on board some Transport-ships, which were designed to make a Descent. And all the whole Fleet being thus advanced over against Schoonevelt, was reinforced with 5 Men of War and 7 Frigates, besides another Reinforcement they receiv d some days after, by the arrival of Lieutenant-Admiral Tromp, and some other general Officers, out of the  or the Texel. The great diligence and expedition 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 surprise the Enemies, to enter into the River of Thames, or Harwich, to make some considerable havoc there, and destroy the Enemy's Fleet, or at least to make some Descent. But they were mightily surprised when they saw those People whom they thought they had mauled and weakened 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 Frigates, 13 Fireships, 20 Advice-Yatchts, besides Transport-ships; so that the English Fleet, who had had Advice 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 Squadrons, the first of which was under the immediate Conduct of Lieutenant-Admiral General de Ruiter; the second under the Lieutenant-admirals' Evertsz, and Tierke hide de Vries; 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 running 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 happened, 'twas a great Happiness for the Dutch Fleet they had done so; for the next day, the Wind rising high, was followed with a furious 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 anchored 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 Conduct of General Monk; and the Blue one, commanded by Sir Jeremy Smith. The fight begun about noon next day, and was so very disastrous to the Hollanders, that it rendered almost for ever ireconcilable the two greatest Men for Sea-affairs that ever the Ocean bore, or that ever the United Provinces had to command their Fleets; I mean, de Ruiter and Tromp: Whether it were that that Misunderstanding proceeded from the Jealousy 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 Virtue and Merit of Great Men, was minded that way spitefully to make a mortal thrust at the Reputation of Tromp; but that his Reputation was always so well and firmly established 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 natural Eagerness and Intrepidity, he would needs give chase to the English Blue Squadron, and that was it that was all his Crime; for if de Ruiter and the Lieutenant-admirals' Evertsz and de Vries had gained any advantage over the English, I am persuaded, they never would have complained that Tromp had deserted them. In the mean while, by a sad reverse of Jadish and Unconstant Fortune, the Hollanders, who had gathered some Laurels in the precedent Expedition, were forced in this last to yield to the English the so much contested Empire of the Sea.  
The better to satisfy the World of the principal Circumstances of that famous Fight, we shall insert here the Letters written by the general Officers of the Fleet, to the States, about it.  
High and Mighty Lords,  

Admiral de Ruiter's Letter to the States about the Fight in August, 1666.  SInce my last, of the 4th of this Month, before Noon, the 2 Fleets engaged in Fight, about eleven of the Clock, the Wind at North, our Vanguard, under the Conduct of Lieutenant-Admiral Evertsz, begun the Attack, and engaged with the Enemies White Squadron: The main Battle, under my own Command, fought against the Red Squadron; but it was a great surprise to me, when I saw Lieutenant-Admiral Tromp, who commanded the Rear, instead of advancing with his Squadron, 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 little while against some Ships of the Blue Squadron. However it was, my Ship being attacked by the Sovereign 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 received 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 shattered, that he was forced to change his Ship, as we found by the removal of the Admiral's Flag; as was afterwards more particularly 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 Admiral's Flag, but that was not able to stop them. The English Admiral having remarked that, came pouring with his Squadron upon me and some other Ships belonging to my Flag, which engaged me in a cruel fight, which yet I maintained vigorously, in hopes that either Tromp or Meppel would come in to my assistance from behind, or else Lieutenant-Admiral Evertsz, who had the Vanguard, from before; but I afterwards found that I had but vainly flattered myself with that Hopes, so that my Ship having had all her Sails and Rigging shot down by the board, I saw myself disabled to govern her any longer: and being thus reduced into a condition not to be able to make any more resistance, by reason of the great number of killed and wounded 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 easy 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 ourselves thus deserted, we thought there was no other Remedy left for our preservation, but to tack away to the southward, and to fight retreating: 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 join 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 detached out a Fireship to come and burn me to Ashes, I made my Barge advance, which was backed by some others, into which those brave French Volunteer Lords, de Lorraine, 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 preserved 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 Chase; 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 suffered, 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 hide de Vries, 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 Captain's Ruth Maximilian, Jeupian Poel, and Henry Vroom. Captain Hugh van Nieuhof having lost a Leg, and Cornelius Hogenhoek being wounded in the Belly are also in great Danger of losing their Lives. As for the Enemy's 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 sound battered. I am perswaded your High and Mightinesses will be informed of it, even before you have received this present, etc.  
Lieutenant Admiral Tromp coming next Day before Wielingen with his Squadron, writ to the States the Letter following.  
High and mighty Lords,  
YEsterday Morning, 
Lieutenant Admiral Tromp's Letter to the States.  the Enemy's Fleet being about 90 Sail strong, came up with us; the Wind was North-East mixed with a Calm, Lieutenant Admiral Evertsz having the Weather-gage, vigorously attacked 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 myself 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 chased them all Night, without being able to hear any thing either of the Vanguard or of the Main Battle. The next morning, finding ourselves near 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 join 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 Evening we discerned a Ship coming towards us, which appeared to us to be that of Lieutenant Admiral Tierke hide, but because she had neither Flag nor Topmast, we took that for an unlucky presage. We are arrived this Day before Wielingen, with our Squadron 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 join him. The Main Body of the Enemy's 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 jointly with Tromp had given Chase 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 Mightinesses know, 
Lieutenant Admiral Meppel's Letter  That on Wednesday last, the State's Fleet engaged in a Fight with the English, which was so cruel and bloody, that 'tis almost incredible. All the afternoon I fought against the Vice-Admiral of the Blue Squadron, being backed 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 Wether, which hindered 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 pierced 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 forced the Enemy's 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 tacked 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 Mightinesses 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 quashed to pieces; my two Lieutenants are mortally wounded. 'tis 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 little or nothing at all endamaged. He has reported to me, That on the 4th towards the Evening, he was in Action 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 hide de Uries is also come, very much shattered, into the Road with the said Squadron of Tromp, so that of all the State's Fleet we have lost only the Ship of Vice-Admiral Bankert, and that of Ruird Hillebrandt. Yesterday in the Evening we came to an anchor between Zouteland and Flushing, from whence we perceived the English Fleet before our Coasts consisting of about 80 Sail great and small. I hourly expect the Deputies of your High and Mightinesses, to give Order about all things, etc.  
Tho' the Loss of this Battle was very sensible to the United 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 destroy them one after another. Here follows an extract of the Letter sent by Prince Robert and General Monk, to White-Hall, after the Fight, by which it appears what their Design was. We flattered ourselves very much, that de Ruiter would fall into our Hands; but it was calm Wether, and our small Frigates were not such nimble Sailors 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 Northwest, 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 followed him in the Royal Charles, till we came within 6 Fathoms depth of Water, etc.  
Smith, who commanded the Blue Squadron, met with but a very ill Reception in England, because they were the first that begun to fly, and the Officers of the other 2 Squadrons made great Complaints against him.  
In the mean while, the Deputies of the Admiralties and the Plenipotentiaries of the States with the Pensioner de Wit, came on board Admiral de Ruiter, as well to inform themselves of the particulars of the fight, as to give orders for putting the Fleet to Sea again with all imaginable diligence. 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 Conduct observed by Tromp, and openly charged him with all the disorder that had happened in the Fleet, and with the ill success of the Battle. Tromp having understood all the shrewd passes the Ruiter had made at his Reputation, thought of nothing more than of Vindicating himself from so great and bloody an outrage, by charging the Ruiter, in return, with all the blame he imputed to him: And for that effect, he writ the following Letter to the State's General, and to the States of Holland.  
High and Mightinesses. 
Tromp's Letter to the States in his own Vindication.   
I Find myself indispensably obliged to inform you of all the particulars of the last fight between your Fleet, and that of his British Majesty. On the 4th. of this Month, the English Navy came up right to us, the wind at Northwest mixed with a Calm. Our Fleet was to Lee-ward, Lieutenant Admiral Evertsz having the Vanguard, advanced in good order by favour of the Wind. At that motion, the White Squadron, followed by the main body of the English Battle fell upon him, whilst the Ruiter who Commanded the main body of our Fleet, stayed 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, began 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 endeavoured 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 Fireship came and fell upon one of our foremost ships, which our Rear-Admiral Ʋander Zaan seeing, he set the Enemy's Fireship on fire with shot from his great guns. The Admiral of the Blue Squadron followed likewise by a Fireship came up with me and attacked me, Who was backed by the Captains de Haan and Van Amstel. We played 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 weather of her, we boarded her, being backed with a Fireship, and after we had battered her a long time with continual Broad sides, we fastened our Fireship 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 being thus engaged in Fight, separated the English Rearguard from their Main Battle, so that we fought with it till about 5 a Clock in the Afternoon. And my Ship had then fired away 10300 l of Powder. The Vice-Admiral of the Blue which was behind, within Canonshot from us, did all he could to burn Captain de Haan, but the Fireship's Crew that were detached for that purpose, seeing our Boats ready to receive them, retired with haste, after they had received some Canonshot. 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 accordingly 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  being set on Fire, he fired some Guns to advertise his Vice and Rearadmirals' to veer back towards him to come to his Assistance; but the Enemies 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 Admiral, but the most part of the Ships of his Squadron would have fallen into our Hands. Having gotten then such great Advantages over the most considerable of the Enemy's Squadrons, we were, in the Judgement of all Men experienced in Marine Affairs, engaged to pursue the Victory, and without committing an irreparable Blunder, we could not let them retire without giving them Chase; 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 the 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 frequented the Sea, to judge, Whether if Lieutenant Admiral de Ruiter had timely cut off the Enemy's 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 executed with so much the more Ease, because our Vanguard 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 before God, That I have done nothing that betrays my Intentions, which were for the Good of the Public, and the Glory of my Country.  
And now, High and Mightinesses, I cannot suffer without Reparation, that without having any Regard to all the faithful Services I have done, Admiral de Ruiter, out of a Principle of Hatred and Jealousy, 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 Honour and Duty, I see myself 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 without 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 Disorders 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, etc.  
The States of Holland fearing that Hatred between 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 the Wit, who had always entertained an irreconcilable Hatred for Tromp, for being well affected to the Interests of the illustrious 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 Union and Peace in the Fleet, Tromp should be cited to come and justify 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 Ruiter, etc.  
That Project was approved by the Nobles, and by the Towns of Dort, Delf, Leyden, Amsterdam, Gouda, Rotterdam, Gornichem, Schiedam, Schoonhoven, the Brill, Alkmaer, Hoorn, Edam, Medenblick 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 manner. 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, 
The State's Resolution about deposing Tromp from his Place of Lieutenant Admiral.  in Pursuance of the Commission given them on the 18th instant, concerning 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 provide for the maintenance of that good Understanding that ought to prevail among the Sea-Officers, and principally 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 rendered Admiral de Ruiter, etc.  
Upon 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 State's Fleet, could not be continued in his Employment jointly with the Ruiter, without exposing the Fleet to an inevitable Ruin, by the Disorder and Confusion that would predominate in the Command of it. Wherefore, for the preventing of such great Disasters, it has been resolved, and we will, That the Commission of Lieutenant Admiral of Holland and West-Friesland of the College of the Admiralty of Amsterdam, provisionally granted to the said Tromp, be Revoked and Remitted by these Presents, and that in consequence of the same, his Employment vacant by his Dismission 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 Delay before their High and Mightinesses, and at his Arrival his Dismission shall be made Public, as it ought to be.  
Lieutenant Admiral Tromp then coming to the Hague on the 23d of the Month, 
Tromp displaced by the States of Holland.  in Obedience to the abovesaid Resolution, presented himself next Day before the Assembly of the States; where Pensionary the Wit told him from their High and Mightinesses, That it was their Will and Pleasure to take from him the Commission of Lieutenant Admiral of the College of the Admiralty of Amsterdam, that had been granted him. Tromp made him answer, That he was ready to pay a willing Obedience to their High and Mightinesses, with many Thanks besides for the Honours they had done him. But because it was feared some Mutiny might happen in the Fleet by reason of the great Affection the Seamen bore to Tromp, the States forbade 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 Malcontents within the Bounds of Obedience. The same Day the States of Holland advanced to the Office of Lieutenant Admiral, vacant by the Dismission of Tromp, Mr. the Gent, Colonel of a Marine Regiment; Sweers likewise, who was Rear-Admiral before, was made Vice-Admiral of the same College in the Place of Ʋander Hulst, Verburg succeeded Sweers in the Place of Rear-Admiral, and Captain David Vlug was made Rear-Admiral of the College of the Admiralty of the North, in the room of the Horn, who was killed.  
Mr. De Gent being informed of the Honours the States were doing him, would fain have excused accepting them, and among other Reasons he represented, That having frequented the Sea but a little while he thought himself not capable to Command a Squadron; but the States pressing him again to accept the place that was presented him, and Tromp with whom we had contracted an intimate Friendship, joining his persuasions 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 Amsterdam, 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, Invictumque virum vincit dolour. 

Tromp solicited by the Count d' Estrades to take service under the French King, but in vain.  The Count d' Estrades, Ambassador from the Court of France to the States, observing what had happened to Tromp, thought it would be for the interest of the King his Master, to wheedle him to pass into his Service, being persuaded, 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 overture to that effect, offering him an annual Pension of 50000 Livers; but Tromp, to his great surprise, bluntly answered him; That he had rather live all the rest of his days as a simple Burgher, and continue faithful to his Country, than to betray it at the expense of his own honour, by taking service under a Foreign Prince, what mighty 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 indefatigable care and diligence, whilst the English lured on by the hopes of Booty, appeared before the Vlie with a Fleet of 60 sail of men of War. And that they might with the less encumbrance carry on so desired an enterprise, 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 contrary to their expectation, how to surmount them, by one Heemskerk, formerly a Captain in the service of the United Provinces, but who was discarded from it for his Cowardice, they were encouraged to such an attempt as might make the Zealanders feel the fatal effects of the loss of the Battle, by a malicious and mischievous enterprise that Traitor proposed to them.  
The English Fleet being arrived on the 17th. 
The spoils done by the English at the Vlie.  of August near the Vlie, got advice by a fisherman that fell into their hands, that the Isles of Vlie and Schelling were the most exposed of all those Maritime Countries, that there were some Magazines 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 advertised 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 enterprise, resolved to put it in execution the next day at 8 in the morning. By favour of the Tide, and of a Northwind, 10 men of War, 5 fireships, and 7 Yachts sailed in as far as below the Brandaris of the Isle of Schelling, whilst another Yacht slid into the Vlie, where she told 160 Merchant-ships, and 2 men of War, their Convoys.  
Sir Robert Holms, of whom we have already spoken several times, was the Head of that enterprise. He considered, that if he attacked the Isles first, the Merchant ships would thereby gain time to provide for their security, and therefore detacht away 2 Frigates which entered into the Tonn●n, and followed them with the rest of his ships, but being stopped by a contrary wind, he was forced to fall back again towards the Brandaris. Then after he had held a Council of War, he ordered the Pembroke Frigate followed by 5 fireships, to advance to go and attack the Merchant fleet. And accordingly Captain Brown, having fastened 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 Companions, for he escaped in his Boat. The Merchant ships cut their Anchor Cables at so horrible a spectacle to fly as well as they could from the fury of the flames. In the mean while the men in the three English Fireships that still remained advanced? Crying out! I am Heemskerk the Author of the enterprise; and set fire to some Merchant ships richly laden, and bound for Muscovy, which after their men had signalised themselves to the utmost in their defence, were likewise burnt to ashes. After that, the English with 22 Boats went out of the Brandaris, and by favour of their Oars and the Tide together gave chase 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 unhappy wretches that dwelled in the Vlie, 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 Armed and Provided with able Seamen made a very vigorous resistance; for they repulsed the English, and sunk some of their Boats, so that under their shelter, several rich Merchants designed for Muscovy were preserved from the Enemy's fire, who durst follow them no further for fear of running aground.  
Holms being informed by some Prisoners, that the Vlie likewise was in no condition to defend itself, detacht away two Frigates and some small Vessels, with orders to Land their men in the Fort: But a Tempest arising with a most terrible 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 Quenched: And besides, the men that were Commanded out upon that design were so miserably Weatherbeaten, 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 thither 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 tossed 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 Regular Troops near the Brandaris, without meeting with the least resistance from the Inhabitants, the most part of which are Fishermen, and Mennonites, a sort of Sect that think all War unlawful, 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 spectacles in the World, to see the poor inhabitants of that place in the utmost desolation, and the affrighted 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 pillaged what the fire had spared.  
Holms would have carried on those strange successes further into the Country, and two other Villages in the same Isle were just ready to be treated after the same rate; but that being obliged to stay till 24 hours were passed, before he could attempt any thing more, and to wait for a favourable wind to execute his enterprise, and besides, finding that the inhabitants having begun to Retrench themselves at the Eastward of the Village, had raised two Batteries, and expected every moment 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 mischief done by the English Incendiaries to those poor Islanders, watched 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 under Gluckstadt, fell on the 27th. of August with a fair Wind, upon a Merchant Fleet of 17 English 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 themselves, 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 moment filled with people, and it being just at the beginning of night, all the Town was on a sudden enlightened with a Million of Candles and Torches, and the Burghers were all in Arms. About 9 of the Clock, 4 Merchant ships, viz. 3 English, and one Hamburgher were on fire, this last happening unluckily to ride too near the others, and if the wind had not chopped 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 Marquis of Bellefonds, and the Deputies of their High and Mightinesses, 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. 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 acknowledgement of the undaunted Courage and Singular Conduct he had shown 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 bubbling off the Hollanders with fair promises and specious hopes that vanished all but into smoke; for the Junction, as it was never intended, so it was never made.  
The State's Fleet being got ready, unmoored on the 5th. of September, consisting of 71 men of War or Frigates, and 27 fireships. Besides the New Officers abovementioned, Vice Admiral Bankert succeeded 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 the Ruiter 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 Newport, and upon some advice received from Paris, that the Duke of Beauford, Admiral of France had unmoored from Rochel: Nay, and that he was come already 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 Calais and Bullen: Where the Vice Admiral's 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 Foremast and Bolt-sprit, so that de Ruiter ordered her to be burnt. About noon, he heard, that the English fleet consisting of above 100 sail was following after that of Holland, whereupon the Ruiter presently put up a Red Flag as a signal to his fleet to fall all together at the same time upon 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 infinite Number of People that were got together on the Coasts of France, and were spectators of the daring Courage of the Hollanders, and of the Retreat 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 Show at Sea, but did not think fit to hazard an Engagement, and so made towards Portsmouth. And as for the Admiral of France, he appeared not, and so de Ruiter being weary of waiting 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 Northward, to look for the Ships that were expected coming 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. 
Dreadful Fire of London.  For beginning on the 12/2 of September, 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 Judgement 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 Vlie 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 wander 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 Accident 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 easy 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 further 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 Motion as if they would advance to attack the 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 join him, and therefore desired him to excuse him for having put in with the French Fleet into Breast. So de Ruiter seeing there was no appearance of attempting any thing to effect, retired again about the middle of October with his Fleet, whereof a part put into Zealand, another into the , 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 obliging Deportment of the States in that matter, and with the Honours they had rendered to the Memory of a Person that was so dear to him, that he returned 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, 
The King of England's Letter to the States.  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 William Barkley, who after having signalised himself, lost his Life for the Service of his Prince and Country: After his Death, he fell into your Hands by the Fortune of War, and the Honours you have rendered to his glorious Memory were very pleasing to me; I shall always consider them as an effect of your generous Good Will, and whenever the like occasions shall happen, we will endeavour on our part to answer them, by acknowledging Virtue 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 Transportation may not be attacked in its Passage by our Subjects, we have added to this enclosed, 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 conceived from our Troubles and Dissensions: 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 contained 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 formerly, writ to him the following Letter, dated the 16th of September, by the Yacht ordered to transport into England Vice-Admiral Barkley's Body.  
SIR,  

The State's Letter to the King of England  BEing 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 transported into England, in order to be delivered into the Hands of his Relations, we accordingly send it, to satisfy the Offers we made your Majesty to that effect.  
Moreover, we have with much Pleasure seen the good Disposition in which your Majesty is, mentioned towards the close of your Letter, which signify the Inclination your Majesty would be pleased 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 Condition's. We therefore doubt not of the sincerity of the so often repeated Protestations newly made, signifying your Inclination for a Peace: But we are not ignorant likewise, that you are persuaded there will be no Advance made towards Peace, so long as you shall make no Overture of the particular 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 Ambassador, whom we ordered to stay in the Court of England expressly upon that account, tho' your Majesty had already recalled yours. Mr. Van Beuningen, our Minister extraordinary at the French Court, renewed them in the last Place in presence of the Queen your Majesty's Mother, to Mr. Hollis your Ambassador, without receiving any positive Answer thereto from your Majesty. We could not with Justice, according to what is practised in such Negotiations, have ordered our Minister in the Conference held at Paris with the said Hollis, to solicit 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 manner, the so much desired Peace might be concluded without delay, and that by that means the effusion 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 Conquests 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 ourselves, 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 aught to be preserved 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 United Provinces, or their Subjects, which amounts to above 100 Ships, with their Merchandises and Effects, as likewise the Fort of S. Andrew, the Isle of Boavista, New Holland, and Cabo Corso, all that was taken by Surprise unjustly, and without any Declaration of War. And yet your Majesty slighting so advantageous a Proposition, never considered to explain yourself openly, nor to determine upon the Choice either the one or the other of the proposed Conditions, 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 Majesty broke off the foresaid Conference, which was the greatest Hopes of those that ardently desire Peace, and which was happily begun in the presence of the Queen your Majesty's Mother; you broke it off, we say, by the sudden recalling of your Ambassador, without showing 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 followed 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 Mediation of the King of Swedeland, in the Confidence we have, that that Prince being equitable, will have regard to the just and Advantageous Propositions 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 consequently 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 Writing, 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 ourselves, 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 violent Passion that incites us to the Conclusion of a solid Peace, but we make all the particular Advances besides that Right and Justice can exact of us. And because a general Declaration that comprehends 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 Propositions that were made on our part in the Conference 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 join to it a particular Declaration, that may show 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 continued, as well in respect of the Place, as to the Persons. But if your Majesty should make any Scruple to do it, and should have any Reasons not to consent to it, that then your Majesty would consent 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 Majesty may be obliged to meet with all Diligence. And we shall take it for one of the greatest Testimonies of the sincerity of the Protestation your Majesty has so often repeated concerning Peace, if it stir up no Jealousy nor Disunion between us and our Allies, to obstruct it.  
In fine, we will wait your Majesty's Declaration 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 ourselves, 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, 
The King of England's answer to the State's Letter.  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 persuaded, 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 Advances 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, though 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 surprising, 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 Accommodation, by refusing to inform you of our lawful Pretensions: In fine, you pretend that we alone reject it, whilst you and your Allies desire it, and passionately seek for it, whereas the Truth is, you yourselves 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 Outrages, 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 Advances 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 yourselves with all the Blame, which engages our Honour to provide for its Security, than we may by the Assistance of Heaven, deliberate with Success about the means that shall be judged proper to pacify our Troubles, and put a stop to the cruel Effusion of so much Protestant Blood. In the mean while we cannot forbear relating the following Particulars, to undeceive the Public.  
1. That we have made several pressing Instances, but all to no purpose, to move you to make Reparation 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 Command 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 stopped by your Officers, under pretence, That you having declared War against the Princes with whom we pretended 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 traffic with the Inhabitants of that Country; so that when we demanded Reparation for the Damages suffered, showing you an Authentic 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 Attempt, and absolutely refused to give us any Satisfaction.  
3. We say, That as soon as ever your Ambassador 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 Knowledge 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 Rigour of the Laws, if he were found guilty, with Intention to make Reparation for the Damages you had suffered. But that Protestation, how sincere soever it were, was not capable to satisfy you, tho' it ought to have done so however, according to the Tenor 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 forbade him to present himself at Court, and what is more, we committed him presently to the Tower of London, where he continued Prisoner till after the Rupture. And yet your Ambassador 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 alleged, That before he attacked your Fort, he intercepted in his Way to Guiney, Orders by which your Officers were enjoined to seize upon the Castle of Cormantine, which they afterwards actually attacked.  
4. The Isle of Poleroon was not delivered into our Hands, according to the Conditions of the Treaty, tho' we were engaged to great Expenses, in Arming out two Fleets at two different Times, which we sent thither to go and take Possession of it; the Governors excusing themselves, by the Orders that had been signified to them, alleging 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 Appearances, That your Fleet should stay in their Ports in Expectation of coming to an Accommodation; at a Time, I say, when you were soliciting us to join our two Fleets together, to go and reduce the Corsairs of Algiers to their Duty, which we consented to with Pleasure. And yet de Ruiter separating himself from our Forces in the Mediterranean, 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 stopped, 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 shown, 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 ourselves 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 bend to continue the War by refusing to propose proper means to procure a Peace.  
As for the overture made to us by your Ambassador during the time he remained in this Court, we refer ourselves to the answers we made to all the memorial he presented us, which give sufficient Testimony of the inclinations we have for Peace.  
As to what passed in the particular Conferences we had together, it is easy for you to satisfy yourselves about it by the faithful Report of a man of Honour in whom we have had an extreme confidence, and we wish he would declare himself, whether we have not always Testified 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 ourselves to those Inconveniences which your manner of proceeding would have excited at that time.  
As for what concerns the recalling of our Envoy from the Hague, before your Ambassador was called from London, it is notorious, he was driven thence by the cruel Treatments used to him, for being despoiled of all the privileges annexed to his Character, his Domestics being imprisoned, and notwithstanding all the Complaints made of it from us, and the promises made us, that the like should not happen any more, his secretary being put also under an arrest, without any reasonable pretence, and guards being placed before his house, and nothing having been neglected that was capable of stirring up the Rabble to rise upon him, all those violences, I say, obliged him to provide for the security of his person by a handsome retreat.  
'Tis true, the most Christian Kings Ambassadors, after a stay of some months, and after we had accepted their Mediation, made us some particular propositions, but it is true likewise, that they afterwards disavowed them, as they were ordered by you to do, and gave us to understand, that you had absolutely disapproved them, in confidence that the sickness that reigned then in our Kingdom had so much weakened it, and reduced our people into so piteous 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 consent 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 departed, after having declared, that upon the refusal of the abovesaid propositions, their Master would be obliged to assist you during the rest of the War. Things then having passed in that manner, 'tis easy to Judge whether we are at present in a State to make you any other proposals on our part.  
As to what passed at Paris between our Ambassador Extraordinary, and Mr. Van Beuningen, we think ourselves obliged to relate it a little at length, to undeceive the public, by informing them what pains was taken, to persuade them, that we were formally entered 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 Judgement may be made how things passed by what we are going to relate, that you may be disabused of the unfaithful 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 Ambassador Extraordinary from the Court of France after the recalling of the Ambassadors of the most Christian King, and the Declaration of War that followed close after it. Our Ambassador 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 entrusted to him, that the King his Master took all imaginable 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 Mother's 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 departed 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 Master's Name, that if he persisted in his Resolution to departed, 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 having refused to lend an Ear to those expedients that might be capable to prevent so great mischiefs. Upon such pressing Solicitations, our Ambassador promised to meet them at the Queen our Mother's 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 likewise did one of the Ministers of the most Christian King. Their Conversation having been employed 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 beginning of the War; or else, that each party should remain in possession of what they actually possessed. Our Ambassador shown him the mistake in reasoning 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 impossible for him to understand the true Sense of that proposition. After that discourse, our Ambassador concluded that he had not power to treat, but an express order to be gone immediately. But that however they might dispatch away 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 certain knowledge, I was altogether inclined. That was the end of an interview, which they would needs have to pass in the world for a Negotiation, 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 Ambassador made them at that time, namely, that 'tis impossible for us to explain ourselves 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 Brother, 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 concluded upon; tho' you are not ignorant we have particularised 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 prosecuted, because they suffered themselves to be too easily persuaded 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 followed 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 Accommodate ourselves together by acknowledging 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 violating the engagements he had equally both with you and Us, we cannot consent with respect to that Crown, to the Nomination of a Neuter place. Nay we are constrained to declare here that the enterprise made in the Haven of Bergen, would never have come into our thoughts, if that Prince had not induced Us by his solicitation to send our Fleet thither by the hopes he made us conceive of sharing together in the spoil of your ships. However notwithstanding the sensible outrages we have received from him on all occasions that have presented 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 yourselves, 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 matter to entertain your people withal in the deceitful 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 attack 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 follow 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 Sovereignty 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 possessed.  
We demand only, that you should inviolably, and in every point observe the last Treaty that was concluded between us, and that the injurious Declaration published by your Governors in the East-Indies and Africa, be suppressed and disavowed, as contrary to the honour of all Sovereigns and the common right of Nations; and that besides such a Regulation of Commerce may be established 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 Reimbursement in money to satisfy the immense charges of the War, yet we demand a moderate Sum in consideration of the damages, and to indemnify us for the losses 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 Mediators shall find agreeable to Reason and Justice.  
In fine, we expect that in order to the promoting 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 Christendom, you shall depute some person to come to us to Regulate the Preliminaries that may contribute 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 expedient, 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 public to Judge, whether of us ought to be charged, if the War continue, with the fatal Calamities and terrible misfortunes that will accompany 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 Enemies if the War continue. We Recommend you, High and Mighty Lords, to his holy and happy protection, etc.  
This Letter extremely surprised 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 show all the fair appearances of Justice on their side, and of the pretended sincere desire they had for Peace, caused 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 Letter of the 14th. of October 1666.  
SIR,  
WE have received your Majesty's Answer dated from Whitehall the 4th. of October Old Style, or on the 14th. of October last, to the Letter we writ you dated on the 16th. of September; and tho' at the very beginning of your Letter, your Majesty endeavours to justify your Arms against this State, we believe it to no purpose to enter actually into any dispute about that Subject, because we are persuaded that if your Majesty would take the pains to peruse the writings that have formerly been delivered into the hands of your Ministers, and that have been likewise made public, that you would be undoubtedly 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 protest 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, inviolably to observe the Peace, in case it be made, praying your Majesty moreover, to set yourself 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 Ministers and particularly Agent Selwyn, published upon the Coasts of afric 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. However, to show that we are ready to remove that obstacle we consent that the two abovesaid Declarations shall be both disannulled and disavowed as well on your Majesty's part, as on ours.  
To the third, that we are no less inclined than your Majesty, to consent to a Regulation of Commerce, provided it be General and Reciprocal, being hardly able to conceive that your Majesty 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 Reimbursement for the charges of the War, or the damages 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, stopped in the Harbours or upon the Rivers of your Majesty's Kingdom, or that were taken at Sea by surprise, upon the Coasts of England; as likewise of New-Holland, Cabo Corso, and other places taken in afric, without publishing before hand any Declaration of War, and in the time when our said Ships entered into your Majesty's Ports, trusting in the public faith of a Treaty of Peace, in confidence in the sincere Declaration 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 Cromwell towards us, and would never enterprise 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 any 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 guarantee of other Princes or States that are Friends or Allies.  
But since your Majesty testifies by your Answer above annexed, that you have some grounds to hope to induce us to a particular Treaty, to the exclusion of our Allies, we find ourselves 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 determine to treat jointly with us and our Confederates, and that you must needs dispose yourself to consent that choice be made of a Neuter 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 linked 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 because we are fully persuaded, our Allies will remain 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 vanished to nothing, and the United Provinces began to labour vigorously in refiting 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 Compliments of men ready early in the Spring. For they thought it good Policy to make that last effort to oblige England to accept a Peace which they called just, by endeavouring to obtain by the force of Arms, or by subtlety 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 quality of Mediators, 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 persuade his Majesty to grant their Demand.  
The State's Letter to the King of England, concerning the Nomination of a Neuter Place.  
SIR,  
WE expressed to your Majesty in ours of the 26th of November, the Reasons that hindered us from sending our Ministers to London to treat there of a Peace jointly 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 Presents, That the Instances we have made hitherto, to persuade 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 particular, we would take Pride in passing by all Formalities, by hearty consenting that our Differences might be terminated any where, wheresoever it should please your Majesty, not excepting England itself. But because by virtue of the Alliance in which we are engaged with the Crowns of France and Denmark, it is impossible for us to act otherwise, we hope your Majesty, 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 Affair 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 ourselves thereupon, if your Majesty will but be persuaded 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 therein. To which we pray God be pleased to incline 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. Appelboom, Resident from the King of Swedeland, at the Hague; that Minister sent it away presently to London, to the Ambassadors 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 Ambassador Extraordinary 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 Ambassadors, Mediators, 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 Christian a Work; therefore to give you real Marks of the Passion we have to enter into new Engagements of Peace and Union with you, for the Good and Repose of all Christendom, and principally of the Reformation, we not only consent that the Treaty shall be managed 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 Delays and Obstacles which will undoubtedly arise by naming any other Place, we have resolved to send our Ambassadors to the Hague, where the Plenipotentiaries of your Allies either actually 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 Ambassadors 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 England, 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 Mastricht, Boisleduc, Breda, etc. 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 Negotiation. The Ambassadors of Swedeland perceiving that all those Niceties of France were not at all seasonable 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. 
Surinam taken by the Zealanders.  Whilst they were busy in Regulating the Preliminaries of the Treaty, a Squadron of Men of War that was sent by the States of Zealand into America, under the Conduct of Commadore 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 contented 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 Conquests. 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, 
The Dutch Fleet sails out, and makes towards the Thames.  besides those of Zealand and Friesland, which had not yet joined 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 Frigates a considerable way up the River, to go and burn the English Ships that were there. Lieutenant Admiral the Gent was chosen for that Expedition, for which they gave him the Command of a Squadron form 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 ; 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, Lieutenant 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 Vlie, and Schelling; as appears by the Report the said Mr. the Wit made of that Action to the States, 
Cornelius the Wit's Letter to the States, about the Duthc going up the River of Thames.  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 Anchor at the Mouth of the Thames, as they were consulting 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 Frigates, carrying from 30 to 40 Guns apiece, together with about 20 Merchant Ships, outwards bound to the Barbadoss, were riding at Anchor in the Hope, near Gravesend, 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 Frigates, 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: But that the Wind chopping about at length to the Southeast, was more favourable to them; which made them resolve to unmoor, without any further Loss of Time, in Hopes to execute their Enterprise that same Evening: But the Wind slackening, 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 presently 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 Frigates with some other Vessels, 
The Fort of Sheerness taken.  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 Seamen 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 Wether, the General 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 join 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 River of Rochester, as you may find by the following Letter.  
High and Mighty Lords,  

De Wit's second Letter to the States.  SInce 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 obtained. 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 Show 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 particular 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 Fireships, 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 ourselves 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 ruin 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. the 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, belonging to the College of the Admiralty of Rotterdam, offering himself to that Service, made appear, that nothing is impossible to a great Courage. For tho' he commanded but a sorry Frigate, ill manned and equipped, 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 Enemy's greatest Fire. He was scarcely arrived within Musket shot of an English Man of War, but that he fired a Broadside 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 burned her. That Disaster struck such a Consternation into the Enemies, that a part of the Royal Charles' 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 Fireships, she blew up in the night. The ship called the Fort of Hunningen being deserted by her men that fled away in Boats was taken: she carried 70 Brass Guns; but she was unfortunately burnt contrary to the Orders we had given. This loss was followed with that of another very considerable English Ship which we likewise destroyed with the Flames. Yesterday we perceived 3 more above us which we hope to destroy to day; the Water was so low that it was impossible for us to get up to them. However the North wind continuing to blow, and the rest of our Fireships that were scattered from the Flag being veered back again towards the Admiral, we gave them orders to go up and burn them. And tho' it seemed, that Vpton Castle situated upon the River side, might have opposed that enterprise, because the passage being very narrow in that place, our men must have been forced to have endured its fire, yet in spite of all those obstacles, the business was carried on with so much prudence, that we burned them to day about 3 in the afternoon. Those 3 Ships were the most considerable in all the English Navy, they were named the Loyal London, the Royal James, and the Loyal Oak. Mr. the 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 Alarm, and they are there Assembling a great Number of Troops; But all that is not able to intimidate us. However because most of our Fireships have been spent, we pray the States to give Order that we may have more. All our Officers both General and Inferior have Signalised themselves, and given proofs of an unparallelled Bravery. Lieutenant Admiral Aylva's Squadron, has joined the Admiral's Flag, so that the Fleet is Reinforced 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 melancholic Spectators 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 Rochester they were in an unconceivable vexation, to see the Finest and Richest Ships of all their Fleet destroyed so strangely, and they in no Condition to put a stop to those terrible Ravages of the Hollanders. There were several other Ships and Fireships likewise lost, which the English themselves 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 pernicious Councillors 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 after so great a Victory as he had had the last time over the Dutch to be persuaded under pretence of saving Money, not to put his Fleet out, when it was so necessary for the obtaining an advantageous Peace, and of preserving the Honour and Reputation the Nation had gotten at so dear an expense in two consecutive Dutch Wars, which now was by one of the greatest oversights imaginable in Policy obscured and tarnisht all at one blast, and never since recovered itself altogether to its former Luster.  
Those surprising and heavy mischiefs much Alarmed and embittered the people. So that an insurrection was feared in Kent, and about Rochester. Upon which the Duke of York, and General Monk apprehending least those glowing Sparks might if not timely quenched kindle into an Universal Conflragation that might endanger the Government, 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 public discontent fell afterwards upon Chancellor 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 fly into Exile, to avoid a worse destiny, from which the King his Master could not have protected him without exposing himself to the extremest danger. In the mean while the Common Opinion among 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 showed the contrary the Negoation for Peace at Breda, was thereupon all on a sudden further advanced than it had been in many conferences 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 Fireships, 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 Landed 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 enterprise. 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 Squadron of 14 of the lightest Ships, and 2 Fireships to advance near Gravesend, and do all the mischief he could. But that new enterprise had no success, but only served to augment the consternation 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 Generals thought fit to attack the Fort near Harwich, the principal Circumstances of which Action are Related in the Letter Mr. the 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 State's Troops should be employed in some remarkable Expedition, 
Harwich Fort●st ●●med.  and several Persons in the Fleet pretending they had particular knowledge of the Fort of Harwich, the General Officers 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 carry Scaling-Ladders, and Axes to cut down the Palisado's, if they met with any. Things being thus ordered, we caused Vice Admiral Evertsz to advance with 14 men of War, 1 Advice Yacht, and two fireships, 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 for't, whilst Vice-Admiral Evertsz should vigorously attack it on another side. When the signal was given the Troops were transported to shore in Boats and Galliots, with all imaginable speed. Observing, that Vice-Admiral Evertsz who was to attacked 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 Resolved, 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 resolved 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 approaching 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 upon his men of War. When we saw nothing considerable 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 impossible 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 falling upon us behind. When all things were ready we marched our Troops towards the fort, and when we were come very nigh it the Seamen that carried 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 vigorously attacked by the Enemy's Horse and Foot, but were received so briskly by them, that after a long and obstinate fight, they were forced to retire with loss.  
That attempt having thus failed, de Ruiter advanced higher up the River and made the Ships of his fleet bespread the whole breadth of it that they quite blocked up its passage. Rear-Admiral Ʋander Zaan was ordered to stay with 8 men of War, at the mouth of the Harbour of Harwich, to observe the Enemy's 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 proceeding of the States Forces made a great change in the Negotiation for Peace that was managing at Breda. For the State's 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 imagined, the States and their Allies should stand to the offers that had been made, if God continued to bless their Arms with new Conquests. The Dutch Aiming by that Declaration, to oblige the English to make choice of one or the other of the propositions 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 Plenipotentiaries appeared likewise much more inclinable to Peace than they had done before, and the Differences 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 Britannic 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 than Lovestenian Government, 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 under the Command of de Ruiter in person Quit 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 Straight of Calais, and the next day advanced right against the Singels without meeting any Ship. But the English Barbados 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 missed their desired prey, they resolved next to attack Torbay, where there were 2 Merchant Ships. Which enterprise put all the Coasts of England so much the more in alarm, because de Ruiter having divided his Squaron into several bodies, made them appear in several places at one time, which so perplexed 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 Fireships, he sailed as far as Plymouth, upon advice he had received that a good Number of English men of War were there assembling. The next day towards evening, a Boat came out of Plymouth carrying a White Flag, which came directly to the Ruiter to tell him the News of a Peace. There were in it two English Colonels accompanied with two other Gentlemen 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 happened 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 Fireships burnt to Ashes, etc. But de Ruiter without taking any notice of all those Compliments, thought not fit to discontinue his Enterprise 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 Fireships that were in the Hope, and to keep the English in a perpetual alarm, set sail accordingly with his Squadron, on the 2d. of August and found there Admiral Spragg with 5 Frigates, 17 Fireships, and a great many small Vessels. The principal Circumstances of the fight that happened between them on that occasion, are Related in the following Letter written by Lieutenant Admiral Van Meppelen, who led the Vanguard.  

A fight in the Thames between Admiral Sprag and the Dutch Squadron under Lieutenant Admiral Van Nes.  UPon the advice we had, that 5 of the King's Frigates whereof the biggest carried 54 Guns, 16 or 18 Fireships, and a good Number of small Vessels were riding a little below Gravesend, we resolved to go and attack them. I led the Van, and Captain Naalhout was Commanded with 8 Fireships, 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 their Sails, and stayed in their post till we came near their Fireships that were at Anchor; we pressed them so closely, that some of them in a fit of despair, cut their Anchor-Cables and retired towards the King's Frigates who likewise began to fly. Captain Naalhout fell upon them with so much Courage, that he forced them to veer back towards their Fireships 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 fired so many shot at our Fireships, 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 chased them as far as under the very Fort of Gravesend which fired fiercely upon us, with its Cannon. We Anchored with our whole Squadron in the same place from which we had chased them, and we lost in that Action 11 Fireships, 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 River, and making towards us. We therefore quitted our post, and as we were retiring, because the only Fireship we had left, run a ground and that it was impossible to save it, we set it on fire towards Evening. The English were already got very near us with their Fireships; we received them vigorously, and both sides continued 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 chase 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 discovered to be the English come out of Harwich. They had 5 Frigates, 14 Fireships, and 2 Galliots. Whereupon Lieutenant Admiral Van Nes held a Council, and it was resolved we should cast Anchor, and manfully to stand the Enemy's shock, in spite of the danger we exposed ourselves 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 endeavour to burn him; but he hastily weighing up his Anchor, vigorously Repulsed two Fireships that were coming to grapple him, and escaped as 'twere by Miralce. The Rear-Admiral of Zealand was very near being burnt, but he escaped the danger by Repulsing the Fireship with his Guns.  
The Number of Fireships that were destroyed as well on the English as the Dutch side, was very near equal. After that Rencounter Lieutenant Admiral Van Nes returned to his post to keep the River blocked up, as he had done before.  
A Peace was at last Concluded the last day of July. And Admiral de Ruiter having received advice that the Ratifications were exchanged on both sides, the 25th. of the same month, and thereupon the Peace was accordingly Proclaimed, ordered 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.   

THE LIFE OF Cornelius Tromp, Lieutenant Admiral of Holland and of West-Friesland. The Fourth BOOK.  
HOlland and its Allies began now to taste the Fruits of Peace; and in Order to make it the more firm and durable, England, Swedeland, 
The Triple League.  and the United Provinces entered into a strict Alliance together, at the beginning of the Year 1668. The States foreseeing, that France would not fail to conceive an Umbrage at it, and that Ambitious Crown being Jealous at all the precautions taken by those Powers for their own security, might afterwards perhaps endeavour to seek its Revenge upon some of them, thought it necessary to secure themselves from that danger, by Uniting themselves more strictly with England which they did by a Defensive Alliance with Sir William Temple Ambassador from his Britannic Majesty at the Hague. The first good effect that Tripple-Alliance produced, was to put a stop to the rapid Course of the usurpations of France in the Low-Countries, by setting bounds to its Ambition.  
For the French King knew so well how to make his advantage of the late War between England and Holland, which he had fomented for his own ends, that he took that opportunity, to surprise the weak Spaniards then under an infant King, and to wrest several important places from them in the Low-Countries, contrary to the Faith of the Treaties on foot between the two Crowns. But the Triple-Alliance forced him to lay down his Arms, so that on the 2d. of May, a Peace was Concluded between France and Spain at Aix la Chappelle.  
After that, the French King being much disgusted at the Conduct of the States, never left off to seek out occasion to show his fierce Resentment. The first step he thought fit to make towards it, was to endeavour to break the Famous, and by him so much dreaded Tripple-Alliance, by dividing the Princes that were engaged in it. The disgraceful Ravages and Spoils the Hollanders had so unfairly committed on the English Coasts, but chief at Chattam, at a time of a Treaty of Peace, as likewise some new difficulties about Navigation and Commerce, furnished him with a hopeful pretence, enough to work withal upon the King of England; there wanted only a dextrous Person to be chosen that might be fit to persuade his Britannic Majesty. And as the French have always been successful in employing the Ministry of Females in their most important Negotiations, because they are more insinuating, and flatter generally with a more powerful and irresistible influence than men; so accordingly the Duchess of Orleans, Sister to that Prince, was pitched upon to pass to the Court of England, to manage that nice affair. She set out then in the month of June 1670, 
1670.  accompanied with a great many French Lords, under pretence of making a visit to the King her Brother. The States were not long before they perceived what blow the French were designing at them. For they well enough foresaw that the Voyage of the Duchess was intended only to break the Tripple-League; And they had certain Advice, that the French King was preparing to march with a powerful Army towards Dunkirk early in the Spring; besides all that, they made no Difficulty to say publicly at Stockholm, that if the French King should attack the United Provinces upon any other pretence than that of the Triple League, that Swedeland would not be obliged to assist them.  
The French Court, without declaring themselves openly had already begun to Commit a sort of Hostility, by laying excessive imposts upon all Dutch Merchandizes imported into that Kingdom. The States having Complained of it several times with no effect, resolved at last to retaliate that usage, by forbidding the importing any Brandy or French Manufactures into their Dominions, hoping by that means to oblige the most Christian King to alter his proceed. And because the march of the French Army towards Dunkirk put them in some apprehension for the Low-Countries, the States resolved also to have a powerful Fleet at Sea under the Command of Admiral de Ruiter both to secure their Commerce, and to observe the motions of the French. And besides they Solicited England likewise to put a Fleet to Sea, to join with theirs, according to the obligations of the Tripple-League: But King Charles gave them already to understand, that he had quite different aims.  
On the 8th. of June 1671. de Ruiter sailed out of the Mense with some men of War, towards Ostend, near which place, his Fleet was to Rendesvouz. It consisted of 46 men of War, 10 Advice-Yachts, and 6 Fireships. It carried 2379 Guns, 8090 Seamen, and 2768 Soldiers; and was divided into 3 Squadrons, the first under the immediate Command of de Ruiter, the second under that of Lieutenant Admiral Bankert, and the third under the Conduct of Lieutenant-Admiral de Gent. Whilst the Fleet was cruizing upon the Coasts of the Netherlands, it was on the 20th. of August overtaken with a violent Tempest, by which several Ships were endamaged, and that of Admiral de Ruiter was one of the worst treated. Two days after, he went and Anchored near Westkappel, to Repair and Refit his shattered Ships; from whence he discovered a Yacht, called the Merlin, which carried the King of England's Flag on her Main-Mast-Top. She was come out of the  and going back for England, and as she passed throw the Dutch Fleet she saluted the Ruiter with some Guns, but he being busy in Refiting his Ship, could not make use of his Guns to answer his salute. Lieutenant-Admiral de Gent perceiving it, rendered the King's Yacht the Honour's due to her with a salute of 7 Guns: And in the mean while Admiral de Ruiter having made hast to get his ready, saluted likewise with 9 Guns; but the English made him no return. At the same time setting Sail●, he summoned on board him all the General Officers and Captains of the fleet to inform him what damage they had suffered by the late ill Wether. And then it was that Lieutenant Admiral de Gent told him, that after he had returned his salute to the Kings Yacht, the English Captain fired twice at him with Bullets, because he refused to strike his Flag; that thereupon he sent his Captain on Board the Yacht to know of the Commander the reasons that oliged him to act in that manner, and that hearing that Madam Temple was on board her, because he had had the honour to visit her at her lodging at the Hague, where she had treated him with great civilities, he was minded to go on board the Yacht himself to pay her his Respects; and that as he went in, he told the Captain very civilly, That as for an affair of so great an importance as that was, to strike his Flag to one of the King's Yachts, upon their own Coasts, truly without an Express Order, he durst not do it, but that if his Britannic Majesty had reason to pretend any such thing, the difference ought to be decided between his Majesty and the States; and that after that discourse, they parted good friends, Notwithstanding which, that Rencounter by the French was made the Subject of so much noise and blustering in England, that the States found they had reason to apprehend very mischievous Consesequences from it.  
The Campaign the most Christian King was to make near Dunkirk having ended in a bare review of his Army; The States thought the Spanish low-Countries had nothing to fear that year, and therefore they resolved to call home their Fleet, to prevent the Tempests that begun already to reign. And accordingly Admiral de Ruiter had orders to retire on the 21st. of September and the 23d of the same month, the Fleet went into Port, to be Disarmed and laid up.  
In the mean while the designs France had form against the Netherlands, begun to break out, as likewise the intelligence the King of England had with that Crown; And the States were informed from good hands, what Springs the French King had set on work to break the Triple League, and that to induce King Charles to break out or it, he promised to put into the field an Army of 100000 men, and to set out to Sea a Fleet of 40 Sail of men of War. But however the English on their side to lull asleep the States, gave them good words.  
At the beginning of the Year 1672, the business about the Merlin Yacht was revived again. And Sir George Downing was sent to the Hague from his British Majesty, to make Complaint of it, and to demand Reparation; adding, that Lieutenant Admiral de Gent ought to be punished. And tho' the 19th. Article of the Treaty at Breda, That men of War, or Merchant's Ships belonging to the United Provinces, when they shall meet any of the King of England's Ships of War in the British Seas, shall be obliged to strike their Flag, and lower their main Topsails as was formerly practised Yer Sir George Downing would needs maintain, against the Commissioners appointed to treat with him, that the business of the Flag was not to be taken from the Treaty of Breda, but from an Ancient right; and that the civilities they rendered one another, were all times to be Reciprocal, etc. Some days after, he delivered in a writing wherein it was asserted, That the Empire of the Sea belonged to the English: That not only every single Ship was obliged to strike their Flag, but even whole Fleets: That Lieutenant Admiral de Gent had failed in his Duty, and aught to be punished, etc. All the Reasons the States could allege, would not satisfy Sir George Downing, nor stop his hasty departure.  
The States likewise employed all imaginable means to satisfy the French King, but that Prince had taken so strong a Resolution to make War, that nothing was able to divert him from it. Whereupon the States seeing plainly, that all those Preparations were making against the United Provinces, and that the Netherlands were going to be made the Theatre of a terrible War, they begun to provide for themselves, by raising a Fund to defray the vast expenses they were like to be engaged in. And after deliberations, the Prince of Orange was Created Captain General of the Armies of the State the 24th of February, upon certain conditions not necessary to be inserted here. The States having enjoyed Peace by Land near 24 years, their Land-Forces were so accustomed to Idleness, that they were not like the same men; and too long a rest had effeminated the Spirits of the Soldiers, that there was no Reliance to be made upon their Service. Therefore Orders were given for new Levies and endeavours were used to make Alliances with the Neighbouring Princes for Auxiliary Troops. They used all diligence to fit out a Fleet of 48 Capital men of War, and 24 Fireships, besides Galliots and other small Tenders; which Number was afterwards considerably Augmented.  
In the mean while, the English put out a Fleet of 38 men of War, divided into three Squadrons; and the State's Agent named de Clarges, having discovered, that their design was to go and meet, and attack the Dutch Smirna Fleet, one of the richest they ever had yet, used his best Policy to disappoint the English; and for that effect dispatched away several Galliots from Calais, to go and give the Smirna men notice of it in the Spanish Seas; so that upon that Advice, they took their Precautions for their own defence. They were to the Number of 72 sail, including among them 6 men of War, that were their Convoy. When they were come as far as the middle of the Channel a Squadron of 9 English Frigates, 
The Dutch Smirna Fleet attacked by the English.  and 3 Yachts under the Command of Sir Robert Holms, came & attacked them.  
On the 24th. of March. At the sight of the English, the Merchant Fleet threw themselves into the form of a Crescent, and maintained the fight so vigorously for some hours, that Sir Robert Holms was forced to retire from them toward night but the next day having received a Reinforcement of 4 or 5 men of War more, he came up with them again, and charged them a fresh, but with no better luck then at the first time, and the whole Smirna Fleet had escaped, had not the English, upon the renewing the fight a third time, happened to take one of the Convoy Ships whose Captain was killed, which was the cause of the loss 4 Merchant Ships which were cut off from a Squadron that were put into some Disorder, such was the end of that fight; And that was all the advantage the English gained over them. But the main body of that Merchant Fleet, got in at length safe into the Ports of Holland. The Captains, de Nes and de Haas, who commanded there in chief, lost their lives there, and Captain du Bois had his Left hand shot off  
The French King Declared War against the United Provinces the same day. The pretence of which Declaration was, That the displeasure his Majesty had received from the Conduct of the State's General of the United Provinces for some time passed towards him, was come to such a height, that his Majesty could no longer dissemble his Resentment, without prejudice to his Glory, and that a proceeding so very unsuitable to the great obligations the States had to his Majesty, and to other Kings his predecessors, had at last provoked him to take a Resolution to make War against them by Sea and Land, etc.  
The motives that induced the Bishop of Munster and Elector of Cologne to join with France likewise in a War against the States, were not much better founded then those of the French King. The King of Swedeland being then but very young, had not experience enough to avoid suffering himself to be imposed upon by the promises of France, quitted likewise the Engagements he had with his Allies, in prejudice to the Tripple-League.  
The United Provinces then seeing themselves thus without any second, and all alone engaged in a danger of a very formidable aspect, fell into Great extremities. For the French King entering their Country with a very Numerous and well disciplined Army, took Town after Town without Resistance; whilst the Bishop of Munster, and Elector of Cologne, attacked the States on another side, and finding the places open, were no less Victorious than their Great Ally. In fine, such was the rapidity of their progresses, that of seven Provinces, three were already fallen into the hands of the Enemies; And if the affairs of the United Provinces had succeeded so desperately ill at Sea, as they had done at Land, it may be said, that in all humane appearance, they had been irretrievably lost. For after such great losses, what could they expect but a Total Ruin? but because those Events do but indirectly concern our Subject, and that they have been already very largely and fully related by several Historians, we shall leave them to return to speak only of the Actions that happened at Sea.  
They had wrought with so much diligence in arming out the Fleet in Holland, that it was ready on the 9th. of May, to set sail. And the vigilence and care of Admiral de Ruiter, and Pensionary the Wit, contributed very much to that successful advance. It set sail then under the Conduct of Admiral de Ruiter and Cornelius de Wit. Deputy of the States, consisting of 67 sail, which Number was soon was soon after Augmented, by a Reinforcement of several Ships more. On the 14th. day of the same month, the two Fleets of England and France joined likewise near the Isle of Wight; And the same day the Dutch Fleet sailed towards the Coasts of Great Britain, where they Anchored till the 7th. of June being Composed then of 91 men of War, 44 Fireships, and 23 Advice-Yachts, making in all, 158 sail. Then weighing Anchor they arrived at break of day at Solbay. The Confederate Fleets that were above 100 sail strong of men of War, had as the Dutch Relations Represent things, several times already avoided Battle. But the Hollanders having discovered themselves, presented them so unexpectedly and suddenly before the bay, that several of the Enemy's Ships were forced to cut their Anchor-Cables to get out to range themselves timely in a Line of Battle. 
A fight between de Ruiter and the English and French Fleets.  The two Royal Fleets were likewise divided into three Squadrons. The Duke of York, as Lord High Admiral of the Kingdom, had the Command of the main Battle, or of the Red Squadron; The Count d' Etrees Vice-Admiral of France Commanded the Right Wing, or the White Squadron; and Admiral Montague Earl of Sandwich, had the Conduct of the Left Wing, or Blue Squadron. Admiral de Ruiter disposed himself to attack the Red Squadron; Lieutenant Admiral Bankert the White, and Lieutenant Admiral de Gent the Blue one. De Ruiter advanced his Squadron, and came up and posted himself within Pistol shot Right against the Duke of York, and fired a broadside at him, which he returned again with the like. The two Admirals continued thundering at one another, with continual discharges for about 2 hours, till they were both much shattered. But at last, the Duke of York's Flag, with the main Topmast to which it was fastened, being shot down, he was forced to remove, and put up his Flag in another Ship, called the London. Lieutenant Admiral Van Nes, seconded by some other Ships, made right up to the Vice-Admiral of the Red; both of them kept with their head to the North in charging: But a Calm coming on, they could make no more motion with any advantage to themselves. However they continued firing at one another all the while without intermission. The Royal Catharine an 80 Gun Ship, Commanded by Captain Chichly, falling near Van Nes' Ship, he gave order to his men to seize and take her, ●ut a little time after Van Nes had quitted her to return to the fight, the Dutch that were put on board to keep her, begun to pillage, so that the English that were left in her, knew so well to make their advantage of that opportunity, that they retook her again, and carried her back into England. Captain Brakel did that day, without having received any order for it, one of the Boldest and most Heroic Actions in the World. For at the very beginning of the battle, whilst the Wind continued to blow still a soft Gale, coming out of de Ruiter's Squadron, followed by a Fire ship, he tacked to the Northward, and fell upon the Earl of Sandwich, Admiral of the Blue Squadron: He made up to him without firing so much as one Gun, enduring all the furious discharges of his Enemy, and of several other English Ships that were about him. And when he was got very near the Royal James he fired a whole broadside at her so effectually, that a moment after there was nothing to be heard from her but the lamentable cries of a great Number of poor wounded wretches not to speak of those that were killed with shot or splinters. But that which sets of the Glory of that Action with so much the more Lustre, is, that Brakel's Ship, called the Grand Holland, carried not above 300 men, and 62 Guns, whereas the Royal James carried above 104, and 1000 men so that this compared to the other appeared but like a small Boat. Yet Brakel attacked her so vigorously, and fired so furiously for half an hour into the very heart of the Enemy's Ship, that according to wheat Admiral Montague himself said, he would have yielded to Brakel, if he had born a Flag. Lieutenant Admiral de Gent's Squadron had begun likewise to engage, and some of his Ships advanced likewise and fell upon Admiral Montague; he having already repulsed and sunk 3 Fireships, found himself so overwhelmed by the Hollanders that he could not hold out any longer. To Disengage himself he caused Brakel's Ship that h●ld him so fast Grappled, to be chopped off with Axes; and which had been before so ill treated, that she was n longer able to keep the Sea. Most of his Officers were killed, and he had scarce 100 sound men left, able to do Service. But to return to Mountague's Ship, a fourth Fireship falling upon him, Grappled him so fast, that his Ship was soon burnt to Ashes. The Seamen jumped Pell-Mell into the Sea. And Montague himself with two of his Sons being entered into a Boat in hopes to save themselves, she was in a trice filled so full of men, and overcharged, that she sunk; so that Admiral Montague or the Earl of Sandwich, that had been so Famous, unfortunately perished there with two of his Sons. His body was taken up among other Dead men, and carried to London, where it was interred with great Honour and Magnificence.  
On the Hollanders side, Lieutenant Admiral the Gent, was not much more Fortunate than Admiral Montague: For being extremely Irritated against the English ever since the business of the Merlin Yacht, because they would needs have had him punished by the States, he advanced and fell into the Blue Squadron with so much Fury and Undaunted Resolution, that he caused much Terror and Disorder among them: but he had hardly fought half an hour, when he was taken off by a Cannon-Bullet. His Death was resented as a great loss to the United Provinces as well for the great Services he had rendered, as for those he might still have rendered them. Captain Panhuisen that Commanded under him on board his Ship, took his time to inform de Ruiter and the Wit, without any noise of his Death. He was ordered to make no words of it, and in the mean while, to act with his Ship what was most requisite for the Service of the State: But as he was worthily acquitting himself of his Employ he had the misfortune to have one of his Legs shot off.  
Lieutenant Admiral Bankert of Zealand attacked so vigorously the White Squadron, Composed most of the French Nation, that the Count de Estrees who Commanded it, having, as 'tis thought, secret orders not to fight, tacked away to the , which motion separated the French from the English, whom they had a mind to leave in the Lurch; which separation Bankert taking advantage of, pursued them close, firing continually at them, but the French would not be persuaded to make any stand to face them, but continued to retreat till the night came on, and then they begun downright to fly, and to make all the sail they could towards the Channel.  
There were performed many brave actions on that memorable day as well by the English as the Dutch. A great English Ship of 70 Guns was burnt by a Fireship, two more of the first Rates were sunk, and there were two more destroyed. The English on their side, so cruelly battered the Ship called the Jesus, Commanded by Captain Dyke that they sunk her. The Ship Staveren, Commanded by Captain Elsevier, was after a vigorous resistance, taken and 9 or 10 Fireships were spent to no effect. The night separated the Combatants, and the English besides Admiral Montague. are said to have lost 18 Captains, all men of Note, and above two thousand Seamen and Soldiers.  
Mr Cornelius de Wit, who represented upon the Fleet, the Sovereignty of the States, gave in this occasion likewise Signal proofs of his Zeal, by the undaunted Resolution with which he exposed himself to all sorts of dangers, as appears by the following Extract of the Letter he writ on that Subject. 
The Extract of a Letter of Mr. Cornelius de Wit.   
THe fight continued all day with a great deal of obstinacy and heat, insomuch that Mr. de Ruiter said he never was in so hot an Action in his Life. I cannot specify what Number of men, we had killed on board our Ships, because they were instantly thrown over board as fast as they fell, but this I can tell, that of 12 Soldiers and a Sergeant, drawn out of Mr. Ritenburg's Company to be my Halberdiers, and which were some of them about me, and the rest over the Master's , there remain 9 Alive, whereof one has both his Legs shot off, and two more are mortally wounded. I kept myself all the time before the Master's , and when I was weary with standing, I sat down in a Chair, that I might be able attentively to observe all that passed, etc. The next day the Hollanders would have renewed the fight, but the two Royal Fleets being again rejoined, kept to the Wind-ward of them without seeming to dare to approach them, which the Hollanders pretended to be an undoubted mark, that they had had the disadvantage the day before, since 'tis to be presumed said they, if it had been otherwise, they would have endeavoured to have made use of the advantage of the wind which was on their side, to have charged them again. But the English alleged, that there arose so great a Fog, that they could not do it.  
The body of Lieutenant Admiral de Gent, who was killed in that Battle, was transported in a Galliot into Holland, and embalmed at the Hague, and thence was carried to Vtrecht, where it was interred in the Dom Church, and a Stately monument was afterwards erected to his Memory, at the State's charge.  
The Dutch out of a very necessary policy in the then distressed condition of their affairs at Land, published, that they had obtained a signal Victory in that Battle over the Royal Fleets; which News being spread abroad on the 7th. of June at the Hague, contributed not a little to raise and revive the drooping hopes and dying Courage of the People, who were extremely dismayed at the rapid Progresses and terrible depredations of the Enemy's Land-Armies on their Frontiers. For at the very beginning of June, no less than 3 Armies, viz. that of France, of the Elector of Cologne, and of the Bishop of Munster, entered their Country, and attacked them on every side at the same time. And Orsoy, Bunick, Wesel, and Rynburg, were all taken in four days without any Resistance. The French King adding Conquest to Conquest entered every day further and further into the Country, and pushed on his ambitious designs with so much the greater Rapidity, because all gave way before him by an unparallelled fatality. And it may be said, that if the Confederate Fleets had been as successful, as their Land-Armies, the States had been lost without retrieve, and the United Provinces would have been forced to submit to the Yoke of those Foreign Powers that then attacked them with so much fury; but by reason that the French Fleet fought not at all, and that the English trusting on their assistance did not employ their full Naval strength, and that Admiral de Ruiter by his vigilance, had surprised them at a disadvantage, when they little dreamt of him, in that he hindered them thereby from gaining a Victory over him, that success was to him and the Dutch at that ticklish Juncture of Time, as advantageous as an Actual and Complete Victory at any other season, by keeping up the hearts of the dispirited people, securing their Navigation, and preserving their Coasts from the like Invasions and direful desolation with which their Land-Frontiers were afflicted.  
However the United Provinces were reduced into so lamentable a condition, that the States at length took a Resolution to send two Deputies at the same time, viz. one to the French King, and another to the King of great Britain, to endeavour to move those two Princes to come to some Accommodation with them. On the 19th of June, two Deputies passed through the Fleet, and made all the speed they could toward the Court of England, whilst others were dispatched away to go and address themselves to the French King, at the head of his Army; but alas! all those steps were made but in vain; For the two Kings, puffed up with so many past successes, and with the hopes of a Total Conquest, made such exorbitant demands, that there was no complying with them; so that the Deputies were fain to come back without doing any thing.  
In the mean while the Mob beginning to rise, accused those who had the management of the Government, and principally the two de Wits, of being the Authors of all those disasters and charged them with Treason, and holding dangerous Correspondence with the Enemies of the State. 
The Confederate Fleets appear ●n the Holland Coasts.  Nay they further openly affirmed, that there was no possibility of Governing the State any longer, unless the party of the Louvesteins' were pulled down, and the perpetual Edict made in 1667 to the prejudice of the Illustrious house of Orange were annulled and the dignity of the Statholder restored to the present Prince, etc. So that in fine they prevailed so, that on the 3d. of July, that Prince was created Statholder, 
The Prince of Orange made Statholder  and Captain and Admiral General of the Armies both by Sea and Land of the United Provinces, which news caused an unspeakable joy among all the Officers, Seamen and Soldiers of the Fleet.  
A few days after the Royal Confederate Fleets appeared before the Dutch Coast with design to make a descent near the Hague, Harlem, or the Texel: But that enterprise was diverted by a kind of Miracle. For on the very day singled out for that design, as the Enemy was expecting the coming in of the tide, to send in their Boats and small Vessels Laden with Soldiers in order to Land them, it happened to delay its advance 12 full hours later than Ordinary, contrary to its natural Order, to the great surprise and astonishment of all that were versed in Sea affairs, and that ever frequented that Element. That prodigy was looked upon as one of the most sensible marks of the Protection of God that begun to declare itself for the States. That Retardation of the Tide was likewise followed by a horrible Tempest, that forced the Enemy's Fleets with terror to quit the Holland Coasts, and to retire homewards with great loss. For three of their men of War, and some other Victualling Ships were cast away or swallowed up by the Waves.  
During these Transactions, de Ruiter kept with the Dutch fleet near the Holland Coasts to have an eye upon the Motions of the Enemies. On the 5th of August, news came, that 14 East- India Ships valued at near 14 Millions of Livers were happily arrived at the mouth of the Eems before Delfzil. The Enemies had flattered themselves with the hopes of taking them, and thought it was impossible for them to miss of so rich a prize; which obliged them to post themselves near the Dogger-Sand to be the readier at hand to seize upon them. For they could not imagine, the Government could have time to advise them of the Rupture, because they were put to Sea at the time of the beginning of the War, and that if they had received any information of it, that could not have been till it was too late for them to take any precautionary measures to secure themselves. But yet by an instinct as 'twere of Providence, they stole from the vigilance of the Royal Fleets, and the Holland Fleet sailed towards the Eems to Conduct them into the Respective Harbours of their own Country, where they arrived on the 22d of the same month.  
The State's Fleet would have kept at Sea something longer, but because the summer season was almost past, and that Tempests would soon begin to reign, and that besides there was no more danger for that year of any descent by the Royal Fleets, or of any other important attempt, they retired home and entered into Port, on the 22d. of September, to be disarmed and laid up.  
From that time forward things begun a little to change face, and Holland was secured by cutting the ditches and sluices and overflowing all the Avenues to their Towns; and Provision was made likewise for the preservation of the passages of Gorkum, Schonhoven, and Minden; For Naerden, was then in the Power of the French. The march of the Auxiliary Troops sent by the Emperor and the Elector of Brandenburg to the assistance of the United Provinces contributed also very much to stop the Conquests of France by the diversion they gave. For the most Christian King was forced to make great detachments to form an Army under the Command of the famous Marshal Turenne, to send to oppose them. The Prince of Orange on another side, advanced towards Charleroy with design to besiege it, but the great Frosts and Ill Wether that happened all on a sudden, broke his measures, so that after he had taken and plundered Binch, that Prince retired. However the Frosts that thus had crossed the designs of the Prince of Orange, favoured those of the French. For the Duke of Luxemburg having form an Army out of detachments drawn out of Vtrecht and other Conquered places, prepared to make an invasion into the heart of Holland, by passing his Troops over the Ice. The Count of Koningsmark, who had the guard of the passes, not finding himself strong enough to Resist him, deserted Bodgrave, and retired to Leyden. Luxemburg seeing the Wether was like to change to a Thaw, made his Troops advance with Extraordinary dispatch, and past the Rhine with very little resistance by reason of the consternation and disorder among them that guarded the passages, and marched to Swammerdam, with a Resolution to go further if the Frost continued to favour his designs.  
The Retrenchments made near Nieuwerburg, were unfortunately deserted in a most unseasonable nick of time; which extremely favoured the retreat of the French: For a Thaw happening to follow, if that post had been preserved, the Duke of Luxemburg's return had been cut off; who however, was constrained to retire with more haste than ever he made in.  
'Tis not to be Expressed in what strange alarm and consternation all Holland than was. 
The Depredations of the Duke of Luxemburg.  However, the States, without losing Courage for that, neglected not to give the necessary orders every where, causing the sluices to be opened, to let in the water round about all the places that were most exposed. The Duke of Luxemburg being come near Gondsche Sluis, where Count Koningsmark was posted with his Troops, found there so much resistance, that he was forced to turn back again, carrying desolation every where along with him, and miserably Ravaging all the places through which he passed. It would be a difficult task to describe all the excessive cruelties he committed there; it is enough to say, that he carried them to such a height, that no future Ages will ever lose the Memory of his Barbarities. The Villages of Swammerdam and Bodgrave were burnt to Ashes.  
At the same time, which was the last day of the Year, the Troops of Groningen returned him his change. For the Frost that had put by the Siege of Charleroy having locked up the Marish waters round about the strong place of Koeverden, they took advantage of that opportunity and seized that important Fortress.  
These were the principal Events of the Year 1672. and this was the deplorable condition into which the United Provinces were then reduced. But God being pleased afterwards to espouse their Interests delivered them from the unsupportable Yoke of Foreign powers, by such surprising means, that they recovered all their places again in less time than they had lost them, as will appear in the sequel of this History.  
At the beginning of the Year 1673. A detestable plot was discovered at Amsterdam, to burn the State's men of War. The Author of it was one Fraser a Scotchman, who as he confessed himself, was incited to that bold and pernicious attempt by great promises of reward from the Duke of York, who was ever an irreconcilable Enemy to the United Provinces. That unhappy Criminal was therefore broke alive upon the Wheel, and exposed afterwards near Voolewyijk.  
In order to put themselves into a condition to make the same vigorous resistance against the two Fleets of England and France which they did the last year, the States began with incredible diligence to forward the preparations making to Arm out a powerful Fleet. And for that effect, all the Deputies of the Colleges of Admiralty and the Commissioners of the Navy, had several Conferences with the Prince of Orange, in which it was concluded, that the Fleet should be considerably Augmented and Rendered more potent than it ever yet had been. 
Tromp restored to his Admiralship.  In the mean while, the Office of Lieutenant Admiral of the College of the Admiralty of Amsterdam, being vacant by the death of Mr. de Gent who succeeded Cornelius Tromp when he was dismissed from his Employment, His Highness, in Quality of Statholder, and Admiral General, having a perfect knowledge of Tromp's rare merit, and incomparable valour and Conduct, as well as of the singular Zeal and Affection he had always shown to the Illustrious House of Orange, represented to him of what importance it was both to himself and the State in that pressing Juncture, to forget past things, and pressed him to accept again of the Office of Lieutenant Admiral of the College of Amsterdam, in order to recontinue his Services to his Country, in a time of such distress.  
The Prince stirred so warmly in that Affair that he found means to reconcile him to de Ruiter, and thereby to prevent the disorder the inveterate hatred of those two Admirals might cause in the Fleet. Accordingly they embraced one another in the presence of His Highness, and mutually promised to forget all that was passed, and to live thenceforward as brothers.  
The Re-establishment of Tromp in his former Post at Sea caused an unexpressible joy to all the Seamen in the Fleet, and in General, to all the common people: Who seemed confident after the Reconciliation of those two great Men, that the United Provinces would be able to Triumph over the Naval Forces both of England and France, so much weight they imagined to be in the Conduct of that one man to turn the Scale of Victory on their side.  
At that time, the States projected an attempt of very great importance, which was to damn up the mouth of the Thames, by sinking in it great many Ships extraordinarily loaden, and so to render it unpassable. And for that end they had prepared at Amsterdam 8 ships fitted for that expedition, nay they were already sent to the Texel, as thinking the success of that enterprise depended solely on the speed used in it. In the mean while they laboured and wrought night and day to man out their Fleet that they might have their full Compliment early in the spring. And if that project had succeeded, no doubt but England would have felt a long time its effect by the interruption of its Commerce which would thereby have been totally ruined, and that without any Battle, or Effusion of Blood.  
On the 10th of May, the Fleet assembled at Schoonevelde, and were 80 sail strong, who the next day, without staying for the Zealand Squadron, or the other ships that were not yet come to them, sailed out, and made towards the Thames. But a great Fog coming on, and the English having had intelligence of their design, it was impossible for them to execute any thing, so that they were fain to tack about, and return back again to an Anchor at Schoonevelde, the ships that were wanting arrived daily to the Fleet, and in the mean while they employed themselves in Regulating the division of the Squadrons, and the orders they were to observe. The whole Fleet was divided into three Spuadrons. Admiral de Ruiter's was composed of 19 men of War in the line of Battle, 4 Frigates, 8 Fireships, 4 Advice Yachts, and 3 Galliots. The General Officers under him, were Lieutenant Admiral Van Nes, Vice-Admiral de Liefde, and Rear-Admiral Van Nes. Lieutenant Admiral Bankert s Squadron consisted of 18 men of War, 5 Frigates, 8 Fireships, 5 Advice-Yachts, and 2 Galliots; he had under him, Vice-Admiral Evertsz, Vice-Admiral Saar, and Rear-Admiral Vlug. Lieutenant Admiral Tromp's Squadron consisted of 18 men of War, 5 Frigates, 9 Fireships, 5 Advice-Yachts, and 2 Galliots; having under him, Vice-Admiral Sweers, Vice-Admiral Schram, and Rear-Admiral de Haan.  
After that division, it was ordered, that Lieutenant Admiral Van Nes should command in chief Admiral Tromp's Squadron during his absence, and that Vice-Admiral Evertsz should likewise Command that of Lieutenant Admiral Bankert till he should come to the Fleet himself.  
The affairs of the Government, and the preparations that were to be made by Land so entirely took up the Prince's care and time, that it was impossible for him to come down to take a review of the Fleet. And therefore he was pleased to write the following Letter to de Ruiter to encourage the Captains▪ and Seamen, and to incite them all in General, and every one in particular to acquit themselves worthily of their duty in their respective stations.  
Noble, Equitable, Valiant, , Incomparable,  
WE could have wished, 
The Prince of Orange's Letter to the Officers of the Fleet, to encourage them, etc.  the affairs of the State would have permitted us to go in person to the Fleet to have the satisfaction to see in it so many of our Brave Countrymen that all Zealously Labour in defence of their Country. That considerable fleet now equipping is one of the most powerful means that can be employed for the preservation of the State; and there is reason to hope, that consideration will inflame the Courage of those who have the honour to be chosen to have the Conduct of it. The Eyes and Hearts of all the Subjects of the United Provinces, nay, and of all Christendom are now turned that way, and are attentively observing what motions, and what attempts it will make under the Valour and Conduct of those who Govern it. And what infamy will it not be then for them that shall be so cowardly as to fail in their duty in so important and glorious an occasion? But we expect no such ungrateful News, but rather on the contrary, that by your Prudence and Undaunted Resolution, as well as by that of those about you, the Glory our Nation has lately gotten by Sea will be maintained with the Protection of God, by the fresh Zeal and Courage which you shall exert. This being so, they will have reason to rejoice, and we likewise with them, that they have been the Instruments to bring things to a happy end in so just a cause. We shall take care to recompense the Merit and Bravery of those that shall have given any signal proofs of it, and shall provide, that Great and Glorious Actions shall not be repaid with ingratitude, but rather with a proportionable Reward. I pray you to assure all those under your Flag, from the greatest to the least, of this, and at the same time, to let every one of them understand, that no Pardon is to be expected by them who shall not do their duty, and shall be guilty of Cowardice. That is both the true intention of the States, and Mine too, that those which shall deserve it, shall be punctually and speedily punished according to the utmost rigour of the Orders of the Commission, and of the Laws of the Country; so that the Cowards and all those who shall not behave themselves like brave Soldiers before the Enemy shall have nothing to fear more, than to enter the Harbours of the State; because it will be impossible for them to escape the rigour of Juctice, and the indignation of the people which will pursue them every where. We persuade ourselves that none of them will fall into any such misfortune, but that rather every one will strive to signalise himself with a commendable ardour in so pressing an occasion, in confidence, that God will make all succeed to the Good of our Country, and the immortal honour of all those that shall have faithfully served it. I pray God to take you into his holy protection, and all those that are with you etc.  
To which Letter de Ruiter made the following Answer. 
De Ruiter's Answer to his Highness:   
Most Serene Prince,  
AFter I had sent away about noon, my last writing to your Highness, I received towards evening, yours, wherein your Highness is pleased to exhort us to do our duty for our dear Country. I am infinitely obliged for it to your Highness, and will not forget to morrow without fail, to inform the General and Inferior Officers of the same, that we may all of us together behave ourselves in such a manner, that we may be able to answer for our Conduct before God, before your Highness, and before all Christendom. Your Highness may entirely rely upon it, as I do in your Highness' word, That Lieutenant Admiral Tromp shall agree and live with me and the other Members of the Council of War, in the same confidence and union, as we live at present with the rest. For than I dare flatter myself with the hopes, that all our erterprises under the protection of God, will have a happy issue, being with all imaginable respect, etc.  
The Prince answered the Ruiter again in the manner following,  
Noble, Equitable, Valiant, , Incomparable,  
YOurs of the 24th. instant was delivered to us; 
His Highness' Answer to de Ruiter.  and we were glad to hear the things of which it makes mention. As to the opinion of Vice-Admiral Evertsz, which is, that the Vice-Admiral and Rear Admiral of Zealand ought to preceded in rank, those of the College of the Admiralty of Amsterdam, we think fit, that without prejudice to the right of any Person, things be left at present in the same order which has been observed for some time, according to which you may regulate yourself. Moreover, we have very carefully recommended to Lieutenant Admiral Tromp, to receive your orders with due respect and obedience, as the said Lieutenant Admiral has promised to do. We are persuaded, he will worthily acquit himself of that duty, and all things will tend to a good and salutary end for the Service of the State, and the present conjuncture. I recommend you to the protection of God, etc.  
On the first of June, Lieutenant Admiral Tromp invited Admiral de Ruiter, and all the rest of the General Officers of the Fleet with him, to dine on board him. And they made on that occasion a thousand protestations one to the other of a sincere and tender friendship. The other Generals, and all the Captains drunk healths to their Country, giving a thousand assurances of their zeal and inviolable adherence to its service; and they all swore, they were ready to spend the last drop of their blood for its Interest. So much good will gave great hopes of an assured Victory and an occasion to make proof of it soon presented, since about 4 a Clock in the afternoon, whilst they were yet at Table, the advanced-guards of the Fleet gave them notice, they had discovered the Enemies Fleet.  
And a little while after, their scouts appeared. But because 'twas late, the Dutch Fleet tacked about to the North West, and begun to dispose all things ready to come to an Engagement, the next day. The English Fleet had cast Anchor to the Westward of the Dutch, and prepared likewise for fight, but a Calm coming on, the two Fleets could not come up with one another. The next day there arose a surly Wind with some Rain, which obliged both parties to remain at Anchor in presence of one another. On the 4th and 5th the Wind risen higher still, and became more violent. But at length on the 7th. which was the day of the monthly fast, and the same day on which the Dutch had attacked the Enemies in Solbay the last year, the two Fleets engaged.  
Admiral de Ruiter held a Council of War as soon as it was day, where it was resolved to weigh their Anchors a-peak to be ready for fight. But no sooner were the Officers that had been at the Consult, gone off from on board the Admiral, but the two Royal Fleets made a Motion, and having cast their Squadrons into the form of a Crescent, made up directly towards the Dutch. The Forces of those two Potent Fleets were very unequal, according to the Dutch reports. For those of the Allies were said to consist of 140 sail, whereof 90 were Capital men of War, whereas the Dutch pretend to have had there but 52 Capital ships but ill manned and furnished, 12 Frigates, 14 Advice Yachts, and 25 Fireships, making in all 103 sail. There were several ships that were not yet come into the Fleet; for of the Zealand Squadron there were hardly 4; and of Friesland, and Groningen, there were none at all; and of those of Amsterdam and Rotterdam there were the ships of Vice-Admiral Sweers, of the Commander de Meuwen, of Captain Brakel, and several others that were not yet come. Nay, they were forced for want of Seamen, to take the men out of 3 Zealand Frigates, to man Lieutenant Admiral Bankert's ship. In the mean while, the English and French Fleets, having the Wether gage, came nearer and nearer to the Hollanders. Prince Robert who had the Command in chief of the two Royal Fleets, led the Vanguard, which was the Red Squadron. The Count d' Estree had the Conduct of the main Battle, or of the White Squadron; And Sir Edward Sprag, Admiral of the Blue, Commanded the Rear. The English being ill satisfied at the Conduct of the French in the last Battle, durst trust them no more, but fearing they would desert them again as they did before, thought fit to place them under their own Squadrons; so that Mr. d' Assedan, the French Rear Admiral, was placed under Prince Robert's, Squadron and the Marquis de Grancy under that of Admiral Spragg. As to the Order of the Dutch Fleet, Tromp led the Van, de Ruiter the main Battle, and Bankert the Rear.  
Lieutenant Admiral Tromp seeing the Enemies White Squadron advancing towards him, made a speech to his Officers, and represented to them, the necessity of there duty, and to fight like brave men; that for that effect, they needed but to follow his example: That for his own part he was spurred on by no other interest to give proofs of his Zeal to his afflicted Country, but that of the Love and Tenderness he had for it: That he had no other end in coming to Sea, but to labour to restore the shaking State of its affairs, by delivering it from those Disasters and Calamities that were ready to overwhelm it, and which without a speedy and timely assistance, threatened it with inevitable ruin. That he had much rather sacrifice his Life for it▪ than to Live to suffer its ancient Liberty to be oppressed, and the Dutch Nation forced to undergo the unsupportable Yoke of a Foreign and Tyrannic power. We have, pursued he, a just God, and an Equitable Cause, upon which having an entire trust and confidence, I doubt not of a good and happy success, if you will but behave yourselves like brave men. Every one of them at those words, promised him to do so; and as soon as prayers were done, Tromp turned to the Seamen of his ship, and cried to them, Children, the Enemy is near us, let every one of you now give proofs of his bravery, and satisfy the Engagements that brought us hither on board; And if you do it I'll assure you, that I will recompense you, and that all shall go well. After that discourse, the Seamen testified an unexpressible joy, throwing their Caps up into the Air, and crying out! Long live Tromp? with promise to spend to the last drop of their blood for the Service of their Country.  
About 2 a Clock in the afternoon, the Battle begun. The White Squadron engaged with that of Lieutenant Admiral Tromp. It is not to be expressed with what valour and undaunted Courage they fought; and notwithstanding the inequality of their Forces, thanks, under God, to the Cowardice, or rather perfidiousness of the French to the English, the advantage after having a long time wavered, was at last forced to declare in favour of the Hollanders, and was by them styled a Victory. Tho' at the same time it be certain, that if the French had managed the War then only by Land, and left the English to their own sole but whole strength to attack the Dutch by Sea, they would have been so far from pretending to Victory, that they would have inevitably been destroyed; such disadvantage is there sometimes in a confederate Force, tho' seemingly greater than an Enemies, when the Allies act not in full Concert, Union and Fidelity one with another. The most part of the Circumstances of that Battle, as reported by the Dutch, are related in the Letters written on that Subject to his Highness the Prince of Orange, and to the State's General, by the two Admirals, de Ruiter and Tromp which we have here inserted.  
High and Mightinesses,  
WE engaged Yesterday about two in the afternoon, in a Battle which lasted till night. 
Tromp's Letter to the States.  In breaking in amongst the Enemies, our ship, the Golden Lion, was so roughly handled, that we were forced to remove to the ship, called the Prince on Horseback, whose Captain Van Bergen was killed. I put up my Flag there, and then returned to the fight. We fought on board that ship, till about 7 a Clock when our Main Mast being shot over board into the Sea, we were forced to change ship again, and to go on board the Amsterdam, Commanded by Captain Ʋander Zaan. We engaged again afresh in the fight, till dark night parted us. The Enemy's ships that were the forwardest next the place where we were, had already begun to fly with all the sail they could. We are at present on board the ship Comet, Commanded by Captain Middeland, and we hope, that Almighty God, to whose protection we Commit your High and Mightinesses, will grant a Complete Victory to our dear Country, etc.  
Most Serene Prince,  

Admiral de Ruiter's Letter to his Highness.  MY last written to your Highness was dated the 6th. Instant. After noon, the air begun to clear up a little, and towards evening we could see the Enemies again. During the night the ill weather was quite appeased. On the 7th in the morning it was fair Wether, and the Wind was North-West. That day the Enemy's Fleets begun to move. I fired the usual signal to call a Council of War, where it was resolved to keep our Anchors a-peak, to be ready to be weighed up at the first approach of the Enemies. The Officers that had assisted at the Council of War were not yet gone away from on board me, when the Royal Fleets advanced towards us in the form of a Crescent. The White Squadron that was turned towards the North, was the first that engaged with Lieutenant Admiral Tromp, and both of them tacked to the North-East-ward. The Squadrons that were under mine, and Lieutenant Admiral Bankert's Command, could not be so soon attacked by the Enemies. However to prevent them from separating us, we made likewise to the North-East-ward till about two in the afternoon; and then we thought it time to tack about to the Southward, after we had given the signal for it, and sent notice to Lieutenant Admiral Tromp, by an Advice-Yacht of that motion; and then I engaged with the Red Squadron, and Bankert with the Blue one. I was more fortunate in breaking in amongst the Enemies than Bankert, for his main Topmast, being shot down he had much ado to advance, however he got a great way in, we broke quite through the Enemies, and we cut several of their ships from the main of their Fleet by getting the Weather-gage of them. We thought not fit to pursue them, but rather to make a motion towards the North, in Order to veer back towards Lieutenant Admiral Tromp. We joined him towards evening. When we charged the Enemies they tacked about to the , and we made the same motion, and fought till the night parted us. After the Battle we went and anchored within two miles of West-Kappel. As for the particular passages of the whole time of the fight, it is impossible for us to give an exact relation of them, because we have not yet had time to be informed of them. But however it be, we presume, that, God be praised, the Victory is on the side of the States, and of his Highness. And in order to make it a Complete one, we will put ourselves in readiness to fight with all the vigour imaginable, hoping that God will bless our arms more and more. The fight was furious on both sides, and on our side some did better than others, according as the Wind was more or less favourable to them, and 'tis like the same happened also amongst the Enemies. There were a great many ships endamaged on both sides. We have lost some Officers, viz. Vice Admiral Schram, Rear Admiral Vlug, as likewise the Captains, Van Bergen and Bakker; Captain Nassaw, is dangerously wounded. The Fireships of both Fleets were able to do but little execution, and yet a great many of them were either burnt, or sunk. We have named Rear-Admiral de Haan to the Vice-Admiralship vacant by the death of Schram, under the Flagg of Lieutenant Admiral Tromp, and the Commander Meuwen to the Rear-Admiral's place, who came to the fleet Yersterday in the time of the fight. He reported to us, that he had taken a Yacht coming from London, laden with refreshments, and some Rich suits of  for the Count d' Estree. There is likewise come to us another frigate from Friesland, carrying 30 Guns, and 150 men. That there might arise no confusion by removing the flag, I have ordered Rear Admiral Vlug to put it up in his ship till further order. The Captain of a French fireship whom we saved, Reports to us, that the English fleet consisted of 60 men of War, and 30 fireships, and that the French Squadron was composed of 30 men of War, the least of which carried 50 Guns, and of 10 or 12 fireships, and and that reckoning in the Advice-Yachts, the Confederate fleets were composed of 140 sail; That Prince Robert Commanded in chief; that the Count de Estree, had the Conduct of the White Squadron, and Sir Edward Spragg that of the Blue; and that the two fleets, English and French were mingled together. The Enemies are at present to the North-West and a quarter Westward, at about two mile's distance from us, busy in repairing their damages.  
Here follows Tromp's Letter to the States.  
High and Mighty Lords,  

Tromp's Letter to the States.  WE are now more particularly informed of what passed in the last Battle fought between the Naval Forces of England and France, and the fleet of the United Provinces. We are persuaded that the Enemies have lost 11 or 12 Ships that were burnt or sunk, and several Fireships. We have, God be thanked, lost not one Ship, except some fireships, to about the Number of 6, if I mistake not. The fleet is still in a very good condition, and if the Wind had not risen, de Ruiter and I were resolved to attack the Enemies again. But since God permitted us not to do that, we are now labouring with speed to repair our damaged Ships. I am returned again on board the Golden Lion which wants nothing but her main yard. I have writ into Zealand to have another speedily sent me. We have found on board the said Ship about 100 men killed or wounded; whose places we will endeavour to supply again out of other Ships. Rear-Admiral de Haan is likewise returned on board his Ship, which is now also in a good condition, he is named by way of Provision, to fill up the place vacant by the death of Vice Admiral Schram, in our Squadron; and the Commander de Meuwen, is to supply that of Rear Admiral de Haan, etc.  
Lieutenant Admiral Tromp gave likewise in this Battle, as he had done in all the precedent ones in which he was present, most signal proofs of his undaunted Courage. The very Number of ships he was forced to change, is enough to serve for his Elogium in that behalf; for before the fight was over, he had already changed his ships three or four times, which were all so extremely shattered that they were quite disabled. Rear Admiral de Haan behaved himself likewise very gallantly, having been forced to shift his ship three times.  
De Ruiter, and Tromp in that rencontre gave one another most noble and generous proofs of tenderness and affection. By the assistance de Ruiter gave to Tromp, he was delivered from the Eminent Peril under which he was ready to sink; for being engaged in the midst of two Squadrons of the Enemies, he endured a most Terrible encounter without any hopes of ever being able to go through it. Tromp being sensible of his danger begun to despair of escaping it, unless de Ruiter would come speedily to his assistance, and he was already in an extreme impatience to see him, and comforted up his discouraged Seamen with the hopes of seeing themselves soon delivered by that Great man. And as soon as Tromp saw the Ruiter appear, his joy was extreme, so that he cried out! Courage, my lads, see there's the best of our friends that is advancing and coming to our assistance, and I likewise will never desert him neither so long as I live. De Ruiter accompanied with Lieutenant Admiral Bankert and his Squadron, broke then through the Enemy's Squadrons, and delivered him with as much zeal as fidelity, which promised hopefully that the Reconciliation of those two great men, would for the future continue firm and inviolable.  
On the 12 of June, the fleet was sufficiently repaired, and in a condition to attack the Enemies again; when the Ruiter presently called a Council of War, in which it was Resolved, that since there was no further Reinforcement to be expected from the Country, and that on the contrary, the English were to receive one, with the first Westerly Wind, it was better to prevent them, by attacking them first, unless they received Orders to the contrary from the States; That all things should be got ready for that effect against the 14th. to endeavour by the protection of God, to chase them off the Sea. Accordingly they Ordered the whole fleet to be divided into three Squadrons. The first was composed of 17 men of War, 2 frigates, 8 fireships, and 5 Advice-Yachts, under the Command of Admiral de Ruiter, Lieutenant Admiral Van Nes, Vice-Admiral de Liefde, and Rear Admiral Van Nes; the second was also composed of 17 men of War, 2 frigates, 8 fireships, and 6 Advice Yachts, under the Conduct of Lieutenant Admiral Bankert, Vice Admiral Evertsz, and Rear-Admiral Dik. Lastly the third was Commanded by Lieutenant Admiral Tromp, Vice Admiral Sweers, and Rear Admiral de Haan, and consisted likewise of 17 men of War, 3 Frigates, 8 Fireships, and 5 Advice Yachts.  
The same day the resolution was taken to attack the Enemies, the Deputies of the States, Mr. Boetsclaar and Mr. Reigersbergen came on board Admiral de Ruiter, and being informed of the design that was projected, they approved it. Therefore the Signal was given to the whole Fleet, to set sail, and advance towards the Royal Fleets, whose Forces that before the first Fight, consisted of 140 Sail, were then reduced, as was reported among the Dutch, to 118, by the Losses they had suffered. The Dutch Fleet then weighed Anchor between 11 a Clock at Noon; and the English and French Fleet seeing them approach, got themselves likewise under Sail, and made show as if they would have stood them, and been glad to engage them; but as soon as the Dutch begun to come near them, and play their Guns at them, the Enemies tacked away to the North-west-ward, and stood for the Coast of England, with all the Sail they could. The Dutch Fleet followed them close, but could not oblige them to make a stand, till about 4 in the Afternoon.  
At that Time Lieutenant Admiral Tromp, who commanded the Vanguard, engaged with the Blue Squadron, commanded by Sir Edward Spragg; de Ruiter, on his side attacked the Main Battle, or Red Squadron, commanded by Prince Robert; and about 5 a Clock the two Chiefs of the Hostile Fleets were engaged in a very fierce Fight. A little while after, Lieutenant Admiral Bankert, who commanded the Rear, fell likewise upon the White Squadron, under the Command of the Count d' Estree. The Fleets fought a great while, and the Fight was very obstinate; but as the Royal Fleets had signified at the very first, that they had no mind to engage, they left off Fight, and dextrously made use of the Advantage of the Wind, which they had, to retire towards the English Coasts. Lieutenant Admiral Tromp was the first and the last in the Fight, and the Bravery with which he attacked Admiral Spragg, who likewise did Wonders, can never be sufficiently admired.  
Among other remarkable things that happened in that last Engagement, Vice-Admiral Sweers, that commanded a part of Tromp's Squadron, being in the Ship called the Elephant, a much better Sailer than the Golden Lion, in which Tromp was, going before him, went away so swiftly that the rest of the Ships of his Squadron could not follow him, by which means he found himself on a sudden engaged with Spragg, and the Vice-Admiral of the English Blue Squadron, without any Ships near him to back him, but only 3 Frigates commanded by the Jong, Hartwich, and de Noirot; for the other Captains of his Squadron, instead of following him, as they were obliged to do, veered back again towards Lieutenant Admiral Tromp; Sweers seeing himself so unexpectedly deserted, made all the Resistance he could, but after he had born a very fierce Shock, he was so terribly shattered by the Ships of the Blue Squadron, that he was at last forced to quit the Line of Battle, and make off further to Sea, to repair his Damages, which Conduct of his was interpreted by Tromp to be a piece of Cowardice, tho' the Truth was, 'twas pure Necessity that obliged Sweers to act in that manner.  
Admiral de Ruiter had engaged, as we have said, with Prince Robert's Squadron, and their two Ships having grappled one another fought both very desperately. Bankert likewise signalised himself, and fought with great Valour against the White Squadron, which was very severely handled by him. Prince Robert was forced in that Fight to remove out of the Royal Charles, that was disabled, into the Old Sovereign, and then making the best of his way towards England, the two Royal Fleets followed him in Disorder. In the mean while, the Dutch Fleet finding they had the Advantage, past that Night in the Place where the Battle was fought, with a Resolution to advance the next Day and present a third Battle, to the two Royal Fleets, in case they would accept it; but when Day was come, they could see neither English nor French appear, but heard they were retired into the Thames: Which was a surprising thing to the Dutch, to find that two such powerful Fleets as were the English and French, and so much superior to them in Force, should so shamefully fly from them. But the Cause of it was imputed to the treacherous Conduct of the French, and the Animosities of Prince Robert against them on that account, and the Hatred he and most of the English then in general bore to that leaguing with a Popish and Dangerous Power against a Protestant State, and other Jealousies then reigning, concerning the pernicious intrigues then carrying on between the already perverted Duke of York and the French, against the English Religion and Constitution, which made the Officers and Seamen, very cold in prosecuting the then Quarrel against the Dutch in comparison of what they had been in the former Wars. However it was, when the Dutch saw the Enemies were retreated home, they retired likewise, and went and anchored at Schooneveld, from whence Lieutenant Admiral Tromp writ the following Letter to the States.  
High and Mighty Lords,  
YEsterday at 11 a Clock, 
Tromp's Letter to the States.  having weighed Anchor with an East-Wind, the Holland Fleet made a Motion in order to approach the Enemies, who unmoored at the same time, and made away with full sail from us, to avoid a Fight. Scarcely had we joined them, but our Squadron which had the Van, engaged with the Enemies Blue Squadron, which begun about 4 a Clock in the Afternoon. The Shock was fierce and obstinate, and was not discontinued but by the approach of the Night. A little while after I had begun the Attack, Lieutenant Admiral General de Ruiter and Lieutenant Admiral Bankert engaged likewise, and fought vigorously. We chased the Enemy as far as within 5 Miles of Solbay. Night being come on, we tacked about, and steered towards Schooneveld, which is the Place of our General Rendezvous. It is not to be expressed how much Courage and Affection the whole Fleet testifies. We saw one great English Ship burnt and several more are extremely endamaged. As to what passed in other Squadrons, your High and Mightinesses will doubtless be soon informed of it, to which we refer ourselves. I do not see we have lost any one Ship. We pray God Almighty to be pleased more and more to bless the Glorious Government of your High and Mightinesses, etc.  
This second Battle cost the Enemies, according to their own Report, about 3000 Men that were killed or wounded. Two Days after that great Action, the Deputies of the States coming on Board, a Council of War was called, in order to take new Resolutions about what it were best to undertake, that might be useful and advantageous to the State: Where the Conduct of Vice-Admiral Sweers in the last Battle was brought in Question, which caused great Disputes between Tromp and Sweers, and they were pushed on with so great a Transport of Heat and Animosity by Tromp, that it was to be feared, they would have been attended with very ill Consequences.  

Tromp accuses Vice-Admiral Sweers of not doing his Duty.  Lieutenant Admiral Tromp upbraided Sweers to his Face, That he had not done his Duty, through a shameful Cowardice, which had made him turn his Back before the Enemies. And he alleged, That the said Vice-Admiral going foremost, with a part of his Squadron, had not attacked the Enemy as he ought; and further, that he had not maintained the Attack neither, when he was engaged any better than he had begun, because he kept still so to the Windward, that the Captains that were under him were forced to quit him, and to veer back and join him the said Tromp, as all those Captains could faithfully testify.  
To that, Vice-Admiral Sweers answered in his Justification, That the Damages his Ship had suffered, as well as the great number of Men he had killed and wounded on Board him, sufficed to clear him from the Injustice and cruel Outrage done to his Reputation, since by that it might easily be seen he was hotly engaged with the Enemies at the Beginning of the Fight; but that at last his Main-topmost being shot down, he was forced, much against his Will, to retire, in order to repair his Damages; That in such an occasion it was impossible for him to change his Ship, because that of Captain Jong was as much disabled as his own, and that besides the Frigates that seconded him were too small to put his Flag up in; And that he made Oath before God, that he was not guilty of the Crime imputed to him, but that he had performed as well as any Man in the Fleet.  
And the Quarrel between these two Generals grew so hot, that they would have proceeded from Words to Blows, had it not been for the Respect they were obliged to have for the Deputies of the States, who were there present, and who, to prevent the mischievous Consequences that might follow from those Differences, ordered Cornelius Evertsz, Van Nes, and John Dik, accompanied with Van Wouw, the Fiscal of the Fleet, to go on Board Vice-Admiral Sweers Ship, to examine the Damages he had suffered, and to report them to the Council of War. Lieutenant Admiral Tromp fortified his Accusation with 14 Depositions which were received, and which all amounted only to this, viz. That they had seen Vice-Admiral Sweers to the Windward, a great way off from the rest, and knew not the Reason of it.  
Vice-Admiral Sweers replied to all that, in the first Place, by a List of the Losses and Damages his Ship had suffered, authorized by the Attestation of the Commissioners appointed to examine them, who loudly declared, That if the Ship had been their own, they must have been constrained to act in the same manner as Sweers had done. In the second place he produced a list of his killed and wounded men, which were to the Number of 32 of the latter, and 11 of the former, which was attested by the Surgeons of his ship. The Prince of Orange taking that affair to heart, sent word to the Council of War, that he desired them, to put it off till some further time, that he might himself be fully informed of the whole truth of it. Tromp and Sweers professed themselves well satisfied with it, and promised to conform to his Highness' orders, and that was the end of the dispute between those two Generals.  
On the 19th of the month upon advice, that the Royal fleets were retired into the Thames Rear Admiral de Haan was detacht away with a Squadron of 12 men of War, 2 fireships, and 4 Advice Yachts, with order to observe them. And he reported at his return, that he had heard from a pilot of Lubeck that came from London on the 16th, that the two Hostile fleets were riding near Sheerness to the Number of about 70 men of War, and that they were to go up the River as far as Tilbury Hope, to take on board 30000 men of Regular Troops in order to attempt a descent upon the Coasts of Zealand, and that there were already 20 ships ready.  
On the 27th. the two fleets of England and France put to Sea again, being 150 sail strong, viz. 80 English and 28 French men of War. The Dutch fleet on the other side, were but 100 sail in all, including the Reinforcements they had lately received; but however, in that dangerous Juncture, they resolved notwithstanding the inequality of their Forces to go and meet the Enemies, and give them Battle. And on th● 1st. of August, they met them, but the Enemy's who intended nothing less than an Engagement endeavoured to avoid a fight. Lieutenant Admiral Tromp whose Squadron had the Van, fired several Guns at them to invite them to an Engagement, and presented them Battle, but that was not their design. The Hollanders observing the Enemy's behaviour, presumed it to be a Stratagem they played to make show as if they fled, only to draw the Dutch away from the Coasts of Zealand, that they might have opportunity afterwards to execute their great design, which was a descent. And in effect, they were not deceived; for the next day towards evening, the Royal Fleets appeared before the , and a day after, before Scheveling.  
At that motion of theirs, all Holland was in an alarm for fear the Enemies should enter into the heart of the Country to waste and destroy it, and therefore in order to oppose them, all the Companies of the Burghers of the Hague, and of Delft and all the peasants of the villages round about were Commanded to march with all haste towards the Coasts. Cannon was likewise sent down thither to furnish sufficient batteries of defence. About 11 a Clock before noon, 6 or 7 light Frigates approached so near the Coasts by favour of the Tide, that the Dutch on shore begun to play their Cannon at them, which the English answered with the like, but without doing much mischief. After that the Enemies made off again into the main Sea, and showed themselves the same day in the afternoon, near Zandvoort and de Wikopzee, about three miles from the shore, and sending up 2 Frigates near to this last place, they battered it for some time with their Guns. The next day they appeared likewise before Egmond and Petten, and lastly before Helder, and the Texel.  
The Prince of Orange hearing at the Army which was encamped at Ramsdonk that the Enemy's Fleets hovered about the Coasts of Holland, came with all haste to the Hague where he arrived on the 4th. of the month very early in the morning. He had ordered his Regiment of Guards and some Horse, to follow him in order to relieve the Burghers that had guarded the Coasts of Scheveling under the Conduct of the Duke of Holstein. The Prince of Waldee, likewise came to the Brill at the same time, to give the necessary orders there; and General Wirtz was sent to Walcheren to look after the preservation of that post.  
The Prince of Orange after he had been at several conferences held concerning the affairs of the Land Army, went down to the Fleet to give likewise his orders there; and he no sooner entered on board Admiral de Ruiter, but they saluted him with 13 Guns in acknowledgement of the honour of his presence, after which he assisted at the Council of War, where it was resolved Battle should be given the Enemies as soon as it was possible, in hopes thereby to force them at least to quit the Coasts and Harbours of the United Provinces. Those Resolutions being taken his Highness represented to every one their duty and what great necessity there was in so pressing an occasion, to fight courageously for the Honour and Interest of their Country: That done, he left the Fleet, with the acclamations of the Seamen who cried out Long live the Prince, and returned back towards the Hague.  
The Dutch Fleet without any further delay, weighed Anchor the very next day, and steered away directly towards the Texel, where the Royal Fleets were; but by reason of contrary winds they could not get up with the Enemy's Fleet till the 20th. 
A third fi ht.  The next day in the morning, the fight begun, which proved one of the most furious and bloody ones that ever was recorded in History, and that ever was fought upon the Ocean. The Dutch having got the Wether gage in the night fell upon the Enemies about the break of day. Lieutenant Admiral Tromp had the vanguard, de Ruiter Commanded the main Battle, and Bankert, the Rear. About half an hour after 7, the Royal Fleets made a motion, to attack the Hollanders. De Ruiter upon that presently gave a signal, and made his Squadrons make another motion to preserve the advantage of the Weather-gage, and to prevent the Enemies attack by attacking them first. By that motion, Bankert's Squadron that had the Rear before came to have the Van; de Ru●ter's Squadron was still in the main Battle, and Tromp's in the Rear.  
About half an hour after 8, Bankert fell upon the Count d' Estree's Squadron, which had the Van of the Royal Fleets, de Ruiter attacked Prince Robert's Squadron, and Tromp the Blue one Commanded by Sir Edward Spragg. Then the fight was general, 
The French desert the English.  and the two contending Fleets were throughly engaged. However, the French, excepting only Rear Admiral Martel, who fought with all the bravery imaginable, showed by their Conduct, that their design was to husband and spare their forces, and according to the opinion of most knowing men, it was presumed, the Count d' Estree, tho' he made a show of fight bravely for a time, had secret orders from his Master to act in that manner, so that about 11 a Clock they very fairly made a tack about to the Eastward, and stood off to the Wind-ward, where they remained malicious spectators of the rest of the fight.  
Admiral de Ruiter being engaged with Prince Robert, those two Admiral's and their Squadrons fought most desperately. Lieutenant Admiral Bankert seeing the French were gone off, thought not fit to pursue them any longer, for fear of being drawn away too far off from the main of the Dutch Fleet, but veered back towards the main Battle, and went to the assistance of Admiral de Ruiter. Prince Robert seeing the main force of the Hollanders falling upon him, and that the French had left him in the Lurch, and would not come in to his assistance to enable him to dispute the victory, and being almost overwhelmed, he and his, by the furious firing of two entire Dutch Squadrons, thought it time to provide for his and their safety, by a prudent retreat, and so steered away to the Westward with all the sail he could make, and quitted the fight, leaving the advantage and claim of Victory to the Hollanders, and was pursued by de Ruiter, Van Nes and Bankert, till two a Clock in the afternoon.  
In the mean while the English Blue Squadron, and that of Lieutenant Admiral Tromp, having made a tack to the North in fight, were already gotten to such a distance from the main of their Fleets, that they were out of sight. Admiral de Ruiter fearing Tromp might be in danger thought fit to go and seek him out, in order to assist him. And accordingly he advanced with his own and Bankert's Squadron that way.  
Prince Robert observing the motion made by the Ruiter, begun to be in as much fear for Spragg as de Ruiter was in for Tromp; And therefore without any further hesitation, he ordered his Squadron to make the same motion as his Enemy that he might follow him; the Count de Estree with his Squadron followed him; but yet neither of them thought good to come near the Hollanders any more, for fear of being obliged to come to a fresh engagement with them, and therefore they prudently kept at a distance out of the reach of Canonshot. 
The terrible and fatal fight between Tromp and Spragg.  In the mean while, Tromp and Spragg fought a long time with such an obstinacy and desperate fierceness as was incredible, and to see them in the heat of fight, one would have said, those two Admirals had sworn their Mutual and Common Destruction.  
Vice-Admiral Sweers who Commanded a part of Tromp's Squadron, was engaged with the foremost Ships of the Blue Squadron, Commanded by Vice Admiral Kempthorn and Rear Admiral the Earl of Ossory. Sweers attacked Kempthorn so vigorously that he was forced at last to give way, which put to the rout most of the Ships of the Blue Squadron who were pursued by the Hollanders; But the two chiefs of the contending Squadrons continued fight for 7 hours together with so much obstinacy, that the Cannon and small shot played perpetually without any intermission from both the two Admirals upon one another.  
There happened a thing extremely surprising, and almost incredible to Tromp in that Battle, that shows the great happiness that attended him in all the fights he was present in; which is that the Combat had already lasted 6 hours before he had so much as one man killed or wounded, 
Tromp's Happiness in Battle.  out of 500 he had on board him; which extraordinary luckiness was looked upon as a manifest proof of the Protection of God; for most of the Bullets were seen to fly either over or cross his Ship without doing any harm, tho' those two Chiefs of Squadrons fought pretty near one another. But Sir Edward Spragg was at last so severely handled by Tromp that he had 400 men killed, and 300 wounded according to the Earl of Ossory's report afterwards to Tromp of that Action; so that seeing himself reduced to so pitiful a condition, he quitted the fight, and about noon betook himself to flight. Tromp did all he could to stop him, and with Cannon-balls beat down all his sails and his Mizzen Mast as he was pursuing him.  
Spragg being thus disabled, 15 or 16 ships of his Squadron, advanced and fell upon the Golden Lion in which Tromp was, to revenge their friend's Quarrel, and setting some fireships at her, had like to have burnt her, but Tromp repulsed them so dextrously that they could do him no harm. The Enemies seeing their Fireships take no effect, environed him round; and st●ed at him on all sides with continual broadsides from all their guns that in a little time his Ship was quite disabled; she was so grievously battered and pierced through and through with shot.  
Tromp then was forced to quit his Ship, th● Golden Lion, and went on board the Comet, and kept himself always close to the Royal Prince, to have a watchful eye upon Spragg who after he had likewise changed his Ship was returned again to the fight. He was removed into the St. George, and did his utmost, to defend the Prince Royal that was in danger of being taken or burnt by Tromp; ●empthorn veered back likewise with a part of the Blue Squadron towards Spragg, and so by that succour and the motion they ma●e, the Royal Prince was secured. In the mean while, the St. George was so roughly handled that Sprag was likewise forced to quit her, as being altogether disabled. Accordingly for that effect, he leapt into a Boat to go on board the Royal Charles; but soon after a Cannon Ball was Level d so unluckily at the Boat that she was ready to sink; 
Admiral Spragg's death.  Spragg seeing the danger he was in, ordered his men to row hard, to try to get back to the St. George; but it was too late; for the Boat sunk in an instant. The English running to his assistance, found him dead, having his head and shoulders above water, and his hands and arms so strongly grasping the side of the boat, that they had much ado to get them lose. Such was the end of one of the most valiant Admirals England ever had. It is reported, that when he took his leave of the K. of England, he promised him to bring him Lieutenant Admiral Tromp alive or dead, or else to lose his own Life in the attempt, which last accordingly came to pass.  
The English Blue Squadron and that of Tromp were engaged in a bloody and obstinate fight, and if Prince Robert had not come in speedily to the assistance of the Blue Squadron, it had been totally defeated, which the Prince well foreseeing advanced with all imaginable haste, and joined the the Blue Squadron about four a Clock in the afternoon, and de Ruiter and Bankert's Squadron had done the same thing with Tromp's. And Spragg's Ship having lost her Main Masts was towed away out of the fight by a Frigate.  
After de Ruiter, Van Nes, and Bankert had joined with Tromp, they all fell afresh upon the Enemies, who had the Weather-gage, which gave occasion to another fierce and bloody fight, whilst the Count d' Estree with his Squadron keeping all the time to the windward, contented himself after his former manner to be only a Spectator of the Fray, without troubling himself at all to assist the over-matched English, who seeing themselves so basely deserted, and attacked at the same time by the whole Force of Holland, were after a most valiant and vigorous resistance, forced at last to give way, and about 7 in the Evening, they begun to retreat, and were pursued by the Hollanders till the beginning of the Night, who forced them a second time to Quit the Sea.  
The Dutch lost in that fight, 
The Dutch Loss.  the two Vice-admirals', de Liefde, and Sweers, and the very same Evening, the Rearadmirals', Van Nes and de Haan were named provisionally to supply their places. They lost likewise the Captains, Van Gueldre, Sweerius, Visscher, and Jobsz Kiela, but that which is most remarkable, is, that so great an Action as that, cost the Hollanders only 4 or 5 Fireships, without the loss of so much as one Man of War. The Dutch Fleet being thus Victorious, kept out still at Sea, excepting only the Ships of Tromp, Rear-Admiral de Haan, and of the Captains, Brakel, and de Jong, which were sent into Port to be repaired. As to the Number of their Men killed and wounded, in the whole Squadron of Amsterdam, there were reported to be but 71 of the first and 120 of the last, and in the other Squadrons proportionably.  
As for the Loss on the English side, 
The Engllish loss.  there were more said to be killed in Admiral Spragg's single Ship than the Dutch would own to have been in their whole Fleet. There were also reckoned in that Number 4 Captains, recommendable for their Bravery, and many other Persons of Note, who all lost their Lives in that Battle. Two of their bigest Ships were said to be sunk, and 6 or 7 burnt, and 10 of their Fireships spent and lost in vain. Here follow the Letters written concerning that Action, by the Dutch Admirals, to the States.  
High and Mighty Lords,  

De Ruiter's Letter to the States.  BY my last, dated the 20th instant towards Evening, I certified your High and Mightinesses, That we had discovered the same Day the Royal Fleets, having the Weather-gage. At Night they steered to the East-south-eastward, as we thought fit to do to the West-north-westward; so that the Wind turning to the East, we found ourselves Yesterday-Morning in sight of the Coasts of Holland, having the Weather-gage. I presently gave the Signal for our Fleet to get into Order of Battle, with a Resolution to attack the Enemy. The Royal Fleets seeing us prepare for Fight, did the like on their side; so that about half an Hour after 7, the two Fleets engaged. I attacked Prince Robert, Bankert attacked the Count d' Estree, and Tromp Sir Edward Spragg. We broke reciprocally one through the other, having sometimes the Weather-gage, and sometimes losing it. The Allies Fleet made at first a great effort with 28 Fireships, which they had, whereof 8 or 10 were destroyed in part by our Boats, who forced them to set Fire to them themselves, and then to quit them; We likewise lost 4 or 5 of ours. A Captain of an English Fireship that was taken Prisoner, reported to us, That the Enemies 5 or 6 Days ago took one of our Ships, homewards bound from the East-Indies, which came away before the rest. The Fight lasted till the beginning of the Night, and ended not but with the Retreat of the Royal Fleets, who steered away towards the English Coast in a very shattered Condition. Admiral Spragg's Ship was towed away by some Frigates, having lost all her Masts. One of their biggest Men of War is sunk, and we have lost none at all. As for the Officers of our Fleet, we have lost the two Vice-admirals', de Liefde and Sweers, and the Captains, Van Gelder, my Son-in-Law, and Sweerius, besides several others wounded. Secretary Andringa is in the Number of these last. We hope to inform your High and Mightinesses more particularly of the Circumstances of this great action; and we thank God, that he has left us the Masters of the Sea; which will favour the coming in of those Ships into our Harbours that are expected home, etc.  
Admiral Tromp's Letter to the States.  
High and Mighty Lords,  
THO' the Royal Fleets of England and France had on the 20th instant the Weather-gage, yet the Wind next Morning chopping about to the East-south-east, we found ourselves to the Wind-ward, and they to the Lee-ward. Our Fleet was about a Mile from the Country of Petrens. We tacked about to the North, and the Enemies to the South; about 8 a Clock we likewise made the same Motion to follow them. The Fleet of the Allies was 150 Sail strong, great and small. Lieutenant Admiral Bankert having the Van, attacked the White Squadron. Admiral de Ruiter attacked Prince Robert, who commanded the Main Battle, and we attacked the Rear, or the Blue Squadron, commanded by Sir Edward Spragg. Our Ships, that were the foremost advanced towards the Southeast, begun to play their Guns, and so insensibly the main Fleet engaged. Being come up directly to Admiral Spragg, we cannonaded him so terribly, that his Main and Mizzen Masts were both shot down, and then we were disposing ourselves either to Board him or Burn him; but the Ships of his Squadron that backed him, running in to his Aid, made so great a Resistance that our Ship was reduced into a pitiful Condition, and was so disabled that I was forced to quit her, to remove into the Comet, where I put up my Flag about 2 a Clock in the Afternoon. In the mean while the Enemies having made themselves Masters of the Weather-gage, our Men were so far from letting them keep any Advantage from thence, that they attacked them with so much the more Bravery and Courage, and reduced them into such a Condition, that their Squadron was almost ruined by it. We beat them till 7 a Clock in the Afternoon, when we forced them to quit the Sea. I hope to go to Day on Board the Elephant, vacant by the Death of Vice-Admiral Sweers. I do not know, that this Fight has cost us the Loss of so much as one Ship. As for what passed in the Squadrons of Admiral de Ruiter, and Lieutenant Admiral Bankert, I am persuaded, that the Letters of those two Admirals have fully informed your High and Mightinesses, etc.  
The Bodies of Vice-Admiral Sweers, and of the Captains, Van Gelder, and Sweerius were carried to Amsterdam to be buried there; but that of Vice-Admiral de Liefde was sent to Rotterdam. Those great Men were accordingly interred with all the Honours due to their high Merit; and their Country for which they lost their Lives, omitted nothing that might contribute to the immortalising their worthy Memory, erecting to them most stately Tombs, whereon are engraven suitable Epitaphs, to publish their Heroic Actions to Posterity, which are to be seen in the  Cities.  
After that happy Advantage, which in that Juncture was more worth than a much greater Victory, the Dutch Fleet continued at Sea till the 22d of September, and then because there was no Appearance of any thing considerable likely to pass between them and the Royal Fleets, during the remainder of that Year the States sent them Orders to retire home. And accordingly on the 28 of the same Month, 
The States thank the Seas-general for their Courage and Affection shown in the last Battles.  the Generals presented themselves before the Assembly of the State's General, and of the States of Holland, where they received public Thanks for the Zeal and steadfast Affection they had shown for the Service of their Country in the three last Battles lately fought. After which the States were pleased to reward every one of them in particular. They also ordered a certain Gratuity in Money to be given to the Widows of those General Officers that were killed; and for that effect the following Resolution was taken by them, and published the 30th of September, 1673.  AFter a due Deliberation, it has been thought sit, in pursuance of the Resolution taken by their High and Mightinesses on the 28th instant, 
The Resolution of the States of Holland and West-Friesland f●r ordering Rewards to their General Sea-Officers, etc.  and in Acknowledgement of the Services the Generals of the Fleet have rendered to their Country in the last Battles fought against the Enemy's Fleets, There shall be given to Lieutenant General Admiral de Ruiter, a Letter of Constitution of 6000 Livers annual Rent; to the Lieutenant Admiral's Van Nes and Tromp 4000 Livers each; to the Widows and Heirs of the Vice-admirals' the Liefde, Sweers and Schram an Annual Allowance of 2000 Livers each; to the Rear Admirals, John van Nes and de Haan 1000 Livers each as likewise to the Widow and Heirs of Rear Admiral Vlug, a like Letter of Constitution of 100 Livers Annual Pension. 
These three successive Advantages the Dutch Fleet had gotten over the English and French, quite ruined all the Conquests the French King had made by Land, with as much Rapidity as Success; for thereby the Coasts and Havens of the United Provinces being freed from the Oppression of two powerful Fleets, that kept them as it were besieged, the Dutch had thereby time to take Breath, and to draw from thence the Troops that were posted there, and to employ them elsewhere. For the Prince of Orange seeing Fortune begun to declare herself for his Arms, marched the State's Army, that was reinforced by some Spanish Troops, towards Naerden, in order to besiege it; and after the Reduction of that Place, he joined the Emperor's Army under the Command of Count Montecuculi, and form the Siege of Bonne, that was taken on the 14th of November. Which happy Successes, and the Arrival of the Imperialist, absolutely broke the Measures of France and its Allies, and forced them all at a spurt to quit the Conquests they had made with so much Rapidity, by disabling them to preserve them, without leaving themselves without Troops sufficient to oppose to the Prince of Orange and Imperialists in the Field, which it was much more dangerous for them, to let their Enemies be Masters of, than it was prejudicial to quit their late Conquests, and the Pride they took in having gotten them.  
Therefore on the 7th of October they quitted Woorden, on the 14th of November Bommel, and on the 23d of the same Month Vtrecht, and in general all the Conquests they had made in the Provinces of Vtrecht, Gelder's and Overyssel: But before their Retreat, they extorted immense Sums from the Inhabitants, and committed all the Depredations Cruelty and Despair could incite them to. So many fortunate Successes happening in so short a time, not only freed the United Provinces from the Disasters they were like to sink under, but put them into a condition to take some Revenge for them.  
For that effect, the States, redoubling their Care and Diligence, begun to think of Manning and Arming out a powerful Fleet; 
Preparations of War for the Year 1674.  and resolved it should consist of 90 Men of War, 24 Fireships, and 24 Galliots, etc. amounting in all to 162 Sail. Whilst they were making those vigorous Naval Preparations, the Spaniards, who had declared War against France, by virtue of their Treaty of Alliance with the State's General of the United Provinces, employed the Marquis de Fresno, their Ambassador in the Court of England, to endeavour a separate Peace between the King of Great Britain and the States. 
A Peace concluded between Engl●nd and H●lland by the Spanish Ambassador.  The Negotiation that had been set on foot for a General Peace, at Cologn, was just then like to be broken off by the exorbitant Demands made by France and its Allies, so that the States finding there was no trusting to any Hopes on that side of a General Peace, used all their Artifices to separate England from the other Allies, and for that purpose sent full Power to the Marquis de Fresno, to treat on that Subject with that Crown, who managed it so dextrously, that on the 19th of February, 1674. a Peace was effectually concluded at Westminster between the States and the King of England, to the Exclusion of France, and its Allies.  
That Peace caused an unexpressible Joy to the United Provinces, and raised hopeful Expectations in all their People; and as the Union of England with France, form together, had they acted unanimously, so formidable a Sea-power, that it seemed at first to the Hollanders, to have been invincible, tho' the Event, and ill cemented Correspondence of those two Nations shown the contrary, so now the United Provinces had reason to flatter themselves with the Hopes, that they should be able with much more ease to reduce France to Reason, being alone, after they had divided England from it, which was the more powerful of the two at Sea, than they could expect before. Which Achievement was as terrible a Stroke to France, as it was a Glorious and Advantageous Omen to the United Provinces.  
That troublesome Thorn being plucked out of their Foot, the States reflecting upon the immense Charges they had been forced to be at for equipping out a Fleet, numerous enough to encounter two such formidable Sea-powers as they had had before upon them, thought they might now well enough retrench some of them, now they had none but Fran●● to deal with. And therefore they ordered, that th● Fleet for the Year 1674 should be composed only of 66 Men of War, 18 Fireships, 12 Great Galliots, and as many smaller ones, and 24 Flutes, etc. making in all 150 Sail, and that 9000 Regular Troops should be embarked thereon, and that they should carry with them 6 months' Provision; that a part of that Fleet, under the Command of de Ruiter, should sail towards the Caribbe Islands belonging to the French, to destroy them, whilst the other part, under the Conduct of Lieutenant Admiral Tromp should advance towards the French Coasts, in order to make some Descent and Diversion there. And the General Rendezvous of that Fleet was appointed to be at Wielingen.  

A Relation of the Principal Adventures that happened at Sea in the Year 1674. taken out of the Original Memoirs of Lieutenant Admiral Tromp.  
THE Fleet of the United Provinces weighed Anchor on the 24th of May, and on the 26th arrived before Dunkirk, from whence they departed on the 27th towards Dover, where the Marquis de Fresno, the King of Spain's Ambassador at the Court of England, came on Board the Admiral, to see it. They afterwards kept cruising along the Channel, and about Torbay, till the 7th of June; and during all that time kept the Coasts of France in a continual Alarm.  
Lieutenant Admiral de Ruiter, in pursuance of the States Orders, separated from Lieutenant Admiral Tromp on the 8th, with a Squadron of Men of War and some Troops, and sailed away for the West-Indies: And then the rest of the Fleet under Tromp unmoored from Torbay, and arrived the same Evening near the Goutstart. On the 19th and 20th they discovered the Isle of Vshant. At the approach of the Fleet, the French fired their Beacons all-a-long the Coast, and the Arrierbann of Britainy were most of them posted in and about Breast, which they had taken great Care to fortify: And they had placed a great many Ships at the Mouth of the Harbour, upon which they had placed Cannon, and erected Batteries. The French being so strong upon their Guard on that side, the Generals of the Dutch Fleet, found it impossible to execute their Projects there, and unanimously resolved to move towards Belle-Isle, and there to wait for such of their Ships as were straggled from the Body of their Fleet, and then to sail all together towards the Mouth of the Loire. According to that Project, the Fleet unmoored, and on the 22d a small English Vessel, that was sent out a scouting, returned to the Fleet, and brought with her a French, Sounder of S. Lazar. On the 23d the Fleet went and anchored on the East of Belle-Isle. As soon as the Duke de Chaulnes, Governor of Britainy, had heard of the Arrival of the Hollanders, he hastily drew together 4000 Peasants, which the next Day were reinforced with 4000 more, and 400 Gentlemen on Horseback, who came from Landernau, Guanove, and S. Renans: and besides that, he dispatched a Courier to the Marquis of Coetlogon, with orders to throw himself into Belle-Isle, which he accordingly did with 600 Foot, and 80 Gentlemen.  
On the 24th the Dutch Fleet anchored on the East-side of the Castle, in 13 Fathom Water. There came likewise to the Fleet a small English Ship, which reported, There were 8000 Men in Arms in the Island, which was also confirmed by the French Sounder that was taken. But it being found afterwards that their Number in reality was but 3000, the Dutch resolved upon a Descent. But first the Count de Horn sent a Trumpeter with a Summons to the Governor of the Isle; who returned in the Afternoon with this Answer, That both he the said Governor, and all the Inhabitants, were resolved to defend themselves to the last Extremity, in case the Island were attacked.  

The Dutch attack Belle-Isle.  On the 26th Lieutenant Admiral Tromp, and the Count de Horn, took a Boat, and went and viewed in what Places it would be most proper to make a Descent; and when they came back to the Fleet, they ordered the Land-Troops to be in Readiness for the next Day, with a Design to make then an Attempt, in case the Wind proved favourable: And accordingly, on the 27th, at Break of Day, the Signal was given for it, upon which all the Galliots, being filled with Soldiers, approached the Shore, in order to make a Descent, by Favour of the Fire made by the Guns of their Men of War. The Dutch, being landed, found much less Resistance than they expected, tho' the French had made double Retrenchments, and posted in them numerous Guards; and that besides there was a Hill in the way very steep and difficult of Ascent. As soon as the Troops were landed, they drew up in order of Battle, and advanced towards the Castle, and when they came within Musket-shot of it, because it was now Evening, they made a Halt. In the mean while, a Detachment that had been sent ascouting out of the Castle, no sooner heard of the Approach of the Dutch, but they turned back in all haste, and retired again into the Fortress. On the other side, a part of the Fleet approaching as near as could be to the Castle, fired furiously at it, which the French did their best to answer in the like kind. On the 28th the Dutch went and encamped at Soison, where they seized on all the Cattle of the Country, and sent them to the Fleet: The same Day the Admiral's Bankert and Van Nes were commanded to move to the Westward of the Castle, where it was lowest. On the 29th a Bark belonging to the Castle came out to the Fleet with a White Flag, and brought a Letter from the Lorgerie, to the Dutch Generals, to let them know that he wanted Refreshments, and that if they would give him leave for two or three Fishing Vessels they should catch Fish for him and them too; but Admiral Tromp would by no means grant his Request.  
On the 30th Tromp sent another Trumpeter to the Castle, To desire the Release of some Dutch Prisoners, in consideration that the Count de Horn had already released a great Number of theirs, both Men, Women and Children. Upon which Demand, the Governor sent back 17 Soldiers and Seamen, and one Drummer, who venturing to straggle too far from the Army were taken by the French; and because in so doing they had transgressed their Orders, two of them at their Return were hanged for an Example. The Dutch, after having stayed two Days upon the Island, resolved at length to reimbark again, without attempting any thing more upon the Castle, because they thought it would cost too much Time formally to besiege it. They carried off with them only three Pieces of Cannon from the Island to the Fleet.  
On the 2d of July they unmoored, and on the 3d came to an Anchor in the Bay of Bourgneuf, right against Narmourtiers, and employed the rest of the Day in making the necessary Preparations in order to a Descent the next Morning. In the mean while, Admiral Tromp took Boat and went and viewed where it might be most proper to attempt it. The Enemies had made several Retrenchments upon the Shore, and had placed there their Musqueteers. On the 4th the Signal was given for Landing, and thereupon all the Troops getting into Boats for that purpose, approached the Shore, to which they were forced to climb up over Rocks, or wade through the Water as high as their middles.  
The French at the first Approach of the Dutch, fired something briskly upon them, but as soon as they saw them advance, and march towards them with an undaunted Resolution, they deserted their Retrenchments, and retired a great way up into the Country. They likewise quitted the Castle of the Island, so that the Hollanders were all landed about 7 in the Evening, and put up the Prince's Colours upon the Castle, and upon the Mills. They found 17 Pieces of Cannon planted along the Shore, which were sent to the Fleet, and 12 Ships that had been forced to run aground. The Dutch, in landing, had but 135 M●n killed and wounded, Officers and all. The Prisoners reported, there were 5000 Men ready to pass into the Island from the firm Land, and that 500 of them were already arrived.  
Upon those Advices, the Count de Horn hastened the March of his Troops, with a Resolution to oppose their Passage, leaving Captain Brakel with 3 Companies of Seamen and 60 Musqueteers in the Castle, and Captain Hardenbrock, with Admiral Tromp's Company of Seamen in the Abbey, to guard those Posts. The Army being arrived towards Evening to the Place by which the French were to pass, found they were all retired back into the firm Land, where there appeared a Body of the Enemy's Horse and Foot. But the Army wanting Water, they were obliged to remove, and encamp an Hours March back from thence, leaving Mr. Zomersdyk with 400 men to secure that Post.  
On the 5th of July 2 Brigantines built Galley-wise, and well armed, that were sent from Rochel, arrived at the Island, and not knowing the Dutch had made a Descent there, without any Fear, approached the Shore. Mr. de Zomersdyk at the Sight of them, posting himself with 60 Musketeers behind a Rising Ground, made a Show with his Men as if they had been French, the better to amuse and decoy them; whilst, on the other side, the Dutch fell upon them so suddenly, that they were forced to yield.  
That Island contains about 1000 Houses, and is not above 250 Paces distant from the main Land, so that the French on the one side, and the Hollanders on the other could mutually cannonade one another. For when the Tide is low, the space between Bovin and Beauvoir, which is in the main Land of Poitou, is so very dry, that as many Men as please may pass in a Rank from either of the Places to the other, which may be done two Hours after the going out of the Tide.  
The French, to intimidate the Dutch, gave out a Report, That their King had sent Orders to all the Horse and Foot that were on the other Side, to pass over to oppose their Depredations, and force them to quit that Post; but for all their Bravadoes their Countenance well showed, they were more apprehensive of the Hollanders, than the Hollanders were of all their false Alarms, since they removed all the Straw and Boiling Vessels that belonged to their Salt-pits, to Bovin and Beauvoir, for Security. In the mean while Admiral Tromp commanded all his Ships to return again to their Flag; on the 7th he approached the Shore with his whole Fleet, and recommended to his General Officers strictly to forbid their Seamen, under Pain of Death not to amuse themselves with plundering ashore either Cattle, or any thing else.  
On the 8th of the same Month, 2 Frigates and 8 Fireships came back to the Fleet, and reported, they had been at S. Martha's Island, where they had seen stranded a French Frigate of 40 Guns, which afterwards by some Fire accidentally falling into her Powder-room, was blown up. The same Day a Frigate with 9 other Vessels, were detached away towards S. Andrews, to take in Water for the whole Fleet. Two Brigantines and 2 Yachts were likewise sent to cruise about Breast, to destroy the French Fisher-ships, and to take them, if possible. On the 9th 2 Frigates, 2 Fireships, and 2 Galliots more, were sent away towards the Island of S. Martha, and the Mouth of the River of Bourdeaux.  
On the 10th the Captains, Dekker and Megang came back to the Fleet, and reported, That they had presented themselves before the Island Heys, but durst not attempt a Descent for want of Men enough to execute it: That, according to the Report of an English Ship come from S. Martha's, the Appearance of the Dutch Fleet had put all the Islanders into a great Consternation; that they had sent over into that Island 10000 Men, but the most of them Peasants, gathered up in haste, and some Pieces of Cannon. On the 11th, 5 Days Provision for the Subsistance of the Army was sent on Shore.  
On the 14th the Frigates that had been cruising on the Coasts of Britain, came back to the Fleet, with a French Ship, that 6 Weeks before was in company with 22 Merchant Ships, under the Convoy of some French Men of War, who had conducted them from Marseilles to the Straits Mouth. She carried 10 Guns, and 30 Men; 17 of the other Merchant-Ships saved themselves by running in close to Shore upon the Approach of the Hollanders. The Dutch Brigantines were ordered thereupon, to return to the Coasts of Britain, to endeavour to take those Ships. On the 20th some Ships that had been detacht to cruise before the Mouth of Bourdeaux River came in likewise, and reported, That they had been informed by 24 Sial of English and Hamburgers, That the French King's Ships were retired to Rochfort, where they were secured by 5 Barriers; and that 2 Fireships were preparing at Rochel. The same Evening 3 Days Provision more was sent to the Land-Army.  
On the 22d the Brigantines returned to the Fleet, and reported, they had destroyed 3 of the Enemy's Barks, and that 4 or 5 small Ships laden with Ammunition, were near Boulin: Upon which, Captain Hidder was forthwith dispatched away with some Brigantines, to destroy them. 
The Dutch, after having ravaged the Country, retire.  The Hollanders, after they ha● for three Weeks together ravaged ●hat Island, resolved at length to quit it, but they first blew up the Castle, filled up the Retrenchments, that had been made a long the Shore, and plundered the Inhabitants. All the Cattle which they found there in great Numbers, was already consumed in feeding their Men, but they carried off Hostages with them to the Fleet, for 14000 Crowns Contribution.  
The Prisoners reported, That the Duke de Chaulnes was encamped with 400 Gentlemen of the Arrierban, between Crovil and Lazare, at about 6 Hours or Leagues from Narmoutier; That the Duke de Retz with 1200 other Gentlemen, and 5000 Inhabitants, was between Bourgneuf, and Machou, about a League from Narmoutier. The Duke of Vionville had his Post at Boulin and Beauvoir, and commanded a Body of 2000 Gentlemen of the Arrierban and 8000 Inhabitants. The Duke de Gadagne commanded at Rochel, at Oleron, and at the Isle of the, where the French had their main Forces. For, according to the common Report of the Prisoners, and of the Men belonging to some English and Hamburg Vessels, there were in the Isle of the alone 10000 Foot and 1000 Horse; and that the Foot-Regiments of Gadagne, Neuville, Louvigny, a Marine Battalion, and several other detached Companies, and the Horse Regiments of Courcelle and Bellegarde were arrived there 6 Weeks before.  
In Oleron there were likewise a great many Horse and Foot, and 3 Weeks before, there was also arrived a Marine Battalion to meet Tromp. The Spanish Governor of S. Sebastian writ to the Count de Horn, that after he had carefully informed himself of the Number of Forces the Enemies had about Rochel, Bourdeaux and Bayonne, he had found, they amounted at least to 8000 Foot and 6000 Horse, and the Marshals de Grammont, and d' Obret, and the Counts de la Scre, and de Louvigny had the guarding of the Coast between Bourdeaux and Bayonne.  
The French Prisoners, taken by the Dutch, assured them likewise, That the Misery to which the People of those Coasts were reduced, was inexpressible; for that their Houses were plundered, and their Lands ravaged every whit as cruelly by the French Horse, as if they had had an Enemy's Army in the Heart of their Country. After the Reimbarkment of their Troops, the Dutch Generals thought fit, because their Fleet begun to want Fresh Water, and that the Ships they had sent to S. Andrews on that Errand, were not yet come back, to send out 2 Men of War and 5 Galliots more to fetch them some, with Orders to them to sell off the Prizes they had taken from the French.  

Admiral Tromp sails towards Cadiz:  After that Expedition the Fleet sailed away for Cadiz, and arrived there on the 26th. When they entered the Bay, they rendered the Spaniards the usual Salute of 60 Guns. Among a great many Persons of Quality that came on Board the Admiral, the most remarkable was Don Nicholas de Corduba, General of the Spanish Galleys. And there it was they heard the News of the Victory, as it was called, which the Prince of Orange had then newly obtained at Seneffe over the great Prince of Conde. On the 29th Don Diego de Cavaliero came also on Board, to compliment Admiral Tromp, and the Count de Horn. He was received with all the Civilities due to his Rank; and they drank together the Healths of the King of Spain, of the State's General, and of his Highness the Prince of Orange; after which he returned to the Town. On the 31st Admiral Tromp, and all the General Officers of the Fleet, were received at Cadiz with all imaginable Honours: For the Governor came on Foot, followed by his Coach, and conducted him to his Palace, where he was treated with much Magnificence; which was further expressed by the Discharge of all the Cannon; after which, he went to the Dutch Consuls, where he was likewise received with great Honour, and returned the same Evening on Board the Admiral-Ship.  
On the 11th of the Month of August, the Count de Ho n, done Bernardo de Salinas and Mr. de Sommersdyk, went to Madrid, where they were received by the Queen of Spain with great Marks of Friendship. The Subject of their Journey was to confer with the chief Ministers of that Crown, and to concert with them what was most adviseable for the Fleet to attempt against the Coast of Provence. On the 1st of September they returned again to Cadiz, and were received there with all the Honours that could be expressed. On the 5th there were public rejoicings, and Bonfires were made all over the Town, and a great Number of Candles put up in Lanterns in every Ship in the Fleet, to celebrate the Victory obtained at Seneffe by the Prince of Orange, which in the Darkness of the Night made the most delightful Spectacle in the World. Several whole Rounds of Cannon both from the Castles and Fleet likewise discharged, which loudly proclaimed the Universal Joy conceived at those early and hopeful Successes of the Prince. On the 6th, the Dutch Smirna Fleet arrived in the Grand Fleet; and on the 7th they weighed Anchor and past the Straits in the Night, with Design to advance higher into the Mediterranean; but the Approach of the Winter, and some contrary Orders Tromp received, broke off the Designs that had been projected to be put in Execution there; which obliged Tromp to quit the Mediterranean on the 1st of November, from whence on the 4th of December he arrived at the Texel.  
After that Expedition, the Fleet disarmed. The Reputation Tromp had gained in the World was then so great, that he was looked upon to be the greatest Man at Sea of his Time. And the King of England himself had conceived so much Esteem for him, 
The King of England invites Tromp to the English Court.  that he passionately desired to see him; and for that Effect gave Order to the Earls of Arlington and Ossory, who had been some while at the Hague, To desire him, on his part, to be pleased to pass the Seas, and to go and stay some Weeks at the Court of England.  
Tromp accordingly disposed himself to answer the Honour done him by that Prince; and on the 12th of January set Sail with 3 Yachts that waited for him; at his Departure he was saluted with several Guns, as well from the Brill, as from the Yachts appointed for his Transportation. The Prince of Orange in Person accompanied him as far as the Brill, and gave him all the imaginable Marks of the high Esteem he had conceived of his great Merit. On the 16th of the Month he arrived at London. The Duke of York, Dukes of Monmouth and Buckingham, with all the Grandees of the Kingdom, went to meet him, and did him the greatest Honours imaginable. The Curiosity of the People of England was so great to see him, That the Streets were so thronged with People, that there was hardly any passing. And appearing once at the Royal Exchange, there presently crowded in such a Multitude of People, that the Change as spacious as it was, was not able to contain them.  
The King of England to Honour the Virtue and Worth of one of the Greatest men at Sea that ever Holland bred, 
Tromp made a Baron by the King of England.  tho' he had been his Enemy, and had gotten most of his Reputation in Sea-Battles fought between the English and Dutch Fleets, would needs however raise him to the quality of a Baron and make it Hereditary to his Family; so that in default of Heirs male, it should fall to his Brother Harpetsz Tromp Burger Master of Delft, and after him to his issue male, and upon failure of them, to his third Brother Adrian Tromp, a Captain of a Ship in the Service of the State's General.  
And accordingly Letters Patents were immediately expedited for that effect by the Lord High Chancellor of the Kingdom; after which, Tromp took his leave of his Majesty who presented him at parting with his picture enriched with Diamonds; and so departed towards the end of February, and returned to Holland.  
The French King finding himself deserted by his own Allies, the elector of Cologne, 
A new War in the North.  and Bishop of Munster, who after the Example of England had made likewise a separate Peace with the United Provinces, used all his Artifices to procure some new Alliances by which he might attain his end, which was to be able to Revenge himself upon those who had left him so unexpectedly in the Lurch. His Quick-scented Policy presently suggested to him, that if he could find means to kindle a War between the Potentates of the North, his work were done, and he would thereby give a powerful diversion to the arms of those Princes that were come in to the assistance of the Hollanders. The Court of Swedeland seemed to him the most proper to be wrought upon to favour his erterprises, because of the long Alliance that had been between that Crown and France. Mr. de Fenquieres, was therefore dispatched away in quality of Ambassador Extraordinary from the most Christian King to the Crown of Swedeland, and so prevailed by his solicitations upon the corrupt Ministers there, and the young experienced easy King, that he persuaded them to a Rupture, so that General Wrangel drawing together the Swedish Army in Pomerania, fell suddenly upon the Territories of the elector of Brandenburg, and was so successful at his first onset, that he, soon gained the passes of Lokkowits, Zedenik and Bernaw, and made himself Master of Landsbergen, of the new and old Rupin, and of Kopenigh. Upon the news of which sudden Progress, the elector of Brandenburg justly fearing the Swedes, if not timely and vigorously opposed, might push their successes much further, and at length strip him of all his Dominions, went in all haste to the Hague, where in the month of May, an Alliance was concluded between the King of Denmark, the elector of Brandenburg, the Dukes of Brunswick, and Lunenburg, and the United Provinces, by which all those powers engaged themselves mutually to assist each other against the arms of France and Swedeland; and amongst other things it was stipulated, that the States for their part, should Equip out 9 men of War to be sent into the Sound, into the Service of the elector of Brandenburg.  
On the 18th. of June following the States declared open War against Swedeland, 8 days after the Spaniards had published the like at Brussels. In the mean time, the Swedes taking advantage of the weakness of their Enemies, who expecting nothing less than to see a War kindled in the North, had left their Frontiers unprovided, entered into Havelland and seized upon the Towns of Nauwen, Brandenburg, Ravenau, Havelberg, etc. But the elector of Brandenburg with a wonderful diligence assembling his Forces, checked his Enemies in their full Career, and obliged them to quit Ravenau; and soon after engaging in a Battle with the Swedish Army, he defeated them, killed them 2500 men, and forced them in fine to retire in Disorder into the Country of Mecklenburg.  
The King of Denmark likewise at the same time Declared War against the Swedes, and thereupon immediately sent his Fleet after its Junction with the Ships of the Hollanders Quota, into the Baltic, to cruize upon the Coasts of Pomerania; and drew up his Land-Army at Gadebusch, where the Elector of Brandenburg met him; and those two Princes having held a Council of War together, to Consult upon what enterprises they might most advantageously employ their Troops, after that, the King of Denmark advanced to Wismar, where he left 6 Regiments to block up that place, and then marched away with the main of his Army towards Damgarten in Pomerania; on the other side, the Troops of Munster and Brandenburg entered the Country of Bremen, and General Swerin with a body of 3000 Brandenburgers seized the Isle of Wollyn,; Damgarten was also reduced under the obedience of the Danes, and a little while after Wismar also surrendered to the King of Denmark, who besieged it in person.  
During these transactions, the young K. of Swedeland after the Ceremony of his Coronation which had been lately performed at Vpsal, employed his utmost care and efforts for the fitting out a powerful Fleet, with a Resolution to make some attempt upon the Isle of Zealand, but that Fleet was no sooner got to Sea, but it was so roughly handled by a horrible and sudden Tempest, that after the loss of several Ships, it was forced to return into Port. The Danish Fleet under the Command of Admiral Adelaar, after having a long time but in vain, waited for that of Swedeland, received orders likewise to return home; and so ended the year 1675.  
The Swedish Armies were nothing more fortunate the following Campaign than they had been in the last. For being attacked almost on all sides at the same time, they had the displeasure to see those Enemies they had so rashly raised against themselves, make themselves Masters of a considerable part of their Territories, and bid fair to carry all the rest. 'Tis true indeed, the Swedes seized upon Swingerschans in the month of January, and defeated the Munsterian Troops in the Duchy of Bremen, but those happy beginnings were followed by perpetual losses one after the other; and so as they were the first that begun the War on that side, they were likewise the first that felt the disastrous effects of it, and that Repent they had so unadvisedly engaged in it upon the delusive suggestions of a false and self-ended Ally.  
Fortune which had followed the Arms of the Allies in all the attempts they had hitherto made by Land upon the Swedish Dominions, Declared herself likewise in their favour at Sea. For at the very beginning of the year, the State's General of the United Provinces had resolved jointly with the King of Denmark, to send early in the Spring, a Fleet of 40 sail of men of War into the Sound, viz. 25 Danish, and 15 Dutch Ships, of which Tromp was to be the Commander in chief: And accordingly they ordered all imaginable diligence to be used in fitting out that Fleet; which being effected, Tromp sailed out of the Texel on the 11th. of May, with the Ships designed for the North with which joined several Merchant Ships, and on the 12th. he arrived in the Road of Copenhagen where the King of Denmark, 
Tromp Knighted by the K. of Denmark.  in consideration of his Transcendent worth, and high Reputation, was pleased to honour him with the honour of Knighthood of the Order of the Elephant.  
In the mean while, Admiral Niels  being entered the month before into the Baltic Sea with a Squadron of 12 men of War, and a Reinforcement of 8 more, seized upon the Isle of Gothland. After which expedition, he received a further Reinforcement of 6 men of War Danish and Dutch; so that he had then a Fleet of 26 Capital men of War with which he cruized in the Baltic. At the beginning of June he descried the Swedish Fleet consisting of 44 men of War besides Tenders, and small craft; and on the 4th of the same month at 6 in the evening the two Fleets engaged between Schoonen, and Bornholm; and tho' the Swedes were superior to the Danes in Number of Ships and men, yet they never durst attempt to board any of them, but contented themselves only with firing at them at a respectful distance. The Danes charged the Enemy's Fleet with a great deal of Courage, and cut off 5 Swedish ships from the main body of their Fleet; But a calm coming on, they could not possibly pursue them, so that they were forced to content themselves only with plying them with continual Broadsides of their Guns, till night parted the Fray for that day. The next day about 6 in the morning, the two Fleets prepared again for a second Battle.  
The Swedes having the Weather-gage, 
A Sea fight between the Danes and Swedes.  advanced in good order against the Danish Fleet, and did their best to hinder them from gaining that advantage from them, so that the Danes were forced to begin the attack, and the fight was very bloody. But when the Swedes found there was little appearance of getting the better of the Danes, they begun to recoil, which was the cause, that neither of the two Fleets were much damaged. The Danes flattered themselves with the hopes of burning the Swedish Admiral with a fireship they let drive against one of her sides, under the covert of a thick smoke; But the Swede fired so hotly upon the Fireship with his Guns that he thereby saved himself from the flames, and then in his turn, fell fiercely upon the Danish Admiral, who made so vigorous a resistance, that the Admiral of Swedeland was glad to let him alone and to retire with his Fleet near Bleking. The Danes having no express order to hazard any thing, because they were inferior in Force to the Swedes, retired likewise, so that the fight ended before 10 in the morning, without any advantage to either of the parties worth bragging of, saving only that the Danes took one of the Enemies Galliots carrying 10 Guns and 30 men, without losing any thing on their side.  
The News of that fight being come to Copenhagen, Tromp sailed immediately with a Reinforcement of 4 Danish and 3 Dutch Ships, and speedily arrived in the Danish Fleet. The next day after his coming he disposed all things for a third Battle which was fought on the 11th of the same month, and was incomparably more furious and bloody than the two preceding ones; of which what the issue was may be seen by the following Letter written on that Subject, by Admiral Tromp to the States.  
High and Mighty Lords,  

Admiral Tromp Letter to the States.  SInce my last of the 5th of this month, which I gave myself the honour to write to your High and Mightinesses, we had the happiness to sail out of this Road, favoured with a fresh Gale; and on the 7th we arrived at the Fleet which lay at Anchor between Stead and Valsterbon. On the 8th. the Wind East-South-East, we weighed Anchor, with the whole Fleet, and steered away to the Southward, continuing our Course till night came on, when we cast Anchor at South-West and a quarter West of Stead. On the 9th. at break of day, with a South-West Wind, and after we were past Valsterbon, we discovered the Enemy's Fleet being about 50 sail strong, great and small, according to the report of our advanced guards. And because in the afternoon the wind grew higher, and the Enemies had the advantage of it, they made use of it to slide away from us, so that we had much ado to follow them. The night following, we pursued them with full sail, but then changing their Course they stole out of our sight by favour of the darkness; which obliged us to send a detachment of 7 light Frigates to go and hunt them out, and get some new discoveries of them. About noon, we descried them to the South-East-ward of our Fleet, upon which we presently gave the signal to all the Fleet to make all the sail they could to get up with them, and we followed them till the dusk of night. On the 11th of June before noon, we discovered them again to the  of Oeland, and at 11 a Clock we got up so nigh to them, that they were forced to cast themselves into a line of Battle. About noon the wind was West-North-West, and we had the Weather-gage; and then the two Fleets engaged: And no sooner was the fight begun, but the Ship called the Three Crowns carrying 134 Guns, and Commanded by the Swedish Admiral, was overset, and blown up into the air in a little time after, by I know not what accident, since I had given her but very few broadsides. At that, all the whole Enemy's Fleet made as if they would fly. I presently gave the signal for attacking them on all sides, and falling upon them with our whole Fleet, which motion made them stop short, we then tacked to the , and I drew near them, and flankt the Enemy's Admiral's Ship that was the chief of a Squadron, carrying 96 Guns. I vigorously charged both that and the other Ships that seconded her. And after we had fired at one another reciprocally about an hour and an half, the Swedish Admiral's mainmast was at last shot down, and I forced him to strike his Flag, and to beg Quarter, which I granted him because of his vigorous resistance, and the bravery he had showed, and I sent my boat to fetch him off, but it was too late; For one of our Fireships having grappled his Ship, not considering he had struck his Flag, and that I had given no signal at all for any to board her, she was burnt to Ashes; so that that fine Ship perished with all her men, which were to the Number of 650 Seamen, excepting only 50 which were saved by a Boat, amongst whom was a Priest. That happened about 6 in the afternoon. The Enemy's Fleet, after the fatal loss of two Admirals, seeing that Fortune favoured us, and that the wavering Victory was ready to declare itself for the Danish Fleet, thought it time to make away into the Main Sea, so that all the Ships which composed it, confusedly betook themselves to flight, and stole away by the help of their sails from the pursuit of the Victor's. They left behind them the Neptune, of 44 Guns, and 198 men, which was taken by Captain Van Zyl. There was likewise another taken as considerable as that. The Enemies did all they possibly could two several times to burn me, but their Fireships were always Repulsed. Besides, 'tis a surprising thing, and that proves, that Justice and the blessing of God follows the arms of all the Allies, that they lost not one Ship in so memorable an Action, and are hardly at all endamaged: The greatest damages my Ship has suffered, consists in Sails and Rigging, and some shot received between wind and water. My first Captain, Add an Akkerstoot died in the bed of honour, and my second Captain, Teunisz Van Anten had his right arm shot off whilst he was signalizing himself. The Captain that Commanded the Land Troops has likewise lost an eye, and as to my men, I have had 100 killed and wounded. We have been in chase of the Enemies ever since the day before Yesterday, endeavouring to make the best advantage we can of their defeat. The day before Yesterday in the morning we saw one of their Ships stranded, and towards evening another of their biggest were staved against the Rocks of Westerwyk. We took from them a Frigate of 16, and a Yacht of 6 Guns. But I know not what passed in the Squadron of Admiral Niels , of whom we have heard nothing since the Fight. Since the shattered remainder of the Enemy's Fleet is retired into the first Ports they could find, to avoid our pursuit, and that not any of their Ships appear any longer at Sea, we have resolved to go to Stead, or Bogt Van Kuik, to confer with his Danish Majesty, and to take the orders that shall be judged agreeable to the present State of affairs. I pray God to be pleased more and more to bless your High and Mightinesses Government, and to Render your arms every where Triumphant.  
The losses the Swedes suffered in that Battle amounted to 10 capital men of War, amongst which were 2 Admirals, 1 Frigate and 1 Yacht, besides a great Number of men killed and wounded. It will be impertinent to relate here what caused the destruction of the first Admiral's Ship that passed for one of the finest that ever appeared yet in the Northern Seas. It carried 134 Brass Guns, and 1100 men. At the approach of the Allies Fleet, Admiral Kruits who was in her, Commanded the Guns to be placed on one side in their Carriages that he might be ready to fire a whole broadside; after which the gunner's were ordered to pass to the other side, which they did; but they having forgot to make the Guns fast, the Ship turned on her other side, which made all the Guns fly out of their Portholes, and fall on the other side, and so overset the Ship. And that disaster was soon followed with a greater, which was that the lighted matches fell into the Powder-Room, which some moments after blew up the Ship.  
The Swedish Fleet having been chased almost as far as Stockholm by the Danes, Admiral Tromp sailed to the Sound with his Squadron, and came to an Anchor at Kongerbotcht. Great rejoicings were made at Copenhagen for the Victory lately obtained over the Swedes; after which the King of Denmark was resolved to push his Conquests still further. And for that effect sent Orders to Admiral Tromp to come with the Confederate Fleet to Vistad, to endeavour, if it were possible, to make a descent on that side, in Schonen, whilst he on the other, should enter it with his Land-Army. Admiral Tromp punctually executed those orders, by coming with all speed before that Harbour; where being arrived, he sent a Trumpeter in a Boat, to summon the Governor to surrender the place. But Mr. Veersen who Commanded there, made answer to Tromp, that the guard of that place was as much entrusted to him, as the Conduct of the Fleet was to Tromp, and that consequently he was resolved to defend it like a brave Soldier against all that should attack it.  
After that answer, Tromp sent a detachment of 4 Frigates, and 3 Galliots, to advance near the Town, and to Cannonade it; but by reason of a Calm coming on, it was impossible for him to execute any thing that day, but he was forced to stay till the next day, when the Frigates approaching within Musket shot of the Ramparts begun to play, at them with their Guns. In the afternoon Tromp reinforced them with 4 frigates more, and they fired so furiously with all their Guns at the Ramparts, that no body durst appear any more upon them. After which a body of 3000 Seamen and Soldiers were Commanded to make a descent on both sides of the Town. The Burghers did all they could, to oppose them with a body of 700 Horse, and 150 Foot. But as soon as the Danes had Landed under shelter of the Great Guns that so hotly fired against all the shore, the Swedes were forced to retire with the loss of 151 men killed or wounded, and the Danes advanced near the Town.  
About 6 at night, the Admiral ordered the Troops to be in readiness to attack the Town on both sides as soon as ever he should give the signal for it, but first he thought fit to Summon the Governor once more to surrender it; and the inhabitants begun to show themselves, and reported, that the Swedes had quitted it, but that they had mined it before their Retreat. The Danes thereupon presently seized it, cleared it of the Mines, and refortified it with a Resolution to maintain it, and defend it stoutly in case the Swedes should return with an Army to attack them, and for that end, they drew out of the Fleet such a proportion of Guns and Ammunition as was thought necessary, and carried into the Town.  
The King of Denmark having embarked his Army consisting of 18000 Men, Horse and Foot, unmoored the 8th of July with a Fleet of 500 Ships, and came to an Anchor the next day before Raa upon the Coast of Schonen between Helsingburg and Landskroon, accompanied by the Prince his Brother, and the Generals of his Army. And upon advice that the Swedish Army was marched towards V●stad, he Cammanded his Army to make a descent and to Land all the Artillery, and all the Warlike Engines that followed them, and sent presently a detachment of some Regiments, to invest Helsingburg, and besiege it. That place was reduced to his obedience without much resistance. But the Garrison retiring into the Castle defended themselves there for a while very stoutly; however, at length seeing there was but small hopes of any succour, they yielded at discretion on the 14th of the month.  
The King of Denmark observing that the Swedish King, tho' he was in Person at the head of his Army, was not in a condition to oppose his Ravages, and to oblige Tromp to quit Vistad, but that he was so far from that, as to be retired to Christianstadt, resolved to pursue his Conquests still further, and so taking advantage of the opportunity fortune presented him, he decampt on the 15th with his Army from Helsingburg, and marched directly to Landskroon, which he caused to be attacked with sword in hand, and reduced it. But the Danes with all the diligence they could use, were not able to prevent the Swedes from retiring into the Castle which was extremely strong both by Situation and the Artful works about it. They defended themselves there like brave Soldiers, but were at last constrained to yield. On the next day being the 18th. his Danish Majesty marched his Army to Christianstadt and summoned it to surrender, and upon refusal, took it by force of Arms. The Danish Arms made likewise a great progress in Norway and Victory followed them every where: For the Fortress of Wennersburg was taken there by the Sieur de Guldenlieu, and a part of the Country of Daalsland and of Westergothland was likewise put under Contribution, etc.  
Some time before, the Swedes had demolished the Fortress of Christianople. The King of Denmark considering, that place was of great importance to him, sent order to Admiral Tromp to go before it with the Fleet; Tromp accordingly arrived there on the 15th of September, and took it presently, repar'd the fortifications of it, and made it stronger than ever it had been before.  
On another side, the Arms of the Elector of Brandenburg were no less Triumphant than those of the Danes. For he entered Pomerania with his Army, towards the end of June, with a Resolution to force the Swedes to raise the sieg of the Fort of Wolgast which was extremee hardly pressed by them. And being so successful at the very first to make himself Master of the Fortress of Tribsee, he thereby broke the designs of the Swedes. The Fort Pennemunder was taken soon after, as likewise were the important Fortresses of Staden and Anklam, the Pass of Lokkowits the Town of Demin, etc. After all these Expeditions, the Dutch Fleet retired, and that of Denmark went to Copenhagen, where it was disarmed, excepting two Squadrons under the Command of the Admiral's Bielke and Rotsteyn, who had orders to cruize about in the Baltic Sea. Admiral Jens Rotsteyn advancing with his Squadron to Karelshaven besieged by the Danes, Landed there some Guns and some Troops, to help to straiten the place the more, and to force it to surrender.  
The Danish Admiral Wibe, who was substituted in the place of Marcus Rotsteyn, who was accused not to have done his duty before Gottenburg, undertook at the same time to burn the Swedish men of War that were at Anchor before Elsburg; but he succeeded not; however the Swedish Admiral fled, to avoid the danger, and another ship whose head was shot off, sunk. The Vice Admiral's ship had the same misfortune as the there, the Ship called Kalmerstet lay dry for 3 days together, and a small Vessel, and a Swedish Fireship perished likewise by the flames. The Swedes upon that attempt retired up nearer to Elsburg to Repair all their damages.  
The King of Swedeland seeing there was no other means to put a stop to the conquest of the Danes, but by venturing a Battle, after he had received a Reinforcement of 5000 Finlanders and some of the Country Militia, took a Resolution to march in person towards the Enemies with an Army of 18000 men. He accordingly marched to Helsingburg which he took without much resistance. The Danes were retired into the Fort, and the King of Sweden flattered himself with the hopes of forcing them to surrender, but they made so vigorous a resistance that he was forced to retire with loss. The King of Denmark hearing the King of Swedeland was upon his march, went and posted himself between Landskroon and Helsingburg, for fear otherwise if he should not cut of his passage, he should enter further into the Country. The two Armies therefore by that means came and remained in sight of each other, each of them having their King at their head, and being separated from one another only by a River. And a great frost coming on, the River that parted them was frozen, which gave occasion to a bloody battle that was fought the 14th of December, 
A fight between the two Kings of Sweden and Denmark.  where the Courage of two great Princes shone forth in all the Acts of Valour and Conduct, whilst each of them emulously strove to outdo the other, exposing themselves to danger as much as the meanest of their Soldiers. The advantages in that fight were so equally poized, that both parties pretended to the Victory; In fine the Battle was so bloody and obstinate, that there were left on both sides above 9000 men dead in the field. The King of ●enmark considering the Important Services done him by Admiral Tromp, and the Glory he had Acquired in all the expeditions undertaken under his Auspicious Conduct, was pleased after he had Knighted him to honour him further with the quality of a Count, to express to him the great esteem he had for his Person, and thereby to link him the more firmly to his interests.  
The Rigours of Winter which make themselves to be very sensibly felt towards the North, yet were not able to hinder the attempts those Kings continued to make, to get an advantage one over the other. The Swedes who kept the field of Battle in the last action, tho' the Victory were contested them by the ●a●es, were minded to show their Enemies, that it was not without justice, they claimed it; and for that purpose the King of Swedeland marched with his arm to Helsingburg to besiege it, and in effect forced it to surrender on the 9th of January. That unexpected expedition, and the fortunate successes that attended it, fired the Danes with an Emulous Rage, and put them upon taking measures to stop the further progress of their Enemies; and their apprehension was so much the greater, because the Sea that parts Schonen from Zealand was frozen up by the hard weather that had continued ever since the beginning of February.  
The King of Denmark considering, there was nothing could keep up the Reputation of his Arms better than a potent Fleet that might make him Master of the Northern Seas, thought fit to renew his instances to the States-General, to induce them to send another considerable Reinforcement of men of War again into the Baltic at the opening of the next Campaign; and the better to succeed in what he proposed, he prayed Tromp to be pleased to go to Holland, and to make the demand for him in person to the States, as hoping he would more easily obtain it than another. Tromp therefore departed from Copenh●●en on the 19th of February, but the Tempests he met with by the way, were the cause that he arrived not at the Hague, till the 20th of March.  
At that time the Prince of Orange marched at the head of the Army to the Relief of St. Omers. Tromp followed his Highness in that expedetion, and news coming that Admiral Michael de Ruiter died on the 29th. of April the last year being 1676, of the wound in the Sea-fight he had with the French before Palermo in Sicily, and there being no man Judged more capable worthily to supply his place than Tromp, it was accordingly conferred upon him about the latter end of March, 
Tromp made Admiral General in place of de Ruiter killed at Palermo.  and he was created Lieutenant Admiral General of the United Provinces, with permission however from the States, to continue during that one Campaign more in the King of Denmark's Service. In the beginning of May, he was received in that quality in all the Colleges of the several Admiralties, who all did him great honours.  
The States having deliberated upon what was to be done in marine affairs, concluded at length to fit out 15 men of War to be sent to the assistance of the King of Denmark, and named the General Officers to Command that Squadron, which were, William Bastiaansz as Admiral John Van Nes as Vice Admiral, and Philip Allemonde as Rear Admiral. They set sail on the 29th of June with Lieutenant Admiral General Tromp, and made the best of their way for Denmark.  
In the mean while, the Swedes seized upon Karelshaven, and marched to Christianstadt. The King thereupon without any hesitation, resolved to go in person into Schonen. His arrival broke the designs of the Swedes who went and posted themselves near Landskroon without daring to hazard a Battle which the King of Denmark presented them. At Sea the Danish arms were Triumphant; for upon Advice, that the Swedish Admiral Erick Zeeklad was sailed out of Gottemburg with a Squadron of 9 men of War, 2 Advice-Yachts, 3 Fireships, and 4 other Vessels, in order to pass the Belt, and join the main Body of the Swedish Fleet that was hourly expected, Admiral Niels  went out of Copenhagen on the 2d of June, to search after them, and if possible to hinder their junction, the winds that were contrary to the Swedes and hindered them from passing the Belt favoured his attempt, so that according to his wish he attacked them at Rostock with a Squadron of 11 men of War.  
After two hours fight the Swedish Admiral, who was in a ship carrying 60 Guns and 300 men, was forced to strike his Flag, and to yield at discretion. And the Danish Admirals second took the Ship called the Angel Gabriel carrying 50 Guns, and 260 men. The Danish Vice Admiral took the ship called Kalmar Kasteel carrying 74 Guns, and 400 men. Captain Dreyer took the Wrangle Paleis of 44 Guns, and 300 men, and Captain de Wit took the Meerman of 46 Guns and 300 men. One of their Fire Ships was burnt, and 2 of their Advice Yachts, were taken; so that of the whole Swedish Squadron, there were but very few ships escaped; whereas on the contrary, the Danes lost not one Ship, and they came off only with the loss of 70 or 80 men killed amongst which there was not one person of note.  
Those happy Progresses animated the Danish K. to attempt the Conquest of some important Place; for which end he marched his Army to Malmuyen, of which depends all the Country of Schonen, in order to besiege it. 
Another memorable Sea fight between the Swedes and Danes.  The Danish Army came before that Place on the 19th of June, but found there so vigorous a Resistance that they were forced to quit it on the 7th of July following. On the 11th of July the Swedish Fleet being 40 Sail strong, got to Sea, and in the Morning advanced with a favourable Wind directly to the Danish Fleet, which was much inferior to them in Force, and attacked them vigorously. The Danes, at their Approach, got into Order of Battle, and shown a great deal of Courage and Resolution. Admiral Mark Rotsteyn had the Van, Admiral  commanded the main Battle, and Admiral Jens Rotsteyn the Rear. At the first Motion made by the two Fleets, the Swedes fell upon the Danes with a great deal of Bravery; but in the sequel of the Fight, the Danes soon shown them, That they had more Experience than they in Sea-actions, and were more skilful in making their Motions, for having in a trice gotten from them the Weather-gage, 
The Total Rout of the Swedes.  they cut the Swedish Fleet in two. Admiral  signalised himself most notably, and valiantly bore the Shock of 6 of the Enemy's Ships, in which Fray his Ship called Christian the first was so battered and disabled that he was forced to quit her, and go on Board another, called Frederick the third. In the mean while the main Body of the Sweedish Fleet was put to so great a Rout, that they quitted the Fight, and left to the Danes a glorious Victory, and a great many of their Ships. For Vice-Admiral Bielke took the Mars, carrying 72 Guns; Rear-Admiral Floris Karstensz took the Julius Caesar of 60 Guns; Captain Van Vacht took the Flying Wolf of 56 Guns; Captain Dreyer took the Swedish Lion of 52 Guns. The Dragon, carrying 64 Guns, was stranded; the Saturn was burnt; and the Jupiter, carrying 60 Guns, was sunk, etc.  
Towards the End of that famous Fight, the Auxiliary Squadrons sent by the States to the Aid of the K. of Denmark appeared towards the Sound, under the Conduct of Lieutenant Admiral William Bastiaansz; and came very opportunely to help to complete the Ruin of the shattered Relics of the Swedish Fleet, for they cut off the Passage of Gottenburg from 3 of their Ships, that were retired near Malmuyen. Admiral Tromp, upon his Arrival, went immediately to Copenhagen, at whose Return a Council of War being held, it was resolved to send a Detachment to attack the said Swedish Vessels, which carried each of them 70 Guns. And that Action was performed in the Sight of the King of Denmark. The Captain's Tyloor and de Bois, that were commanded out upon that Exploit, got a great deal of Honour by it. The first of them advanced, and thrusting himself between two of those Ships, fired at both of them so terribly with his Guns that one of them sunk, and the other yielded; and the third was burnt by a Dutch Fireship. In a Word, the whole Swedish Fleet was reduced into a most pitiful Condition, and several of their General Officers fell into the Hands of the Victors.  
That was the second Victory the Danes had gained over the Swedes by Sea that Year. A little while after their two Land-Armies likewise engaged again in a cruel Battle, which was fought on the 24th of July pretty near Landskroon. The 2 Kings of the North were both there likewise in Person again, each of them at the Head of his Army, and both Parties being encouraged by their Presence, fought with so much Valour and desperate Obstinacy, that it could not well be known to whom the Victory was due. That Battle cost both Parties the loss of 5000 Men that were left dead upon the Spot. After the Fight, the Swedes again kept the Field of Battle, and the Danes retired to Landskroon, to repair their Losses.  
The Count de Guldenlieu, Governor or Viceroy of Norway, form an Enterprise upon the important Place of Marstrand, where is a very commodious Port, in which a great Number of Ships may safely ride in any Wether. The Town stands in an Island of the same Name, which is environed on all sides with Rocks. There are in it two other considerable Places besides, viz. Karelstein and Gustaafsburg. This Marstrand than was attacked by the Danes on the 18th of July, with about 1600 Men, and after 2 Hours Assault was taken, the Swedes quitting it, after they had nailed up the Cannon. They also set Fire to Gustaafsburg, and retired to Karelstein, to which last Place the Danes, after the taking of Marstrand, marched likewise: The Swedes that guarded it made a vigorous Resistance for a time, but at last were forced to surrender it on the 3d of August. Jempterland, which had formerly been subject to the Danes, surrendered likewise to them, towards the l●tter end of the Month. All those happy Successes on the Danes side were followed by another bloody Battle fought between the two Armies, in which the Danes had the better, the Swedes leaving behind them about 1400 men Dead on the Spot.  
After the last Sea-fight, in which the Danes had had the Victory, their Fleet being reinforced with a Squadron of 9 Dutch Men of War, under the Command of Lieutenant Admiral William Bastiaansz, put to Sea again. Admiral , who commanded it in chief, directed his Course towards the Country of Smaland, and the Isle of Enland, before which the Fleet anchored on the 11th of August. Where being arrived, 2 Trumpeters were presently sent off, one to the Country of Smaland, and the other to the Isle of Enland, to summon the Inhabitants to come and agree with the Danes about Contributions; but they were so far from complying with that Order, that they were so insolent as to abuse the Trumpeters, and sent them away very ill satisfied. Tromp who was on board the Ship called the Prince George, came to the fleet accompanied with Vice Admiral Bielke, and was so surprised at the strange answer and Treatment the Trumpeters met withal, as also at the order found on board the Swedish Ships there taken, importing that if they had had the Victory, they were to destroy all the Islands belonging to the King of Denmark with fire and sword, that he thought fit to send the Sieur Mullet with a detachment of 200 Soldiers and 100 Seamen, into the Country of Smaland, and Vice Admiral Spaen with another party of men to the Isle of Enland, with orders to do all the mischief and spoil they possibly could there, till they had made the proud hearts of the inhabitants stoop to reason.  
Those orders were followed with an effectual execution. For the Troops that entered Smaland burnt there some Lordships, some Villages, and the small Town of Munsternaar. Those sent into the Isle of Enland put to the Sword 36 Peasants they found in arms, burnt several Villages, and committed a thousand other spoils. Vice-Admiral Bielke advancing to the place where the Swedes used to build their Ships, set fire on all the materials serviceable either for building or rigging of ships; he likewise Commanded his men to pillage two Lordships and four Villages. In the mean while care was taken, to found the port of Kalmar, with a design to go in and attack the Swedish Ships there; but that was found impracticable because of several rocks there that lay concealed under water, and that the Swedes had likewise sunk several ships in the mouth of the Harbour to stop up its passage against any Enemy. All those obstacles made the Danes take a Resolution to attack the Enemies by Land. And accordingly they begun with setting fire to a Country house about a Cannon shot off the Town of Kalmar. Those of the Town made what opposition they could against them by firing their great Guns at them, and sending some Troops against them, which the Danes beat back to the walls of the Town, and pursued so close, that 'tis certain if they had had men enough to have gone through with their attempt they might have entered the Town Pell-Mell with the Enemies, and have made themselves Masters of it, so great was the consternation they then were in; and besides the Danes having set fire to the Suburbs that consisted of 200 Houses, and 11 Mills, they might well enough have advanced into the Town, under the covert of the thick smoke that arose from them.  
On the 20th the Admiral's Tromp and  took boat with 500 men, and advanced toward the Isle of Enland, with a Resolution to attack the Fort that stands there right against Kalmar, upon the Seashore, and which is flankt with 5 Regular Bastions. Tromp at his arrival sent a summons to the Governor to surrender, and upon his refusal, ordered his men to mount to the assault. The Enemies seeing themselves fiercely attacked, made little resistance, but retired into a Wood that is by the side of the Fort, and so the Danes entered and took possession of it. That which made the Swedes defend themselves so ill, was partly their want of force, and partly their own Cowardice. For they hoped for some assistance from Kalmar, which came not till after the taking of the Fort, and so they missed the benefit of it, because they had not the Courage or Patience to stay for it. Those succours being ignorant of the taking of the Fort, Tromp hastily Reimbarkt his Troops in the boats in order to go and meet them; but the Swedes seeing they were like to be attacked by the Danes thought it better to return back from whence they came, than to expose themselves to be beaten. However both parties in retiring fired several volleys of small shot one at the other, but without doing much harm excepting only to Vice-Admiral Spaen who unfortunately lost an eye. The Fort of Borchholm of which depended the preservation of the Isle of Enland, had in it a strong Garrison of 1200 men, and therefore the Danes thought not fit to attack it, but contented themselves with pillaging and spoiling the flat Country, from whence they carried off near 2000 head of great and small Cattle, which were sent to the Fleet.  
And since fortune smiled so upon the Danes, and their Arms were every where Triumphant, the King of Denmark would not be content with the depredations his Troops committed in the Enemy's Country, but would needs form a further and more important Enterprise upon the Isle of Rugen: For which effect, he sent for some thousands of men of his Troops from Schonen, and sent orders to Admiral Tromp, and Lieutenant Admiral William Bastiaansz, to come to Copenhagen with their Squadron; Admiral Mark Rotstein received the same order, and to bring with him a detachment of the biggest Ships of the Danish Fleet. On the 5th of September they parted from Admiral , who seeing there was nothing more to do at Kalmar, nor in the Isle of Enland, weighed Anchor the next day, and passing by the Country of Smaland, he ravaged the Isles of Vkno, and Runo, where he put several of the inhabitants to the sword that attempted to make resistance. After that expedition, he went and attacked 24 of the King of Sweden's Magazines near Westerwyk. Captain Bovenfield with a party of 150 Seamen, was commanded to go and burn them, who at the same time set fire to two Lordships and three Villages that were higher up the Country, in spite of the opposition the Swedes made with a body of Peasants that were got together.  
After that, a Resolution was taken to attack Westerwyk, and burn it, for which execution choice was made of some of the lightest Frigates in the Fleet, with which were sent a detachment of 500 Soldiers, and as many Seamen under the Command of General Mullet and of Rear-Admiral Florisz Karstensz. On the 10th. of September, they presented themselves at the mouth of the Haven of Westerwyk, where they lodged two Frigates which fired hotly at the Bastion of Sparosund, whilst on the other side, the Generals advanced with their Boats into the Port to view in what place they might best make a descent; and after they had passed by several Islets, they attacked two Retrenchments, which they took. On the 11th. at break of day, they forced open the Barrier or Boom of the Haven, and sent in their Fireships and their other small Ships.  
About 7 a Clock the Danes presented themselves before the Town, which appeared to them in the form of a Half-Moon, being adorned with many fair Houses and Stately Turrets. From the Seaward Captain Dreyer fired upon it with his Guns, which the Swedes answered from a battery of 12 pieces of Cannon they had erected on the shore. When night came on the Swedes threw their Cannon into the water, and Quit that Post, and afterwards the Town; upon which the Danes next morning seized both the Town and Fort. That place belonged to Count Koningsmark. The Danes reduced it all to ashes, not sparing so much as the ships that were in the Harbour. After that great Expedition, the Fleet weighed Anchor, and sailed for Gothland after they had put all the Country every where in alarm, and carried terror even as far as Stockholm the Capital City of the Kingdom.  
Admiral Tromp as we have said, had received order, to go to Copenhagen, where he arrived on the 10 of September, together with both the Dutch Squadron, and the Danish one that was detacht from the main Fleet.  
All things being ready then for a great Expedition the King of Denmark had resolved upon, his Majesty put himself at the head of the Fleet followed by Tromp, by the other General Officers of the Fleet, and by 4000 men, being Regular Troops which were embarked with them. On the 13th. of the month, they weighed Anchor, and on the 16th they came in sight of the Isle of Rugen, and the next day the great ships Anchored at the point of Wittaw, whilst the Galliots and other smaller Vessels were sent towards the shore, between the Peninsule, or half Island Wittaw, and Jasmund, where they Landed their Troops with such Expedition that about 4 in the afternoon the best part of both their Horse and Foot were already on shore. The Commander Keller at the head of 30 men, and a Major at the head of 15 Germans advanced the foremost of all; at their approach a body of the Enemy's Cavalry of 100 men fell upon them and charged them, but after two discharges they were fain to fly, not being able any longer to stand against the fierce firing that was made at them from the ships. The Danes lost not one man in that Rencounter and presently discharged their Cannon and small Arms for Joy they had had the happiness to Land without any obstacle.  
The same evening, 50 Danish Horse were detacht away towards Wittaw and Jasmund; but they found no body there but some Peasants, and two Horsemen whom they brought Prisoners to the Army. On the 18th the King himself and Prince George himself came likewise to Land, and several Gentlemen of the Country, yielded themselves and demanded Protections. Four days after his Majesty departed in order to return to Copenhagen leaving the Command of his Army in chief to Marshal Goltsz. Admiral Tromp departed likewise with the Danish Envoy Mr. Buckwald, and Mr. Brand the Resident of Brandenburg, to go to the elector of Brandenburg, who was then employed in the Siege of Stetin. They arrived there on the 22d. Upon whose application the Generous elector presently detacht away a Body of Horse with orders to go to the Fort Pennemunder, to be ready at a Call to back the Danes in their enterprise upon the Isle of Rugen. And by that means, the Danes were so well Reinforced that Count Koningsmark that Commanded the Swedish Troops in that Isle, found himself not in any condition to oppose their depredations, and much less to give them Battle. However to do what he could, he Commanded the Gentlemen of the Country and all the Inhabitants to come in and join him, but Marshal Goltz having published contrary orders, there were very few that ventured to pay obedience to Count Koningsmark.  
Neither were the Danish Troops Reinforced only by the Brandenburgers, but the King of Denmark himself came and joined them with a good Body of Horse, so that the Army than was 8000 strong. Count Koningsmark therefore finding his forces much inferior to those of the Danes, thought it better to Quit the field, than stay to be beaten out of it; and therefore retired to Straelsund, carrying off with him all he possibly could. Thus the Danes became Masters of the whole Isle, excepting only the Old and New Fort, the first of which they took soon after, but the latter of them having received a Reinforcement of fresh Troops from Straelsund, stoutly withstood all their attacks, and were the cause afterwards that they were forced to Quit all the Conquests they had made there. All those happy successes the Danes had in the Isle of Rugen, were followed by the taking of the Town of Stetin, which after a long and bloody Siege yielded at last to the elector of Brandenburg on the 26th. of December.  
Count Koningsmark being desperately enraged at the Progresses of the Danes in the Isle of Rugen, was extremely impatient to find an opportunity to deliver it from their depredations, and to restore it to its rightful Prince; And for that effect, having with wonderful celerity embarked his Infantry, he went and Landed with his Cavalry at the New Fort, which the more easily deceived the Danes, because they thought nothing more impracticable or less to be feared than so speedy a return of the Swedes. At his arrival he assembled all the Troops he had with him to the Number of 5000 fight men, and on the 18th. of the month, went and encamped in the open field with a Resolution to give Battle to the Danes. Major General Rumour who succeeded in the place of Marshal Goltz who was recalled by Virtue of avocatory Letters from Poland, had then the Command in chief of the Danish Forces, and being not a man of spirit to suffer the Bravadoes of Count Koningsmark, he also appeared in the field with an Army of 7000 fight men, so that the two parties engaged in a Fight, which was fatal to the Danes. For Major General Rumour happening to be killed at the very first onset, his death was followed with the defeat of his Army, and the Officers choosing rather to die with their swords in their hands, than to Offer to turn their backs, the Dani●h Army was entirely routed, with the loss of 400 men killed, and about 5000 Prisoners of War, who might all have been cut in pieces if the Clemency of the Victors had not prevailed over the obstinacy of the vanquished. That signal Victory revived the drooping Courage of the Swedes, and Re-established their affairs upon so good a Foot, that the losses and damages either of the Parties had suffered by the other that Campaign, were thereby in some Fort counterballanced.  
The King of Denmark seeing there was no hopes of drawing any succours for that years Campaign from the United Provinces, gave Admiral Tromp permission to return home, and conferred the chief Command of his Fleet upon Admiral Niels , making him Admiral General. Admiral Tromp therefore prepared to be gone; and then the Elector of Brandenburg taking a Resolution to carry his Arms once more into the Isle of Rugen, and to make a Conquest of it, whatever it cost him, and thinking Admiral Tromp might be of great use to him in that design, desired him to be pleased to accompany him in that expedition. He therefore took leave of his Majesty, after having received a very rich present from him, and all imaginable marks of Friendship and Gratitude, and went to Wolgast, where the Elector of Brandenburg most kindly and nobly received him.  
The Enterprise of re-entering into the Isle of Rugen being then projected, the Danish Fleet, under the Command of Admiral , had order to advance. On the 22d of September, Major General Lewenhelm, who Commanded the Danish Land-Forces, took post at Wittaw. The Swedes, to the Number of 1000 men, offering to oppose their decent, were repulsed with loss. His Electoral Highness having embarked his Troops at Pennermund, came himself on board, Commanded to weigh Anchor on the 22d, and made toward the Isle of Rugen with a Fleet of 210 Ships, and 140 Barks, or small Vessels proper for Landing the Troops in; and thus the Fleet advanced, being ranged in very good order of Battle.  
Marshal Dorfling Commanded the Troops under the Elector; Tromp, who engaged in that expedition as a Volunteer, had the Command of the Fleet, and went in the Ship called the Electoral Prince. In the afternoon a Calm coming on, they were forced to cast Anchor very near the Isle. In the mean while the Swedes kept firing at the Fleet from a Battery of 10 great Guns and yet in all that time killed but 2 Persons, which is very remarkable. On the 23d at break of day, Admiral  having left his own Fleet, came on board the Elector, to inform him, that the Danes had taken post the day before near Wittaw.  
Upon that advice, the Elector gave order to his people, to weigh Anchor, that he might not give time to Count Koningsmark to attack the Danes before their Junctions, with his Troops. About noon the Calm begun again, so that to make the more haste, they were forced to tow the men of War forward with boats: when they drew near the shore, the Troops made use of Pikes and Shovels instead of Oars, to get to Land with the more haste; Nay some of them jumped into the Sea, up to the neck in water, and waded to shore, because they would be there the foremost and the first, to give proofs of their Bravery. At the approach of the Danes, the Swedish Horse shown themselves on the high grounds, and Count Koningsmark caused some pieces of Cannon to be advanced, resolved to fire briskly from them upon the Brandenburgers before they should recover the disorder their Landing would necessarily put them in: But seeing them so nimbly get into Battle array, and that they had already got Cannon with them ashore, he ordered his men to quit the Post where they were placed; so that the Electors whole Army consisting of 4000 men, made a descent without any opposition from the Swedes, and without having above two men killed and one wounded.  
Marshal Dorfling, as soon as he was Landed, took with him all the Horse that were yet disembarkt, and fell to pursuing the Swedes, and 200 Horse of them having charged 8 Batalions of the Enemies, their consternation was so extreme, that they turned tail soon after. There were taken that day about 200 Prisoners. Count Koningsmark seeing his affairs going down the Wind, was minded to use Circumspection, and thought it high time to rally together the Relics of his dispersed and dispirited Forces, and accordingly he assembled them together in one body, and advanced with them towards the old Fort, with design to pass from thence to Straelsund, in case of necessity. But in the mean while General Dorfling, who followed him close at the heels, marched with that diligence, that the next day he represented himself before that place. The Swedes were extremely surprised to see him there; and because he observed they were busy in embarking themselves to get away to Straelsund, Dorfling ordered a Body of 500 men, under the Command of Major General Schoning, to advance along the shore side, and put himself at the head of them with his drawn sword in his hand, to charge them. And whilst they attacked the Swedes on one side, a part of their Cavalry lighted from their Horses, and attacked them on another, so that the place was taken by assault. A great Number of Swedes were put to the Sword in the first heat of the attack, and 900 Foot, and 500 Horse were made Prisoners.  
Count Koningsmark, after he had signalised himself, and done as much as man could do, leapt into a Boat, and got away from the Victors: presently after some Regiments were Commanded to go and attack the New Fort; but when the Cannon begun to batter the Ramparts, the Garrison that were Germane mutinied, and forced their Officers to set open the Gates to the Brandenburgers. Such was the destiny of a Fortress which the Danes had not been able to take, and which yet surrendered at last without any resistance to the Arms of the Elector of Brandenburg. The Isle of Danholm being afterwards attacked by 2000 men, submitted likewise to the obedience of the Trumphant Arms of the same Elector. All those happy successes were followed by the supplemental addition of the Town of Straelsund, where Count Koningsmark was retreated with the shattered relics of his Army, which consisted of 1600 Horse and 600 Musketeers, which yet after noble and stout resistance, made by the valour and Conduct of the said Count, worthy to have served a more fortunate cause, was taken. This last Conquest was so much glorious for the Arms of his Electoral Highness, because that place was counted one of the important ones of all Germany.  
Admiral Tromp, after he had assisted at all the Conquests in the North, where he acquired a very great Reputation, Returned at length into his own Country, Honoured with the Glorious Titles of Baron, Knight and Count, conferred upon him by two Great Kings, in admiration of his incomparable Merit.  
The Place ensued soon after, and some Family considerations, besides some particular and private Discontents, obliged him at length to quit the Sea and the public Service till the Year 1691. And then a Mighty War arising between France and England, the United Provinces, and most of the Princes of Europe, he was looked upon as the most capable person to Command the State's Fleet, to maintain and support the Glory the Hollanders have acquired by Sea since the appearance of their Renowned Republic in the World.  
And indeed the present King of England, William III had named him to Command the State's Fleet as Admiral General for the Year 1691, and the people began already to flatter themselves with a thousand happy successes from the Joy and  the Seamen unanimously testified on that occasion; but the French, who are Ingenious in foreseeing, thought it was necessary to use all sorts of means to prevent so great an Evil as seemed to threaten them on that side: they looked upon Tromp to be the only man that could Traverse their designs, and make head against their growing Power at Sea, the Empire of which they pretend now to dispute against both England and Holland: so that if we may credit what has been reported, the Treacherous Intrigues of that Nation contributed to cure themselves of the Umbrage and Apprehension they had conceived of that Great man, by procuring him an unnatural Distemper to cut him off on a sudden. We will enter into no particulars about it; but 'tis too well known, that Court omits nothing to get the ablest Generals amongst their Enemies dispatched out of the World by one means or other, when they prove deaf to their Charms, and incorruptible, and faithful to their Country.  
However it were, the Incomparable Tromp fell sick, whilst the preparations for the Equipment of the Fleet were carrying on with all diligence. All Europe had then their Eyes turned that way, and begun already to Count upon a famous Sea-Battle, in which the Hollanders were to carry away the Victory; and Tromp, whose good Fortune had all along accompanied Bravery and Wise Conduct during his life, in all the Battles he ever fought, was looked upon as the happy man that was shortly to revenge his Country for the loss of the Battle under the less fortunate Conduct of Admiral Evertsz, by reason the English Admiral failed in his duty; But alas, Death at length, with his malevolent Scyth, cut down in an instant all those blooming hopes, and deprived Holland and the Allies of an Admiral that was to have established Navigation in its ancient Liberty, and to have Triumphed over the formidable French Fleets, if God had not been pleased to take him away in the Prime of his years.  
He died at Amsterdam, after a long lingering sickness on the 29th of May, 
Admiral Tromp's Death.  about 8 a clock in the morning, generally regretted by all the World. He was the Son of the valiant Admiral, Martin Harpertsz Tromp, and of Dinah de Haas, born at Rotterdam. He married Margaret de Rhaaphorst, Widow to the late Mr. Helmont; by whom he had no Children. His Body was carried on the 6th of June, between 9 and 10 at night, along the Lord's new Channel, to a place called Amstel, where it was put into a Yatcht in order to be Transported to Delft, and there interred in the stately Tomb of his Illustrious Father.  

His Burial.  The Solemnity of his interment was performed in the following manner. First, the Company of Major Witsen marched at the head of the Convoy, followed by favour of the light of abundance of Torches, I. By the bearer of the two Anchors placed Saltire wise; II. After him followed the Admiral-Flagg; III. The General's Staff; FOUR The 4 Quarters of his Arms, and Representing the Alliance of his House; V The 3 Casks; VI The entire Coat of his Arms; VII. The Habit of Armour; VIII. The order of Knight of the Elephant, reposing upon a Pillow of Black Velvet; IX. The Sword; X. The Spurs. XI. The Gauntlets; XII. The 3 Standards; After which followed the Admiral's Corpse covered with his Arms; The 4 Corners of the Pall being held up by 4 Marine Captains, viz. Mr. Hans Hartwich, Mr. Abraham Taalman, James Willemsz Broeder, and Roemer Vlak, After them marched the Deceased's near Kindred, and afterwards the Burgermasters, the Sheriffs, and Councillors of the Town.  
Such was the end of the incomparable Cornelius Tromp, whose memory will be dear in all Ages to come, to all the Lovers of Virtue and Valour, of both which he has left an August Example to his Nation after his Death.   
FINIS.