engraved portrait of Michiel Adriaenszoon de Ruyter   

THE LIFE OF Michael Adrian De RVYTER ADMIRAL OF HOLLAND.  
Licenced,  
Octob. 1. Rog. L'Estrange.  
LONDON, Printed by J. B. for Dorman Newman at the King's Arms in the Poultry, 1677.   

THE LIFE OF Admiral De Ruyter.  
Art's in all ages have had their Chiefs and Grandecs, who by inventing of new, or improving of old devices, have been esteemed whilst alive, and renowned after death. And as their attempts were not otherwise to be valued but as the prevailing genius of their times weighed the uses of them so several ages according to their predominating measures, have placed, or displaced their Artists in the Classis and Register of fame; which ought indeed to be the Royal Standard of such Worthies praise; though fond Posterity either over-affected with the advantages of their own, or not throughly informed of the usefulness of elder-atchivements, do for the most part unjustly rank the Illustrious of former times in that order; that these have the precedency who seem most to favour the prerogative of the present applauded practices: when antiquated contrivances being tried by a true survey of their profitableness when they Flourished, and the advances they gained beyond their respective Predecessors, may appear to have made as high a rise above their antecedent hints, as our Great Guns excel the Roman battering Rams, or our roaring Trumpet-speaker, old bawling Stentor, who now with the great Heroes of distant ages are sent again to School,   pueris placeant & declamatio fiant. 
The Masters of the Military Art as well as others, being obnoxious to this severe and partial Judgement, the contemporaries of great men have in all ages laboured to vindicate the honour of their Heroes, by bringing to a fair trial of their Country, the attainments and feats of such as they (the only competent Judges) thought worthy to be listed in the Roll of Fame: and to crown them with such Verdant Bays as nothing but a hotter season of newer attempts, and more taking discoveries, could ever blast or whither: And as careful Navigators in coasting of newfound Lands, or Ingenious Painters at the view of some rare and surprising beauty, fail not to make some transient designs of the new objects; that either misfortune might not altogether deprive the world of them, or that the curiosity of others who should have better opportunities might be raised to finish and complete their intended draughts: So in all times some have been, who have left to posterity the true and natural proportions and more discernible lineaments of the actions of famous men, which others who lived nearer them might fill up and embellish with the several colours and shadows of smaller occurrences. Now since our Age hath brought forth as many (if not more) Instances of this nature, than any past, and rewarded them with as suitable honours and titles, as the most triumphant times whatsoever: I thought it not amiss at this time, when every little Ale and Coffee-house Virtuoso comes blustering upon us from the press; to give the world a view of the Life and Death of the late Renowned Sea-General Michael Ad. de Ruyter Lieutenant-Admiral of the States of the United Netherlands, whose rare Endowments and memorable Exploits have rendered him parallel to his most famed Competitors, and the high pitch to which he grew from so low a root, more conspicuous than all: wherein if every little period of the several vicissitudes and changes of his fortune, be not so distinctly and punctually handled, as might be expected from an exact Diary, or Memoires (which is not the intent of this Treatise;) yet the more observable Circumstances of his whole life, partly from Relations of his own mouth, and partly from the authentic Testimonies of Witnesses & Records, shall be faithfully collected to the satisfaction of every Reader.  
DUring the Wars betwixt the Spaniards and Dutch in Flanders, there served for some years the States of Holland, in quality of a private Trooper (a stranger by some judged a scottish man, so little known by his family, that his profession gave him his Surname,) the happy Father of this brave man; who (being disbanded from, or displeased with that course of life;) with his wife, his only then child Michael Ad. de Ruyter, born to him at Flushing in Zealand, (the subject of this present Discourse,) and serving-maid, being the whole of his Family, retired himself to a Countryhouse at two mile's distance from Bergen ap Zome, and there to the quieter employment of a husbandman's life: where by his industrous endeavours, with two horses, the greatest part of his substance, in the usual labour of that Country, he supplied the wants of his family with care and pains: but neither the lowness of the poor man's fortune (which commonly begets either contempt or pity) nor yet the privilege of his person, as having sometime served under the same Ensigns; could secure him or his beasts from the violence of licentious Soldiers: his two horses are taken from him by force; and carried to the Dutch Camp in Flanders, by some of the Troopers of that Army: this loss was too considerable to be neglected by him, who thereby saw himself and family utterly ruined: He therefore hastens after them to the camp; but finding his addresses for justice fruitless, by the delays and neglect of the Officers, and being well acquainted with the proceed of loosely disciplined or ill-paid Armies, where the Commanders either share in, or connive at the rapine of the Soldiers: he resolved on a speedier and more effectual way of reparation, by stealing from robbers what they had unjustly forced from him: And so having discovered where his horses were at grass, watching his opportunity, he secretly conveyed them away, and left them in a place somewhat remote from his own house, where he judged them farthest from danger, foreseeing (as indeed it happened) that these new Masters would not fail to look after the strays. The soldiers missing there booty, and concluding that the owner had them, returned in the night with a purpose to find them at his house; but being by his provident care disappointed; in barbarous revenge they set on fire the poor single thatched Cothouse about the ears of the helpless Inhabitants; In the horror of this sudden surprise, whilst the father, mother and servant save themselves, by breaking through the merciless flames, with that care of self-preservation, which is common to all creatures, and astonishment, usual in such unexpected frights; the poor harmless child the future darling of Neptune, lay at the mercy of devouring Vulcan fast asleep in an upper room, swaddled in his cradle; but the flames of Parental love towards an only child, stronger than those of fire, soon scorched the mother's heart with so great apprehensions of the danger of her Son; that aided by that providence which saved the Children in the fiery furnace, with more than masculine courage, she threw herself into the house again, to save or die with that child, by whose life and death fortune had decreed her honour: and having in her petticoat, through smoke and flames, got into the upper Room, first threw the child out of the window into a sheet held by the father and maid to receive him, and afterward jumped out herself, saving from that little Troy her young Aeneas. So cross and unlucky are many times the beginnings of virtuous Men, and low the basis of Fame's Pyramids, misery being commonly the first step to happiness, and a gloomy morning the portal of a fair day: Having thus happily avoided the Fury of this cruel Element, though stripped of all, naked as truth itself, the disconsolate Father in this so great uncertainty, finding no other hopes of relief but the Charity of the Merciful, betook himself with his wretched Family to Bergen ap Zome the next Town of Note, where arriving early in the morning, he presented to his compassionate Countrymen a lamentable spectacle of his new disaster:  
The commendable care of that Country in providing for the Necessities of the indigent, either by maintaining of the infirm and impotent, or by employing the stronger and those that are able, to work: afforded means for the poor man to subsist and feed his family; until his young son being grown up to the state of a boy, able to do somewhat for himself, was placed in the rope-ground of the Heer Lampson in Flushing, a considerable Merchant; who had a Manufactory of Ropes there: The poor child complying with the condition which he could not alter, with several other boys of his own rank and age, diligently followed, his business in spinning of rope-yarn, and other drudgeries of that vocation to the content of his Overseers; until some time after, the Heer Lampson himself coming into the rope-ground, and eyeing the lad; his fancy suggested to him (observing the features and carriage of the boy) the unsuitableness of that trade to the genius of the lad: and finding upon examination the forwardness of his wit, and confident readiness in his answers, and his willingness to leave that course, and to serve him in some other capacity; he released him from that slavery, and sent him to school; where in a short time he gave such pregnant proofs of his parts and industry, that his Master finding his proficiency ripe for employment, prudently at first entrusted him with the charge of keeping of the accounts of his family-expences, that so he might the better have a trial of the youth's abilities, and prevent the errors, into which higher advancement and distance of place often misleads unexperienced beginners; imitating herein the example of Falconers, who use first to call their hawks to their fists with a guard, before they venture them at large to the lure: In this office he carried himself with so great fidelity and discretion, and thereby gained so great esteem from his Master; that he advanced him to be his book-keeper, and to the management of his Merchant-affairs: wherein being likewise much satisfied with his skill and diligence; he pitched upon him as a person every way qualified for a Factor in his trade in Ireland, which consisted in butter, herrings, tallow and hides: and accordingly sent him to Dublin; There he lived seven years under the inspection of Mr Cremor, Mr Vanhorn, Mr Wiborn, and some others of his Master's Correspondents; during which space, besides his attaining of the English Tongue (very necessary to him who was afterward to treat so often with the English in their own Language) he gave so great proofs of his dexterity in the conduct of affairs of Trading, and of his faithfulness to his trust, and thereby so much content to his Master and Correspondents; that by them he was sent into the straits, to negotiate as Supercargo of their Concerns there. And whilst in his several Voyages from Port to Port in those parts, he successfully improved his traffic to the profit both of his Master and himself; being a natural enemy to idleness, and an Unactive life, and totally averse from the lazy and brutish revel of the most part of Seamen; he had leisure to rub up those few impressions and hints of the Mathematics, and particularly Navigation, which he had learned when a boy: wherein by the ripeness of his wit, his constant pains and study, and the assistance of some Artists, in a short time he made such laudable progress; that he not only became able to conduct any Ship himself, but obtained a great Name amongst Navigators. And having afterward made several Voyages into the straits and Barbary, upon the account of the Heer Lampson his Master and Benefactor, with constant good fortune and applause, he married a Widow, and settled himself in Flushing in Zealand.  
The many good services which he had performed to his Master, and the reputation gained in his Sea-expeditions, began to plain the way to his preferment: In the year 1650. the daily damages received from the Corsairs of Algiers, the enemies of the Hollanders, being so sensible, that thereby the Mediterranean Trade, of great advantage to that Nation, was much obstructed: the States (for the security of their Merchants) resolved to send Convoys with their Ships: the Heer Lampson laying hold of this opportunity to serve his Country, and at the same time to show his love and gratitude to his friend, by the cheapest, and yet most noble way of reward; so effectually recommended Mr De Ruyter to the State's General, that he obtained for him a Commission to be Captain of a Man of War appointed by them, as a Convoy for their Merchantmen in the straits, those fatal Narrow Seas, the Hercules-pillars of his life and honour, where he began and ended his Sea-preferment; and gave the first and last proofs of his Conduct and Valour.  
In this expedition he had the Occasion to lay the foundation of his future greatness, first, by rendering himself remarkable in his Command, and next in his Estate, the two usual handmaids of rising fortunes: for as by his Valour and Conduct in many successful Engagements with these Pirates, he procured the one, so by his lawful and honest endeavours, he miss not of the other. Insomuch that his Name being grown public in Holland, by the daily characters of those who had been obliged by his care and good offices; the States began to think him worthy of some higher rank.  
The Occasion was not long wanting to his more prosperous fortune, For in anno 1652. the equal success of the two Neighbouring Commonwealths of England (than too unhappily established) and the States of the United Netherlands more deeply rooted; began to advance to the incompatible height of Superiority (which was as much as Supremacy) their pretensions on the Seas: And although their claims were as different as that of an old possessor from a new intruder; yet the younger Rival the Hollanders thinking their power not inferior to the other, the English, who upon the account of long and uninterrupted possession, demanded of them the usual submissions: resolved to dispute the right by force of Arms, and so broke forth a War; which for the eagerness of the parties, the frequency of engagements, and the undaunted constancy of the adversaries whilst it lasted; may justly take place of all which before that time ennobled the Ocean. Now was Captain Michael Adr. De Ruyter (signalised for his good services in the Mediterranean, and eyed by the States as a person fit for greater action) called home: And whilst Old Admiral Van Trump (after the engagement on the nineteenth of May, 1652. with General Blake off of Dover-rode, the first action of hostility in this war, where he was defeated with the loss of two Ships and many men) was equipping and preparing in Holland his Fleet, and broom to sweep the Seas; De Ruyter with a squadron of Fifty Men of War was sped out from Zealand, to Convoy the Merchantmen to the Westward out of danger; and to scour the Seas of the English; who on that side rendered the Navigation unsafe: This great Fleet first appearing off of Bright Hamstead in Sussex, where they forced ashore, and took several Barks, continued their course Westward by the back of the Isle of Wight: Advice of this being brought to the pretended Parliament of England, Sir George Ayscue who then Commanded a Fleet of forty Men of War in the West about Plymouth; was ordered to stretch over the Channel towards the Coast of France, to hinder, or at least dispute them their passage: this he accordingly obeying, on the sixth of August 1652. the two Fleets came in sight; and about four in the afternoon, to blows; and here continued a sharp Fight, bravely maintained on both sides, till separated by night, both lay by: But De Ruyters chief business being to secure his Merchantmen, and Sir George not thinking it convenient to renew the Engagement: he carried off his Fleet without loss of a Ship.  
The States acquainted with his good Conduct in this First Expedition, appointed him his station in the mouth of the Channel, to stop and seize all English Ships homeward or outward-bound: There he discharged an English Ship that he had taken, upon condition that the Master should acquaint Sir George Ayscue, that he stayed for him, and would be glad to see him: but Sir George knowing well the prudence and valour of the Commander, and the humour of the Dutch, not rash to run any apparent risk only for ostentation of bravery, his own Fleet being inferior in number; and having received no new Orders from his Masters; returned no answer: This brisk carriage won De Ruyter a singular reputation of gallantry and good conduct from the States-General, but in particular manner from the States of Zealand: In this station he continued cruising, till De Wit with another considerable Fleet from Holland joined him, on the Twenty fourth of September; and having received six Plate ships with their convoy whom they expected from Cadiz, they both together set sail homewards.  
General Blake returning with the English Fleet from Plymouth towards the Downs, discovered the Dutch Fleet commanded by De Wit and De Ruyter riding at the back of the Goodwin-Sands, after that they had sent their charge into Holland; Blake resolved to have engaged them, but the wind blowing hard hindered his attempt then until afterward; the season being more favourable on the Twenty eighth of October, with three Squadrons of Ships he made up to them; but finding them so well protected by the Sands amongst which they road, and having run aground the Sovereign and Resolution, (which were presently got off again) in his too rash approach with the great Ships, he was forced to desist. De Wit and De Ruyter in the entry of a War being ashamed thus to be braved, voluntarily left their advantageous station, came forth and fought the English; but with so great loss, that notwithstanding all the courage and conduct employed by the two Admirals during the action, they were forced to run, leaving many Ships burnt and sunk; and were pursued by the English within twelve Leagues, E. S. E. of the Maes, on the Coast of Holland; till with the remainder of the Fleet shattered and torn the Wit and de Ruyter got into Goree. The Hollanders imputed their ill success in this Fight to the over-match of the English, and the cowardice of some of their Captains, who did not fight; but experience hath since demonstrated, that the prudent use which the cautious De Ruyter made of the misfortune, was never to forsake an advantageous station till a more advantageous opportunity of fight offfered.  
This Defeat spurred the Dutch on revenge: For on the Nine and twentieth of November following, old Van Trump and Vice-Admiral De Ruyter with a Fleet of Eighty Men of War, and Ten Fireships put to Sea again, and finding General Blake at his station with a number far inferior, not much exceeding forty Sail, but with equal resolution to fight: Van Trump and De Ruyter made up towards him, and he not shrinking, there began a hot and bloody combat, obstinately maintained for some time; but the disparity of number being unreasonably great, the English were routed, and the Garland-Frygat taken: In this Fight De Ruyter sustained much damage in his Ship, and lost many men, having been observed as forward in the Engagement as any, and as long in action.  
The Dutch in the mean time kept the Seas, cruising in the Channel off of the Isle of Wight, whilst Blake impatient of long delay, having with great expedition fitted and reinforced his Fleet: the Eight of February 1653. set sail from Quinborough with sixty Men of War, intending to join twenty more at Portsmouth. These keen Competitors seemed only to withdraw a little, and take breath, that with greater force, and fury, they might renew their onset, as it proved shortly after: For Van Trump being sailed according to his Orders to the Westward, to attend and Convoy a Numerous and Rich Fleet of Merchantmen, coming from the straits, and other Southern parts; and on the eleventh of February General Blake having joined the Portsmouth Fleet at Beachy-head, he sailed the height of Portland, and there lay cross the Channel, expecting the coming of the Dutch: On the Eighteenth, about break of day, were discovered Van Trump and De Ruyter with their Fleet, to the number of between three and four hundred Sail, Men of War and Merchantmen: The English stoutly bore up and engaged them, and were with no less valour received by the Dutch; but Blake resolving to make them sensible, that it was not their courage, but number, which had given the English the former ruffle; pressed them with such  courage and force, that they were forced to run, and with great loss to get home; yet the conduct and courage of Van Trump and De Ruyter was so remarkable in bringing off the Merchantmen; that both merited and received special and public thanks from the States.  
By this time the Hollanders having by fresh experience learned the danger of tempting the Lion even in his den, resolved no more to hazard their Merchantmen in the Channel; but judged the farthest way about to be the nearest way home; and so having ordered them to return by the back of Ireland and Scotland; Leiutenant Admiral Van Trump and Vice-Admiral De Ruyter were set out from the Texel with Eighty Men of War to meet and Convoy a Fleet of Two hundred Sail of Merchantmen coming that way from France: which being successfully effected without interruption from the English then in the Downs, they kept out at sea expecting their Enemies. The English then being commanded by a triumvirate of Generals of equal and joint authority, Blake, Dean, and Monck, on the second of june, came in sight of the Dutch Fleet, and about eleven or twelve of the Clock engaged them. It was fought till night with much blood and fierce resolution; but the English accustomed to victory, having lost Dean, one of their Generals, plied them so warmly, that they thought it safest to fly to Blanckenburgh; General Monck pursuing them at the heels to seven fathom water. During the whole fight Vice-Admiral De Ruyter and Rear-Admiral Lawson on the English side, having singled themselves out, fought singly with such courage and emulation as might be expected from two Commanders of so much Fame and Honour.  
Hardly can there be shown greater struggle for Victory, or stiffer ambition for greatness, than appeared in the Dutch, during all this War; who the more they were beaten (like balls against a wall) the sooner they rebounded: About the latter end of july, Van Trump and De Ruyter from Zealand, and De Wit from Holland, set out again to sea; and being joined, made up a Fleet of Ninety Sail of Men of War, and ten Fireships. General Monck with a Fleet far less in number being then abroad, the twenty nineth of july towards night came up with them: but the Master of his Ship fearing the enemy's Fireships, and advising him not to venture an Engagement, the General in anger, and in terms more of a stout Commander, than expert Seaman; bid him Turn again: And so with prodigious courage gave them their last, and most fatal defeat, in these their Wars with the Commonwealth of England: wherein besides the loss of Twenty six Men of War, their Admiral Van Trump ended his days; and of all the Flagships of their Fleet only that of De Ruyter had the fortune to come into Port with the Flag standing.  
After the death of Van Trump, Opdam was made Admiral in his place, a Land-Souldier and Officer of Horse; the States probably thinking, that by matching the quality of their Admiral with that of the English General Monck; they might equal their fortune: De Wit Vice-Admiral, and De Ruyter Rear-Admiral of Holland. But whilst the Dutch are fitting for new action, though with somewhat slower procedure than formerly, their heat and strength being much, cooled and abated; there starts up in England a new Statholder; Oliver Cromwell General of the Army made Protector of the Commonwealth. This New Usurper, knowing that his authority being forced, violent, and against nature, needed greater confirmation and support, than he could expect from the free and voluntary obedience of an overpowered people: and the States general finding themselves much weakened by the past War, they both understood one another so well, and their several interests, that about the latter end of January 1653/4. a peace was concluded betwixt them, which at that time stopped the troubled humours, but removed not the causes of relapses.  
After this peace, De Ruyter transports himself with his Wife, Son Engell De Ruyter, two daughters, and the rest of his family, from Flushing, where he had formerly lived, to Amsterdam, as the place of his future residence, and more conspicuous stage of Honour: but here he had hardly warmed his new House, when the States found new business for him in the Old straits. The Pirates of these Seas after their wont manner so incommoded Navigation in these parts, that De Ruyter with a Squadron of Men of War in anno 1654. was sent by the States to suppress and tame their insolency: In his Voyage thither he friendly met with his ancient enemy Blake, who then was in the straits with a Fleet of Ships upon the account of the Protector and Commonwealth of England; where they saluted each other, shook hands, and parted in very good terms; and De Ruyter continuing his course to Algiers; in a short time so humbled the Corsairs of that place, Tripoli and Tunnis, that he brought them to a peace, though of short duration, and so with honour and applause returned back again to Holland: where shortly after a greater field of honour was designed for him.  
Men that would be great and rich by hook and by crook, by potching, and fishing where sometime they should not; first grow envious and pettish, and then angry and quarrelsome with their thriving Neighbours. In the year 1657. the Victorious Arms of Swedland had lodged themselves in the very heart of Poland, threatening danger if not ruin to that Kingdom. The States of Holland fearing lest the prosperous success of that Crown with which their friendship and correspondence was always doubtful and uncertain, might keep bread from their butter, and much damnify their traffic in the Baltic Sea: persuaded the King of Denmark their ancient Ally, who had more reason than force, to break with Swedland, promising him all assistance to regain from that King what he had wrested and detained from him some years before: This instance of the States-General so prevailed with him, that he declared War against the King of Swedland, and invaded his Kingdoms; wherewith the Swede being alarmed, was forced to leave Poland, and with all his forces return home against the Dane.  
The bad success which the Danes had in these Wars both by Sea and land, obliged the States of Holland to put a Fleet to Sea under the command of Admiral De Wit to assist them in the Sound; But his Fleet being by the Swedes there routed, the Admiral's Ship the Bredrow sunk, and De Wit himself either killed or drowned: a fresh Recruit was dispatched with Admiral Opdam to reinforce their Fleet: Opdam arrived in the Sound, but finding himself too weak to encounter the enemy; was forced to secure himself and Fleet in Copenhagen, then blocked up by the Swedes with a straight Siege, both by Sea and land: The King of Swedland in the mean time hearing of greater preparations in Holland for a stronger Fleet to be sent under the command of De Ruyter, whose conduct and fortune was more apprehended than that of the others, ordered his Ministers in England vigorously to prosecute with the Usurper Oliver, their instances for assistance: This they so accomplished, that the intended succours (his death preventing) were by him recommended to the care of his Son Richard, the short Successor to his Usurped authority: Richard with the consent of the then pretended Parliament, for that end, and for the security of the English Trade in the Baltic, in the beginning of the year 1659. sent the brave General Montague, afterward Earl of Sandwich, with forty Men of War well manned, and some Fireships, who on the twenty seventh of April, arrived in the Sound: Shortly after came also De Ruyter with a strong Fleet from Holland, whose presence relieved Copenhagen and Opdams' Fleet; For the Swedes not being able alone to come to a trial, the English refusing to fight until they were satisfied in some demands, and the news of the alteration of Government in England (Richard the Protector being turned out of power) supervening at the same instant, which called them home again, relieved the Besieged, and hindered a new rapture betwixt the English and the Dutch, which in all probability must have immediately ensued.  
The King of Denmark by this timely succour revived, and the English Fleet returned to England, and Opdam to Holland; De Ruyter with the Dutch and Danish Fleet continued Master of the Seas, ready for some Land-undertaking, since the Swedes (than too weak) declined all engaging at Sea: The Island of Funnen in the Baltic Sea, of the ancient inheritance of the Danes, but then in the possession of the Swedes, being taken by them some years before, offered a necessary occasion: And for that purpose General Schaack, with seven thousand men, being put aboard of the Fleet at Kiel, were by De Ruyter conducted; and on the last of October landed at Kortemundor, in the Island of Funnen: The Swedes made brave resistance; but De Ruyter diverting their Forces, with alarming at the same time other parts of the Island, and with a stout example, he himself standing in the water, encouraging the Soldiers to land, whom in great numbers they poured ashore; The Swedes were overthrown with great loss, and the Island regained to the Danes.  
This brave action of De Ruyter gained him more reputation from his Country, and honour from his masters, than all which before that time he had achieved, and so endeared him to the favour and esteem of the King of Denmark, that he honoured him with the highest Order of Knighthood of that Kingdom, being that of the Elephant; and presented him with a Chain and Meddal of Gold, which afterward he wore; and having remained there among the Swedes, until the Peace between the Danes and them in May. 1660. was ratified, he with great applause returned with his Fleet home.  
The War betwixt the Danes and Swedes ended, and De Ruyter with his Fleet safely returned into Holland, new losses from the Pirates of Algiers, Tripoli, and Tunis, called afresh to the States for remedy: The vigilant and successful De Ruyter was by the States designed for that charge; whose good services (on the like occasion) even in the infancy of his Sea-command had been remarkable in those Seas; and is therefore dispatched with a Squadron of Ships into the straits; where he kept ranging with his Fleet, pursuing and pressing those Gorsairs with so great care and success, that the benefit of his constant pains and valour became sensible to all the Merchants who traded there; whereby he confirmed to himself that fame and reputation which he had heretofore so justly merited, until matters of greater concern called him thence, upon the occasion following.  
After the wonderful and long-wished-for re-establishment of his Majesty, the King of Great Britain, in the Throne of his Ancestors, from which by the madness of his Subjects he had been long banished; the States of the United Provinces overgrown with the wealth and prosperity of many years' peace, the ordinary promoters of ambition; being conscious to themselves, that their carriage towards their Neighbours, especially the English, however cloaked, could not but breed such jealousies as must in time break forth into open enmity; and perceiving his Majesty of Great Britain already so dissatisfied with their disguised practices, as could not but of necessty produce a War, resolved to bring it to a trial as soon as possibly they could, by giving the first occasion of rapture, under the pretext of being provoked by injuries received upon the Coast of Guiny, and elsewhere; Hereupon they Ordered Admiral De Ruyter with a squardron of thirteen Men of War then at Gibraltor in Spain, to make sail for the Coast of Guiny, and to set upon the English there; This he so effectually performed, that in a short time he destroyed most of their Factories, took Cormanteen Castle with other places, several Ships and goods belonging to the English.  
That action so incensed his Majesty of Great Britain, that war was thereupon in anno 1664. publicly proclaimed against the State's General of the United Provinces, impowering all his Majesty's Subjects, to use against them their subjects and people, all acts of hostility; but whilst this was doing at home, De Ruyter diligent in the pursuance of his Commission abroad, attempted the burning of the English Ships at Barbadoes, but in vain; and from thence sailing to Newfound land, took several Merchants Ships, stripped the men, and left them without provisions; an act unworthy the name of so brave a man: Thus whilst Opdam Admiral of the Dutch Fleet in June 1665, having engaged his Royal Highness the Duke of York, was in fire and smoke hurried out of this world, and his Fleet beat home with great loss of Ships and men; De Rayter remained at Sea, annoying the Ships and Foreign Plantations of the English: But Opdams' death rendered his presence at home absolutely necessary, his experience and success in War being so well known to all, that the universal voice of the people daily called his Name, whom (according to the interest and power they pretend to upon the Seas) they adopted, and entitled, Son of Neptune: Advice was therefore sent to him, that he should with his Fleet hasten home with all expedition; which he obeying, slily slipped by the English Fleet wrapped in mist, as men with their cloaks about their mouths shun the company of those whom they are not willing to meet; And on the last of July 1665. safely arrived in the Emmes: his arrival was congratulated by the States, and he thereupon made Admiral, but with authority not so absolute, but that he was subordinate to the Triumvirate of De Wit, Huygens and Bureel; who according to a new Model, had the superintendency of the Naval affairs. He was no sooner installed in his new Command, but August 13. with a Fleet of Ninety Sail of Men of War, he was Ordered out from the Texel, to secure and convoy home the East-India Fleet, and many other rich Merchantmen, which stopped at Bergen for fear of the English Fleet then at Sea under the Command of the Earl of Sandwich; and who had been put in great alarm by the brave, but fruitless attempt of Sir Thomas Tiddyman, who was sent out to have seized them in their harbour; In his going he met not with the English Fleet, but in his return was discovered and attacked by the Earl of Sandwich, who finding himself too weak, his charge great, and the winds very high, with a running Fight he made the best of his way, and with the loss of two great East-India Ships, some other Merchantmen, and five Men of War, he brought his Fleet into the West Emmes.  
Before his Arrival by a Master of a Ship which he had met at Sea, he sent a challenge to Major Holmes to meet him there; that seeing they two had been the first Adventurers in the War, they might try the success of the public quarrel, as far as their particular prowess and fortune could incline it: The Challenge was as nobly accepted by the Major, as generously and gallantly sent by De Ruyter; and the King of England to encourage the undertaking, Knighted Major Holmes, and assigned him a stately New Ship then built at Deptford which he purposely called the Defiance: but this combat was diverted by other intervening accidents.  
In May 1666. De Ruyter with his Fleet being at Sea, His Majesty of Great Britain set out a well appointed and great Fleet, under the joint Command of his Highness' Prince Rupert, and his Grace the Duke of Albemarle, renowned for his valour and success in the former War against the Dutch, and now advanced to that title; for the great and memorable Services performed to the King: but a false rumour of the French being at Sea, occasioned the dividing of that Fleet: for Prince Rupert with the white Squadron, being ordered to make for the coast of France, to hinder the conjunction of the French and Dutch, who before the French came to Sea, the Duke of Albemarle was left, with about fifty Sail of Men of War, to wait on the Dutch: The boundless courage of that Duke, a despiser of danger, led him to a gallant, but rash attempt, upon De Ruyter and his Fleet, who then riding at anchor off of Dunkirk, with a number of Ships far exceeding the English; was upon Friday the first of June so unexpectedly assaulted by them, the wind blowing high; that many of his Ships were fain to cut their cables in haste to put themselves in order of fight: This was indeed a bloody and terrible engagement, which continued with matchless fury and resolution on both sides, till Sunday in the Evening; when the English Fleet being much torn, and the Generals own Ship disabled; (the disproportion of number, and the enemy's Fleet being to the Leeward, whereby they played their great guns, which the English could not, being to the weather, and the wind high; giving great advantage to the Dutch) they drew off, having lost the evening, before the brave Ship the Prince, which being stranded, was burnt by the Dutch, and Sir George Ayscue Commander made Prisoner: yet notwithstanding their great loss, Prince Rupert upon notice given, and the noise of the guns then heard, having on Sunday in the Evening rejoined the Fleet, and given the usual proofs of his great and undaunted valour: both Generals on Monday early in the morning, pursued the Dutch, who were almost out of sight, passed and repassed their Fleet several times: But De Ruyter finding himself (notwithstanding of the recruits received) so weakened, that his longer continuance in action might have produced the effects rather of a vain glorious Bravo, then of a prudent circumspect General, and good Countryman; having given wonderful marks of his carriage and conduct, made made what haste he could to secure his Fleet: This was the first encounter that De Ruyter as Commander in chief had with the English in these Wars; the victory of which was equally celebrated in both Nations, but whoever had the better, it is certain, both sustained very great losses.  
The pretensions to victory in this last Fngagement owned mutually by both parties, occasioned their hastening out again with all speed to Sea, either to make good the old, or to gain a new title; and so in july both Fleets were abroad; The English commanded by Albemarle, and the Dutch by De Ruyter; And on S. James' day about nine in the morning met and fell to blows again. De Ruyter with his Fleet for some considerable time made a brisk and a stout resistance, but the English jealous of their honour which seemed to suffer by the Dutch arrogating to themselves the Victory in the former Engagement, plied them so fiercely, that provident De Ruyter finding his fleet in a bad condition, according to his saving principles, of making the best of an ill bargain, began to give way, and was so closely pursued by the English Red and White Squadrons (whilst Van Trump courageously entertained the Blue) that De Ruyters own Ship was much shattered, and himself in all probability, if the English great ships could have got up with him, in danger of being taken, and two squadrons of his Fleet utterly destroyed: In this fight, on the English side, were only three Captains killed, the Resolution burnt, and not many above three hundred men killed and wounded: On the Dutch side (according to the general computation of that time) above four thousand men killed, three hundred common Seamen wounded, and many Captains slain, amongst which Everson Admiral of Zealand, Dirickhids' Admiral of Friesland, the Vice-Admiral of Friesland, and Rear-Admiral Van Saen, and the number of their fleet so impaired, that of above an hundred Ships there returned but eighty into harbour. The Dutch who hitherto still boasted of Victory, gave now sensible signs of the English having the better, by leaving their harbours and roads undefended; so that Sir Robert Holmes shortly after this fight, sails into the Ulie, and with one fifth-rate Frigate, some Ketches and fireships, there burned an hundred and sixty sail of Dutch Vessels.  
But neither was this nor the last blow so fatal as to keep the Dutch from Sea, for about the end of August Admiral De Ruyter appears again with a stronger fleet than before, stretching along the back of the Goodwin sands, for the French-coast, with design to have joined the Duke of Beaufort, who with about forty sail of French ships lay at Rochel ready to come to their assistance: The English fleet having advice, made after them with such diligence, that they were forced to stand in for Bulloign-road, and there very narrowly escaped a new Engagement, by reason of the weather, which growing extremely tempestuous, constrained the English to bear away for S. Helen's Bay, the place of rendevouz, and the most proper station to hinder the conjunction of the French and Dutch: In the mean while the Ruby a French-ship of fifty four guns, commanded by Monsieur le Roche separated by foul weather from the rest of the fleet, mistaking the enemy's white-flag for their own, fell in amongst the English, and after some stout resistance, was taken, and the Captain made Prisoner, but in compliment to his valour, was afterward dismissed: And now De Ruyter falling sick, was forced to return to Amsterdam, leaving the care and charge of the Dutch fleet to Van Ness; But the States finding the season far spent, and the weather stormy and tempestuous, commanded their fleet home.  
After that the Dutch Fleet was returned into harbour, and De Ruyter recovered of his sickness, some grudge and animosities arisen betwixt him and Van Trump during the late actions, proceeding partly (as it was conceived) from the bias of their differing factions, the former being a declared re-publican, and the latter a favourer of the interest of the Prince of Orange, who was not then advanced to the dignity of Statholder;) broke forth into such open debate, that they mutually accused and blamed each other, for the ill success and miscarriages of the past Summer's actions; but Admiral De Ruyter highly esteemed by the States for his Valour, prudence and fingular conduct, and supported by the favour of the leading Party, so far prevailed with his Masters, that several Sea-Commanders were put to death for cowardice, and himself confirmed with greater power and authority then before.  
About the end of this year 1666. the Dutch being weary of the vast expenses, and weakened by the great losses of the war, and the English much disheartened by the burning of the City of London, which happened in September; both seemed inclinanable to an accommodation; and overtures of peace thereupon began to be set on foot on either side; which seemed to some who thought themselves wise very hopeful.  
In the beginning of the Spring De Ruyter was again sped out to Sea, and in April 1667, made an attempt with a good Fleet upon Brunt-Island, a Town in the Scottish firth, intending to have landed and spoilt the Country; but by the vigilant care, and conduct of the Earl of Rothoes, Chancellor of that Kingdom, with the Trained Bands of the Country, he was bravely repulsed with loss.  
After this, De Ruyter to amuse the English (who in a small Fleet were at sea) sent off a detachment of twenty five sail of ships to cruise to the Northward, who on the third of June falling in with Nineteen Sail of English Frigates off of Hull, began a furious and bloody conflict, which was so stoutly and obstinately maintained on both sides, that from twenty five the Dutch were reduced to fourteen sail, and the English from nineteen to fifteen.  
Shortly after he made an attempt upon some Neighbouring parts of Harwich, having put ashore three thousand men near Felston-cliff, and commanded two thousand of them to make an assault upon Langward-Fort, which was twice essayed, the first lasting about three quarters of an hour, and the other one quarter; but at last with the loss of an hundred men, they were forced to retreat in so much haste and disorder, that they left behind them all their ladders: whilst these actions continued at Langward-fort, a party of twelve hundred  being posted at the cliff their landing-place, to secure and make good their retreat, were attacked by the Trained Bands of the Country under the Command of the Earl of Suffolk, and the Dutch being supplied with fresh recruits from the Fleet, a very smart skirmish continued betwixt them till ten of the night; but the English horse then coming in sight, the Dutch thought it safest to quit the Land, and so as soon as their boats were afloat, in great haste they embarked, and returned to their Fleet.  
The day following this defeat at Langward-Fort, de Ruyter with the Dutch Fleet was pursued by Sir Edward Spragg and Sir Joseph Jordan with about twenty sail of small Frigates; but whether De Ruyter finding his Orders limited, or for the reason's above-hinted, notwithstanding he had a much stronger Fleet, kept at distance, and carefully avoided engagement; taking his course through the channel for the Western parts of England: In his passage he appeared before Portsmouth, but knowing the strength of the place, and finding the Country in arms, he only shown himself there, and so continued his voyage to the Western coasts.  
In Devonshire he endeavoured to have landed some men at Wenbury, but the Militia of the Country being ready to receive them, so warmly saluted them with some Volleys of small shot, that they were forced with all speed to betake themselves back again to their ships. The Admiral despairing to effect any thing here by force, sent off a boat with a white flag, desiring leave to come ashore to buy fresh provisions, but it was denied him by the Gentlemen and Officers that commanded there; alleging that no such permission could be granted without the consent and authority of the Commander in chief, who then was absent: De Ruyter in this manner disappointed of his intent at Wenbury, came with his whole Fleet before Couland in Cornwall, and having anchored within musket shot of the shore; sent off twelve boats full of men with design of landing, whilst he in the mean time played on the land with his great guns from aboard: but the Foot of the Country, that were posted there, purposely to oppose their landing, charged them so briskly, that they were forced to put off again without effecting an● thing.  
By this time De Ruyter being informed from Holland of the progress of the Treaty of Peace, which now was in a tendency to a speedy conclusion, not willing with new hostilities to retard that which was so hearty desired by both parties; relented a little in the ardour of his proceed, and began to heal the wounds which he had formerly made, by prudent application of the politic plasters of necessity and ignorance; excusing some hostilities, as thereto enjoined by his Commission, and others as committed without his Order: And to that purpose sent off two officers with a flag of truce, who being brought before Sir Jonathan Trelawny, who commanded in chief under the Earl of Bath in these parts, and having made the compliment and apologies of the admiral, desired in his name a conference with some English aboard, for whose safe coming and returning, he was ready to engage the faith of the Seven Provinces. Sir Jonathan having herewith advised the Earl of Bath, by his Order De Ruyter was visited aboard of his own Ship, by the same Sir Jonathan Trelawny, Major Sparks, and Mr. Windham. The Admiral upon their approach courteously came over his Ships-side, met, and received them in their boat, where after mutual salutations, having renewed the Apologies formerly made by his messengers; he invited them aboard, received them with a salute of Ordinance, and entertained them with the Chief Officers of his Fleet at a magnificent dinner in the great : During which he gave honourable demonstrations of love and esteem for their persons, and frequently repeated the expressions of the great honour he had for his Majesty and Kingdom of England; and real and hearty wishes for a solid and permanent correspondence betwixt both Nations, lamenting the great damages and loss which acorued to both by so ruinating a War. The English entertained his civilities with reciprocal returns of honour and kindness, and having offered him supplies of all necessary provisions for his own Table, refusing more until the peace should be concluded; they took their leave, having been first assured by him, that no more hurt should be done to the Country whilst he remained on these Coasts. The Earl of Bath afterward presented him with such provisions and necessaries, as the Country and season of the year afforded; which he courteously received, and in sign of gratitude fired several guns, and so departed: but notwithstanding the promises of indemnity given, after his departure from Plymouth, two of his Fleet, advancing toward Foy, for some time lay annoying and battering the harbour and shore with great shot, till having received damage in their hulls, and one of them having lost his main topmast, they desisted and went off; whether this was by the General's Order or not, is not known; there having been no enquiry ever made in the action, by reason of the peace that immediately followed; but it is believed that De Ruyter had no hand in it.  
This long expected Peace concluded at Breda the 21 of June, and at length the 14th of August 1667. ratified in England, rather by the exigency and necessity of the times, than the entire and full satisfaction of both parties, as appeared within few years afterward, gave respite to both Nations to breathe a little, and recruit their mutual past losses by industrious prosecuting their traffic, the hugged darling of both people: and to consider in cold blood what had been done amiss by either side, during the War, that from so seasonable a peace, they might pick the necessary means of future reparation. And now De Ruyter having safely reconducted his Fleet into harbour, was received by the States with thanks and honours suitable to his merit, and with the universal acclamations and applause of the Country; and was judged by all discreet men to have understood as well the measures of a General in that Commonwealth as any whosoever, by his never giving way to the transports of vainglory, or rage in the heat of action, but by timely retreat or advantageous fight; like the Roman Fabius Maximus, Cunctando restituit rem.  
The States having now no more need of so eminent a Commander at sea, the great and dreadful War being over, but occasion still of a wise and practised Statesman at home; admitted the Heer De Ruyter with no less expectation into their Councils of difficult affairs, than they had formerly empowered him as General at sea: wherein he so answered their hopes; that during the four years' peace, or rather cessation of arms betwixt England and Holland, he gave so signal proofs of his prudence, that they were only fain to dispense with his being at home; because they could not find a Successor for him abroad which the business of the year 1672. urgently required.  
The French King in anno 1671. with a considerable army came to Dunkirk in Flanders, this progress in a time of peace being accompanied with great preparations for War, gave apprehensions to all his Neighbours, but especially to the States of the United Provinces, who suspecting that his approach so near them, was to show them the rod with which he intended to chastise the rudeness and insolency which the States were said to have used towards his Majesty; began to arm, and make ready for their own defence. The King of Great Britain, likewise seeing his potent and most dangerous competitors so busy and earnest at work, the design of which was not as yet made public; thought it time to look to the security of his subjects, and to put his Kingdoms out of danger of a surprise: and so at the same time (as by an influence of destiny) most States of Christendom seemed to prepare for war. The French who pretended to teach civility and good manners to those, who oftentimes are not willing to learn; thought the Dutch stood in need of some documents; and the partial and slow performances made by the States to the King of England, and his subjects, of the Articles of their last Peace, and the quarrel of the Dutch fishing, anciently in the English seas, and more lately in their rivers, being neither so well adjusted, nor digested, as might stand with the honour and security of public interest; the King herewith provoked, and by reviling Pamphlets against his Royal Person, joined with the French King in a strict League of pursuing by arms their mutual pretensions against the Dutch: And having first friendly demanded satisfaction of the past abuses by his Ambassador Sir George Downing, his Majesty resolved to summon them to their duty by a more effectual Method.  
On the thirteenth of January, two parties meeting, and the Dutch refusing to strike, there followed an engagement, and this first blow being thus given, the King of Great Britain publisheth his Declaration against the States of the United Provinces to this effect; That the dissatisfaction which his Majesty had from the carriage of the State's General of the United Provinces towards him, for some years past, being such, that he could no longer without diminution of his own honour, dissemble the indignation raised in him by a treatment too unsuitable to the great obligations which he and his Predecessors had so liberally heaped upon them; He was resolved to declare war against them, forbidding all his Subjects to hold correspondence with them upon pain of death. This Declaration being with the usual solemnities proclaimed in London and Westminster, was seconded by the French King with actions previous to a rapture with that Crown also: he having laid great taxes and customs upon all Dutch goods in his kingdom, and raised an imposition of fifty per cent. upon salt, and other merchandises of France exported by the Dutch, and upon all herrings, spices, and other goods imported into his dominions by them: prohibiting all his subjects to lad any brandy aboard of any Holland or Dutch Vessels, and shortly after publicly, and in good earnest declared war.  
The States of Holland foreseeing the storm which now began to break upon them, had so fortified themselves with the powerful alliances of Spain, Germany, and Denmark, that they seemed not unequally matched with their mighty enemies in so great a conjunction: so that in the year 1672. the greatest part of the States of Christendom became involved in a bloody and expensive War, which is not yet ended.  
Matters thus advancing toward action, the Dutch who were not behind in their preparations, but wanting a head, resolved to gratify both Kings in the choice of their General, and so in a full Assembly of the States, the Prince of Orange is unanimously elected Generallissimo of all their Forces both by Sea and Land, for that years expedition, with promise to renew his authority after expiration, during life: and Jan De Wit and the Rearward van Putten (the two unfortunate brothers that were afterward barbarously murdered in a tumult of the incensed rabble at the Hague) with some others, appointed as Commissioners to assist him: Under him De Ruyter was made Lieutenant-Admiral, whose power (notwithstanding of his many tried services, such is the fear of that State of an absolute authority) was stinted, having the Rearward Van Putten placed over him by the States as a check and curb: and considering the forewardness of the English in their preparations, was ordered with all expedition to hasten with his Fleet to Sea.  
His Royal Highness the Duke of York, whose former success against the Dutch had rendered his very name more terrible to that people, than the wonders of others, being at Sea with the English Fleet commanded by himself in chief, and the Earl of Sandwich Admiral of the Blue; and having joined the French with the white flag under the Command of the Count d'Estree, which all together made a formidable Navy, of about an hundred and sixty sail, great and small: In May 1672. made toward the Coast of Holland, in search of the Dutch Fleet, than likewise at Sea, Commanded by De Ruyter, Van Ghent and Banckert; and having had several views of the enemy, but no opportunity of fight, which the cautious De Ruyter always avoided, according to his politic Maxims, without some apparent advantage; but more especially at this juncture, when the States had so much lying at stake, not thinking it safe to quit his sands: his Highness with the whole Fleet returned to the Coast of England, and came to anchor in Southwold Bay.  
De Ruyter (in the mean while) who was seldom out in his conjectures, concluding that his declining of an Engagement would certainly be by the English and French interpreted fear, and consequently breed in them contempt of their enemy, and thereby security, resolved to come up with them before he was expected: and being by his scouts advertised in what posture the English fleet lay, and having the wind favourable at E. N. E. weighed anchor from behind his banks with his whole Fleet and on May 29th. by five of the clock in the morning came in sight of the Royal Fleet, so unexpected, that several Ships were forced to cut their cables in disorder, to put themselves in posture of fight, and about eight in the morning fell in with them. The fight began betwixt the Earl of Sandwich in the Royal James with the blue Squadron, and Van Ghent, whilst his Royal Highness in the Prince with the Red, engaged De Ruyter, and the Count De Estree with the French, and white Squadron, Banckert. The fight was terrible and bloody, especially between the blue Squadron and Van Ghent, who in the beginning of the battle was shot to death. The brave Earl of Sandwich who was resolved to pawn his life for his honour, being engaged in the middle of the Dutch with a few ships; the Sovereign, and others of his Squadron, having stood off to gain the weather-gage, and the Duke in hot action with De Ruyter, overpowerd with a number of men of War and fireships, and a hardy Dutch Captain Adrian Brackell, having laid him aboard athwart the hass; yet still continued the fight with such unshaken courage, that he sunk two of three of the fireships that had grappled with him, and forced the Dutch Captain to call for quarter: but at last his ship being unhappily fired by a third Fireship, was burnt, and he himself with many persons of quality bravely, but unfortunately perished; to the grief of the King his Master, and unspeakable regret of his Country; having left to posterity an immortal proof, that Valour crowned with honour, does not shrink, but swells by its reward. Haddock his Captain though wounded, escaped by swimming, till he was taken up. This happened in the afternoon, when those ships of the blew-squadron, that had stood off, having got the wind, bore down upon the Dutch, and assisted the Duke who pressed De Ruyter so straight, that towards the evening he gave way, and stood over for the Dutch Coast, and was pursued by the Duke all night. In this Engagement besides the loss of the Noble Earl of Sandwich, and his ship, the Henry and Royal Catherine, two great ships on the English side were taken, Captain Dighy Commander of the first being killed, and Sir John Chichely of the latter made prisoner, but were both shortly after regained by the English prisoners aboard, who forced and overcome their guards. On the Dutch side, Admiral Van Ghent was slain, most of their great ships miserably torn, and two of them sunk, and one of forty eight guns Captain Elderson of Amsterdam Commander taken, many more were missing, of which no particular account can be given. The Dutch with confidence pleased themselves to brag of a Victory with the accustomed solemnities of rejoicing; and imputed much of the English loss to the French separating from the rest of the Fleet that day, about noon; but it is certain that the Duke having pursued them to their own Coast, and having next day in vain offered battle, kept the seas, and could bring them to no more action this year.  
The advice of the prevailing progress of the French on the one hand, and the Bishop of Munster on the other, which put the States in much apprehension, and the people in great fright and confusion; being brought to De Ruyter, as he road with his Fleet at the Oyster-bank; occasioned his hastening from thence to Blanckenburgh, there to put ashore a great part of his men to be employed at land, where the danger then seemed most pressing: And whilst he continued there with a Fleet half manned to secure the arrival of the East-India Fleet, which was then looked for; the Duke of York kept at sea, sometime cruising, sometime at anchor on the Doggerbank, in very bad weather, with intention either to seize that Fleet, or to provoke voke the Dutch to a New Engagement by their attempting to defend them. About this time the tumult of the untractable people who imputed all their calamities to the errors of their Governors, grew every where so high, that it seemed to threaten a dissolution of Government; especially at Dort, where the Burghers armed in a great body having surrounded the house where the Prince of Orange sat at dinner, with the Magistrates of the place; sent some of their Officers with a form of writing, containing a New Election of his Highness to be hereditary Statholder of the Commonwealth, with a renunciation of all malicious Acts and Edicts made by the Lovestein faction to the contrary; threatening the Magistrates with the loss of their lives, unless they presently signed it: This peremptory desire the Magistrates durst not refuse, but presently signed the Writing, and dispensed with the Oath formerly extorted from the Prince, never to accept any such dignity for the future by the contrary and swaying party: and this tumultuary procedure had the influence upon the other Corporations, that most did the like; so that at length it advanced so far as to be publicly ratified and confirmed by the States; so great order many times by a guiding providence is produced from greatest confusion.  
In the rage of this unruly multitude De Ruyter himself there celebrated tutelary and guardian, though then at sea, for their defence hardly escaped their fury; for a company of common people having mutined into a body beset his house in the New Island of Amsterdam; and if they had not been hindered by the Magistrates had plundered and sacked it: this was so strange when no previous set discourse (that is known) did wind up the Jack to such a revolution; that it affords us another easy and obvious remark, that men when they are mad, are never wise.  
The Duke of York having for many weeks kept his station, and suffered very foul weather on the Dogger-bank; and De Ruyter at Blanckenburgh, without any offer of fight; the long wished for East-India Fleet (which the Duke hoped might give occasion to a new trial) at length appeared near the Coast of Holland. De Ruyter by his advice-boats informed of this, thinking himself obliged to use his utmost endeavours, for the security of so great a concern: weighed from Blanckenburgh, and with a Fleet ill-manned, and in bad condition of fight; slid along the shore, without being discovered by the English; met the Fleet, and safely conducted them into Delfzey in the West-Emms. The Cambridge and Bristol two English Frigates, being then upon the scout, came up with them, and had some little encounter; but the winds was high, and the sea so rough, that no booty could be gained. The Duke having now lost all hopes of alluring the Dutch to any more action this year, left Sir Edward Spragg with a squadron of ships to keep the seas, and disturb their fishing, and he himself with the rest of the fleet returned home.  
The torrent of the French conquests at land being now somewhat stopped, and the tumult and, rage of the people quieted, the affairs of Sea came next in play; In the preparations for which, the vigilant De-Ruyter with much diligence employed the winter (which happened by reason of its openness, to be very favourable to the Dutch) proposing to himself reasonable advantages, if he could have a Fleet in readiness next spring at Sea, before the coming of the French, which he effected. For in May 1673. with a strong and well-appointed Navy commanded by himself, Van Trump and Banckert, he was out again at Sea, and in the mouth of the River of Thames, with design, by sinking of several great Ships in the narrow passages of the Channel, called the Middle-ground, to have stopped and blocked up the mouth and entry of the river; but the breadth of that channel, and the commodiousness of others, rendered his attempts altogether in vain.  
Prince Rupert, who for this Years Expedition Commanded the Royal Navies, lying at the Buoy of the North, with part of the English fleet (the French being not as yet arrived) when De Ruyter appeared, was hindered by the winds to get out; but afterwards having with much difficulty put to Sea, and made towards the Dutch: De Ruyter not swerving from his former measures, thinking he gained enough when he did not lose, warily retired behind the banks, those impregnable sea-ramparts, shunning at that time any engagement: The Prince seeing this, stood with his fleet for the straits off Calais, with intention to meet the French and Portsmouth fleets; whom after a short stay, he having joined at Dungean ness, with the whole fleet, returned for the coast of Holland, and May 26. 1673. arrived before Schonvelt where the Ruyter lay with his fleet.  
The wind and Sea then unseasonable, allowed no fair opportunity of fight, but the twenty eighth in the morning, the weather fair, and a fresh gale, invited the Prince to action: De Ruyter still kept his station where the great ships could not approach: and the Prince resolving by all means possible to draw him to an engagement, sent off thirty five sail of small Frigates to provoke him to battle: The Dutch contrary to the expectation of the English and French in excellent order came forth, and boldly encountered this Vanguard of the fleet with such hot service, that they being forced a little to yield, disordered the rest of the Royal Navy: The fight continued desperately on both sides, the English and French with mutual emulation behaving themselves bravely, and with so much eagerness, that they entangled each other, and gave some advantage to the enemy: For the Valiant Earl of Ossory being pestered amongst the French, ran foul of an English Fregat, and was entangled with a fireship; and was no sooner got clear, but the observant De Ruyter laying hold of the opportunity, bore down upon him with his whole Squadron, and gave him fresh occasion to signalise his Valour: The Earl with his ships that were with him, received the Admiral with no less resolution than he was attacked, and maintained a bloody fight, with equal success, till both being sufficiently battered, the night put an end to the conflict, and the Dutch returned to their lurking holes: In this Fight de Ruyter lost only the Ship called the Debenter, and had killed the Vice-Admsral Schram, Rear-Admiral Ulugh, and six Captains: After the old manner both Parties claimed the honour of the Victory; The Dutch because they had repulsed the Assailants, and the English because they had forced the Dutch to their banks of refuge; but both fleets were much damnified.  
The next three days were spent in mending and re-fitting their shattered ships, which the Dutch had better opportunity to perform (having all necessaries from their stores at hand) than the English, who were so remote from their own Coast; So that de Ruyter knowing well the advantage, in the beginning of june put out again, and by his approach alarmed the English, who had not as yet got into such readiness; yet notwithstanding they presently put themselves in a posture of engaging, observing the motion of the Dutch; which the Ruyter perceiving drew all his fleet into a line, reaching three leagues, and so came to an anchor, expecting the coming unto the fleet of the Heers Boschovelt, Van der Meyden, Moregnault, and Van der Vierse the Deputies of the State's General; who being arrived and in a Council of War having approved his intent of fight, and afterward returned again ashore; on the fourth of June, De Ruyter with his whole Fleet, was by eleven of the clock again under sail, making directly towards the English, who kept their old station. Sir Edward Spragg Admiral of the English blue squadron, who had the Van, not believing that the Dutch intended to fight, but only as before to change their road; made no great haste to bear up, and so lost the wind; and being much pressed by the French, as they by the Prince in the rear, who were all eager to come to blows; he was put in some little disorder. The two Fleets for some time fought stoutly, especially where the Earl of Ossory and Sir Edward Spragg engaged, till the Prince finding the disadvantage of the wind, with the red and white squadrons stood away N W. De Ruyter thinking it was to get the wind, which he was not willing to lose, did the like, and left Van Trump with the rest of the Fleet in a sharp conflict with Spragg and Ossory. The day began to close before the shot on either side betwixt the Prince and De Ruyter began to do execution: but at length the English must confess, that to their great wonder, they first learned here, that the Dutch powder was stronger and the guns longer than their own. So Prince Rupert having shifted himself from the Royal Charles into the Old Sovereign, and Sir Edward Spragg rejoined the Fleet, they fought at distance most part of the night, and by break of day both Fleets being out of sight of each other, the Prince with the loss of many men, and disabled ships, made for the Thames; and De Ruyter with little loss having had the advantage of the wind and a distant fight, stood back for his old station on the Coast of Zealand. De Ruyter in this action gave evident proof that he knew when it was time to pursue as well as retreat, and that he never turned his back but with intent to show his face.  
It was now the twentieth of July before the English and French were in condition again to visit the Dutch Coasts, and then having discovered De Ruyter with his Fleet eight leagues off of the Coast of Zealand, and in posture of Fight, the Royal Navy expected an Engagement, but wise De Ruyter who always fought after his own manner, knew well the importance of so great a trial, and that the affairs of his Country so embarrassed on all hands, did not require the hazarding of the interest and honour of his Masters, or of himself, without some probable hopes of saving of both; stood in nearer the shore, and bore away along the Coast, declining all engagement until the one and twentieth of August following.  
On the twentieth of August, Prince Rupert being informed that the Dutch Fleet were about Goree, made thither, and towards the evening discovered them: but being then late, thought best not to attack them that night: In the mean time De Ruyter according to his ordinary conduct improving the benefit of the darkness, stood in close to the shore, and bearing up before next morning, gained the wind of the English, and by seven of the Clock bore down upon them freshly. The Prince upon this, changing his course, stood away S. W. and the French who had the Van engaged Banckert, the Prince in the middle, De Ruyter and Sir Edward Spragg in the rear, (after the old manner) Van Trump. This Fight was so managed between the English and Dutch, as if both parties being by some secret instinct acquainted that this was to be the last, resolved to prove their utmost and last effects of fortitude and conduct among the French, Capt. Martel behaved himself bravely: Banckert sent off a few ships to wait the French motion, and with the rest of his squadron came in to the assistance of De Ruyter against the Prince, who for some time valiantly exchanged their broadsides, and behaved themselves with equal courage and success. Sir Edward Spragg and Van Trump (the two declared Competitiours and Rivals for honour) with their squadrons in the mean time persisted in action with such determinate resolution, that the Dutch avow the like never to have been seen, their own two ships having without touching of a sail strangely endured the fury of three full hours uncessant battery. But Sir Edward Spraggs Ship the Prince, having lost her masts, and being so fearfully torn, as to be unfit for more service, with his flag displayed in his boat, he shifted aboard off the St. George; and finding her likewise disabled, as he was leaving of her to get into the Royal Charles, a cruel shot funk his boat, and left him helpless in the Ocean, whose power being greater than that of Van Trump; by his death chilled that heat of courage, which Trump could never have cooled above water: His death was by all, even the  themselves bewailed, who acknowledged him to have been a brave man, and valiant Soldier: His Ship courageously defended by the stout Earl of Ossory (notwithstanding all the attempts that Van Trump made to be Master of her.) was safely towed off by the Hampshire Fregat. The Prince and de Ruyter at this time finding themselves at too great distance from the squadrons so hotly engaged, who stood both in need of assistance; as by mutual consent, tacked both, and in friendly manner without firing, stood towards their respective friends: but the Ruyter having joined Van Trump who was still engaged, with the blue, before the Prince could could come in; fell upon the blue with renewed fury, intending to have totally out off that squadron from the rest of the English Fleet; but at length the Prince coming in time, broke in amongst the Dutch with unanswerable force, and Captain Legg with his fireships, put them in great disorder and confusion; It was believed by all, that if the French had made their best use of that wind, de Ruyter and his Fleet could not so fairly (as they did) by the favour of the night, have taken their leave of this and all other public action with the English, during this War. The losses in this last Fight were great on both sides; many brave Commanders, and Vast number of men killed and wounded; but both so positively pretending to victory, it is hard to determine who had the better; yet the Dutch by Sir Edward Spraggs death thinking their title good, made the whole Country so merry with the ringing noise of Victory: that the States changed the following day of Humiliation into thanksgiving, and in stead of fasting, drunk and sung Psalms.  
The singular prudence and conduct of Admiral de Ruyter in the several passages of this War, rendered him so useful to his Country (of whose tottering and decaying state he seemed the Atlas and guardian) and so considerable to his enemies, who by experience found it not easy to triumph-over him; that notwithstanding the powerful efforts made for that end, the success of affairs remained so little inclined to either side, that the one had not reason to despair, nor the other to scorn the prossers of accommodation; made way for a Treaty of peace with England; and the States of Holland catching their opportunity, when the vigorous intercession of the Crown, and Ministers of Spain concurred so pat with the public good offices of their friends in England: they so effectually pursued the necessary and advantageous concern of peace with that kingdom, that by the frequent solicitations and busy importunities of one and other, the King of Great Britain did at length condescend to a peace with the Dutch: which was concluded at Westminster the Ninth of February, 1674. to the unspeakable joy of the States, and perpetual renown of de Ruyter, in such a pinching nick of time, that the Dutch had good reason to be thankful for so seasonable an accommodation.  
Janus Temple being thus half shut, and the State's General having now but one way to look; resolved to bend all their forces against the French, both by Sea and land: and knowing that the French would not adventure to meet them at Sea; being disjoined from the English; judged it most convenient to molest their navigation, annoy their Coasts, and destroy (as much as conveniently could be done) their Country and Plantations. In Order hereunto, they sent out a great Fleet of sixty six men of War, besides victuallars, tenders and fireships, under the Command of Lieutenant Admiral De Ruyter, and Van Trump, with a flying Army of Land-forces, Commanded by Count William Van Horn. This Fleet joined at their rendezvous on the fourteenth of May 1674. set sail from the Weelings; and having by a Squadron of fifteen men of War, alarmed all the Coast of Calais and Boulogne, they passed along the English shore, and Isle of Wight, and come to anchor in Tourbay. Here after a great Council of War, they divided the Fleet into two Squadrons; appointing one and twenty fail of Men of War, and forty eight other Ships, with several Companies of Land-souldiers, under the Command of Old De Ruyter Admiral, Evertse of Zealand Vice-Admiral, and young Engell de Ruyter Son of the other Rear-Admiral for the Western French Islands; and Van Trump and the Count Horn, with the rest of the fleet and Land-forces, for the Coast of France.  
The design so laid, was accordingly put in execution; for De Ruyter with his fleet on the 29. of May made sail to the Westward, and ten days after Van Trump for the coast of France; de Ruyter continuing his course with fair winds, on the ninth of july came in sight of the Isle of Martenique, and the tenth arrived in the Bay called Cusack: The French being advertised of their coming, appeared in readiness, marching towards the shore, and the Dutch with some small ships that sailed near the land, told them their errand, by firing smartly against them from aboard? this salute forced the French a little to retreat, and burn some houses, which they thought stood in their way, and favoured the Enemy: In the afternoon a Council of War being held, a descent was concluded on, and de Ruyter having given the sign of landing, the land-forces divided into 3. squadrons, under the Command of Col. Vytenhove, with 20 men to throw granadoes for each Squadron, immediately embarked in their boats and shalloops, and with great courage, notwithstanding the French violent firing on them from their ships which they had ashore, and out of their woods, landed and made themselves Masters of a Bank, which the French had cast up to prevent their landing, and forced the Enemy to retire to their Fort: De Ruyter perceiving the Engagement hot, sent off 1500. seamen to reinforce his party, but the French firing furiously from behind their ships, and battery, which they had raised, flanking the Dutch who stood naked to their shot, and whose Canon did them little service, towards the Evening beat them off again to their ships, with the loss of many men, and several brave Officers, and so freed the Island at this time from further danger.  
De Ruyter after much loss finding the attempt fruitless, left four ships to cruise thereabouts, and wait the coming of some Victuallers expected from Holland, and next day sailed to Dominico, there to take in fresh water, which being done, passing by Mevis and the Barmoodoes', and having mutually received and rendered civilities with the English there, made sail for Holland, and about latter end of September, with little success in this expedition, arrived safely at home, and Trump and Van-Horn having by several descents on Bell-Isle, and other parts of that coast of France, alarmed and vexed the French, and plundered the country; and the fleet having after conducted and brought back from Spain the Count Van Horn, who went to negotiate at Madrid, with 18 sail of the fleet (the rest being otherways employed) in the latter end of November following, returned likewise to the texel.  
Now the difficulty of the reducing Messina, so strongly protected by the French, requiring much of the care and Forces of Spain to be employed in Sicily, sensibly weakened the Confederates of the States of Holland in Flanders, where the danger lay at their doors. The States therefore being solicited by the Ministers of Spain, that they might either give a necessary diversion to the French, who in good earnest espoused the quarrel, and endeavoured the assistance of the Messinesses, and thereby hinder the progress nearer home; or that they might effectually aid the Spaniards to the entire subduing of these Revolters, and so bring over to Flanders the Spanish Forces, and other instruments of war employed in these parts; In the beginning of 1675. resolved to dispatch their successful Admiral De Ruyter, with a considerable fleet of Men of war into the straits, to join the Prince Montesarchio General of the Spanish Armada for the effecting of that design; accordingly about the latter end of August, de Ruyter with a fleet of 25. sail, wyed from Schonvelt, and having stopped at Cadiz, and other places, by the way, in December following joined Montesarchio at Palermo with part of his Fleet, and after that he had stayed some time for those of his Ships which then were returned to Naples from Algiers under the Command of Vice-Admiral de Haen, and received them at the place of Rendezvouz: They sailed all together from Palermo to Melazzo, where the Ruyter having had conference with the Duke of Ferrandina the Spanish Viceroy of Sicily, It was resolved that the Dutch and Spanish Fleet by Sea, and the Viceroy by Land should attack and molest Messina, before that any further succours did arrive there: In order to that, de Ruyter being informed of a Fleet of Ships laden with provisions and necessaries for the besieged who then were in great straits by want, and not like long to subsist without relief, being at sea under the Convoy of a squadron of Men of War commanded by the Sieur de Quesny, made towards the fare of Messina to intercept and hinder their passage; and whilst the Prince Montesarchio left with some ships to guard the mouth of the fare, was separated from the rest of the Fleet, on the 29th of January, 1675. de Ruyter encountered the French off of Lipari, with a fleet not much odd in number to his own, having both between twenty and thirty sail of Men of War a piece, besides galleys, fireships, and other small craft, and with much courage and bravery engaged them: The French received him with no less resolution; so that there began a very brisk dispute betwixt them, which continued all that day and the next, with considerable damage to their Ships and rigging, but no great loss of men, the fight having been at some distance: In this engagement the French lost one man of War, and two fireships, and the Dutch one Fregat, which being disabled in the engagement, as the Galleys were towing of her off for Palermo, sunk, but the men were saved. The day following the Ruyter being advised, that the Sieur de Quesny by another way round the Island, unperceived by the Dutch, had conveyed the destined succours into Messina; and foreseeing well the bad consequences of the disappointment, being much displeased with the slow proceed of the Spanish grave & Phlegmatic circumspection, and their conduct of affairs; thought it not convenient further to pursue the French, nor to abide longer in these quarters, (the six Months appointed by the States his Masters for that expedition being now expired) and therefore having rejoined Montesarchio with his eight Spanish Men of War, he took his leave of him, in order to his returning homeward.  
This sudden departure threatened by the Ruyter, put the Viceroys of Sicily and Naples in great perplexity, and the Court of Spain in much trouble, who judged thereby the business of Messina almost desperate; so that all means possible were used by the Agents of Spain, to retain him in these parts; and particularly importunate instances in Holland for the prolonging the time of his Commission, which prevailed.  
New Orders from Holland being arrived at Naples, the Viceroy the Duke de los Velos, fearing that de Ruyter might pass without touching there, and so miss of receiving of his Letters, of so great concern to the Spanish interest: sent off the Dutch Consul with some Galleys to meet him, and to acquaint him with the will of the States, and to invite him to Naples: This occasioned the Ruyters coming to Naples, where he was splendidly entertained by the Viceroy; and in visiting the City treated with the same honours as are usually rendered to his own person, but hastened again aboard. The advice sent from Holland of his Commission renewed, and a re-inforcement of his Fleet promised, set him at work to animate and push forward the slow and heavy march of the Spaniards in the execution of their Gounsils; and so having cruised with his Fleet some time at Palermo, and some time at Melazzo; and had conference with the Viceroy of Sicily: It was condescended on, that Augusta, a place that held for the Rebels, should be invested by Sea and Land, and accordingly the Ruyter with his fleet made haste for the Bay of Augusta, a place to him too satal for so famous a name; whilst he was there, intelligence was brought him, that the French were at Sea; whereupon that night he sailed, and next morning got sight of the Enemy, they being about the Cape Spartivento, and he himself with his fleet three Leagues from Augusta: The morning was calm, so that he could not come up with the Enemy, but in the afternoon a fresh gale blowing from S. E. brought both fleets nearer together: De Ruyter being in the Van, the Spaniards in the body, and Vice-Admiral de Haen in the Rear of the fleet, which besides the Spanish consisted but of seventeen Dutch Men of War, with other galleys, fireships and small craft; They bore down with great eagerness upon the French, consisting of thirty Men of war, and seven fireships, with galleys, and other Tenders: About four in the afternoon the fight began, and lasted till seven, with obstinate resolution and courage, betwixt the Dutch and French, who sustained the whole brunt of this Engagement; for the Spanish did but little, only kept themselves out of harms way, and did what mischief they could at a distance.  
The Dutch had in this Engagement three Ships so disabled as to be towed off, and one Captain killed, but smaller losses are undiscernible when the great De Ruyter fell; For here it was that pressing the French at the latter end of the Fight, so as to make them give way; a bold bullet from the Enemy's Fleet stopped him in his career; which having carried away part of his left foot, and broke his left leg above the ankle, threw him on the deck, so as by his fall he was wounded in the head: The Fleet hereupon slackened sail, and stood for the Bay of Syracuse: The wounded General was carried ashore for the more conveniency of cure; which then did not seem desperate, but the greatness of his mind unacquainted with such checks of fortune, increased so that distemper of body; which it patiently bore, that the nineteenth of April having been speechless a day before, between nine and ten of the Clock at night, in the Seveniteth year and Second Month of his Age, at the first violent summons of Fortune; yielded his last Duty to Nature; and as he had lived, died in the embraces of beloved honour.  
This his Death, as it filled his friends and Country with grief and lamentation, and all men with pity and regret, so being a loss great enough to cast the balance of advantage even to the most forlorn and despairing side; gave the French a Victory not equalled by their confederate Adversaries, unless when last year Triumphant Turene the only Paragon of his worth and fame, upon a different Stage, played his last Act: which two great Champions much unlike in their Original (the one being born to a great share of his honour, and the other to make all his own,) did so resemble each other, in the course of their Lives and Fortune, and manner and Circumstances of dying; that it seemed nature had framed them for two Subjects whereon Fortune might show her skill, in dispencing equally her inclinations to great and powerful adversaries in the highest pitch of competition. For as either had been the constant Favourite of their respective Masters, and the often and long experieneed prop of their Victorious hopes; the one at Land, and the other at Sea, so both fell by an interchanged great Shot, in such a point of time, when their actions gave great hopes and confidence to their several Parties; and their death was attended with remarkable and dangerous consequences to either side: and had Fortune proceeded from the beginning, and should she still continue with so even and impartial a hand in all the occurrences and transactions, of this formidable war; both parties might have occasion to celebrate their triumphs with tears, and with drawn stakes sit down, and mutually confess, that  jam sumus ergo pares. 
De Ruyter was a person (as most brave men have been) of a middle stature, a strong and well compacted body, not fat, but fleshy, of a graceful and majestic countenance, his aspect pleasant and cheerful, not terrible by too much fierceness, nor by too great mildeness unawful; of a complexion sanguine, and a constitution temperate and healthful; sober in his diet, and moderate, though free in his words; neither sullen with rigid and morose reservedness, nor by loquacity affected or vain; his gestures manly and natural; and generally of a frame of temper so even and harmonious, as rendered him sedate and constant, and altogether free from the mistakes and waver that accompany fickle and light natures, in the greater vicissitudes of fortune: He advanced to the height of Honour by the regular steps of merit and patience, never importuning his destiny by untimely and precipitant ambition; nor slighting or being out of the way when Fortune called him to preferment: which he conducted by such wise and prudent measures, as made him acceptable to all; not staining the reputation of his great actions by vainglorious ostentation, and overweening pride; but by being dutiful to his superiors, respectful to his equals, grateful to his benefactors, affable and courteous to his inferiors; and in a word, obliging to all: he gained the love and esteem of all that knew him; entertaining even the meanest of the acquaintances of his low estate with that civility, that if in the top of honour, they enjoyed not the ancient familiarity of his base fortune, they easily saw, that it was his place and dignity, and not the change of humour, that altered the stile. In fine, he was so good a man, so devout and pious a Christian, so stout a Soldier, so wise, expert, and successful a General; and so faithful, trusty, and honest a Lover of his Country, that he deserves justly to be recommended to Posterity, as an ornament of his Age, the darling of the Seas, and the delight and honour of his Country.  
FINIS.   

These Books are Sold by Dorm. Newman at the King's Arms in the Poultry.  
Tachmas, Prince of Persia, an historical Novel, which happened under the Sophy Seliman, who reigns at this day.  
A Treatise of the Gout, Written originally in the French Tongue by Theodor Turquet de Mayerne, Kt. Baron of Aubonne, Counsellor and Chief Physician to the late King and Queen of England, Englished by Tho. Shirley Physician in Ordinary to his Majesty. Whereto is added, Advice about Hypochoudriacal fits, By the same Author.  
A New and Easy English Grammar Dictionary and Nomenclator, English and Dutch.  
The Doctrine of Devils proved to be the grand Apostasy of these latter times, An Essay tending to rectify those undue notions men have about Daemons and evil Spirits.  
Truth Vnveyled, in behalf of the Church of England, giving particular Instances of such (amongst her professed Sons) as have ventured upon Innovations in her Doctrine, being a Vindication of Mr. Standish his Sermon before the King, and published by his Majesty's special Command; By a Person of Quality.  
The whole Body of Arithmetic made Easie, wherein the Rules of that Art are briefly explained and illustrated with such familiar examples as may reach the capacity of any that desire to learn.  
Dr Robert Bayfields Anatomy.  
Kitchen Physic, With Rules to prevent sickness, and cure diseases by diet, and such things as are daily sold in the Market, By Tho Cock. Whereunto is added, A Discourse of Stoving.  
Letters of Advice from two Reverend Divines to a young Gentleman about a Case of Conscience  
The School of the Heart in 47 Emblems.  
Sixteen Sermons Preached on Sever all Occasions: By Edw. Boys, B. D.