ARts 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 no 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, [Page 2]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 tryed 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 excell the Roman bat­tering Rams, or our roaring Trumpet-speaker, old bauling Sten­tor, who now with the great He­roes [Page 3]of distant ages are sent again to School,

The Masters of the Military Art as well as others, being obnoxious to this severe and partiall Judge­ment, the contemporaries of great men have in all ages laboured to vindicate the honour of their He­roes, by bringing to a fair tryal of their Countrey, 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 Bayes as nothing but a hotter season of newer attempts, and more taking discoveries, could ever blast or wither: 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 [Page 4]some transient designes 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 compleat their in­tended draughts: So in all times some have been, who have left to posterity the true and natural proportions and more discerna­ble lineaments of the actions of famous men, which others who lived nearer them might fill up and imbellish with the several colours and shaddows of smaller occurrences. Now since our Age hath brought forth as many (if not more) Instances of this na­ture, then any past, and rewar­ded them with as suitable ho­nours and titles, as the most tri­umphant times whatsoever: I thought it not amisse at this time, when every little Ale and Coffee-house Virtuoso comes blustering [Page 5]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 rendred him parallel to his most famed Com­petitors, and the high pitch to which he grew from so low a root, more conspicuous then 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 authentick 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 Sir­name,) the happy Father of this brave man; who (being disban­ded from, or displeased with that course of life;) with his wife, his only then childe Michael Ad. de Ruyter, born to him at Flushing in Zealand, (the subject of this present Discourse,) and serving­maid, being the whole of his Fa­mily, retired himself to a Coun­trey-house at two miles distance from Bergen ap Zome, and there to the quieter employment of a husbandmans life: where by his industrous endeavours, with two horses, the greatest part of his substance, in the usuall labour [Page 7]of that Countrey, he supplied the wants of his family with care and pains: but neither the low­ness of the poor mans fortune (which commonly begets either contempt or pity) nor yet the priviledge of his person, as ha­ving sometime served under the same Ensignes; could secure him or his beasts from the vio­lence of licentious Souldiers: 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 proceedings of loosly disciplined or ill-paid Ar­mies, where the Commanders [Page 8]either share in, or connive at the rapine of the Souldiers: 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 souldiers mis­sing there booty, and concluding that the owner had them, returned in the night with a purpose to finde them at his house; but being by his provident care disappointed; in barbarous revenge they set on fire the poor single thatcht Cot­house about the ears of the help­less Inhabitants; In the horrour of this sudden surprise, whilst [Page 9]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 childe the fu­ture darling of Neptune, lay at the mercy of devouring Vulcan fast asleep in an upper room, swadled in his cradle; but the flames of Parental love towards an only childe, stronger than those of fire, soon scorcht the mothers 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 her self into the house a­gain, to save or die with that childe, by whose life and death fortune had decreed her honour: and having in her petticoat, [Page 10]through smoke and flames, got into the upper Room, first threw the childe out of the window in­to a sheet held by the father and maid to receive him, and after­ward jump't out her self, 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 Fames Pyramides, 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 stript of all, naked as truth it self, 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 [Page 11]Countreymen a lamentable spe­ctacle of his new disaster:

The commendable care of that Countrey in providing for the Necessities of the indigent, either by maintaining of the infirm and impotent, or by imploying the stronger and those that are able, to work: afforded means for the poor man to subsist and feed his family; untill his young son being grown up to the state of a boy, able to do somewhat for himself, was placed in the rope­ground of the Heer Lampson in Flushing, a considerable Mer­chant; who had a Manufactory of Ropes there: The poor childe complying with the condition which he could not alter, with several other boys of his own rank and age, dilligently follow­ed, his business in spinning of rope-yarn, and other drudgeries of that vocation to the content of his Overseers; until some time [Page 12]after, the Heer Lampson himself coming into the rope-ground, and eying 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 intrusted him with the charge of keeping of the accounts of his family-expen­ces, that so he might the bet­ter have a tryal of the youths abilities, and prevent the er­rours, into which higher ad­vancement [Page 13]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 [Page 14]Masters 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 Streights, 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 traffick 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 bruitish re­vellings of the most part of Sea­men; he had leisure to rub up those few impressions and hints [Page 15]of the Mathematicks, 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 Streights and Barbary, upon the account of the Heer Lampson his Master and Be­nefactor, with constant good for­tune and applause, he married a Widow, and setled 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 dayly dam­mages received from the Corsairs [Page 16]of Argiers, 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 Coun­trey, 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 States General, that he obtained for him a Com­mission to be Captain of a Man of War appointed by them, as a Convoy for their Merchant-men in the Streights, 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 rendring 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 missed not of the other. Insomuch that his Name being grown publick in Holland, by the dayly 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 Common-wealths of England (then too unhappily established) and the States of [Page 18]the Ʋnited Netherlands more deep­ly rooted; began to advance to the incompatible heighth 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 inferiour 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 adversaryes whilst it lasted; may justly take place of all which before that time enobled the Ocean. Now was Captain Michael Adr. De Ruyter (signalized for his good [Page 19]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 speeded out from Zealand, to Convoy the Merchant-men to the Westward out of danger; and to scowr the Seas of the English; who on that side rendred the Navigation unsafe: This great Fleet first appearing off of Bright Hamstead in Sussex, where they forced ashoar, and took several Barks, continued their course Westward by the back of [Page 20]the Isle of Wight: Advice of this being brought to the pretended Parliament of England, Sir George Ayscue who then Commanded a Fleet of fourty 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 Merchant-men, 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, [Page 21]appointed him his sta­tion in the mouth of the Chan­nel, to stop and seize all English Ships homeward or outward­bound: 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 Witt with another consi­derable [Page 22]Fleet from Holland joyn­ed 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 Witt 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 winde blowing hard hindred his attempt then untill 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 rode, and having run aground the So­veraign and Resolution, (which [Page 23]were presently got off again) in his too rash approach with the great Ships, he was forced to de­sist. De Witt and De Ruyter in the entry of a War being ashamed thus to be braved, voluntarily left their advantagious station, came forth and fought the Eng­lish; but with so great loss, that notwithstanding all the cou­rage and conduct employed by the two Admiralls 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 de Wit and de Ruyter got into Goree. The Hollanders im­puted their ill successe in this Fight to the over-match of the English, and the cowardise of some of their Captains, who did not fight; but experience hath [Page 24]since demonstrated, that the pru­dent use which the cautious De Ruyter made of the misfortune, was never to forsake an advantagi­ous station till a more advantagious opportunity of fighting offfered.

This Defeat spurr'd 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 Fire-ships put to Sea again, and finding Ge­neral Blake at his station with a number far inferiour, not much exceeding fourty 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 bloudy combat, obstinatly 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 [Page 25]dammage 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 joyn 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 Merchant-men, coming from the Streights, and other Southern parts; and on [Page 26]the eleventh of February General Blake having joyned 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 Merchant-men: 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 irresistable 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 [Page 27]off the Merchant-men; that both merited and received special and publick 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 Mer­chant-men 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 [Page 28]of Generals of equal and joynt authority, Blake, Dean, and Monck, on the second of Iune, 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, ply­ed 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 struglings for Victory, [Page 29]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 Iuly, Van Trump and De Ruyter from Zealand, and De Witt from Holland, set out again to sea; and being joyned, 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 Iuly towards night came up with them: but the Master of his Ship fearing the enemies 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 [Page 30]the Commonwealth of England: wherein besides the loss of Twenty six Men of War, their Admiral Van Trump ended his daies; 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 Witt 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 Cromwel General of the [Page 31]Army made Protector of the Common-wealth. 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 stopt 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 [Page 32]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 Streights. The Pirates of these Seas after their wonted 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 Streights 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 Argiers; in a short time so humbled the Corsairs of that place, Tripoli and Tunnis, that he brought them to a peace, [Page 33]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, threatning danger if not ruine 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 damnifie their traffick in the Baltick Sea: perswaded [Page 34]the King of Denmark their anci­ent Allie, who had more reason then 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 Kingdomes; wherewith the Swede being allarmed, 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 Witt to assist them in the Sound; But his Fleet being by the Swedes there routed, the Admirals Ship the Bredrow sunk, and De Witt himself either killed or drowned: [Page 35]a fresh Recruit was dispatched with Admiral Opdam to re-inforce 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 blockt up by the Swedes with a strait 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 then 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 Successour to his Usurped autho­rity: Richard with the consent [Page 36]of the then pretended Parliament, for that end, and for the security of the English Trade in the Bal­tick, in the beginning of the year 1659. sent the brave General Mon­tague, afterward Earl of Sandwich, with fourty Men of Warr well mann'd, and some Fire-ships, 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 try­all, 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 hindred a new rupture betwixt the English and the Dutch, which in all probabi­lity [Page 37]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 (then too weak) declined all engaging at Sea: The Island of Funnen in the Baltick 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 [Page 38]other parts of the Island, and with a stout example, he him­self standing in the water, encou­raging the Souldiers to land, whom in great numbers they poured ashoar; The Swedes were overthrown with great losse, and the Island regained to the Danes.

This brave action of De Ruyter gained him more reputation from his Countrey, and honour from his masters, then all which be­fore that time he had atchieved, 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, untill the Peace between the Danes and them in May. 1660. was ratified, [Page 39]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 Argiers, 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 dispatcht with a Squadron of Ships into the Streights; 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 [Page 40]he had heretofore so justly meri­ted, until matters of greater con­cern called him thence, upon the occasion following.

After the wonderfull and long-wished-for re-establishment of his Majesty, the King of Great Brittain, 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 Neighbors, 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 Brittain already so dissatisfied with their disguised practises, as could not but of necessty produce [Page 41]a War, resolved to bring it to a tryall as soon as possibly they could, by giving the first occasi­on of rupture, under the pretext of being provok'd 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, severall Ships and goods belonging to the English.

That action so incensed his Ma­jesty of Great Britain, that war was thereupon in anno 1664. publick­ly proclaimed against the States General of the United Provinces, impowering all his Majesties Sub­jects, to use against them their subjects and people, all acts of [Page 42]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 New-found land, took several Merchants Ships, stript the men, and left them without provisions; an act un­worthy the name of so brave a man: Thus whilst Opdam Ad­mirall of the Dutch Fleet in June 1665, having engaged his Royall Highness the Duke of York, was in fire and smoak 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 rendred his presence at home absolutely necessary, his experience and success in War being so well known to all, that [Page 43]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 inti­tled, Son of Neptune: Advice was therefore sent to him, that he should with his Fleet hasten home with all expedition; which he obeying, slily slipt by the English Fleet wrapt 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 Witt, Huygens and Bureel; who according to a new Model, had the superintendency of the Na­vall affairs. He was no sooner [Page 44]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 Merchant-men, which stopt 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 attacqued by the Earl of Sand­wich, who finding himself too weak, his charge great, and the windes 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 Merchant-men, and five [Page 45]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 publick 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 [Page 46]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 dispiser of danger, led him to a gallant, but rash attempt, upon De Ruyter and his Fleet, [Page 47]who then riding at anchor off of Dunkirk, with a number of Ships far exceeding the English; was upon Fryday the first of June so unexpectedly assaulted by them, the winde blowing high; that many of his Ships were fain to cut their cables in haste to put themselves in order of fighting: 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 enemies Fleet being to the Leeward, whereby they played their great guns, which the English could not, being to the weather, and the winde high; giving great advantage to the Dutch) they drew off, having lost the evening, before [Page 48]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 rejoyned the Fleet, and given the usuall proofs of his great and undaunted valour: both Generalls on Munday 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 weakned, 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 Countrey-man; ha­ving given wonderfull marks of his carriage and conduct, made [Page 49]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 Iuly both Fleets were abroad; The English commanded by Albemarle, and the Dutch by De Ruyter; And on S. Iames's 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 [Page 50]to themselves the Victo­ry in the former Engagement, plyed 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 (whilest Van Trump couragiously entertained the Blew) 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 [Page 51]hundred common Sea-men wounded, and many Captains slain, amongst which Everson Admiral of Zeland, 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 rodes 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 burnt an hundred and sixty sail of Dutch Vessels.

But neither was this nor the last blow so fatall as to keep the Dutch from Sea, for about the end of August Admiral De Ruyter ap­pears again with a stronger fleet [Page 52]then before, stretching along the back of the Goodwin sands, for the French-coast, with designe to have joyned 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. Hellens 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 enemies white-flag for their own, fell in amongst the English, and [Page 53]after some stout resistance, was taken, and the Captain made Pri­soner, but in complement 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 grudgings and animosities arisen betwixt him and Van Trump during the late actions, pro­ceeding partly (as it was concei­ved) from the byass 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 Stat-holder;) broke forth in­to [Page 54]such open debate, that they mutually accused and blamed each other, for the ill success and miscarriages of the past Summers 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 cowardise, and himself con­firmed with greater power and authority then before.

About the end of this year 1666. the Dutch being weary of the vast expences, and weakned by the great losses of the war, and the English much disheart­ned by the burning of the City of London, which happened in September; both seemed inclina­nable to an accomodation; and overtures of peace thereupon be­gan to be set on foot on either [Page 55]side; which seemed to some who thought themselves wise very hopeful.

In the beginning of the Spring De Ruyter was again speeded 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 spoyled the Countrey; but by the vigilant care, and conduct of the Earl of Rothoes, Chancellour of that Kingdom, with the Trained Bands of the Countrey, 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 Frigats off of Hull, began a furi­ous and bloudy conflict, which was so stoutly and obstinately [Page 56]maintained on both sides, that from twenty five the Dutch were reduc't to fourteen sail, and the English from nineteen to fifteen.

Shortly after he made an at­tempt upon some Neighbouring parts of Harwich, having put a­shoar 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 losse of an hun­dred men, they were forced to retreat in so much haste and dis­order, that they left behinde them all their ladders: whilest these a­ctions continued at Langward-fort, a party of twelve hundred Dutch being posted at the cliff their lan­ding-place, to secure and make good their retreat, were attack­ed by the Trained Bands of the Countrey under the Command of [Page 57]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 embarqued, 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 Frigats; but whether De Ruyter finding his Orders limited, or for the reasons above-hinted, notwithstanding he had a much stronger Fleet, kept at distance, and carefully avoided engage­ment; taking his course through the channell for the Western parts of England: In his passage he ap­peared before Portsmouth, but [Page 58]knowing the strength of the place, and finding the Countrey in arms, he only shewed 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 Coun­trey 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 ashoar to buy fresh provisions, but it was denied him by the Gen­tlemen and Officers that com­manded there; alledging 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 [Page 59]his intent at Wenbury, came with his whole Fleet before Couland in Cornwall, and having anchored within musket shot of the shoar; sent off twelve boats full of men with designe of landing, whilst he in the mean time played on the land with his great guns from aboard: but the Foot of the Countrey, 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 heartily desired by both parties; relented a little in the ardour of his proceedings, and began to heal the wounds which he had formerly made, by [Page 60]prudent application of the poli­tick plaisters of necessity and ig­norance; excusing some hostili­ties, as thereto enjoyned 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 complement and apologies of the [...]dmiral, 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 [Page 61]over his Ships-side, met, and re­ceived them in their boat, where after mutuall 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 Cabbin: 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 kindeness, and having offered [Page 62]him supplies of all necessary pro­visions for his own Table, refu­sing more untill the peace should be concluded; they took their leave, having been first assured by him, that no more hurt should be done to the Countrey whilst he remained on these Coasts. The Earl of Bath after­ward presented him with such provisions and necessaries, as the Countrey and season of the year afforded; which he courteously received, and in signe 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 shoar with great shot, till having received dammage in their hulls, and one of them having lost his main topmast, they desisted and went [Page 63]off; whether this was by the Generals Order or not, is not known; there having been no enquiry ever made in the action, by reason of the peace that im­mediatly 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 intire 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 traffick, the hugg'd darling of both people: and to consider in cold blood what had been done amisse by either side, during the War, that from so seasonable a peace, they might pick the ne­cessary [Page 64]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 Countrey; and was judged by all discreet men to have understood as well the measures of a General in that Common-wealth 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 advantagious fighting; 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 dreadfull War being over, but occasion still of a wise and pra­ctised Statesman at home; ad­mitted the Heer De Ruyter with [Page 65]no less expectation into their Councils of difficult affairs, then they had formerly impowred 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 dis­pence with his being at home; because they could not finde a Successour for him abroad which the businesse of the year 1672. ur­gently required.

The French King in anno 1671. with a considerable army came to Dunkirk in Flanders, this progresse 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 shew them the rod with [Page 66]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 designe of which was not as yet made publick; 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 Christen­dome 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, [Page 67]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 pub­lick interest; the King herewith provoked, and by reviling Pamphlets against his Royal Person, joyned with the French King in a strict League of pur­suing by arms their mutual pre­tentions against the Dutch: And having first friendly demanded satisfaction of the past abuses by his Embassadour 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, [Page 68]the King of Great Brittain 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 States 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 Predecessours 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 usuall solemnities proclaimed in London and Westminster, was se­conded by the French King with actions previous to a rupture with that Crown also: he ha­ving [Page 69]laid great taxes and cu­stomes 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 lade any bran­dy aboard of any Holland or Dutch Vessells, and shortly after publickly, 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 pow­erfull 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 Christendome be­came involved in a bloody and [Page 70]expensive War, which is not yet ended.

Matters thus advancing to­ward action, the Dutch who were not behinde in their pre­parations, but wanting a head, resolved to gratifie 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 Rereward van Putten (the two unfortunate brothers that were afterward barbarously murthered 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 [Page 71]services, such is the fear of that State of an absolute authority) was stinted, having the Rereward 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 Royall Highness the Duke of York, whose former success a­gainst the Dutch had rendred 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 Blew; and having joyned 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 [Page 72]the Coast of Holland, in search of the Dutch Fleet, then likewise at Sea, Commanded by De Ruyter, Van Ghent and Banckert; and having had seve­ral views of the enemy, but no opportunity of fighting, which the cautious De Ruyter always a­voided, according to his politick Maximes, 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 seldome 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 [Page 73]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 winde favourable at E. N. E. weighed anchor from behinde his banks with his whole Fleet and on May 29th. by five of the clock in the morning came in sight of the Royall Fleet, so un­expected, that several Ships were forced to cut their cables in dis­order, to put themselves in po­sture of fighting, and about eight in the morning fell in with them. The fight began be­twixt the Earl of Sandwich in the Royall James with the blew Squadron, and Van Ghent, whilst his Royall 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 [Page 74]the blew Squadron and Van Ghent, who in the beginning of the battel 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 Soveraign, 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 grapled 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 [Page 75]perished; to the grief of the King his Master, and un­speakable regret of his Coun­trey; 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 winde, bore down upon the Dutch, and assisted the Duke who pressed De Ruyter so straitly, 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 losse of the Noble Earl of Sandwich, and his ship, the Henry and Royall Catherine, two great ships on the English side were taken, Captain Dighy [Page 76]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 fourty 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 rejoycing; and imputed much of the English loss to the French seperating 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 battel, kept the [Page 77]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 rode with his Fleet at the Oyster-bank; oc­casioned his hastening from thence to Blanckenburgh, there to put ashoar 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 mann'd to secure the arri­val of the East-India Fleet, which was then look't 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 [Page 78]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 errours of their Governours, 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 sate at dinner, with the Magistrates of the place; sent some of their Officers with a form of writing, containing a New Election of his Highnesse to be hereditary Stat­holder of the Common-wealth, with a renunciation of all mali­cious Acts and Edicts made by the Lovestein faction to the con­trary; threatning the Magistrates with the losse of their lives, un­lesse they presently signed it: This peremptory desire the Magistrates [Page 79]durst not refuse, but presently signed the Writing, and dispen­ced 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 publickly 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 hindred by the Magi­strates [Page 80]had plundered and sackt it: this was so strange when no previous set discourse (that is known) did winde 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 fighting; the long wished for East-India Fleet (which the Duke hoped might give occasion to a new tryal) 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-mann'd, and in bad conditi­on of fighting; slid along the [Page 81]shoar, 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 Frigats, being then upon the scout, came up with them, and had some little encounter; but the windes 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 stopt, 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 [Page 82](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 de­signe, by sinking of several great Ships in the narrow passages of the Channel, called the Middle­ground, to have stopped and blockt up the mouth and entry of the river; but the breadth of that channel, and the commodiousness of others, rendred his attempts al­together in vain.

Prince Rupert, who for this Years Expedition Commanded the Royal Navies, lying at the Buoy of the Nore, with part [Page 83]of the English fleet (the French being not as yet arrived) when De Ruyter appeared, was hindred by the windes 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 behinde the banks, those impregnable sea-ramparts, shun­ning at that time any engagement: The Prince seeing this, stood with his fleet for the Streights off Calais, with intention to meet the French and Portsmouth fleets; whom af­ter a short stay, he having joyned at Dungean ness, with the whole fleet, returned for the coast of Holland, and May 26. 1673. arrived before Schonvelt where de Ruyter lay with his fleet.

The winde and Sea then unsea­sonable, allowed no fair opportu­nity of fighting, but the twenty [Page 84]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 Frigats to provoke him to battel: The Dutch con­trary to the expectation of the English and French in excellent order came forth, and boldly en­countred this Van-guard 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 mutuall 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 [Page 85] 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 signa­lize his Valour: The Earl with his ships that were with him, received the Admirall with no less resolution then he was at­tacqued, and maintained a bloudy 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 [Page 86]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) then the English, who were so remote from their own Coast; So that de Ruyter knowing well the advantage, in the begining of Iune put out again, and by his approach allarmed 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 de 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, [Page 87]and Van der Vierse the Deputies of the States General; who being arrived and in a Council of War having approved his intent of fighting, and afterward return­ed again ashoar; 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 blew squadron, who had the Van, not believing that the Dutch intended to fight, but only as before to change their rode; made no great haste to bear up, and so lost the winde; 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 [Page 88]Spragg engaged, till the Prince finding the disadvantage of the winde, with the red and white squadrons stood away N W. De Ruyter thinking it was to get the winde, 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 Soverain, and Sir Edward Spragg rejoyned the Fleet, they fought at distance most part of the night, and by break of day both Fleets being out of sight of each [Page 89]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 winde and a distant fight, stood back for his old station on the Coast of Zeland. 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 shew 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 Fighting, the Royall Navy expected an Engagement, but wise De Ruyter who always fought after his own manner, knew well the importance of so great a triall, and that the affairs [Page 90]of his Countrey 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 shoar, and bore a­way along the Coast, declining all engagement untill 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 attacque 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 shoar, and bearing up before next morning, gained the winde of the English, and by seven of the Clock bore down [Page 91]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 [Page 92]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 Royall Charles, a cruel shot funk his boat, and left him helpless in the Ocean, whose power being grea­ter then that of Van Trump; by his death chill'd that heat of courage, which Trump could ne­ver have cooled above water: [Page 93]His death was by all, even the Dutch themselves bewailed, who acknowledged him to have been a brave man, and valiant Souldi­er: His Ship couragiously 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 de Ruyter having joyned Van Trump who was still engaged, with the blew, before the Prince could could come in; fell upon the blew with renewed fury, intending to have totally out off that squadron from the rest of the [Page 94]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 winde, 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 publick 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 Countrey so merry with the ringing noise of Victory: that the States changed the following [Page 95]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, ren­dred him so useful to his Countrey (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 no 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 publick good offices of their [Page 96]friends in England: they so ef­fectually pursued the necessary and advantagious concern of peace with that kingdom, that by the frequent sollicitations 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 thankfull for so seasonable an accomoda­tion.

Janus Temple being thus half shut, and the States 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 dis­joyned [Page 97]from the English; judg­ed it most convenient to molest their navigation, annoy their Coasts, and destroy (as much as conveniently could be done) their Countrey 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 Admirall De Ruyter, and Van Trump, with a flying Army of Land-forces, Com­manded by Count William Van Horn. This Fleet joyned at their rendevous on the fourteenth of May 1674. set sail from the Weel­ings; and having by a Squadron of fifteen men of War, allarmed all the Coast of Calais and Bulloigne, they passed along the English shoar, and Isle of Wight, and come to anchor in Tourbay. Here after a great Councill of War, they divided the Fleet into two Squadrons; appointing one and [Page 98]twenty fail of Men of War, and fourty 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 designe 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 windes, on the ninth of Iuly 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 shoar, and the Dutch with some small [Page 99]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 signe of landing, the land­forces divided into 3. squadrons, under the Command of Col. Vy­tenhove, with 20 men to throw gra­nadoes for each Squadron, imme­diatly embarked in their boats and shalloops, and with great cou­rage, notwithstanding the French violent firing on them from their ships which they had ashoar, 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 [Page 100]the Engagement hot, sent off 1500. seamen to reinforce his par­ty, but the French firing furious­ly from behinde 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 [Page 101]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, al­larmed 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 imployed) in the latter end of November following, returned likewise to the Texell.

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 sollicited by the Mi­nisters [Page 102]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 progresse nearer home; or that they might effectually aid the Spaniards to the intire 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 successeful Admi­ral De Ruyter, with a considera­ble fleet of Men of war into the Streights, to joyn the Prince Mon­tesarchio Generall of the Spanish Armada for the effecting of that designe; accordingly about the latter end of August, de Ruyter with a fleet of 25. sail, wyed from Schonvelt, and having stopt at Ca­diz, and other places, by the way, in December following joyn­ed [Page 103] 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 Argiers under the Command of Vice-Ad­miral de Haen, and received them at the place of Rendevouz: They sailed all together from Palermo to Melazzo, where de 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 Vice-roy by Land should attacque 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 [Page 104]War commanded by the Sieur de Quesny, made towards the fare of Messina to intercept and hinder their passage; and whilest 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 en­countred 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 losse of men, the fight having been at some distance: In this [Page 105]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 de Ruyter being advi­sed, that the Sieur de Quesny by another way round the Island, unperceived by the Dutch, had conveyed the destin'd succours into Messina; and foreseeing well the bad consequences of the dis­appointment, being much dis­pleased with the slow proceedings of the Spanish grave & Phlegma­tick circumspection, and their conduct of affairs; thought it not convenient further to pursue the French, nor to abide longer in these quarters, (the six Moneths appointed by the States his Ma­sters for that expedition being now expired) and therefore ha­ving rejoyned Montesarchio with [Page 106]his eight Spanish Men of War, he took his leave of him, in order to his returning home­ward.

This sudden departure threat­ned by de Ruyter, put the Vice­roys of Sicily and Naples in great perplexity, and the Court of Spain in much trouble, who judged thereby the businesse 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 misse of receiving of his Letters, of so great concern to the Spanish in­terest: sent off the Dutch Con­sul [Page 107]with some Galleys to meet him, and to acquaint him with the will of the States, and to in­vite him to Naples: This occasi­oned de Ruyters coming to Naples, where he was splendidly enter­tained by the Vice-roy; and in visiting the City treated with the same honours as are usually rendred 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 [Page 108]accordingly de Ruyter with his fleet made haste for the Bay of Au­gusta, a place to him too satal for so famous a name; whilest 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 [Page 109]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 undis­cernable 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 Enemies Fleet stopt him in his carreer; which having carri­ed away part of his left foot, and broke his left leg above the ancle, threw him on the deck, [Page 110]so as by his fall he was woun­ded in the head: The Fleet here­upon slackened sail, and stood for the Bay of Syracusa: The wounded General was carried a­shoar for the more conveniency of cure; which then did not seem desperate, but the greatness of his minde unacquainted with such checks of fortune, encrea­sed 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 Moneth of his Age, at the first violent summons of Fortune; yeelded 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 Countrey with grief and lamentation, and all men with pitty and regret, so [Page 111]being a losse great enough to cast the ballance 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 shew her skill, in dispencing e­qually her inclinations to great and powerfull adversaries in the highest pitch of competition. For as either had been the constant [Page 112]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

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 gracefull and majestick countenance, his as­pect pleasant and chearfull, not terrible by too much fierceness, nor by too great mildeness un­awful; of a complexion san­guine, and a constitution tempe­rate and healthfull; 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 rendred him sedate and constant, and altogether free from the mistakes and waverings that ac­company fickle and light natures, in the greater vicissitudes of for­tune: He advanced to the height of Honour by the regular steps [Page 114]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 vain-glorious ostentation, and overweening pride; but by being dutiful to his superiours, respect­full to his equalls, gratefull to his benefactors, affable and cour­teous to his inferiours; 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 baser fortune, they easily saw, that it was his place and dignity, and [Page 115]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 Souldier, so wise, expert, and successfull a General; and so faithfull, trusty, and honest a Lover of his Countrey, 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 Countrey.