“July 17.
“I no sooner received yours of the 12 but that I sent for Sr G. Downing and gave him order about River so that I hope he will become exchanged, and in the meane tyme the Dutch Capne is put in chanes and told why he is so used. I hope that and your giving them a sound bange will teach them better manners; this bearer will tell them all the newes so that I have no more to say but to thank you for the scrole you sent me and to wish you a faire wind and good successe, and that God will preserve you in the midst of those dangers you are likly shortly to be in.
“James.”
“For my deare Cousin,
Prince Rupert.
“Nov. 7.
“I received yours by this bearer by the which I am very glad to find that things are in so good a readinesse where you are. I intend God willing to be at Portsmouth on Wensday, and to-morrow all the ships in the hope are to fall down except the Charles whose mainemast must be changed, which will be sone done. I shall ad no more hoping to see you so sone but that I am entirely yours
“James.”[[199]]
[199]. Forster Collection MSS. V. and A. Museum.
It was in the succeeding year that Prince Rupert and the Duke of Albemarle achieved their great victory over the Dutch off the North Foreland on St James’s Day, 25th July.[[200]] In that terrible and stubborn fight the English had eighty-one ships of the line and eighteen fireships, while the enemy, under the command of the famous De Ruyter, had eighty-eight ships, ten yachts, and twenty fireships. After this engagement the Prince Palatine carried fire and sword from Scheveningen along the coast of Holland, but he was compelled to return for want of provisions, of which neglect he complained bitterly. Secretary Pepys, however, a second time the scapegoat, retorted that the fleet had been brought back in bad condition, the Prince protesting that he could have continued the campaign six months longer if his ships had been properly provisioned. The Dutch fleet was enabled by his evasion to refit, and were joined by the French in the Channel.