Thence out to White Hall to a Committee
for Tangier, but it met not. But, Lord! to see how melancholy
the Court is, under the thoughts of this last overthrow, (for so
it is,) instead of a victory, so much and so unreasonably
expected. We hear the Swiftsure, Sir W. Barkeley, is come in
safe to the Nowre, after her being absent ever since the
beginning of the fight, wherein she did not appear at all from
beginning to end.
9th. The Court is divided about the Swiftsure and the Essex's
being safe. And wagers and odds laid on both sides. Sir W.
Coventry is come to town; so I to his chamber. But I do not hear
that he is at all pleased or satisfied with the late fight; but
he tells me more news of our suffering, by the death of one or
two captains more than I knew before. But he do give over the
thoughts of the safety of the Swiftsure or Essex.
10th. I met with Pierce the surgeon, who is lately come from the
fleet, and tells me that all the commanders, officers, and even
the common seamen do condemn every part of the late conduct of
the Duke of Albemarle; both in his fighting at all, running among
them in his retreat, and running the ships on ground; so as
nothing can be worse spoken of.
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