That De Ruyter was ordered by the States not to make
it his business to come into much danger, but to preserve himself
as much as was fit out of harm's way, to be able to direct the
fleet. He do, I perceive, with some violence, forbear saying any
thing to the reproach of the Duke of Albemarle; but, contrarily,
speaks much of his courage; but I do as plainly see that he do
not like the Duke of Albemarle's proceedings, but, contrarily, is
displeased therewith. And he do plainly diminish the commanders
put in by the Duke, and do lessen the miscarriages of any that
have been removed by him. He concurs with me, that the next bout
will be a fatal one to one side or other, because, if we be
beaten, we shall not be able to set out our fleet again. He do
confess with me that the hearts of our seamen are much saddened;
and for that reason, among others, wishes Sir Christopher Mings
was alive, who might inspire courage and spirit into them.
Speaking of Holmes, how great a man he is, and that he do for the
present, and hath done all the voyage, kept himself in good order
and within bounds: but, says he, a cat will be a cat still, and
some time or other out his humours must break again.
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