Pierce the Surgeon;
the last of whom hath been in the House, and declared that he
heard Brouncker advise and give arguments to Cox: for the safety
of the Duke of York's person to shorten sail, that they might not
be in the middle of the enemy in the morning alone; and Cox
denying to observe his advice, having received the Duke of York's
commands over night to keep within gun-shot (as they then were)
of the enemy, Brouncker did go to Harman, and used the same
arguments, and told him that he was sure it would be well
pleasing to the King that care should be taken of not endangering
the Duke of York; and, after much persuasion, Harman was heard to
say, "Why, if it must be, then lower the topsail." and so did
shorten sail, to the loss, as the Parliament will have it, of the
greatest victory that ever was, and which would have saved all
the expence of blood and money, and honour, that followed; and
this they do resent, so as to put it to the question, whether
Brouncker should not be carried to the Tower: who do confess
that, out of kindness to the Duke of York's safety, he did advise
that they should do so, but did not use the Duke of York's name
therein; and so it was only his error in advising it, but; the
greatest theirs in taking it contrary to order.
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