The Prince, who was there, was mightily surprised at it,
and seemed troubled; but the King told him that it was only
discourse of the world. But Mr. Wren whispered me in the eare,
and said that the Duke of Albemarle had put it into his Narrative
for the House, that not above twenty-five ships fought in the
engagement wherein he was, but that he was advised to leave it
out; but this he did write from sea, I am sure, or words to that
effect: and did displease many commanders, among others Captain
Batts, who the Duke of York said was a very stout man, all the
world knew; and that another was brought into his ship that; had
been turned out of his place when he was a boatswain, not long
before, for being a drunkard. This the Prince [Rupert.] took
notice of, and would have been angry, I think, but they let their
discourse fall: but the Duke of York was earnest in it. And the
Prince said to me, standing by me, "If they will turn out every
man that will be drunk, they must turn out all the commanders in
the fleet. What is the matter if he be drunk, so when he comes
to fight he do his work? At least, let him be punished for his
drunkenness, and not put out of his command presently.
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