It is written further by Tromp, that he is resolved out of hand to
attempt an uniting with; those that are to put out from the Texell,
which are the best ships. And for the better accomplishment of his
design, he intends first himself singly to engage the English; which
being done, then he hath so order'd the matter, that De Witt at the
same instant, shall make sail out of the Texell with the said ships, but
yet he is to keep so close to die mouth of the Texell, that he may
make a safe retreat back again, in case Tromp cannot force his way
through the English Fleet to joyn with him. The Merchant-men
within the Texell will at the same time endeavour to get forth, under
protection of the men of War, and during the fight take their
opportunity of pasting to the North and Western Sea, But this attempt
he writes is not to be attempted without much difficulty, in
regard 150 sail of English are plying to and fro upon the coasts.
The East-Indy ships are not yet unladen to make men of War. By
reason of resolution taken by Tromp. Men are in daily expectation
to hear of some engagement between the two Fleets.
And for fear of the worst, some more preparations are putting
on, twelve new ships are building at Saerdam; and they are making
new Fortifications at Heiver-sluys. Many of their Sea men
are sickly, and sent home; but for supply of Tromp, six hundred
fresh men are sent from the Brill. What is become of the rich East-Indy
ships that were returning home, none knows; some give out,
they are in France, others in Norway, but nothing yet certain concerning
them.
News comes of severall prizes taken from the Merchants of
these Lands, which works a mighty discontent among them; but
they are much revived with the intelligence come out of the
Streights, of divers considerable prizes taken from the English;
where young Tromp hath taken the English St. Peter, a very wealthy
ship; besides, there are two Malaga ships that are brought, into
Ameland.:
The divisions in this State are clearly come to a great height; so
that [unr] if the English give them one touch more, farewell then the
pride and stomack of the Countrey. The Cantores, or Banks, are
already quite out of credit, and defunct. The Lords are much discontented
with the Commons, and the Commons with, the Lords
who suspect the Lords, as if they did not their duty and utmost endeavour
against England, and cast all misfortunes upon their mal-government;
from whence they draw inferences, that for remedy
there is a necessity of a Capt. Generall and Stadtholder. The great
ones themselves at the Hague, are all to pieces about it; some Provinces
appearing for, and some against it: If they pitch upon the
Prince of Orange (as in all likelihood they will) then it is thought
Count William will be his Lient. Generall during his minority. The
faction for him mounts high; and to shew the generall temper, the
very Boys at the Hague begin to train again up & down the streets,