It must be remembered that at this time England was at peace with both Denmark and Sweden, and that no just cause of war existed.

Hence, the admiral inferred that the commanders of these batteries would be loath to involve their countries in a war with so formidable a power as England, by commencing hostilities, when only a free passage was asked.

The Danish commander replied, that he should not permit a fleet to pass his post, whose object and destination were unknown to him.

He fired upon them, as he was bound to do by long-existing commercial regulations, and not as an act of hostility against the English.

The Swedes, on the contrary, remained neutral, and allowed the British vessels to lie near by for several days without firing upon them.