It is certain that the admiralty of Holland, who are distinct from the council of state, had given Tromp no orders to strike, but had left him to his own discretion with regard to that vain but much contested ceremonial.

They seemed willing to introduce the claim of an equality with the new commonwealth, and to interpret the former respect paid the English flag as a deference due only to the monarchy.

This circumstance forms a strong presumption against the narrative of the Dutch admiral.

The whole Orange party, it must be remarked, to which Tromp was suspected to adhere, was desirous of a war with England.
Blake, though his squadron consisted only of fifteen vessels, reenforced, after the battle began, by eight under Captain Bourne, maintained the fight with bravery for five hours, and sunk one ship of the enemy, and took another.

Night parted the combatants, and the Dutch fleet retired towards the coast of Holland.