The negligence or corruption of the Navy Board, the frauds of the contractors, the rapacity of the captains of the King's ships, the losses of the London merchants, were themes for many keen speeches.

There was indeed reason for anger.

A severe inquiry, conducted by William in person at the Treasury, had just elicited the fact that much of the salt with which the meat furnished to the fleet had been cured had been by accident mixed with galls such as are used for the purpose of making ink.
The victuallers threw the blame on the rats, and maintained that the provisions thus seasoned, though certainly disagreeable to the palate, were not injurious to health, [524] The Commons were in no temper to listen to such excuses.

Several persons who had been concerned in cheating the government and poisoning the sailors were taken into custody by the Serjeant, [525] But no censure was passed on the chief offender, Torrington, nor does it appear that a single voice was raised against him.

He had personal friends in both parties.