command between a man of quality who did not know the points of the compass, and two weatherbeaten old seamen who had risen from being cabin boys to be Admirals, was very wisely laid aside. Active exertions were made to prepare the allied squadrons for service. Nothing was omitted which could assuage the natural resentment of the Dutch. The Queen sent a Privy Councillor, charged with a special mission to the States General. He was the bearer of a letter to them in which she extolled the valour of Evertsen's gallant squadron. She assured them that their ships should be repaired in the English dockyards, and that the wounded Dutchmen should be as carefully tended as wounded Englishmen. It was announced that a strict inquiry would be instituted into the causes of the late disaster; and Torrington, who indeed could not at that moment have appeared in public without risk of being torn in pieces, was sent to the Tower.675
During the three days which followed the arrival of the disastrous tidings from Beachy Head the aspect of London was gloomy and agitated. But on the fourth day all was changed. Bells were pealing: flags were flying: candles were arranged in the windows for an illumination; men were eagerly shaking hands with each other in the streets. A courier had that morning arrived at Whitehall with great news from Ireland.
CHAPTER XVI
William lands at Carrickfergus, and proceeds to Belfast--State of Dublin; William's military Arrangements--William marches southward--The Irish Army retreats--The Irish make a Stand at the Boyne--The Army of James--The Army of William--Walker, now Bishop of Derry, accompanies the Army--William reconnoitres the Irish Position; William is wounded--Battle of the Boyne--Flight of James--Loss of the two Armies--Fall of Drogheda; State of Dublin- -James flies to France; Dublin evacuated by the French and Irish Troops--Entry of William into Dublin--Effect produced in France