iding
the fleete, and that thence it came.

[This division of the fleet was the original cause of the disaster,
and at a later period the enemies of Clarendon charged him with
having advised this action, but Coventry's communication to Pepys in
the text completely exonerates Clarendon.]

He tells me as to the business of intelligence, the want whereof the
world did complain much of, that for that it was not his business,
and as he was therefore to have no share in the blame, so he would
not meddle to lay it any where else. That de Ruyter was ordered by the
States not to make it his business to come into much danger, but to
preserve himself as much as was fit out of harm's way, to be able to
direct the fleete. He do, I perceive, with some violence, forbear saying
any thing to the reproach of the Duke of Albemarle; but, contrarily,
speaks much of his courage; but I do as plainly see that he do not like
the Duke of Albemarle's proceedings, but, contrarily, is displeased
therewith. And he do plainly diminish the commanders put in by the Duke,
and do lessen the miscarriages of any that have been removed by him. He
concurs with me, that the next bout will be a fatal one to one side or
other, because, if we be beaten, we shall not be able to set out our
fleete again. He do confess with me that the hearts of our seamen are
much saddened; and for that reason, among others, wishes Sir Christopher
Mings was alive, who might inspire courage and spirit into them.
Speaking of Holmes, how great a man he is, and that he do for the
present, and hath done all the voyage, kept himself in good order and
within bounds; but, says he, a cat will be a cat still, and some time
or other out his humour must break again. He do not disowne but that the
dividing of the fleete upon the presumptions that were then had (which,
I suppose, was the French fleete being come this way), was a good
resolution. Having had all this discourse, he and I back to White Hall;
and there I left him, being [in] a little doubt whether I had behaved
myself in my discourse with the policy and circumspection which ought to
be used to so great a courtier as he is, and so wise and factious a man,
and by water home, and so, after supper, to bed.

25th. Up, and all the morning at my Tangier accounts, which the chopping
and changing of my tallys make mighty troublesome; but, however, I did
end them with great satisfaction to myself. At noon, without stayin