rom the Hague an order which was unpleasing to them, they
either neglected it altogether, or executed it languidly and tardily.
In some town councils, indeed, the influence of the Prince of Orange was
all powerful. But unfortunately the place where the British exiles had
congregated, and where their ships had been fitted out, was the rich and
populous Amsterdam; and the magistrates of Amsterdam were the heads
of the faction hostile to the federal government and to the House of
Nassau. The naval administration of the United Provinces was conducted
by five distinct boards of Admiralty. One of those boards sate at
Amsterdam, was partly nominated by the authorities of that city, and
seems to have been entirely animated by their spirit.

All the endeavours of the federal government to effect what James
desired were frustrated by the evasions of the functionaries of
Amsterdam, and by the blunders of Colonel Bevil Skelton, who had just
arrived at the Hague as envoy from England. Skelton had been born in
Holland during the English troubles, and was therefore supposed to be
peculiarly qualified for his post; [345] but he was, in truth, unfit for
that and for every other diplomatic situation. Excellent judges of
character pronounced him to be the most shallow, fickle, passionate,
presumptuous, and garrulous of men. [346] He took no serious notice
of the proceedings of the refugees till three vessels which had been
equipped for the expedition to Scotland were safe out of the Zuyder Zee,
till the arms, ammunition, and provisions were on board, and till the
passengers had embarked. Then, instead of applying, as he should have
done, to the States General, who sate close to his own door, he sent
a messenger to the magistrates of Amsterdam, with a request that the
suspected ships might be detained. The magistrates of Amsterdam answered
that the entrance of the Zuyder Zee was out of their jurisdiction, and
referred him to the federal government. It was notorious that this was a
mere excuse, and that, if there had been any real wish at the Stadthouse
of Amsterdam to prevent Argyle from sailing, no difficulties would have
been made. Skelton now addressed himself to the States General. They
showed every disposition to comply with his demand, and, as the case was
urgent, departed from the course which they ordinarily observed in
the transaction of business. On the same day on which he made his
application to them, an order, drawn in exact co