her declared that a certain sickness in
that region, known as "Serenes," caused by the falling dew, made it
impossible for Europeans to engage in a blockade by land, and
therefore "in this case itt was to be counted sufficient and to be
called a besieging, though the place were onely blocked up by
sea."[87] Downing scoffed at this as an unheard of theory and asked
what would happen if the Royal Company instituted blockades of this
character and pretended "Serenes" whenever it seemed convenient. With
such a display of feeling it is no wonder little could be done toward
adjusting the difficulties. DeWitt suggested a new treaty for the
regulation of such affairs both in Europe and abroad. Downing flatly
refused to consider such a proposition if it was meant thereby to
dispose of the cases of the "Charles" and the "James." He remained
firm in his demand for reparation for these two ships.[88] A few days
after this conference Downing learned of the misfortunes which had
befallen the Royal Company's ship, the "Mary," during the previous
year. On February 16, he apprised the States General of this
additional cause for complaint and demanded satisfaction as in the
case of the other two vessels[89].

If Downing was becoming exasperated, the people in England were
scarcely less so when they heard of the troubles of the "Mary" and
other similar occurrences. Secretary Cunaeus declared that the
animosity in England towards Holland was growing exceedingly among the
common people. Led by the duke of York, governor of the Royal Company,
the courtiers had also become exceedingly indignant at the treatment
accorded the company's ships and factories in Africa[90]. One of
Valckenburg's statements regarding the Dutch ownership of the Gold
Coast had been circulated on the Royal Exchange, where it became the
chief topic of conversation. Indeed so great was the sensation it
stirred up that Samuel Pepys declared on April 7, 1664, that everybody
was expecting a war[91]. On the 21st of April the members of the House
of Commons resolved that the damages inflicted by the Dutch in India,
Africa, and elsewhere constituted a very great obstruction to English
trade. They, therefore, petitioned the king for redress for these
various injuries, and promised to support any action he took with
their lives and fortunes.

At last the Dutch realized that the African situation was becoming
serious, and Downing therefore found it somewhat easier to bring them