to a discussion of the subject. DeWitt proposed that the case of the
three Royal Company's ships as well as that of two East India ships,
the "Bona Esperanza" and the "Henry Bonaventure," should be included
in the list of damages provided for by the treaty of September, 1662.
Downing absolutely refused to consider such a makeshift on the ground
that the ships of the Royal Company had been injured after the treaty
had been signed, and therefore in accordance with its provisions
these losses should be submitted to the Netherlands for
compensation.[92]

Since he had failed to induce Downing to permit the three ships to be
included in the list of damages, DeWitt had exhausted the last means
of delay. On May 6, 1664, Downing announced in letters to Bennet and
Clarendon that DeWitt had at last consented to accommodate the matter
of the three ships. He was willing, moreover, to enter into an
agreement, for the prevention of all such future troubles, along the
lines which Downing had laid down. Regarding the two East India ships,
however, whose case was quite different from those of the Royal
Company, DeWitt would not alter his stubborn refusal of compensation.
Downing was intent on gaining a complete victory and at once rejoined
that no new commercial regulations could be considered until entire
satisfaction had been rendered for the damages which the Dutch had
committed.[93]

Although an attempt was made to suppress the first tidings of Holmes'
actions on the Gambia, the rumor of them soon spread. It was not long
until it was well known in London and Amsterdam that he had taken Cape
Verde and captured several Dutch vessels.[94] The West India Company
bitterly accused the English of having covered their designs in Africa
with a cloak of complaints regarding the Royal Company's ships. The
company reminded the States General that this was the same Holmes who,
in 1661, had set up a claim to the whole coast and who was to have
been exemplarily punished on his return by the king of England. Since
it was evident that all the Dutch factories and forts in Guinea were
in danger of capture from Holmes, the company asked the States General
for some vessels of war which should be sent to the African coast for
the protection of its property[95].

It was now the turn of the Dutch to seek compensation and restitution
of their property. Since Downing was a very exasperating man with whom
to deal they were undoubtedly pleased when toward t