Dutch Captain: Willem van Bergen

All that I know about the Dutch captain Willem van Bergen is from Brandt's biography of De Ruyter (published in 1687). In August 1665, he commanded the small frigate Popkensburg (22 guns and a crew of 110 men). In September, the Wapen van Leiden, commanded by Barent Hals, and the Popkensburg were roaming, away from the fleet at Texel. Earlier, in June 1657, Willem van Bergen was said to have been found by the French at Livorno (Leghorn). In July, De Ruyter boarded his ship and spoke with him.