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Wednesday, December 29, 2004

Andrew found more information about Philip Holland

R. C. Anderson's list of captains didn't acknowledge that he had served after 1660, but I noticed his name in Frank Fox's book, A Distant Storm. Andrew found more information about Philip Holland than I had seen. In 1659, he was with Edward Montagu's fleet sent to the Baltic. This fleet was sent, along with a Dutch fleet commanded by Michiel De Ruyter, to force the Swedes to make peace. Peace finally came only with the death of the Swedish king, Charles X, in 1660. In 1660, Philip Holland and his wife were friends with Samuel Pepys and his wife. They lived near Pepys' parents near Bridwell parish. Captain Holland's wife was characaterized as "plain dowdy", rather unkindly, although probably accurately. In the Second Anglo-Dutch War, Philip Holland initially commanded a fireship. According to Frank Fox, he had taken command of the Loyal Merchant (50 guns) in 1666, and in June was fitting out the ship. He took part in the St. James' Day Battle. Sometime after that, he deserted to the Dutch, and took part in the Raid on Chatham in 1667. He was apprehended in 1672, and saved himself by agreeing to spy on the Dutch for the English.

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