At first the Dutch navy had a private character, wealthy merchants and regents in the many ports of the republic made their own decisions and took initiative, and incidentally attacked pirates and foreign competitors.
Wealthy merchants and regents in the many ports of the republic made their own decisions. This was at first the Dutch navy had a private character. Wealthy merchants and regents in the many ports of the republic took initiative. This was at first the Dutch navy had a private character. Wealthy merchants and regents in the many ports of the republic attacked pirates. This was at first the Dutch navy had a private character. Wealthy merchants and regents in the many ports of the republic attacked foreign competitors. This was at first the Dutch navy had a private character.