The Dutch responded to the growing intimidation by enlisting large numbers of armed merchantmen into their navy; on 29 May 1652 Lieutenant-Admiral Maarten Tromp refused to show respectful haste in lowering his flag to salute an encountered English fleet.
The Dutch responded to the growing intimidation by enlisting large numbers of armed merchantmen into their navy. On 29 May 1652, Lieutenant-Admiral Maarten Tromp refused to show the respectful haste expected in lowering his flag to salute an encountered English fleet.