De Ruyter learns on his return to The Netherlands that Van Wassenaer had been killed in the disastrous Battle of Lowestoft.

Many expect that Tromp's son Cornelis will now take command of the confederate fleet, especially Cornelis Tromp himself, who has already been given a temporary commission.

Tromp however is not acceptable to the regent regime of Johan de Witt because of his support of the Prince of Orange's cause.

De Ruyter's popularity has grown after his heroic return and, most importantly, his affiliation lies with the States-General and Johan de Witt in particular.

He therefore is made commander of the Dutch fleet on August 11, 1665, as Lieutenant-Admiral (a rank he at this time shares with six others) of the Amsterdam admiralty.