The silver-fleet expedition combined experienced officers from different Dutch admiralties with a privateering contingent. Collaborative command could pool experience and ideas, while antagonism between senior officers could prevent it working. Hein's older second-in-command technically held seniority over him, despite Hein's own authority as admiral and captain-general. Hein called himself general and the older subordinate admiral to accommodate that sensitivity. The distinction preserved cooperation without openly challenging the other officer's status.
Notable Point · 28:22-30:34
Managing rank and rivalry in a mixed Dutch fleet
Hein kept a coalition of admiralty squadrons and privateers together by managing titles, seniority, and personal prestige carefully.