When Story returned, the shore displayed the old United Provinces and Prince of Orange flags rather than British colors. Adverse winds prevented a direct attack from the Vlieter roadstead, and sailors began to mutiny. Story sought time to restore order through a council of war and negotiations. Carel Hendrik Ver Huell had already contacted former colleagues for the Prince of Orange before the expedition. Those contacts included Story's flag captain Theodorus Frederik van Capellen and Aegidius van Braam, while other Orangist captains encouraged resistance. The negotiators Story sent to seek time were themselves mutiny leaders and told Mitchell what their admiral was attempting. Flags, agents, and compromised commanders turned political intelligence into an operational weapon without the fleets exchanging fire.
Chapter · 1:41:19-1:47:45
Orangist flags turn divided loyalty into mutiny
British use of the Prince of Orange's flags triggers mutiny in a squadron whose captains had already been cultivated by Orangist agents.