While James the Second finds anew-admirer in Mr. Belloc, a
critical episode in the ICing's career has been thoroughly investigated by Mr. Edward B. Powley, in The English Navy in the Revolution of 1688 (Cambridge University Press. 12s. 6d.). It is well known that William of Orange, with his fleet and transports, slipped down Channel in October, 1688, and by good luck made Torbay. It has always seemed odd that Dartmouth, with the English fleet at the mouth of the Thames, did not intercept the invader. Mr. Powley's close examination of the papers relating to the episode shows that, while contrary winds prevented Dartmouth from getting out in time, he was hampered still more by the unsuitable station assigned to him by the King's orders. Janies was ardently devoted to the Navy, but he mishandled his fleet when he needed it most. On the other hand, William's expedition was a sheer gamble. Had not James alienated every section of the nation, he might have repulsed the Dutch, even when they had landed in Torbay. * * * *
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