King Charles II The second Anglo-Dutch war goes to an end after two years. ‘In all things, in wisdom, courage, force and success, the Dutch have the best of us and do end the war with victory on their side.’ Samuel Pepys, clerk to the Navy board ‘Don’t fight the Dutch, imitate them.’ Charles II, king of England Pepys, 34, a complete naval administrator, and King Charles, 37, keen on scientific and naval matters, are fine observers. Effectively, the Dutch have held the strai