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 BUTLER. 288 lord, I know well that you are at the bottom of this attempt of Blood's upon my father, and if he comes to a violent e卩d by any means, I shall consider you as the assassin, and sball pistol you, though you stood beind the king's chair, and I tell it you in his majesty's presence, that you may be sure I shall keep my word." In 1672 he had the command of the Resolution, a third-rate man of war, and was second in command of the small squadron under Sir Robert Holmes, which attacked the Datch Smyrna fleet, in the month of March in that year. On this occasion he displayed his usual gallantry, and was, in consequence, honoured with the highest encomiums. From the Resolution be was advanced to the Victory, and, on the 28th May, 1678, was in the action off Southwold Bay, wbere he displayed, in an eminent degree, both skill and courage, and as one of the seconds of the Duke of York (who is admitted by all parties, to have behaved most gallantly), he accompanied him through all his dan- gers, when deserted by the French, and attacked by the united squadrons of De Ruyter and Banckert. On the 30th of September he was elected knight of the garter, and in the November following, he went as envoy- extraordinary to France, with compliments of condolence on the death of the Duke of Anjou. Early in the month of May 1673, he was promoted to the rank of rear-admiral of the blue squadron, by the special appointment of Charles II. who, thinking it necessary to make some apology to the rest of the service, for raising so young an officer to so high a post, declared he did it in consequence of the bigh esteem be entertained of the many signal services performed by the earl on many occasions, as well in his couduct during the preceding summer, as at other times. He served in this station during the two engagements that took place between Prince Rupert and the Dutch, on the 28th of May and the 4th of June. Having hoisted his flag ou board the St. Michael, he was very soon afterwards pro- moted to be vice admiral of the red; and it was to the gal- lantry of the Earl of Ossory, that the " Royal Prince" was