William Godwin's Diary

Events

Adam Duncan, Viscount Duncan (1731–1804), was responsible for blockading the Dutch fleet stationed at Texel from 1795. In 1797 the Dutch finally put to sea and Duncan, despite being hampered by inadequate forces and mutiny, defeated them after a difficult battle at in the North Sea, off the coast of Camperdown, Holland. Duncan is usually credited with being victorious in this battle through his bold decision to take the British fleet between the enemy and the shore. Along with Jervis's success of 14 February 1797, this victory is credited with defeating the maritime power with which France had intended to invade England.

See DNB.