Of the army departing from Hoylake, Harold Edgar Young in 1909
wrote: "I like to think of Hoylake in those days, with the Dee
crowded with men of war and transports, dancing in the then deep
water of Hilbre. The army was somewhat of a ragged crew, for the
bulk were taken from the plough, although there was one brigade
of steady Dutch troops under the command of the Count de Solmes.
Those were trying times for the people in the neighbourhood of
Hoylake, for be sure the soldiers of those days were none too
particular, and the officers would sally forth bent on wine,
whilst the men were proficient in robbing a hen roost, or in
rounding up a few ducks, although the brave Duke of Schomberg, a
great and courteous gentleman, enjoying, although full of years,
a vigorous old age, would be sure to do what he could to keep
his men in hand. At last the Duke with the trusted officer,
Count Solmes, general of the foot, numerous officers, and nearly
10,000 men, were got safely aboard the ships and embarked at
Hoyle Lake for