ABSTRACT
T o begin with, it is certain that Macaulay underrates the ability of James I I-that is, his administrative, not his political ability. He made a good Lord High Admiral, and the navy was better administered by him than by the commissioners who took his place after the passing of the Test Act in 1673. During his short reign he did much to restore the fleet which Charles 11 had allowed to fall into a state of disorganisation and decay. On this point the evidence of Pepys is consistent and conclusive.
