The Dutch sought to form alliances with numerous North Africa countries against Spain.

[3] So the Dutch admiral Mooy Lambert got instructions from the States General to launch a punitive expedition against the Algerians.

He anchored his squadron in the harbor and sent word to the pasha that he demanded the immediate release of all Dutch slaves and all of the captured vessels, cargo, and goods.

The city convulsed with wailing crowds and tumultuous clamor at the gates of the pasha's palace.

There was no time for the pasha and his officers to fully consider the implications of the event, as they soon beheld the return of Lambert's squadron with a fresh collection of captured corsairs and their crews.