This unsigned drawing shows a low horizon. In the right background, De Ruyter is seen coming up before the wind in the 'Schiedam'. This is accompanied by the inscription, ‘t vergadt schiedam daer de Ruyter / mede Inde vloot gecomen was’ (the frigate 'Schiedam' in which de Ruyter joined the fleet). In the left foreground, Tromp, in the 'Liefde' fires the signal for the council-of-war which was held to decide on the composition of de Ruyter's squadron. Several other ships and a large number of galjoots are visible.

It is inscribed in the lower right corner, ‘No 1. den 18 augustij 1665 op dijmsdach / schoot tot krijchs raet houden’ (The 18th day of August 1665 on Tuesday. The firing for the council-of-war to be held).