Final answer:
The reference material does not specify the exact number of Dutch towns captured by the French in 1672, therefore the question cannot be answered with the information provided.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to events during the Third Anglo-Dutch War, which is a part of the Franco-Dutch War that took place between 1672 and 1674. However, the provided reference material does not specify the exact number of Dutch towns the French captured in 1672.
The material instead includes details about the capture of New Amsterdam by the English, the actions of the Dutch West India Company, the colonization efforts in New Netherland, and the broader context of Dutch maritime activities in the 17th century.
Consequently, it is important to consult a reliable source focused on the Franco-Dutch War to obtain an accurate answer to the student's question.