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My Lord,
THis Court is not a little Allarmed, or at least seem to be so, at the late ad∣vises from Spain, of some proposals made
there in the Council of State, that seeing the defence of the Spanish Netherlands costs much more than the Revenue thereof a∣mounts to, that they should be surrendred over to some Prince or other, who would undertake their defence, doing only ho∣mage to the King of Spain. Its not un∣known to your Lordship how about Eight Years ago, they had some thoughts of sur∣rendring them to the Duke of Bavaria, and nothing more certain than that this Court broke then the neck of that design; But though the Dukes apprehensions at that time of engaging himself by such a procedure in a War with France, was the reason the business went no further, yet that can be no obstacle now, he is actually engaged in the Confederacy against France. But how disgustful soever this proposal is to the Ministers here, that other motion in the same Council, to leave those provin∣ces to their own management with permis∣sion to change themselves into a Republick, and provide for their own safety as they should think most expedient, is much more dreaded by them, as foreseeing such a form of Government might according to the example of the Switz Cantons, though of different principles in Religion, so league themselves with the States General, as for ever after to prove a Wall of Brass against all the attempts of this Crown. But while these and other matters are slowly delibe∣rated, its well if some part of these Pro∣vinces
be not filched away by the Arms of France. In the mean time, I can assure your Lordship there are vast Preparations made, and some very grand Enterprize at hand on that side, and some considerable Pass may be seiz'd without the Confederates are as forward and vigilant to defend as the French Arms are to Attack, which I am sure is not believed at this juncture. I am as heartily sorry I cannot be more parti∣cular in my information, as I am always forward to transmit all that I think any ways worthy to be known, and desirous to approve my self,
My Lord,
Your Lordships, most Humble and most Obedient Serv.
Versailles, Feb. 7. 1691. N. S.