The Dutch remonstrance concerning the proceedings and practices of John de Witt, pensionary, and Ruwaert van Putten, his brother, with others of that faction drawn up by a person of eminency there, and printed at the Hague ; and translated out of Dutch, August the 30th, 1672.

THE DUTCH Remonstrate, &c. Translated out of Dutch.

EVery one not without Reason, stands amazed, not being a∣bel to apprehend how it is possible that in less than for∣ty days, the King of France should subdue above forty Cities and eminent Fortres∣ses; formerly belonging to this State.

A disgrace to our Nation, and a blot so great that it is never to be washed off

from the not sufficiently famous Bata∣vians.

Yet if the Reader pleases, seriously to consider the following Relation: I doubt not but he will in some measure be satisfied.

My Opinion then is, that the King of France did not make so great a Progress purely by force of Arms, but by the con∣currence and assistance of some Gover∣nors of this Country; (Oh that they had never been so!) who being bought thereto, instead of Fathers, became Trai∣tors of our Native Country, which to demonstrate clearly we are to consider,

That the King of France did no way surprise us, but gave us sufficient warn∣ing before hand; as well with words to our Ambassadors, as in deeds with his great preparations made by him, beyond any example, through his whole Domi∣nions; as also by his Majesties erecting several unheard of Magazines, as well in his own Realm as without, nay on our Fronties at Nuys. The preparations

whereof were so great, that an experi∣enced Officer, who hath borne great Commands in the German Wars, as al∣so under the King of Sweden, Denmark, and other Princes, coming to Compli∣ment the Lord of Amerongen, who at that time was on the behalf of this State at Colen, takeing an oportunity to view the forementioned Magazine, declared to me at his return, that he had never seen nor heard of the like; believ∣ing it to be sufficient to contain Pro∣vision and Amunition enough for two, nay three hundred thousand men.

That he could not see this State was concerned thereat, asking moreover, if they did not intend to defend their Country; because they made such small preparations for the defence thereof; that the Ashes ought to be stirred, and the Fire extinguished, before the flame grew too big.

I confess that at that time I little regar∣ded this saying, because according to my Duty I censured favourably and expect∣ed

nothing but good, and faithfulness from our Governors; but I have by the sorrowful event, found that I might not without a good Argument, have conde∣scended to the forementioned Officers opinion.

For who knowes not that the first care of a Governor for the defence of his Country ought to consist,

In erecting sufficient Magazines, forti∣fying of Towns and Castles?

Furnishing the same Towns and For∣tresses with valliant and faithful Gover∣nors and Commanders, sufficient Garri∣sons, Trenches and Amunition for War, and especially to deprive the Enemy of as much Amunition and Men as possible. But let us examine whether any of all these things were done with vigor and we shall to our sorrow & irreparable loss and disgrace rather find the contrary to have been acted by the wicked & strange directions of those corrupt Governors: for notwithstanding it was well known that at the beginning of the King of France

his preparations for War, that there scarce was any Saltpeeter in Europe, but what was in the hands of the Netherland-East-India Company; and notwithstanding it was proffered the State by the said Company yet they refused the same, and rather de∣sired that it should be sent to France, and so serve as a knife to cut the throat of the Netherlands at once: which was not suf∣ficient, for besides that, (instead of publishing edicts to prevent the trans∣porting of Amuniton to the Enemy which ought to have been their chief care) they incouraged and maintained the sending of all necessaries for War to the Enemy: of the truth whereof every one may be assured, since it may be heard from the mouth of the Lord Jucchen Go∣vernor of Wesel, yet living in the Hague; that his excellency about four or five Months ago, being advised in a Let∣ter by a Loyal Subject, that four Ships laden with Powder and Shot and other Amuntion for War were coming up the Rhine, to pass by Wesel, adding moreo∣ver

the Marchants names, that had sold and bought it, where it was Laden, what Powder-mill the Powder came from, and from whom the other Stores &c. and that the Master of the Ship had a Pasport for Colen, nay that it was to be carried to Nuys, into the French Magazine; advising him also that by vertue of a certain Order, (sent to his ex∣cellency some years ago, that if the Bi∣shop of Munster should make any Inva∣sion) he would please to stop the said ships; whereupon going himself to the Rhine, ask't whether any persons had seen such ships pass by as were mentioned in his Letter of advice; (because this is a ve∣ry remarkable business, I think it will not seem amiss to give an account of the circumstances thereof) when one of the standers by answering said, that two such like ships were past by and gone up higher, that they were laden with Pow∣der Shot and other Amunition, which instead of being unladen at Colen ac∣cording to the Pastport, were carried

and put into the French Magazine at Nu∣ys: that he had this account from one of the Masters of the Vessels that were returned from thence very much discon∣tented that he had been forced to un∣lade contrary to his Pastport.

The Governor hereupon sending for the forementioned Master of the Vessel and having understood the truth, accor∣ding to the forementioned relation from his own mouth, moreover that there was a third Vessel laden with the same sort of goods was yet below Wesel, and coming up the Rhine. Whereupon stay∣ing till the evening, and not seeing the said ship, the Governor fearing that she might pass by in the night, sent some Musqueteers thither, strictly Command∣ing them to enter and stay in the Vessel till it should come up to the City, and be searched by his Excellency. Who on the following day examining the said Ship, found the same to be laden as before; when taking the Pastport from the Ma∣ster, he immediately caused it to be ex∣actly

Coppied, and keeping the Origi∣nal, sent the Coppy with the Post, who went away that day, or else an express had been sent to the State, or Counsel of State, whom he informed in a letter, all what had happened, and therefore de∣sired speedy order how he should Go∣vern himself in this affair.

There was at that time but little Powder and s••ot in Wesel, so that the Governor was not a little rejoyced, ho∣ping that by this opportunity the City would be well provided at a small charge to the Country.

But instead that the said ship should unlade there; the Governor received an order signed by the Secretary, that he should not only free the Vessel which he had stopt, but also permit all ships that had such Pastports to pass freely and un∣molested on their way, which his ex∣cellency immediately condescended to.

Two dayes after past by another Ship that had twice as much Amunition aboard her as one of the former, and

from time to time several others of the same nature steering the same course.

Whilest the Governor from that time forward solicited the Counsel, that the City Wesel, being so considerable a Town and of such great consequence to the State, ought to have 6000. men in Garrison, and sufficient trenches and A∣munition: all which the Governor of∣ten times requested in his Letters to the Counsel of State, who at last gave or∣ders for the making of Trenches about the said City, and furnishing the same with all manner of necessaries.

But instead of putting a Garrison of 6000 men into the same, they drew immediately thirteen Troops of Horse, and twelve Companies of Foot, all stout and able men out of it, and put a few Companies, consisting the greatest part of unexperienced youths in the stead; of which the Governor hath often com∣plained: and to secure this considerable City the more to the Enemy, they (under pretence that the Governor Jucchen

should come and give their High and and Mighties an account in Person in the Hague) put in another Governor: and how honourably he hath carried himself in the defence of that City appears by the event, Exitus acta probant. The like pre∣tence they had to turn out other Gover∣nors, as appears chiefly by Colonel D'os∣sery an Irish man, and a Roman Catholick, whose Villanies and Traiterous actions, have been manifested formerly in his ser▪vices under other Princes And one whose correspondence with the Enemy, and notorious Treasons concerning the bu∣siness of Rynberk are at large related, in a certain paper delivered by the Captains Vytenbogaert, and Clark to his Highness the Prince of Orange and the Counsel of State, and also in a certain apology of the Governor Bassem, and a Comment on the letter from Tondlemonde, all extant in Print, to which I refer you; wherein also you have an account how that the Garrisons of the City Ryn∣berk

(notwithstanding it was so considerable a for∣tress to this State,) were not sufficient to defend half the Countersharps: and therefore might ea∣sily (by the Treachery of D'ossery, and the fals∣ness of the Governor Bessem) be conquered by the Enemies. And indeed this D'ossery following for∣sooth the examples of the Honourable Lords and Overseers of this forementioned work, in their counterfeit fatherly care) behaved himself no doubt so honourably in the defence of this City, that he well deserved a triumphant Gallows of a consi∣derable height, not only his own falsness, but because so many Loyal Officers which undoubtedly were in Garrison there, were deluded by his base designes and treacheries to their utter ruine.

And for the better carrying on of these Traite∣rous courses, three Regiments more were sent to Mastricht, after it was sufficiently provided, so that in all probability the Enemy (finding that place so fortifyed) should pass by there, and come first to Rynberk and Wesel. At the same time when the newes came to an Assembly of a Province now in the Ene∣mies possession, that there were three Regiments more put into Mastricht, it was said, that his High∣ness the Prince of Orange had writ in a letter. that he did much wonder, that such an extraordinary care was taken for that City only, when as it would be more necessary to look after other Towns, which were of as great consequence to the State: this I was informed by a person whose fortuneit was to be present at that Assembly.

I also heard at that time that a certain Gover∣nor being exceedingly troubled, said, what doth all this tend to? I do not like the carriage of affairs, for we are like to lose our Country for want of men, having 25000 short of what is absolutely necessary.

And what was the Reason?

They made a great show of raising men, but they acted all things contrary.

For notwithstanding the first levies were made with great trouble out of the country, and we were assured that by the many men that were likewise raised there by others, the Governors of those places had taken an occasion, strictly to forbid the same, insomuch that we knew, there was not one place, nay not one foot of Land out of our own Dominions left, where we were permit∣ted to levy any forces: yet nevertheless under a pretence for the good of the Country, it was strictly forbid by an Edict, not to raise any men within our Dominions, but in such places where we knew before, there was not a man to be had?

Nay these Officers, (which for the most part were Roman Catholicks) knowing the unwilling∣ness of men to stay with them, were forced to raise two or three times the men that otherwise would have served, to the great exhausting of the publick Treasures and their own Estates: and yet they could not keep so many of them toge∣ther, as to make up halfe a Company at their place of Randesvouz. Whereupon the Captains

making a complaint to the Governors, that it was a common practise of the Soldiers, to take their mony, and afterwards to desert their Co∣lours; and desiring that these things might be remedied, they shrunk up their shoulders, say∣ing, it was not in their power to help it. These disorders whereupon of beating of Drums within the Country was left off, and the discourse a∣mongst the Officers being, that Holland had mo∣ny enough, and consequently might have men at all times.

The other great Leavies and Treaties with the Forraign Princes, viz. Brardenburgh, Lunenburgh and others, were appointed to be against that time when they hoped and judged that all things would be lost: notwithstanding it might have been sooner accomplished, and more effectually, the Princes themselves having proffered their Assistance.

The Ratification of the Treaty being also kept close till the last hour, deprived our Ambassa∣dors from making a conclusion.

We may be informed from the Ambassa∣dors, that were sent to Brandenburgh, and now Residing in the Hague, that they received the Ratification at Hamborough, not before the begin∣ing of July New Stile

The same Lords Ambassadors, declare to the whole World, that the States themselves may justly be blamed for the so late coming down of the Auxillary Troops. That at first his Highness the Duke of Brandenburgh was treated withall, as if

they would have bought a dish of Fish of him. That afterwards his Highness instead of being prest on, advised our Ambassador to stir up his Lords and Masters, about the furthering of affairs; saying moreover, my Lord you have Traitors in your Country, matters are very ill managed there. I am also assured, and it may likewise be heard from the forementioned Ambassadors, that the Trea∣ty with the Princes of Lunenburgh, and Br••mswick was broke off only upon a difference of 50••0 Rix dollers.

But note, they would rather want the favour of those Princes, and the 8007 men which they would have sent this State.

What do you think (said one, of the same Am∣bassadors to me not long since) if all the Auxiliary Troops had come down in May, would the French men have gotten into our Country with so much ease as they have done? But what shall we say! It was designed so, Ambassadors were sent to all Princes and Potentates, when we were assured that the Army by the unhandsome proceedings of some, which shall be nameless, were all blockt up; and how our Ambassadors managed their affairs in En∣gland I shall omit to mention. De Groot would also have made no better end of his Embassie in France, had he not been seconded by his Brother in Law, that honest Patriot Momba. One man was not sufficient, therefore we must have a second. In short, affairs were well ordered; our Magazines exhausted, and the Enemies fil'd.

Levies were ordered to be raised in such pla∣ces, where we knew it was forbidden and im∣possible to be performed: And where Auxilia∣ries were proffered, and might be had with ease, those were slighted, and put off till such time, as we supposed, they would be needless and too late.

Most of the Garrisons, and eminent places, were either very badly, or not at all fortified. Others, which shame forced them to strengthen, wanted one thing or other to make them insuf∣ficient for defence; for those that had men e∣nough were unprovided of Trenches and Amuni∣tion, and those which were stored with Powder, Shot, and other Necessaries, wanted Men. And those Places, which we knew the Enemy would not meddle withal were crouded with with more Men than were needfull. What shall we judge of the eracination of the Strong City and For∣tresse de Graffe, and the Contrivance, that the whole Garrison marching thither, accor∣ding to Order, were surprized by the Enemy, (who undoubtedly had notice thereof) and six and twenty of their Colours taken from them. Nay, we may justly stand amazed to imagine how it is possible, that whole Provinces, as Overyssel, and Ʋtrecht, should be delivered up in one day. And whereon depends that Riddle, that the old experienced souldiers, which were kept Prisoners in the Churches of the conquered Towns, should not be taken notice of, and yet beat the Drums

daily, for new men: seeming rather willing to give twenty, nay thirty Gueldres for new and unexperi∣enced men, than for the old ten or twelve, for which they may be ransomed.

Who thought ever to have lived to see these times in our Provinces, That we must go begging from door to door for the Horse men, and permit them to go a way for want of mony, as hath hap∣pened in this Conjuncture in Gronningen: from whence I had advice thereof from a person, who was an eye witness thereto. When God intends to punish a Country, he deprives Loyal Gover∣nours of their Wisdome, and permits the wick∣ed to use the same to the destruction thereof.

A certain Member of the States of Holland, not long before the march of the Enemy, discour∣sing to one of his Fraternity about the condition, wherein the Magizines were: said that the Maga∣zine of Holland was so well furnished, that, though the Wars continued two years, it was sufficient of it self, without any more supplies: and now, when too late, great Complaints were made, that there was no place provided, every one calling for Powder, Shot, and other Amunition for War; and they were directed to Magizines, which from time to time were emptied, and consequently had nothing left: The said Lord was askt by his Associate, Where that great and well furnished Magizine was, of which his Excellency had boa∣sted of so much not long before: whereupon shrink∣ing up his shoulders, he said that his meaning was

it would serve to furnish Holland only; but none of the other Provinces, which this Lord, who a few days ago gave me an account thereof, re∣cented very strangely.

Nay, that which is more, our whole Army being before the Yssel, was two dayes before Whitsontide, so ill provided of Powder and Shot that in case of an Attacque, they would not have been able to defend themselves above twenty-four houres.

Some of the Deputies upon the Report which was on Whitson Munday, that the French had taken Burick, coming from Nimmegen to solli∣cite the Lords Deputies that were in the Feild, for Powder and Shot, received for answer, that they could not spare them any, which was also told me at the same time by a Governor of Nimmegen.

But Kirk Patrik Governor of Hertogenbosh took better care for his Government: sending the last week a list to the Counsel of State, of all things which he wanted.

And to shew that his Highness the Prince of Orange used more than ordinary care and endeavours, sent the Governor (whilst the City committed to his care was blockt up or besieged) to fetch Powder, Shot, and Canon, which the said Governor obtained, but then could not find a Vessel that either would or could undertake to carry the same thither, of which the Governor hath made great complaints here to several persons. Not whether this Gover∣nor

was blinded by the orders of his Master, that he could not see the formentioned defects before, or whether the Overseers of our Coun∣tries welfare, judged that it was of small con∣sequence to this State to preserve this Fortress; the Magistrates formerly were not of that opinion, but the times change, Tempora mutantur & nos mutamur in illis,

The King of France needed not to use any force upon the Works, which with so much care and labour were made along the Yssel, for a far easi∣er way was shown him to come through the River Rhine, and so to fall into the heart of our Country.

To which the Trecherous Momba, was no small Instrument, who having so well ordered that af∣fair beforehand in France, with his honest bro∣ther de Groot, that by what means I know not he was made chief Commander of that part of our Militia which were appointed for the defence of that Station. When this Traitor in stead of charging his Regiment to be careful in defending their Post, and incouraging them to oppose their Enemies, gave orders to march up within a mile from Nim∣megen, and so to leave that Station.

Which when told to his Highness the Prince of Orange, who extreamly wondred thereat, an ex∣press Order was immediately sent, that they should instantly draw down to the forementioned Station again, and endeavour by all means possible to de∣fend the same.

But before they could approach the same, the

Enemy was above half over the Rhine, so that our forces which were to keep that Station, were as if brought to their slaughter, and those of Al∣va his Regiment most of them slain; as a Lieve∣tenant under the Lievtenant Colonel of this Regiment informed me, as he was coming along with twen∣ty eight men which he had pickt up from several companies, after the passage through the Rhine was opened to the Enemy.

Et hinc nobis hodiernae illae Lacrimae.

Now whether that great Favorite of the Enemies can by means of his correspondence, free his Bro∣ther in Law Momba, from the punishment due to him for the horrid slaughter occasioned by his means, and for betraying of our Native Country, the time will learn us. But we hope that his Conscience will so check him for his own Villanies, that he will not think of acting any more; if it be possible for a Mag∣py to leave off hopping.

One of the Lords Deputies of the Feild (as I was told by an eminent member of their excellencies the High and Mighty States of Holland being askt how affairs were ordered, that such small endeavors were used to oppose the Enemy, he answered, that he could give no other Reason, but that they had no se∣cret correspondence to give them any account of the Enemies designes, of which they were altoge∣ther ignorant.

But this Brother, and his accomplices, had too much knowledge of the Enemies designes, and were too much concerned therewith.

For as I am informed, Momba would endeavour to

clear himself by the letters from the forementioned Lord: And undoubtedly that was the Reason that when his Highness the Prince of Orange was of opini∣on that the Enemy ought to be opposed sometimes in one, and then in another place (to which there then presented good oportunities) and desiring hereon the advice or order of the Lord Deputies, he never could get any thing else from them, but shrink up shoulders, and many expressions of difficulties, never consenting, nor absolutely disapproving of his Highness proposals; but all things in suspence, tyed up as it were his Highnesses hands, that he could not do any thing in the defence of our Native Country.

Every one may justly stand amazed, to consider how it is possible that all things should be thus strangely caryed, when there were & are still so many Loyal Governors at the Helm. For my part, I can satisfie my self, when I think on the wonderful Car∣riage of Officers, and strange Government which hath been of late: to consider the power and sway which that Great, and I must confess most Wise Pen∣sionary (I could wish to God that his wisdome had been imployed for the good of the Country) John de Witt bore during the time of his being Pensionary.

Hath not he under a pretence of freedom brought us into the greatest slavery of the World? Were his intentions from the beginning till the last ought else? And did his malitious governing tend to any other end, then to root out and diminish the lustre of that illustrious house of Orange and Nassaw?

Is there any one person that can be said to be ig∣norant thereof? Can there be a greater institution

of slavery thought on in the World then to force the whole State, as it were against their Consciences, to suppress the Prince of Orange? (whose predecessors of blessed Memory, may, next to God only be said to have brought us to this our freedome, with great effusion of bloud and vast expence of mony). Nay to oblige themselves thereto by Oath. We become slaves when we are deprived of our Liberty, but slaves of slaves, nay slaves of sin, when we are prevented from doing of good, and forced by an Oath to do evil. No Governors were admitted to the Re∣gency but with taking this Oath; and so in the begin∣ning of their Office, were forced to make themselves guilty of so abominable, and before God and the World, horrid sin of ingratitude, a sin which not on∣ly carries so many unheard of Oaths along with it, but is also the occasion of so great effusion of blood in our native Country. A sin which can and may be said to have given the Almighty God sufficient reason ut∣terly to deprive us again of our so dear bought free∣dome. And bring us to greater slavery than ever we were in before. What man how prudent soever he be, can apprehend how it is possible that one man should infect and poyson a whole State, wherein there are so many wise, honourable, and Loyal Regents and Lords, to oblige thēselves & their successors as much as in them lay, by an Oath, to such a ruinous and ever crying sin of ingratitude? And yet nevertheless it was done, for not above 8 or 10 days before the strange Re∣volution, the Pentionary of Harlem was forced at the Court, to swear to the forementioned perpetual E∣dict. Thus to renew & increase the crying and blood∣guilty

sin of our Country. I tremble when I remember that some years ago I accidentally lighted on a Book, wherein, instead of mentioning the vertues of the praise worthy and never sufficiently famous Princes of Orange, stood written with an accursed and Di∣vellish pen, that there were no vertues of the Princes to boast of, but their vices, as Whoring, Adultery, Drunkning and the like, were at large described and attributed to every Prince? Who doth not stand a∣mazed at the hearing hereof, and the more when they know that this was not only sold publickly, but was also licensed and Printed with Authority from the State? The Councellor-Pentionary had sufficiently examined the same and supplyed all the defects; and esteemed the writer hereof as a Loyal Subject, cal∣ling him the defender of the Countries freedome. But if any thing in that nature had been done to the pre∣judice of that long John, or ought had been writ of a∣ny of his Relations, would not the writer thereof have been persecuted with fire and sword, and the printed paper or book immediately taken and burnt? What hath not this grand designer with the help of his ac∣complices and hired slaves, which he rewarded by gi∣ving them several offices done to execute his treache∣rous and wicked designes? See farther. No sooner were the keys of our native Country (always so highly esteemed and preserved with great care and circum∣spection) villainously given into the hands of the E∣nemy, but we began to help him to open the Gates also. Who could ever dream of such actions? No Books afford the like example. Peter de Groot that per∣jured and dishonorable wretch, is to make Peace.

To which purpose he had a blank Commission from the whole State, (without any Instructions according to which he might govern himself) to treat with the Enemy; and, to speak plain, to make an absolute agreement for our dear bought Freedom, Religion, and Native Countrey.

It would sooner have seemed to me and all the World, a Fable than a truth: had it not appeared plainly out of the printed Letter sent from the Lords the States of Zealand, who manifested their Fidelity and great fatherly care, and also declared, That not without great reason they could not con∣sent to such an unlimited power as ••e Groot had given him; That it was an unheard of thing in the Government of this Countrey (ipsissima verba Epi∣stolae) to give full power to a deputed person, to treat with a Potentate; but much less with a pub∣lick Enemy: Moreover, saying plainly, that they (Nota bene) justly suspected this contrary way of acting, and that it gave them an apprehension that the Enemy would thereby be encouraged to pro∣pose such conditions to such Deputy, which ne∣ver can nor must be treated of, viz. their Religion, Freedom, and the lawful Government of these Countreys.

And how the forementioned three points would have been maintained by such a Deputy, who is a notorious Atheist, a Slave to the Enemy, bought to the destruction of our whole Government, eve∣ry one may easily judg. Just at the time when this Commission was finished, and de Groot yet in the Hague ready on his departure, I had the honor

to speak with one of my very good friends and a member of the High and Mighty States of Holland, who on my curious question of What News? chan∣ging his countenance (as if things did not go ac∣cording to his mind) was pleased to say: We shall in short have a Peace, but I fear a sorrowful one.

De Groot goeth to the King of France, and hath plien pouvoir.

When asking amazedly, How will it be then? His Excellency replied. There is a lank Charter to be laid before the King, and His Majesty is to write.

On which I answer'd, Then de Groot is a Great Prophet; for this morning a certain Lord inform∣ed me, (as indeed it was true) that the forementi∣oned de Groot about three Months before, discour∣sing with him the said Lord, saying that our Na∣tive Countrey was threatned with a great and ter∣rible War: De Groot answering, said, Pish! pish! I do not see any such great difficulty therein; I do believe that the King of France will at the first take some of our Cities, which we cannot hinder him from, but (Nota) I, I de Groot (striking on his breast) will make Peace with the King of France in the field about three Months hence.

And observe the time wherein he received his forementioned Commission, was about so long after.

The Lord hereupon discoursing liberally with me, said, That he believed the same; because de Groot was a person who was exceedingly self-opi∣nionated; and that not long ago, (not naming the

time, which I guest at by his words) he had told his Excellency himself, that he should certainly conclude a Peace; adding moreover, that though we should lose, and add a pearl to his Crown by this Peace: yet if we examined the prerogatives and benefits which Holland should reap from it, we would not account our loss so great.

Though this Lord would not favour me with an explanation of the aforesaid prerogative; yet I suppose in all likelihood that his chiefest aim was that Holland should then be separated from the o∣ther United Provinces, and freed as it were from that heavy burthen, as they are pleased to call it.

And besides, that then they would be freed from all fears that His Highness the Prince of Orange at any time should be made Stadtholder of that Pro∣vince.

One would think it strange how it is possible, that any men should be transported to such imagi∣nations: But,

—Quid non mortalia pectora cogis Auri sacra fames?—

He was always more for the French, than the Princes Interest.

This was the reason why the Council Pensio∣nary, in the time of the War with Munster, durst propose in a full Assembly, to make the Duke of Turenne Captain General over our Militia.

Ambitious is our Enemy; and full of ambition are also those Subjects; rather desiring to be go∣verned

by a King than a Prince. But see how mi∣raculous is the providence of the Almighty!

Just when our State was in greatest danger, and tottering ready to fall down; the appearance of our deliverance was nearest at hand: for it pleased God just at that time to throw down that Great and subtil Designer (which had thus long usurped more authority, than ever was aimed at by any of our Princes) and immediately caused the Prince of Orange unanimously by all the Inhabitants of those Countreys, to be proclaimed S••adtholder of Hol∣land Zealand and West-Fri••sland, and to restore to him all those Dignities which his Predecessors of Glorious Memory ever enjoyed.

That Great God grant also, that as by means of His Predecessors, with the expense of their estates and effusion of blood, the Body of the United Provinces was framed, and as long as they reigned kept in a good order: the disjoyned Members may by his valour and conduct (wherein we be∣seech God to assist him, and to free him from evil counsel, and bless him more and more daily) be united again.

I do certainly believe that many of our Inhabi∣tants, and also all good Patriots will judg it con∣venient to find out all those Governors which are guilty of betraying our Native Countrey, and by some severe punishment inflicted on them and their Instruments, as Momba, D'Ossery, and other Go∣vernors, Commanders, Captains and other Offi∣cers, and make them an example to others.

But as to the later part, I do not altogether ap∣prove

of their opinion; nevertheless, with sub∣mission to better judgments, my sentiment onely is, that it would be convenient to make a strict enquiry into the Camp proceeding of the Gover∣nors, and such as bore the chiefest commands, and had the charge of defending Cities and Fortresses, as Momba, Van Zanten, Bassem, D'ossery, and the like: as also those persons, whether Officers or others, that have been assisting to the Governors in executing of their treacheries, and had daily cor∣respondence with the Enemy.

And by punishing all such persons severely, ac∣cording to their demerits, make them examples to others.

But there ought not so particular a regard to be taken of other Captains and meaner Officers, who cannot be said to have had the lest knowledg of their unfaithful Governors designs: and would have undoubtedly behaved themselves most loyal, had they been encouraged thereto by their Go∣vernors, and not been deluded to act those things which they were made believe would be for the benefit of the countrey, but proved prejudicial; for which if any should be punished, most of all the Captains and other Officers in what Garrison so∣ever, would be lyable thereto. And those Cap∣tains which should be punished more than others, would be unjustly dealt withall: or the State con∣strained to an execution of so many honest people, which heretofore have behaved themselves like loyal Souldiers for the defense of their countrey▪ and now onely brought thereto by the trecherous

(though seeming fair) pretences and delusions of their base Governors.

We have also oftentimes seen that Military per∣sons and other inferior Officers, being accused of some committed abuses, and freed from their pu∣nishments out of a particular favour; have taken an occasion in all future opportunities to use more than ordinary endeavours for the good and benefit of the State: Of which there are many examples, whereof one is manifested at this time in Captain Buket.

I should also judg, that some means might be found out who amongst the Regents is guilty of this High Treason, and consequently deserving of punishment.

Especially if we consider those Maxims that are used, and also necessary in our Government: that is, That onely a few are to be admitted into the Council for private concerns, either one out of every Province, or else more or less according as the business requires. Besides which persons, none may have the lest knowledge of things of greatest consequence, especially in times of War, when the wellfare of the State doth not a little depend, that the Regents designs against the Enemy may be kept secret, and not divulged and brought to the ears of the Enemy. Which private consultations were well observed by the Council Pensionary, who permitted his creatures to be of the Privy Council, and excluded several good Patriots, who his Excellency judged would oppose him in the carrying on of his wicked designs: and those which

he could not exclude, he wrought so upon, that he made them to vote such things as his wisdom thought fit.

And therefore those loyal Regents which sate at the helm, might now easily (being under the con∣duct of his Highness the Prince of Orange) find out with what malice their wicked Brother Councel∣lors have ordered all things to the ruine of our countrey, and the furthering of the Enemies de∣signs.

Whether in their ill care for the Fortresses, bad∣ly storing the Mag••zins, granting of unlawful Passports for the transporting Ammunition to the Enemy, bad management and preventing the rai∣sing of Levies, detaining of our Embassadors, and ratifications of the Treaties, the ill performance of them: moreover in the strange conduct of their appointed Governors, Commanders, and others; and the like base carrying on of affairs.

For if once the thred be found, the bottom will soon be unwound.

Yet notwithstanding all which, my judgment is, that the publick inquisitions and the punish∣ments ought to be referred, since undoubtedly it will be of a dangerous consequence; partly be∣cause that by the manifold difficulties which in all appearance would 〈◊〉〈◊〉 true, the Loyal Regents, Fa∣thers of our Native countrey, would be prevented from using other means, which in this conjuncture of time are more necessary to oppose the Enemy: And partly, that when the treason is found out, the punishments must necessarily follow.

Which my forementioned Opinion I leave to every ones serious consideration: How it is pos∣sible that the executing of the punishments (which undoubtedly would be inflicted on several of the supremest Governors, which have so long mana∣ged the Helm of our Government,) could be effe∣cted, without fear of great inconvenience to this State, which in this conjuncture must by all means possible be prevented.

Those that please to read the History of Barne∣ve••t, will find, that it is not to be done without great difficulties, which necessarily ought to be di∣verted and referred till some other and more con∣venient time, when either all things may be buried in Oblivion, or else the Traitors condemned to lose their Heads, for betraying our Native coun∣trey, as the Lords Magistrates shall think fit.

And therefore, is it not abominable that private persons dare daily presume to do Justice, nay to inflict sufficient punishments on all and every one, whom they do but in the lest suspect to have been concerned in the ill management of Affairs; which doth no way beseem them? But we will hope that the prudence of the Lord Stadtholder will prevent the same for the future.

I am very sensible that many Patriots, by this delay of punishing the Traitors, fear that if the treacheries go unpunished, the State will be left in a great Labyrinth, and in danger of being wholly delivered up into the Enemies hands; because when those wicked Traitors being accused of their Villanies, and seeing as it were their punishments

before their eyes; they will use all means possible to make more and more confusion in the Financie, of which there is yet a great complaint, and increase all other disorders, whereby the Enemy may get footing also in the remaining Provinces, in hopes that by that means they escape their deserved pu∣nishment; which fears of the loyal Patriots are not without some Reasons: since an eminent per∣son was yesterday pleased to tell me, that if in case the confusion in the Fi••ancie, and the bad payment of moneys, which by the wicked directions of the Compt Governors hath been so long in practise, be not suddenly remedied, it would prove very prejudicial to the State. On which I answered his Excellency, (wherewith also, according to my judgment, all Patriots may be satisfied) that his Highness was not made a Stadtholder to catch flies; and though he did not as yet proceed on an inqui∣sition and sudden punishment of the Traitors: yet we might well think that his Highness the Prince of Orange, would, with the help of many loyal Regents, endeavour by all means possible to gain an exact knowledg of that malitious governing, which hath reduced our State to so deplorable and sad condition; and that also he will take such care that all those Compt Governors shall be bereaved of all publick Employments; but especially for ever excluded out of the Privy Council: so to prevent all future miscarriages of Affairs, and settle all things in such order, as shall be most beneficial to the State.

Let us now think on some means whereby our Native Countrey may be brought to enjoy its for∣mer Freedom, and to know the Light of the Go∣spel, which in many of the torn off Members of this State, is already sufficiently extinguished.

We have heretofore, by establishing that cursed Edict, not onely refused to acknowledg our Real Governor and Chief Magistrate of our Countrey, to which Nature, and the formerly received Bene∣fits obliged, and sufficiently might have forced us to: but also despised and excluded Him with ma∣ny Oaths. Oh horrid action!

Do we not see and read, that when we despise and disown our just and loyal Magistrates, that God sends wicked and tyrannical Regents in their places?

I gave thee a King in mine anger, and took him away in my wrath. Hos. 13. 11.

Did there ever any greater destruction happen amongst any people, than those which had shewn themselves ungrateful to their Princes, and depo∣sed those to whom they owed their preservation?

If any where, then, it may well be said to be here. That God being justly incensed, hath in his wrath given a great part of our Netherlands to a King.

God grant that as that sin of Ungratefulness pra∣ctised by our Magistrates, which hath chiefly occa∣sioned a curse upon our Countrey, is removed by a Miraculous Providence, viz. our Magistrates suddenly revoking that Wicked and perpetual E∣dict; shewing a sincere sorrow of that base act, to which they were deluded by the wicked directions of the forementioned Compt Governors: he will also be pleased to remove all other troubles from us. And grant likewise, that our Subjects may repent of those horrid and crying sins, of which they are guilty, and thereby have incurred Gods just displeasure.

FINIS.