Notable revolutions beeing a true relation of what hap'ned in the United Provinces of the Netherlands in the years MDCL and MDCLI somewhat before and after the death of the late Prince of Orange : according to the Dutch copie / collected and published at the Haghe 1652 by Lion Aitzema.

NOTABLE REVOLUTIONS : OR , A Relation of what happened in the UNITED PROVINCES of the Netherlands ; in the years 1650 , and 1651 , somwhat before and after the death of the late Prince of ORANGE .

IMmediately after the promulgation of the Peace ( made at Munster ) the Lords of Holland busied themselvs earnestly and seriously about reducing of their publick charges and expences , with intent to extinguish the Generalship of Hors ; ( suffering , nevertheless , his Highness to enjoie an equivalence som other waie ) to change the Entertainment of Field-Marshal from 700 ●lor . in 32 daies , to a life pension of 3000 ●lor . per an . to continue the Charge of the Artillerie without any particular Entertainment : to alter the Lievtenant General of Hors his present Entertainment into a Life-pension of 2000 flor. that of Commiss●rie General for the Hors into a Life-pension of 600 flor. per an . to the Sergeant Major General 1200 flor. to the Quartermaster-General of the Camp 500 flor. to the Quartermaster-General of Hors a Life-pension of 500 flor. to the Seven Ge●●nors of Hartoghen Bosch , Mastricht , Breda , Berghen ap Zoom , Sluys , Hulst , and Willemstadt , the continuance of the Title of Honor , but no Entertainment . To all the Colonels of the Infantrie , there beeing thirtie of them in number , to allow a life-pension of 800 flor. per ann . and that their respective charges should com to bee void by their deceas , and all Lievtenant Colonels , Sergeant-Majors , Quarter-Masters , and Marshals of Regiments , should bee cashier'd . To discharge all the Muster-masters , 15 in number , and so likewise divers other and lesser charges ; that so in time the State might bee inabled by the Peace , to discharge the Debts contracted by War . This business , by reason of its weight , advancing but slowly , was re-assumed again in the Spring of 1650. and especially did Holland press much the disbanding of 105 Foot-Companies , Foreiners , together with half the Cavalrie ; besides several other points projected and debated a good while before .

They writ in behalf of these matters to all the Provinces , and represented to the Generalitie , whatsoëver might perswade the undertaking of the Work : among the rest , That their Provincial Debts were so great , that though they should get their whole project of reducing charges effected , and had all their means and Revenues continued still in the same state they now were in ; nevertheless they could not but remain every year , a whole Million in arrears , and were much destitute of expedients , how to get out of debts at length . But the rest of the Provinces returned unanimously advice , that there ought no more forces yet to bee cashiered , then 55 Foot-Companies , and 20 of Hors ; allowing the cashiered Officers , an honest pension or entertainment during life , and to the Colonels , each 1000 Rix-dollers per an .

Upon the 21 and 22 of Januarie , those of Holland urged their affairs strongly at the Assembly , but were by the rest of the Provinces , by the Prince , Count William , and the Council of State ( beeing present there at every time ) mainly opposed , they mainteining , That whiles France , Spain , Sweden , & Germanie were in arms , it was not fit to disarm here , so as Holland sought it : That so many gallant Captains and Officers , as had hazarded their lives for the Land , ought not to bee so ill requited : That it was against the Union , for Holland to persist alone thus , to disband and cashier the common Forces . Som also upbraided Holland , that they had not managed their Treasure well , and thereby run into such arrears ; Whereupon Holland remonstrated , That for all this cashiering , there would remain men enough in service still ; for , said they , To what end shall wee entertain Garrisons at Delf , Rotterdam , Goude , Dort , Schoonhoven , Schiedam , and other In-land Towns , as likewise at Utrecht , Campen , Deventer , Swoll , Arnbeim , Reenen , Nymeghen ; in the Triesish Towns , and Groninghen ? That it was against the Union , to charge any Province against their will , and beyond their abilitie : That many years ago they had longed to see a more equal proportion of raising means , and that many sendings had past from them into the Provinces to that purpose , but all in vain : That they of Friesland , had alreadie reduced and saved 600000 flor. yearly means ; and that the same Province was now advantaged neer upon 200000 flor. yearly besides ; whereby it was evident , that Holland was too highly charged , and much over-rated .

In March there arrived a very great extraordinarie Committee out of Zealand ; principally about the matter of Reduction , who mainteined at first , there ought none to bee cashiered at all : Wherein they had their particular Considerations ; namely , that they , with their Province , were placed in the Van or Front ; that the Spanish shewed themselvs most implacable against them : Som also of the chiefest there sought at that time to ingratiate themselvs with the Prince , thereby to advance their particular interest and greediness . Nevertheless , within a short time after , they conformed themselvs to the other five Provinces .

About middle March , the French , English , and Scottish Officers , presented their Requests , remonstrating their old , long and faithful services , and that they ought not to bee cashiered more or sooner then the Natives . The advice of the Prince thereupon was , that the disbanding ought to bee proportioned equally between the one and the other , as well the Native as the Foreiner . The second of April the Lords Bronckhorst , Vett , Renswoud , Andeé , Mulart ( Gronginghen , and the Omlands beeing absent ) were deputed and sent from the Generalitie , into the Assembly of Holland , where by a speech of the Lord Bronckhorst there was endeavoured and propounded ▪ whatsoêver might any way conduce , to make the Lords of Holland conform themselvs to the rest of the Provinces . These matters went so high and avant , that the Ministers took the boldness to broach and preach in their Pulpits , there was but a straw's breadth betwixt them and the breach of the Union . Which was to flatter the Court. Towards the end of April , the States-General writ a remonstrating Letter to the Commissioned Council of Holland .

Noble mightie Lords !

WEE have hertofore transmitted unto the Noble Mightie Lords , the States of Holland , and West-Friesland , and to the other six Provinces respectively , the newliest projected state of War , so as it was fit the same should bee observed , during the present peace , whereunto som of the Provinces shewed themselvs well inclined ; But in regard that the Lords the States of Holland and West-Friesland pretended and presented unto us several points of saving charges , wee have likewise at the request of the said Lords , transmitted the foresaid points to the six other Provinces : Who , for continuations sake of mutual unitie and common tranquillitie , have so far by the return of their respective Provincial advices , advanced to meet the foresaid Province of Holland , that they have respectively yielded up a great part of the foresaid projected state of war , and consequently given their assent to the disbanding of 55 Foot-Companies of Foreiners , for the reducing of those Outlandish Regiments , as also twelv Companies of Hors , and that the rest of the Hors-Companies may bee reduced from 60 to 50 a piece , gratifying withal the Officers to bee disbanded , with such a pension , as the joint Provinces shall bee disposed to settle upon them . And the other six Provinces doubted not , but the States of Holland would have conformed themselvs to this expedient ▪ But wee are very sorrie to understand that their Noble Mighties should bee persisting still in their foresaid points of saving obarges , with intention and purpose , to pass and act the same apart , without the General Autoritie ; which wee seriously regarding , and weighing the evil consequences thereof , that in this and like matters one Province alone should in opposition to all the rest of the confederates , undertake such discrepant resolutions , and the effectual prosecution of them ; the rather , forasmuch as before the determining and concluding of the Treatie of peace with Spain , it was solemnly agreed to , with the advice of his Highness , and the Council of State , That a sufficient number of forces should bee retained . Therefore wee judged it necessarie , to make this address unto your Honor , that you will bee pleased to give notice hereof unto the Members which are to meet , either by writing or sending to them , and thereby endeavour to perswade the said Lords the States , that , for to prevent confusion and disorder , they would beware how they tread into any separate or particular reduction or disbanding of Forces , sworn and committed to the Generalitie ; for if this should bee attempted , it would bee directly against the Union , the everlasting alliance , and laudable observance hitherto ; besides , that so soon after the peace made , there would bee discovered thereby a very greet feebleness in the Government of these Countries , and the reputation thereof mightily weakned round about . Whereas on the contrarie , this State in the times of hottest war , hath no less by the mutual unitie , then by the prosperous success of arms , been of great esteem and repute both far and near , it being most plain and assured , that the entertainment of a competent quantitie of Forces , is both formidable to the covered and close enemie , and as considerable pleasing and grateful to the friends and confederates . Your Honors may pleas herewithal to consider , that his Highness and the Council of State , in framing the late new project and state of war , aimed as on the one side at the conservation of the State of the Land , the present doubtful constitution and occurrences of things , the neighbors round about us beeing in arms still ; so on the other side , at the great charges , that lie upon the respective Provinces , onely that the weightiest part beeing the preservation of the whole , must needs preponderate or out-weigh the lesser ; yet notwithstanding the six other Provinces out-went the former project , as hath been alreadie mentioned , and met those of Holland a great part of their way ; Which affair , beeing narrowly looked into , it will bee found , that following the advice of the six Provinces , there will bee one hundred Hors , and 270 Foot more entertained now then were kept in service , during the last Truce ; when as since the expiration thereof it hath pleased Almightie God to augment , strengthen , and crown the state of these Countries with the Reduction of many Cities , and a great number of Forts ; which Forts and Cities must needs bee beset and kept with requisite Garrisons , unless wee hold such dear-bought Conquests scarce worth the keeping . And it is farther worth noting , that the whole Difference betwixt the Provincial Advices of the six said Provinces , and that of the said Province of Holland , doth charge these Provinces yearly with no more then about 25000 flor. which for such a Province ( which God Almightie hath so abundantly blessed with Trade , Wealth , and Prosperitie ) in our apprehension ought to bee esteemed far less then the dis-repute and mis ▪ understandings , which are like to arise most unexspectedly out of the fore-named discrepancie , it beeing no unusual accident , that a small spark easily kindleth into a great embracement . Over and above all which considerations , wee conceiv likewise that the foresaid Lords the States of Holland ought to ponder the love , affection , and kinde disposition they owe to those provinces their Confederates , who continually endured the heat and brunt of war , and whose inhabitants sat daily so sensibly in the flames thereof , to eas & reliev them now as much as may bee in regard of the burthen , which not without caus remain's hanging upon their shoulders , none knowing how soon or which way the like mischiefs may light upon them again , peradventure , when it may least bee thought on from afar off by such forces , of whose raising there was or could bee had but little notice , or notice beeing had , the reasons and grounds thereof may have been disguised and palliated ; against which , there is otherwise no fence , but by providing and keeping sufficient Garrisons in the utmost Frontiers of this State , wherein consist's the preservation and maintenance of that , which through God's gracious blessing upon the Armies of these Countries , hath been purchased for us with so much expence of wealth and blood . For these and other causes wee shall relie upon the good Devoirs and Offices , which your Honors shall bee pleased to shew and apply towards the Lords , the Members of the instant States-Assembly of the foresaid Province of Holland and West-Friesland . Whereunto wee pray God Almightie to vouchsafe his blessing , to whose protection wee commend your Honors , &c.

Actum April 16 ▪ 1650.

In May , those of Leyden propounded , That the Provincial advices of the rest should bee followed , provisionally for the space of four months , and then to consider and resolv farther . Hereupon the Members repaired home to their principals , and returning back again , seemed readie to yield to the proposition . But the Provinces , the Prince ▪ and the Council urged , that then there should forthwith bee setled a State of war , and no further speech bee made of disbanding , reduction , &c. till after such time , as France , Spain , Sweden , and Germanie , should have laid down arms . This they of Holland would not bee engaged in . Nevertheless , those of Leyden , Rotterdam , Gorcum , Goude , Shoonhoven , Horn , Enckhuysen , eight in number , were so scrupulous , that hitherto they could , nor durst not resolv upon a particular disbanding .

On the 28 of Maie , those of Holland presented the ensuing points , much approaching those of the Generalitie ; as namely ,

That they were content there should bee disbanded fiftie five Foot-Companies , Foreiners .

That there should bee cashiered likewise twelv Companies of Hors .

That the Curiassiers should bee changed into Carabines .

That what formerly was represented , may bee don provisionally , and that the Provinces should bee desired , and were desired by these , to conform themselvs to the further points of Charge-saving , formerly by their Provincial advice exhibited to the Generalitie , consisting mainly in the following particulars .

That the Militarie and such like entertainments should bee regulated according to the project formerly presented by them to the Generalitie .

That the Officers to bee cashiered , should enjoie no further entertainment or pension , beeing out of the Land-service .

That the paiment for lodgings , should bee surceased , becaus of true and exact pay to bee made to the Armie .

That the Foot-Forces should bee reduced from 70 to 60 men , and that there should bee disbanded 8 Companies more of Hors , which added to the former 12 , produce in all 20 Companies that may bee spared .

That the Commissioners of the respective Provinces would undertake or endeavour to recommend these matters effectually to their Principals , and within the space of a moneth or six weeks at farthest , procure their respective Provincial Advices upon these four last points to bee returned to the Assembly of the Generalitie .

Next day following beeing Sunday , the same points having been presented to their high Mightiness , in the presence of his Highness , his Excellencie , and the Council , after advice taken , it was declared by the six Provinces , that they adhered to their former advices , desiring and recommending most seriously and tenderly to the said ordinarie and extraordinarie Deputies of Holland and West-Friesland , that as they had alreadie been pleased to declare themselvs conformable to the other six Provinces in som points , so they would yet further continue such good offices and devoirs towards their Principals ( at their present States-meeting ) to the end , that the fame may bee pleased to declare themselvs readie to conform their resolutions in like manner about the remaining different and open points , to the advices of the six other Provinces , his Highness , his Excellencie , together with the Council of State , that so this important affair , which cannot bee protracted , but to the great dis-service of the common caus , may once bee determined and ended , with concord . But this was fruitless .

For those of Holland seeing or conceiving , as they asserted , that by how much the more they approached to the rest of the Provinces , so much the more they recoiled or grew peremptorie ; they laboured hard all this week to com to an issue , and especially to disburthen themselvs , which also they went through with , on Saturday , beeing the fourth of June , with great fervencie , causing in their presence Letters and Notifications to bee writen and dispatched to twelv Companies of Hors , and one and thirtie Companies of Foot , reckoning up all the yongest in Commission : as beeing their rate for number , mentioned in the points presented Maie 28. Sending Inhibitions likewise to the Solicitors , to advance no more monies to those Captains . And thus thinking they had don their business well and safe enough , they parted that very Saturdaie , on Whitson-Eve .

The day following beeing Pentecost or Whitsunday , the Council of State was gathered half an hour after seven . After the first Sermon , the said Council , his Highness and Count William were in the Assembly of the States-General , continuing together till three in the afternoon , where his Highness , his Excellencie the Stadtholder , and the Council of State , represented to their High Mightˢ , that it had grieved them to understand , that the Lords the States of Holland before their parting , had undertaken to act and execute any disbanding and reduction of the Lands Forces , and that his Highness , his Excellencie , and the Council of the States , had caused a Letter to bee drawn , directed to the Governors or Commanders , as also Captains of Hors and Foot , or , in the absence of them , unto their Officers , lying in Garrison within this State , sutable to their High Mightˢ resolution of April 10. last , the contents whereof were word for word as he●e ensueth .

Noble Gentlemen !

THE high and Mightie Lords the States-General were pleased by their Resolution of April 10 last , to autorize his Highness and this Council , so to order and direct things , that none of the Forces in service of and sworn to the Generalitie , should bee disbanded or otherwise disposed upon any particular Order from one or other Province . And whereas it is reported , that som such particular Order is issued forth in that behalf , wee therefore upon mature deliberation , with the advice of his said Highness , his Excellencie the Stadtholder , and the Council of State , thought good by this to minde and advertise you , that you and every one of you received your Commission from the Generalitie , and accordingly did swear to the same , and in consideration thereof , cannot bee dispensed to obey or yield to any particular charge of disbanding or reducing ; but that yee ought rather to keep your Companies and men in good order together , till further Order from their High Mightˢ , or his Highness and Council of State , which every one of you is to attend and regard , without fail , &c.

His Highness moreover , his Excellencie and the Council of State , referred it to their High Mightˢ consideration , Whether they found not good likewise to dispatch a Letter of like tenor to the Governors and Commanders aforesaid , and then desired their High Mightˢ they would bee pleased to bethink themselvs of further means , what may bee fit and requisite to bee don about this important affair , for the concord , tranquillitie and best service of the Land : Whereupon deliberation beeing had , their High Mightˢ in regard of the former point , gave thanks to his Highness , his Excellencie , and the Council , over and for their provident care , shewed in the foresaid business , and consequently found good , and ordered , that the foresaid Letter , Mutatis mutandis , should bee dispatched from the Generalitie , to the same intent , unto the said Governors or Commanders : Whereupon a draught was made readie for to bee read in the afternoon in their High Might ● Assembly , and expedited accordingly . As for the second point , it was found good and agreed to , that a very solemn Deputation should bee dispatched to all the Cities and Members of the Province of Holland , for to perswade them by all conceivable motives and arguments , that they would refrain and desist from all separate or particular disbanding , lessning or altering of the Forces in service , and sworn to the Generalitie , and not intermeddle with any thing that may bee undertaken or afoot , to the contrarie : and herewithal it was committed and referred to his Highness , in what manner and by what persons and number the said Deputation should bee expedited . His Highness beeing likewise desired and autorised to put all things in requisite order , and to take care of preserving the common peace and tranquillitie , especially that the Union may bee mainteined , together with all the dependencies thereof , and all contrarie practices and designs prevented and withstood . But the Deputies of the Province of Gelderland declared , that they reserved libertie to themselvs to set down what they should think fitting about the foresaid Resolution , at the next meeting . The Deputies present for the Province of Holland , declared upon the said pretended Resolution , and caused to bee registred , that they took for repeated , whatsoëver their Principals the States of Holland had from time to time ▪ caused to bee remonstrated at the Assembly of their High Mightˢ touching the point and matter in hand , and that they , their Deputies , referred themselvs herein to what they had caused to bee set down , Octob. 26. 1649. and April 10 last , respectively ; and therefore , as also for other causes , did not , nor could in no wise consent to the present Resolution , Dispatches , and Deputation , together with the dependance and sequel thereof ; but in express terms reserved the libertie to themselvs to oppose hereafter therein , what their Superiors shall judg expedient ; insisting especially , that the foresaid Resolution was undertaken against the accustomed order . And this is that famous Resolution of the fift of June , so much spoken of , and attended with such remarkable effects and consequences , in regard whereof it might well bee said then , that our Lion was distempered .

The next day his Highness appearing again in the Assembly , hee communicated to their High Mightˢ , that in consideration of the importance of the Business , hee was intended and resolved to h●lp to sute this sending to the Cities and Members of the Government of the Province of Holland and West-Friesland , yesterday agreed upon and determined by their High Mightˢ , with his own person ; and that by virtue of the Autoritie that same day , by their High Mightˢ referred and attributed to him , hee designed to that purpose out of their own Assembly , the Lords Van Aertsberghen , Rinsewoude and Clant , ( there beeing but one Deputie present for the Provinces of Friesland and Over-Yssel respectively ) and that his Highness by virtue and to the purpose aforesaid , did assume out of the Council of the States , the Lords of Asperen , Lucas and the Treasurer-General Brasser , desiring that , in case it were to their High Mightˢ content , that the fitting Letters of Credence to the respective Cities and Members of the Government of Holland , might forthwith bee dispatched . Whereupon deliberation beeing had , their High Mightˢ most highly thanked his Highness about and for the sake , that hee was pleased so much to incommodate his Princely person , and so far to tender the service of the Land , by attending the foresaid sending in this manner ; Desiring him , that by all possible means and arguments , hee would endeavour to convince and perswade the foresaid Cities and Members of the said Province of Holland , in this sending , that they may desist from all separate disbanding , every one according to their respective rates , and consequently join themselvs unanimously with the other six consenting Provinces . Their High Mightˢ were likewise well pleased with the choice and assumption his Highness had made in virtue aforesaid of the said Lords , both of the bodie of their High Mightˢ Assembly , and of the Council of State unto the accomplishment of the foresaid grand affair . To this end order was given for the dispatching and delivering of the Credentials in due form and manner , together with the abovesaid solemn Resolution . Hereupon the Deputies of Holland caused to bee entred , that they found the present deliberation to bee a result of the hesternal Resolution taken in behalf of the foresaid sending , and that in that regard they referred themselvs to what in behalf of their said Province , they had entred alreadie upon the respective resolution taken that day . The Deputies for the Province of Gelderland , having yesterday reserved libertie to themselvs , to enter next meeting what they should judg convenient about the Conclusion taken then , they now declared , that the nature of business was altered since , through the representation , communication and advertisement made this day by his Highness in the Assembly of their Hi. Mi. and that they would make report to their Superiors of the Resolution , such as it was .

The Minister Morus in the French Church , and Sterremont in the Cloister-Church preached in express terms upon these matters on Whitsunday ; saying , That som ( aiming at the Hollanders ) had a design to break the Union ; that they began to grow careless , and remembred nor considered not ho● inveterate and implacable the Spanish hatred was . That they would reward the Armie with unthankfulness . That they little regarded the great Deserts and Services of his Highness and Predecessors Father , Unckle , and Grand-sire . The like Discourses and Reports were plentifully spread among the Vulgar , with additions ; That som of the Lords of Holland entertain'd private communication with the Spanish Ambassador . That the said Ambassador had lately co●veied great summes of monie into his hous by night , and afterwards distributed the same among his creatures . Item , That in the last Truce som had under the cover of Religion , sought and endeavoured to bring the Land in discord and disturbance , and to reduce it thereby at length under Spain again . That the same thing was practised now under color of regulating the Armie . That the Ministers and all zealous Professors of the Reformed Religion , ought to awaken and bestir themselvs , considering , that , though all others might easily make their peace with Spain , they of the Ministrie sure could never look for any reconciliation with them .

The Invectives and animosities grew daily grea●er and so enormous , that one might well see som extremities must presently ensue . But Holland could imagine no such thing . They were deeply indebted , and saw not how to discharge themselvs ; and therefore conceiving , that as a Soveraign Province , they could not by virtue of the Union , bee charged against their will and above reason ; they adhered firmly and stedfastly to their former Resolution , beeing they could not but remain yearly a whole Million in arrears , though they kept all their Incoms entire , and obtained their Charge-saving project to the full .

On the seventh of June , the Deputies for the Province of Holland , presented sundrie Propositions in the Assembly of their Hi. Mi. tending to this end , That their Hi. Mi. might bee pleased to suspend or surceas the foresaid sending to the Cities of the Province of Holland , determined yesterday , beeing the same was an Innovation , and besides the accustomed order of the Government , from which there could bee expected no good fruit ; the said Deputies of Holland making offer , to summon another States-meeting of their Province as soon as could bee don ; that the same which was intended to bee represented by the foresaid sending to the particular Cities and Members thereof , might bee presented to them : Whereupon offer beeing made by the Deputies for the Province of Gelderland ( and avowed by the other four , then present Provinces ) that in case the said Deputies of the Province of Holland would call in the Letters of Notifications touching the separate Disbanding and Reduction , dispatched from that Province to the respective Officers of hors and foot ; and put the case of the foresaid Disbanding and Reduction wholly into their former condition , that then his Highness should bee desired to appear again in their Hi. Mi. Assembly , and the affair of that sending re-assumed there into further deliberation : The said Deputies of Holland thereupon giving to understand , and declaring , that this belonged not to them to do , but to their Superiors the States of the said Province of Holland , to whom the foresaid motion ought to bee addrest for acceptation ; it was found good upon precedent deliberation , to persist in their Hi. Mi. hesternal and former respective Resolutions in that behalf , and then their Hi. Mi. desired the said Deputies of Holland , that they would second their , as also his Highness and the Councils , good meaning and intention in this business , touching the separate Disbanding and Reduction , with all good offices and endeavors . Whereupon the said Deputies of the Province of Holland caused to bee entred , that They could not consent to the foresaid Conclusion , but did expressly declare against the same , conformably and according to their former entries made upon the same subject : That the foresaid Resolution was an Innovation , not suiting with the Order of the Government , offering still the most expedite summoning of the States of the Province , but in vain .

For next morning early , beeing Wednesday , June 8. the joint Deputies or Commissioners parted from the Hague to Dort with a great number of chief Officers . His Highness went first to Honselardyck , to take his leav of the pretended K. of England , and came to Dort by eleven in the night , beeing nevertheless received , by the Train-Bands in arms , with all respect .

The Propositions made there to the Citie-Council was as followeth :

Propositions made by his Highness , and the rest of the Commissioners of their Hi. Mi. the Lords States-General , in the respective Cities of Holland .

Worshipful , &c.

THE state of the United Provinces is at present surprised with much Disorder and Disturbance , by reason of a particular Disbanding of the Lands Forces , undertaken by the Nob. Mi. Lords the States of Holland at their last meeting , without precedent communication with their Confederates , against the minde and will of their residing Deputies at the Assembly of their Hi. Mi. and against the advice and allowance of his Highness , and the No. Mi. Counsellors of State , to whom onely by consent of all the Confederates , the Supreme Command , levying and disbanding of Forces , is deferred , and of whom alone depend's both the engaging of the Souldierie by oath , and the releasing or discharging of them from it .

II.

This Order and Way hath ever since the erected Union been kept inviolably to this time .

III.

The alteration now attempted therein by one Province alone , causeth the six other Provinces , together with his Highness , and his Excellencie the Stadtholder , and the Council of State to bee greatly troubled and perplexed , lest hereby wee might fall into a breach and dissolution of the Union , a confusion of the State , and the ruine of the good Inhabitants of the Land , it beeing not unknown to your Worships , that the Enemies both from without and within , are uncessantly busie to undermine the maintenance of the true Reformed Religion , and the Unitie and Concord among the Provinces and members thereof . And if at any time they could finde an occasion to untie the bond of Religion , consisting in that Union , they would never rest endeavouring the utter subversion and destruction of the Reformed Christian worship , and to dispossess the good Inhabitants of this Land , professing the same , of all their privileges , goods , and freedom ; yea , and to persecute and destroie them by sword , fire , and murther , even as they have murthered , persecuted , and tyrannized over our fore-fathers .

IV.

To prevent which formerly-suffered , and now again new threatned evils , their Hi. Mi. together with his Highness , his Excellencie , the Stadtholder , and the Council of State , have deliberately thought upon fit remedies , and to that end resolved upon a very solemn Deputation or sending to the members of the Province of Holland , as comprehended in the Treatie of the Union , and having their part and share in the devoirs and consequences thereof , which are caused or occasioned by the Union .

Whereunto , since it hath pleased his Highness to bee employed in his Princely person , out of an upright Love and Zeal to the conservation of the said Union , which his noble Predecessors out of the same Zeal and Constancie , have counselled and helped to make and maintein , with the loss and hazard of goods and bloud ; whereupon it pleased God at length to bless these United Netherlands with a glorious peace ; their high Mightiness most highly thanked his Highness for this tender and provident care of his , that with such incommodation to his person , hee would so far condescend to advance the service of the Countrie ; and have together with him put in Commission about that affair , as well out of their high Mi. Assembly , as out of the No. Mi. Council of State , the Lords here present with his Highness , in their name to represent unto your Worships the beginnings , grounds and intentions of the Union , together with the Devoirs , whereunto all the Provinces and Members thereof stand engaged .

VI.

As concerning the first rise and beginning of the war , it is well known to every one , what troubles befell the Professors of the Reformed Christian Religion , when the rayes of the Gospel first began to glimmer through the dark clouds of Poperie .

VII .

But when afterwards the Light of the Gospel brake forth with force as it were , shining as bright as mid-day , and beeing entirely separated from the darkness of Poperie , to the dishonor and shame of the childe of perdition , and a door thereby was opened in these Countries , that by reading of the holy Scriptures , the people could see every hour and moment , what was requisite for their Deliverance and Salvation ;

VIII .

Then did the Pope , the King of Spain , and all their Adherents , arm themselvs mightily with burnings and murderings against the Professors thereof .

IX .

And by reason that so many of them were found in the Netherlands , they fell upon our fore-fathers , and used them as the Cities of Zutphen , Leyden , Harlem , Oudewater , Naërden , and divers others can testifie , insomuch that our Adversaries themselvs do brag in their Histories , to have destroyed no less then 18000 souls by fire , sword and gallows . One cannot rehears the p●rticulars without horror and astonishment .

The Illustrious Prince of Orange , Prince William of blessed memorie , compassionating the butchering and murthering of his poor people , found good together with all the States of the Countries , to arm themselvs against this murthering and burning Tyrannie , which that wise Prince and other Governors judged could not bee better don , but by way of a real League and Union among themselvs ; in pursuance whereof they framed in the year 1579. a neerer Union and everlasting League and Confederacie , therby binding and uniting themselvs to stand and stick for ever faithfully the one to the other , without ever parting or separating again asunder : by reason whereof the Union and ensued observance thereof ought to still to bee the rule and square for ordering our preservation .

XI .

The Bodie of these United Provinces beeing so well formed and framed by this Union , grew mightie and famous thereby through their mutual Concord and stedfastness , and as formidable to all their Enemies , as considerable in all the world ; all the while the same did unanimously keep to , and govern themselvs by the Union .

XII .

These first years of peace do now produce very dangerous commotions from within the State , disturbing the very Soul thereof ; that is to say , the Unitie of the Provinces , and shaking the very foundations ; whenas the Orders of Government , the Pillars so long mainteined , are in a manner dissolved by those strange Disputes and Questions , What and how far each Province or most Members thereof may and ought to do , contrarie to the prejudice of their confederates ; in that manner and condition , that it can produce and train after it nothing but mischief and ruine , unless it bee maturely remedied .

XIII .

For the avoiding and prevention of which enormities , his Highness and the Council had alreadie a prettie while before ( according to the antient custom , and best knowing what the preservation of the Land required ) drawn up and sent to the Provinces a State of War , or Forces , to bee kept in Garrisons , according as they judged it necessarie at this time , for securing the Land upon the Frontiers outwardly , and the State within against the inward Enemies both of Religion and Government .

XIV .

Their high Mi. have endeavoured a long time to bring the matters of this State of War to bee debated in a Conference : But the Deputies for the Province of Holland waving it , propounded afterwards a disbanding of half the Cavalrie , and an hundred and five Companies of the Infantrie , which the six other Provinces judged verie unseasonale and disserviceable ; but yet , even against their own judgment , and for no other aim or regard ▪ but fairly to meet the Province of Holland , yielded and agreed for the disbanding of fiftie five Foot Companies , and twelv of Hors , together with the Reduction of the hors from 60 to 50 men in each Companie ; to the end there might bee taken once an effectual Resolution about the State of War , drawn up by his Highness , his Excellencie , the Stadtholder , and the Council of the States , there beeing no possibilitie of keeping the state of the Countrie free from confusion , without a State of war .

XV.

Wherein when the No. Mi. Lords the States of Holland refused to join with the six other Provinces , there were deputed Commissioners sent to their Nob. Mi. assembled at the Hague in a States meeting , for to perswade them to an uniform advice with the other consenting Provinces ; and to the end that all the members of this Province might bee truly informed of the condition of things , their high Mi. found good , to write a serious Letter , in April last 16o , whereof wee have caus to doubt , whether indeed it was sent to all the Cities , as was desired and requisite , the Committee of the Council having represented to their Hi. Mi. the necessitie of it .

XVI .

Over and above all this , when their Hi. Mi. were again and again advertised , That the States of Holland had , by pluralitie of Votes , and against the real protests and contradictions of considerable members , taken Resolution for a separate Disbanding and Reduction of Forces , they sent again unto them at their full Assemblie , that they would supersede the execution of the past-Resolution , and beware of opening a door to innovations and breach of the Union , and likewise by reiterated communication , about the points in difference , presented occasions to com to a fair issue , by accommodating the differences .

XVII .

Desiring continuance of conference for that end , and having unexspectectedly to their great grief understood , that by way of over-voting , there had been verie fervently , during the Assemblie been drawn and sent dispatches in all haste , to the Officers of foot and hors , ( indeed of that Provinces own repartition , or allotment , but ) sworn and engaged by oath to obeie his Highness and the Council of State ; by reason whereof there were likewise contrarie orders dispatched by their Hi. Mi. , his Highness , and the Council of State , to keep those Companies together ; all which tended to the great blemish of this laudable Government , and the joy of none but the Enemies thereof .

XVIII .

This indeed is the caus which necessitated their high Mi. , his Highness and the Council of State , to apply to new unheard of accidents in this Government , new and extraordinarie remedies by this solemn Deputation to all the Cities of this Province , that the same beeing rightly informed , they may help the advancing of such remedies , whereby mischief may bee prevented , and the Provinces on the one side orderly and unitedly eased in their charges , and on the other side secured against such Enemies as might rise up against us either from without or from within ; all for the preservation and maintenance of our Religion and Union , it beeing an easie matter to conceiv and understand , that the same cannot bee upheld in safetie , without arms and sufficient forces ; and that his Highness and the Council of State do best know what is fit and requisite for the Lands preservation .

XIX .

Wee know it and believ indeed , that the Treasurie of the No. Mi. Lords , the States of Holland , is heavily charged , and that they are not well able to undergo all the burdens . Other Provinces do likewise complain of their charge and disabilitie . The war hath been costly and long-lasting ; but yet it hath been recompensed with a wonderful blessing all the Land over , and with inestimable freedom . The purchased peace now requireth eas ; the rest of the Provinces are likewise well inclined to it , but they understand , that the Easing desired , and the disbanding and reduction of the Lands-forces , together with the removing of the common and incident charges of war must bee don with good order and united consent of all the members interessed , sutably to the Union , and hitherto mainteined order .

XX.

Their No. Mi. the States of Holland , have at other times sitting President in the Assemblie of their high Mi. judged this themselvs expedient and necessarie , whenas , together with the other Provinces they helped to resolv , Novemb. 1o 1623. That no Province ought of their own autoritie put off any Companies without precedent communication with , and resolution of their High Mi. and the Council of State ; and if there was any thing practised to the contrarie , that it ought to bee lookt to by autoritie , which indeed was propounded and urged thus by the Province of Holland it self .

XXI .

And in the year 1626. they effectually helped , according to the resolution of Febr. 9. to obviate the like particular reduction of Companies undertaken by the Lords of Zealand , grounding themselvs upon like complaints of disabilitie ; when to the end aforesaid , the Lords Beveren and Schaffer were sent into Zealand , and Prince Maurice himself of noble memorie , desired , in case it should bee requisite , to repair thither likewise in person .

XXII .

And then it was withal expressly declared , That the resolution taken by the Lords of Zealand in this matter , was directly against the Union , and could not bee taken by any Province apart , beeing also of dangerous and ruinous consequence to the State of the Land , and drawing with it nothing but confusion and such woful effects , as cannot bee tolerated without subversion of all good Order and Government , according to the verie words of the said Resolution .

XXIII .

The verie same hath likewise been practised with other Provinces , where occasion was given , and was never contradicted by any of the Provinces .

XXIV .

And forasmuch as these points do concern the preservation or dissolution of the Union , the maintenance or destruction of this puissant and redoubted State , and that protracted deliberations can beget and produce nothing but mischief and confusion ; therefore it is that his Highness and wee , as Deputies of their high Mi. in the name and behalf of all your Confederates , fellow-members of the Union , do most seriously and friendly desire your Worships to abide undissolubly joined to the Union , to hold fast the antient Unitie and Order , so long and unanimously mainteined between the Confederates , and to that end to continue the paiment of the discharged Companies , as likewise to repair the contraventions against the Union committed by that separate disbanding and reduction , ordered by your Deputies , and those of som other Cities of this Province , lately gathered at their Provincial States-Assemblie . To which Reparation , this Province and the members thereof stand bound by virtue of the 23d Article of the Union , saying , that in case any thing bee don or attempted to the contrarie , they do declare the same now , as then , altogether nul , void , and invalid ; whereunder they engage themselvs , and all the Inhabitants of their respective Provinces , Cities , and Members thereof , their persons and goods , that the same may and shall , in case of contravention , and not observing this Treatie , and what depend's thereon , bee arrested , sued and prosecuted .

Accordingly do wee also desire our Worships to join your selvs with the six other Provinces , consenting to the State of war , or els to let the Differences bee decided by the Governors or Lievtenants of the Provinces , according to the ninth Article of the Union .

Upon all which , your Worships are desired to make known to his Highness , and Us here present , your good meaning and intention , that care may bee taken without delay , lest the State and the good Inhabitants of the Land should fall into Divisions , and consequently into a relaps in the same miseries and desolations , which our fore-fathers endured , which wee rest confident , your Worships will endeavour to prevent , praying God to inspire you thereunto with wisdom .

Here follow the Resolutions , alleged in the fore-going Proposition , Artic. 20. & 21. and first , that of Nov. 1o 1623.

His Excellencie and the Council of State appearing in the Assembly , it was related by the Lord President , that som Provinces made difficultie of paying their Companies , and discharged them from their allotment or repartition , the same tending to very evil consequence , disreputation of the Land and confusion , which must unavoidably ensue thereupon . Wherefore after deliberation taken , it is resolved with advice of his Excellencie , and the Council of State , that no Province shall of their own autoritie discharge any Companies , without foregoing communication with , and resolution of their Hi. Mi. and the Council of State , and if any thing bee practised to the contrarie , that cours ought to bee taken against it by autoritie , it beeing withal resolved , that earnest endeavours by Deputies and otherwise , shall bee made by the Council of State in those Provinces , which remain backward to furnish their paiments , and that without remission until effectual paiment bee performed , it beeing otherwise impossible to keep and preserv the Land and State without confusion .

The Resolution of Febr. 9. 1626. was as followeth .

Report beeing made , that the States of Zealand should have resolved to reduce the Companies in their Repartition , to 100 heads a piece ; and his Excellencie , and the Council of State beeing thereupon sought to and sent for , after deliberation upon the matter , and their advice , it is agreed and resolved , that Letters shall bee written to the Command●rs of places , where the Zealandish Companies lie , that they ought not to suffer any such Reduction to bee made within their Garrisons , till further order from their Hi. Mi. ▪ and that besides , the said States of Zealand shall bee sent to by Deputies out of their high Mi ▪ Assembly , and by his Excellencie himself , in case the matter should prove more difficult then is yet conceived , to represent unto them that such Resolutions directly impugn the Union , and cannot bee undertaken by any one Province alone , beeing of dangerous and ruinous consequence to the whole state of the Land , and training after it nothing but confusion and such mischievous effects , as cannot bee tolerated without subversion of all good order and government . And that for this end and purpose it bee desired , that a States-Assembly bee held there in Zealand , on the 16 of this month , with full Commission and Autoritie of the Members there appearing , for to re-assume the matter , and restore it to the former condition , with any further proceeding or endeavour in the foresaid Reduction : and there are Commissioned for this sending , the Lords Beveren and Schaffer , who shall go before , and if they finde things so conditioned , that the coming of his Excellencie bee required , give advertisement of it , that his Excellencie may transport himself thither in like manner ; therewithal it was likewise found good , that the Lord of Beaumont also bee desired to repair thither , the more to convince the States of Zealand of the great wrong they were about to commit by this their enterprise , and that the L●rd Hautain , Governor of Sluys bee sent for to the Assembly , and thanks there bee given him for his information , together with a special charge to suffer no such Reduction in his Government , but to await the further Order of their Hi. Mi. Hereupon it was found good , that Instructions should bee drawn up by the Council of State for the said Commissioners .

The former Proposition beeing forthwith printed and published , there came out , soon after , these ensuing observations . Som needful Animadversions upon a certain Proposition made in June , 1650. within the Cities of Holland .

IT was not enough to make a Proposition to the Corporations or Councils of those places they visited , but the same was likewise printed , and thereby really insinuated and presented to all the Commons , nay , to all the world . That which is spoken to every one , may bee answered by any one . Take it not amiss then , I pray , that in the behalf of the honest Commons of Holland , I do say and maintein , That none indeed is better able to foresee disorder and disturbance ( whereof the first member of the Proposition speaketh ) then hee that maketh and causeth the disorder and disturbance himself . All the strangers , Germans , Brabanders , French , English , coming into this Countrie , wonder at the good order and policie that is in Holland ; and if that ( next to the blessing of God ) had not been , the Land had been lost long ago ; and unless there bee yet order setled and mainteined , especially in the Treasurie , this good Province , and Millions of Widows , Orphans , and other honest Inhabitants , that have their monies out in publick stocks , will bee undon . This is so well known to all the Cities and members of Holland , that it need 's no proof . Sure in all Kingdoms , Cities and Countries , Peace is mainly made for that end , to eas and disburthen the Commons . How shall they bee eased , or disburthen'd , if that bee not taken off , which the peace it self take's off , and make's to cea● ? The neighbor-Provinces ( especially Friesland , Groninghen , and the Omlands ) they know how to eas their Commons to som purpose . The want hereof must needs draw along with it a decreas and diversion of Trade and people .

That the Cashiering made by the Lords of Holland , happened not without foregoing , and for above a twelv-month-continued communication , advice and debate with his Highness , with the Deputies of other Provinces , with his Excellencie , the Stadtholder , and the Council of State , the manifold Resolutions , Negotiations , Messages , Letters , and other Acts can testifie . That the power of levying and disbanding , or reducing of Forces , should bee given up to the Council of State ; the same is contrarie to the first Article of the Union , where every Province declare's , they will keep and maintein each one's respective Soveraigntie : and contrarie likewise to the 32 Article of the Instruction of the Council of State , set down hereafter .

II.

And therefore that is untrue , which is said in the second Section .

III.

It is no change then , no breach , nor dissolution , but a punctual observing and mainteining of the Union , Artic. 5. what the Lords of Holland have don . Under the very Kings and Monarchs , their Subjects , much more the States and Parlaments , have , and maintein a proprietie still , and a free disposing of of their purses , goods , and possessions . If the King would have ought of the Inhabitants , it must bee don by way of entreatie , not threats and forcing . The very word Beden used in Braband , plainly implie's thus much ; it happeneth frequently , nay , every year in Br●band , Flanders , and other Spanish Countries , that the King praying in that kinde , is paid with a flat and down-right denial . In Braband it is a thing known in the streets : how much more then in these Provinces , where the States themselvs are Soveraigns now , ought it to remain in their free power , to consent and yield or not , what is prayed in the Councils Petition , who themselvs are in Service , Commission , and swo●● to them ? there is no year , but the States are prayed and entreated for the continuance of the State of war , that is to say , of all the Armie . And verily in the midst of war the States had power and freedom to continue or discontinue the same , as likewise several other incidents of Leaguer-charges , of Subsidies to the West-Indie-Companie , of casting Ordnance , of lodging-monie , of buying ammunition , paying for Fortification , &c. In the midst of war , many thousands have now and then , by greater and lesser parties in Regiments and Companies , been discontinued . Holland , as more interessed in it alone then all the rest , hath alwaies brought in the weightiest portion , and therefore most concerned in the good order and managing thereof ; as also beeing here in loco , and best acquainted with the affairs of the Generalitie , hath alwaies been the readiest and forwardest to observ and shew , what charges were useless and fit to bee forborn . The like Disbandings and Reductions , or Discontinuations have been practised in the very height of our wars : as immediately after the loss of Breda , 1625. and afterwards , after the Reduction of the Bosch in 1629. and of Mastricht ; and further in the years 1640. 1642. 1647 ▪ though I say , wee were in war still , Holland going before , the rest of the Provinces followed ; not as if Holland thereby sought or arrogated a special Prerogative unto her self above or over the rest ; but onely doing that which all the others might have don , viz ▪ discontinuing their consent : beeing commonly the first , for that they are in loco , and can alwaies bee the readiest ; and this condition of theirs beeing wholesom and advantagious for the other Provinces , Holland in all reason should have heartie thanks rather . However , if the other Provinces are pleased to continue charged , it was left to their freedoms , although it was never seen , but the rest of the Provinces would alwaies in this point follow the laudable pattern of Holland : and hitherto it succeeded well . Beeing now in peace , what reason is there , that wee should not discharge things useless and unnecessarie . I see no need wee have of continuing entertainments to Governors , Colonels , and a numberless companie of other Camp-Officers . There is no need of it , That Captains , Commanders , &c. go all bedaubed and besmeared with gold and silver upon their clothes , whilest the poor Commons are glad to feed on a piece of drie bread , and must often carrie their children supperless to bed . It can bee no good advice to entertain strange Forces , or Troops and Souldiers of Forein Nations . When Kings and Princes bring in such , it is a shrewd sign they intend to tyrannize or to introduce an absolute arbitrarie Government . Do not wee see now at this time , that Scotland ( though threatned and in danger by England , yet ) will not suffer their King to bring in there any strange Forces , and so it is likewise every where els .

Nevertheless , for such Supernumerarie and Forein Souldier's sake , at Utrecht , Reenen , Wagoningen , Arnheim , Campen , Deventer , Swoll , Dort , Delft , Rotterdam , Shiedam , Tolen , Ziricksea , der Goes , Lewarden , Franecker , Harlingeen , Bolsweert , Sneeck , and many other places : for the great entertainments sake of Colonels , Lievtenant-Colonels , &c. which were not in use in the hottest times of all the war ( for it is a thing well known , that most Troops were reduced under Regiments , but within these 10 or 15 years . ) For such unprofitable things I say , so much water must bee foul'd now . That which is so Learnedly brought in , in the third Section about the true Reformed Religion , doth fit the matter as aptly as the fift wheel a Waggon . The drawer of the Proposition followed therein your Priests , who , when they studied but little for their Sermon , commonly supply the defect with falling upon Calvin and Luther : then they have stuff and matter enough , a large Field to exspatiate and shew their parts in ; then they are alwaies sure to beat their adversarie , and triumph over them . Som few indeed of that Coat among us here , sought to make likewise a Pulpit-business of this matter , but all the faithful Pastors most highly disapprov'd it , and it was easily found out , that they were Court hirelings , set awork under that cloke , to rais mutinie and sedition , to dispoil and bereav Holland , and the whole State indeed , of their Rights and Privileges , of their Soveraigntie and freedom , ( for the purchasing whereof Holland alone hath contributed more Treasure and Bloud , then all the other Provinces together ) to caus the honest Commons to groan under everlasting Burdens , through the confusion in the Treasurie , whereby Millions of Widows and Orphans will bee prostituted to extreme povertie . Thus indeed the great flood-gates would bee opened , for our Enemies to overwhelm and to destroy us by murther and fire , and all manner of destruction at their pleasure , which by a necessarie redress in the Treasurie , would with God's help , in a few years sufficiently bee prevented , that such a fear should bee needless .

IV.

That which is mentioned in the fourth Section , is an Innovation unheard of , and of very evil consequence , condemned by all the Cities , and no more to bee admitted or suffered .

Those that exposed his Highness Princely and most honorable person to publick reproach in such conjunctures or confusion rather , they are none of his true friends ; doing all they can , to make his heroick virtues and faithful love to the Father-Land , as odious and suspect as may bee , and endeavouring to loosen the bonds of Love and Affection , then which , the government can have no firmer . The beginnings , grounds , and intentions of the Union , are exstant and to bee seen in the Text of the Union ; and are very dissonant to this Proposition , as beeing made for the maintenance of the pacification of Ghent : read but the Preface to the Union . The Reformed Religion would gain little by such allegations : for none but Holland and Zealand were the eagerst for the Reformed Religion , nevertheless without excluding the Papists . But the rest of the Provinces regulated themselvs according to the peace of Religion . See the 13 Article of the Union .

VI.

How impertinently and hatefully is the business of Religion produced in the sixt place : Holland hath don more alone , and is still disposed to do more for the Reformed Religion , then all the rest together .

VII .

What relation or affinitie , I wonder , hath the Treasurieaffair , and Reduction of the Souldierie , with the reading of the Scripture , as it is here alleged ?

VIII .

Holland alone , more then all the other Provinces together , hath paid the King of Spain his Murthering and Burning , home into his Bosom , that in the very beginings of the first Troubles , the President Vergas said , Ifti Haeretici patibulant , sicut nos : The Peopelings have small reason to brag of advantage . If they shall believ our Histories , wee ought to believ theirs , affirming , that for one Preacher of ours , an hundred of theirs were banisht , vexed , hang'd , kill'd , drown'd . Are not all the Churches and Cloisters in the Land , purged of the Popish Religion and Priests together ? Are not all the United Provinces , together with the associated Cities and Countries , freed and rid of the Spaniards , the Spanish Government , and Spanish adherents ? Have not wee don ten times more hurt and dammage to the Spaniard , both by Sea and Land , then ever hee did to us ?

IX .

That which happened at Haërlem , Leyden , Oudewater , Naerden , was in Holland . Holland I say again , hath suffered and don more in revenge thereof , more alone , then all the other Provinces together : and Holland for that straining of its power , now at the end fetching breath , seek's but thereby to bee made the more fit in time to com , to do the like again upon occasions , viz. more alone for the defence of it self and all their good confederates , then all the other Provinces .

The Province of Holland hath no intention nor thought to separate from the other Provinces , or to break the Union . But the other Provinces have much receded from it , since the very first day of making it ; therein namely , that they never would comply to an uniform way of Contribution : which is manifest by the fift Article of the Union . So also promise is made by the first Article , that every Province should bee left entire in the enjoiment of their Rights , Privileges , Liberties , &c. a principal point whereof is , not to bee changed against their consent . Art . 18. This Right Holland doth not grudg to any ; but the rest go about to bereav Holland of it . According to their main intent of the Union , endeavors are promised , to discharge and dismiss all Forein and Outlandish Forces . Holland is inclined to it , for the advancing of good and faithful Native Officers and Souldiers ; but som of the other Provinces would keep in the Foreiners to the destruction of the Natives ; som whereof , namely , the 29 Companies of the fiftie raised in the year 1628 , received not one pennie of monie in five years , but what the Captains were fain to take upon interest at 8 per cent .

XI .

The Bodie of these Provinces is grown mightie , next to God's blessing , most by the Treasure and Bloud of Holland . Whole Provinces were partly won , partly cleared of Spanish Garrisons ; partly provided and supported with Fortifications , new Forts , Ordnance , Ammunition , Lodging-monies , and other Subsidies , the most part by and from Holland . Gelderland and Over-Issel were non ▪ continuing Provinces till the late Truce . The Union is like a painted man upon the wall : how the Generalitie , and how the rest of the Provinces have at several times and places observed and kept the same , is known sufficiently .

XII .

The Peace yield's opportunitie and means to get out of debts , and into a fitting condition again of effectual defence against all Domestick and Outlandish Enemies . This is the end wherefore all Kings and Potentates make peace . Holland would fain bee gathering once this wholesom fruit from the Tree of Peace ; but som ill-affected Hollanders do all they can to hinder them .

XIII .

There is none but know's as well as this Proposition can tell us , what is requisite towards and for the guarding and securing of the Frontiers . Delft , Rotterdam , Ter-Goude , Schoonhoven , and fiftie such like In-Land-Towns , are they all becom Frontiers now ? What Watch and Guard doth the Souldier perform there ? unless they had a minde by degrees to commit the Custodie and Keys of those In-Land-Garrisons unto the Captains there ; then indeed the Citizens , nay , the Magistrate , nay , the States themselvs , might have reason to say once , as Whilem the Duke of Gelderland ; yea marrie , now shee sit's cleanly . But prithee tell mee , those great entertainments of the Governors , of the Colonels , and other Warlike Officers , ( things altogether unknown in the hottest times of war , and which serv for nothing , but to brave it in the Hague , to keep great Horses and Carroches , to feast it , and bribe and domineer ) are they the Guards and Ramparts of our Frontiers ? Do they stand Sentinels ? For one indeed of such Entertainments you might well entertain thirtie , fortie , nay , fiftie better men to perform that emploiment ; and yet wee must bee told , therein consist's the State of War , and guarding of the Frontiers ; and this forsooth is the onely means to stave off the Spaniard and other open and hidden Enemies within and without the Land , from annoying or affronting of us .

XIV .

The Province of Holland hath been in Conference and Treatie with the Council , &c. about the Entertainment of a Compleat Quantitie of Forces , above this twelv-month ; and Holland hath made it plainly appear , that following the project of Reduction , readie paie , exact mustering and order , there would bee more men effectually kept in service , then that way the Council propounded in their project or state of war . All the Question now is , but about 50 Companies , of whom all the rest of the Provinces are to provide but for 21.

XV.

Whereas the Lords of Holland in their State's-Assembly , as the Proposition confesfeth in the 15 Section , declared , that they were extremely necessitated to discharge themselvs of 3● Foot-Companies , and 12 of Hors ( according to that right of non ▪ consent , or discontinuing of consent , each Province hath power and libertie every year to make use of ) which now is the point in Controversie : it was exceeding strange and unheard of ( and might otherwise well bee called Sedition ) to go and irritate or set at odds the Members of a Soveraign Province , one against the other , and against the Provincial Government . Might not a bodie as easily meet with male-contented and ill-affected Citizens and Inhabitants within the Cities of other Provinces , if one should put the like Questions to the Commons , or their Representative meetings there ; Your Deputie-States , Sirs , have don such and such things , or left undon such and such : Is this according to your sens or minde ? Will you have it to pass thus , or not rather otherwise ? Especially if one should add and interweav all manner of perswading , soothing , promising and threatning arguments , representing in what danger Religion stood , how the Gates would bee opened to the Spaniard , and all readie to bee exposed to murthering , burning , robbing , plundering , ( as the like was both openly , before , in , and after this Sending broached everywhere , and covertly insinuated in the Proposition it self ) might it not endanger the States there , and shake their Government into Subversion ?

XVI .

All the Cities of Holland , none excepted , have allowed of the project or state of reducing , so as it was laid : though in the point of discharging , there bee no universal consent needful .

XVII .

The Officers and Souldierie are properly sworn and engaged to the United Provinces or the States thereof , who are their Soveraigns and pay ▪ masters ; the Direction and Captain-ship General indeed they have committed to his Highness and the Council : Yet so nevertheless , that they , the States never yielded up to them the soveraign and absolute power of disbanding , raising , augmenting or diminishing the Armie and Forces of the Land , at their own pleasure and arbitrie . Els might the Companies by virtue of their repartition or allotment , play the same feats with the Cities they are referred to , which the Imperialists , Swedish and French were wont to practise by their Quarterings in Germanie .

XVIII .

In the 18 Section the Proposition confesseth this Sending to bee a new extraordinarie Remedie , that is to say , in plainer terms , a business of dangerous and evil consequence , such indeed as may make the whole Government suspect to the Commons , and hazard a total subversion . This unexspected , undeserved requital , Holland had from their confederates , for having rescued , assisted and protected them these 80 years ; more alone , then all the rest together . Nevertheless , it is not imputed to the Provinces themselvs , but onely to a few ill-affected Hollanders ; who beeing grown rich and great by Jars , Divisions and Confusions , do seek by the same craft to grow more rich and greater still .

XIX .

If so bee that they know the charges of Holland and the other Provinces , then is this proceeding of theirs against their own Conscience : if there ought to bee a full agreement in the discharge ( which nevertheless is untrue , and against the known practise ) much more certainly ought there bee a full agreement in bearing the charge ; and Holland must likewise give its consent to the laying of it on . As long as Holland dissent's , there is no full agreement .

XX.

The discharging of the Companies made by those of Gel. derland and Over-Yssel , whereof the Resolution of Nov. 10 , 1623 doth speak , and the diminishing of their rates , that hath been practised and continued by the same Provinces until such time as the East-side of the Rhine was wholly cleared of the Spaniards .

XXI .

Those of Zealand were not sent to in the year 1626. in such a new and unheard of manner as Holland now is . Letters were writen , and Commissioners were sent to the full Assembly of the States . And Zealand at that time beeing awed to continuation of consent by the instant danger from a puissant enemie , they have not therefore yielded up their right of consenting or non-consenting for all time to com . The Lords Beveren and Scháffer likewise went not thither with intent to dispoil those of Zealand of that right ; but , according to the accustomed manner of Sending ( to the States ) onely for to induce and perswade them . Yet it follow 's not , that in case of standing out , they should have gone up and down the Countrie , to incens and stir up the Commons against the Government there .

XXII .

The Reduction mentioned in the 22 Sect. was don precipitantly , without communication and advice of the Provinces , without shewing themselvs so greatly over-charged , and in the hottest time of war , and therefore differeth very much from that of Holland : which was not made till after long and manifold friendly communications , having shew'd and prov'd their excessive charges , and that not till after the war ended : and all this and the like resolutions were taken , and are without any prejudice to the Union , and to the Rights and Soveraigntie of any Province ; even as Utrecht in the midst of war discharged themselvs of their rate for Sea-matters , or guarding the Sea-Coasts ; Friesland , of the arming and expedition against the Portugals ; and for all that there was never any attempt made to stir up the Commons there against their Magistrates .

XXIII .

The contrarie practice is well known : there was a new express consent to bee obteined every year , for the continuation of the Armie .

XXIV .

Whatsoëver therefore is don now to the prejudice of the Soveraigntie , the Rights and Privileges of Holland , or practised by any ill-affected Hollanders , that same Holland justly reputeth null and invalid , according to Art. 23. of the Union , desiring still , as hath been desired for the space almost of two years now , that the Reduction may bee made according to the Union with common advice ; that is to say , the Province of Holland beeing necessitated to discharge her self of such unnecessarie Forces and Entertainments , that the other Provinces would bee pleased to do the like , and so with common consent disband the 55 Companies , wherein all the Provinces are agreed . Thus the Lords of Holland likewise brought in , and after the like long opposition , effectually procured their resolved Reduction , April 12 , 1642. to the solace and relief as well of the rest , as their own Province .

XXV .

The Caution brought in at last , that this far-reflecting Commission shall bee without prejudice to the Soveraigntie , Privileges , &c. ( which nevertheless was forgotten in the first Cities ) is of that nature , which the Lawyers call Protestatio actui contraria ; others , a catch , and come's just to as much as if they had given Holland and the Cities a stab into the Bowels , saying , it shall do you no hurt . The Lords of Holland do not at all take upon them to prescribe a Law to their Hi. Mi. or the other Provinces : if they pleas to re-entertain the 31 and 12 Companies , which Holland cashiered , as Gelderland and Over-Yssel did in the year 1623 , Holland will not , cannot hinder it . But there is much reason to doubt , whether the Deputies of the other Provinces are instructed by their Principals , to charge them with it . Nay , it is well known , that not one of the discharged Captains , not one of their Solicitors , will advance one pennie to their Companies upon the Countermand . Nevertheless if the other Provinces will provisionally take on these cashiered Companies , by somwhat raising their own rate , and easing that of Holland , which lay so heavie and insupportable upon their shoulders , it shall bee very pleasing and acceptable to them ; and in the mean time they will not withhold their hand effectually to procure , that the former Souldierie may bee faithfully mustered , readily paid , and kept so compleat , that there shall bee found more men in number upon the Frontiers in Garrison , then were before this Reduction . For it is a thing well known , that the most French , English , and Scots Companies , are not 25 men a piece . There is no question , but the rest of the Provinces love disorder , and waste of monie ( the contributed sweat and bloud of the poor Commons ) and unnecessarie charges , as little as they of Holland : and will , in stead of breaking with their friends , soon apply themselvs to put in effect their resolution of cashiering the 55 Companies , &c. as the like hath often happened , &c. this , and but last Winter yet , about the reduction of som twentie men in several Companies .

The 32 Article of the Instruction for the Council of State , alleged in the foregoing Animadversions .

And the meaning of the fore-named States-General is , that in regard of the preservation of the Right of the United Provinces both in the general and particular , they do not now by this instruction or constitution of the Government and Council of State , in their behalf abdicate or abrogate the Right and Power from the States-General and the States of the Provinces in particular , that each of them in particular , as much as concern's themselvs , may in time of need , or when the affairs of the Countrie shall require it , dispose of , and order things committed to the said Council themselvs , and to execute by their direction matters of Sea and Land , with all their dependance , as particularly also the mustering , keeping of Discipline , Militarie punishments for all kinde of excess and exorbitancie , and any other matter . Understanding likewise , that all businesses of State-Policie and Justice , concerning the said Countries , Cities and Members thereof in general and particular , and not expressly committed to the said Council , shall remain at the disposition of the States-General , of the States of the particular Provinces , of the Magistrates of the Cities and other lawful Autoritie , to each according to the peculiar regard and interest .

There past at Dort som notable reflecting words between the Lord of Aërts-berghen , and Burgo-master de Witte : whereof there will bee made mention hereafter , in the Deduction of those of Amsterdam , upon his Highness Proposition , July 30. Howêver the Resolution and Answer there was but general and by word of mouth . That against the instant next Assembly , they would bring in their advice , sutable to the Union and Order of the Land , and contribute their utmost for procuring the peace and welfare of the State . From thence the progress went to Gorcum , where , as also at Schoonhoven , the Resolution was suted answerably to the Proposition . At Goude they were first resolved to give no audience in their Hall , but his Highness arriving and sending for one and the other , hee got most voices and prevailed , though hee got likewise but a general declaration from them by word of mouth .

There , there came to his Highness in behalf of Amsterdam the Lords of Waveren , and Hasselaër . That which past betwixt them , may bee seen in the foresaid Proposition of his Highness at Amsterdam , 30 July , and the Answer of the Lord● there upon it :

In the Briel and at Rotterdam ( whither there were sent som before-hand to awe or draw the chiefest to compliance ) they were admitted according to desire , and were answered accordingly ; howbeit , but by word of mouth , and relatively , to what they intended to bring in at the States-Assembly . But at Schiedam , they were simply told , their Towns advice should bee brought in at the Provincial meeting . So that his Highness receiving so small satisfaction there , refused their entertainment , and would not so much as take a meal there . And so likewise at Delft , where they shew'd themselvs readie to give audience to the Prince , but to the rest of the Commissioners they would not , nor billet the Train ; which made both his Highness , and the rest presently to pass through , and return to the Hague .

Saturday the 18 , they went to Al●maer , where the Communion beeing to bee celebrated next day , and his Highness invited , hee received it together with Count Henrie ; and beeing admitted afterwards to audience , received a good answer , though likewise but by word of mouth , and in general terms ; as also afterwards at Horn , Enck●uyse , and in the smaller Towns , was otherwise everywhere received by the Train-Bands in arms , and with all respect . But they of Medenblick came of their own accord to bring their Resolution dilatorie and general , praying his Highness not to take the pains to com to their Citie , becaus of the bad waies , and that they were but slenderly accommodated , to entertain his Highness , as was fitting according to his Qualitie . At Edam there came two other Commissioners from Amsterdam to salute his Highness the Lords Geelvinck and Spiegel , as wee shall see anon in Amsterdam's answer to his Highnesses Proposition .

At Amsterdam it self his Highness was everie where received with all possible honor and respect ; and what further past there will appear by their foresaid answer .

The Magistrate had prepared a sumptuous Banquet to entertain his ▪ Highness withal . But hee excused himself , and beeing prest but to taste a refreshing Cup , replied , For to eat and drink together wee had need bee better friends first then wee are .

Friday the 24 , his Highness came to Haërlem , where the Magistrate likewise refused audience to the Commissioners of their Hi. Mi. so that his Highness received no content there neither . Saturday they went to Leyden , where they dined , and received answer according to desire ; yet all by word of mouth onely ; and both those of Leyden , and all elswhere constantly protested , that whatsoëver they did , was with reservation of the right and privileges of their respective Cities . That night they returned all to the Hague again . About the hous Deyl , betwixt Leyden and the Hague , one of the Prince's Pages fell out with his Wain-man , whom hee unhappily ran through and kill'd , leaving a poor widow and an hous full of small children behinde him , which caused much discours .

It was observed that those of Schoonhoven had more sumptuously entertained his Highness and the Commissioners , then any other . Having sent for great quantitie of Comfitures , many Cooks and Pasterers to Utrecht , which seem'd so much the stranger for the smalness of the place , and frequent complaints by their Commissioners at the Provincial meetings , and continual desires of beeing eased and relieved by others , for beeing so much in arrears , that they had scarce wherewith to entertain their Deputies at the said Meetings .

June 27. The Lords Commissioners of their Hi. Mi. made the ensuing Report . High , Mightie Lords !

THere beeing a very solemn Deputation or Commission decreed by your Hi. Mi. 5 & 6 of this present June , to repair to the Cities and Members of the Province of Holland and West-Friesland , for the undergoing whereof your Hi. Mi. desired and appointed his Highness , and the Commission'd Lords Van Aertsberghen , Marignant , Rensewoude and Clant , out of your high Mi. own Assembly , and the Lords Van Asperen , Lucas and Treasurer Brasser , out of the Council of State to encline and perswade the said Cities , by all conceivable arguments and possible means for to desist from all separate disbanding , diminishing , and altering of the Lands Forces , and consequently , to join themselvs with the consenting six other Provinces : His Highness accordingly , together with the other Commissioners , disposed themselvs in performance of your high Mi. Resolution , to take their Journie the verie next day after , beeing June 7. to Dort , and in the mean time drew up a Proposition in writing , conteining verie good Reasons and Motives ; to this intent , That the Cities , as Fellow-Members of the Union , would declare their beeing resolved to cleav indissolubly to the Union , to hold fast the antient Unitie , so long and unanimously mainteined among the Confederates , and for that end to bee assisting , that the paiment of the discharged Companies may bee continued , and Reparation made for that which is committed against the Union , by Separate Disbanding and Reduction . Secondly , that they would join with the six other Provinces , for consent to the State of War , and accordingly caus their Deputies ( to bee appointed for the Provincial Meeting ) to advance requisite Resolutions in that behalf in their States-Assembly , according to the antient custom . And if so bee that any differences yet should then remain betwixt the Provinces , touching the State of War , that the said Cities would help to further the submitting and determining thereof , according to the Tenor of the Union . And Lastly , that order may bee taken without delay , for provisional paiment of the cashiered and reduced Souldierie , to prevent the danger that might otherwise ensue : all which was expressed and deduced more at large in the Proposition delivered to them in writing . The Reasons and Inducements were both by word of mouth and writing , fitly accommodated and applied , and all managed in such sort , as his Highness and the Lords Commissioners judged the same sutable to the condition of things and places , som of the Cities and Members of this Province beeing thanked for their good offices and purposes shewed in behalf of the conservation of the Union , and the Unitie and Order of the Governmeṅt , with desire that they would constantly persevere therein . Others were largely informed of the troubles , confusion and mischief that was to bee feared from this separate Disbanding and Reduction of Forces , standing engaged by oath , in common to all the Confederates ; and desired thereupon to help to repair what had been committed against the Union , according to the twentie third Article thereof ; whereby that which is don against the Union , is declared null , and invalid , besides the forfeiture of all particular trespassing Provinces , Cities , and Members thereof , their persons and goods for reparation .

And it was not onely shewed , that the Judgment of the six consenting Provinces was strengthned with the advice of his Highness , as Captain General of these United Netherlands , and that of his Excellencie , the Stadtholder , and the No. Mi. Council of State , that viz. this precipitated separate cashiering and lessning of the Forces of the Land , ordered and concluded by the No. Mi. States of Holland , fourth of this present month , upon a Resolution taken by pluralitie of voices , is a plain Contravention against the Union ; but likewise that it is the Judgment and Opinion of the States of Holland themselvs , as the same was made known and brought into the Generalitie by them , in the years 1623 , 1626 , 1642 , whereof the proof was read before them out of the Exstracts of the publick Records .

His Highness and the rest of their Hi. Mi. Commissioners proceeded herein with all the circumspection and diligence attainable , fully to inform and possess all the Cities of Holland of their Hi. Mi. good intention , to the end their Deputies might the better bee instructed and autorised against the next Provincial Assembly .

They found indeed that their Hi. Mi. were not every where alike welcom . His Highness was received in all the Cities ( except Medenblick , where hee came not ) with all honor , concours of people , and acclamation , both coming and going , so that there appeared a general great respect and affection every where unto his Highness . The endeavors of their Hi. Mi. Commissioners were by som Cities well taken , they expressing their thanks both to his Highness and the Commissioners for the good care they took in the behalf and service of the Land .

Som of the Cities , as Haerlem , Amsterdam , and Medenblick , refused to give audience to his Highness and the Commissioners of their Hi. Mi. in the manner desired . All the rest of the Cities have , upon intimation from his Highness , gathered their Councils together , gave ear to the Proposition , and returned answer ; som Cities also reading som writen Notes , and som few protesting de non praejudicando , that this act may bee no president to their prejudice , whereupon their Hi. Mi. Commissioners prod●ced both reasons and examples to convince them , that their jealousie was needless and groundless .

The Answers of the Cities were different . Som declared they were resolved for ever , holily and indissolubly to cleav to the Union . Som others past by that point , or touched it but soberly . As to the other points concerning the State of War with the ingredients thereof , as also the provisional paiment of the discharged and reduced Forces , som Cities made satisfactorie Answers , and had thanks return'd them ; others referred these matters to the Charge and Commission which they should give to their Deputies for the instant Provincial Assembly ; by reason whereof all those Cities were most seriously desired and exborted carefully to minde these points , thus represented unto them , and especially that of mainteining the Union and Unitie among the Provinces ; to the end that these Differences touching a State of War , might bee laid by once ; the good correspondence and old order of Government ( as well in times of peace , as war , revived and upheld ) and consequently that the consents of the Provinces about the State of war , ( without which the State of the Land cannot bee kept from confusion and disorder ) might bee brought in at length to the Generalitie , and settled accordingly .

All which beeing , in the presence of his Highness & Council of State , reported first by word of mouth , and afterwards delivered in writing , it was founded upon precedent deliberation and advice with the Council of State , and resolved to return most high and heartie thanks to his Highness for his exceeding great pains and care , which hee was pleased to take upon him and go through with , in this high and weightie affair , concerning the weal and tranquillitie of this State ; as also high and heartie thanks were returned to the foresaid Lords their Hi. Mi. Commissioners of their own Assembly , and no less to the Lords Commissioners of the Council of State , for and by reason of their respective devoirs and good offices contributed in the deputation aforesaid ; their Hi. Mi. trusting in God Almightie , that hee would give such a blessing to these their endeavors , as that thereby the respective Provinces may wholly bee reduced to mutual unitie and concord , and evermore maintained in the same . This Conclusion was framed by the Lord of Rijn-haysin . The extraordinarie and ordinarie Deputies of Holland there declared upon the said Report and the Result thereof , that they took no share in the advice , but would acquaint their Provincial Superiors with the whole matter . His Highness then communicated to their Hi. Mi. that during this Commission to the Cities of Holland and West-Friesland , som things had happened to him in particular , whereof hee intended to inform them at som other opportunitie ; which communication was entertained with thanks , and answer returned , their Hi. Mi. would bee readie to receiv the same information , whensoëver his Highness should bee pleased to impart it . Upon which the Extrordinarie Deputies of Holland repeated again their former Exception or Declaration .

In the mean time there were also assembled again the States of Holland , mainly about the matter of this late Sending , every one presenting and reporting there , what had passed and happened with them in that behalf : and thereupon taking pains together for their further mutual consent and constancie , in maintaining their late ( June 4. ) determin'd Disbanding or Discharging of their Souldiers .

And by them there was likewise among other things a Note drawn of the new rates among the Provinces , beeing all the rest shewed themselvs so rich and self-seeking , that they would not hear of any Reduction , such as Holland was constrained unto .

The Old Rate . The New Rate . 5 — 12 — 3 Gelderland — 7 — 0 — 0 58 — 6 — 2¼ Holland — 42 — 0 — 0 9 — 3 — 8 Zealand — 13 — 0 — 0 5 — 16 — 7⅓ Utrecht — 8 — 0 — 0 11 — 13 — 2⅓ Friesland — 17 — 0 — 0 3 — 11 — 5 Over-Issel — 5 — 0 — 0 5 — 16 — 7 Groning & Omlands 8 — 0 — 0 100 — 0 — 0 100 — 0 — 0

June 24. Their Hi. Mi. sent Commissioners again , the Lords Aërtsberghen , Marignant , Renswonde , Grovesteins , Mulart and Clant , to the Provincial Assembly of Holland , to continue perswading of them , to what was formerly propounded to the Cities : Whereupon the customarie answer was returned , that it should bee taken into deliberation , and their Resolution returned in convenient time .

In pursuance of what his Highness had said at the Report June 27. about a more particular Relation , on Thursday following , the 30 day , hee himself accompanied and brought in by the Nobles , did make this ensuing Proposition in the Assembly of the States Provincial of Holland , it beeing easily observed by the style , that the same was penned by Secretarie Nusch .

Noble Mightie Lords !

AFter that the respective Provinces had returned to the Generalitie their Provincial advices about the matter of the State of War , and dependance thereof , and when it appeared thereby , that the six other Provinces were somwhat disagreeing therein with your No. Mi. : Wee then and his Excellencie the Stadtholder , and the Council of State , would gladly have seen that they the said Provinces could have understood one another in this behalf , and waies likewise were shewed them . But your No. Mi. were pleased to pass it all by , and on a sudden , at your last Provincial meeting to resolv upon a separate Discharge and Reduction of som of the Forces of the Land , both Hors and Foot , and likewise to put the same in execution ; whereby their Hi. Mi. the States ▪ General were necessitated among other Devoirs and Expedients , to resolv upon a verie solemn Sending or Commission to all the Cities and Members of your No. Mi. Province , to perswade the same by all conceivable Arguments , to a re-assuming of the foresaid whole business , and consequently that they would desist from all Separate Disbanding , diminishing , or altering the foresaid Forces , as beeing in service of , and engaged by oath to the Generalitie , and to relinquish all contrarie purposes and acts of that nature , that so the Concord , Tranquillitie , and necessarie Unitie between such old and confident Confederates , might bee preserved , and on the contrarie all such practises as should attempt to thwart and cross the same , timely prevented and obviated .

In which good and upright intention , wee were content our own person should bee emploied together with others in that Deputation ; and having undertaken it , our first Journie and Address was to the Citie of Dort , from whence wee proceeded to Gorcum , in regard of the Vicinitie . At which place there repaired unto us the Lords Octgens and Hasselaêr , with Letters of Credence from the Worshipful the Burgo-master and Council of Amsterdam ; which Gentlemen told us again and again most unexspectedly in plain terms , that they should not suffer us , nor the rest of the Commissioners to com within their said Citie of Amsterdam .

A little while after , the Lords Geelvinck and Spiegel , accompanied with a Secretarie , came to meet us at Edam , desiring us , that wee would not trouble the said Citie of Amsterdam , but pass it by , left the Magistrate of that Citie should bee compell'd to somthing that might prove distasteful .

Notwithstanding all this , wee went on , and came to the said Citie of Amsterdam , together with all the Lords of the said Commission . Where the Burgo-masters indeed , welcomed us for our person , declaring , they received us as Stadtholder or Governor , and consequently shewed som demonstration of outward honour .

But beeing desired they should grant us Audience in the full Council of the said Citie , they refused it .

Whereupon pressing them that at least wise they would give Audience to our person in their full Council , in qualitie of your No. Mi. Stadtholder or Lievtenant . And that in a matter , whereof for their further satisfaction , wee had given them information before-hand .

This our desire they referred to the deliberation of the full Council .

And next day the Burgo-masters accompanied with som other of the Magistrates of that Citie , came to us , and declared , that they could not admit the audience , in qualitie of Stadtholder .

Which proceedings were verie different from those of the other Cities of your Nob. Mi. Province , all of them both within and without their districts , respectively , friendly presenting and affording us audience , as Stadtholder .

By reason whereof wee cannot but so much the more most highly resent and complain of the foresaid denunciations and refusals made unto us in the name of the Citie of Amsterdam , as beeing directly against our Dignitie and Respect ; and no less against the State and Eminencie of this Province , who qualified us with the charge of their Lievtenant or Governor ; and notoriously tending to the undervaluing and vilifying of our person ; it beeing also a matter altogether unheard of , and never used towards any of Our Predecessor's in Charge ; in regard whereof wee have judged it necessarie , your No. Mi. beeing gathered now in a Provincial Assembly , to acquaint you with all these passages , and to request and desire you to dispose , order , and oblige the foresaid Magistracie of the Citie of Amsterdam , to make due Reparation unto us in that behalf , resting confident your No. Mi. will take it into speedie deliberation , and resolv accordingly .

Don in the Hague , June 30. 1650. and was signed G. P. d' Orange .

It was observed , that as his Highness named the Citie of Amsterdam , hee did it with a certain commotion and elevation of the Voice , yet afterwards moderated his speech again . Those of Amsterdam desired the Copie thereof , and brought in their Answer , which shall follow in due place .

The States of Holland appointed a Committee , one of the Nobilitie , and the five foremost Cities of South ▪ Holland , Dort , Haërlem , Delft , Leyden , Amsterdam , and of the North-Quarter , Alcmaër , Horn , Enckhuyse , for to examine the whole Business of the foresaid Sending , and dependance thereof ; who found the same to consist in three heads , as , 1. What was fitting to bee don in regard of Formalities about the said Sending ; 2. What was to bee judged of the Substance of the foresaid Proposition made in the Cities of Holland . 3. What might bee most expedient for the weal of the Land , to bee don about the discontinuance of paying the Souldierie cashiered by their Nob. great Mo.

Touching the first point , viz. the foresaid Formalities , it was the opinion of the Committee , That their No : Great Mo. ought by Resolution to disapprove of the said Sending and dependance thereof , it beeing past example , and against the order and form of Government . And that in like manner it bee confirmed by Resolution , that the Cities of this Province shall for time to com , neither afford nor admit of any such Sending . And ▪

As for the second point , the Substance , namely , contained in the foresaid Proposition : That there are found in the same in several respects , divers abusive positions : as , 1. In regard that in the beginning thereof it is said , That the Separate Disbanding and Reduction of the Land's Forces , was undertaken by their Nob. gr. Mi. without fore-going communication with their Confederates : whenas it is more then notorious , that not onely for a long time , nay , divers months one after another , all endeavors have been used , to make known the intention of their No. gr. Mi. touching this subject , unto the Provinces ; but also all possible means used , to dispose them to consent with their No. gr. Mi. whereof the Registers of the Generalitie can render sufficient testimonie at all times , especially in Januarie , March , April , May , and even the third of June last : Besides the Letters writen to all the Provinces in December before , the particulars of all which , may , if need bee , bee produced forthwith . As likewise ( said they ) it could never bee proved , what the Proposition laie's down for a ground-work , viz. That the Supreme command or power of raising , cashiering , or reducing of Forces , is solely committed to the Council of State ; there beeing no such thing to bee found , neither in the Instruction of the said Council , nor in the Union , nor in any Resolution of the State ; that ever the like should bee transported to the said Council : but that on the contrarie , it doth plainly appear by the first Article of the Union , and the 32d Art. of the said Councils Instruction , that the same is resolved to belong to the Provinces . As little ground hath that which the said Proposition aver's , saying , That the lessning of the Forces made by their No. gr. Mi. should bee a breach or dissolution of the Union , there beeing no such Conclusion can bee made from the Articles of the Union : and the allegations out of the said Articles made use of in the Proposition ; they being besides the point , and no way applicable to this case . Moreover ( besides that the business of Religion is most odiously produced there , which nevertheless their No. gr. Mi. as highly affect and minde , as ever any of the other Provinces did or doth ) that it was ill said there , the lessning of the charges made by their No. gr. Mi. was an unheard of and new accident . Whenas it is well known to all the State , what the other Provinces formerly have undertaken and don in that kinde , and in particular , what Utrecht did in the hottest time of war , withdrawing themselvs , and refusing their Contributions for the whole affair of the Sea Coast-Navie , which in effect is the Leaguer for the State at Sea , and the most principal pillar of the Citie 's welfare ; as Friesland and others also likewise have proved notably defective in that regard from time to time , besides what is known , Friesland did in regard of the West-Indie-Companie , altogether abandoning these affairs , even to this day , notwithstanding that the maintenance thereof , is the caus and firm assurance of our so long exspected , dear bought peace ; and the means , whereby the power of the King of Spain can best bee bridled . As also in particular , the lessning of the Forces , hath heretofore been undertaken by several Provinces .

It was also the foresaid Committee's advice , that the above-mentioned disapproving Resolutions might bee intimated to the Generalitie , and register'd there . And that withal , it was fitting to bee there likewise in terms declared and register'd , That , for the time to com , the Cities of this Province should not admit nor suffer any such Sending or Commission , to bee brought or presented to them : and that therefore it should seriously bee urged , That the Provinces beware of laying a ground for such Sendings , or ever undertaking again to put the same in execution , for reasons to bee further deduced then . That it should likewise bee remonstrated to the Generalitie , how among the ingredients of the Proposition made , there was use made of many abusive Positions in various respects , with the deduction thereof , as was briefly touched above , andcould easily bee particularized further .

Lastly , That it was fitting , serious and well-grounded Letters should bee written and sent to all the Provinces , wherein to acquaint them with the reasons and motives , why the foresaid Sending was , by their No. gr. Mi. Resolution disapproved , and for time to com never to bee admitted or entertained again by the Cities of this Province , deducing therewithal , how manifold Devoirs and offers , friendly and serious applications there have been made and reiterated to the Generalitie , even in presence of his Highness , and his Excellencie the Stadholder , and the Council of State , for the disposing of the Provinces to an agreement with their No ▪ gr . M. good intentions ; declaring that their No. gr. Mi. had never other aim nor design , but to disburthen the State for a time , according to the present opportunities , and nevertheless to keep a sufficient proportion of Forces for its securitie , and therwithal firmly to maintein , and more and more to cultivate the old confident Confederacie with all the Provinces .

That in all this , the person and respect of his Highness , was to bee held and maintained by them all , in high esteem , and that this intention of their No. gr. Mi. should in terms bee certified to his Highness himself in their behalf .

Upon the third point the advice was , that his Highness should bee saluted from his No. gr. Mi. by the Councellor Pensionarie , and desired , that according to his wise Considerations , and the exact knowledg hee hath of the whole Business , his Highness would bee pleased to make overture of such Propositions , as hee judged would most effectually serv for to reduce the Provinces to a common consent , about lessning or easing the charges of the State . And besides that the said Councellor Pensionarie should likewise give his Highness to understand , that the Members of Holland were disposed to entertain a Conference about these matters with his Highness , that there beeing afterwards made Report of the success thereof , such further progress might bee made or undertaken , as should bee requisite and fitting .

Hereupon several Conferences were held with his Highness , who desired that in the first place and above all things , Holland should recall their foresaid disapproving advice . Nor was there any other or further Proposition or Project made by his Highness ; but hee stuck still to what formerly was resolved and determined by their Hi. Mi. and by the Council , maintaining , that Holland could nor ought not to do any thing to the contrarie . Saying , that for the defence of the Land there were required at the least 27000 Foot , and 3000 Hors . That the whole business of charges , ought to bee reviewed with the Council of State : that beeing don once , hee would make report of it to the Provinces , and that in the interim Holland should continue to pay the cashiered Companies .

Friday , July 8. The Counsellor Pensionarie Cats , made report of the Conference held by the Committee Members with his Highness , relating , that after various discourses of the one and the other side , the opinion and intention of his Highness was received to bee reported at the Assembly , in manner as followeth .

That the third Member of the Advice presented to the Provincial Assemby , touching the Sending resolved upon by the Generalitie , to the Cities of this Province , should bee extended as a particular Resolution by it self , and as having no relation to the other Members of the same Advice .

That his Highness confiding in the Committee-Members , that they will endeavor to the utmost to dispose their respective Superiors , that the business of disapproving the foresaid Sending to the Cities of this Province , might bee set apart and laid by , without presenting of it to the Generalitie , or otherwise acting in it ; hee could bee content , that a Committee might bee appointed by their No. gr. Mi. for further Conference with him for to frame such an advice together , as might bee most serviceable for the Land , about lessning of the Souldierie , and matters depending thereon ; to bee communicated to the Assembly of their No. gr. Mi. , and if accepted there , overture might then bee made thereof at the Generalitie , as an advice of his Highness , and Conference thereupon had with the Provinces , that so the said Work might bee setled at last , and effectually dispatched .

That in the mean time the paiment should bee continued to the discharged Souldierie , till such time as the Provinces should bee reduced to a full consent .

Furthermore it was related by the Counsellor Pensionarie , that his Highness at pa●ting , desired notice might bee taken , that the foresaid Overtures were made by him , according to his former Declaration , as Stadtholder or Governor of the Province of Holland and West-Friesland .

All which beeing taken into Consideration , it was agreed , That the last Member of the foresaid Advice , should according to his Highness's desire , bee extended , as a Resolution by it self , without reflexion to any thing els .

And further , that the Committee-Members should bee desired , and were desired by these , to make a general Report to their respective principals , of the foresaid matter and dependance , and so endeavor to the uttermost of their abilities , that their said principals may bee disposed to contribute that Zeal to the Work , whereby the same and things dependant , may commodiously bee directed to most service of the Land , and best consent of the Provinces , for an happie issue and conclusion of all . And it was further agreed , that in the interim another Conference should bee entertained by the Committee of their No. gr. Mi. with his Highness , about lessening of the Souldierie and matters annexed , to procure an other project in that behalf , that the Commissioner's advice heard thereupon , the project framed by his Highness joined with the Committee , may further bee managed as should bee found expedient .

At the Deliberation , what Members should bee chosen for the Conference with his Highness about the said subject of lessening the Souldierie and like matters , it was found good the Resolution now taken , and resumed , and concluded that afternoon , should before-hand bee communicated to his Highness by the Counsellor Pensionarie , and his minde known , whether it would bee acceptable to him , to enter next day following into the foresaid Conference .

Not long after Report was made by the said Counsellor Pensionarie , that his Highness upon the hearing of the foresaid Resolution read , had declared , hee would bee readie to morrow to enter into Conference with the Committee of their No. gr. Mi. upon the intimated subject , vid. in qualitie as Stadtholder of this Province , according to former Declaration . Whereupon deliberation had , there were desired and appointed ●or that Committee , the Nobles , together with the Lords of Dort , Haerlem , Delft , Leyden , Amsterdam , Gruda , Alemaer , Horn , Enckhuyse and Medenblick , viz , one person for each of those members , and the Counselle Pensionarie .

But they beeing not able to bring things to a Consent at that Conferrence , his Highness in the interim was very busie for som daies together with the Council of State ; & having together found out and drawn up a project of further accommodation , the same was , ( July 15. next ensuing , ) presented to the Assembly of their Hi. Mi. in tenour as followeth .

High , Mightie Lords !

After what manner his Highness , and his Excellencie , Stadtholder , and the Council of State have , during the War , uncessantly watched and taken care for the preservation of the State , by timely and seasonable presenting unto your Hi. Mi. with what power the Land was fit to bee protected ; so immediately upon the Conclusion of the Peace , they have held it their Devoir , to continue their care and watchfullness for the protection of the State , according to the Constitution of affairs then ; and to this end and effect , they have drawn and presented unto your Hi. Mi. the state of war , containing such a proportion of Forces and like necessarie requisites , as they judged needful for the preservation of the State , as well without as within . But hitherto your Hi. Mi. have not yet accepted of the said State of war with full Consent , to the great grief of his Highness his Excellencie and the Council of State , who cannot but fear thereby , as waste of Treasure on the one hand , so confusion in the State on the other , the rather for that the discrepancies of opinion have already produced such evil effects , and been followed with a pretended seperat Disbanding of Forces , who remaining unpaid , there cannot but ensue and arise thence many both apprehended and unapprehended troubles .

By reason whereof his Highness his Excellencie , Stadholder and the Council of State have judged it needful , to appear now in your Hi. Mi. Assembly , and to see whether your Hi. Mi. may be equal Propositious , yet bee brought to an agreement of mindes . Nevertheless before they com to that , his Highness his Excellencie , Stadholder and the Council of State , declare herewith , That they are still of opinion and conceiv , The securitie of this State , requireth as yet no less Forces , then were comprehended in the formerly delivered State of War ; and they will likewise bee held blameless , if through want of entertaining a sufficient Number of Souldierie , the state of the Land , should bee surprised by any mischief ; declaring further , that they are moved to present this new draught or project , onely upon the apprehension , of the imminent dangers ; in case the Provinces continue longer at odds , about the receiving of a State of War , and especially , if during the Deliberations to bee taken thereabout , a considerable partie of the Souldierie remain the whiles unpaid .

Therefore it is , that his Highness his Excellencie , Stadholder and the Council of State , do in the first place desire that the paie may bee continued to the Souldierie separately and pretendedly discharged .

And thereupon , to bring the Provinces to an Unanimous Resolution , as for the discharging of som Forces , so for the other points of Charges , and the settling of a State of War , his Highness his Excellencie and the Council of State would present the ensuing propositions , nevertheless under express Declaration , as before .

In the first place , That 16 Troops of hors should bee disbanded , there remaining then in the service , yet 52 , besides 50 Carabins belonging to his Excellencie Stadholder : whereof 10 Troops of Collonels , consisting of 60 som , and others of 38 bors a piece ; those of 60 should bee reduced to 50. The 4 first Troops , should remain as now they are , viz. three of his Highˢ one of 150 and two of 200 hors ; and that of Count Maurice , Lievtenant General , 100 hors . Thus there should bee discharged 1340 hors and 3000 remain in service .

That the Cuirassiers should bee turned into Carabins , excepted onely the Guards of his Highness , one Troop of 150 and the other of 100 hors , and the 50 of his Excellencies .

That of the Infantrie there should bee discharged 55 companies of 50 men apiece , and of the 201 Companies of 70 men , remaining , five men a peice reduced besides , so that in all there should bee disbanded 3755 foot , and remain in service 450 companies , consisting of 26350 men .

Which forces are less , then were kept in time of the Truce , besides the 2 troops of hors , 30 Companies of foot , entertain'd by France , at which time , there were not so many Frontiers to bee Garrison'd , as now there are , there beeing a good many more gotten recover'd since , besides other Relations requiring it now , which were not before .

That the lodging-monies , where the same were paid hitherto , should bee lessened by a Moïtie , provided the Companies bee well and readily paid , and likewise disburd'ned from all extraordinarie Charges .

That the Officers of such Companies , as are to go off by disbanding , they beeing reduced to a great deal of inconvenience by this time of peace , many of them having served the State for many years in several qualities , and not well knowing on a sudden what cours of living to applie themselvs unto , it seemeth very equal , that a certain pension bee allowed them ; as namely , to a Captain of hors 1200 flor. p. an . hee entertaining alwaies one hors , to bee in readiness upon occasions , at his Highness's call for service . To a Captain of Foot 800 flor. to a Lievtenant of hors 350 fl. to a Lievtenant of Foot and Cornet of hors , each 250 fl. to an Ensigne 200 fl. p. an● respectively ; so nevertheless , as that all such participants shall remain engaged for service as Reformado's , if need bee , under the Collonel-Companies of the Regiments , or otherwise as his Highness shall finde meet : and that the said pensions shall bee enjoied by them , either during life , or until they shall bee preferr'd again in the Lands Service ; whereunto they shall stand recommended before others ; also that the pensions of such as shall leav the Land , for to dwell or serv elswhere , shall surceas , and return to the equal benefit of all the Provinces .

That beeing the Governors of som of the chiefest and most important Frontiers , besides the great trust put in them of such places , must honorably keep hous there , as having great resort to them of passengers , and withal wanting those advantages of booties and prises , which they enjoy'd during the War , besides their Entertainments . Those therefore of the Bosch , Mastricht , Breda , and Sluys , should each of them , have an allowance of 250 flor. p. month . Those of Berg op Zoom , Hulst and Wesel , each 200 flor. p. month . Those of Willemstad , Clundert &c. continuing still to receiv their 50 fl. p. month apiece .

That the Collonels of hors and foot , in present service , ought to bee had in special consideration , most of them beeing antient and well qualified officers , and men who by long and good services ( through a world of pains , toils and dangers , in Leaguers , Sieges and all occasions , whereof many bear the sad marks still ) came to bee advanced to these Charges : and therefore now in time of peace , ought to bee entertained according to their Deserts , som having heretofore received 500 , 400 , and the least 300 flor. p. month that the present incumbents should have allowed them 200 fl. each p. month and their successors 150 fl. But those of hors might expire by death , the whole Cavalrie beeing to bee reduced to six Collonels onely .

That the Majors of hors and the Lievtenant Collonels of foot , in present service , for the same reasons , of long and good services , may each of them have allowed him 50 fl p. month and the Majors of Hors expire after the present , likewise to six .

And that the Majors of the foot-Regiments shall bee reduced to an allowance of 42 fl. p month .

His Highness , his Excellencie , and the Council of State desiring their Hi. Mi. would bee pleased to accept of this Project , to bring things in a fittness for the framing of another State of War , and expediting of all other affairs , which in the interim , ought to remain in statu quo , and the Council shall go on in the mean while , communicating with his Highness and his Excellencie to examin and perpend the presented Provincial advices , for the spediest settling of that State of War , it beeing altogether impossible that the State of the Land and the Treasurie can bee kept free from disorder and confusion without one .

Don in the Council of State at the Hagh , this 15 of July 1650. attested by Hans Wickel , VI. underneath stood , By Order of the Council of State , J. Eyckbergh .

THe same beeing read , his Highness his Excellencie and the Council of State were highly thanked for the good and provident care , they had shew'd throughout , for the service of the Land , and especially , for to conserv the Provinces in mutual concord , with desire they would still continue this their wonted Zeal upon all emergencies . And thereupon the present Deputies of the Province of Holland were desired , to communicate the foresaid Project to their Principals , the Provincial States of Holland now assembled , and to second the same with all good offices , to the end that fruitful Resolution may speedily bee returned from them ; the same States of Holland beeing likewise desired then , that in the mean time , they would continue to paie the Soulderie of Hors and Foot , now lately discharged by them . Whereupon the said Deputies of Holland in the Assembly of the Generalitie , declared , and caused to bee entred in the Register-Book , that as yet they could not get their consent therein .

During the sesion of this Assemblie his Highness got an ague , and coming home , took his Bed . The Doctors judged , that it came from his washing or bathing himself the daie before in the Viver , at Ryswick , beeing a cold standing water : next daie hee was let blood , and kept his bed for som daies after . The opinion was , hee would get the small pocks . A certain principal member of the Assemblie said then , If the Prince chance to die , they of Holland will scarce admit of another Stadholder .

But toward the week's end hee was well again , though afterwards that saying is proved a true prophecie .

The foresaid project of accommodation of July 15. was examined by the States of Holland in their Assembly for som daies together , and to com still neerer and neerer , to the same and the intentions of the Generalitie , they drew up this Conciliatorie Modell .

That , not to varie and retract what was once agreed upon , there should bee discharged 55 Companies of Foot .

That the Companies of 70 men a piece , should bee reduced to 60 and those of 60 to 50.

That the form or manner of discharging should bee left to his Highˢ and the Council of State .

That the militarie entertainment should bee regulated , according to the project and design of December 1648.

That the Fieldmarshal's entertainment should remain as before and as it is said in the new State of War .

That the disbanded Captains of hors shall bee allowed 1000 fl. p. an . apiece .

The Captains of Foot 700 fl. p. an . provided those Captains of hors or Foot , engage in no other service ; and they shall bee recommended to his Highˢ for employment to com ; and getting new employment , or into other service abroad , their respective entertainments shall surceas .

That the Companies coming to bee vacant , shall bee given , at the nomination of his Highness , according to the former accustomed Order .

That the Lievtenants of Hors and Foot , shall exspire by death .

That three Companies shall remain exemt from alteration viz. two of his Highˢ and one of his Excellencies Count William Stadtholder of Friesland .

That the Lodging-monies shall be taken off altogether , and good order settled for the more exact and readie paie of all Souldier's wages .

And all this without derogating to any former Resolutions in case these aforesaid com to fail of success , the former in that case , remaining in full force and vigor .

Delivered at the Generalitie July 26. 1650.

Upon the 27. of July the States of Holland sent to the six other Provinces this following large Letter , drawn up by Sigr Reuyl Pensionarie of Haerlem .

Noble Mightie Lords , our singular good friends , Neighbors and Confederates !

WIth what zeal the Province of Holland and West-Friesland , hath ever from the beginning of this present Government , and hitherto throughout , taken to heart the conservation , securitie , growth and welfare of the Bodie of the Union in General , and of the Members thereof in particular , the same may appear from thence , that notwithstanding it was agreed between the Provinces by the everlasting Union , made in the year 1579. That in all the said Provinces , there should an uniform and equal proportion of Imposts bee levied in them all upon certain things , for the supplying of the charges needful for common Defence , the Province of Holland and West Friesland notwithstanding , hath been content for the common good , in the rate of the said charges , to undergo such a proportion , as far exceeded the rate of the other six Provinces together , and that in yearly expences , not without great trouble , by introducing all possible means , insupportable at length to the good people , brought in , together with , yea often before and beyond other Provinces , ( who many times remained in arrears ) into the Treasurie of the Generalitie , and not onely so , but , in times of exigencie and necessitie , furnished excessive summs to the Generalitie for the other Provinces , whereof there is no return made yet ; by all which , our Treasurie beeing so exhausted , that it is altogether impossible , the same and the State of the Province , which must have its nourishment and sustenance thence , can subsist any longer , unless the charges bee lessened to som purpose ; Hence it is , that since it hath pleased Almightie God to bless the State with a glorious Peace , wee have judged it meet and equal to bet●ink our selvs , how the enfeebled bodie of the Treasurie , drawn drie of all its vital moisture almost , by the chargeableness of the long-lasting War , may , by the benefit of Rest , recover so much vigor again , that the ill-willers may bee disappointed of all their devices to attemt anie thing against the State , and the attemters by vigorous resistance defeated of all their hopes of success against us ; it beeing undeniable , that otherwise , by the continuance of the charges , which cannot bee furnished from the Incoms , the State will and must needs bee ruin'd by Peace , which ought to bee the means of its recoverie ; which as it were great unthankfulness to God , who all this while and long hot War not onely kept , but also enlarged it ; and unanswerable to posteritie , that such a glorious Fabrick , which stood unmoveable against all the enemies thereof , should by ill-trusted friends and careless Gardians bee suffered to fall at last to ruine : So wee have , looking on the one hand , to the Eas of charges , and on the other , with no less heed , upon the securitie of the State , acquainted thereupon his Highness his Excellencie , and the Council of State , with our advice for the new state of War , framed with that circumspection , and presented at last to the Generalitie , that wee have severed matters of Liberalitie from matters of Necessitie , and nevertheless in the first , used that Discretion , that the modestie of a discreet desire might well bee content therewith ; and proceeded in the second with that carefulness , that wee were no way behinde hand ; but that afterwards , for compliance sake with the other Provinces , and if it had been possible , to have brought all to one Consent in this affair , Wee made offer , that disbanding 20 Troops of Hors , and 55 Foot-companies each of 50 men , and the reduction of the companies à 70 to 60 men , wee yielded to continue the remaining forces both Hors and Foot in service , the Cuirassiers onely changed into Carabins ; to the sum of 2700 hors and about 26000 foot : and although wee hoped that the upright discoverie , which with singular confidence wee made to the Deputies of the Provinces , shewing , that wee should keep a less number effectivè in service , if wee took on more then wee are able to pay ; whereby the State must needs rest less secure and confiding in the Forces , and grow more ruinous in the Treasurie . The conferences indeed , which have been made about that subject several times at the Generalitie it self , and at publick Deliberations , and especially the Communication wee imparted thereof by our Letters of December last to all the Provinces as Confederates , wee hoped , should have had the operation , as to render the said Provinces , and among them your Nob. Mi. particulars like minded and consenting with us ; but as yet the State could never bee so happie , no not so much as that the Deputies of the Provinces would but have assented , that the same thing wherein they themselvs , according to the advices of their Superiors , agree with us by common consent , might have been but provisionally executed by the Council of State ; and endeavored to recommend the rest to their principals , that by degrees , at least , things might have com to a full consent at length ; insomuch , that all our manifold endeavours and reiterated instances for manie months together remaining fruitless , Wee were necessitated at last to dis-continue the paie of those Forces , for the entertaining whereof wee had declared by our solemn Advice , wee could not consent ; Which howbeit , that by som at the Generalitie it is censured , as if it laie not in our power to do , they pretending that the joint Confederates have committed the supreme Command , the raising and dis-banding or reducing of Forces , unto his Highness and the Council of State , and that the Officers likewise are engaged by Oath to his Highness and the said Council , for to obey them onely ; and that therefore our foresaid discontinuance of paie should bee a Breach of the Union ; yea , and that wee our selvs had understood and sentenced it so at other times , upon like occasions , against other Confederates ; Nevertheless wee dare promiss our selvs , from the zeal of your Nob. Mi. and that of the States of the other Provinces , towards the Conservation of your own Freedoms , and from your singular Discretion , a far different , nay contrarie judgment to theirs , touching the Sens of the Union , and that which wee are said to have mainteined heretofore our selvs against other Confederates . For as the Provinces have by the Union , in matters of publick charge , kept unto themselvs the freedom of yielding or with-holding their Consent , which therefore was to bee renewed every year , ( by reason of alterations that might happen ) it having been a known practice , that the Council of State drew a Petition yearly , which was sent to the respective Confederates to desire their Consent ; so without all peradventure , the Freedom consisted not in an emtie sound of words , but in such effectual realities , that wee our selvs free from paying or contributing to such charges , for the continuation whereof wee , ( any of the Provinces ) had declared our selvs once , that wee could not yield our consent ; The Provinces having no power to over-vote the one the other in matter of consent , much less upon such Consent's refusal , to force any to Contribution ; of which all the Provinces , especially Utrecht and Friesland may bear witness ; the former having in the hottest time of War with held their Consents for many years together , for Subsidie to the Coast-Navie , the Sea-Leaguer ( as it were ) of the State , as the other did for Subsidie to the West-Indie ▪ Companie , the protection of the Conquests in Brasil , and the withstanding of the perfidious power of the Portugals ; and consequently contributed , respectively , not a penie to either . Thus much indeed wee yield to , That the Council of State , as Exsecutor of the Resolutions of the Common-Union , may , after that all the Confederates have certified their consent of raising forces , accordingly levie the same , and engage them by Oath ; and that the Officers so taken on , in matters of militarie exploits for the service and conservation of the State , are to yield obedience to his Highˢ and the Council of State ; but the same are in no wise enabled or autorised to rais or continue Forces in service against the consent of the Provinces , much less under pretext of the Oath , taken in the Name of the Common-Union , to force them to continue the same in service against the Remonstrance of the Members of the Union . Nor shall it ever bee found , that the Province of Holland and West-Friesland understood it otherwise at any time against their Confederates ; beeing that the Examples produced for that purpose are of a clean different nature ; and particularly , That som Provinces , either contrarie to their consent given , or without fore-going notification to the Confederates of their discontinuing consent , may have sought to eas themselvs by clandestine Reduction of the Forces , or som other under-hand waie of disburthening charges ; the same might not without reason bee said to have been against the Union , as , whereby the securitie or safetie of the State is empaired , against former ( given , or at leastwise not professedly discontinued ) Consent , without any notification to the Confederates . But if so bee , that a Province have made known to the Confederates her disabilitie of undergoing their Burthen any longer , and have shewed their reasons why they cannot continue their consent of entertaining the charges they were not able to bear ; then certainly , it is far enough from the Province of Holland , ever to have maintained , this to bee contrarie to the Union ; Holland having in this Case , not onely been content to pass by such with-holdings , but ( the Lands exigencie requiring it ) hath readily put her own shoulders under the burthens , thus excused or rejected by others ; by which zeal and proneness of hers her back beeing overburthened and born down readie to break , Wee cannot bee so mistrustful to our caus , that putting off now what wee are not longer able to bear , and doing but therein , what the Freedom , preserved by the Union , doth enable us , and following in the same the Examples of other Confederates ; wee should yet bee held bound to your Nob. Mi. to perform impossibilities , and that you will suffer , that after so long maintenance of our Freedom , against those that were our Enemies , any Confederate should dare ( now wee enjoy peace ) to dispute our and your Freedom , never controverted in War , and ever acknowledged by the Princes of the Land themselvs , before the Wars : especially considering further that our aim tend's to the repute , honor and safetie of the State , and the missing thereof must needs weaken the esteem , abate the credit , and endanger all again ; the Credit and reputation of affairs consisting in this , that in time of peace , care and heed bee taken , how by fit and wise managing and husbanding , that may recover and get strength again , which by War was brought low and weakened , and the Honor , that thereby may bee recovered the luster and splendor a● a well-ordred Treasurie , and the Safetie , that by exact and readie paie there may bee kept a convenient and well-disciplin'd Armie ; whereas on the contrarie the neglect of such a managing of peace , will caus our verie friends to slight and vilipend us , and the further decaie of our Treasurie bee the Joy and Exsultation of our Enemies , whereon to ground an assured hope , that ( wee continuing in this reklessness ) it will shortly bring to pass that , which all the power from without , for so many years ( whilest the good caus was stood for by the upright courage of heroîck Generals , and the prudence and Wisdom of Zealous Governors , both assisted by the blessing of God ) was never able to effect .

As likewise the entertaining of Forces and such like Burthens in greater proportion then the incoms are able to discharge , must needs draw along an uncertain doubtful paie , which will soon lessen the number and strength , and that which is wors , breed thoughts of disobedience , malcontentedness , and the like , to the apparent danger of the State ; which hazard is very needless , in regard that these Countries are so situated , that if the Treasurie bee but furnished with abilitie to make good paie , there will bee no want of men in time of need ; but to entertain more then can bee paid , must of necessitie caus want and decaie of Treasure .

And since by what hath been deduced here , Your No ▪ Mi. are easily able to understand , that wee have proceeded in all this with all requisite Communication with our Confederates , and don nothing , but what our Disabilitie , caused by our indefatigable Zeal for the preservation of the State , hath necessitated us unto , and that which by Right and in Wisdom wee might and ought to do , and other Confederates , in times of greater danger , have don before us ; for the maintenance and preservation of which Right and Freedom , all the Confederates themselvs are bound according to the Union , to aid and assist us , all tending but to our own Preservation ; wherein , how much all the rest of the Confederates are concerned , they themselvs have oft-times tasted during all the War , and are able at present to discern by their Wisdom , and that the aim of the Union is none other but the preservation of the State in general , and of every particular member thereof : Therefore wee will not doubt , but our sincere intention shall sufficiently guard us in your Nob. Mi. apprehension , from all ●inister impression of our beeing otherwise disposed , then to remain inviolably faithful to the Union , which wee do holily protest , wee are resolved and ready , firmly to keep and maintein with life and goods for ever , with utmost seriousness , for the Love of our Dear Father-land , and the memorie of those that have seal'd the Confirmation of this Union with their heart'sblood ; for the preservation of our selvs and all that are near and dear to us , and for the Honor of God and his Son , whom here wee have libertie to profess and worship according to his Will. Beseeching your Nob. Mi. that by your joint putting off , together with us , of such insupportable burthens as may bee dispenced with , without evident danger to the State , You will help to further the disburthening of the overcharged Estate thereof ; and weighing well your No. Mi. own preservation , you will not further importune us with what wee are not able to perform , or , if wee should undertake it , would unavoidably hasten our Destruction , and consequently the ●uine of the whole State : In confidence of your Nob. Mi. Wisdom and Zeal for remedying the same , Wee rest , &c.

Written in the Haghe July 27ᵒ 1650. Superscription ; To the Nobles . To all the Provinces . The States .

In the mean time they of Amsterdam had likewise got ready and presented unto the Provincial Assemblie of Holland , their Answer to the abovesaid Proposition of his Highˢ , made at the same Assemblie June 30 , in terms and manner as followeth .

Noble Mightie Lords !

THe Burgomasters and 36 in Council , of the Citie of Amsterdam , having seen a Copie of the Proposition presented to the Assemblie of your No. Gr. Mi. June 30 last past , by his Highˢ the Prince of Orange ; and that therein Complaint is made , and Reparation desired , of and for certain offences to have been committed against his said Highˢ , by and in behalf of the Government of this State ; They are very sorrie to understand , that the good and upright intention which their WW had in all the passages that Proposition reflect's upon , should bee so mistaken , as to bee made the subject of Complaints and Dissatisfaction . And though they would have been glad , that what happened in that kinde might have been past by in silence , so , as their W. W. endeavored on their parts by their Deputies to have disposed his Highˢ , and to give all possible content : Nevertheless they do now finde themselvs urged by necessitie , in their own defence and justification , to present and lay before your Noble gr. mi. the ensuing answer ; the rather also , for that the foresaid Proposition hath been spread abroad and divulged in print , to our great prejudice : beeing confident it shall plainly bee made to appear , their WW had no design in what hath past , but , together with the maintenance of the lawful order of Government , and the Rights of this Province and their own Citie , to yield all due respect and honor to his Highness .

Thus then the matter standeth ; That the said Burgomasters , and the 36 in Council , having been a long while waiting for the fruitful issue of the Deliberation , which held your No. gr. mi. busie so much time , viz. about the state of War ; coming to see at last the Resolution taken by your No. gr. mi. June 4ᵒ last past , and the Orders issued for conformitie thereunto ▪ viz ▪ to leav unpaid , and to hold for discharged and cashiered , som Companies of the Repartition or Allotment of Holland ; Their WW rested confident , the other Provinces and their Deputies at the Generalitie , would duly have acknowledged the lawful power of your No. gr. Mi. in that behalf , together with those pregnant and pressing motives , which had moved and sufficiently constrained you to take that Resolution at last ; and thereupon would have left you uncontrouled in the effecting of what you had resolved .

But contrarie to all exspectation their WW were advertised , that after the parting of your No. Gr. Mi. Assemblie , the said honorable Deputies of the Provinces at the Generalitie , undertook upon Whitsundaie June 5ᵒ without any more ado , to Countermand your No. Gr. Mi. Order by Letters to the respective Commanders , Captains and Sollicitors , tnd to resolv upon a very Solemn Deputation to all the Cities and Members of Holland , for to dissuade them by all conceivable arguments , from conforming to your No. Gr. Mi. Resolution aforesaid , and that his Highˢ the Prince of Orange should in person help to sute and adorn the said Commission , together with som of the Lords of the Generalitie and others of the Council of State ; with a very prejudicial autorization of his Highness , in regard of the Province of Holland , the Cities and members thereof .

Also , that his Highˢ and the rest of that Commission , were already parted from the Haghe to the purpose aforesaid , notwithstanding , that the present Deputies of your No. Gr. Mi. at the Generalitie , had solemnly desired there beforehand , June 7ᵒ that the said Sending beeing an Innovation beside all accustomed order of Government , which could promiss no good issue , might bee superseded , or but suspended , with offer that the Provincial Assemblie should bee convocated with all possible expedition , to the end , that the matters intended to bee propounded to the particular Cities and Members of Holland , might bee communicated there unto their Representatives .

The great weight and concernment of all which , hath made the Burgomasters judg it necessarie , timely to deliberate hereupon with the Citie-Council ; and to this end at a solemn Meeting appointed June 10 it was unanimously agreed , that the foresaid Sending of their Hi. Mi ▪ to the Cities and Members of Holland in particular , especially in a matter concerning a Provincial Deliberation , and point blank against the Resolution thereof , could not bee admitted nor received to Audience ; and thereupon concluded to dispatch forthwith Commissioners to meet his said Highness , and from the Citie to acquaint him , that his Highˢ Princely person and the other Commissioners with him , beeing in no other qualitie then Deputies from their Hi. Mi. they could not bee admitted to Audience in the Citie 's Council , nor so much as to com into the Citie .

And without judging it needful to deduce here at length the reasons , which moved their W W ▪ to this , they shall onely refer themselvs touching the fitness and unfitness , together with the troublesom Consequences of the foresaid Sending , to what formerly in the year 1639 upon like occasion ( howbeit of less importance , in regard his Highness was not personally join'd in Commission , but onely som Holland-Gentlemen who made themselvs liable to answer it to their Principals ) hath amplie been deduced and presented to your N. G. M. from and in behalf of the Government of this Citie , according to the Copie hereunto annexed , and unto that likewise , which by the Committee ▪ members of your N. G. M. conformably thereunto , hath by waie of advice been presented , about the subject in hand in particular ; Consisting in this , That by your N. G. M. Resolution the said Sending and dependance , is to bee disapproved , as beeing past Example , and against the order and form of Government ; as also , that it bee resolved , The Cities of this Province should henceforward , neither offer nor admit any such Sending within their Bounds ; furthermore , that this disapprooving Resolution should bee made known from your N. G. M. to the Generalitie , and registred there , that hereafter no such Sending should bee more admitted by the Cities of this Province ; and that therefore it should bee seriously urged to the said Generalitie , they would take heed of laying a ground hereafter for any such Sending , or of undertaking and acting the same , for reasons to bee further shewed , and lastly to write seriously to all the Provinces , and to give them a particular account of the reasons and motives , wherefore the foresaid Sending was disapproved by their N. G. M.

See the foresaid Advice a little before .

And forasmuch as the Burgomasters and Council of Amsterdam were sorrie and wondered much to see , that his Highˢ suffered himself ( by such , to whom it no waies belong's ) to bee entangled in the accepting of this Commission , and perceived , that they could no less disacknowledg his Highˢ himself then the rest in Commission with him , Their W W. out of respect to his said Highˢ , and to sever him , if it were possible from his received Commission , and to prevent a Refusal of the Audience , found good to send to his Highˢ , and to let him know the foresaid Resolution , with deduction of the pregnant Reasons , which mooved the said Burgomasters and Council , to take the same , and consequently seriously to desire his Highˢ , that bee would bee pleased to break off his intended journie , in regard that hee and the rest in Commission with him , could not bee received into the Council nor Cittie of Amsterdam , in qualitie of that Commission . Which message with other offices beeing performed by the Burgomasters Waveren and Hasselaër in the Citie of Gorcum , they had thanks given them at their return .

Now the same beeing construed by his Highˢ , as if the intention of Burgomasters and Council had been , simply not to admit his Princely person into their Citie , no not in consideration of his Dignitie of Stadholder of the Province ; their W W solemnly declared for elucidation of their good intention , that the same was altogether far removed from their least thoughts , as the East is from the West ; but that his Highness as Stadtholder of the Province might bee assured of the greatest honor and respect that could bee desired , and that the sens of the Council was onely , That his Highˢ could not bee admitted , in regard of the foresaid Commission .

And when afterwards the said Burgomasters were advertised , that his Highness continued in his Resolution to repair nevertheless to the said Citie , conceiving hee might prevail for all that to get admission upon the foresaid Commission and Lett es Credential from their Hi. Mi ▪ Their W W and the Council persisted again , it was not in their libertie nor power to grant the foresaid Audience , and found good to send the second time to his Highˢ to acquaint him with their Resolutions , and for the foresaid reasons most seriously again to desire him , to pass the Citie by in this Commission , testifying nevertheless all due readiness to receiv him ( this qualitie laid aside ) as Stadtholder , with all respect and honor . To this end there were sent unto his Highˢ the Lord Gelvinck , old Burgomaster , and Sigr Spiegel of the Council , with a Secretarie , who meeting his Highˢ at Edam , they there in decent manner made known unto him the foresaid Resolution and desire ; intimating therewithall unto him , in the Name of their Superiors , that if his Highˢ were pleased to com into the Citie as Stadholder , that their W W should longingly take the opportunitie of shewing to his Highˢ all the proofs of their respect and obsequiousness .

And becaus it pleased his Highˢ to replie thereupon that hee meant to com together with the rest of the Commissioners in all the Qualities hee now was invested with . The Citie-Commissioners returned , that his Highˢ coming to the Citie , hee should bee looked upon and received as Stadholder of the Province , and hee was desired then to let them know the time when his Highˢ was to bee there exspected .

Next daie , beeing 23 of June , his Highˢ together with the foresaid Commissioners arrived within the said Citie , and was received for his person with the train-bands in arms , and with further exhibition of all due respects by the Burgomasters .

But when , notwithstanding all the former Devoirs and Deprecations , it pleased his Highˢ to declare to the said Burgomasters , that hee was com there , together with other Commissioners from their Hi. Mi. to propound to the Common Council according to their Letters of credence , such matters as they had in Commission , desiring Audience for that purpose , the same was , upon the fore-cited reasons , answered with an Excuse .

Which they made use of the rather , in consideration of the offence committed in this Commission against the Dignitie and Reputation of your No. Gr. M. Province , when as the Lord Alexander vande Capelle , Sigr of Aertsberghen , beeing the mouth of the Commissioners from their Hi. Mi. did ( according to the report of the Deputies of the Citie of Dort ) in the Common Council there , in most exasperate bitter and unsufferable language , declare , That they the Commissioners could take no satisfaction in the dilatorie answer made the daie before unto his Highˢ , and that they would not depart from Dort , ere and before the Old Council had roundly declared unto them , whether they would return to the Union again which they had deserted , and until they had received a clean , short , positive , Categorical and peremtorie answer to their Proposition in writing ; and that besides this , they looked for to have a ready and effectual Reparation made by the said Lords of Dort for the Breach of the Union , whereof they had made themselvs guiltie together with other members of Holland , and were liable therefore in bodie and goods , according to the 23d Article of the Union , and the Examples alleged , to bee arrested and proceeded against before any Magistrates and Judicatures ; the said Lord of Aertsberghen declaring further , that in case of failing in or delaying the said Reparation , they the Commissioners must talk with them in another strain , whereof they should hear more ere long .

Upon the foresaid Excuse , his Highˢ was pleased to let it rest there , and began to desire that hee might bee admitted then himself onely in person to Audience , as Stadtholder of Holland , without nevertheless laying down the fore●aid Qualitie of Commissioner , declaring that hee intended to speak there onely about that which was propounded to his Highˢ at Gorcum by the Lord Waveren , in the name of the Government of this Citie , without any further specification .

And when his Highˢ would not bee pleased to recede from ▪ this desire , nor make any further overture of what hee intended to propound , the Burgomasters , for to give as much content as might bee , and to consider , whether it were necessarie and requisite to call the Common Council about it , they received the desire of his Highˢ to communicate the same with the Lord Valekenier their Collegue , President at that time , but not present , becaus of som bodily indisposition .

And although their WW had Autoritie enough themselvs to dispose of this Audience , nevertheless for their better Discharge , they had it debated in the Council , and it beeing found unfitting by their advice , his Highˢ beeing com into the Citie in the foresaid Commission , and having matters to propound depending on that Commission , to grant any Audience to him in full Council ; it was found good therefore that the Burgomasters , together with 5 more of the Council , should bee deputed to him , and fairly excuse the Admission ▪

Which Lords having made the foresaid Excuse to his Highˢ , they offered unto him for further satisfaction , that if his Highˢ had any thing to propound , either about that same , or som other matter , hee would bee pleased to make the overture to them , assuring him , they would make faithful Report unto the Council , which no doub● would bee ready thereupon to give him all feasible satisfaction .

But it beeing perceived that his Highness was not pleased to make any further overture but in full Council , and Burgomaster van Waveren offering there upon the place , that forasmuch as him concerned , hee was ready to answer what past at Gorcum , and to give satisfaction in that behalf therewith , and a repeated desire and presentation to his Highˢ unsatisfied , they parted .

Now that this last Excuse of Audience , in manner as said is , should bee interpreted and complained of in the foresaid Propositition , as if thereby those of Amsterdam had failed in their respect due unto the Stadtholder , the said Burgom●sters and Council canot but rejoin for their discharge , That upon review of the Commission given by your N ▪ G. M ▪ to his Highˢ as Stadholder , it dotb plainly indeed appear , that the Stadtholder is bound to stand for , further , and defend the Dignitie , Rights , Privileges and welf●re of the Countrie , the Members , Cities and Inhabitants thereof , together with the use and exercise of the Christian Religion , to preserv and Protect the same from all molestation and trouble , disorder and discord , detriment and damage ; moreover , to see Right and Justice don and administred to all such as shall desire the same , and to see all matters of Justice executed by the Advice of the Lord President and Council of Holland and Wessfries●and ; and again , after advice taken from the same Court , to grant letters of Grace and Remission ; and as touching the affairs of War or Government of this Province , to conform himself to the minde of the said Lords the States of Holland , or the Advice of their Commission'd Council , according to their instruction ; as also to change the Burgomasters , the Council and Laws in due manner , according to the privileges and immunities of the respective Cities and places , &c. But that the Stadhholder should have power , by virtue of the said Commission , to present himself in the respective Citie ▪ Councils , there appear's not the least tittle : so that in that particular regard , as ▪ also in regard of the Qualitie of Governor and Captain General , every one ought to regulate and govern himself according to that which hitherto hath been in use and practice , as well for the one as for the other : namely , That if the same have any thing to propound to the Citie-Council , that then hee address himself first to the Burgomasters to make the overture there , and to procure audience , it beeing the Burgomasters part to judg , whether the desired audience i● to bee granted , ( for all things are not subjected ●o the Counci●● cognisance ) and if not , then hee ought to have patience , without any offence of beeing under valued ; forasmuch as it is the peculiar right of the Burgomasters so to judg and declare .

And besides their WW give your N. G. M. to consider ▪ the most dangerous consequence , that when they , the States of the Countrie , of or by their Sovereign Autorit●e do resolv ought , the Governor or Stadtholder , not pleased therewith , shall at his own pleasure have the libertie to travel round about from one Citie-Co●●cil to another , to over-aw and terrifie them thus by piecemeal , in manner as before is related of the Lord of Aertsberghen his practice and endeavor ; and if hee seeking audience any where upon that score ▪ none shall so much as dare to excuse the same .

Against which there can bee no contrarie Pr●cedents or practices of his Highˢ Predecessors bee alleged , much less proved and made good during this Government in this Citie ▪ and therefore very abusively , under favor , and upon very ill information , is there mention made in the foresaid Proposition of contrarie use and practice ; forasmuch as the Supreme Government is nor committed to the Stadtholder , but to the Assemblie of the States Provincial .

And this N. G. M. Lords is that which the said Burgomasters and 36 of the Council have been constreined in their necessarie Defence to laie before your Honors , as concerning not onely their peculiar Right and Freedom , but likewise that of your N. G. M. in general ; whereupon they persuade themselvs that his Highˢ , repondering the matters more exactly , and yielding place to reason , hee will easily bee able to judg , that the Lords of Amsterdam did nothing in all these occurrences , but according to the Order of Government , and with respect to the dignitie of this Province : and in stead that Reparation is demanded at their hands , they have more ground and reason to complain and demand reparation for the encroaching made and put upon the Government of Holland in general , and of the Citie of Amsterdam in particular , by those which advised and set on ●is Highˢ to the undertaking and personal undergoing of the foresaid ill-grounded Commission and the exsecution thereof ; and more especially , that in regard of the Lord of Aertsberghen there ●ee Reparation demanded and had for the insufferable insolence and injurie abovesaid , where such is due and requisite . Forasmuch as the Resolution of your N. G. M. made and taken after so many precedent instances at the Generalitie , was grounded not against the Union , but upon the proper Right of your N , G. M. constantly in like cases usual ; and besides the exigent necessitie , upon Equitie it s●lf , That this Province having , during all the war , laid out it self more then any of the other Provinces , even beyond abilitie , for the purchasing of the joint Libertie of all the Provinces , and having now , through Go●'s blessing , obtein'd the same , would bee loath to suffer the same in peace to com to wrack and ruine by further waste of the Treasurie ; but rather , to entertain a well-regulated Armie , exactly definite for Number , fit and proportioned for the Defence of the Laud ; and to see the same duly paid and mustered , that the insufferable fraud , even hitherto in vogue still , may bee hemm'd , and by means of all this the honest habitants bee eased and freed by degrees , as much as may bee , of those great burthens and charges of impositions and like molestations , which hitherto , during the Wars , they have bo●n above measure ; and therein bee made as happie , as those of som Provinces already are in that kinde , and com to taste likewise the sweet fruits of their Peace so dearly purchased ; Which , by a longer entertainment of the former un-necessarie and ill ▪ regulated Souldierie , they cannot possibly obtein or hope for .

In conclusion , their WW add but this more , that they wonder much why the offence is onely taken up against them and their Citie in particular , and not against any other ; whereas his Highˢ declared in the written report made to t●e Generalitie in this behalf , that other members likewise of your N. G. M. Assemblie had refused the same Audience or Admittance .

By Order of their WW . Signed , Gerard Hulst .

Matters beeing com thus avant , and each part conceiving they had sufficiently cleared or declared themselvs , and none inclined to yield to the other ; his Highness took a sudden and subtil resolution ; viz. to seiz som Members of the Assemblie of Holland , and to reduce the Citie of Amsterdam by force of Arms ; for which end hee had secretly som daies before already sent Orders abroad to several Troops of Hors at Nimmeghen , Arnheim and elswhere , to be● on Saturdaie morning very early , viz. July 30 , before such a Gate of Amsterdam . Count William was gone from the Haghe on Friday the 29 in the afternoon , and at Abkow after midnight , where the Lord of Sommerdick and the Baron of Dona , arrived punctually at the set time with four Troops of Hors , but the rest of the Cavalrie from Nimmeghen and Arnheim had straied in the V●law : the fault whereof was cast on Captain Mom ; though it was the Lord of Sommerdyck that commanded that whole Brigade . Nor had Mom any other notice of the Enterprise , but to bring the Hors to Abkow , no● any charge of stopping passengers ; whereupon it happened that the Hamborough poste or messenger , lighting among his Troops , was not staied at all , but keeping on his cours , arrived early in the morn at Amsterdam , and brought the first news to the Post-master by the Exchange , and after that to the Lord Van Swieten one of the Burgomasters , that hee had been riding the night before among som thousands of Hors , supposing them Lorrainers , and that they were marching for Amsterdam . The Burgomaster immediately send 's for the Major of the Citie , causeth the Draw-bridges to bee taken up , and strengthen's the guards , and getting himself to the Town-hous , gave order ( hee beeing alone of all the Burgomasters at hand , the rest either from home , or sick , or dead ) for the Ordnance to bee put upon the walls of the Citie in posture of Arms.

In the mean time the Hors all met , and after a Council of War , Count William march'd , and arrived prettie late about noon , along the Amstel , even close up to the Citie . His Design and Charge was , fairly to ride in at Saint Antonie's gate , it beeing no custom at Amsterdam to keep any special Guard , much less to ask or examine any whence hee came : supposing there would bee as little scruple or let now made by any , as ever before ; especially , if it were early yet , and few people stirring , which was the time intended . A certain French Captain Major , by name Jentilot , on Friday evening before , accompanied with 50 choice men , souldiers , all pickt of several Nations , ( the Prince would have had him taken onely French , but Jentilot deprecating the Odium to fall all upon his Nation , hee obteined to cull them out of all Nations , amongst whom there were many Officers , all armed with Swords and Pocket-pistols , ) took boat at Utrecht , with intent to bee next morning very early before Amsterdam , and civilly entring the Gate , suddenly to make himself master of the same . Hee told mee himself , that hee had express charge to commit no act of hostilitie , nor to shoot , even though they were shot at themselvs . And so the Hors likewise that were to enter , were charged not to shew the least hostile carriage , nor to shoot again beeing shot at , ( unless the Citizens made it too gross ; for then of right they might defend themselvs , and the Prince gave them leav ) but to tell the people , they came onely as friends for the good of the Citie and State , to preserv peace and unitie between the Provinces in general , and among the Members of Holland in particular ; And so riding on fair and softly in good order , they should have beset and taken possession of the Town hous , until his Highˢ , who was to follow them , should have com , and have removed som ill-affected Members of the Magistracie and Council , and reduced the rest to an happie agreement with the rest of the Provinces about the present Differences .

There was never a Captain of these but had two or three hundred Duckats in gold about him , to supplie their mens necessarie occasions , most if not all of them beeing ill provided by reason of this sudden , unexspected service ; though som also said , it was for to quiet and allure to their side divers of the Common people , that might have stood in opposition to them at the entrie .

Jentilot indeed was timely enough at the Randevouz , but missed Count William , for the reason aforesaid ▪ who coming at last , and finding the Gate shut against him , and the Citie all in arms , attempted nothing ; sending onely a Letter , from his Highˢ to the Magistrate , by one of his Gentlemen , in these ensuing terms .

Worshipful , Prudent , very discreet , singular good friends !

BEeing lately in your Citie , for the service of the Land , wee were so strangely encounter'd by you , that for not beeing subjected any more to the like , wee resolved to send Count William of Nassaw with the Troops under him , unto your Town , with Order to keep all things there in rest and quiet , to the end , that wee may not bee let again by som ill affected , in what wee have yet to propound unto you , concerning the service of the Land ; whereunto wee desire your good Cooperation , and relying upon it , commend you to the protection of the most High , resting Your good friend

G. P. d'Orange . Dated , Hagh July 29 , 1650.

Whereupon the Magistrate having advised , there went forth the Citie in the afternoon , in an armed Pinnace the Lords Huydekooper , Marseveen , and Counsel Verdoos , and beeing landed , on the Amstel road , right against the Garden-hous of Sigr Dirck Williers , called Wellna , they found his Excellencie Count William standing accompanied with all his Officers in a Ring under the Skies blew Canopie , where , after som obeisance , rhe Lord Hydekooper , spake in this manner .

High-born Lord ! Wee are sorrie , that wee must com to congratulate your Honor , in such a Disjuncture . The Lords Burgomasters , have well received the Letter of his Highˢ of July 29 , sent by your Excellencie into the Citie , bnt could have wished the same had not been accompanied with so great an Attendance , which caused them to ●udg it needful immediately to call a Council , to communicate the same with their W W for to resolv together upon an answer , such as the matters required : whereupon it was beld fittng , to depute of the companie , Sigr Vanderdoos and my self , to let your Excellencie know for answer ▪ ●hat their W W ( having understood before , that such ● number of bo●smen wa● marching towa●ds their Citie ) fo●thwith dispatc●t 〈◊〉 Expr●s● , to their Deputies , and their N. G. M. the Provincial States , presently assembled at the Hagh , to desire and know th●ir Advice and Order in this behalf ; their W W judging themselvs , without the said weightie Advice , altogether unfit as yet , to ●●ti●n an answer to his Highˢ Letter , most friendly and earnestly desiring your Excellencie in the interim to spare their Citie , and to make no neer●r approach thereunto ; least their W W bee constrained to d●fend and protect their Citie with all such possible me●●s and Arms ▪ a● God and Nature hath furnish'd them withal .

His Excellencie beeing somwhat moved at this unexspected Answer , paused a good while upon it , whereof the Lord Huydekooper thought good to proceed in his Discours , saying further .

My Lord , That which wee have told your Excellencie , is absolutely the Charge our Principals have laid upon us , and for my particular I make bold friendly and submissively to advise your Excellencie to withdraw your self with all conveniencie ; your Excellencie beeing not without great danger in this place and juncture ; the rather for that our Citie is full of all kinde of Nations , and strange humors ; who coming once to break out , might attempt things , ruinous to your self , and unpleasing to us . The talk goe's so high alreadie , that it will not bee much longer in our choice , but of necessitie and constraint , wee must make use of the means and Arms God and Nature granted to their W W to keep off harm at further distance .

After som paus again , his Excellencie answered .

That which is undertaken by mee , is nothing , but what his Highˢ hath been pleased , to order , will and charge mee , I shall make report of all unto his Highˢ .

Whereupon , and a civil friendly leav taken of etither side , the said Deputies returned to their Principals , and his Excellencie retired further off to Oudekerk .

But within the Citie the Drums beat up and down , and men were taken on in service at 10 stivers ( an English shilling ) a daie , and som Vessels of War , laid upon the Ye .

They write to the Cities of Holland , desi●ing them to send their Commissioners , and to remove the Assemblie to A●sterdam .

This beeing that Saturdaies passage at and before Amsterdam ; in the Hagh the Proceedings were as strange that daie . Early in the morning , som Lords were sent for to his Highness , which otherwise is usual enough ; These were the Lords de Wit of Dort , de Wael and Reuyl of Haerlem , Duyst Van Voorhout , of Del●t , Keyser , of Horen , and A●llingwerf of Medenblick .

The same beeing let in one after the other , through the Anti ▪ chamber , into the Presence , where his Highness usually gave Audience , they found there the Lievtenant Colonel of the Guard , Meteren , who told them one after the other , his Highness had charged him , to seis and arrest their persons ; and so committed them each with three Souldiers in a chamber apart , lockt upon them . This feat beeing dispacht twixt 8 and 9 of the Clock , his Highness sent for the Counsellor Pensionarie Cats , who coming to Court , found the Prince with a sword at his side , telling him with som distemper , My Lord Cats , You will strange at what I did , and now am about to tell you . I was not able anie longer to endure , that a few ill-affected members , should to the disservice of the Land , nourish and foment the discord and differences betwixt the Province of Holland and the rest . I have got here ( pointing up towards the Chambers where they were kept ) six of the principal of them ; and I have sent Count William with hors and men to reduce Amsterdam : Go and acquaint here below the Assemblie of Holland with it , and that ▪ I am going now my self for Amsterdam . The Lord Cats was not a little astonished at all this , and enquired after the names of the persons seized ; and saying , hee knew not whether , by reason of his weak memorie , hee should bee able to remember them ; the Prince bad him to write them down , going himself into the Gallerie for to fetch pen and ink : In which interim the Lord Cats , making use of a looking-glass there , recovered his color and countenance somwhat , and after hee had written the names , asked , Upon what ground , and with whose knowledg or communication ●ee had don this : to whom hee gave no other answer , but that hee ref●rred himself to the Resolution of 5ᵒ Junii , and the Contents of the Union . The Lord Cats thus withdrawing again , communicated all the passages to the Assemblie of Holland ; who immediately thereupon , not without great fear and amazement , separating themselvs , went every one to their respective Cities , with resolution to return again on mundaie following . Soon after the Lord Bronckhorst beeing President at their Hi. Mi. Assemblie , repairing to his Highness according to custom , hee desired him to make the like Communication or report these , thus namely , That his Highˢ , by virtue of their H. M. Resolution Junii 5ᵒ last , upon several and weightie grounds had seized som few Lords of Holland ; and sent his Excellencie the Stadholder with a good number of hors and men toward the Citie of Amsterdam , whereof his Highness intended to declare the circumstances and reasons more fully unto them in Writing ; for which end their Hi. Mi. were desired to assemble again to morrow after sermon at eleven of the clock .

In the mean time , the whole Guard ( under pretext of going to shoot in the downs ) met in arms , and beset all the gates of the Court very strongly . Four Colonel's-Companies of the French , English and Scottish Nation came about noon from Delft , Schiedam and likewise into the Haghe , together with two Troops of Hors . This mightily revived the courage of all militarie Blades , who for a while had gon drooping , much like an Ox before the Ax ; on the contrary , others mourned and muttered , and most States-men , except such as wish'd Holland ill , were sorrie to see such exorbitancies . Now it appear's , said they , to what end som flatterers ever sought to aggrandize the the Stadtholders so much from time to time , still adding to theirs , and detracting from the State 's Autoritie . See how they have possess ▪ d this Prince with Tibi Roma subegerit Orbem ( all for Him , what e're wee win ) . It was not our Freedom and Libertie that wee fought for all this while , but onely the Question , Whether the King of Spain , or the Prince ( though hee never had nor moov'd the least imaginable pretence or claim to the State or Sovereigntie thereof ) should bear sway and reign over us ? That under the Earls of Holland themselvs the States never suffered such indignities . That all State 's Assemblies were now in vain , and as good as dissolved ; beeing they can neither meet nor Vote freely any more . On the other side it was said , There was an everlasting Covenant between the seven provinces . That the Act of separate Disbanding or Cashiering of Forces was against all antient custom and order of Government ; That it was not all Holland , but som few Bell-weathers that had caused all this stir and variance : That those few ones beeing once removed out of the way , the● Province , no question , would soon return into it , and minde their Devoir . That , to Extremities of Diseases , there must bee applied Extremities of Remedies . That this very State found no harm by the like application of such in like cases in the year eighteen ; but was rather extraordinarily blest since , in might , in means and all manner of prosperitie ; the like issue might now also well bee exspected upon the present application .

Next daie the Lord Bronckhurst , President at the Assemblie , acquainted the same in discharge of his yesterdaies promiss from the Prince , that as yet hee had not received that writing of his Highness , of further deducing the circumstances and reasons of his undertaking , adding , that his Highness intended that day to go in person towards the Forces , at , or about Amsterdam , to pu● all things in order , that there may arise no Troubles nor Disturbance there ; which taken into Deliberation , their Hi. Mi. resolved to accept of this for a Notification , and to exspect the promised Reasons and Motives upon which his Highness grounded the arresting of the foresaid Members of the Assemblie of Holland , and the sending of Forces Hors and Foot under the conduct of Count William the Stadtholder , towards and about the Citie of Amsterdam , as hee the Lord President had intimated yesterday , upon his Highness desire at the Assemblie . Hereupon the Extraordinarie and Ordinarie Deputies of Holland , caused to bee Registred , that in lieu of their assent , they constantly adhered to their formerly entred respective Protestations and obtestations , of Octob. 26. 1649. 9 and 10 of April . 5 , 6 , 7 of June last .

His Highˢ likewise dispatch'd this ensuing Letter to all the Provinces but Holland . Noble , Mightie Lords , singular good Friends !

WHereas the Hi. Mi. Lords , the States General of the United Netherlands have desired and autorized Us 5ᵒ Junii last past , to take all necessarie Order and care for the preserving of every thing in peace and tranquillitie , and especially for the mainteining and establishing of the Union , together with the dependances and consequences of it , and on the contrarie , for the preventing and withstanding of any contrarie endeavors and practices ; and that wee , notwithstanding all good and friendly means of inducement used , both by the General Government , and by our own person respectively , with the Lords States of the Province of Holland and Westfrie●land , and with the Lords and Members thereof in particular ; have daily more and more clearly seen and observed before our eies the apparent disorders , confusions , rents and dissolution of the foresaid Union , practised by the slights and continual instillations and instigations of som Ill ▪ affected Members of the Assemblie of the foresaid province of Holland ; and others likewise within the said Province , encouraged and supported by and from the Citie of Amsterdam & their Deputies ; Wee therefore , to stop and quell such evil practises and subtil courses , have held it most necessarie for the said Union , and behoofful for the service of the Land to seize ( as yesterday sornoon wee did ) the Lords , de Wit , of Dort , de Wael and Reuyl of Haerlem , Jan Duyst van Vorhout , of Delft , Reyser van Horen and Stellingwerf of Medenblick ; and moreover , to send the wellborn-Lord , Count William of Nassaw , Stadtholder of Friezland ᵒ , Our loving Cosen , with a good number of Hors and Foot-forces , towards Amsterdam , for the keeping of the same Citie firm to the Union , beeing the onely yet remaining means , over and above all the former friendly waies and essaies to preserv and maintain the Land in Concord , Peace and Unitie : and resting Confident , the Advertisment hereof will not onely bee pleasing unto you , but that you will contribute your best endeavors for the maintenance thereof , and bringing all to a safe and happie issue ; whereby your No. Mi. shall testifie the Continuation of their affection and their unchangeable disposition , for the preservation of the common Fatherland ; Wee declaring before God and your No. Mi. that in all this wee have no other aym nor intention , but the foresaid preservation , together with the maintenance of the true Christian reformed Religion , for the which wee are and ever shall bee readie to hazard Life and Goods ; and consequently with all faithfulness to serv the State of the Land in General , and your No. Mi. in particular . This , God Almightie judg off ; into whose Holie protection wee commend your No. Mi.

In the Hagh this underneath stood , 15 of July 1650. Your Nob. Might . friend to serv you , and was signed , G. Prince d'Orange .

In the afternoon his Highness mounted a great black Hors , with a great train of Gentlemen and Officers , all on horsback , and so went away from the Hagh , and passing through Leyden and the Vecneu , arrived towards night at Amsterveen . Those of Amsterdam perceiving the fire laid so neer them , left nothing undon of what was necessarie for their defence , although there was nothing attemted in any hostile waie , by either side .

It was propounded in the Citie-Council , there would bee no such present remedie for the raising of the Siege , as the cutting of the Sea-dyke or dam , and opening of the Sluces . The former mist , but by two voices , and it was found best to open but som Sluces at the first , and to cut here and there a Polder , which was in part performed . And forasmuch as his Highness presently sent into the Citie , and offered a fair Treatie , those of the Citie likewise forbore all further extremities ; as whereby a great part of Holland must have been set under water , to the irreparable dammage of the Province ; and did send forth unto the Prince , according to his desire , the Lords de Graef , Vanderdoos , Tulp and Clouck .

The Prince desired to put a Garrison into the Citie . They , that his Highness would withdraw the Forces , promising that at the Provincial Assemblie they would bring in all possible contentment , and dispose the rest of the members to the like . Neither sides offer beeing accepted , there were afterwards other Overtures made .

At the Hagh , the whilest som both Extraordinarie and Ordinarie Deputies of the Province of Holland at the Generalitie , representing to the rest of the Provinces the present Condition of affairs , desired them to propound som Expedients , whereby these Commotions , might bee asswaged ; after som Deliberation , the other Provinces declared , that they were very sorrie to see things grown to such a pass and height , desiring that the said Deputies of Holland themselvs , ( as best acquainted with the affairs of their own Province ) would point out and propound , what they thought fittest and most applyable to the present constitution of things , for the calming of these Troubles ; the said Provinces declaring , that they would bee readie to contribute all good offices thereunto on their side . They of Holland replied , they had hoped the Provinces would have thought good to propound som waies and means of Expedients in this Exigencie , but since they did not , They would refer what was past unto their Principals , whom they were exspecting that Eve in the Hagh .

Next morning , the Provincial States of Holland beeing met in full Bodie , it was represented there by their Counsellor Pensionarie Cats , what Troubles and dangers were like to ensue , by the prosecution of the enterprise about Amsterdam , if it were not prevented by a speedie application of fit and effectual Expedients ; whereupon , since the other six Provinces and the Generalitie had thought good yesterdaie , the Deputies of Holland ( as best acquainted with their own Province ) should propound som such Expedients , as might best serv to bee applied in the present Juncture of times and affairs ; their No. Mi. after mature Deliberation found good , most seriously to desire the said Provinces , that without anie further delay , a solemn Commission might bee deputed by them to his Highness , for to dispose him by all the weightiest arguments , to desist from the Enterprise begun , how sooner , how better , dismissing the Forces into their respective Garisons , and returning personally hither into the Hagh again , there to deliberate and resolv with the Government , ripely and without force of arms , how all things ought most conveniently and effectually bee reduced and determined , for the good service of the State ; nothing doubting , but if the said Commission or Sending were dispatched seriously and without delaie , the wished happie effects would soon follow . Which desire of the province of Holland , beeing taken into Deliberation , after resumed debate , it was found good , agreed and resolved , Commissioners should bee sent from their Hi. Mi. unto his Highˢ , and that of every Province there should bee appointed one member in the said Commission , and that the Commission it self should bee to this effect , To dispose his Highˢ for to repair into the Hagh , and there to deliberate and resolv with the Government about and upon such means and waies , whereby the present distempers may bee allay'd and that his Highˢ besides , bee most seriously desired , to avoid all acts of hostilitie , and to let the Commerce of the Citie of Amsterdam have its free Cours still without molestation . And the Lords of Holland likewise took upon them and declared , that they would also send peculiar Commissioner● from their Bodie , to dispo●e his Highness to the end aforesaid , and most seriously desire the Lords of Amsterdam , to send their Deputies hither without delaie , to help together with the rest of the Members of Holland , to deliberate and resolv about the present perplexities of affairs , so as might make most for the service of the Countrie ; and that they would forbear all attempts of letting in the water and ●he like ; and the Lords of Holland were desired in the mean time so to prepare and fit matters , that the instant Deliberations might not bee frustrated of a happie issue . From the Generalitie there were appointed Commissioners , the Lords van Aertsberghen , Paets , Reinswoude , Ofinga , Mulert . The Ordinarie Deputies of the province of Zealand declared upon the Conclusion , that having formerly their turn made known , that they were not instructed to advise about the point of Cashiering and reducing , as neither their Hi. Mi. known Resolution of Jun. 5. last past , without the Counsel and Assistance of the Extraordinarie Deputies of their said Province , whom they understood to bee alreadie particularly autorized and impowred thereunto by a Provincial Resolution , That nevertheless , ( considering the present perplexities of affairs , and the joint agreement of the Advice of the other Provinces ) they were not minded to hinder the progress of the foresaid Commission in any kinde ; desiring onely , that in this case , the present Members of Holland , would bee pleased in the interim , so to dispose matters , that at the arrival of his Highˢ there may bee taken and settled such a good and wholsom Resolution , as may bee to the satisfaction and content of all the Members of the Union , in this behalf .

The Lord of Beverweert was com expressly from the Leaguer on Munday , to observ and manage what might bee resolved at the Generalitie ; and it appeared , that this their Hi. Mi. Resolution would bee acceptable enough to his Highness , as whereby , in case the Accord with Amsterdam should not succeed , hee might nevertheless return with Reputation ; and therefore , immediately after the foresaid Resolution , the Lord of Beverweert , return'd per post towards Amsterdam , to make report thereof , unto the Prince . In the mean time the Treatie , betwixt his Highness and the Citie advanced ; those of Amsterdam considered , that , for all their former desire , none of the other Cities appear'd : that those of Haerlem , the next and mightiest , left her Gates open for the Princes men , supplied the Leaguer with all manner of provisions , and took no partie : That those of Leyden furnished the Leaguer with all sorts of Shovels , Spades , and such like materials ; That the cutting of the Dykes and opening of the ●luces would bring an irreparable damage unto Holland , and that , by protraction of the Siege , besides the blood that might bee spilt , their Trade and Commerce would bee exceedingly disadvantaged , by reason of all which they held it best , to wink a little . The Prince , to shew that hee intended no harm to Amsterdam , but onely against som ill-affected ones , excepted onely the two Bickers , Burgomasters ; as knowing well , that by reason of their great autoritie and respect , they were , as it commonly happen's in popular Governments , much hated and envied by many . So it stood onely at last upon this point , that these two should bee removed from the Government . All the rest judged , this might prove of very evil consequence , by Hodie mihi , cras tibi ; To daie the case is mine , to morrow it may bee thine . Notwithstanding , becaus the said Bickers themselvs , shewed themselvs willing and readie for it having no desire that the Bodie of the Citie should suffer any thing for their particular interests sake ; that point was likewise yielded unto . And as touching the consent of accepting the Proposition of July 15. the same was in like manner for peace sake , condescended unto ; and as for admitting his Highness into the Council , they would shew no further refusal .

Thus , August 3. about noon , all things were accommodated , and in the evening , ratified and signed , as followeth .

Agreement , made betwixt his Highness on the one side , and the Lords Burgomasters and XXXVI of the Council of the Citie of Amsterdam , by their respective plenarie Commissioners , according to the Procuration annext here .

WEe Burgomasters and XXXVI of the Council of the Citie of Amsterdam , do declare , that by these , wee have commissionated , authorized and with full power enabled the Lords Cornelis de Graef , Baron of Zuyd-Pol-brock , old Burgomaster , Symon vander-Doos and Dr Nicolas Tulp Counsellors , and old Scabins , together with Mr Peter Cloeck Counsellor of this Citie , in Our name and behalf to enter into Treatie with his Highness the Prince of Orange , touching the Differences arisen , betwixt his said Highness and this Citie ; to debate that matter with his Highness , and to agree and conclude so as our said Commissioners shall finde good and expedient ; promising to hold for acceptable and to ratifie , whatsoever our foresaid Commissioners shall act , treat and conclude in this behalf , under all Obligations of Right . In witness whereof , wee have here underneath affixed the Seal of the foresaid Citie , August 2. 1650. signed , Gerard Hulst , with the Seal of green Wax .

That the Lords of Amsterdam shall resolv , to conform themselvs with the six other Provinces , touching the State of War ; That his Highness will bee pleased to endeavor to procure that the State of War may bee adjusted to the platform and project of his Highness and the Council of State , made for the accommodation of the United Provinces ; and that nevertheless , and in the mean time , the present State of War shall bee followed , jointly by all the Provinces , until the foresaid State bee accomplished and settled by the Consent of the Provinces ; and in case of delaie thereof , so long as the War shall last betwixt France and Spain , and that , at the longest , for 3 or 4 years , in hope , that by that time the said War shall bee composed ; and in case it bee not , that then things shall bee disposed according to the constitution of the times , and to most advantage of the State , following the Order of Government .

And that there shall bee likewise Resolution brought in , that the Companies discharged by the States of Holland may bee paid for their arrears ; and good Order taken for good paiment of the Souldierie in time to com .

That his Highˢ , disposed to com into the Citie , shall bee received there like his Predecessors , Stadtholders of Holland , with all honor , respect and obsequiousness , and if hee think good to appear in the Citie Council , that his Highˢ shall alwaies have Audience granted him in that Qualitie .

That the Lords of Amsterdam shall moreover emploie all good and possible Devoirs at the Assemblie of the States of Holland , that all Disgusts may wholly bee taken away , and things bee reduced to a firm and assured friendship and confidence , and all what hath past bee put in oblivion , as if it had never happened . To which end they shall further debate and communicate with his Highˢ about the prosecution .

As soon as this Contract shall bee completed and signed on both sides , his Highˢ undertake's to dismiss the present Forces into their old Garrisons ; and the Citie in like manner to cashier their levied men , and to resettle every thing in their Citie into the old posture .

Promiss beeing made on either side , faithfully and without any guile or fraud to perform and keep this Contract or Treatie in all parts thereof .

Don at Amsterveen this 3d of August , 1650. and hereof there were two several Acts made , of like tenour , signed by both parties and one delivered to each .

Signed , G. P. d' Orange , and his Highness Signet affixed in red Wax . And besides , C. de Graef . Simon Vander Doos . Niclaes Tulp . Petrus Cloeck , TsTs . The Burgomasters and XXXVI of the Council of Amstetredam do approve and ratifie the above-written Contract or Treatie , betwixt his Highness on the one side , and their specially thereto enabled Commissioners on the other , concluded at Amsterveen , August 30 , 1650. In Witness whereof this is subscribed by one of the Secretaries , and the Seal of our Citie affixed underneath , August 3. 1650. Signed , Gerard Hulst , the said Seal beeing expressed in green Wax .

A separate Article of the Accommodation Aug. 3. 1650. betwixt his Highness and the Citie of Amsterdam .

THat his Highˢ doth judg it expedient for the Service of the Land , according to the present constitution of Affairs , that the Lord Andrew and Cornelius Bickers , the one old , the other present Burgomaster , without any prejudice to the honor and good name of either of them , and without any trouble or molestation of their persons and goods whereof his Highˢ doth assure them ; do withdraw themselvs from all further Government of the Citie , without being to bee called again unto it . His Highˢ remaining ready nevertheless to hear them in person , and having heard them , if his Highns should not alter his former apprehension and judgment , they shall freely resign their foresaid Government as before , and from this present , abstein from all publick functions . In witness whereof , this is signed and confirmed on both sides , in pursuance of the Contract or Transaction made betwixt his Highˢ and the Commissioners of the Citie this day , at Amsterveen , August 3. 1650.

Signed , G. P. d'Orange , with the Seal of his Highˢ Signet in red Wax ; and further , C. de Graef . Simon van der Doos . Niclaes Tulp . Petrus Cloeck . Ts. Ts. The Burgomasters , and XXXVI of the Council of the Citie of Amsterdam , do approve and ratifie the above-written separat Article of Agreement betwixt his Highˢ on the one side , and their specially enabled Commissioners on the other side , concluded at Amsterveen . In witness whereof this is subscribed , &c. as before .

Amsterdam , beeing the richest , the mightiest and most considerable Member of Holland , failing and yielding thus , it became a powerful example and inducement to all the rest , and many blamed them exceedingly , saying , They should have timely considered before , whether they had the power or the courage to stand to what they principally had so long and eagerly professed and pressed . Now it appeared that they wanted either or both ; that they had don very ill , to shew so much aversness to so little purpose ; There beeing now by this Extremitie , a new pattern given to his Highˢ and the Generalitie , which will serv them hereafter for a Rule to proceed by , when Holland shall fall again into a fit of Reluctancie ; that now there will bee little caus left to glorie of the freedom of the Land or the States . But they of Amsterdam thought they did best as they did ; and like a ship upon Ancre in a tempest , were glad to strike and give rope till they might recover a better time and opportunitie : for they continued in affection the very same they were before .

The Commissioners of their Hi. Mi. arriving at Amsterveen on Wednesdaie-Eve found all transacted , and were all of them , together with those of Amsterdam , entertained by his Highness at Supper , where among other Discourses , those of Amsterdam saying , they should have had the Element of water for their advantage ; the Prince replied , And I should have made use of the Element of fire against it ; ( they of Delft having , upon order from the Council of State , furnished store of Ammunition , Ordnance , Granadoes , Morter-pieces , &c. ) which past away thus with smiles and laughing , but the earnest surpassed the jest in the reflection .

Next morning early his Highness parted from thence , and arrived in the Haghe about noon , and the Forces were all reconducted to their Quarters .

The six apprehended Lords were carried away from the Court , Sunday the 31 of Julie , in two Coaches , three and three in a Coach , and in each three souldiers , besides 25 horsmen before , so many in the midst , and as many after , together with 50 musketiers . They past along by the Veenen , Woerden and Ysselstein , to avoid the Cities , and next evening were brought unto the Hous of Loeuvestein . They , good men , thought to have stood it out stoutly , persuading themselvs the States and Cities would have stuck to their Resolutions . But perceiving they accommodated themselvs all one after another , to the Proposition of Julie 15o , and abandoned all their own caus ; they saw well enough , none of them would take up the Buckler in their behalf , and that the Case of the Bickers must bee their Rule .

The Lord Duyst van Voorhout , a man of 69 , who , according to the Custom in Delft , was within one year to quit all Emploiment in cours , and beeing of a crazie constitution , and rich withall , having but one childe , hee was the first that sought and offered to get free upon that account .

Above it was said , that his Highness had made promiss to present the points of the Charge and Reasons of apprehending the six Gentlemen . The same hee caused to bee delivered under his hand and Seal to the Assemblie Provincial of Holland ; The substance was general ; That they had don against the Union , and therefore were liable to punishment according to the 23d Article . That his Highˢ thought good to cull out these few , and to put them out of the Government , for the perservation of the whole State ; as in a case of a great fire , som houses next the Embrasement are pull'd down to save the whole street or Citie ; and at last hee said , hee had besides som particular matters of Charge against every one , which hee reserved for another opportunitie .

Those that knew the contents of this so general and weak a Charge , did manage the business so , that it was not read in the Assemblie , much less Copies given of it , but lock'd up under Seal , which yet came to light at length , as shall bee shewed in due place .

After all this August 13 , the Lords of Holland came to the Assemblie of their Hi. Mi. in presence of his Highˢ his Excellencie the Stadtholder and the Council of State , declaring , That in the name and behalf of their Principals , there had been oft times before , motions made , about reducing of the Souldierie , and matters depending , with arguments taken from the condition of their exhausted Treasurie , caused by the late long and heavie War ; but having since considered , that the rest of the Provinces , shewed themselvs unsatisfied , as judging , the State of these Countries would not bee safe enough , if the forces were reduced according to the project and proffer of their Principals ; they had therefore thought good now , to meet their Confederates in this matter , as far as might bee , and to put them out of all doubts and perplexities , consented and agreed to the Proposition , made by the Council of State July 15 last past , in terminis , as it lie's ; fully confiding , and seriously recommending , that the Provinces , as good Confederates , will on their side , in recompence , of this their undergoing again so heavie a charge , to pleas and complie with the other Provinces , undertake now for the good of the State , to improve their best endeavours . That the means of the State may bee well and duely managed and advantaged . That the Navie-affairs may seriously bee taken to heart . That the Liquidations between the Provinces , may at length bee taken in hand and really performed . That the business of the West-Indie-Companie may vigorously bee relieved . That the Ratification of the Treatie and Contract made with the King of Denmark , and matters coïncident , may bee fully concluded and settled .

Whereupon , after som Deliberation , it was found good , according to the Proposition and Modification , which his Highˢ , his Excellencie the Stadtholder and the Council of State had brought in and presented to the Generalitie , July 15 by reason of the Differences arisen then about the State of War ; with joint consent of all the Provinces , to accept of and confirm the State of War , as the same was projected by his Highness , his Excellencie and the Council of State , and sent unto the Provinces ; and that the Disbanding and Reduction therein mentioned , should bee made by his Highness his Excellencie and the Council of State , according to the Order of the Land , provided , that the 4 troops of hors and a 1000 foot , shall bee entertained and paid , till the Provinces shall bee wholly agreed touching the same ; whereunto the Provinces were desired , to accommodate themselvs , and to bring in their Conferences and Advices at furthest within the space of 5 or 6 weeks ; the Provinces undertaking in the interim to paie all Souldiers wages entertainments and other defrayments of War , according to the old State of War . Further it was resolved and agreed , that henceforward there shall no separate Cashiering or Reducing of Forces bee undertaken or practised by any Province , of their own Autoritie ; and in case any Province should attempt the like , the same shall forthwith bee addressed and remedied by the General Autoritie , as a Contravention of the Union , and Order of Government .

Nevertheless the Provinces were pleased to declare hereupon , that these matters abovesaid , should as yet bee held onely as projected Resolutions .

The 15 of August the Lord Reynswoude , then President , propounded and communicated to their Hi. Mi. that his Highness had put into his hands , shut and sealed with his Signet , the Reasons and Motives of his seizing the six Members of the Provincial Assemblie of Holland in persuance of their High . Mis. Act , Jun. 5o last past ; which beeing taken into Deliberation , it was agreed , that the foresaid shut and sealed Reasons , should as yet bee laid by and put into the Secretarie's Cabinet . The Deputies of Holland caused to bee enter'd hereupon , that they would make report hereof to their Principals .

The same Lord President , likewise then , by Order from his Highness , communicated to their Hi. Mi. that the Governors of the Citie of Delft , as also the kindred of the Lord Jan Duyst van Voorhout had sought to his Highness , for his freedom and releas of his Restraint at Laeuvenstein , under condition and offer , That the said Governors , at the request of the said Jan Duyst van Voorhout , himself , would discharge him from the Employment , Commission , and Oath , wherewith hee was engaged to the said Citie , without ever reassuming or taking him in again , and yet so nevertheless , as that it should bee no blot to his good Name and Fame ; and that this might bee taken for satisfaction ; which his Highness by Virtue of their Hi. Mi. Act of Authorization of July 5 last past had granted , and accordingly released him ; and their Hi. Mi. upon deliberation , found good , to accept of this as a Notification . The Holland Deputies entred hereupon , that they would make report hereof to their Principals , The like Notification , in the same manner , was afterwards presented for the rest also , till they were all released .

As for the State of War abovesaid , the Resolution and establishment thereof was by reason of its importance , reassumed August 18. when , after further Deliberation upon the Contents of the New State of War , as the same was projected by his Highness his Excellencie Stadtholder and the Council of State , and formerly sent to the respective Provinces ; as likewise upon the modification , in the proposition of accommodation , presented at the Assemblie by his said Highness his Excellencie and the Council of State , dated July 15. It was found good and agreed to with common Consent and advice of all the Provinces , herewithal to accept of and to establish the foresaid State of War , as the same was projected and framed by his Highness , his Excellencie , and the Council of State , and sent to the Provinces formerly , under and with the foresaid modification , in the proposition of July 15 , and that the Disbanding and Reduction of Forces , hors and foot , to bee made in pursuance thereof shall bee performed , by his Highness , his Excellencie , and the Council of State , according to the Order of the Land ; provided nevertheless , that the 4 Troops of hors and 1000 foot , about whom there were som Differences yet , should in regard of the Advices of som Provinces , and the foresaid modification , bee entertain'd and paid provisionally , until the Provinces shall have brought in their Provincial Resolutions in that behalf , within the space of 5 or 6 weeks at furthest , and the same not coming in within that time , that after the Expiration thereof , the foresaid Disbanding and Reduction shall bee put in effect without further delaie ; also the Provinces have undertaken to proportion all Souldiers-wages , Entertainments , Arrears and other charges comprehended in the State of War of the year 1621. as also the Forces , hors and foot , comprehended in the respective more particular Repartitions of the years 1626 , 1627 , 1628. as manie as then were in Service yet ; and that till the last of Decemb. 1648 inclusively ; and the beginning of Januarie ▪ 1649. according to the new State of War , presented here at the Generalitie Decemb. 8ᵒ. 1648. and sent unto the Provinces , until the time of the Disbanding to com now ; and after that , according to the State of War now settled . Further it was resolved and established , That henceforward no manner of Separate and particular Disbanding Reducing or Cashiering of any Forces hors and foot in service and oath of the Generalitie shall bee undertaken by any Province of their own autoritie , it beeing contrarie to the Resolution of Nov. 1ᵒ. 1623. and Febr. 9ᵒ. 1626. hereby renewed and confirmed ; but that all Disbandings , Reductions , Cashiering , shall and ought to bee made according to the order of the Government : and if so bee , that there arise any Difference hereafter among the Provinces about the continuance or alteration of this State of War , that the same shall bee composed by friendly conferences ; and in case they cannot agree , that the Difference or Question shall bee referred then to the most wise advice and decision of the ●ords Stadtholders , or Stadtholder of the provinces then beeing : and that this their Hi. Mi. Resolution shall issue without further reassumption .

Nevertheless the Deputies of Gelderland caused to bee enter'd hereupon into the register Book , That they could not accept of the State of War , but with condition , that the Services in it should bee devided and paid in the same manner as hitherto was used throughout the United Provinces , according to the seventh Article of the Union .

The States of Holland , in Bodie , enter'd , That their No. Mi. had given their Consent to the abovesaid Conclusions , safe and without prejudice to their accustomed Freedom in point of Consent .

The Deputies for the Province of Zealand in the Assemblie of their Hi. Mi. enter'd , that having heard the wise Advice of his Highness his Excellencie Stadtholder , and the Council of State , and likewise taken notice of the Advices of the other Provinces , they declared themselvs readie to acquiesce to this Conclusion , upon pleasure of their Principals ; and withall , safe and without prejudice to their wonted freedom in point of Consent .

The Deputies of the Province of Utrecht made entrance about the foresaid Conclusion , in the same tenor as Zealand .

The Deputies of the Province of Friesland caused to bee entred hereupon in their behalf , That they could no otherwise accept of the new projected state of War , but under express condition , that the same bee reviewed and redrest , so as the Resolution of the No. Mi. States of Friesland of Octob. 20 , 1649 , punctually held forth . And as for the disbanding of 55 Companies Foot and 12 Troops of Hors , they consented therein so far forth as the same should bee made of the Forrein Nations in service ; according to the Provincial advice of their Principals Febr. 21. 1650 , declaring , they were not instructed for any further or other consent in that behalf , much less to admit of any penal Clauses , whereby their Principals might bee prejudiced in their freedom of advice ; embracing in the mean time provisionally , and upon pleasure of their Principals , the Modification of Services and Entertainments mentioned in the Proposition of Julie 15 , last past . Safe alwaies and without prejudice of the freedom of their Principals in point of Consent .

The Deputies of the Province of Over Yssell caused to bee entred , that for the matter of Services they referred the same to the further deliberation and disposing of their Principals , yielding to the rest , safe , and without prejudice of their freedom in point of Consent .

The Lord Eysinga entred in behalf of the Province of the Citie of Groninghen and Omland , to acquiesce no otherwise with the Conclusion aforesaid but under these express reservations , 1. That the Disbanding of the 55 Companies of Foot and 12 Troops of Hors bee made of none but Forrein Nations . 2. That the Lodging-monies for the Souldierie within the respective Provinces and Forts about them , bee still as formerly paid and defraid by the Generalitie . 3. That the considerations moved heretofore by his Principals about the new state of War , and such as ere long shall bee added thereunto ▪ may bee had in good regard ▪ 4. That they do disavow by these the penal Claus inserted in the foresaid Conclusion ; and yield to the rest , safe still , and without prejudice of the States of Groningen and Omland their freedom in point of Consent .

Hereupon at last there followed the Disbanding of the 55 Companies of Foot ; of every French Regiment 4. in all 20. of Cromwell's Regiment 8. of Craven's 8. of Killgrey 9. of Oxford 7. in all 32. and of each Scot's Regiment one , in all 3. beeing all of them the youngest in Commission .

Of the Cavalrie there were Cashier'd four antient Troops , and the rest the youngest in Commission .

After which his Highness and Count William , Aug. 27 , went to Dieren for som Divertisment , and the Princess Royal , beeing great with childe , to the hous of Teylinghen . Yet before the Prince his departure out of the Haghe , the States of Zealand arrived there , and solemnly presented their large thanks to his Highˢ in these terms :

The Lords the States of Zealand having examined and weighed the means and proceedings which his Highˢ was pleased to use , both in regard of the Forces sent towards and about Amsterdam , and likewise about the seizing and apprehending of som Members of the Assemblie of Holland ; judging it to bee conformable to the Resolution of their Hi. Mi. of Jun. 5. last past , they have avowed and commended , and do avow and commend all aforesaid , giving thanks to his Highˢ for the pains and endeavors undertaken in this behalf , and desiring him to continue his zeal therein Charging our Deputies to make the same known to the Generalitie , and to enter it into the Register-book of their Hi. Mi. and to desire the rest of the Provinces to conform themselvs to the same acknowledgment . Don at the assemblie of the States of Zealand , August 16. 1650.

Underneath stood . Agreeing with the Notes .

Signed , Le Brun● .

The Thanks of Friesland came in next month , with this expression :

— And serious thanks are given to his Highˢ the Prince of Orange , for the great pains , care , and providence which it pleased his Highˢ for to undergo in behalf of establishing the Provincial advices touching the state of war .

But of the Siege of Amsterdam , or seizing the six Lords , not a word . Nevertheless in their Letters to Prince and Count William apart , their expression and thanks were somwhat enlarged in manner as followeth .

Illustrious , High-born Prince !

WEe have understood at large by the Lord Chevalier André , our Deputie at the Assemblie of the Hi. Mi. Lords the States General , and the Lord Wickel , of the Council of State , the singular pains , labor and care which it hath pleased your Highˢ to employ for the preservation of the Union , and furthering an Uniformitie in the State of War ; finding our selvs obliged to return most high and serviceable thanks to your Highˢ , as having been the onely means whereby the Provinces were kept from confusion . Wee do most heartily beseech , your Highˢ will bee pleased to continue the same provident care for the good and service of the Land . Whereunto wishing your Highˢ the blessing of Almighti● God , wee rest , &c. Attested , F ▪ van Eyssinga v. Und●rneath stood

Your Highˢ most serviceable The States of Friesland By Order of the same Dr L. Scheltinga . Lewarden August 18 , 1650. The letter to Count William . High and Well-born Earl , gracious Lord !

THe Lord Chevalier André , and with him the Lord Wickel , have by word of mouth and in most ample manner made relation of what hath past in the Haghe about the business of the Union , and the state of War , and the Acts and Resolutions brought in afterwards , of Julie 15 , and August 13 and 18 , whereupon followed the Resolution coming along with these , whereunto yielding our consent , wee cannot but give your Excellencie also our highest thanks for the pains and troubles undergon in that behalf , with friendly desire , you will bee pleased still to continue the same thus , for the good and service of the Land . Wherewithall wishing your Excellencie a long and happie Gevernment , wee remain

Your Excellcie's good friends The States of Friesland . Attested , F. van Eyssinga By Order from them signed , Dr L. Scheltinga Lewardin , August 18 , 1650.

Those of the Court of Gelderland ( as Mr Kelfken wrote thence ) were likewise resolved , that at the Princes coming to Dieren , they would present their thanks to him , either by their Bodie , or a good number of Commissioners ; howbeit but in general terms , For His great Care for the preservation of the Union ; giving likewise particular thanks to the Lord van Aertsberghen , according to the report from that Court . Yet in what manner afterwards the States of Gelderland thank'd his Highness , appear's by this following Letter :

Illustrious , High-born Prince !

WEe are sufficiently given to understand how much pains , care and zeal your Highˢ hath emploied this long time , in regard of the great and dangerous differences arisen in the United Provinces , especially about the Reduction and Cassation of the Forces , the establishing of the new state of War , the maintenance of the Right and Freedom thereof , the Conservation of the Union , once settled and secured by Oath , together with the Resolution of Aug. 18 , confirm'd by all the Provinces , of accepting the the said new state of War and matters coincident under the Modification of Julie 15 ; as likewise what your Highˢ hath effectually procured for the service of our Common State , and conservation of the said Union ; in due consideration whereof , wee finde our selvs obliged friendly to thank your Highˢ , beeing confident the same will alwaies remain disposed to assist maintein and further by all means the Rights and Privileges of the Land , as also the rest , peace and unitie among the Provinces respectively , as wee shall not bee wanting neither on our side , to contribute thereunto all possible care and endeavor . Pra●ing God , prosperously to preserv your Highˢ for a long lasting Government .

Dated Zutphen Sept. 26. 1650. Your Highˢ good friends The States of Gelderland and Countie of Zutphen , assembled at Zutphen . They of Over-Yssell writ this ensuing Letter . Illustrious and High-born Prince , gracious Lord !

BY Letters from your Highˢ of Julie 31 last past , wee have understood , how that your Highness hath been necessitated for the preservation of our common peace and quiet , and for the maintenance of the famous Union between the Provinces of this State , to seiz certain persons , and to send a considerable quantitie of forces hors and foot for Amsterdam , for to preserv that Citie to the Union , and to encounter the practices of som ill-affected ones , tending to disorder , confusion and dissolution of the said Union ; that beeing the onely remaining means , after all the foregone friendly assaies to keep the Land in quiet , and maintein a reciprocal Unitie . All which considered , and trusting that your Highˢ had very pregnant motives thereunto , and proceeded therein no otherwise then with good and mature Deliberation , for the maintenance onely of the said Union , Rest and necessarie Concord betwixt the Provinces : Wee held it our Devoir first to congratulate your Highˢ prosperous atchieving of this important affair , and then to return you highest thanks for the pains which it hath pleased your Highness to undergo , wishing and praying our good God graciously to bless your Government with all further prosperitie , to the honor of his holie Name , and the good of this Land , and long to preserv the person of your Highˢ in good health ; remaining herewithall

Illustrious , High-born Prince , gracious Lord ! Your Highˢ servants The States of Over-Yssel . Swoll . Sept. 25 , 1650.

At Utrecht som would fain have had the Thanksgiving run in this strain among the rest . Wee therefore finde our selvs most highly engaged to give your Highˢ most serviceable and kindest thanks , as wee do by these present , for the faithful care of your Highˢ , and therewithall fully so approve of your Highness applying and improving such further means of withstanding all evil designs and dangerous courses , and mainteining the Union of these Netherlands ; particularly consisting in the seizing of certain persons , and the sending of a good number of hors and foot-companies for Amsterdam , to preserv that Citie in the Union : further desiring your Highness , in this and like occurrences , to continue your Princely zeal in such a noble manner , and thereby to remove out of the way all further Mischief and Discord , and to preserv the state of the United Provinces ; that so the Land may bee quietly and peaceably governed , and each Province , with every Member thereof , mainteined in their Rights .

But the Citie - Council of Utrecht would not descend to such particular thanks , and altered the same as you shall finde in the subsequent Letter ; for notwithstanding all the means and endeavors which the two first Members used to persuade them to the contrarie , those of the Citie carried it : for all that the Prince , having settled the Magistrate there much according to the minde of the Citie , and contrarie to the opinion of those of the two first Memberships , was com himself to Utrecht ( taking it in his waie to go to the Land-daie at Zutphen ) : so that at last the said two Memberships complied with the Citie advice , in manner as followeth .

Extract out of the Resolutions-Register of the Nob. Mi. Lords the States of Utrecht . Veneris Octob. 11/21 1650.

THeir No. Mi. beeing put in minde of what was propounded unto them on Wednesdaie last , accordin to the Notes added thereunto , touching the writing to his Highˢ the matter hath been further considered and deliberated ; and it is agreed and declared therereupon , That the Delegated Nobilitie and Gentrie had hoped , the Governors of the Citie of Utrecht would likewise have approved of the draught of the two former Memberships ; nevertheless upon the review , and willing that the respective three Members should go unitedly together ; they , the Delegated Nobilitie and Gentrie do hereby accept of the draught of the Letter made and communicated to their No. Mi. the States here , by the Committee of the Citie of Utrecht , Aug. 28 last past ; and accordingly conform themselvs to the Contents of the same draught , once more now read before us , and allowed with one accord by their No. Mi. Lords , the States of the Countrie of Utrecht , in manner as followeth .

Illustrious , High-born Prince !

HAving taken into Deliberation , and weighed that which your Highness notified unto us by Letters of 21/31 Julie last , touching the sending of his Excellencie Stadtholder of Friesland with a good number of Hors and Foot towards and about Amsterdam , together with the seizing of som Lords of the Provincial Assemblie of Holland , of all which your Highˢ hath caused the Reasons and motives to bee delivered in writing , shut and sealed up at the Assemblie of their Hi. Mi. where the same yet remain's in the Cabinet of the Generalitie's Secretatrie . Wee do declare , firmly confiding in your Highˢ , and the good grounds those Reasons doubtless were built upon , that wee approve of what in pursuance thereof hath been performed by your Highˢ , for the maintenance and conservation of the Union ; giving thanks to your Highˢ for all the good offices emploied for the good of the State , with most friendly desire , you will bee pleased still to continue that good affection , for the maintenance of the common Peace and Unitie ; and especially also , that singular good zeal of your Highness for the preservation and maintenance of the true Christian Reformed Religion .

There at Utrecht his Highˢ received the Letter formerly recited of those of Gelderland , which they therefore sent thus unto him before hee arrived at their Land-day , for fear that coming thither before receiving of the Letter , hee might have found means and waies there to make the thanks a great deal more ample and particular then they were .

From Groninghen and the Omland came no thanksgiving , there beeing no Land-day , nor any appointed yet , and in the interim happened the Prince's death .

Now though the rest of the Provinces return'd one after another such thanks unto his Highˢ as you see ; they of Holland , and Amsterdam especially , conn'd him none . Murmuring , Impatience , Obtrectations , Revilings , was up afloat there . The Citie continued yet in September , to search the arriving ships aud vessels ; The Watches and Guards continued strict and strong : the common people talkt broad and boldly ; and the Magistrate's apprehension that the Prince had som further Design , and sought no less then Sovereigntie and absoluteness , encreased daily . Many , even of his Confidents and friends , wish'd him , and were of opinion , hee should labor all hee could to sweeten and salv up all that was past , and of his own accord seek to content and satisfie the seized Lords . But no such disposition appeared in him by what hee did at Haerlem : for there happening in September , the day of their chusing Magistrates , on the 7th hee returned from Dieren to the Haghe , and perceiving there were som stood in Nomination not sorting to his humor ( beeing especially , that one of his Confidents Seigr Verkameren was past by , and left out of the Nomination ) hee did pass by the worthiest and most respected of all , and chose new mean persons ; among others one a Door-keeper ; and when those of the Citie had put the Charge of Orphant's-master , or over-seer of the poor upon Seigr de Wael ( beeing somtimes given even to a Roman Catholick ) hee crost it again , and made his displeasure known to them about it .

A motion there was made at the Assemblie of their Hi. Mi. for a daie of praier and thanksgiving to bee published throughout all the Provinces , in regard of the present condition of times and affairs . But they of Holland would not give their consent , least thereby they should tacitly allow , and in publick avow all that had past , and also not to let loos the reins thereby to som seditious ( the good are still excepted ) Ministers or Pulpit-men to inveigh and rail against the Government , and to sooth and flatter the Prince in his Exorbitances . Those of Amsterdam shewed in all their managings , that they were full of Jealousies ; and therefore they caused their Citie-trenches to bee fenced with pallisadoes or planks and trees round about , raised their brest-works , encreased their Train-bands from 24 Companies to 54 , got an Engineer from Antwerp ( a sign they trusted , or durst trust none that was in the Land's service ) the same that invented and built the Work at the Scheur by Duynkirck . They raised likewise 2 Companies auxiliaries . The people in general talked very ill and licentiously of the Prince , and his late acts and practices ; and there wanted not pens to write smart and bitter invectives against them : among the rest of those blew books , there was one called , The distemper'd Amsterdammer ; wherein the Prince is set forth to have out-gon and out don the Duke d'Alve , the Duke having but executed his Master's Command , and seized persons sworn and in service to the King : the Prince had seized his own Masters , at least som of them ; and that without any Autoritie's command . The Charge of the 5th of June which hee pretend's , beeing but general , and given by the Deputies of the other Provinces , who had no such power . That the Prince's aim had been to make himself Master of the Bank , and all the rich Counting-houses , to have their ready monie at command ; partly to assist his Brother in Law the King of Scotland , and partly for to break with Spain , and set upon Antwerp . These and such like invectives were daily broached , and came to the ears of the Prince , whiles hee was in the Velaco , a hunting , as to recreate himself , so to have an eie withall upon the Geldrish Land-day , kept at Zutphen , ayming , ( for that hee was now in possession of Dieren , ) to bee likewise admitted in Gelderland as premier Noble , the head of the Nobilitie there . Once hee was at Zutphen himself , and once hee was visited and complemented by a Committee thence of eighteen . The chiefest and principal business of that Land-Day was the introducing of the Oppignoration , which had been preparing for the space of som years , with divers Sentences past upon it in the years 1642 , 1643 , and 1644. All this while that the Prince was in the Veluw , the weather was exceeding bad , windie and rainie , as indeed most of that Summer had been ; nevertheless hee kept there aud cared neither for winde not weather , making shift in a Countrie ▪ man's hous at Bickberghen , and continuing his violent Exercises of hunting , unto the very end of October , whenas for a daie or two growing somwhat feaverish , hee was advised to return by water down the Phine and Leck by Rotterdam to the Hagh , where hee arr●ved Saturday morning by 3 of the Clock , beeing the 29 of October . This Sickness is described by his Physitians in manner as followeth ; That viz. beeing at the age of 24 years and near 6 months , full of blood , after hee had hunted there in the Veluw for 3 weeks together , and kept a disorderly Diet , and Octob. 27 ( beeing Thursday ) after a sweating domestick Exercise or pastime , called Au billard , had been for seven hours on hors-back in a very cold aër ; whereupon , beeing wearied , hee felt afterward som pain in his Loins , and next daie keeping his bed , and eating nothing , hee was brought down the River to the Hagh the 29. There hee complained of Head-ake or the Meagrims , wherewith hee was often troubled , also the pain in the Loyns continued still , hee eate but little , towards the evening hee sweated of his own accord , for about an hour and half , and would admit no Clyster yet : had but little rest that night . On Sunday , about 10 in the forenoon , hee was Clystred , and in the evening about 4 having eaten a little at dinner before , hee was let blood on his left arm ; the blood was hot and drie ; the feaver continuing still upon him , his urine troubled , his thirst great , with pain in the head , difficultie of breathing and a cough : at night hee eate little , drank som beer with a toasted crust of bread , decoctum Hordei , and water with som lemmon-juice and Sugar . Munday the last of October , there appeared in his face som small Pimples , and so likewise upon his arms , breast and all the bodie over : which was that his Doctor Vander straten presaged : therefore to help them forth , there was given him twice or thrice in 24 hours , Decoctum Cicorei , Card. Benedict . Endiv. and the like , which kept him in a continual sweat , though little covered . His eies were washed with Rose-water and the like , also hee had somthing given him to gargarize his throat .

Tuesday following Dr de Reeck and Dr de Hays , were called to assist ; who approved , what D. Vanderstraten had prescribed . Hee took a little broth in the morning , and about 10 a Decoctum , at noon hee eate moderately , drank som while a Julep , other while som beer with a toasted crust . Hee swet so excessively and continually , that his shirt , wastcoat and bed must bee changed sundrie times , which nevertheless was don with that care , that upon the change , hee sweat again immedia●ely : in the evening hee eate an Hordeatum , and gellie : that night hee had prettie good rest without difficultie of breathing , head-ache or other Symptoms . Wednesday Nov. 2. morning , noon and night , hee eat som small minced parcels of Pullets-breast and Patridge : once hee took a Decoctum , in the afternoon at 3 hee was Clyster'd , whereupon hee had 5 stools , feculent matter , though without griping in the bellie : hee had a reasonable night , the puls and urine were passing good .

Thursday , hee kept the same Diet , eat somtimes of a roasted apple , drank twice of a Decoctum . Hee continued sweating still , but not so excessivly . The puls and respiration differ'd not from that of a sound man . The Urine was very good , the small pocks came out according to wish : all Symptoms , as promising as could bee , the Prince complaining of nothing , but that hee was somwhat thirstie , in the evening his Excrem t s were hard : the Bed wherein hee had lain now for 28hours , was changed , but with great weariness : the night following , hee rested prettie well .

Friday , his thirst encreased , sweating continually , though not overmuch ; hee kept the former Diet , the pox issued more and more , the face was overlaid with fresh Lard , made warm a little : hee drank Decoctum twice ; and now and then a Julep , and som beer , in the night once or twice almond-milk , hee had no difficultie of respiration , no oppression or obstruction .

Saturday , having rested well , his water was all sediment in a manner , the puls beat somwhat quicker , the breath with som pain and difficultie , the sweat increased , the pox were raised and round . The Physitians beeing asked by him , what they judged of it , they answered , they perceived no bad Symptoms as yet , but that the feaver was somwhat increased and the short breathing ; which commonly happen's about that time of this Diseas , nevertheless , the ship was not in the Haven , and that the seventh daie it was like to meet with som cross windes yet . In the evening his short-breathing encreased ; whereupon , som tabelle were ordained , the pox shewed themselvs fairly raised and white .

Sunday , having had no good rest , the breathing was somwhat freer , the thirst great , the pox somthing inflamed , the water troubled . Hee broke his fast , and dined according to the former Diet. The puls was heightned and quick , breathing grew difficult , it beeing usual in this diseas , that the sixth and seventh daie , when the pox begin to inflame , the pain and feaver encreaseth : hee beeing costive , they applied a suppositorie of honie and salt , with good effect ; a great many pox upon the back , loins , buttocks , thighs ( in the evening also som upon the face ) brake and matter'd , others were raised , round , white , full of matter ; other Symptoms besides these there appeared none .

About 5 in the Evening , ( many pox beeing bursted ) the feaver encreased together with the short breathing , for the easing whereof ( it arrising from sharp damps ) and to strengthen the heart , there was ordained a Bolus and Diascord , in the presence of all the three Physicians a quarter of an hour after supper , having taken a draught of Julep , there was good hope , so that Dr de Reeck and de Hays went home , with intent to return at ten , and to staie there all night . But within half an hour after they were gon , the feaver and short breathing encreased so mightily and with such a decaie of vigor in all faculties on a sudden , that every one began to fear the worst ▪ and the Princess his Mother , was made acquainted with it , and a Minister sent for , an the other Doctors fetch'd again . When Sterremont the Minister came , Hee was alreadie past speech ; and nevertheless the same Sterremont Printed and published afterwards , the Relation of his Deceas , in terms as followeth , namely ,

That hee the Minister , having spake to him , and with pertinent and pregnant arguments , tending to the practice of repentance , sorrow , hope of reconciliation and forgiveness , together with the confident assurance in Christs bloodie merits , endeavored to prepare his Soul for a blessed waiting for the coming of Christ , and happie departure out of this miserable World ; His Highness , beeing asked the Question thereupon by the said Minister , whether accordingly , upon the ground aforesaid , His Soul was well satisfied , readie and content , chearfully to wait for Death and the ensuing gracious Judgment of his Saviour , his Highness answered with a hollow voice , Yea , lifting up his eies therewithal to Heaven . Then replied the Minister , well then Illustrious Prince , let these eies of your bodie , bee accompanied thither with your heart also , and with the eies of your Faith , and I do assure you , That you shall see the Heavens opened , and the Son of man , standing at the right hand of God , to give your Bodie new strength , or favorably to receiv your Soul into his glorie . Whereupon with good liking of his Highness , hee and the present companie , but few in Number , fell down upon their knees , powring out their praier with sighs and tears , and heartily seeking to the Divine Majestie , to vouchsafe a gracious and speedie releas to his Highness from under this heavie agonie : during the praier there was perceived a great and incredible change in the disposition of his Highness , which doubled the zeal of praier , and made them sigh out from the heart , that God would yet bee further gracious to the person of his Highness , and in him to the whole Land . Rising up from praier , the Minister asked his Highness , whether hee had undsrstood the words of the praier , and received any comfort by it ? but hee received no answer . Then the Physitians would have given his Highness som Cordial , but they found his mouth closely shut up , which made them all conclude , that his last minute was at hand , returning thereupon to praier . But they perceived immediately , that this young Prince , with a gentle hiccough sent forth his Soul to Heaven , into that Happiness , which notwithstanding the complaints , tears and sighs of his faithful servants , and others there present , took from him all desire to return . And thus this Prince , who in Wisdom , Discretion , Prudence and Couragiousness already surpassed his Heroïcal and famous Ancestors , and whom the world did wonder at , was snatch'd out of it , indeed unworthie of him , even in the beautifullest bloom , and youthfullest vigor of his years , beeing old but 24 years and 6 months , after that the untha●kfulness of these times , and the base unworthiness of manie , had for a good while hitherto afflicted and pierc'd his Soul , now translated into that place and companie , where the Laurel-Garlands of his glorious atchievments shall never fade nor fail him , upon Sunday Novemb. 6. about 9 at night , in the year of the prognostick of those Countries downfall , 1650. The News thereof , was at the desire of the Courtiers , presently brought to her Highˢ the Mother Dowager , by the foresaid Minister Sterremont , and to her Royal Highˢ the young widdow , by one of her Chaplains ; which two , even to death afflicted Ladies , met that night yet about 12. at his late Highˢ Court ; The sighs , sobs , tears , doleful behaviour and words , that past reciprocally between them , no eie was able to look upon , but it melted his heart into tears ; the former grieving for the premature death of her onely Son , the Crown of her Age ; and the other for the untimely remooval , of the onely hope and support of her Bleeding Hous , and of the Illustrious Father of that long long'd-for Infant ▪ which yet shee carried swadled in her Bowells , and had hoped speedily and cheerfully to have surrendred into his Arms with thanks . But woe unto us , and our dear Father-land , if God bee not gracious unto us , in a most singular and yet undiscernable manner ; the onely hope remaining yet , is , that God would bee pleased to bless her Royal Highˢ , by a happie and successful Deliverie , with a young Son , another William , to shoot forth out of this withered Orange-tree , and that hee may grow up prosperously from daie to daie , and with his blowing branches , shelter and protect all the subjects of these Countries , against the Spanish heat and all manner of storms and tempests , according to the pattern of his Ancestors . God grant in the mean time to my Lords the States , abundance of wisdom , to remain in Unitie , to take care for the Countrie 's and Churche's welfare , and to make choice in the interim , of a wise , pious , sober and fit Deputie-Lievtenant ; beeing that which all honest inhabitants of this Land , are bound , repentingly , to praie for .

Thus far Sterremont .

Next daie the Bodie beeing opened , one might still see the small pox without raised and white ( no bad signs ) and manie broken . The Brains were sound , the Milt somwhat slap as ordinarie , and fill'd with som black blood , the 2 parts and the bottom of the Liver , blewish , but the whole Lungs very black , swell'd , inflamed , surrounded with black blood , and thence arose the shortness of breath or difficultie of respiration , Dispnoea , and the fever of the two last daies ( not before ) which as it could not bee known , ( for hee had neither cough , nor loosnings of fleam , nor obstructions ) neither from the Fever nor from the Damps ; so it could not have been remedied neither in that state and condition of the sickness and faculties . Those of the Prince's houshold notwithstanding have much complained and given out , as if the Prince had been neglected ; That they suffered him too often to change his linnen , and to take too freely Lemonadoes , and other cooling drinks . But all the three above-mentioned Doctors have signed the foresaid Relation of his sickness with their own hands . The Report of his Death immediately fill'd all the Haghe , and amaz'd it with the unexspectedness ; it having alwaies been held and given out , there was no danger , and all in good hopes ; as indeed such flattering speeches are alwaies best liked , and therefore most used in Courts . None indeed durst tell the Prince that hee was in danger . The Ministers had once design'd among themselvs , to visit him every daie by turns ; but when any presented himself to his Bed-chamber , they were alwaies told , it would distemper the Prince , and put him out of heart ; that hee was prettie well , and visit was needless . Sterremont on●ly was once admitted in all the time ; and yet , least the Prince should bee terrified with a thought of death by the approach of a Minister , they told him before hand , hee came onely to present to his Highˢ som extraordinarie good Oranges which hee had received from Rotterdam ; and Sterremont was expressly charged , to forbear speaking of any apprehension of danger ; so that the same visit proved but a meer Civilitie .

The States G●neral assembled that night yet about 10 , and found good immediately to advertise the Provinces of this unexspected Departure by Letters : Desiring them to prepare themselvs for the taking and framing such Provincial advices thereupon , as their No. Mi. should judg fitting and convenient in the weightie conjuncture of the present times and affairs , and to return the same with all possible expedition to the Assemblie , making overture there of such mattters as concern the Generalitie . Notice also was given hereof to the Courts of the Admiraltie ; as likewise to the Ambassadors and Residents of this State in forrein parts , for to put themselvs in Mourning , allowing every Ambassador 800 flor. and every Resident 400 for that purpose . Dispatches also were made to Count William Governor of Friesland ; to the Lord Brederode Field-Marshal , and to all Governors and Commanders of the reduced Cities of Brabant and Flanders ; item , of Orsey , Rynberg , Wesell , Embrik , Rees , Ravestein , Gennep , Moeurs , to the Commanders at Embden , Lezort , and Coeverdeu , charging them all to keep a narrow and watchful eie to the respective places committed to their trust , against any stirs or attemts that might arise by occasion hereof , whether from without , or from within ; carrying and discharging themselvs faithfully , according to the Oath made by them to this State , at the undertaking of their respective Commissions : of which Oath there were sent Copies to them , to refresh it in their memories . And then the Council of State was desired to inform their Hi. Mi. with all speed of the true state and condition of the Garrisons in all the Frontier-Towns and places of this State , that accordingly such order might bee taken , and provision made as should bee found expedient and requisite for most safetie of the State . Advertisement was likewise given to the reduced Cities of Brabant and Flanders apart . To the Forrein Ambassadors and Residents residing at the Haghe intimation was given of this Accident by som Deputies of their Hi. Mi. and by the Agent Verburgh .

The Corps was not shewed in publick ( as his Fathers , Uncles , and Grandfathers had been ) partly for that the face was much altered and disfigured by the small Pox , and partly to avoid further disturbance of the Princess Roiall by too much stir and nois there , shee beeing great with childe ; which was the caus likewise that shee never saw the Prince in all his sickness ; as also they would have kept his departure from her knowledg the first night , but that shee perceived it well enough by the much running out and in , and hearing the whole Court alarm'd with it .

The King of Spain his Ambassador sent immediately to impart unto her his condoling , and for leav that hee might com to perform it in Person ; which was don next morning , as likewise that of the States General , and inferior Courts or Assemblies , both to her , and to the Princess Dowager , and the Q. of Bohemia .

The Princess Dowager sent that daie by Seigr de Willem , and Secretarie Busero , to get the Lord van Wimmenum to represent unto the Assemblie , that there was a certain Treatie agreed upon between the Spanish Ambassador and the late Prince , about an Equivalence for the not surrendring of the Marquisate ; there wanting nothing to it but the Subscription ; and fearing the winde might get in between , beeing the Ambassador was upon his departure for Brussels ; and therefore her Highˢ desired their Hi. Mi. would bee pleased to induce the Ambassador to the accomplishment . They sent and pressed it , but the Ambassador said , Hee was charged to get the Treatie sign'd by the Princes own hand . The same now beeing dead , hee must and would write for further instruction ; and somtime after returning again to the Haghe , hee declared himself ready for to conclude that Treatie , as soon as the Wardship of the young Prince should bee settled .

The Death of the Prince did much perplex and afflict all those , that together with and by him had agitated the proceedings against Holland . Som Ministers also , both in the Pulpit and otherwise in companies and meetings , exclaimed and lamented , that now the State was Headless ; that there was no King now in Israël : that the State must needs fall into Discord , Confusion and Ruine . But among those of the Government of Holland , and every where among such , whose hearts stood more for Libertie , then Court dependance , you might have seen immediately a very great Alteration and Reviving . The news ran nimbly ; by 3 in the morning , it was alreadie at Amsterdam . The Alms box fared well by it ; the people really glad , would bee really thankful , and liberal for their libertie . One among the rest , putting in a good quantitie of Gold , in the Deacons purs , at Sermon , had featly wrap'd it up , and added a Note to it with words to this purpose , in Ryme . The Prince his death , Make 's my gift great . No gladder n●ws , these hundred years .

Upon the Letters from the Holland Deputies at the Generalitie , the States of Holland met presently , and after som preparatorie business with their Commission'd Members , they caused to bee presented in writing to the Generalitie ; That their N. G. M. do judg the Unitie of the Provinces , to bee the onely Foundation , for to make the State subsist ; and that therefore Declaration was hereby made unto the Provinces , that the sincere intention of their N. G. M. is , constantly to improve , maintain , and evermore holily and inviolably to keep and cultivate the Unitie , Love , Friendship and good Correspondence with and among the Provinces , without ever to recede therefrom , and that they are readie to shew forth the same not in words onely ; but by real effects also upon all occasions .

Furthermore , that their N. G. M. are firmly resolved to uphold and maintain Religion , according to to the Synod of Dort , and as the same is taught at this present in the publick Churches of these Countries . That the Union shall bee kept faithfully , so as it was concluded on , in the year 1579 , at Utrecht : and that the Souldierie for the service of the State , shall bee entertained , according to the Resolutions formerly taken upon the preliminar points , for the Treatie of Peace .

That the Provinces may bee desired to appoint a General Assemblie of all the States in the Hagh ; and to take care , that they may com every one , duely and sufficiently instructed , for a work of so great importance and general concernment .

That they had found good to send unto all the several Provinces , for this end and purpose .

That the Deputies of the other Provinces are earnestly desired to second the good intention of Holland , by serious Letters , to their Principals .

That in the mean time all States-affairs may bee left and proceeded in , according to the accustomed Cours and fundamental Order of this Government . The Courts or several Councils , as also the chief Militarie Officers , remaining in their respective Commissions and Instructions , until such time , as further Order shall bee taken upon the whole frame of the said affair by the Provinces .

In the first draught , the words of this Claus ●un thus ; Until such time , as her Royal Highˢ shall bee delivered of the Fruit shee yet doth go with . But least that might have caused a Construction of som Engagement , it was alter'd as above .

Holland studied and endeavored much , how they might draw Zealand in , at least , to side with them ; hoping that thereby they should bee able so to shut their Fence , and to bee in that posture , as that they should not need to fear to have a Captain General or a Stadtholder forced upon them . And yet they ever shewed themselvs very Civil , in their expressions of thankfulness to the Hous of Orange and Nassaw ; declaring , they would gladly forget and laie aside all what was past , and live and die with the Provinces in all Love , Unitie and Concord .

Before their intended sending to the Provinces could bee dispatched , the Princess Royal was delivered of a Son , upon Mundaie Novemb. 14. betwixt 8 and 9 of the clock at night . Whereupon the Assemblie presently met , and notice was given of it to the Provinces , and congratulations made to her Royal Highˢ , her Highˢ the Princess Dowager and the Q. of Bohemia , and the news imparted to the forrain Ministers , the Bells also were rung , and the common people shewed themselvs very joiful ; thereby manifesting , that they knew or apprehended not otherwise , but that the Prince was their Soverain and the true Lord and Heir of the Countrie : which the vulgar sort was well content it should bee so , for the several benefits and advantages , they had and made of the Court to themselvs , by the utterance of their commodities and otherwise . But the Lord Cats said very well to a friend , upon an occasion touching the Princes death ; That in a Church or great Hall , there were both Pillars and Crowns ( meaning the great hanging candlesticks ) and so it was in this State ; The Pillars were the Provinces and States thereof , the Prince had been the Crown , or great gilt Candlestick , and given it much lustre and ornament . The Candlestick might easily bee remoov'd , The Pillars remain stedfast , unaltered , and they are such as onely can and must furnish both Candlestick and lights upon them .

And now the States of Holland sent away their Commissioners , viz. to Gelderland and Over-Yssel , the Lords Opdam and Polsbrouck with Pensionarie Riccen ; to Utrecht , the Lords of Brederode , Strevelshook and Beverning ; to Zealand , the Lords Pensionarie Ruysh , Zyl and Soneveld ; to Friesland , Groninghen and the Omland , the Lords Pensionarie Bernighen , Pensionarie Nyport and Ripertse ; whose respective Propositions were all fitted and framed , according to the former advice presented to the Generalitie , in manner as followeth .

Noble Mightie Lords !

THe Nobilitie , Gentrie and Cities of Holland and Westfriesland , met in States Assemblie , upon the unexspected sad departure of his Highˢ the Prince of Orange , of immortal memorie , for to help resolv upon such a dismal occasion and in a time of such an intricate constitution of affairs about the Results and Emergencies thereof , for the common service of the Land , They have , ere and before they would let their thoughts go further , providently judged , that for the maintenance of a sure foundation , whereupon to ground common Consultations with confidence to rais up these Countries , under God's blessing , to the bighest top of wellfare and Greatness , there is nothing more necessarie , then that there bee holily and unalterably kept and entertain'd still a perfect Unitie and good correspondence , among all the Members thereof .

And in that regard , beeing excited and stirr'd up , by a cordial Zeal for the common good , to give your N. M. and the respective States of the other Provinces the more assurance and the firmer impression , of this their wholsom and seasonable consideration ; Their N. Gr. M. have been pleased to appoint Us their Commissioners , for to make the same particularly known unto your Honors , and solemnly to assure you , of their upright settled intention , ( grounded upon an exuberant affection to the good of all , ) to employ and contribute with all care and diligence , whatsoëver lieth in the utmost of their Abilities , to the end , that all Jealousies , Differences , and Controversies , the lets and all obstacles of all wholsom Resolutions , and the pestiferous bain of the State , may bee prevented , eschewed and eradicated ; and on the contrarie all true and faithful friendship and such a solid Confidence , begotten , and more and more enlivened and chear'd up amongst all the Members of this State , as that they may all , and evermore , conspire to a perfect Unitie and Concord , in a sweet harmonious Consort of Hearts and Mindes ; Which the Lords our Principals do declare themselvs to bee resolved to help , encourage and maintain , and to observ and cultivate sincerely and inviolably for ever , without ever offering to fail or recede from it in the least ; and that they shall alwaies bee readie to shew it forth not onely in Words , but much rather in deeds and realities .

And like as alwaies , it hath been held and esteem'd , according to the old and good maximes and fundamentals of these Countries , That the maintenance of the Reformed worship of God , The Observance of the Covenant of the Union made in Anno , 1579. and the Entertainment of needful and sufficient Forces for the common Safetie and Defence , are the three main and principal means , for to uphold and preserv this most desirable and blessed Unitie , together with Rest and Tranquillitie at home , Respect among friends , and Terror to Enemies abroad ;

So their N. G. M. our Principals were willing upon this occasion , further to testifie unto your N. M. That their unchangeable Resolution still hath been and ever shall bee , to maintain the said Reformed Religion , according to the Synod of Dort , and in such sort , as the same now is taught in the publick Churches throughout this Countrie ; and therewithal holdy to continue observing the foresaid Covenant of the Union ; and to entertain such an Armie or Forces for the Service of the State , as is agreeable to the Solemn Declaration made in that behalf , upon the preliminar points before the peace , agreed upon by common consent of all the Members of this State and Government .

Moreover , N. M. Lords , it beeing seriously considered by our said Principals , that by reason of the premature Departure of the person of his Highness in the present discomposure of affairs , there will arise and bee occasioned abundance of most weightie and most important Deliberations , most nearly and highly concerning your N. M. and all the United Netherlands in general , and of that nature and consequence , which cannot promiss any Resolution effectually Fruitful for the Lands welfare , but by mutual full and pertinent Communication , and well-united Consultation . In regard whereof , it beeing laid down as a fundamental Law of Government in the foresaid Covenant of the Union , and having likewise in former several times of emergent troubles and difficulties , been the wholsom and profitable practice of the Land , in cases even of less concernment then the present , for the more satisfactorie transaction and determination of things , to the content of all parties interessed , and to establish and settle the same with the more efficacie , lustre and autoritie . That the Lords the States of all the Provinces in general , were sollemnly summoned and called together , to make one States-assemblie General , gathering and meeting all in one place ; Their N. G. M. have therefore thought good and necessarie , in consideration of the present occasion and for the service of the common interest , that there might bee such a General States Assemblie procured and held now , in these Conjunctures , sutable to the foresaid fundamental rules and former good examples . And this wee are especially charged to represent unto your N. M. wise Judgment , and most heartily and seriously to desire you , that it would pleas your N. M. together with the other Provinces , to approov hereof , and by your accustomed Prudence to help to procure and accelerate , that the said Assemblie General of all the Provincial States may speedily bee kept and solemnized ; to the end , that with common and unanimous consent , and with joined Hearts and Hands , the old friendship between so dear Confederates , may renew the deeper impression , and such resolutions bee taken with one and full consent , as may serv most effectually to preserv the so dearly purchased Freedom , Greatness and Welfare of these Countries , and all the Members and Inhabitants thereof .

And that in the mean time no ground of prejudice may bee laid by separate resolutions in this or that Province , nor any change or alteration projected or practised , without communication and deliberation had before with the jointlie-interessed Confederates , for the better and due providing for and disposing of all with the more maturitie , knowledg and consent , and the less disgust and offence of any : Our foresaid Principals have held it as needful and reasonable , so also void of danger to the Land-service , That all matters concerning the State , bee left to the usual Cours and fundamental Orders of this Government , the several Courts or Councils , as also the chief Militarie Officers remaining in their respective Commissions , until the Government General shall otherwise dispose therein .

And this , Noble , Mightie Lords , is that which their N. Gr. M. the States of Holland and Westfriesland ( not for any particular self respect , but meerly out of the uprightness and abundance of their affection to the Common Weal and welfare ) have thought good , not onely to propound in the Assemblie of their Hi. Mi. unto your N. M. and the other Provincial Deputies there ; but for their own and your fu●ther satisfaction , more particularly to represent and most seriously and effectually to recommend by a commissionated Member of their own , to all the Provinces apart , and to your N. M. themselvs in particular , by Us whose names are here under-written ▪ And forasmuch as all this hath no other aim nor respect but the Unitie , Friendship and Concord , without which there is no hope nor possibilitie to subsist , wee dare and do promiss our selvs undoubtedly from the wisdom , prudence and good affection of your N. M. ( that which wee most friendly and earnestly request at your hands ) a wholsom and desired Resolution , beseeching Almightie God to speed and bless the same to the constant Tranquillitie , Prosperitie and Glorie of these United Countries , but especially to the magnifying of the prais of his most Holie Name .

The Resolutions and Answers returned hereupon by the Provinces , were to this effect ; That they undertook to appoint a good Number of Extraordinarie Deputies for the said General Assemblie . The Nobilitie of the Nimmeghen and Veluw quarter resolved to com in Bodie , though at th●ir own charges . They of Over-Yssell autorized onely their Ordinarie Commissioners , though afterwards Extraordinarie ones were sent from the Towns , and of the Nobilitie , as many as would go upon their own expences . Those of Groninghen and the Omlands , immediately upon the departure of the Holland-Commissioners , went to chuse themselvs a Stadtholder , and that at the desire and motion of Friesland by their Deputies , contrarie to the advice of those of Holland ; and unanimously nominated Count William . Friesland had the like intent of sending and recommending the same to those of Ov●●-Yssell ; but Count William himself dissuaded it , to give no offence to the Princesses . They of Dreut followed the Citie of Groninghen and the Omlands .

The Princess Dowager , Grandmother to the young Prince , had sent by express Gentlemen to all the Provinces this ensuing Letter , having first caused the same to bee communicated to the States General , with desire of seconding the Contents ; who nevertheless received it but simply for a Notification , and that they would send Copies to the Provinces .

Noble Mightie Lords !

SInce it hath pleased Almightie God somwhat to allay our great grief and dejectedness for the sudden Departure of Prince William , our dear son of blessed memorie , by the birth of a young Prince , whereof the Princess Royal was happily delivered on the 14th of this instant : Wee may not doubt but that your N. M. particularly participated together with Us , and all the well affected Inhabitants of this State , in that rejoicing ; and that , of their own accord , thoughts presented themselvs to your consideration , of the importance of such a desired success at that instant , whenas it was sadly appre●ended , that the whole Male-line of the Illustrious Princes of Orange , those that laid the grounds and foundations of this Government , and successively assisted the rising thereof with such high and famous atchievments , should com to fail in this sorrowful season . Nevertheless , to satisfie our minde , wee could not rest there , but judged it every way fit and behoovful to make this present address unto your No. M● . together with the rest of the United Provinces , friendly and seriously shewing , recommending , and desiring , that they would bee pleased , according to their accustomed wisdom and fore-sight to take into mindeful consideration , now that the supplying of the Captainship general by Sea and Land , and the Stadtholder or Governor-ship of your Province shall bee put into deliberation , what regard and reflexion ought to bee made and had then unto the person of the said young Prince , in relation of what , as said is , his Ancestors of immortal memorie have adventured both in goods and blood , and uncessantly sought and endeavored in the common caus , even so long , until , by their successful direction , this State hath been raised to this height of prosperitie and reputation , that their most puissant Enemie hath been constrein'd to seek that Peace at their hands , which the jo●nt Provinces so long generally aimed at , and do enjoy at present . Wee do therefore once again desire and entreat your No. Mi. that for the now succeeding times , you will help to frame and fit the publick Resolutions sutably to the good remembrance of those which are past ; and this granted , we are confident it will easily bee believed and prognosticated , that this young sprout of the Orange-tree will bear as good and comfortable fruit as the Tree and Branches hitherto have brought forth . However wee persuade our selvs your No. Mi. will accept of this friendly address and commendation , as proceeding , on the one side , from the considerations of natural dutie wee o● to this our Infant 's son 's ▪ son , as grandmother , and on the other , from the inviolable inclination and affection , which , according to the Example of his Highˢ of blessed memorie , our whilom most highly honored Lord and Husband , wee even did bear to this State , and ever shall do as long it shall pleas God to keep us in this life ; Beseeching him from the bottom of our heart to inspire your No. Mi. with what shall most tend to and advance the Honor of his Holie Name , the Unitie and Safetie of this State , and the prosperitie and welfare of the good Inhabitants thereof ▪ and to keep your N. M. in his holie protection .

Given at the Haghe this 20 of Novemb. 1650.

Count William , Count Maurice and the Lord of Brederode did likewise respectively recommend their persons to the States General , by the Lord President , though but in geueral terms ; and writ also each of them to the States of every Province apart in that behalf .

The Lord of Brederode , in the superscription of his Letter to the States of Groninghen and the Omlands , had onely put , To the Nob. Mightie Lords the States of Groninghen , and left out the Omlands ; for which default the Letter remain'd unopened . How the chusing of Count William for Stadtholder of Groninghen and the Omlands pleased the Princesses , is not hard to conjecture , beeing don in a manner to their face , in regard of the Princess Dowager her abovesaid Letter so newly addrest unto them ; nor could shee cover the smart resent thereof . But those of Groninghen said , that by reason of their Differences among themselvs , they stood in need of a Man , and not of a Babe for their Stadtholder ; and were not used to have a Deputie Stadtholder , or Lievtenants Leivtenant , which would have been needful , if they had made choice of the young Prince ; besides , they had prospered very well under Count William's Father , Brother and Uncle respectively , and their last Stadtholder ( Prince William ) was no better then forced upon them in the year 1640. Those also that stood well affected to the Common Libertie judged it better , that at leastwise one man should not bee Stadtholder General over all ; for which and such like allegations and discourses in the foresaid year 1640 , som good Patriots run no small hazard . There happened also another Disgust to the said Princess Dowager , which was , that the Lord Knuyt was outed of all his functions , for having represented the Prince's interest before the same was made void by his death ; which to recover , means was made to the Court of Holland , to autorize the late Prince's Counsel , provisionally to manage the young Prince's pretence or interest : And the said Council renewed an Act for Knuyt , such as hee had before from the Prince , by virtue whereof hee undertook to present himself again at the Board of their Hi. Mi. but his former Collegues , the Deputies of Zealand , would not endure him there ; and returning into Zealand , the States there likewise turned him out of both the State and Commission'd Council and other Assemblies where hee meant to take place , according to the said Relation , the States taking it , that by the death of the Prince , that Prime Membership of the Nobilitie among them was extinguished ; and mainteining , that indeed hitherto they had allowed it to the Princes of Orange for their Deserts , but personally onely , and under that protestation ; not at all Really or hereditarily .

Those of Dort , immediately upon the Prince's ' death , restor'd the Lord de Witt to his former place ; and so did they at Delft soon after the Lord Duyst van Verhout , and they of Haerlem the Lord de Wael and Reuyl , and they of Medenblick the Lord Stellingswerf , the Lord Keyser was already chosen Fiscal for the Council of the Admiraltie in the North quarter , the Prince yet living . At Amsterdam they proceeded a little more slowly with the restitution of the Bickers , for to shew their moderation .

They of Groninghen and the Omlands , sought to have the Companie of the Guard , which the Prince had caused to com from Groninghen in the late stirs last summer , that now they might bee returned , which was granted without difficultie , but onely about the manner , under what Commission they should march now the Prince was dead . Lastly they were dispatched with Commission from the States General .

The States of Holland beeing assembled in the Haghe , they caused to bee drawn up by their Commssioned Members , this ensuing provisional managing of affairs in their Province , That all such Cities and places as had any Privilege or fore-right in constituting of their Magistrates , should inviolably enjoie and keep the same , and according to the tenor thereof continually exercise and practise it in times and seasons most convenient for themselvs . But as touching the Cities , which having session in the Assemblie of their N. Gr. M. but no such peculiar Privilege or fore-right in this behalf , that in regard thereof it shall bee ordained by a General Resolution , that the same shall have libertie to constitute their respective Magistrates in such a waie and manner as they themselvs shall judg most useful and expedient for their said Cities ; provided that in case any of the foresaid Cities held it expedient or needful for their Citie 's condition to have any thing more , or els granted unto them , then might bee conceived to bee understood by the foresaid general Resolution , that they shall have libertie to make their address to their N. Gr. M. for the obteining of such further grants in that behalf , as shall bee judged best suting with their condition ; and that the granting of such Desires ( or passing of such Grants ) shall bee determin'd in the Assemblie of their N. Gr. M. by the pluralitie of advices ; and moreover it is provided , that in case any of the foresaid Cities should , for reasons best known to themselvs , not desire to make use of the foresaid General Resolution for the choosing of their own respective Magistrates , the same shall bee don upon Nomination or Proposition from them by their N. Gr. M. State's-Assemblie , or ( they peradventure not sitting at such a time ) by the Commission'd Council in both the Quarters respectively . And as for such Cities and places as have no Session in the Provincial State's-assemblie , nor any immunitie in point of choosing Magistrates ; it is found good , that they shall make their addresses to the Assemblie of their N. G. M. for the choosing of their Magistrates upon their precedent Nomination ; and in case of the State's-Assemblie not sitting , to the Committee-Council in both Quarters , each apart , who shall bee enabled to dispose thereof respectively .

As for the disposing of all civil Offices and charges , besides the Magistracie , it was agreed , that henceforward the same shall absolutely bee and remain in the power of the Assemblie of their N. Gr. M. such onely excepted as shall bee found to belong by peculiar right and known custom unto other Courts or Assemblies , and there they shall continue .

Concerning the condition and qualification of persons capable of Magistracie , it was agreed , That all such as should bee invested with any place or office of that nature , ought to bee of the Christian Reformed Religion , so as the same was confirmed by the Synod of Dort , and is taught now in the publick Churches of the Land ; at leastwise they should make publick profession thereof .

All other affaires , beeing not Domestick , or , meerly Provincial , but having relation to the Generalitie , were put of and referred to the arrival of the Grand-Assemblie of the Provinces , assigned to begin the 13th of December ensuing .

About this time began the Difference about the Wardship of the young Prince of Orange . The Prince had left a Codicill , dated Decemb. 21ᵒ. 1649. wherein hee had augmented the Dowrie of the Princess Royal from 10000 l. sterl. to 15000 l. per. an . in case shee had issue ; and failing of issue , 20000 l. sterl. per. an . together with the use , and all the mooveables of the Houses , at Buren , Breda , Isselstein and Houselardyck . There was likewise a Testament or Will produced ; but without date of daie or place , and unsubcribed ; wherein hee , dying without issue , instituted his Sister Albertine to inherit , on condition of marrying an Earl of Nassaw . The Princess Royal maintained that the right of Guardianship was her own , beeing Mother , and the next in Law . The manner of her plea , appear's by the ensuing Paper presented to the States of Holland .

The Princess Royal doth remonstrate to your N. G. M. that to her great grief , shee is necessitated in this her sad condition , so often to interrupt your high and weightie Deliberations , seeking for that at your hands , which the natural affection to her onely Son , and her motherlie tenderness for his wellfare , together with the conservation of the mourning-hous of the Prince of Orange , her husband of happie memorie , constrain's her self unto .

Testifying before your N. G. M. her upright and sincere intention herein , shee having hitherto had no other aim , but that her foresaid Son , whom both nature and the Laws likewise of these Countries have and do Commend unto her care and oversight , before all others , may bee provided with Guardians-assistant together with her self , of such Lords , members of the State , as the Court of Holland , communicating with her Remonstrant , shall finde good , under your N. G. M. approbation , to ordain .

Beeing mooved thereunto , by the full and perfect knowledg shee , Remonstrant hath concerning this , of the earnest will and desire of his Highness her husband : whereof their N. G. M. may bee further assured , by the draught of Disposition , lately sent unto you , in a Copie by the Court of Holland .

Which disposition beeing circumstantially examined , especially so far forth , as the same make's mention of constituting of Guardians and the qualifications of them ; together with the plain exclusion of all others , not thus qualified ; The will of his Highˢ , and the assuredness of the foresaid Disposition , cannot bee drawn into question by anie reason ; it beeing constituted in the Laws , that even imperfect Dispositions , destitute of all solemnities , nay , the very bare intimation of the last will , is sufficient for the giving or appointing a Guardian , especially beeing the Fathers for his childe .

The reason why the foresaid Disposition want's the formal Solemnitie ( however unnecessarie as for the present purpose of constituting Guardians ) proceeded not from any change of his Highˢ former will , nor any intention of his , it should remain without the usual solemnities ; but , that the same was hindered onely by som other accidents , the which , shee Remonstrant , for certain considerations , doth not think good as yet to discover , and should bee contented to let it pass thus , if shee bee not constrained to shew forth the Truth thereof in its nakedness .

It beeing a meer abuse , that the draught of the foresaid Disposition should bee abolished or cancell ▪ d by the Codicill of his Highˢ , dated Decemb. 21ᵒ. 1649. the Laws plainly shewing , that Codicillarie Dispositions do not alter Wills or Testaments ; no nor any former Codicils , but in so much as is expressly derogated unto the former , by the later .

A like abuse is it , That the foresaid Draught should bee of no efficacie , for that his Highˢ should have testified in his sickness , that hee would or intended to make a Disposition or Testament . Such an intention tending not to the altering of the foresaid Disposition , but onely to pass in due form , what hee long beforehand and premeditately had brought to that perfection , that by special charge from himself , and by his own hand Clark , it was fairly written out , and lackt nothing more but the solemn formalities aforesaid , as shall bee fully proved if need bee .

Shee , Remonstrant , will not bee tedious now , by shewing to your N. G. M. with what prudence and singular wisdom , that foresaid Disposition hath been framed by his Highˢ , all the world easily comprehending , that his aim was not onely to take care for that which most concerned the weal and conservation of the affairs of his hous , but also and especially , that his Son , whom hee had destinated for the Service of this State , might bee brought up , under the eie and inspection , of som Lords members of the State it self .

The Right , which Shee , Remonstrant , hath before all other , to the inspection and Guardian-ship of her Son , doth need no justification at all , in the righteous judgment of your N. G. M. Her own Minorennitie coming not into any Consideration here , when as the very Laws of the Land pronounce the age compleat by matrimonie ; so that the Civil Law can take no hold of Us in this particular ; besides especially , that it ought to bee considered , in what Eminencie of Condition her person is , which doth qualifie , the Princes and Princesses of her Familie , even under age , such as shee , Remonstrant , now is , to the Government of the State it self .

Shee , Remonstrant , is very well contented , that My Lady the Princess Dawager should take care for the conservation of the Princesses , her Daughters Rights and Interests , and declar's , shee is like Zealously affected for it ; it beeing very for from her thoughts to commit the least direction of the Government of her Son and his Goods , to any Foreiner ▪ but absolutely to leav it to such , as his Highˢ most circumspectly hath ordained , by his foresaid Disposition .

Judging , that whatsoëver is practised and contrived against and contrarie to the wise intention of his Highness , cannot but most highly prejudice the welfare of his Son and his inheritance .

Shee , Remonstrant , make 's no scruple at all at your N. G. M. beeing autorised , to provide her Son with Guardians assistant together with herself , sutably to the foresaid Dispositi●n of the Prince of Orange of happie Memorie ; but contrarily , shee desireth and entreat's it at your hands .

But if so bee , it shall pleas your N. G. M. to make use herein of the service of the Court-Provincial , unto which is referr'd and committed the Universal Jurisdiction of the Countries of Holland , Zealand and West-friesland : Shee rests confident , the same would prove no prejudice to the Highness of her hous , and the emiment Qualitie thereof .

Considering that the foresaid Court , of old , and time out of minde , have still exercised in this Land the right of Magistracie , over all Noble and Eminent persons , and consequently also provided their Orpbants , if need was , with Guardians .

The Princes of the Land themselvs , having had the said Court in that esteem and consideration , that they have committed to them the care and keeping of their Dignitie and Rights ; together with all their Soveraign and Princely prerogatives : and his late Highˢ himself sufficiently testified , by his abovesaid Disposition , the great respect hee bore to the said Court whenas hee committed or referred to the same , a considerable part of the oversight of his hous mortuaire , and things depending thereon .

All which your N. G. M. are entreated to take into serious Consideration , so as may make most for the good of her Remonstrant , and her Son , &c.

Unto the States of Holland and West-Friesland .

Noble , Great , Mightie Lords !

THe Tragical Afflictions , wherewith it hath pleased the great God to visit her Royal Highˢ in the Royal Hous , and especially in the person of the King her Father of most blessed memorie ; as likewise the unexspected , and to her most sad and grievous departure of the Prince of Orange her Dear Husband ; these are matters known to all the World .

And your N. G. M. have also , in regard of the foresaid calamitous accidents , shewed unto her , Remonstrant , your singular condoling , and more then fatherly compassion .

Shee , the Remonstrant , reduced to such a Condition , and beeing great with childe therewithal , it pleased the good God , graciously to deliver her of the Fruit , shee had born in her womb with so much grief , to the singular solace of her in these foresaid heavie Visitations .

And therein also shee , Remonstrant , having favorably received your N. G. M. friendly Congratulations , and cordial Demonstrations of mutual rejo●ceing , Shee testifies to bee and to remain obliged unto your N. G. M. with immortal Devoirs of gratefulness .

But waiting for opportunities to evidence the same further , shee is necessitated to appear sooner troublesom then thankful unto your N. G. M. and by request , touching her particular affairs to interrupt your N. G. M. that they would bee pleased to suffer themselves to bee informed , that shee Remonstrant , in no wise intend's to do any thing that shall bee inconsistent with the Laws , or but liable to any construction of attempting ought against Justice , much less against the Autoritie of your N. Gr. M.

It is without all Controversie , most agreeable to the Laws of this Land , that Shee ▪ the Remonstrant , beeing Mother of the Prince , her Son , her Dear Husband deceasing , shee thereby becom's and is the Governess or Guardian of her said Son , beyond all dispute , with exclusion of the Grandmother .

Which unremoovable Foundation beeing laid , it follow 's surely , and is clearly grounded in Right , that Shee , the Remonstrant , is enabled thereby , not onely to undertake the Guardianship , but likewise to exercise all acts thereon depending , and that shee cannot bee hindred therein , by reason that hitherto there are no Guardianassistants assigned with her .

That which is said here , beeing clear and plain in Law , shee the Remonstrant stand's evidently free from having attempted the least against it ; so that in Justice there can bee no Inhibition made of her foresaid Administration of the Guardianship .

Shee the Remonstrant , is not able neither to conceiv or remember , that the Acts hitherto past and used by her in Qualitie of Guardian , should or could bee other then most advantagious for the Prince her Son , beeing the most important Act thereof is tendering , how upon good Deliberation and advice with his Highˢ Counsel , the Hous mortuarie , may bee disburthened of the heavie and unnecessarie Charges of above six hundred thousand flor. per. an .

The other Acts consist in the Election of som persons into Magistracie , made by her in the Name of the Prince her Son , upon the Nomination of a double Number , whereunto it is apparant , that none other is or can bee qualified , but herself , the Remonstrant , in her present Qualitie of Guardian over the Prince her Son . The foresaid Council of his Highˢ of blessed Memorie , beeing provisionally autorised no further by the Court of Holland , then what concerneth their Ordinarie function , and is contained within their Instruction , among which it is manifest , that the Election of any Magistrate , is not comprehended .

Shee , the Remonstrant , doth protest , that this Concertation and Difference about her own indubitable Right , with the Ladie Princess her Mother in Law , and the Prince Elector of Brandenburg , is much against her minde and heart , wishing for no other occasions , but to meet and occur them with all Offices of Civilitie and kinde Correspondence , and beeing readie to give them likewise all reasonable Satisfaction about the Direction in the particular of the Guardianship .

For the said Guardianship consisting principally in three functions ; the first , touching the Education of the Person of her Son ; the second , the Administration of his goods ; the third , the Collation or bestowing som Charges and Grants or Benefices .

Shee ( Remonstrant ) declareth herself to bee ready in all uprightness , to order and dispose the said Education , with the approbation and advice of the foresaid Ladie the Princess her Mother in Law , and according to the manner and custom of these Countries , to as much advantage as may bee , without suffering any Forrainers to divert her from so doing .

The managing and administration of the goods , the Remonstrant conceiveth , ought as hitherto , to bee disposed by the Council , and conformably to the desire of his late Highˢ her husband .

And that therein consequently bee considered , the Confidence that before all things all debts and charges of the Hous mortuarie bee paid and discharged out of the yearly Revenue .

And for to give the said Prince Elector full assurance thereof , in respect of the Fidei-Commissio , or Trust mentioned in his Remonstrance , shee , the Remonstrant here , will gladly admit , that the same Prince Elector and her Highˢ the Princess Dowager shall themselvs , or by their appointed Commissioners , assist to audit the yearly accounts of the Treasurer General .

And if they at any time shall thereupon conceiv of better waies and managing of the said estate , shee declare's herself willing to embrace the same

Beeing far from any inclination or design , that the foresaid Goods or Revenues shall in the least part bee diverted to any other uses ; besides that according to the known Laws , the like would not bee in her , nor in the Assistant-Guardians power for to do .

As for the Collation of the places and offices , the same belong's to her the Remonstrant by contract of marriage , in all such places out of which her Dowrie is to bee paid ; and the rest in the qualitie of Mother and Guardian of the Prince her Son ; beeing ready nevertheless , in the Election of the Magistrate , not to proceed otherwise but by the advice of the Court of Holland , and therein punctually to follow the Tenor of the Privileges and Charters of the places where the Magistrates are to bee changed .

And in respect of the Cities lying in Zealand , to take the advice , during the minoritie of the young Prince , of the States of that Countrie , whereby all apprehended surmises vanishing , how injuriously soever devised . The Remonstrant desire 's to give your N. G. M. to perpend in their righteous judgment , whether there can bee ought more just and behoofful to the honor and lustre of the young Prince , and respect of the Remonstrant as Mother and Guardian of him , then that the foresaid Collations and Elections bee don in manner aforesaid .

Shee Remonstrant not entertaining so much as a thought to intrude or intrust any English therewith , or even to suffer any Nundination to bee made about them , but rather to take care , that in all , the Rules of distributive Justice may exactly bee considered and observed .

All which Shee Remonstrant thought good to attest thus unto your N. Gr. M. in all sinceritie , least by any contrarie impressions shee might bee prejudiced in her undoubted Right , to the great indignitie of her foresaid Qualities and personal Illustrious extraction ; but especially , to the more aggrieving of her affliction , wherein shee ought rather in this desolate estate to bee by all means comforted and cheer'd up .

And that in regard hereof , you will not suffer the waie of Justice to bee shut up to the Remonstrant , which to the glorie and reputation of your N. G. M. Government stand's ever open , even to the meanest and remotest , that com's but to make his address here unto it .

The Princess Dowager stood upon this , that the Roial was himself in Minoritie yet , and could not in Law bee Guardian ; that shee might bee drawn to dissipate the good or revenue and adventure to spend it upon her Brothers , even as the late Princes both Henrie and William had don themselvs , and run themselvs deep in debt besides upon the same score . That shee the Grandmother , having much experience and special relations , the Guardianship ought to bee committed to her , shee could better administer the same , and the like , as appear's more fully by her own ensuing Remonstrance .

Noble and great Mightie Lords !

HEr Highˢ the Ladie Princess Dowager of Orange , having , in respect of her qualitie as mother and Guardian of the young Princesses her daughters , next interessed in the Hous Mortuaire of his late Highˢ her son of happie memorie , been desired soon after his Deceas , jointly with som Deputies of his Electoral Highˢ of Brandenburgh , to appoint som Commissioners , who in their Name might present ▪ themselvs at the opening to bee made by the Court of Holland , of a certain disposition of a Last Will , as was said to have been left behinde by his foresaid Highˢ , and was by her Roial Highˢ put into the hands of the said Court under close Covert , and not long after that shee had been informed by the Commissioners , how that there was opened and read there a certain sealed Codicillarie Disposition , made and sign'd by his said Highˢ , and attested by a Notarie and other witnesses in due form and manner , in the behalf of her said Roial Highs. That withal , at the instance of the foresaid Commissioners , there was read a certain other open Writing , begun som years past to bee rough drawn by his Highˢ in another hand , but not completed , much less dated , signed , sealed or past in form accustom'd : Nevertheless that the Lecture hereof was not made but upon precedent Protestation of her Highˢ Commissioners against the plain invaliditie of the same , seconded after by the said Court 's explicite Declaration ▪ that the said Lecture should neither benefit nor prejudice any ; howbeit the Deputies of his Electoral Highˢ having protested against it , refused to stay the reading , and withdrew themselvs out of the Court.

And her Highˢ consequently , together with all uninteressed people of reason and discretion , looking upon the condition of this hous mortuaire no otherwise then that his foresaid Highˢ having of late drawn the Contents of the foresaid Codicil , out of the rough-draught above-mention'd , hee hath thereby plainly rejected the same , and therefore at several times testified upon his Death-bed , hee intended to make his Testament , and therefore without any contradiction , beeing precipitated by his sickness , came to die intestate ; and that therefore it were requisite above all things , order should bee taken both for the Guardianship of the young ▪ born Prince , together with his Roial Ladie Mother , and the administration of his goods .

Shee was very confident indeed , and still shee doth relie upon it , that your No. Gr. Mi. as Sovereigns of the Province where the Hous Mortuaire happen'd , and in consideration likewise of its Eminencie , you would bee pleased to settle such order therein , as in like Cases the Common Laws and Customs of this and all Countries almost have provided ; and hath by reason hereof refrained hitherto to importune your N. Gr. M. in this affair .

But beeing her Highˢ hath been informed since , that the Lords of the Court of Holland had , besides their rescription , communicated Copies unto your N. G. M. not onely of the foresaid Codicil , but also the other imperfect Writing , and doth otherwise also understand , that certain persons , whom it least beseem's , do seek and go about to the undervalue of this Illustrious Hous , to engage the principal members thereof into needless Controversie ; and dare take upon them , contrarie to all Laws , Customs and sound reason , publickly to assert and maintein , as if by virtue of the foresaid invalid Writing , the pretenders were enabled to act in what concern's the foresaid Guardianship and Administration , even with seclusion of the nearest in Blood and Alliance , that are ungainsaiably legitimated and qualified thereunto ; and that the said persons likewise endeavored to carrie on and dispose of the business , by all kinde of strange under-hand-dealings .

Her Highˢ hath in all respects both of Law and Nature , found herself obliged and even constrained , hereby most courteously and friendly to desire your N. Gr. M. They would bee pleased to take all what here hath been deduced , according to your accustomed wisdom and discretion , into good and mature Counsel-deliberation , and to devise and settle such Order about the fore-named Guardian ship and Administration , That your N. Gr. M. doubtless finding good to appoint a Committee of som Members of the Government it self for it , there may bee no further prejudice practised against them , to whom it belong's to bee preferred and empl●ied hereunto , as from the Father's side before all others , and who consequently likewise cannot bee put by or excluded without singular reason , disgust , and offence .

However your N. Gr. M. are to consider , that her Highˢ is making this timely application in discharge of her Devoir , partly out of motherlie affection to her dear and onely Grandchilde , and partly by reason of her foresaid qualitie of Mother and Guardian to the said young Princesses her daughters , whose interests shee may not abandon , That Guardianship beeing solemnly laid upon her by the last Will and Testament of his Highness of blessed memorie , her Lord and Husband , who likewise desired therein your N. G. M. assistance for the execution .

By another Memorandum the Princess Dowager shewed as followeth . Noble , Great Mightie Lords !

ALthough her Highˢ the Princess Dowager of Orange , and the next Allies of his Highˢ side of blessed memorie , were very loath to disturb and interrupt the high and important deliberations of your N. G. M. with their particular affairs , and rested confident , that whilest your N. G. M. ( to whom as to the Sovereigns of this Province of Holland belong's the disposing of the Guardianship of the young-born Prince of Orange , ) Resolution was not opened or declared , all things should remain in State as it was , and nothing bee attemted by the Princess Roial , as on the side of her Highˢ respect was given in this behalf to your N. G. M. by sitting still , and the said Princess Roial also entreated and invited in the name of her Highˢ to amicable composure of the differences arisen , and warned not to attemt ought while the matter was undecided .

Nevertheless her Highˢ com's to bee informed , not without amazement , that the Princess Roial , even during your N. G. M. Deliberations , hath actually undertaken the Administration of the Guardianship , as well in the point of changing of Magistrates , as in others , tending to the prejudice of what your N. G. M. shall finde good , according to their accustomed wisdom , justly and equitably to determine and dispose in the said Guardianship .

Wherefore her Highˢ and next allies of this side cannot avoid , how much soëver against their will at this time , to importune your N. G. M. and by this duly and seriously to desire , you would bee pleased , for the exigent remedie of these and all other attemts , and preventing of unnecessarie and prejudicial irritations , to mature and hasten your Resolution about the Guardianship ; and in case the same could not bee soon dispatched , at leastwise to settle such order , that like as her Highˢ continueth bearing due respect to your N. G. M. and awaiting your righteous Resolution , so also all attemts may ceas and desist on the Princess Roial her side , and the affairs of the Hous , especially such as can brook no delaie , bee duly looked unto ; her Highˢ leaving it to your N. G. M. consideration , whether it were not fit the same should bee referred and committed to the Counsel of his Highˢ deceased , the same beeing specially obliged to the Hous by oath , well informed of all things thereto belonging , and sufficiently autorized in that behalf by the Court Provincial .

And forasmuch as this desire is altogether grounded on Law , Reason and Equitie , and void of all disputing , and that here especially delaie breed's danger , her Highˢ and next allies ; once again most courteously and friendly desire , your N. G. M. will bee pleased , during this Session , to take and pass such a Resolution about it as you shall finde fitting .

your N. Gr. M. may bee pleased herewithal to take notice , that my Ladie the Princess Royal took upon her , to dispose alone of the change of the Magistrate at ter-Veer in Zealand , about New-years daie last , and also at Gertruydenberg and Meurs , and in other places , besides other things and matters concerning the State of the Hous Mortuaire , beeing so many attempts in prejudice of your N. gr. M. determination under Debate yet .

The Prince Elector of Brandenbourg in his wife's , the Electress behalf , as beeing the next in blood , and substituted heir by Prince Henrie , mainteined , hee ought to bee Guardian ; See his grounds and allegations in the following Memorandum of his Commissioner to the States of Holland .

Noble and great Mightie Lords !

COmmissioner Copes findes himself necessitated with all respect to make known unto your N. gr. M. that as yesterdaie hee received Letters by the Poast from his most gracious Lord and Master , the Prince Elector of Brandenburg , dated at Berlin Decemb. old stile 1650. Whereby it pleased his Elect. Highˢ to signifie unto the said Commissioner in Substance , That hee not onely com's to understand with singular regret , what various disgusts and misunderstandings there are arisen , about the business of Guardian-ship for the new born Prince of Orange his Nephew ; but especially , that his Highˢ is amazed to hear of practises and endeavors , whereby in an unheard of manner , contrarie to all Law , Reason and Equitie , to put by and exclude her Highˢ , his Elect. Highˢ Dear and most-honored Mother in Law , together with others the next in Blood and Consanguinitie , out of the said Guardianship and Administration of the Pupils Estate ; whereunto his Elect. Highˢ in most serious and pregnant terms in adding , That hee should most highly apprehend and resent it , if at all events her foresaid Highˢ came to bee put by the Administration of the said Estate , beeing , That not onely in Qualitie of Grand-mother , but especially in the right of Mother and Guardian of the said Estate for the next and substituted Heirs , it doth so peculiarly belong to her before all other , to care for and look to the conservation thereof . In which regard also , his Electoral Highˢ pretend's in all Reason , as Husband and Guardian of the next of those Heirs , to bee likewise acknowledged in the said Administration , so as That hee shall never connive , that the same bee totally left and abandoned to the Discretion of them , who by pretence of the Mother's side onely , seek to prevail against all the rest ; his Elect. Highˢ having manie weightie reasons and considerations besides against it , which it were better for them to help to cover , then to urge their coming to publick View .

Hereof the foresaid Commissioner thought it fit , thus timely to discharge himself before your N. gr. M. with respectful Desire your N. gr. M. whom hee understand's to have these matters in present Agitation , would bee pleased to have such a regard to what hath been propounded , that by means of their high wisdom and foresight , both his Elect. Highˢ and the rest of the Principal Interessed in the foresaid Guardianship and Administration , may obtain that , whech even according to the publick Laws and Customs of these Countries , doth justly belong unto them : that so there may bee eschewed and prevented all causes of further Difference , in such an Illustrious kindred , and many other more troublesom inconveniences , which might easily spring thence .

December 23o. 1650. Your N. gr. Mi. humble Servant Joh. Copes .

And when the Princess Royal notwithstanding all this , proceeded to take possession of the Guardianship , his said Elect. Highˢ caused again to bee remonstranced , That on the Princess Royal her side , They proceeded not in the matter of the Guardianship , and Administration of the Estate of the new-born Prince of Orange , with that respect which was due to their respective Illustrious Houses ; beeing that by her Royal Highˢ there were new attempts practised , during the time , their N. gr. Might . stood in Deliberation about it ; tending to the notable undervaluing of his Elect. Highˢ , a Prince of such Eminencie ; and of their N. Gr. M. likewise ; when as namely on the one side , their N. gr. M. and the Court Provincial are sought unto by Memorandums of her Royal Highˢ , as the Supreme Magistrate , to decide these Differences , her partie nevertheless proceed's to the changing of the Magistrates , as was don at ter-Veer and elswhere ; and the Counsellors and Servants of the Hous are charged to bring in all affairs of dispatch , for to bee disposed of by her the said Princess Royal as absolute Guardian , effectually thus occupying the Administration of those goods and Estates , wherein his Elect. Highˢ most rightfully pretend's to bee acknowledged , and shall never look with good eies upon it , that in such an Illustrious Parentage , there should bee practises and proceedings of such undue and unseemly Conditions ; whenas they pretend notwithstanding to submit the matter to Cours of Law . Hee desired therefore once again , That this affair might bee taken in hand with all expedition , and the Guardianship and Administration of the goods adjudged to his said Elect. Highˢ and her Highˢ his most honored Mother in Law , in such sort as the same d●th appertain to them , according to the Laws and Customs of these Countries , for to prevent all further irritation .

Don Louis William , as son to Princess Amalia , full sister to Prince Maurice ; item the Prince of Landsbergh mainteined likewise as next of kin , to have right and interest thereto .

The Prince Elector of Brandenburgh , to second the prosecution of his own and her Highˢ his Mother 's in Law pretence and claim , sent likewise two of his Clerish Counsel of State to the Haghe . It was now , Ubi Cadaver , ibi congregantur Aquilae , Where the Carkass is , you may bee sure of Eagles . The intention and affection for the young Prince was good no doubt , nevertheless it plainly appeared , the pretenders or their Ministers aimed ( besides the pains and care ) at their own interest and advancement ; especially , the Prince having the placeing of the Magistrate at ter Veer and Flushing , and by poss●ssion ( though but gratis ) the whole Membership of the Nobilitie in Zealand at his beck , whereby hee had absolutely three of the seven voices among the States of Zealand ; besides the stately possessions and Towns also ( though without voice ) in Holland , in Braband and elswhere ; the Administration whereof could not but procure great autoritie and respect to the Guardians and their Ministers , and furnish them with notable opportunities and occasions .

The States of Holland , for to bee rid of these troublesom sollicitations , sent all the materials presented unto them unto the Court Provincial , not by Commission , but onely as a Caus belonging to a Court of Justice to bee decided there , if it could not amicably bee composed between the parties , which should bee endeavored ; and within a few daies after the States of Holland agreed and ordered expressly , That no person belonging to the Government should bee capable of beeing emploied in the same Guardianship , to prevent thereby the raising of one or other particular persons inhabitant , to too great a domineering condition over others , as by the Princes favors had often happened heretofore .

According to the Resolution of August 18 , there were also at length disbanded and cashiered sour Troops of Hors more , and a 1000 Foot ; and the ensuing List made of paying the Companies Hors and Foot , according to their strength .

Lists of the Companies , Hors and Foot , and the Rates of their Entertainment according to the strength hereafter specified , all by the Month at 42 daies .

ATroopofHors,Carabins,of60hors. Hors . flor. 4. The Captain by the Month for Entertainment 250 flor. and 4 horses , each allowed 25 flor. they appearing mann'd & arm'd at mustering , in all 350 2. The Lievtenant for Entertainment 80 flor. and 2 horses as before , com's to 130 2. The Cornet's Entertainment 70 flor. and 2 horses as before , com's to 120 1. The Quartermaster with one hors 45 2. 2 Trumpeters , each 35 flor. 70 2. One Clerk , and one Farrier , each 28 flor. 56 47. Carabins , each at 28 flor. with 12 flor. for the Corporal 's advantage 1328 60 Hors . Sum — 2099 flor.

ATroopofHors,Carabins,of50hors. Men. — Officers . flor. 4. The Captain , with 4 horses , in manner as before 350 2. The Lievtenant with 2 horses , as before 130 2. The Cornet with 2 horses , as before 120 1. The Quartermaster with one hors 45 2. 2 Trumpeters , each 35 flor. in all 70 2. One Farrier , one Clerk , each 28 flor 56 37. Carabins , each at 28 flor. and 12 flor. for the advantage of 3 Corporals 1048 50 Hors . Sum — 1819. flor.

ACompanieof100Foot-souldiers. Men. — Officers . flor. 1. The Captain , for himself 150 1. The Lievtenant 45 1. The Ensign . 40 2. Serjeants , each 24 flor. 48 3. Corporals , each 16 flor. 48 2. Drummers , each 12 flor. 24 3. One Clerk , one Chirurgion , one Marshal , each 12 flor. 36 13. 391 flor.

36 Pikes , thus : flor. 1. at 16 2. at 15 30 2. at 14 28 4. at 13 52 13. at 12 156 14 at 11. 154 436 flor.

48 Musketiers , thus : flor. 2. at 14 28 6 at 13 78 20 at 12 240 20 at 11 220 566 3. Youths , each 8 flor. 24 100. Men. Sum 1417 flor.

ACompanieof65Foot-souldiers. Men. flor. 12. Officers all as before , except a Clerk 379 1. at 16 16 2. at 14 28 22 Pikes , thus : 3. at 13 39 8. at 12 96 8. at 11 81 267 flor.

28 Musketiers , thus : 1. at 14 14 4. at 13 52 12. at 12 144 11. at 11 121 331 flor. 3. Youths , each 8 flor. 24 flor. 65. Men Sum. 1001 flor.

ACompanieof50Foot-souldiers. Men. — Officers . 1. The Captain at 150 1. Lievtenant 45 1. Ensign 40 2. Serjeants , each at 24 flor. 48 3. Corporals , each at 16 48 2. Drummers , each 12 flor. 24 1. Clerk 12 367 flor. 11.

14 Pikes , thus : 1. at 16 1. at 15 1. at 14 2. at 13 26 4. at 12 48 5. at 11 55 147 flor.

22 Musketiers , thus : 1. at 14 3. at 13 39 9. at 12 108 9 , at 11 99 260 flor. 3. Youths , each at 8 flor. 24 flor. 50 Men. Sum. 825 flor.

Don thus and concluded in the the Council of State Decemb. 5. 1650. J. Eeck vt ▪ By Order of the Council of State . J. Eyckberg .

ABove it was said , that they of Holland so ordered their Provincial Government , as to bee without a Stadtholder or Governor ; that the Cities should enjoy the choosing of their own Magistrates , and that whatsoēver hitherto was don by the Stadt-holder , should bee don by the States themselvs . The Membership of the Nobilitie and the Citie of Leyden shewed themselvs somwhat enclined to the Prince .

Alcmaer , Delft , and Rotterdam , were the first that sought and obtained a Charter for the free choice of their own Magistrates ; for it was declared alreadie beforehand , that none should bee refused that came to desire it . And having the Grant , each Citie proceeded according to their own pleasure , as it best agreed with every one ; most of them sorting their Election out of a double Number ; which the Stadt-holder was wont to do before with the advice of the Council , or Court Provincial , or in his absence that Court alone , by reason whereof the same Court might well have pretended now , that it belong'd to them alone , and none other . But they never did nor durst open their mouths about it .

The first that arrived in the Hagh of the Provincial States for the Grand-Assemblie , were they of Zealand , and were streightwaies most kindly welcom'd with som Coaches , by the principal Members of Holland ; as likewise afterwards they were fetch'd again in their Bodie , with Coaches , to have Audience in the Assemblie of the States of Holland ; there passing abundance of Complements , and shews of much affection and friendship , with readiness of contributing whatsoēver might tend and conduce to the maintenance of the everlasting Union , and faithful correspondence one with another . Therefore did they of Holland , in Bodie , or one of every Member ( the Lord van Opdam still beeing the chief , for that the Lord Beverweert , first nominated for that purpose had excused himself ) meet with these of Zealand , making an Assemblie together apart at the New Doel , where they had sev●ral Conferences . They of Zealand , spake in the beginning of the young Prince , that special regard ought to bee had of him ; and at the least hee might bee nominated Stadt-holder , and have a Lievtenant join'd to him ; in which particular the Princesses also , both Mother and Grandmother took much pains both personally and by thei● well affected friends and dependants . But Holland replied , it was too too soon , and uncertain what hee might grow and bee brought up to ▪ Possibly indeed hee might prove a good and fit Prince ; but hee might likewise as ●asily ●iscarrie . As som of late reported of the present Queen of Sweden , beeing wished to marrie ▪ that shee answered her States , J hold it better to design you a Successor , that is fit alreadie , and known to bee a good Prince , then to marrie ; for ● may as easilie bring forth a Nero , as an Augustus ; and so might this young Prince of Orange as easily bee bred to follow the exorbitant footsteps of his Father Prince William , such as hee made last Summer against the Citie of Amsterdam , and the Assemblie of the States of Holland ; and Prince Maurice before him in the year eighteen , as other Qualities and Virtues of his Predecessors .

That likewise the appointing of a Lievtenant , or Deputie Stadt-holder might prove dangerous , as well for the young Prince himself as for the State : for the same might , during the Princes Minoritie , so settle and establish himself , that neither the Prince full grown , nor the State should bee able afterwards to make him resign and give up the place . And the young Prince besides , having now such an honor conferred upon him , would never con the States any thanks for it ; but rather grow up in an opinion , that hee had it by inheritance , and that hee could not bee past by . Whereunto came further the secret considerations , of his near and great Alliances , with France , Spain , England and Denmark , join'd with his g●eat and mightie possessions in the Land it self , making him formidable to the State ; that these were dangerous Entertainments for a Republick , and no sure means of maintaining Libertie . The Ostracismus and Petalismus were used in the Grecian Republicks , against fellow-Citizens , if they grew once too potent in autoritie : the same was much more to take place against a Prince , whose Father and predeces●or evidently shewed , that under the Name of Governor , they levell'd at the Soveraigntie ; which yet in effect , as well for Autoritie and Direction both of State and Militia they enjoyed alreadie more absolutely and powerfully then the Souveraigns of the Land had don before .

Those of Geld●rland and Utrecht came likewise in the later end of December , and were welcom'd and complemented in like sort , by them of Holland , as the Zealanders were before .

Those of Friesland , of Groninghen and the Omlands , arrived in Januarie ; and though they of Over ▪ Yssel had first onely autorized their Ordinarie Deputies , yet they sent Extraordinarie after , viz. those of Zealand , Twent and Vollenhove , as many of the Gentrie , as would go at their own charges , and from Deventer , two of the Magistrates there ; from Campen came onely their Ordinarie Commissioner : from Swoll , no bodie , by reason of their instant Election .

They of Holland saluted and welcom'd them all in particular , and held particular and preparatorie Conferences with all , respectively : for to impart to and receiv back from them their particular inclinations and considerations upon the three main points , that were to bee treated of in the Grand Assemblie .

The States of Holland , finding the Chamber of the Ordinarie Assemblie was not large enough for the Number of this Extraordinarie meeting of all the Provinces , they caused the great Hall of the Court of Holland to bee fitted for their Session , remooving all the Booksellers and other shops quite thence , and setting up convenient seats and benches on both sides , rising up by degrees one behinde the other , in manner of an Amphitheatre ; to place the Provinces in their Order , and each , according to the number of their Commissioners , apart by themselvs . Between both sides there was a prettie space left , and in the midst thereof a square long Table placed ; at the upper end whereof , was to sit the President , and right over against him at the other end the Secretarie . The Walls , Benches and Table were all hung with green cloath , to shew the State was not in mourning . And becaus the talk went , that Holland intended by this opportunitie , ( in favor of Spain , ) to remove and take away out of the said great Hall , all the Colors , Cornets , Standarts and Flags , formerly taken from the Spaniards both by Sea and Land , and hung up there in abundance : they contrarily caused them all to bee well brushed over , and made more conspicuous , adding many more , that never were there before , but kept elswhere hitherto , that it made a very gallant shew .

Wednesday , Januarie 18ᵒ. the Session began , and the Lords ▪ of Friesland ( in their turn ) sitting President , having made the Introduction , with convenient terms of welcoming this Grand Assemblie , and praying God to assist and bless their Consultations ; they desired the Lords of Holland to make Overture of the chiefest points , for which they had desired this solemn meeting . Whereupon the Lord Cats , by word of mouth , made this ensuing Proposition , and delivered it next daie unto the Assemblie in writing .

High Mightie Lords !

GOd Almightie bee ever blest and praised , that this Grand and Solemn Assemblie may bee kept now in the very place , where heretofore the King of Spain was Abjured , his Yoke cast off , and the Foundations laid of these Countrie 's Libertie , whereof the Trophies and Bliss-tokens of Victorie from time to time most graciously bestow'd upon this State , by God , are waving over every one of our heads here . This same God now let us pray unto , from the bottom of our hearts , to continue his Governing hand over this State from age to age , and more and more to multiplie his Grace and Mercie upon us .

After that , through the incomprehensible Judgments of Almightie God , Prince William of Orange , of immortal memorie , was suddenly and unexspectedly taken away from this world , without leaving any issue of his bodie visible , however afterwards through God's blessing a young Prince was happily born ; The State of these United Netherlands was found to bee reduced into such an estate and condition , the like it never had been in from their Foundation , viz. at that point , that there is none left of the Hous of ORANGE , fit and capable to bee what the former Princes of ORANGE have been .

The Lords the States of Holland and Westfriesland , those which from the beginning of the Union so worthily have acquitted themselvs , so freely opened their Coffers , so largely extended their Treasure , and in a word , so spent and adventured their utmost abilities , both in Defence of , and Conquests for this State , as is sufficiently known to all the world , and they themselvs are yet smartingly sensible of to their very bowels ; they were nevertheless so far from setting their accustomed zeal faint in this disastrous conjuncture of times and affairs , that it hath made them so much the more careful for the State , and to procure the present hopes of redress , having upon mature Deliberation held it very expedient , nay most necessarie , that the Higher Powers of all the United Netherlands might bee brought to meet together in a Grand-States-Assemblie , for jointly and unanimously there ( God graciously assisting to bless them ) to perpend and Consult , how the State of these Countries may best of all , bee safely and securely settled .

Their No. gr. Mi. seeing now upon their intimated Desires ▪ this Illustrious Assemblie so happily met ; They declare that therein they finde a most singular content and satisfaction : and as among the people of God it was counted once a remarkable blessing when the same , even from Beersheba to Dan , assembled themselvs like one man , to consider of their common good and welfare , the same beeing a most evident and manifest sign of their concord and unanimitie ; so do their ▪ N. Gr. M. no less rejoice and congratulate both themselvs and the whole High Mightie Assemblie , in and for this blessed meeting of them all united thus , doubtless excited and brought to pass by a singular Providence and Grace of Almightie God , to whom therefore their N. Gr. M. return most heartie prais and thanks , most officiously and friendly likewise thanking your H. Mi. and every Member apart , that they were pleased , at the foresaid desire of their N. Gr. M. to repair and assemble in this place .

Now then for to begin this prais-worthie and most important action , their Nob. Gr. M. do declare , as speaking by my mouth , their judgment to bee this , That the Unitie and Concord of the Provinces ▪ is the onely foundation whereupon the Fabrick of this State may bee securely grounded and kept alwaies entire : as indeed our wise Forefathers and Founders of the State have well considered , leaving unto their posteritie an everlasting Memorandum , the Hedged Close with the Bundle of Arrows , and this Inscription , viz. Concordiâ res parvae crescunt , &c. They therefore again now sincerely and uprightly declare before this High Mightie Assemblie , their stedfast intention and utmost design to bee no other , ( whatever malice may have spred in the streets to the contrarie , to abuse the people , ) but to cherish , maintein , and inviolably to entertain and cultivate the mutual Love , Friendship , Unitie , good Correspondence and Confidence between the Provinces , without ever receding or withdrawing themselvs from the same ; and that this they will do not onely in words , but rather in real effects and deeds at all times .

And for the more effectual prosecution and performance of the Resolution aforesaid , their N. Gr. M. declare , they judg it very needful , that three distinct main things bee well settled and continually mainteined , to wit , The Union , Religion , and Militia , beeing the three preliminar points which before the beginning of the Treatie of Peace were judged necessarie by the State to bee lookt unto in and above all things . These their N. Gr. M. formerly held inviolable , and still adhere to the same judgment , That viz. the Union bee kept entirely as it was concluded in the year 1579. at Utrecht ; That Religion bee mainteined stedfastly , so as the same is taught in all the publick Churches throughout these United Provinces , and was elucidated by the Synod of Dort in the years 1618 , and 1619 , and that the Militia bee entertain'd constantly , according to the Resolution formerly agreed on by the State , upon the said preliminar points .

Concerning the two first points there is , at the present constitution of affairs ( God bee praised ) no change yet happened , and their N. Gr. M. are likewise confident there will bee no discrepancie nor difference at all between the Provinces about them , so that the Deliberations and Consultations to bee entred now into , will properly and onely concern the settling and ordering of the Militia and matters annexed , and how the same ought to bee disposed of and regulated by this present Solemn Assemblie .

There are at this present three concurrent things , which never since the beginning of this Republick were seen in that constitution .

The first is , The Peace , which through the gracious blessing of God the State of these Countries hath gloriously purchased .

The second , The unexspected Case , That there is none at this present of the Hous of Orange fit and capable to undergo and manage the highest charge of this State .

The third , That in the upshot of the War it was found good to chuse and appoint a Field-Marshal , whose Office is , in absence of the General , or other emergencie , to command the Armie .

Hereupon their N. Gr. M. considering that of old , from the beginning of the War , the managing af all militarie affairs was referred to the Council of State , according to their Instruction , especially in conformitie to the sixt and eighteenth Article of the same . Their opinion is , that it will bee good and serviceable for the State , that the foresaid Council of State , as also the fore-named Field-marshal , together with the Governors , Commanders , and other chief officers by Sea and by Land , bee continued in the full and effectual function of their respective charges .

And further , that the removing of the Garrisons , and giving of Patents or Commissions may bee disposed of to the content and securitie of the Provinces , in the ensuing manner , framed and drawn out of fundamental State-Documents , and the modern practice and experiment , especially of the Province of Friesland .

That the States of the particular Provinces , or their Commission'd-Council , each within their own Province , may have libertie to remove the Companies lying therein , and to give Commissions for it .

That if it shall bee needful to take forth any Companies out of any of the voicing Provinces , in such a case the Council of State should desire of the said Province , or of their Commission'd Council , so many Companies as the Council shall yield unto , adding the reasons and motives of their taking forth and sending the Patents or Commissions with vacant spaces for the Captains names , to bee filled up and given afterwards by the States , or the Commission'd Council of the respective Provinces themselvs ; and that the Companies thus desired shall bee yielded , unless the said States or Commission'd Council of the Province had reasons to the contrarie , whereof they shall immediately give notice to the Council of State that they may judg of it ; and if the reasons bee not found sufficient , that then at the second desire of the Council of State the Companies shall bee yielded . Provided that the Companies which stand upon the repartition of the same Province where they lie , they may not bee removed out of it without express consent of the said Province , or their Commission'd Council ; and that the same shall likewise bee followed and observed in regard of Quarter , marches , and Randevouzes .

That as much as shall bee seasible , the Companies may bee put in Garrisons within the same Province , or in the Frontiers about them from whence they have their paie , and that for this end there bee by Common Consent of the Members of the Union certain Frontier-places assigned for every Province .

That the Council of State shall have power to place and displace the Companies in the respective assigned Frontiers : and that the same also may bee don in time of need , and the service of the Countrie requiring it , by the States of the Province to whom the said Frontiers are assigned , or by their Commission'd Council ; abiding within the bounds of their assigned Frontiers and the jurisdiction of their Province , and giving immediate advertisement thereof to the Council of State .

That the Council of State intending to take forth any Companies out of the assigned Frontiers , shall intimate their desire to the States or Commission'd Council of the Province to which the said Frontiers are assigned , sending Commissions for that purpose with vacant spaces for the Names , to bee fill'd up by the foresaid States or their Commission'd Council , or returning reasons of their difficulties to the Council of State , to bee considered and judged of ; and the reasons not beeing found sufficient , that then at a second desire of the Council , the Companies shall bee yielded .

That as to the bestowing of the Chief Militarie Charges of Governments and Commanderies , together with their appurtenances and condependencies , coming to bee void and vacant , they shall bee in the power and gift of the Province ▪ to whose repartition or allotment and Territorie the same belong ; and such as belong to the Territorie or repartition of the Generalitie ; in the power and gift of their Hi. Mi. the States General .

So also , That all the Soulderie , shall bee engaged by Oath as to the Generalitie , so also to the Provinces in Particular .

At this present to pass to an Election of a New Governor and Captain General their N. gr. M. judg it too considerable .

Minding rather , or wishing for such a frame of Government in Militarie matters , as is exemplified by the oldest Republick , that ever was known in the World , to wit , that of the Hebrews , God's own people , who from the time they went forth out of Egypt , until the Kings came in , for the space namely of about 450 years , never had any settled Governor or Captain General , notwithstanding their continual Wars ; but onely chose themselvs a Head or Chieftain , for every Expedition respectively : and som of the most learned Writers , judg that Republick , to agree very much with this our State , for sundrie reasons , deduced by them : as likewise their manner of proceeding , hath been much followed in former times by the wisest Nations , and is at this daie ; as formerly , by Romans , the Athenians , and the Lacedemonians : and in our times , by the Venetians , Swissers , Genues and others at this very moment .

Besides this , their N. G M. are of opinion , that the chusing of such a General now , cannot but bee prejudicial in sundrie respects .

1. In regard of the persons it self , that might bee chosen or designed now for it .

2. In regard of the Lievtenant or provisional keeper of the place of General .

3. In regard of the State it self , as may easily bee gathered from the Nature of the thing it self , and the reasons and consequences of it .

If in the mean time , any Instructions , for the Council of State , the Fieldmarshal or other Councils or Persons , might bee fit to bee altered , or new ones made , the some may bee don conveniently now with the advice and consent of all the Provinces .

They of Friesland propounded , whether it would not bee fitting , to adjourn the Assemblie for som daies , and to give time to the Provinces in the interim , to draw up their Considerations and to bring them in . But by reason that som had alreadie before had preparatorie Conferences with them of Holland , it was held best , to continue the Assemblie in Action .

Januarie 20o , were brought in by those of Gelderland the ensuing Considerations : notwithstanding , that the Quarter of Zutphen dissented from the other two , and divers also of both the Nimeghen and Valaw ▪ Quarters , were but little enclined to the Maxime of Holland , and therefore pressed hard for the Election of a Captain General and Stadtholder . But the Cities in both the Quarters of Nimegh●n and the Valaw , together with som of the Gentrie , prevailed , and out-Voted the rest .

Considerations and Inclinations of the Province of Gelderland . In the first place ; Concerning the Ordering of the Militia , or , Armie .

THat the Supreme Autoritie of the United Provinces remaining entire , the Direction of the Militia shall bee in the disposal of the Assemblie of the States General , by advice of the Council of State ; and that in the Name of all the Confederates , who shall beforehand fit them with exact and uniform Instructions to bee sworn to , and punctually followed .

II.

And if in time of War , or other emergent necessitie , a Captain or Lievtenant General shall bee requisite , for the conduct of the State 's Forces , then the respective Provinces shall every one by themselvs ( an Instruction for that Charge , beeing agreed upon before hand ) advise and resolv thereupon , as they shall finde most conducing for the service of the Land in General ; and caus the result to bee brought in at the Generalitie , there to bee concluded , by one common consent and no otherwise .

III.

All the great Militarie Charges , which formerly were in the disposing of the States General , or his Highˢ unto the Charge of Collonel , exclusively , shall henceforward remain in the disposition of the United Provinces , who shall bring in their advices concerning the same , by their Commissioners at the Assemblie of the States General .

IIII.

All other Militarie offices of Collonels , Lievtenant Collonels , Serjeant-Majors , Captains of hors and foot , and lesser Charges ; which his Highˢ absolutely disposed of without any Nomination , they shall hereafter all of them , bee they of forain or native relations , bee given and bestowed by the United Provinces , and equally shared amongst them .

But as for the Companies of hors and foot , and other Militarie offices , whereof his Highˢ had the choosing heretofore , upon the Nomination of the respective paymasters , they shall absolutely henceforward remain to the choice of the respective paymasters , to whom they are assigned .

VI.

As for the Commanders and Majors of the Cities and Forts of the Provinces having voice in the State , their places beeing void , and necessarie , they shall absolutely bee disposed of by the respective Provinces , by Commission of the States General or Council of State ; provided nevertheless , that the said Commanders and Majors do not take upon them in the same Cities , the keeping of the Keies , opening and shutting of the Gates , or the giving of the Watch-word : but that the same shall remain wholly and solely in the power and hand of the Magistrate of the said respective Cities .

VII .

As likewise the Majors shall no further exercise or extend the Militarie Jurisdiction in the said voicing Cities , then to neglects and trespasses of Marches and Watches , running over to the Enemie , deserting their Companie , or running away from the one to the other without a Pass ; besides such other excesses and delinquencies which the Officers and souldiers may commit among themselvs , one against another , and no further ; so that in all other matters whether criminal or civil , the militarie persons , or any souldier , shall bee apprehendable , triable , condemnable and executable by the Civil or Criminal Judg in Ordinarie , whose sentence also , in matter of Debts and such like , upon default of goods moveable or unmoveable , shall extend and bee executed upon the wages and paie of the partie condemned , according to the cours and order of the Land .

VIII .

And as for the Governors in the Towns and places having no Voice in the State , as at Sluys , Berghen op Zoom , Hulst , Breda , the Bosh , Willemstadt , Mastricht and Wesel , the same shall bee disposed by the United Provinces , by and according to the usual Commission .

IX .

The Commandries of such places shall bee conferred by the State General .

And the Major-ships by the Council of State ; provided they bee all fit and qualified persons , and of the Reformed Religion ; who , together with all other Officers of war , shall regulate themselvs according to the Orders of the Land .

XI .

Touching the giving Pattents or Commissions , and the placing of Garrisons , gathering of Leaguers , or sending forth any considerable parties to places , and upon occasions where the service of the Countrie require's it , the same shall bee and remain still in the disposal of the States General , with the advice of the Council of State .

XII .

Provided , that alwaies where any change of Garrison is to bee made , the same bee made known to the Provinces , Cities and places where the Companies are to bee sent to , or taken forth ; and there bee timely notice given by Letters unto the Provinces where the same Companies are to march through , or make their Randevous , that order may bee taken accordingly for such marches , or C●ups and Leaguerings .

XIII .

Provided likewise that the State or Government in the respective Provinces ( if need require ) shall have libertie each within their own Province , to transfer som Companies with Pattents or Commissions from one place for the succor of another , which the Officers of the same Companies shall likewise bee bound to obey ; provided there bee immediately given advertisement thereof to the Generalitie .

XIV .

Moreover , that the Companies lying at present in Garrisons any where , or beeing laid there hereafter , they shall bee tied according to the 7th Article of the Union , to swear to the respective Magistrates of the Cities , in terms either already used , or to bee new framed ; and where any Companies shall com to lie forth the Cities in the open Countrie , for guarding of the streams or the like , Oath shall bee made by them to the chief Officers of the said open Countrie .

XV.

Concerning Secret Correspondencie within and without the Land , the same shall bee continued and managed by the States General and Council of State , by such persons and in such order , as may make most for the service of the Land , and bee don most secretly and frugally ; the needful expences whereof shall bee furnished from the Treasurie by the Receiver General .

XVI .

As for the deciding and determining of incident questions , differences and mis-understandings , it would bee advised , that the same arising at any time betwixt the Cities and Members of any Province , shall bee composed or decided by the ordinarie Court of Justice there , ( in case their Jurisdiction bee well grounded ) and Commissioners of the Countrie ; and in default of competent Jurisdiction , by such like Commissioners , with assumtion of impartial members of som other Court of Justice .

XVII .

If there arise any mis-understandings or Differences betwixt two or more Provinces ; That then the Province pretending to sustein the wrong , shall address themselvs to the Assemblie of the States General , who shall forthwith seek to dispose the Province complained against , to forbearance , or friendlie acommodation ; and that not succeeding , to endeavor , that from other disengaged Provinces in the matter , Commissioners may bee appointed and sent to take off the Dispute , or to pronunce sentence upon it .

XVIII .

And in Case Differences and Questions should arise among all the Provinces , so that they could com to no agreement among themselvs , that then there should bee Judges deputed out of the respective Provinces , to bring the Questions aforesaid to an amicable Transaction , or els to pass sentence upon and determine the same .

XIX .

Expressly provided , that in the foresaid Case , the whole business shall bee so compendified , cleared and instructed from all sides ; that , if it bee possible , they may bee brought to an issue and dispatch within the space of one month ; and that withal the parties shall have libertie to refuse all suspected persons , on condition that others bee presently supplied in their rooms .

XX.

And the foresaid Commissioners or Judges , shall make Oath respectively , that they will have no regard or reflexion to any particular Province or Members , but impartially judg and pronounce what in equitie shall bee found to conduce most to the tranquillitie and Unitie of the Provinces , which Judgment or Sentence shall bee followed and yielded to without any further Exception or Appeal , under whatsoëver pretext , to bee offered , much less allowed of .

XXI .

And if so bee that the Commissioners , after 2 or 3 summons , made by their Hi. Mi. shall fail of having their past sentence effected ; their Hi. Mi. shall take requisite care and cours , that the said Sentence bee not eluded , but really executed .

XXII .

And there shall neither before nor after , bee used or practised any extremities and Acts of hostilitie or reprisals in or among the Provinces .

XXIII .

Concerning Religion , That the Resolution of their Hi. Mi. agreed Novemb. 6o. might still bee adhered to , viz. That throughout all the United Provinces and all the Countries and Cities , belonging to , or associated with them , The true reformed Christian Religion shall continue settled , so as the same is preached and taught every where at this present in all the publick Churches of these Countries , and as it was elucidated by the National Synod at Dort , in the year 1619. That the said Religion moreover shall bee maintained in the respective Provinces apart , by the power of the Land ; without suffering any to introduce any alteration in the same Religion . That the Placats or Decrees against the Papists formerly published , may remain in their Vigor , and both those and such others as shall bee published for the future , in that behalf may bee executed according to the form and tenor thereof ; and withal that there bee a Temperament and Order devised , to refrain the over-free coming in , of the popish Clergie , without nevertheless impairing the Treatie of Peace .

Read and presented thus , in the Grand-Assemblie of the United Provinces , at the Haghe , on Januarie 10/20 1650. Signed J. Singendonck . H. Verstegen , Secretarie .

That same daie Jan. 20ᵒ. they of Zealand , made the ensuing Proposition , by the mouth of their Pensionarie , Adrian Vett , and delivered it in writing , upon the 22.

High Mightie Lords !

AFter the sudden and remarkable Alteration happen'd in the chiefest parts of the Government , through the deplorable Death of his Highˢ of immortal memorie , the Lords the States of Zealand , were very glad to understand , First , the provisional Order that was taken by the Ordinarie Deputies of the Provinces , for Direction of the Militia or Armie ; and Secondly , that their Hi. Mi. were pleased to convocate this Grand and Solemn Assemblie , for to consider together , either of som Person on whom the Eminent Administrations , his Highˢ whilom was invested with , might securely and safely bee conferred ; or of som other waie and order , whereby the affairs of the Common Union , both within and without the Land , might best bee regulated and managed .

And that the rather , for that the same Convocation , was made in such a manner , as never or seldom was don before , that your Hi. Mi. were pleased to repair hither with such a numerous presence , and by the respective States-Assemblies .

Whereby the said Ordinarie Deputies in the Generalitie made known , that one the one side they apprehended as they ought , the present perplexed constitution of time and affairs , and on the other , wished , that with all possible acceleration , care and courses might bee taken , for settling of the Government , and timely obviateing of all attempts , that might bee practised against it .

Once more , it is said , your Hi. Mi. were assembled before , and in the same manner , and in the same place , whenas , ( viz. in the year 1582. ) the King of Spain was declared , to have forfeited his Right and Dominion over these Countries , and all Princely Autoritie ceasing in him ; thereby , was consolidated into the power of the States , and the whole Souveraigntie devolved to the States of the respective United Provinces , from whom the said Princely autoritie originally was sprung and derived ; at which time also the State of these Countries orderly returned , to that form , wherein it consisted before the Creation of Hereditarie principals , in the daies when the Dutch Nation in general , and ours also among the rest , were governed in the waie of Republicks .

And as then , for the reasons aforesaid , the Caus of your Hi. Mi. assembling was very important , so it is likewise of no less weight at present ; whenas the Government doth finde it self at an instant and so unexpectedly bereft of its principal Director born of the Illustrious Hous of Orange , which had obliged this State with so many notable services and deserts ; and deceased without leaving anie of that Houses posteritie , fit and capable in person , to put his hand to the rudder of the Ship .

Forasmuch then , that your Hi ▪ Mi. are met here upon this occasion , for to consult and advise together , what may bee most requisite for the Common good and interest , The States of Zealand wish , their H. M. may undertake the same , with the same Love Unitie and Confidence , wherewith their respective Predecessors made the Union at Utrecht ▪ and proceed likewise with as much Zeal and Courage , as made our Fore-fathers ( nothing daunted at the King of Spain , so mightie a Prince ) to stand it out against him , and set up the present frame of Government , to strengthen and maintain the same by all means to this conjuncture .

Not onely , becaus all good Governments are ever wont heartily to minde and effect the Government that is in beeing , but also for that the same which is set up among us , is grounded upon such laudable and stedfast maximes , that there can bee no better nor safer devised ; as that , wherein there is nothing administred or managed by any Superioritie , and which is , even from the bottom to the top , altogether representative .

As now this Grand Assemblie of your Hi. Mi. is composed of Seven Members or Provinces ▪ who though free and Soveraign , each one within their limits , are nevertheless , for their common preservation , so streightly allied and confederated , as if in effect they were but one Province .

Those same Provinces again consist of several Members and Towns , such as were never subdued to slaverie by any ones arms ; but were of old free and privileged members and Cities , which are governed respectively by such persons , who at the entrance of their functions , must make Oath , to watch with all conscionableness , and according to their best knowledg , for the safetie and welfare of the Land .

Out of which advices and deliberations , are framed afterwards in each Province the Resolutions of the States , and the same Resolutions are orderly transmitted and communicated to the Assemblie of the Confederates . Whence it appear's and follow 's undisputably , that this Common Government , set up for the affairs of the Union , beset with so many Provincial Orders and fences , and represented by such an authoritative Assemblie , consisting of the prime , ablest and faithfullest persons in the Land , is not onely in reason to bee esteemed by all men understanding and versed in divine and humane affairs , but really and experimentally , the most pleasing , most honorable and most safe Government , that can bee imagined here on earth .

As beeing further also commended by the Example not onely of the Common wealth of the Hebrews instituted according to the prescript of God Almightie himself , which ought to bee of great weight and moment among all Christians ; but of many other civilized Nations l●kewise , under the same forms of Government , both of old and later times , in neighbor and remoter Countries ; especially the great Assemblies of the Grecians , called Amphyctiones , composed of divers Cities , who , though every one apart was free and Soveraign within themselvs , were nevertheless confederated and United together against the power of the Medes and Persians .

And as the histories inform us , that , as long as they cleaved to this alliance and remained in this Union , they could not bee overcom by all the power of the Persians : so experience hath shewed likwise , what this State , through the Members unitie and confiding one in the other , was able to do against the King of Spain ; and how the same by that means hath waded and got through all the obstacles and difficulties of 80 years war , to this prosperitie and height wee see it in at present .

Wherefore wee have great caus to praie to God Almightie , that hee would bee pleased to preserv the Republick in Unitie and Concord , that wee may bee able to transmit the same as pure and undefiled to our posteritie as wee received from our forefathers ; settling and governing the same upon those good and wholsom Laws and Maximes that were the original foundations thereof .

And forasmuch as without all controversie there are necessarily required to this purpose three inseparable main-points , to wit , the Union , Religion and Militia ; and that the Provinces of Gelderland and Holland , have presented to your Hi. Mi. som considerations thereupon , and chiefly upon the point of the Militia ; Wee shall likewise in behalf of the Lords the States of Zealand summarily deduce a few Considerations which their N. M. had upon the points of the Union and Religion in particular .

As for the former , your Hi. M. know , that as well this grand and Solemn Assemblie , as the affairs of this Boards are properly grounded upon the Treatie of the Union made at Utrecht in Anno 1579.

That likewise the same Union is originally contracted between the Provinces , to the mutual and common protection of all , against all , both forreign and homebred force and violence .

Which alone is sufficient to make your Hi. Mi. apprehend , of what importance it is , that the same Union bee religiously and uprightly mainteined , as known to bee the onely Foundation whereupon the glorious structure of this Government stand's settled , the onely morter and morteises whereby the walls thereof are cemented and fastned on all sides , the advantagious steps and degrees which have mounted it to the present Eminencie , and the pillars whereon securely resting , it present's it self with so much lustre and pleasantness to the eies of all the world .

Now as it is almost impossible , Hi. and Mi. Lords , that the same Unitie shall duly bee preserved , if the Members of the Bodie should clash one against the other through inward Dissentions and misunderstandings ; and that likewise one cannot well conceiv , that there should never no differences arise in a Government such as this is , composed of seven several free and Sovereign Provinces , and each one thereof consisting of sundrie Members and Cities , as said is , and they again represented by persons of various humors and interests , and also governed by different and peculiar Laws , Constitutions and Customs : that it is scarce possible likewise , that by reason of the difficulties of the matters in Deliberation , and difference of apprehensions and understandings all things should bee dispatched with unanimous consent ; and that it happen's oft times , that through the discrepancie of opinions , especially about essential points , there are caused notable Distractions and Contentions , unless the same are by provident care and discretion timonsly obviated or prevented ; so the Lords the States of Zealand wish ▪ that in this General Convocation som promt and peremtorie expedient may be thought and resolved upon , whereby the Differences at any time arising among the Provinces , may either happily bee avoided , or expeditely removed .

Which wee say not , Hi. Mi. Lords , as if wee feared this Assemblie should bee troubled by any such Disputes and misunderstandings ; or , that , if any should happen ( which God Almightie bee pleased to prevent ) wee should not bee confident the same might presently bee agreed again , by means of persuasion or otherwise ; but onely that for time to com ▪ sufficient order may bee provided against the same ; and that your Hi. Mi. both in the general and particular having met together in unitie and parted in love , the same unitie and loving friendship may for ever bee preserved and continued among you .

In reading over and examining the foresaid Treatie of the Union , wee finde , that provision is made in this behalf in distinct manner , according to the diversitie of matters , & first by the IX Article , what cours is to bee taken in Deliberations about Truce , Peace & War , namely , that therein the Provinces are to conclude with one consent ; or if that cannot be obtein'd , that then the Difference shall be refer'd & submitted to Lds Stadth ▪ who shall compose the same between the parties , or decide the matter , rather by themselvs alone , or in case of discrepancie , with ass●●mtion of som impartial Assistants and Assessors ; which Disposing is afterwards likewise applied in the 16th Article , for the voiding and taking away of all other Dissentions , of what nature soëver they may bee .

True it is indeed , Hi. Mi. Lords , that the foresaid power and prerogative seem's to bee given by the contents of these Articles , onely to the Lords Stadtholders then in beeing , and therefore not to bee extended to the succeeding Stadtholders . But as these and other such like clauses are oftentimes put into solemn Contracts and Transactions , so they ceas not , however but provisionally inserted , to bee alwaies obligatorie , as long as they are not expressly repealed ; the meaning of the foresaid clauses beeing onely , that , if afterwards there should som inconvenience or grievance com to bee discovered about the principal Expedient or Disposition of the Article which they are annexed to ; that in such a case the Contracting parties shall have libertie , passing by or nulling the former expedient , to think and resolv upon another ; as also accordingly the Members of the Union , if heretofore they had remarked any difficultie , whether about the foresaid submission to the Lords Stadtholders , or in their decisions , they had power enough to consider and agree together upon som fitter and safer disposition ; whereunto nevertheless they have not found themselvs necessitated , forasmuch as the said Lords Stadtholders beeing of themselvs not much enclined or disposed to pronounce Sentence or make Decisions between the principal Members of such a Considerable Bodie , and willing to avoid all occasions of giving offence , they have for the most part endeavored to compose the Differences by waie of intercession and persuasion , which also for the most part hath well succeeded , not onely by reason of the great credit and autoritie the said Lords Stadtholders were invested with , but also that the partie reflecting on each side , which waie the ballance might happen to preponderate , were loth to advenuture upon a Decision , and alwaies eschew'd the same .

But since that same means of respect and intercession , ar also of decision at last , is com to fail now , through the Deceas of his Highˢ of immortal memorie , as having been Stadtholder over several Provinces , the Lords States of Zealand do wish som remedie may bee thought upon , whereby the said Defect may most conveniently bee supplied ; and that indeed the rather for that by want hereof , two of the most principal and necessarie Articles of the Union would bee useless and in vain .

Wee are not ignorant , Hi. Mi. Lords , what Expedients there are constituted against such Difficult Emergencies in other Countries and Common-wealths ; but know as well on the other side , how little they would agree with the humor and disposition of this Nation , and with the constitution of this Government ; therefore wee refer to your Hi. Mi. consideration , whether in the cases alleged ( which God Almightie grant may never happen among us ) for the composing and voiding of Differences betwixt the Provinces , it might not prove expedient to desire and make use of som Members of the Provincial Courts of Justice , they beeing used and versed in all manner of Differences , and beeing themselvs also without the Government , and therefore unprejudiced , might best bee able to judg of them ; or if this should bee excepted against , that there might bee called and Commissionated , som of the ablest , most experienced and discreetest States men , who beeing well acquainted with Questions daily arising in Government , and knowing that in matter of State and Policie the waie of Accommodation is usually more safe and expeditious then that of rigor in Law ; they might per-adventure bee emploi'd thereabout more fruitfully : or if these persons also , as having som part or share in the Government , either directly or indirectly , cannot bee held impartial and free of prejudice ; that the Differences bee submitted to som of the friends and Allies of the State , such as are most concerned in the preservation thereof . Desiring that upon all these proposals they may distinctly understand your Hi. Mi. wise considerations , and that by this solemn convocation , effectual order may bee settled in this behalf .

Touching the third point viz that of Religion , the States of Zealand assure themselvs , your Hi. Mi. will evermore continue holily and sincerely to maintein that precious pledg , by God Almightie , put into the hands of this State from Heaven , and by their common Forefathers and Successors hitherto with the hazzard and loss of so much blood and treasure preserved among us .

Nevertheless their N. M. most affectionately desire your Hi. Mi. would bee pleased upon this occasion anew to declare , That they are resolved not onely to maintein the true Christian Reformed Religion , so as the same is taught now in the publick Churches of this Land , and hath been elucidated by the Synod held at Dort ; But likewise never to suffer any alteration to bee made therein ; and that the said Religion shall bee protected and vindicated by the armed powers of the Lands , as in every Province apart by themselvs , so by the Generalitie in the Quarters resorting under their Command , against all disorders or offences whatsoëver .

That likewise for the further preventing of all considerable prejudices , the Sects and Separate people in Religion , which are secluded from the publick protection , and onely connived or wink 't at , shall bee kept in good order and quietness , and limited against all exorbitancies , and under express caution and clauses , that they shall bee tolerated no where els but in those places where now they are at present .

That for refraining of the publick Exercise of the Romish Superstition , and remooving of whatsoever hath dependance thereon , the publick Ordinances of the Land shall bee executed punctually without any composition or connivence , forasmuch as experience hath made it manifest , that for want of such prompt and readie Execution , whether it came through remissness of the Officers , or otherwise , not onely the Government it self hath suffered much in their Honor and Reputation , but the diseas also is grown from ill to wors ; so that the libertie of the Papists , which according to the privileges of the Land , cannot bee denied them , in what concern's and regards their Consciences and Opinions in matters of Religion , that therein they may not bee questioned nor any waies molested , is by little and little degenerated into an open licentiousness and stoutness , insomuch , that they are not shie , to set up formal Hierarchies , and actually , by concurs of armed men , to oppose the lawful endeavors of the officers of Justice , in the very face of Justice and the Higher Powers of the Land themselvs , to the great prejudice of the true Reformed Religion , the sad grief of all the upright professors thereof , and the joie and exultation of all disaffected thereunto , which might at last occasion very troublesom effects : and what advantage may thereby bee given in particular to all that are ill-affected to the State , for attempts upon it , your Hi. Mi. are best able to judg , the consequences thereof would prove so much the sadder and more dangerous , in that they would light upon none more heavily , then the best Patriots , that is to saie , those of the Reformed Religion , on whose faithfulness this State reposeth with most securitie .

Wee are not ignorant neither Hi. Mi. Lords , that many Princes and Common-wealths are allied together for mutual protection , notwithstanding their manifest difference in Religion : And that likewise the discrepancie therein , doth not hinder their living together in confident Unitie ; But as there is no sure arguing , from the Examples or natural constitutions and humors of one Nation , to the other ; so doubtless , though the same may safely bee practised with other confederates , and is at this present ; yet here in this Countrie it is not onely unprofitable , but prejudicial and ruinous in the highest degree ; beeing that the most principal Bond of this Government , is the foresaid Reformed Religion ; & the Flower of the Inhabitants thereof , to wit , all the persons making profession of and beeing well-affected to the said Religion are thereby inseparably enclined and engaged to mutual Unitie and to the common interest of the State .

And whereas likewise , Hi. Mi. Lords , it is evident , that the Number and Boldness of the said Papists doth very much encreas , by means of the bad Instructions and impressions , which the good and plain Inhabitants of this State are possest withal , by Popelings , Priests and other pretended Ecclesiastical persons , which daily in great numbers arrive into these parts out of the King of Spain his Territories ; The States of Zealand are desirous , that Provision bee made against it , as well as may bee .

For although it is agreed unto of this side , by the Treatie of peace , that the Subjects of the said King in General , may convers and negotiate in these Countries , the same seem's nevertheless not applicable to the foresaid ecclesiastical persons , or Clergie-men . First , by reason of the Resolution taken upon the preliminar points , to bee observed , during that peace ; wherein it is plainly set down , that the Ordinances made against the Papists , should bee executed according to their form and contents ; in which Ordinances there is an express penal prohibition of the coming of such Ecclesiastical or Clergie-persons into this Countrie . Secondly , becaus that the said pretended Ecclesiasticks , generally do maintain , as the Plenip●tentiarie Ambassador of the King of Spain at Munster ; themselvs alleged , that they are none of the said Kings Subjects , nor subjected to any secular power ; but onely to the Pope of Rome ; wherefore also the Provision of the foresaid Treatie , of free resort howëver couched in general terms , cannot bee extended to their advantage . As likewise in the third place , the same is evinced , by the interpretation and practice of several other Princes and Potentates , who notwithstanding their friendship and alliance with the said King , whereby his Subjects in general are denied no access nor commerce in their Countries , yet suffer no known Clergie of his to com and covers there , which interpretation agree's likewise with the Declaration of the Lords the Ordinarie Deputies of the Generalitie plainly expressed in a Certain Ordinance of theirs , made for that very purpose , and observed to this daie in the Quarters resorting under their Command . Wherein nevertheless if your Hi. Mi. should bee otherwise minded , and willing to admit a larger sens and construction in that particular of the Treatie of peace ; The States of Zealand could wish then , that it might bee don with such a tolerable Temper and Moderation , as may bring least prejudice to the service of the Land and true Religion , and take away all scandal as much as may bee .

As likewise their N. M. desire , That the Resolution formerly taken by the Generalitie to the same end and for the same good considerations , whereby the Ambassadors and publick Ministers of forain Princes and Potentates , are prohibited to admit any exercise of religious worship in their Houses , but in the proper language of their respective Lords and Master's , may bee renewed , seriously revived , and roundly declared to the said publick Ministers .

And lastly , That your Hi. Mi. will be pleased to take once som vigorous resolution for an effectual Introduction of Reformation both Ecclesiastick and Civil , in the Meyerie of the Bosch , and other known Quarters of like nature . And to that end duely weigh and review , how dear the Conquest of these Quarters bath stood this State ; what Disputes there have been agitated by the King of Spain , about the Soveraigntie thereof , and with how much difficultie they were at last asserted to Us ; what troubles and vexations , the beginning of Ecclesiastical Reformation sustain'd there ; what countermining and opposition were practised against it , both from without and from within the Provinces : with how much enormitie and insolence the Ministers thereof were assaulted ; and what helpless remedies there were applied , not onely to the contempt of the Government , and grief of all the good Inhabitants of the Land , but even to the dishonor of the Reformed Religion , and provoking of Almightie God . What couragious and wholsom Resolutions were there not taken by the Generalitie , for the introduction of the Civil Reformation there ( without which the Ecclesiastick , doubtless , cannot subsist ) and how small an appearance is there of any Fruits or Effects thereof ? nay , how have they been from time to time crost , travers'd and utterly hindred ? Wherefore the Lords the States of Zealand desire , that courses may bee taken , for the surceasing at length of all further opposition against the foresaid Resolutions , so solemnly taken and reiterated , and tending so much to the maintenance of the Right and Service of the Land ; and that on the contrarie , the same may bee executed and observed , so as they are couched , in all their points and Articles : for the effecting whereof , their N. M. in particular , do hold themselvs obliged not onely to your Hi. Mi. as their Confederates ; but even to God himself , to Reason and Equitie , and to the Good and Benefit of the State in general . And nothing doubting of the sincere intention in your Hi. Mi. wee shall praie to God Almightie , so to inspire the same with the Spirit of Wisdom , that in this great , extraordinarie and solemn Assemblie , no other Resolution may bee taken , but such , as shall tend to the honor and magnifying of his holy Name , to the confirmation of the Everlasting Union , to the establishing of Religion , and to the weal and welfare of the Land in general , and the joie and comfort of all the Inhabitants in particular .

Upon occasion of this grand Assemblie , where Religion was one of the principal points to bee treated of , the Synods of the respective Provinces sent likewise their Deputies , who desired audience ; which was promised them , with this proviso nevertheless , to make this Proposition short and pertinent . At the appointed time they were admitted into the Grand Assemblie , five of them in number , where standing before the Table all bare-headed , Lotius one of the Ministers in the Haghe made an elegant and convenient address suitable to the present occasion , and serving for an Introduction and further recommendation of the ensuing Remonstrance which they delivered there in writing subscribed by themselvs .

To the High Mightie Lords , the States General of the United Netherlands .

THe Ministers of Jesus Christ , and Overseers of the Church of God under your Hi. Mi. laudable Government , reverently shew , That having been informed of an appointed solemn and extraordinarie Assemblie of the United Provinces , among other things , to consult about settling of Religion ; They have judged it a dutie of their Charge to rowz up themselvs , and therefore could not forbear , by virtue of God's Command , constreint of Conscience , love to the Divine Truth , enlarging of Christ's Kingdom and welfare of our Dear Fatherland , but in all subjection to present unto your Hi. Mi. these ensuing things in the Name of our Great God .

Wee shall not need to demonstrate here , knowing assuredly your Hi. Mi. themselvs do believ , that God Almightie , next unto himself , esteemeth nothing more pretious and highly then his Church and People , beeing the beloved of his Soul ; for whose sake God hath blessed or punished , preserved or destroied whole Nations and Kingdoms ; according namely as the Governors thereof protected or oppressed His Inheritance ; and therefore also are all Higher Powers God's Vice-gerents here on earth , bound to follow herein their Lord and Master's Example , and to exalt Jerusalem above the highest relations in the Land ▪ to let their first and nearest care bee that the Relogion whereof your Hi. Mi. make profession , and hope to bee saved in , may bee settled before all other affairs , so , as the same was confirmed out of God's holie Word by the National Synod held at Dort , in the year 1619 , and by the Sovereign Autoritie approved , and hitherto ( through God's grace ) taught and mainteined in all the publick Churches , as the Religion of the Land , and the Foundation of the State , which therefore ought to bee constantly mainteined by the power of the Land ; without permitting that any member of the Union , or whosoever els , should dare to attempt ought directly or indirectly against it ; as wee do hope your Hi. Mi. will declare and establish the same by an express Act.

Now for to mantein and settle the foresaid Religion aright , both as to doctrine and practice , wee do hold it needful above all things , that all Popish Idolatrie , Superstition and Hierarchie ( whereby they take upon them to bestow both Civil and Ecclesiastick Offices , declaring all Collations , Prebendships , and Benefices disposed of by the Governors of the Land for null , and conferring them upon others ; all in hope of som alteration ere long ) which the Papists have set up everie where in our Land in a sufficiently open manner , under the very ●ies of the Governors and Court of Justice , and practice in secret , yea in som place having their Churches or Chappels trim'd and set with Images and Altars , may bee forbidden and rooted out , as a Doctrine with the dependance thereof so directly opposite to God's Word , the places of the Land , the safetie of Religion and the State , and the Salvation of souls , who by thousands , as they boast of it , have , since the peace , been drawn away from the Divine Truth to their Superstition and Errors , by goodlie promisses of Inheritances and other advantages , or threatnings ; by encreasing or withdrawing means and opportunities of trade and livelihoods , by railing at and slandering the Reformed Religion , abusing , nick-naming , affronting , beating , yea and wounding som , even to death , that are against their Idolatrie , daring to put their consecrated wafers into the mouths of som dying Protestants , to shrive and annoint them &c. no otherwise then if they lived under the Cross , and themselvs had all the Government in Church and Policie in their own hands .

Whereunto they are mightily set on by an infinite number of Jesuits , Priests , Monks and Friers , who like grashoppers out of the bottomless pit , over-spread the Land by thousands , and under the color and pretence of Religious Worship , do by their fals doctrine withdraw the Inhabitants from the Obedience they owe to their lawful Magistrate ; debauch , infect and poison the younger sort in the Popish Schools which they have here all the land over , or causing them to bee brought up without the Land in Popish Universities , Schools and Colleges of Jesuits or other pretended Ecclesiastical persons ; and many both young and old are seduced by Jesuitesses , or shee Jesuits , and such like femal pretended orders ( condemned in the Court of Rome it self by Pope John 22 , Clements , and but lately by Urban 8 , Maie 21 , 1631 , as pernitious Sects , and therefore prohibited and excommunicated ) who nevertheless are reported to dwell amongst us to the Number of about 20 thousand , doing nothing night and daie but entice and draw away all manner of persons , especially such as are sick and lying on their death-bed , from the love and profession of the Reformed Religion to the fals and comfortless doctrine of Poperie .

By all which means they encreas daily in such an extraordinarie manner , that they boast of many thousands like-minded with them both in Cities and Countries throughout all the Land ; and who hath not reason then to stand in fear , Hi. Mi. Lords , that they may once rise and join together , and after the example of Ireland , first break the necks of all honest Governors , and then fall a murdering and massacring of all the Reformed Protestants , according as the manner and genius ( well known to every one , and but too abundantly taught by experience ) of all Idolaters ( such as your Hi. Mi. hold these to bee ) is cruel , and their unfaithfulness great , they not holding themselvs bound to keep faith with Hereticks , and therefore not to bee obliged by any oath of Fidelitie ; beeing besides daily more and more animated and incensed to all manner of crueltie against the reformed Protestants , by promises and perswasions of great merit ; as appear's by their daily Discourses ; and that they live where round about they have Neighbors that will bee readi● enough to assist them suddenly upon any occasion . Do not all these enormities then , High M. Lords , hold forth just and great reason , that the higher Powers should watch against such Violences , and provide accordingly , for to keep themselvs guiltless of the innocent Blood of such , who may easily and on a sudden bee surprised by them , according to all those foresaid Considerations .

Hence it is , that in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ , ●ee do here praie and beseech your Hi. Mi. that in obedience to God's Command , and following the Example of all Godly Kings and Governors , you will bee pleased , effectually to remoov whatsoëver doth promote and strengthen Poperie amongst us : according to the adjoined means set down by us in that behalf , and for the most part extracted out of the publick Acts and Ordinances of the Land . Let once , wee beseech your Hi. Mi. let those manifold complaints and grievances , crying to heaven , and those many Remonstrances of the Churches , presented in that behalf , bee heard and regarded once by your H. M speedie Resolutions and Executions bee issued forth and set a work against all the remonstranced excesses , and high banded insolencies ; which wee do likewise particularly entreat in behalf of the Mayerie , the Baronie , the Marquisat of Berghen , the Countries of Cuyck , Ravestein ▪ Overmaes , &c. that together with the Ecclesiastick , there may also a Civil Reformation bee instituted ; to the end that the Churches of God and the well affected ones to the Reformed Religion in these Quarters , may thereby bee protected .

As for other Sectaries and ●rroneous spirits , whereof there are but too many in the Land ; wee humblie praie your Hi. Mi. that they may bee kept within their bounds , and no where allowed any further or new privilege of publick Exercise ; But touching the Jews ● , that to them as abominable Blasphemers of our Dear Saviour all publick worship bee interdicted : And that likewise , all sorts bee restrained from slandering the reformed Religion , and from translating and putting forth in Print , any kinde of old or new heretical Treatises , whereby many of the simpler sort are seduced , especially the writings of the Socinians and Arrians , which were alwaies wholesomly suppressed by the Government , till now of late , since the Peace a great many began to bee printed and published without controle .

Wee could wish likewise from our hearts , Hi. Mi. Lords , that the States of the respective Provinces here gathered together at present , would encourage one another for to take like order and co●●ses every one in their Province against the great ●ins and Lan●destroying abominations , which through cours of time , the witness of Satan , bad examples , contemt of God's Holie Word , Unbelief and want of censure and punishment are broken in and have taken root among us ; such as are the observing still of the Feast or Holy-daies , the horrible cursing and blaspheming of God's Holi● Nam● by old and young , even to the children , the unspeakable perjuries committed by all sorts of men , there beeing so little heed taken both to the administring or keeping of Oat●s ; the general profanation of the holie Sabbath : the many murders and easie procu●ing of pardons for them ; the filthie Resorts and Brothel-houses , Dancing-schools , Gaming ▪ places , Play-houses , Rope ▪ dauncings , the very baits and lures to all manner of corruption and vanities ; the prohibited , scandalous and incestuous marriages ; the excess of pride and haughtiness , and the sumtuositie in Apparel and Entertainments , to the undoing and r●ine of many Families ; and such like other crying sins more , for which God's Wrath is kindling against our dear Fatherland ; and which are the causes of so many hot diseases , decay and want of Trade , great inundations , dearth and scarcitie , the taking away of the righteous and pretious of the land , wherewith God hath begun to visit us the year past , and his hand is not taken off yet .

Not to detain your Hi. Mi. any longer , wee do in conclusion once again in all humilitie pray entreat and be●●ech you in the Name of the King of Kings , by whom Princes reign , that yo●● H. M. will bee pleased , in the beginning of thi● great and I●●ustrious Assemblie , to take a● e●●ectual stedfast Resolution , for the settling of the Reformed Religion , abating of Poperi● , &c. before the Land do spue us out for it , and ●od r●●eng● i● upon us .

Thus shall your Hi. Mi. shew your selvs truly thankful to God , for the great Mercies and Benefits vouchsafed to your State , ( whom God hath raised from small to great , from poor to rich , and even miraculously brought and preserved hitherto ) . Then shall your H. M. not have received the Sword in vain , but acquit your Conscience , do God acceptable service , preserv many souls from destruction , terrifie wicked-doers , cherish the good , and doubtless receiv a blessing from Heaven upon your further Consultations and Government , and upon all your persons and Inhabitants , and at last as faithful Servants and Stewards of God , bee made partakers in Heaven , of the gracious reward , readie prepared there for all good Governors , which God Almightie grant to your Hi. Mi. Amen .

Signed in the Name of all , Bernard Craso , Eleazar Lotius , Maximilian Feeling , Cornelius Lamanus , Johannes Heystius .

Means exhibited for the hindring of the Popes Hierarchie , and the Superstitions of the Papists in the United Provinces , for the most part taken out of the Acts and Ordnances of the Land .

THat all popish Clergie ▪ persons , Jesuits , Priests , Friars &c. bee kept out of the Land , they beeing no Subjects of any Secular Princes or Magistrates , but onely of the Court of Rome , according to their own Tenents ; as likewise the United Provinces have determined in the preliminar points before the concluding of the Peace , that the Ordinances against the Papists , formerly published , should remain in their vigour , and executed according to their plain form and ●ontents .

II.

That all Acts and Liberties granted to popish Clergie-men , Priests &c. may bee repealed , and an Order made ▪ that no Governors nor Commanders , nor any whatsoëver , shall for time to com , grant any more such .

III.

That all Assemblies or Cohabitatio●s , in Houses , Cloysters , Nunneries of unmarried persons , Nuns , Beguins , Jesuitesses , Que●els , Cloppens , may bee dissolved , and in particular all Cloppens and Quesels , may bee banished the Land , or reduced from that pernicious Order .

IV.

That no Papists bee admitted to the Government or any publick Employment of the Land ; but that all popish Justices , town-Senators , Secretaries , Forresters , publick messengers , bee cashired , and able persons , ( making open profession of the Reformed Religion ) put in their places .

That all Popish Conventicles may bee prohibited , disturbed , their Altars , Images , Crucifixes , and Ecclesi●stical Ornaments and things belonging thereunto ▪ broken in pieces and taken away ; and strict orders made against all that frequent such meetings ; or let out , yield or grant their Houses , Court-yards , Ships , &c. to any such purpose .

VI.

That likewise the Inhabitants , running after Popish C●urches , processions , festivals , may bee let and prevented .

VII .

That no Ambassadors or Agents , beeing of a Contrarie Religion bee permitted to exercise their worship in any other , but every one his own language , and none admitted but their Domesticks .

VIII .

That likewise all particular Lords , dwelling in this State , or having any Lordships , Mannors , Houses , in the same , bee prohibited to permit any Popish worship to bee celebrated in any of them .

IX .

That all private entries , and close passages ( which the Papists make use of , for the conveighing of themselvs from one hous to another , in the exercise of their worship ) may bee stopt up and forbidden .

That all publick pilgrimages , processions , visiting of pretended holy places , the setting up of Images and Crucifixes in Church-yards , the crossing and marking of Papists houses , for to bee the better known and found out by their Clergie ; and kneeling at the graves , the setting up at or about the dead bodies , any crosses , candles and other such like Popish superstitions in use here among them ; as the shutting of their shops upon the foresaid festivals or holy-daies , may bee prevented and hindred .

XI .

That it bee expressly forbidden to make directly or indirectly any Collection or gathering of Monies , Wares , Commodities &c. in the behalf of any the foresaid Ecclesiastical Popish persons , Churches , Colleges , Convents , within or without the Land ; or to send away , or remit any such monies , wares , &c.

XII .

That all Popish parents or families bee interdicted to disinherit their children or lawful heirs , for or by reason of the reformed Religion ; and that the Papists of this Countrie bee forbidden likewise , to make over their goods to the Jesuits , Priests , Nuns or any other pretended Ecclesiasticks , whether within or without the Land , to the prejudice of their heirs .

XIII .

That no Marriages of the Papists bee acknowledged lawful , but such as are made before the Magistrates or in the publick Churches ; and that they bee prohibited to marrie any other waie .

XIV .

That all Popish Schools in this Land , together with the Catechizing or teaching of children by Nuns in their Nunneries , or by the Cloppens in particular houses , may bee hindred and restrained .

XV.

That the Papists dwelling in these Countries , may bee forbidden to let their children bee brought up , forth the Land in any Popish Schools , Universities , Colleges of Jesuits Cloysters of Frieries .

XVI .

That the children of the Reformed , whether by father or mother , bee brought up by reformed Guardians , in the Reformed Religion , without suffering them to bee put under popish Guardians .

XVII .

That no popish Landlord bee suffered more henceforward , but strictly forbidden , to let out his Lands with stipulation and condition , that the Tenants shall go to Mass , and let their children bee baptized by popish Priests .

XVIII .

That all useless Colleges , and Popish Societies bee put down , and the revenue emploied to pious uses ; and likewise all superstitious customs , as the running about with Drums and Burgundian Banners , which are used at the meetings of the Childs or Companies , may bee restrained ; and all the old Charters , full of Idolatries and superstitions renewed .

XIX .

That strict Orders bee made against all Officers that are negligent in the Execution of the Ordinances , and that the same bee enjoined not onely to them , but also to the Militarie Officers .

XX.

For conclusion of these means , besides what other the wisdom of your Hi. Mi. shall judg fit and ordain , wee do wish , som convenient ones could bee thought upon by your Hi. Mi. whereby the Papists in this Land might bee brought to the hearing of Gods holy Word , and by it the true faith in Jesus Christ , and an upright obedience to their lawful Magistrates . In the Name of all it was signed , as before .

Bernard Craso . Eleazar M. F. Lotius . Maximilian Feeling . Cornelius Lamanus . Johannes Hestius .

Som Provinces could have been contented the Ministers had staid at home : especially for that there was one among these Representers , who in a certain Dedication of a Book to the late Prince , had highly praised and flatter'd him in regard of his proceedings last year against those of Holland and Amsterdam ; misapplying and wresting several Scripture-places to that purpose ; which most Ministers themselvs held to savor too too much of profanation .

Those of Holland remembred likewise , what endeavors were used last Summer , to charge them with defaults in the point of Religion .

And som others not best affected to Holland , pressed , it should bee enacted in ample plain and special manner , That in case one or other member of the State should happen to go contrarie to the Reformed Religion , or , not duly to maintein the same , the Generalitie should look to it . This the Hollanders and such like humors held for an opening of too great a door to all manner of Violences , and a giving of too much autoritie to the Preachers . Friesland , Over-Yssel , Groninghen and the Omlands alone , together with the Quarter of Zutp●en , were of opinion there ought forthwith to have been settled a waie ▪ whereby Religion might effectually have been maintein ▪ d , against such as should not maintein the same in due manner ; and they were ready likewise to pass and stand to almost all the points propounded by the Ministers . Holland feared these would take too much upon them , and what by Discourses , what by their Sermons , mix themselvs in State-affairs , and make strange impressions of the necessitie of a Stadtholder ; as indeed two or three of them had attemted already , mainteining openly , That the Government could not subsist without an autoritative and permanent Head , as well in Civil as Militarie respects and affairs ; representing the State more Monarchical then Polyarchical ; so as was shewed above som had don immediately after the Prince's death . Nevertheless by means of better persuasions by som of the Governors in the Haghe it was forborn . The daie of Humiliation was likewise put off for a while by those of Holland , for to give no occasion to bring the present occurrences of State's-matters up into the Pulpit , as divers Ministers were wont to do ; but the most part , except som two or three at the Haghe , carried themselvs discreetly therein without meddling .

The Provinces indeed agreed all of them in this , that good Ordinances and Regulations were made in the point of Religion ; but the complaints of the Ministerie of Zealand and others , were , That the same ought to bee better observed and executed . Wherein they of Holland , especially Amsterdam were consured most ; who for fear of prejudice in their Trade , connived much . But Holland and others stood upon this , that having taken up arms for Libertie of Conscience , and in time of war and rigor it self , never proceeded according to the manner of the Spanish Inquisition , the same ought not now neither bee introduced . What they advised upon this point will follow by and by : and although the States of Gelderland , Zealand , and Utrecht had been at first more rigid in their Provincial Advices upon all the three points ( as shall likewise bee seen anon by what was presented in behalf of those points ) yet they declared afterwards , to wit , Gelderland , That they conformed themselvs to the advice of Holland ; provided onely , that as concerning the Civil Reformation in the Mayerie of the Bosch and other parts of like nature , such as could shew to have any right and interest to any Civil Office , might receiv reasonable satisfaction or compensation ; and that such as at present were in any such charge or office might have libertie to treat with som fit person , beeing of the Reformed Religion , under the approbation of their Hi. Mi. Zealand likewise declared themselvs Conform to Holland , urging onely a more vigorous execution of the Ordinances ; and so did Utrecht , and that the Civil Reformation in the foresaid Mayierie , and such like places , might bee prosecuted and setled ; and that the Sects which were connivingly tolerated , might not bee suffered to spread further , nor in any other places , then where now they were .

The Advices and inclinations of the other Provinces will bee seen in their own Propositions hereafter , but for connexion's sake of matter , wee shall produce here what Holland advised upon the point of Religion ; the same beeing afterwards converted into a General Declaration of all the Provinces Januarii 27o .

The Advice Provincial of Holland and Westfriesland in point of Religion , and the mainteinance thereof ; converted into the following Resolution and Declaration , approved and received by all the other Provinces .

THe States of the respective Provinces have declared , as by these they do declare , that they will , each in theirs , firmly uphold and maintain , the true Christian Reformed Religion , such as the same is every where at present preached and taught in the publick Churches of these Countries , and was established by the National Synod , held at Dort , in the year 1619.

II.

That the same Religion , shall in every Province within it self , and by the Generalitie in the Quarters resorting under their Command , bee maintained by the Power of the Lind , without suffering that ever any alteration bee made therein by anie .

III.

That the Sects and Separates , beeing secluded from the publick protection , and onely connived at , shall bee kept in good order and quiet , with boundaries against all Excesses , and that the same also shall bee permitted no where els , but where they are at present .

IV.

That the Ordinances published heretofore against the Papists , shall remain in their vigor , and bee strictly executed , according to their forms and contents .

That withal , there shall bee such a Temper and Order framed against the licentious coming in of the popish Clergie , as may best stand , without prejudice or impairing the Treatie of peace .

VI.

That the Ambassadors and publick Ministers of forein Prince's and Potentates shall bee obliged , not to suffer anie Sermons or other religious service to bee don in their houses in Dutch , but order it so , that the same may bee performed in the language of their respective Lords and Masters , and that there bee no other admitted neither , to officiate with them in this kinde , but such as do properly belong to the train and familie of the said Lords Ambassadors and Ministers .

VII .

That the wholsom Resolutions and Decrees made at the Generalitie , for the introduction of the civil Reformation in the Mayerie of the Bosch , and other Quarters of like Nature , shall effectually once bee executed in all their points and Articles ; and consequently , that there shall bee no other Baylies , Justices , Secretaries , Forresters , and other such like Officers , but of the Reformed Religion ; provided nevertheless ; that the particular Lords , having right and title to place Officers , bee warned and minded to follow the required alteration in regard of their Popish Officers , within a prefixed time , or that upon default , at the time expired , the same shall bee supplied by their H. M.

And thus now the first point of the Assemblie , viz. that of Religion was held to bee determined ; and however many things were past by in this Declaration , held forth in the above-said Remonstrance of the Ministers , they nevertheless acquiesced , and returned their express thanks to their H. M. for it , and every one went his waie home again . They of Friesland , Groninghen and the Omlands , had rather seen , the Ministers would not have so easily been contented , and continued pressing a further satisfaction of their Desires . But when the Ministers saw , Gelderland , Holland , Zealand , Utrecht and Over-Yssel agreed thus ; they held it bootless to insist further . Their thanksgiving was in these terms following .

High and Mightie Lords !

THe Deputies of the Synods , thank your H. M. from the Bowels of their hearts , That you were pleased unanimously to take such prais-worthie Resolutions , for the maintenance of the true Religion and the propagation thereof , and do assure themselvs likewise , that your H. M. will give it that life , by a vigorous execution , that wee shall have caus , besides what is given us alreadie , to make known and publish your H. M. noble Act , in all our respective Congregations , whereby not onely the respective Members will bee mooved to bless God , but all of us shall bee stirred up more and more , to make continual intercession to Him for further blessing of your H. M. great and weightie affairs , and to crown your Government with his gracious Regard , and long to preserv your H. M. persons and posterities , for the honor of his Name , the good and comfort of our Fatherland and his Church therein , and their everlasting welfare .

They of Friesland , Groninghen and the Omlands , presented their considerations likewise Januarii 27o. in manner as followeth .

Considerations and Inclinations of the Province of Friesland , touching Religion , the Union and the Militia . High and Mightie Lords !

THe Lords Commissioners for the Province of Friesland , were much satisfied to understand the Declaration , which their N. M. my Lords the States of Holland were pleased to make in their Proposition , that their N. M. are resolved entirely to preserv the Union in the manner as the same was framed at Utrecht in the year 1679 , and to maintein Religion , so as the same was agreed upon and established in the year 1619 , by the Synod of Dort .

Being that thence will follow , that all means then shall bee taken in hand which may conduce to the preservation thereof , and all such removed , as may any way threaten it with labefaction ; and therefore their Lordships , the Commissioners of the Province of Friesland declare , as also formerly they have declared , that Religion ought to bee taken in the first and prime consideration , and special care had , that the Popish Superstitions , encreasing daily more and more , may bee prevented from spreading any further .

And upon this ground they refer it to their H. M. consideration , whether it were not necessarie for compassing hereof , that the joint United Provinces should resolv upon a like harmonious uniform Cours , not onely of proclaiming and publishing the Ordinances after the usual manner , but especially that the substance and contents thereof may bee put alike in practice throughout all the Provinces , to take away at once that prejudicial diversitie ; when one Province or member thereof doth so much affect the repute of clemencie above the other , in sundrie waies , as hath been practised much hitherto this long while .

In regard whereof the Province of Friesland should not think amiss of the 1 , 2 , 3 , 5 , and 6 Articles of the Provincial Advice brought in by their Lordships the States of Holland , on the point of Religion .

But as concerning the 4. Article , and that which the Province of Friesland moved besides the Execution of the Ordinances , the Pro●ince of Friesland is of opinion , that the matter is not remedied as it ought , unless the Officers appointed for the performance , were further engaged by a new Oath or considerable penaltie , and that every where in like manner throughout all the United Provinces , and other parts resorting under them .

And concerning the Union , my Lords the Commissioners , recommend it to your H. M. Deliberation , whether it were not expedient , nay necessarie , that , for the avoiding of divers prejudicial inconveniences , as between the United Provinces in general , so among the particular members thereof , everie Province should resolv to chuse themselvs a Stadtholder , as those of Friesland ever did , although the place came to bee vacant thrice within the space of a few years ; and the Province of Groninghen and the Omlands followed the like , yet lately , since the deceas of the Prince of Orange , of blessed memorie , doubtless not without great reasons .

High Mightie Lords ! The necessitie of having Stadholders seem's to have been so necessarie a Requisite at the framing of the Union , that they could discern almost no issue at all , out of incident troubles and difficulties without it as may bee seen by the perusal of the 9 , 16 , and 21 Articles of the foresaid Union ; and though in the 9 Article these words are found [ by Provision , or Provisionally ] and [ now in beeing ] as if the Stadtholder's deceasing , this or that Member of the Union had libertie to chuse another or not , at their own good liking and pleasure ; nevertheless it cannot bee denied , by what is contained in the first Article , but that the intent and aim hath been to establish an Alliance for ever to endure , and that therefore the means also of its conservation , and the Persons , to support and underprop the work in doubtful cases , should remain in like condition ; and consequently , that in humane affairs , naturally subject to manifold alterations , whence varietie of difficulties and differences may arise , there might bee alwaies as ready and fit Physicians at hand to redress and cure the same .

And besides this the words [ now in beeing ] may very fitly bee applied to the words [ United Provinces ] and not bee meane once of the Stadeholders ; there having been great hopes the● that by reason of the Exervation of the Pacification of Ghent , more Provinces would in time have com in ; nor doth the Province of Friesland take the ●ords , [ by Provision , or Provisionally ] in that sens that the appointing of Stadtholders should bee by provision , as by waie of trial and assaie ; but that their Sentence and Determination should provisionally bee executed , as the last words of the s●id Article do make it appear sufficiently : and that this is the meaning also of their H. M. is abundantly evident by the Resolution taken by them August 18 , 1650 , where the very words [ now in beeing ] are explained by the words [ in time ] shewing a successive space of time , Tractum temporis successivum .

It is very true , the Provinces have with one Consent inserted this Precaution , that , every one shall remain undisturbed in their Soveregintie . But as there can bee no Societie erected , but the Contracters lose som libertie which they had before the Contract , so neither can our Union lay hold on any effect without each ones yielding so much of his Libertie to the Common Interest , as is once held and determined necessarie for the upholding thereof , and the choosing of such persons , although som Province by the Deceas of theirs may for a time bee free'd : it beeing alwaies more advantagious to maintein that which is safe and present , then what is new and dangerous ; least by too much libertie , even Libertie it self do perish .

To speak much of the point of Militia , the Province of Friesland hold's it unseasonable as yet : nevertheless not to pass it by altogether , becaus the Lords States of Holland were pleased to assert in their Proposition , that since the constitution of the Peace it was needless to trouble our selvs with the choosing of a new Captain General , especially there beeing none left at present of the Hous of Orange actually fit for it ; The Province Friesland declare's , that they are of opinion , that in time of Peace , War must bee thought upon ; and that the nature of War require's it , if it shall bee safely managed , to bee committed to one , both in regard of secret intelligences , without which none can stand upon his guard , nor any thing bee kept private enough for the executing or preventing of Stratagems , whereof wee have had many experiments ; and to bee alwaies in readiness upon any incident occasion ; wee especially at this time , by reason of our doubtful peace with the King of Spain , who continue's in arms still , hovering continually about our frontiers , and shall never want for pretences , if hee can finde an opportunitie to break with us to his advantage : for to begin a Deliberation about a General when the Enemie shall bee upon us will prove too late indeeds and the histories of our own age can sufficienly shew , what dammage the Common wealth hath formerly suffered on such occasions , according to the old saying , Dum Romae deliberatur , perit Saguntum ; Whiles they consult at Rome , the enemies take Saguntum .

And put case there was none to bee found of the Hous of Orange at present , fit or capable to bee General , yet there are those of the Stock and Stem-hous of the Princes of Orange , whose Fathers , Brothers , Uncles , Kindred and Allies have shed their blood for the welfare of these Countries , and themselvs also at the end of the War , have by exploits personally made it appear , what they were ready and willing to live and die for .

And therefore to let those merits pass by unrewarded , or to die out and exspire by process of time , and by little and little to translate the acknowledgment due to them unto another familie ; this the Province of Friesland cannot look upon , but as a matter of evil consequence , and what doubtless will bee strangely reflected on by many good Patriots and well-affected forreign Lords and Potentates .

Wherefore they refer to your Hi. Mi. serious consideration , whether the Dignitie of Captain General might not conveniently bee conferred upon the present young ▪ born Prince , quoad Titulum & honorem , fully to bee invested with it at his maturitie , with such instructions , as to your Hi. Mi shall seem good to frame besides , and in the mean time settle such order for the Lievtenant General , that the Difficulties which their Hi. Mi. mentioned concerning this matter , may bee avoided and alwaies obviated ; thereby to make known to all the world , to the immortal glorie of the Hous of Orange , that the United Provinces had so much confidence in it , as to trust a well ▪ ordered Militia , requisite for the welfare both of Church and State , even to the shadow of the same . The Province of Friesland , my Lords , is of opinion , that if your Hi. Mi. will bee pleased to weigh these their foresaid Considerations , the following points of removing the Garrisons , and passing of Patents or Commissions will much the sooner bee agreed on .

Points of Consideration propounded in the General Assemblie of the joint United Provinces , by the Citie of Groninghen and the Omlands at the Haghe , Aᵒ 1651. High and Mightie Lords !

FOrasmuch , as upon the serious Desire and further instance , as of the Lords the Ordinarie Deputies here of the Provinces , so also in particular , of the Lords the States of Holland and West-Friesland , the joint Confederates of this United State , beeing through God's gracious blessing met here together in such a solemn manner , as never happened before , seem all of them to aim at and agree in this , That the true Christian Reformed Religion , as the same is publickly taught in the Churches of this State , and was confirmed and ' elucidated out of the Word of God , in the National Synod of Dort , in the years 1618 , and 1619. and the Union and everlasting Alliance made at Utrecht , Anno 1579. and a well-ordered Militia ; these three things , unitedly together , are the fundamentals of this State , and so conditioned , that any one of these beeing less zealously taken to heart then the other , The Concord and consequently the welfare of this State , must needs immediately exspect an irreparable flaw and detriment .

The Lords of the Citie and Land therefore , viewing and well weighing , that the present constitution of the times and the important affairs which sutably to the undoubted presupposition of the foresaid 3 main points , are to bee alter'd or otherwise disposed in this your H. M. most solemn Assemblie , do referr unto your H. M. Consideration ,

Whether these high Matters and Consultations , ought not to begin from the most excellent and highest point of all , that is to saie , from the true reformed Christian Religion , and the uncorrupted publick worship of God .

To make manie words of the truth and efficacious operation thereof , will bee needless here . Onely the Lords of Citie and Lands , would reminde your H. M ▪ of this ever undoubted Maxime , That all good gifts , blessings and prosperitie of these Countries and the Inhabitants thereof , must com from the great and merciful God , who therefore ought to bee worshipped and heartily praied unto .

Whence wee conceiv it very necessarie , if in these high and important affairs wee would partake of God's gracious blessing , ( without which all our consultations will bee abortive ) to minde and take in hand the things immediately concerning the sincere and true worship of Him , above and before all other Worldly concernments .

And that not onely by such words as these , Religion shall bee maintained , even if need require , with the mightie hand ; that beeing formerly agreed upon by the Members of the Union , but by a real maintenance thereof , in which behalf the Lords of Groninghen and Omlands , refer to their H. M. consideration ,

Whether there ought not Vigorous means bee provided by the joint Provinces , to the end , that throughout them all , though in each , by themselvs , and in all the associated Countries and Towns , effectual courses may bee taken , as well as unanimous Resolutions past and Ordinances publisht , for the restraining , suppressing and punishing of Popish Conventicles , which do daily so encreas in Number and insolencie , that without rigorous and present proceedings against them , this State cannot but incurr great danger .

Consequently also , that the Seminaries of this Poperie , that is to saie , the places or Schools , where the Youth from their infancie are nourisht up and embibed , like a new earthen pot , with those abominable superstitions , may de facto , bee put down and abolished ; they having hitherto been suffered and continued in this State , not by connivance onely ▪ but openly and daringly , to the great grief of many faithful Patriots .

That withal there bee to this end , upon all events a readie moderation and means devised against the unlimited coming in of the Popish Clergie , who do not onely most freely and frequently resort and convers in the countries , but likewise by their subtilties and envenom'd insinuations seduce the younger sort from the true worship to follow them : nevertheless , that the same bee don in such manner , as the treatie of peace will permit ; and besides this , that the other sects or separates , however they bee called , be indulged no more libertie of exercise , then the very same , they had from the beginning , and no other ; though none shall bee troubled in his Conscience about private opinions .

That the Ambassadors & publick Ministers of Forrein Princes and Potentates shall suffer likewise no sermons or other Church-Service in their houses , but in the language of their own Lords , and Masters , and admit none to them but those of their own train and familie .

And that the civill reformation in the Mayerie of the Bosch , and such like other places , bee most seriously taken to heart .

Now concerning the second Point , beeing the Union and everlasting Alliance of this State ; becaus your H. M. do with one consent and upright zeal accord , that the same shall be kept and cultivated bolily and inviolably , so as it was concluded on and published at Utrecht Jan. 29. in the year 1579.

Therefore the Lords of the Citie and Lands would desire your Hi. Mi. seriously to ponder , whether all the consultations in these high and weightie affairs , as well Civil as Militarie , ought not to bee regulated , according to the sens and contents of the Union aforesaid , it beeing an everlasting alliance , and a confederacie which cannot bee receded from .

Wherewithall their N. M. should take it for granted , that the least , yea no alteration thereof at all is doubtless the best ; if so bee your Hi. Mi. shall judg that the present constitusion of this state can permit it , which their N. M. conside , they may in this behalf .

Hereupon , passing by the Civil administration of every Province apart , who are to bee left respectively to their own Sovereinty , with restriction , nevertheless of the said soveraigns in behalf of the United Bond as joint interest , The Lords of the Citie and Land , should conciev , under correction of your Hi. Mi. further advice and consideration .

That all and the whole Civil Administration of this State , is most exactly and curiously settled therein , according to that time .

For the 1. and 16. Article thereof , doth say in plain terms , how and in what manner the differences and questions arising amongst the Provinces , the Cities and Members thereof , about their privileges , rights &c. ( as the text run's ) shall bee determined or taken away .

Insomuch , that for to shun and prevent most pernicious innovations in our State , all unexspectedly arising questions and differences in matters , there specified , ought to bee left there , where , and according as the same Article dictate's .

But in case there arise Discrepancie and jarring among the Provinces about the conduct and managing of this United State and matters depending and consectarie , the 9th Article saith , In that case all is to bee regulated by the conclusion of the most-voting Provinces .

And whereas , the making of Peace or Truce , waging of War , and raising of contributions in the behalf of the Generalitie and the State united , are matters of very great weight and consequence ; Our forefathers agreed , that therein the pluralitie of Votes , should have no place , but things should bee don , by the common and unanimous Consent of all the Confederacie .

Our Forefathers considered well enough , that the diversitie of persons , whereof the Government of this State consisted , and yet doth , would bring with it diversitie of humors , and consequently caus at last discrepancie of opinion , even in weightiest matters .

And herein also they have thought upon wholsom means , against the evil thence to bee feared , agreeing , that the difference risen in that behalf , should bee referr'd to the Lords Stadtholders of the United Provinces , in the last named Article .

It is true indeed , that the said Article add's these terms , by provision or , provisionally , and now are at this time beeing .

But the Lords of the Citie and Lands desire your H. M. seriously to consider , whether notwithstanding such clauses , all differences arising from the grounds aforesaid , ought not still bee left at the submission there set down .

First , becaus the same provision was never cancell'd or alter'd yet by any other order of the joint Consederates .

In the second place , becaus the 24 Article of the said everlasting League and Union saith in plain and down-right terms , that the Lords Stadtholders which now are , or shall com hereafter , &c. shall make promiss by Oath , to follow and observ all and every Article in particular .

To which end , besides this , there ought to bee likewise applied the unanimous Resolution , taken after mature Deliberation , August 8/18 1650 , together with the Instruction of the Council of State .

Furthermore the Lords of the Citie and Land are desirous to propound to your H. M. herewithal , beeing the Articles of the Union ordinarily speak of ordering or settling things by the Generalitie , and the United Provinces ; and more then manifest , that the said Confederated State , that is to say , the United Provinces , cannot alwaies bee assembled in Bodie ;

Whether it bee not therefore very necessarie , that exact and pertinent Orders may bee framed and established for the Government of the Generalitie , in absence of the respective voting Provinces .

And that the Deputies or Commissioners to bee appointed thereunto , bee autorized not by Provincial , but by a General and unanimous Instruction of all the Provinces together .

That the same shall have an eie to whatsoever the joint Provinces have referred unto them , that is to say , to the Generalitie , and dispose therein as according to the extent of their instruction shall bee fit and requisite for the Common welfare .

Coming now in order to the third point , viz. that of the Militia ; That the foresaid Deputies or Commissioners of the respective Provinces , shall , with the advice of the Lords Stadholders or Council of State , have the direction of the Militia , and matters depending , such as are the removing or sending forth of Garrisons in great or small bodies , out of one Province into another , for the securing of Fortifications and Frontiers , &c. as the Union hold's forth throughout .

Safe notwithstanding the Lords the States and the Stadtholders of the respective Provinces , each their own peculiar power , dignitie and autoritie within themselvs , in matters of Militia and dependant thereon , and the disposing of the forces within their respective Provinces , placed there for the securing thereof .

They having the libertie in cases of necessitie and conveniencie to place and displace , encreas or diminish them by their own Commissioners for the service of the Province .

And to take and frame such orders and courses about the Militarie Discipline and Jurisdiction , as either they have already , or shall finde good and sutable to the constitution of their Provinces .

That the respective Provinces shall likewise retein to themselvs the absolute bestowing of all higher and lower Offices of War , in such Regiments and Companies of either Foot or Hors , as shall by repartition bee charged upon the Provinces , and do receiv their Commissions from them , provided onely they take the Oath of Fidelitie , to bee true to the Generalitie .

As likewise that the disposing of the Comm●nderies , Major ships , and the like c●arges coming to bee vacant in the Towns and apperteining Forts of the respective Provinces , shall remain to the respective States where they happen to bee vacant , to do therewith as shall seem good unto them .

Moreover , that the Deputies or Commissioners of the respective Provinces to bee appointed as is aforesaid , shall have the chief autoritie over , and managing of the Sea ▪ affairs , with the advice of the respective Councils of the Admiraltie ; and in a word , power to do whatsoëver otherwise , a General of this State by Sea and land , upon incident occasion and emergencies of trouble and danger is warranted and commanded to do , until such time as the joint Provinces shall bee agreed about a General for the service of this State .

By which occasion the Lords of the Citie and land do present to your H. M. whether it is not highly necessarie , and mightily important for the service of this State , especially in regard of the great exigencie of secret Correspondence or Intelligence , that the same ( Generalship ) bee taken into consideration with the first opportunitie , and that for this end there bee first and formost drawn up and settled a pertinent and rational instruction for that Charge and Dignitie .

And in case your Hi. Mi. inclination herein should light upon the person of ●the new born Prince of Orange , that this State may bee provided with a Lievtenant General , whereunto God hath preserved ( as their N. M. are confident ) very Capable Persons , of Illustrious Familie ▪ & such as have very well deserved of this State .

Your Hi. Mi. know very well , that in times of Peace one must bee mindful of War , and that sudden cases and accidents suffer no long deliberations of several Counsels , and may bring irreparable dammage to the State .

And forasmuch as it is to bee feared , that during these difficult and most important Deliberations , this State will suffer in their Commerce at Sea ( the principal sinews of the Land ) inestimable prejudice in their reputation and credit , and an irrecoverable flaw in their Autoritie , unless there bee in the interim som vigorous means taken in hand against it ; Your Hi. Mi. are desired to consider and weigh well , whether the affairs of the Admiralties , so much out of order , together with that of the West-Indie-Companie , near utterly decaied , ought not to bee most seriously look'd unto , and the said Companie , even during these Deliberations , instantly and extraordinarily relieved as to the principal , and put in state and condition again , of useful subsistence .

Those of Utrecht put in likewise at last their following Declaration to shew what Considerations they had ; who , together with Zealand and Gelderland , made it appear , they held it needless to have a Stadtholder and Captain General ; passing by the matter , or leaving it untouched .

Inclinations and Considerations of Utrecht . High and Mightie Lords !

AS the caus of this Great Assemblie and Solemn meeting was sad , by occasion of the unexspected Deceas of his Highˢ the Prince of Orange , of immortal memorie ; so it is comfortable again and very prais-worthie , that the United Provinces agreed all so unanimonsly to assemble so strongly here , for to consider with mature Deliberation of Counsels and mutual Communication , how the fourscore years structure of this Republick so wisely and excellently devised and founded by our Forefathers , may bee kept standing and strengthened more and mores wherein the pious zeal of the Confederates is very remarkable and laudable , every one shewing himself so ready and forward to put his helping hand to the underpropping and upholding of the said antient structure . Now as wee seldom see Bodies attein to any great age without som sickness and diseases , and those though recovered , yet commonly leav som weakness behinde ; so very great and good care must bee had , least the Bodie of our Government fall into any relaps or new diseas , and that fit preservatives and remedies may timely bee applied against them .

And whereas that which is necessarie for the Conservation of this Bodie , may fitly bee referred to three main points , viz. the Religion , the Union , and the Militia ; the Lords the States of the Land of Utrecht have thought good to laie open their inclinations upon each of them in particular , and accordingly to present unto the aforesaid Grand Assemblie of the United Provinces these ensuing Considerations .

Upon the point of RELIGION .

Their N. M. should hold it needful and expedient that the respective Provinces should declare each of them , that they will keep and maintein stedfastly , no other but the true Christian Reformed Religion , so as the same is taught at present in the publick Churches throughout these Countries , and was elucidated and confirmed by the National Synod at Dort , Aᵒ 1619.

II.

That the said Reformed Religion shall in each Province apart , and in the Generalitie's behalf throughout the respective Quarters , resorting under the Command of their Hi. Mi. bee mainteined by the power of the State of the United Provinces , without suffering the least alteration to bee ever made or allowed in the same Religion , in any sort or manner , by any whosoever .

III.

Item , that the Sects and Separatists , beeing secluded and shut out of the publick protection , and onely connived at , may bee kept in a regulated order and quiet , branding them against all exorbitancies ; and likewise that such Sects and Separates , shall bee permitted and suffered no where els , but where they are winked at and tolerated at present .

IV.

And that in like manner , the Ordinances published heretofore against the Roman Papists , shall bee and remain firm and stedfast , and bee observed in their full virtue and vigor , causing them to bee punctually executed , according to their tenor , without any connivencie or dissimulation , and strictly obliging the Officers to the performance .

Framing withal such orders and expedients against the licentious coming into these Countries , of Roman Clergie-men and persons in Orders , as can bee made without the least impairing or prejudice to the Treatie of peace .

VI.

That the Ambassadors likewise , and publick Ministers of Forein Kings , Princes and Potentates , bee held to this , not to suffer or permit , that within their Houses or habitations , there bee made any Sermons , preachings or other administrations of religious worship , in ihe Netherlandish tongue ; but to take order , that the same bee don in the respective languages of their Lords and Masters ; and besides , That neither to the exercising nor the assisting of the foresaid Services there bee emploied or admitted any other person or people , but those and such as particularly and properly belong to the familie and train of the said Ambassadors and publick Ministers .

VII .

And lastly , That the wholsom Resolutions and Decrees taken and past at the Generalitie , for the introduction of the Civil Reformation in the Mayerie of the Bosch , and other Quarters of like nature , bee once effectually and with all possible speed and expedition , put in execution , in all the points and Articles thereof ; so that accordingly , there shall bee no Baylifs , Justices , Secretaries , Forresters , and other such like officers there anie more henceforward , but such as truly are , and shew themselvs indeed to bee of the said true Reformed Religion ; provided nevertheless , that the particular Lords , having anie right and power to put in Officers within the said Mayerie , have warning given them , and bee seriously admonished , that within a certain peremtorie time , to bee perfixed , they themselvs perform the same necessarie and required change and alteration of their present Popish Officers ; or els , that in default thereof at the perfixed time elapsed , the supply shall bee made by their Hi. Mi.

Touching the UNION .

THat the Union shall religiously bee maintained , in manner as the same hath been established at Utrecht , in the year 1579 ▪

II.

As touching the Decision of incident Differences , it would bee advised , That in case the same should happen to arise among the respective Provinces in General , for to decide and determine the same , there should bee appointed three of the Members in Government , and three Judges or Civil Lawyers ; and they all bound by oath , to pronounce what is right , without respect to their own Province , and that in such a manner , that the said questions and differences , shall bee voyded and dispatched ( if possible ) within the space of six Weeks ; and then no further appeal , nor other exception ( under what pretext soever ) to bee admitted : and if the partie condemned , after 2 or 3 summons made in the name and behalf of the States General , shall not submit , or refuse to obey and observ the sentence past , that then there shall bee courses requisite taken against the refusing ; to the end , that the said sentence may prove effectual , and not illusorie ; provided onely , that neither before nor after , there bee auy reprisals , or other actual attemts made by , in , or among the Provinces .

III.

If so bee , that there happen any misunderstanding or difference betwixt two or more Provinces , That the same shall bee composed and determined by the other Provinces not interested in the Questions ; who shall bee bound to do Right to the parties or to make them agree , within a month , or shorter time , if need require , upon the one or the other parties address or desire . And that which the foresaid other Provinces or their Deputies do pronounce and doom , the same shall bee obeyed and yielded to , without any further plea or exception of Law , Appeal , Relief , Revision , pretence of Nullitie , or any other evasion whatsoëver , to bee propounded or admitted .

IV.

And if there should arise any difference or question among the respective Members in the United Provinces , that therein that cours shall bee held and followed , which is provided by the Union in that behalf .

Concerning the MILITIA .

THeir N. M. should hold fitting , That the Disposing of the point of the Militia , should bee recommended to the Assemblie of the States General ; and that with such Instructions , as shall bee agreed on by the joint Consent of the Confederates ; or to the Council of State , with like Instructions , voted by Provinces , and not heads .

II.

Well considering and weighing , whether it were not expedient for the State , forthwith to frame an Instruction by joint consent of the Confederates , whereupon in time of sudden need ( to bee judged of by the consenting Votes , of at least five agreeing Provinces ) a well qualified General may bee made choice of , best suiting with the service and prosperitie of the State of the United Provinces , to bee over the Militia .

III.

That the respective Provinces , according to the Charge to bee given to their Deputies at the Assemblie of the said Lords the States General , shall have ▪ the disposing of all the high and low Militarie Charges and Offices , which respectively heretofore were disposed by their H ▪ M. or his Highˢ to the Charges of Collonels , Lievtenant Collonels , Serjeant Majors , Captains of hors and foot , and lesser offices , which his Highˢ absolutely bestowed and conferred , without nomination of the Provinces .

IV.

As for the Companies of foot and hors , and such other Militarie offices and emploiments , whereof his Highˢ had the choice , upon nomination of the paie masters , That the same shall absolutely bee disposed , by the respective pay ▪ masters or Provinces , to whom they are allotted .

The places of Commanders and Majors in the Cities and Forts of the respective Provinces , having Voice in the State and Generalitie , coming to bee vacant , and beeing necessarie , shall bee disposed and conferred , by the Provinces themselvs , according to the Charge , which those Provinces shall finde good to give unto their Deputies at the Assemblie of the States General .

VI.

As also the Commanders in the Cities of the voicing Provinces aforesaid , shall not use nor extend their Militarie Jurisdiction any further , then to matters of neglecting or trespassing marches and Watches , going over to the Enemie , deserting of Companies , or running away from the one to the other without passport , together with such other excesses and delinquencies , as may happen between the officers and Souldiers among themselvs , and not further ; insomuch , that for all other matters and causes , whether Criminal or Civil , the Militarie men or Souldiers whatsoëver , shall bee apprehendable , prosecutable and executable , onely , by the Civil or Criminal Judg in Ordinarie , whose sentence , if it bee in matter of Debts or the like , for want or default of other goods and means of satisfaction , shall bee executed upon the wages of the partie condemned , according to the Order of the Land .

VII .

That the Governors places in Cities and Forts , having no Voice in the State , such as are , Sluys , Berghen op Zoom , Hulst , Breda , the Bosch , Willemstadt , Mastricht and Wesel ; beeing void , or otherwise , shall bee disposed of and conferred by the respective Provinces , according to the Charge to bee given by them to their Deputies at the Generalitie .

VIII .

And that in like manner and order , the Commanderies also in the same as well as in other Cities and places , not voicing in the State , shall bee conferred and disposed of by them .

IX .

Leaving , so far forth as hitherto may have been observed and practised , the disposing of the Majors offices , unto the Council of State .

Provided alwaies , that all the foresaid Charges vacant , bee conferred upon fit and qualified persons , making Profession of the true Reformed Religion , who coming to bee officers of War , shall together with all other persons govern themselvs , according to the order of the Land .

XI .

The giving of Patents or Commissions and remooving of Garrisons from one place to another , Randevouzing of Leaguers , or sending forth of considerable Troops , to places and upon occasions , such as the service of the Land may require , to abide and continue in the disposing of the Lords the States General , according to such Instructions , as their H. M. shall bee pleased to frame by the joint Consent of the Confederates ; or , of the Council of State , upon the like Instruction , to bee voted by Provinces , not heads .

XII .

So that whatsoëver and as often as any Change of Garrison is to bee made , the same shall bee made known by Letters unto the Provinces , Cities and places respectively , where the said Companies are to march through , or to assemble : to the end , that the same Provinces and Cities respectively , may take good order accordingly for these marches and campings .

XIII .

Provided withal , that the particular Government in the respective Provinces shall have libertie ( when need require's ) to transferr Companies within their Province from one place to another , by Patents or Commissions of their own , saving the Frontier-places hereafter to bee expressed ; And the Officers of the said Companies shall likewise bee bound to obey them ; and present advertisement shall duely bee given thereof , unto their Hi. Mi.

XIV .

As further also the Companies presently lying in the respective Garrisons , and hereafter to bee laid there , shall bee obliged to make oath to the Lords the States & Magistrates of the Provinces respectively , according to the seventh Article of the Union , in conformitie to the form alreadie made , and yet to bee made ; that which shall likewise bee performed in the Countrie unto the Chief Officer thereof , if need should require at any time , to lay any Companies there , whether for the securing of the streams and Rivers , or for other causes .

XV.

The secret Correspondencies or Intelligencies , both within and without the Land , to continue with the Lord ▪ s the States General , or Council of State , with instructions to bee given them , such as shall bee agreed on by the joint Confederates ; and to bee managed by such persons , as they shall finde requisite , in most secret manner , to the best advantage of the service of the Countrie , and with as much frugalitie as may bee . Nevertheless if the Council of State shall bee thought fit to bee authorized with the foresaid Intelligence , that their Instruction , in that behalf , shall not bee Voted by the heads , but by the order and Session of the United Provinces .

XVI .

Giving their H. M. further to consider , whether they shall not finde it necessarie and useful for this State , to charge all Militarie Officers of hors and foot , out of hand , to repair to their respectively appointed Garrisons , there to wait upon and exercise their respective charges and offices , according to their several Commissions ; as also to frame convenient Orders against the foresaid Officers absenting themselvs from their respective ▪ Garrisons , for time to com .

XVII .

Conceiving , that the Garrisons of the Frontier-Towns and Forts , ought to bee furnished with Companies of different Repartitions or Provinces ; and that they are to bee changed from time to time , so as the same shall bee found requisite to bee most serviceable and advantagious for the Land , according to the several occasions and occurrences of affairs .

XVIII .

That there ought likewise Orders to bee made , that the Captains keep their Companies compleat , and give the Souldiers their full pay ; care beeing had , that the Captains also themselvs bee precisely paid , and freed from unnecessarie charges .

XIX .

Giving moreover unto their H M. to consider , whether in these occurrences it were not fit to renew the Oath formerly taken by those of the Militia or Souldieris .

XX.

Lastly their N. M. should also encline , and hold it very necessarie , that by occasion of this Assemblie of the Confederates , good Orders were settled , for the maintenance , subsistence and redress of the West-Indie Companie , judged to bee one of the principallest Pillars of this State .

XXI .

All which foresaid proposals here presented , beeing the Considerations and Inclinations of the Lords the States of the Land of Utrecht , and made without prejudice to any other ; their N. M. do reserv to themselvs the power and freedom of adding hereunto , or taking from , or altering in it , what they shall hold needful and expedient .

XXII .

Judging likewise , that the Conclusions of this present General Assemblie , ought , according to the 24 Article of the Union , to bee solemnly sworn by the respective Confederates , for the more engaging of them to observ and keep the same .

Those of Holland seeing their Proposition travers'd in several points by the Considerations of the other Provinces , especially by those of Friesland and Groninghen , with the Omlands ; they held themselvs obliged to justifie their Aslertions ; the which they endeavored to make the more savorie by particular Conferences and Addresses here and there .

In the Great Assemblie they caused a certain ▪ long Deduction to bee produced and read , and the same to bee elucidated at intervalls by word of mouth ; chiefly concerning the Militia ; shewing , what power was given from the beginning to the Council of State ; then to the Captain General of all the Provinces , and also of every Province apart ; alleging to this end sundrie Instructions , as of the Captains-General , so also of the Council of State and the Commissioned Counsellors of the respective Provinces .

Holland's intent was to prove thereby , that the State in general , and the Provinces in particular , especially Friesland , and the Citie and Lands had still been very warie and careful from the beginning to preserv their Freedom , and not absolutely to part with the sword out of their fist for to give it to another .

They might easily have said in plain and down-right terms , Wee are Sovereign in our Province , and over our purs : if heretofore wee yielded somthing to our Stadtholder , or Captain General , that is past and gon ; wee reassume it now to our selvs ▪ it is escheated back again unto us by Death , which paie's all . God Almightic hath return'd it into our own hands . And if the Danish High-Steward Ulefield , beeing at the Haghe in the year 1649 , had reason to say , When our King is dead , wee have not onely power to chuse whom wee will , but likewise to chuse none at all , and to remain Musters our selvs ; Holland had far better ground to say so ; Nevertheless , they made use of no such argument , contenting themselvs with allegations of the old and former waies and manner of Government , kept and used in these Countries since the Change .

Here follow 's the Deduction of Holland , presented Januarie 30. A Deduction presented in the name and behalf of the States of Holland , at the General Assemblie of the States of the United Provinces extraordinarily met at the Haghe , serving for to justifie their N. Gr. M. Assertion in the point of the Militia , and matters depending thereon , formerly made known to the foresaid Assemblie . Their Assertion beeing comprehended in these following Articles .

FIrst , That their N. G. M. considering that of old , and from the beginning of the Wars , the governing or managing of all Militarie affairs , concerning the Generalitie , was referred and committed to the Council of State ; they are of opinion , the same Government and the disposing of the Souldierie ought to bee left unto them , they following their Instruction as the same lie's before them , or with such alterations and amendments , as sutably to times and affairs , shall bee thought good by the common Confederates to bee made therein .

II ly That the States of the particular Provinces , or their Commission'd Council , have right and power to transplace the Companies lying in their particular Provinces , without any further address , as often as they shall finde it expedient ; provided they abide within the resort of their respective Provinces .

III ly That if it shall bee requisite to remove any Companies out of a Voicing Province , the Council of State shall bee obliged in that Case to desire the same of the States of that Province or their Commission'd Council , that the said States or Commissioned Council would bee pleased to yield so many Companies as the Council judgeth needful , adding thereunto the motive and reasons thereof , and sending Patents withal or Commissions , with Blanks for the Captain 's Names , to bee supplied and filled up by the States or Commission'd Council of that Province ; and that therewithal their own patent also bee joined ; and that thereupon the desired Companies shall bee yielded , unless the said States or Commission'd Counsel of the Province had reasons to the contrarie , whereof they shall give present advertisement to the Council of State , to judg of those reasons ; and in case they bee found insufficient there , That upon the second Desire of the Council , the Companies lying in the Province , and not beeing of their repartition , they shall bee yielded ; and those of the repartition , no otherwise , then with consent and Patents of their pay masters .

IV ly That no Companies shall bee laid into a voicing Province without express Consent and Commission of the States of that Province , or their Commission'd Counsel , and that the same cours is to bee followed also in the case of Quarterings , Marches or Randevouzes .

V ly That as much as may bee don , the Garrison Companies ought to bee laid in the same Provinces and Frontiers thereabout , from which Provinces the same Companies receiv their paie , and that to this end , by joint advice of the Members of the Union , certain Frontier-places bee assigned to each Province , in which respective Frontier places the foresaid Council of State , shall have power with the knowledg of the Provincial Government to change or transplace the Companies ; and that the States of the Province , to whom the foresaid Frontier places shall bee assigned , or their Commission'd Council , shall have power to do the same ; as also to remove the Companies out of the said Frontiers into their Province , & vice versâ , out of their Province into the said Frontiers , giving immediate notice thereof unto the foresaid Council .

VI ly That the Council of State intending to take forth som Companies out of the assigned Frontiers , they shall move their desire to the States or Commissioned Council of the Province to which those Frontiers are assigned , sending Patents along for that purpose , with blanks for Names , to bee fill'd up by the foresaid States or their Commissioned Council , or els to return their reasons to the Council of State , of making difficultie for to bee judged of by them ; and that upon the second desire ( the reasons of making difficultie beeing judged insufficient ) the Companies shall bee yielded . Provided nevertheless , that for the more reciprocal content and quietness , there shall bee made two Lists , the one for besetting , the other for emploie ; and that in case of Invasion or sudden breaking in of the enemie , the Council shall have power to take forth the Companies , standing in the List of employ , giving onely advertisement thereof to the States of the Province , in whose assigned Frontiers they are situated , and causing the same to return to their former Garrison when the danger is over .

VII ly That the bestowing or conferring of all Militarie Offices without distinction , is in the disposing of the States or Commissioned Council of every Province , to which their repartition doth belong . As likewise the Conferring of the Governments and Commanderies of all Cities , Forts and places in the disposing of the Provincial Government in whose Territories they lie , together with all things relating thereto , or condep●nding thereon . In like manner , the giving away of the Militarie Charges , paied by the Generalitie , or where the Generalitie had the disposing formerly ; and the Commanderies of the places resorting under the Generalitie , doth absolutely belong to the Disposition of the joint members of the Union .

VIII ly That the Militia or Souldierie shall bee bound , besides the General Oath to the Generalitie , to swear likewise in particular to the Province wherein they shall bee laid , and that of their Repartition ; as also to the respective Cities of the voicing Provinces where the Garrisons are to bee laid , and that according to the form already framed , or yet to bee framed by the Provincial Government .

IX ly That at present to proceed to the Election of a Captain General over the Souldierie , is judged by their N. G. M. to bee useless and not to bee counsell'd .

All which points their N. G. M. thought good by this summarie deduction , to elucidate a little , to the end that your H. M. ponderating the same in their upright truth , they may discern and finde , that here is nothing produced from the particular interest of the Province of Holland and Westfriesland , but that all this is framed and deduced out of old and new Resolutions , Acts and Monuments taken and settled , as by the Members of the Union in general , so by the State's-assemblies of every Province in particular , pertinently agreeing with the ground and fundamentals of this Government , without any varying of or receding from it .

And in the first place concerning the Assertion of their N. Gr. M. That the governing or managing of all Militarie affairs , touching the Generalitie or Union , of old times ever was , and consequently still ought to remain with the Council of State ; their N. Gr. M. cannot judg that the same can admit any fundamental contradiction .

For besides that the Instruction of the said Council , framed by the joint Confederates in the year 1588 speak's clearly in that point ; there are many which remember the practice thereof very well yet .

The Head or Title of the foresaid Instruction beeing plain in express terms , That those of the said Council ought to govern and direct the affairs touching the common state , the defence , conservation and union of the United Netherlands .

And if it should bee judged that the matter is not sufficiently determined there yet ; their N. G. M. are confident , all the remaining scruple will bee taken away by the plainer expression in the 6th Article , saying , [ And the same Council shall dispose in the affair of War , and over the men of War , or Souldierie , beeing in the Land's Service , causing their Commands to bee performed by the Governor General , the Governors of the Provinces , the Admiral and other Officers every one in their places ] .

Insomuch that the foresaid Governors of the Provinces and Generals themselvs , must ( following the contents of the 18 Article of the foresaid Instruction ) promiss to obey the Council of State , settled , or hereafter to bee settled by the States General .

So that the foresaid Instruction it self doth speak about this very business in more express and plainer terms then those are wherewith their N. G. M. have formerly exprest their assertion .

As likewise the same Autoritie of the Council , doth manifestly appear out of the whole frame and tenor of the said Instruction , besides many other publick Acts and Resolutions , held needless to bee rehearsed here .

And verily the matter it self of directing and ordering of War , and things apperteining thereunto , is of that nature , that the same connot fruitfully , nor so as the service of the Common safetie and protection requireth , bee managed elswhere ; no not by name in the Assemblie of the States General ; beeing that there are sitting such , who beeing engaged by Oath to the particular Provinces from which they are sent ; and not to the Generalitie , may easily bee so possest with the interest of their particular Provinces , that thereby the necessarie protection of the General Bodie of the State may com to bee neglected and prejudiced ; for which reason Prince William , of blessed memorie , great Grandfather to the present Prince of Orange , seriously urged it in his time , and brought it so far to pass also , that with the approbation of the joint Confederates , the foresaid Direction was referred to such a College ( to wit , the Council of State ) wherein the Deputies for the respective Provinces , Members of the said Council , though not alike for number from each , in regard of the different contribution and interest in the conservation of the General State ; yet are all of them engaged by Oath , to renounce all particular Correspondence with either Province , Cities or private and particular persons , in any matter or manner as might bee prejudicial to the common good ; and that without any respect to the Province , or Cities where they were born or chosen ; or their own or any others particular profit ; they beeing to have nothing before their eies but the glorie of God , and the welfare and conservation of the foresaid Land and general affairs of the Common ▪ wealth , &c.

And that the said Council of State successively used and exercised the foresaid power and autoritie , much more absolutely then the actual possession for som years hitherto held forth , appear's not onely by their Register ▪ books and known Histories ; but there are many likewise yet among us which remember full well , that the said Council , the more commodiously to exercise the foresaid autoritie , were wont to go forth themselvs with the Leaguers , together with the Generals , or at least to quarter in som places near hand them , to caus them to execute their Commands for the servi●● of the Land with the greater promtitude .

For which end it is plainly set down in the 25 Article of the foresaid Instruction , That the Residence of the Council shall bee kept in a commodious and secure place of the United Provinces , without beeing tied to any place precisely ; but they may gather and assemble where the service and common good of the Land , especially the Direction of the affairs of War ( note ) doth require it .

So that it beeing now abundantly proved , that the Direction of Militarie affairs , is by the States referred to the Council of State ; and their N. Gr. M. finding no reason , why a business firmly settled with mature Deliberation by the Confederates , should bee receded from ; they are firmly confident , there will bee no further proof desired for the verification of their first point .

For the Justification of the Second , namely , That to the States of the particular Provinces , or their Comission'd Counsellors , doth appertain the right of transplacing , or causing to bee transplaced , such Companies as lie within their respective Provinces , without any further address , there shall bee laid down for a fundamental rule , that true Declaration of the States of Holland and Zealand , made long ago in the year 1587 , by their Resolution of Febr. 6. That of all antient times , and particularly under the Emperor Charls , it hath been in the Charge and disposition of the Governor and Captain General of Holland , Zealand and Westfriesland , to take care that all the Cities and strong holds of the said Countries might bee kept in good securitie and defence ; and that by Articles and Instructions made with the Roial Majestie of England , about the undertaking of the Sovereigntie of these Countries , it was expresly resolved , that the besetting of Cities and holds with faithful Garrisons , should remain in the Disposition of the Governors of the respective Provinces , together with the States thereof or their Comissioners .

For application of which true fundamental Rule , their N. Gr. M. desire to premise that which is evident and clear in it self , viz. That all that hath been don in former times in these United Provinces , and is don to this daie in Friesland , Groninghen and the Omlands , by particular Governors , or Captains General of the respective Provinces , the same is purely and absolutely Provincial and in effect the proper and peculiar fact of the respective States or Countries , that gave those Governors or Captains General their Commission .

Thus then , it beeing clear and manifest , not onely out of the forementioned Declaration of the States of Holland and Zealand , but also out of many other publick Acts , that the besetting or garrisoning of the Cities and Holds , or Forts in the Land , was ever left to the disposing of the particular Governors of the respective Provinces , together with the States thereof or their Commission'd Council , it must follow that the besetting of the Cities and Forts in the respective Provinces hath ever purely and absolutely , been and remained in effect , the proper and peculiar right and fact of the States of the respective Provinces , or their Commission'd Council .

Which is so much the more confirmed by the same Resolution of Feb. 6 , 158● . forasmuch as that it is not onely said there . That his Excell c●e of Nassaw , Prince Maurice of immortal mimorie , who was onely particular Stadtholder or Governor of Holland and Zealand , without having the Commission then of the Generalitie , should have the disposing and managing of the affairs of War by Land , in Holland and Zealand , and particularly the besetting of all Cities and Forts of those Countries , by the Advice of the States thereof or their Commissioners ; But also that the removing or transplacing , the encreasing , deminishing or altering of the Garrisons of the Cities and Forts of Holland Zealand and West-Friesland , should bee don by the Orders of his foresaid Excellcie of Nassaw , with the advice of the States forenamed , or their Commissioners .

It beeing very considerable , that at the very same time the Earl of Leicester had absolute Commission from the States General , as Governor and Captain General , not simply of the leaguers or over the Souldierie onely , without the Voicing Provinces , so as the successive Princes ▪ of Orange had their Commissions of Captain General limited and circumscribed ; but absolutely over all the United Provinces themselvs , which power and autoritie was never conferr'd upon any one after his time .

Where observ an indubitable Argument arising hence , That all the removing or transplacing of the Souldierie or Garrisons within the Respective Provinces , made by the successive Princes of Orange , was performed by them , not in the Qualitie of Captains General of the Souldierie of the United Provinces in General , but onely in qualitie of Stadtholders , Governors or Captains General of the respective Provinces in particular .

For , if even in these times , when there was a Governor and Captain General of the United Provinces in general ; the changing of Garrisons within the Provinces of Holland and Zealand was made by the Governor or Captain General of the said Provinces in particular , ( as the same appear's by what was shewed before to have been don in Leiecester's time by his Excellcie Prince Maurice ) how much more then must needs the changing of the Garrisons , in times when the Commissions of Captain General extend's onely to the Souldierie or Camps and Leaguers of the Generalitie , bee don or made , by the Governors or Captains General of the respective Provinces in particular , that is to saie , though by such persons , who together were Captains General over the Souldierie in general , and Captains General of several Provinces in particular , yet no otherwise then in the foresaid latter Qualitie , and not in the former .

As also ( another evident and palpable token ) the Princes of Orange , having been Captains General , for the Generalitie over the Souldierie , that was in the Lands service , would otherwise have had power likewise , to remove or transplace the So●ldierie in those Provinces , where they were not Stadt holders or Governors particular , which how far it was from beeing so , the publick generally and known practice of Friesland , sufficiently sheweth , serving also for a singular and manifest token , that it belong's and appertain's to the particular Provinces , every one to bee careful how to beset or Garrison their Cities and Forts , and to have power of removing the Souldierie within their Province from one place to another , for the same end ; and that the respective States thereof , might alwaies appoint , and effectually also have appointed their particular Captains General , who beeing appointed thus , had necessarily therewithal , full pawer and and autoritie over the Souldierie ( as the very word Captain doth imply ) acknowledging no Superior therein , as the signification of the word General make's plain and easie to bee understood .

All this beeing confirmed , as by the former instance of Leicester and Prince Maurice , together with the Example of Friesland , so especially by the ninth Article for the Instruction of the Stadt-holder of Groninghen and the Omlands , containing these formal words , That the Stadt-holder shall withal bee Captain General and Upper-Head ( Note ) of our Souldierie of hors and foot , which at present is in this Province , or hereafter may com into it .

And this foresaid Right , having hitherto inviolably been practised by all the United Provinces , or every one of them ; and the forementioned Distinction , betwixt Captains General over the Souldierie of the Generalitie , and Governors or Captains-General of the Provinces in particular , exactly and curiously observed in all publick Acts and Monuments , every one of the United Provinces having alwaies transplaced the Souldierie within their Province , either by order of the States themselvs , and their Commission'd Council , or by the particular Governors or Captains General of their own Province , or by order of the one , with the advice of the other , without ever giving or yielding any Autoritie to the Generalitie or the Captain General thereof , in that behalf .

Which for to prove orderly , and to establish it past all contradiction , Their N. Gr. M. desire in the first place it would bee considered , That whatsoever is committed or given in charge to the respective Stadt-holders , Commission'd Counsel or deputed States , by Commission or Instruction from the States , Countries , or Plenipotentiaries of the particular Provinces ; The same cannot bee any other , but the private and peculiar Right of the same respective Provinces , whose States have framed the said Instructions , or given such Commissions . As likewise the respective Provincial States or Plenipotentiaries , can neither by Instructions , Commissions or any otherwise dispose of things belonging to the Generalitie , or such as do not absolutely stand under the arbitrarie power of the particular Provinces .

Whence it must needs follow , That , forasmuch as the particular States of every Province have by Instruction or Commission , given in charge to their Stadt-holders , Governors or Captains General , or also to their Commissioned Council , the removeing or transplacing of the Garrisons , within their Province ; the same removing or transplacing of Garrisons can bee none other but the private and peculiar right of the same Province .

Now that this transplacing of Garrisons and things depending thereon , is and hath been given in charge by Instruction or Commission of the States of every one of the United Provinces , unto their Stadt-holders , or Commission'd Council , or also to the one , with the advice of the other , Their N. gr. M. shall briefly shew the same by the summarie allegation of som Articles and passages taken out of the foresaid Instructions and Commissions .

And first , to begin with the Province of Gelderland , the 5th Article of the Instruction for their Countrie 's Deputies , is very pertinent , where , it beeing premised , that all Dispatches or Expeditions shall bee issued in the Name and Title of the Deputie-States of the Principalitie of Ghelders , and Countie of Zutphen , there follow these express words , [ excepting the commands to the Souldierie , which shall bee issued in the Name of his Excellencie as Stadt-holder ( Note ) with the advice or reference to the Deputies aforesaid .

Where it is worth observing , not onely that it is ordained , the Commands or Patents for the Souldierie are to bee dispatched or expedited by the Deputie-States of the foresaid Province ; but also , that the same issuing forth in the Name of his Excellencie , his said Excellencie is thereby considered onely as Stadt-holder of the Province , and not as Captain General for the Generalitie .

And that which is more yet , the foresaid Deputie-States , are charged , by Artic. 31. of the same Instruction , That they shall keep off all necessarie inquartering and through-marching without due Patents ; such namely as are mentioned in the foresaid 5 Artic. the same beeing yet further confirmed by the Instruction for the late Prince William , in the year 1642. beeing received Stadt-holder by the foresaid Province of Gelderland ; the said Instruction , Artic. 6o. holding forth , That his Highˢ shall not give nor receiv given by others , any Patents for through-marches , Randevouzes , or inquarterings , no not in extreme necessitie ( note ) but with precedent deliberation of the Court of Gelderland , or with the Land's Deputies their cooperation and permission .

So that hereby it doth most evidently appear , not onely that it appertain's to the Provincial Government of Gelderland to transplace their Souldierie within their Province ; but also that the same belong's to the said Provincial Government , privative , absolutely and so far forth , that the Countrie hath enjoin'd their Deputies , not onely to exercise and maintain the same right , but also , in case any Souldiers came marching into the same Province , upon any other Order , to keep off and hinder them de facto .

To this same end serv also the 5. 11. and 17. Articles of the Instruction ; whereupon Prince Maurice of immortal memorie in the year 1590. item the 11. & 17 Artic. whereupon Prince Henrie , in the year 1625. were received Stadt-holders of the foresaid Province , wherein there are especially observable , the said 11th Articleimporting , That the Stadt-holder bee not permitted to put any Garrison into the Cities without the fore-knowledg and consent of the respective Magistrates ; and the said 17th Article , ordaining , that if his Excellencie shall not bee within the Countrie , the Government shall bee exercised by the Landship or Land Deputies , to whom the Souldierie shall bee bound to yield as perfect obedience as to his Excellencie himself .

As for the Provinces of Holland and Zealand , over and above that which hath been amply deduced in this behalf out of their fore-cited Resolution of Feb. 6. 1587. there is a very pertinent passage in the instruction for the Commission'd Counsel of their N. Gr. M. made in the year 1590 and contained in the 38th Article thereof , where it beeing first ordained in general , that the said Commissioners should issue forth all their Dispatches or Orders , under the Title of the Commissioners of Holland and West-friesland , there are afterwards by waie of Exception subjoined these following words , safe notwithstanding the Dispatches and Commands to the Souldierie , which they shall issue forth in the Name of his Excellencie , with advice of the Commission'd Counsel aforesaid .

As likewise in the later Instruction of the foresaid Commission'd Counsel of the year 1623. Artic. 35. the same is ordained more streightly yet , even with Exclusion of the Governor of the Province , That namely the Dispatches and Commands to the Souldierie shall bee issued in the name of Lds the States , with reference to the Commission'd Counsel .

It beeing also given in charge to the respective Stadt-holders of Holland and Zealand , by the States of the said Provinces , in their Instruction Artic. 6. together with the Deputie Counsel , to look to all the needful Garrisons , securitie and protection of the foresaid Countries Cities , Forts , Ports , Waters and Rivers thereof .

All which is yet further confirmed by the contents of the 5. 31. & 35. Artic. of the former-cited Instruction of the Commission'd Counsel , and those of the 5. 28. & 32. Artic. of their later & last cited Instruction .

In conformitie whereof also the Patents within the Province of Holland , were given and dispatcht , in the former times by the foresaid Commission'd Counsel , and confirmed with their Seal and Secretaries Signature , in the Name of the Stadt-holders and Governors , with these express words inserted , with advice of the Commission'd Council : whereof for example , there shall bee a copie set down here of a Patent , given and dispatched by the said Commission'd Council April , 17o. 1595. word for word as followeth .

Maurice , born Prince of Orange , Earl of Nassaw &c. Marquis of Vere , Flushing , Governor and Captain General over Gelderland , Holland , Zealand , West-Friesland , Zutphen , Utrecht , Over-Yssell &c. Admiral and General , By the advice of the Commissioned Council of the States of Holland and West-Friesland , chargeth and ordaineth by these Captain Strackman , to transport himself to the Citie of Goude , and there to abide for a certain short time , till further order from his Excellencie . Don at the Haghe , under the Seal of the forementioned Commission'd-Council . underneath stood , By his Excellencie , according to the ordinance of the Commission'd Council of the States of Holland and West-friesland : and was signed , C. de Rechtere .

And although for som years hitherto , the last Stadt-holders may have past and given som Patents of themselvs , without the knowledg of the Commission'd Council , it is considerable nevertheless , that the same beeing don by them , as Stadt-holders and Governors particular of the said Province , and consequently in the Name of the same Province in particular , and not in the Name of the Generalitie , the Right of the Province is no whit impaired thereby .

Coming now to the Citie , Towns and Lands of Utrecht , there are divers pertinent passages in the Instruction for their Stadt-holders or Governors , to prove what hath been said before : and particularly the passage of the 11th Article thereof , importing , that if it bee found needful , any Garrison should bee put into the foresaid Citie or Towns , the same shall not bee don , but by the Patent of the Governor with consent of the States or their Deputies , under a certain restriction , about the same Governor's absence , set down there more at large .

As the same is yet further elucidated in the 13. and 14. Articles of the foresaid Instruction .

The States of the Province of Friesland speak very clearly in the Instruction framed for their Deputie-States , and especially in the 33. Article of the same , in these words ; Whereas the Plenipotentiaries are assured , that the Garrisons have generally been transplaced and changed , by the sole command of his Lordship ( the Governor ) and never with the advice of the Lords Deputies ; and the Plenipotentiaries judging , that the said transplacing of the Garrisons is a principal point of the Government of this Countrie ; ( Note , that here the transplacing of the Garrisons is said to to bee a principal point of the particular or Provincial Government of Friesland , ) therefore they the Plenipotentiaries do ordain their Deputies , to suffer no more henceforward , any transplacing of Garrisons to bee made otherwise , then with express consent and advice of the said Deputies , &c.

It beeing very pertinent withal to this purpose , what is said in the end of the 31. Article of the foresaid Instruction , namely , That the Captains and Commanders having Companies under them , shall stand engaged to bee readie for the service and protection of the Countrie in all places and quarters , where the same shall bee appointed them by the Governor and Deputie-States ; to pass by divers other places of the same Instruction , applicable to this purpose , which their N. Gr. M. judg needless notwithstanding here to enumerate .

Onely for further Confirmation thereof , let the 8th Article speak , of the Instruction whereupon his Lp Count Henrie of Nassaw whilom in the year 1632 , and afterwards his Excellcie Count William , received the Government of the foresaid Province , it beeing therein ordained , That the Stadt-holder shall govern himself , according to the foresaid Instruction of the Deputie-States , for so much as the same concern's his Person , especially about placing of Garrisons , in which regard they must precisely observ the foresaid 33 Article of the Instruction for the Deputies ; provided alwaies , that in the absence of the Ld Stadt-holder , the Government of the foresaid Countrie shall remain in the sole disposition or administration of the said Deputies .

Concerning the Province of Over-Yssell , it is plain , that the Respective Stadt-holders of the said Province were by the States thereof entrusted with power to transplace the Souldierie garrison'd within their Province , with precedent deliberation of the States or Deputies , and to give due patents accordingly ; the said Stadtholders beeing moreover ( to prevent their abusing of that power ) charged in the 11 Article of their Instruction , to bring no garrison into any of the Cities , without the foreknowledg and good liking of their respective Citie-Council and sworn Commons .

As also the same Stadtholder hath given it him in charge in the same Instruction , Artic. 7 , To give no Patents for throughmarchings , randevouzes or quartering , no not in extreme necessitie , nor to receiv any patents given by others , but with precedent deliberation of the States or their Deputies autorized ●hereunto .

Which could bee deduced with many more instances , as from the same Instruction , so out of several other publick Acts of the said States ; but that their N. Gr. M. do hold it needless .

For Conclusion onely they will add here , touching the Province of Groninghen and the Omlands , the contents of the 12 Article of the Instruction for the Stadtholder and Captain General of that Province , prescribed by the States thereof , importing , That the said Stadtholder , together with the Deputie-states of that Province , shall change the Garrisons in such sort as shall bee found requisite for the protection of the said Province and the Common-wealth ; provided that the foresaid Deputies , in the absence of the Lord Stadtholder , shall have power to transplace the Garrisons within the Province and the Frontiers thereof themselvs .

And this their N. G. M. are persuaded will suffice , and that nothing more can bee desired for the justification of what was said before and asserted , to wit , That every one of the United Provinces in particular have alwaies had and practised the transplacing of the Souldierie within their Circuit , either by their Deputie States , or by their Stadtholders with the advice of them , without address to the Generalitie , even to this daie .

And forasmuch as the foresaid transplacing of the Garrisons is a principal , yea the most principal point of the Sovereigntie and Rights of every Province , as the Lords of Friesland also do avow in express terms , in the before alleged 33d Article of the Instruction for their Deputie States , And that every member , together with every particular person of this Assemblie , is bound by solemn Oath to stand up for , defend and maintein the sovereigntie and rights of every one of these United Provinces , and of his own respectively ;

Their N. ▪ Gr. M. are very confident , that your Hi. Mi. weighing the reasons deduced above , will not onely yield that each Province in their precinct , shall maintein this peculiar right of theirs , of transplacing the Souldierie within their Province , but also in case of necessitie , help to uphold and maintein the rest of the Provinces in the same right .

All which premised thus , there result's from it the Justification of what before Artic. 3. was asserted : for this beeing sure , that the care of the common defence and union , together with the managing and ordering of the Militarie affairs of these Countries in general , doth belong to the Council of State , it is without all contradiction , that the said Council , for the same end , must take care , that all places which may happen to bee in danger of beeing invaded or over-run by any forrein forces , for preventing and withstanding the same , may have sufficient forces sent into them ; and it beeing proved above , that the Supreme Autoritie and Command over the Souldierie within each Province doth appertein to the particular States thereof , or to them whom the States absolutely have autorized thereunto ; there remaineth nothing , but that the said Council standing in need of taking forth any forces out of a Voicing Province , and beeing destitute of power to caus the same to march within the Territorie thereof , do address themselvs by waie of Desire to the Provincial Government there , that they would bee pleased to yield the forces desired to march . And for that their N. Gr. M. are of opinion , that the foresaid Provincial Government is to join their Patent or Commission , they conceiv the reason deduced before , convincing enough , That , namely within the Soveraigntie of every or any Province , no souldierie or militarie forces may march , without order or patents and Commissions from the States thereof , or , such , as by the same State shall thereunto bee qualified . And that therewithal there ought to bee provided also a patent from the Council , for as much as the forces beeing past the bounds of th● Province whence they com , and forth their jurisdiction , the power of the foresaid Provincial patent come's to ceas then , and the patent of the Council , must supply the warrant for the forces coming upon the ground of the Generalitie .

And although , according to the foresaid known Right , the States of that Province , whence the forces are desired to bee taken forth , are not bound , stricto jure , to yield the same ; nevertheless , partly by reason of the solemn promisses made at the Treatie of the Union , to help to protect one another with bodie , goods and blood against all violence , and partly for conveniences and expedition's sake ; Their N. G. M. thought good to proceed herein with such an expedient and temper , as is set down in the 3. Article aforesaid .

And it is worth singular observation about that third Article , That all that is laid down there , and especially the transmitting of the Patents with blanks for the names , is in every point agreeing , with the manner of proceeding , observed and practised in those Provinces , which had their particular Governors , and such as were not withal , Captains General of the Armies or Leaguers ; and particularly in the Province of Friesland , out of which when the Council of State had a minde to take forth any forces , they were alwaies wont to address their desire for that end , to the Stadt ▪ holders or Governors particular of that Province , transmitting their patents with blanks for names , which the Stadt-holders or Governors particular , by advice of the States , or their deputies , fill'd up , and added thereunto their own Provincial patent .

Now ▪ concerning the Iustification of the Fourth point , set down above ; That namely no Forces may enter , or march through anie Province , without express consent and patent of the Provincial Government thereof ; besides that the same sufficiently and naturally follow 's from the Grounds alreadie laid ; it is a thing expresly setled and ordained in every one of the United Provinces , by their respective States-autoritie in each .

Wherein the States of Gelderland went so farr , That in the before-cited 31. Article of the instruction for their Deputies , They charge them , De facto , or actually to forbear all necessarie inquarterings and thorow-Marchings without due patents , to wit , without patents given by the said Deputies in the name of the Stadt-holder , and by advice or in relation to the Deputies aforesaid ; so as the dispatches and expeditions of patents and Commissions were orderd and regulated in the 5. article of the said Instructions .

As for the States of Holland and Zealand ; they declare very formally in this behalf in the before-mentioned Resolution of Feb. 6. 1587. in plain words , That in the open countrie of Holland , Zeland , and West-Friesland , no forces of foot or hors , may attempt any inquartering , or thorough-marchings , without patents from his Excellcie given by adviceof the foresaid States , or their Committees . ( Note ) not in the open countrie : Ergò much less , in fenced Cities sorts or strong holds of the Provinces .

The like is easily to bee shewed to have been setled by the Provinces of Utrecht , Friesland , Over-Yssel , Groninghen , and the Omlands ; as in the Instructions given to their Deputie-States and Stadtholders , so also by several other publick Acts of the States ; which their N. G. M. ( confident the former deduction will be sufficient ) judg needless here to repeat , or to make further instances of more particulars . There is applicable unto this the 7 Article of the Union , in the beginning whereof it is established , That the Frontier-Cities and others also , necessitie requiring it , shall be bound at all times to receiv such Garrisons as the United Provinces shall finde good , and ordain by the advice of the Governor of the Provinces , where the Garrison is to be laid ( where note by the waie , that it presupposed the garrison as coming from another Province ) .

But it is specially observable , how this is bounded with the words , necessitie requiring it ; for there beeing no express and urgent necessitie , this same might not bee don simply by the Governor's advice alone , without the express Patent from the Provincial Government , as hath been proved before at large ; so that onely extreme necessitie requiring Expedition , seemeth to dispence therein .

Besides that the foresaid Article of the Union hath received a nearer and clearer interpretation since , by the general practice observed and more elucidated in all the United Provinces their respective fore-mentioned Instructions , set down and established by the States .

Proceeding then to justifie the foresaid fifth and sixth point , touching the assignation of Frontier-places , and the transplacing of the Forces in the same ; thus it is , that however the Souldierie , according to the eighteenth Article of the Instruction of the Council of State about the form of swearing the Souldierie , and likewise according to the foresaid Resolution of Holland and Zealand of Februarie 6 , 1587 , is bound among other things to bee true and faithful to the States of the Province , to whose Repartition they belong for paiment , and faithfully to serv and to obey them , and that consequently it might justly bee asserted , that the Souldierie cannot bee transplaced without Patent or Commission of their Paie-masters ; Their N. Gr. M. nevertheless have thought good , for accommodation's sake , not to stand upon their utmost Right ; but onely to motion , that certain places , belonging to the jurisdiction of the Generalitie , may ac●ording to the good liking of the members of the Union , be assigned to the respective Provinces for Frontiers , and that according to the known practice observed in divers Provinces , the Souldierie may be disposed of and laid , as much as may bee don , in garrisons within those Provinces and the Frontiers respectively assigned them in the repartition or allotment of which Province they are respectively divided for their paie .

Which motion of their N. Gr. M. pertinently agree's with the eleventh Article of the Instruction for the ▪ Stadtholders of Groninghen and the Omlands , importing , That the Stadt ▪ holder of the said Province , shall endeavor by all possible means , that all the Souldierie , standing on their Repartition and Paie , may bee laid in garrison within the foresaid Citie and Sconces of that Province , or belonging to the protection thereof .

It appearing likewise by several Acts and Monuments , that other Provinces , and particularly the Province of Zealand and Friesland had their out-Frontiers and out Forts assigned them , where the same Provinces had right and autoritie over the forces therein ; and notably , by Article 34 of the Instruction for the Deputies of Friesland , saying , That his Lordship and the said Deputies , forasmuch as concern's the Policie or Civil Government , besetting and keeping of the Sconces in the O●lands , Belingerwolderland , and other as well out-land as in-land Sconces , and that which depend's thereon , are to regulate themselvs according to the Resolutions of the Plenipotentiaries taken in that behalf November 12 , 1593 ▪ And again the fourth Article of the Instruction for the Stadholders of Friesland , importing ▪ That the said Stadt-holder with the Deputies , are to take good care and heed to the Out-land forts and holds , standing under their autoritie and provision ; and more pertinently yet by the 15 Article of the Instruction for the Stadt ▪ holder of Groninghen and the Omlands , shewing , That the said Stadt-holder shall likewise bee engaged , to endeavor to his utmost , that the said Provinces bee defended and mainteined in the autoritie and right belonging to them , over the Sconces Bellingerwolde , Bourtanye , and Couvorde , or such others as may hereafter bee raised in the said Province for its protection .

And though it bee evident again that the States of the respective Provinces , their Deputies or Stadtholders , have the right , that they may absolutely transplace the Garrisons lying in their out-Frontiers ; whereof the pertinent Decision is to bee seen in the 12 Article of the foresaid Instruction for the Stadtholder of Citie and Land , in these terms , Provided , that in the absence of the Lord Stadtholder , the fore-named Deputies may transplace the Garrisons within this Province and the Frontiers thereof ; ( note thereof ) yea so far , that the respective Provinces are wont to exercise the accustomed Militarie Discipline in their foresaid out-Frontiers over the Souldierie there in Garrison , as appear's by Article 31 of the Instruction for the Deputies of Friesland , saying , That the said Deputies ought to exercise good Discipline together with the Governor , or in his absence , themselvs alone , in all the Sconces lying as well without as within the said Countrie .

All which is further confirmed yet by the 33 Article of the same Instruction , and divers other publick Acts , Monuments and Resolutions , for brevities sake past by here .

Therefore their N. G. M. judged it expedient , that the proceeding therein might bee moderated , as is set down above in the 5 and 6 Article ; partly for the better accommodation and conveniencie of things , and partly in respect that their N. G. M. held it more serviceable for the good of the Land .

And thus their N. Gr. M. persuaded , that the manner and right of transplacing the forces , before asserted , is abundantly justified ; they com now to the Seventh Point , to wit , That the giving or bestowing of all Militarie Charges indifferently standeth in the disposing of the States of that Province , to whose Repartition they belong , and the conferring of the Governments and Commanderies of all Cities , Forts and places in the disposing of the Provincial Government , in whose Territories they are situated .

And though this same do necessarily follow from the Maximes formerly laid down ; for it beeing true that the particular Provinces ever kept and retained the supreme autoritie over their Souldierie , and the Sovereign jurisdiction within their Territorie ; it follow 's naturally and of it self , that theirs also is the right of disposing of the Militarie Charges and Commands in such manner as is ass●rted before ; nevertheless their N ▪ G. M. are willing , for more aboundant satisfaction , to add and shew here , That every one of the United Provinces thus understood and setled it by State 's autoritie .

The Province of Gelderland in the Instruction for their Stadt-holder , Artic. 4.

Holland and Zealand in the forementioned Resolution of Febr. 6 , 1587 ; and becaus the words thereof are so considerable , it will not bee amiss to set them down : That all the great Commanders , Collonels , Superintendents and Captains already put in Garrisons , or which may bee put in hereafter , in the Cities of Holland , Zealand , and Westfriesland , shall receiv Commission from his Excellencie ( namely , as Stadtholder and Governor of the same Provinces ) and bee engaged by Oath to the States of Holland and Zealand , together with his Excellcie , for their fidelitie and obedience ; and such as shall bee unwilling to do it , to bee cashiered .

The Province of Utrecht in the 13 Artic. for their Stadt-holders .

And so likewise Friesland in the Instruction for their Stadt-holders , Artic. 5 , 6 , and 7 , together with the Instruction for their Deputie-States Artic. 31 , 35 , and 37. And forasmuch as the words of the foresaid 5 Article of the Instruction for their Stadt-holders are very pertinent and remarkable , they are following here in their own terms : All Militant Offices standing in our Repartition and Paie , shall indifferently every one of them , bee disposed of by the Stadt-holders and our Deputies , by most voices , and in the absence of the Stadtholder , by our Deputies alone .

Over-Yssell confirm the same in the Instruction for their Stadt-holder , Artic. 15.

Groninghen and the Omlands in theirs , Artic. 13. and 16.

And howbeit the Election of som Officers of the Forrein Nations were absolutely , and without any precedent Nomination , disposed of by the late Prince of Orange and his Predecessor or Predecessors ; yet it cannot bee contradicted , but that the same was don , not by virtue of any right those Princes had in qualitie of Captains General over the Souldierie for the Generalitie , but onely as allowed them by the States of those particular Provinces , whereof they were likewise Stadtholders in particular ; as also their Highnesses in that regard never meddled with disposing of any such Forrein Officers as stood in the Repartition of those Provinces which had their particular Governors .

The substance of the foresaid eight Article , or the eight point formerly propounded , is pertinently confirmed by the seaventh Article of the Union ; the 18 Article of the Instruction for the Council of State ; the oft-mentioned Resolution of Holland and Zealand of Febr. 6 , 1587 , the form of the Oath agreed upon by the States of Holland and Zealand upon the 20 daie of the same month ( wherein the swearing Souldierie , among other , make 's this solemn promiss , To bee obedient to the States aforesaid , or their Commissioners , in what they shall command them for the furtherance of the service and defence of the foresaid Countries ) together with the practice ensued and continued thereupon .

For the elucidation of the Ninth point above mentioned , viz. That their N. Gr. M. are of opinion , that for the present it is needless and unadvisable to proceed to the Election of a Captain General ; They seriously desire and earnestly pray your Hi. Mi. attentively to consider the distinction or difference that is betwixt the Office of a Governor General on the one side , and the charge of a Captain General on the other ; both the one and the other beeing twofold , namely either for the Generalitie , or for the Particular Provinces each apart , as it was invested in former times , and in regard of those particular Provinces of Friesland and Groninghen , where yet it is invested .

And first , touching the Office of Governor General having been invested from the Generalitie , his Autoritie extended over all the United Provinces , there beeing yielded up unto him , powerfully and absolutely , ( to make use of the words of the Acts of Authorization , given by the States General , unto the Earl of Leicester Januar. 10. 1586. ) to command in the matter and point of War , and that which depend's thereon , by Sea and Land , over all the foresaid Provinces , Cities and Members thereof &c.

That on the contrarie the Charge of Captain General , likewise invested from the Generalitie , extended no further , then over the Souldierie Hors and Foot , in service of the Provinces , appear's by the Commissions given to the respective Princes of Orange in that qualitie , by the States General .

Insomuch that betwixt these foresaid offices or charges there are to bee observed these ensuing remarkable differences .

First , that the power and Autoritie of the Governor General extended and spread it self over all the United Provinces themselvs , together with the Cities and Members thereof , and the power and autoritie of the Captain General , onely over the Souldierie , Armie or Leaguers thereof .

Secondly , that the Governor General of the United Provinces had the full and absolute command over the particular Governors thereof , when as on the contrarie , the Captain General , had not any command in the world over the particular Governors of the Provinces , within their respective Jurisdiction ; but those particular Governors , notwithstanding the Captain General appointed over the Souldierie , for the Generalitie , having been themselvs also Captains General over the Souldierie lying within their respective Provinces , as the same hath sufficiently been shewed before , out of their respective Instructions and the constant practice of the Provinces , whose particular Governors were not the same persons , that were appointed Captains General over the Souldierie , for the Generalitie .

Thirdly , that the Government General of the Generalitie did not in effect include the Admiralship of the United Provinces , there beeing given likewise to those Governors General by their Commission the power fully and absolutely to command the Admirals and Vice-Admirals ; whereas on the contrarie , the Captain-ship General , and the Admiral-ship of the Generalitie , are two equal charges , the one not beeing above the other , but of equal autoritie over the Souldierie by Land and Water , respectively ; wherefore also the Commissions of the Captains general do not import ( that which the Commissions of the Governors General aforesaid , in that regard expressly comprehended ) that the said Captains General should have any command over the Admirals , howbeit , that generally the Admiral-ship hath been conferred upon the Captains General , as a Charge apart , somtimes by one and the same , and otherwhiles also by separate and distinct Commissions .

By all which it beeing abundantly manifest , what a palpable difference there is betwixt the Government and the Captain-ship General , beeing both conferred and exercised by autoritie from the Generalitie of those Countries ; their N. gr. M. will likewise briefly shew , the distinct offices of the Captain General over the Forces for the Generalitie , and of the Captains General appointed over the Souldierie , for the particular Provinces ; holding it needless to saie any more of the foresaid Government General of the United Provinces , the same coming now into no consideration at all , beeing altogether extinct and mortified in the times of the Earl of Leicester ; or to shew here the distinction that is betwixt the Government and Captain-ship General of the particular Provinces , forasmuch as those Charges were never combined together in one and the same person .

Now then , it beeing heretofore fully proved , that the supreme autoritie over the Souldierie , within the respective Provinces , hath alwaies appertained and yet doth at present , unto the Provincial Government thereof , or to the Captains General of the particular Provinces , appointed by the same Provinces in the manner abovesaid ; it must needs follow , that the power and autoritie of the Captains General of the United Provinces , appointed by the States General , in qualitie as such , hath extended no farther , nor indeed could extend any further , then over the Souldierie Armie or Leaguers , beeing without the Voiceing-Provinces and in the Field , so as their own Commission shew's likewise plainly enough , insomuch , that the difference of the Charges of the Captains-General of the Generalitie , and of the Captains General of the particular Provinces consisted therein , that the former had the command , as the true and proper Chieftain or Field-leader of the Leaguers or Forces without the Provinces , and the Armies beeing in the Field , and the other had the chief power and autoritie in the Militia and the conduct of War within the respective Voicing-Provinces , by the advice of the States or their Commission'd Counsellors , for so much as concerned the securitie of each of these Provinces apart .

The States General of the united Provinces , having discovered in what manner the Earl of Leicester exceeded and abused the power of the Government General , conferred upon him by themselvs , they found good after , for the preventing of the like inconveniencies in time to com , to extinguish and mortifie the said charge , as also it hath remained absolutely extinct and mortified to this daie ; ( so that , as was said before , the same ought not to bee taken into any deliberation at all ) nevertheless the Provinces beeing engaged in so great a War with the King of Spain , and standing in need therefore of a Field-leader , or Chieftain of the Union , they agreed by advice , to chuse his Excellence Prince Maurice , of immortal memorie , for Captain General over the Land-Forces , and Admiral-General likewise over the Sea Forces ; and after his Deceas the War still continuing , they supplied the vacant place successively , by the employ of their Highˢ Henrie and William , both Princes of Orange : and now the War , through God's gracious blessing beeing com to an end , and changed into a glorious peace , their N. gr. M. are of opinion , that thereby those moveing causes beeing com to ceas , and yet ceasing , it is consequently not onely needless , but likewise for sundrie pregnant reasons , formerly deduced by their N. gr. M. both by word of mouth and in the foresaid written proposition , both disserviceable and unadvisable , to proceed again to the Election of a Captain-General .

The rather , for that their N. Gr. M. besides that , cannot judg otherwise , but that the direction of the Militia is at this present so well settled yet in these Countries , notwithstanding the Captain General his Deceas , that even in case of a sudden chance of War ( which God Almightie in mercie keep off from these Countries ) there would bee no necessitie of proceeding to the Election of a Captain General . The Militia or forces of these United Provinces beeing provided yet with a fit Chieftain or Director for the Generalitie , the Field-marshal namely , appointed by Commission , dated Julie 31 , 1642 , to bee over all the Forces Hors and Foot , in present service of the State , or such as may bee entered therein afterwards .

The said Field-marshal having full power , autoritie and special command given him in that qualitie of his , to command the said forces ; and to bring and keep them in all good order , rule and militarie discipline , and to use and emploie them for the defence of the United Netherlands ; the quarters , forts and places thereof , according to the orders of the United Provinces in general and in particular ; to set upon the enemie , to annoie and disadvantage him : item , To defend and protect the foresaid United Countries in general , and the Provinces , Quarters , Cities , places & inhabitants thereof in particular against all manner of force and violence , &c.

By which Commission their N. G. M. conceiv the Militia to bee sufficiently provided with a Chieftain , and the same Chieftain as well with all requisite power and autoritie .

Nevertheless if your Hi. Mi. shall judg it to fall yet short of somthing , their N. G. M. shall make no difficultie , that the same default may bee supplied , and the foresaid Commission amplified by common advice of the Confederates , so as the state of affairs shall require .

All which deduced reasons and allegations hitherto their N. G. M. friendly desire , may seriously bee weighed by your Hi. Mi. beeing confident , your Hi. Mi. will clearly thereby discover and discern , that the foresaid points and deduction are not framed according to the particular interest of the Province of Holland , but upon the fundamental grounds of Government , or absolute Concord ; and that therefore your Hi. Mi. will not onely not accept against , but much rather , for the rest , peace , welfare and common good of these Countries , conform thereto in all the particulars .

Next daie , Januarie 31 , there were presented the provisional Considerations of Zealand , upon the three main points ; whereof , as of all the former in their turns , copies were given to the Provinces , to see what they might have to saie or replie to it .

Provincial Considerations of the Province of Zealand , upon the points of giving Patents or Commissions ; of transplacing of the Garrisons and things depending thereon , and of bestowing or conferring Militarie Offices .

THat the Conduct and Disposition over the Forces bee left to the Council of State , in conformitie to their Instruction ; onely that the same bee first amended and amplified in som points according to the present constitution of times and affairs .

That the States of the particular Provinces , or their Commission'd Council , shall make use of their right and power in transplacing of the Companies lying within their respective Provinces , without address to any about it , as often as they shall think good and fitting themselvs ▪ provided the same bee don onely within the limits of their respective Provinces .

That if it it shall bee needful to draw forth any Companies out of a voicing Province , in that case the Council of State shall write to the States of that Province , or their Commission'd Council , that they would bee pleased to yield so many Companies as the Council shall judg needful ; adding the motives and reasons of their desire , and transmitting of Patents for that purpose , wherein Blanks shall bee left for the names of the Captains , to bee fill'd by the States or Commission'd Council of that Province , and accompanied by their own Patent , and that thereupon the desired Companies shall bee yielded , unless the said States or Commissioned Council of the Province had reasons to the contrarie , whereof they are to give present advertisement to the Council of State , that they may judg of them , and if they bee not sound weightie , that upon a second desire of the Council , the Companies lying in the Province , and not beeing of their own Repartition , they may bee drawn forth ; yet not without express consent and patent of their Paie-masters .

Provided nevertheless , that for the better mutual content and quietness , there shall bee made two several lists , the one of beletting , the other of emploie ; and that in case of invasion or sudden surprisal from the Enemie , the Council shall have power to draw forth the Companies standing upon the list of emploie , giving advertisement thereof to the States of the Province , where and in whose assigned Frontiers they are lying , and the danger beeing over , that they bee returned to their former garrisons .

That no companies may bee laid into any Voicing Province , without express consent and patent of the States of the said Province , or their Commissioned Council ; and that the same is likewise to bee observed in regard of Quarterings , Marches , Randevouzes .

That as much as may bee , those Companies ought to bee garrison'd within the respective Provinces and in the Frontiers thereabout , which have their paie from that Province where they are put ; and that by common advice of the Provinces , there bee assigned certain Frontier-places to each of them , in which frontier-places the foresaid Council of State shall have power to transplace the Companies , acquainting onely that Provincial Government with it , to whom the said Frontiers are assign'd ; and that the States of the Province , or their Commission'd Council , shall have power to do the like , as also to transplace the Companies out of the said frontiers into their Province , & vice versâ , out of their Province into the frontiers ; provided onely they give present aduertisement thereof unto the foresaid Council .

That if the Council of State have a minde to draw forth any Companies out of the assigned Frontiers , they ought to address their Desire to the States or Commission'd Conncil of the Province to which the said Frontiers are assigned , sending Patents for that purpose with open Names , to bee fill'd by the foresaid States or their Commission'd Council , or their reasons of difficultie to bee return'd and judged of by the Council ; and upon the second desire ( the foresaid returned reasons not beeing held sufficient ) the Companies shall bee yielded .

That the bestowing of all Militarie Charges and Offices indifferently shall bee in the disposal of the States or Commission'd Council of every Province , to whose repartition they belong ; and so likewise the conferring of the Governments and Commanderies of all Cities , Forts and places , to the Provincial Government in whose Territorie or assigned Quarters , the same are situated ; as also the disposing of the Militarie Charges , standing under the paie of the Generalitie , or where the Generalitie formerly had the disposing , and of the Commanderies of the places resorting under the Generalitie , the same doth absolutely belong to the Members of the Union in general .

That the Souldierie shall bee engaged , besides the general Oath to the Generalitie , to swear likewise in particular to the Province where they shall bee laid , and to whose Repartition also they belong ; as also to the respective Cities of the voicing Provinces wherein the Garrison is put , and that according to the form already past , or by the Provincial Government to bee past yet .

Upon the 1 of Februarie Counsellor Pensionarie Vett made a notable Proposition in the name and behalf of Zealand , against the giving and taking of Bribes and Presents ; offering withall a Draught of Instruction for the Council of State ; for which good zeal and intention they of Zealand had thanks return'd them by the Lord President . And Copies beeing imparted , they of Holland next daie declared , that they likewise avowed and conformed themselvs in all to the considerations offered the daie before by the Lords the States of Zealand , both touching the ampliation of the Instruction for the Council of State , and against the receiving of gifts and presents by the Deputies in the said Council and elswhere ; as also in regard of all other Courts or Assemblies of the Generalitie . The other Provinces likewise undertook , they would declare in behalf of these matters .

Counsellor de Vett his speech in the Grand Assemblie against Bribes and Presents . High and Mightie Lords !

THe whilest that your H. M. are busied with considerations how the Government may bee settled and every where secured with good and wholsom Laws and Constitutions ; the Deputies of the Lords the States of Zealand cast their eies and thoughts in the mean time upon the most principal causes , whereby the same Government might formerly have been brought to som Convulsion-fits ; and for ought they can judg , one of the chief and principal thereof should bee that base custom of giving and taking Bribes and pensions ; which if credit may bee given to the publick and constant reports , are used and practised here among us , even to publick shame and confusion .

Wee shall not , H. M. Lords , take upon us to particularize any , but , for som reasons , represent them onely in the Thesis , or thing , and without any personalitie .

Wee know very well and easily grant , That every one , who carrie's the Name of an honest man , is presumed in Law , what matters soëver bee brought before him , that hee will advise therein , attentively , uprightly and ingenuously ; so as according to his best knowledg , and in Conscience , hee apprehend's it to make most for the honor of God Almightie , and the common welfare ; as likewise , That all such as are chosen to any office or place of Government , ought to bee called thereunto , with such a particular reflexion ; that all Instructions and Commissions in the Provinces and others , do precisely aim at and imply as much ; That all Governors themselvs do either implicitly oblige themselvs thereunto , or are engaged by Oath in that behalf . But yet wee sadly know as well , how easily many , whether by weakness of Spirit , not beeing able to resist the insinuating Temptations , which set upon them ; or by som sudden surprize , before they are aware of the danger ; or by domestick Necessitie ; or also , by the Example of others ; or lastly , which is worst of all , of set purpose and private design , enticed and excited thereunto , by their own ambition and greediness , are diverted and drawn aside from their engaged Dutie and publick Fidelitie ; Who , if they bee not presently stai'd or stopt in their carier , either by their own Christian and generous Resolution and Repentance , or by publick Animadversion and Punishment ; it cannot bee any otherwise exspected , but that their diseas , through custom of sinning and impunitie , will degenerate by degrees from evil to wors , and , through the infectious Contagion thereof at last , precipitate and ingulph the State in Ruin , past all redress and remedie .

Your H. M. know and remember , that , at what Time the Arms were first taken up against the King of Spain , and when afterwards hee was solemnly declared to have forfeited all his Right and Dominion over these Countries , the same was don , for no other reason , but to protect and vindicate the Liberties , Rights and Privileges of these Countries , against their strange and unheard of Domination .

Now , it is not possible , that those Laws and Privileges , however Vindicated thus , should bee heard to speak of themselvs ; but they stand in need of Advocates and Defenders , who if they prove not faithful and sincere , the foresaid Privileges not onely miss their needful plea , but , even contrarie to nature , they are prejudiced thereby ; as also , one can scarce possibly conceiv , how those their Advocates or Counsellors shall bee kept in their integritie and faithfulness , when they lie open and exposed to the countermining of Corruption and Baseness : they beeing , without all contradiction , utterly unable then , to enter upon any Deliberation and Affair , without prejudice of a sinister intention , by means of the contract and bond , whereby the Receiver stand's plainly engaged to the Giver , for the working out of his Design , whether it bee with or against his own min●e and better knowledg .

Wee intend not H. M. Lords , to extend our selvs at large in shewing the pernicious effects of th●s Evil , when once it com's to get the prevalencie in all the parts of this Republick ; the same would bee to v●st an enterprise ; wee onely desire leav , to touch and produce som of the most remarkable and essential concernment .

And first of all , to sh●w , how extremely prejudicial and dangerous that diseas is , when once it hath infected the chief Cou●ts of Justice ; there is none of any understanding , but can apprehend the same , if hee do but consider , That the said Courts do sit to judg and pronounce sentence , not onely in Civil , but also in Criminal affairs ; not onely in the behalf of goods and possessions , but of the credit also , of the honor and reputation , yea and the lives too of all the Commonaltie or Inhabitants of this Countrie : and , that therefore it is impossible that the said Inhabitants , whether of high or low Degree , can neither have any due ass●rance of this or that without Law ; or rest confident of a sincere and inviolable Administration of Justice , by Law ; if so bee , that those which are appointed to bee of the Judicature , sh●ll not proceed in the managing , with such clean and unp●lluted hands and hearts , as by all Divine and humane Laws is required of them .

Which also make's the wises● States-men to conceiv , that the most principal caus of the manifold inconveniencies and troubles , which have so often shaken the Kingdom of France , or this , That the Offices and functions there of Judicature , are sought and got for monie ; whence they cannot but inferr , that virtue and knowledg must needs bee despised , where the Emploiments are exposed to sale ; and where Covetousness get's on the Bench , there can bee no place for integritie .

For which respects also , it hath been ord●ined both by written Laws , and the constitutions of divers Nations , That all such as are advanced to any of these funct●ons , must before their admittance , clear themselvs by Oath , that they never presented , promised or gave ought to any , directly or indirectly , for their preferment .

How pernicious yea and ruinous this same exorbitancie is likewise to good Policie , and the Administration of Government , may thence appear , that it doth especially shew forth it self , and is mainly busie and occupied about the conferring of Publick Charges and Offices : the most noble and sensible point of Government .

From whence immediatly and unavoidably there arise 3 sorts of dangerous incongruities .

First , that thereby , there com to bee emploied in the managing of Government , and direction of the publick affairs of the Land , the most ill-condition'd , mean and unfittest persons ; the most worthie , able and sufficient both in parts and Estates beeing past by ; who nevertheless , as well by God's command , and natural reason , as according to the written Laws , Rights and Privileges of the Land , are before all others capable of and qualified for it ; besides the palpable infraction of Distributive Justice , which ought to take as much , if not more place in the foresaid subject , ( upon whose integritie the publick tranquillitie is founded , ) than in the Justice communicative in matters and cases between different parties , before any high Courts , subaltern Judicatures .

Secondly , That the same unfit , unserviceable and mean persons , beeing once advanced to the foresaid Charges , and standing in fear , either of beeing turn'd out by those of better qualities and conditions ; or that the virtue and sufficiencie of such , will bee a continual check and censure of their actions and comportments , and consequently not daring to impart or communicate unto such , any of their sinister practices and devices ; will evermore , for their own securitie get and keep the Courts supplied and packt still with persons of like stuff and condition .

And thirdly , That such Governors as crept into Magistracie , not by any virtue or worthiness of their own , but by meer baseness , will ever bee found to hold forth all their actions ; as well those which concern their functions , as others , saleable and mercenarie ; considering , that they do not onely bring with them into the Government a most corrupt and base minde ; but also , to attain to it , have been constrained often to undergo great difficulties ; and therefore now to get the Co●n they laid out r●imbursed ▪ do finde themselvs necesst●ated to follow the cours of their Patrons ; at first , it may bee with a more subt●e and streighter hand but afterwards with such loos raines , that they never stop again , and commonly run on thus to their dying day ; as indeed you never see men falling fram a precipi●● to remain lying half way , but to come tumbling down from the top to the b●ttom without intermission .

It beeing likewise worth consideration , that the writers of good Polic●e teach us , that from 3. foresaid incongruities there spring and result naturally as from a fountain divers others , or as pernicious effects from one and the same pernicious ca●s .

As they do prove and deduce , that by the foresaid Corruptions there are caused innumerable and inevitable Contentions and estrangings or divisions amongst the persons and members of one and the same Court or assemblie ; forasmuch as Viciousness ▪ though very fruitful otherwise , nevertheless cannot work alike , with her infections upon all mindes , but is oft 〈◊〉 generously resisted , and consequently by the different and contrarie aimes and endeav●●s of the honester sort , and the disho●●st , there m●st needs fall out between them , discrepancie of opinion , and from that mat●al fractions and divisions , to the apparent prejudice of the publick interest ; as the same is not onely found by experience , but observed likewise th●●owout 〈◊〉 Hist●●ies , to be one of the principal causes whereby divers Countries and Republicks were brought to R●●ne ; 〈◊〉 among others Taci●●s allegeth the same as the main ●●ason of the loss of the Roman ●ibertie ; putting in the first place , avatiti●m Magistratuum the ●retc●ed Cove●ousness of 〈◊〉 ●over●ors ; and after that , Certamina Potentium , the ●●rrs and contentions of the Grandees ; with this remarkable claus upon it , Invalido Legum auxilio , quae vi , ambitu , postremò pecuniâ turbantur . When bootless is the help of Laws , which by might , by seeking of preferments , and lastly by Monie , are disturbed and perverted .

Besides , that it is likewise impossible , that where things are thus carried , there should arise no Seditions or Commotions among the ●eople ; who finding , that instead of beeing by their Superiours and Magistrates governed as they ought with all Justice and integritie , they are but plagued , exacted upon and undon by them ; whence at first there arise's just reasons of discontent , and consequently no address appearing by any means or order from publick autoritie , they seek to right and vindicate themselvs by waies of Insurrection ; which many times grow's up unto that height on a sudden , that all the armed power of the Land is not able to quell it .

Wherefore also it was wisely ordeined by the Romans ▪ That all such as had the Government of any of their Provinces , when the time of their administration was exspired , should staie and remain for som time after in the said Province , and shew themselvs in publick , ready to undergo the trial of the Laws , upon any ones information or charge of mis-government against them .

Wherewith agree's as pertinently , what is related in the Scriptures of solemn protestations of MOSES , JOSHUA , SAMUEL , and other pious Governors made at the resigning of their Administrations , before God and all the people over whom hee had constituted them as watchmen : declaring openly , That they took no man's Ox nor Ass , had wrong'd or opprest none , nor received any gifts of any , to hide their eies from him , ( that is , to dissemble their iniquities ) and further offering there , if they were guiltie in the least , to make due restitution ; and if not , desired and likewise obteined of the people a publick testimonie of their innocence and integritie .

And for this same purpose serv likewise no less the Resolutions and Commissions in these Countries , and particularly in the Province which hath the honor of this present Grand Assemblie , taken and decreed , Super Censurâ bonorum , that is , To take information , or make enquirie of all new Riches gotten , and all apparently sinister purchases ; to take provisional cognizance of them ; and also to sequester them , for to bee further proceeded and disposed therein according to the Laws ; which are the very words of the same Resolutions , and are exstant in the known Registers ; and this was thought good to bee introduced and practised in the times of their greatest perplexities , in the beginning of the Troubles , when there seem'd to bee noreason for any such courses ; what then ought there not now to bee don in these times , when partly by the success of our Arms , and partly by our Flourishing Commerce , both Richess and Luxurie have so mightily overspread this State ? Should not a man with much more reason think and ask now ? Ubi Lex nunc Julia dormis ? Where lie's this Law now dormant ?

It is true indeed , H. M. Lords , that by the written Laws it was permitted to such as were entrusted with the Administration of any Province , that they might receiv som such eat ▪ and drinkwaves from the Provincials , as might bee spent within a few daies ( whereupon som very imprudently do seek to ground a libertie for corruptions ) but this was allowed for no other reason , then that those persons were Commissioned and sent to the said emploiments from Rome , into parts very remote from their own Families and accommodations , and not without sensible prejudice to their Houshold affairs● ; whereas now on the contrarie , especially in these Countries , according to their own customs and privileges none may bee chosen to the publick Offices of any place but where hee is born , and bath his babitation ; and who , besides the Entertainment which they receiv by waie of Salarie , are not hindered by th●ir Emploiments , to look to and order their own particular affairs ▪

Moreover , how considerable is it among the chiefest concernments of this kinde , that by reason of the foresaid Corruptions and baseness , where they are impunely winked at and suffered , it is impossible any publick Deliberations , Advices and Resolutions can be● kept so secret as is requisite ; which Secrecie notwithstanding is the very soul of the noblest part of State ▪ affairs .

And though the same evil bee found in vogue likewise under other Forms of Government ; yet this is sure , none have been so much pestered and pressed with it as great Republicks at all times .

For which reason in som of them , the Governors are justly forbidden and debarred all speaking and communicating with any publick Ministers of Forein Princes and Potentates residing with them ; and that becaus those Ministers make it their special business narrowly to prie and enquire into the whole frame and all the parts of Government , to fish out and observ the Arcana Imperii , to sound the humors and feel the pulses of the Governors , and accurately to survey all their Actions and Comportments , for to make their profit and advantage of all afterwards , when time and opportunitie serveth ; and meeting happily with som unstaied or unfaithful greedie Grandees , do lure and engage them by all means possible for the advancement of their Master's interest .

Wee do not speak here H. M. Lords , of Extraordinarie Ambassadors and Commissioners , whose emploiment continue's but for a little while , but of those called Ordinarie now , or Residentiarie , and Leigers , of which sort former histories , even of the wisest and civillest Nations , and consequently the Right of Nations , were wholly ignorant , beeing introduced but of later times , and begun first by Ferdinand the first of that name King of Casteel , and F●nce made use of by other Princes also ; but in very truth to the great damage and prejudice of Common Societie , as by all understanding Polititians is asserted ; for which caus likewise , divers Christian Princes , to avoid the alleged inconveniences , admit of none such in their Countries .

And although , on this occasion it would not bee difficult to represent here som troublesom passages even thereby caused and brought upon the State of these Countries , yet for certain good respects , wee shall dispence with it , in this Grand Assemblie , as beeing met , not to occasion trouble , but to settle Unitie , not to censure what is past , but to order and regulate what is to com .

Wherefore also the Lords the States of Zealand , judg , under Correction , that your H. M. taking this subject of Corruptions and som redress thereof into their serious thoughts and considerations , it will bee one of , not onely the honorablest , justest and most acceptable , but also the most advantagious and necessarie actions , that can here bee treated of , and is worthie the Deliberation of this Assemblie .

As whereby the whole Commonaltie shall bee freed from all manner of exactions , oppressions and outrages , Justice , every where and alwaies , administred fairly and uprightly , the Government esteemed according to its worth and merit , the Governors kept in their bounds and duties , according to their Oaths and Instructions ▪ and every one in obedience to the Laws , without contradiction , and generally the State of the United Provinces maintained in its Autoritie and Reputation , both at home and abroad .

And theref●re also wee read , that the Emperor Justinian in his time , having after serious Deliberation , settled Orders and Directions for the suppressing of the foresaid Corruptions , which had mightily infected and overspread his Dominions , did not onely in most solemn manner and pregnant terms , give thanks for it to Almightie God , but streightly likewise charged all his subjects , to do the like together with him , as having thereby precured for them , as ●ee judged three special things , First , That thereby every one henceforward could rest secure and quiet in his own Countrie ; Secondly , safely enjoy the possession of their means and goods , and lastly bee assured of faithful and upright administration of Justice .

And in the histories it is observed , That divers other wise and pious Kings and Potentates having effectually considered the same they were perswaded they had thereby don acceptable service to God , and procured for themselvs , first , the Testimonie of a chearful Conscience , and after that , the recompence of a better and unfading State of Glorie ; the foresaid evil , beeing indeed a Concatenation , or linking together of a world of scandalous abuses and enormities , which supprest once , doth lay a solid foundation of a happie Government .

Nor can wee see , H. M. Lords , how in default of necessarie Remedies against this Evil , any Courts or Cours , either of Justice and Government , or Treasurie and Militia can subsist .

For if Unrighteousness and Iniquitie bear swaie in the High Courts of Justice , who can look for any Justice from the subordinate ones , or fro● particular persons ? If those that sit at the helm or stern of the Supreme Autoritie bee not shie , nor scruple to defile and contaminate themselvs with such baseness of taking bribes and presents , who shall wonder at it , in inferior Magistrates and Governors ? How I pray , shall They make Orders and take Courses against Oppressions and Exactions of officers , Civil or Militarie , which are guiltie of the same crimes ? how shall they look to the fair managing and good improoving of the publick Treasurie , which are the onely caus of wasting and exhausting it , putting it into confusion and thereby seeking and raising their own profit ? how , I say , shall those bee able to take a right care of the common stock , the Means and Revenues of the Land , who make no Conscience thereby to enrich themselvs ? And lastly , how is it possible that such as are every waie base and catching and griping , should bee fit or able to tax , rebuke and curb the malversation of others ; and then what place can bee secured , what Bullwark can bee imagined strong enough against such corruptions , when wee see how they invade and break through the Highest Courts , from whence they cannot but distil downward , and penetrate and spread through all , even the least and meanest parts and members of the whole Bodie . ?

Now if ever it was useful and expedient , H. M. Lords , to take a vigorous cours against this scandalous Evil ; it must needs bee of special use and advantage , in this Conjuncture of time , and in the present constitution of Government , which beeing for the greater part Aristocratick , and Popular in som part , the said diseas is of more dangerous Consequence under it , then under a Monarchie , for many reasons , which might bee deduced by Polititians ; unless it were more experimentally discernable and known to them , what sure and wholsom Orders for preventing thereof , the Senat and Republick of Venice have settled of old among themselvs , whereby they had the happiness to subsist a Common-wealth for these twelve-hundred years , in a constantly flourishing and puissant Condition .

Which blessing wee longing for , together with your H. M. to see imparted likewise to this our dear Father-land and famous Republick ; Wee do most humbly desire , that this Point may speedily and vigorously bee look ▪ d too .

The rather , for that otherwise it will bee impossible to turn away from these Countries the just wrath and indignation of God , which wee have caus to fear , may bee kindled alreadie against it , by reason of the foresaid too too common base and ▪ foul practices ; and will undoubtedly burst out once into a fearful embrazement , if it bee not atoned by a readie meeting and resolute redress of those , whom hee hath entrusted with the power to remedie the same , and of whom hee will likewise demand a strict account ; that having either well acquitted themselvs of their endeavors , they may inherit bliss and glorie , or beeing found faultie , suffer not onely the lash of their own conscience and the opprobrious prejudice of all men against them here , but hereafter also the terrible doom of the Just Judg of all the World to their everlasting confusion and destruction .

Let us but , my Lords , the better to consider of it , View our selvs in other Republicks , which , whiles their Governors continued Virtuous and uncorruptible , remained flourishing for many ages , but afterwards , corruption seizing on them , weere soon brought to decaie and ruine ; and among them especially , That of the Romans , which in this point degenerated so far from their former integritie , that their own Historie-writers balked not to saie , All was exposed to sale , there wanted but a Chapman ; Venalem fuisse , si reperîsset emtorem .

And if your H. M. would make use of our Considerations upon this point , and were desirous to know what remedies wee conceived most fit to bee applied against this Evil ; wee should , b● your permission , applie nothing of what hath been decreed against it in other Countries and Republicks , but onely , that , which according to the written Laws , in use and cours here among our selvs , and upon like occasions in these Countries hath been enacted against it .

And in the first place , wee should under Correction hold it needful , that all such persons , as shall bee called to any Office or Employ in any of the Courts of the Generalitie , shall before their admittance , bee bound , besides the requisite and accustomed Oath , to swear likewise , that for the getting and obtaining of the said office , they never offered , promised , or gave , nor ever would promise or give any thing directly or indirectly .

Secondly , That they shall neither directly nor indirectly , themselvs , their wives , children , familie , or any having relation to them , receiv enjoy or improve any gifts , offers or presents of any thing what or how small soëver , no not so much as any meat or drink from any , bee they Cities , Courts , publick or private persons whatsoëver , whom they know to have any business in the Courts , or like to have ere long , and that as well before as after the said business shall bee dispatched in the said Court ; and if so bee that any one should have received any such gift of any one , who might happen afterwards to get som business in that Court , the said receivor shall bee bound then to acquaint the Court with it , and to convert the received gifts or the value thereof , to the use of the poor , in manner as they shall bee directed to do , and besides this they shall not bee allowed to bee present at the hearing or debate of his caus and affairs , from whom they shall have received the said gifts , without special leav , from the Court . All this under pain , that such as shall bee found to have don contrarie to the order aforesaid , or any point thereof , shall forthwith bee turned out of their places , and declared infamous and uncapable ever to bear any charge or office more within the United Provinces , the associated countries , the Cities and Memberships thereof ; and stand moreover obliged , to restore and bring in the foursould of what in regard of the received gifts and presents they shall have enjoied and profited , besides their liableness to such other reparations and arbitrarie punishments , as , according to the Exigencie of things and circumstances shall bee found requisite . And the Members of the Court shall on a certain day appointed , and the others absent , at their first appearance and sitting again in the Court , bee obliged before the acting of any other thing , to clear themselvs by solemn Oath in the said Court one to another , that , in and about the foresaid matter , they have honestly acquitted themselvs , and that they know not at all , whether their Wives , Children , Houshould , or any , having relation to them , have don ought contrarie to the foresaid Order , promising , that for the time to com they will continue this their uprightness constantly . And suffering none to bee admitted to the affairs of the Court , before and till such time , as hee shall solemnly have made the foresaid promiss and protestation .

And furthermore they shall bee bound at any other time upon the least occasion thus to clear themselvs the one to the other by Oath as before ; as also to make such as shall have business at the Court , and may bee somwhat suspected , to declare by Oath , that they neither did nor would give or promiss ought to any of the foresaid persons directly or indirectly .

And that such as shall bee found to have given or promised or caused to bee given , or promised any bribes , gifts or presents to anie of the foresaid persons , their Wives , Children , Houshould or to any others in their behalf , directly or indirectly , either before or after the business shall bee despatched , for expedition's sake of the business , or otherwise , under what pretext soever , shall bee sentenced and condemned to 'a fine proportioned or countervailing the worth of the business transacted or otherwise , according to the condition and exigencie of the matter . And that all the foresaid Fines or Amercements shall bee disposed one third part to the informer's use , and the two other thirds to the benefit of the poor ; although the same excess or corruption should not com to bee discovered , till som years after they were committed .

And to the end that the foresaid grounds may the more effectually bee practised and prosecuted , and none of those which have any business at the Courts , plead ignorance , there should bee hung up a Patent or Brief , in a certain conspicuous place at or about the said Court , in the Netherlandish , French , English , and Scottish language , whereby every one should bee warned from offering , giving or promising , or causing to bee offered , given or promised , any gifts or presents to any of the foresaid persons , their wives , children , houshould , or to any other in their behalf or regard , directly or indirectly , under the pains and amercements expressed in the foregoing article : As also the Proctors Solicitors and others , which are ordinarily attending to bee imployed , at the said Courts shall at the day aforesaid , or beeing absent then , as soon as they shall return to the Court , make promiss under Oath , not to serv any in the Corrupted way aforesaid , nor to their Council , their Clients or caus them to bee counsell d to give or promiss , or procure to bee given and promised any gifts or presents , to any of the foresaid persons their Wives &c. But if so bee their Clients should discover unto them any disposition of giving or promising in that kinde as aforesaid , that they shall disswade them from it , or , understanding , that alreadie they may have given or promised the like , They shall immediately make it known to the Court ; as they shall bee obliged likewise from the very beginning of their emploiment , to give faithful warning to their Clients not to give or promiss ought to the foresaid persons in manner abovesaid , directly or indirectly and all under pain , if they bee found guiltie of the contrarie , to bee punished according to the nature and exigencie of the offence .

And both the Courts of Justice here in the Hague shall bee desired , and formally deputed and Commissioned jointly and together as one Court , to take cognizance of such Excesses as are mentioned formerly , and shall do right therein , according to the disposition of the foresaid articles , and as they shall finde requisite in conscience .

And the Fiscal of the Generality , and the Fiscal and Attorney General of the Court of Holland Zealand and West-Friesland , jointly together , or the Fiscal and Attorney General of the said Court alone , in case the Fiscal of the Generalitie himself should happen to bee charged , shall according to the instruction to bee given them in that behalf , by order of the foresaid Courts of Justice , exactly inform themselvs of the foresaid exorbitancies and accordingly proceed against such of the foresaid persons as shall bee held guiltie in this kinde , and charge and prosecute the matter to a Definitive sentence ; which sentence shall punctually bee executed forthwith without any appeal to bee made from it to Us , or any other Court sovereign in these Provinces .

Or if so bee the rest of the Provinces should scruple the foresaid Commission , and conceiv , that the Members of both the Courts aforesaid beeing daily over busied with weightie affairs , so as that they would not bee able with that commodiousness and that exactness to expedite the Differences and Processes which may arise in this kinde , as the nature of it requireth ; in that case the Lords of Zealand should not think it amiss or useless , that som understanding , learned and discreet persons might bee chosen a Committee for that purpose out of the respective Provinces ; to whom likewise might bee referred the cognizance and reports of such judicial matters as by Appeal devolv to the Court or Assemblie of the States General ; and all this by and under such a Commission , Instruction and Entertainment , as by common advice of the Provinces shall bee agreed on .

And as wee are confident , Hi. Mi. Lords , that you will take these our considerations seriously to heart , so wee will not doubt neither , but that according to your eminent wisdom and antient zeal for the common good , you will take a speedie and couragious resolution and cours , for the refreining and suppression of the fores●id v●le enormities and corruptions , to the end , that Justice may bee administred with all integritie , the Government duly served , the Subjects protected against all violence , and a free passage opened for Virtue , Knowledg , Honestie and Pietie , discountenancing and suppressing all oppre●sion and profaness : Whereupon wee shall bee able to rest secure , That God Almightie the Autor and Protector of this flourishing Republick , will bless and prosper all your H. M. Deliberation and Resolution in this great and solem● Assemblie , to the continual preservation and maintenance of the same .

Here followeth the Old Instructions for the Council of State .

Instructions for the Council of State of the Vnited Netherlands , according to which the Lords , lawfully commissioned , and to bee commissioned , are provisionally , and till it shall bee otherwise ordered by the States General , to manage and direct the affairs concerning the common state , the defence , conservation and Vnion of the foresaid Countries .

IN the foresaid Council there shall bee comprehended , and at all times appear , have place and voice therein , the Governors of the respective Provinces where they are ; and matters shall bee handled , deliberated and treated in the said Council with all due reverence , respect and modestie , for most service of the foresaid Countries , and the good unitie and friendship among them , and and the Cities and members thereof , together with the mutual concord of the Lords assembling in that Council . And the Governors of the respective Provinces , and the President of the foresaid Council for the time beeing , are desired to take good provident care , that all particular affections , jangling and impertinent motions ( not concerning the matters and affairs under Deliberation ) may bee prevented and hindered .

II.

In the foresaid Council there shall not bee together such as are allied by consanguinitie in the fourth degree , and by affinitie in the second , according as the same are accounted by the Civil Laws .

III.

And for the better direction and managing of all emergent businesses , The same Council shall ordinarily assemble at 9 of the clock in the forenoon , and at 3 in the afternoon , and none of the Counsellors shall bee allowed to depart ( or go forth ) without acquainting the Lord President therewith . And the said Counsellors shall bee obliged , to repair and appear constantly at the place , where the said Council shall negociate ; and to bee readie to to meet at any time , when they shall bee desired , except they have lawful excuses .

IV.

The foresaid Council shall have a special regard that the Countries and United Provinces , Cities and Members thereof , may conformably to the confederacies made and established betwixt them , bee settled and kept in Unitie and Concord both amongst themselvs ▪ and with the Governors and militarie Commanders , as also the Governors and the Commanders amongst themselvs .

And the said Council shall have and exercise the Autoritie , to dispose in matters of War , and over all the Souldierie , beeing in the Lands service , causing their Commands to bee performed by the foresaid Governors of the Provinces for the time beeing , the Admiral or other off●cers , every one in his place .

VI.

Conditioned , they the said Council do nor attempt nothing , which might tend to the prejudice of the Privileges , Rights , Liberties , Treaties , Contracts , Ordinances , Statutes , Decrees and Customs of the said Countries in general , or of any Provinces , Cities or Members thereof in particular .

VII .

The said Council shall endeavor , that the general means agreed , or to bee agreed on , and committed or to bee committed to their disposing , by the consent of the Provinces for the Lands Defens , may uniformly and generally bee raised throughout all the United Provinces , the Associated Countries , Cities and Members thereof , together with the Quarters resorting under the Generalitie in particular ; and that the Farmers and Collectors thereof bee maintained for the getting of it in , and executing of what shall bee farmed out to them , or commanded to bee collected ; and that the trespassing of the Ordinances made in that behalf , or to bee made , bee punished without any connivance , The Council of Brabant or Flanders , beeing exempted from meddling at all with any of the foresaid Means or Questions and Differences arising thence .

VIII .

And for the raising of the said general means , they shall follow and execute such Instructions and Ordinances as are made or to bee made in that behalf by the States General .

IX .

And for the getting in and executing the said Common means , together with the agreements or Subsidies of of the Provinces , and in manner as they shall bee appointed , the foresaid Council shall proceed against the Debitors , Farmers and Collectors , as also against the Inhabitants of the Provinces and Cities , beeing in default , and their goods , as in former times the custom was to proceed in these Countries , about the actions and monies of the Prince , and according to the Executorials to bee granted in that behalf ; provided , that none shall bee summoned forth the Province where hee inhabit's , without the consent of the States of the same Province .

They shall take care , and narrowly look to , that all such as are accountable for the Generalities means , duely bring in their accounts , at the Generalities Chequer or Chamber accountant .

XI .

The monies proceeding of the foresaid assented means and other consents , shall bee used and emploied for the paiement of the Souldierie , and other requisites of War , according to the agreements of the respective Provinces , or so , as the Provinces in general shall ordein for most profit of the Land ; and especially shall there bee good order settled for the mustering and militarie discipline , and that the Souldierie may bee paid by the head or pole .

XII .

They shall take care , and streightly oblige the Captains in the Land-service , under pain of cashiering , that they paie , and caus to bee delivered to their Souldiers the full paie according to the order of the Land , without also abating to the said souldiers the eight daie ; and those , by whose information any trespassing of the order aforesaid , shall bee discovered , they shall take special notice of , to further and advance them according as opportunitie shall bee given .

XIII .

All Patents or Commissions and Command , to bee addressed to the Souldierie , shall bee signed by three of the Council , beeing of distinct Provinces , and by the Secretarie .

XIV .

As likewise all Orders for Paiments shall bee signed by the Treasurer and three of the Council , beeing of several Provinces , and by the Secretarie of the said Council ; and no Orders of paiment shall bee held authentick , but such as shall bee signed in manner aforesaid , with a Note Registred , folio tali , upon it .

XV.

They shall likewise endeavor and further as far as shall bee needful , that the Convoys , according to the Agreements and Lists made , or to bee made yet by the States General in that behalf ; and so likewise the free passages , according to the Lists appointed and to bee appointed , bee uniformly raised and executed ; and that neither the States , nor the Governors of the particular Provinces , nor the Magistrates or Commons of any Cities or places , nor any other whosoêver , do hinder or impede the passages and transport of the goods which are duly provided with their Convoys and Passes according to the Lists aforesaid ; nor that any whosoêver , require or take ought above the aforesaid lists of those goods ; and that the contrarie thereof , whether directly or indirectly committed , may receiv exemplarie punishment .

XVI .

They shall let the Cities enjoie their Custom , in time of exigencie , and when matters can suffer no delaie , to arm themselvs by Sea , and to set out Ships of War at the charge of the Land ; that they may bee paid out of the foresaid means ; and that against all Pyrates , and other such like enemies of the Common-weal , to resist the same , and to reduce them under their power ; on condition nevertheless , that the cognizance both of persons , ships and goods shall lie in the Decision of the Courts of Admiraltie , settled or yet to bee settled in the respective Quarters of those Provinces which negotiate and traffick by Sea .

XVII .

The Council of State shall bee obliged to deliver up to the States General , and to the States of the particular Provinces , an exact state from three months to three months , of the List of War , and the Incoms of the means to bee agreed on , and the emploiment or expending of the same .

XVIII .

They shall keep an exact List of the besetting ( or garrisoning ) of all Cities ▪ Forts and places , so as the same shall bee conditioned from time to time , and shall bee obliged to yield at all times copies thereof to the Provinces desiring the same .

XIX .

They shall take care to their utmost , that the Pales and Limits of the foresaid Provinces respectively bee not lessened , and that all Cities and places resorting under the Generalitie bee brought and reduced under equal Contribution for the common defence of the Land , as much as may bee possibly ; and that the like bee used in regard of the Cities and places which shall bee recovered hereafter .

XX.

They shall take care , that all Governors , Admirals , Generals , Collonels , Ritmasters , Captains and all men belonging to the Wars , by Sea and Land , shall promiss and swear unto the United Countries , jointly abiding in the Union and maintenance of the Reformed Religion ; to the States of the Provinces and Magistrates of the Cities where they are emploied , and at whose charge and repartition they are paid , to bee true and faithful to them , faithfully to serv them , and readily to obey the aforesaid States General , and also the States of the particular Provinces each in their respective concernments ; and that the Governors likewise of the Provinces and their Generals , shall promiss to obey the Council of State , instituted , or to bee hereafter instituted by the States General : and that the Collonels , Ritmasters , Captains and all the rest of the Souldierie shall likewise further promiss and swear , duly to obey the commands of the Governors of the Provinces where they are , and the souldiers at Sea , the Commands of the Admiral , and all such other Officers and Commanders as shall bee set over them .

XXI .

They shall entertain all Treaties and Alliances made by the United Countries , the Provinces , Cities and Members thereof , with the Neighbor-Kingdoms , Countries and Republicks , and for that end , and the advancement of the Trade and Traffick of these Countries , they shall entertain good Correspondencie , Friendship and Neighborhood with forrein States and Princes , the Kingdoms , Republicks , Countries and Cities round about , by all the best means they can devise .

XXII .

They of the Council aforesaid and each of them , coming to Vote , they shall openly and plainly declare , what in honor , dutie and conscience they shall think good , whether it bee by conforming themselvs with the opinion of others which they approve , for to avoid repetitions , or as they shall think best by other arguments and considerations . And all matters shall bee determined in the said Council by most voices of the Lords present , having voted thereupon ; and if so bee the matters concern directly or indirectly , any of the said Council , either in regard of their own persons , or their Kindred and Allies unto the fourth degree ; the same shall not bee allowed to give his advice therein , nor bee present at the Deliberation and Conclusion thereof , but shall withdraw and remain without the Council-Chamber , during the said Deliberation .

XXIII .

Nothing shall bee finally determined or decreed in the foresaid Council , but in the presence of all the Lords of the Council , which shall bee present or resident in the place , where the Council shall bee kept ; or at least the greater part of them .

XXIV .

The Council shall not assemble about , nor resolv upon any Extraordinarie Business , but with precedent intimation thereof to all the Counsellors resident at the place .

XXV .

They shall dispose of no grants , to give any , nor continue such as the States General shall have granted for a certain space of years , after the exspiration thereof ; nor allow any pensions or Annuities at the Charge of the Land , nor any resignation of Offices .

XXVI .

They shall grant no Remissions to Farmers or other Debtors of the common Land , otherwise then in the presence of all the Council , and at the least , with two thirds of the voices .

XXVII .

They shall put out all works publickly and allow of no continuation of works undertaken , upon pain to make satisfaction themselvs in particular , of the dammage , which the Common-wealth may chance to incurr thereby .

XXVIII .

The foresaid Council shall not bee allowed to have any part or share , directly or indirectly in any Works , alreadie put out , or to bee put out hereafter , for the service of the Common-wealth ; nor in any Convoyes , Imposts , or other common means , nor in any Powder , Shot , Artillerie , Arms , Corn , Rie , Oates , Butter , Chees , or any other victuals , ammunition and such like militarie requisites , whatëver they may bee , which are to bee emploied for the profit and service of the publick affairs ; nor shall they buy , or under any other Title undertake or grant any Ordinances , which at the charge of the Land are granted in common or of any Province in particular , neither by themselvs , their wives , children , families , nor by any any other whosoëver ; nor participate in the buying , undertaking and disposing thereof by others , directly or indirectly ; nor yet themselvs , their wives , children , families , or any other in that behalf , receiv , enjoy or make use of any gifts , presents or gratuities of any thing , how small soever , even to eating and drinking wares , from or by whomsoever it bee , whether Cities , Courts , publick or private persons , whom they know to have any business before the Council , or that they are like to have any ; and that as well before as after that the business shall bee dispatched in the Council ; and in case that any such shall have received gifts by any , whom afterwards they perceived to have somwhat to do with the said Council , which at the time of receiving the gifts they knew not ; or that such may get som business afterwards at the Council , They shall bee bound to acquaint the Council with it , and to convert the received gifts , or the value thereof for the use of the poor , in manner as the Council shall ordain them ; and besides that , they shall not bee allowed to vote or sentence at the deliberation about the business touching him or them , from whom they shall have received any such gifts without the Councils special leav : all under pain , That whosoever shall bee found to have don contrarie to these orders or any point thereof , hee shall forthwith bee put out of his place , and held infamous , and uncapable of bearing any charge or office within the United Provinces , the Associated Countries , Cities and members thereof , and bee bound besides to make restitution and laie down the fourfold proportion of whatsoever hee received or enjoied by any participation of the foresaid publick Works , Provision , Ammunition and other requisites ; buying , undertaking , granting of ordinances , or from the participation thereof ; as also by the gifts and presents received ; & made lyable above all this to such further pennances and arbitrarie correction , as shall bee held fit and requisite , according to the condition and exigence of the offence : and the foresaid Council shall every year ▪ upon the first Tuesday in the month of Maie , and such as may bee absent then , on the first Tuesday they shall appear in the Council , before they fall upon any business belonging to the Council , clear themselvs the one to the other by solemn oath , and make likewise the Treasurer-General , Receivor-General , Fiscal , Secretarie and Clarks to purge themselvs by oath , that in the foresaid matters they have acquitted themselvs uprightly ▪ and that they are not privie , that their wives , children , families or any others of relation to them , have either directly or indirectly don ought contrarie to what is aforesaid ; with promise for the future also to continue upright in this behalf . And none at all shall bee admitted to any business or affairs of the Council , before and until hee shall have solemnly cleared and engaged himself as is said before .

XXIX .

Also the foresaid Council shall over and above all this bee alwaies bound upon the least suspition to clear themselvs thereof one towards another by oath as before , and to caus the Treasurer-General , Receivor-General and Fiscal , the Secretarie and Clarks of the Generalitie , to clear themselvs of the same ; as those likewise , which have any business with the Council , and are under suspition , shall declare by oath , that neither directly nor indirectly they have promised or given any thing to any of the persons aforesaid , nor will do .

XXX .

And such as shall bee found to have given or promised , or caused to bee given or promised any gifts or presents to any of the foresaid persons , their wives , children , families , or any other in their behalf , directly or indirectly , whether before or after the business shall bee dispatched , either for expeditions sake or otherwise under what pretext soëver , they shall bee sentenced and condemned by the foresaid Council to a Fine proportioned or equal to the value of the business transacted or otherwise , as the matter shall bee conditioned and require . And all the foresaid Fines or Amercements shall bee disposed , one third part to the informer , and the two remaining thirds for the use of the poor ; although the committed exorbitancie should not bee found out till within som years after the fact .

XXXI .

And to the end , That the foresaid things may the better bee observed , and none pretend or plead ignorance thereof , having any thing to do with the Council , there shall bee hung up a Patent or Table , in Netherlandish , French , English and Scotish , to warn every one , of offering giving or promising directly or indirectly any gifts or presents to any of the persons aforesaid , their wives and children , families or any other in their behalf , upon pain and fine expressed in the next ensuing Article , as also the Proctors , Sollicitors and others ; which ordinarily present themselvs to bee emploied before the foresaid Council , shall upon the abovesaid Tuesday , or in case of absence then , assoon as they shall bee returned to the Haghe again , make promise by oath unto the Council , that they will serve none , nor give counsel to any Client , or caus them to bee counsel'd , to give or promise , or caus to bee given or promised any gifts or presents , directly or indirectly to any of the foresaid persons , their wives , children , families or any other in their behalf ; but if so bee , that they finde their Clients disposed or enclined , to give or promise any thing to any of the persons aforesaid , that they shall disswade them : or , coming to know , that they may have given or promised somthing alreadie in that kinde , that they shall make it known to the Council forthwith : as also they shall bee bound from the beginning of their employ , faithfully to warn their Clients of all such giving or promising ought directly or indirectly to the persons aforesaid , and that they must acquaint the Council with what they know or shall discover of that nature : all this under pain , that the trespasser herein shall bee punished by the Council , according to the qualitie and exigence of the matter .

XXXII .

And that the Council may the better bee able to attend the affairs , concerning the common weal and protection of the Land , and not bee hindred therein , by the examinations of the processes ; which may arise against the exorbitances mentioned in the foresaid Articles , and which might bee laid to the charge of any one of the Council , the Treasurer-General , Receiver-General , Fiscal , Secretarie , or any of the Courts ; and for the preventing of all distaste , contention and discord , which might arise thereby among the Counsellors themselvs , to the prejudice of the common good ; therefore the Lords of the Courts of Justice here in the Haghe shall bee desired , and commissioned in form of Delegation , to take , jointly together as one Court , cognizance of such like exorbitancies , as are mentioned above , and wherewith any of the foresaid Counsellors , the Treasurer-General , Receiver-General , Secretarie or Clarks may com to bee charged ; and therein they shall do right , according to the tenor of the foresaid Articles , so as in their Consciences they shall finde just and fitting .

XXXIII .

And the Fiscal of the Generalitie , and the Fiscal and Proctor-General of the Court of Holland , Zealand and Friesland , together , or the Fiscal and Proctor-General of the foresaid Court alone , in case the Fiscal of the Generalitie himself , should stand impeached , shall , according to the Instructions given him in that regard by Order of the Courts of Justice aforesaid , take exact informations of the foresaid Exorbitances , and proceed against the foresaid Persons beeing culpable , even to definitive Sentence , which shall stand and bee made effectual without any further appeal thence to our selvs or any Court whatsoever .

XXXIV .

All Commissions , Orders , Instructions , Letters and Dispatches shall bee under written by the name at length of the Council's President , and beeing thus underwritten , shall further bee signed by one of the Provincial Governors , or by som other member of the Council , ( and that , in case the same shall bee judged needful by the Council , for the importance of the marter ) and by the Secretarie of the Council , without letting the same com into any other hands , or communicating it with any besides those of the Council : and the Secretarie shall keep good and exact Registers , or Record-books of all the Resolutions and Determinations of matters and affairs treated and concluded at the the said Council , at leastwise of all such as shall bee of any importance and notable consideration : and the businesses and matters beeing concluded and agreed on by common or most voices , all the members of the said Council indifferently ; whether they were present or absent ; of the same , or a contrarie opinion , shall jointly , without any further contradiction , contribute all endeavors towards the well-managing , effecting and maintaining the foresaid Conclusions and Resolutions .

XXXV .

The Council of State shall have power to summon the States General of the United Provinces , necessitie requiring the same , to certain commodious and safe places of the United Provinces ; who shall make their appearance there , without prejudice nevertheless of their Privileges , not to bee called or summoned forth the Provinces .

XXXVI .

The Residence of the foresaid Council shall bee kept in a commodious and safe place of the United Provinces ; without beeing tied to remain precisely in one place , but they may assemble at any place , where the service and common good of the land , and especially the Direction of the affairs of War , shall require it .

XXXVII .

The Entertainment of the Counsellors shall bee 1500 pounds Flemish a piece by the year , to bee paid them by the Province by whom they are appointed , from three months to three months : whereupon they shall maintein themselvs honorably , befitting their state , without nevertheless bringing any extraordinarie charge upon the Land , other then Convoys and transportation , and what shall further bee ordered in that behalf : and if any of the Council com to deceas , or resign his place , the Province by whom hee was appointed shall nominate another fit person acceptable to the States General , to bee admitted by them .

XXXVIII .

Besides this Council there shall bee entertained a Treasurer and Receiver-general , for to accommodate them with their Salaries .

XXXIX .

The Secretaries Entertainment shall bee of 800 pounds Flemish a year , and that upon such instructions , as the States General , with advice of the Council of State , have made already , or shall make hereafter .

XL.

The Dispatches of such businesses , as according to this Instruction are at the foresaid Council's disposal , beeing of that importance and consideration , that touching matters of War , they issued forth in former times in the Name of the Princes of these Countries ; they shall go forth now in the Name and under the Seal and Counter-seal and Signet of the States General of the United Netherlands , by advice of the Council , with this subscription , In relation of their Council of State .

XLI .

And such Dispatches as are not of that great consideration and importance , they shall issue forth in the Name of the Council of State of the United Provinces , howbeit under the Seal , Counter-seal and Signet of the States General af●resaid .

XLII .

The Seal shall bee kept by one of the Counsellors to bee appointed thereunto , who shall bee answerable for it , and not suffer in no wise to let it com into any other hand ; and shall keep a good Register and Counterroul of all Dispatches past the Seal , and bee paid according to the Tax set by the States General , or to bee set yet ; and the profits thence arising shall bee disposed for the paying of the Officers of the foresaid Council , and other necessarie Expences at the Council's Disposal .

XLIII .

The foresaid States General understanding all this , so that for the conservation of the Right of the United Countries in general and particular , they do not at all by this Instruction or appointment of a Government and Council of State , abdicate or resign the Power and Right of the States General , or the States of the Provinces in particular , each one as much as appertain's to him in times of necessitie , or when the affairs of the Countrie shall require the same , themselvs to appoint and exercise orders and directions of militarie affairs by Sea and Land for the service of the Countrie , otherwise by them committed to the disposal of the foresaid Council , together with all such things as have relation thereunto , especially also the musterings , keeping of militarie discipline , and punishing of all exorbitancies . And as for all other matters concerning the state , policie and justice of the foresaid Countries , Cities and members thereof in general , and in particular , not expressly committed to the disposal of the Council , they shall remain at the disposal of the States General , the States of the particular Provinces , the Magistrates of the Cities , and other lawful Superiours respectively ; and the States of the respective Provinces do reserv unto themselvs , the right of giving of Patents to the Train-bands , if at any time of need it shall bee requisite for the service of the Land , to lead and employ them forth their own Cities , without any intermedling of the Council in giving of any such Patents .

XLIV .

The Members of the Council of State aforesaid shall , at the beginning of their service , purge themselvs and declare by Oath , that for the obteining of the said Emploiment they neither gave nor promised any monie or monie-worth , nor any thing whatsoëver , nor shall give or promiss ought in that kinde directly or indirectly ; and moreover promiss and swear into the hands of the States General , or their Deputies , to bee true and faithful to the said States General of the Provinces which shall remain in the Union and maintenance of the true Christian Religion ; and renounce by Oath , all particular Correspondencie with either Provinces , Cities , or private and particular persons , so far forth namely as the same shall bee prejudicial to the common interest ; and that without any by ▪ regard to the Provinces or Cities where they are born or chosen , or to any particular profit from thence , or any other ; having nothing before their eies but the Honor of God , and the welfare and preservation of the foresaid Countries and the Common Interest ; and that they will reveal nothing of the Communications , Deliberations or Resolutions which ought to remain secret , and and that forth the Council they shall commune with no bodie about the same , and especially with no Ministers of Forrein Kings , Princes , States and Common-wealths , in what companie , and with whomsoëver , unless it were with som of the said Council of State apart and separated from all other . Item , that they shall bee in service to no bodie els , nor receiv or enjoie any pensions from any ; That they shall have nor take no part nor share at all directly nor indirectly , in any publick works now , or hereafter to bee put out for the common Wealth ; nor in any Convoys , Imposts , or other common means , nor in any furnishing of powder , shot , artillerie , arms , corn , rie , butter , chees , oats , or other provision , ammunition and requisites for the Wars , whatsoëver , beeing to bee imploied for the use and service of the Common-wealth : That they shall neither buy , nor under any other title undertake or let out any ordinances , which are granted at the charge of the Land in general , or of any Province in particular ; neither by themselvs , nor by their wives , children , families , or any other whosoëver in their behalf ; nor participate of any others sale or undertaking or letting directly or indirectly ; neither themselvs , nor their wives , children , families , or any other in their behalf , receiv , enjoy , make profit of any offers , gifts or presents , in any kinde , how small soever they may bee , even to eating aud drinking wares , from any bodie whosoever , whether they bee Cities , Courts , Persons , publick or private , whom they know to have any thing to do with the Council ; or in likelyhood of it , and that as well before , as after the matter shall bee transacted : and if so bee they should chance to receiv any such gifts from any , whom they shall afterwards perceiv , to have som business in the Council , whereof they were ignorant at the time of the receiving such presents , or that the givers shall afterwards get any thing to to do at the Council , the receiver shall acquaint the Council with it ; and that they shall in all things regulate themselvs precisely according to the tenor of this Instruction , and every Article thereof , and do further whatsoever good and faithful Counsellors of State are bound to do , and all this provisionally .

XLV .

In case this Instruction shall bee found to have any obscuritie in it , or to require any alteration , contracting or amplification , it shall bee taken into consideration accordingly , at the first Assemblie of the States General , with the knowledg and advice of the Council .

Don thus in the Assemblie of the foresaid Lords the States-General , and decreed , this 12th . of April , in the year 1588.

( The Table or Patent , mentioned Article XXXI . was to this effect . )

WHereas it appear's , that som Dangerous and Pernicious men , to the no small disreputation of the Council of State and grief of the Lords in Commission therein , and their ministers , do so embolden themselvs , that having any thing to do at the said Council of State , they dare presume to present and offer gifts or bribes to the said Lords of the Council , the Tresurer-General , Receiver-General , the Fiscal and Secretarie , and the Clarks , or their respective Wives , Children , Families , or others having relation to them : shewing thereby that they have not that opinion of the faithfulness , sinceritie and uprightness of the said Lords of the Council and the foresaid Ministers , which the worthiness of their charge and office , and the honor of their Persons should caus them to entertain of them ; and this beeing a matter of very evil consequences , and not to bee endured by men of honor , nor by the State ; Hence it is , That thereby , the Counsellors of State , do streightly forbid and prohibit all and every one of what Qualitie and Condition soever they are or may bee , that neither for Expedition's sake , nor under any pretext whatsoëver , they presume to present , give , or promiss , or caus by others to bee presented , given , or promised to any of the Lords of the Council , the Treasurer-Ceneral , the Receiver-General , the Secretarie or Clark , their Wives , Children , Families , or any one having relation to them , any gifts or presents of any thing how small soëver , even of meat and drink-wares ; upon pain that those which shall bee found to have presented , given or promised any such gifts to any of the said Lords and Ministers , their wives , children , families , or any other relating to them , shall by the Council , bee condemned to a fine proportioned to , or equallizing the worth or value of the Caus they have or had in agitation before the Council : or otherwise , according to the condition and exigence of the fact .

Those of Holland presented further this following Declaration touching certain points of the Vnion . Considerations presented by the Lords of Holland and West-Friesland about certain points of the Union .

THe Lords the States of Holland and Westfriesland , considering , that this great Assemblie is called together for reasons and causes of weightie concernment , and that in a season of the year very incommodious ; and perceiving plainly by the frequent meeting of your Hi. Mi. that their zeal and affection for the common good , doth lay aside their particular inconveniences ; they judged it expedient , and are still of the same minde , that the affairs of this Assemblie ought to bee so ordered and disposed , that with Unitie and Concord they may bee brought to a wholsom and speedie conclusion , for the transaction whereof indeed your Hi. Mi. peculiarly met here , that so the particular Members of the Provinces may bee eased in their grievances ; the Common-wealth secured within it self by an orderly supplie of the defect , happened in a principal part of the Government , and the stabilitie of the State made known to all the world , by good and readie Resolutions , the true effects of Wisdom and Unitie , the most assured grounds wherein a Common ▪ wealth of a hopeful State and condition , can subsist ; and therefore the Lords of Holland so framed their Proposition , that though they shewed the Concours of the 3 points of Religion , Union and Militia , yet they enlarged themselvs but little upon the two former in their said proposition ; not as holding the same to bee of less importance then the last ; but onely becaus that therein there happened no alteration in the present conjuncture and condition of affairs , presupposing that in the first point , concerning the Honor of God , the Provinces would ever out-strive one another in a holy and fervent Zeal , and in the second , wherein consist's the preservation of the State , they would bee as readie to continue their upright mutual affection each to other .

Nevertheless , since som of the Provinces were pleased to insist , that the States of Holland would declare themselvs in special manner about the ninth and other Articles of the Union , and about the Expedients , whereby the Differences arising among the Provinces , in matters expressed in the said Article , might bee removed ; others som , as the Lords of Friesland , and the Citie of Groninghen , and the Omlands , were pleased to inferr out of the said Articles and from a pretended Necessitie , as if the Provinces were bound each one in particular , to proceed to the choosing of a Stadtholder ; The Lords of Holland are necessitated to declare , with all due respect to your Hi. Mi. that They are not able to comprehend , how either by the Text of the Union , or any Arguments thence deduced , or by any other pretended necessities , it is or ever can bee proved , That the Provinces should bee bound to choos Stadtholders , or the interest and service of the Common League should require the same : for it is a thing past all dispute , and asserted by the presented Considerations of the Provinces themselvs , That the States of the respective United Provinces every one apart are Soveraign States ; That the Union made between them , expressly condition'd it , that every Province notwithstanding the same , should not onely remain unprejudiced in their freedoms and prerogatives , so as that none should trouble or molest the other about it , but on the contrarie , by all means due and possible , yea with body and goods , to help , assist , maintain , strengthen and protect one another therein to the utmost against any whomsoëver ; and whereas among all the foresaid privileges the greatest and most considerable point , is the Free and Soveraign Government , therefore the Provinces had no intent nor desire , to bound and over-rule one another therein in their Respective Jurisdictions ; but have left one another , as to that , in their perfect freedom , for to administer all the parts of Soveraigntie , in policie , Justice and otherwise , by themselvs , or som of them in their name by others . And verily the Confederates could have no such particular intent at the time of making the Union , as to oblige or engage one another to the appointing of Stadtholders , forasmuch as at that time they had not yet renounced the Dominion of the King of Spain , and consequently were not qualified to appoint any Stadtholders ; and therefore it will follow so much the less , that by the 10 Article of the Union the States should have obliged themselvs to the continuance of appointing Stadtholders , they having then made no beginning yet , and the Stadtholders which then were having the King's Commission ; besides that by the foresaid Article , such questions as might arise about the matters there mentioned , are not absolutely referred to the Stadholders , but onely provisionally ; neither at all to the office of Stadtholdership , but onely to the persons in office and place then ; insomuch that the foresaid provisional Order , not beeing discontinued or altered in the life time of the Stadt-holders then in beeing , the foresaid submission must needs bee ended with the deceas of the said Stadt-holders , as beeing fastned by the said Confederates to the Elected persons of those Stadt-holders . And by adding of the words , now beeing , clearly shewed , that they meant not their Successors should pretend to the same right , unless it were that the same by a later Resolution should bee referred unto them , which the Lords of Holland do not finde was ever don since ; beeing the words of the foresaid Article cannot possibly bear any such interpretation as the Lords of Friesland do hold forth ; namely , That the submission should not bee provisional , but that the sentence or doom of the Stadt-holders should have provisional Execution ; so much the less , beeing this is directly opposite to the 16 Article of the Union , expressly importing , That the sentence of the Stadt-holders ought to bee followed and yielded unto without any further demur , or other proviso of right , by way of appeal , relief , review , nullitie , or any other exception whatsoëver : which doth not agree with a provisional Execution , presupposing a further demur or appeal , whereby the sentence may com to bee altered : as also the words now beeing cannot bee referred to the United Provinces , becaus that thereby the Stadtholders of the Provinces which thereafter might have joined themselvs to the Union , would have remained excluded from the foresaid Umpirage , or arbitrarie Decision ; and those Provinces should have been fain to submit themselvs to the judgment and decision of the Stadtholders of the other Provinces , which would have made an inequalitie amongst the Members of the Union , and in no wise advantaged the Union , or encouraged other Provinces to enter into such an one ; Much less yet can it bee inferred from Artic. 24 of the said Union , That the Provinces should bee bound to the appointing of Stadtholders , for that it is said there , That the Stadholders then in beeing , or afterwards coming in should bee sworn to the observance of the Union , and the Articles thereof : for although these words shew what the Stadtholders , which may happen to bee chosen , are bound to do ; they do in no wise prove , that the Provinces shall ever bee bound to chuse Stadtholders ; and the Lords of Holland do not think neither , that the office of Stadtholdership should bee absolutely necessarie , for the voiding of differences ; and that the same should serv as the uttermost remedie of removing controversies ; for besides that on the one hand it would bee unreasonable , that the Provinces , onely for deciding of Differences , should bee necessitated to chuse Stadtholders , though otherwise full sore against their wills , who afterwards , besides the foresaid Decision , should do whatsoëver otherwise ordinarily belong ▪ d to the conduct of Stadtholders ; and on the other side it would bee as ill-beseeming , that the Stadt-holder's Commission should bee altogether impaled with the foresaid Decision . And the ninth Article it self shew's that our forefathers foresaw , the Stadholders might not prove such of whom the said Decisions could bee exspected , forasmuch as they , beeing engaged every one to stand for his own Province , and thereby bound to the interests thereof , will hardly bee perfectly neuter and impartial ; wherefore it is said , that when they shall not bee able to agree among themselvs , they shall assume to themselvs som unpartial assessors or adjuncts , which make's the Lords of Holland to think and conceiv , that the Union remaining ▪ together with the Obligation of the Provinces thereby one to another , in terms and manner as it is laid down , if som difference should happen , which might & must be determined by decision , som such expedients might then be taken & follow'd as are propounded by the Lords of Zealand , Gelderland and Utrecht respectively ; those of them which shall bee judged the best and most convenient , according to the condition and exigence of times and affairs : hoping nevertheless , that God Almightie shall bless the State with so much prudence , wisdom and Unitis , that it shall bee needless , to have ever recours to any Decision of Differences , whereunto the Lords of Holland and West-Friesland shall evermore bee readie to contribute not onely , all good will and readiness , but likewise the real and upright effects ; desiring that this their Declaration , as proceeding from upright hearts , may bee received accordingly ▪ my Lords of Holland and West-Friesland reserving to themselvs the Libertie , to make such further Declaration upon the said and other Articles of the Union , as it shall pleas them to agree upon .

At last there came in likewise the inclinations of Over-Yssell , touching the 3 important points of the great Assemblie . High and Mightie Lords !

AS on the one side the State hath great reason of beeing greived at the last departure of his Highˢ the Prince of Orange of immortal memorie ; so it is on the other no small ground of joy among the confederat●● , mutually to see and observ the extraordinarie Zeal of seeking and finding out extraordinarie and wholsom Remedie's , upon this unexpected accident whereby our dear Fatherland may bee kept secure , and safe as well within it self as from without .

The present Lords of the Province of Over-Yssell , have judged it their dutie , as Members of the common laboring Countrie , to contribute their part also , in serving this Illustrious Assembly with their inclinations and considerations , for to further the consummation of the foresaid holy work , with all mutuall concord and freindship , to the uttermost .

And forasmuch as in this regard there are three inseperable main things without all controversie most requisite and necessarie to wit , Religion , the Union , and the Militia , it will bee very needful likewise , to consider in what manner and condition , the one as well as the other may bee upheld and maintained .

As for Religion ; your , H ▪ M. hath lately January 27. in this present Assembly framed such order that there is no more to bee desired in that behalf : onely wee referr to your H. M. consideration , whether there could not bee som expedient setled , in case the one or other Province should happen , beyond expectation , to refuse or neglect the executing of Orders formerly published in this behalf , and the other points contained in the foresaid resolution , and to wink manifestly at the transgressions thereof ; what means there might bee used then , for to keep the failing partie to better performance ; beeing the said resolution doth make no mention of any ; and the second point thereof speak's onely of the maintenance of Religion it self , without expression any penaltie otherwise then in regard thereof ; They therefore would advise , pondering the sad experience of former times which taught us , how much the licentiousness of the Papisls and of other sects and separates in these Countries , is able to disturb the desired Union thereof ; That the Provinces ought mutually to engage themselvs , not onely to the observance of all the Articles of the forementioned resolutions , but also to use and apply the foresaid penaltie unto that Member or Province , which shall go about to infringe any of the foresaid points , or connive at the doing thereof .

Concerning the Union , Their opinion is , That the same ought to bee kept holily and unviolahly as it was concluded at Utrecht in the year 1579. But if it should fall out , which God prevent , that som Questions , or mis-understandings should arise betwixt the members in any one Province , which formerly , by virtue of the Union , were decided and taken away , and in part yet are , by the Stadholders , if so bee the Provinces , destitute now of Stadholders , have no minde to chuse new ones ; it will bee very requisite in this Case , That means bee thought upon and propounded , whereby the said defect may most conveniently bee supplied , and in this regard wee hold the Propositions made by the Province of Gelder-Land to bee especially serviceable , and could rest well satisfied with them . Nevertheless , under Correction , judging it a no less convenient remedie , That the parties should bee bound within a certain peremtorie time , to choos , and submit their questions to a certain number of impartial Arbitrators , who not beeing able to agree among themselvs , for want of a casting voice , they should likewise bee obliged to chuse within a prefixt time a Super-arbitrator , for to compose the questions if it bee possible within the term of one month at furthest , and sooner , in case of urgent and pressing necesitie , or , in case of deficiencie , to decide them upon Instruction . And if so bee that the one partie shall not have named their Arbitrators , within the term aforesaid , then the other which is readie , if they bee members of one Province , may desire and have granted them others . But if they bee members , those that should caus the voices to fail ; or Province against Province , then both to bee don by the States General within time limited ; and if the same should happen among the Provinces together , then such Arbitrators to bee chosen out of the one or the other Court of Justice in these United Provinces .

It would likewise bee very expedient , to bethink our selvs , how to make these and the like Orders , when setled once , to bee readily and really obeyed .

The execution , of what by sentence should bee determined in manner aforesaid , wee should think fit to bee remitted to the Generalitie , after the third summons gon before .

The tranquillitie of the confederates requireth likewise , that neither before nor after , there should bee any extremities , reprisals or acts of hostilitie used , by , in , or among the Provinces .

Touching the point of the Militia , wee should conceiv , that the disposition thereof ought to bee recommended to the Assembly of the States General , with advice of the Council of State , upon such Instructions , as by common consent of the Confederates , shall bee agreed on .

Holding it needful likewise to frame an instruction for a Chieftain over the Militia , nor to bee concluded but with common consent of all the Provinces , and the time of election to bee ripely weighed , and nothing determined therein but at the least , with the consent of five Provinces .

The persons Wee judg should bee elected then by plurality of voices .

That all Chief Offices in the Armie , which heretofore were at the disposal of the States General or his Highˢ , unto the charge of Colonels exclusively , should hence forward bee left to the disposition of the Provinces , who should send in their advices about it , to the Assemblie of the States General .

All other Militarie offices of Colonels Lievtent Collonels Serjeant Majors , Rit-Masters , Captains aud inferior charges , formerly disposed of by the absolute pleasure of his Highˢ without any nomination to him presented , shall hereafter , without difference of In or Out-Landish ones , bee disposed of by the United Provinces , and equally distributed among them .

The Commanders and Majors in the Cities and Forts of the Provinces , having voice in the Stae , where the same are vacant and requisite , their places to bee disposed absolutely by the same Provinces , upon Commission of the States General or Council of State ; with that proviso nevertheless , that the same Commanders or Majors shall in no wise pretend to the keeping of the keyes , opening or shutting of the Gates , but that the same shall wholy and soly remain in the disposing of the Magistrates of the said Cities and places .

Among the foresaid Major-ships , there are not to bee comprehended heer , any such as hitherto have been by the appointing of the Cities themselvs , which ought to bee left to what hitherto they enjoied .

The Commanders aforesaid in the voicing Cities , shall no otherwise exercise or extend the Militarie discipline , then for neglects and trespasses in marches and watches , running over to the Enemie , deserting their Companies , or shifting from one Companie to another , without pass ; together with such other Exorbitancies and delinquencies ; which Officers and Souldiers , in militarie matters may commit among themselvs ; and no further ; so that all other matters , whether Criminal or Civil , shall make the Souldierie or Militarie persons lyable to bee aprehended , indited sentenced and executed by the Civil or Criminal Judges , whose sentences , bee they about matters of debts or otherwise , shall in default of other satisfaction , bee put in execution , according to the order of the Land .

The Governors in the Cities and places , having no voices in the State , as at Sluys , Berghen of Zoom , Hulst , Breda , the Bosch , Willemstadt , Mastricht and Wessel , shall bee appointed by the Provinces ; and that with the usual Commissions : the Commanderies of other such like places , by the States General .

The Majorships , by the Council of State .

The Militarie Officers to bee admitted hereafter , ought all of them to profess the Reformed Religion .

As for the giving of Patents or Commissions , and transplacing of Garrisons , gathering of Camps and Leaguers , or sending forth considerable troops or squadrons , to places and upon occasions , where the service of the Land requireth it , the same shall bee and remain in the disposition of the States General with advice of the Council of State .

And their Hi. M. are to conclude and determine therein by the pluralitie of voices : provided , that if any alteration com to bee made , the same bee made known to the Provinces , Cities and places , where the Companies are to bee sent to or taken forth .

As likewise timely notice is to bee given by Letters to the Provinces where the said Companies are to pass or randevouz , that orders and courses may bee taken about their marchings and quarters : provided that the Governments of the Respective Provinces , shall have libertie also to send Companies from one place to another for the securitie thereof ; and the Officers of the said Companies bee bound to obey them , they giving immediate advertisement thereof to their Hi. Mi.

And that furthermore all such Companies as are any where in Garrison now , or may bee put in hereafter , shall bee obliged to swear to the respective Cities , according to the 17th Article of the Union , and the form alreadie made , or to bee made ; or to the chief Officers in the open Countrie , in case Necessitie should require , to put any Companies there , for the keeping of Rivers or otherwise .

The Cities antiently exempted and privileged , of beeing molested with any Garrison against their will , they shall remain in their old right and possession thereof , and not bee prejudiced therein at all .

As for Secret Correspondencie both within and without the Land , the same shall bee kept and continued with their Hi. Mi. and the Council of State , by such persons and in such order as their Hi. Mi. and the Council of State shall think fitting and requisite for most service of the Land , and most secret managing thereof , with the least chargeableness that may bee ; the monies for it beeing to bee furnished from the Treasurie by the Receiver-General .

Besides all these foresaid Inclinations and Considerations , the present Lords of the Province of Over-Yssell reser● to themselvs the libertie of taking off or adding , what they shall judg fit and requisite , for most service of the Countrie .

Upon Februarii 13ᵒ there beeing com in now the Inclinations and Considerations of all the Provinces , upon the Overture and Proposition made by and in behalf of Holland , Januar. 18ᵒ. The Lords of Holland propounded by word of mouth and delivered in writing their further considerations , for contracting the affairs of the Great Assemblie , in manner as followeth .

The Lords the States of Holland and West-Friesland , have brought into the Assemblie , and made overture of their further Considerations ; for dispatching the affairs of this great Assemblie , by distinguishing things purely provincial ( concerning which they have likewise declared themselvs in manner as will bee shewed by and by ) and things properly to bee deliberated by this Assemblie ; containing in effect , That the said Lords the States of Holland and West-Friesland having perused and examined the respective Considerations served in by the Provinces at the said great Assemblie , they judged thereupon , that the matters contained in the said Considerations , are som of them purely Provincial , and do not belong to the Deliberation and Ordering of the said Assemblie , but wholly and solely to the managing of the Respective Provinces ; and others som belong purely to the managing of the Common Union , and consequently to the Deliberation of the foresaid great Assemblie .

That the things which their No. Mi. judged to bee provincial , and wholly and solely to belong to the managing of the States of the Respective Provinces , are these following .

I. The appointing of Stad-holders , or forbearing it , at the States pleasure in every Province .

II. The disposing of the Commanderies and Major-ships in the Cities and Forts within the respective United Provinces , together with their Condependencies .

III. The keeping of the keies by such Cities as have voices in the State , and the giving of the watch-word by the Magistrates of the said Cities .

IV. The jurisdiction over the Militia , in all things which are not purely Militarie .

V. The disposing of the Collonel-ships , Captain-ships and lesser charges , of their own Repartition .

VI. The transplacing of the Garrisons within the respective Provinces , with the condependencies .

VII . The swearing of the Souldierie by the States of the Province and Magistrates of the Cities , where any Souldierie is put in Garrison , besides the oath which the said Souldierie is bound to make to the Provinces , upon whose Repartition they stand .

That their No. Mi. conceiv , the foresaid matters ought wholly and solely to remain in the Disposing of the States of the Respective Provinces , every one apart ; declaring withal that their N. M. intending to make use of this Right within their own Government , they shall bee well content , that the Provinces and members of them , shall as they think good , make use of , and improve the same Right , and therefore they hold it expedient , That the Officers Militarie may bee written unto , from this Board , in that behalf , for to submit themselvs in what is said before to the States of the respective Provinces and Members thereof , and to obey the same therein .

That the matters , which their N. M. judged to belong properly to the managing of the Common Union , and consequently ought to bee deliberated in this Assemblie , are ,

I. Whether in the General Direction and Disposition of Militarie affairs and the Armie or Souldierie , by common advice of the Confederates formerly referred unto the Council of State , it will bee thought good to make any alteration therein .

II. By whom and in what manner the Patents or Commissions shall bee given to such of the Armie , as are without the limits of the United Provinces .

III. In what manner the voicing Provinces and the Cities thereof , shall receiv Garrisons and give waie to Marches and Randevouzes .

IV. In what manner any Souldierie shall bee drawn forth out of voicing Provinces and the Cities thereof .

V. To whom it shall bee referr'd or left to dispose of the Governments and Commanderies in the Cities and Forts without the limits of the voicing Provinces .

VI. To whom , the disposing of the Major-ships in the said Cities and Forts .

VII . Who shall have the disposing of the great Militarie Charges , formerly disposed by the States General , or his Highss unto Collonels , exclusively .

VIII . Whether the foresaid Charges , together with Governments , Commanderies , and Majorships , may henceforward bee bestowed upon persons not beeing of the Reformed Religion .

IX . Whether and when and in what manner the Provinces ought to proceed to an Election of a Captain General over the Armie .

X. How the Differences , arising amongst the Provinces in General , shall bee determined .

XI . How and by whom the the secret Correspondencies ought to bee managed .

That in regard of this later sort of matters their No. Mi. could not otherwise conceiv , but that the Provinces do well agree about the 5 , 6 , 7 , and 8th point , namely ,

That the Governments and Commanderies in the Cities and Forts , lying without the voicing Provinces , shall bee disposed of by the States General .

That the Majorships of those places bee disposed by the Council of State .

That the great militarie charges to Colonels exclusively , formerly at the disposal of the States General , or of his Highˢ , shall bee disposed by the States General .

And that the foresaid great charges , together with the Governments , Commanderies and Majorships , bee given henceforward to none but such as are of the Reformed Religion .

In regard whereof the Ass●mblie shall not need to trouble themselvs any further with deliberating upon the points aforesaid ; but may readily proceed to conclude them according to the foresaid common consent and agreement .

And that therefore nothing doth remain to deliberate upon , but the matters contein'd in the foresaid 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 9 , 10 and 11 Articles , namely ,

I. Whether it shall bee thought good to make any alteration in the direction of Militarie affairs .

II. The giving of Patents to the Souldierie without the United Provinces .

III. and IV. The putting in and drawing forth of forces in and out of the Voicing Provinces .

V. Whether , when and how there should bee proceeded to the Election of a Captain General .

VI. How the Differences arising among all the Provinces , shall bee determined .

VII . How and by whom the Secret Intelligences shall bee managed .

In the Deliberation of which points , their N. M. declare , they rest confident , that the Provinces , yielding to the weight of Reasons and fixing their eies onely upon the rest , unitie and preservation of the State , they will meet one another with so much affection and confidence , that therein also things may soon bee brought to a happie conclusion .

After which there were these two ensuing points of Deliberation propounded by the Lord President , to bee advised upon by the respective Provinces against the next morning , according to the order of the present Assemblie .

First , whether it shall bee thought meet to make any alteration in the general direction and disposition of militarie affairs , and the Armie or Souldierie which formerly by common advice of the Confederates , was referred to the Council of State .

And Secondly , by whom and in what manner Patents shall bee given to the Souldierie , lying without the limits of the United Provinces .

Next morning the Provinces were summoned and minded accordingly to make their Declarations touching the two points aforesaid , the Direction of the Militia , and giving of Patents .

At this time the Princess Dowager , Grandmother to the young Prince of Orange , presented by the Lord President the ensuing paper ; beeing a fair and civil memento to the States of the Provinces , not to put the said young Prince out of their Remembrance altogether ; and yet plainly declaring , it was not at all pretended , that the State was bound to any such thing , or that the Charges born by his Predecessors should bee hereditarie ; but that both hee and shee should take it as tokens of pure affection and thankfulness .

High Mightie Lords !

THe Princess Dowager of Orange doth here by these address her self with all respect to your Hi. Mi. Illustrious Assemblie , wishing from the bottom of her heart , that God would bee pleased to continue his wonted Grace and Favor over their famous Government , and especially to bless your Hi. Mi. present most important Assemblie with such an happie success of wholesom Res●lutions , as may bee most effectual for the service and safetie of the common interest in these troublesom conjunctures .

And forasmuch as her Highˢ is informed , That your Hi. M. are busied now , in that part of your important affairs , which relate's to the chiefest Civil and Militarie Charges , made vacant at late by the sudden departure of the Prince her Son ; her Highˢ doth finde her self ingaged and obliged , aswell in respect of her upright affection to the service of this State as especially , by the natural tenderness of a Grandmother , withal friendly respect to put your Hi. Mi. in minde and remembrance , h●w that at this present , through God's mercie , and to her singular Comfort , in her manifold heavie afflictions , there is lying in the cradle now the onely remaining male-heir and off-spring of those Illustrious Princes of Orange , of whom her Highˢ is confident it is still som sweet content aud satisfaction to your Highˢ to have it remembred , how they not onely helped to lay the foundation of this Common-wealth , but likewise by their most indefatigable and hereïck faithfulness , yea with their own goods and blood , now above these fourscore years , assisted and maintained the rearing and building up thereof , That the same under God's grace and your H. M. wise directions , is thereby risen to that blessed height and eminence , that not onely the good inhabitants of these Countries do finde themselvs seated in perfect prosperity , libertie , and quietness of Conscience under their own Vine and Fig-tree , but that even all Forrein Nations , and though sore against their will , the most ill affected to this State do com to see and take notice with terror and amazement , that the Honorable body of this Union is now assembled together in full peace and concord , under the shadows of the glorious Trophies and Laurels which from year to year were brought home to your H. M. by their foresaid famous Generals .

It is true H. M. Lords , that her Highˢ never scrupled , but your H. M. would , upon this occasion , according to their wanted wisdom and discretion , have minded those high and long continued services , to your State , without any remembrances ▪ and shee finde's herself likewise much strengthned in that confidence of hers by the kinde and friendly answers shee received from most Provinces , upon her former communicating and commending to them , soon after the deceas of the Prince her Son , the happie birth of the present young Prince .

Nevertheless her Highˢ conceived herself not discharged yet , in the utmost of her Grand-motherly devoirs , for the good of her Infant Grand ▪ child , without renewing this Office of address in his behalf , most serviceably and friendly desiring your H. M. since it pleased you by the honor of your witnessing for him at his Christian Baptism ▪ to assure him of your special favor and protection in the face of the Church , to take such further regard in his behalf , as in your great wisdom and prudence , you shall finde fitting upon the premisses .

Her Highˢ shall confidently await your H. M. favorable resolution , without any further importunitie ; concluding this onely with her most express declaration and protestation that shee doth not intend in the least manner to pretend and claim ought of your H. M. as if those high charges , the Princess of Orange have been invested with , for so many years , should thereby bee acquired to their houses and posteritie ; but on the contrarie , her Highˢ intent is , whatsoëver Your H. M. shall bee pleased , at her request , to grant and conferr , to look upon and accept of it , as purely and originally proceeding from the good and friendly disposition , which You are pleased thankfully and prais-worthily to shew unto that hous , in regard of their said long and manifold services and merits . Which favor her Highˢ is confident , this young Sprout will duly acknowledg in due time , with the same care and faithfulness toward yaur H. M. and the State of the Land , as the Lords his Forefathers have shewed ; Whereof your H. M. may rest very confident not onely in regard of the hous from which this Prince is sprung , hut also by reason of the great and considerable possessions , which by lawful successions are fallen to him , under your H. M. jurisdiction , beyond all other inhabitants , insomuch that in his person there will alwaies bee a concurrence of the consideration of his own interest join'd with his own , and Fore-father's honor and glorie , together with the in-bred love and affection to the constant welfare of the State ; which God Almightie second with his holie Blessing .

( Signed ) Amelia , Princess of Orange .

This Memorandum beeing taken into deliberation , there was nothing don upon it , but that it was received as a Notification ; and copies made of it for the Provinces ; both Holland and most of the other Provinces continuing disposed still , not to enter into thoughts of entrusting any one person , and ●uch less a Childe , with such a power as the former Stadholders and Governors General had here . Friesland and Groninghen , with the Omlands , having a Stad-holder already , were much less able to saie any thing in behalf of the young Prince in point of Stadholdership . They shewed indeed a great deal of zeal for conferring the Charge of Capt●in General upon the young Prince , so as that Count William their Stadholder might in the mean time , and during his Minoritie , bee his Lievtenant . But this was not relisht by the rest .

The Lords Deputies of the Province of Holland and West-Friesland , advising upon the two points lately appointed for Deliberation , by the Lord President , they declared themselvs ,

FOr the First , That in the General Direction and Disposition of the Militarie affairs and the Souldierie , formerly by common advice of the Confederates referred to the Council of State , there should bee made no alteration , but that the same Direction should bee left to the Council of State , and that the Instruction of the said Council should bee framed for the securitie of the Provinces , sutably to the considerations brought in , in this behalf , by the Lords of Zealand the first of this month , whereunto their N. Gr. M. herewithal conform'd themselvs .

And for the Second , That as much as is feasible , the Companies bee laid in Garrison within such Provinces and adjacent Frontiers , from which Provinces they do receiv their paie ; and that to this end there bee by common advice of the Members of the Union certain Frontier-places assigned to every Province , in which respective Frontier-places the foresaid Council of State shall have libertie of transplacing the Companies , acquainting the Provincial Government with it ; and that the States of the Province , to which the said Frontier-places shall bee assigned , or their Commission'd Council shall have power to do the like , as also to bring the Companies out of the said frontier-places into their own Province , and vice ver●â out of their Province into the same Frontiers , provided onely that they give present advertisement thereof to the Council of State .

That the Council of State intending to draw forth any Companies out of any of the assigned Frontiers , shall address themselvs to the States , or Commissioned Council of the Province to which the said Frontiers are assigned , transmitting Patents for that purpose , with open Names to bee fill'd up by the said States , or their Commissioned Council ; or elf their reasons to bee returned to the Council , why they make difficultie , and the same to bee judged of by the Council ; and upon the second address of the Council ( the foresaid transmitted reasons beeing not found weightie enough ) the Companies shall bee yielded ; with this proviso nevertheless , That by the common advice of the Confederates , and for the more mutual content and quiet , there should bee made two Lists , the one for Besetting , the other for Emploie ; and that in case of Invasion or sudden Surprisals by the Enemie , the Council should have power to draw forth so many Companies as are upon the List of Emploie , giving but advertisement and notice thereof to the Provinces where and in whose assigned Frontiers they laie , and causing them to return as soon as the danger shall bee over into their former Garrisons .

They of Zealand declared in manner as followeth . The Lords Deputies of the Province of Zealand , advising in the behalf of their Principals , upon the two points propounded for Deliberation at the Assemblie , by the Lord President on the 13 of this instant , they declare ,

AS to the First , that they yield their consent , that in present constitution of time and affairs , the General Direction and Disposition of matters of War and over the souldiers , shall bee referred to the Council of State , under such an exact and pertinent Instruction , as according to the draught was som few daies ago , in their N. M. behalf , presented to this Assemblie ; or shall with joint-advice of the common Confederates , bee thought best , by which determining of the Instruction their N. M. likewise understand , that the decreeing of the foresaid Delegation shall bee comprehended pari passu , aud not otherwise ; as without which they declare their foresaid consent no consent .

For the second point , their N. M. conceived , that in it there came explicitè into consideration the business of Repartition , and Assignation of the Frontiers to bee made to the respective Provinces , and the transplacing of the Garrisons therein .

Declaring , their N. M. advice to bee , that the Militia and the Souldierie , standing upon the Repartition , and at the charge of the repsective Provinces , should bee laid as much as possibly might , within the same Province , together with the Frontiers and places assigned for their securitie and protection ; as not beeing liable then , for their faithfulness and obedience to their Paie-master , to take any other Oath , or in any other manner then hath been usual heretofose according to the old form .

That therewithall , sutably to former practice and examples , there should bee assigned to the respective Provinces for their particular defence , provision and autoritie , all such strong holds and forts as laie next them , & in whose conservation & preservation they were most interessed : in which affair their N. M. desire , that a serious conference and debate may bee appointed by a Committee of this solemn assemblie , and the same favorably disposed .

As to the point of disposing or bestowing of Patents , transplacing of Garrisons in the said assigned places , they declared that their Principals adhered to their former advice and considerations , presented by waie of Inclination , in all the points and Articles thereof without any variation , desiring onely , that a speedie cours may bee taken for the framing of the lists both of Besetting and Emploie therein mentioned .

And they do expressly also declare herewith , that they do not mean in any wise , by this their advice and declaration , to prejudice the Deliberations and Dispositions which may happen hereafter upon the point of the Captainship General .

Hereupon other Provinces likewise beeing called upon , Gelderland brought in their advice upon the foresaid points , after they had succinctly said , that finding the advices of the Provinces discrepant in the weightiest points , they held it needful , som few Members of all the Provinces should bee appointed as a Committee , not onely to confer about the said Discrepancie ; but likewise to finde out som Expedient , for the consolidation of the upper Quarter of Gelderland by an equivalent .

Hereupon followeth

The Application of the Geldrish Instruction , touching the Direction of the Militia ; that the same ought to remain with the States General , and not with the Council of State .

FOrasmuch as in the Assemblie of the States General , every Province hath an equal vote or voicing , but not so in the Council ; and that every Province ought to have as much to saie as the other about the Direction of the Militia ; it having not com into Consideration at the first disposing of the common Defence , what every ones Quota or R●te was , nor how the Militia was shared into Repartitions afterwards ; the seven Soveraig●s contributing each one according to their abilities for the general interest , about which every one ought therefore to have equal Autoritie of advising therein .

The same agree's likewise with the eldest and best Governments of Republicks , and with the modern Cantons .

It is conform also to the old Government of the Netherlands in general , when the same met together for common Defence , and in regard thereof had alike much to faie , and equal autoritie of devising .

And as agreeable to the Union Artic. 3. 4. 6. 7. and 9. and the resolution ensued , both that same year 1579. and the years 1582. and 1584.

Nor can the said Direction bee brought to the Council of State , becaus there is not onely an inequalitie there of voicing for the Provinces ; but a further inequalitie also therein now , that som Provinces have the voice of Stad-holder in it ; to ballance which , though Gelderland should obtain the bringing in of one member more , yet they consider still , the prevalent vote of great persons and men in Autoritie , with other such like inconveniences .

That heretofore indeed the Direction of the Militia was by Instruction referred , for a season onely , to the Council , the same was don in regard that England then by reason of their Subsidie , had likewise somwhat to saie therein , according to agreement . The Direction over the Militia by the said Instruction , beeing likewise onely constituted in part and consisting most in terms prohibitorie , or negative : and not longer then about three months after the agreement upon the Instruction for the Council of State , the States General beeing reassembled , they reassumed the general direction to themselvs , according to the Union Artic. 9. And there it ought likewise to remain , regulating onely the Assemblie with an Instruction and by a general oath , according to that , agreed upon Maie 14ᵒ. 1580. and renewed Octob. 22o. 1586. which will bee more easie to bee don then to frame the Council so , as shall bee to the content of all the Provinces in this behalf .

If it should bee in the disposal of the Council , it is well known , that the States of Holland alwaies assembling in the Haghe , and beeing most of them together , there would bee nothing don in the Council , but with the advice of the Lords the States of Holland , as is to bee seen by the Report made to the States General by the Council Decemb. 10o. 1588. Therefore it were best , that the other Provinces also , were somthing strong in the Council , and kept the managing of the General concernment together with those of Holland .

Applications , about the giving of Patents or Commissions and transplacing of Garrisons .

IN case it bee not thought good as yet to chuse a Captain General or Stad holder , whiles there is no difference about the giving of Patents in the voicing Provinces , though it bee considerable ; but onely about the transplacing of the G●rrisons without the Provinces ; the Province of Gelderland maintain's , that the same ought to bee don by the States General with the advice of the Council of State .

That beeing conform to the foregoing reasons produced about the general Direction of the Militia ; Conform likewise to the Union Arti● ▪ 9. and to the ensued Resolution of 1582. where it is to bee n●ted , that the Garrisons without the Provinces should bee ordered with advice of the Council of State , by that of 1584 in these words , That the Garrisons with the Towns and Forrs taken by force of Arms , shall bee ordered with the approbation of the States General .

If the particular Provinces should have the giving of Patents for the Frontier-places , every one would look to his own and the General would bee neglected , and the Division would first bee practised among the Provinces , and afterwards among the members of the Provinces ; They that give least , would bee least secured , although there were most need of it . Examples wee have in the Admiralties ; the Names of Licences and Convoy's by direction of Aᵒ. 1579. divided , is the caus , why the Commerce out of the Maces and other places cannot so well and requisitly bee conducted as from Amsterdam ; and let it bee observed withal , how little the Admiralties obey the States General .

It is needless to relate all the inconveniences , arisen from this , that the giving of Patents hath been in the hands , and usurped by particular Provinces ; although in case of necessitie now and then it hath been useful , and in necessitie it may bee allowed still .

That in the Disposing or bestowing of the Militarie Charges , each Province hath alike interest .

I. FOr that is conform to the old Governments , and the best , applied to this State .

II. That the same is likewise conform to the old Government of the Netherlands in general .

III. That it is conform to the Union , wherein the means of expences and common charge , are to bee applied and managed in common , Artic. 6. and that conform to the 9th Article by pluralitie of voices , as the manner is in the Generalitie , set down more clearer yet , in the ensued Resolutions of the year 1584.

IV. The disposing of offices , hath likewise been general at first in the power of the States General , and was by Resolution of 21. Jun. 1581. committed to the Captain General , with these words inserted in the Commission : upon precedent Resolution of the States General .

V. If it shall bee made particular , then first it will bee soamong the Provinces ; next among the members in the Provinces , and after that among the very families : if Amsterdam stood for this in Holland , Utrecht in the Diocess the Nimmeghen Quarter in Gelderland , Middleburg in Zealand ? what could it prove at last , but a general withdrawing from the Union .

VI. If it should bee don according to every ones Rate or Quota , then note , that Gelderland would bee in no better condition , then , by example , the Cities of Emmerick , Rhees , Wesel , Rhinberg ? where their H. M. send officers , though with this difference , Those give nothing and are protected , Gelderland should bee guarded and kept in awe with officers from Holland , and give never the less ; onely they might appoint a Governor , and furnish 5½ Companies , in hundred . This must bee laid down for a ground , That the Repartition give 's no Right , but that the Defence is Common , and , by the death of his Highˢ , the disposing of the Militarie charges are devolved again to the Provinces in general .

VII . Or if it shall not bee liked in Common , which nevertheless ought to bee so according to the Union in all the three foresaid points , let the proceeding bee as in the Admiralties , sutable to the interests , opportunities , and natural conditions of the Confederates : Gelderland , Utrecht and Over-Yssell help all offices of War to bee entertain'd for Holland , out of the common means of Licences and Convoys ; and why should not the same discretion out of the common means of Consumtion by Land , bee appointed for the Provinces most interested by Land , most sutable and according to their natural condition , the practice beeing observable , that when the Generalitie hath any offices to bestow by Sea or Land in Holland , it is referr'd to Holland ; if by Land in other Provinces , they referr it to the Province .

VIII . Onely it behoov's us to saie yet somthing to what is alleged of the practice of Friesland and Groninghen with the Omlands , joined with the inclination of Zealand upon all the 3 foresaid points : that same practice is therefore t●lerable , and yet not applicable in general , forasmuch as ▪ Friesland , Gronin ghen and the Omlands in proportion of what they have to guard by Sea and Land , and what they give towards the common defence , they hardly yet do take and use a seventh part of autoritie in the common Defens , in giving of Patents and disposing of Charges ; so that the same cannot bring the general concernment to any disproportion ▪ and peradventure those Provinces would bee as well content to reduce it to the Generalitie , for to have a full seventh part of autoritie : but to applie all the same to Holland , and their Quota against Gelderland , Utrecht and Over-Yssell , would bee too wide beside the Union . Et tum Getri essent sub Tutela Hollandorum : and introduced once into practice , one might then justly applie the Government of the Roman Republick to those four Provinces , and saie , Socii Romanorum tacitè redigebantur in Servitutem . By little and little the Romans Allies became their Bondmen .

On the 18. of Febr. those of Friesland likewise presented their advice upon the points brought in by Holland , 13o. in manner as followeth .

The Deputies of the Province of Friesland , having examined the 2 points propounded by my Lords of Holland and West-Friesland , and extracted out of their N. M. further Considerations of Feb. 13. finding the Disposition of the further Considerations so qualified , that among the same som points were found severed , which might more fruitfully have been joined ; and som put in the rear , which , if they were dispatched in the first place , would have given a great deal of eas and advantage for the rest that were propounded . The main points to bee discussed in this Illustrious Assemblie , beeing agreed to bee these three , to wit Religion , the Union , and Militia , and granting , according to the sens of most of the Proviuces , that of Religion to bee sufficiently provided for ; sure then there ought to follow that of the Union , together with that which is so considerable in it , viz , the Stadholder's Remedie against accidental Differences , before wee proceed to couferences about matters having relation to the Militia . Nay even therein , my Lords of Holland and West-friesland , went so far as to judg , there was no discrepancie among the Provinces , about a certdin partition propounded by them , when as many of the Provinces had not so much as seen their N. M. Provincial Project , much less consented thereunto . Now forasmuch as the Deputies of the Province of Friesland , having made several addresses to the Lord President in regard of that which my Lords of Holland and West-Friesland were pleased to propound in this behalf to bee discussed in this Assemblie , that Copies might bee communicated to the Provinces , the same could not bee obtained hitherto ; Therefore the said Deputies of the Province of Friesland do advise , that it ought first to bee deliberated in this Assemblie , whether the joint Provinces are pleased and content with the Disposition and Method inserted by their N. M. the Lords of Holland in their said project of 13. of this instant ; before it can bee allowed , that deductions or extracts should bee made thereof , and propounded for solemn Debate ; and in this regard the said Deputies of Friesland would friendly desire the joint Provinces to bee pleased first of all to declare their mindes on this subject , to the end that every thing may bee discussed and transacted orderly , without confounding the Union with the Militia , or the Militia with the Union ; and besides that this Declaration of the Province of Friesland may bee inserted and registred among the publick Acts , to serv upon occasions , to what is fitting .

Upon the 21th . the Provinces were summoned again , about the point of the Militia , the distinction and assignation of the Frontiers and Companies ; whereupon , those of Over-Yssell presented this following advice .

High and Mightie Lords !

FOr to bee able to ground a good advice upon that which is propounded by the Lords of Holland , and now again put to the Question by the Lord President , the present Lords of the Province of Over-Yssell , conceiv , under Correction , it were fit to bee known and declared before hand , how many persons are to constitute the Council of State , and withal what is understood by a general Direction and Disposition of Militarie affairs , and how much they would have comprehended under it , saving that entire which seem's to bee presupposed , that such a general Disposition , which might bee excluded even to the Supreme Autoritie , should bee referr'd to the Council of State by the Confederates ; wee do finde indeed , that the States General , at that time , when the College of this Council was erected , not beeing able to meet alwaies , recommended the direction of the Militarie affairs to the Council , by waie of provision , together with som others , such as were the paying of the Souldierie , and other Militarie requisites , Musterings , Discipline , Swearing the Souldierie , together with discharging of them , upon precedent order of the Confederates , and som such other particular matters , but not the general ; and all nevertheless with that restriction , that they could not make to surceas , what they the States General , or the Provincial States in particular , were pleased to order themselvs .

Neither do wee know that this Delegation or Commission was don by common advice , so as all the members of the Union should have unanimously consented about it in their voicing , though wee will not gainsay , but that the Consederates found good unanimously and with common advice to erect the said Council , and to frame instructions for it ; but they are not able to see , how it follow 's thence , that all the Articles and points of order therein comprehended , were all and every one of them determined with an unanimous consent of the Confederates , beeing that in the managing of Confederacies and the dependence thereof , that is to obtain and to bee followed , which shall bee concluded by most voices , which must be gathered for that purpose ; so as the custom was to proceed at that time in the Generalitie , according to the 9th Article of the Union , there beeing never no alteration made therein , as none also can bee without joint advice .

And supposed , that the foresaid Direction was referr'd to the Council with common advice , ( which nevertheless wee were not able to discover ) it is manifest , that the same College is very much altered alreadie , as in regard of the mooving causes , wherefore it was chosen , and through the alteration of the States General , and the misting of those excellent Militarie Persons , then constituting the same , so likewise in respect of the matters themselvs to bee transacted there , partly by tacit and partly by express consent of the Provinces abridged , or referr'd to others , or return'd back ad primum fontem ( to the first source ) so that the present Council is of an other condition ; and thence it is , that the present Lords of Over-Yssell can finde no sufficient reason , wherefore there ought more Autoritie to bee given now to the foresaid College , then is constituted at present ; and judg , that the Supreme Autoritie remaining with the Soveraign , that is to saie , the Provinces themselvs , the general Direction and Disposition of Militarie affairs ought to bee left under Instruction , to such a governing Power , where there is found no iniquitie , and the Provinces may enjoy still those prerogatives , which the Union allowed them in voicing ; which Right , is no where found to bee abdicated by them , there beeing never constituted a certain number of Persons in the Council .

And this wee advise without restraint of the Lords our Principals to add or deminish , what their N. M. shall finde fitting for the service of the Countrie .

As for the Second point , wee shall referr our selvs to our formerly delivered Inclinations and Considerations , readie to justifie the same , together with the matter foregoing with the first .

Those of Friesland seeing , that most Provinces wholly disposing themselvs to remain without Stadholder and Captain General , made not onely no more mention of that point , but seem'd to have buried it in oblivion ; they thought good , to draw up a writting , which they delivered and caused to bee read in the Great Assemblie , Febr. 21. endeavoring as by experience , and the nature of these Republicks , so also from the Union it self to demonstrate , how necessarie it was , that this State beeing Polyarchical , should bee tempered with a shew and shadow of Monarchical Government .

A Deduction of Friesland , in justification of their N. M. formerly delivered Considerations . High Mightie Lords !

THe Commissioners of the Province of Friesland having seen the Debate which the N. M. the Lords States of Holland presented to the Generalitie the ninth of this instant , upon the Considerations and Inclinations delivered Januarie 27 , in behalf of the foresaid Province , they cannot but in satisfaction of their mindes , and discharge of their dutie declare , that under favor they cannot judg the foresaid Considerations of that weight , thereby their scruples should bee removed , or all other deduced motives and considerations enervated .

For it is too well known among Politicians , that in the Polyarchical State there is nothing so much to bee feared still , as discord and division among the Governors , proceeding from Dissentings , Emulations and Factions , as also from different interests , aims and designs , which ever follow such a State , as a shadow doth the bodie , which is testified by the continual disputes and distempers of the Demagogues , People-leaders at Athens , the manifold alterations ond commotions in the Citie of Rome , post ejectos Reges , and other innumerable examples , which besides that do teach us , Quòd quò plures imperant , eò gravius ●it Discordiarum periculum , quódque multae Reipublicae in tanto dissentionum aeftu , ipsae à seipsis subversae sint . That the more the Governors are , the greater is their danger from Discord , and that many Common-wealths were through that heat of dissentions , subverted by themselvs .

Which our very prudent Forefathers , the Autors of the nearer Union , well perceiving by means of the representation made thereof by the old Prince William , of blessed memorie ( being absolutely the best Politician and Adviser in those times ) judged it behoofful and necessarie , by advice of the said Prince , that the function , autoritie and direction of the Stadtholders would bee the best temper and qualification of the Polyarchical Government , for the banishing and preventing of all such dissentions and discords ; yea the very bond and chain of the everlasting League they were a making then among themselvs ; and in case notwithstanding this preservative , there might creep in any differences and mis-understanding among the Provinces , and finde entertainment there , they made choice , appointed and established the foresaid Stadtholders , to bee as it were the Panacaea or sacra Anchora , and the onely remedie of removing and determining the said Disputes and Discrepancies ; insomuch , that the questions touching Peace , Truce , War and Contributions are provisionally left to their Decisions by the 9. Article of the Union ; and all other arising Disputes between the Provinces in general , principally and absolutely remitted and yielded up to the said Stadtholders without any further exception , appeal , revision , or any other evasion to bee used or admitted ; in conformitie to the 16. Artic. of the said Union .

Upon which foundation is likewise built the interpretation of dubious or doubtful cases which may arise from the Union , referred to the Stadholders by the 21 Article ; as also the Oath of the Stadholders for observing and keeping the Articles of the Confederacie , and causing them to bee observed and kept . Article 24 , together with the mainteining of the Train-bands in Cities and Towns , and sealing of the Writs in that behalf , expressed more at large Article 25 , and 26 of the foresaid Union .

All which precautions , foundations and remedies were devised , established , and by waie of Contract , admitted and yielded unto , in behalf of all the Confederated Provinces in general , and consequently by the whole State for the conservation thereof ; whence it doth necessarily follow , that not any , nor most Members of the Union , may varie or alter the disposition thereof in opposition to one , two or three Provinces , but are bound , according to the examples of the Provinces conforming herein to the Union , to chuse likewise Stadholders for themselvs , to make all Provinces by that means partakers of the enjoiment of the effects and benefits abovesaid : Nam quemadmodum qui ad finem obligatus est , obligatus quoque est ad media : Sic in hoc casu Provinciae , quae obligatae sunt ad Unionem conservandam , & Discordias tum praecavendas , tum sopiendas , obligatae sunt ad Media ad istum finem ducentia , maximè quia illa semel , communi Foederatoum placito , specificè & formaliter recepta ac approbata sunt ; which cannot bee altered but by common advice and consent of all the Confederates ; as is notably set down in terms concerning the Stadholders in the 11 , 21 Articles of the foresaid Union , and reiterated Artic. 22 in general , from the nature , propertie and efficacie of all contracts , that there may bee no alterations made of any points or articles , but by common advice and consent of the Confederates , additis verbis taxativis , and not otherwise .

Beyond all this there ought to bee considered , the great Diversitie of opinions and enormous lingring of Resolutions in Polyarchical Government , as a most peculiar propertie of it , which in Plutarch are aptly represented , speaking of the Samnites , in these words , Consilia vestra longa sunt , effectus lenti , ac saepè nulli ; which slackness and remissness is notably corrected by the vigilancie , credit , autoritie and dexteritie of a Stadholder , and reduced to expedition , consent and unitie ; whereby it com's to pass , Ut Consiliorum fiat & Conclusio & Executio , which is that whereof Politicians speak , Polyarchicum Statum eatenus esse laudabilem , quatenus in se habet fimilitudinem & representationem Monarchiae , atque adeò , quatenus illi plures qui imperant reducuntur ad unitatem : it beeing very remarkable what Bodine saith in a certain place , Si plurium Imperia memoriâ recolamus , inveniemus eos , aut cum civibus internum , aut cum hostibus externum bellum perpetuò gessisse ; & quanquam faverent Polyarchiae , non plurium , sed sapientissimi cujusdam Civis Imperio , nutu ac Consiliis , quasi Regiâ quâdam potestate gubernatos ac moderatos fuisse . And daily experience shew's , what hinderance , inconvenience and prejudice is brought upon the rest of the Provinces , yea to the whole Union , by the irresolution of but one Member ; insomuch that the Confederates are highly concerned and interessed the one in the other's expedite Deliberation , Resolution and Execution , and have great reason very seriously to press and desire , that in this regard likewise the No ▪ Mightie States of all the Provinces would bee pleased , with unamous resolution to accommodate themselvs to the choosing of a Stadholder , or Stadholders ; for that wee see how it hath pleased God Almightie to bless and prosper the said form of Government hitherto , to the admiration of all the world , and it beeing much to bee feared , ( which God in mercie prevent ) Nè mutatione Reipublicae , fortuna Belgici Nominis mutetur . Tacitus hunc metum instillat , dum inquit ; Scito super omnibus negociis meliùs atque rectiùs olim provisam , & quae convertuntur , in deterius mutari : Vulgus hoc non ignorat , qui saepè experitur , quòd dum vitia quaedam vitare studet , in contraria , mul●óque majora , deteriora , ac periculosiora incurrat . Quare ▪ sanctissimum est Alcibiadis apud Thucydidem judicium , dicentis ▪ Eos tutissimè agere , qui Rempublicam administrantes in regimine & leg●bus minimum variant . To pass by , Quòd autoritas Regiminis ( quam Lipsius definit , impressam subditis exteris opinionem reverentem de Reip. Sta●u ) à constanti Reip ▪ formâ pendeat , & per innvoationem ac mu●a●ionem valdè accidatur , ac ubique vilesca● .

Lastly , there is so often made mention in the Instruction of the Council of State , as Artic. 1 , ● , 6 , 20 , 34 , and others , made in the year 1588 , of the Stadholders or Governors , as de partibus integrantibus Statnum , that thereby also it doth sufficiently appear , that our Forefathers held the Office of Stadholders very necessaire in all the respective Provinces .

Against which it is to no purpose what is alleged for the Sovereigntie of each Province , the Majestie whereof is nothing impaired , restreined or lessened by Contracts or Covenants ; for els all Kings and States should com to lose their supreme autoritie as often as they do binde themselvs to make no peace nor truce with the Common Enemie the one without the other , which beeing absurd , the foresaid assertion of like nature must needs bee as impertinent . Quid multis ? Why should the Sovereigntie bee more prejudiced by the necessitie of choosing Stadholders , then by the Obligation of making no Truce or Peace , beginning no War , imposing no Taxes , entering into no Confederacies with any neighbor-States or Princes , making no alteration in the cours of Coins , which nevertheless are the most principal marks of Supreme Autoritie . Qu●madmodum igitur libertatem non afficit nec alterat , siquis lege prohibeatur quid facere ; sic Majestatem non afficit yel imminu●t , si conventione vel foedere impediatur ho● vel illud agere , vel cogatur ad aliquid faciendum vel p●aestandum .

Besides , it is of strange consequence , that it is so positively affirmed , it should not have been lawful or allowable , at the time of making the Union , to have appointed Stadholders , the King of spain his Dominion beeing then not abjured yet , and the Stadholders then in beeing , having had their commissions from the King &c. For by this argument you may aswel condemn all the Acts of this State against the King of Spain or his Ministers before the abjuring of Holland and Zealand in the year 1580. and of Friesland 1581. nay the very Union it self to have been unlawful , and to bee of no validitie . Besides , that it is true de facto , that Count John of Nassaw , of famous memorie , was called by the States General to bee Stadholder , of Gelderland , at the desire of the said Province ; and had no commission from the King at all : and that all the Provinces beeing provided with Stadholders at the time of making the Union , they could have no thoughts then of framing a Government at any time , without Stadholders .

And that which is urged out of the word , provisionally , or by provision , inserted in the IX Article , is in truth to small purpose ; first for speaking but of particular cases ; secondly , for that in those very cases , the difference is to bee referred , to the Lords Stadholders , by provision , till it shall bee otherwise ordered by common advice of the confederates . U● Articulus IX expressè habet , cujus prior explicatio etiam ad hunc posteriorem casum pertinet , quia nulla diversitatis ratio potest dari , vel alia commodior explicatio adduci . So that however no Province can bee deprived of this provisional Remedie , nor the cours altered , but by common advice ; forasmuch as the Stadholders are to do , or administer Right in the rest of the Cases , besides the forenamed , in a principal manner and at last cast .

As for the distinction betwixt the Office of the Stad-holders and the Persons thereof , taken from these words of the IX Article [ now beeing , ] to pass by the contradictorie terms of debate ) the same savoreth more of acuteness then of probabilitie , and is partly literal , and contrarie to the meaning , intent , and design of the Confederates , which without all question was no other , but that the questions hapning to arise from the foresaid causes might aswell bee accommodated and decided by the subsequent Stad-holders , as by those that were beeing at the time of making the Union , there beeing the same ground and necessitie for either , namely , by provision , till it should bee otherwise order'd by common consent and advice , which was never don to this day . And besides , it is plain ▪ that the foresaid IX Article treat's onely of the foresaid particular cases ; and that the XVI and XXI . together with others formerly alleged , speak generally and indistinctly of all the Stad-holders , aswel to com as present ; as likewise in a special case , mentioned without the foresaid occasion , it was but lately understood by your H. M. by the Resolution of August 18. 1650 which referr●th the particulars therein mentioned to the decision of the Stadholders or Stad ▪ holholder of the Provinces at that time , with reflection to the Union and all the parts thereof .

The rest of the foresaid debate consist's in too too large an assumtion of the alleged interpretations , impertinent consequences , refutations of imaginarie objections , conceited limitations of the office of Stadholders and the like ; which are sufficiently defeated by the foregoing arguments and explication so that the Deputies shall not need to repent any , for to applie them to each point in particular . Their N. M. the Commissioners of Friesland declaring herewith , that they have no other aym in all this deduction , but in the uprightness of their hearts , zealously to maintain the common caus , and to contribute their utmost for the conservation and setling of the State , beeing not able to think on change and alterations without fear and trembling . The admitting of one , drawing along with it a great many others , and very seldom any good success ; considering withal that this State hath found so much benefit by the former way of Government ; in regard whereof the United Provinces have good reason to mind● , what was said of Rome , Moribus antiquis res stat Romana , virísque .

In prosecution and remembrance of what those of Zealand had propounded against Corruptions and receiving of presents , the Lord Jacob Vett presiding for Zealand at the Assemblie Febr. 22 , hee moved to their Hi. Mi ▪ whether , for those reasons and motives largely then deduced and insisted on by him , they did not ●inde good forthwith to order by express Resolution that such of their Hi. Mi. Deputies , or Commissioners , as should henceforward bee emploied to enter into and make any Treatie in the behalf of this State , with Ambassador or other publick Ministers of forrein Princes , Potentates and Republicks , should bee obliged before they enter upon any business of that kinde , to take such an oath mutatis mutandis , as the Lords their Hi. Mi. Extraordinarie Ambassadors and Plenipotentiaries , for the General Treatie of Peace at Munster , had solemnly taken before their going thither ; according to the 9 , and 91 Article of their Instruction .

Hereupon it was next daie expressly resolved , That all such as should for time to com bee emploied in the behalf of this State , for to make any Treatie with Embassadors and other Ministers of forrein Kings , Republicks , Princes and Lords , shall bee bound by solemn Oath to promise and swear , that before the beginning of the respective Treatie they had neither taken no● enjoied , and that during , and also after the conclusion of the Treatie , they would not take nor enjoie any Gifts or Presents , directly or indirectly , in any manner conceivable or unconceivable : but that on the contrarie , if any gifts were presented them before the beginning of the foresaid Treatie , or should bee presented them during or after the conclusion of the said Treatie , they would with all uprightness and faithfulness , and as soon as possibly might bee , without any delaie give notice thereof to their Hi. Mi. under pain of infamie and such other punishment as the condition of affairs should require . And that they shall likewise bee bound to swear , That they will ●eprightly and faithfully follow their Instruction , and the Resolution relating thereunto ▪ and contribute whatsoever shall tend most to the furthering thereof , and contrarily , to decline and oppose themselvs to whatsoever shall bee practised to retard or prejudice the same .

This same daie it was likewise found good , Letters should bee writen in friendlie terms unto the Province of Groninghen and the Omlands , that they would bee pleased to send their Deputies hitherwards , to help together with the rest of the Provinces to resolv upon the important deliberations : none beeing absent of the Principal Members but they .

Since that , there past som daies , wherein nothing was don in matters relating to the great Assemblie ; there beeing presented before them ( howbeit contrarie to the former intent and appointment of the Assemblie : ) the business of the West-Indies , the Ratification of the Danish Treatie ; The Complaints and Counter-complaints of Spain and France . Whereupon the Ambassador of Spain , the Resident Brasset , and the Roial Swedish Commissioner Appelboom had successively and respectively Audience in the Assemblie . All which not relating to our present purpose , wee pass over here .

Holland it self grew cool in pressing the business of the Militia ; whether it were that they would staie for the arrival of the English Ambassador ; to caus jealousie in the other Provinces , that Holland and Zealand alone , if need were , could so settle their affairs with England , that the rest of the Provinces should bee fain to accommodate themselvs with Holland's desires of their own accord ; or that Holland and Zealand , having now declared their minde and purpose , they would give ●acitly so much to understand , that they intended not to communicate the autoritie over the Militia in their paie any further with the rest , then according to the project of assigning the limits and distinctions of the Companies , and to leav it to the Council of State ; whereunto if the rest complied not of themselvs , Holland and Zealand would stand to it by themselvs .

Those of Drent sought and sollicited lately again by their Deputies Schickard and Str●ick , respective Recorder and secretarie of the land of Drent , in all the assemblies of the particular Provinces , their former pretence , pressed these many years , of beeing a Member of the State , as having signed together with the rest from the beginning of the Union , and having their peculiar Stadholder and Government .

And after they had sufficiently prepared the same in particular , they craved Audience in the great Assemblie , and had it Martii 2o , upon the Letters of Credence from the Drost and Deputie of the foresaid Countrie ; whereupon having wished their Hi. Mi. God's gracious and blessed assistance for their present important Deliberations , They desired , that , according to their Summons of Novemb. 6 , last , they would bee pleased to receiv them into their Assemblie , and to shew and appoint the places where they the Commissioners should in the name and behalf of the said Land of Drent , have their Ordinarie Session at and together with the rest of the Provimces ; as also , That the Deputies of the said Countrie should bee allowed Session likewise in all the Courts of the Generalitie . Hereupon it was found good , that the Retro-acta of and in regard to such matters and propositions formerly past in the Assemblie of their Hi. Mi. touching the said Countrie , should bee searched into .

It was strange to see that there was a Summons past , as from their Hi. Mi. dated Novemb. 6 , signed by the then Lord President , and addrest by the Secretarie to those of Drent ; whereby they were as well invited to com to the Great Assemblie , and to bring in their advices as the seven other Provinces . And thereupon was it , that the Deputies thence desired the Session , as was said before . The then Lord President beeing desired to shew how that abuse came , hee was able to say nothing els to it , but that such kinde of dispatches depend upon the direction , notice-taking and fidelitie of the secretarie , having all the Registers and Original Acts in his keeping ; and it beeing impossible for a President to collation every thing that is brought him for to sign , with the Registers , or to look after it whether all bee well don , there beeing somtimes twentie , thirtie and more things sent in together at one time , to bee signed in hast . However this abuse , profited those of Drent nothing , but they were silently kept without the Assemblie for all that .

That which the Deputies of the Countrie of Drent produced and presented in writting to the Lords of the great Assemblie , in grounding and justifying their Demands , is to bee seen by that which followeth , formerly exhibited by them .

High Mightie Lords !

THe Gentrie and Free-holders of the Countrie of Drent , having understood , that your Hi. Mi. were pleased of late , to issue Writ's to the Lords the States of the respective Provinces , that by occasion of the instant Treatie of Peace or Truce at Munster and Osnabrug , they would deliberate and resolv upon the necessarie means , such as should bee found fitting and requisite , for the maintenance of the State of their Countries , and in particular for a renewed confirmation of the common Union of Utrecht , in such sort , as the same was made and kept in former times ; and yet not any Notice or Writ beeing issued or sent from your Hi. Mi. unto the Countrie of Drent in that behalf , notwithstanding that the same is known to bee a fellow-member of the said Union .

They have therefore in their latest Land-day and States-Assemblie found good and necessarie , to present their just complaints or grievance in that behalf unto your Hi. Mi. and in that regard appointed and charged mee , that , after presentation of their humble service , and wishing your Hi. Mi. a long and prosperous Government , I should with all due respect and reverence , summarily again propound unto you , that which heretofore hath been so often represented here , and clearly verified by sufficient demonstrations ; viz.

That the said Countrie of Drent , hath been of old , and still continueth , an entire , formed Province , by it self and separated from others , having ever had and still having , their own peculiar perfect Members , Governments , Prerogatives , Rights , Immunities , high and low Jurisdictions , Magistrates , Name , Arms , Seal , Treasurie , Laws and Customs , altogether distinct and apart from other Provinces .

That the said Countrie likewise , even under the Soveraigns of these Countries as well by the Government of the Bishops of Utrecht , as that of the Hous of Burgundie , was never held otherwise but as one of their Neighboring Provinces . Not onely in the point of a peculiar homage , and reciprocal promises and confirmations of their Rights and Privileges ; And in the Contributions for the common Charges , whereunto the said Countrie was alwaies prai'd and entreated apart , and had thanks returned them accordingly , for their voluntarie consents , although the same did many times com far short of the summons petitioned or pra●'d for .

But likewise in the Case of summoning the Lords the States-General together , when any weightie and difficult matters , touching the common-weal of the Provinces , required their assembling , whereunto the States of the Countrie of Drent , were constantly no less called and invited by Writs , then the States of any other Countrie .

As the same appeared notably among other instances , at the time of the solemn Transport of these Netherlands by the Emperor Charls to his Son King Philip in the year 1555. at Brussels .

Unto which Act the States of the Countrie of Drent were summoned and invited by the said Emperor Charls and King Philip apart , and accordingly made their apperances ; and likewise upon the desire of the Emperor , they yielded their consent to the said Transportation , and beeing thereupon peculiarly discharged of the Oath , formerly made to the Emperor , and anew engaged to King Philip , they received likewise on the contrarie peculiarly for themselvs from the said King , the Oath and confirmation again of their Rights , Freedoms and Possessions .

The same Countrie likewise afterwards , when these Netherlands came to bee engaged in War , with the King of Spain , and by the Union of Utrecht into an nearer alliance one with another , beeing no less acknowledged , but alwaies invited and summoned by Writ , for to assist all affairs of the Countries , and to advise and deliberate together with the rest , even before such time as they were receiv'd into the said Union , it beeing a matter so known and manifest , that the said Countrie was of it self qualified and privileged to repair to and appear in the Assemblie of the States General , and that by virtue of the 3d Article of the Pacification of Ghendt , The Convocation of the States General was to bee don in the same form and manner , as it was used , when the Emperor Charls transported these Countries to his Son King Philip , where the States of the Countrie of Drent were likewise summoned apart and appear'd as well as the rest .

In regard whereof the said Countrie was held for so essential a Member of the Assemblie ; That the same was not onely summoned by Writ in the year 1579. for the sending of their Deputies together with the other Provinces , to contribute their advices and resolutions as well towards the Pacification intended at Cullen , as about the good directions of the War .

Nay even the Lords the States General themselvs , and the Archduke Matthias , Governor of these Countries have roundly declared it again and again by their Letters , that they might nor could not bring things to a Resolution , without the advice of the Countrie of Drent , and that therefore in default of sending their Deputies , or their Advice at least , they should bee necessitated , to leav the fo●esaid affairs undon .

In pursuance of this , the Gentrie and Freeholders , representing the State of the Countrie , or Countie of Drent , were solemnly and aequo Jure , as Confederates , taken and received into the Union of Utrecht , April 11ᵒ. 1580.

And thereupon they likewise had and enjoied Session and Voice at the Assemblie of the States General , negotiating in the several Courts or Colleges of the Generalitie , and continued thus , until the Countrie , to their great grief , and without any fault of theirs was rent from the Union for som time , through the loss of Groninghen , Cororden and Steenwick , and subdued by the Enemie .

The like case happened also to other their neighboring Provinces , either totally or in part , who notwithstanding the same , beeing afterwards reduced again , recovered all their former places and privileges , Jure postliminil .

So that in every regard , it is more then fitting and reasonable , that the Countrie of Drent , after their Deliverance and Reduction , bee likewise wholly restored unto and repossessed of their former state and condition .

Which your Hi. Mi. themselvs also have understood thus , and clearly manifested , in the year 1584. whenas your Hi. Mi. stood in Treatie with the King of France , after the death of the Duke of Alencon , where not onely in the 3d Article , all the Countrie 's privileges in general and in particular were reserved , but likewise , by Article 22. the condition made , That all the rest of the United Provinces , as OverYssell , Omlands and Drent ( which at that time were for the most part oppressed under the power of the Enemie ) should enjoy the same conditions with the rest ; as Reidanus doth rehears the same in the fourth book of the Netherlandish histories .

Which foresaid restitution or restoration ought to have so much the more place here , in regard of the offers and promisses , which your Hi. Mi. were pleased to make in the years 1602. and 1632. by publick Ordinances , in most ample terms , even unto such Provinces , as are yet under the Spanish Dominion , and som whereof had abandoned the Union formerly of their own voluntarie accord .

Whereas on the Contrarie the Countrie of Drent , entered into the said Union of their own free accord , and alwaies carried themselvs like faithful Confederates , and contributed to the common charges , according to , nay , sufficiently beyond their abilities , and hath not deserved in the least , to bee frustrated or deprived of their Right .

Nor can or ought the smalness of the said Countrie or their mean abilities , prejudice them ought , beeing that notwithstanding the said Considerations , they were received into the Union and into the general Assemblie aequo jure , so long ago , by reason whereof they cannot now in that regard bee rejected .

It beeing moreover well known , that it doth happen but seldom , that all Confederated members are alwaies alike able and powerful , enjoying nevertheless alike Right of Session and suffrages ; as wee finde it practised of old in the confederacie between the mightie King of Persia and those of Thebes , and by that of the Athaeans , and at this very daie in the Covenant and Cantons of Switzerland ; yea , not to go far , in these very United Provinces of the Netherlands , and their Members and Cities in particular .

Besides that the said Countrie of Drent is not so small neither , or of so little consideration , but that in regard of the situation shee is the Keie of 2 or 3 of her neighboring allied Provinces , in which the Countries in general are not a little concerned .

No more can it prejudice the said Countrie , that divers and som particular Cities also were admitted into the Union , which nevertheless had no Session nor Voice in the general Assemblie ; There beeing a vast difference betwixt one or more particular Cities of a Province , which which were meerly received into the Union , without allowing them Session among the States of the Provinces , and betwixt an entire formed Countrie or Province , such as the Countrie of Drent is , which , as it was abovementioned , had both Session and Voice in the said Assemblie , suo jure , even before the constituting of the said Union , and was afterwards by the rest of the Provinces and Confederates solemnly called and admitted , not onely to the Union simply , but likewise to the Session and Right of voicing ; nay , and held and acknowledged too , for so necessarie a member of the said Assemblie , That without them and their Resolutions , no final Resolution could bee taken in any point concerning Peace or War , or other weightie affairs of the Land , by the States General , according to their own Declaration .

Nor are there any considerable Reasons of State , which can prejudice the just Right they have , what ever was pretended formerly ; it beeing plain , That no better Maximes or Foundations of State , can possibly bee found or laid , then that which God the onely Autor and Founder of all well constituted Governments , hath laid himself , saying , In Justitiâ stabilietur Thronus Regis .

And that there is nothing more just , nor more conformable to the Divine , Natural and National Right throughout the Univers , then that solemnly contracted Covenants and sworn Confederacies bee Religiously observed and kept .

And on the contrarie , that it is repugnant against all Jura Societatis & Foederum , that the one shall go about to usur pover the other .

Even as your Hi. Mi. themselvs do understand it , declaring in one of your Resolutions ( that of Sept. 1. 1592. ) most worthily , That the welfare of the Land in general , and of every Province in particular is especially concerned and conversant therein . That every one bee mainteined in his proper Rights and Privileges , the Arms having been taken up and continued hitherto for that very purpose ; and that so doing according to the General Union sworn unto by all the Provinces , without the least attemt of usurping over , or supplanting the one the other , God Almightie would doubtless bless the Common Caus , and grant it an happie issue ; and doing contrarie , it would certainly multiplie mischiefs and hale on Judgments for the future upon them .

And least som should pretend and saie , that the Countrie of Drent hath been careless and negligent about their Right in this behalf , and if not expressly , at least tacitly given up the same ; it is manifest enough , that for the recovering of their former state and condition , they have presently after their reduction and deliverance out of the hands of the Enemie , and afterwards from time to time made their reiterated address of Grievances , Remonstrances and sollicitations to your Hi. Mi.

And among the rest , in the year 1618 , by a well-grounded Remonstrance , with annexed Evidences ; whereof Copies are presented herewithal , in which their foresaid Right is most clearly deduced and demonstrated .

Insomuch also , that your Hi. Mi. having heard the report of the Committee-Lords , appointed for the Examination of all the Papers and the Testimonies , the business hath appeared of that soliditie , that having taken it into your Consideration , and communicated with his Excellencie Prince Maurice of Orange , of immortal memorie , and with his Honor Count William of Nassaw of happpie remembrance , as Stadtholder for to take their advice therein ; The same was , that Copies ought to bee taken of the said Remonstrance and annexed Papers to bee sent to all the United Provinces , and to recommend the desires grounded thereupon unto them : and notwithstanding that , allow the said Countrie Session in the Council of State , without henceforward putting them any more or otherwise to Consents about Subsidie-matters then by waie of Proposition . Whereupon your Hi. Mi. were pleased to transmit the Copies of the said Remonstrance and annexed papers to all the Provinces , and seriously to recommend the same business , that at convenient opportunities , and and at their Land-daies , they might ripely examine the whole matter , and having considered thereof , charge and and autorize their respective Commissioners at the Assemblie General , that with common advice of all the Provinces , the foresaid desires of the Countrie of Drent might bee resolved upon as was fitting ; all which appeareth by the Resolutions of Octob. 27 , 1618 , and by your Hi. Mi. serious Letters of Recommendation of the same date .

Which produced this effect , that som Provinces declared thereupon , that they would charge and autorize their Deputies at the Assemblie , to advance such a Resolution , as should give content to the Countrie of Drent , and that none should thereby bee prejudiced in his just caus and right . Som also effectually did charge their Deputies by express resolution in that behalf ; and som plainly to consent to the desire of the said Countrie , beeing the same was found to bee grounded on reason ; as appear's by the respective Resolutions annexed .

However , the success failing for that time , there were new applications made in this behalf in the year 1632. And though then likewise there were anew som Lords of the Assemblie appointed , viz. one of every Province , to re-examine all the Papers ; which Lords made a very ample report to the Assemblie , to clear the matter and justifie the desire .

Nevertheless the justly exspected and long'd for fruits could hitherto not bee obteined ; but wee must see and suffer , that the States of the Countrie of Drent , in lieu of having in the Bishop's times of Utrecht , and those of the King of Spain , been sought unto by waie of Petition or Praier , to contribute to the Common Charges , and received courteous thanks for their Consents , They are awed now by their own Confederates , and dealt with little better then Tributaries .

That instead of beeing as formerly they were , both under the Souvereigns , and at the beginning of the present Government solemnly summoned , and called as well as the States of other Provinces , to the Assemblie of the States General , for to assist the Deliberations and Resolutions of all affairs of importance , touching the common interest , as also they did appear accordingly , and had their Deputies in all the Courts or Colleges of the Generalitie ; They are shut out now from them all , and from all Common Consultations , and contemtibly past by , even now at this solemn occasion of deliberating what Resolutions to pass , not onely in regard of the affairs of the instant Treatie at Munster and Osnabrug , but also about the reconfirming of the Union of Utrecht ; in which matters nevertheless , there may not bee any progress made according to the 9 and 22 Article of the said Union , without the common advice and consent of the United Provinces ; no otherwise , then as if the Countrie of Drent had never been , or was no more a Member of the Union .

All this to their palpable despect , great prejudice , grievance and no less sensibleness and just discontent .

Wherefore they are necessitated once again , submissively to praie and entreat , that in regard of the reasons alleged , and former large deductions made in this behalf , together with a reflection to their faithful services and endeavors , which according to their slender abilitie , they have alwaies willingly contributed for the common safetie and support of these Countries , Your Hi. Mi. would bee pleased at length to let them freely use and enjoy the Right which of all old times did belong unto , and was never disputed nor denied them by any Government .

That so they may not onely assist the present Deliberations about the affairs touching the foresaid Munster and Osnabruge . Treatie , and the further confirmation of the Common Union ; But also henceforward have libertie to com together with other Provinces their Neighbors and Confederates into your Hi. Mi. Assemblie , to have Session and Voice there , and to enjoie all such other dignities as formerly they had , and to participate such other advantages as the Jura Societatis aequo Jure coïtae ( the Rights of such Societies ) import .

And that in point of Contribution or Consent , our said Countrie bee no further troubled with impositions as hitherto , or any otherwise then the rest of the Provinces are dealt with in that particular .

Which besides , that is a thing agreeable to all Right , Reason and Equitie , shall give so much the more caus to the States of the said Countrie , to continue their wonted zeal for the service of the Land and common interest , as good and faithful Confederates .

( Another Deduction was presented to the States General in the year 1618 , consisting of the same materials , which therefore was held needless to insert ; as well as their manifold Evidences and Testimonies hinted above ; the perusal whereof would bee too tedious , and is besides the scope of this Treatise ) .

SAturday Martii 10o. there beeing but little ▪ treated of the 3 main points in the great Assemblie , as was said before , those of Friesland , presiding , they propounded , whether it were not good , to adjourn the Assemblie for a time ; beeing that in several Provinces , there were Land-daies to bee kept about that time ; whereupon five Provinces , 14ᵒ. advised for the Continuation of the Assemblie , those of Holland having Remonstrated , that it would bee a great Disreputation for the State , to part without som Notable Resolution , the world beeing in great exspectation , what this great meeting would effect , towards the settling of their Unitie : and would bee ready to interpret the parting a rupture of the Union , or at least a great disorder .

Next daie after those of Friesland were desired , to declare themselvs touching the two points heretofore propounded by those of Holland , viz. the Direction and Disposition in militarie affairs , together with the giving of Patents or Commissions .

Upon the 18th the said 2 points beeing taken into further Debate , and a further proposition likewise presented by the Lords of Gelderland and som other Provinces , that there might bee a Committee appointed , of som few members of this Assemblie , for to examine the several Advices and Considerations of the respective Provinces , brought in by them upon the case of his Highˢ departure ; and to see wherein they were agreeing or differing , and thereupon to frame a Reconciliatorie Model : the foresaid matter was put by yet , and the Provinces , which had not yet declared themselvs about the foresaid 2 points , and others concerning the direction and employ of the Militia , were most friendly and seriously desired , to do the same with the first , and without further delaie .

The 22th , at length there were som Commissioners named for every Province for to examine and review all the Considerations and Advices successively from time to time , brought in , by the respective Provinces upon the business touching the Direction and Disposition over the Militia , and the giving of Patents , and presented to the Assembli● ; and to observ how and in what points they were agreeing together , and wherein disagreeing yet , thence to frame in writing an Advice Conciliatorie , and to make report of all to their Hi. Mi. provided , that every Province should have libertie to augment or diminish the Number of their said Deputies , at their own pleasure .

Next daie it was found good , that there should not bee above 3 from each Province , at the Committee for the business Conciliatorie .

On the 24th the Lords of Gelderland gave in this ensuing motion .

The Province of Gelderland desireth the great Assemblie , That their H. M. would bee pleased ,

That Letters bee writen to the Commanders of the Garrisons in the Cities having voice in the State , to this end , that the said Commanders or their Majors shall henceforward not assume to themselvs the keeping of the Keies , opening and shutting of the Gates , or the giving of the word , but that the same shall wholly and solely remain in the power of the Magistrates of the foresaid Cities , having voice in the State .

Secondly , That the foresaid Commanders with the Council of War in the foresaid Cities , shall no further use or extend Militarie Jurisdiction , but for neglects and trespassings in in marches and watches , going over to the Enemie , deserting the Companies , or running from one Companie to the other , without Passport , together with such other exorbitances and delinquencies , as may happen to bee committed , between officers and Souldiers or among themselvs and no further ; insomuch that for other offences , whether Criminal or Civil , the Militarie persons shall bee subject and liable to bee apprehended and executed by the Civil or Political Judg ▪ whose sentence is to bee executed according to the order of the Land , even with extent , in case of Debts and the like , and default of others means , upon the Wages of the partie condemned .

Lastly , that the Companies both hors and foot in Garrison at present , or for time to com , within the foresaid Citie , shall according to the 7th Article of the Union , make Oath to the Magistrates of the said Cities , without prejudicing the common Oath made or yet to bee made to the United Provinces together , or the particular and respective ones ; as likewise to the chief officers in the open Countrie where the said Militia shall bee disposed of .

By this occasion it was likewise propounded , whether it were not expedient to nominate a Committee , for to draw the formes of the Oath to bee made by the Militia respectively . 1. To the Confederates in general . 2. To the Provinces their paymasters . 3. To the Provinces where they shall bee employ'd . 4. To the Magistrates of the Cities , and the Officers of the open Countrie , where they shall bee put in Garrison , all to this end , that the foresaid Oaths may not chance to thwart and contrarie one the other .

Which beeing taken into Deliberation , The Provinces desired and took Copies thereof , and next daie it was found good , That in conformitie thereof , Letters should bee writen to the Commanders of the Garrisons in the Cities of Gelderland , having voice in the State , to the end , that the foresaid Commanders or their Majors , shall henceforward not assume to themselvs the keeping of the keies , opening and shutting of the Gates , or the giving of the Word , but leav the same wholly and solely to the Magistrates of the foresaid Cities , having voice in the State .

Secondly , That the foresaid Commanders with the Council of War in the foresaid Cities shall not have power to use or extend the Militarie Jurisdiction any further , then over neglects and trespassings in marches and watches , going over to the Enemie , deserting of the Companies , or running from one Companie to another without passport , together with such Exorbitances and Delinquencies , which officers and Souldiers may chance to commit among themselvs , or one against the other , and no further : insomuch that for all other offences , whether Criminal or Civil , the militarie persons shall bee subject and lyable to bee apprehended , proceeded against , sentenced and executed by the Judges Civil or Political , whose sentence shall bee put in Execution , according to the order of the Land , and extend in matter of debts and the like , and default of other means , to the very wages of the partie condemned .

Furthermore , their Hi. M. declared upon the proposition aforesaid , that the companies both hors and foot , lying in Garrison at present , or to bee laid hereafter within the said Cities , shall conformably to the VIIth Article of the Union , make Oath to the Magistrate of the said Cities , without prejudicing the Oath alreadie made or yet to bee made to the United Provinces together , or the particular and respective ones , as also to the officers of the open Countrie where the foresaid Militia may bee disposed of ▪

Which occasion it was likewise found good , that by certain Commissioners to bee nominated , there should bee drawn up the forms of the Oath to bee made to the Confederates in general , the Provinces having besides undertaken reciprocally by their Deputies to communicate one to another in this behalf , the respective forms of Oath to bee made by the said Militia to the Provinces their Paymasters , as also to the Provinces , where they shall bee employ'd , and to the Magistrates of the Cities , and Officers of other places in the open Countrie , where the same may happen to bee put in Garrison , all to this end , that the foresaid Oaths may not thwart and contrarie one another .

On the 28 it was found good , that in the Conciliatorie Conference about the points touching the Direction and Disposition of the Militarie Affairs , the Advices or Votes should bee gathered not by the Heads , but by the Provinces : That the said Conference should bee begun that same afternoon , precisely at 4 of the clock , in the place of the Ordinarle Assemblie of their Hi. Mi. and the Provinces were desired to take notice of the said precise time for the Conferences by their Deputies , that thereby the business might bee expedited with all promtitude , and report made to their Hi. Mi. as soon as could bee ; it beeing found good likewise , that the Secretarie of their Hi. Mi. should bee added to the said Deputies at the conference ; and this their Hi. Mi. Resolution past without any further Resumtion .

Touching the Oath to bee made , and things annexed with it , those of Holland made a Draught , and brought in this ensuing Report .

Noble , Great Mightie Lords !

THe Members of Dort , Amsterdam and Alcmar having in pursuit of the Commission given them by your N. Gr. M. Febr. 25 last , advised upon and brought to paper two forms of Oaths to bee made by the Souldierie , keeping Garrison within this Province , into the hands of your N. G. M. and the Magistrates of the Cities respectively ; together with the report made by them in that behalf , they mooved and presented to your Hi. Mi. these ensuing Considerations .

First , touching the Oath to bee made to your No. Gr. Mi.

1. By what persons the said Oath is to bee made or taken .

2. Where and into whose hands the said Oath is to bee plighted .

3. Whether the form formerly agreed upon to bee put in practice , shall bee communicated to the other Provinces , yea or no.

4. Whether the Souldierie once sworn , and after having been emploied forth the Province , shall bee bound upon their return to bee new sworn , yea or no.

And as for plighting the Oath to the Magistrates of the Cities .

1. Likewise to whom the same shall bee made .

2. Whether the same shall bee taken in all the Cities , or not , and what distinction there is to bee made therein .

3. Whether the Oath beeing once taken by the Souldierie , if the same march forth to other parts , and com again afterwards , they shall bee put anew to their Oath , or not .

4. Whether those Cities which were wont heretofore to caus som Articles to bee sworn to ▪ or after subscription promise to bee made for the observing thereof , shall notwithstanding the foresaid Oath , continue that said custom of theirs : and withall , whether other Cities also may frame such like Articles , and in what manner .

And the foresaid Committee having desired to understand the intentions of your N. Gr. M. upon these considerations , your N. Gr. M ▪ were pleased by a further Resolution of Febr. 27 , to desire their further advice also in that behalf .

In conformitie whereunto , the foresaid Committee , after several debates about the said subjects , have found good ( under Correction of your N. Gr. M. ) to advise upon the foresaid Articles in manner as followeth .

Vpon the first Article touching the Oath to bee plighted to your N. Gr. Mi.

THat the said Oath is to bee taken by all the Colonels and Commanders beeing within this Province , and exercising any Command over any forces in Garrison therein ; and that by all and every Colonel , Lievtenant-Colonel , Sergeants , Major , Ritmasters , Captains , and all other inferior Officers indifferently , whether the Troops or Companies under them lie all together within the said Province , or but a part of them bee there in Garrison .

That the same bee likewise don by all common or private souldiers none excepted .

Vpon the second Article .

THat all the forenamed Officers unto Ritmasters and Captains inclusively , ought to bee summoned to make their appearance here in the Hague with the soonest , and beeing com to take their Oath in your N. G. M. Assemblie , or in case of your absence and not-sitting , before your Commissioned Counsel , with erected fingers in the wonted solemnitie .

That Commissioners bee appointed from among your N. G. M. Assemblie , to make a progress through all the parts and places of this Province , where any Souldierie is lying in Garrison , and there in the presence of the foresaid officers , to take the oath of all the inferior officers and private or common Souldiers , as said is .

And that in regard of the Souldierie which for the future may com forth of other Provinces to bee put in Garrison here , or may bee newly raised for the service of the Countrie , such a cours may bee taken , That the officers thereof unto Ritmasters and Captains inclusively , shall by Patent or Commission from your N. G. M. and Letters to that purpose bee summoned to repair hither , to have the Oath administred to them as before ; as also those officers might bee dealt with , who not beeing of your N. G. Ms. Repartition , may bee remitted hither from som other Provinces ; and that for asmuch as concern's the Souldierie of your N. G. M. own Repartition , the Oath might likewise bee taken here from the Lievtenants and Ensigns ; beeing the same are to receiv their Commissions here in loco . That besides all the rest of the Souldierie , or the commers in from without the Province , or the new raised men , within such Cities and places , where there are Governors or Commanders settled by your N. Gr. M. should bee sworn by the said Governors or Commanders ; and in the rest of the Cities and places , by the Magistrates there , or otherwise by their Captains , and in their absence , by such other officers , as shall then bee present there , commanding the Souldiers : and that for that end the foresaid Commanders , Magistrates , Captains and other officers , shall bee Commissioned by special Missives or Acts to take the foresaid Oath from such , and the same bee read aforehand publickly and plainly before them , which are to take the oath .

Vpon the third Article .

THat the form of the Oath , before spoken of , is fit to bee communicated with the Lords of Zealand ; and that beeing don , it might bee deliberated afterwards , whether it should bee needful to make any further Communication thereof to other Provinces .

Vpon the fourth Article .

THat the Souldierie , notwithstanding they may have taken the oath once or oftner , yet as often as they shall have been forth the Province , and bee returned again , they shall bee bound to take it anew , in manner aforesaid .

Touching the Oath to bee made by the Souldierie , to the Magistrates of the Cities . Vpon the first Article .

THat the same ought to bee taken not onely by all such as shall have any command over the Souldierie there in Garrison , whether their Troops or Companies bee there compleat or but in part , ( comprehending herewith likewise the Commanderies in the Cities , having Voice in the Assemblie , ) but also by all the common Souldiers indifferently .

Vpon the second Article .

THat in the other Cities , where Governors and Commanders are appointed , under-officers and common Souldiers , shall take the foresaid oath without any let or contradiction of the Governor .

Vpon the third Article .

THat the Souldierie beeing gon forth the Citie upon other employments , and returning afterwards again , shall bee bound to take the oath anew .

Vpon the fourth Article .

THat besides the foresaid oath there ought no other Articles to bee sworn to ; nevertheless where it hath been the custom formerly , it shall bee in the choice of those Cities , to make the Captains promise and subscribe likewise , if they think good : and that the rest of the Cities may also make or receiv such of the like Articles at their pleasure .

Herewith the foresaid Committee trust to have satisfied your N. G. M. intention , referring all to their further order and Disposition .

Don and advised thus , by the foresaid Committee-Members of your N. G. M. the last daie of March 1651.

Draught of The Form of Oath , to bee taken by the Souldierie , keeping Garrison within the Province of Holland and West-Friesland , in relation to , and before the States thereof or their Committees .

WEe do promiss and swear unto the States General of the United Netherlands , such as shall continue to maintain the Union and maintenance of the true Christian Religion , and by Name to the States of Holland and West-Friesland , to bee true and faithful to them , to serv them uprightly and faithfully , for the defens of the foresaid United Netherlands , and by name , the Countries of Holland and West-Friesland , the Quarters , Cities or Members thereof , against all their Enemies ; to bee obedient to the said Lords the States of Holland and West-Friesland or their Commissioned Counsel , whiles wee are in the said Province , in such things as they shall command us , for the furthering of the service and defens of the foresaid Countries , to help protect the foresaid Provinces from inquarterings and throughfairs of other forces ▪ as also not to march within this same Province , but by and upon Patent or Commission of the foresaid Lords the States of Holland and West-Friesland , or their Commissioned Council , and consequently in every thing to submit and follow all the Orders and Articles of War . So truly God Almightie help us .

Draught of The form of Oath to bee taken by the Captains and Officers , before the Magistrates of the Cities where they are lying in Garrison with their Companies respectively .

I Do promiss and swear to bee true and faithful with the Companie under mee , unto this Citie and the Magistrates thereof , and faithfully to serv and obey them in what they shall command mee for the maintenance , service and tranquillitie of their Citie , and in particular against all uproars and sedition , the commands which the Lords the States of this Province or their Commission'd Council shall give mee . So truly &c.

Upon the 22 of March , the Nobilitie , Gentrie and Cities of Braband , resorting under the State , did likewise address themselvs unto the Great Assemblie ; and as in the year 1648. before and at the conclusion of the Peace they had presented a certain long Deduction or Remonstrance ; so they did now also that which here ensueth , and desired to have Audience ; carrying themselvs in the Superscription of their Address and in the Text it self , not as Petitioners , by waie of humble or submissive request , but as fellow Confederates , and that which is more , as the first Member of the Union . They had sent divers of their own into the particular Provinces before , to recommend their affair ; where they received courteous indeed , but onely general and no concluding Answers and Resolutions from them .

The Deduction of the Nobilitie , Gentrie and Cities of Braband , Vnited and associated with the rest of the Vnited Netherlandish Provinces , shewing how well they are grounded in their desire presented to the Generalitie .

PHILIP , surnamed the Good , Duke of Burgundie , Earl of Flanders , Arthois , &c. beeing by right of Collateral succession becom Duke of Braband and Limburg , and of the lands of Over-Mase , Earl of Hainoult , Holland , Zealand and West-friesland ; and by purchase , Duke of Lutsenberg , Earl of Namen , and Lord of Mechelen ; Hee first joined all these Countries ( beeing formerly under several Lords ) into One Bodie .

Emperor Charls the V. afterwards having gotten likewise the Over-Rhenish Provinces of Friesland , Utrecht and Over-Yssel , Groning●en and the Omlands , Gelderland and Zu●phen , for himself and his Heirs and posteritie , as Dukes of Br●band , and Earls of Holland ; and having reduced and reannexod to that Bodie certain considerable parcels , which for a long time had been alienated and distracted ; Hee , in the year 1549 , with consent and at the desire of the State● of those Countries made a fundamental Law or Sancti●● to that end and purpose , That all the foresaid Netherlands should thenceforward for ever remain united in one Bodie , under one Prince onely .

And when after in the year 1555 , the foresaid Emperor resigned the Sovereigntie over these Netherlands unto his Son King Philip the second , taking his leav of all the Provinces , hee exhorted them that notwithstanding the Countries were divers and separated in themselvs , yet all of them making but one Bodie , the Members of that bodie ought still to help , assist , and succor one another ; considering , that without such a Concord and Conjunction among them , the Enemies would easily get great advantage upon , and means to surprize and invade them ; when as on the contrarie , they remaining united together , and assisting one another , experience had shewed what they were able to perform in resisting those that durst attemt to hurt or molest them .

After the Peace concluded at Camerick in the year 1559 , all the States together unanimously resolved to keep out all Spanish and forrein forces , and promised each other ever to continue so doing .

After which , the troubles and bloodie Wars ensuing in the Netherlands , the most principal of the said Countries allied themselvs together from the very beginning for their Common Libertie , and opposed themselvs jointly with common advice and aid , goods and blood , against the Inquisition and Spanish Tyrannie .

The Confederated Nobilitie , who in the year 1566 , presented their Petition to the Duchess of Parma at Brussels , as to the Governess of these Countries , were indeed som out of all Provinces , but most of them of Braband and Flanders .

And the men of Brussels were those which principally opposed themselvs against the execution of the Tenth penie , notwithstanding that the Duke d'Alva was present then within their Citie , and had a strong Garrison of Spaniards about him .

Whereupon there following that unexspected beginning of the Deliverance by the taking in of the Briel , most of the Cities of Holland and Zealand joined themselvs together for Libertie ; at which time those of Braband and other adjacent and Inland-Countries , beeing oppressed and opposed by the Tyrannie of Duke d'Alva with Castles and strong Garrisons , had not yet found or met with the conveniencie and opportunitie which they of Holland and Zealand had of casting off the Spanish Yoke ; but the Citie of Anwerp was plundered first twice over by the Spaniards .

At the Treatie of Peace at Breda in the year 1575 , the Deputies of the Prince of Orange , the States and Cities of Holland and Zealand , Bommel and Buren with their associates , and som particular Noblemen out of other Provinces treated there with the King's Commissioners .

In the time of greatest streight , when as North Holland and South-Holland through the loss of Haerlem ; and the Province of Zealand through that of Ziriksea and the land of Sc●owen were rent and divided within themselvs , and one from another ; Then was made the Pacification of Ghendt , viz. in the year 1576 ( whereof the States of Braband were the first and principal Autors ) on the one side , not onely by the Deputies of the Prelates , Nobilitie , Cities and Members of Braband , Flanders , Arthois and Henioult , but also by particular Cities and Countries of their own accord , as by the Cities of Valencien and Dormick , the land of Turnetis , those of the Cities of Ryssell , Douny and Orchies , and those of the Citie of Mechelen representing the States of those Provinces , Cities and Countries ; and on the other side , by the Deputies autorized by the Prince of Orange , the States of Holland and , Zealand and their Associates . And there was concluded by the parties and Countries aforesaid an Everlasting Firm Peace , Confederacie and Union , to the end that the Inhabitants of all the Netherlands beeing united together by indissoluble Friendship and Agreement , should at all times , and upon all occasions assist each other with Counsel , Aid , Goods and blood , and especially for to expel out of these Countries , and to keep out of them all Spanish and other forrein souldiers and their adherents , and to restore unto them the use of their own Rights , Privileges , Customs and Liberties .

According to which the said States compelled the Germane forces to abandon the Cities of Ziericksea , Berg op Zome , Steenberghen , Stolen , the Bosch , Breda , Grave , Campen , Deventer , and made themselvs masters of and demolished the Castles of Utrecht , Antwerp and Groninghen .

But whereas it was found , that since the foresaid Pacification , the Spaniards with Don John sought all means whereby to reduce the Countries under their slaverie , and both by force of arms and practises to divide and dismember the Provinces , and to nullifie the Union made by the foresaid Pacification ; therefore the Nobilitie of the Principalitie of Gelders and Countie of Zutphen , the States of Holland , Zealand , Utrecht and Friezish Omlands betwixt the Ems and Lawers , did , for the eschewing of further separation among the foresaid Provinces and particular Members thereof , enter in a streighter and more particular League , Union , and Confederacie , for ever to remain in all manner and condition , as if they were all of them but one Province ; without ever separating or suffering themselvs to bee separated for any caus whatsoëver , engaging themselvs one to another to maintein and protect each other 's special and particular privileges with bodie and goods , against all and every one that should make or attemt any actual breach therein , and against all forrein powers which should go about to offer them any wrong or violence , or make war upon them , either in general or particular . Which foresaid nearer Union beeing made at Utrecht , and published there from the Town-hous Januarie 29 , 1579 , was likewise approved and signed by divers of the Nobilitie , Gentrie and Cities , which were not qualified for to represent the States of their Provinces ; as among many others , by the Prince of Orange , and the Citie of Breda , who had their Deputies there at the Assemblie of the States General of the United Netherlands ; as may bee evidenced by many and divers Writs of Summons and Commissions .

But within a little while after the said Union was likewise accepted of and entred into in the name and behalf of the States and Provinces of Braband , and the same beeing published in a special manner with the Citie of Bosch ; the said States , according to the antient custom , sent their Deputies to the Assemblie of the forementioned States General ; and thereby the foresaid particular Deputation began to surceas .

But admit , the Province of Braband had not accepted of the Union afterwards ; the Prince of Orange and Citie of Breda , &c. would undoubtedly have remained particular Members of the said Union , and kept their place and voices in the same .

The Condition of affairs beeing changed , truly , since the foresaid Prince and his Illustrious Successors , have , together with the Cities of Berg op Zome and Willemstadt , hitherto assisted the said Union with all means possible , and constantly adhered thereunto ; and ●ince the Cities of the Bosch , Breda , Grave , Steenberghen , beeing forcibly withdrawn from the Union , and reduced under it again by the arms of their Confederates ; the said Cities ought not therefore , contrarie to the express sens of the common Union , bee excluded from the same .

The rather , for that the said Cities stand , as to this , in the same degree with divers others , which at present have part and share in the General Government .

The Illustrious Hous of Nassaw is , next God Almightie , a principal means of the preservation and recovered Libertie of the United Countries .

Nor hath any of the foresaid Braband-Cities ever purposely separated from the common Bodie of the United Provinces , contrarie to the contract made with them , and solemnly confirmed ; but they were all of them rent away from the same by the Power of the Enemie , or the Treacherie of others , without any fault of their own , nay to their great grief and sorrow ; and therefore they have no waies merited to bee proscribed or outlawed by the States of the United Provinces , so as those of Brug or Bruges , and the land Van Vrye were in the year 1584 , and those of Venlo in the year 1586.

Unto whom nevertheless , as well as to the other revolted Provinces and Cities , it was offered by the Treatie made not long ago with France , That in case any Provinces , Cities , Princes or Lords came to join themselvs for the establishing of a Peace and their Freedoms , the said King and States would take them into protection and Confederacie , and make a League with them Offensive and Desensive ; and in case three or four Cities surrendred themselvs together , the same should have power to make a free bodie of State apart .

The State of Braband were they , which together with those of Gelders and Zutphen , Holland , Zealand , Mechelin and Utrecht , for the protection and safegard of their mutual and common Rights , Privileges and Customs , and the freedom of their Native Countries , made that solemn Decree of Julie 26 , 1581 , whereby the King of Spain was declared to have forfeited the Sovereigntie of the foresaid Netherlands ; and ordeined in conformitie to the Union of Utrecht , that instead of the King's Seals there should henceforward bee used the Great Seal , counter-seal and signet of the States General of the United Provinces in matters touching the Politick administration of justice and other particular affairs in each Province apart , there should bee used by the Provincial and other Counsels , the Name Title and Seat of the Countries , respectively ; where the matter happen's to bee don , and no other ; all upon pain of all such Letters , Judgments or Dispatches Nullitie , which shall bee expedited or sealed contrarie to the waie prescribed .

As the Treatie of the States of Braband , Gelderland , Flanders , Holland and West-Friesland , Zealand , Zutphen , Utrecht , Friesland and Mechelin , with the king , touching the Transportation or surrender of the Soveraigntie , the States propounded to the King in the Articles , agreed upon among themselvs , That the King ought to reduce under his obedience the Cities and open Countrie , taken by the Enemies and join them to the Provinces again , to which they belonged , not suffering in any wise that the contracting Provinces should bee rent or torn asunder at any time , the one from the other .

It is confessed indeed , that after the loss of Antwerp in the year 1585. Richard of Merode Lord of Oirschot , the Lord van Poderlo , van der Werck and van der Menlen , Deputies of Braband in the Generalitie , taking their leav or farewel from the Ordinarie Assemblie of the States General , made this request , That the Lords the States would bee pleased to take that care of the remaining Cities of Braband , that they might bee dealt with conformably to the Privilege of the said Countrie .

But those foresaid Deputies ( beeing swai'd by their particular interest , ) were charged with no such thing by their Principals , and therefore could not draw any prejudice thereby , upon the Rights of the rest of the Nobilitie Gentrie and Cities of Braband , which continued in the Union , and afterwards were again reduced under it .

Whereupon followed , that Counsellor Bruyninex , beeing appointed by Prince Maurice , and the Lords of Lockeren , Sonsveld and Tameren , did in the years 1586. 1587. 1588. both in their own behalf and that of the other Nobilitie and Gentrie , together with the Deputies of the Citie of Berg op Zome , seek and solicite as well by writing as word of mouth , That without impediment they might govern , and administer their State in particular , and that in matters touching the Generalitie , such as are , the consent of Subsidies for war , the framing out and collecting of Imposts , the appointing of Licences or free passages , augmentation of services , and the like , they may have such a part and cognizance , as those of Braband which are under the Generalitie , ought to have by virtue of the Common Union .

Upon which Motions and Desires , after several Communications , both before Commissioners of the States General , and at the Assemblie it self , their Hi. Mi. were pleased at last to declare , That in this posture and condition of Braband , They could not acknowledg or hold them otherwise , then their Associates , and not as States of Braband .

And by an Act of that year 1588. Prince Maurice of happie memorie was appointed Captain General over the Cities , Forts and Forces in Braband .

And the Council of State Autorised , provisionally , to govern and direct all matters regarding the Government of Braband , in the Name of the States General , in respect of the State of Braband for that time , without prejudice to the States of Braband , beeing of this side , and to the Citie likewise of Berg op Zome ; with this promiss annexed ▪ That in case hereafter there should bee any Treatie set on foot , about a General Peace , or transportation of the Soveraigntie of the Lands in general , then the foresaid Nobilitie and Gentrie of Braband and the Governors of Berg op Zome , should bee summoned .

Which beeing promised them , in regard but of one Citie ; what consideration ought there to have been of the present State of Braband ; whenas not onely one Capital Citie or Metropolis , but other Considerable ones likewise are reunited to the Union , which formerly had Writs sent them to com to the Assemblie of the States , and accepted of the Union .

During the above said sollicitation , Prince Maurice had in the year 1587. put and autorised som to bee Counsellors of Braband , in matters of justice , who were to administer the same in several parts and relations ; till in the year 1591. the States General of the United Provinces , instead of a Chancerie and Fief-Court , appointed a Council of Braband ; under this Declaration , That having taken into their special Consideration , how the Countrie , the Nobilitie , Gentrie , Cities , Liberties , Villages and other Inhabitants of Braband , which remained in the Union of the Netherlands , and those which were afterwards reduced , or yet might bee , through the blessing of God , might bee governed in good order , policie and Justice ; They ordained &c. without impairing or prejudicing the Privileges and Rights of the Land of Braband , and of the Nobilitie , Gentrie , Cities , Liberties , Villages and the Inhabitants thereof .

Afterwards in the year 1600 , when by the States General there was introduced at Berg op Zome and Breda a higher raising of the general means , and complaint presented thereupon in these Cities behalf , shewing , That the said Cities , for matter of means , contributions and the like burthens , were not dealt withal , according to their old Rights and Privileges of Braband ; the said States General declared thereupon , That they judged , the Remonstrants ought , as members of the Common Union , bear the burthen together with their Neighbors ; and if thereafter there should bee occasion of any high or new raising of means , they should have Writs sent them first , to com to the Assemblie of the States General , with the same autoritie , as they should have in those matters among the States-Assemblie of Braband , if the same could bee formed in due maner .

In this foresaid State and Government did the affairs of Braband remain , notwithstanding , That their state and condition was much strengthened and enlarged from time to time , through the Reduction of the Cities of Breda , Steenbergen , Grave , the Bosch , Mastricht &c. insomuch , That the State of Braband , holding it with the United Netherlands , consist's at present , in six strong and walled Cities , besides Mastricht , and divers others belonging thereunto , and therewithal an exceeding great District of open Countrie , full of liberties , villages and Habitations resorting under it extending it self to 30 leagues in length and 10 more in breadth , and making up the greater half in ground of the whole Dukedom of Braband .

Before the troubles those of Flanders , in the ( Beden ) petitionings , and contributions , were commonly taxed with a third part of the general sum ; which was asked and granted throroughout all the Netherlands : Braband with a fourth part ; Holland with a fourth part of the rate of Flanders .

But Braband beeing impoverished by the warr , and Holland with the other United Provinces , enriched ; shall the hard fortune , that those of Braband were expelled and banished for the common caus , their Cities forced , taken and plunder'd by the Enemies &c. Bee the ground and reason of forfeiting their Libertie ?

From all which resulteth and appeareth sufficiently , that the Netherlands though divided and separated the one Province from the other , do constitute or make up but one bodie , beeing allied together equally , atque aequo foedere and so that none of them hath any right of Superioritie or Dominion over the other ; for confirmation whereof , may bee alleged , that which Prince William of Orange , of happie memorie , and the State of Holland and Zealand , writing in the year 1573 to the King of Spain do expresly say that the Netherlanders , having formerly been under several Lords , were afterwards reduced together under one head of the hous of Burgundie , allied thereafter with the hous of Austria and at last with the King of Spain ; nevertheless alwaies with this express reservation and limitation that the same land and each Province apart , should remain and bee maintained in their own peculiar Policie , Rights and liberties , wherein they had continued from all antiquities so that the one Countrie or Dominion should pretend no Right or Seigniorie over the other , to disposess the same in any kinde of it's Rights and liberties , but they should bee obliged and engaged each to other in concord and equal Degree .

By the Union of Utrecht the Countries engaged themselvs together , as if they were but one Province ; namely , in that they might not bee separated , but w●re bound to help and assist one another , without in●ringing or impairing nevertheless the special and particular Privileges , Liberties , Exemtions , Rights , Statutes , laudable and well-maintained Customs , U●ances , and any other peculiar advantages of any one of the Provinces or particular Cities Members and Inhabitants thereof .

Now where there is such an Union , it may well bee questioned , whether the one Member ought to exalt it self over the other , by reason of his prosperitie and power . They make up all but one Bodie , to the preservation whereof each Member hath chearfully contributed its part ; for if one hath afforded more means , the other hath protected and defended the Rivers and passages , the third hath hazarded his Countrie and lost his Cities with standing it out to the utmost against the Common Enemie . The Illu●trious Princes of Orange of happie Memories , they have contri●uted thereunto their wise and couragious direction and Conduct , and hazarded their persons , lives and estates thereby ; and thus every one hath brought and contributed somthing of that which was requisi●e and necessarie for the forming and framing of the Common State .

The War never b●gan betwixt the Netherlanders , but was undertaken by the Netherlanders against the Spaniards . This is that , the Letter of the Nobilitie , Gentrie and Cities of Holland , written to the States General of the Provinces assembled at Brussels , under Date of Sept. 12 , 1573 , drive's at , saying , Wee do hope that you shall never bee able to forget the chearful and friendlie faithfulness which in former times wee alwaies did and still do bear one to the other ; i● beeing our dutie before both God and Men , and wee for our parts beeing still resolved and ready for it : Do but remember ( it beeing the very truth ) that wee do not wage War the one against the other ; for wee never offended one another , neither in great nor small concernments , but all our strife and War is onely and m●erly against the Government of forrein Nations .

The Confederacie of the Union of the Netherlands is Offensive and Defensive for ever and alwaies , against al and every one , who or how qualified soëver they may bee , that shall attemt actually to infringe the special and particular Privileges of the Countries ; insomuch , that the chiefest condition of the Union among the rest , to maintein the Countries in their Rights , one of which , without all peradventure , must bee the Government ; for the Union was made for their advantage , and not for their dammage .

The King of Spain● caused offers to bee made at the Treaties at Breda , of Cullen , and at all others since , That hee would keep and maintein the Countries both in general and in particular , in all their Privileges , Rights , Laws and Customs ; so as the same had been before the Troubles , and if any thing were changed and impaired , the same should bee restored , beeing made known .

In prosecution of which ground , the States of the United Netherlands have often and at several times summoned the States of the Countries subject to the Spanish Government , and among the rest , in a certain Letter of theirs dated June 7. 1602 , ●used these words , Onely wee do still most friendly desire , exhort and entreat you , seriously to reflect upon the prais-w●rthie reputation which you and your forefathers have gotten to themselvs for som hundred of years , and left the same to us upon record for a rule , that still wee should bee upright Defenders and Protectors of the Rights and Freedoms of the Netherlands in general , and of the Countries or Provinces , the Members , Cities and Inhabitants thereof in particular .

By waie of distinguishing the Provinces and Cities on this side , joined together by a Common Union ; the Provinces and Cities of the Netherlands , beeing under Spain , are by this State called , the Invaded Countries .

In the reduction of the Cities of Braband to the Union , it was especially conditioned and promised , that the Cities and Inhabitants thereof should be mainteined in their Rights , Privileges and immunities .

The States General of the United Netherlands declared but lately by their Letter of March 14 last year , to all the Cities of the Union , That they had appointed his Highˢ Prince William of Orange Captain and Admiral General over the people of War in service , of this State , for the maintenance of the Union , the Right and Privileges of the Land , the members and Cities thereof .

The States of Holland declared Febr. 19 of the same year , concerning the Union , That the Provinces are bound to assist one the other with life and goods , and to abide together , not suffering themselvs to bee divided : and if this bee to bee understood of such which desired to bee under the Union , and continue to desire the same ; The Nobilitie , Gentrie and Cities of Braband have alwaies desired the same , and declare hereby , that they are constantly and extremely desirous of it .

By deputation of the States in the year 1586 , Febr. 1. the Earl of Leicester was appointed Governor and Captain General of the United Provinces , to wit , of Gelderland , Zutphen , Flanders , Holland and Westfriesland , Zealand , Utrecht , Friesland , together with their Associates , And by the Act of that daie , there were put into the hands of the said Earl , the General Means of Consumtion or Revenues of Gelderland , Flanders , and associated Cities of Braband . And in pursuance of the foresaid Commission , the Earl made Oath to the States of the United Provinces , and their Associates ; and the States reciprocally to the Earl , in the name both of their own respective Provinces , and the said Associates .

The States General of the United Provinces , do address the Inscription of their Letters for publick Bid and Fasting daies , and other things concerning the common affairs and and interest , to the Cities of Braband , on this side , under the name of Associates . And divers Cities of the United Provinces in their particular Letters to the Cities of Braband , do design themselvs their Confederates .

Nay , The Treatie between France , England and the States General , concluded ult . Octob. 1596. import's expressly ; That the Ambassadors do in the name and behalf of the King of France and Queen of England and their Successors , receiv and associate with the States General of the United Netherlandish Provinces ; to wit , Gelderland and Zutphen , Holland and West-Friesland , Zealand , Utrecht , Friesland , Over-Yssell , Groninghen , and Omlands , together with the Gentrie , Cities and Forts of Braba●d , those that were United then with the States General .

And however hitherto , the Government of Braband , since the loss of Antwerp hath been exercised in the Name of the States General ; nevertheless the same is don onely by waie of provision for that time , without impairing , and under protestation of not prejudicing the Right and privileges belonging to the Nobilitie Gentrie and Cities of Braband , as was formerly demonstrated .

And whereas the Wars , through God's blessing are brought to an end now , and the King of Spain , doth by the Treatie of Peace concluded at Munster , declare and acknowledg , That the States General of the United Netherlands and respective Countries , Cities and appertaining Lands , are free and Soveraign Cities Provinces and Countries , whom , and their Associated Countries , Cities and Lands , the foresaid King , shall neither now nor ever pretend the least unto , neither for himself , nor his Successors and Posteritie ; Therefore , the Nobilitie , Gentrie and Cities of Braband , do confidently perswade themselvs , beeing in the Union and Associates , That according to the forementioned Concordates , Confederacies , Unions , Treaties , Promisses , and Acknowledgments of Kings , yea of the King of Spain himself , They shall bee held by the United Provinces , Confederates , Sworn Allies , Associates and Free States , and not conquered , invaded and subdued ones , in wors condition , then the Spanish Netherlands .

To their Hi. Mi. Lords , the States General of the Vnited Netherlands .

THe Nobilitie , Gentrie and Cites of Braband holding the side of the Union , shew and desire , That , forasmuch as the war through God's blessing is com to an end now , They , Exhibitors , may as Associates and Confederates of the common Union , have Session and Voice in the Generalitie , like other Provinces , and that for the reasons alleged in the annexed Deduction .

Or in case , That your Hi. Mi. could not as yet , yield thereunto , wee beeing perswaded they may , That at leastwise the Exhibitors may without prejudice of the Rights of Braband , govern their Province particularly ; contributing for the common welfare and Defens together with other Provinces , such a Rate , as by mutual agreement and equitie shall bee found fitting ; which doing , &c.

High Mightie Lords !

THe Commissioners of the Nobilitie , Gentrie and Cities of Braband , holding the side of the Union , presented in April 1646 , unto the high mightie Lords the Deputies at the Generalitie , a certain Remonstrance and Deduction hereunto annexed , and thereby attentively concluded , either to obtain Session and Voice in the General Government , like other Provinces , or at leastwise , that without prejudice to the Rights of Braband , they might Govern their Province particularly , contributing to the common welfare and Defens such a Rate or Tax , as according to the condition of the Countries should by mutual accord bee held fitting in equitie .

Whereupon there having been no Resolution taken by your Hi. Mi. the Exhibitors addressed themselvs to the No. Gr. Mi. Lords the States of the respective Provinces , and propounded the same alternative conclusion to them ; who , most of them , after enquirie and mature Deliberation , sufficiently agreed , that the second member of the foresaid conclusion , could not bee denied unto the Exhitors , autorizing thereupon , their Deputies at the Generalitie , that they might treat with the Deputies there from the other Provinces about it .

And foresmuch as the United Provinces ate now extraordinarily met in a grand States-assemblie , to deliberate about the most important Points for the establishing of this State ; and especially about the maintenance and full settlement of the Union .

The Exhibitors present themselvs with all due respect unto this most honorable Assemblie , to reiterate the foresaid Conclusion , grounded upon the Union , and represent thereupon unto your Hi. Mi.

That the Exhibitors have been , and were every where without contradiction acknowledged , Associates and Confederates of this State , and members of the common Union , as well by virtue of the Pacification of Ghendt , de Anno 1576. whereof they of Braband had been the first Autors ; as especially of the neerer Union of Utrecht , de Anno 1579. signed by them of Breda at Utrecht , publisht in the Boso● , and by the rest of the Cities embraced and followed in States-manner .

That likewise None of the Exhibitors ever abandoned the Union , but that the Cities of the Bosch , Breda , Grave and Steenberghen , were by force of arms , or domestick oppression and treacherie , rent from the same , with the good parties loss of goods and blood : Berg op Zome and Willemstadt having alwaies remained in the Union , as is more largely deduced in the annexed information .

That the forementioned Four withdrawn Cities have been delivered and reduced again to the Union by the help of the Confederates , in conformitie to the Pacification and Union aforesaid .

And whereas the Foundations of the whole State doth mainly consist in the foresaid mutually made and firmly concluded Union and everlasting Confederacie .

And that consequently the same beeing aequo jure entered into , the Members are bound not onely to assist one another with goods and blood , but also ( if need bee ) to restore them in their antient Rights , Liberties and Privileges , whereunto it would bee è diametro repugnant , that one Member should take upon him to exercise Superioritie and Domination over the other .

Therefore the Exhibitors , negociating at present for such a considerable number of Cities and great district of Countrie , conteining in ground more then the Moitie of all Braband , offering to contribute according to their abilities to the common welfare , ought not to bee excluded in any wise , but fully to enjoie the effect of the Confederacie , like unto the other United Members thereof .

The Exhibitors undertaking beside , that by their direction the Means of Braband shall undoubtedly bee brought in , to the best advantage and behoof of the Generalitie .

All this nevertheless notwithstanding , beeing the Exhibitors are held and treated no better then invaded and conquered places , suffering sufficient prejudice generally in all their Rights and Privileges , as well in regard of administring Justice without their Countrie , as the direction of their Civil Government and incoms ; They are confident your Hi. Mi. will , for the reasons succinctly here alleged , and more largely deduced in the Papers adjoined , restore the said Exhibiters highly-wronged Right , in best sort and manner , or at leastwise let them enjoie the effect of the second Member of their conclusion .

Further Deductions and Informations of the Right of the Nobilitie , Gentrie and Cities holding the side of the Vnion .

IT is universally known , that the supreme power of the Serenissime Republick of the Netherlands consisteth in the States General of the United Provinces , so called after the General Uniting of Ghendt , and nearer Union of Utrecht , whereon the same is founded .

For the preservation of good Unitie in the State upon the old and laudable principles and foundations of the first Government , the Great Mightie States of all the Provinces , caused to bee en●egistred Novemb. 16 , 1646 , for an everlasting Remembrance , That they were resolved to keep and maintein the foresaid Union among the Provinces , as also the associated Countries , Cities and Members thereof ; and now lately again at the sending of Holland to the Six other Provinces they unanimously testified , they had no other resolution and intention , then to observ and maintein the foresaid Union holily and indissolubly .

The States of Braband were the first and chiefest Autors of the Union of Ghendt .

The nearer Union of Utrecht was signed originally by the Citie of Breda , published within the Bosch , and embraced by the other Cities of Braband in State's-manner .

Hereupon is principally grounded , the desire of the Lords , Gent●ie and Cities of Braband , who beeing Members of the foresaid Common Union , ought to enjoie the eff●cts thereof , and not to be treated contrarie to promisses and subscriptions by their own Confederates .

By the Tenor of the Union it appeareth , that between the Netherlands there was concluded an everlasting firm Peace , Covenant and Unitie for the expelling of the Spaniards and their Adherents , and to restore the Inhabitants again to their antient Rights , Privileges , Customs and Liberties , so that the aim of the Common Union , was the delivering of the Countries , and the restoring every one into his Privileges and Rights .

In all publick Writings those of Braband are termed no otherwise then Associates , but by many in their discourses they are against all right and reason term'd Conquered .

Whereas the word of Conquest and conquering can have no place among Confederates and Associates , who are reciprocally engaged one to another according to the Unions .

Therefore the States did rightly term the Deliverances and Restitutions of the Cities forced from the Union , in their ▪ Capitulations and otherwise , Reductions ▪ and not Conquests .

There must bee a distinction made betwixt Cities and Countries of the Enemies own , won from him by War , in which case the Laws allow , that hee that wageth the war , doth get the proprietie of the goods taken ; and such Cities and Countries as formerly belonged to our Fri●nds and Associates , and were delivered and recovered out of the Enemie's hands , they in that case ought to be● restored to the first owners .

Thus in former times were Arras , Dornick and other Cities of Arthois , Flanders and Luxenb●rg recovered from the French , and reduced to the State of the Netherlands .

And thus hath the King of Spain , during these Civil Wars , restored the Provinces and Cities ma●tered by him , i●to their former state and Government .

In conformitie hereof were likewise the Cities of Zutphen , Haerlem , Ziericksea , Amer●ort , Devente● , Campen and divers others , beeing retaken from the Spaniards and their Adherents , restored by their Confederates , to the us● and exercise of their former Rights and Freedoms .

Nay divers Cities which were forced and compelled to forsake the Spanish partie as Nimmighen , Amsterdam , Schonhoven , Middleburg , Goes , Tolen , Utrecht , Groninghen , were not therefore held as conquered places ; in regard , that in the foresaid Cities there was a good partie still ; well-affected to the State , who were so long kept under by an ill-affected partie , until they were delivered by the Confederates , and reduced to the Union .

Now to shew what the present Braband-Cities of the Union have don for the common good , during the Netherlandish troubles and wars , both in acting and suffering , it will appear by this short ensuing survay .

First of all , the Cities of Berg op Zome and Willemstadt , which remained still united to the State of the Union , it is sufficiently known to every one , how worthily they have ever acquitted themselvs upon all occasions and by all means defensive and offensive against the Common Enemies .

Those of the Bosch , were the first , which in the beginning of the troubles , shewing their Zeal to the true Reformed Religion by open preaching , vigorously opposed themselvs against the Spanish Council , and arrested the Chancellor of Braband and Lord of Petersheim , coming from the Governess to hinder the same , and covertly to bring in som Companies of Souldiers ; for which caus also they were proscribed by the King by open Proclamation March 18 , 1567. and block'd up , until the Prince of Orange his departure , when as the good partie were fain to abandon the Citie , and depart the Land ; as likewise happened generally then throughout all the Netherlands .

After which time the Citie beeing overmastered , the same was continually kept under by force of arms , and pittifully handled by the Spaniards Italians and other forrein Nations , till in the year 1577. their Confederates rescued the Citie from the High Dutch.

In the year 1576. the foresaid Citie signed and sealed the Pacification of Ghendt .

In the year 1578. shee swore to the peace of Religion and in the year 1579. embraced and published the Union made at Utrecht .

For the maintenance whereof , the good partie within that Citie adventured life and goods , laboring continually , how they might bee supported by the Confederates with men and ammunition , according as they had offerd and promised them by the Deputies , within a little while after the foresaid publication , and the whole Government of that Citie , had thankfully accepeted of it , with protestation , they were resolved never to separate from the Generalitie , whereunto they were engaged and confederated by solemn Vow and Oath .

But when the Confederates afterwards , contrarie to the foresaid presentation foreslowed the sending of succor , and the Prince of Parma , after the subduing of Mastricht drawing neer to the said Citie of the Bosch , caused the same to bee summoned to surrender , then the good partie , unable to make resistance , both to the ill-affected within , with whom they had strugling enough before , to bring them to som communitie ; and to the puissant Leaguer of the foresaid Prince of Parma without , was constrained to abandon the Citie with all their families , som thousands of them , and to leav all their welfare behinde .

Which Citie beeing afterwards reduced again to the Union , by the arms of the Confederates in the year 1629. it ought likewise to bee restored to their antient Rights and Privileges .

As for the faithful services of the Citie of Breda , for the Common Libertie , there is much of it upon publick Record , in the Netherlandish Histories .

For a taste whereof wee shall onely touch here ; That the Companie of the withdrawing partie from Breda , did many notable services against the Spaniards , before Berghen in Heinout , Harlem , within Zirick-Sen and elswhere .

The inland wars lighted more heavie and smart upon this Citie then any of the Netherlands besides . For beeing taken into Confiscation by Duke D' Alva in the year 1568. it was thereafter most extremely overburthened with heavie Garrisons both hors and foot ; until the Citie was beleaguered and delivered again by the Earl of Hohenloe in the year 1577.

Afterwards , Jun. 28. 1581. the Citie , beeing bare of Garrison , was surprized again by the Spaniards , through the Castle , by force of arms , and barbarously plundred notwithstanding the manful resistance made by the Citizens , and especially by the young men of the Citie , who were most of them slain in the Defens thereof .

In the year 1590. the 4th of March , the Castle was surprized again by Prince Maurice , with a Turf-boat .

During the Spanish Siege before it , from August 27. 1624. to June 5. 1625. there perished above 5000 Inhabitants within the Citie , by the war , plague and famin ; and the Citie was deserted after the surrender by more then three fourth parts of the Citizens , till the reduction of the Citie followed in the year 1637.

Those of the Citie of Grave , have likewise shewed themselvs very zealous and resolute in the late wars against the Enemies of the Common Fatherland ; for not long after the Pacification of Gbendt they took their Spanish Governor prisoner , and what with monie , what by force and the loss of manie Citizens in the Enterprize , got and drove out the Spanish and high-Dutch Garrisons , altogether .

Afterwards Maie 4th of the year 1586. all the Inhabitants thereof engaged themselvs by Oath ; to make utmost resistance against the common Enemie of the Land , the King of Spain and his Adherents ; and that they would in no wise listen to any offer of agreement or reconciliation with the foresaid Enemies .

Within a short time after , This same Citie beeing forced from the Union and subdued by the Enemie , they remained in a sad condition , till the Citie was reduced again to the United State , in the year 1602. by Prince Maurice .

Steenberghen , a very antient Citie of Braband , beeing freed of the High-Dutch Garrison in the year 1577. it was subdued again by the Spaniards , both in Anno 1582. and 1622. and twice also reduced by the Arms of the Confederates , viz. in the years 1591. and the said 1622.

It is remarkable , that whilest the Spanish held this Citie in possession , the same was so deserted of Citizens and made so desolate that there was not left nor kept any Judgment-Seat or administration of Justice there .

By all which it plainly appear's , That none of the foresaid Cities of Braband , ever endeavored to join or agree with the Spaniard or their Associates against the Union and Oath taken , without extreme necessitie ; and consequently never sought of their own accord or wilfully to disjoint themselvs from the United State ; but they were all of them , forced and rent away from the same , by the force and power of the Enemie , destitute of succor , or betray'd by others , without any fault of their own , nay , to their own great grief and undoing .

The Cities of Bruggen with the Land Van Vrye and Venlo , they are the onely places , which for the said Crime of Desertion were publickly declared Enemies , and consequently had forfeited their Rights and pretentions , which by virtue of the Union they might have claimed otherwise .

In all publick Acts , Those of Braband are by the States of the United Provinces called indeed their Associates , but in Truth they are dealt with as a people purely conquered .

For proof whereof wee shall produce among many , but these 3 points .

First , for matter of Administration of Justice , the Court or Council of Braband doth sit without the Province , contrarie to the known Privileges and Charters of the Land , sworn to by all the Dukes ; besides that the said infringement draw's the good inhabitants into excessive troubles , charges and inconveniencies .

Secondly , in regard of Government , There is introducing a new waie of naturalizing strangers in Braband , for the suppressing and excluding of the Natives as well from beeing employ'd in their own Province , as they are sufficiently excluded from offices and Emploiments in others , contrarie to their express privilege , quod competit universo populo Brabantiae , ( which is the peculiar privilege of the people of Braband , ) conditioned for with the Prince , and sworn to by the Prince .

This Privilege was never violated in Braband before the Troubles , and remaineth pure and uncorrupt even under the Spanish Government to this very daie .

Thirdly , touching the Revenues and Contributions , there have been new burthens imposed all along upon those of Braband , and they are threatned with more heavie ones to bee imposed at pleasure , without any of their consent , nay , without so much as hearing them .

Which is repugnant , not onely against the Privileges of the Countrie , but likewise particularly against the promisses of the States General of the year 1600 , alleged in the former Deduction .

Wee shall not insist here on the opposition of the States of Holland against Emperor Charles for the Congie-monie , nor of the Citie of Brussels against Archduke Albert , for a small impost upon pears ; but touch in a word onely , that in Spain , England and Germanie , it hath ever been and is the observance in cours , as likewise is shewed by Philip Comines in the States of France under Charles the eight , assembled at Tours , That no Prince hath power to la●e Impositions upon his Subjects , nor Right to give the● Laws without their Consent .

The Societie which the Cities and Countries of Braband have in that kinde with the other Confederates , may well bee miserable and deplorable , even as in the benefit of cessio bonorum among the Lawyers : whereof wee may take up the old complaint , Sub umbrâ foederis servitutem nos pati ; neque ●nim Societatem , ut olim , sed t●nquam mancipia haberi ; That under the color of Covenant wee are reduced to slaverie , wee beeing not entreated like Associates , but like Bondmen .

Love indeed is the onely firm foundation of Government , and according as a Wiseman said once , That kinde of Republick fare's best and last's longest , which all the parts are in love with , and wish it lasting .

By the fore●aid Common Union the Netherlands engaged themselvs together for ever , without impairing the special privileges of the particular Provinces , Cities , Members and Inhabitants thereof ; wherein they not onely may do one another no prejudice or hindrance , but are bound likewise to help and protect one another therein by all means possible , with advice and aid , goods and blood , against any one that shall attemt or go about to wrong them therein ; so that among the conditions of the Union this appeareth to bee the principal , To maintein the Countries , Cities , Members and Inhabitants thereof in their particular Privileges , amongst which without all controversie Government is one too .

Wherein of old not onely the chief Cities , but even the smaller ones in Braband did share and participate . For information whereof may serv , That among the Cities of Braband there was no certain order kept heretofore , as appear's by the engagements of the Cities in the years 1354 , 1370 , 1426 , the Charters of Corteberg of 1312 , and of the Ladie Johanna of 1385 , and the privileges of Duke John the IVth of the year 1422.

And that the foresaid Cities of Braband were antiently summoned to and sate in the Assemblie of the States of Braband , is a thing too well known to bee doubted of .

Where it is observable yet , that to the Pacification of Ghendt and Union of Utrecht , there were not onely invited and called in the great or chief Cities of the Provinces , but indifferently all the Cities and Members thereof ; and who know's not the practice since therupon throughout all the United Provinces .

By the foresaid Common Union the Countries and Cities are equally engaged in one and the same degree , so that none can pretend any right of Superioritie over the other .

Whence it is evident , that there is no ground which can take away or hinder the Right of the Lords , Gentrie and Cities of Braband , of governing their own State particularly without the Generalitie .

The Government of the Switsers Republick may serv us for an Example .

The same consisteth in three parts .

First , in XIII Cantons , whereof every one is Sovereign in his own district , and yet they are all engaged one to another for common Defence .

Secondly , in the Confederated Allies , such as are the Abbot and Citie of St Gal , the Grisons , the Bishop and Countrie of Valaye , Rotwiel , Mulhausen and divers others ; every one of these beeing likewise Sovereign within his Sphere , and yet bound together with the Cantons for the Common Safetie .

Thirdly , in the Governments or Praesecturae , places conquered from the Enemies , and subject to the Cantons , and governed by them in several manners , among whom there are no Countries nor Cities , which formerly were Members of the Cantons or Associates .

And whereas in default of a Prince and Sovereign , the Sovereigntie of the Land remaineth and returneth into the hand of the Gentrie and Cities , as the States of Holland rightly asserted in several of their Declarations and Remonstrances to Leicester .

And that the Government of Braband , since the loss of Antwerp , hath hitherto , during the Wars , been governed in the name of the Hi. Mi. States General , onely provisionally for that time , without impairing , and under protestation of not prejudicing the Rights and Privileges belonging to the Lords , Gentrie and Cities of Braband , as hath been declared by divers Acts of the States General themselvs , which make's it apparant , that their desire is grounded upon order and reason , and ought therefore according to the Union , to bee determin'd by most voices : This is that which make's the Lords , Gentrie and Cities of Braband aforesaid to bee very confident , That as Confederates and Associates of this Serenissime Republick , they shall yet at length enjoie the fruits of ●eace , together with the rest of the Provinces , according to the Common Union , and their own unq●●stionable Rights and Privileges .

THe Princess Roial had in the beginning of Januarie discharged the Tables of her houshold , allowing them Bord-wages , to continue till after the Enterrment , whiles the dispute betwixt her and the young Prince his Grandmother about the Gardianship did still continue , and that not without som eagerness and estranging ; none would yield . And it was observable , that the late Prince having but last Sommer charged those of Holland with Discord ( though they maintein'd the contrarie , and prosecuted the managing of their affairs very unanimously ) and handled them so roughly upon that pretence , his own Hous should bee visited now with so much Discord and Contention , and that those of his Hous must take their Refuge and seek unto those very States for Right and Redress , whom hee , but a little before , had subdued in a manner .

The Court of Holland , propounded several waies of Accommodation . But the Grand mother clayming part in the Guardianship , and the Mother all entire to her self : all expedients , and conciliatorie means were frustrated ; insomuch , that about the end of Februarie Sigt Matsvelt and Commissarie Copes were sent in behalf of the said Princess Grand-mother and the Prince Elector of Brandenburg to the Prince's Council , insinuating , and declaring there , by a missive from the said Grand-mother , all Acts possessorie , made by the Princess Royal , to bee null and of no validitie , with charge and countermand to surceas the like for the future , or that They should know how to resent it against their persons , and this was likewise more especially intimated by a Letter to Secretarie Bucero ; the Princess Grand-mother grounding her self upon this , That according to all Rights and Laws , nothing ought to bee innovated or attempted by the Princess Roial ; deliberante Principe & Judice ( the States and Court of Holland ) ▪

The Princess Roial stood upon this , Shee would have her mother in law , first of all to acknowledg her Guardian ; and then shee would hear her speaking of Co-Guardianship . The Mother in law on the contrarie , would have the Princess Royal first of all to acknowledg her Guardian , and hearken then what shee could saie for partnership .

The Baptism of the young Princess was at last resolved to bee solemnized , on Sundaie , the 15. of Januarie ; the Ceremonies whereof were performed in the great Church , that afternoon , in manner as followeth .

The Deputies of the States General , those of Holland , those of Zealand , as also those of the Cities of Delft , Leyden , Amsterdam , assembled themselvs presently after high noon , each partie in their usual places of assembling .

Those of the States General rode first to Church in a Caroach and took their places appointed for them , all which , together with the passage all a long from the entrie of the Church and Church-yard , the waie they came , covered over with black Baies .

The Steward Dorp , together with the Prince's Gentle-men and Halbardiers , came to meet the Deputies of the States General first , and afterwards the rest of the Deputies successively unto their Caroaches , and led them to their Seats .

Tegneius the minister was to make the Sermon , and Lindanus , to administer the Sacrament . The Church was so throng'd and fill'd with people greedie after Noveltie , that it caused very much disorder and disturbance both in singing and preaching , the one was confounded , the other could scarce bee heard by any , for all the autoritie and command for silence ▪ insomuch , that the minister was fain to give over abruptly , soon after the infant and the rest of the train were got in once .

There had been som Disorder likewise at Court , which caused them to com later then was exspected , and that by reason of the dispute about the Duke of York his going along with them . The first order was , that the Princess Albertina , should carrie the Infant , and bee led by the Duke of York and Prince Edward . But the Duke desired to bee excused , saying , hee had not been wellcom'd by the State , and if on this occasion , hee should meet with som of the Government , hee knew not how to comport himself , towards , or salute them ; nevertheless hee said hee would go along and lead the Queen of Bohemia ; but afterwards , considering that likewise , hee repeated his former Excuse , and went not at all . But hee himself having made no address at all before unto the State of his coming , that hee might bee wellcom'd by them , his Excuse was none : and it was thought , hee refused it onely of greatness , or by reason of the contesting of the Princesses Royal and Dowager about the Guardian-ship .

But hereupon the Princess Albertina likewise refusing to carrie the Infant , it was moved my Ladie Stanhope Governess of the Princess Roial should carrie it , and the young Ladies of Brederode and of Dhona should bear up the Train , beeing a long piece of cloth with white fur and black spots . This was opposed by my Ladie Brederode , saying , Shee did not desire her daughters should go training it after Madam Stanhop .

At last it was agreed that the Ladie of Dhona , daughter of the Lord Brederode , should carrie the Childe to Church , as shee did , led on the right hand by Count Maurice , and on the left by my Lord Goring , aliâs , Earl of Norwich : the Train was born by two Ladies of Dhona , and two of Brederode .

After them followed the Queen of Bohemia led by — and then Princess Dowager , Grandmother , led by Prince Edward ; after her the Princess Louyse , the young Princesses of Orange , of Hozenzollen and others , most of them confusedly .

Beeing Coach'd and brought to Church and seated there ; the nois and stir of the people was so great , that the Minister was glad to dispatch and hasten to the Administration of the Sacrament , by reading the usual institution ( during which the whole companie stood up : ) and then the Childe was presented by the Queen , and baptized by Lindanus , naming it William-Henrie .

The speech went , that the Princess Roial would gladly have named it Charls-William , but that the Grandmother opposed it with that eagerness , that shee said , If they will call him CHARLS , I will not go along to see him Christned .

The Church-Cerimonies beeing performed , the Deputies rose up one after another in their order , and passing by the Ladies , took Coach again , each partie repairing to their usual Randevouz , and the rest back to the Court.

Where having reposed themselvs a little , there came the Deputies of their Hi. Mi. the States General , finding the Princess Roial standing before her bed side , and right over against her the Queen and Princess Dowager . And after my Lord Van Soelen had complemented her , according to the occasion , hee presented a gilt-box for the Infant , wherein there was an Obligation of an yearly pension for him of 8000 Gilders . The Princess Roial answered with a like complement , yet did not reach forth her hand to receiv the Box from him , but hee beeing beckned towards a Chair standing by , there hee set it down ; and thus taking their leavs again they withdrew , having caused a thousand Gilders in fair gold to bee bestowed upon the Nurserie . A little after those of Holland came , whose present was a gilt box with a pension of 5000 flor. per ann . giving 800 flor. to the Nurserie . Delft gave a pension of 200 flor. per ann . Those of Amsterdam one of a 1000 flor. per ann . Those of Zealand 20000 flor. once for all .

The two Ministers , the one for preaching , the other for Administring the Sacrament , had each 300 flor. given them in the young Prince his behalf .

From the Prince Elector of Brandenburg there assisted none at all at the Font ; nor from any other forrein friend , neither in person , nor by Deputation .

The Deputies from the States General were the Lords Van Soelen , Wimmenum , Vett , Renswoud , Donia , Mulart and Essinga .

Feast or Collation there was none .

Som did not take it well that the Halbardiers went by the Coach sides of the young Prince ; nor that the childe was covered with Ermyn-fur , black on white , that beeing Roial .

The Lord Donia , one of the Deputies from the States General sickned next daie , and died on Fridaie following .

The Enterrement was resolved to bee performed Tuesday Mar. 7 , but the weather proving foul and tempestuous , it was put off till Wednesday the 8 , the Companie was summoned against 9 in the forenoon , but it was full noon before they began to march , and that in order as followeth .

First of all the Guard of his Highˢ consisting of 400 men , in their best array , trailing their Colors and Pikes , the Muskets under the arms , with the bores downward . All the Militarie Officers which were present at the Hague . Two Comtrollers with staves to conduct the Mourning . All the Houshold , both Gentrie and others . Two Kettle-drums . Twelv Trumpets with velvet Jackets , the Trumpets hung with great Tassels and the Arms of his Highˢ . A Herald of Arms. Le Cornet des Couleurs . Le Guidon des Couleurs , beeing a field-Banner with Colors . The Helmet of Turney , or Tilting , with feathers , born upon a short Staff . The Target , beeing a shield with Colors , likewise born upon a short staff ▪ The Turney , or Tilting Hors , hung down to the ground with Colors and Devises . The great Standart with colors of Arms. An Herald of Arms.

Hereafter followed the Horses and Bannerets .

The Hors with the Arms of Warneton , and the Banneret thereof . Herstall . Grimbergen . Cranendoncq . Gertruydenberg . Diest . Grave and land of Kuyck . Ysselstein . Breda and Polanen . Veer andVlissinghen . Leerdam . Buyren . Meeurs . Linghen . Chalon . Diets . Vyanden . Cazenelleboghen . Nassaw . The Hors with the Arms of Orange and the Banneret thereof . The Herald of Arms ▪ Le Penon des armes , or field-Banner of Arms. Le Guidon des Armes , or the field-Banner of War . The Hors of the Battel , embroidered down to knees with the Arms of his Highˢ . The great Standart with the complete Arms of his Highˢ . The Hors of Honor , embroidered with the complete Arms of his Highness down to the ground . The great Banner . The IV Head-quarters . 1. Wittgenstein . 2. Colligny . 3. Solms . 4. Nassaw , all born orderly . The Helmet with the Crown born on a short staff . The shield with the plain Arms , beeing the complete Arms of his Highness , together with the Crown a top , and order of the Garter about , born on a short staff . The sword sheathed , beeing the sword of Arms. The Coat of Arms born upon a staff . The Hors of Mourning . The Color and Garter of England , born upon a Cushion . The Sword of Sovereigntie , born naked , the point upward . The Princely Crown . The principal Herald . Hereupon followed the Princely Hears , covered with black velvet , upon a Chariot under a Canopie , very leisurely drawn along with 8 horses , all deckt with black velvet down to the ground , attended round about with abundance of Gentlemen , Noblemen and others of great qualitie , and on both sides guarded with the Halbardiers of his Highness . After this there followed the Dukes , Princes and Earls of next kindred and alliance to the famous hous of Nassaw , one after the other , all in long trailing Cloaks . As first the Duke of York , accompanied with Don Emanuel , and Don Ferdinand , sons of Don William Louys Prince of Portugal . Count John Wolfart of Brederode . The Count of Solms . Count Christian of Donaw Count Frederick of Nassaw Prince Edward Palsgrave . Count John Maurice of Nassaw . Count Henrie of Nassaw . Count William Frederick of Nassaw , Stadholder in Friesland . The Rhingrave , Governor of Mastricht . The Count of Limborgh and Stirum . Then followed the Deputies of the Assemblie of the States General in bodie , and a Herald before every Province , with the Arms thereof . Then the Nob. Mi. the Lords of the Council of State . The Commissioned Council of the No. Gr. Mightie Lords , the States of Holland and Westfriesland . The Nob. Mi. Lords the President and Council of the High Court of Holland , Zealand and Westfriesland . The No. Mi. Lords of the Provincial Court of Holland , Zealand and Westfriesland . The No. Mi. Lords of the Checker Chamber of the Countie of Holland . The Magistrates of the Hague and of Delft . The Ministers of Delft . The Ministers of the Hague .

All these Companies in very Stately mourning .

After all this , there followed the 6 Companies , or Train-bands of the Hague , likewise with trailing Colors and pikes , the muskets under their arms with the bores downwarde , the Officers all in mourning , following the grand Train forth the Hague , as far as the Leaper's-hous , where attended an exceeding great number of Coaches , Waggons and horses , all with black liveries , for the Noble-men and Great-ones , following one another all along in great State unto Delft ; where the Train-bands of the Citie , conducted the Hears to the new Church &c.

But though the Prince was buried , the heavie contention between the Princesses about the Guardian-ship was not . There were several motions and proffers made for accommodation : among others one , in behalf of the Princess Dowager and Pr. Elector of Brandenburg , which the Princess Royal absolutely refused , upon suggested hopes , that shee ought of right to bee the sole Guardian .

Shee caused hers likewise to take great pains in Zealand at the Land-daie there in April , to get the young Prince received there again as Premier Noble , upon several grounds , which the Province notwithstanding would in no wise yield unto . There were likewise great endeavors made to dispose those of Zealand , for the chusing of a Stad-holder .

Those of Holland , to have an eie upon it , dispatched thitherwards the Lords van Opdam , de Wit , Nyport and Rypen , as it were to invite those of Zealand to the sending back their Deputies to the great Assemblie , and to erect the Chambre Mi-partie , according to the Treatie of Peace with Spain : but really , for the diverting of that blow , of choosing again a Stadholder and Premier Noble there . And so much they effected , That there was nothing don at that meeting , but a Resolution taken , of sending to the Hague again . And the Countie-Cities took upon them the Right of choosing their own Council , after the example of Holland .

All propositions and essaies hitherto of accommodating the difference of the Princesses about the Guardianship , having prooved fruitless , there was at last pronounced a Sentence by the Court of Holland ; from which the Prince Elector of Brandenburg ( or his Counsellors ) and the Princess Dowager , immediately appealed to the High Court , addressing themselvs to the same , for inhibition , which , though many were of opinion , it could not bee don , was nevertheless granted .

During these Contests , his Highˢ the Pr. Elect. of Brandenbourg arrived at the Hague in person , together with the Electress : and was lodged at the Court of the Princess Dowager . Understanding there , that it was conceived , the great animositie and partialitie in the Princess Royal proceeded more from evil Counsel , then her own inclination , suspecting most the Lords of Beverweert and Henvlict , the said Pr. Elector caused a certain Proposition to bee presented Jun. 24. 1651. to the Princess Royal by his Counsellor Sweryn ; which did rather more exasperate , then mitigate or reconcile the mindes ; shee the Princess Royal giving to understand in her Answer , that instead of a friendly enterview and debate , which had becom such Allyes , shee was laden with reproaches &c.

But the said Elector , stai'd not there ; for having intimated in the foresaid Proposition , that her bad Counsel swaied too much , and principally ayming at the above mentioned Lords Beverweert and Henvliet : hee caused in solemn manner by two of his Counsellors in the presence Jun. 27. of a publick Notarie , protests to bee made in the Haghe , first to the Lord Beverweert , to this effect ; That his Elect ●l . Highˢ took it very strange , the said Lord had medled with the Questions in debate , betwixt his said El. Highˢ the Princess Dowager , and Princess Royal , concerning the Guardian-ship of his Highˢ the young Prince of Orange , and caused the same by his advice and counsel to bee so carried , that hitherto no good could bee don in it for the young Prince , his Highˢ did thereby warn the said Lord , not to trouble himself henceforward with giving of any counsel in this affair , but for peace , and the best advantage of his Highˢ the young Prince of Orange ; and that bee the Lord Beverweert should do well to remember , in what Obligations hee stood to the Hous of Orange , and have a care therefore to meet the Princess Dowager with as much respect , as if his Highˢ of blessed memorie , were yet alive . Or els , his Electl Highˢ should not forbeare , to require another account of him , the said Lord Beverweert , in this behalf . Whereupon the said Lord Beverweert made answer ; Hee was confident his Electl Highˢ was evil informed , concerning the foresaid matters , desiring his said Counsellors they would undeceiv him therein ; forasmuch as hee was not in any service now with the Princess Royal , nor sworn , nor of Counsel to her , and had no wages nor entertainment from her Highˢ yet nevertheless hee held both his late Highˢ of happie memorie and the Princess Royal in that esteem , that if the Princess Royal did require his Advice , hee was and would still bee readie to serv her , not onely with his Counsel , but also with his person , and whatsoëver depended on it ; and yet never advise any thing , but what may bee most advantagious to the Hous and Person of his Highˢ the young Prince of Orange , as beeing the onely remaining hopes of the Hous of Orange . Moreover , said the Lord Beverweert , that hee bore all due respect to his Electl Highˢ , as became a Prince of so high Qualitie ; but , that hee was none of his Subjects , but the Lords the States of Holland , to whom and none other , hee was bound here to give account of his Actions . And touching the memento made of yielding respect to my Ladie the Princess Dowager , hee said , hee had no obligation to her person , but onely to her high Qualitie , and knew well enough , what hee owed to such .

To the Lord Henvliet , his said Electl. Highs of Brandenbourg caused the like protest to bee made by and before the same persons , That his Electl Highˢ took it very strange , hee the Lord Henvliet had meddled with the Difference betwixt his said Highˢ , the Princess Dowager and the Princess Royal , and by his counsel and direction , brought things to that pass , that hitherto no good could bee don for the young Prince ; That his Highˢ esteemed him too mean , to bee emploi'd in affairs , concerning his Highˢ the Prince of Orange , though hee was not against it , but that hee might bee used in private concernments and businesses of the Princess Royal , as one of her Hous-hold . That his Electl Highˢ gave him warning hereby , to have a care , and meddle no further with the affairs , concerning the Prince of Orange , or els hee should finde , the hands of his Electl Highˢ not to bee too short to require a personal account thereof , of the Lord Henvlict .

Whereupon the Lord Henvlict made answer ; That hee had received Charge and Commission from his late Roial Matie of great Brittain , renewed by his present Matie since , to assist the Princess Royal in all her affairs and occasions with his Advice and Counsel , and that what hee had don hitherto , was don by virtue thereof ; and as his Electl Highˢ did maintain his Servants and Ministers , so hee was confident hee should bee likewise bee maintained , in following his Commission : and said moreover , That hee had declared in full Council , that hee never intended to trouble himself with the business of his Highˢ , but onely with the affairs of the Princess Royal , wherewith hee was charged ; adding thereunto , That hee should never suffer himself to bee hindred by his Electl Highˢ or any bodie in the World , to give his advice in the affairs of the Princess Royal ; and if they would give him , what they had against him in writing , hee would return his answer in writing accordingly .

On the 29th of June the Princess Dowager caused the foresaid two reports or protests to bee delivered to the Counsellor Pensionarie Cats , with desire that they might bee read at the Assemblie of their Nob. Gr. Mi. to the end , that they might truly understand , what had past between his Electl Highˢ of Brandenburg , or his Ministers , and the Lord Beverweert and Henvlict , which her Highˢ declared , was otherwise reported of to their No. Gr. Mi. then Truth held forth . Together with that there was read likewise another paper , dated Junii 28ᵒ. which had been delivered to the said Counsellor Pensionarie by the Secretarie of the Princess Royal , the sum whereof was , That her Royal Highˢ found herself very much wronged , in that his foresaid Electl Highˢ had of his own humor caused two persons of qualitie , viz not onely the Lord Henvlict her superintendant , but likewise one of her friends , to bee most uncivilly , disorderly and unreasonably affronted , and threatned withal , if they should undertake any further to meddle with the business concerning the Guardian-ship of the Young Prince her Son . Desiring , their N. Gr. M. would bee pleased to provide and order against such proceedings , what they should finde requisite in reason and Justice , to further her Caus ; which things beeing taken into Deliberation , it was found good ▪ That the persons as well of the Lord Beverweert , as of the Lord Henvlict , should bee taken and were taken into the protection of their N. G. M. And that this Result should bee made known to the Counsellors and Ministers of his said Electl Highˢ from the States and in their Name , expressly declaring unto them , that their N. G. M. could not allow of such kinde of proceedings here , as unsufferable to the Constitution of this State . That the same Resolution aforesaid should likewise bee intimated to my Lady the Princess Dowager of Orange , and shee most seriously desired , to dispose his Electl Highˢ , that hee would forbear such proceedings , and leav matters referr'd to justice , to the Decision thereof , without using any further threats or any such like unbefittiug means as those foresaid papers held forth , against any one , especially against persons that have Relation to her Royal Highˢ or assist her with their Counsel . And the performance of this Resolution was committed to the Lords of Dort , Harlem , Amsterdam , Alcmar , together with the Counsellor Pensionarie .

And by this occasion it was found good likewise , to advise how and in what manner it should bee provided , That no great Ones should bee suffered to com into the Cities and Forts of this State , without precedent intimation from them , and good liking of the State .

Besides all this , there happened yet a further occasion of exasperating and heightning the Contention , news beeing brought about this time , that the Governor of Orange , the Earl of Donaw , had caused to bee apprehended and secured an Orange Gentleman , by name Rafaëlis , heretofore French Minister at the Haghe , and afterwards one of the Princes Counsel , beeing secretly dispatcht by the Princess Roial , to get a certain Act declared in the Principalitie of Orange , pretended to have been made by Prince William , and addrest to the said Earl of Donaw , in manner as followeth .

Le Prince d' Orange ,

ORdain's by this , that the Earl of Donaw , Governor of Orange , shall not yield up the said place to any one after his Deceas , but follow the Orders which the Princess Roial his Spous shall give him : And the said Earl shall maintein the said place in her behalf against any other whatsoëver pretending to it .

Don at the Haghe this 24 of Febr. 1649. Signed , G. P. Prince of Orange ; and lower , Busero .

When the said Rafaëlis took his leav of the Princess Dowager , shee presently told him , Sir ! You are going upon an errand for the Princess Roial ; but hee declared again and again , hee went about his own affairs . When hee arrived at Orange , it was so late ( which it seem's hee did of purpose ) that the Castle gates were shut already , that so hee might have the better excuse , why hee was not com to speak with the Governor before any other ; and so to lose no time , hee presently addrest himself to the Parlament and Magistrate there , to recommend the Princess Royal her intention unto them , but the Governor getting notice here hee caused hold to bee laid on him that night , and lodged him safe in the Castle .

The High Court having heard out the full plea of the Difference between the Princely parties , there were all means tried , to bring it to an amicable transaction and composure ; but the same not taking , Sentence was pronounced , and therein also , how the Cabinet should bee disposed , which the Court Provincial in their precedent Sentence , had not so much as mentioned once .

By this Sentence the Princess Royal conceived herself much prejudiced , and declared , that shee would desire Review thereof to bee made ; yet becaus all the Creditors remained still unpai'd , and clamored much , the Princess Roial declared , That though shee could not yield to the foresaid Sentence , there beeing Errors in it , and was resolved to desire a Review thereof , and to prosecute it accordingly ; nevertheless for the Creditor's sake , that they might receiv due satisfaction once , shee was content , reserving her Right and exception against the foresaid Sentence , that Order may bee taken jointly for their paiment &c. Which Declaration beeing presented from the Princess Roial to the Princess Dowager , July 31. her answer was , That as for the alleged Sentence , her Highˢ and the Pr. Elect of Brandenburg , had more reason to except against and desire a review of it , beeing that therein the Princess Royal was join'd in the Guardiansh p , contrarie to the Law , shee beeing yet in her Minoritie . And as for payments , her Highˢ wish'd that the monies had not been otherwise diverted , but employ'd for their proper use and appointment . It was none of her Highˢ fault , that the Creditors were not paid , shee having desired the High Court formerly , to autorize the Princes Counsel for satisfying of them . Her Highˢ commended it to the care of the Princess Royal to finde the monies for satisfying of the Creditors , and would bee very glad those honest people might receiv content once .

But there beeing no End of those Deputies , and the prejudice and dammage on all hands thereby but increasing : there were very great endeavors made to bring the parties to an Accommodation . One of the special Difficulties was , That the Prince of Landsberg was likewise declared Partner in the Guardian-ship . Nevertheless August 13. an Agreement was procured , wherein the Prince was silently past by , it beeing presupposed , that it would bee but troublesom to him , to attend the administration here at his own Charges , though it had been offered . The said Agreement beeing signed , the Princess Dowager went that evening yet , beeing Sunday , forth the Highe towards Aken , for her health's sake , without seeing the Princess Royal. After her Departure there arose new disputes , like to undoe all afresh , which yet was alla●'d again , so that the Agreement stood , the sum whereof was ,

That the Princess Roial and the Pr. Elect. of Brandenburg , together with the Princess Dowager of Orange , had friendly agreed about the Guardian-ship of the Person and Goods of his Highˢ the young Prince of Orange , on condition ,

1. That the Princess Royal as Mother , should have as much Autoritie alone , as the other two partner-Guardians together .

2. That all shall bee administred with common advice , jointly , for the conservation of all his Rights , Goods , Domeyns .

3. That employing all his Revenues to his advantage , they shall agree together how much to allow for yearly expences .

4. That the Questions about the Principalitie of Orange shall bee left to Decision of both the Courts of Justice jointly ; together with som other codicillarie dispositions ; and things to remain in the interim in statu as they are , and nothing altered but with common advice and consent .

5. That neither partie shall refuse or act contrarie to the Determinations of the foresaid Courts of Justice , in no wise , nor by no pretence whatsoëver .

6. That the Election of Magistrates , Collation of Offices and Benefices belonging to his said Highˢ shall bee divided in two parts , and by lot adjudged to the parties .

7. Except that the Election of the Magistracie , and Collation of Offices and Benefices at Flushing , and resort thereof , shall bee left wholly to the disposing of the Princess Roial ; and that of ter Vere to the Elector and Dowager .

8. That the former five Counsellors shall bee continued by new Commissions , and two new ones added , one by the Princess Roial , and the other by the two other Guardians .

9. That the Counsellors , and other Council-Officers , shall bee supplied and chosen by turns , the Princess Roial beginning for the Office of Secretarie and Treasure , and the two other Guardians beginning for the rest of the Offices of the said Council .

10. That all Collations of Charges , Offices and Benefices , shall bee dispatched and issued in the name of the young Prince , and by Commission of the joint-Guardians .

11. That all Offices Magistracies and places , shall bee on all sides bestowed upon honest and qualified persons , according to the Rights , Privileges and Customs of the Countries ; and without any Nundination , whereof the said persons are to purge themselvs by Oath .

12. All emergent Differences to bee referr'd to 4 persons , to bee chosen by the Princess Royal , and two by the two other Guardians ; and those 4 to choos a fist if need bee for the casting Voice .

13. That all former Questions and Differences shall hereby bee void , dead and null .

14. That all these points and Articles shall bee subscribed by the parties interessed , passing their princely word for the inviolable keeping and performing thereof .

Hereof there were drawn two authentick Copies ( at large ) and the one signed , Maria ; the other Amidia , Princess of Orange .

However , there beeing no mention made in this Agreement of the Cabinet , the same gave occasion of a new dispute . The Princess Roial pretended , that according to this Agreement shee was not bound to produce the Cabinet ; that in it there were likewise som Secrets which it was not fit for her to reveal or divulge . The others said , that by the Agreement there could not bee taken away that whereof the Agreement made no mention at all : and that according to the Laws , all Guardians are necessarily bound to produce and deliver up the Inventaries . At length the Princess Roial was perswaded to restore the Cabinet , as shee did , upon their princely word .

And thus the business of the Guardianship being once concluded and adjusted , a farther address was made thereupon to the Spanish Ambassador le Brun , for the completing of the draught of the Treatie made with the late Prince of Orange . And although the said Draught was made at that time more advantagious for the Prince , the Spanish beeing somwhat jealous still the Prince might otherwise encline too much to the French ; and now hee was dead , they might have taken the opportunitie of protracting the work , or at leastwise , new-molding it ; yet the Spanish shewed themselvs generous , in keeping the former draught unaltered , and bringing it to perfection ; the same consisting in these three points .

1. That the Prince of Orange shall bee put and remain in full possession and proprietie of all his Goods , Domains and Lordships , situated under the Sovereigntie of his Majestie of Spain , and specified in the Treaties made at Munster ; howbeit and notwithstanding that they were destinated , as appear's by the said Treaties , to serv and take place for the Exchange and permutation of the Marquisate of the Bergh op Zome , with the dependances thereof ( in regard of the difficulties and contestation about the same ) .

2. For the further satisfying of the surplusage of the value , and making amends for the importance of the said Marquisate , there shall bee furnished to the said Prince's profit and really delivered by Ambassador Le Brun in the behalf of the King his Master , the sum of five hundred thousand florens at 20 fouls each flor. to bee paiable either here at the Hague or at Amsterdam , at the choice of the said Ambassador in two paiments , viz. the 200000 flor. . immediately after the signature of the present agreement by the parties contracting ; and the other 300000 flor. . within five months after .

3. That besides the paiment of the said 500000 flor. . there shall bee assigned to the profit of the said Prince a yearly Rent of fourscore thousand flor. . likewise at 20 souls each flor. paiable every year either here at the Hague , or at Amsterdam , at the choice of his Majestie , and according to the common cours of the Coin then at the said places , when successively year by year the said paiments shall bee made . The interests of which rent for the profit of the said Prince beeing to begin their cours from the same time of signing or dating the present Agreement aud contract ; the Capital and Principal thereof may bee redeemed at 20 years purchase within the space of twelv years , to bee paid at several terms , and by several parcels , provided no parcel to bee paid bee less then three hundred thousand florins each time .

And all this under the pledges conteined in the foresaid Treaties , and the speciall obligation of all the Goods , Domains , Subsidies and other Revenues of his said Majestie in the Dukedom of Braband and Earldom of Flanders .

This advantage onely the Spaniard got by the death of the Prince and the dispute about the Guardianship , That in lieu of paying the Rents and Interests of the Equivalent agreed upon for the Marquisate of Bergues , from the time of Signing intended by the Prince , the paiment began but now ; so that they got or saved all the rest ; viz. not onely from the time of signing the Peace ; but also from the death of the Prince hitherto , which was one of the fruits of those Domestick jars and misunderstandings among friends .

The Gardians pressed likewise for a new Act of Caution or performance of the Prelates in manner as the former ▪ Transactions Jan. 8 , and Decemb. 27 , 1647 , were signed and confirmed thereby . But the Ambassador advised , it were safer they should let that alone ; for that the Prelates might easily chance to refuse it , and becaus of their autoritie one might bee loath , and could not easily neither compel them : and by reason of their interstice they might pretend their former Agreement was held invalid , and could not therefore binde them , and so it was waved . The Treatie beeing Signed , the Spanish Ambassador feasted and Regalized the Commissioners , together with his Excellencie the Lord Stadholder Count William in place of the Princesses .

Having thus far treated of the Defect and Detriment susteined by the death of the late Prince , wee shall now go on to prosecute that which was taken in hand for the orderlie supplie and redress or resettling of the Government .

About the latter end of March and beginning of April , as also before and after , the great Assemblie was more busied with the affairs of France , Spain , Portugal and others , then with domestick , and such , as properly were the caus of their meeting ; and therefore , wee shall but barely point at the forrein affairs , as not conducing to the scope and matter in hand .

The French King's Ambassador Bellievee was arrived in the beginning of March ; and becaus they could not agree together about the Ceremonies , there was no conference at all held with him , insomuch that Hee ▪ seeing hee could do nothing here , went his waie home again in the beginning of May.

The Ambassadors S ● John and Strickland , both Counsellors of State , to the Republick of England , arriving here about the latter end of March , with a Train of neer 300 persons , had Audience upon the 30th . in the great Assemblie , but withal so many affronts put upon them from the Courts and Courtiers there , ( however the Lords of Holland labored to suppress them ) that towards the end of April , they were charged by the Parlament to return , declaring they could tarrie there no longer with safetie to themselvs , and Reputation of the Republick . The State sought indeed to give them all possible satisfaction , propounding the Treatie of the year 1495. Those of Holland caused the same to bee insinuated to the Parlament , by their Commissioner Schaep , desiring som longer staie of the Ambassadors , which was granted for a certain space longer , but that beeing elapsed , they were again summoned back , towards the end of June ; and though there were all possible endeavors used to protract their Departure a little longer ▪ they could not bee prevailed with ; and so the Treatie remaining uneffected , it was resolved , that by an Extraordinarie Ambassie from hence into England , the same should bee consummated . They took their leaves Junii 30th . and parted from the Hagh the first of July .

The long and ever since the year 1649. delaied Ratification , of the Treatie made that year with Denmarck by the High Steward Ulefeld , was at last compleated and settled in the great Assemblie March 21. 1651. notwithstanding the Swedish Ministers Canterestein and Appleboom their respective and reiterated offices and endeavors against it .

The King of Portugal his Ambassador Sousa de Macedo , having after long Delaie , obtained Audience at last , Martii 6ᵒ. and made his proposition in Latin in the great Assemblie , gave more hopes then effects ; so that it was resolved Martii 25o. to cut off all further conference with him , and thenceforward not to acknowledg him any longer in the qualitie of Ambassador , notwithstanding that the Queen of Sweden offered by her Commissarie Appleboom , to mediate between the State and the said Ambassador ; who thereupon within a little time after , departed thence for Hamborow .

Between the Spanish Ambassador le Brun and the French Resident Brasset , there happened , both before and during the ●taie of the Ambassador Bellievre , several bickerings presented in the great Assemblie , both by publick audiences , and by transmitted papers ; which were divulged still in print ( as is conceived by their own consent ) but the State did entertain it with nothing but the hearing and seeing thereof .

Now then to return again to our domestick affairs ; There was much pains taken since March 28. for to conciliate the discrepant inclinations , that were com in and presented by the several Provinces , which at length produced a full Report , made in the Assemblie April 26. and afterwards Jun. 16ᵒ. compleatly past and determined , as shall bee seen in due place .

At this time , Things stood not in Zealand according to the minde of the Lords of Holland , understanding what endeavors there were on foot , to proceed to a new choice of a Stadtholder , Captain General , &c. And though the same did not necessitate the Lords of Holland , to do the like , yet they feared , it might occasion som alteration in the Provinces of Gelderland , Utrecht , Over-Yssell , and in divers Cities of Holland it self . Therefore to keep the Province of Zealand in a good intelligence with Holland , they sent ( as was said likewise before ) the Lords van Opdam , de Witt , Newport and Picca , in Commission thither ; who made there this ensuing Proposition .

Noble Mightie Lords !

WEe hold our selvs obliged in discharge of our Commission , and according to the intent of our Principals , successively to communicate and represent unto you the considerations and sollicitous Trutinations of their N. Gr. M. touching the Captainship General . All the other points of Religion , the Union and Militia , are by mutual conferences betwixt the ●wo Provinces , God bee praised , unanimously agreed on ; so that wee were not able to observ any discrepancie concerning any other subject .

Your N. M. well know , that the Supreme Autoritie over the Militia or Armie , together with the Direction of militarie affairs , doth appertain to every one of the United Provinces within their own Sovereign Provincial Sphere ; and that accordingly there was ever given by them , even to the particular Stadholders , the qualitie of Captain General within their respective Provinces , and especially in those Provinces , whose Stadholders were not invested with the qualitie of Captain General over the whole Union ; wherefore also the Province of Groninghen and the Omlands were not content , as all the rest of the Provinces , in making their Stadholders Captains General by Commission ; but expressed besides in plain terms in the IX Article of their Instruction , That the Stadholder shall likewise bee Captain General and the Chief-head ( note ) of the forces of Hors and Foot , which at present are , or hereafter may com into the said Province .

As also by your N. M. themselvs and the Lords of Holland and Westfriesland , it hath been several times solemnly declared ; especially by the resolution of Febr. 6 , 1587 , That his Excellencie Prince Maurice of immortal memorie ( who was then particular Governor and Captain General over Holland and Zealand , and had no Commission yet from the Generalitie ) should have the direction and managing of the Militarie affairs by land in Holland and Zealand , and particularly of besetting or garrisoning all the Cities and Forts of the said Countries , with the advice of the States thereof , or their Comissioned Council ; whence it follow 's , that since the Voicing Provinces have neither by the Commissions to the Captains General of the Union , granted , nor by any other Act resigned or given up the foresaid Autoritie over the Militia , and the direction of Militarie affairs ; That the successive Captains General of the Union could claim in that qualitie no power or autoritie in the world within the territorie of the Voicing Provinces .

Insomuch , that the function of the Captainship General could bee exercised no where but in the Field or general Expeditions , and without the resort or jurisdiction of the Voicing Provinces .

It is true indeed , that our Forefathers in the beginning of the War found good , following the example of the King of Spain , and former Lords of the Countrie , to appoint a Governor General over these Countries , whose Autoritie withal extended within the limits of the Voicing Provinces , even in matters of policie and justice it self in the highest Degree . But having perceived afterwards by the sensible example of the Excesses committed by the Earl of Leice●ter , how easily so great a power may com to bee abused , to the great prejudice of the Countrie , and with extreme danger of the libertie and freedom of the people : therefore our Forefathers bethought themselvs , and resolved to mortifie the said charge of Governor General ; as also from that time ever since to this day the same remained thus mortified , they having chosen into his place not a Governor General again , but onely a Captain General ; whose power having in no kinde of way ( as is proved before ) extended within the limits of the Voicing Provinces ( as that of the Governor General had don ) and consequently onely over the Armie or Leaguers without the respective resorts or jurisdiction of the Voicing Provinces , and beeing drawn forth into the Field . All which appear's more fully by conferring the Contents of the Commission given by the Joint Provinces to the Earl of Leicester as Governor General , with that which was given by them to the Princes of Orange , as Captains General ; and you may bee sure , that our prudent Forefathers would never have resolved for the choosing of a Captain General , if their grievous War had not required an Armie in the field , and the same beeing abroad , compelled them by evident necessitie to provide a Chieftain for it .

However things beeing brought now thus far through God's gracious Assistance , that the bloodie Wars are changed into a long-desired peace , and consequently the forementioned moving caus is com to ceas thereby ; wee cannot otherwise judg , but that the Charge which was grounded upon that caus , is in effect by the cessation thereof to bee held exspired and mortified of it self , wee beeing not able to see how , where no leaguers are gathered , a Captain General could bee made there over the Leaguers which are not , or a Chief field-Commander , where there is no field-Expedition .

Nor have wee ever heard of , or met with any example , that ever any Republick in the world reteined , much less chose a Captain General in time of peace . But on the contrarie it is well known , that many well-governed Countries are wont to give Commission to their Captains General or Chief field-Commander , onely for such a March or Expedition ; the same General in that case no sooner returning with the forces into their Garrisons , or Winter-quarters , but laying down again that Qualitie of his , notwithstanding that the same Wars continue still in those parts , and the Armie beeing to take the field again soon after , must bee provided with another Chieftain .

The Duke of Alva was the first of all whom the King of Spain did constitute specifical Captain General over these Netherlands , under the Government of the Duchess of Parma , in the year 1567 , in whose Commission bearing date ultimo Januarii of the said year , the King of Spain expressly allegeth the motives and reasons thereof to bee the troubles and disturbances arisen in the Netherlands , together with the necessitie of using the way of Arms ( as hee pretended ) whence it appear's , and hee sufficiently shewed it thereby himself , that in quieter times , or peace , the same should never have happened .

Upon all which arguments wee grow very confident , that your N. M. apprehending , together with us , in these present conjunctures , That a Captain General can bee of no use nor benefit at all to the United Provinces ; assuredly you will not now , contrarie to the example of all other Republicks , and even of the Netherlands themselvs , and contrarie to the practice of all well-governed Nations , press and urge the choosing of a Captain General , to the dissatisfaction of your Confederates , and those especially who in all times of trouble have been one Republick , as one Bodie , yea as one Citie together with your N. M.

As after wee chearfully took it for a pledg and token thereof , that your N. M. Deputies at the particular conferences with a Committee of our Lords lately met at the Haghe , declared then , That during the minoritie of the young Prince of Orange the choosing of a Captain General could well bee waved without any prejudice to the Countrie . Nevertheless wee finde our selvs necessitated to declare that wee cannot finde it agreeing with reason , nor consistent with the service of the Countrie , that your N. M. Deputies seem to infer and urge withal , viz. That a resolution should bee settled out of hand for the not choosing of any Captain General during the minoranitie of the said young Prince of Orange . Nor , that it should bee decreed , the same Prince beeing com to age , and judged fit by the most Voicing Provinces , hee should then bee preferred to the Captainship general before all others .

Considering on the one hand that it could so fall out at one time or other , by Wars or otherwise ( which God in mercie avert and protect these Countries from ) as that the condition of the Land should require it to proceed to the choice of a Captain General during this said Minoritie ; when it would prove very prejudicial to the publick interest , that the Provinces in that case should bee manacled by such an Engagement from doing their Countrie service .

And on the other hand , it might so happen likewise ( as wee hope to God it shall ) that the young Prince of Orange beeing com to age , these Netherlands may yet enjoie the blessing of a settled Peace , so that all the reasons and motives formerly alleged , whereupon wee ground it at present unserviceable and unadvisable to make a Captain General , shall remain the same , and firm and good still ; yea , and that at that very time also the Election of a Captain General may bee found and held directly to bee against the service of the Land , and repugnant to its welfare . And that it would prove the highest prejudice , to have in any sort obliged our posteritie by such Engagements .

However , and in all cases whatsoever , wee are fully perswaded , that the welfare and service of the Countrie , or the publick or common good and interest , is that which ought to bee the onely aim of all good Governors , and the onely square whereby they are to rule and order all their Actions and Deliberations ; and that above all things the same Freedom is to bee left unto posteritie , to dispose themselvs in their own time of such weightie concernments , so as then they shall judg requisite and expedient for the good and service of the Countrie : it beeing likewise to bee feared , upon very probable ground , that the Governor to com shall protest , that in matters of such weight and moment , the Resolutions or promises of their predecessors , could not binde them , nor prejudice their own Deliberations . Whereby it would com to pass then , that the Prince of Orange and his Adherents ▪ grounding themselvs upon these promises , and conceiving that by virtue thereof they have a just claim and title ; there must needs arise Factions and Fractions in the State ; which wee are confident your N. M. will ever help and endeavor to avoid and prevent , according to their wonted providence .

Besides that , in all the Provinces express resolutions have been taken , and prohibitorie Laws enacted against seeking of Reversions or Survivances , or promising of any Offices or Charges for time to com , and in som Provinces against the very nomination of a Captain General within themselvs , doubtless , becaus that such survivances and promises are usually procured and practised by corruptions or favor of som great ones , without regard had to the common good and service of the Land . Which reasons , together with sundrie others , wee dare promiss our selvs your N. M. will finde sufficient to persuade you not to proceed in this weightie affair without the orderlie cours , and against the accustomed order ; but by the common advice of both Provinces .

Now , although this Proposition , made April 25. was not otherwise answered but in complemental and general Terms , That the Lords of Zealand would so instruct and charge their Commissioners , now readie to return to the great Assemblie , about the matter proposed , that the common interest should suffer no detriment by it ; but all endeavors used , for tranquillitie and settledness , Yet , there happened soon after a very remarkable change and alteration of things in Zealand , as will bee seen toward the latter end of this book , in prosecuting the affairs of the Hous of Orange .

At present wee shall return to the most observable Result and Issue of the great Assemblie ; where the Lord van Andref , presiding in the latter end of April , propounded , That their Hi. Mi. would bee pleased to take into their consideration , how to elucidate their Resolution of Jan. 27 , last , touching the point of Religion , together with the consectaries and dependencies thereof ; and especially for the finding out of such a Temperament about the repairing of the Romish Clergie into these Countries , as might best and most commodiously bee introduced without derogating to the Treatie of Peace , as also , about the framing of an uniform cours of executing the Laws of these Countries made against the Papists . Whereupon next daie the Lord President mooved , that there might bee som Lords commissioned of the Provinces , for to inform themselvs of the waie and cours which was kept in this behalf , during the twelv-years Truce here , and accordingly to prepare a Draught of a fit and requisite Temperament , to bee presented to the Assemblie , that Deliberation had upon the same , som Resolution may bee taken about it . This same was afterwards referr'd to the Ordinarie Assemblie of the States General , and tacitly left , as it was resolved Jan. 28. last , and reassumed Julii 17o .

In the beginning of Maie the Lords of Holland propounded and desired that the Lord Field-marshal might bee admitted into the Council of State , to assist the Consultations about militarie affairs ; but the rest , especially those of Friesland , Groninghen , and the Omlands had no minde to it .

This same month there were great pains taken about the business of giving Patents or Commissions , and enlarging the Instruction for the Council of State and stopping Corruptions .

May 12ᵒ. a Form was agreed upon and determined of giving Commission to the Governors and Commanders of the Cities and places immediately resorting under the Generalitie ; according as the same was presented to and read before the Assemblie two daies before , and in persuance thereof all the said Governors and Commanders , who formerly were onely autorized by his Highˢ the Pr. of Orange , were summoned hither by their Hi. Mi. where they received all their respective Commissions and took their oath upon it .

Here followeth the form of the Commission .

THe States General of the United Netherlands , greeting all those which shall see or hear the reading of these present , do publish and make known hereby , That wee reposing Trust in the valor , manfulness , and good Experience in handling Militarie affairs , of ( Title and Name of the Governor ( or Commander ) wee have with advice of the Council of State of the United Netherlands , continued , appointed , commissioned and autorised him , as by these wee do continue , appoint , commission and autorise him to be Governor , ( or Commander ) over the Citie , or Fort , &c. ( Name of the place ) giving him full power , autoritie , and special Charge , to commaad all the Souldierie and Forces lying in the said Citie , or Fort , or according to future occurrences and accasions to bee put in Garrison there , and to use and employ them , against all and every one , that shall attempt or practise any hostilitie to the prejudice of the said Citie &c. and the State in General , the Provinces in particular and the members thereof ; and that in such sort and manner , as hee shall bee ordered and commanded by Us and the Council of State of these United Netherlands , or by others entrusted by Us ; keeping the Garrison in good order , militarie guard and Discipline , by daie and by night ; without suffering them to endammage or molest the Citizens and inhabitants of either Citie or Countrie , where they lie in the United Provinces , nor any Neighbor Neutral Countries ; also , as much as in him lies , to discover , resist , keep off and prevent , whatsoever may any waies tend to the disservice and prejudice of the foresaid Countries , Members and Cities thereof , giving forthwith advertisment to the Council of State of all emergencies , according as necessitie or occasions shall require ; and especially , not to deliver or yield up the foresaid Citie , &c. to any , nor to let any Souldierie or Forces to march in or out there , but with our ( such as shall bee autorised for it there ) resolution , approbation and due Patent or Commission ; looking very narrowly and carefully to it , that the Companies there in Garrison bee kept in their compleat Number and Arms , according to the orders and appointments made in that behalf ; and if there appear any default , to give notice thereof to Us , or to the Council of State , that it may bee remedied . In conformitie whereunto , A. B. ( the Name of the Governor or Commander ) shall bee bound to pledg his Oath hereupon into our hands ; which beeing don , wee make known and command to all and every Ritmasters , Captains , Officers , Souldiers and people of War , in the said Citie of — beeing there in Garrison , or coming to bee , to acknowledg , respect , submit and obey A. B. as our appointed Governor ( or Commander ) there , desiring and requiring likewise all others respectively , whom it may concern , to yield him all manner of furtherance and assistance in the Exercise of his said Charge and Commission .

Don at the Haghe , under our Counter-Seal , Paraphure , and Signature of our Secretarie &c.

There was likewise upon the said 12th . of Maie , brought in a Draught of enlarging or amending the Instruction for the Council of State , by those of Gelderland ; and the rest of the Provinces were desired , to bring in likewise their respective Declarations about that Subject . How the same was compleated and ratified at length Julii 18ᵒ. wee shall see in due place ; it beeing needless to insert the said Draught .

May 13ᵒ. there appeared before the Great Assemblie , Adrian van der Myle , Governor of Willemstadt . John van Merode , Lord of Rumen , Commander at Ravesteyn . Francis de Ram , Lord of Haghedorn , Commander at Steenberghen . William Reynier van Cloet at Leverfelt , Commander of Meurs . Martin van Inchem , Commander of Wesell . Govert de Lyon , Commander of Yssendyck . Philip de Vahsy , Commander of the Fort St Anne in the Polder of Namen . Simon Schotte , Commander at the Philippine . and Frederick van Inthima , Commander of Aerdenburgh . and by virtu̇e of the abovesaid Resolution of their Hi. Mi of May 12 their Commissions beeing read before them , they took their Oath , in their respective Qualities , in the hand of the Lord Schagen then President in the Assemblie .

On the 17th . there was read the advice of the Council of State of the 13th . shewing , that the Patents or Commission of the Companies both hors and foot , had been addrest in former times to the Rittmaster or Captain of the respective Companie , so as the same is likewise continued to those that lie in the Inland-Garrisons : but that for a good while hitherto the Patents for the Companies , in the Frontiers , where there is a Governor or Commander , were wont to bee addrest to the said Governors or Commanders , for the more orderly sending forth , or marching of the foresaid Companies , which cours their N. M. conceiv ought to bee followed still .

Whereas the Lord of Ghent and other their Hi. Mi. Commissioners had held several Conciliatorie conferences for a good while , they presented at length a report May 20ᵒ. and caused their Advice Conciliatorie about the Direction and Disposition of militarie men and affairs to bee read before the Assemblie , together with the forms of the Oath for the Souldierie , which were somwhat amplified upon further conference , and past afterwards ; and so likewise there was brought into the Assemblie and read there , a Draught of Instructions for the Lords Commissioners at the Assemblie of their Hi. Mi. in ordinarie ; how namely , they ought to govern themselvs in the giving of Patents or Commissions to the said Souldierie , and providing the Frontiers of the State , in manner as the same were past , Junii 16ᵒ. and shall bee communicated anon ; the said Council had thanks return'd them for their pains , and in all the foresaid businesses , the Provinces of Gelderland , Holland and Zealand , conformed themselvs wholly , during that Session yet of the Assemblie , to the advice brought in , and the delaying Provinces were earnestly desired , to do the like as soon as conveniently they could . It was found good likewise , that the Lords the States of Friesland and Groninghen with the Omlands , should once again most seriously bee written to and desired , conformably to the 19th Article of the Union , That without any further procrastination , they would return to the Assemblie , ( beeing that since Februarie last , they had been absent , by reason of a Land-day , they were to keep in their own Countrie , leaving none behinde them but one or two Deputies , without any charge to act ) for to assist the rest of the Provinces in the important Deliberations of this Assemblie , and to help to bring the same to a speedie and wished issue .

This same daie there was likewise a cours settled upon the Advice of the Council of State , of May 13o , That the Patents for the Companies of hors and foot , in the frontiers of the Generalitie , where there is a Governor or Commander , should bee addressed to the said Governor or Commander ; and that in the Voicing Cities of the United Provinces , the same should bee don , by the States of the Province or their autorised Commissioners unto the Burgomasters and Governors of the same Cities for the better ordering of the marches or remoovings of the foresaid Companie .

Maii 23o. Deliberation beeing had upon the Advice Conciliatorie , touching the Disposition and Direction of Militarie affairs and the Souldierie , together with the form of the Oath for the Souldierie , and the Instruction for the Lords Commissioners at the Generalitie , how to govern themselvs in giving of Patents to the Souldierie , and providing for the Frontiers of the State , the Lords of Utrecht declared , That they received Order from their Principal , to conform themselvs wholly and in all things to the foresaid Advice , and form of Oath , as they were brought in by the Lord of Ghent and other their Hi. Mi. Commissioners for the conference Conciliatorie , April 26ᵒ last ; but whereas after the 9th . Article of the foresaid advice , as likewise in the said form of Oath , som amendments had been made since , upon a further conference , for conciliating of the advices of the respective Provinces , whereof report was made on the 19th of this month , before the Assemblie ; the said Lords of Utrecht further declared , That they dispatched likewise the said Amendments , to their said Principals , for to receiv their further Order therein , as speedily as might bee . And the rest of the Provinces , which had not yet declared upon the points aforesaid , were again most friendly desired , to hasten and speed likewise their conforming .

Those of Utrecht propounded at the same time , that they were charged by their Principals to represent their Right , at the Assemblie , which by virtue of the Union did belong unto them , of deputing the like Number of persons into the Council of State , which any other Province had there ; and accordingly desired , that the rest of the Provinces , would bee pleased not to scruple the deputing of the like Number by the said Province of Utrecht , especially in this present conjunctures , when as more direction and autoritie in militarie affairs is committed to the said Council of State , then in former times .

Next daie , the Lords of Over-Yssell , propounded the like for themselvs also , as the Lords of Utrecht had don before .

May 27o. the Lords of Utrecht acquainted the Assemblie , that they were charged now by their Principals , wholly and fully to conform themselvs to the Advice Conciliatorie , touching the direction and disposition of the affairs and forces militarie ; and that they likewise approoved and accepted of the Form of the Oath for the Souldierie of this State ; together with the Instruction for the Lords Commissioners at the Ordinarie Assemblie of their Hi. Mi. about the giving of Patents and things belonging thereunto , so as the same was framed upon further conference , and presented to the Generalitie on the 20th . of this instant , by the Lord of Ghent and other their H. M. Commissioners , at the Assemblie ; the said Lords of Utrecht resting confident in the mean time , that their H. M. will speed and facilitate their satisfaction about the encreasing of their Deputies in the Council of State ; which beeing taken into Deliberation ; Those of Friesland , Over-Yssell , Groninghen and Omlands , were desired thereupon , that withal possible speed , and without any longer delaie , they would likewise bee pleased to conform themselvs to the foresaid Advice Conciliatorie , Form of Oath and Instruction for the Commissioners of the Generalitie , with the agreeing Provinces of Gelderland , Holland , Zealand and Utrecht .

Upon the 18. it was Whitsunday , during which feast , and for som daies following most of the Lords ( without dissolving of the Assemblie ) took som respit , or went home once , till Saturday the 10th . of June , the Lord Tiassens of Groninghen beeing President , they met again the first time in the great Hall ; where the foresaid Advice Conciliatorie being taken again into Deliberation , the Lords of Over-Yssell declared their conformitie in the whole and all the particulars thereof , with the four first agreeing Provinces of Gelderland , Holland , Zealand and Utrecht , and had thanks return'd them from their Hi. Mi. and upon this occasion those of Friesland and Groninghen , with the Omlands , were again desired to conform herein with the said five consenting Provinces , and to bring in their Declaration with the first , which they likewise undertook to perform about the beginning of the week following .

On the 12 , 13 , and 14 of June the Lords of Friesland and Groninghen were reiteratedly and seriously desired and exhorted to conform with the five Provinces , till upon Jun. 16 the Lord of Ghent presiding the points of the Direction and Disposition of Militarie affairs and the Souldierie ; and especially by whom , on what grounds and in what manner the Patents were to bee given to the said Souldierie by land , &c. beeing reassumed ; their Hi. Mi. were pleased to approve and ratifie all according to the advice Conciliatorie brought in Maie 20 by the Lord van Ghent and others their Hi. Mi. Commissioners into the Assemblie , in manner as followeth .

THat provisionally and till further order of the joint Confederates , the disposing and granting of Patents should belong to the Ordinarie Assemblie of the Lords Commissioners at the Generalitie , with precedent Advice of the Council of State , who beeing demanded it , shall bee obliged promtly to impart the same , that their Hi. Mi. may further and finally dispose , and the Patents dispatched there accordingly under the Paraphure of the Lord President at the Generalitie ; signed by two Deputies of the next succeeding Provinces , subscribed by the Secretarie , and sealed with the Seal of their H. M. shall bee sent thence to the Council of State , there likewise to bee Paraphured by the President , signed by the Secretarie , and sealed with the Seal of the said Council , and by them to bee speeded away thus without any dela●e .

II.

Provided , that the said Council of State shall bee bound likewise to advertise the Ordinarie Assemblie of the Generalit●e , from time to time , of the true condition of the Frontiers and Forts of this State , and the necessitie of som enterchange of the Companies , as often as their N. shall judg it requisite , that upon the advice received as before there may bee courses taken by their H. M. about the transplacing of the Companies , and exchange of Garrisons .

III.

For which end their H. M. have likewise conformed themselvs , agreed upon and decreed in this very behalf , a peculiar Instruction , conteining the manner and order which the said Commissioners at the Generalitie are precisely to follow , which said Instruction doth ensue immediately after these Resolutions of their Hi. Mi.

IV.

Which Instructions the said Commissioners shall swear to , for to observ the same without any regard of the particular Interests of the Provinces , Cities or Places from which they are sent , or where they are born , they beeing dispenced , for as much as concern's this particular , of the particular Oath which lie's upon them by virtue of their respective Commissions , or which otherwise they may have made , or ●om to make yet unto their Principals .

And consequently the said Commissioners at the Generalitie should , as above , first and above all things take care with the advice of the Council of State , that the Frontiers of this State in general may bee provided with sufficient garrison of several Nations , and furnished with necessarie ammunition by the Council of State , and that the rest of the Souldierie , as much as may bee , and occasions do permit , bee distributed and placed in the nearest and most commodious places about the said Frontiers , for to bee readie at hand at all times , in case of any sudden need , whether from within , or from without .

VI.

And in case it should bee found requisite to take forth any Companies out of a Voicing Province , that then the States of that Province , or such as are autorized by them shall bee desired to part with so many Companies as shall bee held necessarie , transmitting withall the occasion and reasons thereof , together with Patents or Commissions , with open names to bee fill'd up by the said States , or those autorized by them , who are to join thereunto their particular Patents , and that thereupon the said Companies shall follow ; provided , that it shall bee determined by common advice among the Confederates , how many Companies there are to bee left in every one of the United Provinces , for the garrisoning of the Cities and Forts thereof , and for the asserting of the Magistrates in the Execution of their Civil Commands , which number shall not bee lessened , but in time of necessitie , and with express consent of the States of that Province or their autorized Commissioners , so as that the necessitie beeing past , the said Companies bee returned again to their former Garrisons , or others instead of them .

VII .

That no Companies bee laid into any Voicing Province , but with the foreknowledg , advice and consent , and Patent likewise of the States of that Province , or their autorized Commissioners .

VIII .

That no Forces shall pass through any Voicing Province , before timely advertisement given thereof to the States of that Province , or their autorized Commissioners , to the end that Orders may bee taken for their passage ; and that no Companies or Souldiers at Sea or Land , shall march through any walled towns of the said Provinces , without leav of the respective Magistrates thereof ; but that the same shall tarrie without the foresaid Cities , and give notice of their arrival to the said Magistrates , who shall thereupon , as soon as may bee , give order that the said forces may pass either through or about the said Cities , so as they shall finde good to appoint , which order the Souldierie shall bee bound to follow precisely .

IX .

That the States in the respective Provinces , or such as shall bee especially autorized by them shall have libertie to transplace the Companies within their Province by Patents from one place to another ; and that the Officers of the said Companies shall bee bound likewise to obey the same ; provided there bee forthwith notice given thereof unto their Hi. Mi. and to the Council of State : As also the States of the Respective Provinces , or their autorized Commissioners , shall bee enabled in case of sudden need , and when the Patents from the Generalitie cannot bee staid for to send forth Companies lying in their own Province , upon their particular Patents , into their Province , into the endangered Cities and Forts resorting immediately under the Generalitie : provided alwaies , that thereof there bee present advertisement given to the Lords the States General and the Council of State , with addition of the reasons thereof ; which said Companies sent forth as said is , the States of the said Provinces , or their autorized Commissioners , shall have power to command back again upon their own Patents into their said Province when need shall require it , giving advertisement thereof as before : provided , that the same shall have no place in regard of the Companies above the ordinarie Number of the determined Garrison , when , and if so bee that the same shall have received contrarie Order from the Generalitie before the foresaid Revocation .

That the Souldierie shall bee bound , besides the general Oath to the Generalitie , to make Oath likewise in particular to the Province wherein they shall bee laid , together with that under whose Repartition ( or paie ) they stand ; as also to the Magistrates in the Cities of the Voicing Provinces where they are put in Garrison ; according to the Form agreed upon and established together with this , as it follow 's annexed word for word at the ●nd of these their H. M. Resolutions . Which Oath shall likewise bee made to the Chief Officers of the open Countrie , or the Representer thereof ; if so bee that necessitie require , the putting of any Companie there , either for the keeping of the Streams and Rivers , or otherwise .

XI .

That the Garrisons of the Fontier-Towns and Forts shall likewise bee changed from time to time , so as it shall bee found requisite for the most service and welfare of the Land , according to occasions and emergencies of affairs .

XII .

And that therewithall there shall bee kept an exact List of the garrisoning of all the Cities , Forts and places , so as the same shall bee conditioned from time to time ; and that copies thereof shall bee communicated to the respective Provinces at their desire at all times , to bee there preserved and Registred . And of this their H. M. Resolution an Extract shall bee sent to the Council of State , to serv for information and direction to them to steer by , as much as may concern them .

Here follow 's the Instructions , mentioned above Artic. 3. of the foresaid established Resolution .

Instruction for the Lords Commissioners at the Assemblie of their Hi. Mi. the States General of the Vnited Netherlands , by which they are to regulate themselvs , in giving of Patents or Commissions to the Souldierie , and in providing for the Frontiers of this State .

THe foresaid Commissioners , shall take ●are with the advice of the Council of State , that the Frontiers of the State in general bee beset with sufficient garrison of several Nations , and provided with necessarie Ammunition and Provision by the Council of State ; and that the rest of the Souldierie , bee as much as may , and occasions permit distributed and disposed of in the neerest and most convenient places about the said Frontiers , for to bee readie at hand at all times in case of Sudden need , whether from within or from without .

II.

They shall give no Patents or Commissions to the Souldierie , but after advice had from the Council of State , and the said advice beeing heard and approoved of ; The Patents to bee issued , shall bee attested by the Lord President for the time beeing in the said Assemblie of their H. M. and signed moreover by two Deputies of the next succeding Provinces , beeing present , together with the subscription of the Secretarie and sealed with the Seal of their H. M. and the Patents thus attested , signed and sealed as before , shall bee sent to the Council of State , for to bee there likewise attested by their President , signed by their Secretarie and sealed with the Seal of the said Council , and thus with all speed to bee dispatched .

III.

And if it shall bee found requisite , to take forth any Companies out of a Voicing Province , in that Case they shall desire the States of that Province or their autorised Commissioners , to give waie for the taking forth of so many Companies as shall bee thought necessarie , adding therewithal the reasons thereof , and sending the Patents a long to the said States or their autorised Commissioners , with vacant spaces of the Names to bee inserted by either of them , with the addition of their Provincial Patents

IV.

Nevertheless they shall not have power to take forth so many Companies out of the said Provinces , as might lessen the Number , which was found good or may bee found good hereafter to bee left within each Province , for the besetting of the Cities and Forts of the same , and for assisting of the Magistrates in executing of their civil Commands ; unless case of great necessitie should require the same , and the States of the said Province or their autorised Commissioners , do give their express consent unto it : and in that case , the danger beeing past , the foresaid Companies , ( or som others in their stead ) shall bee returned to their former Garrisons .

They shall not have power to laie any Companies in any Voicing Province , but with the foreknowledg , advice and consent , yea and Patent too , of the States of that Province or their autorised Commissioners .

VI.

They shall caus no forces to pass through any Voicing Province , without giving timely notice thereof to the States of that Province or their autorised Commissioners , That order may bee taken for those marchings .

VII .

They shall alter and change the Garrisons of the Frontier . Towns and Forts from time to time , with the advice of the Council of State and with Patents in manner before , so as it shall bee found to make most for the seruice and welfare of the Land , according to the occasions and occurences of affairs .

VIII .

They shall likewise caus an exact list to bee kept of the Garrisoning of all Cities , Forts and places , so as the same shall bee conditioned from time to time , and caus coppies thereof to bee imparted to the Provinces desiring the ●ame .

IX .

The foresaid Commissioners at present beeing , or succeeding afterwards , in the foresaid Assemblie of the States General , shall promise by Oath and swear , they will precisely regulate themselvs according to the contents of this Instruction and every Article thereof , without transgressing or contrarieing the same in any Article , directly or indirectly , nor ●uffer ought to bee don to the contrarie ; and in this behalf they shall by Oath renounce all particular correspondence , with either Province , Cities or Members thereof , or any private and particular persons , in any matter or waie , that might prove prejudicial to the publick interest ; and that without any regard of the Provinces or Cities , where they were born or chosen , or of the particular profit of themselvs or any others , and promiss to have nothing before their eies , but the welfare and conservation of those Countries and the publick interest , and doing besides in this behalf , what good and faithful Commissioners are bound and ought to do .

Upon which Instruction , the present Lords Deputies at the Ordinarie Assemblie of the Generalitie are obliged forthwith to take their oath before the present Great Assemblie ; as likewise the rest ( now absent ) are to do from time to time as they shall present themselvs , or such as may bee further deputed by the respective Provinces , during the Session of this present Assemblie ; or , the same beeing ended , before the foresaid Ordinarie Assemblie of their H. M. insomuch that none of the Extraordinarie Deputies of the respective Provinces at the said Assemblie shall bee permitted to participate of the Deliberation about the giving of the said Patents , but having first taken the oath in behalf of the foresaid Instruction .

Now follow 's the form of the Oath for the Souldierie mentioned and established by the tenth Article of the above standing Resolution . The Oath to bee made by Souldierie to the States General .

I A. B. do promiss and swear , to be true and faithful to the States General of the United Netherlands , abiding constant in the Union and maintenance of the Reformed Religion ; and especially , to the N. M. Lords the States of N. my pay-masters , together with the States of the other Provinces , where I shall bee emploied ; as also to the Governors or Magistrates of the Cities , as well within the said Provinces , as without them ; where I shall bee put in Garrison ; to serv them resolutely and faithfully under the conduct of the Chieftains and Commanders set , or to bee set over mee ; to honor , respect and obey the foresaid Lords the States General , and the particular , my pay masters , together with the States of the other United Provinces , wherein I shall bee employ'd and put in Garrison , and the Governors thereof at present beeing , or succeeding afterwards , and such as have or may have in time , autoritie there given them over the Souldierie , and the fores●id Chieftains and Commanders set or to bee set over mee , in their respective commands , for such time as I shall continue to bee employ'd in the respective Provinces and Cities ; and and moreover to govern and regulate my self in all things , according to the Articles and Orders made for the service , and especially to obey and respect no Patents but such as shall bee conditioned , in manner as followeth .

To wit , Under the Attestation of the Lord President , besides the signing of two other Lords of the Deputies at the Generalitie ; the subscribing of the Secretarie , the Seal of their H● . Mi. the attesting of the President at the Council of State , the signing of the Secretarie and the Seal of the Court of the Council of State , beeing accompa●ied likewise with the Patents of the States ▪ out of or into whose Province I shall bee commanded to march , provided with●l , that , lying within any of the United Provinces , I shall upon the special Patent of the States of the Province or their autorised Commissioners , transport my self into any Citie or place of the said Province , and likewise into the Cities and Forts immediately resorting under the Generalitie , and back again out of the said Cities and Forts into the Province ; whence I was sent forth at any time , and as often as their N. M. shall finde it requisite for either their own , or the Generalities service , and that in marches also or thorow-faires through any Voiceing Province , I shall practise no manner of hostilitie or disorder n●r any other trouble or moles●ation whatsoever upon the Inhabitants of the foresaid Provinces ; nor suffer any trespass of this kinde in the Souldiers under my command ; nor attempt any thing my self , nor suffer those under mee to attempt the least to prejudice , distress or endammage the same Provinces , Members or Cities thereof : and if so bee , that any shall bee sent to meet mee lawfully impower'd by the States of such a Provin●e , or their autorised Commissioners , for to conduct mee in the said march , that I shall punctually follow the orders made in that behalf . So also coming towards any walled Towns of the foresaid voicing Provinces , that I shall not enter into the same , with●ut first giving notice of it to the Magistrates thereof ; but that I shall remain without , waiting for their order and pleasure , whether it bee to let mee pass through their Citie , or along the same without it ; So help mee God .

The Lords of Friesland , of Groninghen and the Omlands , declared that they were readie to conform to all aforesaid , with the 5 other Provinces , and accordingly to consent to the foregoing Resolution , under their respective Declaration , to wit ,

The Lords Commissioners of Friesland , That they approved the Articles of the Conference Conciliatorie , of Maii 20ᵒ. 1651. since Jun. 16ᵒ. established , under this express restriction and reservation , That this Provisionally determined Order , touching the Direction and disposition of Militarie affairs should not bee prejudicial to the method form and order alreadie concluded on , for the conservation and mutual entertainment of the Union , or to bee concluded hereafter , in case the one or the other Province would not accommodate themselvs to reason and the observation of the Union in som point or other . As also their N. M. understood it so , That the Right of a Stadtholder or Stadholders should not bee prejudiced thereby , that the name onely of the Council of State is expressed in these Articles , without adding that of Stadtholder or Stadtholders . Their N. M. conceived the words of Stadtholder or Stadtholders ought to bee inserted : and likewise that these Articles should not in the least prejudice the Right of the Province of Friesland or their Governor , in disposing over the Neighbor Forts and Commanders , according to the old custom , together with the Resolution and agreements of their H. M. in several years past .

The Lords of Groninghen , having examined the foresaid Advice Conciliatorie ; they declared likewise , that they could easily conform thereunto , provided there were but som ●all alteration made therein , which they conceived did ●ncern the interest of their Province in particular , the 〈◊〉 part of the foresaid Advice and Resolution 〈◊〉 remaining otherwise entire ; thus namely ,

●at in the I. Article and all the rest , where it is said , With 〈◊〉 advice of the Council of State , the words may bee read th● With advice of the Lords Stadholders ( or Stadholder ) and the Council of State . Instancing further , that the Stadholder of ●e Province of Groninghen and Omlands had the undoubtedright to sit in the foresaid Council , and especially in m●er of securing the Frontiers and the like , whereof the seco● Article treated , for to serv their Hi. Mi. with advice , what might bee requisite in cases concerning them ; for the Text remaining as it is in the foresaid Resolution ▪ might otherwise at first somwhat obscure and at length que obliterate this clear Right of their Province , so well kn●wn yet to their Hi. M. themselvs . All which ( said they ) might easily bee prevented by the foresaid insertion , with●t nevertheless altering any thing essential in the establish● Resolution : it beeing ( said they ) far from the meaning●d intent of this solemn Assemblie , to prejudice any Mem● thereof in their due Right and Autoritie .

Touching the V. Artic. th said Deputies of Groninghen represented to their H. M. That b●th in the Province of Friesland & theirs , the Direction & Disp●stion of the garrisoning & keeping the forts of C●●vorden & ohers , lying about the Provinces had ever since the Reduction of Groninghen , been and remained at the Disposal of their Stadholders ; and that consequently the besetting and guarding of those For●s and Sconces were from time to time in especial manner recommended to the respective Lords Stadholders of the said Provinces in their Instruction ; And accordingly the Commanders thereof were alwaies put in by , and received their Commissions from the said Lords Stadholders . And all that in the same method and manner which their H M. had been pleased to appoint themselvs in regard of t● said Sconces and circumstances in the year 1596 and at●● times . Should the Text of the fift Artic. remain in tens as now it is couched , the foresaid right and autori● of the Lord Stadholder of the said Provinces would 〈◊〉 notably impaired , to the no small prejudice of the 〈◊〉 Provinces in their remoteness . And therefore the lords of Groninghen and Omlands conceiv , that the foresaid fift Article ought to bee altered or claused thus , to 〈◊〉 Saving the right and interest of the Provinces . And furt●r their N. M. conceived , That the Order or Direction affairs Militarie now advanced by the Advice Conciliorie , beeing but provisional , it ought to bee expressed 〈◊〉 it should stand and bee of force onely until it sha● bee otherwise disposed of , as the constitution of the Land shall require it .

The present Lords Deputies of the ●rovince of Over-Yssell , having seen what the Province of Friesland and Groninghen pretended yesterday Jun. 16 , at he Assemblie in their Exceptions delivered in , about the oints of Direction of Militarie affairs and giving of Pants ; namely , that the Direction and Disposing of ga●isoning and keeping the Fort of Coevorden belong'd of ●ght to them ; They the Lords of Over-Yssell could not p●s it thus without contradicting it , in behalf and for the conservation of the Right of their Province in that particul●● , against the pretences of the said Provinces of Friesland and Groninghen .

However , within a few daies after , viz. Jun. 21 , it was agreed , That touching the Exceptions of the said three Provinces , there should bee satisfaction given them in manner as followeth .

That upon the motion of som Provinces at their H. M. Assemblie , it was found good upon precedent deliberation expresly to declare , That by the Resolution taken June 16 , about the Direction of Militarie affairs , and the giving of patents , their H. M. meant not to enervate , alter , or prejudice in any kinde or part the Articles of the Union and everlasting Confederacie made at Utrecht betwixt the United Provinces Januarie 29 , 1579 , nor the Articles of Instruction for the Council of State , in as much as may concern the the Stadholders ; nor that the Provinces , or any one of them , shall bee prejudiced in the least by the abovesaid Resolution ; nor their Stadholder or Governor , in the Disposing over som neighbor Forts and Commanders , when ever they shall make it appear by Resolutions or Agreements of their Hi. Mi. or by any other lawful Title , that they have gotten an absolute Right of disposing therein .

In the foregoing Resolution of Jan. 16 , the Oath is set down to bee made to the Generalitie . But how and in what manner there were framed three other Forms , touching the Provinces and Cities in particular , whereof so● mention is made in the former Oath to the Generalitie ; the same is to bee seen by the Copies following , the first whereof is ,

The Form of Oath to bee made by all Chief Commanders , Collonels , Ritmasters , Captains , Lievtenants , under-Officers , and all the Souldierie , standing upon the Repartition of Holland and Westfriesland , into the hand of the States of the said Province , or their Autorized Commissioners .

WEe do promiss and swear to bee true and faithful to the States General of the United Netherlands , remaining constant to the Union , and in the maintenance of the true Christian Religion , and especially to the States of Holland and Westfriesland , to serv them resolutely and faithfully in the Defence of the foresaid United Netherlands , and especially the Countrie of Holland and Westfriesland , the Quarters , Cities , and Members thereof against all their enemies ; to bee obedient to the said Lords the States of Holland and Westfriesland , or their Autorized Commissioners , in what they shall command us for the furtherance of the service and defence of the said Countries ; and particularly to help to protect and defend the open Countrie of the foresaid Province from all inquartering and disorder of militarie forces : * * Note , The words as also , &c. to Autorized Commissioners , inclusively , to bee left out at the swearing of the Common Souldier . as also that beeing within the said Province wee shall not march forth , or beeing without wee shall not enter into it for to bee emploied , quartered , or garrison'd there , but upon the Patents of the said Lords the States of Holland and Westfriesland , or their Autorized Commissioners . And besides in all things to conform our selvs to the Articles of War ; So truly help us God Almightie .

The Form of Oath to bee made by all Chief Commanders , Collonels , Ritmasters , Captains , Lievtenants , under-Officers , and all the Souldierie in Garrison within the Province of Holland and Westfriesland , not beeing of their Repartition , into the hands of the States of that Province or their Autorized Commissioners .

WEe do promiss and swear to bee true and faithful to the States General of the United Netherlands , remaining constant to the Union , and in the maintenance of the true Christian Religion ; and especially to the States of Holland and Westfriesland , the Quarters , Cities and Members thereof , against all their Enemies ; and for the time wee shall remain in the said Province , to bee obedient to the said Lords the States of Holland and Westfriesland , or their Autorized Commissioners , in what they shall command us , for the furtherance of the service and defence of the foresaid Countries , and particularly to help to protect and defend the open Countrie of the said Province from all inqua●tering and disorder of militarie forces ; * * Note the words ; as also , unto , autorised Commissioners , inclusively , to bee left out at the swearing of the common Souldier . as also not to march within this Province but upon the Patent of the said Lords the States of Holland and Westfriesland , or their Autorized Commissioners . And beside in all things to conform my self to the Articles of War ; So truly God Almightie help us .

The Form of Oath to bee made by the Captains , under-Officers and Souldiers , into the hands of the Citie-Magistrates , where , with their Companies , they lie in Garrison , or are to bee laid respectively .

I Do promiss and swear , * * Note , The words with the Companie under mee , to bee left out at the swearing of the Lievtenant , under-Officers and Souldiers . with the Companie under mee , to bee true and faithful to this Citie and Magistrate , faithfully to serv and obey them , in what they shall command mee for the conservation , service , and tranquillitie of their Citie , and particularly against all manner of uproar and sedition of the people ; saving alwaies the Command which the Lords the States of this Province , or their Commissioned Council shall lay upon mee . So truly God help mee .

On the 19th of June it was found good , to desire the Lord Roesveld and other their High M. Deputies , that they would effectually once , take in hand the business about Corruption formerly treated of , and make report of it with all speed possible .

Jun. 21ᵒ. it was agreed that the Militarie Officers should bee sworn by the Commissioners appointed for the mustering of the Forces under this State . The Lords of Friesland caused to bee enter'd in their behalf , that they consented no further to the conclusion , then that their Militia and Militarie persons should bee sworn upon the form here agreed on , by the Lords the Deputed states of their Province , from whom they had likewise ever received their Commissions , according to the old custom , observed there ever since the beginning of this Republick , wherein there had hapened no alteration at all by the death of the Prince of Orange .

Jun. 22o. the Lords van Ghent , Dort , Roesveld , Wimenum , Loo , Paets , Sonck , Aylva , van der Beeck , Cates , Jacob Veet , v●n der Hoolk , Tiassens , and Cla●t , took their oath , before the the great Assemblie , upon the Instruction of Jun. 16ᵒ. for the Lords Deputies in the Ordinarie Assemblie of the Generalitie , whereby they are to govern themselvs in giving of Patents to the Souldierie , and taking care for the Frontiers of this State ; the same was likewise performed afterwards by the rest of the Ordinarie Deputies .

About the later end of June , all the chief and subordinate Officers militarie to Captains , Lievtenants and Ensignes inclusively , beeing summoned and com to the Haghe , they presented themselvs in the Ordinarie Assemblie , and there took the oath , according to the form established in the great Assemblie Jun. 16ᵒ. all of them standing , and barehead ; except onely his Excellencie Count William of Nassaw as beeing Stadtholder of Provinces , for whom a chair was set : nevertheless taking the oath hee stood and was uncovered . The like was don by them all in the Assemblie of Holland .

For the stopping of the cours of Corruptions , there was a Report made June 27o. importing , that a ●olemn Act or Proclamation ought to bee published against the same , and an order settled by Resolution ; That no members of the Government , sitting in any Assemblie , Court , Magistracie or Judicature , depending on the Generalitie , should suffer himself to bee corrupted or drawn about with receiving or enjoying any gifts , bribes and presents from any persons , that may have any thing to seek or sue for , in any of the foresaid Governments , Courts or Judicatures .

June the 30th . those of Holland , Zealand and Utrecht , conformed themselvs unto it , and the rest of the Provinces were desired , to declare themselvs in like manner .

Whereupon July 1. the Lord Jacob de Vett , beeing President at the Great Assemblie , it was disposed of and unanimously resolved , agreed and consented to , That None of the Lords Commissioners at the Assemblie of the States General , no● Council of State , nor Treasur●e or Exchequer , nor Courts of the respective Admiralties , nor the Lords Justices of Braband and Flanders , nor their chief Ministers or Officers respectively , nor any other resorting under the Generalitie , none at all excepted , nor their wives , children , or any in relation to them , shall either themselvs , or by any other , take , receiv or enjoy any thing , not so much as by transaction , sale , exchange or otherwise , either directly or indirectly , beeing a gift or present , whatever , yea and how small soever the gift or gifts may bee , even to eating and drinking wares , and that from no person whatsoever , whom they know to have any thing to do at the fore-mentioned Assemblie , Courts , Judicatures , whereof they are members , or may bee like to get any business there , by reason that either for themselvs or other they may pretend , sue or have obtained any Charges , Offices , Benefices or Emoluments , Grants , Judgments , Decrees , Resolution , about any matter , there depending , or for expedition's sake , under what pretext soever , either before or after the Business shall bee transacted or dispatched : and if so bee they should have received or enjoy'd any such gift or present from any one whom afterwards they came to understand , that they had business in the Assemblie or any of the foresaid Courts or places of Judicature , where they are Members , chief Ministers or Officers , which at the time of receiving of those gifts or presents , they were ignorant of ; that then they ought to give notice thereof to the Assemblie or Courts before named respectively , and refrain , either directly , or indirectly to recommend the business of such to the Assemblie or Courts , or any members thereof , in person or by others . But if it should plainly and manifestly appear , that They have wittingly and purposely received or enjoy'd any gifts , bribes or presents , in m●nner aforesaid , either in person or by others , That then they shall forfeit their Charges and Offices wherewith they are invested , and bee withal declared incapable of beeing employ'd again in any other , besides other arbitrarie punishment to bee inflicted upon them . And all the members at their first admittance in the respective Courts , shall bee bound to swear into the hands of the chief Assessor or President , a certain oath to bee framed and fitted for each Court , according to its condition . And to the end , that their Hi. Mi. good intention may take the better effect , every one that shall bee able to inform their Hi. Mi. that one or other of the foresaid Government shall have received any such bribes or presents , hee shall bee rewarded at least with 600. flor. or more , according to the circumstance of the thing . And of this their H. M. Resolution there were copies sent to all the foresaid Courts , to govern themselvs precisely according to the tenor thereof . Moreover , it was found good by their H. M. to publish the ensuing Proclamation , which was forthwith printed , and according to the custom of the Countrie published and affixed in all such places where things concerning publick observance were used to bee published .

The Proclamation , so as the same was printed , published and affixed , follow 's .

THe States General of the United Netherlands , to all such as shall see or hear the reading of this , greeting . Bee it known , That whereas it hath been discovered , that som dangerous and pernicious people , do so far presume , to the great dishonor and v●lifying of the chief Government and other Courts of the Generalitie , and to the no less grief of the members thereof , that having any caus or business at or before the said chief Government or Courts , they dare adventure to present or caus to bee presented to the members thereof , any gifts , bribes or presents , w●enas on the contrarie , they ought to have that opinion of their faithfulness , sinceritie , integritie and uprightness , as the worthiness of their place and function is requiring ; Wee therefore , for due redress hereof , do hereby most expressly interdict and streightly prohibite every one , of what qualitie or condition soever , at any time to present , give or promiss , directly or indirectly , whether by bargain , sale , exchange , or any otherwise , to any of the chief Government , or other Courts of the Generalitie , the Courts of Justice of Braband and Flanders , or to their prime Ministers or Officers respectively , as also to the Magistrates and places of Judicature , resorting under the Generalitie , none excepted , or to their wives , children , or to any of their Houshold , or to any other having relation to them , any gifts or presents of any thing how small soever , even of meat and drink-wares , for the obtaining , or having obtained , for either themselvs , or som bodie els , directly or indirectly , any Charges , Offices , Benefices , Grants , Judgments , Results or Decrees , in any kinde of business , or for the expedition thereof , under what pretext soever , upon pain that the Transgressor shall bee condemned to paie a Fine , proportioned to , or equalizing the value of the matter which hee hath depending , either in his own , or any others behalf , before the said Chief Government , or other Courts of the Generalitie , the Courts of Justice of Braband and Flanders , their prime Ministers or Officers respectively , or any Magistrates or place ▪ of Judicature , resorting under the Generalitie ; besides other arbitrarie punishment , infamie and uncapableness of ever beeing readmitted to any publick charge , office or benefice whatsoever ; and that the same persons shall ip●o facto , forthwith bee and stand deprived of all such charges , offices and benefices , as hee may have , bear and enjoie ; and all this without any connivance , mitigation or moderation to bee used to himwards : the foresaid Fine to bee employ'd and bestowed among the Officers , the Informers and the poor , for each a third part thereof ; and the Informers person and name shall bee kept secret besides , and if hee were guiltie himself in this kind , hee shall have indemnitie . And to the end , that all this may well and in all parts effectually bee performed and practised , the Lords the States of the respective Provinces have promised and assured one another , promptly and fully to execute and caus to bee executed , within their several Jurisdictions , all the Resolutions , Sentences and Judgments , which by the respective Courts upon address made by Us , the Council of State , or other Courts of the Generalitie , or of the Court also of Braband and Flanders , and other Magistrates and Jurisdictions under the Generalitie , shall have been pronounced against the Transgressors of this our Act and Proclamation , or otherwise to proceed against them , upon address as before , according to the tenor of the said Act , and that without any connivance , refusal or delaie ; for thus wee finde it requisite for the service of the Land : and therefore wee do signifie unto and desire the Lords the States , the Commission'd Councils , and deputed States of the Respective Provinces of Gelderland and the Countie of Zutphen , Holland and West-Friesland , Zealand , Utrecht , Friesland , Over-Yssell , Groninghen and the Omlands , the Courts of Justice and Governors in Cities and the open Countrie , to caus this our Act and Proclamation to bee published and affixed every where in the usual places . Don at the Assemblie of the said States General , at the Haghe , in the great Hall of the Court of Holland , this first daie of July . 1651. Attested , Jacob Vett , vt . underneath stood . By Order from the same . signed N. Ruysch , and sealed with the Seal of the said Lords the States General in red Wax .

The Form of the Patents was agreed on in manner as followeth .

THe States General of the United Netherlands , after advice taken with the Council of State , do hereby charge and command Captain — to transport himself readily with his Companies ▪ Colors and complete Arms , upon sight hereof into garrison at — within — there to keep garrison for a short time , and till further order . And by the wai● hee shall take care , that the Countrie people bee no waies molested or damnified ; Their H. M. enjoining the — and Magistrate of the said Citie to furnish the said Companies with lodgings .

Don at the Hague the — . By Order of the said Lords the States General . Don thus after advice taken with the Council of State . By Order of the said Council of State .

THeir H. M. had desired the Council of State to advise upon the setting down of the Number of Companies , which , according to their H. M. Resolution of June last 16 , Artic. 6 , were to bee left in the respective Voicing Province , as well for the garrisoning and garding thereof , as for the executing of their civil Orders and Commands ; having first conferred about it with the Lord Field-Marshal and other Militarie chief Commanders . In conformitie whereunto , having conferred with his Excellencie the Field-Marshal , and likewise heard the Lord of Beverweert Serjeant Major General of the Armie , and his Excellcie the Stadholder , &c. and well debated and weighed every thing in the Council , their opinion and advice was , That the Frontiers lying without the Voicing Provinces should not ( according to the present condition of the Forces now in Service ) bee left less provided and beset then is shewed forth by the List of Companies herewithal presented ; and that the rest of the Companies could bee left within the Voicing Provinces , for the besetting of the Frontiers thereof , and executing of their civil Orders and Commands , as may bee seen by the other List made in that behalf and likewise presented here , without drawing any forth thence but in case of necessitie , and with consent of the Lords the States or the Commissioners of the Province ; and for the rest , that the 6 and 9th Article of the foresaid Resolution of June 16 ought to bee observed . Nevertheless they represented also , since daily there could happen occasions whereby the State might suffer prejudice from abroad or from within , unless it were timely and readily look'd to and prevented , that it would bee expedient the Hors should bee exemted from having any more but the Generalities Patent , beeing to bee drawn forth out of any Province ; for the same beeing to bee emploied on a sudden to prevent any evil design against the common good , if they should bee put to staie for the approbation and consent of the Provinces like unto the Foot Companies , with putting in of names and adding their Provincial Patents , they might easily com too late , and the Land by that foreslowing to a great deal of inconveniencie ; therefore they were of opinion , that the Patents for Hors ought onely to bee given by the Generalitie , in the same manner as the Patents are given to the Companies for garrisoning of the Frontiers , that so they may bee ready at hand upon any emergencie and troublesom accident , and march away forthwith , thus to obviate and prevent all disaster and mischief ; provided , that the danger beeing past , they bee returned again to their former Garrisons .

TheListofsuchGarrisonsasarefittobeeleftwithintheVoicingProvinces. Foot-Companies . Hors-Companies . NImmeghen 10 4 Bommel 2 0 Thiel 2 0 Fort Nassaw on the Voorn 3 0 S. Andrews 1 0 Zutphen 5 3 Doesburgh 3 1 Groll 3 0 Foot-Companies . Hors-Companies . Breev●rt 3 0 Arnheim 1 2 Briel 10 0 The Hague 1 0 Amsterdam 2 0 Vianen 1 1 viz. Catabins of the Guard . Gornichem 3 1 viz. The Cuirassiers of the Guard . Worcum 2 0 Loevestein 1 0 Heusden with Hemert 12 2 Crevecoeur 1 0 Engelen 1 0 Ghertruydenbergh 6 1 Clundert with Nordam 3 0 Flushing 7 0 Vere 2 0 Ter Tolen 1 0 Axel 2 0 Ter Neuse 1 0 Biervlict 1 0 Lillo 2 0 Liefkens hoek 2 0 Utrecht 4 0 Amersfort 1 1 Rhenen 1 0 Lewarden 3 0 Franicker 1 0 Dockum 1 0 Harlinghen 2 0 Deventer 1 3 Zutoll 4 1 Hasselt 4 0 Steenwyck 1 0 Oldenseed 1 0 Enschede 1 0 Otnersum 1 0 Groninghen 10 2 Delf-Ziel 4 0 In all 131 Companies of Foot . 21 Companies of Hors .

TheListoftheGarrisonsorCompaniesfittobeeleftwithouttheVoicingProvincesintheFrontiers. Foot-Companies . Hors-Companies . EMbden 5 0 Leerort 4 0 Bourtang 3 0 Bellinwold 2 0 Langackersconce 2 0 Coevorden 6 1 Meurs 3 0 Cracau to bee Garrison'd by a Commanded partie out of Meurs . ●rsoy 8 1 Rhinberck 9 2 Wesell 15 4 Buderick 4 0 ●ees 7 1 The Fort 2 0 Emerick with the Fort 7 0 Schenckensconce 4 0 Gennep 3 0 R●vestein 3 1 Maestricht 40 7 Grave 8 1 Hertoghen-bosch and Forts 23 5 Breda 23 5 Two Forts 2 0 Willemstadt 2 0 Steenberghen 3 0 The Fort● 1 0 Berghen op Zome and Forts 21 2 Frederick-fort 1 0 Gross-sconce 1 0 S. Anna 1 0 Hulst and Forts 18 2 Sass van Gant and Forts 12 0 The Fort Morspuy and St Mark 3 0 Philippine 3 0 Ysendyck 3 0 Opburgh and Forts 2 0 Sluys with the passes 19 0 Cassandria 4 0 Fort St Katharine by Opburgh 1 0 Ardenburgh 6 0 In all 284 Companies of Foot . 31 Companies of Hors .

IT was a great while and went hard , beforethey could com to an agreement : each Province conceiving themselvs prejudiced , and to have too few allowed them for the executing of their Civil Orders and commands ; in the mean time every one grew wearie and tired with the slow progress of this great Assemblie ; for the compendisying whereof it was propounded by Counseller André , that nothing should bee handled and resolved at the great Assemblie , but the points following ; ( all the rest beeing remitted to the Assemblie in Ordinarie ) viz. how and in what manner , the Differences arising between the Provinces , may bee decided and determined for the future ; the keeping of secret intelligence and correspondence : the business of Mustering : the framing of an Instruction for the Lords Commissioners at the Assemblie of the Generalitie : the passing of the reformed Instruction for the Council of State ; the redressing of the respective Instructions for the Generalities Exchequer ; the Courts of Admiraltie , the Treasurer General , the Receiver General , the Secretarie of the Council of State , the Secretaries of the Exchequer of the Generalitie , the Advocate Fiscal of the Generalitie , and consequently the respective requisites of the said Courts of the Generalitie , and lastly the Lists of Garrisons as well within as without the Voicing Provinces . Next daie it was resolved , That the following points onely should bee taken into deliberation here . viz. How and in what manner the Differences arising betwixt the Provinces should bee composed and determined ; the keeping of Secret intelligence . As for the Mustering , the Council of State presented this following advice .

That they had , for redress thereof , examined the former Acts of Febr. 4o. 1599. and of Jun. 7ᵒ. 1623. and found both in the one and the other several good points , from all which together there might bee framed a good Project , accommodated for the present time and conjuncture , leaving out such things , as are not practicable , or cannot bee introduced without offence . So as it was seen in the year 1623 , that immediately after the publishing of that Act , there arose great alteration and distemper among the Souldierie , whereby som places might easily have run great hazard , had it not been prevented instantly ; at what time his Highˢ Prince Henrie , with som of the Lords of the Generalitie were fain to repair in person to Breda , to settle the disorder by exemplarie punishment ; nevertheless it stuck there , insomuch that they durst not urge the further strict observing of the said Act , and indeed it could never yet bee brought or kept in practice . This they thought themselvs obliged to represent unto their H. M. before the drawing up of another Act for redress in the point of Mustering ; which might easily caus new distemper , or would hardly bee observed as was fitting , and the executions of the punishments prove as difficult and dangerous ; not that they sought any waie to protract or delaie the redress of having and keeping a good and well ordered Militia , they counting nothing more needful , and had therefore been continually pressing for the same , and recommended it from time to time most seriously as the greatest service of the Land ; and so they did still . But to obtain that by a reformation of the mustering , and making of strict Acts and Orders about that , they conceived it would bee fruitless , if there went not before , a redress of that pretext , which is so commonly taken up in this kinde , viz. in the first place , a more precise and readie paie , without letting the Companie 's arrears run on for a long time , even many months together , so as they said , they were informed of late , when they went about to take a cours with a certain Ritmaster , for the better paying of his complaining Troopers ; the said Ritmaster alleging , That his pay-masters were in arrears to him for 24 months together . The like they had understood also by other Ritmasters and Captains ; and that others , though better paid , were put to monthly extraordinarie charges , for Clarks and Sollicitors , whom they must entertain at 60. 70. and more Florins per month , besides other incumbrances , as defalcating of the 100. pennie and the like , over and above all other expences ; which they beeing not able to supplie out of their own entertainments , ( beeing allowed but a single paie for a Clark in the list ) they must either abate and deduct the interests of so many months arrears from their Souldiers and Troopers , whence those complaints of them arise , that they can never get their full paie : or els they must seek and finde out other waies , whereby to repair their dammages , to the Land 's great disservice . Which ground of their pretext , if it were once remooved , and that the Companies were duely and orderly paid their wages , the redress in the mustering would easily finde admittance , that the transgressors might bee punished according to the tenor of the Acts made or to bee made in that behalf . Furthermore They said , that it had been observed in the matter of mustering , things were not every where managed for the best , whiles som Provinces sent their Commissaries to a Garrison where there laie many Companies of several Repartitions , mustering there onely such Companies as belong'd to theirs ; where it is easie to conceiv for any one , that it was no hard matter for such Companies to make compleat musters , when the rest knew it concern'd not them , though all the Companies appeared in arms , and som kinde of mustering past upon them all , as long as their paie was not at hand . But ( said they ) if this Council should muster the whole Garrison together , then none would bee at libertie , to lend his Souldiers to another ; which would bee so much the more effectual yet , if the Provincial paiments were made by no other rolls but those of the Council , where the publick interest would bee better heeded . And if one or other Province were desirous at any time , to have those of their Repartition mustered , the Council , having notice thereof , should presently give order for it . The said Council protesting , that in making these motions , they had no design or desire to prejudice the Provinces Right of mustering themselvs , in the least ; but that according to their bounden dutie , they were constrained to make this representation , it beeing evident , that in the courses hitherto used , the publick service was not considered as it ought , and the whole Land and the Provinces abused . They therefore desired their H. M. that they would bee pleased , to take all these things into due consideration , that the affairs concerning the militia may bee brought once to a good settlement at length .

In this month of July , there presented themselvs likewise once more , a prettie number of Ministers , out of all the Provinces ; who had Audience on the 14th . at the great Assemblie , and delivered there this following Remonstrance .

To the Hi. Mi. Lords the States General of the United Netherlands . High Mightie Lords !

IN the beginning of this great and Illustrious Assemblie , the Churches of our Father-land cast themselvs by their Deputies into the arms of your H. M. for to recommend unto them , with all humilitie and the zealous yearning of their Souls , the welfare of the true Christian Reformed Religion , as the onely keie , the true Pillar and Foundation of this flourishng State ; together with the protecting it against , and delivering it from , that which might bee dangerous and ruinous to the establishment and propagation of it , in regard especially both of the Popish Idolatrie and daily encreasing sins and scandals , lying heavie upon this Land , and calling alowd to heaven for the provoking of God's wrath and plagues against Us ; Upon which Remonstrance , your H. M. were pleased Jan. 27o. to grant and pass a most favorable and wholsom Resolution , for the conservation of the foresaid Religion , and supporting it against that which might prove prejudicial to the growth and prosperitie of it ; which doubtless was well pleasing to the Lord , and caused all honest hearts and all the reformed Churches , to return thanks to your H. M. from the bottom of their hearts , as by these they express it , the rather for that they have begun to see and enjoy good effects of it alreadie , especially in the both Ecclesiastcal and Political Reforming of the Mayorie of the Bosch and Marquisat of Berghen , where the presumptions and insolencies of the Papists were grown so high , That the Churches of our dear Father-land , which had so heartily rejoiced at the zeal of your H. M. shewed forth by the introducing of Reformed Teachers into these parts and Quarters ; seeing the slow advancement there of the Reformed interest , and on the contrarie the great disobedience , stubborness and bitterness of the Inhabitants there , it could not but afflict their hearts most sensibly , that the holy worship of God , and those which administred the same in those parts , were entertained there in such an hostile and barbarous manner , that it could hardly happen wors to them among the Turkies and Muscovites , as it hath been sufficiently deduced in former Remonstrances . The Deputies of the Synods Hi. Mi. Lords , do gladly indeed confess , That since the Political Reformation of the Officers there hath ensued a remarkable amendment in divers places upon it ; though it was no where so good as they had hoped it would have prooved ; and therefore they cannot but make known and complain to your H. M. how that even in som such places of the Mayerie , where Reformed Officers were brought in , nevertheless things go not as they ought ; for where som former Popish Officers had before , onelie in policie , put in som Reformed Under-Officers ; others succeeding them put out again , and substituted most bitter Papists in their places , besides the untimely ejecting of such as were not much avers from the Reformed Religion , and taking in bi●terest Papists to supplie their places , when as a certain Quarter-Justice or Sheriff tore an Ordinance of your H. M. in pieces : nay the Papists are and continue so bold and daring , that in violent and hostile manner they fell upon , beat , and wounded the Lievtenant of the Land Drost Ravesway when hee was com to dissipate the assembling of them by hundreds in the Chappel of Aerler in Peeland , and would doubtless have endangered his life , if hee had not been rescued by som Troopers coming to assist him . The idolatrous Crosses and Saints-Shrines by the high waies sides , which the Papists so much resort to in their blinde devotion , they remain standing in many places still for all the Ordinances made against it : and in the Citie of the Bosch the Priests and Jesuits do dwell and convers so openly , that they have divided the whole Town into quarters and parishes amongst them , and your ghostly sisters run the streets up and down by hundreds ; and their idolatrous worship is so freely and frequently exercised there , that the Countrie people of the Mayerie com flocking thither ; and of the Baronie of Breda and Marquisate of Berghen , and Countie of Linghen and Land of Cuyck the report goe's , that the Papist's insolences are nothing abated , but encreas rather daily in many places ; and that particularly in Breda there are ordinarily six or seven Popish Priests residing ; whose habitation is publickly known , and such a Concour● there to their superstitious worship , as if they had publick licence and autoritie from the Magistrate ; that in the open Countrie the Priests remain still and in many places where heretofore there was but one , there are oft-t●me two or three now : that here and there they keep possession of the Parsonage-houses by force , and there instruct the people ; and have nothing undon and unattemted to hinder the free cour● of the Gospel ; besides that the Political reformation is but slenderly advancing any where in those parts , but the Papists Officers continue in their places , and dare presume , under color of Countrie charges , to collect and gather monies for the entertainment of their Priests : that in the Countie of Linghen all the chief Officers but four are Papists , oppressing the Reformed Churches , and opposing the exercises and functions of the Ministers , besides their laying taxes upon the inhabitants for their Mass-priests , and punish them which refuse to paie the same ; insomuch that there is scarce any left which dare shew himself well affected to the Reformed Religion for fear of trouble . Of all which and divers other exorbitancies the Deputies having good information , it is much to bee feared , if there bee not som speedy cours taken , that the hope of Reformation will shortly vanish altogether ; and therefore they the said Deputies of the Synods do with all due respect address themselvs to their H. M. beseeching them with most sollicitous hearts , that orders may bee taken and settled in this great Assemblie of their H. M. for the effectual execution of their foresaid laudable Resolution upon the point of Religion and matters coincident , taken and decreed in your H. M. great Assemblie Januarie last 17 , and consequently that not onely by every Province within their own jurisdiction , but also by your H. M. in the Mayerie of the Bosch , the Marquisate of Berghen , Land of Cuyck , Ravestein and Over-mase , and other quarters immediately resorting under your H. M. the Papist's insolencies may effectually bee refrained , Religion mainteined , and the Reformation both Ecclesiastical and Civil , as far forth as the same is defective yet , without further delaie , brought to perfection , and in particular , that the place Ghement having been provided with a Reformed Preacher for these three years , may bee mainteined by this State ; that likewise som quick and vigorous means may , by your H. M. wisdom , bee found out , established and published , whereby all Sectaries may bee kept in aw and order , without reviling the Reformed Religion , or the Ministers thereof by words or writings ; not suffering them to spread into any other places but where they are at present , according to your H. M. Resolution . Item , that all Popish protended Ecclesiastical or Spiritual persons , Jesuites , Priests , Clergiemen , Friars , may bee kept out of the land , as beeing no subjects to any secular Princes or Magistrates , but onely to the Court of Rome , according to their own Tenents . And besides all this , that all crying and God-provoking sins , such as are the publick violations of Sabbaths , Cursing , Swearing and divers others shewed forth by the former Remonstrance presented to your H. M. Januarie last 20 , might bee made to ceas once among us ; and all your H. M. Officers charged upon forfeiture of their places and other heavie censures , punctually to execute and perform your H. M. good intention in this behalf . And not to detein your H. M. anie longer , They the Deputies do once again , in the Name of the Churches in general , yea in the Name of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ , praie and beseech your H. M. that yee would bee pleased to entertein this their Remonstrance with heartie tenderness , and let it prevail so far , that it may bee seconded with a fruitful execution ; that as your H. M. famous Assemblie began with the LORD , his Word and Honor , so it may likewise end there , to the joie and comfort of all the Churches of our Father-land , which at present with great longings do exspect and look up for the great Work of securing and setling of Religion , happily begun by your H. M. great and illustrious Assemblie , that it may not bee left half don , but carried on to perfection .

Your High Might . most humble servants in the LORD , the Deputies of the respective Synods of these United Netherlands . Signed , Petrus Cableau , Deputatorum Praeses . Virgilius Co●nely , Doct. Deputatorum Assessor . Albertus Thomae , Deputatorum Scriba . Abrahamus Tilenus . Cornelius Lamanus . Nathanaël Voghelsang . Volckerus ab Osterwyck . Regnerus Berckel . A. Pereyn . Jacobus Clerquius . Maximilian Teling . Matthias Waelsweer . Joannes James-Huysen . John Knyphuysen .

The 15 of June there was brought in the following appointment for Vacations and travelling expences , both for the Lords Commissioners of the Generalitie , and those of the Council of State , whereof mention will bee made hereafter about the resolving and settling of the Instruction for the Council of State .

As , that one of the said Lords , travelling in Commission with one or more servants , shall bee allowed for vacancie and entertainment in the journey ( repast and baiting comprehended therein ) eight gilders per diem .

Taking a Messenger along , besides his man or men aforesaid , hee shall bee allowed two gilders more per diem , over and above the foresaid sum ; in all ten gilders , besides the said Messenger his Vacancie , as also the said Lord his Boat , Ship , Waggon , Fraight , Convoy or such like charges , which ought to bee put upon account apart .

One of the Lords travelling with a greater Train or Companie then his fellow-Commissioners , the said his fellow-Commissioners ought not to bee put to charges by it .

The said respective Comissioners shall accept and partake of no defraiments by the Magistrates of the Cities and other places resorting under the Generalitie , nor by such persons as are in service of the Generalitie .

Upon these foresaid respective Declarations , to turn them into a due form of Ordinances , it was ordered , That the respective original Resolutions of the Commissions should bee annexed to the said Declarations , and thus delivered into the Council of State , by them to bee first viewed and examined , from thence to bee transmitted to the Generalities Checquer-chamber , to bee there likewise viewed , examined and cleared , and especially to see , whether the Land was lyable to bee charged or not with the accounts brought in ; and then to bee returned back to the foresaid Council , by them to bee past into Ordinances , which Ordinances , should bee signed by the Lord President , besides two others Lords of the same Council , beeing all of several Provinces , together with the Treasurer and Secretarie of the said Assemblie , the same beeing first registred folio tali . And this beeing don , those ordinances with the foresaid annexions , should bee brought again into the foresaid Exchequer , to see and examin , whether the same was don according to the Order of the Land ; and after the examination past , the said Ordinance should there likewise bee registred , folio tali ▪ and all the Ordinances to bee past hereafter upon the respective Declarations , should bee thus conditioned , or els no monies paid upon them by the Receiver General .

As touching the precedent Remonstrance of the Synodical Ministers , the Provinces declared unanimously Julie 17ᵒ. that the Resolutions taken in point of Religion Januarie last 27o . should by every one of them , as much as concerned them , effectually bee , and caused to bee prosecuted and put in execution ; and as touching the Countries and Cities resorting under the Generalitie , the Lords Commissioners at the Generalitie in Ordinarie , were charged , to take especial care and inspection , that the publick Reformation both ecclesiastical and civil , may bee accomplished with due zeal and seriousness , the Acts and Ordinances strictly executed according to the tenor and content of them , the boldness and insolence of the Sectaries duely restrained , and every thing effected and executed , conformably to the before ▪ mentioned Resolution . As likewise the foresaid Lords , Ordinarie Deputies had charge given them , to make and publish due Acts and decrees against all gross sins , Profanations of the Sabbath of the Lord , Fighting of Duels , publishing of Contentious writings betwixt Ministers and Divines , printing of scandalous books , Socinians writings and the like . And of all these their H. M. Resolutions , there were Extracts made , and imparted to the foresaid Church-Deputies , wherewith they were dismissed , having thanks given them for their good endeavors , zeal , and pains shewed and undertaken in this behalf .

There was great endeavor made this week , the Lord Scheel presiding for Over-Yssell , to make an end of all , and upon the proposition of Holland of the 15th . the same in a manner agreed on . Yea so confident they were thereof , that alreadie a project was made of coyning a certain Medail , of Gold and Silver , for a memorial of this famous Assemblie : and to this end the Lords Cats and de Brun , respective Counsellors and Pensioners of Holland and Zealand , had made the ensuing Device ; That namely on the one side , there should stand a ▪ Rock with seven hillocks , as representing the seven Provinces , and on the other , the Assemblie , with this respective inscription ,

Dum totus miratur Orbis , & anceps exspectat , quò res Foederati Belgii à morte Arausionensium Principis evasurae sint , aliis alia pro moribus & genio cujusque augurantibus , Jani foribus pridem clausis & magnâ Batavorum Aulâ ingenti Procerum Consilio apertâ , Tandem , annuente Deo , Religione , Foedere , Militiâ , sortiter assertis , Sociis in Orbem datis acceptisque manibus , & aliis aliorum colla amplectentibus , à se invicem dimissi , Malorum spem ac vota egregiè fefellerunt , Bonorum superârunt .

( Whiles all the world stood amazed , and doubtfully long'd what issue the affairs of the United Netherlands would take , upon the Death of the Prince of Orange , with various conjectures , according to the varietie of each partie 's Conditions and Dispositions ; it pleased God , ( Janus Temple beeing shut before ) that the Grand Court of the Batavian States was opened , where at last , through God's assistance , after a couragious settlement of Religion , Union and Militia : the Confederates plighted their hands and troth each to the other , and mutually embraced one another before they parted ; they notably thus disappointed the hopes and wishes of Malignants , and surpassed those of the well-affected ) .

And about the Rock with the seven hillocks there should have stood these words ;

— Stant foedere juncti , Ut rupes immota , Dei sub Numine tuti .

( By Covenant join'd they stand Rock like unshaken and safe under God's own hand . )

But however , The Ship of affairs , instead of getting streight into the harbor , as most had conceived , was driven about again for a while by new cross windes , arising out of the Debate touching the Amnestie or Act of Oblivion : and withal it was advised by som , that since the last years troubles proceeded mainly , from and by reason of the excessive publick charges , all courses of lavishing the same might bee eschewed , to prevent clamoring among the people ; notwithstanding that those of the other Provinces , beeing com hither upon the invitation of Holland , and having spent much , conceived it was the least this Province could do in civilitie , to present each Deputie with such a gold Medail . But there it stuck , and never came further .

The Business of Religion , beeing dispatched , as was said the first daie of this Presidencie ; there was taken in hand the point of Secret Correspondence ; concerning which , it was found good and decreed , according to the report of the Conciliatorie Conferences , That it was verie necessarie and expedient for this State , to send and still to entertain publick Ministers abroad ( whether they bee Ambassadors , Residents , Agents or Commissioners ) at the respective Courts of the Emperor , the Kings , Spain , Sweden , &c. at Brussells and elswhere , where it should bee found requisite : so much the better and more conveniently to consider and observ what might bee best for this State 's Interest , as also that from time to time , advertisement may bee had , what is practising or passing there , for either the advantage or prejudice of this State .

That likewise all particular secret Correspondences , from the Respective Governors and Commanders of the Frontiers of this State , shall bee continued in the same waie as before , according to their Commissions .

The present Commissioners at the Assemblie , beeing of opinion , That , during the peace , this cours would bee provisionally sufficient for this State .

That the monies likewise appointed for secret Correspondences , may provisionally bee converted to the entertainment and support of the foresaid respective Ministers .

That likewise all forrein Ministers of this State shall address their Letters immediately to the Ordinarie Assemblie of the States General , and writing of things which ought to bee held secret , that the same shall bee enclosed under Seal apart , and transmitted within the Ordinarie Letters , provided there bee every such line , mention made in the ordinarie Letters , of the said enclosed secret one . Which Secret Letters shall not bee opened , but by a certain select number of the Commissioners , ( successively to bee nominated and chosen thereunto , out of every Province present ) together with the Secretarie ; and that the said Secret shall forthwith bee made known to the Ordinarie Assemblie , unless it were judged requisite by the said Committee , it should bee kept close yet for a little while , and the Committee , shall afterwards , revealing the Secret , declare their reason withal , of the former concealment .

The foresaid Governors and Commanders of the respective Frontier ▪ places , as also all other secret Correspondents , shall in like form and manner address their Letters to the Ordinarie Assemblie of the States General , whether they send them mediately under covert by a third hand , or immediately , and all such Letters shall bee opened and managed , as was said before .

And to the end that the service of the Countrie may bee so much the better regarded , and the foresaid publick Ministers the more fitted for it , the Assemblie judged it requisite , that the Committee ( to whom the opening of the foresaid secret Letters shall bee referred ) should likewise bee desired and autorized to transmit unto the said publick Ministers from time to time all the Resolutions and other necessarie points and informations as may stand them instead , for the performance of their charge to best advantage of the State .

The Lords of Gelderland moved again this daie , that som Resolution might bee taken about the consolidation of the upper Quarter of Gelderland , and that the conferring of the Companies which formerly had been in the Prince's Disposition , might henceforward bee disposed by the Generalitie , but they obteined neither . The first was referred to the Chambre my-partie , agreed upon at Munster between Spain and the United Provinces ; the other business remained in the Disposition of the respective Paie-masters .

As for the Instruction for the Council of State , the same was found good and resolved upon Julie 18 to bee decreed in manner as the same was drawn up by their H. M. Deputies in the Conferences Concil●●torie , and reported in the Assemblie on the 6th and was likewise entered in their H. M. publick Registers , save onely the 21 Article of the said Instruction , speaking of the grant of orders upon som Declarations , to bee dressed according to the last Article of the report made by the Lord Ommereun and other their Hi. Mi. Deputies , for the Conference Conciliatorie Julie 25 , touching the appointments or allowances for vacations and travelling charges of any of the Deputies at the Generalitie , or Counsellors of State going in Commission from the Generalitie . Those of Gelderland entered hereupon , that they were not instructed yet in that behalf .

Those of Friesland and Groninghen , with the Omlands , declared , they had given their consent upon ratification of the Lords their Respective Principals .

Instructions for the Council of STATE of the United Netherlands , whereby the Counsellors thereof lawfully Commissioned and to bee Commissioned , shall provisionally , and till the States General do otherwise ordein , guide and govern the affairs touching the State in general , the defence , conservation and Union of the Countries aforesaid .

IN the foresaid Council there shall bee comprehended and at all times appear , have place and voice , the Governors of the respective Provinces , where now they are , or may bee hereafter ; and matters shall bee handled , deliberated and transacted in the said Council with all due reverence , respect and modestie , to the best advantage of the service of the said Countries , the good unitie and friendship among the same , their Cities and Members , together with the mutual good understanding of the Lords of the Council among themselvs : And the Governors of the respective Provinces , and the President of the Council aforesaid for the time beeing , are desired to take good care , that all particular affections , jarrings and impertinencies ( nothing concerning the matters and affairs there to bee deliberated ) may bee prevented and forborn .

II.

Into this Council there shall bee chosen and admitted men , qualified , fit and versed in matters of State , and beeing of the true Christian Reformed Religion , such as the same is taught and preached at present throughout the publick Churches of these Countries ; and not beeing engaged by Oath , pension or emploiment to any King , Prince or Lords , at home or abroad ; nor allied to each other , unto the fourth degree of blood , or second of affinitie , according to the computation of the civil Laws ; and that without any dispensation ; also the said Counsellors ought to bee firmly resident in the place of their Assemblie .

III.

And for the better direction and managing of all emergent affairs , the same Council shall ordinarily assemble at Nine of the clock in the forenoon , and at Three in the afternoon ; and the Counsellor shall not part or go forth without leav or knowledg of the Counsellor-President ; and they shall bee bound constantly to repair to the place where ▪ the Council shall bee emploied ; and appear at any time when they shall bee desired to meet , except onely upon lawful excuses .

IV.

The foresaid Council shall , together with the Assemblie of the Commissioners in the Generalitie , take good care , that the Countries and United Provinces , Cities and Members thereof may bee put and kept in mutual good concord , according to the Union made and settled amongst them ; and likewise that all good correspondence bee enterteined between them and their Governors and Militarie Commanders ; as also between the said Governors and Commanders among themselvs .

And the said Council shall , together with the Assemblie of the Ordinarie Deputies , as before , have and exercise the autoritie of disposing in Militarie affairs , and over the Souldierie beeing in the State 's service , taking , according to the exigencies of things , the considerations thereupon of the Field-marshal and other chief Commanders of War , and causing their Commands to bee executed by the foresaid Governors of the Provinces for the time beeing , the Admiral or other Officers and Commanders each within their sphere .

VI.

Provided that the said Council do or attemt nothing that may tend to the prejudice of the Privileges , Rights , Freedoms , Treaties , Contracts , Ordinances , Statutes , Decrees and Customs of the said Countries in general , or any Province Citie or Member thereof in particular .

VII .

And the said Council shall , together with the Assemblie of the foresaid Ordinarie Deputies at the Generalitie , take care that the Frontiers of the State in general may bee beset or provided with sufficient garrison of several Nations , and that the rest of the Souldierie bee divided and quartered , as near as is feasible and occasions suffer , into the next and most commodious places about the said Frontiers , to the end that in time and case of sudden need , as well within as without , they may bee at hand .

VIII .

For which end the foresaid Council shall bee obliged , the foresaid Assemblie of the Ordinarie Deputies at the Generalitie desiring their advice , about transplacing or sending forth of any Companies , and giving of Patent to the same , to supplie the desired advice to the said Assemblie with all expedition .

IX .

And besides that likewise to inform and advertise the said Assemblie of the Ordinarie Deputies at the Generalitie , from time to time , of the true State and condition of the foresaid Frontiers , and necessitie of changing som of the Companies , as often as the same shall judg , that the service of the Land requireth it .

And to the end , that the before-mentioned Patents may bee duly expedited according to the minde of the joint-Confederates , and as much as may bee don , care had , that no Companie shall march into any Voicing Provinces , to bee put in Garrison there , but with permission and particular Patent of the States of that Province , or their autorized Commissioners ; as likewise , that no Companies shall bee removed or drawn forth out of the Voicing Provinces , whereby the prescribed Number agreed upon , or hereafter to bee agreed upon with common advice of the respective Provinces , to bee left in each Province respectively for garrison in the Cities and Forts thereof , and for assisting the Magistrates in the executing of their civil command , may com to bee lessened ; the foresaid Council shall review and carefully observ the Patents , after their advice transmitted unto them by the Assemblie of the Ordinarie Deputies at the Generalitie , whether the same Patents bee attested by the President at the Generalitie , and signed by two Deputies of the two succeeding Provinces present , subsigned by the Secretarie , and sealed with the Seal of their Hi. Mi.

XI .

And if at any time any Patents shall serv to make any Companies to march into a Voicing Province , then the said Council shall observ further , whether the Claus bee inserted therein , whereby the Officers are warned and charged by their Oath , that they will not march with their Companies into any such Province ere and before they shall have got permission and particular Patent from the States of that Province , or their autorized Commissioners : And if so bee the Patents shall serv thereby to draw forth any Companies out of a Voicing Province , the foresaid Council shall take care that in the same Patents there bee blanks left , or open spaces for the names of the Officers which are to lead the said Companies to bee filled up by the States of the Provinces out of which the said Companies are desired , or by their autorized Commissioners , according to occasions and the Orders agreed upon between the Confederates in that behalf .

XII .

And finding that the said Patents are attested , signed , subsigned and sealed in manner abovesaid , and contein the foresaid claus of any Companies designed for marching into any Voicing Province for Garrison ; and having blanks for names of Officers to lead the Companies upon certain occasions , and to draw them forth out of a Voicing Province ; then and not otherwise shall the foresaid Council likewise attest the said Patents by the President in the Council , and sign them by the Secretarie , and seal them with the Seal of the Council , thus without any further delaie to bee forthwith dispatcht and sent away .

XIII .

Moreover the foresaid Council , wherever the States of a Voicing Province or their autorized Commissioners shall bee desired in time of need by the Generalitie ▪ , to yield to the drawing forth of som companies out of their Provinces , whereby the number to remain within the Province , according to the fore-cited agreement , to the ends aforesaid , com's to bee lessened ; shall to their uttmost take care and endeavor , that the Need or Necessitie , which caused the drawing forth of the said Companies , beeing past over , the foresaid Companies bee readily returned to their former Garrisons , or others in their stead .

XIV .

The said Council shall likewise take care from time to time , that the Frontiers of the State in general , bee duely provided with needful ammunition , provision and other requisits of War .

XV.

The said Council shall endeavor , That the General means for the common defens of the Land , throughout all the United Provinces , the associated Countries , the Cities and Members thereof , together with the Quarters resorting under the Generalitie , particularly agreed , or yet to bee agreed upon , and referr'd or yet to bee referr'd to their Disposition , by the consent of the Provinces , may every where bee well and equally levied , and that the Farmers and Collectors thereof , bee maintained in the inning and executing of what is let out or given in charge to collect : and that the transgressions of the Ordinances made or yet to bee made in that behalf , bee punished without any connivance ; And in these matters concerning the foresaid means or the Questions and Differences thence arising , the Council of Braband and Flanders shall not meddle at all .

XVI .

And in the levying of the said General means , they shall follow , and caus to bee followed such Instructions , as are or shall bee made by the States General .

XVII .

And in the inning and executing of ihe said common means , and other consents or subsidies of the Provinces , and in that manner as they shall bee born , The foresaid Council shall proceed against the Debtors , Farmers and Collectors , as also against the Subjects or Inhabitants of the Provinces , Cities and places defective or failing therein , in the same manner , as was used in these Countries about Princes sutes or monies ; and , according to the Warrants exsecutorie to bee issued in that behalf . Provided , that none shall bee called forth out of the Province where hee inhabits , without the consent of the States of the said Province .

XVIII .

They shall take care , and seriously endeavor , that all accomptable Persons of the Generalities means , the farmings both in Cities and Countrie , the redemtion of means , Contribution , Mulcts , Ecclesiastical goods , the Seal of Domaines , pourvaying of Provision and Ammunition for the Armie , and all other incoms and revenues , none excepted , shall at the years end bring into the Generalities Exchequer , a threefold acount , viz. one for the Council , a second for the Exchequer and a third for the Receiver or Surrenderer , adjoining all the Original Documents and requisites thereof , for to bee audited in the foresaid chequer-chamber , whereof coppies shall bee returned , as formerly ; and that for to prevent abuses .

XIX .

The monies proceeding of the foresaid consented means and subsidies shall bee converted and emploi'd to the paiment of the Souldierie and other Necessaries of War , in conformitie to the agreements of the respective Provinces ; or , so as in general shall bee ordained by the Provinces , for most profit of the Land ; and above all there shall bee settle dorder for Mustering , and Militarie Discipline over the Souldierie ; and that they may bee paid by the head , as neer as possibly may bee .

XX.

They shall take care , that the respective Provinces do paie the Companies their full wages without any abatement , or charge of Sollicitors , Clarks , cash-monies , New ▪ years monie , or any other , whatever it may bee called , directly or indirectly ; that they may receiv their paie monthly ; there beeing good heed taken , that the Ritmasters and Captains bee engaged and kept to it upon pain of casheiring , to paie likewise their hors and foot Souldiers their full paie according to the Lands order ; to wit , the hors men every month , and the foot souldiers every seven daies ; and those by whom any transgressions in this kinde shall bee discovered , they shall bee rewarded according to the Acts made and to bee made in that behalf , and notice taken of besides for beeing promoted and advanced , according to the condition of the matter revealed .

XXI .

All Orders for paiment shall bee signed by the Treasurer and three of the Council , beeing of several Provinces , and by the Secretarie of the said Council , and no orders for paiment shall bee held valid , but these signed as said is , together with a Note of , Register'd , folio tali , upon it ; to the said Orders there shall likewise bee join'd all the requisites and conditions belonging to the orders , and in particular what things the orders were granted for ; and the same thus signed and condition'd , shall bee sent to the Generalities Chequer-chamber , there to bee viewed examined and registred in like manner , in case they bee granted according to the Lands Order . Without which the Receiver General is to make no paiment , upon pain to have it disallowed .

XXII .

They shall also take care , and further as far forth as need shall require , that the Convoys and Licences may equally bee given and performed , according to the respective Consents and Lists made or to bee made in their behalf , by the States General ; and that there bee no hindrance or impediment given by the States of particular Provinces , the Governors and Magistrates , or commonalties of any Cities or places , or by any other , to the free passing and forthgoing of the goods , which have performed their Convoys and Licence-Duties according to the Lists aforesaid ; nor , that any whosoever shall demand or take ought for the said goods beyond the foresaid Lists ; and that the contraventions directly or indirectly practised in this kinde , bee exemplarily punisht .

XXIII .

They shall suffer the Cities according to their antient customs , in time of need , and when matters can brook no delaie , to arm by Sea , and to set out men of War , at the charge of the Countrie ; provided they give present information thereof to the Generalitie , that they may bee paid out of the foresaid general means , and that against all Pirates and other such like Enemies of the common Weal , to resist and subdue them , save onely , that the cognizance and punishment , extending to the persons , shops and goods , shall appertain to the Decision of the Courts of the Admiralties set up or to bee yet further set up in the Respective Quarters .

XXIV .

The foresaid Council shall bee obliged to deliver up , every third month , to the States General and the States of each Province , an exact State of the charge of War , and of the incom of the means to bee agreed upon , and of the employment thereof .

XXV .

They shall keep an exact list of the Garrisons of all Cities , Forts and places , so as the same shall bee conditioned from time to time , and shall let the Provinces have copies thereof , whensoever it shall bee desired .

XXVI .

They shall have a special care that the pales and limits of the foresaid Provinces respectively bee not lessened ; and that all the Cities and places resorting under the Generalitie , bee reduced and kept under an equal contribution , for the common defence of the Land , as neer as possiblie may bee ; and that the same cours bee taken and practised , in regard of such Cities and places as may yet bee subdued under this State .

XXVII .

They shall take care , that all Generals , Admirals , Collonels , Ritmasters , Captains and all the Souldierie by Sea and Land , shall promiss and swear , to bee true and faithful to the States General of the United Netherlands , continuing in the Union and maintenance of the Reformed Religion ; and so likewise , to the States of the Provinces and the Magistrates of the Cities , where they shall bee employ'd , and on whose charge and repartition they shall stand for paie , and faithfully to serv the same , and that they will obey the foresaid States General , and the States of the particular Provinces , each in their Sphere , according to the form of the oath for the Militia , established Jun. 16ᵒ. 1651. in the great Hall : and that the Governors of the Provinces and Generals shall promiss to obey the Council of State instituted , or hereafter to bee instituted by the States General , and that the Collonels , Ritmasters , Captains , and all the rest of the Souldierie , shall besides that likewise , promiss and swear duely to obey the Commands of the Governors of the Provinces where they are emploi'd ; and the Sea-Souldiers , the commands of the Admiral , and all such other Heads or Cheiftains , as shall bee set over them .

XXVI II.

They shall keep and entertain all Treaties and Alliances made between the United Countries , the Provinces , Cities and Members thereof , with the neighbor-Kingdoms , Countries and Common-Wealths ; and for that end , and the advancement of the Trade and Traffick of these Countries , they shall entertain all good Correspondence , Friendship and Neighborhood with forrein Princes , and States , especially the neighbor-Kingdoms , Common-wealths , Countries and Cities , by the best means they shall ordain in this behalf .

XXIX .

Those of the Council aforesaid , and every one of them , beeing to vote : they shall openly , freely , and advisedly declare what in Honor , Dutie and Conscience they shall think best , whether it bee by conforming themselvs with the opinion of others , beeing satisfied with them , to avoid repetitions , or otherwise , as they shall think good themselvs , by other arguments and considerations ; and all matters shall bee determined in the said Council , by most voices of the present Counsellors , having voted ; and if any matters shall com to bee propounded concerning any of the said Counsellors themselvs , directly or indirectly , either in regard of their own persons , or their kindred and allies , to the fourth degree , therein they shall not bee allowed to give any advice , nor to bee present at the Deliberation and Determination of the business , but shall retire and remain forth the Council-Chamber , during the said Deliberation and Resolution .

XXX .

In the foresaid Council , nothing shall bee decided and determined finally , but in the presence of all the Lords of the Council , beeing at hand in the place , where the Council is kept , or at least the major part of them .

XXXI .

The Council shall not assemble nor resolv upon any extraordinarie affairs , but by precedent insinuation made thereof to all the Counsellors at hand in the place .

XXXII .

They shall henceforward give no grants , nor continue any formerly given by the States General , for a certain time , after the exspiration thereof ; as neither they are to allow , grant or continue any Pensions or Emoluments to the charge of the Land , nor resignation of offices , exspectancies , survivances nor adjunctions .

XXXIII .

They shall grant no Remission to the Farmers or others indebted to the Land in general , without the cognizance and assent of the Assemblie of the Ordinarie Deputies at the Generalitie ; and then no otherwise neither , but in the presence of all the Council , and at least by 2 third parts of the voices .

XXXIV .

They shall after timely affixion of Bills , let out all works in publick , and join the same bills to the orders , and allow no continuation of works formerly undertaken , upon pain to undergo themselvs in particular , the dammage thereby redounding to the publick , and there shall no orders , of what name soever , bee otherwise dispatched , but upon the Receiver General , who shall accommodate the owners of the said orders , at their desire , with assignations , upon the subordinate Receivers at the place of their Residence , or where it most concern's them .

XXXV .

The foresaid Council , Treasurer-General , Receiver-General , Fiscal , Secretaries , Substitutes , Clarks , Controllers of Fortifications , and all other attendents of the Council , shall have no share nor part in any Ecclesiastical goods , Lands , demesnes &c. which are farmed out for the Generalitie , or otherwise let forth , nor in any works alreadie put out , or to bee put out upon the common stock of the Land ; nor in any convoyes , imposts , or other publick means ; nor in any furnishing of gunpowder , bullets , artillerie , arms , corn , rie , oats , butter , chees , or any other provision of victuals or militarie ammunition and necessaries , of what sort and condition soëver , beeing to bee employ'd for the publick service : nor shall they bee allowed to buy , or under any other title or color to undertake or let forth , any Orders which are to bee let out , at the charge of the Land in general , or of any Province in particular , neither by themselvs , their wives , children , houshold , nor by any others whatsoever ; nor so much as participate in any such buying , undertaking or letting forth by others , directly or indirectly : neither shall they themselvs , their wives , children , houshold , or any other in their behalf , as before , accept of , enjoy or profit by any gifts , bribes or presents , of any thing , bee it never so small , though but eating and drinking wares ; and that from no bodie at all , whether they bee Cities , Courts , publick or particular persons , whom they know to have any thing to do at the Council , or like to get any thing to do there ; and and that as well before as after the business shall bee expedited in the Council ; and if so bee that they should have received any such gifts from any one , whom afterwards they came to understand to have business before the said Council , which at the time of receiving them they had not known , or that they shall in aftertime , get any thing to do with the Council , then they shall bee obliged to acquaint the Council with it , and convert the gifts received or the value thereof to the use of the poor , in such manner as the Council shall appoint ; and besides that , they shall not bee allow'd to assist or to bee present at the debate of the matters concerning him , of whom they shall have received any such gift , without special permission by the Council ; all this , upon pain , that those which shall bee found to have don contrarie to the orders aforesaid , shall forfeit their state and place , and bee infamous and uncapable of ever bearing any office or charge , within the United Provinces , the associated Countries , Cities and Members thereof ; and besides that , bee bound to return and make good fourfold , what they have participated of the foresaid Ecclesiastical goods , lands , demesnes , &c. farmed out or otherwise let forth , for the Generalities behoof , or of the abovesaid publick works , furnishing of provisions , ammunition and other necessaries ; in buying , undertaking , letting forth of Orders ; or by participation of the same ; together with the received gifts and presents what they enjoy'd of or profited by them ; and shall bee further lyable to such amercements and arbitrarie punishment , as according to the exigencie of the matter shall bee found fitting and requesite ; and the foresaid Counsellors , the Treasurer-General , Receiver-General , Fiscal , Secretarie , Substitutes , Clarks , Controller of the fortifications , and all other attendents of the Council , present or to com , shall at their first admittance to their functions take their oath , that in and about the matters aforesaid , they will honestly acquit themselvs ; as likewise the foresaid Counsellors shall yearly upon the first Teusday in the month of Maie , and such as bee absent then , upon the first daie of their appearance again in Council , before any other thing bee agitated in the said Council , clear themselvs one to another by oath , and so likewise shall the● Treasurer-General , the Receiver-General , the Fiscal , the Secretarie , the Substitutes , Clarks , Controllers of fortifications and all other attendents of the Council clear themselvs , that in and about the matters aforesaid , they have acquitted themselvs honestly , and that they have no knowledg that their wives , children , houshold or any other , having relation to themselvs , have don contrarie in any of the foresaid things directly or indirectly promissing for time to com to continue thus in all uprightness ; and that none at all shall bee admitted to the businesses of the Council , ere and before hee have solemnly cleared himself and made promiss in the manner aforesaid .

XXXVI .

And the said Counsellors shall moreover , upon the least susspicion arising , bee likewise bound at all times to clear themselvs by Oath one toward another in this behalf , as aforesaid , and to make the Treasurer General , Receiver General , Fiscal , Secretarie Substitutes , Clerks , Comtrollers of Fortifications and all other attendants of the Council to purge themselvs thereof ; and to make him on whom any suspicion fall's in particular to declare by Oath , that they neither promissed , nor gave nor would promiss or give ought to any of the persons aforesaid , directly or indirectly .

XXXVII .

And those which shall bee found to have given , or promissed , or caused to bee promissed or given , directly or indirectly , any gifts or presents to any of the foresaid persons , their wives , children , houshold , or to any other for their sakes and behalf , whether it bee before or after the business don for expedition's sake , or otherwise , under what pretext soever ; they shall by sentence of the foresaid Councill bee condemned to a fine proportionable or equal to the value of the caus there depending , or otherwise , according to the occasion and condition of things ; and all the foresaid fines and amercements shall bee dispensed , one third part thereof to the informer or discoverer , and the two remaining parts to the behoof of the poor ; yea though the exorbitancie or corruption committed should not com to bee detected , till within som years after their commission .

XXXVIII .

And to the end , that what hath hitherto been said , may the better bee effected , and followed , and none of all that have or shall have any thing to do at the Councill , may plead or pretend ignorance , there shall bee hung up in the out-room or anti-chamber of the council an open Patent , in the Netherlandish , French , English , and Scot's language , whereby every one shall bee warned , to beware of presenting , giving or promising , directly or indirectly , any gifts or presents , to any of the foresaid persons , their Wives , Children , Families , or any one in their behalf ; on pain of the fines and punishments exprest in the foregoing article ; as likewise the proctors , ( attorneys ) sollicitors , and others usually emploied , before the foresaid Council , shall upon the tuesday abovesaid , or then absent , at their first return to the Haghe , make promiss to the Council by oath , that they will not suffer themselvs to bee employ'd nor give nor caus to bee given advice to their Clients of presenting or promising ought in the manner abovesaid to any of the foresaid persons their Wives , Children , Families , or any other in their behalf , directly or indirectly ; but in case they should perceiv their Clients disposed to make or promiss any such presents to any of the said persons ; that they will dissuade them from it ; or in case they came to know they had already given or promissed the like , that they will forthwith acquaint the Council with it ; as also they shall bee bound at the beginning of their emploiment by any , faithfully to warn them that they give nor promiss nothing in that kinde to none of the persons aforesaid , directly or indirectly ; and in case they had don it already , to acquaint the Council with it themselvs , on pain of incurring the censure and correction of the Council , if they shall bee found to have don contrarie to the Orders aforesaid .

XXXIX .

And that the foresaid exorbitancies may duly bee found out , and the guiltie punished according to desert , the Fiscal of the Generalitie shall narrowly observ the action of the foresaid persons , and if so bee that hee suspect any of the Substitutes , Clerks , Controllers of fortifications , or inferior attendants of the Council , hee shall by order of the Council inform himself against them , summon them before the Council , proceed against them , and prosecute the business to definitive sentence , and further afterwards to the execution thereof .

XL.

And if so bee that suspicion fall's upon any of the Council , the Treasurer General , Receiver General , or Secretarie of the Council , then the Fiscal of the Generalitie , and the Fiscal and Proctor General of the Province where the Council shall reside , both together ; or suspicion falling upon the Fiscal of the Generalitie himself , the Fiscal of the foresaid Province alone , shall , by Order of the highest Court of Justice there , inform him or themselvs against the same , summon them before the said Court of Justice , make them Process , state and order the same ; and if it concern the Treasurer General , or Receiver General , or Fiscal , or Secretarie of the Council , prosecute them before the said highest Court of Justice to the Definitive sentence ; and if the matter concern any of the Counsellors themselvs , the Process beeing rightly stated and formed shall bee sent to the States of the Province to which hee belong's , they having taken upon them , themselvs there by ordinarie cours of Justice to determine the business , according to the tenor of the foresaid Articles , within six weeks after the receit , and the sentences pronounced in the foresaid cases , shall have their full cours and effect , without allowance of appeal thence to our selvs .

XLI .

All Commissions , Orders , Discharges , Instructions , Letters and Dispatches shall bee attested with the full name of the Counsellor President , and beeing attested thus , shall bee signed by one of the Provinces , or som other of the Council , and all this on condition the said expeditions bee found of necessarie importance by the Council ; and afterwards subsigned likewise by the Secretarie of the Council , without suffering the same to com into other hands , or communicating them to others then those of the said Council : and the Secretarie shall keep good and exact Registers or books of Remembrance of all Resolutions and Conclusions about matters and causes agitated and concluded in the said Council , at least such as are of any importance and notable consideration ; with setting down the names of the Lords present ; and the matters and causes beeing once determin'd and resolv'd upon by common consent or most voices , all those of the said Council indifferently , whether they were present or absent , of the same or a contrarie opinion , they shall without any gainsaying apply themselvs to the well-managing , effecting , and mainteining of the foresaid conclusions and resolutions .

XLII .

The foresaid Council finding it needful at any time to summon or call the respective Confederates , they shall communicate the same to the Assemblie of the Ordinarie Deputies at the Generalitie , and desire such a call or summons to bee made , inserting the points serving to that end ; and in case the said Deputies should happen to make difficultie thereof , the said Council is autorized hereby to present their justification to the respective Provinces themselvs , with the like insertion of the reasons and motives of their desire ; and in case of appearance , it shall not extend to any prejudice of their privileges , not to bee called or summoned forth of their Provinces .

XLIII .

The Residence of the foresaid Council , shall with the good liking of the Ordinarie Assembly of the States General bee kept in a convenient and secure place of the United Provinces , without beeing obliged to remain in a certain place precisely but still assemble there , where the service and common interest of the Land , and the special direction of the Militarie affairs require it ; and of the foresaid Council there shall at all times , whiles divers may bee absent in Commission or otherwise , remain in the place at the least five Counsellors of several respective Provinces , that so the service of the Land may still bee duly attended .

XLIV .

The Entertainment of the Counsellors is left to the disposition of the respective Provinces whence they are sent , wherewith they are to content themselvs , without bringing any extraordinarie charge upon the Countrie , besides Freights and Convoyes , and such appointments as shall bee made and ordeined in that behalf . And if any of the Council com to die or leav his place , another able person and acceptable to the States General shall bee named by the Province whence hee was sent , and taken in by Commission from the States General .

XLV .

Besides the Council there shall likewise bee enterteined a Treasurer and a Receiver General , with certain wages for them .

XLVI .

And a Secretarie at 800 pounds Flem. per an . and with such instructions as the States General by advice of the Council of State already made , or shall make hereafter .

XLVII .

The Dispatches of matters belonging to the Disposition of the foresaid Council of State , beeing of that importance and consideration , that before the wars , they were usually expedited in the Name of the former Princes of these Countries , they shall bee made and issued in the Name , under the Seal , counter-Seal and signet of the States General of the United Netherlands , by advice of the Council of State , with this subscription , By Order of my Lords the States General of the United Netherlands , with relation to the Council of State thereof .

XLVIII .

And the Dispatches beeing not of so great importance and consideration , they shall bee issued in the Name of the Council of State of the United Netherlands , but yet under the Seal , Counter-Seal and Signet of the States General aforesaid .

XLIX .

The Seal shall bee kept by one of the Counsellors to bee appointed thereunto , who shall bee responsable for it , not suffering the same to com into any other hands in any wise ; and shall keep an exact Register , and counter-rowl of all Dispatches and rights of the Seal , and bee paid for it , according to the tax ordained or to bee ordained by the States General : and the profits coming in thereby , shall bee converted and employ'd , to the paying of the Officers of the foresaid Council , and other necessarie occasions in matters of the said Councils Disposition .

And the joint foresaid Confederates declare herewithal , for the Conservation of the Right of the United Lands in the general and in particular ; That by this Instruction , they do not abdicate or renounce the Right and Power , either the States General themselvs , or the States of the Provinces in particular , should not in time of need and when the affairs of the Land shall so require it , each in as much concern's them , themselvs to order , appoint and execute , what shall bee fitting for the service of the Land , even in those very things , which are by them referr'd to the disposition of the foresaid Council , such as is the Direction of militarie affairs by Sea and Land , with all things appertaining thereunto , and in particular the keeping of Musters , exercising of militarie discipline and punishments of all exorbitances , and in all other causes . They declare likewise , That all things concerning the Civil State and Justice of the foresaid Countries , Cities and Members thereof both in general and in particular , not expressly referr'd to the disposition of the Council of State aforesaid , shall remain in the disposition of the States General ; the States of the particular Provinces , the lawful Magistrates of the Cities and other places , each in their sphere : and the giving of Patents to the train bands , in case of necessitie , and when the service of the Countrie shall require their marching forth out of their own Cities , shall remain within the Provinces to the respective parts thereof , without any of the Councils meddling therein .

LI.

Those of the Council of State aforesaid , shall at their entring or admittance to their charge clear themselvs by oath , that for the getting of that place , they neither gave nor promised any mony or mony-worth , nor any thing els whatsoever , nor shall give or promiss ought , directly or indirectly , or in any wise conceivable or unconceivable ; and shall further promiss and swear in the hands of the States General or their Deputies , to bee True and Faithful to the said States General of the Provinces , abiding in the Union and maintaining the true Christian Reformed Religion ; and shall renounce by oath to all particular Correspondencies , with either Provinces , Cities or private and particular persons , so far forth as the same may proove prejudicial to the common good ; and that without regard had to the Provinces or Cities , where they were born or chosen ; or to the particular profit and advantage of the same or of any other , and have nothing at all before their eies , but the Honor of God , and the welfare and the conservation of the foresaid Countries , and the publick affairs ; That they shall not reveal the Communications , Deliberations or Resolutions , which ought to remain secret , and speak with no bodie about them , besides those of the said Council , and especially not with any Ministers of any forein Kings , Republicks and States ; in whose or with what companie soêver , unless it bee with those of the said Council seperated , as apart from all other . Item , They may not bee engaged in any ones service , nor receiv or enjoy any pensions , neither may nor shall they partake or share , directly or indirectly , in any works put out , or to bee put out upon the publick account , nor in any Ecclesiastical goods , lands , domains , &c. which are or may bee farmed out for the publick , nor in any Convoys , Imposts , or other common means , nor in the furnishing of any powder , shot , artillerie , arms , corn , rie , butter , chees , beer , oats , or other provision or ammunition , and necessaries of War whatsoever , beeing to bee used for the benefit and service of the publick ; nor buy , nor under any other title take upon them or let forth , any orders granted at the charge of the Land in general , or of any Provinces in particular , neither by themselvs , nor their wives , children , families , nor by any other whosoever ; nor participate in the sale , undertaking or letting out made by other , directly or indirectly ; neither shall they by themselvs , their wives , children , families , nor by any other as before ; receiv or enjoy any gifts gratuities or presents , nor take benefit by any thing , how small soëver , even to meat and drink , from any , either Cities or Courts , publick or private persons , whom they know to have any thing to do at the Council , or likely to get any thing to do there , and that as well before as after the business shall bee transacted ; and if so bee they should receiv any such gifts of any one , not knowing the giver had any thing to do at the Council , at the time of receiving the same , or if afterwards the same should get any business with the Council , that they shall give notice thereof unto the Council ; and that moreover , they shall precisely regulate themselvs according to the contents of this Instruction , and every Article thereof , and do besides , whatsoever good and faithful Counsellors of State are bound to do , and all this provisionally .

LII .

If so bee that this Instruction shall bee found to have any obscuritie , or need of any alteration , contracting or enlarging , the States General shall upon occasions , with advice of the Council take notice thereof and provide accordingly , as shall bee requisite .

Don thus , and decreed in the Assemblie of the States General , July 180. 1651.

Note here , That the one and twentieth Article , beginning , All Orders for payment , was set down after as followeth .

FOr to reduce the Order for paiment into a due Form , the respective Requests to that end presented to the Council , shall bee accompanied with all the requisites , bills and particulars , belonging to the business , wherefore the said respective Order shall bee desired ; and beeing viewed and examined by the said Council , they shall bee transmitted to the Generalities Checquer ▪ chamber , to bee there also viewed , examined and cleared ; where special heed is to bee taken , whether the Land is bound or not to the particulars therein specified ; and thence they are to bee returned to the Council again , that by them there may bee past and granted Orders , which Orders beeing registred folio tali , are to bee signed by the Lord President for the time , besides two other Lords of the Council , all of several Provinces , together with the Treasurer of the said Council . And this don , the said Orders shall with their annexed pieces bee brought back again into the foresaid checquer ▪ chamber , for to examin , whether they bee given according to the Order of the Land ▪ or no ; And after examination these bee likewise there registred folio tali . And thus all the Orders for paiment shall bee conditioned , or no paiment made thereupon by the Receiver General , on pain of disallowance .

This same daie there was likewise settled the appointment for Vacations and travelling-charges , for both the Deputies of their Hi. Mi. and the Counsellors of State , beeing abroad in Commission within this State .

A Lord of the general Assemblie or Council of State travelling in Commission , within this State , with one or more servants , shall bee allowed a daie for vacation , entertainment for meals and baiting , ten gilders ; having a Messenger along with him , besides his own man or men , hee shall bee allowed for the same , two gilders more , a daie ; that is to said , 12 gilders in all ; the same Messengers vacation remaining free , as likewise the said Lord his Boat , Ship , Waggon , Fraight , Convoy and other such like charges , all which are to bee brought into a particular account by it self .

One Lord travelling with more retinue or companie then his fellow-Commissioners , they ought not to bee overcharged thereby .

The foresaid respective Commissioners ought not to accept nor participate of any defrayment , from the Magistrates of the Cities or other places refor●ing under the Generalitie , nor from any other persons in service of the Generalitie .

And for to get Orders in due form , upon the foresaid respective Declarations , the respective Original Resolutions of these Commissions , ought to bee annexed to the said Declarations , and thus delivered into the Council of State , there to bee viewed and examined first , and thence transmitted into the Generalities checquer-chamber , there to bee likewise viewed , examined and cleared , especial regard beeing had , whether the Land bee bound or not to the particulars therein conteined , and so returned back again to the said Council for the passing of the Order with the Subscription ( after the entrance thereof folio tali ) of the Lord President , besides two other Lords of the Council , all of several Provinces , together with the Treasurer and Secretarie of the said Council ; which don , the said Orders , with the foresaid annexed pieces , shall bee brought back again to the foresaid Chequer chamber there to bee examined , whether they bee given according to the order of the Land ; and after examination the said orders shall there likewise bee registred folio tali : and thus shall all the Orders granted upon the respective Declarations bee conditioned , or els no paiement made thereupon by the Receiver general .

At this time it was likewise moved , their Hi. Mi. would take into consideration , whether for conclusion of this present Assemblie , it were not fit it should bee declared by a general resolution , That all their H. Mi. resolutions taken and past here in the great Hall , during this session , touching Religion , the Union and the Militia , shall bee held and bee of the same virtue and vigor to all intents , as if word for word they were inserted in the Union made and concluded at Utrecht in the year 1579. But nothing was resolved upon this .

On the 19 it was agreed , that the States of the respective Provinces which having Patents sent them according to the 6 Article of their Hi. Mi. resolution of June last 16 , with open names , shall have fill'd up the same with other Companies then such as were desired by the Letters from their Hi. Mi. should forthwith give notice thereof to their Hi. Mi. and the Council of State .

That same daie there was likewise order taken , that on Saturday beeing the 22 of Julie the Assemblie should bee ended with a Sermon of Thanksgiving , and that the Consistorie of the Hague should appoint a Minister for the performance .

On the 20 there was read the further advice of the Council of State , reformed the daie before , touching the point of Mustering , together with a draught of an Act in that behalf . Their advice was , that above all things it was needful to compass a promt and exact waie of paying the Armie ; and that the Ritmasters and Captains might bee eas'd and disburthened of unnecessarie charges , without which provisoes , this intended Act would prove not onely unseasonable , but unpracticable altogether .

This Act about Mustering was drawn in manner following .

THe States General of the United Netherlands , to all that shall see or hear the reading of this , Greeting . Forasmuch as it appeareth daily more and more , that the Order and punctual provision made in former times about the point of Mustering , is either by slighting or negligence so little heeded and followed , as if there had never been made or published any ; that thereby the common Caus and protection thereof lie's open to extreme danger , it beeing found upon all occasions and exigencies , that the Companies , both Hors and foot , do extremely differ in the number of men from the number enrolled at their Mustering and paid by the State ; and that wee hold it more then seasonable to provide once vigorously and rigorously against the abuses herein ; Therefore it is , that wee have reassumed the former Orders and Acts , aud after several Communications and with the advice of his Excellencie Count of Nassaw Stadholder of Friesland , Groninghen and Omlands , and Drent , and the Council of State , wee have anew ordained and established , and do ordain and establish by these expressly all the points and Articles here ensuing , for to bee observed and followed without any remissness , upon the pains and punishments mentioned in the said Articles , which wee will have executed presently without any connivance , dissimulation , respect of persons , or sparing of any .

And first of all wee ordein most expressly , that no Commissioners for Mustering ( or Muster-masters ) presume to receiv or partake any gifts , presents or gratuities , directly or indirectly , in the least kinde , from any Collonels , Ritmasters , Captains or other Officers of War , nor to bee enterteined by them with Wine , Meals , or Defraiments , upon pain of immediate cashiering both giver and taker , as well before as after the Mustering , whether the things bee given to the Muster-masters themselvs , or to any of theirs .

II.

That henceforward no Ritmasters or Captains shall bee allowed to absent himself out of his Garrison for the dispatch of his particular affairs within the Countrie but having leav from his Governor or Commander ; and no Lievtenant , Coronet , Ensign or other Officer , but having the consent of his Ritmaster or Captain ; charging the Governor and Commander to grant leav to the one or the other no longer at the utmost then for the space of a fortnight ; and if they had need of a further consent , that the same shall not bee granted but by Our selvs , the Council of State , or the Stadholder , or the Commissioned Council of the Province their Pay-masters ; all upon pain for the trespassers , that staying out longer the first time , they shall bee past by in the Mustering , and lose a month's wages ; and the second , bee liable to arbitrarie punishment .

III.

Further wee ordain that henceforward no Collonel , Ritmaster , Captain , Officer , and Souldier , whether Native or Forreiner , let him bee of what qualitie or condition soever , shall get leav to travel forth these Countries about their particular affairs , neither by us nor the Council of State for any longer time then three months in ordinarie cours ; for which end they shall likewise bee bound to seek and obtein ▪ the consent of the No. Mi. the Lords the States or Commissioned Counsel of his Pay-masters , as also , if hee lie's in another Voicing Province , that of the Lords the States , or Commission'd Council thereof ; giving withall notice of his obteined Leav unto his Governor or Commander , and unto the Magistrate also of the Citie , if it bee within a Voicing Province . And upon his request aud cognisance of the matter , hee may have granted him a month two or three more for the continuation of the said Leav . But if so bee hee shall staie abroad two months beyond his Leav , then shall his Place , Companie and charge bee open and impetrable , and conferred upon another .

IV.

That moreover all Collonels , Captains , Officers and Souldiers every where , shall yield due respect to the Commissioners for Mustering , and others to bee appointed by Us the Council of State , the respective Provinces , or their Commission'd Council , to attend the said Mustering in the execution of their charge and office , and beeing summoned by them to make Muster or reviews , shall immediately bee readie for it without any tergiversation ; although the Ritmaster , Captain Lievtenant , Ensign were absent themselvs ; upon pain of cashiering and further arbitrarie punishment .

Moreover Wee ordein , that the Ritmasters and Captains henceforward shall present at the Musterings none but upright true and real Souldiers , beeing able and sufficient men for the arms they bear , fit and worthie the wages they receiv , duly and completely armed , ( according to the Orders made and to bee made in that behalf ▪ and upon the pains therein conteined , ) and such as are bound by their Oath and perfect entertainment constantly to follow the companies , to march and watch in their courses , without ever presenting there among their companies any domesticks , or retainers of Governors , Commanders , Ritmasters , or Captains , or any Burghers , inhabitants , countrimen , victuallers , free-booters , souldiers of other companies , Passevolants , ( wanderers or vagabonds ) or others not having full paie , nor beeing enjoined by Oath and subjection to their companies , to follow the same every where , to march and watch their turns upon pain of cashiering , and arbitrarie corporal punishment , yea death it self , according to the exigencie of things , to pass as well upon the Captains and Officers which shall bee found to have presented or advanced any suborned persons or passevolants at the Musters ; as upon the foresaid persons or passevolants themselvs appearing at the Musters , and their assistants ; the defrauders beeing to bee committed into the hands of the Provost , and present advertisement given to the Council of State to proceed further as shall bee found requisite .

VI.

And the better to provide against all fraud and abuse in this kinde , wee do ordein , that all the sick persons of the companies , if possible , shall bee presented at the place of the Mustering together with them ; and if any bee so sick that they cannot bee brought there without danger of life , that then the Commissioners shall visit them , or caus them to bee visited by such as hee may confide in , and bee answerable for , and of such as may lie sick in any Hospital , to get billets or certificates for , from the Masters of the Hospital , annexing the same to the Muster-rolls , otherwise not to bee allowed .

VII .

And to the end all fraud may yet further and better bee prevented , wee have and do ordein by these , that informations may bee made and presented within a year's time by any one , even such as beeing no Commissioners , Ritmasters , or Captains , may have trespast in this kinde , or participated therein ; and that the informer proving the same , shall , besides the pardon for his own delinquencie beeing culpable , receiv for recompence the sum of 200 gilders ; and if hee bee a souldier , shall bee considered over and above this retrard with enlargement of his wages , or advancement to such charge and office as hee may bee fit for , and others likewise with advancing to other places .

VIII .

Charging and commanding further most expessly all and every one of the said Commissioners of Mustering , and others to bee appointed for asserting of the same by their oath , and least they incur perjurie , and the pain of beeing deprived of their places , and further arbitrarie punishment , even death it self upon exigencies , not to allow of , or let pass any one person in the said Mustering , but such as are uprightly and actually in service , under the respective Troops and Companies , beeing fit for service , marching and watching their turns , and beeing bound to follow the colors every where , and whom they shall finde present at every Mustering , without suffering any More-paies to pass for Majors or others , under what pretext soëver .

IX .

And that the mustering it self may bee performed the more successfully henceforward , the Council of State shall ordain the same to bee made as often in the year as may bee feasible ; and the Muster-rolls afterwards transmitted by the Council , under Seal , to the Lords the States , or Commission'd Council of the Provinces , the Pay-masters , to proportion the paie accordingly ; it remaining nevertheless in the choice and power of their No. Mi. respectively , finding it expedient to caus themselvs mustering to bee made , as well without as within their own Provinces , giving onely advertisement thereof to the Council of State , to prevent confusion ; whose Commission and autorisation from the said Council of State , shall extend it self to the mustering , if they pleas , the whole Garrison , of whatsoêver Repartition the same consist , whereof the Roll shall bee sent to the Council of State , and in case the same bee found less then the former Mustering , the paiment shall bee fitted accordingly .

Forbidding moreover all Ritmasters and Captains , that they receiv no Burghers or Inhabitants of Cities and Forts , nor any countrie-people or pesants into their Companies , otherwise then upon the ordinarie oath and service , to bee obliged , to perform all marches and watches and to follow their Colors every where , without abiding elswhere , and without any promiss to bee made them , that upon the marching of the cornet or colors they shall bee discharged , upon pain , that the same shall not bee allowed at the muster▪ing , but forthwith casheired , and further liable to Arbitrarie punishment , allowing the Informer hereof a months wages .

XI .

Wee ordain likewise , That henceforward , there bee allowed but one Victualler , beeing a Souldier , to a Troop or Companie , having a Warrant for it by the Ritmaster or Captain , upon pain , That such goods as shall bee exposed to sale by other Souldiers or their wives , shall bee forfeited .

XII .

Item , That the Ritmasters and Captains shall not bee allowed , either to take on , or dismiss any Trooper or Souldier , but with the knowledg of the Muster-master in loco , where there is any . And if any Souldier came to die , or run away Skellum , betwixt the musters , the new ones taken on in their places , shall not bee allowed till the next muster daie , where hee shall pass present .

XIII .

Commanding moreover all Ritmasters and Captains , to keep their Companies compleat still , and musters beeing kept , timely to deliver up unto the Muster-masters , exact Rolls , conformable to the former , containing a perfect setting down first , of all the Officers of the Companies , and afterwards of all the Troopers or Souldiers serving under each division or Corporalship , and then withal expressing after that Roll , what new Troopers or Souldiers there are taken on from month to month , aud from one mustering to another ; and that by no means they put any more names into the said Roll , but such as are actually in service , upon pain of forfeiting a months entertainment , the said Ritmasters or Captains thus trespassing ; neither shall the said Muster-Commissaries accept of any other Rolls upon pain of casheiring the Commissarie or Clark , that shall have accepted or produced any other Rolls .

XIV .

And not onely the Ritmasters , Captains , Lievtenants , Cornets and Ensignes , but the Quartermasters and Serjeants likewise of the Companies , shall bee bound to sign the said Rolls , and to declare by oath , that the Troopers and Souldiers listed in the Roll , do uprightly and really serv in the same Troop or Companie , upon pain of casheiring , and other arbitrarie punishment .

XV.

And the Ritmasters and Captains shall deliver up to the Commissarie three several Rolls , whereof hee the Commissarie shall send two to the Council of State and keep one for himself .

XVI .

None shall presume in the listing or mustering , to call himself by any fictitious or other name or surname , then his own proper Christen-name , and usually best known surname , together with the place of his birth , upon pain of immediate arbitrarie punishment upon the fact ; and no Ritmasters nor Captains shall permit any to bee otherwise listed in the Roll , upon pain , of beeing disallowed the same , and arbitrarie punishment .

XVII .

All the Commissioners shall have power likewise to visit both the night and daie-watches , for which end the Serjeant-Majors , shall bee bound to give the word to the said Commissaries ; and the Commander also shall bee bound once a week at least , by night , in companie of the Serjeant-Major , to take an exact note of the just number of the Souldiers , and of what companies each Corps du gard is beset with them , and send up the said Notes every second month to the Council of State , upon pain of loosing their places .

XVIII .

All Ritmasters and Captains shall without any refusal give waie to the paying of the Souldierie by the Pole , if the Government shall finde good so to appoint it ; and if for a certain time it bee not don thus , then they shall give an exact and just account of their Souldiers wages in cours , at least every fourth month , without longer delaie , and that in the presence of the Commissarie of the musters in loco , or others specially to bee deputed thereunto ; and to that end shall the Ritmasters and Captains , at each time , precisely acquaint the Commissarie , with the time of the last account made , upon forfeiture of a months wages for their persons ; and the said Commissaries shall bee bound , within a sennight after , to give advertisement thereof unto the Provinces , to whose Repartitions the Companies belong , upon pain likewise of forfeiting a months entertainment for themselvs .

XIX .

The Ritmasters and Captains shall henceforward not give consent , or leav to more then 3 together of their Companies at the utmost , and at furthest no longer then for 14 daies , and not otherwise , but upon necessarie occasions , for which they shall get leav of the Governor or Commander in writing , signed likewise by the Commissarie in loco , in which the place shall bee expressed whither they are to go ; and the parties having leav obtained thus , shall bee allowed , under condition nevertheless , that they bee personally present at the next ensuing muster , and not otherwise , unless it were , that som Souldiers were commanded forth by the Governor of the Province , upon som exploit ; who are not to march forth , but in manner as followeth .

XX.

Namely , That none other , hors or foot-Souldier , bee sent forth upon any Exploit , but such as are upright Souldiers in actual service , and no Free ▪ booters , nor under the number of 25 together , except for convoyes or spies for intelligence ; whereof the Governor or Commander of the place shall bee accountable ; which five and twentie hors or foot-Souldiers , shall bee conducted by a Corporal , Gentleman or Serjeant ; from that number upwards to 50 or under , by a Lievtenant or Ensign ; above 50 upwards to 100 , by a Ritmaster or Captain , and above 100 , by two Ritmasters or Captains ; though the foresaid numbers should bee made up of several Companies .

XXI .

Besides these thus condition'd , no Souldiers of hors or foot , shall go forth without having the Governors or Commanders pass , of the place , there beeing any , with the proper names and usual well known surnames of all that go forth . And the foresaid Ritmasters , Captains , Officers or Gentlemen , shall bee answerable for all the exorbitancies committed by the Souldiers under their conduct .

XXII .

Wee ordain further , that among the English , French , Scots and and Switser-Companies of foot , the vacant places shall bee supplied as much as may bee , by their own respective Nation ; and no Souldier of what Nation soëver shall forsake the service of the Captain or Companie where they serv , but having gotten his lawful passport , upon pain of the halter for the deserter .

XXIII .

And further wee ordain , that all Officers , hors and foot-Souldiers , beeing forth with leav , out of their own Garrison , in any place , where mustering is made , they shall bee bound to appear likewise at the mustering place , to bee duely noted down by the Commissarie , with expression , of what Garrison they are , and under what Companie they serv , which notification duely verified , the said Commissarie shall transmit to the Council of State , to serv as occasions may require ; so that such absents shall not bee allowed upon any lawful certificat of their Alibi , unless it appear that they elswhere presented themselvs as above .

XXIV .

All which Points and Articles , wee Will and Ordain , shall precisely and strictly bee kept , observed and executed , upon the pains exprest in every one of them , without any favor , connivance or remission ; according to which also all Governors , Commanders Collonels , Cammissaries , Ritmasters , Officers and Souldiers and every one besides are to regulate themsel●s , upon the foresaid pains ; ordaining , That the cognizance and execution of all these shall app●rtain to Our selvs , or the foresaid Council of State , the Governors of the respective Provinces and Councils of War , together with them ; as likewise to the Deputie-Councils of the States of the respective Provinces ; all by waie of prevention .

And that none may pretend ignorance of this our present Act , wee do hereby intima e unto and desire the Lords the States or their Commission'd Councils , and Stadtholders of the Provinces , where they are , respectively , and enjoin all other Judges , Officers and publick Ministers , they beeing required it , That they caus this Act and Ordinance to bee every where declared , proclaimed and published , where publication and proclamation is usually made ; and besides the Governors of the Provinces , Governors and Commanders of Cities and Forts , to caus the publication hereof to bee frequently renewed in the Frontier-Towns and places of strength , before the Souldierie hors and foot , by Drum and Trumpet ; providing nevertheless , that all the foresaid points shall bee kept inviolable , and the transgression punished according to the respective penalties above mentioned , though the same publication were not renewed for a whole year ; and that without any favor , connivance or dissimulation to the contrarie . For thus wee have found it requisite for the advancement of the service of the Land .

Given at the Haghe .

This same daie the Lords of Friesland gave in the ensuing Proposition or Advice . High Mightie Lords !

THe Lords Commissioners of Friesland having taken into further Consideration the conclusion made yesterday touching the Thanksgiving to bee returned to Almightie God on Saturday next , they finde the same prais-worthie . But since there is nothing more worthie the name of God , and nothing more necessarie by reason of his incomprehensible Power of searching the hearts of those that call upon him , then , that they which draw near unto him see they do the same with pure hearts , and present their desires in terms of truth and uprightness ; Therefore it is , that the Commissioners of Friesland calling to minde that the points of Secret Correspondence , and Determining of arising Differences among the Provinces , beeing som of the most principal Bonds and Foundations of the Union are not perfectly transacted yet , to the content and satisfaction of the joint Provinces ; Their desire in behalf of Friesland is , that the same may first bee perfectly adjusted with love and unitie of all the Confederates . And whereas likewise this Illustrious Assemblie was held good and commended to the respective Provinces by the States of Holland for no other end , according to the propositions made by their Deputies in the several Provinces , but to establish and maintein Concord , Peace , Love and Friendship among the joint Provinces , and to remove and extinguish all diffidence , jealousies and suspicious ; The Deputies of the Province of Friesland held it needful to recommend unto your H. M. serious consideration , whether it were not very fit and requisite , that these weightie and long-deliberated affairs should bee concluded with a Solemn Resolution of Amnestie , forgiving and forgetting whatsoever by the one or the other Province , or any Particular persons and members thereof , may have been don or transacted in the year 1650 , touching the Questions , Differences and Dependencies thereof which were arisen then among them .

The Province of Friesland for their part conceived it most necessarie , to the end that the blessing of God over this State and the resolutions taken by them , may so much the more abundantly and confidently bee exspected ; and nothing attemted in the one or other Province , after the ending of this Assemblie , by either fact or writing , in derogation or prejudice to his late Highness the Prince of Orange of praised memorie , or any other ; whereby the mindes of the Inhabitants might bee disturbed , and the pretext of peace becom as Oil in the fire , and set the whole State into an unquenchable combustion of discord and contention ; desiring that all the Provinces would bee pleased particularly to advise and resolv upon this Proposition : as without which Resolution the Lords of Friesland are firmly persuaded , that the foresaid Thanksgiving to Almightie God cannot bee sincerely performed here , nor any good effect thence bee brought to perfection in the respective Provinces .

The Caus and Occasion of this Motion must bee repreesnted with som reflexion to things past . The Lord Cats , Counsellor and and Pensionarie of Holland had som months ago made known to his Lords principals his great age of 74 years ; humbly desiring thereupon that hee might bee released , and end the rest of his daies in quiet and enjoiment of himself . This having been reiterated by him several times , and yet not hearkned unto , hee did at last ( to shew hee was in good earnest ) declare , hee must of necessitie discharge himself of several papers and secret resolutions wherewith hee had been intrusted ; and to this end hee likewise delivered up a certain writing , entituled , The Reasons and Motives which induced his Highˢ to undertake both the arresting of the Lords , and the enterprise upon , at and about the Citie of Amsterdam . Which Prince William of high memorie had given in last year , and which then for peace sake was found good not to open . This Writing beeing exhibited to the Assemblie , it was put to the question , whether it should bee opened or burnt . Most voices , especially those that held themselvs offended , were of opinion , that it ought to bee read ; to make it appear , how little ground the Prince had of proceeding as hee did . It beeing opened acordingly and read , there were copies taken , the Tenor whereof followeth .

THe High Mightie Lords the States General of the United Netherlands , taking to heart the long-continued , tedious and dangerous disturbances and irritations which daily are encreasing more in the States of these Countries , by reason of the Discrepancie arisen betwixt the hx Provinces on the one side , and the Province of Holland and Westfriesland on the other , about the Reducing and cashiering of a part of the Militia , and the establishing of a state of War ; and according to their great wisdom and knowledg of affairs , foreseeing the inconveniences like to ensue thereupon ; the rather for that by the Province of Holland and Westfriesland there was already a separate Cashiering resolved upon by pluralitie of voices , and orders issued by them for the effecting thereof ; they found good and necessarie to decree a solemn Sending or Commission ( whereunto wee join'd our self ) to all the Cities and Members of the foresaid Province of Holland and Westfriesland , for to persuade the same by all conceivable motives , that they would refrain from all separate cashiering , diminishing or altering of the forces , engaged in service by oath to the Generalitie ; and to withdraw themselvs from what might have been undertaken to the contrarie ; conforming themselvs with the six other Provinces , or submitting the points in difference according to the provision of the Union in that behalf : ▪ And the said Lords the States General desired and autorized Us , to see all requisite order taken , and to provide that all might bee kept in peace and quiet , and specially the Union preserved and mainteined , together with all the consequences and references of the same , and that on the contrarie all things may bee obviated and resisted , what is or may bee attemted against it .

The foresaid sending or Commission beeing performed and finished , and nothing effected by it , by reason of the counter-working of som ill-affected , Wee , together with his Excellencie the Stadholder of Friezland , and the Council of State , after many meetings and conferences ( under protestation to meet the Province of Holland as far as might bee ) framed a solid draught touching the affairs of the Militia , and things consectarie and connexed , so as it might bee pleasing and acceptable to the joint Provinces ; and tend moreover to the maintenance and conservation of the Uuion , and consequently to the greatest service , quiet , unitie and securitie of the State of these Countries .

Whereupon conceiving hope , and having likewise used both in publick , and under-hand all friendly means of inducement and persuasion , wee found at last , to our highest grief , that all these well-meant endeavors and labors of ours were made but so much the more fruitless through the insolent demeanour of som , who chose rather to put the safetie of the Land from without , and the welfare of the good Inhabitants within into an hazardous ballance , then yield but one hair's-bredth from their ill-conceived opinions , wherewith they had abused , and abusively informed their respective Commons , and indeavored afterwards by wiles and subtilties to draw aside likewise divers good Members of the Assemblie of Holland it self .

Nay of meer presumtion and wantonness , durst urge and go about to maintein the foresaid business of Separate Cashiering , saying besides , They were not destitute of counsel and means to make the other six Provinces yield and complie , peremptorily alleging , that the Union was dissolved and wholly disanulled , by whose decaie and fall there was unavoidably to bee exspected a notable Change and alteration , not onely in the General Civil Government , but also in the point of the true Reformed Religion , as the same is now by publick autoritie professed and exercised in the Provinces , Associated Countries and Cities of this State .

So that there beeing no appearance left of prevailing by any kiude of persuasion or accommodation , and in the mean time all kinde of bold , seditious and dangerous discourses of those ill-affected persons coming to our ears ; besides divers others well-grounded warnings of most unheard of , pernicious and ruinous designs and machinations against the State of these Countries , which were projected by them , and in part promised to bee undertaken , whilest under a fair shew and specious pretexts , they onely sought to gain time for the accomplishing of the foresaid pernicious designs , and to bring the State of these Countries by that means into a notable rupture and confusion , to the singular advantage of those which are big with jealousies against this State .

Wee have by virtue of our Commission and special resolution and autorization in that behalf from the foresaid Lords the States General , judged and considered it highly necessarie , that the forenamed evil and pernicious designs , undertaken with so much prejudice and danger of the Common Caus , contrarie to the Union , ought to bee prevented and resisted before it should bëe too late .

And thereupon ( though unwillingly , as may appear by all our former peaceable offices and friendly endeavors ) resolved to prevent the foresaid persons in their attemts , and to take and keep som of the most principal Bell-weathers from among them in custodie , least they should further mislead and abuse the other good and well-minded Members of the foresaid Assemblie of Holland and Westfriesland .

Wee were constreined at the same time , and upon the same grounds , to resolv with the assistance of som Forces to represent unto the Citie of Amsterdam , how that a very few persons among them , and chief leaders and instigators of the foresaid designs , having hindred the Audience wee sought in the Citie-hall there in qualitie as Stadholder of the said Province of Holland , for the service and advancement of the publick , they ought of necessitie to rid their Government of such Instruments ; Whereupon , and what further was taken into consideration thereabouts , all was amicably transacted and agreed on both parts .

Where it is observable , that the evil beeing broke out in its worst condition , the same was so conditioned , as it would have rent and torn the whole State and Bond of those Provinces , and thereby involved them into inevitable ruine , the remedies , all fair waies failing , were of necessitie now more strictly and sharply to bee applied and practised .

For even as when there happen's a dangerous fire to arise , wee make use of and employ any thing to quench the same , which otherwise would not bee thought on , as somtimes such and such particular houses are one a suddain pull'd down to the ground , to save a whole street and thereby a whole Citie , from beeing laid all in ashes ; So wee , beeing engaged by Oath and Commission to maintain the Union and Religion , and over and above that anew autorised by special Resolution of the foresaid States General , for the maintenance of the foresaid Union ▪ seeing a Flame arising among the Provinces , which by progress and con●●nuance might have laid them all into coals and ashes , and having the means in the hand , to prevent the same , it might justly bee conceived , wee had had no regard to acquit our Commission , Honor , Oath and Conscience , nor duely respected or valued such a special and express autorisation , from the highest Government , if wee had not with all possible speed and fervor adventured our selvs against that rising embrazement , and endeavored to resist and damp it , in manner as was don Us.

As for the particular points of the charge against the arrested persons , which do respectively more concern the one then the other of them , the same could not bee brought in above , in the general charge ; but is reserved to a proper time of proceeding therein as shall bee fitting .

This wrought so much in the mindes of the said Assemblie of Holland ; that they put both it , and the Proposition , which the Prince had made immediately after his progress through the Cities of Holland , upon the refusal of admitting him into the Town-hall at Amsterdam , Jun. 30. the last year ▪ into the hands of som Members , who thereupon framed this ensuing advice .

First , That by a Deduction in writing , to bee drawn up by select Commissioners , the Proceedings of their Nob. great Might . last year about the business of reducing charges , and the difficulties made in bearing of the petitioned Consents of this Province , for the maintenance and paiment of a part of the Militia , having been in service , during the War ; should after a summarie rehearsal of things past , bee justified , and the contrarie refuted in the contents of the foresaid two Acts or papers , especially the latter , entitled , Reasons and Motives , which induced his Highˢ to undertake both the arresting of the Lords , and the enterprise upon , at and about the Citie of Amsterdam .

And that the said Deduction beeing made readie , the same should bee read at the Generalitie , after the opening of the like writing , there containing Reasons and Motives as before , presented to their Hi. Mi. Assemblie , August 15. 1650. by the Lord President for the time beeing , and by Resolution then taken , laid by them in the Box of the Secretarie . And in case the foresaid opening should , beyond exspectation bee disputed by the Provinces , They the Commissioned Members , do hold , that the foresaid justification ought then to bee presented to the Generalitie notwithstanding , and entred into the Register there .

In the second place , That the Sending or Commission in June the last year 1650. performed by his Highˢ the Prince of Orange with the assumed Lords , to all the Cities of Holland and West-Friesland , having Voice in this Assemblie , together with all the consequences and effects thereof ought to bee disapproved by a positive Resolution , As contrarie to the Order and Form of the Government , infringing the Eminencie and Prerogative of this your N. gr. Might . Assemblie , and especially prejudicial to the Freedom of Deliberation of the respective Members thereof ; and that it bee decreed , That the Cities of this Province shall for the future , neither offer , nor admit or suffer any such Sending or Commission in their respective jurisdiction . That the same disapproving Resolution ought together with the abovesaid writen Deduction and Justifications , to bee presented to the Generalitie , and entred into the Register there ; and likewise transmitted by Missives unto the respective Provinces ▪ desiring each of them , that for the reasons to bee alleged in the said Missives and justifying Deduction , they would bee pleased to conform themselvs to the like ; however , in no case to laie any ground for such Sendings hereafter , nor ever to take upon them to decree the same .

Thirdly ; That the respective Provinces , as well in the Assemblie of their High . Mi. appearing there by their Deputies , as also by pregnant Letters , to their respective States-Assemblies , shall bee desired , to disapproov the Resolutions of Jun. 5. and 6. 1650. taken by a few Members at the Generalitie , and having past , ( it is confidently believed , ) without the foreknowledg and notice , much less the command and autorisation of the respective States of the Provinces their Lords Principals , and doubtless forced upon or from the said Deputies , at least the greater part , by the over-awing and swaie of his Highˢ the Prince of Orange ; and especially that autorisation of the person of his said Highˢ , inserted in the foresaid Resolution of June 5. 1650. together with all the consequences and circumstances thereof ; as likewise to declare unlawful and invalid , and consequently to repeal known extorted thanksgivings made unto his foresaid Highˢ , and to declare , that they hold the same , as such , for no lawful Resolutions , and to geth the same to bee entred in the Generalitie's Register .

Fourthly , That their N. gr. M. ought to declare by positive Resolutions as before , the enterprize against the Citie of Amsterdam last year July 30. together with the seizing of the six Lords , Members of this Soveraign States-Assemblie , committed the same daie , and the consequences thereof to have been an attempt upon the Freedom , Eminencie and Soveraigntie of this Province , directly contrarie to all the Laws Rights and Prorogatives of the same .

That moreover the Common Halls or Councils of the Cities , for which the foresaid six Lords , had appeared in this Assemblie , there and so far forth as it was not performed alreadie ; as also all other common Halls or Councils sending their Deputies to the said Assemblie , ought to bee desired to send in their Declaration in writing , whether their respective Deputies had in the matter of Reducements , and in regard of the Deliberations happened about the State of War in the year 1649. for the with-holding of the Consents of paying som forces , as was petitioned by the Council of State in the foresaid State of War , and in the Execution thereof and things depending thereon , carried themselvs conformable to the charge and intent of their Principals yea or no ; that the same Declarations beeing perused , the Assemblie might then proceed in regard of the six Members aforesaid , by further Declarations , according as the condition and exigencie of the matter should bee found to require .

Hereupon there was taken several examinations and informations ; as first that of the respective late Secretaries and Clarks of his said Highˢ Heylersich , Hulst and Cunes ; Which was don the 15 , and 16. of June , by a Committee of the States of Holland . Secretarie Heylersich was demanded .

I. Whether hee had not delivered to the Clarks of his Highˢ Secretarie , two several papers ; the one , containing , Complaints against those of Amsterdam , with desire of Repartition and Satisfaction , in the points therein deduced ; and the other beeing entituled , Reasons and Motives , which induced his Highˢ , to seiz on som of their N. Gr. M. Assemblie , and to laie Seige to the Citie of Amsterdam .

Hee answered , Yea , and that hee had received the said papers from his Highˢ own hands ; but knew not the hand whereby the same was written .

II. Whether hee knew not otherwise , who had written or endited the same .

Hee answered , no.

III. Whether hee had never surmised with himself , who might have penned it .

Hee said , That now and then hee received writings of that nature at his Highˢ hands , within som hours or a little while after , that the late Secretarie Mush had been with his Highˢ in private , and that thence hee took occasion somtimes , to conceiv , that the said Secretarie Mush might have drawn them .

IV. Whether all the forementioned writings had been writen by one and the same hand , or no.

Hee said ; hee conceived , That the letter writen by his Highˢ to the Provinces and Cities , touching the matter of the foresaid seizing and siege , and the first-named paper above , was writen by one and the same hand ; but that hee was not able to saie , whether the other paper intituled , Reasons and Motives &c. was writen by the same , or no.

V. Beeing demanded a second time , whether hee could saie nothing of the hand , whereby both the papers , mentioned in the first Article , were writen ;

Hee said , hee thought , that one of the Clarks of his Highˢ Secretarie , by name N. Hulst , had told him , whilest the same writings were copying , that it was the hand of Cunes , chief Clark of the foresaid Secretarie Musch .

VI. Whether hee knew the hand of the said Secretarie , and whether hee could not saie for certain , that the foresaid writing was writen by the Secretarie himself .

Hee said , hee knew well enough , that it was not the hand of the said Secretarie himself , and that the writings withal were written fair without any blots .

VII . Why Hee , examined , beeing summoned by their N. gr. M. went home first .

Hee said , it was to tell his wife , that hee was summoned ▪ and withal to make water .

VIII . Whether hee had spoken with no bodie els concerning this , before hee made his appearance in the Assemblie of their N. gr. M.

Hee answered , No : but onely that coming along , hee had spoken with his brother in Law Burgomaster van der Mayden .

This examined beeing withdrawn , and after that the foresaid Hulst was likewise heard and had declared as wil bee shew'd presently , call'd in again , hee was asked , whether hee knew not the hand of Cunes , and whether when van der Hulst aforesaid had formerly told him , that it was Cunes his hand , hee could observ by the writing it self , whether it was his hand indeed .

Hee said , that when the Clark van der Hulst put him in minde , that the same was Cunes his hand , hee could observ well enough , and knew it now , that it was so indeed , both by reason that hee knew Cunes his hand before , and that having since seen more of his writing , hee observed it more particularly .

The Questions demanded of the Clark van der Hulst , were ,

I. Whether hee had not by Order of Secretarie Heylersich , copied two certain distinct writings , the one containing Complaints against those of Amsterdam , with desire of Repartition and Satisfaction in the points therein rehersed ; and the other entituled , Reasons and Motives which induced his Highˢ to seiz som of the Lords of their N. Gr. M. Assemblie , and to laie siege to the Citie of Amsterdam .

Hee answered , Yea ,

II. By whose hand the original was penned from which hee took the said Copies .

Hee said , hee could not tell .

III. Demanded further , and pressed , whether himself told not Heylersich then , that it was the hand of Cunes , Clark to the late Secretarie Musch ?

Hee said , that now indeed hee did remember , and that indeed it was Cunes his hand .

IV. Whether both the Writings were written by one and the same hand , yea or no ?

Hee said hee knew not .

V. Which of the two then hee was sure to have been the hand of Cunes ?

Hee said , that intituled , Reasons and Motives , &c.

VI. Whether hee knew Cunes his hand well ?

Hee said , yea ; and that hee had seen his writings often .

VII . Whether hee had no discours with the said Cunes about the said Writings ?

Hee said , yea ; and that Cunes had told him , it was Secretarie Musch that indited the same , but had charged him ( Cunes ) very earnestly to keep it secret .

VIII . Where and when they had this discours together ?

Hee said , it was after the Prince his death , but hee could not remember the place .

IX . Beeing further demanded , whether hee was sure that the writing written by Cunes was the same which is intituled , Reasons and Motives , &c. and no other ?

Hee said , hee knew it very well , and that it was don after the siege of Amsterdam ; and that hee remembred well yet , that the Clerks were discoursing then about that very title , why Reasons and Motives were both used , and whether Reasons alone might not have been sufficient .

Next daie the Clerk Cunes was examined by the said Committee .

I. Whether hee had not been Clark to the late Seig ● Musch , late Secretarie to the Lords the States General ?

Hee answered , yea .

II. Whether hee had not copied several things concerning his Highˢ , and in particular touching the Siege of the Citie of Amsterdam , and the seizing of som Lords of the Assemblie of Holland , penned by Secretarie Musch .

Hee said , hee had copied several writings of that nature in the said Secretaries Dining room , very early in a morning .

III. Whether hee copied the same from a draught , or b●eing dictated to him ?

Hee said , that for the most part hee copied the same from a draught , and that Secretarie Musch beeing busie with making of himself ready , had dictated the rest .

IV. By whose hand the foresaid Draught was written ?

Hee said , the foresaid Secretaries ,

V. Whether the said Draught conteined the foresaid Reasons and Motives , or whether the Secretarie dictated of his own head what was defective .

Hee said the Draught was not perfect , and that the said Secretarie had dictated of his own head what was defective .

VI. Whether hee , Examinat , had copied any thing els of that nature ?

Hee declared , No : but if any other like matter were written , the same was like to bee don by one William Goversz , deceased , late Clerk likewise to the said Secretatarie .

VII . Whether there was any bodie els present then besides the Secretarie ?

Hee said , No.

VIII . What became of the foresaid Writing , and what order was given to him the Examinat about it .

Heesaid , that by order of the said Secretarie hee had brought the said Writing , sealed with his Seal , without Superscription to his Highˢ Chamber , and delivered it there to one of his Highˢ Grooms of the Chamber , by name Youngman .

IX . Whether hee Examinat did not conceiv , that som other Clerks might bee alive yet , that were imploied about writing of things of like nature by order of the said Secretarie ?

Hee said , it was very like , and especially one Peter Spyck , Jan Dornick and W. van Zyl .

X. Whether hee Examinat could not tell of som particulars that were conteined in the said Writing ?

Hee said , hee was confident if hee heard it read , hee should remember it well enough .

XI . Whereupon there beeing read unto him the writing , entituled , Reasons and Motives , which induced his Highˢ the Prince of Orange to , &c. as also the Proposition of his Highˢ made in the Assemblie of Holland , Jun. 30 , 1650 , conteining , Complaints against those of Amsterdam , with desire of Reparation : Hee was asked again , whether one of these two was the Writing before-mentioned , and which of the two it was ?

Hee ▪ said it was the latter , which hee had in manner aforesaid partly copied , and partly written at Dictate .

XII . Whether hee Examinat knew very well , not to have copied the other Writing ?

Hee said , hee could not affirm it ; yet hee knew well enough that hee had copied the former in the manner abovesaid .

By and through occasions of these informations and enquiries others also were muttered of , and especially the Lord of Sommersdyck , who for som time hitherto had kept himself at his hous at Spyck , and this rumor coming to his ear , hee found good of his own accord to repair to the Hague , and to make his appearance in the Assemblie ; which also hee did , declaring , hee had understood of Discourses to his prejudice , and that therefore hee was com to answer to what might bee alleged against him .

Whereupon the above-mentioned Committee could not but hear him also , Julie 13 , when hee declared , that in the month of Julie last year , som few daies before his departing to Sharp Zyl hee was summoned to the Chamber of his Highˢ the Prince of Orange , and that his said Highˢ had then acquainted him , hee was resolved to send Count William Stadholder of Friesland with som Cavalerie into Amsterdam , for the recovering of the refused audience there as Stadholder , and intended likewise to make use of his ( Sommerdyck's ) person , with the Garrison of Nimmeghen , for the conducting of the Troops designed for the Expedition a part of the waie : That hee Examinat , having thereupon shewed som difficulties , by reason of the great distance , the heat of the season , the weakness of the hors , after som debates about them , his Highness took it into further consideration ; and that next daie hee appeared there again with Count William ; whenas his Highness declared , hee continued still in his Resolution , notwithstanding both of them instanced again about the foresaid difficulties ; his Highness saying , It must bee tried , let the hors go as far as they are able : and that in case the said could not timely and in sufficient number bee at hand , hee himself would com thitherwards with more strength , for to recover reparation and satisfaction . That nevertheless the matter remained at a stand , his Highˢ speaking no further of it for the two ensuing daies together , neither with him Examinat and Count William jointly , nor with him Examinat alone , so that hee began to think his Highness had waved it ; but that on the third daie his Highness having sent for both again , hee declared unto them , that how hee had ordeined and settled the daie , the wa●e , the Troops , and every thing requisite ; desiring , that without further delaie the work should bee taken in hand , and that hee Examinat , should go before , and receiv the Troops upon the Heath van Harten , and lead them through several Villages , delivered to him in writing , as far as Abconde , for to surrender them there to Count William . That hee Examinat , considering the waie , to favor his person , represented the great distance thereof to his Highˢ , and disposed him , that the Troops ; which were to bee lead by him Examinat , should instead of the Heath van Harten , bee advanced to Sharp Zeel , where hee would attend them ; whereupon his Highˢ dismissed him , with order to bee readie to depart the second daie after , onely that before his going hee should attend once again for further order ; adding , that hee would order the Count of Dona , to receiv the Troops at Harten ▪ and to conduct them to Sharp-Zeel . That accordingly ▪ hee Examinat , in his travelling sute repaired again the appointed daie at 11 of the clock to his Highˢ , for to learn , what his Highˢ would further bee pleased to charge him with ; and that his Highˢ persisting in the orders formerly given , wherewithal hee charged him especially to take his journey by Amsterdam , and riding through all the Villages abovementioned , to observ well the distances of the same , for the better regulating of himself afterwards in the conducting of the Troops aforesaid ; giving him this memento at last , That hee had charged Count William , to take such Order with the Troops brought once into the Citie of Amsterdam , that no manner of violence should bee exercised against the inhabitants or Souldiers there : and though it came to pass , that som opposition were made against the Cavaliers , a small matter should not provoke them , no not the firing at them : giving him moreover especial charge , to help to refrain Count William , as beeing to fierie , couragious and hastie , that no disorder may bee committed : Saying that this was that which past before the beginning of his the Examinat's journey to Sharp-Zeel . That in pursuance thereof , hee Examinat , taking his journey on Wedensday July 27. from the Haghe by Leyden , and beeing com as far as Kondekerck , having none with him , but his chamber-Groom , hee was met there by the Marquis de Vieuville , who told him hee was charged by his Highˢ , to accompanie him the Examinat , and to follow the Cavallerie , and to make report of all that past ; and forasmuch as his Highˢ had never before made any mention of the said Marquis to him Examinat about that matter , it seemed very strange to him , that such a one should have had communication with and received orders from his Highˢ , and that therefore , hee Examinat made no further discoverie to the said Marquis , but in general terms : That hee was to conduct the Troops to Abconde , and that thus they rid together to the Overtoom , and beeing arrived there late , about half an hour past 9 ▪ it beeing very dark , they lodged there at the great ▪ Inn , and next morning half an hour past four , went on for Amsterdam : where , about the Leyden ▪ gate , meeting divers hors , and som mares among them , there happened som disorder , and hee Examinat setting spur to his hors , rid somwhat before , leaving the Marquis a little behinde for to accommodate his stirrup by the help of the Examinat's chamber-Groom , the same beeing broke in the foresaid disorder , whiles hee Examinat riding on still , through the Citie of Amsterdam , the next waie towards the Utrecht-gate , called the Reguliers-gate , as hee thought , hee had met in the midst of Broad street , and was saluted and spoken to by the Justice or Secretarie of Bueren , but immediately left him again : and that the foresaid Marquis , overtook him not till hee was gotten som 60 or 70 paces forth the foresaid gate , where the Clock striking five , hee Examinat set his watch , to make the better guess what time there would bee requisite to pass from Abconde through the Villages of Bambrugge , Loonen , Vreelant , Cortenbove , Hilversum , Soest and Luesden to Sharp-Zeel , and that in the return hee might bee able to steer accordingly ; and that hee Examinat , beeing past all the said Villages , arrived at Sharp-Zeel , at 5 in the evening , the foresaid Marquis , beeing parted from him at Hilversum , to make a step to Amersfort , whence hee returned to the Examinat about midnight . That next daie they stai'd there , and after dinner , put themselvs in readiness to attend the Troops , till about five of the clock , hee Examinat having notice of the Troops beeing arrived without the Village , hee forthwith joined and marched along with them from place to place , before expressed , till they came to the Heath without Hilversum , where by a storm or sudden tempest the Troops were much incommodated , which caused som halt in the Village , till they were all met again , refreshing themselvs withal a little ; and , that , in marching thence , the thunder and tempest more encreasing , one part took the right waie , and ten companies an other , which was not perceived till the former were com to Vreelant . That notwithstanding this , hee Examinat , marched on with the Troops about him to Abconde , where as hee could guess , hee arrived half an hour past four in the morning , and met Count William with two or three Officers , asking straight , whether all the Troops were arrived , and perceiving that som remained behinde , hee shewed himself ill-satisfied , saying , hee had caus now to scruple , whether , in regard of this neglect , hee might go on with his Commission or not ; however hee would not do it of his own head , but advise first with the rest of the Officers about it ; That , after deliberation had , the Officers beeing heard , and sufficiently agreed about advancing the march , Hee Examinat stept in between and advised , That it ought not to bee attempted , it beeing expressly against the intention of his Highˢ , who would not have the business undertaken but with a great number to prevent disorder , and least the Inhabitants and Souldiers of Amsterdam might bee encouraged by so small an appearance of forces , to adventure upon a resistance and engagement , which his Highˢ desired should bee avoided by all means . And that these reasons did prevail with Count William and the rest of the Officers to staie for the rest of the Troops , who having straied as far as Naerden , arrived not till within 3 hours after . And that Count William resolved notwithstanding to advance towards Amsterdam , and to caus his Highˢ Letter to bee delivered there ; beeing com before the Citie and having staid there , till by som of the Lords of the Citie , ( one whereof was the Lord Huydecooper ) an answer was returned to him upon the foresaid Letter ; whereupon hee was resolved to take up his Quarter at Oudekerck , where next daie order ca●e from his Highˢ to divide the Troops , the Lord of Stylestein beeing commanded to Muyden , and hee Examinat to the hous ter Hart : and that hee Examinat had understood , that his Highˢ intended to bee that night at Oudekerck , though hee got no further then Amsterveen . That hee Examinat marching towards his assigned place , hee came to understand that about Overtoom they had been cutting of a Dyke , and that there was a Guard placed there , which caused him Examinat , to dispatch a matter of 25 hors and 30 musketiers thither , at whose arrival the Guard lying there , presently forsook their standing , and hee Examinat having caused a bridg to bee laid got over there , and continued his march directly to the Hous ter Hart , where immediately the Lords of Haerl●m came to him much perplexed and astonished , fearing an enterprise against their Citie ; but , that hee Examinat , assured them by order from his Highˢ , that there was nothing intended against the Citie , or Inhabitants of Haerlem ; nor at the Inhabitants of Amsterdam neither . And when as the Lord van der Camer asked whether the Swedish Troops , about six or 7000 strong , arrived in the Land of Gulich , were sent for by his Highˢ , hee Examinat , answered , hee knew nothing of the least Communication between his Highˢ and the said Troops , but that the said Troops were com there , for to demand the arrears of the contributions due to them , adding , it would bee well if there were no more correspondence and communication between the Citie of Amsterdam and the Parlament of England ; and that there happening som discourses about that subject , hee Examinat said at last , That his Highˢ had told him 6 daies before , of a Letter shewed him written from London to an English Officer , affirming that the said Parlament had promised to send the Citie of Amsterdam an assistance of ten thousand men , and that his Highˢ had likewise seen a List , wherein the names of the Collonels and other chief Commanders of those Forces were expressly set down ; adding , that if those of Haerlem might have been drawn to any thing , hee held them to bee men of that honestie , as beeing but minded of it , they would easily bee brought to agree with the rest in their Declaration . That moreover , hee Examinat , having left a Troop of Hors to guard the Hous ter Hart , and gotten notice of his Highˢ arrival at Amsterveen , hee repaired thither next morning by order ; acquainting him with the apprehensions of the Lords of Haerlem , and having received answer for their assuring , hee returned that evening back again to his Quarter , understanding from his Highˢ at parting , that the same had given order for the changing of the commanded parties under him into entire Companies ; and that hee Examinat in pursuance of the Orders given him in that behalf , had with som Companies under his brother in Law the Lord of Steelandt , secured the passage of Sparendam , and remained the daie after in his Quarter . And upon the second , beeing Wednesday , coming to Court , hee understood , that there was a Treatie of accommodation between his Highˢ and those of Amsterdam , and the night after hee got order from Count William , to remoov the Troops again from Sparendam to Oudekerck , where other Patents should attend them ; for every one to march homewards again to their respective Garrisons● ; Concluding , that as in all this hee had been employ'd onely as Collonel , in regard of most of his own Regiment ; as Governor in regard of all the Hors of his Garrisons , and as Ritmaster , in regard of his own Companie , employ'd in the foresaid Expedition , so conceiving , hee was bound to obey both the Captain General as also the Stadtholder of this Province , who was entrusted with the Militia ; hee trusted , That all such as knew what belong'd to the Dutie of an Officer to his General , would pass a favorable judgment upon his innocence in this matter ; hee protesting that this his Deposition was according to Truth , of which hee ever made Profession . And desired , that all circumstances in this Accident might bee weighed and all prejudice laid aside , whereby it would soon appear , that hee was guiltless in the 3 following points , which hee understood would bee laid to his charge ; namely , in the first place ; That in this matter , hee should have committed ought against his civil Oath . Secondly , That as a Spie hee should have discovered the Walls of Amsterdam , and thirdly , That hee should bee the Autor of the foresaid Rumor , of a Contract entred into by those of Amsterdam , with the Parlament of England : beseeching the Committee to make a favorable Report of all to their N. Gr. M. the States of Holland .

This confusion of his coming forth thus of his own accord , and conteining things which were not demanded , it caused more matter of discours and charge against him ; which to prevent , hee comprehended them all in the said three points , and undertook to justifie them in manner as followeth .

As first , concerning the Charge , That by reason of his Civil Oath hee ought not to have accepted of nor concealed his Highˢ Command : to this hee said , That to judg aright of this matter , there must bee considered the whole condition of the interest of his Highˢ , and of the affairs as they stood then , and consequently good heed bee taken to these ensuing Reasons , whereby ( said hee ) all causes of suspecting him would bee removed .

As that it was his Captain General and Stadholder who then commanded and emploied him , not as a borrowed Officer , but as a Collonel , Governor and Ritmaster , and that onely for to bring the Troops of the Land , with whom hee was absolutely entrusted , into a Citie of the Land , & that to no other end but to obtein the Audience , by the refusal whereof , hee had already made complaint in the Assemblie of their N. Gr. M. that hee was prejudiced in his function of Stadholder ; and said , hee desired it onely by way of Reparation , and ( as hee likewise had put in the Letter to the Lords of Amsterdam ) there to propound such matters as concerned the service of the Countrie . But notwithstanding all this , put the case they should make as bad a construction of it as now is made by many ; hee desired their N. Gr. M. would but consider ; first , that though hee had refused and concealed his Highˢ Command , the design would have gon on for all that , and himself would thereupon have been charged of having failed in his Militarie Oath by his disobedience ; for which the heaviest punishment , according to custom of War , would undoubtedly have been inflicted upon him . And if hee had attemted further to reveal , namely to their N. G. M. what his Highˢ had given him in charge , and to do the same without witness ( as indeed hee had none to produce , beeing it was told him but by word of mouth ) his Highˢ might easily have fallen upon him as a Liar and Slanderer , and their N. G. M. themselvs lookt upon him as a man out of his wits . And besides all this , hee prai'd their N. Gr. M. would but remember , when his Highˢ was pleased in person to denounce his intent and purpose in the full Assemblie by the Counsellor Pensionarie , there was none then of all that heard the same , offered to speak one word against it ; but they seemed by their silence as much to approve of that business as hee Examinat , by the obligation of his Militarie Offices , was bound to bee emploied therein .

Now as touching his having plai'd the Spie upon the Citie of Amsterdam , hee represented the occasion , the time and the caus of his journie to Sharp-Zeel by Amsterdam : beeing gon from the Haghe upon Wednesdaie in the afternoon , about one a clock on hors-back , attended but with a Chamber-groom , and overtaken about Koudekerck by the Marquis de la Vieuville , who presently told him , hee had order from his Highˢ to overtake him , and to make report of the March which hee was to make with the Cavallerie . And thus they were in Companie arrived at Overtoom half an hour after nine at night ; where alighting , they went into the greatest Inn , and lodged there that night ; and beeing got on hors-back again next morning a little after half an hour past four , and riding up towards the Leyden-gate , and there meeting a number of Hors driven out to bee put to grass , it chanced that one of the Marquis his stirrups brake ; and whilest his man ( the Marquis having none with him of his own ) did reaccommodate the same , hee rid on like a Travellour directly the readiest waie towards the Utrecht-gate without the least staie any where , but that about the middle of the street which lead's to the Utrecht-gate , riding on still hee saluted and spake to the Scout or Justice of Bueren ( newly arrived from Utrecht with the night-boat ) , which nevertheless was so little , that the Marquis overtook him not again till hee was gotten a prettie waie forth the gate ; and to shew what haste hee had made , the clock struck five at that very instant , so that all that waie from their Inn at Overtoom , till without the Utrecht-gate , they had not spent half an hour ; which make's it evident enough ( said hee ) that hee was altogether as guiltless and free from the act of discovering or spying the walls of Amsterdam , as hee protested hee had neither charge nor thoughts of any such enterprise , and had taken his waie by Amsterdam for no other end , but that hee might know the exact distance of the march , and to pass through the villages , which had been given him in writing , hee having never gon that waie before , and beeing expressly ordered to march through them .

Concerning the Deposition of the Lords of Haerlem , although ( said hee ) the reports bee very much differing , nevertheless hee held the Depositors to bee so honest , that hee doubted not if hee should minde the● of the occasion and the discours it self , they would well enough agree with him . And however it was but a relation of newes , yet by good hap beeing fresh in his minde yet , hee could assure them the substance and circumstances thereof were briefly thus ; That after hee had with much ado put the Lords of Haerlem out of fear and perplexitie , they beeing even ready to depart again , the Lord van der Camer addrest himself to him Examinat , and asked , whether the 6 or 7000 Swedish Hors which were said to bee com into the ●and of Gulich , were sent for by his Highˢ ? Whereupon hee assured , that for as much as was known to him , his Highˢ had nothing to do with them at all ; but that they were onely com there for to get in their Contribution-arrears in those parts , and that it were happie if those of Amsterdam had no more to do with the Parlament of England ; and beeing demanded , How so ? hee answered , That there were strange rumors ab●oad : whereupon they replying , b●t no ground for it at all , ●ee rejoin'd , bee hoped so too , but hee could assure them , that but six daies ago his Highness told him , hee had a Letter in his hand written f●om London to an English officer of this State , wherein hee had seen , that the Parlament should have decreed an Assistance of ten thousand men for those of Amsterdam , and that therewithall the very names of the Collonels had been expressed . That this was all , according to his best remembrance , that had past in discours with them beeing onely a communication of rumors and news , for proof whereof hee could produce the Officer whom his Highˢ had named , beeing at the Haghe now , and ready to avouch , not onely that hee had shewed such a letter to his Highˢ , but likewise seen divers others of like tenour .

This hee said was all , succinctly and truly , what hee had to laie before their N. Gr. M. for their better information and his Justification about these three points charged upon him , resting confident , that it would give them satisfaction , and offering more fully to clear all remaining scruples their N. Gr. M. should propound .

Now forasmuch as in this Examination there was mention made of Count William Stadtholder of Friesland and Groninghen , &c. and that the Design of the last Summer was subject to bee further dived into : therefore it was , that the Lords of that Province brought in that project of the Amnestia , or general oblivion , the 20 of Julie last .

The Lord van Sommersdyck , to facilitate the same the more , was advised by express desire to recommend himself to the said Amnestia , which accordingly hee did in manner following .

As that beeing given to understand , to his great grief and amazement , that all hee had said or propounded in their N. Gr. M. Assemblie , had been so ill taken and construed , as if thereby hee had intended to justifie his Caus by process or cours of Law , whereas hee declareth hereby sclemnly , that hee had no other aim , but with all respect personally to inform their N. Gr. M. whom hee had understood to bee upon enquiries by their Commissioners about his Actions in regard of the Expedition for Amsterdam , of the true condition thereof , fully persuaded , that thereby hee might have given all satisfaction to their N. Gr. M. Hee therefore found good anew hereby to declare , that his intention was no other then hee professed before ; and doth herewithall humbly desire and beseech their N. Gr. M. not to construe his actings and sayings any otherwise , and that accordingly they will bee pleased to comprehend him together with all other Militarie Officers and inhabitants of this Land which were imploied in that Expedition , in the General Amnestia or Act of Oblivion , which hee understood was in agitation among the Provinces .

And afterwards hee presented the ensuing Petition .

To the Noble Great Mightie Lords , the States of Holland and West-Friesland

THe Lord van Sommersdyck sheweth with all reverence his beeing so unhappie , that notwithstanding his uttmost endeavor of giving satisfaction to their N. gr. M. by an upright and respectful Information , touching his Employ in the Amsterdam Expedition , hee understands their N. gr. M. do still remain unsatisfied in that behalf : Hee doth therefore once again most humbly beseech your N. gr. M. seriously to consider the strict obligation and forcible tie of his Militarie Employment ; most submissively praying , that in regard thereof they will bee pleased to comprehend him in the Amnestia , now in agitation , promising , that in acknowledgment thereof hee shall evermore bee and remain ,

Their No. gr. M. most humble and most obedient Servant and Subject signed : ( van Aerssen van Sommersdyck .

Whiles thus on the one side , inquisition was made , about such as had lent their helping hand to the Princes Designs last year ; it was found good on the other side to justifie the Actions and Resolutions of the Lords of Holland : and accordingly there came in from the respective Cities of Dort , Haerlem , Del●t , Amsterdam , Horen , and Medenblick , as also by the N. gr. M. Lords the States of Holland themselvs these ensuing Acts of Justification .

Act of Justification of the Citie of Dort .

WEe Burgomasters , Senators , Counsellors , old-council and commons of the Citie of Dort , make known by these our open Letters , to all and every one to whom they shall bee presented , That the Lord Jacob de Witte , old Burgomaster of this Citie , at present Commission'd Counsellor and Deputie from this Citie at the Assemblie of Holland , hath advised nothing touching the new State of War , and the Cashiering and reducing of the Militia , but that which our Deputies there were charged to do ; and this beeing anew examined in our full Assemblie , and all the Acts and Resolutions concerning that matter renewed Junii 10. last , the same is found in truth to bee so , and that for all this , thanks were , and yet are returned to him , by these ; wherewithal is comprehended the report of a certain Letter from their Hi. M. to the Commissioned Counsellors , bearing date , April 16. last past , That the same Lord old Burgomaster de Witte , hath been of the same advice together with the other Lords , concerning what last time was conferr'd of here with his Highˢ in particular , and yielded to and promised by word of mouth with our Consent , to the content of his Highˢ , according to the written advice presented in our behalf to the foresaid Assemblie of Holland : That besides the Lord de Witte hath endeavored to the utmost , together with other Deputies , that the conciliatorie advice of 16. July last , might first among the Deputie-Members of their great Might . and afterwards here in our Assemblie by their Nob. gr. M. bee settled ; and for that and other continued services had together with his fellow-Commissioners thanks given him by us , and wee thank him to this daie , by these ; and whereas all the foresaid affairs and advices were don and performed by his Honor with our full knowledg , order and autorisation ; therefore wee declare by these , that wee do commend , approve and ratifie the same , together with the advices grounded thereupon , promising to his Honor , and to his Children also , that whatsoever in regard and by reason hereof shall further com , or is alreadie com upon or don to him , to hold the same , as if it were com upon or don to Us in general , and to every one of Us in particular and personally , and to help the same to bee repaired with all vigor , aad to keep his Honor harmless and indamnified , under the obligation of our Citie and all the goods thereof , recoverable by any Lords , Courts , Laws , Judges and Judicatures . Actum August 2. 1651. and the foresaid Act , beeing read over again in our Assemblie Aug. 5. next ensuing , the extent thereof hath been approved , and wee Burgomasters , Senators , Counsellors , Old-Council and Commons abovesaid , do caus this to bee sealed with the Citie Seal in behalf thereof . Underneath stood ; In absence of the Secretarie signed by H. Roosboom , where under stood the Seal exprest in green Wax , covered over with white paper .

Register-Notes taken by occasion of his Highˢ the Prince of Orange his arrival at Dort , together with Lords van de Capelle , van Aersberghen , Marignault , Rhynswoude , Claut of the Assemblie of the Lords the States General , and the Lords van Asperen , Lucas , and Treasurer General Brasser , of the Council of State , all in qualitie of Deputies from the Generalitie , about the point of Reducing and Casheiring of the Militia by the Lords the States of Holland aud West-Friesland , resolved in June 1650. Thursday June 9. 1650.

ADvertisement beeing given the daie before by the Commission'd Counsellors , of the arriving of his Highˢ and the foresaid Deputies of the Generalitie , after that the Lords Burgomasters of this Citie accompanied with divers Lords of the Government , had waited till ten a clock at night for the said arrival of his Highˢ ; for to receiv the same according to the accustomed order , by causing a considerable number of Citizens to attend in arms , and that the said Burgomaster , seeing it grow so late , and doubting of his Highˢ arrival that night , had dismissed the foresaid Lords of the Government , together with the Citizens ; this morning earlie the said Burgomasters were desired in his Highˢ behalf , who was com to town yet last night about eleven , that the Assemblie of the Senators , Counsellors , Old-Council and Commons might bee gathered that forenoon yet , for to have Audience there , together with the foresaid deputed Lords from the Generalitie ; whereupon the foresaid Burgomasters accompanied as before , beeing gon to his Highˢ lodging for to bid him welcom , and desired by him to assemble the Old-Council apart , returned answer to his Highˢ , that they , the said Burgomasters , would at the desire and for the respect to his Highˢ onely , gather the foresaid Old-Council , and admit of the said Audience ; under protestation nevertheless , this beeing an innovation , and beside the Order of Government , to laie no ground of prejudice thereby to the Eminence , Prerogative and Soveraigntie of the Lords the States of Holland and West-Friesland , nor to the freedom of their Deliberations in their State-Assemblie about it .

Where after his Highˢ beeing conducted to the foresaid Audience , attended by the forenamed Deputies of the Generalitie , there were read by the Lord vand der Cappelle , som Propositions and papers in writing , beeing neither signed , nor bearing any date of time or place , nor adressed or directed to any , and after the reading thereof delivered into the hands of the said Burgomasters .

His Highˢ , after som compliments beeing conducted back to his Lodging , it was found good by the Old-Council aforesaid , that the said Propositions and papers should according to the order of this Government bee examined , and thereupon such Resolutions presented to the next instant Assemblie of the Lords the States of Holland and West-Friesland , as should bee found to serv and make most for the good of the Land , the conservation of the Eminence , Freedom , Rights and privileges of the said Province of Holland and West-Friesland , the Cities and Members thereof , as likewise for the best concord and conservation of the Union . Where it was found good likewise , That the substance of all this , should by a Committee of the foresaid Old-Council bee communicated to his Highˢ , by waie of answer to the forementioned Propositions .

June 10. 1650. There beeing examined in the full Assemblie of the Old-Council , som few onely absent , the Points and Articles of the Writ of their N. gr. M. the Lords the States of Holland and West-Friesland , touching the Reducement of the charges of the Land , and casheiring of som forces hors and foot , and the Resolutions and Orders past in that behalf from time to time , and given to the Deputies of the Citie of Dort , assisting then at the said Assemblie ; upon further examination of the affairs and resolutions made and taken from time to time in that behalf , and especially , in the affair and resolution of their N. gr. M. about a separate and peculiar Casheiring and reducing of the foresaid Militia , whenas the rest of the Provinces refused to condescend thereunto , it was found , contrarie to the abusive report , as if the foresaid Deputies for the Citie of Dort , at the said States-Assemblie , had given their consent to the reducing of the said Militia and separate casheiring of them , contrarie to their order and the resolution of the Old-Council ; that the foresaid Lords Deputies , have truely followed their Order which was given them , remaining yet rather too much within , then any whit exceeding their Compass , as having had Warrant enough to go further , aud therefore all they did was approved , and they , the said Deputies had thanks given them , and express notes were registred thereof to the securing of them against the foresaid wrongful imputation .

His Highˢ beeing next daie , upon his desire , admitted again in the Assemblie of the Old-Council , together with the foresaid Deputies of the Generalitie , under benefit of the protestation made the daie before to his Highˢ , that should bee no prejudice to them : their Declaration was made by the mouth of the Lord van Capelle van Aersberghen in most sharp bitter and unsufferable terms , and the foresaid Assemblie given to understand , that the Lords Deputies , could take no satisfaction at all in the diliatorie answer , presented yesterday unto his Highˢ , and that hee would not stirr hence before the Lords of the Old-Council aforesaid had made a round Categorical Declaration to the Lords Deputies , whether they would return into the Union , which they had deserted , and until they the said Deputies had gotten from them a clear , short and positive , pertinent and peremptorie answer in writing to their exhibited Proposition ; and the Lords of Dort made prompt and effectual reparation , for their breaking of the Union , whereby together with such other Members of Holland , as had likewise broken the Union , they had made themselvs guiltie and punishable in bodie and goods ; in as much as by the 23. Article of the said Union , and according to former Examples , ( whereof som had been alleged to them alreadie ) by reason of the transgression of the same , both their persons and goods might bee arrested and prosecuted in all places , before any Lords Judges and Judicatories , where-ever the same may bee met with in case of delaie ; concerning which Reparation , hee ( the Lord van der Capelle ) declared , they the Lord's Deputies , shall bee constrained to talk with them in an other strain yet , whereof they should hear more ere long . All which beeing taken into Deliberation , it was unanimously found good and resolved , that all further answering of the said Deputies , either in writing or by word of mouth , should bee refused , and the former Resolution persisted in ; That moreover it should bee declared to the said Deputies in down-right and significant terms , that the foresaid Old-Council , found themselvs by reason of the foresaid harsh and threatning language , uttered by van der Capelle aforesaid , abused and scandalized in the highest degree , and that upon all occasions they would testifie their utmost resent ; and forasmuch as the said language was injurious and opprobious against the Eminence , Prerogative , Freedom , Reputation and good Intention of this Province , the Cities and Members thereof , that they the said Council , could not avoid to make the same known to the next instant Assemblie of the Lords the States of Holland and West-Friesland ; to the end that due and effectual reparation may bee required in that behalf ; all which accordingly was , in the name of the said Council , remonstrated unto the said Lords Deputies , and especially to the forenamed Capelle , with singular seriousness , cou●age and resentment . And although upon further desire of his Highˢ , the matter was taken once again into further Deliberation , nevertheless the Council persisted unanimously in their former Resolution , as before ; after which the foresaid Lords Deputies went away next daie without any further answer obtained , towards Gornichem . underneath stood , Extracted out of the Notes of the Resolutions of the Citie of Dort , agreeing therewith , July 17. 1651.

signed , M. Berek .

Act of Justification of the Citie of Haerlem .

WEe Burgomasters , Counsellors and Commons of the Citie of Haerlem , having heard the reading of a certain writing , entituled , Reasons and Motives , which induced his Highˢ the Prince of Orange to the undertaking both of the seizure of the Lords , and that which was undertaken , at , by and about the Citie of Amsterdam , together with the Declaration of the L. Counsellor Pensionarie Cats dated Jun. last 16. subjoined , and ripely considered the Contents thereof , and seriously pondered every point , and finding , that therein are set down several imputations , to charge the said Lords withal , among whom were also the Lord John de Waet , presiding Burgomaster at that time , and Mr Albert Ruyl Pensioner of this Citie , both of them at the time of the foresaid Arrest , our Deputies at the Assemblie of their N. Gr. M. the Lords the States of Holland and Westfri●sland , do declare , contra●ie to what is pretended in the writings aforesaid , that the same each of them have ever , in their respective emploiments , shewed and given full proof , that they are upright Patriots and lovers of their native Countrie , and of the dear-purchased freedom thereof , and zealous defenders of the true Christian Reformed Religion ; That their actions have alwaies been far from enterprising , projecting or plotting , much less ●ffecting any thing that mig●t have rended to the dissolution of the Union , changing of the Civil Government , and of the true Reformed Religion , and consequently to the prejudice and ruine of the State ; but on the contrarie , that in all their doings they have shewed upon all occasions , to have had no other aim before their eies , but the furtherance of the honor of God , and the freedom , quiet and securitie of their Native Countrie ; That the same men each of them have with all sinceritie and faithfulness followed and performed whatsoëver wee had given chem in charge , as Deputies for us at the Assemblie and elswhere , and a●quitted themselvs so well therein that hee had caus to commend them for it , and to give them thanks for their zeal and endeavors , and especially that touching the new state of War projected by his Highˢ , his Excellencie the Stadholder and the Council of State , after the Peace concluded , and the Deliberations ventilated thereupon , both in particular conferences of the deputed Members , and in full Assemblie of their N. Gr. M. they have served and supplied us from time to time with pertinent and faithful reports , and with good and true informations for our full and needful instructions : that in all these affairs they never shew'd to bee acted by passion , or possessed with any malignancie , but alwaies sought every one of them to direct and steer things according to the qualitie of their Functions , to the preservation and good of the State ; That in the point of the foresaid State of War , cashiering and reducing of the Militia and other unnecessarie charges of the publick Treasurie , they have propounded and urged nothing at the Assemblie of their N. Gr. M. but what beeing found good by Us , they had given them in charge : That the Counter-acting to the Execution decreed by the rest of the Provinces at the Generalitie of sending Deputies to all the Cities and members of the Province of Holland and Westfriesland , hath been a work of our own , grounded upon weightie and pregnant reasons , and determined by a formal resolution taken in our Assemblie , and that the said Lords , so far forth as each of them hath been emploied in the executive part thereof have demeaned themselvs with prudent circumspection , and discreet direction of all to our full contentment and singular satisfaction ; wherefore also by the very Act of August 15 , 1650 , whereby wee were necessitated to our great grief to discharge them from their respective emploiment , wee commended and approved whatsoever respectively to that very time they had most carefully and faithfully don and transacted in the the Government ; as also still wee approve and prais both that and whatsoever els hath since been don by them in our behalf , and give them heartie thanks for their good endeavors therein , and especially in the business of reducing the Militia and unnecessarie charges ; as also opposing the foresaid Sending , and other affairs touching the state of this Land wherein they are emploied ; promising to them and their posterities , to keep them alwaies free and harmless from any thing that might molest or trouble them , by reason of any of the services aforesaid , and to defend and protect them against any upon that account , under the obligation of our Citie and all the goods thereof , to bee impleaded by any Court or Judges .

Don thus in the Assemblie of the Noble Lords the Counsellors and Companies of the Citie of Harlem , this third daie of Julie , Anno 1651 ; there beeing present four Burgomasters , six Senators ▪ six old Law-keepers , and eleven Counsellors and Companiemembers of the foresaid Citie . In witness whereof is the Citie-Seal hereunder affixed .

Signed , J. Benningh .

Act of Justification of the Citie of Delft . Noble , Great , Mightie Lords !

THere beeing exhibited and read in our last Assemblie a certain Missive from your N. Gr. M. addrests to the Lords Burgomasters and Governors of this Citie , dated Julie 6 , 1651 , together with a certain Paper entituled , Reasons and Motives , &c. ( as before ) accompanied with the Declaration of the Lord Counsellor Pensionarie Cats , bearing dat 16ᵒ Jun. last . Wee have after the reassumtion of our former Resolution , and with mature deliberation found good and resolved , by waie of answer , to make known unto your N. Gr. M. that our Deputies in the Point of Reducement , and in regard of the Deliberations happened upon the State of War , projected for the year 1649 , about the with-hoding of their consents for paying certain forces petitioned for by the Council of State , in and toward the foresaid state of War , and about the Execution thereof , and what depended thereon , have not carried themselvs otherwise then conformable to our intention and orders which wee , not abused by our foresaid Deputies , and abusively informed , ( as the forementioned Paper very ill and wrongfully hold's forth ) but according to the true and full report made to Us of all things , and upon full knowledg of the matter as it was tending and making most for the service of the Land . For which caus also wee have commended and approved , and yet further do commend and approve whatsoëver our said Deputies did or transacted in this kinde , as our own work , returning thanks to their N. for the great care and faithfulness which they have testified in the managing and executing of our Resolutions , and in particular to the Lord John Duyst van Voorhout , at the time our Commissioned Counsellors of Holland , who in all his emploiment hath alwaies given full proof of an upright Patriot , and true lover of his Native Countrie and the dear-bought freedom thereof , and whose actions therefore were ever far from attemting , much less executing any thing that might have tended to the Dissolution of the Union , the change and alteration in Civil and Ecclesiastical Government , and consequently to the prejudice and ruine of these Countries : but on the contrarie , that with great industrie , faithfulness , providence , sinceritie and uprightness hee hath still considered the main end and aim of his emploiment . Wherefore also wee do hereby declare , that the Contents of the foresaid Paper , in regard of the said Lord Duyst van Voorhout , together with the rest of our Deputies , is contrarie to the known Truth , and that consequently the said Lord Duyst van Voorhout hath without any grounds , and against the Laws of the the Land been deteined first at the Haghe in the Court of his Highˢ , together with five other Lords , and carried prisoners afterwards to the Hous of Loevestein : That indeed at the same time wee held our peace , and upon the said Lord Duyst van Voorhout his own desire , though to our great grief , discharged him from the exercise of his Functions , becaus the times were evil , but beeing delivered thereof by God's wonderfull Providence , wee restored him soon after his Highˢ deceas into his former state and place , return'd him into the Court of the Commissioned Council of Holland , and his Ordinarie time of serving there beeing exspired , have deputed him for the Assemblie of their No. Gr. Mi. in publick testimonie , that inded and truth wee ever held , and yet do hold , the foresaid Lord John Duyst van Voorhunt qualified as is before expressed . — Herewith , &c.

Noble , &c. & — Writen at Delft , Julie 26 , 1651. Your N. Gr. M. subjects the 40 Council and Commons of the Citie of Delft . By Order of the same Signed S. Groenewegen van der Made .

Act of Justification of the Citie of Amsterdam .

WEe Burgomasters and Commons of the Citie of Amsterdam , having heard the reading of a certain Writing entituled , Reasons and Motives , &c. and finding that therein are made notable Charges against divers Members of the Assemblie of the No. Gr. Mi. Lords the States of Holland and Westfriesland , about the passages last year , touching the new state of War and consequences thereof , and especially in regard of the separate cashiering of forces , found good and set on foot by the N. Gr. M. Lords the States aforesaid , together with the counteractings to that solemn Commission or Sending therin mentioned ; and having seen withall a certain Letter from the said Lords the States of Holland and Westfriesland , of the 6th of this month ; whereby , &c. and having maturely weighed all , wee found our selvs obliged in defence of truth and the innocence of us all , and of the Lords in particular emploied by and for Us in the affairs aforesaid , and aimed at in the foresaid Charge ; as also to satisfie the desire and Order of their N. Gr. M. do testifie and declare the contrarie of what is asserted in the foresaid Writing ; That namely the said Lords our fellow-Governors , and especially the Lords Andrew and Cornelius Bicker , Old-Burgomasters at present of this Cirie , both in the foresaid , and other occasions , have alwaies shewed themselvs true and honest Governors , and upright and faithful Patriots and lovers of their Native Countrie , whose actions and counsels were far from enterprising , much less effecting any thing that could have stretched to the dissolution of the Union , change or alteration in the Civil Government , or true Reformed Christian Religion , and consequently to the prejudice , ruine and distraction of the State ; but on the contrarie , have alwaies tended to the conservation and assurance thereof , and that in that regard wee are abundantly satisfied with their sincere affection , as to the good of the common caus in general , so especially in their industriousness about , and faithful prudent managing of the Execution of our Orders touching the business of the New state of War , and the reducing of part of the Militia , with the things annexed ; in all which wee declare , that they have don nothing els but what wee our selvs found good in that behalf for the service of the Land , and gave them in charge by i●erated Resolutions ; insomuch that then wee gave them thanks , and heartily thank them still for what they did : and do declare , that the foresaid Lords have served and supplied Us from time to time with sincere and faithful reports of the foresaid affairs , to our full and necessarie instruction , without ever shewing any ill-affectedness , much less endeavoring to abuse us thereby ; and that in like sort the Counter-acting and opposing by this Citie of the sending decreed by a few Lords of the other Provinces , to bee made to all the Members and Cities of Holland and Westfriesland hath been our own work , grounded upon very pregnant and weightie reasons , and decreed by reiterated Resolutions , taken in our Assemblie , and directed to no other end then to the common good , the conservation of the order of Government , the eminence of this Province , & the privilege of our Citie , and by no means at all thereby to caus any Distraction in the State . According as about that very time ; wee have by our Deputies to your N. gr. M. fully justified the same , and drawn it up in wr●ting , whe●●● his Highˢ was pleased to make particular complaint to your N. gr. M. of our Cities and their Deputies encountring of him , and to demand reparation and satisfaction in that behalf , to which Justification of ours wee here refer our selvs ; and have caus to think our selvs happie for the good direction , which hath been afforded to us by the Lords whom wee employd in all this , renewing our heartie thanks unto them , and promising to all the foresaid Lords our fellow-Governors , that whatever shall be●ide them or their posterities hereafter by reason of the things aforesaid , to hold and save them harmless . In Witness whereof wee have caused Our Citie Seal to bee hereunder annexed . July 19. 1651. underneath stood , By Order of the Burgomasters , and the 36. Council .

signed , Gr. Hulst . and sealed with Green Wax .

Act of Justification of the Citie of Horen .

WEe Burgomasters , Council and Commons of the Citie of Horen in West-Friesland , make known to every one to whom it appertaineth , That , by our present Deputies at the Assemblie wee are advertised 27 ▪ Junii , of the reading of certain Motives and Reasons &c. whereof a Copie was sent us by their N. gr. M. having heard likewise the personal plea and answer of the Lord Nanning Keyser of our Citie-Council and late Pensionarie in our Assemblie , having been a fellow-member at that time , made upon our the said Burgomasters precedent permission , instantly , and since again upon this daie , by reason that on the daie aforesaid , there had been three absent , with all due modestie , unto all and every point thereof , comprehended by him in seven , with reference to the writen Resolutions , taken from time to time in our Assemblie , and besides to the proper knowledg of our selvs respectively , which both in this our Citie , and at the Haghe have seen and heard his advices and directions , about the Execution of our Resolutions ; whereupon , when the foresaid Lord Keyser of his own accord withdrew himself out of our Assemblie ; wee took in his absence such an unanimous Resolution , of Thanks to , Contentment in , and Justification of him , as might give sufficient satisfaction to any .

Nevertheless since it hath pleased the N. gr. M. Lords , the States of Holland and West Friesland , to address their Letters unto Us and other Members of their N. gr. M. Assemblie , enquiring , whether our Deputies and especially the said Lord Keyser , ( having been one of the six arrested Lords ) in the known points of Reducements , the State of War for the year 1649 ▪ with holding of Consents and the Execution thereof , hath carried himself according to our Orders and Intention ; Wee do hereby unanimously declare , Yea , adding moreover , That both in these and other affairs of the Land , hee hath made unto Us , sincere , faithful and pertinent reports , as well in writing , as by word of mouth , opening the points in Question and the Considerations of the respective Members , laying the matters naked before our eies without any malignancie , ill-affectedness or passion , and fitting his advice accordingly , to his best knowledg , as an honest fellow-member would or could do ; That likewise hee shewed much sorrow by reason of the discord or misunderstanding arisen among the Members of the Government , and endeavored all hee could in our behalf to prevent with wholsom advices , all those troubles , exasperations and inconveniencies , which threatned the State thence : That moreover hee hath not opposed the Sending in Question of June , 1650. but yielded to it together with us , under due protestation , for the Right of Government , and that onely in respect of his Highˢ of immortal memorie and his high Charges . That both wee and hee together are commended in his Highˢ written Proposition , faithfully enregistred in our Book of Resolutions , for our Love to the conservation of our Native Countrie and readiness to abide constant to the Union with the six other Provinces , and to maintain the old orders and observances of the Land ; and had thanks given Us for our good will and endeavors , which both wee and hee had contributed for a long time to the Unitie among the Provinces . That since also hee hath notably cleared the points in difference unto us , and shewed himself together with us much enclined to accommodation ; nay , hee together with his fellow-Deputies , have even gon somwhat beyond our order towards the embracing of the Conciliatorie advice of June 16. 1650. which nevertheless , after report made unto us by our Deputies , wee have given them thanks , on the 24th . Nor have wee ever found in him any humorousness , ill-affectedness , malignant design , presumption or self-will , much less ever heard any seditious or dangerous Discourses com from him , tending to the Dissolution of the Union or Compulsion of the other Provinces ; neither do wee know or can believ , that ever hee had any ill designs , plots or contrivances , or kept ill Counsel apart ; wee having contrariewise alwaies known him , and by these wee declare him , an upright Patriot , and Lover of his Native Countrie , and the paternal freedom thereof , fought for these four-score years , and withal a good defender of the true Christian Reformed Religion , and whom wee never could suspect to have had any thing before his eies , but the advancement of the glorie of God , and the foresaid Religion , the Freedom , Quiet , Securitie , and Unitie of our dear Father-land , and that in the same form of Government , according to the Union and other fundemental Maximes of the State , wherein hee was born , and which hee ●ath appeared and stood for many a time , according to his place and talent . And further yet wee do declare , that hee together with his fellow-Deputies , hath served and supplied Us from time to time , especially touching these matters of saving charges and reducement of forces and the State of War , with very accurate faithful and since●e reports , touching that which had past as well in the particular conferrences , as in the full Assemblie , and likewise well discharged his respective Orders , and contributed all hee could , for the good and service as well of the publick as of our Citie in particular ; for the which wee have oftimes thanked him , and yet have caus to do , in regard of his Vigilancie , Faithfulness and Zeal , which appeared sufficiently to every one , in the discharge of his Employments , as our Secretarie first , and afterwards Pensionarie : for all which , as was don before July 31. 1650. so wee do still hold good , firm and valid , whatsoëver the foresaid Lord Keyser and other our Deputies have don at the Assemblie , in the affair of Cashiering and Reducing of the Militia and things depending thereon , giving him heartie and reiterate thanks for his good endeavors in that and other discharges of his Trust , and withal promising to him and his posteritie , to keep them free and harmless at all times from whatsoever might betide them by reason hereof , and to defend and protect them therein against every one , under the obligation of our Citie and all the goods thereof , to bee impleaded by all Laws , Judges and Judicatures . Don thus in our Assemblie July 10. 1651. present the N. Lords Will . Claesz de Jager , M. Albert de Groot , Claesz Janssen Pot , Burgomasters . Marten Jansz Groot , Jan Alberts Lamberschagen , Pieter Dercks Ben , Claes Cornel. Hogwoude , M. Cornelis Riperse , Jan Fredericksz Abbekerck , Doct. Gerard Hoo●us , Lambert Powelsz , Cornel. Claes Veen , Thiis Adriaensz Fons , Elbert Dircksz Langewagen , M. Corn. Olferse and Geroit Pietersz Twis of the Council ; the Lords Raet Sonck and de Vry , attending their function in the Haghe ; and the foresaid Lord Keyser , du●●ng our deliberation , gon out of Town . In witness whereof wee have caused our Citie-Seal to bee annexed here under , this 12. of July 1651. underneath stood , By Order of the Noble my Lords aforenamed ,

signed by mee Secretarie Wormbout Jadsz .

Wee M. Nicoles Raet Burgomaster , and Geroit Jansz de Vry , Old-Counsellor , both fellow-Counsellors of the Citie of Horen , not having been present at the time of taking Resolution upon the foresaid Act of Justification and Approbation at Horen in the Assemblie of the Commons there , but beeing deputed here at the States Assemblie , in the said Cities behalf , wee do declare by these , that wee do approve the foresaid Act and every part thereof , and fully conform our selvs thereunto , as if wee had been personally present at the framing and decreeing of the fore●aid Act and Resolution , in our Common Assemblie . Actum at the Haghe July 14. 1651.

signed ; Cl●es Raet and Gerrit Jansz de Vry .

Act of Justification of the Citie of Medenblyck . Extract out of the book of Resolutions , of the Burgomasters and Commons of the Citie of Medenblyck . Assemblie beeing held by the Burgomasters and Commons July 3. 1651. present M. Everk Jacobsz , Jan Jansz de Zee , and M. Volckart Cornelis Burgomasters , together with Symon Maertse Lieos , Henbrick Verwer , Adrian Roecker , Bartholomeus Maertse , Jacob Nels , Adam Cornen , Jan van Hauwert , Jacob Acker , Adrian Albertsz and Cornelis Hogeland , Common Council .

THere beeing exhibited to and read before the Lords , Burgomasters and Common Council of the Citie of Medenblyck a certain paper countersigned by the Lord Pensionarie Cats , entituled Reasons and Motives &c. whereby the said six Lords are charged and aspersed with very enormous and insolent crimes and delinquencies , especially in matters concerning their function and employment , and by occasion thereof , enquierie beeing made , what was fit to bee don in specie , in the behalf , defens and protection of the said Lord Stellingwerf , Counsellor and Pensionarie of this Citie , having been one of the said arrested six Lords , his innocence ; after mature deliberation it was found by the unanimous Vote of the Burgomasters and Common Council , first and foremost to declare ▪ as their N. by these do declare , That the said Lord Stellingwerf in the executing of his office , beeing Counsellor and Pensionarie , and Ordinarie Deputie from this Citie at the Assemblie of the N. gr. M. Lords the States of Holland and West-Friesland , for many years together , and especially in the affairs last year 1650. principally agitated , touching the new State of War and separate Casheiring and Reducing of the Militia , the opposing of the inhibitorie Resolutions taken at the Generalitie Jun. 5 and 6. 1650. and of the Commission afterwards of his Highˢ to all the Cities of this Province ; and lastly of the approbation of the conciliatorie project of July 16. 1650. and other businesses ensued thereupon , hath carried himself so honorably , honestly , sincerely and uprightly according to the orders given him by Us ; made Us such faithful and true reports from time to time of the advices and considerations of all the Members at the Assemblie of the Province of Holland and West Friesland , as also at the Generalitie , touching the foresaid subjects , both pro and contra , according to his ordinarie , curious and laborious custom , as well by writing as word of mouth , as ever could bee don by any , wherefore also both himself and his respective fellow-Deputies , after reports made of their vigilancie , zeal and good endeavors , had every time most heartie thanks given them , which is now reiterated by these in special manner , approving the Zeal and Courage , which they have shewed in these matters for the service of the Land ; declaring withal the contents of the foresaid papers in this regard , for untrue , injurious and calumnious ; and that the rest can bee reputed no better , promising also therefore to him and his descent and posteritie , not onely to hold them guilt-and harm-less of whatsoever might at any time betide them by reason hereof , but likewise , to repute of any such accident , as happening unto our selvs in General , and to every one of us in particular , and to see the same repaired with all vigor to our utmost , and to save and keep him and his free of all charge , charges and damages in that behalf , under the obligation of our Citie and goods thereof , impetrable by any Court or Judicatories , Laws and Judges .

Underneath stood ; Extracted out of the foresaid Register of the Resolution book , and found to agree therewith word for word , the daie and year as before .

Signed by mee M. Ryckaert , Secretarie at Medenblyck .

Declaration of the No. Gr. Mi. Lords the States of Holland and Westfriesland , touching the Charge against the six arrested Lords , and the Government of Amsterdam .

THe Knighthood , Nobles and Cities of Holland and Westfriesland , representing the States of the said Countrie ; To all those that shall see or hear the reading of these , greeting .

Bee it known , That whereas last year 1650 , a Deliberation beeing on foot about the receiving a new state of War , a Retrenchment of the Land-Charges and other dependences thereof , som of the Lords Members of our Assemblie of State ; by name Jacob de Witte , Old-Burgomaster of the Citie of Dort ; Jan de Wael Burgomaster , and Aelbert Ruyl Counsellor Pensionarie of the Citie Haerlem : John Duyst van Voorhout old Burgomaster of the Citie of Delft : Nunning Keysar Counsellor and Pensionarie of the Citie of Horem ; and Nicolas Stellingwerf Counsellor and Pensionarie of the Citie of Medenblyck were seized , and for a time deteined prisoners in our hous of Loevestein ; and that all the foresaid Lords , as also together with them the Lords Andreas Bicker , Lord of Engelenburg , and Cornelius Bicker , Lord of Swieten , the former Old ▪ and the latter governing Burgomaster of the Citie of Amsterdam , were fain , through the practice used then about the foresaid matters , to resign and bee discharged of their respective Citie 's emploiments . That likewise our good Citie of Amsterdam hath for som daies been kept shut up and besieged by forces of the State ; all which might caus such as have not a right and full knowledg of the true condition and circumstances of affairs happened and transacted then , to take it for granted and currant , as if the said respective Lords had been brought to this seizure and resignation of their emploiments through , or by reason of any misdeed or misdemeanour of theirs , in either their respective Cities , or the State 's affairs , and consequently through their own fault ; as also , that by the Governors of the Citie of Amsterdam there had been any just caus given of the trouble they susteined by the Siege aforesaid : And that nevertheless on the contrarie it hath plainly been evidenced unto Us by the lawful and solemn Declarations of the Unanimous Commons of the above-named Cities , that the foresaid Lords respectively have , with all sinceritie and faithfulness , followed and performed what they had given them in charge by their respective Principals , and in particular about those points of retrenching the charges of the State , and in regard of the State of War , and things dependent thereon ; together with all the results of the Deliberations held in behalf thereof : as well touching the with-holding of the consents of paying of a part of the Militia , petitioned for by the Council of State in the fore-mentioned State of War , as about the Execution of the Resolutions taken by us in those matters , and other consectaries thereof , have discharged their trust , and followed the intentions and orders of the foresaid respective Commons their Principals ; and likewise served and supplied the same from time to time with pertinent , true and faithful reports of all the advices and considerations , both of the other members in our own State's-Assemblie , and those of the Deputies of the rest of the Provinces at the Assemblie of the Lords the States-General ; deduced pro and con to those Commons their Principals perfect instruction , good content and ab●olute satisfaction . Moreover , that in the managing of the foresaid matters and deliberations in the re●pective Commonalties , the said Lords , or any of them , never shewed themselvs to bee acted by passions , or possessed with prejudice or ill-affectedness , but on the contrarie , ever directed the affairs uprightly , sincerely and unpassionately ; however , as much as in them laie , they labo●ed by all good and sutable means to direct all to the ●ecuring of the dear-bought Libertie of the United Provinces in General , and of our Cou●trie of Holland and Westfri●sl●nd in particular ; and all that for the quiet welfare and common good of our dear Father land ; Therefore wee our selvs having likewise good and perfect knowledg of all the proceedings about the foresaid affairs transacted in our Assemblie ; beeing fully satisfied with , and giving perfect credit to the respective Testimonies in that rega●d of the foresaid Commonalties of the Cities of Dort , Haerlem , Delf , Amsterdam , Horem and Medenblick : finding al●o our selvs fully satisfied in the innocence and uprightness of the proceedings , which by the Government of the foresaid Citie of Amsterdam was used about that business , and judging not otherwise thereof but the same were directed to the good of the State in general , and of our Province in particular ; Wee have declared and do declare by these , for the taking off all mis-interpretions , abusive informations , evil and groundless opinions , that all and every one of the above-named Lords , and those of the Government of the said Citie of Amsterdam , have don or managed nothing about all the foresaid matters , deliberations , resolutions and executions thereof , but what good and just Governors , faithful Patriots and lovers of the freedom and welfare of these Countries and the good inhabitants thereof were bound to do , and ought to have don , and that therefore they all and every one of them , can nor ought not in the least to bee prejudiced , impaired or wronged , in their honor , good name and fame by either their foresaid seizure , detention and resignation of their respective Emploiments , or in regard of that siege of the foresaid Citie .

Don thus and decreed in our State's-Assemblie , under Our Great Seal August 23 , of the year of our Lord and Saviour 1651.

After this there was drawn up by a Committee of Members the ensuing Information ; whereof som few Copies were printed under Title of

A True and Necessarie Information of that which the Lords the States of Holland and Westfriesland have , in the year 1650 , from time to time advised , resolved and acted about the matter of Retrenchment of Charges , and the difficulties made by the said Province of yielding to the desired Consents for the entertaining and paiment of a part of the Armie , in service during the War : Together with A Refutation of a certain Paper entituled , Reasons and Motives which induced his Highˢ the Prince of Orange to undertake both the seizing of the Lords , and that which was begun upon , at and about the Citie of Amsterdam .

THe States of Holland and Westfri●sland , having seen a certain Paper entituled , Reasons and Motives which induced his Highˢ the Prince of Orange to undertake both the seizing of the Lords , and that which was undertaken upon , at and about the Citie of Amsterdam ; Consigned by his Highˢ of immortal memorie , into the hands of our Counsellor Pensionarie , August 9 , 1650 , and afterwards brought into our Assemblie , and upon precedent Deliberation opened on June 15 last ( 1651 ) and having maturely pondered the same , and made use also of the advice of our Deputies , into whose hands wee , for that end , committed the said Writing , with sundrie other Acts and Resolutions relating to that matter ; Wee do finde our selvs necessitated for the better information of our Confederates , and all others to whose hands the foresaid Papers may have com , and this also may bee presented , as also in special manner for the discharge of Our selvs and posteritie , to make known the true state and condition of affairs mentioned in the Paper aforesaid , together with the proceedings taken in hand by Us from time to time in and about the same . Declaring and protesting , that in all this wee have no other aim nor design , but to justifie , defend and maintein our Actions , so odiously represented in the foresaid Paper , together with the Honor and Reputation of our Countrie of Holland and Westfriesland ; and assuring our upright and faithful Confederates , that our love and affection is nothing lessened nor cooled towards them , nor shall , for all that divers unlawful actions and proceedings , to our great grief and sorrow , have been procured and practised against us by som few ones from among them , set on and favored therein , even ( wee are fully persuaded ) to the dislike and discontent of their own Principals . Yea , and that all our intent is onely tending to the Quiet , Peace , Unitie and Common Good , the which wee have during the great and weightie Deliberations happened since the Deceas of his Highˢ the Prince of Orange , and by reason and occasion thereof , and now , through God's gracious assistance , unanimously and to the full content of all the United Provinces happily ended , really testified from time to time ; most earnestly therefore desiring the said ●our dear Confederates , and all others , to pass as peaceable and impartial a judgment hereupon , as wee have shewed and carried our selvs peaceable and impartial all along , and really complying in the matter it ●elf ; The same beeing thus conditioned , That , immediately after the conclusion of the peace , obtained through the help and blessing of God Almightie , and especially purchased , by the free and voluntarie contributions of the goods and blood of our faithful Subjects and Inhabitants , All our Actions and Endeavors were directed and employ'd , That the same our Inhabitants and good Commons might taste now once again the Fruits of Peace , that dear purchase of theirs , and that by degrees they might in som measure , if it were possible , bee eased and relieved in their manifold Impositions and Contributions , laid upon them for the maintenance of the Armie and other Charges of the Land . And whereas our Treasurie , through the excessive Charge of that long War , and the continual taking up of Monies upon Interest , which from time to time wee were driven to , for the Expedition of so many chargeable designs of War , in behalf of the common Union ; and no less , through the manifold supplies and disbursments in time of need , to the rest of the Provinces our Confederates , for the preservation of the State , far beyond our own rate , whereof to this hour wee could never recover any liquidation , much less repayment , had run it self in that extremitie of behindhandedness , That even after the discharge of the ordinarie Leaguer-charges , and after a notable redress in the Treasurie by the retrenchment of som other charges both of the Generalities and Provincial regard , nevertheless the Ordinarie Revenue of our Treasuries , could no waies reach to the paying of the Armie , Rents , Interests and other unavoidable yearly charges : and it beeing not avoidable in any kinde ▪ to supplie the yearly arrears caused thereby , by any further ruinous and cankering means of running in debt , beeing in so deep before , by reason of former frequent refuges to it ; much less could wee resolv upon an encreas of Taxes , and higher raising and aggravating of Impositions ; that beeing most unreasonable , and a sign of a most corrupt policie , to lie more heavie upon the good people and commons of the Land in time of peace , then wee had don in all these heavie wars ; but equitie it self requiring , that the Treasure and Blood so frequently adventured and spent by them and their zealous progenitors , for the safetie of the State , with so much hardship , should now by occasion of the peace , ( were it possible ) bee recompenced at least with lessening of the charges , and all deviseable allevations ; Wee saw our selvs reduced to that point of necessitie , that either wee must undertake to redress the foresaid yearly excess and arrears by means of a well-regulated saving , and the retrenchment of sundrie not highly necessarie charges ; or els suffer and see the State of the Land to precipitate it self into utter disorder and confusion . And accordingly wee have caused as well a Committee of our own Assemblie , and our Commissioned Council , seriously to examin and devise , by what means and in what things the foresaid saving design might most conveniently bee found and practised without aggrieving of the Land ; as likewise in the year 1648. two distinct businesses of this nature were projected , and by deduced advices determined , as also Resolutions taken by us , tending in great part , to the discharging of divers unnecessarie Officers , whose functions were of themselvs absolutely com to ceas by the peace or otherwise , and to the retrenching of part of the Entertainments of those , whose emploiment , by the foresaid alteration was eased of much pains , charge and expences .

Now forasmuch as the said Officers , beeing for the most part Militarie and relating to the Generalitie , were by the Council of State brought in again with their full Entertainments , at leastwise higher then wee judged fitting , in the State of War for the year 1649. drawn up the whilest , and according to the antient custom sent to the Provinces , with desire to yield their consents to the particulars therein contained : Wee for our part not able to consent in this manner , did bring in at the Generalitie , in writing , our foresaid Resolution of saving charges , of Octob. 19. 1649. as the Provisional advice of our Province upon the said projected State of war , and urged therewithal , that the Equivalent of certain 50 Companies taken on A. 1628. for the space of 6 months onely , then to com , and from time to time since by continuation surcharged upon us , might now bee found , by the discharge of 50. like Companies of forain Nations , reserving to our selvs the remonstrating of such particulars and charges in the said projected State of War , as wee should judg could well bee discharged , and left out there without any special disservice of the Land ; and whereupon wee should not bee able , by reason of the great decaie of our Treasurie , to pass our Consents ; as to that very end wee had already before July 13. by express Resolution desired and charged our Commissioned Council ( beeing entrusted with the surintendance and care of our Treasurie ) upon their reiterated Remonstrances that though the foresaid projects of saving and retrenchments might actually bee brought to Execution , nevertheless the yearly Ballance came evidently far short of adjusting the charges of the State with the Revenues thereof ; besides the great arrears yet of runing debts , which ought to bee satisfied before all other ; That they should draw up their Considerations , how and which waie any further means might bee found of disburthening our Treasurie ; and they likewise had accordingly made a proposition alreadie to that purpose , the same consisting especially herein .

1. That the paie for lodging Souldiers , hitherto furnished by the State , may bee retrenched , under condition of prompt and readie paie of their wages .

2. That the Companies of Cuirassiers bee changed into Carabins .

3. That the Regiments of forein Nations in service of this State , consisting , som in 23 , 18 , 17 , 14 , and som but in 10 Companies , bee all reduced to an equalitie of the least proportion , and 55 Companies of them disbanded .

4. That of the Hors , a considerable part bee disbanded ; in regard that in time of peace , and by reason of the condition of these Provinces , more foot-Souldiers are required for the besetting of the Frontiers , then hors , ( who nevertheless upon occasions may readily bee had in these Countries at all times ) they beeing less useful and exceeding chargeable and cumbersom to the State .

And however wee were mightily enclined , for the easing of our burthened Treasurie , forthwith to embrace the said Proposition , and accordingly without more adoe to resolv upon the disbanding of 105 Companies of foot and half the Cavalrie , reducing the same to 32 Companies , at 60 hors a piece ; nevertheless wee found good before wee would proceed to a final Resolution , to communicate all the foresaid affairs with his Highˢ the Prince of Orange of immortal memorie , for to understand his Considerations and Advice thereupon . And his said Highˢ , was pleased after reiterated Remonstrances and further Discoveries of the state of our Treasurie , both by our Deputies , and especially our Commissioned Council , made unto him , at last on the 8. of Decemb. in the foresaid year 1649. to make and transmit unto Us in writing this following Proposition .

That for the finding of an Equivalent of the abovesaid 50. Companies taken on the year 1618. there should bee discharged one Companie of every small Regiment , and 2 of all the great ones .

That in lieu of reducing and equalizing the forein Regiments to the least proportion , the Inland Companies should bee reduced to 60 heads , and the forein to 45.

That instead of disbanding the one half of the hors , twelv Companies onely should bee disbanded in all , and the rest reduced to 45.

That the alteration of Cuirassiers into Carabines should bee performed .

That the Services should bee lessened to a third part .

Now although , according to this his Highˢ Proposition it self , there would have been discharged 175 foot-Souldiers more , then by the foresaid 105 Companies , which according to our meaning and the proposition of our Commissioned Council should have been dismissed ; and notwithstanding that both the foresaid projects touching the disbanding of the Hors ▪ differed in number but 420 hors ; and that consequently both according to the one and the other , there was within a small matter in all ( comprizing hors and foot together ) a like number of Militia to have continued in the States service ; and that for the rest there was but very little discrepance in both side 's proposals , or but of small moment and importance ; Nevertheless , for two very Considerable Reasons , wee were not able to condescend to that of his Highˢ .

First , becaus that according to the Discharging to bee made after his waie , the same would have lighted more ▪ nay in double proportion upon the Natives and Inhabitants of these Countries , then upon the Forrainers . And secondly , thereby there would have been don most by Reducing and but little by Disbanding .

And although on the one side , wee might easily calculate , that his Highˢ was drawn both to the one and other , by som Considerations of his personal repute ; Yet wee on the other side took into our Consideration ; first , that the States Securitie consistech especially , that the Souldierie perform their duties , not onely for the receipt of their wages , but also out of love , affection and natural proness to the State it self , which without all question , is alwaies more to bee exspected from the Natives then the Forreiners ; besides that it could not bee taken but for a singular ingratitude and unnaturalness of the Governors , That the same passing by their Inhabitants , and as it were , their own native and legitimate children , should prefer the Forreiners , as adopted ones before them , a thing never practised yet by any Kings , Princes or States , in their disbandings to this da●e . And then secondly , that the foresaid proposals of reduction , however as manie or more forces then by our waie , were thereby to bee substracted from the States Service , yet there appeared no proportion at all therein with ours , for the easing and sublevating our overburthened Treasurie ; when you observ that the said Reduction toucheth not the Captains and Officers , but onely the private Souldiers , whereas that which one Captain alone is wont to receiv by the State , would finde and entertain a good number of common Souldiers . And forasmuch as both sides proposals beeing counterballanced , it is apparant , that as well the securitie of the State on the one hand , as the disburdening of the feeble Treasurie on the other , is much better to bee obtained by our waie of Casheiring , then by the effect of that of his Highˢ ; wee therefore held it best seriously to remonstrate all this to his said Highˢ , and caused our Deputies to perform the same with many pregnant reasons , and especially by a most exact Ballance of our Treasurie , exhibited unto him , whereby wee shewed , That according to our waie , the Rate of this Province would yearly bee eased more , then by his waie , by two hundred eighteen thousand , nine hundred and fourtie Gilders , 14 Stivers , 2d. Desiring in that regard , that hee would bee pleased so to direct the business and recommend it to the rest of the Provinces , that the Cashiering propounded by Us , may bee expedited and accomplished with all speed .

At last , after many serious instances applied to this end in vain , wee found our selvs necessitated to make known unto the Generalitie , that by reason of the weakness of our Treasurie , wee were not able to grant or bear that which the Council of State desired of us , and by the above-named project of the state of War , was assigned and charged upon upon us , and that consequently wee were absolutely enforced in part to excuse our selvs of that desire , declaring , that as to the continuing and paying of the before ▪ mentioned 105 Foot-companies , and 32 of Hors , together with other particulars expressed in the above-cited Advice of our Commission'd Council , wee could grant no Consent .

And howbeit that by virtue of the Freedom , which the respective Provinces ever had in matters of charging them , even under the Dominion of their Dukes , Earls and Lords themselvs in the strictest sence , wee were not bound to give any particular reasons thereof , or to use any persuasive means , but might , by the vigor of the said Freedom , sufficiently have acquitted our selvs with a simple notification of discontinuing our Consent : yet for to satisfie all , wee forbore not to ▪ discover and laie before the Deputies of the States of other Provinces our Confederates , at the Generalitie , the whole State of our Treasurie , and to deduce there all the pregnant motives of the foresaid Discontinuance at large and several times , with solid demonstration , That a less number of forces effectively would bee retain'd in service then wee had declared our Consent for , if so bee that the State will entertain more then they are able to paie . Nothing doubting but all this might and would have wrought a fair correspondence of the said Deputies with us , and caused theirs by a faithful report of our foresaid Reasons and Motives , especially of our great necessitie unto their Principals , easily to dispose the same , That the foresaid dis-banding of forces and lessening of charges , might , according to the antient order and old waie , have speedily been set a work and effected . Nevertheless wee not onely saw our selvs disappointed of any such effects , but on the contrarie , found to our great grief , that the paiment of those charges which wee had consented to as before , began to bee required at our hands ; insomuch that at last wee were constreined to declare unto the Generalitie , as also in Januarie 1650 wee had formally declared , that the Treasurie of this Province was not able any longer to bear the heavie charges imposed upon them during the Wars , now the Peace had already continued so long . And whereas every Province hath libertie each year to consent or not to consent to the Petition addrest unto them by the Council of State ; and likewise to accept of , or to excuse the charges therin proposed , according to every one's constitution and condition : and that the said state of War was knownly nothing els , but a Petition of the Council of State , and so was transcribed and sent to the respective Provinces . That wee finding the charges therein mentioned to bee insufferable for us , had found good therefore to make difficultie , and to yield no further then our Provincial Advice formerly return'd , and often renewed there did import , and that consequently wee were resolved , in case the other Provinces could not bee disposed to the like , to proceed to the execution of the said Provincial Advice , according to the contents thereof , within our selvs ; it beeing sure that the before-mentioned Freedom of consenting cannot possibly consist in a bare and emtie sound of words , but in such effectual realities , whereby one may hold himself free from paying such charges , to the continuation whereof hee hath expressly declared hee cannot consent . But then the Deputies putting us in som hope they would speedily bring in their Provincial Advices upon our foresaid proposals of saving charges ; wee again , for further satisfaction 's sake to all , superseded the foresaid execution for som further time , and at the request of the foresaid Deputies continued to dela●e it from time to time , until at last in the latter end of March and beginning of April next following , their respective Advices were produced . And notwithstanding our hopes , that his foresaid Highˢ the Prince of Orange of immortal memorie , would have used som endeavors upon our serious and reiterated desires , with the said Deputies of the Provinces of their Principals , that the same might have conformed themselvs with our foresaid Resolution ; or however that his Highˢ would so have directed the matter , as that at leastwise they might have accepted of his Highˢ former own proposals made unto us Decemb. 8 , 1649. Wee saw contrariwise to our grief the matter so carried , that the Provinces remained far beneath them yet .

Allowing onely 55 Foot-Companies and 12 of Hors to bee disbanded , and the rest of the Hors to bee reduced to 60 or 50 riders , and the altering of the Cuirassiers into Carabins ; urging besides all this , that the cashiered Ritmasters and Captains should still enjoie a pension of 1500 and 1000 gilders respectively ; the Lievtenants , Cornets and Ensigns therein proportionably . And whereas thereby wee should nothing near have been able to save the Moitie of that whereunto wee had forborn our Consent ; wee again most seriously represented to his Highˢ the Prince of Orange the real Considerations whereupon our former Provincial Advice was grounded , with earnest desire to approve , and yet to recommend and second the same in dealing with the other Provinces ; which beeing denied by his Highˢ , and the Deputies of the Provinces insisting and pressing , that the same Forces , for whose continuance wee had not consented , should bee entertained and paid by us , for the most part beyond our abilities ; Wee thereupon , according to the Right belonging to us , andin conformitie of our above-mentioned Declaration presented to the Generalitie in Januarie 1650 , began to consider , how and by what means wee might best and most conveniently eschew the paiment charged upon us against all right and equitie in prejudice of our Freedom , and to the intolerable burthen of our good Commons , and consequently to put in effect our former Resolution of saving charges ; and yet before the effecting thereof , the project beeing drawn , wee once more communicated with his Highˢ the Prince of Orange , and the second time desired him hee would bee pleased to conform thereunto , and help likewise to dispose the rest of the Provinces to the like ; and thereupon som likelihood appearing , and som hope also beeing given , that his foresaid Highˢ was about to make a further Proposition about the said matter , which would bee of better relish yet unto us , then that of Decemb. 8 abovesaid , wee again superseded the foresaid intended Execution for a prettie while longer , and patiently waited for that same further Proposition , until at last Maie 11 , 1650 , the same was produced and transmitted unto us in Writing ; Concerning which wee must declare here , that wee could not hear the reading thereof without excessive amazement , that whiles wee had waited for a Proposition more suitable to our account , and more contenting our mindes then was that of Decemb. 8 before-mentioned , in lieu thereof and clean contrarily , wee saw how his Highˢ leapt back there near the full half of his former condescension , besides the adding of very grievous Conditions , and notably impairing or making wors the former . Pro ▪ pounding namely therein ,

First , the Disbanding of onely 55 Companies of Foot , without any Reduction ; whereby ( Note ) there would 2675 men , or the one half less have been discharged then was projected by his own proposal Decemb. 8 , 1649.

Secondly , that the Cavalrie should bee lessened by 20 Companies , the rest beeing reduced to 60 Hors a Troop ; whereby ( Note ) 300 Hors more would have been reteined , beyond the former project ; and that besides , the disbanded Officers should have pensions allowed them , according to the foresaid advice and proffers of the Provinces ; and yet beyond that , going about to engage us to that which is directly against the Freedom of Consents , and cannot bee yielded unto in any wise , That , viz. no other or further Reduction or Disbanding of forces should bee made before such time as the Crowns of France and Spain were agreed , and peace made between them , and before the peace in Germanie should bee settled .

That moreover the Cuirassiers should be turned into Carabins , and the moytie of the service-monie taken off , on condition the fore-mentioned projected state of War bee received in manner as the same is framed by the Council of State ; whereby anew , all our affairs hitherto , and the Resolutions of saving charges formerly taken and mentioned , would have been rejected at once . By all which wee plainly perceiving all our hopes of agreeing in this matter with his Highˢ to bee cut off , and beeing readie therefore and resolved to pass on to the final Execution of the Resolution taken by Us from time to time in this behalf : Wee nevertheles staied our hands again , by reason of a new Proposition presented at our Assemblie by the Deputies of Leyden , Maie 13 , which differed from that of his Highˢ of Maie 11 , onely in this ,

That besides the offered Cashiering of 55 Foot-Companies , the rest , which by the Government were stinted to 70 heads a piece , should bee reduced to 60.

And in like manner , that besides the foresaid offer of Cashiering 20 Companies of Hors , the rest , which by the Government were stinted to 60 Hors , should bee reduced to 50.

But forasmuch as wee began to perceiv , during the Deliberation upon this Proposition , that matters were taken up and prosecuted against us with a strange zeal , and singular eagerness , insomuch that wee stood in fear it might burst out into Extremities ; to avoid all confusions which threatned us , passing by all former projects , and that of the Deputies of the Citie of Leyden also in particular ; wee determined to conform our selvs provisionally with the advices of the six other Provinces , and thus ( Note ) to agree with all that which their Deputies , at several times , and especially April 2 1650 , had desired of Us in our full Assemblie , totidem verbis , by the Lord Bronckhorst , to wit ,

That in the first place no further Disbanding of Forces should bee made , then what the Deputies of all the Provinces shall jointly agree upon by the Resolutions of their Principals ; and that as to the further points of saving Charges propounded by Us , the said Deputies would attend the further Commands of the Lords their respective Principals , hoping that by process of time som change of humors , and more facilitie would bee met with .

Nevertheless , after reiterated instances thereupon made at the Generalitie Maie 28 , and 29 , respectively , the foresaid Provisional Execution of the Provincial Advices of all the Provinces could not bee obteined by Us ; the Deputies of the said Provinces urging us , wholly and once for all , to renounce all further pursuing or seeking of Disbanding , Reduction and other designed points of saving charges , and declaring therewithal , that in case of failing , they should not give waie to our beeing disburdened so far yet , as the respective Provinces had unanimously consented to , by Resolutions of their own State-Assemblies for themselvs ; whereby wee perceiving through their non-accepting of the foresaid most reasonable offer of ours , that all hope of accommodation was taken away , and wee absolutely necessitated at length once , after so much and long patience , to take a final cours for the discontinuance of paying the Militia , for whose further entertainment Wee had not given our Consent ; and to resolv upon it , as also accordingly wee did on the 1 of June next ensuing thereupon ; ( to leav unpaid , and withall to hold for cashiered certain Companies Hors and Foot standing upon our own Repartition ) without nevertheless going further therein then the Deputies of Leyden had propounded last , assuring our selvs , that thereby the business would have been transacted in that manner , that none in the world would have contradicted it , or could have don it with any ground or shew of reason .

Especially none of the Deputies of the Provinces , in regard wee were gon so far to meet them , that even the second time , wee had offered and desired , by provision , to do the very thing , which was set down by their own advices , nay and formerly desired at our hands , in that kinde , by their own Deputies . Neither by his Highˢ , whose project of Decemb. 8. 1649. would have discharged 665 foot-Souldiers more , and but 140 troopers less , and consequently in all , hors and foot comprized together , 525 men more . Nor by any Members of our own Assemblie , for that by waie of accommodation , wee had conformed our selvs to the project or opinion of som few , which alwaies had shewed themselvs most difficult in the foresaid business : and there beeing great Necessitie , our said Resolution should bee made known to the Militia or the Officers thereof , least continuing in service , and afterwards missing their paie , there might bee caused mutinie or confusion thereby ; therefore wee found good to give timely advertisement thereof , where and so as the same was requisite ; communicating nevertheless again with his Highˢ about it , and desiring to understand his intention , to what sort of Officers the foresaid advertisement might best bee directed . And finding , that his Highˢ excused himself , wee proceeded therein with that circumspection , and without consideration of any persons , That wee caused Writs to bee made to XXXI Captains , beeing our proportion in the 55 Companies , all Forreiners , and last or newliest entertained in the Lands service , together with 12 Ritmasters , likewise our proportion in the 20 , and those also of the newest or last com , signifying unto them , That after the expiring of the present month , they should exspect no further Orders from Our Commissioned Council , nor any further paiment from Us , for their respective Companies and , the rest of the offices , ( as far forth as our share in the foresaid Reduction extended ) according to the rate of the men whom wee avouch to bee reduced , and left unpaid for the future . To the end that those respective Ritmasters and Captains might have disposed of themselvs as was fitting ; Onely , before the dispatching of the said Writs , wee would trie once more Jun. 3. 1650. to reiterate our former offers , to the Deputies of the other Provinces at the Generalitie , with desire they would bee pleased to allow , That the State might bee disburdened by provision of that wherein all the Provinces were agreed , and that the rest might bee taken into further consideration at leisure ; but all our endeavors were applied in vain there . For notwithstanding all this , wee were given to understand , that contrarie to all exspectation , immediately after the dispatching of our foresaid Writs , his said Highˢ , his Excellcie the Stadtholder of Friesland and the Council of State , by a Missive of theirs , of Jun. 5. 1650. ( beeing Whitsunday ) to all the Governors or Commanders , as also to the Ritmasters and Captains , or in their absence to their Officers , lying in Garrison within this State , interdicted and forbad them all and every one of them , to obey any particular Writs or Command of disbanding or reducing their Companies , but to keep them and their men in good order together , till further order from the States General , or his Highˢ and the Council of State , charging every one , to govern himself accordingly in this behalf ; as also that self same daie , upon the remonstrance made at the Generalitie , by his said Highˢ , his Excellcie the Stadtholder and the Council of State , som few there of the Deputies , in their presence , presently determined ;

That a Letter of like tenor , mutatis mutandis , should bee expedited in the Name of their High Migh ▪ to the end as before , and withal a solemn Deputation or Commission to all the Cities and Members of our Province , to perswade them ( as was pretended ) by all conceivable Reasons and arguments , that they would refrain from all separate or apart-disbanding , diminishing or altering of the Forces in service of and sworn to the Generalitie , and to abandon that which may have been undertaken to the contrarie , referring and committing to his Highˢ , in what manner and by what persons , and in what number the said Sending should bee performed ; as also in the mean time desiring and autorising his Highˢ to take all requisite order and to provide , that all may bee conserved in good peace and quiet , and especially the Union maintained and secured , together with all things thereunto relating ; and on the contrarie , to resist and oppose whatsoever might bee attempted against it . Whereupon ensued , that his said Highˢ next daie after communicated and gave notice to the Deputies aforesaid at the Generalitie , That in consideration of the importance of the business , his Highˢ intended personally to go along in the same deputation , and by virtue of the before-mentioned autorisation and commission , named and assumed to himself certain Lords , both from among their Hi. Mi. Assemblie it self , as of the Council of State , to bee deputed as aforesaid . And notwithstanding that ( by reason of the adjournment of our Assemblie in regard of the Whitsun-holy-daies ) the Lords our Commissioned Council , together with our Ordinarie Deputies at the Generalitie , did remonstrate by many reasons , as well to his Highˢ the Prince of Orange , as to the foresaid Deputies of the rest of the Provinces , on the one hand the groundlessness of the foresaid Countermand , and the troubles which were like to ensue thereupon , and on the other , the unwarrantableness of the foresaid Deputation , and that thence , as from an Innovation , directly against the order and form of Government no good fruit could bee exspected ; desiring that the said Sending might bee waved and deferr'd , at leastwise but for a little time yet ; offering therewithal to that end , to call our Assemblie together again , as soon as possibly could bee don , that the matters which seemed to bee intended for to bee propounded to the particular Cities and Members of this Province , might bee represented to them ; yet all this wrought nothing of that , which our Commissioned Council and Deputies at the Generalitie had hoped for : his Highˢ notwithstanding any thing that was or could bee alleged , departing from the Haghe with the forementioned assumed Lords , to execute their pretended Commission , which accordingly was performed ; though besides the foresaid remonstrance made at the Haghe , divers very serious and earnest endeavors were likewise applied in their journey , by several Members of our Province , and especially by those of Dort , Haerlem , Delft and Amsterdam ; essaying by all manner of reasons , to divert his Highˢ from the further prosecution of that design and to dispose him , that hee would bee pleased to return to the Haghe , where the business might bee transacted in an orderly waie . And though the said Commissioners were desired and autorised no further in their Instruction , then by all possible means of inducement and perswasions , to work out that which they had given them in charge ; nevertheless they swarved not a little from that aim in the execution , and particularly at Dort ( as by the Deputies of that Citie report was made ) used in their second audience such a threatning language , as wee could not sufficiently wonder at , declaring there among the rest , by the mouth of the Lord van Aertsberghen , in most sharp , bitter and unsufferable terms ; That they the Lords Commissioners , could take no satisfaction , in the dilatorie answer , returned the daie before to his Highˢ upon the first Proposition , and that they would not stirr thence , until the Lords of the Old-Council of that Citie had roundly declared to them ( Commissioners ) whether they would com into the Union again , which they had deserted ; and till they ( Commissioners ) had obteined from them a clear , short , positive , categorical and peremptorie answer in writing , to their delivered Propositions . That the Lords of Dort should likewise have made a prompt and effectual reparation , for the breach of the Union , of which , together with other Members of this Province , that had broke the Union , they had made themselvs guiltie , and were punishable for it in bodie and goods &c. And in case of further delaie of the said reparation , hee the said Lord Aerdsbergen declared , That they ( the Commissioners ) should tell them another tale yet : all which hath been reported by the Lords Deputies of the Citie of Dort aforesaid , by a written Extract out of their Resolution-book , Verbatim ; and although , by reason of the foresaid Deputation against , and in prejudice of our Eminencie and Soveraigntie , together with the foresaid Commination , and divers other things thereabout , wee had caus enough given Us , to take once for all a clean other cours , laying aside our long-suffering and patience , to expostulate about the proceedings aforesaid , and to applie such remedies against the same , as wee should have found requisite ; nevertheless , though there was a Protestation readie drawn against the foresaid Sending and consequences thereof ; yet wee again endeavored by all compliableness and fairness to trie the laying by of the Differences , keeping reiterated Communication and Conferences with his Highˢ the Prince of Orange ; and , in good hopes of accommodation , continuing in the mean time the payment to the forces formerly refused ; besides many other instances applied to his Highˢ , to procure such a proposition as yet might bee acceptable ; but all in vain still and without any fruit or effect ; so that at last by som Members of our Assemblie , deputed to his Highˢ , July 12. 1650. in a Conference with him , about lessening of the Forces , there was made another overture on our part , in manner as followeth .

That 105 Companies should bee discharged , on condition that the Officers thereof should bee retained , with a Moitie of their former Entertainments .

And in case the Deputies of the Provinces shall finde themselvs obliged , to communicate first with their Principals about it , that in the mean time , they would proceed to such a Disbanding , as they had order and Warrant for already .

That there should bee entertained one Companie of 150 hors , three , each of an 100 and 38 , each of 60 Riders , besides 50 Carabins .

That there should bee disbanded 26 Companies , and that the Officers should remain , at half entertainments , whereby there would have remained in the States service 2884 hors-men , and thus 44 more then by his Highˢ first proposition of Decemb. 8. 1649.

And in case that nothing of all this should bee accepted by the Deputies of the Provinces , that then it should bee insisted , that the Disbanding should provisionally bee effected , according to our Writs to the Officers , by the Council of State .

But notwithstanding that this proposition , for number of hors and foot , doth nothing neer , as appeareth , go so far in lessening them , as his Highˢ himself had found good in the foresaid project of Decemb. 1649. and that likewise our most reasonable offer was in effect reiterated again hereby , wee beeing content , that the State should by provision onely bee disburdened of such a Number of forces , as all the Deputies of the Provinces were warranted by their Principals they might disband , yet his Highˢ would not relish it ; but at last July 15. 1650. hee , together with his Excellcie the Stadtholder and the Council of State propounded unto their Hi. Mi. and thence was brought by report into our Assemblie a Certain Conciliatorie Proposition , according to which , although there would have been kept in service 160 hors and 1670 foot-Souldiers more , then his Highˢ yielded too at first December 8. 1649. and besides very large and unreasonabl pensions allowed and continued to the discharged Officers , Governors of som Frontiers , Collonels , Lievtenant Collonels and Majors both hors and foot , to the unsupportable surcharge of our Treasurie ; nevertheless wee took the said Proposition so far into our consideration , that wee appointed a Committee of our own Members , ripely to examin both that and the former of July 12 ▪ made unto his Highˢ , together with som other pieces relating to that matter , and having advisedly conferr'd and ballanced them one against the other , to frame such an Expedient of all , as the said Members should judg best , for to bring the work at length to an happie issue , which beeing don , it produced July 16. this following Conciliatorie advice .

That , not to varie and retract , what once was don , there should bee disbanded 55 Companies of Foot .

That the Companies of 70 men should bee reduced to 60.

That there should bee disbanded 20 Companies of hors .

That the Companies of 60 hors , should bee reduced to 50.

That the form or manner of disbanding should bee referr'd to his Highˢ and the Council of State .

That the militarie Entertainments should bee regulated according to the project presented upon a certain occasion by our Commissioners in Decemb. 1648. the same beeing a good deal larger and more advantagious for the militarie Officers , then a certain other advice , projected in the month of July before .

That the Field-Marshal's Entertainment in the foresaid project somwhat regulated and contracted , should remain nevertheless as it was before , and as it is set down in the often-mentioned new State of War .

That the discharged Ritmasters should enjoy an Entertainment of M. Gilders per an .

The Captains of Foot-Companies 700 Gilders per an . provided both the said Ritmasters and Captains engage not in other Services ; and they shall bee recommended to his Highˢ to bee reimploy'd upon occasions ; but getting new employ or engaging elswhere in service , their respective Entertainments shall surceas .

That the Companies happening to bee vacant shall bee given upon the Nomination of his Highˢ according to accustomed order , formerly used .

That the Lievtenants of Hors and Foot , shall expire with the present incumbents .

That the Cuirassiers shall bee changed into light-hors ; and that 3 of the said Companies shall remain exempt from that change ; to wit , two of his Highˢ and one of his Excellcie Stadtholder of Friesland .

That the Lodging-monies shall wholly bee cut off , on condition of orderly and readie paiment made to the Souldierie of their full wages .

With this now-mentioned Advice Conciliatorie , though much receding from all our former Resolutions , and very little differing from the last produced project of the Council of State , all the Members of our Assemblie , upon precedent communication with their Principals about it , had so far conformed themselvs , that doubtless it would have been concluded on with one consent , but that the Lords of the Nobilitie , having deliberated aforehand about it with his Highˢ , declared , they could not yield any further , then to the foresaid project of the Council of State , July 15. 1650. And the whiles wee had therefore desired our Counsellor Pensionarie July foresaid 29 ▪ to change the foresaid Advice Conciliatorie , by leaving out som points , according to the Advice of the Members , into the form of a Resolution , thus to bee communicated to his Highˢ , and consequently presented to the Generalitie ; and that by reason thereof , the whole affair seemed now to bee brought to such tearms , that there might have succeeded a speedie unanimous Conclusion by all the Provinces , with good content to his Highs.

There bursted out most unexspectedly the very next morn , viz. Julie 30 , such strange designs , which wee durst not have thought upon without horror , viz. That six Lords of our Sovereign Assemblie , beeing desired to com to his Highˢ , were upon arrival into his Chamber , deteined there under Guard , and afterwards carried away prisoners by force of Arms , to the hous of Loevenstein ; and moreover the Citie of Amsterdam , beeing the most considerable of our whole Provinces , and whose sudden and unexspected ruine would evidently draw on the undoing of the whole Land , was intended to have been surprised suddenly by the Forces of the State , conveied thither with great secrecie , and what els there hath past in pursuance of these enterprises at that time , before the face of Our Selvs and all the world .

And thus having set down here the very Truth of the most material passages between the Deputies of the Provinces , his Highness and Our Selvs , touching the Saving of the Publick Charges , and lessening of the Militia , happened in the years 1649 and 1650 , Wee are very confident it will most clearly appear thence , that there was nothing in the world don by Us in the whole carriage of this affair , but what according to the constitution of our Treasurie wee were bound , and according to the Freedom and Right belonging to all and every one of the United Provinces , wee were warranted to do ; nay , that for accommodation's sake wee still have yielded more and more , and from time to time made offer of taking and continuing such charges upon us , as most evidently in process of time , and without relief , would have ruined Us and our good people together , putting all our hopes in Almightie God , and from Him alone exspecting a good issue at length in the business aforesaid ; and that on the contrarie , little or nothing hath been yielded or condescended unto by the Deputies of the other Provinces ; but by his Highˢ not onely nothing yielded , but on the contrarie , a perpetual recoiling used in our regard , insomuch that Complaints of the counter working of som ill-affected ones , or insolence and stubbornness of som , which chose rather to see the safetie of the Land from without , and the rest and quiet of the good people within to bee laid into a hazardous ballance , then recede but one hair's bredth from their imbibed maltgnancie , wherewith the foresaid Paper labor 's to asspers som of our Members , may more justly bee recorted upon those pernicious and vile Counsellors , who , to satisfie their own private passions , ambitions and interests , have been the contrivers of all this , and instigated the young Prince to adventure upon the designs and enterprises aforesaid .

Now that nevertheless wee may a little more closely and particularly defend the foresaid business , or the points thereof , which are so odiously represented and traduced in the foresaid Paper of his Highˢ , entituled , Reason and Motives , &c. and withal refute as well the contents of the said paper , as also divers other Arguments upon several occasions made use of to our prejudice and disadvantage ,

Wee shall in the first place , and before all things shew forth , That besides the extreme necessitie , wee were sufficiently autorized and warranted to with-hold and keep back the paying of the Militia , to the further entertainment whereof wee had often declared wee could not yield or consent , and that therefore the Writs and notifications thereof addressed to the Ritmasters and Captains of those forces were rightly and lawfully issued by Us.

And Secondly make it appear , That the Sending , decreed upon that occasion without our Consent , nay against our wills , to bee made to all the Cities and Members of our Province , Julie 5 and 6 , 1650 , and performed likewise afterwards , was unlawful , directly contrarie to the order and form of Govenment , trenching upon the Eminence and Prerogative of our State's-Assemblie , and especially derogating to the Freedom of the Deliberations of the respective Members thereof ; And withal how groundless and impertinent the Reasons are , which in the foresaid Sending were made use of by his Highˢ and his fellow Commissioners against Our foresaid proceedings .

And then in the third place wee shall evidence that the Enterprise upon the Citie of Amsterdam , undertaken Julie 30 , 1650 , together with the Seizure of the six Lords out of our Sovereign Assemblie , committed the same daie , and other passages relating thereto , were an Attemt upon the Freedom , Eminen●● and Sovereigntie of our Province , directly contrarie to all the Laws , Rights and Privileges of the same .

As to the first , it is a thing well known and obvious to any that hath but any knowledg of the form of Government in these Countries , that from all antiquitie it hath been and still is the Custom , according to the order of the said Government , that those of the Council of State of these United Provinces , even before the exspiring of the year , use to consider and weigh , what they conceiv , according to the occasions and conditions of affairs , to bee needful and requisite against the next , for the conservation and defence of the Common Bodie of the State , comprehending all in one General Proposition addressed to their Hi. Mi. and afterwards transmitted to the respective Provinces , with the said Council's request , that they would bee pleased to grant , and at the Generalitie to declare their Consents upon the particulars therein conteined ; as likewise the foresaid Proposition is commonly called , The Petition or Request of the Council .

And thus the said Council of State , adhering to the foresaid fundamentals , and conformable to the old Maxims , did likewise Decemb. 8 , 1648 , draw up such a general Proposition or Petition about the Charges of the ensuing year 1649 , and presented the same to their Hi. Mi. as formerly .

Where the very nature of Request or Petition inferreth , That those to whom the said request is addrest , have absolute Libertie to Consent thereunto , or not , according as they shall finde good and think requisite for the condition of their affair ▪ And thus by lawful consequence sutable to to the known Order of Government among us , wee might claim and exercise the same absolute libertie and choice of consenting or not , to that which the Council of State was desired at our hands in their foresaid Petition of Decemb. 8. 1648 , for the year ensuing 1649.

And whereas , according to the old custom , there was beside the foresaid Proposition , as a part of the Petition , or one particular point thereof , transmitted withal a project of the State of War for the year 1649 , ( touching which state of War there are likewise these very words inserted in the Petition , Wee present the same to Your Hi. Mi. with desire , that your Hi. Mi. will bee pleased to grant your Consent thereunto ) it follow 's again , that it was in our special choice to consent to the state of War therein comprised , and the particulars thereof , especially the main and principal touching the Militia both Hors and Foot , either totally ▪ or in part , so as wee should finde it most requisite for the State in general , and for our Province in particular .

Insomuch that wee beeing disposed to make use of our Libertie therein , according to the order of Government , and especially the 9th Article of the Union , as beeing a matter of charge requiring contribution of monies , wee can nor may not bee over-voted in that case .

Or if so bee that on the contrarie such a thing should have been endeavored to bee put upon us , wee might have had libertie then to with-hold those monies or contributions , and forbear them altogether , like as June 1 , 1650 , wee took such a Resolution , spoken of before at large , and consequently did well and justly for the preventing of confusion and mu●inie , to give advertisement thereof to these ( viz. Ritmasters , Captains and other Militarie Officers ) who otherwise , conceiving afterward they were to draw monies , would together with the Souldiers under them , have been disgusted in the highest degree , and that not without great reason .

By all which rational Motives , and from the consequences of true and duly disposed Premisses , the groundlesness of their Supposition is evidently discernable , which would have drawn the foresaid Libertie of Consents in regard of the Militia , into question .

It beeing very remarkable besides , to the further Confusion of such ; That before the beginning of the Peace , that that very partie , which so fain would have seen the foresaid yearly libertie of consenting in these Militia-matters , justled out , hath been very busie about it for a whole twelv month together , as the Registers of the Resolutions at the Generalitie shew forth , though all in vain , and without any success , there beeing inserted into the fundamental Resolution about the preliminar points before the Treatie of Peace , Novemb. 16 , 1646 , these express words , Thirdly , concerning the Militia it is found good and resolved , that the said Militia shall bee fit●ed and framed according to the occasions of times and affairs , and according to the antient custom , there shall yearly a Petition bee made by his Highˢ , his Excellcie the Stadholder and the Council of State , and transmitted to the Provinces for them to deliberate thereupon about needful Consents , and to return the same to the Generalitie .

By reason whereof also wee alwaies were wont to restrain our Consents which from time to time were granted by Us , upon the yearly Petition of the Council of State , and the state of War ▪ with this express claus , That the same was meant and don for the time of one year , and no further ; and never engaged or promised further then for the year current onely , to take fitting order for the paying of our Quote towards the Militia and other petitioned publick charges .

After the quotation of which clear , significant and express words , both of the foresaid General Resolution , and our own Acts of Consenting , wee cannot judg our foresaid first point should need any further confirmation .

Although ex abundanti it might bee shewed here , not onely that their Hi. Mi. in general have by several Missives , and particularly that of Decemb. 8 , 1648 , and Septemb. 27 , 1649 respectively , desired of us , that wee would yield our Consents to the foresaid state of War ; but likewise , that all the Provinces in particular have , in their respective Provincial Advices upon the said projected state of War , not onely acknowledged the said libertie of Consenting , but likewise themselvs plainly made use thereof in several particulars for their own advantage ; for proof whereof wee shall content our selvs to produce here onely the words of the Province of Zealand , who in their advice returned upon the foresaid state of War having premised , that in the general Proposition or Petition they pretended to have their Quote to bee lessened or substracted from the whole mass or bodie of the State aforesaid , they claus it with these following formal words , declaring , That otherwise wee will not bee bound to consent to any further charges or Petition .

Whence indeed wee took occasion to believ , as also wee are still persuaded , that the foresaid affair was agitated and advanced at the Generalitie , not according to the intention , or by the joint acting of the Provinces themselvs , whom wee perceiv to have been of one minde with us concerning the main , but onely by som few Deputies , seeking to currie grace and favor from his Highˢ , or otherwise byassed by particular aims and interests of their own .

Now concerning the Second point propounded above , namely the Sending , Julie 5. 1650 , decreed and forthwith expedited to all the Cities and Members of our Assemblie , wee have therein observed a twofold unlawfulness and unbefitttingness ; the one in regard of the partie giving the Commission , or decreeing that Deputation ; and the other , in respect of the matter it self , or the aim and drift wherefore the same was undertaken .

As for the givers of the Commission , The truth is and may appear , by the Notals of the Lords present , in the Register-book of their Hi. Mi. that they were men in such a scantling Number , that three whole Provinces were represented there but ( Note ) by four persons ; so that wee could not sufficiently admire , how so small a number of Deputies should dare to undertake the foresaid general autorisation , a matter of so great weight and consequence , together with the foresaid never well succeeded Commission and Sending ; without first ( as in such matters of importance the usual custom is ) beeing warranted and ordered thereunto by their Principals , or having understood their minds and intentions in that behalf ; proceeding to grant and decree the same onely upon the Votes of five Provinces , so slenderly represented as said is , against the standing out of the Deputies of the Province of Gelderland , and the protestation of Ours .

Besides this , that wee are verily perswaded , there were divers yet among those few ones , of a contrarie opinion and meerly over-voiced by their fellow Deputies , and others som , which by reason of the presence and autoritie of his Highˢ durst not oppose .

Insomuch that even thereby , first it may easily bee judged , what is to bee held of the lawfulness of the foresaid Conclusions taken at the Generalitie Jan. 5 and 6 , aforesaid .

And secondly it is considerable also , in regard of these givers of the Commission , that though the foresaid Sending had been approved of , and concluded on by the Lords the States General , or the Deputies of the Provinces , compleatly instructed and autorised thereunto , with unanimous consent of six consonant advices ( in regard our own Deputies could not join with them ) nevertheless it had been clearly shewed , and will bee further very clearly and evidently deduced , that their Hi. Mi. are in no part warranted nor qualified to do it .

Beeing , that all Sendings , decreed or to decree , unto the Provinces , ought according to the fundamental Order of the Government to bee addressed unto the States-Assemblie , and not to the Cities or particular Members thereof .

Which likewise was alwaies observed in these Countries ; and particularly also by the Lord Stadtholder Count William Lodovick of happie memorie , and Deputie for the Province of Friesland in the year 1587. who understood and declared it thus , in regard of the Letters and Sendings , by or in the behalf of the E. of Leicester , then Governor and Captain General of these United Provinces , addrest to the States of Ostergo , Westergo and Sevenwolden , each apart , besides the eight fenced Cities of the Province ; That the same Act was an extraordinarie-waie of proceeding , which could tend to nothing els , but to the making of Separations and Divisions , and consequently Dissentions and Discord in the Countries there , which to that time was never practised or used before , by any Governors , Magistrates , no not the forrein Lords and Potentates themselvs . And that the matter rightly considered , it is indeed the States-Assemblie of every one of the United Provinces , or the Members and qualified Cities thereof jointly , to whom the Eminence , Soveraigntie and chief Government of the Provinces respectively belongeth ; to whom also in that regard , all such must address themselvs , as have any thing to propound concerning the publick affairs of the common state of the Land , or relating to the chief Government ; so that no such address can bee made to the particular members or Cities , without derogating the said Eminencie , Soveraigntie and Prerogative Provincial . As indeed even his late Highˢ the Prince of Orange himself and the fellow Commissioners not obscurely acknowledged in their Proposition made to som of our Cities , that they meant it not otherwise , saying in the end of their said Proposition ,

That they intended or meant not thereby to prejudice the Eminencie , Prerogative , Rights and Privileges of the Countrie of Holland and West-Friesland , the Members or Cities thereof ; by words thus seeking to salv up , or in som sort to qualifie that , wherein , reipsâ , they had so palpably transgressed .

Wherefore also such a Sending ought not to have been undertaken at all , especially by such , which are engaged by Oath , to maintain , support and strengthen , yea defend and protect each others Freedoms , Rights and Privileges , by all convenient and possible means , and even with bodie and goods too , if need were , against all and every one , whatsoever that should attempt any actual encroaching or enterprise therein upon them , which is that , the United Provinces are obliged to perform the one to the other reciprocally , by virtue of the first Article of the sworn Covenant and Union at Utrecht in the year 1579.

It beeing likewise worth special consideration , that the said Union is not a Covenant or Compact , between any Provinces on the one side , and every particular Member or Citie of every Province beeing in that Covenant , on the other side , but onely between Provinces and Provinces in general .

So , that as on the one side the Generalitie may not make their address to any Members or Cities in particular , in like manner on the other side the particular Members or Cities may not without offence to the Eminencie and Soveraigntie of the States of their Province , admit of any such Sending unto them , they beeing not themselvs the Confederates , but to content themselvs that they are Members of that Province which is confederated with the other Provinces . Besides that it was in fresh memorie yet , That in the year 1639. the like Sending having been decreed by the Generalitie to the Burgomaster and 36. Council of the Citie of Amsterdam , when their Hi. M. Deputies were shewed there very pregnant reasons , why such a kinde of Sending could not bee admitted by them , these said Deputies departed and returned back again , without having had any Audience with the said Council .

As otherwise also such a kinde of Sending from the Generalitie to a particular a Member of any Province , is without Example : besides that it is a thing unheard of that their High Mi. should ever have addrest , any Missives , or Letters , Acts or Ordinances , or any other thing , directly to any such particular Member .

Forasmuch as all such things must bee directed still to the States of the Provinces , and in their absence to their Commissioned Council or other autorised parties , relating to the said States ; with desire , if need bee , that the same may thence bee sent to the particular Members or Cities ; the Generalitie having no power , in case the said States or those autorised by them , should forbear to send those dispatches to the places directed unto , themselvs to send the same , or others in their stead , directly to any such particular Members or Cities of the Provinces ; as indeed not long before the decreeing of this last Deputation , a very notable example happened , consisting therein , That there was a certain Missive or Letter made readie by their Hi. Mi. April 16. 1650. and decreed on the 20th ensuing , by the Generalitie , which beeing sent thus to our Commissioned Council , with desire , that the same Missive might by Copies bee transmitted to the respective Members of our Province ; although our said Commissioned Council , having upon good and weightie grounds resolved , to delaie it , till such time , as wee should meet again in a States-Assemblie , and thereupon were desired the second time by thhir Hi. Mi. for to send that Missive as was desired , yet they would not take it upon them , as finding the same to bee contrarie to the Order of Government , and derogatorie to the Eminence , Autoritie and Prerogative of our States-Assemblie .

By reason whereof wee could not sufficiently wonder at , That the same Assemblie , which but in April before had actually acknowledged their beeing uncapable of addressing themselvs by their Missive directly to the particular Members of our Province , should in June next following forget themselvs so much , as not onely by Missives , but by a formal solemn Sending of so great Lords and Commissioners , to address themselvs unto the same Members and particular Cities of our said Province .

Which address notwithstanding was so much the less to bee born with then the former , as the lustre and autoritie of a Statdtholder of six Provinces , strengthened by such considerable fellow-Commissioners , besides the awe and power of a Captain General of the United Netherlands , attended with a train of about 400 militarie persons , could not but much more perplex and intimidate the respective Governors and Magistrates , and consequently also , more prejudice and preoccupie their free Deliberations , then a few dumb lines could have don .

And as for the unlawfulness and unbefittingness which wee observed in the foresaid Sending in respect of the matter it self , or the Subject , drift and aim thereof , the same consist's therein , That the foresaid Sending was undertaken , not for to dispose the Members and Cities of our Province to the taking of a Resolution , which might bee judged serviceable and advantagious for the State of the Land , but on the contrarie to overthrow such a Resolution , already taken , after so manifold Communications and reports , as may easily bee seen by what hath been shewed before , and which was taken upon full knowledge of the matter , with all ripeness and maturitie , and to the taking whereof Necessities unavoidablness had press'd and constrained Us.

Which caused us to bee so much the more astonished after , when in the foresaid Sending wee understood , and afterwards by the reading of the foresaid paper entituled , Reasons and Motives &c. wee heard , That the matter was propounded so , as if the Deputies of the Cities , at the States-Assemblie , had abused , and abusively informed their respective Commons , and gon beyond the orders and good intentions of their Principals , whereas on the contrarie , it hath plainly appeared to us , by express Declarations from the said Commons , both at the time of the said Sending and during the troubles ensued , and since that , discharging their said Deputies respectively of all imputations ; That the said Deputies have with all sinceritie and faithfulness followed and executed that which was given them in charge by their respective Principals , and especially , about the point of saving the publick Charge , and in regard of the Deliberations upon the projected State of War for the year 1649. as also the with-holding of the Consents for the paiment of a part of the Militia , petitioned for in the said State of War , together with the execution of the Resolution taken by Us in that behalf , with other matters depending thereon , carried themselvs answerably to the charge and intention of their respective Commons , their Principals , and served and supplied the same from time to time , with exact , faithful and true reports of the advices and considerations , as well of the rest of the Members in our Assemblie , as of the Deputies of the Provinces at the Generalitie , pro and contra , opened and mooved there , and in a word don all , to the said Commons their full intention , good content and absolute satisfaction ; without having ever shewed themselvs to bee acted or instigated by passion or ill-affectedness , but on the contrarie alwaies directed the businesses uprightly , sincerely and unpassionately , and indeed as much as in them laie , by all fit means endeavored to transact and direct all to the further securitie of our dear-bought Freedom , together with the welfare of our dear Fatherland , and the common good of the State .

By all which well ▪ grounded Deductions wee perswade our selvs to have fully and abundantly justified the proceedings insisted by Us in the years 1649. and 1650. about the saving of the publick Charge and lessening of the Militia , and therewithal sufficiently shewed that the above-mentioned Sending was unlawfully decreed , and contrarie to the order and form of Government , to the prejudice and derogation of our Eminencie , Rights and Prerogative , nothing doubting , but that every one will bee easily able to discern thereby , the groundlessness and impertinencie of the Arguments , which by the abovesaid Commissioners in their Proposition , and by his Highˢ in the foresaid Paper and elswhere were made use of ; these arguments of theirs tending to evince , that on the one hand it should not have been in our power to demur or discontinue the paiment of the foresaid Militia in manner as you heard before ; and on the other , That the safetie of the State should not have been duely provided for , in case our design of lessening the Militia had taken effect ; for which end they labored hard to prove and confirm their project , as well by perswasive reasoning , as allegations of former Examples .

Their Reasons used in that behalf consisting mainly therein , That by the joint Confederates , the Chief Command , taking on and discharging or reducing of the Militia , should have been committed to his Highˢ and the Council of State , and that of them alone should have depended both the swearing of the Militia and the disengaging of the same again , and that by reason thereof , the foresaid Discontinuance of paiment , should have been a breach of the Union ; and the alleged Examples endeavoring to evidence that wee our selvs at other times had understood it thus , yea maintained and helped to resolv upon it , against others of our Confederates .

So much indeed beeing true enough that those of the Council of State , as Executors of the Resolutions of the Common Union , after that all the Confederates have unanimously declared their Consents of taking on or levying forces , they are enabled to make the said Levie and to engage the forces by Oath unto the State , according to the Consents past .

And so likewise , That the Officers taken on in that sort , have , for matter of militarie exploits for the service and conservation of the State , stood obliged to obey the Council of State , and his Highˢ as appointed Captain General over them ; But the same were never qualified , nor had ever the power committed to them to levie forces without the Consent of the Provinces , or after the expiration of that time , wherewith the Consents were limited , to continue the said forces in service still , much less under pretext of the Oath taken from them in the Name of the Common Union , to force obedience from them against the difficulties made by the Members of the said Union , to continue them in service beyond such a time .

It beeing likewise evident by the manifest deduction above , that wee are charged with carelessness for the safetie of the State without any ground in the world , whiles indeed on the contrarie all our aim and drift hath tended to the Reputation , Honor and Safetie of the State , the Reputation consisting therein , that by a wise and provident managing of things care bee had to strengthen that in time of Peace , which by the exorbitancie of war is weakned ; and the Honor that thereby may bee recovered , the ornament of a well-furnished and well-ordered Treasurie ; and the Safetie it self therein , that by means of readie paiment a well-disciplined Militia may bee entertained under complete Companies ; in lieu , that the neglect of such a Management would caus a slighting of the Government among friends , a further decaie of the Treasurie , low enough already , and among the enemies much rejoicing from an assured hope , that by our own regardlesness wee shall shortly bring that to pass our selvs , which all the power from without for so many years together , through God Almightie's blessing , was never able to effect : which as on the one side it could never bee answered to posteritie , so on the other side it would prove an high ingratitude to God himself , having not onely protected , but likewise enlarged and amplified this State in all the brunt and length of our Wars ; that so glorious a building , having stood out all the attemts of their powerful Enemies , should com to decaie and ruin through the heedlesness of friends , and those to whom the care thereof is committed . As likewise the entertaining of Forces or other charges , more or beyond that the Revenues can defraie , must needs and unavoidably caus a decaie in the Treasurie , and that decaie , most slow and doubtful paiments ; whence nothing els can bee exspected , but a deserting and diminishing in the Militia , and that which is wors yet , thoughts and purposes in them of disobedience and disaffectedness , and consequently an assured disorder and ruinous confusion in the State . These Countries beeing withall so situated , that if the Treasurie bee but in good condition for readie paiment , there may bee had forces enough at any time of need . Besides that the foresaid objection of carelessness and too great a diminishing of the Militia is made on the one side by him , whose own project in Decemb. 1649 , as was shewed above more at large , had yielded to a greater diminishing of the Militia then ours , and the disbanding of more Souldiers ; and on the other , by those that refused our desire of executing provisionally the very thing , which formerly by advice in Writing they had assented to , and by an express Deputie specially desired at our hands , that it might bee don .

There beeing no Examples in the world to bee produced , that ever wee should have understood those matters otherwise against our Confederates ; those Resolutions which were alleged to the contrarie , in as much as there was found good and approved by us , relating to matters of a quite different nature , and particularly that som provinces had either don contrarie to their declared Consents , and so against the tie and obligation thereby undergon ; or without preceding communicaaion with the Confederates of their discontinuing , gon about to eas themselvs by secret and under-hand Reduction of forces , or som other cours of saving their charges . And whereas especially to the end aforesaid , there are produced the words of their Hi. Mi. Resolution of Nov. 1. 1623 , running thus , That no Provinces may of their own autoritie dissmiss any companies without precedent Communication and Resolution of their Hi. Mi. and of the Council of State ; and if any thing happen to the contrarie , there ought provision to bee taken against it by Autoritie .

Wee cannot pass by to shew here in particular from the Registers of the Generalitie , that as to the state of War , for the foresaid year 1623 , presented by the Council of State , together with their general Petition to their Hi. Mi. Octob. 20 1622 , the consents of all the Provinces , Friesland onely excepted , were already returned to and declared at the Generalitie before the date of the foresaid 1 of Novemb. and consequently before the taking of the foresaid Resolution ; and particularly that Gelderland , Holland , Zealand and Utrecht had don it together June 20 , and Over-Yssell , together with Groninghen and the Omlands , on the last of Julie ; and June 21 all respectively of the year 1623 aforesaid . And whereas it is said in the same Resolution , That divers Provinces made difficultie of paying their Companies , and were putting them off from their Repartition ; it doth appear , that the said difficultie was made , and the said putting off endeavored , by those Provinces which already before by their declared Consents had obliged themselvs to the entertaining of the said Companies ; wherefore also it is justly said in the forenamed Resolution , that against such a practice provision ought to bee made by Autoritie ; beeing that these and other examples of like nature , could not without reason bee judged to have been contrarie to the Union , as whereby the securitie of the State should have been diminished , against the express consents , and without the knowledg of the Common Bodie of the Union ; but whenas any Provinces shall have made known their disabilitie of bearing the charges assigned them by the Council of State unto the Confederates , and then made difficultie to consent again to the further entertaining of such charges which they are not able to bear , and so put off or with ▪ held the paying thereof ; Then it is far from it that ever wee should have mainteined in such a case this to have been against the Union , that on the contrarie , wee not onely have allowed of such a discontinuance or forbearance , but likewise ( if the Land's necessitie required it ) helped to support the ▪ excused burthens with our own shoulders .

It appearing by distinct Resolutions of their Hi. Mi. together with the Registers , as well in the Generalitie's Chamber of accounts , as at the Checquer General , that through the defects of all the Provinces , ( our own onely excepted ) by reason that the same from time to time with-held their consents , and consequently also their paiments , in regard of several Companies assigned and charged upon them by the successive statings of the War , such great summes must bee taken up , that the same , for the respective Provinces Gelderland , Zealand , Utrecht , Friesland , Over-Yssell and Groning●en , with the Omlands , beeing calculated , were found to amount above a million of Gilders ; the Province of Utrecht and Friesland having besides that with-held their consents in the hottest times of War for many years together , the one in regard of the Coast-Navie , or the Sea-forces of this State , as necessarie for the preservation thereof as any ; the other in behalf of the Subsidie for the West-Indie-Companie , for the protecting of the Conquests in Brasile , and resisting the perfidious force of the Portugals , and consequently contributed not a penie either to the one or the other respectively .

And truly after that wee , through our constant zeal for the common good , had helped to bear the foresaid excused and refused burthens with great readiness , wee should not have exspected , that when wee once , according to the example of our Confederates , were fain to laie down what wee were not able to bear any longer , and doing therein nothing els but what the Freedom ●reserved by the Union doth warrant and enable us and all the Confederates respectively ; wee should nevertheless bee held liable to perform even impossibilities ; and that after the Péace purchased wee should have Libertie disputed us , which during the War was never scrupled to the rest of the Confederates ; and before the Wars could not bee denied by the Princes of the Countries themselvs .

By all which Arguments it beeing sufficiently asserted , that in the business aforesaid wee proceeded not otherwise then with full Communication with our Confederates , nor did any thing but what our disabilitie , caused by our unwearied zeal for the preservation of the State , necessitated us unto ; and that which according to our Right and Freedom stipulated by the Union , wee were warranted to do , and others of our Confederates in more dangerous times had don before us ; for the conservation and maintenance of which Right and Freedom all the Confederates themselvs do stand obliged by the first and most principal Article of the Union to lend us their helping hand ; and that the same hath tended to no other end , but to the Reputation , Honor , and Securitie of the State in general , and our own subsistence and preservation in particular , in whose subsistence and preservation how much all the rest of the Confederates are concerned , they have frequently tasted during all the Wars ; and that the arguments and examples used and alleged to the contrarie are groundless , impertinent and altogether to no purpose . Wee shall therefore not extend our selvs any further to all the General clauses inserted in the foresaid Paper against the known Truth , to the prejudice and charging both of Us in general , and of som Members and Persons of our Assemblie in particular ; as holding it altogether needless and superfluous , by reason of the gross and palpable Untruths thereof , more particularly to answer and confute them ; leaving every one to judg , by what hath been deduced , with what right , and to what end our foresaid righteous proceedings were opposed and affronted still in such a violent and detestable manner , holding and reputing the same for an high attemt against the dear-bought Freedom , and free-sought Eminencie and Sovereigntie of this Province .

The same Freedom consisting chiefly and principally therein , that wee , as the Protectors of our good Commons , and beeing set over them as Fathers or Guardians over their Children or Orphans , shall not bee surcharged against our wills with unsufferable burthening of our Subjects , especially when wee do know , that without any disservice of the Land they may bee eased thereof ; as likewise the grievance of the tenth and twentieth penie , endeavored by the King of Spain to bee introduced , malgree our forefathers the lawful Governors of the Land , gave just caus of , and was a great ingredient in the taking up arms against him , and afterwards abjuring his Dominion over us : whenas wee formerly shewed at large , that the foresaid whole business was taken in hand by Us upon this sole occasion , that wee would not charge our selvs and poor Commons with such burthens as wee judged , according to the foresaid constitution of times not to bee very necessarie .

And another thing wherein this Freedom doth likewise especially consist , beeing this , that the Respective Commons or Commonalties of the Cities , each within themselvs and their Deputies and Commissioners at our State's-Assemblie , should hold their Deliberations and utter their advices freely , without beeing awed , hindred or molested therein ; in which regard on the one side by the foresaid Sending , and especially the Comminatorie Propositions made in divers Cities , and by name at Dort , and on the other side by the seizure of the Lords , this Freedom hath been infringed and prejudiced in the highest degree .

Besides that , by the foresaid acts the Eminencie and Sovereigntie of this Province was violated to the utmost , and especially thereby that the highest and chiefest Government , and consequently the Sovereigntie it self was directly and immediately set upon by the arrest and and detention of the six Lords , and that the State 's forces were in hostile manner led against integrating members of our Sovereign Assemblie , and even against the mightiest , weightiest and considerablest of all this Province .

All the said proceedings beeing likewise directly against all the Laws , Rights and Privileges of the Land , both in regard that the foresaid Arrest and detention was don by them , who , though all the charges of the foresaid Paper against the Persons had been as true as they are not , were not in any degree warranted or qualified to do such a thing ; and besides without any shew of process , or form of Justice , and without any foregoing information , and more especially yet that the carrying away and incarceration of them in the hous of Loevenstein was don without any precedent sentence or judgment given in that regard ; without cognisance of the matter , without hearing , without plea , without Law , onely by bare force and meer violence .

Whereunto is to bee join'd , that both the foresaid six Lords , and som others within the Citie of Amsterdam , were forced to abstein from all Government , and to abandon their respective charges ; which is likewise directly contrarie to all the known Privileges of the said respective Cities , and especially in regard of those persons which had the honor to bee Members of their Senates ; who , according to the privileges thereof could not bee put out thence all their life time , but must remain and continue therein to their dying daie , unless they forsook the Land , or were put out by court of Law .

And further also , both the Imperial written Laws , and even the Common Right of all Nations , beeing grossly transgressed in this , that on the one hand the foresaid six Lords had in all the affair above-mentioned and deduced in the foresaid Paper of his Highˢ the Prince of Orange , of immortal memorie , don nothing of their own head , but all by Order and Commifsion from the respective Senates their Principals ; as som of those Senates instantly , and the rest have fully declared and manifested unto us ; and on the other , that the said Lords cannot bee otherwise considered , then Deputies or Ambassadors , and in that qualitie were not in capacitie to bee arrested for executing their Orders even by the Law of Nations .

All which might bee deduced and asserted more at large yet , with an infinite number of reasons , examples and other arguments , but that wee hold it needless to enlarge our selvs further in regard of the undoubted and palpable veritie before our eies .

Lauding and praising onely Almightie God in the inwardst of our souls , That most unexspectedly , without any helping hand of our own , hee hath through his wonderful operation so mercifully delivered us out of all these troublesom perplexities and difficulties , and withal restored again such an Harmonie , Concord Love and mutual confidence and Affection between the General Confederates , and thereby recovered the state of the Land from utter confusion and imminent ruine to such a settledness , as wee could hardly have dared to exspect from his Almightie hand without presumtion . Beseeching him from the bottom of our hearts , that it may bee his favorable pleasure to continue the gracious blessing of his upon these Countries for all times to com , and to grant unto us such wisdom , guidance and discretion , and withal to inspire us with that zeal and courage , that duly acknowledging the foresaid mercies , wee may henceforward so minde and improve the publick affairs of the Land , and in all troublesom occurrences so tender and attend the weal thereof , that wee may leav the state of the Land and the Government to our Posteritie in the same assurance , libertie and freedom as God hath put the same at present into our hands .

Don and determined thus in our Assemblie — 1651.

They of Friesland then , as was said , having propounded , and likewise presented a Draught of an Amnestia or Oblivion , Julie 20 , the same was next daie after committed to the Lord van Omeren , and others of their H. M. Commissioners for the Conciliatorie Conferences to draw up a Project or Form of an Amnestia .

The same Lord van Omeren and the rest , brought in then also the ensuing Advice for the deciding of Differences , if any should com to arise among the Provinces : wherewith these of Gelderland Zealand and Over-Yssell conformed themselvs upon liking of their Principals , as those of Holland did absolutely ; Friesland and Groninghen with the Omlands were desired to do the like . The tenor of the said Advice was as followeth .

I. IF so bee that any Disputes or Differences arise among the joint Provinces in matters where the major Votes have no place , according to the Articles of the Union , that then there shall bee chosen an unpartial , able , peaceable and expert man in affairs of State , out of every Province , to the number of seaven , to assay the way of friendship betwixt the parties , and the same not succeeding , the differing Provinces shall make choice of an equall Number of Arbiters .

II. The same equal Number of Arbiters , shall likewise in the first place and before all things make trial of the way of Concord , between the differing parties ; but in case that cannot bee found then those Arbiters shall by the major voices ●hoos a Super-Arbiter ; but if the voices should bee equal , the matter shall bee expedited by Lot , and hee on whom the lot falls , bee the Super-Arbiter or Umpire among them .

III , And the foresaid Seaven persons , shall make oath to the foresaid even number of Arbiters and to the Super-Arbiter also , That without respect to any Province or Members thereof they will judg and pronounce unpartially , what in conscience , reason , right and equitie they shall find due and requisite for the most quiet peace and Unitie of the Provinces .

III. Provided nevertheless , that if any parties conceiv they may have reason to except against anie of the foresaid Seaven persons or chosen Arbiters , they shall have libertie to produce their said reasons , and the remainder of the foresaid seven persons and arbiters respectively , shall judg and pronounce touching the suff●iciency of the foresaid Exception ; and that forthwith there bee others chosen to supply the places of such as upon good reasons , are accepted against .

V. That the judgment once pronounced shall bee yielded unto and put in execution , without pretence , and much less admittance of any further appeal or other proviso , under what pretext whatsoever .

VI. And if the partie condemned shall after two or three summons from their Hi. Mi. delay and fail to obey the sentence pronounced ; then shall their Hi. Mi. take requisite order for to see it don , to the end that the said sentence becom not illusorie , but may bee really effected and executed . according to the 23d Article of the Union .

Those of Friesland advised about this matter of Decisions thus .

I. IF there arose any disputes or differences between the joint Provinces , in matters not subject to over-voting , according to the articles of the Union made at Utrecht in the year 1579. that besides the Stadholders of such Provinces , where any is , or may bee hereafter , there should bee chosen out of every Province an unpartial , able , peaceable , and expert man in State-affairs , to the number of seaven , to assay the way of friendship between the differing parties , and the same not succeeding that the partie shall each of them make chois of the like number of arbiters .

II. This number of 21 Arbiters together should likewise first and before all things assay the way of concord between the differing parties ; but not beeing able to finde the same , the said Arbiters , should proceed unpartially to judg and pronounce that which in conscience , reason , right , and equitie they shall finde fit and requisite .

III. Aud those former seaven persons and all the rest chosen in as aforesaid , should bee obliged to make oath , without respect of any Province or members thereof , to do right in manner aforesaid , Artic. 2.

IV. And in case that among the 14. adjoyned there were any recusable , then the 7 former and the rest of the unsuspected Arbiters , should examin the reasons of the recusation and judg of the sufficiencie thereof and pronounce accordingly ; provided there bee presently another supplied by the Provinces , into the place of him , that upon good reasons was recused thus .

V. That the Sentence once past , it should likewise bee performed and executed , without pretence and much less admittance of any further appeal and other Provisoes , under what name or pretext soëver .

VI. And in case the condemned partie shall after 2 or 3 summons from their Hi. Mi. delaie or fail to obey the sentence pronounc'd , then the same should take due and requisite order therein , to see it don , to the end the same sentence bee not rendred illusorie , but really effected and executed according to the 23d Article of the Union .

The Lords of Groninghen and the Omlands declared thereupon in this manner .

THat upon examination of this point , considering that the Provinces , which had no Stad-holders as yet , had right and reason , to supplie that defect , with chusing of a Stad-holder .

That they likewise had power to do the same , at such times and seasons , as suited with their Conveniences , and when they should judg the same expedient for the Provinces .

That in the mean time in these deliberations , and , during the defect of a Stad-holder , they ought not to bee prejudiced in their right of helping to decide the questions arising between the Provinces .

And besides that , very well considering , it was highly requisite , there should none , or but very little alteration bee made in the Union : but that the same should bee left in an entire State and cours .

The Lords Commissioners for Groninghen and the Omlands , are of advice , and understand , by way of inclination , that the Provinces having no Stad-holders , might have that defect supplied with a provisional expedient .

And that then , in case any question or difference , should arise beyond expectation among the joint-provinces , during the foresaid defect , That the decision thereof should bee and remain in the Lords Stad-holders , for the time beeing , and such arbiters , as the rest of the Provinces , destitute of Stad-holders , should chuse , each Province one , and join the same with the Stad-holders aforesaid .

Which Arbiters , should in as much as concerned this difference , abjure their own respective Provinces , and engage themselvs by oath , to help the deciding of the difference arisen , according to right and reason , and to determine the same by arbitration or sentence , after after that they shall have assai'd first som other means of agreement in vain .

This beeing don , the Province condemned shall bee bound without any delaie or opposition to perform and obey the judgment or sentence pronounc'd .

And if beyond expectation they should fail thereof , after three summons made unto them from fortnight to fortnight respectively , that then the 23d Article of the Union should take place and bee fully executed .

The said Lords Commissioners do not hold it fitting , that there should a special solemn Oath bee framed in this behalf ; beeing the same might presuppose an Innovation to bee introduced into the Union ; whereas all the Provinces ( they are perswaded ) are far from such innovations , and will hold this but a provisional Expedient , during the Defect of Stadtholders in the other Provinces .

It might therefore bee declared by special Resolution of the joint Confederates , that this Expedient , and the results thereof , ought , during the Defect aforesaid , to bee of equal force and validitie as if it had been inserted in the Union , at the making , decreeing and solemn swearing thereof at first .

And if it should happen also , that one or other of the Arbiters to bee joined to the Lords Statdtholders , should bee recused as suspect ; in that case the Lords Commissioners are of opinion , that the Reason produced by the recusing partie should bee examined , by the Lords Stadtholders and the rest of the unreproached Arbiters , and sentence pronounced accordingly .

July 22. The Lords of Friesland declared themselvs yet further about the deciding of the Differences betwixt the Provinces , thus .

IN case there happen any disputes or differences to arise between the joint Provinces , in such matters where over-voting hath no place according to the Articles of the Union made at Utrecht in the year 1579. that then besides , the Stadtholder of the Province , having any , or such as hereafter shall bee pleased to appoint any , there shall bee chosen out of every Province , destitute of a Stadtholder , or one appointed for it , an unpartial , able , peaceable and well-experienced man in State-affairs , to the Number of 7 in all ; for to assay the waie of friendship betwixt the dissenting parties ; which not taking effect , that the differing parties each of them shall chuse to and with the former , som new Arbiters , so as that the same together with the former on both sides , should make out an equal number , to wit , if one Province stood in debate with the six others , then the one disputing Province should chuse eleven Arbiters more , and the six other Provinces , six more ; if 2 Provinces dispute with 5 , the two should chuse 8 , and the five , 5 more ; if 3 were against 4 , the 3 should chuse 9 , and the 4 , 8 Arbiters .

This Number of Arbiters should by pluralitie of voices chuse a Super-Arbiter ; But the voices beeing evenly ballanced , the matter should bee determined by Lot , and hee on whom the Lot doth fall , should bee the Super-Arbiter ; which Arbiters and Super-Arbiter should first and before all things trie the waie of Concord betwixt the parties in difference , and not able to finde the same , proceed then to judg and pronounce unpartially , as in Conscience , Reason , Right and Equitie , they should finde requisite .

And the foresaid seven , together with the foresaid equal number of Arbiters , and the foresaid Super-Arbiter likewise , should bee bound to make oath , ; without respect to any Province or Members thereof to judg unpartially according to Article 2d.

Provided that if any partie conceived they had reason of recusing any of the foresaid Arbiters , they may produce the same ; and that the sufficiencie thereof should bee judged by remainder of the foresaid Arbiters respectively , and sentence pronounced accordingly ; on condition there bee forthwith another supplied in the place of him , that shall bee recused thus with reason .

Also the sentence past , should bee perform'd and executed , without pretence and much less admittance of any further appeal and other provisoes , under what pretext soever .

And in case the condemned partie , after two or three summons , by their Hi. Mi. should fail to obey the sentence pronounced , the same should then take a requisite cours for to see it don ; that the said sentence bee not made illusorie , but really effected and executed , according to the 23d Article of the Union .

Concerning the Amnestia ( or Act of Oblivion ) there was drawn up , and afterwards July 22. presented a frame thereof , to this effect .

THat whereas in the year 1650. there happened som Troubles ( or Distempers ) in the Government , and broke out further and further upon the occasion of certain Resolutions taken June 5 and 6 of the said year , by the Ordinarie . Assemblie of the Ordinarie Deputies at the Generalitie , and that afterwards it pleased God Almightie in His Fatherly compassion , wholly to remove again the foresaid Troubles , and to restore between the General Confederates , such a harmonie , Concord , Love , Confidence and Affection , that all the great and weightie Deliberations , which through the occasion of the Deceas of his Highˢ the Prince of Orange , of high-prais'd memorie , were held in the General Assemblie of the respective States of the United Provinces , extraordinarily gathered here in the Haghe , are brought to an issue now with the unanimous and full Consent of all the Provinces together , Therefore the respective States of the Provinces of Gelderland , Holland , Zealand , Utrecht , Friesland , Over-Yssell and Groninghen with the Omlands , for to eradicate the thoughts of the foresaid distempers , out of the memorie of both the present and future ages , to strengthen and render undissoluble the Bond of the foresaid Concord , Love , Confidence and Affection among the respective Provinces , and thereby to conclude this Illustrious and great Assemblie of the joint Confederates , had declared , and did declare by these , that neither now , nor ever they will remember any thing of all that happened in the said year 1650. nor shew any resentment in regard thereof , in any kinde whatsoëver , against any Province , Persons or Houses in general or particular , but on the contrarie to forget and pass by all , as if nothing at all had happened of that nature , holding to this end likewise the foresaid Resolutions of June 5 and 6 aforesaid , as never taken , and therefore null , invalid and useless , and so in like manner , whatsoever by virtue and consequence thereof was don , or ensued thereupon in any kinde ; wherefore also all the Resolutions , Acts and Agitations , taken or undertaken in that affair shall bee removed , raised and taken forth out of all the publick Registers both of the Generalitie and the respective Provinces , wheresoever they were inserted .

This Draught did not well pleas the Hollanders , who were willing enough to pass by what the other Provinces , Members and Subjects thereof might have misdon against them ; but so , as that every Province should bee left at Libertie , to administer Justice , as they should see caus within their own Jurisdiction ; about which there was much bickering for som daies yet , as will bee shewed anon .

July 14. there were taken into Deliberation the two lists of the respective Garrisons , which were to bee left as well within as without the Voicing Provinces , so as they had been brought in on the 7th of this instant , by and in behalf of the Council of State , and vice versâ , it seemed good to the Assemblie to return the same to the hands of the said Council , for a review and re-examination , to bee presented afterwards to their Hi. Mi. with their further Consideration and Advice , which beeing don , the Ordinarie Assemblie of their H ▪ M. should then dispose therein , as should bee fitting . Yet the Lords of Zeland consented not to this Conclusion .

About the point of deciding Differences , som further instances beeing made , the Lords of Friesland shewed to the Assemblie by waie of further elucidation of their last advice therein , their opinion was ,

That in case it should happen , which God prevent , there did arise any misunderstanding , dispute , difference , or controversie betwixt the United Provinces , in matters referr'd to the disposition of the Generalitie , by the the Union of the yeor 1579. and concerning such points , wherein they could not understand one another , The same , if it had reference to any of the Provinces in particular , should bee judged and decided by the rest of the Provinces , or them whom they shall depute for that purpose ; and if so bee the matter concern all the Provinces in general , that in such a case , besides the Lord Stadtholder of Friesland , there shall by every one of the six other Provinces bee chosen an unpartial , fit , peaceable and well experienc'd man in State-affairs , to make up the number of 7 in all , who should trie the waie of friendship between the differing parties , and if the same succeed not , then should the parties on each side chuse to and besides the foresaid 7 persons , som New Arbiters , in such sort , that the same new chosen Arbiters , joined to the foresaid first Delegates , it may produce an equal number on both sides : that is to saie , if the Difference bee between one Province on the one , and six Provinces on the other side ; in that case that same one Province should chuse eleven Arbiters more , and the six Provinces six more , so that on each side there shall bee employ'd twelv Arbiters in all ; and if the Controversie happened to bee between two Provinces of one side and five of the other , that then , the two should chuse eight Arbiters more and the five , five , so that on each side there bee ten Arbiters in all . And if the controversie arisen were betwixt 3 Provinces of the one side , and 4 of the other , that the three should then assume nine , and the four , eight Arbiters more yet , to make up the Number of 12 again , on each side .

And that the Arbiters chosen thus , should assume to themselvs and elect by pluralitie of voices a Super-Arbiter : But if the voices were equal , that the Decision then should bee determined by Lot , and hee remain the Super-Arbiter on whom the Lot fell .

And that the foresaid Arbiters and Super-Arbiters should first and before all things assaie the waie of Concord betwixt the differing parties , and failing of success , impartially judg and pronounce what in Conscience , Reason , Right and Equitie they should finde to bee requisite ; and to this end they should promiss by Oath , without any regard or affection to any Province or Members thereof , impartially to declare and pronounce their sentence as before .

Provided , that if any partie should conceiv they had reason of recusing any of the Arbiters or the Super-Arbiter , they may have libertie to allege the same , and that the sufficiencie thereof should bee judged , and sentence accordingly given by the rest of the foresaid Arbiters ; on condition there bee presently another supplied in the room of him that was rightfully recused .

That the respective Provinces should promiss to conform and submit to the Sentence to bee given , without doing , causing or suffering to bee don any thing against it , directly or indirectly , in any kinde or manner whatsoever , and without seeking or using of any Exception or Provision thereupon , by waie of either Appeal , Relief , Revision , Nullitie , or what plea soever els it might bee . And if any did or attemted ought to the contrarie , that the same bee declared now as then , null and of no force nor validitie , under the obligation of themselvs and all the Subjects or Inhabitants of their respective Provinces , Cities and Members thereof , persons and goods ; for in case of contravention , and failing to satisfie the foresaid sentence in performance of the effect thereof , and what depend's thereon , to bee arrested , deteined and prosecuted in any places , before any Magistrates , Laws , and Judicatures wherever they can or may bee met with ; renouncing and rejecting to that end all Exceptions , Indulgences , Privileges , Reliefs , and generally all other Benefits of Law which might any waies serv them to the contrarie , and especially the Laws which saie , That no General Renunciation is to have place , without the special was made before .

About this time there were likewise motions made to the Boord again and again , By whom the Governments and Commanderies in the Cities and Forts without the voicing Provinces were to bee bestowed , together with the Majorships in the foresaid places ; as likewise the high Militarie Charges , having formerly been at the disposing of their Hi. Mi. or his Highˢ the Prince of Orange unto Collonelships exclusively . And lastly , whether the foresaid high Charges , together with the Governments , Commanderies and Majorships may bee conferred henceforward upon any that is not of the Reformed Religion ; but there was no Resolutions taken in that behalf . As likewise the Commissioners of the Countrie of Drent , solliciting for Session in the Generalitie , or that their business might bee committed to impartial Judges or Arbitrators , were remitted to the Ordinarie Assemblie .

The Lords of Holland , Julie 26 , brought in their Advice about the Decision of Differences , which was to this purpose ; if it should com to pass ,

That besides matters of Consents ( in which regard the Provinces are to keep their libertie , to dispose therein as they themselvs shall judg the service of the Land to require ) there do arise , which God prevent , any dispute , misunderstanding , discord or controversie between the United Provinces in such matters wherein over-voting take's no place , according to the Union made at Utrecht in the year 1579 , they beeing not able to understand one another , that in such a case seven unpartial , able , peaceable and well experienced men in State ▪ affairs , to wit , out of every Province one ( among whom there should bee the Stadtholders of the Provinces , where there are any , or may bee hereafter , and whom the respective Provinces shall pleas to appoint thereunto ) should meet together to assay the w●ie of friendship between the differing parties , and the same not succeeding , the parties should on both sides make choice of som new Arbiters to bee joined to the foresaid seven persons , in such sort , as that those new chosen Arbiters joined to the former Delegation , they should make up an equal number on both sides ; to wit , if the difference were arisen between one Province of the one side , and six on the other , that in such a case that one Province should chuse eleven new Arbiters , and the other six Provinces six more , so that on both sides the number of Arbiters should bee twelv ; and if the differences happened to bee between two Provinces of the one and five of the other side , that then the two Provinces should chuse eight Arbiters more for themselvs , and the five other Provinces five more , so that on each side there may bee ten Arbiters ; and if the question were betwixt three Provinces of the one , and four of the other side , that then the three Provinces should chuse yet nine Arbiters for their part , and the foresaid four Provinces eight more , so that in case there may bee in all twelv Arbiters on each side .

And that the foresaid Arbiters thus chosen shall assume to themselvs and elect by pluralitie of voices a Super-Arbiter ; but if the voices were even , that the Decision should bee determinated by Lot , and that person on whom the Lot fell , should bee the Super-Arbiter .

And that the foresaid Arbiters should have their proper Session and Rank , and voice or vote according to the order of the Provinces , in whose behalf they met respectively ; and likewise first and before all things assay the waie of Concord between the differing parties , and failing thereof , proceed to judg and pronounce as they finde in Conscience , Reason and Equitie to bee requisite ; beeing to promiss to this end by Oath , without regard or affection to any Provinces or Members thereof to judg and pronounce impartially as before .

Provided , that if any parties should conceiv they had reason of recusing any of the foresaid Arbiter or Super-Arbiter , they may have libertie to allege their Reasons , and that the sufficiencie thereof shall bee judged ▪ and sentence pronounced accordingly by the rest of the said Arbiters , on condition there bee presently another supplied in the room of him that was rightfully Recused .

Moreover , that the respective Provinces should promiss to conform and submit to the sentence to bee given without doing , causing or suffering to bee don any thing against it directly or indirectly , in any kinde or manner , without any seeking or making use of any further exception or provision of the Laws in that behalf , whether it bee by waie of Appeal , Relief , Revision , Nullitie , or any other Evasion or Plea whatsoever . And if any one should do or attemt any thing against this , the same should bee declared now as then , to bee Null and of no validitie at all ; all this under the obligation of themselvs and all the Inhabitants of the respective Provinces , Cities , and Members thereof , their persons and goods , for in case of contravention and failing to satisfie the foresaid Sentence , by performing the effect thereof , and that which depend ▪ s thereon , to bee arrested , deteined and prosecuted in any places between Magistrates , Laws and Judicatures wherever they may bee met with , renouncing and rejecting to that end all Exceptions , Charters , or Grants , Privileges , Reliefs , and generally all other benefits of the Laws which might stand them in any stead to the contrarie hereof , and especially the Laws which saie , That no General Renunciation ought to have place , without a special one bee gon before .

The Point of the New State of War beeing likewise propounded , was remitted to the Ordinarie Assemblie .

It was conceived the great Assemblie would have ended on Saturday , July 29. beeing just the anniversarie of the siege of Amsterdam , and seizure of the six Lords ; But Friesland and Groninghen with the Omlands insisted still with great eagerness for the Amnestia ; And those of Holland were so indisposed or unreadie for it ; that on the 29. aforesaid there was a Recess made , and the Assemblie adjourned to the 7. of August , against which time the Provinces took upon them , precisely to meet here again ; it beeing found good , that in the mean time , the Conference Conciliatorie should bee revived again about the remaining and unresolved points ; all the Provinces having undertaken , that against the foresaid time , they would declare finally , upon the projects about deciding the differences , which might at any time arise among the Provinces ; and so likewise upon the Amnestia or Oblivion , of the things happened in the Land the last year 1650. and upon the Lists of the Garrisons to bee left both within and without the voicing Provinces . Nevertheless it was Friday first , the eleventh of August before the Great Assemblie met again , at which time the Council of State brought in their further advice , dated Aug. 8. touching the Lists of the Garrisons within and without the voicing Provinces ; declaring , that , having examined , what was mooved by som Provinces , That som places or Frontiers situated within the voicing Provinces , were set upon the List , as resorting under the Generalitie , and vice versâ , for that reason they had in the presence of his Excell c●e the Stadtholder , in Council , reassumed the Lists aforesaid , and examined them and accordingly declared , That they met with no place of that reflexion , but in the list of places , without the voicing Provinces , the Forts of Bourtang , Bellingwold , and Lang acker-sconce , as also Coevorden , and in the other List , of places within the voicing Provinces , Axel , Neusen , Biervliet , Lillo and Liefkens-hoeck . As for the Forts of Bourtang , Bellingwold and Lang-acker-sconce , the same laie not in , or within any of the voicing Provinces , as neither Coevorden , lying in the Countrie of Drent , and in that regard justly placed in the List without the voicing Provinces ; and then concerning Axel , Neusen , Biervliet , Lillo and Liefkens-hoeck , beeing put upon the List of the voicing Province of Zealand , it must bee understood , that this was don , not for that the said places laie in or within the Province of Zealand , which indeed could bee said of none ; but becaus that Province , having otherwise but few Garrisons , the Companies of the foresaid places , might serv them for the more commodious Execution of their Civil administrations and commands ; without any intention notwithstanding , thereby to prejudice the Generalitie ; but as the Lords of Zealand had heretofore in time of War the oversight over the five forenamed places , as well for besetting and fortifying thereof as otherwise ; so likewise had the Provinces of Friesland and Groninghen with the Omlands together with the Lords Stadtholders of the same Provinces , the oversight over the 3 first-named Forts , both for the besetting and fortifying thereof as otherwise ; in which regard it is propounded and prest in behalf of the 3 foresaid respective Provinces , that those places ought to bee continued to them , forasmuch as they are respectively most highly concerned in the guarding of them , for the securitie of their Provinces , and that the respective Garrisons , continuing thus under their Tuition , they would bee the better accommodated for the executing of their Civil Commands ; which beeing taken into consideration , the Lords of Zealand and Friesland , were desired with all speed to bring in their respective proofs and warrants , for the assertion of the right which they pretended in the autoritie and inspection or oversight over those places and forts , lying otherwise without the voicing Provinces , under the immediate resort or jurisdiction of the Generalitie .

Those of Holland were much desired by them of Friesland and Groninghen with the Omlands , to consent to the Amnestia , generally and without reservation , and consequently , to comprehend therein likewise the Lord v●n Sommersdyck , whose case bred most of the Difficulties ; as likewise , that they would suffer the matoer of Consents about publick charges to bee comprised in the Act of deciding Differences ; which Holland instanced , ought to remain Soveraignly and absolutely in the power of the particular Provinces , according to the Union , and their Resolution . As for the Amnestia , those of Holland were very loath , to recoil from their Project ; which was , that they would shew no Resentment of things past in the year 1650. against the other Provinces , the Subjects , Inhabitants or Ministers thereof , of what qualitie , state or condition soever , &c. but under these words , against the other Provinces , the Subjects Inhabitants thereof , did not disable themselvs , to exercise resentment against their own Subjects ; which aimed principally at the Lord van Sommersdyck , beeing not able to forget or disgest , that any one should bee a Member of their own Assemblie , and nevertheless do such services to the Stadtholder and Captain General , as were so much prejudicial to the Assemblie , as they maintained . But they of Friesland maintained the contrarie in that sort , that August 18ᵒ. they declared ,

They saw well enough , that amidst the affairs of that Illustrious Assemblie , som passions began to plaie their part , which caused them to fear , the great aim of that solemn meeting , which had been to reduce Discord into Concord , and Jealousies into a more firm and confident Correspondence , would fail them , or at leastwise not hit the main point ; and therefore out of zeal to the publick and common interest , they had found good July 20 last past , to move their Hi. Mi. that this Illustrious Assemblie ( the principal business beeing transacted ) might bee crowned at parting , with an Amnestia and oblivion , of all that had past , to and fro in the year 1650. betwixt the Provinces , the Members and Subjects thereof ; which ▪ although it was acceptable in that kinde to all the Provinces , that by the Conciliatorie Conferrence an Act should bee drawn to that effect ; the same beeing don and afterward consented to by the six other Provinces ; nevertheless the Lords of Holland in their memorandum upon the said Act , but yesterday , had not yet declared themselvs , so as the Province of Friesland and others , after so long a Recess , had confidently hoped they would have don ; beeing the Act yesterday presented by Holland and West-Friesland ( perhaps not without over-voting , and against the good intention of som of the chief Members of Holland it self ; in effect is all one and the same ( by reason of the words , against the other , as above ) with that they brought in three weeks ago : containing fair words , but little in operation to that which an Amnestia or oblivion ought to comprehend : the reather , becaus that none can bee excluded in particular , but the reflexion will light upon the Provinces themselvs , which decreed and ratified the Resolutions , pretended to have been the caus of all the Troubles , though in truth they had an other Rise , as is well known to this Assemblie . And as then the Comissioners for the Province of Friesland , could not remember ( and the like they were perswaded of all the other Provinces , to have don or committed any thing , which could give waie to such a Relation as the Act of the Lords of Holland , yesterday presented , did contain ; The Lords of Friesland having had no other meaning , but that all , even imagined and supposed faults , how or by whomsoever committed , might bee obliterated and buried in oblivion , for to encreas the reputations of the United Provinces jointly , so much the more with their Friends , and make their Consideration so much the more formidable among their Enemies . Therefore they , the Commssioners of Friesland desired the Lords , of Holland , that at length now , they would bee pleased to complie with the drawn Resolution of the Amnestia , as it was presented July 22 last , beeing the same would not onely agree well with the Proposition the Deputies of Holland made before the Assemblie in the respective Provinces ; but most consonant likewise to the gratulation and welcom reception they found at their arrival here .

In case of default , the Comissioners of Friesland instanced , They were constrained to declare , That many points , otherwise transacted at this Board , could not bee acceptable nor grateful to their Principals ; and therefore they desired , That in regard of the affairs of this Assemblie , it should bee entred in their behalf , That they would bee guiltless of all the inconveniences which through the neglect of such a Christian Request , might in time ensue ; beeing resolved to assist this Assemblie no longer then the end of that week . Som would have had this protestation served in with harder and sharper terms , as , that the Province held all the Transactions here for null &c. but the greater part found it not good , to appear ●o eager in this particular Provincial business ; but advised the Lord of Sommersdyck , by som good means or other to endeavor giving Content to the Assemblie of Holland ; as was don likewise , in manner following , whenas Augusti 19. the Lord Counsellor Pensionarie Cats , declared , in the name of the Nobilitie , to the Lords the States of Holland , that , for the preventing of further disturbance in the Province of their N. Gr. M. and least the great Assemblie should part with discord , They ( the said Nobilitie ) had caused the Lord van Sommersdyck , to finde good , to absent himself from the Assemblie of the Lords the States , without appearing there again , till such time as their N. Gr. M. should bee disposed by the foresaid Nobilitie , to approve of his readmittance ; and that consequently , the said Lord van Sommersdyck should bee comprehended in the Amnestia , with annullation , and expunction out of the Registers of their N. gr. M. of all such Acts and Resolutions , as shall bee found to have been taken about impeaching of the said Lord van Sommersdyck .

Whereupon report presently after beeing made by the Lord Pensionarie de Witte , of the conference held by the Committee of their N. gr. M. about the subject aforesaid , in manner as followeth .

Noble , Great , Mightie Lords !

THe Members by your N. gr. M. commissioned , for to consider , how the business of the Amnestia may with most and best convenience and satisfaction of the Provinces bee terminated , and the great Assemblie concluded and dismist with general content , have judged unanimously , That the Lord van Sommersdyck shall absent himself from the affairs of the Assemblie of your N. gr. M. either by a Voluntarie withdrawing , or by the Disposition of a politick Resolution , until such time , as by full consent of the Members it may bee otherwise ordered ; and that moreover the Provincial Act of Holland shall bee also published and affixed in all places fitting , and the Lord van Sommersdyck comprehended therein , obliterating the things past last year , and consequently the project of the Amnestia framed by the Commissioners of the Conference Conciliatorie , and July 22 , 1651. reported by them in the great Assemblie shall bee embraced by their N. gr. M. referring themselvs herein to your N. gr. M. wise disposing . Don August 19. 1651.

After several Discourses , falling to work , it was found good , that the foresaid Declaration of the Nobilitie should bee received , and that accordingly the Lord van Sommersdyck should absent himself out of their N. gr. M. Assemblie , and that all Acts and Resolutions taken for charging or empeaching the said Lord , should bee taken forth out of their N. gr. M. Registers , and held abolished .

That moreover the Act of the general Amnestia , agreed upon at the Conciliatorie Conference July 22. brought in at the great Assemblie , should bee accepted and was acepted of by their N. gr. M. and that the Lord van Sommersdyck , should bee understood , as comprehended in it .

At last Saturday Aug. 19. the Provinces of Gelderland , Zeland , Utrecht and Over-Yssell accepted of the Act of Deciding Differences , in manner as followeth .

IF it com to pass ( which God forbid ) that there do arise any dispute , misunderstanding , contention or discord among the United Provinces in matters , where no over-voting take's place , according to the Union made in the year 1579. they not beeing able to understand one another , in that case , there shall bee a meeting of seven unpartial , able , peaceable , and in matters of State well experienced persons , to wit , one of each Province ( of which Number shall bee the Stadtholders of the Provinces , where any are at present , or hereafter may bee , and whom the rest of the respective Provinces shall bee pleased to appoint thereunto ) for to trie the waie of friendship between the differing parties , which not succeeding , then shall the differing parties on both sides make choice of som new Arbiters unto the foresaid 7 Reasons , in such sort , that the new-elected Arbiters joined to the first delegated persons , shall make up on both sides an equal Number ; to wit , if the controversie bee between one Province of one side , and six Provinces of the other , that in that case the said one Province shall chuse eleven Arbiters yet , and the foresaid six Provinces , six more , to make up thus the Number of 12 Arbiters on each side ; and if the difference bee betwixt two Provinces of the one side , and five of the other ▪ in that case the said two Provinces shall assume eight Arbiters yet , and the foresaid five , five other , to make up the number of ten on each side . Lastly if the Question bee arisen betwixt three Provinces of the one and 4 of the other side , that then these 3 Provinces shall chuse nine Arbiters yet , and the foresaid four , eight more , to make up 12 again in all for each side .

II.

And the foresaid thus elected Arbiters , shall assume unto themselvs and chuse by pluralitie of voices , a Super-Arbiter ; but if the voices about it fall out to bee even , then the Decision shall bee committed to Lot , and hee on whom that fall's , shall bee the Super-Arbiter .

III.

And the foresaid Arbiters and Super-Arbiter , that have their Sessions and rank , together with the Voices or Votes , according to the Order of the Provinces , from whom respectively they com , and likewise first and before all things assay the waie of Concord betwixt the Differing parties , and failing of success , proceed then impartially to judg and pronounce as in Conscience , Reason , Right and Equitie they shall finde requisite ; to which end , they shall promiss by oath , that without respect or affection to any Provinces or Members thereof , they will pronounce sentence unpartially , as before .

IV.

Provided , that if any partie should conceiv they had Reasons of recusing any of the foresaid Arbiters or the Super-Arbiter , they shall have libertie to shew the same , and that the sufficiencie thereof shall bee judged , and accordingly sentence pronounced in that behalf by the foresaid Arbiter ; so that presently there bee another supplied in the room of him , that was rightfully recused .

The Respective Provinces having promised , as by these they do promiss , to conform and submit to the foresaid sentence to bee given , without doing , or causing or suffering ought to bee don against it , directly or indirectly in any kinde or manner , and without seeking or making use of any further exception or other provision in Law , either of Appeal , Relief , Revision , Nullitie , or any other Evasion or Plea whatsoëver ; and if any shall have don or attempted ought to the contrarie , they do declare the same now as then , null and of no effect nor validitie ; obliging here under themselvs and all the Inhabitants of their respective Provinces , Cities and Members thereof , their goods and persons , for , in case of contravention , and failing to satisfie the foresaid sentence by performing the effect thereof , and what depend's thereon , to bee arrested , detained and prosecuted in any places , and by any Magistrates , Laws and Judicatures , where-ever they can bee met with ; renouncing and rejecting to that end all Exceptions , Charters or Grants , Privileges , Reliefs , and generally all other Benefits of the Laws , which might stand them instead to the contrarie , and especially the Laws , which saie , That no general Renunciation is to have place , where the particular went not before .

The Lords of Holland were prettie well satisfied with the frame of this Act , if they would have but in terms exemted therein the Consents of Charges , concerning which every Province should retein their Freedom to do and dispose in that regard as they should judg the service of the Land required it . Hereupon the said Lords of Holland were desired to bring in their further consent concerning this at the Ordinarie Assemblie of their Hi. Mi. as soon as might bee ; as also the Lords of Friesland and Groninghen , with the Omlands were desired to approve of the foresaid frame , and to conform thereunto with the speediest .

The Lords of Friesland declared , that concerning this they adhered yet to the Conclusion made by the Lord President on Fridaie last .

The Lords of Groninghen , with the Omlands likewise , declared their adhering still to their Provincial Advice , brought in upon that subject Julie last 21. And in regard of the redress of the Instruction for the Council of State , determined at the Assemblie Julie last 18 , they declared as followeth ; to wit , That they accepted of the Instruction for the Council of State in that sort and condition as the same was amended and drest by their Hi. Mi. Commissioners in the conference Conciliatorie , with that proviso nevertheless , that the 20th Article , speaking of the Solicitors , could not as yet bee put in practice with them according to the present constitution of the Province of Groninghen and Omlands ; nevertheless they shall bee careful , that after the deceas of the present Solicitors , no Ritmasters or Captains shall bee charged with Clerks of greater Entertainment then is allowed by the state of War ; they would likewise take such order for effective paying of the Souldierie Hors and Foot , that no just complaints should bee presented to the Council of State in that behalf . Withal they conceived , that the Provinces of Utrecht , Over-Yssell , Groninghen and Omlands might justly claim and enjoie their Right , according to the example of other Provinces , of sending each one Commissioner more into the Council ; it standing not with reason , that a more contributing Province should have less , or not so much to saie in a Court or Council of the Generalitie as one that contributeth less .

After that the Amnestia or Act of Oblivion was unanimously agreed to and consequently printed , proclaimed and publickly affixed , as followeth .

WHereas in the year 1650 there were risen divers troubles in the Government , which afterwards went further and further , grounded upon certain Resolutions of June 5 and 6 the year aforesaid , taken at the Ordinarie Assemblie of the Lords Deputies of the Generalitie ; And that afterwards it hath pleased God Almightie , according to his Fatherlie Goodness wholly to take away again the foresaid troubles , and therewithall to let shine forth among the General Confederates such an Harmonie , Concord , Love , Confidence and Affection , that all the great and weightie Deliberations occasioned by the Deceas of his Highness the Prince of Orange of famous memorie , and held in the General Assemblie of the respective States of the United Provinces , extraordinarily gathered here in the Haghe , are , with unanimous consent and full content of all the United Provinces , happily ended ; Therefore the respective States of the Provinces of Gelderland , Holland , Zealand , Utrecht , Friesland , Over-Yssel and Groninghen with the Omlands , for to eradicate the thoughts of the foresaid distempers out of the remembrance of both the present and future Ages , and to make the foresaid Bond of Concord , Love , Confidence and Affection the faster and indissoluble , and therewith to conclude this Illustrious and Great Assemblie of the joint Confederates have declared , and do declare by these , that neither now nor ever they shall or will remember any thing happened in the foresaid year 1650 ; nor shew any resentment of the matters aforesaid against any Provinces , Persons or Houses in general or particular , however qualified ; but on the contrarie forget all , as if the same had never happened ; holding to that end the foresaid Resolutions of June 5 and 6 aforesaid as not taken , and withall for null and invalid ; as likewise whatsoëver by virtue and pursuance thereof was don . And for further confirmation of whatsoëver is said before , there shall bee put out , razed and taken forth out of the publick Registers as well of the Generalitie as of the respective Provinces , all the Resolutions , Acts and Agitations taken in behalf of the matters aforesaid , and inserted there .

Don thus and declared by the foresaid Lords the States of the respective United Provinces in the great Hall of the Court of Holland this nineteenth daie of August , 1651. Attested , J. Young van Oosterland . v t Underneath stood , It agreeth with the Register . N. Ruysch .

And thus this Great and Extraordinarie Assemblie of the Confederates was unanimously and with full content concluded and ended . All other affairs beeing remitted to the Ordinarie Assemblie of their Hi. Mi. and heartie thanks were returned to the respective Provinces for the good care , seriousness and zeal , which during these important Deliberations they had contributed and testified for the good of the Common States interest ; as likewise God Almightie the source and fountain of all good prai'd and besought from the inwardst bowels of all their hearts and reins , that hee would bee pleased according to his fatherly goodness and undeserved mercie to keep them knit together , and bless the state of these Countries with all Benediction prosperitie and welfare , and the Governors thereof especially , with upwright love , Unitie , mutual friendship and Confidence , indissolubly and ever more . Furthermore their Hi. Mi. agreed , that the said Assemblie should bee concluded as also it was on Munday August 21 , with a Sermon of thanksgiving , performed by Mr Streto one of the Ministers at the Haghe , whereunto were invited all the Courts of Government , Justice , Treasuries , besides the Ecclesiastical Senate residing here . At last there was appointed a general Thanksgiving-Fast and Bid-day to bee kept throughout all the Provinces , associated Countries , Members and Cities thereof , against Wednesday September 13. next ensuing . And this same day there was likewise all the Cannon discharged , all the bells rung , and Bonefires made in token of the publick joie and satisfaction .

The Lord Counsellor Pensionarie Cats , who at the entrance of this great Assemblie Januarie 18 , had made the first speech in Holland's behalf , made likewise this at conclusion .

High Mightie Lords !

THat every thing hath its time , was advertised long before our times unto all men , by the wisest King of any time .

In regard whereof it may bee observed , that in all worldly or humane affairs , there is a time of meeting , and a time of parting again . There never meet 's so loving and sweet a societie , but at length it is determined by parting again .

This beeing the condition of all assembling ( according to the ever variable condition of mankinde here below : ) there can bee no better cours taken ( in our judgment ) at meetings , then to consider of , and endeavor for a fair parting , or good farewell after .

Experience hath shewed in all ages , That the greater Assemblies , were alwaies subject to the greater dangers of heavie and grievous Accidents , and very frequently the causes of them .

This inconvenience ( common almost every where ) ariseth doubtless especially from the inbred varietie of men's inward Disposition , and som other outward accidents joining with it . Nay , experience hath often taught , that in the very purest Assemblies ( even where things divine and heavenly were treated of ) they could seldom hit upon an unanimous Consent of any Conclusion : whereof there are innumerable Examples obvious every where , so that it may bee easily proved .

The caus hereof is the great Difference of the humors of those , which meet at the foresaid great Assemblies ; who as they differ in their outward feature , garb and manner of acting , the one from the other , so they are found to bee altogether as discrepant and unlike one another in their inward Dispositions , Judgments and Conceptions .

Wee see this Illustrious Assemblie here , consist's of a very great number of persons , but that among them all , there are not two to bee found , which perfectly resemble one another in the Lineaments of the Face , the posture of the outward members , or the habitual kinde of mooving them . The Diversitie is as great within .

So that such a great Number of Men meeting together and there beeing oftimes ( besides these Natural Diversities ) many different aims and several particular interests , playing under covert thereof ) it must bee counted a very great wonder , when ever so great an assemblie , come's to bee ended with an unanimous Conclusion .

There never was so good a feast That some sat not at eas , at least .

As the proverb goe's . Men have usually the disposition of Sea-water ; put that into a small vessel , and it stand's still there and unmoveable as it were . But in the open sea ( the assemblie of waters ) the least winde doth rear and stir and swell the waves past measure . Men in the precinct of their own houses State , Province , may peradventure remain , or bee kept in quiet , but the greater the assemblie is , the more mutual stir and striving there is found of one against the other .

Where , I pray , is that Kingdom , Countrie , Province , Citie , village , neighborhood , hous , Cottage ; nay in a hous , but man and wife , to bee found , all , or alwaies of one and the same minde ; yea , where is the man , that finde's not another man within himself of contrarie bent and disposition .

Nunquam bella piis , nunquam certamina desunt , E● , quocum certet , mens pia semper habet ▪ ( i. e. ) Good men want never war nor strife , Whiles they are wandring in this life .

So that it is no wonder , that men coming together , out of several Provinces , countries , and places , there should bee a great diversitie in their thoughts and judgments , one from the other . Distance of place usually causing discrepancie of humors and dispositions .

Tales sunt hominum mores , qualis pater ipse , Jupiter auratâ perlustrat Lampade terras . ( i. e. ) Men's manners , humors , and condition Do follow their Sun's disposition .

And if any such great assemblie do happen to end peaceably and with one consent , the same must bee ascribed onely to the goodness and blessing of Almightie God .

There have been transacted here ( according to the constitution of aflairs ) manie difficult and different matters , consisting especially in three Capital points viz. the Religion , the Union , and the Militia , and things depending thereon ; as likewise an Amnestia , or Act of oblivion of several very troublesom accidents happened heretofore ; and such an intricate business as that was , and all the toilsomness and tediousness of it was wrapt in , hath nevertheless been overcom , in friendship , and loving affection , and all is terminated and concluded now with concord and content ; and therefore your Hi. Mi. justly found good , that not onely here in this place , there should bee a thanksgiving celebrated to God Almightie ; whereunto should bee called likewise all the Courts of Government residing here ; but likewise , that throughout all the United Provinces and associated Countries , a certain day should bee set apart for a general Thanksgiving-Sermon and Prayers , fitted to the occasion , for to give God the honor of this High and unestimable mercie .

For who els should have the prais returned to him , but that good God , who hath so bountifully poured forth his spirit of concord over this Illustrious Assemblie , and conducted all to this happie Issue .

Especially in the point of the Amnestia . Hee that reflect's upon the business , as it stood a twelvmonth ago , would hardly see any grounds , but such as were laid for an everlasting quarrel , nay , even at the beginning of this very Assemblie , there fell things out , and continued during the same , which might have turned all upside down , and produced a clean contrarie disposition to what now wee see .

To forgive , forget and never to remember wrongs , is no common practice or easie work ; it is a thing above Nature , and the finger of God . Honored and praised bee all those , which contributed their good thoughts and endeavors this way .

Now for us to keep in fresh memorie all the memorable things transacted here in this Illustrious Assemblie ; the verge , Localitie ( a means of antient observation ) of this place , that is , the Situation and structure thereof , may bee of singular use unto us .

Those which are conversant about the Art of Memorie or Remembrance , for to strenghthen the same that many things may firmly bee retained by it , they use to make impressions into their scholars by a representation of imaginarie pictures , placing the same upon the walls , windows or doors , where the scholars are practising , as Lds here in the assemblie may know and remember by their own former experience .

If therefore wee will carry home with Us , what good our Good God hath in this place bestowed upon this State , let us but imprint in our memories the structure and Situation of this Building and carrie that along with us ; For comming to it from without , and drawing near the entrance of this great Hall , You have on the one hand a Hous devoted to God's Worship , viz. a Church , where the word of God is dayly taught , the impression of which sight , will present to your minde ( beeing never so far off ) what hath been treated and concluded here , for the good of the true Reformed Religion , by their H. M. in this place .

Beeing entred into the Hall , You meet there on the one side an ascent to the place where the Assemblie of the Lords the States General is wont to bee kept ; and by that , every one shall bee able to refresh his thoughts , with what was transacted here , for the good of the Union ; and concerning the State-affairs of the United Provinces .

On the other side there are the steps and passage to the place , where usually the Court Provincial is seen to exercise it's function in matters of justice , whereby wee may bee put in minde , what was resolved and found good by this Assemblie , for the furtherance and maintenance of justice .

On the other end , there is the way or entrance into the chamber of accompts and chamber of feudarie matters , which will prompt to your memorie , what was wrought here at the Assembly in the behalf of the Treasurie , and the dutie of vassals and other subjects of this State .

The Colors , Standards , Flags and Cornets , waving over our heads here , are so many Bliss-tokens of the victories vouchsafed unto this State by God Almightie , minding every one of us , at any distance with what heedfulness things concerning Militarie matters and functions together with their dependencies were here debated , and concluded on by the Assemblie , for common securitie ; which may likewise rouz up every one to true thankfulness , due to Almightie God , for the manifold mercies by him bestowed upon us .

Casting our eys up to the very arched roof of this Stately fabrick , wee cannot spie upon any of the beams , rafters , laths and other Carpenters-work all along there , the least webb of any Spider , the nature of the pure materials enduring no such vermin . The spider is an insect , having a vast bellie and long rakers , using to spread their net abroad at large , to catch all they can . Your Hi. Mi. have taken very notable resolutions against all Baseness and corruptions used heretofore about the Administration of Government and justice . The remembrance whereof will bee renewed , as often as wee think upon the cleanness of this fabrick .

All this then beeing past thus , through God's gratious blessing , and so great a work brought to an unanimous conclusion . Their N. G. Mi. my Lords the States of Holland and West Friesland , return most serious and serviceable thanks to this whole Illustrious Assemblie and to every member thereof ▪ that upon their desire and friendly invitation , their N. M. were pleased to repair to this place for the good of our common Fatherland , and this day to assist so manie weightie consultations about it . Their N. G. Mi. most earnestly desiring all and every Member of this present Assemblie , to part hence and return home with as good and sincere an intention , as their N. G. M. had before their eyes and in their hearts at the undertaking of the Work .

Giving thanks at last to the onely good and merciful God , for his gracious blessing abundantly powred forth upon the whole emploiment of this great Assemblie , which Thanksgiving they exspect will bee performed more at large anon by Mr Streto one of the Ministers of the Word of God here in the Haghe this forenoon yet in this very place ; as will likewise bee don throughout all the Provinces at the daie appointed .

The same Thanksgiving Sermon and a devout praier thereupon performed in the place aforesaid by Mr Streto ; and in their Hi. Mi. behalf one thousand Rixdollers brought by Secretarie Ruysch to the Deacons of the Haghe for the poor ; thereupon the great Assemblie parted , and in the evening all the Bells were rung , and all the Canons discharged in token of rejoicing ; as also on the appointed 13 daie of September after the like Thanksgiving and publick Testimonies of Rejoicing were more generally and largely performed throughout all the Land . And after that the managing of all affairs returned again to the Ordinarie Assemblie of the States General .

The Lords of Holland and Westfriesland had for many years together found and judged the place of their Assemblie very incommodious and mean ; and observing that by the Deceas of the Prince as Stadtholder most of the upper rooms of the Court of Holland stood vacant ; they appointed a Committee Octob. 3 , viz. the Lord van Schagen of the Nobilitie , together with the Lords of Dort , Amsterdam , Schiedum Alcmaer and Horen , to look out for a more convenient place there ; provided nevertheless , that with the fitting of the place so much time might bee taken up , as that before the meeting of the foresaid Assemblie there , the mourning-year of the Hous of Orange might bee exspired .

The Lord Cats beeing now 74 years of age , had already at several times solicited the Lords of Holland for dismissing of him from his charge of Counsellor-Pensionarie , or Advocate of that Province .

His many acceptable , long and faithful services were such , as that in regard thereof they were hard to bee brought to grant his request . But the great Assemblie beeing ended , hee solicited more seriously yet for the obteinment , which having gotten at length Septemb. 27 , hee fell upon his knees in the Assemblie , thanking first Almightie God for his manifold mercies in preserving him all along in so weightie , toilsom and hazardous an Emploiment ; and afterwards the Lords the States of the Province for all their favors by many elegant expressions , and wishing them all further happiness , bliss and prosperitie .

Thus the Lord Cats beeing discharged of that place , though continuing in his Office of keeping the Great Seal , and beeing Deputie of the Fiefs of Holland ; the Assemblie proceeded instantly to the chusing of another Counsellor-Pensionarie , the necessitie and importance of the said Charge beeing so great , that a certain learned man called him that was invested with the same in his time , the Atlas Belgicae Libertatis ; Therefore the business admitting no Delay , there was that very day chose in his Room , by unanimous Voices , the Lord Adrian Pauw , Lord of Hemstede , &c. First and presiding Counsellor and Controller in the Chamber of Accounts of Holland and Westfriesland , who likewise before that time had served in this Charge , and been emploied in divers solemn Embassies with greatest prais , and to the special service of this State . Next daie after this Election was signified unto him by Beaumont Secretarie to the said Assemblie , with desire , that his native Countrie standing now more in need then ever of his service , hee would by no means seek to wave it ; and returning afterwards again , brought the Instruction along for to examine the same , and to lose as little time as may bee , offering to amend what might bee found amiss in it . In the mean time hee was visited and entreated both in the Nobilitie's and the Citie 's behalf from the Assemblie , by the Lord Cats himself , and by the brethren the Ministers at the Hagbe for to take the Charge upon him ; it beeing both their and all good Patriots opinion , that such a person of honor , integritie , faithfulness , knowledg , experience , discretion and autoritie as the Lord of Hemstede was , was exceeding necessarie and behoof-ful for the supplying of this Charge , to the good and service of this Common-wealth .

The Lord of Hemstede was very hardly drawn to declare and resolv hereupon ; and therefore the foresaid Secretarie pressing him further in their N. Gr. M. behalf , hee discoursed long thereof , and deduced likewise by word of mouth in the Assemblie it self whatsoever hee could to shew the weight thereof ; and especially in regard the said Charge and Emploiment was subject to great trouble and thankless issues , and upon revolutions of times and affairs like to prove very dangerous ; Therefore hee desired that hee might not bee liable to give account of his doings , actions and administrations to any but their No. Gr. Mi. full Assemblie , and that likewise hee might bee allowed to have recours ( if need were ) to the Courts of Justice in the ordinarie cours thereof , without being constreined under any pretext whatsoever to make any appearance , plea or answer before any delegated or extraordinarie Judges , or before any combined in-landish or out-landish Courts , Civil or Militarie ; or any other Councils , Courts , or Benches of Judicature here or elswere erected or to bee erected in any place .

That upon all Events , however things might fall out afterwards by either Revolution or mischance , hee might keep and effectually enjoie still the rights and privileges of the Countrie of Holland and Westfriesland in general , and particularly the privileges belonging to the Citie and Citizens of Amsterdam ; and that their N. G. M. would bee pleased to confirm the same ex abundanti , unless they should think better , without prejudice or imminution of the solemn Act hee had obtained formerly from the Burgomasters & Governors of Amsterdam to grant him som other favorabl privilege for his farther security against any such sinistrous accident .

That their N. Gr. M. would bee pleased to vouchsafe him Letters Patents of Protection & indemnitie , against all violence , Molestation , Detraction & other troubles , vexations , damages , and inconveniencies , which by reason of his function might bee put or com upon him , in what manner , or under what pretext soever ; with such clauses and proviso's , and dispatched in the best form , as his Predecessors in office had it , and the like was granted heretofore to himself in his former emploiment during the Wars .

That in regard and consideration of the Commissions and travels laid upon him by the Instruction , to perform onely within the United Provinces , the better to attend and wait upon the service of their N. Gr. Mi. looking upon his years , and forepast manifold Commissions performed forth the Land , hee may bee and remain excused from all further Forrein Emploiments and Commissions , and that hee shall not bee obliged to the accepting and performing thereof without his own inclination and conveniencie , but bee spared in that particular , as likewise the same was granted to som of his Predecessors in the same charge heretofore .

And whereas the Instruction made for the said charge of Counsellor Pensionarie , and delivered into his hands by their N ▪ Gr Ms Secretarie , conteined a good number of Articles which partly were not to bee found in former Instructions , and partly differed somwhat from the waie and order which their N. Gr. M. had formerly desired should bee observed ; and that in the execution of som of the Articles of the present Instruction , there might likely som difficulties bee discovered ; That therefore hee might have leav and libertie , upon the findeing or meeting with any of the said difficulties or inconveniencies , to propound the same from time to time unto their N. Gr. M. as likewise the same was at other times found good and granted by their N. Gr. M. to others .

Promiss beeing made hereupon , that good and full consideration of all this should bee taken , his Honor at last complied , and beeing sworn in the accustomed manner , undertook the charge in God's Name .

The great Assemblie beeing ended in this manner , there remained divers points of less concernment , or but imperfect and unfinished , referred to the Ordinarie Assemblie ; which , together with other incident matters , held them busie to near the end of the year 1651 , as especially the granting of leav for absence to the Militarie Officers , whil'st som of the Officers , against the Act , engaged themselvs in forrein service ; others , and particularly the French , English and Scots beeing desirous in this time of peace and breathing , to visit their own Countries once . The States General maintained the right of disposing herein to belong to them , by such reasons as they sent unto the Provinces Nov. 30. whereof more shall bee said anon . The Council on the other side claimed it to themselvs ; protesting the one against the other . For Accommodation whereof there were propounded several Expedients : as ,

That Leavs should bee given by their Hi. Mi. and likewise by the Council of State , the one giving notice thereof to the other , and both Assemblies should keep exact Registers thereof ; provided that neither should grant leav to to him that was refused by the other .

That Leavs should bee sought at and given by both Assemblies , but none should pass for current or valid but that which hath the Seals of both .

That their Hi. Mi. alone should give the Leavs upon precedent advice of the Council , which should bee sealed likewise by the said Council , which they might not refuse ; and that to this end the Council of State should turn back to their Hi. Mi. all the requests presented to them in that behalf .

That one daie in the week should bee appointed for to examine the requests of that nature by a Committee of both Assemblies , and to advise their Hi. Mi. whether the desired Leav should bee granted or not ; and that the Leavs to bee given should pass in the name of their Hi. Mi. and the advice of the Council of State to bee witness by their Sealing thereof .

That the like number of Members of both Assemblies might bee autorized for to dispose of these Leav-givings , and that the grants then after report made thereof , should go forth in both their Names , and under both Seals .

That no Leavs should bee asked but of their Hi. Mi. who should have power to refuse the same , or els to put it off to the Council of State for to dispose therein ; and in case the said Council did yield unto it , that then they should go in the name of the Council alone , but yet not bee valid , till first they were confirmed by the Seal of their Hi. Mi.

And assoon as the one or the other of these waies should bee liked and determined , that then notice should bee given thereof to the Provinces , with desire that thenceforward they would give no Leavs themselvs , but by waie of annexing theirs to the Leav given by their Hi. Mi. or the Council of State ; in such a manner as should then bee found good to bee granted , for to avoid confusion and disorder , which els would hardly bee avoided .

As for the Absent Officers , the Lords of Holland brought in their Provincial Resolution Sept. 30 , conteining a charge to their Commissioned Council , to issue no paie to any , which contrarie to the Act of June 30 this year , had absented himself forth the Land , or ingaged in forrein service , or should do the like for time to com . Desiring , that the rest of the Provinces would take the like order in their districts . Whereupon their Hi. Mi. determined , that the foresaid Act should bee executed according to its form and contents . Nevertheless they agreed not about the manner of the Execution ; the Lords of Holland understanding it , tha● each Province might do the same upon the Companies belonging to their respective Repartition .

A good while after viz. Octob. 24. it was resolved , That their Hi. Mi. alone , should give the foresaid Leavs , with precedent Advice from the Council of State , who might not refuse the under-sealing thereof ; and that consequently the Council should return ▪ all the requests presented to them in that behalf , unto their Hi. Mi. The Provinces in the mean time remaining entire and unprejudiced , for either to give or to refuse their annexings , to them , which shall have obtained their leavs in manner aforesaid . The Acts or Instruments of the foresaid Leav-giving , beeing to bee dispatched with the addition of these words , after advice taken from the Council of State . But the Council not satisfied therewith , their Hi. M. writ unto the Provinces , under date of Novemb. 3c . That after they had caused several Conferences to bee held by Deputies of their Assemblie , with a Committee of the Council of State , about the waie and manner to bee observed in giving leav to the Militarie Officers in service of this State , which was to bee don by their Hi. Mi. with precedent Advice of the said Council , provided that there were besides that annext consents to bee sought and obtained from the respective Provinces their pay-masters ; nevertheless the Lords of the said Council were not pleased as yet to acquiesce therein , they maintaining still , that it belonged to them to grant the same leavs together with Us , according to the Right conferr'd upon them by the first Article of the Act in the year 1599. in the point of Mustering ; and the possession ensued , which beeing not specifically revoked or taken from them by the Assemblie General of all the Confederates kept here in the great Hall , it ought of right to remain where it was before . Their Hi. Mi. could not forbear by waie of further Elucidation and Information of what is said before , to represent to their No. Mi. ( the particular Provinces ) that having ripely examined and pondered every thing , they could not finde the Council's Assertion to bee so grounded , as that the Right of granting the foresaid Leavs at first instance should irrevocably appertain to them , in regard that according to the Resolution of June 16. last taken by the foresaid Great Assemblie , the chiefest care , autoritie and direction over the Militia of this State , was peculiarly committed to the Generalitie ; to whose disposition principally was left the granting of Patents , and the taking care for the Frontiers of the said State together with the consequences and dependencies thereof , onely with the precedent advice of the Council aforesaid ; which they understood was likewise to bee observed in this particular ; especially considering moreover the Resolution , likewise taken at the great Hall July last 21. committing to their hands alone and solely , the whole business of secret Correspondencie ( whereby they could best penitrate , what was specially necessarie for the securitie of the respective Frontiers of the State aforesaid ) and of what a dangerous consequence it might bee , in case the said Leavs should bee given by any other but themselvs , when as otherwise it might frequently com to pass , that upon any Discoverie of the condition within and without of one or other Frontier of greatest importance , the same may by such means bee made bare or deprived of a good part of their Officers , and consequently of their principal securitie and direction , against which the alleged Article of the foresaid Act cannot avail , in asmuch as in the first place , the said Act was decreed by them ( the Ordinarie Assemblie of the Generalitie , & not by the joint Provinces met in states-Assemblie or summoned together upon precedent intimation of certain points to bee determined , and therefore , might as justly , for pregnant reasons , bee streightned , enlarged or changed by themselvs ( the Ordinarie Assemblie ) which could in no wise bee disputed by them , that had no other Right , but what that Act afforded them ; besides that it is observable , that notwithstanding the said Articles , the Captains General had during that time , by little and little taken that right , for the most part to themselvs ; insomuch that of the forecited Possession , the said Council would bee able to shew and produce very little or nothing , unless it were the same happened peradventure now and then for a small time , by reason of the absence , sickness , or other the like accidents or impediments of the Captains General . But as for their maintaining , that the foresaid Right and Possession , was not taken from them by the joint Confederates in the great Hall ; and that therefore it ought to bee continued to them ; to the solution of this , besides the motives and reasons alreadie alleged , serveth especially the 50th Article of their Instruction , renewed July last 18. importing , That all things not expresly set down in the said Instruction , to bee at the disposition of the said Council , should remain at the disposition of the States General , the States of the particular Provinces , the Magistrates of the Cities , and other lawful Superiors , each within their own jurisdiction and limits . Now it is plain enough , that in the foresaid Instruction , there is not the least mention made of the foresaid ▪ Leav-giving , much less the same referr'd to the Council , and consequently might not bee exercised by them ; but that the same doth appertain to them ( the Ordinarie Assemblie of the States General , ) even by virtue of the said Article , and likewise by the foresaid Resolution of July 18. and from the nature of the business it self , for the reasons abovesaid ; which may yet further bee confirmed by the last Resolution , at the Close of the foresaid Assemblie in the great Hall , taken August last 19. whereby all other businesses and affairs not determined there , should bee left to them ( the Ordinarie Assemblie ) and none els . For which reasons and arguments they had judged it requisite to desire the Provinces , that they would grant no Annexions to any other Leavs , but such as should bee granted by them ( the Ordinarie Assemblie ) saving the Right nevertheless of the particular Provinces , of granting or refusing their foresaid Annexions to the Leavs thus obtained , according to the Exigencie of affairs .

Septemb. 30. The old Instruction for the Generalities Chamber of accompts was enlarged with the points , declared in the new Instruction for the Council of State since July last 18. touching the said Chamber of Accounts , and sworn to by those of the said Chamber of Accounts in manner as followeth .

Points and Articles serving for Enlargement of the Instruction past Jan. 21. 1632. for the Generalities Chamber of Accounts , to bee observed and performed in all the parts thereof .

I. ( See Artic. 18. ) of the Instruction of the Council of State above .

IN the first place ; The Commissioners of the Generalities Chamber of Accompts shall take special care , and industriously look to it , that all Accountants of the Generalities means , whether of Farmings in Cities or Countrie , Redemption of means , Contributions , Oppignerations , Ecclesiastical goods , the Seal , Domains , Rogations , as also of Provisions and Ammunition for War and of all other Revenues and Incoms none excepted , do com yearly to the said Chamber of Accompts , and deliver up three several Accompts , the one for the Council of State , the second for the said Chamber , and the third for the Receiver , joining thereunto all the original bills and documents , and other requisites relating thereunto , that being heard and determined by the foresaid Chamber Coppies may bee delivered forth thereof as before ; and that for the preventing of abuses .

II. Turn to Artic. 20. of the foresaid Instruction .

THey shall have an eie upon it , That the respective Provinces do monthly paie the Companies their full wages ; and without any defalcation or surcharging of them by means of Solicitors , Clarks , Cash monie , New-years-gifts , or any other waie whatsoever , directly or indirectly prejudicing their full paie aforesaid .

III. Turn to Artic. 21. as before .

THey shall give good heed that unto all requests for Orders presented to the Council of State , there bee joined with the same , all the bills , particulars and other evidences , concerning the matter for which the said Orders are desired ; and having viewed examined and cleared the same , as also well considered , whether the Land doth stand engaged or not , for the satisfying of such particulars ; shall return the same to the said Council of State , for to grant Orders thereupon accordingly ; which beeing first registred folio tali shall bee signed by the Lord President , and two other Lords of the said Council , beeing all of them of several Provinces , besides the Treasurer and the Secretarie of the said Assemblie ; and then the said Orders shall bee returned again together with the Requisites to the foresaid Chamber , for to bee re-examined there , whether they bee given according to the Lands order , and beeing found answerable thereunto , shall there likewise , at the Chamber of Accompts , bee registred folio tali ; insomuch , that no order , wanting these conditions shall bee accepted or paid by the Receiver General , upon pain of disallowance .

IV. Turn to Artic. 22. of the foresaid Instruction .

THey shall further take care , that the Convoys bee uniformly given and executed according to the Consents and Lists made , and to bee made in that behalf by the States General , and the Licences in like manner , according to the List drest or to bee drest in their behalf .

V. Turn to Artic. 23.

THey shall let the Cities enjoie their Custom , for , in time of need , and when the matter can suffer no delaie , to arm by Sea and set out men of War , at the charge of the Land ; provided onely , they give immediate advertisment thereof to the Generalitie , for to bee satisfied out of the means aforesaid .

VI. Turn to Artic. 32.

THey shall pass no Pensions or Benefits , at the Land's charge , without the same bee granted by their High Migh .

VII . Turn to Artic. 33.

THey shall allow of no Remission given to any Farmer or other Debtor of the Land , but with the foreknowledg and consent of the Ordinarie Assemblie of their High Might .

VIII . Turn to Artic. 34.

THey shall take good heed , out of the adjoined Bills , whether the works were put out publickly ; and that the said Bills and particulars bee annexed to the Orders ; as likewise look to it , that no continuation of undertaken works bee yielded unto ; and that no Orders , of what kinde soêver , shall bee otherwise issued , but to the Receiver General , who shall accommodate the owners of the said Orders at their desire , with assignations upon the subordinate Receivers , at the places of their Residence , or where it may bee most convenient for them .

IX . Turn to Artic. 49.

THere shall likewise account bee rendred of the Rights of the Seal , according to the Tax ordained , or to bee ordained by the States General ; whereof good and exact Registers and Counter-rolls are to bee kept . Nevertheless the same may bee converted to the paying of the Officers and other necessarie expences of the Council of State ▪

And so likewise was the Instruction of the Receiver General enlarged with these two Articles .

IN the first place the Receiver General shall hold no Orders valid , nor make any paiment thereupon , unless they bee given by the Council of State , and signed by the Lord President , and two other Lords of the said Council , together with the Treasurer and Secretarie of the same , upon precedent registring thereof folio tali ; and having annexed to it all the bills and requisites about the particulars for which the respective Orders were granted , and having been likewise viewed , examined and cleared , that they were given according to the Land's Order , with the inscription of Registrata folio tali , made by the said Chamber ; without all which the Receiver is to make no paiment upon pain of disallowance .

II.

Nor shall any Orders , of what name or kinde soëver , bee issued or charged but upon the Receiver General , who shall accommodate the owners of the said Orders at their desire ; with Assignations upon the subordinate Receivers at the places of their aboad , or where it shall bee most convenient for them .

There was likewise consultation held several times about dressing of the List of the Companies , as well for besetting the Frontiers , as for better Execution of the civil commands in every Province ; which continued yet in December ; as likewise the deliberations and considerations about the settling of the State of War .

The Council of State was also summoned again and again for to com and take their Oath upon the new Instruction , past Julie 18.

But by reason that through the absence of many the Council was very thin and uncomplete , they excused and declined it still , until Decemb. 1. they brought in their Considerations upon the said Instructions ; shewing , that som points thereof were not practicable according to the letter ; as also that thence would follow much remissness or slow proceeding in the affairs , and therefore no small disservice to the Land .

Wherefore they desired , that before the passing of their Oath they might enter into conference with Commissioners of their Hi. Mi. about those difficulties .

But receiving no answer hereupon , and beeing pressed anew , with the soonest to com and take the Oath , they judged it necessarie to draw up in writing the Considerations , which in presence of his Excellcie Count William of Nassaw Stadtholder , they had observed upon several Articles of the said Instructions , wherein they found it too difficult for them to yield performance accordi●g to the letter , without knowing the true sence of them by further interpretation ; protesting beforehand that they were sorrie they must represent it in this manner , beeing constreined to it for the quiet and satisfaction of their mindes ; which indeed might well have been prevented , if so bee that according to the 24 Article of the Old Instruction , the alteration or change thereof had been made with the knowledg and advice of the Council of State , according to the plain words of the said Article ; but now the Council beeing past by , contrarie to the plain text of the foresaid old ●worn Instruction , they found , that without scruple they could not safely swear nor duly execute the said New Instructions .

They said , the Second Article required , That the Lords of the Council should have their firm Residence at the place of their Assemblie ; this the Council held serviceable indeed for the State , if it could bee put in practice by the Lords ; but som declared they had taken the Commission upon them on other terms ; and those which were sent hither from the Provinces but for the space of one or two years , beeing absent now , they would finde themselvs put to a great deal of inconvenience , to quit therefore their habitation in the Provinces , and to transport their whole families hither for so small a time .

To the Third Article , of gathering in the fore - and afternoon , and that the Counsellors should still bee ready at hand where the Council is emploi'd , they said , they held it sufficient to keep to the old practice , and such as their Hi. Mi. themselvs do , gathering namely in the forenoon in ordinarie , and besides that at any time when the Lord President shall finde it requisite for the service of the Countrie .

To Article 15 , That is was known the Council had no disposing of the common means within the respective Provinces , but onely in the places without the Provinces resorting under the Generalitie , where the equalitie would bee observed well enough , but that it was requisite there should first som resolution bee taken about the difference which was in the common means of the Bosch , with other places of Braband , for which advice was given a good while ago ; and that the Lists of Braband and Flanders may likewise bee looked into , as not well agreeing yet .

They declared , they could not perform the 19 Article according to the letter , beeing the paiment of the Souldierie was not made by them ; but the same and the charges of War beeing charged by Repartition upon the respective Provinces , they had the disposition over the paiment and the managing of their means themselvs . The Generalities means were emploied by the Council , upon the undivided Interests , running upon the account of the Receiver General , and all other emergent occasions , necessities and charges , incident and incumbent to and with the Assemblies of the Generalitie . As for the necessarie Mustering and Discipline over the Souldierie the Council would take care for well enough , but the paying them by Pole or by the head , was never practised yet , and beyond the Council's abilitie .

To the 20 Article the Council said , it was not in their power to provide for that , beeing every Province did therein every one as they found good , and som did practice the contrarie , causing the Companies to bee charged ; som also not paying precisely ; so that without redressing first the one and other exorbitancie in the Provinces , and reducing all to an Uniformitie , it was in vain precisely and duly to effect the rest upon or against the Souldierie .

To the 21 , where is said , how the Orders ought to bee signed , they observed there was omitted , that the Secretarie of the Council ought to sign the same likewise , which nevertheless was expressed in the enlargement of the Instruction for the Receiver General , saying , That none should bee paid otherwise , but beeing signed also by the Secretarie .

The 22 they said did most concern the Courts of the Admiraltie , who had the direction of the Receits for Convoys and Licences , and accordingly ought to take care , that none indebted that waie , may seek to exemt himself . That this Council was onely concerned in judging of such goods in the open Countrie , as beeing staied by the Souldierie , want passes ; of which this Council had alwaies given Judgment , and the Courts of the Admiralties of such as had passes , according as it hath been practised these many years .

In the 23 Article it was said , The States shall suffer the , whereas the Old Instruction hath it , The Cities shall suffer the , it were fit to bee known which is to stand .

To the 24 they said , The drawing up or framing , and deliver up such a state every third month of the charges of War , and the incoms of the means , was not feasible for the Council , in regard that the Souldierie and charges of War were divided among the Provinces , and that the Council could do no more , then to present every year a proposition by waie of Petition , What they judged Necessitie did require for the conservation of the state of the Land , it belonging to the States of the Provinces , by Declarations and Liquidations to shew forth their paiments issued .

The List for the Garrisons whereof the 25 Article treated , the Council was ready enough ( said they ) to see it kept exactly ; provided onely , that the Provinces transplacing any Companies within their Provinces or places adjacent , or Patents beeing sent them with open names , filling them up and yielding the Companies to bee drawn forth , they give immediate advertisement thereof unto the Council , so as the order of giving of Patents required .

To the 26 , the Council would take care for equalitie of Contribution , but that first the remaining Differences with som ought to bee resolved upon , as was likewise instanced above upon Article 15.

As to the 27 , The Council would continue their wonted care in regard of the Land-forces , on condition , that the Provinces do address such Collonels , Ritmasters and Captains , as they shall chuse in vacant places , unto the Council , to take this Oath upon their Commission , as likewise to sign the Act of refusing no manner of service , or suffering no alterations in case of any delaie of paiment , according to the usual , antient , and hitherto-continued practice in this Council .

The Council found the 28 needful enough , and should gladly entertain all Treaties and alliances made within and without the Land ; provided , that notice thereof was given to them , least they should commit any thing against it unwittingly .

In the 31 there was mention made of ordinarie matters , whereas the Old Instruction speak's of extraordinarie matters , whereof they desired explanation .

Concerning the 33 they said , the Council ever proceeded warily , and upon good knowledg after information , in granting som Remissions to Farmers , as also to the people of the open Countrie where any of our Armie or Leaguers had been ; and that in such extraordinarie Cases , whereof consideration may bee desired on both hands , it were fit to know , whether the intention was that all the Counsellors ought to bee personally present , which seldom happen's ; or , that all all the Counsellors beeing at the place where the Council is kept , should bee present in it ; however making up the greater part .

To the 34 they said , That the publick putting out of Fortification works , was for a long time observed by the Council by waie of affixion of printed Bills , as also the continuations of entertainments abolished heretofore ; but many times it happened , that the publick undertaking of such works could not bee effected by reason of bad paiment , whereof wee have som late Examples , none beeing to bee found that would undertake the work at a double rate , becaus the Provinces paid not at all , or very slowly ; so that for the avoiding of more mischief , the Works remaining imperfect ▪ the Council was somtimes necessitated to caus the same to bee made up by other means , ( when the publick cours failed ) either by daily paie , or upon declarations ; for which caus all could not bee tied thus to the publick putting out of the Works without disservice to the State ; but the Council ( said they ) made indeed trial still of all publick means , and so they would likewise for the future : but if no undertakers could bee found , they must nevertheless still consider the advancement of the Land's Service , and the managing of it with the least charges that may bee . Also since the Assent to the last state of War no Orders for Works were addressed to the Receiver General , but Acts onely are given for desiring of paie from the Provinces according to the foresaid state of War , and Instructions for the Receiver General , and there are no Assignations granted by him upon subordinate Receivers , but upon precedent Orders from the Council .

To Artic. 35. they said that the same , as to the main , against all gifts or presents , tending to Corruption , was very good , and would bee followed by the Council accordingly ; but for to sharpen it to the least things ; as to eating and drinking wares , among friends ; which perhaps a great while after , might get som business to follow at the Council , that would prove too captious . However , of such things no more could bee made known , then one enjoi'd or remembred yet .

To the 28 they said , it would bee very unbeseeming to hang up any such Patent in the Out-room , or Anti-Chamber , much impairing and derogating to the honor and respect of the Council , and the Lords in particular ; and why to hang up such a thing more there before the Council , then before the other Courts or Assemblies of the Generalitie . The best waie were , that the Provinces looked carefully to it , to entrust and send none with Commission to sit in any of these Assemblies , but men of integritie ; the Ordinance of July 1. beeing a sufficient Patent , to give warning to all in that behalf , having been published and affixed every where , which also sufficiently reached to the Attournies and Sollicitors , practising before the Council ; there beeing no ordinarie or set ones there , but every one having libertie to follow and solicite his affairs before the Council , by whom hee conceived it best , and so as might bee least chargeable to Souldiers and poor people , having business there . Insomuch that they knew not whom to swear ; the Council having likewise no Jurisdiction over the Notaries , Attournies and such like , dwelling in this place , as Townsmen , against whom they could not execute the penalties .

They said to the 43d , importing , That there ought alwaies to remain in loco , five persons at the least out of sundrie respective Provinces ; that if this could bee observed thus , it would doubtless bee expedient ; but beeing more narrowly lookt into , if there should bee too strict a tie to this , it might prove many times very disserviceable ; it beeing not feasible that there should alwaies remain Lords of five several Provinces , and the less becaus the Provinces of Utrecht , Over-Yssell and Groninghen , with the Omlands , have but one Lord a piece in the Council ; besides that the Commissioned Lords in the Council are by som Provinces called and summoned to attend their Land-daies , so that they cannot bee continually present here : again , though there might Commissioners , bee present here of five Provinces , if one of them should fall sick , or were otherwise hindred to appear , should not the rest then , beeing for persons the Major Number ( though not just of five Provinces , ) bee able to proceed and act , then it would follow that the Council ▪ chamber ought to bee shut up at som times , to the great disservice of such as com up in necessarie affairs of the Land , which require a present and readie dispatch , and many times can brook no delaie at all , as it is well known doth happen very often ; but the Council beeing so framed , that each Counsellor hath his own Vote , and the conclusion is carried by the pluralitie of voices ; it was more fit , That if but five Lords were present , without regard had , of what Province , the same might deliberate and resolv upon all matters : as also it was the Custom , that no process of any matter of importance could bee determined without at least five Lords present , though smaller ordinarie businesses might bee dispatched by a less number ; the Council trusting , the intention now to bee no other .

Touching Artic. 44. they said , They were well contented with the allowance the Provinces afforded them , and the reglements made or to bee made about the satisfaction for the Freights , Convoys and Charges of their Travels , without drawing any other vacations : nevertheless they hoped , there was no alteration intended in the 300 Gilders for Hous hire , the laie monie about 8● Gilders , the Cony-monie about 64 Gilders , and the ordinarie laies upon the farmings , beeing they were things used and enjoied from all antiquitie .

The 46 Articl . they said , was taken , according to the old Instruction of the year 1588. , when as there were three Secretaries appointed for the Council of State each with an Entertainment of 800 Gilders per an . And three Secretaries there were then , becaus the Council in those times was fain , according to the occurrences of affairs to divide themselvs , som here , som in other Provinces and in the Leageurs ; where the Secretaries had all the Dispatches , with the profits and emoluments thereof : they beeing dead , there were no others put in their rooms , so that since the year 1605. all was lookt to by one Secretarie : and accordingly his entertainment was augmented , and hath been above these 30 years enjoied by the predecessors of this present Secretarie , viz. up to 1400 Gilders : as may bee seen by the State of War in Anno 1628. whence this is extracted .

The present Secretarie ( they said ) had remonstrated to the Great Assemblie his 34 years service , in several qualities , and having been Secretarie for above nine years , did , upon good grounds , then specified , sue for an augmentation of the foresaid Entertainment of 1400 Gilders ; which request of his was by Resolution of July last 21. returned to the Disposition of the Ordinarie Assemblie of their Hi. Mi. Therefore the Council trusted , and d●d recommend to their Hi. Mi. that they would bee pleased , to take it into such consideration , that instead of lessening the Entertainment it may rather bee somwhat amended , and hee not discouraged , but rather cheared and animated in his faithful service .

To the 49. they said , That the Counter-Seal was wont to bee kept by the Lord President in the Council , but in regard of the troublesomness , there beeing oftimes divers Commissioners and other Dispatches to bee Sealed , without the Councils sitting , the Seal was therefore committed to the hands of the Secretarie of the Council , who kept the same in a peculiar Box under lock , within the Council-chamber , and delivered yearly a particular List of all the sealed Dispatches , and the dues received for the same , together with such monies as were emploi'd there for publick businesses , though but of small importance ; This ( they said ) had been in use thus for many years , and that if any alteration was desired therein , the same might bee don ; but it was worth considering , whether this service and troublesomness should bee undertaken gratis .

To the 51. they said , they referr'd the same to Artic. 35. whereby this also might bee considered of .

The 52. they said , was conform to the 6th of the old Instruction , which had it been thus followed , the Council was of opinion , it would have produced so good a fruit from the practice of and advice for any alteration , that they might have taken the oath in behalf thereof , without scruple , and should not have been troublesom now to their Hi. Mi. with this Remonstrance . Trusting nevertheless , that there will bee so good a regard had unto it , as that the Council may swear to the Instruction without scruole , and perform and practise the same with tranquilitie of minde , to the best advantage and service of the Countrie , which ( they said ) was their onely aim in all this .

And thus the taking of the Oath upon the said Instruction , was put off for that time .

As for the Lords , which henceforward were to bee employ'd in the name and behalf of the Generalitie in any Ambassie , Commission or any other Deputation , of what nature soever , whether within or without the Land ; it was decreed alreadie August last 10. that they should bee prohibited and forbidden to receiv any Honoraries , gifts or presents from any at any time , neither themselvs , nor by any other directly or indirectly , in what manner or under what pretext or title soever , of what qualitie and how small soever the same shall bee ; all upon pain of infamie and incapableness of any Charges , Employments , Offices or Benefits whatsoever , for ever ; and that likewise the said Receivers or Accepters of presents , shall ipso facto bee and remain deprived of all such Charges , Employments , Offices and Benefits , as then they may have , enjoie or bee invested with ; and all this without any connivance , mitigation or moderation , besides other arbitrarie punishment to bee inflicted upon them : of which Resolution Copies were sent to all the publick Ministers employ'd at present in behalf of the said Generalitie , in any Ambassie Commission or Deputation as well within as without the Land , for to govern themselvs according to to the Contents of the same , without failing in the least particular .

Next daie the Lord Wimmenum , presiding at the Assemblie , hee offered to their Hi. Mi. consideration , whether according to their former Resolution of Octob. 9. 1638. the Commissions of the Lords Deputies from their Hi. Mi. going for Flanders , to renew the Magistrates there ; as likewise the Lords Commissioners for deciding going to Mastricht , ought not to bee performed hereafter without the charge of the Generalitie , by the ordinarie laies respectively assigned thereunto : but it was onely found good , that the said Deputies should regulate themselvs according to the appointments determined July 18. by the great Assemblie , for the vacations and Journies or Travelling Exspences .

After that , Septemb. 16. it was agreed , that all such persons as should bee put in any charge or office , by their Hi. Mi. the Council of State , the Generalities Chamber of accounts , the respective Courts of the Admiralties , the Councils of Braband and Flanders respectively , as likewise by the Court of the Vryen at Sluys , shall bee demanded , whether they had seen and considered the Act against Corruptions published July 1. of this year 1651. if not , that before the swearing of them , the same shall bee read before them , and they further demanded , whether , for the getting and obtaining of the said office or employment , they have not trespassed against that Act , and bee readie to take the Oath here ensuin g

The form of the particular Oath , whereby , according to their Hi. Mi. Resolution of Novemb. 16. all such persons are to bee sworn , as shall bee put in any place or office , by the Generalitie .

I A. B. declare and swear , That for the obtaining of this office , I have neither directly nor indirectly , presented , promised or given , nor shall promiss or give any gifts or presents , to any persons , either within or without the Government under what pretext or title soever . So truely help mee God Almightie .

Of which Resolution , several Extracts together with som Copies of the foresaid Act against Corruptions were transmitted to the foresaid Council of State , the Generalities Chamber of accounts , the Courts of the Admiralitie , the Councils of Braband and Flanders respectively , as also to the Court of the Vryen at Sluys , to the end the same may bee respectively kept and observed , and seen kept and observed .

On the 20. of Novemb. there was presented before the Lords of the Ordinarie Assemblies of their Hi. Mi. the frame of an Oath , according to which , they should promiss and swear , That they would not take , accept or enjoy , neither themselvs , nor by their wives , children , or others in relation to them , or any other whatsoever , nor by any under hand-dealing , sale , exchange or any other waies , directly or indirectly any Gifts or Presents of any thing , how small soever , even to eating and drinking wares , from any persons , whom they should know to have , or likely to get any business before the Assemblie of their Hi. Mi. for pretending , seeking or having obtained there any Charge , Office , Benefice , Grant , Sentence , Resolution , in any business , or for expedition thereof , under what pretext soēver , whether it were before or after the business shall bee transacted or dispatched , and in case they should have received or enjoied any such gifts , from any one , whom afterwards they understood , to have somthing to do at the foresaid Assemblie , which at the time of their receiving the said gifts or presents , they knew not of , that thereof they should give notice to the said Assemblie , and forbear directly or indirectly to recommend any such business by themselvs or others to either the Assemblie or Members ihereof . But for the present , there were onely taken Copies hereof , by reason of the consideration lately presented by the Council of State upon the 35. Article of their Instruction .

Somthing there is to bee said yet of ●he Princely Hous Mortuaire .

How the Agreement was made between the Princely Guardians or Administrators for the yong Prince of Orange the same hath been deduced above . but there remaining unadjusted yet the point resulting from the Act of the late Prince , given to the Count of Dona , touching the Government of Orange ; as also , whether the Magistracie in the Citie of Breda and elswhere , places assigned for the Princess Royal her Dowrie should bee constituted onely by her , or by them jointly ; their Plea's were were heard for som daies together about it in the latter end of November , before the High and Provincial Council to whom they had amicably compromitted and and referred the said two points .

But the said Princely Guardians met with a more important Difference yet , though not among themselvs , but with the States of Zealand , about the Cities ter Veer and Flushing , called Vassals ; for that they belonged not immediately to the Earldom , but to the Prince of Orange as Marquis , who by reason of these two Cities , and as Premier Noble , ( the chief Nobleman , ) had three Voices or memberships of the seven in Zealand ; and having besides that the placing of the Magistrate in Middleburgh , Ziriksea and Tolen ( Goes onely beeing exemt ) had the full and absolute direction in the said Provinces . Nevertheless the nature and disposition of the Zelanders , as well as of the other Netherlanders , beeing inclined to Freedom , they did for a great while hitherto support the said direction of the Prince ( the rather for that commonly and of necessitie hee must sway it by an under-Director ) with som impatience , for the asswaging whereof the late deceased Prince was fain to alter the Direction , and commit the Direction to other hands . This was no removing of the absolute Direction , but onely of the Director ; therefore the caus remaining still the same , the impatience remained in like manner . To this came also , that those which had the present Direction labored very much still , during the Great Assemblie , against the intentions of Holland ; who for that very purpose sent to the State's-Assemblie in Zealand the Lords Opdam , de Wit , Nyport and Ricce , who made in publick the Proposition of April 25 , above-recited . But under-hand there was discovered , or given to understand , that there was a design on foot to engage the State in difference with England for such Interests as did nothing concern the State : that the Provincial libertie was undermined , and means used to continue the Direction or Government Oligarchical , committing all to the hands but of a very few , and those none of the best .

The Ministers and Commons at Middleburg were alreadie besides that extremely unsatisfied with those , which had the Direction there , and were invested with all the principal offices . It was laid to their charge , that they did many things contrarie to the privileges of the Citie ; which caused at last a total change of the Magistrate at Middleburg ; as oftimes it happen's , when outward ordinarie medicines are destitute of operation , that nature it self begin's to work a change within : The storie and occasion hereof is , that the Cities of Zeland , had , according to the example of Holland , undertaken and resolved , to make henceforth their own Magistrates ; saving still the Rights , Privileges and good Customs of the Cities ; onely supplying the defect of the Stadtholder , and doing themselvs , what hee did otherwise .

The Directors at Middleburg , for to retain the Government there , had so contrived the matter , that the Right or Custom of certain twelv Electors ( who were all to bee strangers or forein-born Citizens ) was much impaired in the Grant for the Citie of Middleburg , and the Election almost totally put into the hands of those , that were in the Government . This caused a great deal of murmuring and impatience among the Commons , complaining , that too many strangers were brought into the Magistracie , whiles other better beloved of the Citizens and better qualified were excluded .

They likewise complained against a certain Bench , or Seat-monie or Contribution , which the Church masters ( all men of the Government ) had put upon the places or seats in the Church ; Item a certain Styver-monie , set upon those , which were found walking forth the Gates on Sundaies , most lighting upon the poorer sort .

The Ministers thereupon , and the foresaid encroachings of the privileges , inveighing against those courses in their Sermons , it happened , that one of the Magistrates went forth the Church much disgusted , and that the Preacher was summoned to appear before the red door ( as they call it ) where it com to that height , that they began to enjoin the Ministers , they should com that daie before their Sermons , and acquaint the Council what Text they had chosen to preach upon , and what manner of Explications or Application they intended to make thereof , threatning them , that the Church , yea and the Citie too , should bee forbidden them , if they continued refractorie . The Ministers answered , if they should bee put out of the Church , they would preach it in the Streets ; and if forth the Citie , they would do it in the fields .

Thus one discontent coming upon the neck of another , there beeing an Assemblie of the States kept at that time , there gathered themselvs June 6. a great number of Citizens near two thousand of them , in the Abbie-Court , desiring Audience . But the States of Zeland remitted them to the Magistrate of their Citie . Hereupon the Citizens desired to speak with the Lord Tibant and Burgomaster Landsbergen . Tibant remained within , but Landsbergen came forth , thinking to quiet the Citizens with his gravitie ; which fell out contrarie ; for hee got into such a throng , that once hee was quite under their feet ; yet , rescued by the Bailie , hee was brought to the Inn , call'd the court of Holland , next the Ballance ; where the Burghers demanding his forth-coming , the Hoast told them , hee was got out at the backside alreadie , they might com in and look him ; whereupon presuming that hee was gon to his own hous , the companie ran thither , and without loosing of time , broke the windows and forced the doors open , and plundred the whole hous , breaking all the cabinets and coffers , and throwing the China wares , out at the windows . This don , they ran to the Lord Tibant his hous , casting abundance of stones at the windows . But there met them about five of the Ministers , who with their presence and perswasive language , quieted the multitude somwhat and saved the hous from plundering ; and for to determine all fundamentally , there was forthwith put out and published this ensuing Declaration .

THe Burgomasters , Senators and Council of the Citie of Middleburg in Zeland do declare hereby to recal the Constitution of reforming the Laws of this Citie , decreed at the Assemblie of the Lords the States of Zeland , May 1. 1651. in as much as concern's the function or office of the Electors ; promising to maintain the same at all times , in their Rights and Privileges ; as also their N. do hereby assure the good Citizens and Commons , that they are unalterably resolved , now and alwaies in all respects to maintain and protect , as well the persons as the Office and Function of the Brethren the Ministers , in their honor , lustre and estimation .

Don at the Council June 6. 1651 ▪ Me presente , P. van der Perre .

The Office of the Electors , ( twelv in number , during life , all strangers , or forrein born , for the improvement and encouragement of Trade , as also to hinder and prevent Oligarchie ; ) consisted therein , that they named or chose twelv men out of all the Citizens , and out of those there were taken six . This cours was much altered by the new Constitution , the power of the Electors beeing reduced to narrow limits , and in a manner extinguished , that they must no longer chuse out of the whole number of Citizens , but bee tied up , in a certain waie , to the Council , which beeing an Innovation , and depriving the said Electors of a great part of their Power , and the same power beeing impropriated by som few invested with the Government ; those said Electors , beeing most of them zealous professors of the Reformed Religion and Church-Members ; advised with the Ministers , whether with a safe Conscience they might wink at this proceeding , in regard of the Oath they had taken for preserving of the Privileges of the Citie . The Ministers declared , they could not ; and both before and after openly preached against it as an Infraction . And thereupon ensued the tumult aforesaid . The above-said Act of June 6 , beeing published , and there beeing som new Orders requisit , together with a supplie of other Persons in the place of those , that were retired ; the Companies of the Citie , representing the Commons , presented to the Magistrate several points of Grievances , in manner as followeth .

Right Wo. Wise , Discreet and very prudent Lords !

ALl the Companies within this Citie of Middleburgh , whereof many Members have set their hands underneath here , do shew , with all due Reverence , that ▪ ( God amend it ) their Petitioners , Companies and Privileges , in stead of having their Ordinances confirmed and strengthened , they see the same daily impaired and diminished ; it beeing com so far alreadie , through the alterations of our Citie-Privileges and other encroachings , that , as your N. know , it hath caused a beginning of a sad Commotion ; and therefore it is that the said Petitioners , humblie praie and beseech your N. to grant unto them , and caus to bee observed the ensuing Articles .

First , that none of the Lansbergeus may bee admitted any more to any function or government , Ecclesiastical or Civil .

Item , that all the Books and papers writen by the respective Landsbergeus against all the Ministers , shall bee declared from this daie infamous books and libells .

Item , that no Scouts or Sheriffs shall bee able to serv within this Citie , except they bee of the Reformed Religion before-hand .

Item , that the Excise for the building of the new Church shall bee taken off , they the Petitioners beeing ready to paie down a free-will gift to that purpose , desiring all possible expedition may bee made with the building thereof .

Item , that the Masters of the Orphan's-chamber shall take no higher salarie from Widows and Orphans , or any other persons , then Mr Adrian Conney enjoi'd in his time .

Item , that the present Secretarie of the Orphan's ▪ chamber shall forthwith bee put out of his Office , and never admitted any more to any Ecclesiastical or Civil functions .

Item , that M ● Joban van Scroos-kercken shall likewise forthwith bee put out of his Offices and Secretaries places .

Item , that Mr Paulus Scrooskercken shall bee emploi'd no more as Receiver in any Church , Hospital or other God'shouses , nor exercise any publick function Ecclesiastical or Civil .

Item , that henceforward there shall no yearly paiments more bee made for any pews , seats or benches in the Church ; and that the said places shall bee left open for any one .

Item , that all such as are in the Citie 's service shall hereafter bee dispenced of petitioning yearly for continuation in their Services , and continue in their Offices during life , unless som notable faults should bee committed by them .

Item , that all the Companies bee mainteined according to the petitioners privileges , and none thereof bee impaired but rather enlarged , and especially that the Super-Deacons may not bee able to do ought without the assent of the other Deacons and Members .

Item , that no persons whatever they bee , may bee allowed to make yearly Composition for the Watches , but that every one shall watch his turn and time in person .

Item , that no Citizens shall bee molested or surcharged , but rather defended and protected in their Citie - Freedoms , and no more bee fetched forth out of their own houses , according to the custom of the Citie .

To this end the Petitioners desire , That the Privileges and Customs apperteining to or concerning this famous Citie may , with the soonest , bee printed in Nether-Dutch , that every Citizen may at his pleasure peruse the same , and know how to keep his Right .

As likewise the Deacons and Members of the respective Companies are desiring , that they may assemble yearly every seventh of June , for to see whether their Companies and privileges bee not impaired .

The Citie of Middleburgh or the Commons thereof beeing thus disposed and animated against those , which for a good while hitherto had the Government there in their own hands , those men were fain to retire themselvs the one here , the other there . Landsbergen and Scroos-kerck were gon to the Haghe ; Tibant to Sluys , from whence within a while after by petition to the Court of Holland &c. hee gave to understand That hee Counsellor and heretofore Burgomaster of the Citie of Midleburg in Zealand , and afterward one of the Commissioned Counsellors of Zealand , and the Admiraltie there , had , for a considerable time there , exercised the same function of his to the best advantage of the said Citie of Middleburg , and therein caused the common good thereof alwaies to out-weigh his particular profit and considerations , as whereunto hee had ever acknowledg'd himself obliged ; nevertheless it happened , That June the 6t last past , hee beeing at Middleburg aforesaid in the Assemblie of the States of Zealand having made his appearance there together with other , as a member thereof , a notable tumult arose there before the chamber of the said Assemblie , by a companie of common people flock't together that day with great impetuositie ; That hee ●elle-quellement ( partly ) understanding the ground of the same tumult and flocking together , and therefore finding it not safe to retire home to his own hous , through this rude multitude , as fearing hee might bee personally affronted and uncivilly entertained by the said people in som kinde or other , to avoid their rage hee withdrew himself out of the chamber of the said Assemblie , by a secret passage ; which beeing com to the ears of the foresaid tumultuous Companie , they presently betook themselvs toward the Petitioner's hous and having beaten out all the glass windows with stones , they would doubtless have proceeded to the plundering and ruining of it , had the sparing of their design not been even beg'd by the intercessions of som of the Magistrates and Ministers there , who were fain the rest of that day and all night after to keep watch before the said hous ; within a few days after , a certain request was presented to him by som of the Ministers , in the name of som persons , pretending to bee the Companies of the Citie , beeing in effect desired thereby , and what els was declared by word of mouth by the foresaid Ministers , that hee would laie down his abovesaid Office and place of Counsellorship of the Citie of Middleburgh , if hee chose not rather to sell both his own and som of his friends houses , utterly plunder'd and ruinated the first night ensuing , insomuch that then , to avoid more mischief , hee was constrained , to condescend to the said desire with this proviso nevertheless , that it should bee promised him in the foresaid pretended Companies behalf , that so doing all should bee and remain at rest , and himself unmolested any further , and maintained in his other places and Charges , as also at that time , the foresaid Ministers declared , they had no other intention . And although hee was readie to go on in the exercise of his other functions , and so continued still , and therefore ought not to have been disturbed therein in any kinde , nevertheless it was judged at the same time by the foresaid Ministers , for the further and better quieting ( as was pretended ) of the tumultous multitude , it would bee best hee should retire himself for a while out of the Citie , which hee was very loth to yield unto , in regard of the foresaid declaration made , but yet was perswaded at last , the rather for that this same retirement of his out of the Citie was afterwards found good likewise ( as they pretended ) by the ruling Burgo-masters for the time beeing , who likewise in token thereof , together with the Baylie , conducted him forth the Citie themselvs , and brought him to a certain boat in the haven there , bespoken by him . Within 7 or 8 dayes after hee beeing returned again into the Citie , for the discharging of his other Offices in manner requisite , som of his friends to whom hee had communicated his design , disswaded him from it , as well assured hee could not scape beeing affronted going to and fro the streets . Having made the ruling-Burgo-masters acquainted therewith , and desired to know of them , whether they did not finde their Cities constitution such that they could defend him against the feared street-injuries , they declared in plain terms , it was not in their power , whereupon hee desiring the said Burgo-masters , they would bee pleased then to consent to his retiring himself to the Spa , for his own and wifes health sake ; the said Burgo-masters gave their consent unto it , and accordingly hee went to the Spa , and beeing afterward returned thence to Sluys in Flanders for the dispatching of som particular affairs of his own there , hee thence by letters signified to the Magistrate of Middleburgh , that hee was still disposed and readie , to com and duly to execute his foresaid offices for the service of the said Citie , waiting but for their ( the said Magistrates ) least intimation and promiss of beeing protected against all the suspected and feared insolencies or affrontings in the streets . But there beeing hitherto no answer at al returned to him upon his said letter , and hee therefore not without reason suspecting , that the constitution of the said Citie was not yet so setled , that the Magistrates were able duly to protect him ; and that besides hee was from good hands in that Citie sufficiently informed of the certaintie thereof : That all such tumultarie commotions of the commons were of dangerous consequence , which , according as now was don in som of the prime places of Holland , ought to bee exemplarily suppressed ; and that therefore , hee was constrained now for to bee duly and sufficiently freed from all the suspected street-violence , and other insolencies , together with his wife , children , familie , servants , moveable and unmoveable goods , and unmolestedly to attend in due manner upon the discharge of his offices , to applie himself unto this Court , desiring their provision herein .

Whereupon order was given to the first sworn Messenger , to go to the place where it shall bee requisite , and there in the name and behalf of the Supreme Magistrate , calling to his assistance ( if need bee ) the officer of the Pleek to put and take the foresaid Lord Thibant , his wife , Children , men and maid-servants and whole Familie into the protection and safegard of the supreme Magistrate ; Commanding moreover all the Commons ' Companies and all other , in name and behalf as above , upon pain of Death and Confiscation , that they neither do , nor caus to bee don to the foresaid Thibaut , his wife , children , men and maid-servants , and the rest of his familie , any manner of injurie , in bodie or any of their goods , great or small , by words or deeds in any kinde ; beeing that in the name and behalf of the Supreme Magistrate they had put and taken , and did put and take hereby , all the foresaid persons and goods into the protection and safegard of the Supreme Magistrate aforesaid . And to the end that none may bee able to plead or pretend ignorance hereof , and every one beware of trespassing in this kinde , they charged him to make publick Proclamation hereof in the usual places of promulgations , and where it shall bee requisite . Advertising therewithal , all Justices , Officers , Ministers and subjects of the foresaid Supreme Magistrate , that hee executing this , seriously to assist and obey him therein , as they stood in aw of the Supreme Magistrate's indignation , and would avoid their peril .

The foresaid Exploiter or Door-keeper arriving at Middleburgh , hee made his address to the Magistrate ; who demanding his Warrant , and having taken it into deliberation , they found not good that the same should bee proclaimed , least the Commons might thereby bee the more irritated , both against the matter it self , and to the endangering of the Messenger himself ; who thereupon returned back again without performing the Exploit . And the Magistrate finding som passages in the said Protection to bee contrarie to the Truth , they sent Senator Morthamer and Secretarie Beaumont to the Court Provincial , whom they informed otherwise , and in such sort , that the Protection was call'd in again ; and promiss made , that the Magistates of Middleburg themselvs , if need required , should protect the said Lord Thibaut , and caus him to bee protected sufficiently against all injuries . One night the Lord Thibaut his brother in Law Peckius went about to set up the foresaid Protection in som of the chief passages at Middleburg , and to publish the same ; but by command of Burgom●ster Vette , accidentally passing that waie , one of them was torn from the wall , and immediately the Round doubled for to finde out who set it up ; by and by som bodie beeing discovered busie som where with putting up the like , hee for fear of beeing apprehended , flung away his Hat , Coat and Sword and shewed them a good pair of heels . The things found beeing brought before the Senate , it was soon known they belong'd to Pe●kius ▪ who beeing sent for and questioned about it , after som tergiversation hee confest the deed ; and was thereupon commanded to depart the Citie , without ever returning into the same .

This alteration having happened at Middleburgh , and consequently in all Zeland : the four Cities thereupon , by virtue of an antient Resolution , and taken before the alteration , took in hand the business of the Vassal ▪ Cities , Whether , and how the same henceforward might or ought to have Voice among the States ; Whereupon presupposing that the Prince of Orange had constituted the Civil Magistrate there , not as Marquis of ter Veer and Flushing , but as Stadtholder of the Province ; they determined , that the constitution thereof was now of it self necessarily revolved to the States ( through the Stadtholders Deceas ) and that they had power now to pass the Grant thereof unto the said Cities , if they desired it , or els to do it themselvs ; or in case the said Cities should continue to suffer the constitution of their Magistrates to bee made by the Prince or his Administrators , then to refuse them Voice and Session among the States .

The Advice which the Commissioned Council thereupon presented in writing , was this here ensuing .

Copie of the written Advice of the Commissioned Council of the Lords the States of Zeland , bearing date Septemb. 1. 1651 , touching the Distinction of the Right belonging on the one side unto the Countie or Earldom ; and on the other side to the Marquis or Lord of Flushing and Veer , in regard of the Magistracie and Civil Government of the same .

FOr the pertinent handling whereof there must bee taken into consideration three different cases concerning the said Cities .

First , in what state and condition these places were before they came under the particular Lords , Vassals of the Earldom .

Secondly , what their constitution was under the said particular Lords .

And Thirdly , how the foresaid Cities ought to bee considered ▪ after that in the beginning of the War they were admitted Members of the Sovereign Government of this Province .

As to the first , this must bee held for assured & unquestionable , that although an Earl of the Land in those times could justly claim , not onely the Power of Sovereigntie and Resort , but likewise all manner of Jurisdiction and Roialties in the same ; nevertheless there remained and belonged also to the places themselvs ex jure publico Universitatis , som proper and peculiar autoritie in matter of Government , distinct and separated from the Earl's Command , in the behalf and among their own Common Inhabitants .

As likewise it is notorious , that there can no Universitie ( or Bodie Politick ) bee otherwise rightly constituted sine aliquo Exercitio Juris publici .

Therefore it appear's also , that the same places , before ever they came under any particular Lords , had several Elections and Privileges granted and confirmed them by the successive Earls and Countesses , for the use of them and their Inhabitants , and the administration of their own Government ; as is manifest among other proofs by the old Citie-rights and Charter , given by William of Hanolt , as Earl of Zeland , to them of Flushing in the year 1315 , and afterwards renewed and amplified by the Ladie Marie of Burgundie , in the year 1477.

Which thus premised , it is further known and notorious , that the foresaid Government having originally appertained to the said Cities ex Jure Publico , the same was not taken from them , but contrarily left entire , when afterwards by the Earls and Countesses of Zeland they were sold and transported to other Lords .

It beeing plain for the proof thereof , First , That the said Earls or Countesses in making those Cessions have , according to the Tenor of their Instruments , expressly reteined no more to themselvs then the right of Sovereigntie , Resort and Homage .

And Secondly , that the foresaid particular Lords , by the Contract of their foresaid Sale and Transport , they have notoriously past away no more right or autoritie over them then the Instruments of Investiture , and the specification of the Fiefs do contein and hold forth .

Which for all the Concession of as well higher , as middle and lower Jurisdiction , and divers other both honorable and profitable rights and prerogatives made over to the said Lords , do therefore withall in terminis give up unto them all manner of functions and requisites necessarie for the Direction and Government of a Civil Societie ; it followeth evidently , that whatsoever ( serving to that end , and not belonging to the immediate exercise of Sovereigntie ) is not expressly and by name set down in the foresaid Letters , the same ought to bee left and reserved to the Cities aforesaid .

As indeed the same distinct Right thereof , over the said places belonging on the one side to the Lord in respect of his Enfeofment , on the other side to the Citie-Magistrates Ratione Juris publici , may yet further bee asserted .

First , from certain immunities and privileges particularly granted unto the foresaid Cities and their common resort , for their particular accommodation , by the the Earls and Countesses of Zeland , som even after the time , that the said Cities were under particular Lords ; which are things without dispute , and to bee seen in the Records of the said Cities .

Secondly , from divers Contracts , Transactions and Agreements solemnly made , as well of old as later times , betwixt the Lords on the one , and the Governors and Commonalties of the said Cities on the other side .

And particularly from the Contract made in the year 1530 , between Adolph of Burgundie as Lord of Flushing , and the Burgamasters and Governors of that Citie touching the mainteining of the Citie-works to the Sea-ward , and the collecting of several Incoms and means arising there , a certain distinction beeing made therein between partie and partie , both for charge and benefit thence accrewing ; where is likewise mention made , not onely of nulling or repealing a former Contract , but also ( which is worth noting ) in the Citie 's behalf that this was don , after due and Legal communication had with the Principal ones and Commons of the said Citie ; the whole Contract also beeing confirmed on the one side with the Seal of the Lord , and on the other with the Seal used for the Citie-affairs .

As likewise Prince William of Honble Memorie , in the year 1582 , granted unto those of Flushing aforesaid for their support and relief , and towards the mainteining of their Sea works , the Herring-toll there and Heir's-right , together with the handtoll ; under certain conditions set down at large in the said Concessions .

The like Agreements and Contracts , both touching the fortifications and other matters , were made at several times between the Marquises and the Citie Veer respectively .

All which could not stand in Law if the Governors and Inhabitants of the said Cities were wholly , and without any exception , depending on their Lords , and could not in any wise bee considered without them ; as also in such a case , beeing all one with their Lords , it is plain of it self , that they would not bee able to make any Contract with them , Siquidem nemo secum contrahit .

It appear's Thirdly also very evidently by the Agreements and Transactions entered into and past by the said Cities , without their Lords , apart and in particular with the States of this Province .

For proof whereof doth serv especially among others , that which past between the said Lords the States of Zeland , and the Citie of Flushing , in the year 1585 , touching the Indemnitie desired by them upon the ensurance made to her Roial Majestie of England .

By which Letters or grant of Indemnitie obteined then , there are engaged to them and put into their hands , all the Domains , Means and Revenues of the Earl and Earldom of Zeland , within that Citie and resort thereof ; with autorization , that of their own power they may seiz upon the same for the Indemnitie of the Citie , their Citizens and Inhabitants , against all damages and prejudices , which by reason of the said transport or surrender the said Citie might chance to suffer in their Domains , Incoms and otherwise , or any of their Citizens and Inhabitants in their concernments .

Beeing that the foresaid Letters and Acts of Indemnitie ( note well ) were granted to the Governors of Flushing for themselvs and their Inhabitants in particular , and upon their particular Request , without any use made in that behalf of the name and intervention of his Excellencie Maurice , beeing at that time the Lord of the place .

And that which is more yet , those of Flushing among other points and articles delivered in by them to the end aforesaid , one was , besides the satisfaction desired in particular for themselvs , that content might bee given likewise to Count Maurice for his Interest ; making thus express distinction between the interest of the one , and that of the other .

As also it is notorious , and appear's by the Registers , that after the foresaid Act of Indemnitie for the Governors and Inhabitants of Flushing , expedited Septemb. 23 , 1585 , the Letters of Indemnitie for his Excellencie aforesaid , ( in case , that through the foresaid Garrison of the Queen of England , his Jurisdiction , Domains , Houses and Rights should com to suffer any damage or inconvenience , ) for all the instance of those of Flushing aforesaid , and the earnest sollicitation of the Lord Bruninex , Counsellor to his Ezcellencie were not granted till December thirteenth ensuing .

It beeing true withal , that the Magistrate and Citizens of Flushing , for the caus abovesaid , having been engaged by a particular Oath of Fidelitie to her Majestie aforesaid , they were afterward June 14 , 1616 , particularly likewise released thereof .

And therefore was it very pertinently said in the 9 Article of the Grant or Charter given to those of Flushing by his Excellencie Prince William of happie memorie , in the year 1574. That according to their antient Privileges they are sufficiently qualified and antorized to treat , transact and dispose of all matters and affairs belonging to the foresaid Citie .

Fourthly , the grounds of the former assertion are conspicuous also , from the Contracts and Transactions made as well by the Lords as the Governors of the the said Cities , intervening , and for their distinct interest with other forrein Princes and Potentates .

An example whereof wee have in the Agreement made in the year 1612 between the Commissioners of the States of Scotland , by autorization of the King , on the one part , and the Commissioners both of the Marquiss and of the Citie of Veer on the other , concerning the foundation of a Staple for the Scotish Wares within the said Citie , in most of the Articles principally engaging the Magistrate there ; and in the solemn Signature thereof , the Deputies of the Marquiss standing separated from the Commissioners of the Citie .

All which had been to no purpose , and could not have been don without incongruitie , if the Magistrate of the foresaid two Cities had no power and autoritie in civil matters without their Lord , but absolutely in all things depended on him .

Fifthly , the same is put out of all Controversie , in regard of the particular Domains , Revenues , Royalties , Lordships and Offices which the said Cities of old have had and still own the proprietie of , and whereof they ever had the sole and full disposing without any intervention or opposition of the Lord .

By reason whereof also it is expressly said in the 5 Article of the Charter aforesaid , granted to those of Flushing by Prince William , That they shall have power yearly to Commissionate the Rent ▪ master or Treasurer for Receiver of the Revenues particularly belonging or appropriated to the said Citie .

And for further proof may bee added , that the foresaid Rent-master is bound yearly to bring in a due Account of his Receit and Administration , together with his Evidences and Remains , before and in the presence of the Burgomasters and Senators , without making any mention of the Lord or his Commissioners , passing by the very Counsellors , beeing that they are particularly put in by the Lord , for the administration of Justice : as also to this very daie there is not the least notice taken of those things in the Lord's behalf .

Upon which ground also Artic. 7 , ensuing , the King 's Domains are pertinently distinguished from the Citie-Revenues .

And Artic. 8 , it is again declared , that the Burgomasters , according to their antient privileges , should have the Disposing of the Citie - Revenues , to emploie them to the use there rehearsed , without any mention made of the Lord .

It beeing likewise known , that in conformitie hereof , the Districts and and Lordships of Soutelanden and Coudekerck do particularly appertain at present to the Citie of Flushing , the Lord not pretending the least Right or Direction therein .

As also in times past the Lordship of the Oost ▪ Capelle belong'd to those of Veer , which afterwards they alienated to their own benefit , without needing or seeking for the consent of the Marquiss .

And further it is as well known , that both the foresaid Cities , for the maintenance of their said Revenues , Domains and other Rights , sustein and prosecute all processes of Law actively and passively , in their own name , and at their own charges ; as likewise the Sentences pronounced in that behalf are directed to and executed accordingly , onely in relation to the said Cities .

Sixthly , the same is also strongly manifested thereby , that the Cities aforesaid were privileged and autorized of old ( as is expressly agreed by Artic. 9 , of the foresaid Charter of Prince 〈◊〉 of their own power to make themselvs such Ordinances , Statutes and Inhibitions , for both Civil Justice and Go●ernment , as they shall finde good and useful for themselvs and their Inhabitants .

The same right and power beeing grounded partly upon the Jus directum Universitatis , alleged above , and partly upon the free concession of Count William or other their Lords , for the better direction of the Civil Societie of the said Cities .

In which regard it is likewise remarkable what is further said in the tenth Article of the foresaid Charter , That viz. in Case of Discrepancies in opinion about that point , and differences arising thereupon about Conclusions , the same should bee reserved to bee determined by the Discretion and sentence , not of the Lord or Marquiss , but of his Excellencie as Stadtholder of the Province , assisted with the Senate , in the name of the Earldom ; an evident testimonie , that the said Cities in the point aforesaid , are all subject to their Lord's feodataries .

In the seventh place , the Assertion aforesaid is also confirmed thereby , that the Collation or Conferring of most of the Offices , regarding the Administration of the Civil Government there , doth appertein , not to the Lord , but unto the Cities themselvs , by reason whereof also it is notably declared Artic. 7 , of the Charter above-mentioned , That the Burgomasters , Senators and Counsellers of Flushing have the Autoritie for to create all Officers requisite for the service and maintenance of the Government there , where the Officers , requisite for the maintenance of the Lord's Autoritie , are all of them plainly and expressly distinguished from the former .

Insomuch , that as among other things , the Lord is qualified and wont , in the foresaid Cities , to appoint in his own behalf for the direction and assistance of justice , the Bailifs and Secretaries , and for the administration ofhis Domaines , and survey of the works standing on his charge , certain Rent-masters and Clarks ; so on the other side the Cities were privileged of old , not onely to appoint , peculiar Treasurers and Receivers , over their proper goods and revenues , but likewise partly , in matters of Government , such as are called Assessores Universitatis , Surveyors of the fortifications , , Water-Clarks , Porters and other Ministers ; partly for assisting and dispatching of justice , the Orphant-Masters , the S●out or Sheriff and elected Senators of the lands quadri-partition , the Commissioners and Secretaries of the land-right , together with the Clerks and messengers ; and som likewise to oversee the poor and hospital , and other attendants , belonging thereunto .

So also do the said Cities use of their own autoritie and without the privitie or knowledg of the Lord , not onely to send their Deputies to the Assemblie of the Provincial Government ; but also to Commissionate som persons both for the Commissioned Council and Court of the Admiraltie , as likewise for the Chamber of Accounts , and the States of Wolcheren , besides the Elections which are made by them too , out of the Nomination of the triple number , for Adventures in the East and West-Indie Companies .

And all this originally from that power , which directly belong's unto them in matter of Policie and Government , and out of respect of the particular and singular interest which the foresaid Cities have in the Conservation and prosperitie of the Province .

Eightly , The same may further bee deduced , out of the manifold Privileges and Immunities granted unto them , not onely by the Earls and Countesses of Zeland ( as was told alreadie above ) but also by forrein Kings and Princes , as well , if not more in favor and respect of the Governors and common Inhabitants of the said Cities , then for their subaltern or subordinate Lord's sake .

Whereunto among others especially relate's a certain Privilege given them by King Edward of England , in the year 1475. to Henry van Borssele , as Lord of Veer , together with the Burgomasters and Governors ( distinguished from the Lord ) as also the general Inhabitants and Commons of the said Citie , which then were , or should bee hereafter .

Which kinde of Privileges , especially there beeing many of them , are of that validitie and weight , in regard of the foresaid Cities , and must so bee understood in Law , that although the Lords thereof , should either committ any felonie or delinquencie against the Earl , as the direct Lord , or have given to the said forrein Potentates ▪ any just caus of offence , and merited thereby to bee deprived of the Disposition and Contents of the foresaid Privileges , so far forth as concerneth them ; nevertheless the same could not bee interpreted to the prejudice of the foresaid Cities and Inhabitants , beeing guiltless of any such transgression or neglect ; nor they deprived of their Interest in the said rights and privileges , but for their own Delinquencie .

Ninthly , and most principally , the same is ungainsaiably plain , by the oft foresaid grand Charter , given to those of Flushing and Veer respectively by Prince William of happy memory , in the year 1574.

The same , first , being not granted , by or in the behalf of the Lord ( who then was the King of Spain ) but by his Excellencie in the Name of the said King , as Earl of Zealand , and the Earldom it self .

And secondly , given not to the Lord , nor in respect of him , but onely upon request for the common good of the foresaid Citties in regard of their particular members .

And especially in the third place , That it might serv them for a permanent law and constitution , whereby the government of the said City , should thenceforward be regulated , and as neer as was feasible equalized as well in respect of divers freedoms and prerogatives , as in regard of of the form of Government with the old free and privileged Cities of the Earldom .

The truth of which threefold qualification , lying so evidently plain throughout the whole text and disposition of the oft-said Charter , that none of any sound Judgment can at first view , remain ignorant thereof , much less contradict the same .

The rather for that his Excellencie , as well in the Proêm and beginning as the upshot of all , very plainly avoweth , that hee doth it in the Name and behalf of his Majestie , v z as Earl of the Land , and in that Qualitie beeing his Stadtholder within this Province .

Without making any mention of the Right and qualitie which the foresaid King was then invested with in regard of these places , beeing their particular Fief-Lord .

As likewise that Qualitie could then not well have been made use of , not onely by his foresaid Excellencie without special Order and Commission from the King , as Lord , wherewith it is known hee was not instructed then ; but also much less by the said King himself , in regard that in the foresaid qualitie and simply considered as Vassals of the Earldom , hee was well known to want the Qualification of any such Privileges , which apperteined onely to the Prince or States of the Land , or to such as by them are lawfully and solemnly commissioned and autorized thereunto .

The like power and autoritie was never committed to the Lords of Flushing and Veer , in their Letters of investiture , which readily appear's in the perusing of them .

Therefore wee see likewise , that in divers other Privileges and Elections , wherewith it pleased Prince William of happie memorie in those times to gratifie divers other Cities also , both in this and som neighboring Provinces , his Excellencie every where made use of the Name and Title of Stadtholder , and as exercising the function of the Supreme Autoritie .

Whereunto is very appliable , that his said Excellencie in the Proëme of the foresaid Charter saith withall , to have don this with the Advice of the Council assisting him , as also with the consent of the Rulers and Governors of the Cities , which at that time chiefly represented the Sovereign Government of this Province , and that in the Name onely of the Earldom .

And so likewise the Concl●sion at last , whereby all high and low Judges and Officers are charged effectually to maintein the foresaid Magistrates and Inhabitauts , according to the content and purports of the said Graces ; and withall that there is added at the close [ for such is Our pleasure ] which could bee used by none but the Sovereigns and States of the Land , and can in no wise bee attributed to the power of any Vassal of the Earldom bee hee never so great and eminent :

Besides that the advantages and prerogatives themselvs also conteined in the said Privileges , in the judgment of all understanding States-men , are most of them of such a nature , that they cannot directly flow from any other source but from the Earldom ; beeing so inseparably fastned to the disposition of the Sovereign Government that they shall never bee found to have been communicated by any Letters of Investiture to any Vassal from the Earldom .

As there are among other things Promises of immediateness , protection , confirmation of the antient Privileges , Concession of Execution under caution of all sentences , both interlocutorie and definitive , beeing repairable , and not exceeding a certain Summe ; the right of appealing omissio medio to the great Council , the right of Calauge and Execution in matters of Justice , as well Criminal as Civil , to bee don by the Burgomasters in the absence of the Officers ; the erection of the Countrie 's Quadripartition , under the managing of the Scout or Sheriff and Senators , to bee appointed by the foresaid Cities , Dismembring of the high Jurisdiction , having apperteined of old to the cognizance of the Renomasters at Westerschelt , freedom from Tolls , and execution of Confiscations , besides the Right of returning som of their Porteers , which may bee elswhere criminally impeached and sundrie other prerogatives and examinations , recited there at large .

And principally indeed , that both the said Cities are thereby made and created integrating members of the Sovereign Government of this Province , representing together with the other , the States of the Land ▪ both of Zealand in general and of Walcheren in particular , in that efficacie , that they must be called to all Assemblies , Communications , Account-audites , and all other transactings and affairs concerning the said States respectively , and beeing present there , have their Votes and Voices like the rest , and as other States are wont to have .

Which singular and great Priveleges , without all controversie , not onely can bee communicated to the foresaid Cities from none other , but the special free concession of the Earldoms autoritie , the qualification and power of the Lord , coming not into any consideration in these matters ; but likewise are granted to the said Cities in particular and peculiarly , without any respect , communication and interest of their Lords .

As the same doth evidently appear , as well by the Text of the foresaid Charter throughout , and the known practice ensued , as from the presuppositions and intentions , whereupon the foresaid concession by Prince William of happie memorie , is said , to bee made originally .

Considered that if thereby it might bee understood , the same was granted them for the supplying in the States-Assemblie the vacant places of the Abbot and Prelate at Middleburg ( which nevertheless is constantly mainteined by the other Members of the Earldom , that it could not bee ) or , that the same was don in respect of their Contributions and the main interest , which they together with other Cities of Zealand , have in the conservation of their common weal ; yet neither of these considerations can bee made relative or applied to the intention of the Lords of these places , so as to infer thence , that in the granting af the foresaid Graces or Privileges , there was som regard or reflection had to their Persons or condition ,

For besides that , in general , it cannot bee presumed the foresaid Prince , beeing at that time so highly offended and persecuted by the King of Spain , hee should have been disposed then to gratifie Him , beeing the Lord of the places aforesaid , with any particular advantages ; it cannot bee conceived in any case , how the said King otherwise the First and representing the rest of the Nobilitie in the Assemblie of Zealand , should besides that bee able to take Session there in the place of the Prela● , and having voted once in the Nobilities behalf among the States should afterward have power to vote again , by means of those Cities , in behalf of the Prelat , which indeed without palpable contradiction and absurditie , and the introducing of manifest confusion in matters of Government , can bee mainteined by none .

Therefore , and clearly do shew , that the said prerogatives were granted without any regard had to the Lord , and onely in the behalf and to the advantage of the foresaid Cities , and their common inhabitants , by reason of their particular and common interest , it is said in express terms , both in the Preface and conclusion of the same , that they are granted upon the humble petition of the Burgo-masters and Governors , and in the none and behalf of the said Cities and their Governors to com , together with the common Porteers and inhabitants thereof .

And to what end ? namely , for the furthering of good Government , welfare and prosperitie among them , and that they may bee relieved from under the great and heavie burthens which were fallen upon them , partly by reason of the necessarie Sea-Works , and great arrears of Rents , and partly becaus of the warrs against Duke d' Alva and his adherents , together with regard had to their good endeavors and faithful services performed by them in that War .

All which can have and yield no other reflection , but to the commonalitie of the said Cities , considered apart , without admitting of any further extention ; and so , that the same Cities , ( as likewise was touched above ) cannot lawfully bee deprived of the same , through any felonie , neglect , or delinquencie of their subaltern Lords .

Which ought to bee of so much the more validitie , when reflection is made upon the direction intention and aim , Prince William of happie memorie had in granting of the said Charters to the Cities aforesaid , namely , to compose and frame the Government and civil admin stration thereof , as neer as might bee , equal to the other Cities of the Earldom , as among other appear's ungainsayably by the ensuing Arguments .

And First by this , that there having been of old a Court in the foresaid Cities , serving originally to the direction and administration of justice , and the same in are likewise before the warr , by contract made between the Lords and the said Cities , for sake of their Government ; now by virtue of the express text of the foresaid privileges , there is set up and instituted there respectively a formal Court of Common-Council or Citie-Council .

It beeing well known that ( as on the one side the Court of justice was formerly set up and emploied by order of the particular Lords , according to their letters of investiture , so on the other side ) the foresaid Erection of the Citie-Council there could not bee effected otherwise , then with express consent , and by the immediate Autoritie of the Earldom .

That same power beeing one of the most eminent and principal Roialties , which belong's to the Princes or States of the land here .

As therefore wee see likewise , that both in these Neighboring-Provinces , not onely the Citie Councils themselvs , could not bee erected without the special Grant from the Earldom ; but likewise not the Least amendment , alteration or ampliation thereof could bee made without the like Grant , and with Unanimous Consent of all the Members , after the contents of them were first very ripely and seriously examined .

And that which is more , the remonstrances to this end , made by divers Cities , are used to bee presented onely by the Burgo-Masters and Common-Council apart , with preterition of the Counsellors , Who in many places in this countrie , have nothing to do with the Government , but are onely employed about the exercise and administration of justice .

As in very truth also , there hath ever , time out of minde , been a special difference in the Cities of this Province betwixt these two sorts of employments ; and the Common-Councils were originally introduced there ( distinguished from justice ) onely for the keeping of the rights and Privileges of the Cities whereunto likewise they are particularly sworn ; and , as by the Lords the States it was very well said , in the year 1587 ▪ to whom appertain's the power , not onely to resolv but also to dispose of all things , concerning the state of the Countrie and the Cities .

Which is the reason likewise , Why the Burgo master ▪ of these Cities are wont and bound , in all businesses of importance , to understand the good opinion of the foresaid Common Councils , as whereby the Cities and Commonalties , for matter of civil Government are properly represented .

And for the same reasons also is the Election of the said Common-Council , in most Cities both of this and Neighboring-Provinces , left by Priveleges from the Earls or the State thereof , unto the immediate disposition of the Cities themselvs , even to the least inclusively .

Insomuch that it cannot bee shewed by any letters of Investiture , or other Feodarie Acts , that ever there was any thing of that nature transported or communicated to any vassals of the Earldom , much less pretended to , or practised by them in any of their Lordships .

Secondly ; the foresaid position , viz. That it was the intention of Prince William of happie memorie , by any means to equalize the two foresaid Lordships with the Cities of the Earldom , is evidenced by this , that although formerly the Courts of judicature and justice used to bee chosen simply without any Nomination ex arbitrio Dominorum at the pleasure of the Lords , the same cannot bee don so now , becaus of the foresaid privileges , but upon a precedent presentation , whether it bee , that any Election shall bee needful for the yearly renewing of the Laws , 〈◊〉 that the same must bee made by reason of the departure or Deceas of any of the Law-keepers for the supplying of the places which thereby is made vacant .

And thirdly , that though the foresaid presentation and the ensued Election thereupon of the Counsellors , may bee made there as well of persons which are of the Common Council of the said Cities , as of any one from amid'st the Commonaltie , nevertheless the Burgomasters thereof may not bee chosen , but out of those which shall bee named of the said Common Councils , they beeing the Head of the Government , and therefore ought alwaies by known cours to bee of the number of the Common Council , which in the Counsellors , as was said even now , it is not necessarie .

In regard that on the one side for the administration of good Justice in the general , it sufficeth , that there are chosen and appointed som understanding , discreet , and just men ; but on the other side for the direction and well-ordering of Government it is requisite besides , that there bee chosen som likewise which are constantly versed and well-experienced in affairs .

Besides that therein also specially consisteth the assurance and freedom of the Cities , that ( as the charge and emploiment of Common Counsellors ought to bee every where firm and permanent , so likewise ) all manner of functions in matter of Government bee as near as may bee , conferred upon the Members of the said Councils onely .

Where it is likewise very considerable , that by the abovesaid Charters , the Election of both Burgomasters out of those nominated of the Common Councils , and Counsellors out of the Commonaltie is left to his Roial Majestie to wit , as Earl of Zeland ; beeing that the qualitie of the Lord as concurring therein , is not all exprest , nor the Designation of his Majestie in this behalf ever used in all the Charter .

Which nevertheless had been very needful in every regard , if so bee that the meaning of Prince William had been to gratifie the King as Lord of the said places , above the advantages and prerogatives mentioned in the Letters of Investiture , with sundrie other such eminent Concessions ; forasmuch as of Right all Collations of Roialties , whether of Vassa●s or otherwise , ought to bee made plainly and in express downright terms , such as admit not any arguments of presumtion or inference to the contrarie .

But besides that same , beyond all this , would yet imply divers other palpable contradictions and absurdities , against the qualitie and function wherewith his Excellencie was then invested , ( as was demonstrated above ) it is undoubtedly to bee held , that it was as far from his Excellencie's intention as the East is from the West ,

Not onely for that the King so grievously persecuting him at that time had merited no such thing at his hands ; but also becaus the same could not bee admitted then to the use and exercise of such eminent Roialties with any safetie and quiet of the said Cities ; as also that none knew what ●s●ues and events were like to ensue upon the war begun and the Differec●es then arisen .

And therefore it might well bee said and asserted upon good ground , that although their Excellencies and Highnesses of happie memorie did successively expedite the foresaid Election , that nevertheless they did it not as Lords of the foresaid places , but as Stadtholders , and in the Name of the Earldom .

The rather , becaus his often abovesaid Exrellencie Prince William made the said Election there , from the year 1574 to the year 1582 inclusively , ( at which time hee first became the buyer of the two foresaid Lordships ) no otherwise and in no other qualitie , then as Stadtholder of the Province ; and that it was likewise most reasonable and equal that the Magistracie of the foresaid Cities , beeing made integrating Members of the Earldom's Sovereign Government , with so many prerogatives of the Earldom , should depend of the Earldom , if not entirely and altogether , yet at least for the most part .

And howbeit that it will bee instanced , the appointing of the Counsellors cannot bee disputed to the Marquiles or Lords of the foresaid places , beeing the power thereof is expressly given them by the Letters of Investiture ; yet it can no waies bee conceived or imagined , how or upon what ground the said Lords or Marquises should have any right or autoritie over the Election of the Common Councils , or of the Burgomaster , as the head and chief members thereof .

Beeing that to the Office of the Consul or Burgomaster there is peculiarly committed the Ordinarie Direction and Command in all Civil affairs , touching as well the Administration of the Citie 's Goods and Revenues , as the welfare and protection of the Cities .

Concerning which the Feodatarie Letters of the said Lords and Marquises , forasmuch as now especially they must bee considered as integrating Members of the Sovereigntie , do not make the least mention .

Notwithstanding that those very Letters were granted many years before the date of the Concession of the foresaid great Privilege ; and since the date thereof to this daie were never couched in any other terms then they were originally , and therefore cannot contein more now , then was granted and conferred upon them at the original investiture .

A manifest token , that there appertein's no share nor autoritie to the Lord or Marquises in the present Government of the said Cities , and that whatsoever hath been indulged to the Bailiffs , Burgomasters , Counsellors and Common Councils thereof in that behalf , the same is not derived unto them from the Lords , but onely from the Earldom .

Which is the more to bee credited yet , forasmuch as in the Judgment of all those which are versed in these matters , it is held altogether incompatible ▪ and contrarie to natural reason , that one and the same persons , Court , Societie , or Universitie in the said qualitie , shall bee Vassal and Independent together of the Earldom , and on the other side comprehend such a considerable and main part of the Sovereigntie it self ; on the one side to do Oath and homage , and on the other side to receiv it ; to bee subject and command all at once .

As therefore it is well known , that in som of the neighbor Provinces , som Cities could not bee made Members of their Provincial Assemblies , but after that it was solemnly resolved by the States of that Countrie , the said Cities should alwaies and solely depend of the Earldom , without ever beeing to bee reduced or engaged any more to any particular Lords .

The said States alleging this reason in the Letters solemnly past thereupon , That thus they do and did for the securitie of their Province ; besides that it could not but caus a great undervalue and disrespect to the Governors of integrating Members of the State 's Assemblie , to bee chosen by particular and subaltern Lords ; to saie nothing of the disservice to the common interest , which in many regards , would unavoidably ensue thence .

All which Considerations , of what reflexion and weight they are , your N. M. will easily judg according to their wonted wisdom , and determine by their Resolution .

Holding nevertheless ( under correction ) that hereunto is not contrarie , that both here and elswhere som Ecclesiastical persons , Gentlemen and Citizens , beeing Subjects and Vassals of the State , do constitute a part of the Supreme Magistrate , beeing that the same doth not appertein to them as to Vassals , but as Commissioners , or beeing the first and worthiest of certain Bodies or Orders whereof the foresaid State is composed .

Nor that it is contrarie to this , or implieth any contradiction , that many of the foresaid Common Councils are appointed and emploied by the Marquiss , for the administration of Justice , and keeping of his Right , Lordships and Roialties there ; beeing that in Law , one and the same person , considered in divers respects , may without any incongruitie or confusion bee emploied in distinct services , and engaged under several Oaths , as might bee instanced and verified , if need were , by many examples and autorities .

And consequently the persons which from among the foresaid Common Councils may bee appointed Counsellors there , though on the one side they bee engaged by Oath to the Earldom or to the Magistrate of the Cities for beeing faithful to the Administ a●ion of the Civil Government thereof , nevertheless they may well enough also make Oath to the Lord , for the sincere administration of Justice .

As likewise the same Counsellors , besides the ordinarie dutie which they ow to the inhabitants by Commissions from the Lord , they stand withall engaged to the Earldom ( or State of the Province ) to administer good Right and Justice to the people of the Countrie assigned to their resort .

Wherewith as wee trust , Noble Mightie Lords , to have summarily and no less usefully elucidated the whole condition of this Affair ; so wee will not doubt but the same have sufficiently understood thereby what Difference there is betwixt the Command and Autoritie which in the foresaid Cities doth belong on the one side to the Earldom , and on the other to the Lord or Marquiss , and in what points the same respectively doth most properly consist .

Therein namely , That to the Earldom , without all Controversie , apperteineth all the Right of Sovereigntie and Supreme Autoritie .

That the particular Lords , as Vassals of the Earldom are bound to shew to the said Earldom all due Obedience and homage .

That the said Cities , in respect of the Employment ▪ and Deliberations touching affaires , as well of the Common Government of the Land , as the particular of their Cities , do altogether and immediatly resort under the said Earldom , without being bound to acknowledg the Marquiss or Lord in that behalf .

And consequently , That the Courts of the Common Councils beeing originally erected there by the Autoritie and in the Name of the Earldom , there is none can justly pretend to any disposition of confirming , altering or moderating the same , but onely the Lords the States , as representing the said Earldom .

That the Creation and Election of the Burgomasters in those Cities ( as beeing the Head of the Government , and of the Common Councils , in various relations to them , according to the 3 and 26 Articles of the foresaid respective Charters ) made heretofore by their Highnesses as Stadtholders of the Province , is now by their Deceas , apparently devolved into the bosom of the Earldom .

Which might henceforward rather do the same by themselvs , or els ( in conformitie to the Resolutions taken and already practised , to the advantage of the Common Members of the Province ) confer the same upon the Magistrates of the said Cities respectively , in such a waie and Reiglement , as was by them drawn up with the least impairing of their privileges , and might consequently upon due cognisance of the matters , bee autorised and decreed here .

Leaving likewise to their trust and unprejudiced as before , the further direction in all civil matters and affairs with the said Cities respectively .

Adding this privilege besides , for reasons and in conformitie to the common practises formerly alleged , that they may bee enabled to make choice and election of persons , for the supplying of som vacant places in the Common Councils , absolutely and definitively by themselvs .

As also there ought to bee left ( under correction ) unto the foresaid Lord or Marquiss , unprejudiced and undamnified all such dispositions and autoritie as are in express terms given to them over the foresaid places by their Letter of Investiture .

And that in pursuance thereof the same shall continue to exercise the power there , for the administration of the criminal and civil Jurisdiction , and particularly to engage by Oath , according to custom , the Bayli●ts and Counsellors , together with the Secretaries and other attendants of Justice .

Provided notwithstanding , that the foresaid Counsellors and Officers beeing desired to administer Justice at first instance in criminal , or by appeal in civil matters , over the Inhabitants of the open Countrie , having relation to their appointed resort , they shall bee bound and obliged in that regard to respect , and that immediately , the Commands of the Earldom .

As likewise the Bayliffs and Counsellors aforesaid , shall bee bound to make Oath in that behalf unto the Earldom , and likewise in the express Name and Quadripartition of the same to banish , &c. howbeit as wee are informed , the same hath not been absolutely practised for these many years . Beeing that the power of the said Bailiffs and Counsellors , of administring Justice in the foresaid places , is not conferred upon them by Commission of the Lord , who hath not the least thing to say or pretend there , but onely by delegation and permission of the States .

That withall the Marquiss or Lord shall have libertie to place for the future such Officers and Ministers there , for the Royalties-as he was wont to do of old ; as likewise the Cities may dispose in matters of their own , so as they shall finde it requisite , for the adminstration of their Government and best managing of their own meanes and revenues .

And thus wee conceiv , shall every one bee duly maintein'd in the Right belonging to him , and no bodie wrong'd , the Earldom reserving its Right , the Marquiss or Lord the contents of his feodotarie Letters , and both the respective Cities the substance of their Charter .

Presenting at last unto your N. M. consideration , whether it were not expedient , that they would bee pleased to appoint som Members of their present Assemblie , who might , together with the rest of the Council , frame and draw up from all that hath been represented here a Substantial Ordinance , how the Right belonging to the Earldom , touching the Magistracie or Government of the foresaid Cities may henceforward bee directed to the best advantage ; and consequently their N. M. conform the taking of their Resolution of it to most Justice and Equitie .

For which end wee praie Almightie God to inspire your N. M. with the spirit of Wisdom and discretion ; and to continue blessing the same , with a long-lasting , peaceable and prosperous Government .

Don and advised thus &c. In Middleburg Sept. 1. 1651.

If his Electorall Highˢ of Brandenburg in his French letter sent heretofore by Monsieur Severin to the Princess Royall , had reason to intimate , what detriment the affairs of the Young Prince did suffer , by reason of their mutual Disputes ; certainly , here was more caus to regreet and rue it . The Princely Guardians or Administrators notwithstanding , did both underhand and overboard , privately and publickly whatsoëver they could to withstand it .

They wrote Octob. 23. unto the States of Zealand , That they were informed of the foresaid Considerations and Advice , and that they were sent to the Members of the Assemblie , as one of the points to be handled , next Session . And whereas the said advice was greatly tending to the prejudice of the Young Prince his Right , belonging to him as Marquis and Lord of the foresaid Cities , Therefore they , in Qualitie of Guardians of the said Prince , their respective Son , and Son's Son . , Marquiss and Lord of those Cities ▪ had found themselvs obliged to caus the Right of the said Prince over the said Cities to bee carefully examined , that thereupon they might so much the better and more fundamentally bee able to inform their N. M. and to shew , that divers positions and arguments drawn thence , were most ▪ abusively and without any necessarie consequence inserted intothe foresaid Considerations , whereby the right of the said young Prince-pupil was not shaken at all ; for which end there could bee produced and represented the Zelandish Right of Burgomasters and Counsellors both for Government and Justice , and the difference herein from the Hollandish Right , though likewise not universal , or alike in all Cities .

And withal , That from all antiquitie and beyond the memorie of men , the Marquises and Lords of the Cities had created and appointed there , not onely the Counsellors , but the Burgomasters also themselvs , and that the same Right had ever solely appertained to them as Lords of the places .

That their N. M. should likewise bee shewed , that besides divers other Rights appertaining to the said Marquis , as well within Flushing as Veer , the Election of the Counsellors within the Marquisate was made by him ever since the year 1581. for the space of 70 years together , all which time of years , the foresaid Marquisate , was possessed by virtue and title of purchase , by Prince William of happie memorie , and his Illustrious Successors .

That it should likewise bee demonstrated to their N. M. as clearly as Noon-light , that the Marquises all that time , had exercised the Right of electing the Burgomasters and Council , suo jure , and of their own head , and not as Stadtholders of the Countrie of Zeland , or by virtue of any other delegated power from the Prince of the Countrie .

And further they said , That their N. M. could very well , according to their great wisdom and wonted equitie , consider the importance of the foresaid Right in respect of the young Prince-Pupill aforesaid ; and that it became them in qualitie of Guardians with such an exact care to tender the Conservation of all his Rights , especially one of that clearness and consequence as this was , as the Laws required at their hands .

And that , through weightie impediments , and especially , that but lately they were com to a due settlement about the Guardianship , they had been hindred to refute the foresaid Considerations and advice of the Commissioned Council of their N. M. so fully , as the importance of the matter required , and to represent the business as circumspectly , as they desired .

Wherefore , they were confident , their N. M. would make no difficultie to bear them so much respect about the matter aforesaid , in their qualitie of Guardians of the foresaid Prince Pupill , whose Illustrious forefathers had merited so much of the state of these Countries , and in particular of their Province ; as to bee pleased , to supersede all deliberations upon the foresaid Advice and Considerations , and in the mean time to let all things remain in the present state and condition , ; not doubting , but they should present their N. M. ere long with such a grounded Information , as would yield them full and ample satisfaction .

Not long after there was sent into Zeland to the States-Assemblie there , the Lord Beaumont , Counsellor to the young Prince , who made and in writing presented them with this ensuing .

Declaration or Counter ▪ Remonstrance of the Commissioners of their Highss the Guardians of my Lord the Prince of Orange , as Marquis and Lord of the Cities Flushing and Veer , delivered to the No ▪ Mi. Lords the States of Zeland , by waie of confuting the writen Considerations and Advice of their Commissioned Council , touching the Right of his Highˢ over the said Cities in respect of the Magistracie and Government thereof , and for Assertion , that his Highˢ , cannot bee deprived of the Election of the persons of the Magistrates , or part thereof . Noble , Mightie Lords !

THeir Highˢˢ , the Guardians of the young Prince of Orange having been informed of the writen Considerations , drawn up by your N. M. Commissioned Council , in pursuance of your N. M. Resolution of April 25. 1651. and together with other points ; whereupon your N. M ▪ were summoned against the 11th of the last month of Septemb. transmitted to the Members , with the said Council's advice , by waie of Elucidation and Distinguishing ( as is pretended ) between the Right , belonging on the one side to the Earldom , and on the other , to the Lord Marquis , over the said Cities of Flushing and Veer , in respect of their Magistracie and Government , and consequently , That the Princes of Orange , of happie memorie , should have exercised no other in that regard , but as , or in qualitie of Stadtholders of the Province ; so that , not till now , by the death of his late Highˢ of blessed memorie , it was revolved into the Bosom of the Earldom , to bee provided for accordingly .

And their Highˢˢ , the Guardians of the said Prince , finding themselvs obliged , to caus his Right over the two said Cities to bee examined , that they might bee able so much the better and more fundamentally to inform your N. M. and shew , that divers positions , and arguments drawn thence , were put into the said considerations through mistake , and without any necessarie consequence ; so that thereby the said Right of the Prince Pupil , is not shaken in the least point ; and it beeing the part and dutie of their Highss as Guardians , to take exact and perfect care for the conservation of all the Rights belonging to the said Prince Pupil , and especially of such a clear and principal one , as is the present ; and their Highˢˢ , having through special weightie impediments , and particularly , that the Guardianship was but lately brought into a due settled cours , beeing hindred , to refute the foresaid Considerations and Advice of the Council of their N. M. so fully , as the importance of the affair required ; and to the end their Highss might prepare things , according to the desire they had to represent the same to your N. M. with all circumstances , they sought to your N. M. by their Letters of Octob. 23. That it might not seem grievous unto you , so far forth to respect them in behalf of the foresaid matters , and in the qualitie of Guardians to the said Prince Pupil , whose Illustrious fore-fathers merited so much of the state of these Countries , and of that Province especially , That they would bee pleased , to supersede but a while all deliberations upon the foresaid Advice and Considerations , and leav all in the mean time in the present state and condition , They not doubting , but that they should present you with such an Information , as would give full satisfaction to your No. M.

But now their Highˢˢ , beeing by other hands most unexspectedly informed , that , without heeding the said just desire of their Highˢˢ , by giving but a little respit , the abovesaid point , touching the foresaid considerations and advice , was brought and taken into Deliberation at the Assemblie of your N. M. and that som Members have alreadie opened their Resolution upon the same , without having heard , what may bee alleged to the contrarie against the said considerations and advice , and for the assertion and maintenance of the said Prince his Right .

Their Highss do finde themselvs necessitated , so much as the shortness of time and the unlooked for , unexspected precipitancie permitteth , summarily to saie and deduce before you .

That in the foresaid Considerations and advice of the Commissioned Council of your N. M. it appeareth , That therein they have represented and laid down before your N. M. as just grounds ,

That the Election of the Burgomasters , in the foresaid Cities , as beeing the heads of the Government , and Members of the Common Councils , should have been made heretofore by their Highss as they were Stadtholders of the Province , and therefore through their Deceas , the same should manifestly bee devolved again into the Bosom of the Earldom .

And that the said Earldom might now henceforward , either make the said Election themselvs , or confer the same upon the Cities aforesaid .

And by further privilege enable them , for the choosing of persons to supplie the vacant places , in the Common Councils , absolutely and definitively by themselvs .

Whereby seeing , that his Highss should com to bee deprived of his Rights lawfully belonging to him and the Princes of Orange his fore-fathers , as Marquises ; Wee shall shew , for the assertion of his Highˢ Right , and confutation of the foresaid Councils Considerations and Advice , all along as the said Commissioned Council hath chalked out the waie , in handling and propounding this matter .

That , touching what the Commissioned Council deduced at large , how the Cities of Flushing and Veer , had originally , and before ever they came under particular Lords , Ex jure Universitatis , their own and peculiar autoritie in matter of government , and that the same is not taken from , but left entire to them , after that the Cities were by the Earls transported to the particular Lords .

So as that the same distinct Right , appertaining to the Lord on the one side , and to the Magistrates on the other , is endeavored to bee prooved by the foresaid Considerations , from the beginning , all along to the 50. Article .

From the contracts , agreements and transactions both antient and of later times , made by the Governors of the said Cities , with the particular Lords of them in the years 1530. and 1582.

As also with the Lords the States of this Province , touching their indemnitie , in regard of the assurance made to the Q. of England , in the year 1585.

And the contracts and negotiations with forrein Princes , particularly that of the year 1612. about the foundation of the Staple for Scottish wares at Veer .

Item , From the Privileges and Immunities , granted to the foresaid Cities within their Kingdoms , and particularly that that of Edward King of England in the year 1475.

As likewise , from the possession and enjoyment of the goods and revenues , of old and still belonging to the said Cities , together with the disposing of the same , and appointing of Officers for the Administration thereof , and calling of them to account ; as also the conferring of the charges , regarding the administration of the Government of those Cities ; and the undertaking and prosecuting processes at Law , actively and passively , for the maintenance of their Rights and Revenues .

And surthermore from that the said Cities were privileged of old , of their own accord , to make any such Ordinances , Statutes and Inhibitions , both concerning Civil Justice and Government , as they shall finde requisite for the good and advantage of them and their Inhabitants .

Hereupon your No. Mi. may bee pleased to understand , in his Highˢ behalf , that forasmuch as there is no difference or question about those things , nor any thing pertinent hitherto to the matter in hand , for the deciding of the main point in Question , all these instances might well have been past by .

With this proviso and limitation nevertheless , that the 34 , 36 , 38 , 40 , 42 , 43 , 44 , and 45 Articles bee understood and granted no otherwise and further , then that what is touched there , and in other Articles concerning Government , ought to bee don with consent of the Bailiff , and in the Name of the Lord Marquiss .

Nevertheless , seeing that the Lord of the Commission'd Council take upon them to deduce and assert from hence a fundamental right for their purpose ;

The Council of his Highness by waie of Replie succinctly sheweth ,

That nothing of all this can or ought to com into any consideration , in such sort as if it were or had been pretended in the Lord Marquise's behalf , that the Magistrates of the foresaid Cities had no Right or power there in matter of Government belonging to them without the Lord , but depended absolutely and in all things of them , as the same is touched in the 31 Article of the said Considerations .

That all their Deducings neither , can bee so absolutely in all parts yielded unto , to that end whereunto they labor to reduce it .

And particularly not the inference which is drawn thence in prejudice of the Marquiss his Right and Due , Artic. 13 , namely ,

That since the Letters of Investiture there are not , together with the Concession of the high , middle and low Jurisdiction , in express terms , conferred all manner of functions and requisites necessarie for the direction of a Civil Societie ; therefore it should follow , that whatsoëver served to that end , and did not belong to the acts of Sovereigntie , or was not expressly named in the Letter of Investiture , was to bee left and reserved to the Citie .

The Right which apperteineth to the Lord Marquiss in the Cities is easie to bee found by the Letters of Transport and Investiture , made by the Earls to the Lords ; more then those Letters import the Marquiss doth not desire nor pretend to , in regard of either the Earldom or the Cities .

And so on the other side it is assuredly hoped your N. M. will not take away or dispossess the Marquiss of his Rights and Prerogatives by lawful title acquired , as indeed could not bee avoided , in case the Advice of the Commissioned Council should bee followed .

The Citie of Veer hath ever been under particular Lords ; nay and by such it is believed shee was built upon their own ground ; and the Citie of Flushing beeing in the year 1477 com by Sale and Cession to the said Lord of Veer , the same by the Letters thereof was transported to the Lord , with all that belong'd to it , nothing excepted ; with all the Jurisdiction , High , Mean , and Low , and furthermore with all manner of Freedom and Rights , enjoied there by the Earls , onely the Sovereigntie , resort and homage reserved .

The Emperor Charls , in the year 1555 , erected both the Cities of Flushing and Veer , besides other Lordships and Districts named in the Letters , into a Marquisate , and incorporated and united the same to a full-Fief and Homage of one and the same nature and condition with the like reserv onely as before .

With which Universitie the Marquiss beeing invested , there is conferred therewithal upon him not onely the Rights of personal Dignitie , but together with the Universitie all the jurisdictional parts and interests which the Superior Lord had there .

To which purpose serv's likewise , that in the Conditions , whereupon the Prince of Orange bought the Citie of Flushing in the year 1581 , it is expressly set down ;

That all other Domains and Lordly consequences , whereof the the Letters make not mention , and which the Lord nevertheless or his forefathers had or enjoied , and might have had and enjoied by Right , the same shall ensue the Buyer without any reservation .

Whereby there is not acquired to the Lord Marquiss any particular right in and over the said Cities , in respect whereof onely those Cities should , tanquam mixtum statum obtinentes , bee owned by and subject to the Marquiss , and have remained without his Jurisdiction immediately under the Earl , so as divers Cities in Germanie , as Hamburg in respect of the Duke of Holstein , Magdeburg in respect of Saxonie , Brunswick and Cullen in respect of their Princes , and divers others , which onely in certain respects acknowledg their Lords , and for the rest are immediately subject to ▪ the Empire .

But the Citie of Veer hath alwaies been subject to their particular Lords , and the Citie of Flushing was reduced to the same nature and condition by the Earl of Zeland , in his foresaid Letters of Transport and Sale in the year 1477.

Whereunto serveth ungainsaiably , that the same Letters do expressly contein , a special charge and command from the Earl to the subjects , portiers and Inhabitants of the said Citie , for to obey and swear unto the Buyer , their Lord , his Heirs and Posteritie , as to their just Inheritor and Lord proprietarie .

To which Letters , and those of Renuntiation ▪ hath relation the Decree of the year 1581 whereby the Cities aforesaid are sold to the Prince of Orange .

Those which are vers'd and skill'd in the Laws and Matters of this nature ever understanding it thus , That the Cities which are bound to call their Lord , Inheritor , or , Lord Hereditarie , and must swear hereditarie Allegiance to him , are to bee held subjected Cities absolutely .

The like Oaths of Hereditarie Allegiance beeing made to the Prince of Orange in the years 1581 , and 1588 , there were silver coins thrown abroad in remembrance thereof , upon which there was the Arms of Nassaw , with this circumscription , Nodus indissolubilis .

To this serv's further , that by the Grant or Charter of the year 1574 , given to the said Cities by Prince William , the said Prince take's the said Cities into the Earl's immediate protection and subjection , with promiss never to alienate the same , which execution had been needless , if those Cities were not subject to their particular Lord .

From whence may well bee considered , that the Lord Marquiss hath not onely ex praesumtâ mente , but also by express surrender of the Earl , by virtue of the foresaid Letters of the year 1477 , and all succeeding feodarie Letters intentionem fundatam to all Rights and Dues which the Earl had in and over the said Cities .

And that therefore it is a groundless inference for the Commissioned Council to aver , as they do , Artic. 13. of their Considerations touched above , That whatsoever belong'd not to the Act of Sovereigntie , the same should bee left and reserved to the Cities .

Whence followeth likewise , that all the Rights and Prerogatives which the Cities and Magistrates do enjoie , and which are rehearsed at length by the Lords of the said Council , begining from the 13 Artic. to the 15 , touching any Jurisdictional interests , they are deriving from the gracious Concessions both of the Earls and the particular Lords unto the said Cities , and granted from time to time unto them ; as likewise the same is alleged by the foresaid Consideration in sundrie Articles ; and may bee seen too in the old Statute-book of the Citie of Flushing , that of all antient times , the Election and Ordinances in the behalf of Justice , the Orphant's-chamber , the Companies , and other matters serving for the Government and ordering of the said Citie , were made and caused to bee promulgated by the Lords of Flushing .

So that all those Privileges are belonging to the said Cities , not of themselvs , ex Jure ullo Universitatis , without the exercise whereof , no Universitie or Civil Societie could bee instituted .

Although otherwise also it is conceived , that the Jus illud publicum Universitatis , is screwed up somwhat too high by the Council in their Considerations ; for the deriving thence such conclusions , as would exceedingly prejudice the Lord Marquiss in his Lordlie Prerogatives .

It is a known business in the Laws , that not onely Cities , but Castra , Villa , Vicus , and even Courts or Bodies Collegiate , which are comprehended under the name of Universitie , may have and possess goods and revenues like unto particular persons , and may appoint men for to manage , protect and defend the same ; and also dispose of the said goods at pleasure of their own accord .

Which nevertheless they of Flushing may not do without the consent of the Bailiff , in the Name of the Lord , or at least , without his privitie or notice given .

That the Universities may both sue and bee sued in Law , and also contract without it . And furthermore , according to the diversitie of the Universities , whether they bee Counties , Cities , Villages or bodies Collegiate , expedite the affairs and negotiations concerning themselvs .

But from this Right to attribute so great a Right unto those Cities , as by the Considerations seem's to bee don , wee hope that shall not bee found to have ground in any Laws .

What kinde of autoritie and power is belonging to the Magistrates of these Cities , considered in their own nature , as Vassal-Cities , the same would soon bee determined by the Laws if there were any question about that between the Lord and the Cities .

As also it is an easie matter to know by the Laws what the Magistrate eo ipso , quòd Magistratus factus sit , may do according to the nature of his Office , and that the greater and populous the Cities bee , the more is their autoritie for to keep their Citizens in order .

But yet that the said Autoritie is different from the Jurisdiction and the rights deriving thence aud belonging onely to the Lord .

And that the privileges depending thereon cannot com or bee acquired to those Cities , but by gracious Concessions , Purchase , Grants , and other singular titles past unto them from the Lord .

As the same also appear's in what concern's the Cities of Flushing and Veer , by the Contracts and privileges alleged by the Commission'd Council in the foresaid considerations , and otherwise well known .

And that consequently those Cities and Magistrates have such acquired Jurisdictional privileges , not Jure Magistratûs proprio , or from the autoritie of beeing Magistrates there , exercising the same but ex accidenti .

Coming herewith to Artic. 51 , conteining the ninth Argument , brought in by the Commissioned Council in their Considerations , as the main and principal foundation of their Pretence ; Namely , the great Grant or Charter of Privileges , given by Prince William of happie Memorie to those of Flushing and Veer respectively , in the year 1574.

In which regard your N. M. are desired to consider in his Highˢ behalf , that though the three positions inserted by the Commissioned Council in the 52 , 53 , and 54 Articles of their Considerations , were granted ,

Namely , that the same Charter was granted by the said Prince , as Stadtholder , in the name of the King , as Earl of Zeland .

And the same Charter is given directly , not to the Marquis , nor in reshect of him , but onely for the common good of the foresaid Cities , in their particular interest .

And thirdly , for to serv them as a permanent path-way and constitution , whereby thenceforward to rule and steer their Government , and that they might bee made coequal with the old free Cities of the Earldom , as in regard of divers freedoms and prerogatives , so likewise in respect of their form of Government .

Nevertheless , the Patrimonial Right , cannot thereby bee taken away from the Lord Marquis .

Those of his Hih ˢ counsel , do willingly grant , That as the Commissioned Council saie , in their 60. Article , the forenamed Prince William , granted and settled divers other Privileges and Elections , both in this and other Provinces , wherein hee constantly used the Name and Title of Stadtholder , and as exercising the Function of Supreme Autoritie .

As the same is likewise manifestly to bee seen , in the business mentioned Artic. 68. of the said Considerations , touching the Cession , made at the Assemblie of the States to those of Flushing , for to supplie the vacant place of the Abbot and Prelat of Middleburg .

About which there having arisen som difference and dispute , in collecting of the Votes at the States Assemblie , in the year 1579. and the Cities of Middleburg , Zirk-zee , Romers-Wale , Goes and Tholen , having addrest themselvs afterwards with a long Remonstrance unto the said Prince , his Excellencie resolved and declared thereupon , according , as the Act thereof hold's forth , of June 14. 1579.

That , during the Wars , businesses should bee carried by pluralitie of voices , beginning with the Premier Noble , and so going or collecting the voices of all the Cities in Order .

And the War beeing ended , the Land's affairs should bee again decided and concluded with 3 voices , whereof the Nobles to have the first , the five forenamed Cities the second , and the Cities of Flushing and Veer the last , by virtue of the foresaid Privileges , granted unto them by his Excellencie .

According to which the Lord Marquis can well allow , that the advantages and prerogatives , comprehended in the same Charter , are , for a great part of them , of such a Nature , that they cannot derive directly from any els but the Earldom it self , such are the prerogatives and privileges rehears'd in the Articles 64. and 65. of the foresaid Considerations .

That it cannot neither bee drawn to any prejudice of the Lord Marquis , That the Cities of Flushing and Veer , are by the said Privileges created integrating Members of the Soveraign Government of Zeland , and like to others , equally representing the States of the Land ; and that the same may have been granted , without respect , communication and interest of their Lord , onely to them in particular , and to further the same Cities good Government and Prosperitie , and to reliev and consider them in regard of the heavie burrhens they bore , and faithful service they performed in the Wars , according as the same is deduced in the foresaid Considerations to Article 73.

But if Rerum facies bee well considered , so as the same stood , at the time of granting the said Privileges ; and the conjecture may have place , which is put down ▪ in the 74. Article of the Commissioned Council's Consideration , That viz. the aim and intention of granting the said Privileges , should have been to equalize the said Cities in manner of Government or Policie with the other Cities of the Earldom , there is nothing at all can thence bee inferr'd to the prejudice of the Lord Marquis .

But rather to the contrarie , asserted , that there was no aim nor intention at all , to deprive the Lord of the Election of the Burgomasters .

Whereunto may serv also , That , as in part is touched by Artic. 75 of the Consideration of the Council , the Government of the Citie consisted of old , and until the time of the Grant of the said great Charter , in the Burgomasters and Schepens , in regard b th of the administration of Justice , and direction of Government .

And that , according to the 6. Article of the Contract betwixt the Lord and the Governors of Flushing , in the year 1530. the Officer of the Lord was to bee present and called , in all matters and affairs concerning the Government and common welfare of the Citie , and those of the Law also , to clear and deduce their accounts and administrations before the Lord , or his Commissioners .

Which Articles , concerning the presence of the Officer , are repeated again in the Contract of July ult. 1582. between Prince William as Marquis , and the Burgomasters , Schepens and Council of the Citie of Flushing , a good many years after the grant of the foresaid great Charter ; they the Governors , promissing there , that there shall bee no Assemblie or consultation about the Cities affairs , but the Baylif shall have a timely call thereunto .

And that no Resolution or Decree shall bee past or executed , against which the Baylif shall have protested either in behalf of his Lords interest , or in regard of the common welfare of the Burghers and Inhabitants .

That likewise they shall deliver up into the hands of the Lord , or those of his Council , at any time when his Princely grace shall pleas , an exact state , of the Cities Revenues or Charges . with a true information , what new Imposts there are made without Licence , that they may bee either confirmed by his Grace , or otherwise disposed of , as the same should bee held requisite for the eas and relief of his Subjects .

As also every year , give timely advertisement of the daie of rendering the accounts of the Citie , and to transmit Copies thereof , to the end , that som bodie of his Council , instructed and impower'd as is requisite , may com to audit the same , according as was used of old in the Lord's behalf .

So as likewise is expressly conditioned by the contract made between the said Prince as Marquis , and those of Veer , Januarie 20. 1582. that alwaies notice must bee given by Letters , for his Princely grace , as those of his Council to audit the Cities accounts .

As for the further seeting down of the Commissioned Council in their Considerations , Artic. 75. that by the foresaid Privilege of the year 1574. there should bee set up and instituted a formal Court of Common Council , for direction of the Government ;

The Council of his Highˢ cannot finde the same verified by the contents of the said Privileges , nor to have been the least part of the meaning , aim and intention of the said Prince .

But thus much indeed , That , by reason of new and heavie burdens of War , which must bee supplied by the Commons , to make them the better rellisht , and born with the less repining , when as they should see , that the necessitie therof was deliberated and resolved upon , by the prime persons , of their own choosing , join'd with the Magistrate .

The Prince had found good , that besides the Baylif , Burgomasters and Schepens , there might bee chosen by the Citie , som of the ablest men thereof into the Common Council and Citie-Court .

And that , according to the Text of the Charter , for the governments or civil administrations of the said Cities , without making any distinction , between Burgomasters ▪ Schepens and Senate , or of the autoritie or advantage of them .

As it is likewise well known , that from that very time hitherto , the whole Common Council there , is consisting , of the Baylif , in the Lord's Name , the Burgomasters , Schepens and Senators , and that by them , all affairs of Government , without distinction , are transicted , whether they concern the Citie , or the chief Government of the Province .

As also in the same Cities , the Schepens , besides their employment in the a●ministration of Justice , do perform all the functions els of Senators and Common Council .

And both indeed take one and the same oath ; and that which is more yet , it may appear by the oath which is taken from the Senators of the Citie of Flushing , that the Schepens are the Principal Members of the Citie Council ; The words run thus ,

This I ( Senator ) do swear , alwaies to do the common advantage of the C●tie with those of the Law ; Item , at all times , when I shall bee summoned , upon any oath , to repair to the Law of Flushing , to hearken there , and to give advice thereunto , and to follow that which shall bee given mee to understand there .

That which by the Lords of the Commissioned Council is further deduced in the 76. 77. 78. 79. 80. 81. 82 and 83. Articles of their Considerations , touching the institution and employment of the Common Councils , all to this end , to make men believ , that in Zeland , matters of Government belong not to the Counsellors , but all Autoritie and direction thereof to the Common Council and Senators , with seclusion of the Schepens .

To that the Council of his Highˢ reply , That such as have any knowledg of the Government of the Cities of Zeland ; and those of Holland , they may easily apprehend and understand , that this may onely bee said of the Government of the Cities in Holland .

And is no waies agreeing with the Government of the Cities in Zeland ; beeing that there is no Citie in Zeland , where the Counsellors are excluded , from the managing , autoritie and deliberations of affairs of government , whether they concern the Cities in particular , or the Supreme Government of the Province .

It is manifest and known to every one ▪ That at Middleburgh there are no affairs of Government transacted , but by the College ( or Court ) which is called a Wett and Raedt ( a Law and Senat ) consisting of Burgomasters , Schepens ( Counsellors ) and Raedens ( Senators ) .

The like use and practice is observed at Zireck-zee .

In the Citie of Goes , there are indeed no Counsellors or Common Council at all , nor in the Citie of Tolen neither ; the whole Government consisting there both for Policie and Justice in the Burgomasters and Schepens .

Whence followeth answerably , that the Positions and Inferences of the Lord of the Commissioned Council in the 84. 85. 86. and 87. Articles of their Considerations , touching the manner of the Election of Magistrates , and the persons from among whom the same was made of old , and is now made at present , are groundless altogether , and cannot serv to their purpose and intentions .

But on the contrarie , those very Articles include a Justification of the Lord Marquiss in that , which they meant to deprive him of , That namely the choosing of the Magistrates , hath of old belonged and so continueth to this daie to the Lords of Flushing and Veer .

As likewise the same Lords electing of Burgomasters and Schepens can bee shewed and verified by the Registers of the said cities for the space of about two hundred years .

It would withal make a very strange construction if one should argue according to 84 article of the consideration of the commissioned Council , That the Prince , for in the matter of Nomination , and election of the Magistrates , to make an equalitie with the cities of the Earldom , by the said Privelege , depriving the Lords of Flushing and Veer of the free Election , which to that time hee had made ex arbitrio , without Nomination , and prescribing an Order , according to which the Election to bee made , out of the precedent Nomination , now as to this , by that Order , the Election it self should bee taken away from the Lord .

Moreover it turn's likewise for the advantage of his Highˢ , that it beeing presupposed , even according to the sence of the Commissioned Council themselvs , that Prince William his meaning , aim and intention had been to equalize the two Vassal-cities with the cities of the Earldom ;

There is no probabilitie at all that the said Prince should have been minded to introduce such a form of Government into the said two Cities ; as was not known in any of the Cities of the Earldom ; as namely , whereby the Schepens should bee secluded from the cognisance and deliberations of matters of Government , as is deduced above .

Nay , on the contrarie it appear's plainly , that this was not the least part of his intention or meaning by the very text of the said great Charter in several Articles , where mention beeing made of the Government of the Cities , all the disposition is put conjunctim , to the Burgomasters , Counsellors and Senators , and no where to the Senators alone .

As also it cannot so much as bee conceived , that the Prince should in that conjuncture of time have been willing to undertake such a notable alteration , as to withdraw the cognisance and deliberation of Policie , whereof depend all the important affairs of the State , from the lawful and antient Magistrate , and against the usual order of Government observed in all the Cities of Zeland , to reduce and confine the same onely to the new Senators .

As for the contents of Artic. 88 of the foresaid Considerations , it shall serv for replie thereunto to saie , that a perverted fence is put upon the contents of the Charter there , whenas the said Article averr's , that the Election to bee made out of the nominated persons , as well of Burgomasters as Schepers , should bee left to his Roial Majestie as Earl of Zeland , beeing that the qualitie of the Lord is not expressed therewithal , nor the Designation of his Majestie any where in all the Charter exhibited by that Name .

Whereas the contrarie hereof is unanswerably manifest by sundrie Articles of the foresaid Charter ; as for Example in that of Flushing .

Artic. 2. That his Majestie shall appoint a Bayliff for to keep his Majestie 's and the Citie 's Rights . Artic. 7. that the Burgomasters , Schepers and Senate shall create the Officers requisite for the good of the Citie , and maintenance of Government ; the King's Majestie 's autoritie and domains remaining still entire ; and so likewise in the 24 and 34 Articles of the Charter of the Citie of Veer , That the Fishermen shall not bee allowed to sell their fish upon the stream , but bring the same for rebate into the foresaid Citie , and pay there the dues of the Clark-office belonging to his Majestie .

All which Articles have relation to the Domainial Rights belonging to his Majestie there , not as Earl of Zeland , but as Lord of those two Cities .

For further verification whereof doth serv , that the King having by a Decree of the great Council at Mechelen , in the year 1563 , remained Buyer of the Cities of Flushing and Veer , with the Charges lying upon them ;

Though his Majestie did not satisfie the same ▪ nevertheless hee carried himself as the Buier and Proprietarie of the said Cities and the Domainial Rights thereof .

Which is evidently proved thereby , that the conditions ▪ and cautions , whereupon the Marquisate with the foresaid Cities were sold to his Majestie in the year aforesaid by the said Decree , do expressly import ,

That the prerogative of representing all the Nobles of Zeland , the second State of the Countrie aforesaid , from all times belonging to Lord of Veer , the same Right and Prerogative , should likewise remaine to the Buyer .

In pursuance whereof his Majestie also gave Commission , Junii 21ᵒ 1568 to the Lord Adolph of Burgoigne , to take special heed in the King's behalf , of the said place of Premier Noble , and that in terms as followeth .

Whereas the Lord Maximilian of Burgoin , in his life time Marquiss of Veer , used as Premier Noble of our Countrie and Countie of Zeland , by reason of his Marquisate of Veer and the Citie of Flushing , to com and appear in person , or by his Plenipotentiaries into all the Convocations and Assemblies of the General States of this Countrie , and that the foresaid Cities are devolved of late to Us by purchase , wee found good therefore to ordein and commissionate a certain qualified person , in our Name to act in that behalf as Lord of these Cities , so as the exigencie and opportunitie of times shall require ; and likewise to help and further the good weal and profit of the said Cities , in the same manner as the fore-named late Marquiss of Veer was wont to do in his life time , &c.

By the deduction of which instance there fall's to ground the contents of the 89 , 90 and 91 Articles of the oft-mentioned Considerations ; there beeing otherwise also no question here about gratifying the Marquiss above the advantages and prerogatives mentioned in the Letters of Investiture with any other extraordinarie ones .

But whether the Sovereign Lord may dispossess the Lord Marquiss of his Domainial Rights .

That which the Commissioned Council somwhat doubtfully seem to infer in the Artic. 92 and 93 , and afterwards positively assert , Artic. 112 , That hitherto the Princes of Orange had made no Election of the Magistrates in the said Cities as Lords of the places , but onely as Stadholders of the Earldom , and that through their deceas now the said Election should bee devolved again into the bosom of the Earl .

The same is manifestly a wrong conclusion , grounded upon untrue premises , since the contrarie thereof can bee fully proved out of the Letters of Nomination , which from the time when the Princes of Orange purchased the Marquisate in the year 1581 , the Magistrates of the foresaid Cities have yearly writen to their Highnesses for the making of the Election , which Letters can bee produced in originali , shewing ,

That their Highnesses have made the said Election , not as Stadholders , but as Lords and Marquises of the said Cities . Whence the Lords of the Commissioned Council may bee desired to consider the reasons which their Nob. Artic 94 saie , could not bee conceived or imagined , how there should belong any right or autoritie to the Lords Marquises in chusing of the Common Councils or of the Burgomasters as the Heads and chief Members of the same .

As likewise the contents of Artic. 95 namely , That the Direction and Command in all politick affairs should peculiarly bee committed to the office of the Burgomasters , which above is proved not to agree with the Government of any Citie in Zeland , beeing that the affairs of policie or Government in the said Cities are referred to the Buhgomasters , Counsellors and Senators , and not as in Holland , to Burgomasters and Senators , or Common Councils , with seclusion of the Counsellors .

That it is true indeed , that the Feodotarie Letters contein no more now then the original first Letter of Cession , Erection and Investiture of the years 1477 , and 1555 above-mentioned ; as also there is no more right pretended to by his Highˢ , then by those Letters is conferred upon him .

But this onely is stood upon . That the Right of Electing the Magistrate , which undoubtedly is comprehended among the Rights whereof the Letters speak , and hath been acquired by the Prince his forefathers , by lawful Title ; and they and their Predecessors have had in peaceable possession about two hundred years , cannot bee taken from them .

True it is , that as the 97 Article hinteth the Bailiff in the name ▪ of the Lord , the Burgomasters , Schepens and Raedens are they to whom conjunctim the rule and government of these Cities ( beeing made integrating Members of the Sovereigntie ) stand's committed by the foresaid Grant or Charter of the year 1574.

And that the same which is granted to the Cities in that behalf , deriveth from the Earl .

But as for the share or autoritie of the Lord Marquiss , in the present or former Government of the foresaid two Cities , and the incompatibilitie of one and the same person or bodie Collegiate , beeing Vassal on the one side , and obliged to make oath and do homage , and on the other side to bee an integrant Member of the same Sovereigntie , and to receiv oath , whereof is spoken by the Commissioned Council in the 98 and 99 Articles of their Considerations ; together with what is deduced to that purpose in pursuance thereof , to the end of the Considerations aforesaid .

To that it is replied in his Highˢ behalf , That from that there can bee nothing at all inferred for the impairing or taking away his Highˢ Right , touching the Election of the Magistrate's persons .

Considering that according to the Laws , Aliud sit Magistratus , aliud Magistratûs functio ; sicut aliud est Praetura , aliud Praeturae administratio ; aliud Jurisdictio , aliud Jurisdictionis Exercitium .

So also it is quite another thing , the Right of Electing the persons of the Magistrate , and the Right , function , and autoritie belonging to the persons of elected Magistrates , whether the same derive directly from the Earl as Soveraign Lord , or by the Marquis .

The Lord Marquis , having by his lawfully acquired Right from the Earl , elected the Magistrates persons .

The functions and employments requisite for the Magistracie , do belong to those Persons , co ipso , that they are elected to the Magistracie .

Burgomasters and Schepens , sitting in Judgment , do administer ex mandato Jurisdictionis de Justitiâ .

The Baylif , Burgomasters and Counsellors , with the Senat , transact the affairs politick , whether it concern the Citie , ex Jure publico Universitatis , belonging to them without the Lord ; or in other matters politick , by special Title devolved or granted to them from the Lord , or such affairs , as do concern the Province , and the state of the Countrie , committed unto them by the Soveraign Government , as integrating Members thereof .

All these respective Functions , Employments and Deliberations beeing quite different and severed from the Right of electing the Magistrates persons , belonging to the Marquis .

By all which it having been unanswerably demonstrated , that the Right enjoi'd hitherto by the Princes of Orange of happie memorie , over the Cities of Flushing and Veer , in respect of their Magistracie and Civil Government , hath been exercised by them , Not as Stadtholders of the Earldom , but as Marquises and Lords over the said Cities .

By virtue of their own and domainial Right , by lawful Title acquired to themselvs from the Earls of Zeland .

And confirmed by a peaceable and uninterrupted possession of the Predecessors , Lords of Veer and Flushing , for about two hundred years .

And that therefore , by the Death of his late Highˢ of happie memorie , the same Right is no waie and in no part devolved or relapsed into the Bosom of the Earldom .

By reason whereof , all the Provision com's to surceas and fall to ground of it self , which the Lords of the Commissioned Council , in the forementioned seventh point of intimations , desired of and commended to your N. M.

As also doth the Project of the Reiglement , transmitted to your Nob. Migh . after the foresaid Considerations .

And in case your N. M. should have conceived any further scruple yet from the foresaid considerations , about the Domainial Right of his Highˢ , yet ,

Their Highˢˢ , the Guardians of the Prince-Pupil are confident , your N. M. will forbear to dispose or determine ought in that behalf ;

But , it beeing no affair of State , to remit the whole business to the Court of Justice , thence to receiv its determination and accomplishment .

This Counter-Remonstrance , beeing presented at the Assemblie of the States of Zeland , Novemb. 9. The Counsellor Pensionarie of the Countrie , propounded next daie after , whether it would not bee fitting and expedient to proceed therein with all due Circumspection and equitie , that the Lords of the Council should ripely examin the same , and send their Considerations to the Members , as a point of intimation . Hereupon it was said by the Lords of Middleburgh , that having heard the said Counter-Remonstrance , both by word of mouth and lecture made before them , they had not observed the least therein ; that overthrew any thing of the former advice given , but on the contrarie , were much more confirmed thereby , fully to embrace the same , without any further scrupling , and that the Lords of Flushing and Veer , ought to draw up and bring in their respective Reiglements , in conformitie thereof ; nevertheless , to shew how readie they are to proceed therein with leisurable prudence , they found good , that the said Counter-Remonstrance , should bee put into the hands of the Lords of the Commissioned Council , who should ripely examin the same , and within a few daies make their Report and communicate their advice to the Lords the States , by word of mouth , considering especially the great Privilege granted to the Lords of Flushing in the year 1574. by Prince William , together with the copies of the Letters of Investiture and Sale , relating to the said Cities ; That thereupon a final Resolution may bee taken in this matter , such as should bee found requisite in reason and equitie , to which advice Zirick-zee , Goes and Tholen conformed themselvs , Flushing and Veer desired a copie of the said Counter-Remonstrance , to bring in their Advice with the soonest .

Wednesday Novemb. 15. report beeing made by the Counsellor Pensionarie of the Land , That the respective Members having heard the daie before , the further Considerations of the Lords of the Council , serving to answer the reasons of the Counter-Remonstrance made in the behalf of the Prince of Orange , touching the Right of the Earldom , and the Lord of Flushing and Veer , respectively deduced , They were desired , this daie to advise further upon it ; The four fore-sitting Members , unanimously declared , that in the Counter-Remonstrance there were no reasons alleged , which could any waies move them to change the former advice ; but on the contrarie , they were rather more encouraged therein by the lecture thereof , and that so much the rather now , since they daie before the heard the further deduction of the Council , by word of mouth , more clearly yet , justifying the grounds and positions of their advice , and confuting the allegations of the Counter-Remonstrance : That therefore the business beeing now sufficiently and fully verified , the same was readily fitted for to bee determined , and that the Pensionarie of the Land ought to put it in form without any longer delaie .

The Lords of Flushing , judging this to bee a point of great weight and Consideration , and which should not bee entered into , without due search and ripe deliberation , so as neither on the one nor the other side , any might bee prejudiced ; they desired , that what the daie before was declared by word of mouth , might bee brought to paper and coppies given thereof unto the Members , that so the Common Councils might bee made acquainted with , and examine the same , and orderly with all circumspection take further advice about it ; to which Vote the Lords of Veer conformed themselvs , relating therewithal , that the Counsellor Beaumont , having presented himself to their Assemblie in the behalf of the Princess of Orange , had desired them to direct their advice accordingly ; as also the Pensionarie of the land declared , that the said Beaumont had in the same Name desired , that a Copie of the foresaid Verbal Advice , might bee brought to the hands of the Ladies aforesaid , before any further proceeding in and concluding of so weightie a point ; which advices beeing heard and the respectiue Members a second time desired , to consider the the Desire of Flushing and Veer yet further , the four fore-sitting Members persisted , That the business beeing fully discussed now , prooved and justified , there ought to bee used no further delaie , and that the Pensionarie was bound to conclude , though otherwise they could bee content , that Copie of the foresaid Verbal Advice should bee given to the respective Members , to serv them sooner or later , for the clearer information of all the passages and transactions in this business . The Lords of Flushing and Veer judging it strange , that Copie of the Verbal Advice should bee yielded , and yet the conclusion not delai'd , they insisted again on their former desire , and withal that beside the said copie of the Verbal advice , they might have a view of the Letters of Sale and Investiture , that so much the better and with full knowledg of the caus , they might frame their advice : upon which desires no further conclusions beeing taken , the Pensionarie of the land desired the Lords of Flushing and Veer , to make report to their Principals , of the advices and Considerations advanced by the other Members , that next daie they might declare themselvs in the principal matter .

Two daies after the Lords of Flushing and Veer respectively , were again desired to declare themselvs upon the seventh point of the Writ , touching the Right of the Earldom on the one side , and the Lords of Flushing and Veer , respectively , one the other ; but they persisted in their former advices , that first they might have Copie of the Verbal Advice , against the Counter-Remonstrance made in behalf of the Prince of Orange ; as likewise of the Letters of Sale ( or Transport ) and Investiture ; upon which dedesire the four fore-sitting Members beeing the second time sollicited by the Pensionarie of the land , to advise , They declared , That the business having its accomplishment of Deliberation , and lying so clear before them , as could not bee gainsaid by any reason , The Conclusion ought to bee taken without any further delaie ; upon which the Pensionarie of the land , producing and reading a certain Memorandum delivered unto him , in behalf of their Highss the Princesses of Orange ; after the reading thereof hee propounded , whether the Members might not finde good for to proceed in this weightie affair with all complementarie civilitie and discreet leisurableness , to communicate copie of what was Verbally brought in against the Counter-Remonstrance , unto the Commissioner of their Highˢˢ , as Guardians of the Prince of Orange ; as likewise to the Lords of Flushing and Veer copie of the desired pieces , that in convenient time they might produce what they shall have to saie to it : and to the end , that there may no ground bee laid of any prejudice , that the Election of the Magistrate , and all other matters in Justice and Policie , might the while remain in statu ; whereupon the question beeing put the second time ; The four fore-sitting Members persisted in their former Advice , and the Pensioner of the land was urged again to proceed to the Conclusion , Flushing and Veer persisting in their Desires ; till upon reiterated putting the matter to the question , and deliberations past upon the same , it was found good and resolved , to embrace and in all parts to accept of the Advice exhibited by the Lords of the Commissioned Council , touching the Right belonging to the Earldom on the one side , and to the Lord of Flushing and Veer respectively , on the other , in respect of their Magistracie and Civil Government ; the Lords of Flushing and Veer beeing desired to draw up and bring in their respective Reiglements , for to bee past and registred , in conformitie of the Resolutions of March 23. and May 1. last past ; the Lords of the Council beeing autorised , finding the same agreeing with the foresaid advice , to pass and register the same together with other , both there by the Secretaries ▪ and in the Chamber of Accounts . At which conclusion this Item was entered , The Deputies of the Flushing and Veer respectively , have by Order of their Principals caused to bee entered , That they reserved them the Libertie , to bring in touching this matter hereafter what they shall finde requisite .

In Holland , as was intimated before , the Cities had alreadie , immediately after Prince Williams departure , assumed to themselvs the self-choosing of their Magistrates , by grant of the States of the Province as the Soveraign .

In Gelderland the Citie of Nimighen undertook the like of her own accord , on New-years daie the 1 of Januar. 1651. as a matter of old , and rights belonging to them . The Citie of Tiel obtained it , during the Great Assemblie from the States of Gelderland by waie of Grant : all the rest of the Cities in Gelderland were of old in the possession of making their own Magistrates , as likewise all the Cities great and small in Over-Yssel and Groninghen .

At Utrecht the Magistrates likewise reassumed it to themselvs , as of old and right belonging unto them ; in this manner , Thursday Maie 22 , 1651 , the common Council assembled and there beeing likewise present among them the Lords , which otherwise by reason of their Commissions and Offices were not wont to appear ; the first Burgomaster Wyck propounded , That whereas by the death of his Highˢ the Prince of Orange of high-praised memorie , the Province of Utrecht had no Stadholder more , and through the Deceas of the old Burgomaster , the Lord John van der Nyport there was a place vacant in the Council , therefore it had been found good to desire and call the foresaid Lords , jointly to consider and resolv upon the form and manner to bee observed for time to com about the supplying of vacant places .

And after mutual communication and mature deliberation , it was unanimously agreed , That the Right of appointing Burgomasters and Senators in the Common Council , and Counsellors of the Citie of Utrecht , was and for ever should remain belonging to the Common Council onely ; and that it should bee decreed as an unalterable Resolution and everlasting Law , that the said Right shal never bee yielded up , neither whole or in part , on no condition , and in no manner whatsoever , to any other . Saturdaie Maie 24 the Common Council beeing met again in competent number , there was after divers propositions made , and ripe deliberations used , unanimously found good and agreed this following form and cours of Nomination and Election of Senators in the Common Council .

First , That so many papers should bee marked with Numbers as there bee Members present in the Common Council , and that by the drawing out of the said papers the Court should bee divided into four parts according to the Order of the Numbers .

That the partition beeing made thus , none of the Members should by either words or signs recommend or intimate any to others , upon pain of loosing his voice the first time .

That then at last , and during the Council's sitting , the Members of the first division shall by most voices , with close papers , nominate a person qualified , according to the order of the Common Council , and ensued Resolutions .

That the voices coming to bee even-ballanced amongst those of the first Division , so that by voicing again with close papers , the person cannot bee found out yet , they shall proceed to lots , by drawing of two papers : And that the Name of the person thus nominated , shall bee set down by the Secretarie .

That then successively and orderly in manner as before , the like proceeding shall bee made by the second , third and fourth Division respectively .

Provided nevertheless , that by the subsequent parties none bee nominated that was nominated already by a former , and set down by the Secretarie as before .

That four persons beeing nominated and set down , as said is , there bee chosen one of them , by the joint present Members , with close papers , by pluralitie of voices .

None of the Members , by either words or signs , recommending or intimating any of the four to others , upon pain as before .

And that the voices coming again to bee evenly ballanced , they shall proceed to voicing again , or lots , in manner as before .

Furthermore it is unanimously resolved and agreed , that the Common Council shall yearly upon the 1 daie of October proceed to the Election of two Burgomasters for the year ensuing , and that by close papers and pluralitie of voices .

Provided , that one of the ruling Burgomasters , who at that time shall have been Burgomaster two full years together , may not bee nominated or emploied for that time .

Item , that any Burgomaster happening to die , the Common Council shall proceed within three weeks to the chusing of another in his place .

That in like manner as before , there shall bee chosen yearly twelv Counsellors , with that proviso , that such Counsellors as shall have been emploied at that time for three years together , may likewise not bee nominated nor continued then .

God Almightie give his blessing to all these good and wholesom actions which I , so far forth as they have appeared and been known to mee and all the world , thought good to relate thus , without any the least design of willingly or knowingly offending any .

If nevertheless som shall dislike it , it will bee no great wonder . Actions and Transactions of State relish not alike to all . There are som which in former times have found , and now , or for the future , think to finde their interest in a Principalitie or Monarchie ; and therefore Monarchie is that which they prais , not regarding , that a King and Prince hath the Name , whenas two or three Favorites , or Favorites of Favorites , do really reign and rule at their own pleasure .

There are som here in the Land , even of those that are engaged by oath and wages of the Land , who nevertheless write Books in the behalf of Monarchie . Such must not take it ill , if somthing also bee don and writen in favor of a Common wealths Government ; though without all affectation and passion , ayming at nothing but the naked Truth . If here and there , should occurr any aberration or mistake , ascribe it to humane frailtie and want of better Information ; wee have don our utmost , to give and impart nothing but things plain and real . They are not Mysteries and hidden Secrets wee pretend to . Most of what wee publish , was either by Autoritie or connivance of the Government made publick before . And the intention of the State as themselvs profess somwhere , was to shew and manifest their actions before all the World ; and , to recommend the zeal , faithfulness and deserts of good Governors to Posteritis , was never interdicted ; Every one is bound to improve his Talent that waie ; nor was the time ever stined or limited for any such endeavors . To satisfie all men is impossible .

Tres mihi Convivae prope dissentire videntur .

( There are scarce three , but disagree . )

And som there bee so over-running full of wisdom and conceitedness , that they can like nothing , but what they do themselvs , and can discern through planks of Oak , things never seen nor don . Howbeit wee shall easily grant every one to enjoie his opinion , provided they allow like like libertie ▪ to others .

END .