NOTABLE REVOLUTIONS; BEING A TRUE RELATION Of what happened 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 Copy, collected and published at the Hague 1652.  
By LION AITZEMA.  
Concordiâ Res Parvae Crescunt.  
Discordiâ Magnae Dilabuntur.  
Tunc Tua Res agitur, Paries cùm Proximus ardet.  
The Principal matters handled herein, you shall have in a Table at the end of the Book.  
LONDON, Printed by William Dugard, by the Appointment of the Council of State, Anno 1653.   

THE AUTHOR to his READER.  
THe Aim and Drift of publishing this Book, is no other than that which those of the present Government here of late professed themselves (see pag. 281.) namely, to show and manifest before all the World, how regularly and orderly certain principal Charges were supplied, when as by their Vacancy, happened in the year 1650, the Lion with his bundle of Arrows, that is to say, the United power of these Countries, seemed heartbroken. The ensued Recovery thereof by an unanimous Resolution, showing plainly, That Republics die not. The particulars treated here, relate much to the Everlasting League and Confederacy made between the Provinces in the year 1●79, commonly called The Union of Utrecht; which therefore shall be premised to the Work in lieu of a Preface. There were sundry Explanations made lately in the Grand Assembly, upon the said Union, and some Extensions also, as will appear in the handling. But there was no nearer or streighterVnion made between the Provinces, as some abusively held forth in Print, and would have made the world believ.  
Farewell.   


The Transaction of the UNION, Everlasting League and Agreement between the Countries, Provinces, Cities and Members thereof, hereafter specified, decreed at Utrecht, and published from the Town-hous there, Januarie 29, in the year M. D. LXXIX.  
IT being manifest, that since the Pacification made at Ghent whereby all the Provinces of these Netherlands, stood sufficiently engaged to assist one another with life and goods, for the expelling of the Spaniards and other foreign Nations, together with their adherents; The said Spaniards have with Don John d' Austria and other their Chieftains and Commanders, endeavoured since by all means, and daily seek to subdue the said Provinces; aswell in general as each one apart, under their Tyrannical Government and slavery, and both by force of Arms and subtle practices, to divide and disjoint the said Provinces, and thereby to undo and subvert the Union made between them by the Pacification aforesaid, to the utter ruin and destruction of the Foresaid Countries and Provinces: in prosecution of which obstinate persisting in their foresaid pernicious design, they, lately again solicited some towns and Quarters by soothing letters, and others, viz. in Gelderland they set upon and surprised by force of Arms.  
Therefore those of the Principality of Ghelders and County of Zutphen, those of the Earldom's and Country's of Holland, Zealand, Vtrecht and Frizish Omlands, betwixt the Em. and lawyers, have found it expedient, to enter into a nearer and straighter Union and alliance among themselves; not with any intent to separate themselves from the abovementioned general Union made by the Pacification of Ghent; but rather for the further strengthening of the same, and the better securing of themselves against all manner of inconveniences, whereinto they might be driven by the feveral practices, designs, or forcible attemts of their Enemies; That the said Provinces might know how and in what manner to carry themselves, for to be protected and secured against the prevalency of their Enemy; as also for the eschewing of further separations, among the foresaid Provinces and particular members thereof; the foresaid general Union and Pacification at Ghent remaining otherwise in its full vigour. In pursuance of the Premises, the Deputies of the foresaid Provinces, fully instructed and authorized by their respective principals, have agreed and resolved upon the points and articles here ensuing, without any purpose nevertheless of withdrawing themselves hereby, from or out of the holy Roman Empire.  
And I. that the foresaid Provinces shall ally confederate and unite themselves together, as by these they do ally, confederate and unite themselves for ever, remaining joined together in every regard and manner, as if they were all of them but one Province, without ever separating, or suffering themselves to be separated one from another, by any Testament-wills, Codicils, Donation, Session, Permutation, Sale, treaty of peace, Marriage, or for any cause whatsoever; without nevertheless infringing, or impairing any of their particular Privileges, Freedoms, Exemtions, Rights, Statutes, laudable ancient customs, and observances, or any other immunities, of any Provinces, particular Cities, members and inhabitants thereof; wherein they shall not only not hinder disturb, or prejudice one another, but every one shall by all convenient and possible means, yea, (if need be) with both life and goods, help to maintain, support, and strengthen, defend, and protect the other therein, against all and every one, whoever he be, and however qualified, that shall go actually about to prejudice or infringe any of them. Provided, that the Questions and Debates which any of the said Provinces, the Members or Cities, belonging to this Union, either now hath, or for the future may chance to have amongst themselves, touching their own peculiar privileges, Freedoms, Exemtions, Rights, Statutes, laudable ancient customs and observances, or any other Immunities, the same shall be decided and determined by the ordinary Court of Justice, arbitration or friendly Agreement, without the intermeddling of any other Country or Province, Cities or Members thereof, (as long as both the interessed disputing parties shall submit to their proper Judges) unless it were by interceding for a good accord.  
2. That the foresaid Provinces shall be bound in conformity and for performance of the said League and Union, to assist one another with Body, Goods, and Blood against any Force and violence that shall be attempted against them by any, in the name of the King of Spain, or in his behalf, or under pretence of either, whether it be by reason of the treaty of peace made at Ghent; for taking up arms against Don John of Austria; receiving of Archduke Mathias for their Governor, or any matter relating thereunto, depending or ensuing upon it, or like to ensue, though it were under colour only of reestablishing, restoring or introducing of the Roman Catholic Religion by force of arms; or for any innovations or alterations, happened within any of the foresaid Provinces, Cities or Members of the same, since the year 1558, or also because of this present Union and Confederacy, or upon any other such like ground; and this as well in case the said force and violence shall be used against any one of the said Provinces, Cities or Members thereof apart, or against them all in general.  
3. That the said Provinces shall be bound likewise, in the self same manner to assist and help to defend one another, against all foreign and native Lords, Princes, Countries, Cities and Provinces thereof, which shall attemt any force, or violence, or wrong against them, or make war upon them, either in general or particular. Provided that the said assistance be authorized by the Generality of this Union upon cognizance, and according to the condition of the matter.  
4. And for the better assurance of the said Provinces, Cities and Members of them, against all violence, That the Frontier-Cities and others▪ also, where it shall be found needful, in any one of the Provinces, shall be fortified and strengthened, by the advice and order of the United Provinces, at the charges of the Cities and Provinces wherein they are situated, being assisted thereunto with the one moiety, from the Generality, Provided, that, if by the said Provinces it be found expedient, to erect any new forts or strong holds in any of these Provinces, or to alter or demolish such as are already made the charges requisite thereunto be born then by all the Provinces in General.  
5. And for Provision of such charges as shall be needful (in the cases abovesaid) for the defence of the said Provinces, it is agreed, that in all the said United Provinces there be (in an uniform way and manner, for the defence of the said Provinces, appointed,) disposed and publicly farmed out to the most offering, from three months to three months, at other convenient terms, the collecting throughout all the said United Provinces, Cities and Members thereof, certain imposts, upon all sorts of wines, foreign and homebrewed beer, milled corn and grain, upon Salt, Gold, Silver, Silk and woollen cloth, upon horncattel and sowed lands, upon the beasts of the butchery, upon horses and oxen sold or bartered, upon the goods transported by wagons, and all such other things as hereafter shall be thought good by common advice and agreement; and that, in persuance, of the Orders which shall be framed and made in that behalf, there be likewise employed to the uses aforesaid, the revenues of the Demains of the King's Majesty, the incumbent charges thereof deducted.  
6. Which means shall by common advice be raised and abated, according as the exigency and condition of affairs shall require, and only employed, for the common defence and such things, as the Generality shall be bound to undergo and care for, without permission to employ the same means to any other end and purpose.  
7. That the foresaid-frontier towns, and others also, when need require's, shall at all times be bound to take in such Garrisons, as the said United Provinces shall think meet, and with the advice of the Governor of the Province where the Garrison is to lie, do appoint and order, without any refusal. Provided that the said Garrisons shall be paid their wages by the said United Provinces, and that both Captains, and Soldiers, shall besides the general Oath, make particular oath also to the Town, or City, and Province, where the Garrisons is to be laid; and that this same shall be inserted in their Articles; and that likewise there shall be such order taken, and such discipline kept among the Soldiers, that the Burghers and inhabitants of both Town and Country, whether Church or Laymen shall not be burdened beyond reason, nor suffer any molestation; and the said Garrisons shall be no more privileged or exempted from paying of Excise or import, than the Burghers and inhabitants are of the place, where they come to lie. Orders being also to be given, that the Generality shall pay the Burghers and inhabitants for the lodgings, in the same manner, as hath hitherto been practised in Holland.  
8. And to the end, that there may be a continual assistance in readiness of the Inhabitants of these Countries, the same shall, throughout every one of these United Provinces, within the space of one month from the date hereof, at the furthest, be mustered and enroled, such namely, as are between 18 and 60 years of age; that so the heads and number of them being known, there may afterwards, at the first meeting of the Confederates, such course and order be taken as shall be judged to make most for the protection and security of these United Countries.  
9 Also there shall be no agreement for truce or peace be made, nor war undertaken, nor any imposts or contributions appointed, touching the Generality of this Alliance, without the common advice and consent of the foresaid Provinces: but in other matters that concern the managing of this confederacy, and things depending or ensuiug thereupon. all shall be regulated, by what shall be advised and resolved upon, by most voices or votes of the Provinces comprehended in this alliance, which shall be gathered in the same manner, as hitherto hath been in use in the Generality of the States, and that provisionally, till by common advice of the confederates it shall be otherwise ordered. Provided, that, in case the Provinces could not agree among themselves about matters of truce, peace war or contributions, the difference shall provisionally be referred and submitted to the Lords Governors or Deputies of the foresaid Provinces, at this time being, who shall reconcile the difference between the parties, or determine the same, as they shall judge it fitting in equity. Provided, that if the said Governors shall not be able to compose the difference, they shall assume then and choos such impartial Assessors or adjuncts, as they shall think expedient; and the parties shall be bound to conform themselves to what shall be determined by the said Governors, in manner abovesaid.  
10. That none of the foresaid Provinces Cities or Members thereof shall enter into any Confederacy or Alliance with any Neighbor-●ords, or Country without consent of these United Provinces and Confederates.  
11. To this end it is agreed, that in case any Neighbor-Princes, Lords, Countries, or Cities, desire to join themselves to these United Provinces, and enter into Coufederacie with them, that they are to be admitted by common advice and consent of these Provinces.  
12. That the foresaid Provinces shall be bound to a conformity in Mint-matter, viz. about the course and value of coin, suitable to such ordinances, as shall with the first be made in that behalf, which the one shall not be able to utter without the other.  
13. And as touching matters of Religion, those of Holland and Zealand shall dispose therein, as they shall hold fitting, and the rest of the Provinces may regulate themselves according to the Tenor of the peace of Religion, already framed by the Archduke Mathias, Governor and Captain General of these Countries and his Council, by advice of the State's General; or else take such course and order in general and particular,, in that behalf, as they shall find conducing to the quiet and welfare of the Provinces, Cities, and particular Members thereof, and the conservation of every ones Ecclesiastical or civil right and possession; without being in any kind molested or hindered therein by any other Province, every one having freedom in his Religion, and none being to be troubled or questioned for Religion's sake, according to the foresaid pacification of Ghent.  
14. The Cloister-people and those of the Clergy, shall, according to the pacification, have their goods yielded them, which they may have lying in any of these United Provinces reciprocally; and if so be, that any Church-people within the Provinces, shall, during the war between the Countries of Holland and Zealand against the Spaniard, withdrawing themselves out of their Cloisters or Colleges, under the jurisdiction of those of Holland or Zealand, the same shall be afforded due Alimentation and sustenance during their lives from their said Cloisters or Colleges; as shall likewise be done to those which shall have retired themselves out of Holland or Zealand into any of the rest of these United Provinces.  
15. That likewise unto such, as shall be, or have been in any Cloister or Church-College belonging to these United Countries and are willing, either for Religion's sake, or upon other reasonable causes to forsake the same, or have forsaken them, there shall be afforded due Alimentation to them, during their lives, out of the revenues of their said Cloisters or Colleges, according to the condition of them. Provided that such as shall enter themselves into any of these Cloisters, after the date hereof, and afterwards forsake the same again, they shall be allowed nothing more, but only have liberty, to take back with them for their behoof what they brought in there.  
That such likewise as at this present are, or hereafter may come into those Convents or Colleges, shall enjoy freedom and Liberty of Religion, as also of Garments and Habits. Provided they be subject in all other things unto the Superiors or Governors of the said Convents.  
16. And in case (which God forbidden) there should arise any misunderstanding, debate or difference among the Provinces, that they could not agree among themselves; that the same (so far forth as it concerns any of the Provinces in particular:) shall be composed and determined by the other Provinces, or such of them, as they shall pleas to depute thereunto. And as far forth as it concerns all the Provinces, in manner as is expressed above in the 9th article, who shall be bound to do right to the parties, or to make them agree within a month's space, (or speedier, the exigency of the matter so requiring it,) after the intercession of, or endeavour with the one or other party adjoined; and that which by the forecited Provinces or their Deputies or Lords Governors shall be pronounced thus, the same shall be forward and yielded unto without any further demur, or other proviso of right, by way of appeal, relief, revision, nullity, or any other exception whatsoëver.  
17. That the foresaid Provinces, Cities and Members thereof shall take heed of giving any occasion of war to any foreign Princes, Lords, Countries, or Cities; and for the better avoiding of all such occasions, the foresaid Provinces, Cities, and members thereof, shall be bound to administer good right and justice aswel to the foreiners as to the Inhabitants of the said Provinces: and in case any one fall short therein, the rest of the confederates shall do their utmost, by all fit ways and means, that right may be done, and that all abuses whereby the same is stopped, and justice prejudiced, may be amended and reform, according to the rights and powers of every one's Privileges, laudable customs and constant practice.  
18. Nor shall any of these United Provinces, Cities, or Members of the same, set up or introduce any imposts, conduct-monies, or the like burdens, to the grievance and prejudice of the other, and without common consent, nor tax or molest any of their confederates, more than they do their own inhabitants.  
19 Furthermore, to provide against all emergencies and troubles as much as may be; the Confederates shall be bound, being summoned by those which shall be authorized thereunto, to present themselves at Vtrecht by such a day as shall be appointed in the letters, wherein shall be expressed, as much as may be done (unless secrecy be required,) the matters and emergencies to be treated of, that with common advice and consent, or by most voices, in the manner abovesaid, things may be debated and resolved upon. In case also some should fail to appear, the rest shall nevertheless have power to proceed to such Resolutions, as they shall judge expedient for the common good of these United Countries and Provinces; and that which shall be thus resolved upon, shall be yielded unto by those that were absent; unless the matters were very weighty, and could brook some delay, in which case the absent shall be summoned by a second letter, to appear some other day, upon pain to forfeit their vote for that time; and whatsoëver shall be concluded by the present, the same shall be held firm and obligatory, notwithstanding the absence of any of the other Provinces. Provided, that if any be indisposed to appear, they have liberty to send their advice to the Assembly in writing, thereupon to proceed in collecting the Votes, as the circumstances shall require.  
20. And to the end aforesaid, all and every one of the said Confederates, shall be bound, in writing to communicate unto him, that shall be authorized to summon the rest, all such materials as shall present themselves or happen unto them, and whatsoëver they cenceiv may concern the good or ill of these United Countries and confederates, that the rest of the Provinces may have notice given them about it, after the manner aforesaid.  
21. And after there shall be found any obscurity or doubtfulness therein, which might occasion questions and debate, it shall be interpreted and determined by the Confederates who shall order and dispose therein by common advice and consent, as they shall judge meet. And in case they could not agree about it, they shall have recours to the Lords Governors of the Provinces, in manner as above.  
22. So likewise if at any time it shall be found needful, that the Articles of this Union, League and alliance, be amplified or altered in any points or articles, the same shall be done by common advice and consent of the foresaid confederates, and not otherwise▪  
23. All which points and articles, and every one of them in particular, the foresaid United Provinces have promised and do promise by these to observe and follow, and to cause them to be observed and followed, without doing aught or suffering aught to be done against the same; directly or indirectly, in any way or kind whatsoëver.  
And in case any thing be done or attempted to the contrary, they do declare the same now as then, altogether, null void and unvalid where under they engage themselves, and 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 treaty and what depends thereon, be arrested, sued and prosecuted in any place and before any Magistrates, Courts renouncing to this end, all exceptions, graces, privileges, reliefs, and generally all other Benefits or Indults of Courts, which might in any wise ser● or favour them to the contrary, and especially that Exception in the Laws, which saith, That a general Renunciation hath no binding force, unless a special one be gone before.  
24. And for a further confirmation, it is agreed, That the Lords, Lieutenants or Governors of the foresaid Provinces, both present and to come, together with all the Magistrates and chief Officers of every Province, City or Member of the same, shall promise and engage by Oath to observe and keep, and cause to be observed and kept, this Union and Confederacy and every Article thereof in particular.  
25. The like Oath for observing the same, shall be made, by all the train-bands, fraternities and companies, or societies, in any Towns or Corporations, within this Union.  
26. And hereof there shall be drawn up Letters in due form, to be signed and sealed by the Lord's Stadtholders', and the principal Members and Cities of the Provinces, as also subscribed by their respective Secretaries; special address and application having been made to them in this behalf by the rest.  
These foresaid Points and Articles are signed, by the Deputies of Gelderland, and County of Zutphen, viz. by my Lord Count John of Nassaw, Lieutenant of the said Countries; for himself, and with the other Commissioners in the name of the common Nobility of the said Principality of Gelder's and County of Zutphen; together with the Deputies of Holland, Zealand, Vtrecht and Omlands' aforesaid, assembled and authorised, as above, formally decreed and concluded; whereupon the said Deputies of Gelderland and the County of Zutphen, adjourned to 9 of Febr. ensuing, for the further declaring of the Banner-Lords, the great and lesser Cities of the foresaid Principality and County; and that to be made within the City of Vtrecht, to the States Commissioners there present. Thus done at Vtrecht Januar. 23. 1579. under the hands of my Lords, the Lord Lieutenant aforesaid and the foresaid Deputies, set down underneath here for further assurance; and was signed, John Count of Nassaw, Catzenellebogeus in the behalf of the Nobility of the Principality of Gelder's and County of Zutphen, Alexander van Tellich, Gelis Pick, Joachim van Liere, Alexander Bentinck; in the behalf of those of Holland, G. Poelgeest, P. Buys, Reynier Cant; in the behalf of the States of Zealand, Willem Roelsius, Nicolaes' Blavex, Peter de Rycke, Caspar van Vosbergen; in behalf of the States of Vtrecht, Ansonius van Galama, de mandato Capituli sui, Schore, Jacobus Verhaer, Vicedecanus, sancti Petri, de mandato capituli, Adrian van Zuphen, Lambertus van der Buegh, Capitulo jubente; F. de Wen Eng, Raynhard van Azwyne, Bartholomues van der Wael, Nicolaes' van Zuphen, A. D. Leyden, Lubbert van Cleef; in the behalf of the States of the Omlands, Egbert Clandt; E. Jarges.  
This Copy, collationed with the original signed Union, is found to agree therewith, by me,  
Lam Zwede.   

Declaration of the XIII th'. Article.  
WHereas some do seem to make some difficulty about the 13th Article of the Union, concluded on the 23. of last month, between the Deputies of Gelderland and Zutphen, Holland, Zealand, Vtrecht and the Omlands, Ems and lawyers, as if the meaning and intention had been, to receiv none into the said Union, but such as according to the pacification of Religion, framed by the Archduke of Austria and Council of States, by advice of the State's General shall at leastwise suffer both Religions, viz. the Roman Catholic and the Reformed; The foresaid Deputies, which were present at and concluded the said Union, for the taking away all mistakes and diffidence, are pleased to declare, that their meaning and intention, neither then was, nor now is, to exclude from the foresaid Union and Alliance, any Towns or Provinces which shall be willing to keep themselves only to the said Roman-Catholick Religion, and where the Number of their Inhabitants, professing the Reformed Religion is not so great or considerable, as may enable them to enjoy the exercise of the Reformed Religion, according to the pacification above said. But that notwithstanding any former expression, they shall and will be ready, to receiv into this Union, all such Towns and Provinces as shall be desirous to keep themselves only to the Romish Religion, provided, they will engage themselves to the observing of the rest of the Points and Articles of this Union, and carry themselves as good Patriots; there being no such meaning, that the one Province or City, shall take cognizance of others, in matter of Religion; and thus for the clear maintenance of peace and concord among the Provinces, and to avoid and take away the chiefest occasion of difference and discord.  
Don thus, in Vtrecht Febr. 1. 1●79.   

Amplification of the 15th Article.  
THere being provision made in the 15th Article for the alimentation and maintenance of Clergie-people, such as had formerly been in any Convents or Colleges, and withdrawn themselves thence because of Religion, or upon other reasonable grounds; or may hereafter forsake and leave the same; and it being found very considerable, that by reason thereof there may arise many suits and controversies, as is given to understand, that divers are raised already, when as such persons, do or shall pretend to have a right of succession in the goods of their parents; brothers, sisters, and other friends and kindred deceased, or coming to deceas; and such also, as in their life-time they may have conveyed and alienated the same unto, by way of gift, transport or otherwise, or also made sure to them after their death; therefore the foresaid Confederates, to prevent such Processes and Troubles, as may arise from hence, have found good, to suspend all such suits and processes, as either already are, or may be commenced upon the causes aforesaid, for to rest in statu quo, from any further prosecution, until such time, as the said Confederates together with such others, as shall likewise enter into the same Union and Alliance, shall generally (and if it be needful, by Authority of the Magistrate) have taken order therein, and published their Declaration.  
Don thus, by the foresaid Deputies, Febr. 1. 1579. signed, Lamsweerde.   

This day Febr. 4. 1579. there appeared in the Assembly of the foresaid Deputies sitting at Vtrecht, the underwritten Deputies of Ghent, and declared, that, having perused the points and Articles of the foresaid Union, and what by virtue thereof hath further been transacted, They found it good, and thereupon, by virtue of their Letters of Credence, and special procuration and instruction, dated Januar. 27. 1579. have solemnly allowed, approved and ratified the same, promising, like the other Confederates, to keep, observe and follow the same and every point thereof in particular. In witness whereof the foresaid Deputies, set their hands to it, the day, month and year, as above; and was signed, In the behalf of those of Ghent, Aclolf de Grutere, Levin Tayart, Christoph. de la Becqre, Lucas Mayart.   

This day Martii 5. there appeared in the Assembly of the foresaid Deputies, at Vtrecht, the Deputies of the common Nobility of the Quarter of Nymeghen, together with those of the City of Nymeghen; and declared, that having perused the Points and Articles of the said Union, and what hath further been transacted by virtue thereof, they found it good, and thereupon, by virtue of their Instruction, sealed with the privy Seal of the City of Nymeghen, and dated Febr. 12. 1579. have solemnly allowed, approved and ratified, do allow, by these: promising like to the other Confederates,, to keep observe and follow the same and every point thereof in particular. In witness whereof, the foresaid Deputies of the common Nobility and City of the Quarter of Nymeghen, have set their hands to it, the day, month and year as above, and was signed, Gelis Pick, Jan Kelfken, Arent van Zeller, Dirck Fleming, Lambert Janssz, Johan van de Have.   

This day March 5. there appeared in the Assembly of the foresaid Deputies at Vtrecht, the Deputies of the common Nobility, chief and lesser Cities of the Quarter of Arnhim, and declared, That having perused the Points and Articles of the foresaid Union, and what hath further been transacted by virtue thereof, they found it good; and thereupon, by virtue of their Letters of Credence, dated 18. and a certain Instruction dated Febr. 16. 79. both sealed with the privy Seal of the City of Arnheim, after long and mature Deliberation, have solemnly allowed approved and ratified the same; do allow by these; promising in quality as before, that like to the other Confederates, they will keep, observe and follow the same and every point thereof in particular. In witness whereof the foresaid Deputies of the common Nobility, the chief and lesser Cities of the Quarter of Arnheim, have set their hands to it, the day, month and year as above, and was signed, Alexander Bentinck.   

This day March 23. there appeared in the Assembly of the foresaid Deputies of the United Provinces at Vtrecht, the Deputies of the Cities of Lewarden, Sneck, Franeker and of certain Bailiffs and Baily-ships, with some particular Gentlemen of Friesland, named in their Procuration, and declared, That having perused the Points and Articles of the said Union, and what by virtue thereof hath been further transacted, they found it good, and thereupon by virtue of their foresaid Procuration dated March 12. 1579. have solemnly allowed, approved and ratified the same; do allow, approov and ratify the same by these; promising that like to the other Confederates, they will keep, observe and follow the same, and every point thereof in particular. In witness whereof the foresaid Deputies of the foresaid Cities, Lewarden, Sneck, Francker and of certain Bailiffs and Baily-ships, together with some particular Gentlemen of Friesland, have set their hands to it, the day, month and year as above, and was signed,  
B. Idsaerda, Jelle Sibesz.   

This day April 11. 1579. there appeared in the Assembly of the foresaid Deputies of the United Provinces, at Vtrecht, the Deputies of the City of Venlo, viz. Gerard van Lohn, Herman de Laet, Cornelissen of the Council, Jacob Goris Senator, and John de Groot, as Deputies of the Commonalty there, and declared, That having perused the Points and Articles of the foresaid Union, and what by virtue thereof hath further been transacted, they found it good, and thereupon, by virtue of their Instruction, dated April 3. 1579. have solemnly allowed, approved and ratified the same, do allow, approve and ratify the same, by these; promising, that, like to the other Confederates, they will keep, observe and follow the same, and every Point thereof in particular. In witness whereof the foresaid Deputies, of the foresaid City of Venlo, have set their hands to it, the day, month and year aforesaid, and was signed,  
Gerard van Lohn, Herman de Laet, Cornelissen of the Council, Jacob Grois, John de Groot.   

Forasmuch as his Excellency ever held it expedient and needful for the Conservation and Maintenance of the common good, the Rights and Liberties of the Netherlands, to keep and entertain still, good friendship, unity and concord among the Provinces of the said Countries, the Cities also and particular Members thereof, whereby the common Enemy may not only more effectually, by the common power and mutual assistance be resisted and kept off, but likewise be dispossessed and deprived of the means to sow or cause any misunderstanding and discord among the said Provinces, Cities and Members thereof, by reason of discrepancy in Religion and otherwise. Therefore, his Excellency having seen a certain Union and Alliance, made in Januarie last at Vtrecht, between the wellborn Lord Count John of Nassaw, Lieutenant of the principality of Gelder's and County of Zutphen, and likewise those of Holland, Zealand, Vtrecht and the Frisish Omlands betwixt the Ems and lawyers, had indeed found the said Union good, and allowed of it; although, to the end the same might so much the better, and with the more conveniency and opportunity be presented to the Generality of the Provinces, for to be received with common consent and concluded into an Universal Peace, Unity and Concord, of all these Countries, he hitherto deferred and put off the subscribing of the said Union. And whereas his Highness now together with a great part of the foresaid Provinces, which hitherto have declared themselves that they found it good and convenient, such an Union should be framed, concluded and entered into, for the better administration of the affairs of our common Father-land; his Excellency is likewise pleased now to declare, as by these he doth declare, that he doth accept of and will observe, and hereby doth accept and approov of the foresaid Union, lately made and concluded at Vtrecht, between the foresaid Provinces; as being assured that the Magistracy and Authority of the Archduke, is nothing impaired or lessoned thereby; and whereas also the foresaid United Confederates are to assemble again very shortly, further to settle and conclude about all the particular points and Articles of the said Union, what may conduce to the more effectual and steadfast Concord of the same; his Excellency, therefore further likewise declareth, that he will accept of and conform himself to the same Points and Articles, so as by the foresaid Provinces of Gelderland, Holland, Zealand, Vtrecht and others associating themselves, shall be devised, framed, concluded and allowed. In witness whereof his Excellcie hath underwit his Name, and caused his privy Seal to be affixed to it, in the Patent of the City of Ant●erp, May 3. 1579. signed,  
William de Nassaw. and lower was written, By permission of his Excellcie, signed, N. Bruninex.   

This day Jun. 1. 1579. the Plenipotentiaries of the Cities, being assembled in the Cloister of the Jacobites, at the Land-daie, within Lewarden, after they had heard the proposition of the Ambassador from the nearer Union at Vtrecht, and that some of their Plenipotentiaries had been deputed to the said Ambassador, more particularly in the name of all the rest, to communicate with the said Ambassador, and to peruse the several Points and Articles of the said Union; which being performed, and report made to their fellow-Commissioners; all the said Plenipotentiaries of the said Cities, which underwit these, do declare, that they have allowed, approved and ratified all the foresaid Points and Articles of the Union aforesaid; do allow etc. by these: promising, that like unto the rest of the Confederates, they will keep, observe and follow the same, and every point thereof in particular, as well what hitherto is done therein, as what by virtue thereof shall yet further be done and agreed on. In witness whereof the foresaid Plenipotentiaries of the Cities, have set their hands to this, the day, month and year abovesaid, and was signed with the names here ensuing, written by divers hands, Julius van Botnya plenipotentiary for Francker, Jurien Hendrieksz, plenipotentiary for Franiker, Henrick Jahrichsz plenipotentiary for Lewarden; Jan Jansz substituted by Aid Lammarts, who had procuration, and was from home; Claes Hotthissz for the Council of the City of Sneeck; Jacob Syverttz, plenipotentiary for Bolswert; Frans Jacob Frerekson, for those of Bolswert; Banne Peter, plenipotentiary from the Burgomasters of the City of Ylst, Jeltze van Galama likewise▪ for Ylst, Reynier Olfertsz for Staveren, Willem Sippessz for Sloten, Joh. Bettegh, Burgomaster of Worcum, Donne Abbesz likewise for Worcum.  
Whereas we George van Laling, Count of Rinnenberg, Baron and Banner-Lord at Ville, Seigneur of Villierve, Imbriechies, Lieutenant and Captain General of Friesland, Overyssel, Groninghen, the Omlands, Drent and Linghen, chief of his Maties Exchequer, have found it expedient and very needful for the conservation and maintenance of the common-Weal, Rights and Liberties of the Netherlands, that there be maintained all good friendship, unity and concord among the Provinces of these Countries, and those under our Government, as also among the Cities and particular members of the same; whereby the common Enemy will not only be the more effectually withstood and kept off, by a joint power and mutual assistance, but likewise deprived of the means to sow or raise any misunderstanding or difference betwixt the same Provinces, Cities or Members thereof, by reason of difference in Religion or otherwise, howsoever. Therefore, having seen a certain Union and Alliance, as it was projected first last summer, by our advice at Arnheim, and made in Januarie last at Vtrecht, and concluded there, between the wel-born Lord Count John of Nassaw, Lieutenant of the principality of Gelder's and County of Zutphen, and them of Holland, Zealand, Vtrecht, the Friesish Omlands and others; together with several Acts of approbation and acceptance of the foresaid Union, by my Lord the Prince of Orange, Lieutenant General of the Archduke Mathias, Governor General of the foresaid Netherlands, dated May 3. 1579. we do declare, that we have ratified, approved and allowed the same; do ratify, approov, allow and accept of the same by these; being persuaded and sure, that the Magistracy and Authority of the Archduke's eminency is no ways impaired nor lessened thereby. Promising, like the other Confederates, to keep, observe and follow the same, and every point thereof. In witness whereof we have underwriten these with our hand, and caused our privy Seal in Patent-waie to be affixed hereunto. Actum at Winse in the Omlands this 11th of Jun. 1579. beneath was written,  
George van Lataines.   

This day July 10. 1579. there appeared in the foresaid Assembly of the said Deputies at Vtrecht, the Deputies of the City of Yprens, viz. Sig. Jan van Lanquedul Law-keeper, and M. Peter Bald Pensioner to the said City of Yprens, who had declared, that having perused the points and Articles of the foresaid Union, and that which by virtue thereof hath further been transacted, they found it good, and thereupon have, by virtue of their Letters of Credence and Procuration, bearing date June 23. 1579. allowed, approved and ratified, do allow etc. the same by these: promising like to the other Confederates, to keep, observe and follow the same, and every point thereof in particular. In witness whereof, the foresaid Deputies of the City of Yprens, set their hands to it underneath, the day, month and year abovesaid, signed, Jan van Lanquedul, M. Peter Balde.   

This day the 29th of July 1579. there appeared in the Assembly of the foresaid Deputies of the nearer United Provinces, assembled in Vtrecht, the Commissioners of the City of Antwerp, viz. Sig. Jan van Stralen, utter Burgomaster, Voncker Philip's van Schoonhoven Sig. of Wanroy, of the Council, Jan van Brecht old Counsellor, Adam Verhult Colonel, Valerius van Dale and Jan Gyssels Dekens, who declared, that having perused the Points and Articles of the foresaid Union, and that which by virtue thereof hath been further transacted, They found it good, and thereupon by virtue of their Procuration, bearing date July 22. and Letters of Credence, dated July 23. 1579. have allowed, approved and ratified, do allow, approov and ratify the same by these: promising like to the other Confederates, to keep, observe and follow the same and every point thereof in particular. In witness whereof the foresaid Deputies of the said City of Antwerp set their hands to it, the day, month and year as above, and was underwriten, Jan van Stralen, Philip's van Schoonhoven, Jan van Brecht, Adam Verhult, Valerius van Dale, Jan Gyssels.   

This day the 13 of Septemb. 1579. there appeared in the Assembly of the foresaid Deputies, assembled at Vtrecht, the Deputies of the City of Breda, viz. Godert van Luchtenberg, Burgomaster of the City, Godefroy Montes, of the Council and Lieutenant of the Colonel and Captain likewise, and Christian Back▪ Master of the Orphans and Ten-man, who declared, that, having perused the Points and Articles of the foresaid Union, and that which by virtue thereof hath been transacted since, they found it good; and thereupon have, by virtue of their Procuration dated Septemb. 10▪ 1579. allowed, approved and ratified; do allow etc. the same by these: promising like to the other Confederates, they will keep, observe and follow the same and every point thereof in particular. In witness whereof, the foresaid Deputies of the said City of Breda, have set their hands hereunder, the day, month and year abovesaid, signed, Godert van Luchtenberg, Godefroy Montes and Christian Back▪ Frans-son.   

This day Febr. 1. 1580. there appeared in the Assembly of the foresaid Deputies of the nearer United Provinces, assembled at Vtrecht, Sig. Guido du Bruecq, of the Council of the City of Brugge, who declared, that they having perused the Points and Articles of the foresaid Union, and what hath further been transacted since by virtue of the same, they found it good, and thereupon, over and above the approbation thereof by Sig. Levin Step, of the Council, and M. Jacob Yman Pensioner of the said City of Brugge, by virtue of their sealed Procuration of Nou. 7. 1579. made at Antwerp, the 26. of the same month, by virtue of Letters of Credence and sealed Procuration, both dated Januar. 25. 1580. have allowed, approved and ratified the same Union, and do allow the same by these, promising like to the other Confederates, to keep, observe and follow the same, and every point thereof. In witness whereof the foresaid Deputy of the City of Brugge hath set his hand underneath, the day, month and year as above,  
signed, Guide du Bruecq.   

This day Febr. 1. 1580. there appeared in the Assembly of the foresaid Deputies of the nearer United Provinces assembled in Vtrecht, Yoncker Woulter van der Hecken of Council to the Land of the Vryens, who declared, that having perused the Points and Articles of the foresaid Union, and that which by virtue thereof, hath further been transacted; he found it good, and hath thereupon, over the approbation already made at Antwerp, Novemb. 26. 1579. by M. Ysnebrand Provyn Pensioner of the foresaid land of the Urine; by virtue of his sealed procuration dated Octob. 17. before; now by virtue of his procuration dated the 23. of Januarie, and Letters of Credence dated the 25. of the same month of this present year, solemnly allowed, approved proved and ratified; doth allow, approov and ratify the same Union by these: promising like the other Confederates, to keep, observe and follow the same and every point thereof in particular. In witness whereof the foresaid Deputy of the said Land of the Urine, set his hand underneath here, the day, month and year as above,  
signed, Woulter van der Hecken.    

NOTABLE REVOLUTIONS: OR, A Relation of what happened in the UNITED PROVINCES of the Netherlands; in the years 1650, and 1651, somewhat 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 themselves earnestly and seriously about reducing of their public charges and expenses, with intent to extinguish the Generalship of Horse; (suffering, nevertheless, his Highness to enjoie an equivalence some other way) to change the Entertainment of Fieldmarshal from 700 ●lor. in 32 days, to a life pension of 3000 ●lor. per an. to continue the Charge of the Artillery without any particular Entertainment: to alter the Lieutenant General of Horse his present Entertainment into a Life-pension of 2000 flor. that of Commiss●rie General for the Horse 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 Horse 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 Honour, but no Entertainment. To all the Colonels of the infantry, there being thirty of them in number, to allow a life-pension of 800 flor. per ann. and that their respective charges should come to be void by their deceas, and all Lieutenant Colonels, Sergeant-Majors, Quarter-Masters, and Marshals of Regiments, should be cashiered. To discharge all the Muster-masters, 15 in number, and so likewise divers other and lesser charges; that so in time the State might be enabled 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 Cavalry; 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 Generality, whatsoëver might persuade 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 be cashiered, than 55 Foot-Companies, and 20 of Horse; allowing the cashiered Officers, an honest pension or entertainment during life, and to the Colonels, each 1000 Rixdollers 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 (being present there at every time) mainly opposed, they maintaining, That whiles France, Spain, Sweden, & Germany 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 be so ill requited: That it was against the Union, for Holland to persist alone thus, to disband and cashier the common Forces. Some 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 we entertain Garrisons at Delf, Rotterdam, Goude, Dort, Schoonhoven, Schiedam, and other Inland 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 ability: That many years ago they had longed to see a more equal proportion of raising means, and that many sendings had passed from them into the Provinces to that purpose, but all in vain: That they of Friesland, had already reduced and saved 600000 flor. yearly means; and that the same Province was now advantaged near upon 200000 flor. yearly besides; whereby it was evident, that Holland was too highly charged, and much overrated.  
In March there arrived a very great extraordinary Committee out of Zealand; principally about the matter of Reduction, who maintained at first, there ought none to be 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 shown themselves most implacable against them: Some also of the chiefest there sought at that time to ingratiate themselves with the Prince, thereby to advance their particular interest and greediness. Nevertheless, within a short time after, they conformed themselves 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 be cashiered more or sooner than the Natives. The advice of the Prince thereupon was, that the disbanding aught to be 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 being absent) were deputed and sent from the Generality, 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 themselves to the rest of the Provinces. These matters went so high and avaunt, 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 mighty Lords!  
WE have heretofore transmitted unto the Noble Mighty 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 be observed, during the present peace, whereunto some of the Provinces shown themselves 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, we have likewise at the request of the said Lords, transmitted the foresaid points to the six other Provinces: Who, for continuations sake of mutual unity and common tranquillity, 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 Horse, and that the rest of the Hors-Companies may be reduced from 60 to 50 a piece, gratifying withal the Officers to be disbanded, with such a pension, as the joint Provinces shall be disposed to settle upon them. And the other six Provinces doubted not, but the States of Holland would have conformed themselves to this expedient▪ But we are very sorry to understand that their Noble Mighties should be persisting still in their foresaid points of saving obarges, with intention and purpose, to pass and act the same apart, without the General Authority; which we 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 Treaty 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 be retained. Therefore we judged it necessary, to make this address unto your Honour, that you will be pleased to give notice hereof unto the Members which are to meet, either by writing or sending to them, and thereby endeavour to persuade 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 Generality; for if this should be attempted, it would be directly against the Union, the everlasting alliance, and laudable observance hitherto; besides, that so soon after the peace made, there would be discovered thereby a very greet feebleness in the Government of these Countries, and the reputation thereof mightily weakened round about. Whereas on the contrary, this State in the times of hottest war, hath no less by the mutual unity, 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 quantity of Forces, is both formidable to the covered and close enemy, and as considerable pleasing and grateful to the friends and confederates. Your Honours 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 neighbours round about us being in arms still; so on the other side, at the great charges, that lie upon the respective Provinces, only that the weightiest part being the preservation of the whole, must needs preponderate or outweigh the lesser; yet notwithstanding the six other Provinces outwent the former project, as hath been already mentioned, and met those of Holland a great part of their way; Which affair, being narrowly looked into, it will be found, that following the advice of the six Provinces, there will be one hundred Horse, and 270 Foot more entertained now then were kept in service, during the last Truce; when as since the expiration thereof it hath pleased Almighty 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 be beset and kept with requisite Garrisons, unless we 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 than about 25000 flor. which for such a Province (which God Almighty hath so abundantly blessed with Trade, Wealth, and Prosperity) in our apprehension ought to be esteemed far less than the dis-repute and miss▪ understandings, which are like to arise most unexspectedly out of the forenamed discrepancy, it being no unusual accident, that a small spark easily kindleth into a great embracement. Over and above all which considerations, we conceiv likewise that the foresaid Lords the States of Holland ought to ponder the love, affection, and kind disposition they own 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 be in regard of the burden, which not without cause 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 be thought on from afar off by such forces, of whose raising there was or could be had but little notice, or notice being 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 consists 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 expense of wealth and blood. For these and other causes we shall rely upon the good Devoirs and Offices, which your Honours shall be pleased to show and apply towards the Lords, the Members of the instant States-Assembly of the foresaid Province of Holland and West-Friesland. Whereunto we pray God Almighty to vouchsafe his blessing, to whose protection we commend your Honours, etc.  
Actum April 16▪ 1650.  
In May, those of Leyden propounded, That the Provincial advices of the rest should be followed, provisionally for the space of four months, and then to consider and resolve farther. Hereupon the Members repaired home to their principals, and returning back again, seemed ready to yield to the proposition. But the Provinces, the Prince▪ and the Council urged, that then there should forthwith be settled a State of war, and no further speech be made of disbanding, reduction, etc. till after such time, as France, Spain, Sweden, and Germany, should have laid down arms. This they of Holland would not be 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 resolve upon a particular disbanding.  
On the 28 of May, those of Holland presented the ensuing points, much approaching those of the Generality; as namely,  
That they were content there should be disbanded fifty five Foot-Companies, Foreiners.  
That there should be cashiered likewise twelv Companies of Horse.  
That the Curiassiers should be changed into Carabines.  
That what formerly was represented, may be done provisionally, and that the Provinces should be desired, and were desired by these, to conform themselves to the further points of Charge-saving, formerly by their Provincial advice exhibited to the Generality, consisting mainly in the following particulars.  
That the Military and such like entertainments should be regulated according to the project formerly presented by them to the Generality.  
That the Officers to be cashiered, should enjoie no further entertainment or pension, being out of the Land-service.  
That the payment for lodgings, should be surceased, because of true and exact pay to be made to the Army.  
That the Foot-Forces should be reduced from 70 to 60 men, and that there should be disbanded 8 Companies more of Horse, which added to the former 12, produce in all 20 Companies that may be 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 month or six weeks at farthest, procure their respective Provincial Advices upon these four last points to be returned to the Assembly of the Generality.  
Next day following being Sunday, the same points having been presented to their high Mightiness, in the presence of his Highness, his Excellency, 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 ordinary and extraordinary Deputies of Holland and West-Friesland, that as they had already been pleased to declare themselves conformable to the other six Provinces in some 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 be pleased to declare themselves ready 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 Excellency, together with the Council of State, that so this important affair, which cannot be protracted, but to the great dis-service of the common cause, may once be 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 peremptory; they laboured hard all this week to come to an issue, and especially to disburden themselves, which also they went through with, on Saturday, being the fourth of June, with great fervency, causing in their presence Letters and Notifications to be written and dispatched to twelv Companies of Horse, and one and thirty Companies of Foot, reckoning up all the youngest in Commission: as being their rate for number, mentioned in the points presented May 28. Sending Inhibitions likewise to the Solicitors, to advance no more moneys to those Captains. And thus thinking they had done their business well and safe enough, they parted that very saturday, on Whitson-Eve.  
The day following being 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 Excellency 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 Excellency, and the Council of the States, had caused a Letter to be drawn, directed to the Governors or Commanders, as also Captains of Horse and Foot, or, in the absence of them, unto their Officers, lying in Garrison within this State, suitable 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 Mighty 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 Generality, should be disbanded or otherwise disposed upon any particular Order from one or other Province. And whereas it is reported, that some such particular Order is issued forth in that behalf, we therefore upon mature deliberation, with the advice of his said Highness, his Excellency the Stadtholder, and the Council of State, thought good by this to mind and advertise you, that you and every one of you received your Commission from the Generality, and accordingly did swear to the same, and in consideration thereof, cannot be dispensed to obey or yield to any particular charge of disbanding or reducing; but that ye 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, etc.  
His Highness moreover, his Excellency 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 be pleased to bethink themselves of further means, what may be fit and requisite to be done about this important affair, for the concord, tranquillity and best service of the Land: Whereupon deliberation being had, their High Mightˢ in regard of the former point, gave thanks to his Highness, his Excellency, and the Council, over and for their provident care, showed in the foresaid business, and consequently found good, and ordered, that the foresaid Letter, Mutatis mutandis, should be dispatched from the Generality, to the same intent, unto the said Governors or Commanders: Whereupon a draught was made ready for to be 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 be dispatched to all the Cities and Members of the Province of Holland, for to persuade them by all conceivable motives and arguments, that they would refrain and desist from all separate or particular disbanding, lessening or altering of the Forces in service, and sworn to the Generality, and not intermeddle with any thing that may be undertaken or afoot, to the contrary: and herewithal it was committed and referred to his Highness, in what manner and by what persons and number the said Deputation should be expedited. His Highness being likewise desired and authorised to put all things in requisite order, and to take care of preserving the common peace and tranquillity, especially that the Union may be maintained, together with all the dependencies thereof, and all contrary practices and designs prevented and withstood. But the Deputies of the Province of Gelderland declared, that they reserved liberty to themselves 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 be registered, that they took for repeated, whatsoëver their Principals the States of Holland had from time to time▪ caused to be remonstrated at the Assembly of their High Mightˢ touching the point and matter in hand, and that they, their Deputies, referred themselves herein to what they had caused to be 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 dependence and sequel thereof; but in express terms reserved the liberty to themselves to oppose hereafter therein, what their Superiors shall judge 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 be said then, that our Lion was distempered.  
The next day his Highness appearing again in the Assembly, he communicated to their High Mightˢ, that in consideration of the importance of the Business, he was intended and resolved to h●lp to suit 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 Authority that same day, by their High Mightˢ referred and attributed to him, he designed to that purpose out of their own Assembly, the Lords Van Aertsberghen, Rinsewoude and Clant, (there being but one Deputy present for the Provinces of Friesland and Overyssel 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 be dispatched. Whereupon deliberation being had, their High Mightˢ most highly thanked his Highness about and for the sake, that he 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, he would endeavour to convince and persuade 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 themselves 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 body 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 be entered, that they found the present deliberation to be a result of the hesternal Resolution taken in behalf of the foresaid sending, and that in that regard they referred themselves to what in behalf of their said Province, they had entered already upon the respective resolution taken that day. The Deputies for the Province of Gelderland, having yesterday reserved liberty to themselves, to enter next meeting what they should judge 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 some (aiming at the Hollanders) had a design to break the Union; that they began to grow careless, and remembered nor considered not ho● inveterate and implacable the Spanish hatred was. That they would reward the Army with unthankfulness. That they little regarded the great Deserts and Services of his Highness and Predecessors Father, Uncle, and Grandsire. The like Discourses and Reports were plentifully spread among the Vulgar, with additions; That some of the Lords of Holland entertained private communication with the Spanish Ambassador. That the said Ambassador had lately co●veied great sums of money into his house by night, and afterwards distributed the same among his creatures. Item, That in the last Truce some 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 colour of regulating the Army. That the Ministers and all zealous Professors of the Reformed Religion, aught to awaken and bestir themselves, considering, that, though all others might easily make their peace with Spain, they of the Ministry 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 some extremities must presently ensue. But Holland could imagine no such thing. They were deeply indebted, and saw not how to discharge themselves; and therefore conceiving, that as a Sovereign Province, they could not by virtue of the Union, be charged against their will and above reason; they adhered firmly and steadfastly to their former Resolution, being 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 sundry Propositions in the Assembly of their Hi. Mi. tending to this end, That their Hi. Mi. might be pleased to suspend or surceas the foresaid sending to the Cities of the Province of Holland, determined yesterday, being the same was an Innovation, and besides the accustomed order of the Government, from which there could be expected no good fruit; the said Deputies of Holland making offer, to summon another States-meeting of their Province as soon as could be done; that the same which was intended to be represented by the foresaid sending to the particular Cities and Members thereof, might be presented to them: Whereupon offer being 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 horse and foot; and put the case of the foresaid Disbanding and Reduction wholly into their former condition, that then his Highness should be 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 be addressed 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 endeavours. Whereupon the said Deputies of the Province of Holland caused to be entered, 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, being 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 leave of the pretended K. of England, and came to Dort by eleven in the night, being 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 Lord's States-General, in the respective Cities of Holland.  

I.  
Worshipful, etc.  
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 mind 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 only by consent of all the Confederates, the Supreme Command, levying and disbanding of Forces, is deferred, and of whom alone depends both the engaging of the soldiery 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 Excellency the Stadtholder, and the Council of State to be greatly troubled and perplexed, lest hereby we might fall into a breach and dissolution of the Union, a confusion of the State, and the ruin of the good Inhabitants of the Land, it being not unknown to your Worships, that the Enemies both from without and within, are uncessantly busy to undermine the maintenance of the true Reformed Religion, and the Unity and Concord among the Provinces and members thereof. And if at any time they could find 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 destroy them by sword, fire, and murder, even as they have murdered, persecuted, and tyrannised over our forefathers.   

iv  
To prevent which formerly-suffered, and now again new threatened evils, their Hi. Mi. together with his Highness, his Excellency, 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 Treaty of the Union, and having their part and share in the devoirs and consequences thereof, which are caused or occasioned by the Union.   

V  
Whereunto, since it hath pleased his Highness to be 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 Constancy, have counselled and helped to make and maintain, with the loss and hazard of goods and blood; 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, he would so far condescend to advance the service of the Country; 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 rays of the Gospel first began to glimmer through the dark clouds of Popery.   

VII.  
But when afterwards the Light of the Gospel broke forth with force as it were, shining as bright as midday, and being entirely separated from the darkness of Popery, to the dishonour and shame of the child 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 themselves mightily with burn and murderings against the Professors thereof.   

IX.  
And by reason that so many of them were found in the Netherlands, they fell upon our forefathers, and used them as the Cities of Zutphen, Leyden, Harlem, Oudewater, Naërden, and divers others can testify, insomuch that our Adversaries themselves do brag in their Histories, to have destroyed no less than 18000 souls by fire, sword and gallows. One cannot rehears the particulars without horror and astonishment.   

X.  
The Illustrious Prince of Orange, Prince William of blessed memory, compassionating the butchering and murdering of his poor people, found good together with all the States of the Countries, to arm themselves against this murdering and burning Tyranny, which that wise Prince and other Governors judged could not be better done, but by way of a real League and Union among themselves; in pursuance whereof they framed in the year 1579. a nearer Union and everlasting League and Confederacy, thereby binding and uniting themselves 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 be the rule and square for ordering our preservation.   

XI.  
The Body of these United Provinces being so well form and framed by this Union, grew mighty and famous thereby through their mutual Concord and steadfastness, and as formidable to all their Enemies, as considerable in all the world; all the while the same did unanimously keep to, and govern themselves 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 Unity of the Provinces, and shaking the very foundations; whenas the Orders of Government, the Pillars so long maintained, are in a manner dissolved by those strange Disputes and Questions, What and how far each Province or most Members thereof may and aught to do, contrary to the prejudice of their confederates; in that manner and condition, that it can produce and train after it nothing but mischief and ruin, unless it be maturely remedied.   

XIII.  
For the avoiding and prevention of which enormities, his Highness and the Council had already a pretty while before (according to the ancient 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 be kept in Garrisons, according as they judged it necessary 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 be debated in a Conference: But the Deputies for the Province of Holland waving it, propounded afterwards a disbanding of half the Cavalry, and an hundred and five Companies of the infantry, which the six other Provinces judged very unseasonale and disserviceable; but yet, even against their own judgement, and for no other aim or regard▪ but fairly to meet the Province of Holland, yielded and agreed for the disbanding of fifty five Foot Companies, and twelv of Horse, together with the Reduction of the horse from 60 to 50 men in each Company; to the end there might be taken once an effectual Resolution about the State of War, drawn up by his Highness, his Excellency, the Stadtholder, and the Council of the States, there being no possibility of keeping the state of the Country 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 State's meeting, for to persuade them to an uniform advice with the other consenting Provinces; and to the end that all the members of this Province might be truly informed of the condition of things, their high Mi. found good, to write a serious Letter, in April last 16o, whereof we have cause 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 necessity of it.   

XVI.  
Over and above all this, when their Hi. Mi. were again and again advertised, That the States of Holland had, by plurality 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 Assembly, 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 come 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 very fervently, during the Assembly been drawn and sent dispatches in all haste, to the Officers of foot and horse, (indeed of that Provinces own repartition, or allotment, but) sworn and engaged by oath to obey his Highness and the Council of State; by reason whereof there were likewise contrary 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 cause which necessitated their high Mi., his Highness and the Council of State, to apply to new unheard of accidents in this Government, new and extraordinary remedies by this solemn Deputation to all the Cities of this Province, that the same being rightly informed, they may help the advancing of such remedies, whereby mischief may be 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 being an easy matter to conceiv and understand, that the same cannot be upheld in safety, 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.  
We know it and believ indeed, that the Treasury 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 disability. 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 be done with good order and united consent of all the members interessed, suitably to the Union, and hitherto maintained order.   

XX.  
Their No. Mi. the States of Holland, have at other times sitting Precedent in the Assembly of their high Mi. judged this themselves expedient and necessary, whenas, together with the other Provinces they helped to resolve, Novemb. 1o 1623. That no Province ought of their own authority 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 contrary, that it ought to be looked to by authority, which indeed was propounded and urged thus by the Province of Holland itself.   

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 themselves upon like complaints of disability; when to the end aforesaid, the Lords Beveren and Schaffer were sent into Zealand, and Prince Maurice himself of noble memory, desired, in case it should be 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 be taken by any Province apart, being also of dangerous and ruinous consequence to the State of the Land, and drawing with it nothing but confusion and such woeful effects, as cannot be tolerated without subversion of all good Order and Government, according to the very words of the said Resolution.   

XXIII.  
The very 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 we, 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 ancient Unity and Order, so long and unanimously maintained between the Confederates, and to that end to continue the payment 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 some other Cities of this Province, lately gathered at their Provincial states-assembly. 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 be done or attempted to the contrary, they do declare the same now, as then, altogether nul, void, and invalid; whereunder they engage themselves, 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 Treaty, and what depends thereon, be arrested, sued and prosecuted.  
Accordingly do we also desire our Worships to join your selus with the six other Provinces, consenting to the State of war, or else to let the Differences be decided by the Governors or Lieutenants 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 be taken without delay, lest the State and the good Inhabitants of the Land should fall into Divisions, and consequently into a relapse in the same miseries and desolations, which our forefathers endured, which we rest confident, your Worships will endeavour to prevent, praying God to inspire you thereunto with wisdom.    

Here follow the Resolutions, alleged in the foregoing Proposition, Artic. 20. & 21. and first, that of Nou. 1o 1623.  
His Excellency and the Council of State appearing in the Assembly, it was related by the Lord Precedent, that some Provinces made difficulty 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 Excellency, and the Council of State, that no Province shall of their own authority discharge any Companies, without foregoing communication with, and resolution of their Hi. Mi. and the Council of State, and if any thing be practised to the contrary, that course ought to be taken against it by authority, it being withal resolved, that earnest endeavours by Deputies and otherwise, shall be made by the Council of State in those Provinces, which remain backward to furnish their payments, and that without remission until effectual payment be performed, it being otherwise impossible to keep and preserv the Land and State without confusion.  
The Resolution of Febr. 9 1626. was as followeth.  
Report being made, that the States of Zealand should have resolved to reduce the Companies in their Repartition, to 100 heads a piece; and his Excellency, and the Council of State being thereupon sought to and sent for, after deliberation upon the matter, and their advice, it is agreed and resolved, that Letters shall be written to the Command●rs of places, where the Zealandish Companies lie, that they ought not to suffer any such Reduction to be made within their Garrisons, till further order from their Hi. Mi.▪ and that besides, the said States of Zealand shall be sent to by Deputies out of their high Mi▪ Assembly, and by his Excellency himself, in case the matter should prove more difficult than is yet conceived, to represent unto them that such Resolutions directly impugn the Union, and cannot be undertaken by any one Province alone, being 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 be tolerated without subversion of all good order and government. And that for this end and purpose it be desired, that a States-Assembly be held there in Zealand, on the 16 of this month, with full Commission and Authority of the Members there appearing, for to reassume 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 find things so conditioned, that the coming of his Excellency be required, give advertisement of it, that his Excellency may transport himself thither in like manner; therewithal it was likewise found good, that the Lord of Beaumond also be 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 be sent for to the Assembly, and thanks there be 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 be drawn up by the Council of State for the said Commissioners.   

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

I.  
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 be 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 maintain, That none indeed is better able to foresee disorder and disturbance (whereof the first member of the Proposition speaketh) than he that maketh and causeth the disorder and disturbance himself. All the strangers, Germans, Brabanders, French, English, coming into this Country, wonder at the good order and policy 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 be yet order settled and maintained, especially in the Treasury, this good Province, and Millions of Widows, Orphans, and other honest Inhabitants, that have their moneys out in public stocks, will be undone. 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 disburden the Commons. How shall they be eased, or disburdened, if that be not taken off, which the peace itself takes off, and makes to cear? The neighbor-Provinces (especially Friesland, Groninghen, and the Omlands) they know how to eas their Commons to some 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 twelu-month-continued communication, advice and debate with his Highness, with the Deputies of other Provinces, with his Excellency, the Stadtholder, and the Council of State, the manifold Resolutions, Negotiations, Messages, Letters, and other Acts can testify. That the power of levying and disbanding, or reducing of Forces, should be given up to the Council of State; the same is contrary to the first Article of the Union, where every Province declares, they will keep and maintain each one's respective Sovereignty: and contrary 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 maintaining of the Union, Artic. 5. what the Lords of Holland have done. Under the very Kings and Monarches, their Subjects, much more the States and Parliaments, have, and maintain a propriety still, and a free disposing of of their purses, goods, and possessions. If the King would have aught of the Inhabitants, it must be done by way of entreaty, 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 kind, is paid with a flat and downright denial. In Braband it is a thing known in the streets: how much more than in these Provinces, where the States themselves are Sovereigns now, ought it to remain in their free power, to consent and yield or not, what is prayed in the Councils Petition, who themselves 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 Army. 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, etc. 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 than all the rest, hath always brought in the weightiest portion, and therefore most concerned in the good order and managing thereof; as also being here in loco, and best acquainted with the affairs of the Generality, hath always been the readiest and forwardest too observe and show, what charges were useless and fit to be 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, we 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 herself above or over the rest; but only doing that which all the others might have done, viz▪ discontinuing their consent: being commonly the first, for that they are in loco, and can always be the readiest; and this condition of theirs being wholesome and advantageous for the other Provinces, Holland in all reason should have hearty 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 always in this point follow the laudable pattern of Holland: and hitherto it succeeded well. Being now in peace, what reason is there, that we should not discharge things useless and unnecessary. I see no need we have of continuing entertainments to Governors, Colonels, and a numberless company of other Camp-Officers. There is no need of it, That Captains, Commanders, etc. go all bedaubed and besmeared with gold and silver upon their clothes, whilst the poor Commons are glad to feed on a piece of dry bread, and must often carry their children supperless to bed. It can be no good advice to entertain strange Forces, or Troops and Soldiers of Foreign Nations. When Kings and Princes bring in such, it is a shrewd sign they intent to tyrannize or to introduce an absolute arbitrary Government. Do not we see now at this time, that Scotland (though threatened 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 else.  
Nevertheless, for such supernumerary and Foreign Soldiers 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, Lieutenant-colonels, etc. 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 be fouled 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 Wagon. 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 show their parts in; then they are always sure to beat their adversary, and triumph over them. Some 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 disapproved it, and it was easily found out, that they were Court hirelings, set a-work under that cloak, to raise mutiny and sedition, to dispoil and bereav Holland, and the whole State indeed, of their Rights and Privileges, of their Sovereignty and freedom, (for the purchasing whereof Holland alone hath contributed more Treasure and Blood, than all the other Provinces together) to cause the honest Commons to groan under everlasting Burdens, through the confusion in the Treasury, whereby Millions of Widows and Orphans will be prostituted to extreme poverty. Thus indeed the great floodgates would be opened, for our Enemies to overwhelm and to destroy us by murder and fire, and all manner of destruction at their pleasure, which by a necessary redress in the Treasury, would with God's help, in a few years sufficiently be prevented, that such a fear should be 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 be admitted or suffered.   

V  
Those that exposed his Highness Princely and most honourable person to public reproach in such conjunctures or confusion rather, they are none of his true friends; doing all they can, to make his heroic virtues and faithful love to the Father-Land, as odious and suspect as may be, and endeavouring to loosen the bonds of Love and Affection, than which, the government can have no firmer. The beginnings, grounds, and intentions of the Union, are exstant and to be seen in the Text of the Union; and are very dissonant to this Proposition, as being 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 eager'st for the Reformed Religion, nevertheless without excluding the Papists. But the rest of the Provinces regulated themselves 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 sixth place: Holland hath done more alone, and is still disposed to do more for the Reformed Religion, than all the rest together.   

VII.  
What relation or affinity, I wonder, hath the Treasurieaffair, and Reduction of the soldiery, with the reading of the Scripture, as it is here alleged?   

VIII.  
Holland alone, more than all the other Provinces together, hath paid the King of Spain his Murdering and Burning, home into his Bosom, that in the very beginnings of the first Troubles, the Precedent Vergas said, Ifti Haeretici patibulant, sicut nos: The Peopelings have small reason to brag of advantage. If they shall believ our Histories, we ought to believ theirs, affirming, that for one Preacher of ours, an hundred of theirs were banished, vexed, hanged, killed, drowned. 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 we done ten times more hurt and damage to the Spaniard, both by Sea and Land, than ever he did to us?   

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

X.  
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 be left entire in the enjoiment of their Rights, Privileges, Liberties, etc. a principal point whereof is, not to be changed against their consent. Art. 18. This Right Holland doth not grudge to any; but the rest go about to bereav Holland of it. According to their main intent of the Union, endeavours are promised, to discharge and dismiss all Foreign and Outlandish Forces. Holland is inclined to it, for the advancing of good and faithful Native Officers and Soldiers; but some of the other Provinces would keep in the Foreiners to the destruction of the Natives; some whereof, namely, the 29 Companies of the fifty raised in the year 1628., received not one penny of money in five years, but what the Captains were fain to take upon interest at 8 per cent.   

XI.  
The Body of these Provinces is grown mighty, next to God's blessing, most by the Treasure and Blood 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 Overissel were none▪ continuing Provinces till the late Truce. The Union is like a painted man upon the wall: how the Generality, 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 opportunity and means to get out of debts, and into a fitting condition again of effectual defence against all Domestic and Outlandish Enemies. This is the end wherefore all Kings and Potentates make peace. Holland would fain be gathering once this wholesome fruit from the Tree of Peace; but some ill-affected Hollanders do all they can to hinder them.   

XIII.  
There is none but knows 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 fifty such like In-Land-Towns, are they all become Frontiers now? What Watch and Guard doth the Soldier perform there? unless they had a mind by degrees to commit the Custody and Keys of those In-Land-Garrisons unto the Captains there; then indeed the Citizens, nay, the Magistrate, nay, the States themselves, might have reason to say once, as Whilem the Duke of Gelderland; yea marry, now she sits cleanly. But prithee tell me, those great entertainments of the Governors, of the Colonels, and other Warlike Officers, (things altogether unknown in the hottest times of war, and which serve for nothing, but to brave it in the Hague, to keep great Horses and Caroches, 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 thirty, forty, nay, fifty better men to perform that employment; and yet we must be told, therein consists the State of War, and guarding of the Frontiers; and this forsooth is the only 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 Treaty with the Council, etc. about the Entertainment of a Complete Quantity of Forces, above this twelu-month; and Holland hath made it plainly appear, that following the project of Reduction, ready pay, exact mustering and order, there would be more men effectually kept in service, than 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 themselves of 3● Foot-Companies, and 12 of Horse (according to that right of non▪ consent, or discontinuing of consent, each Province hath power and liberty every year to make use of) which now is the point in Controversy: it was exceeding strange and unheard of (and might otherwise well be called Sedition) to go and irritate or set at odds the Members of a Sovereign Province, one against the other, and against the Provincial Government. Might not a body 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 done such and such things, or left undone such and such: Is this according to your sens or mind? Will you have it to pass thus, or not rather otherwise? Especially if one should add and interweav all manner of persuading, soothing, promising and threatening arguments, representing in what danger Religion stood, how the Gates would be opened to the Spaniard, and all ready to be exposed to murdering, burning, robbing, plundering, (as the like was both openly, before, in, and after this Sending broached everywhere, and covertly insinuated in the Proposition itself) 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 be no universal consent needful.   

XVII.  
The Officers and soldiery are properly sworn and engaged to the United Provinces or the States thereof, who are their Sovereigns and pay▪ masters; the Direction and Captainship General indeed they have committed to his Highness and the Council: Yet so nevertheless, that they, the States never yielded up to them the sovereign and absolute power of disbanding, raising, augmenting or diminishing the Army and Forces of the Land, at their own pleasure and arbitrie. Else 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 Quartering in Germany.   

XVIII.  
In the 18 Section the Proposition confesseth this Sending to be a new extraordinary Remedy, 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 unexpected, undeserved requital, Holland had from their confederates, for having rescued, assisted and protected them these 80 years; more alone, than all the rest together. Nevertheless, it is not imputed to the Provinces themselves, but only to a few ill-affected Hollanders; who being 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 be 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 be a full agreement in the discharge (which nevertheless is untrue, and against the known practice) much more certainly ought there be 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 Overyssel, whereof the Resolution of Nou. 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 written, and Commissioners were sent to the full Assembly of the States. And Zealand at that time being awed to continuation of consent by the instant danger from a puissant enemy, they have not therefore yielded up their right of consenting or non-consenting for all time to come. 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) only for to induce and persuade them. Yet it follow's not, that in case of standing out, they should have gone up and down the Country, to incens and stir up the Commons against the Government there.   

XXII.  
The Reduction mentioned in the 22 Sect. was done precipitantly, without communication and advice of the Provinces, without showing themselves so greatly overcharged, 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 showed and proved 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 Sovereignty of any Province; even as Utrecht in the midst of war discharged themselves of their rate for Sea-matters, or guarding the Seacoasts; 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 contrary practice is well known: there was a new express consent to be obtained every year, for the continuation of the Army.   

XXIV.  
Whatsoëver therefore is done now to the prejudice of the Sovereignty, 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 be made according to the Union with common advice; that is to say, the Province of Holland being necessitated to discharge herself of such unnecessary Forces and Entertainments, that the other Provinces would be 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 be without prejudice to the Sovereignty, Privileges, etc. (which nevertheless was forgotten in the first Cities) is of that nature, which the Lawyers call Protestatio actui contraria; others, a catch, and comes 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 Overyssel 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 penny to their Companies upon the Countermand. Nevertheless if the other Provinces will provisionally take on these cashiered Companies, by somewhat raising their own rate, and easing that of Holland, which lay so heavy and insupportable upon their shoulders, it shall be very pleasing and acceptable to them; and in the mean time they will not withhold their hand effectually to procure, that the former soldiery may be faithfully mustered, readily paid, and kept so complete, that there shall be found more men in number upon the Frontiers in Garrison, than 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 money (the contributed sweat and blood of the poor Commons) and unnecessary charges, as little as they of Holland: and will, in stead of breaking with their friends, soon apply themselves to put in effect their resolution of cashiering the 55 Companies, etc. as the like hath often happened, etc. this, and but last Winter yet, about the reduction of some twenty 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 forenamed 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 concerns themselves, may in time of need, or when the affairs of the Country shall require it, dispose of, and order things committed to the said Council themselves, and to execute by their direction matters of Sea and Land, with all their dependence, as particularly also the mustering, keeping of Discipline, Military punishments for all kind of excess and exorbitancy, and any other matter. Understanding likewise, that all businesses of state-policy 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 Authority, to each according to the peculiar regard and interest.   
There past at Dort some notable reflecting words between the Lord of Aërtsberghen, and Burgomaster de Witte: whereof there will be 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, suitable 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 suited 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, he got most voices and prevailed, though he 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 passed betwixt them, may be 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 some beforehand 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 be 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 showed themselves ready 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 being to be celebrated next day, and his Highness invited, he received it together with Count Henry; and being 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 dilatory and general, praying his Highness not to take the pains to come to their City, because of the bad ways, and that they were but slenderly accommodated, to entertain his Highness, as was fitting according to his Quality. At Edam there came two other Commissioners from Amsterdam to salute his Highness the Lords Geelvinck and Spiegel, as we shall see anon in Amsterdam's answer to his Highness' Proposition.  
At Amsterdam itself his Highness was every where received with all possible honour and respect; and what further passed there will appear by their foresaid answer.  
The Magistrate had prepared a sumptuous Banquet to entertain his▪ Highness withal. But he excused himself, and being pressed but to taste a refreshing Cup, replied, For to eat and drink together we had need be better friends first than we 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 only; and both those of Leyden, and all elsewhere 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 house Deyl, betwixt Leyden and the Hague, one of the Prince's Pages fell out with his Wain-man, whom he unhappily ran through and killed, leaving a poor widow and an house full of small children behind him, which caused much discourse.  
It was observed that those of Schoonhoven had more sumptuously entertained his Highness and the Commissioners, than any other. Having sent for great quantity of Comfitures, many Cooks and Pasterers to Utrecht, which seemed so much the stranger for the smallness of the place, and frequent complaints by their Commissioners at the Provincial meetings, and continual desires of being eased and relieved by others, for being 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, Mighty Lords!  
THere being 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 Commissioned 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 incline and persuade 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 themselves with the consenting six other Provinces: His Highness accordingly, together with the other Commissioners, disposed themselves in performance of your high Mi. Resolution, to take their Journey the very next day after, being June 7. to Dort, and in the mean time drew up a Proposition in writing, containing very good Reasons and Motives; to this intent, That the Cities, as Fellow-members of the Union, would declare their being resolved to cleav indissolubly to the Union, to hold fast the ancient Unity, so long and unanimously maintained among the Confederates, and for that end to be assisting, that the payment of the discharged Companies may be 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 cause their Deputies (to be appointed for the Provincial Meeting) to advance requisite Resolutions in that behalf in their States-Assembly, according to the ancient custom. And if so be 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 be taken without delay, for provisional payment of the cashiered and reduced soldiery, 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 suitable to the condition of things and places, some of the Cities and Members of this Province being thanked for their good offices and purposes showed in behalf of the conservation of the Union, and the Unity 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 be 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 twenty third Article thereof; whereby that which is done 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 only showed, that the Judgement of the six consenting Provinces was strengthened with the advice of his Highness, as Captain General of these United Netherlands, and that of his Excellency, the Stadtholder, and the No. Mi. Council of State, that viz. this precipitated separate cashiering and lessening 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 plurality of voices, is a plain Contravention against the Union; but likewise that it is the Judgement and Opinion of the States of Holland themselves, as the same was made known and brought into the Generality by them, in the years 1623., 1626., 1642, whereof the proof was read before them out of the Exstracts of the public 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 be instructed and authorised against the next Provincial Assembly.  
They found indeed that their Hi. Mi. were not every where alike welcome. His Highness was received in all the Cities (except Medenblick, where he came not) with all honour, concourse of people, and acclamation, both coming and going, so that there appeared a general great respect and affection every where unto his Highness. The endeavours of their Hi. Mi. Commissioners were by some 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.  
Some 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; some Cities also reading some written Notes, and some few protesting de non praejudicando, that this act may be no precedent to their prejudice, whereupon their Hi. Mi. Commissioners produced both reasons and examples to convince them, that their jealousy was needless and groundless.  
The Answers of the Cities were different. Some declared they were resolved for ever, holily and indissolubly to cleav to the Union. Some 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 payment of the discharged and reduced Forces, some Cities made satisfactory Answers, and had thanks returned 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 mind these points, thus represented unto them, and especially that of maintaining the Union and Unity among the Provinces; to the end that these Differences touching a State of War, might be 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 be kept from confusion and disorder) might be brought in at length to the Generality, and settled accordingly.   
All which being, 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 hearty thanks to his Highness for his exceeding great pains and care, which he was pleased to take upon him and go through with, in this high and weighty affair, concerning the weal and tranquillity of this State; as also high and hearty 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 Almighty, that he would give such a blessing to these their endeavours, as that thereby the respective Provinces may wholly be reduced to mutual unity and concord, and evermore maintained in the same. This Conclusion was framed by the Lord of Rijn-haysin. The extraordinary and ordinary 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, some things had happened to him in particular, whereof he intended to inform them at some other opportunity; which communication was entertained with thanks, and answer returned, their Hi. Mi. would be ready to receiv the same information, whensoëver his Highness should be pleased to impart it. Upon which the extraordinary 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 constancy, in maintaining their late (June 4.) determined Disbanding or Discharging of their Soldiers.  
And by them there was likewise among other things a Note drawn of the new rates among the Provinces, being all the rest shown themselves 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 Overissel— 5— 0— 0 5— 16— 7 Groaning & 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 persuading of them, to what was formerly propounded to the Cities: Whereupon the customary answer was returned, that it should be 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, he himself accompanied and brought in by the Nobles, did make this ensuing Proposition in the Assembly of the States Provincial of Holland, it being easily observed by the style, that the same was penned by Secretary Nusch.  
Noble Mighty Lords!  
AFter that the respective Provinces had returned to the Generality their Provincial advices about the matter of the State of War, and dependence thereof, and when it appeared thereby, that the six other Provinces were somewhat disagreeing therein with your No. Mi.: We then and his Excellency 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 ways likewise were showed them. But your No. Mi. were pleased to pass it all by, and on a sudden, at your last Provincial meeting to resolve upon a separate Discharge and Reduction of some of the Forces of the Land, both Horse 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 resolve upon a very solemn Sending or Commission to all the Cities and Members of your No. Mi. Province, to persuade the same by all conceivable Arguments, to a reassuming of the foresaid whole business, and consequently that they would desist from all Separate Disbanding, diminishing, or altering the foresaid Forces, as being in service of, and engaged by oath to the Generality, and to relinquish all contrary purposes and acts of that nature, that so the Concord, Tranquillity, and necessary Unity between such old and confident Confederates, might be preserved, and on the contrary all such practices as should attempt to thwart and cross the same, timely prevented and obviated.  
In which good and upright intention, we were content our own person should be employed together with others in that Deputation; and having undertaken it, our first Journey and Address was to the City of Dort, from whence we proceeded to Gorcum, in regard of the Vicinity. At which place there repaired unto us the Lords Octgens and Hasselaêr, with Letters of Credence from the Worshipful the Burgomaster 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 come within their said City of Amsterdam.  
A little while after, the Lords Geelvinck and Spiegel, accompanied with a Secretary, came to meet us at Edam, desiring us, that we would not trouble the said City of Amsterdam, but pass it by, left the Magistrate of that City should be compelled to something that might prove distasteful.  
Notwithstanding all this, we went on, and came to the said City 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 shown some demonstration of outward honour.  
But being desired they should grant us Audience in the full Council of the said City, they refused it.  
Whereupon pressing them that at least wise they would give Audience to our person in their full Council, in quality of your No. Mi. Stadtholder or Lieutenant. And that in a matter, whereof for their further satisfaction, we had given them information beforehand.  
This our desire they referred to the deliberation of the full Council.  
And next day the Burgo-masters accompanied with some other of the Magistrates of that City, came to us, and declared, that they could not admit the audience, in quality of Stadtholder.  
Which proceed were very 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 we 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 City of Amsterdam, as being directly against our Dignity and Respect; and no less against the State and Eminency of this Province, who qualified us with the charge of their Lieutenant or Governor; and notoriously tending to the undervaluing and vilifying of our person; it being also a matter altogether unheard of, and never used towards any of Our Predecessor's in Charge; in regard whereof we have judged it necessary, your No. Mi. being 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 Magistracy of the City of Amsterdam, to make due Reparation unto us in that behalf, resting confident your No. Mi. will take it into speedy deliberation, and resolve accordingly.  
Don in the Hague, June 30. 1650. and was signed G. P. d' Orange.  
It was observed, that as his Highness named the City of Amsterdam, he did it with a certain commotion and elevation of the Voice, yet afterwards moderated his speech again. Those of Amsterdam desired the Copy thereof, and brought in their Answer, which shall follow in due place.  
The States of Holland appointed a Committee, one of the Nobility, 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 dependence thereof; who found the same to consist in three heads, as, 1. What was fitting to be done in regard of Formalities about the said Sending; 2. What was to be judged of the Substance of the foresaid Proposition made in the Cities of Holland. 3. What might be most expedient for the weal of the Land, to be done about the discontinuance of paying the soldiery 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. aught by Resolution to disapprove of the said Sending and dependence thereof, it being past example, and against the order and form of Government. And that in like manner it be confirmed by Resolution, that the Cities of this Province shall for time to come, 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 foregoing communication with their Confederates: whenas it is more than notorious, that not only for a long time, nay, divers months one after another, all endeavours 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 Generality can render sufficient testimony at all times, especially in Januarie, March, April, May, and even the third of June last: Besides the Letters written to all the Provinces in December before, the particulars of all which, may, if need be, be produced forthwith. As likewise (said they) it could never be proved, what the Proposition laie's down for a groundwork, viz. That the Supreme command or power of raising, cashiering, or reducing of Forces, is solely committed to the Council of State; there being no such thing to be 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 be transported to the said Council: but that on the contrary, 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 lessening of the Forces made by their No. gr. Mi. should be a breach or dissolution of the Union, there being no such Conclusion can be 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 mind, as ever any of the other Provinces did or doth) that it was ill said there, the lessening 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 done in that kind, and in particular, what Utrecht did in the hottest time of war, withdrawing themselves, 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 city'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 cause and firm assurance of our so long expected, dear bought peace; and the means, whereby the power of the King of Spain can best be bridled. As also in particular, the lessening of the Forces, hath heretofore been undertaken by several Provinces.  
It was also the foresaid Committee's advice, that the abovementioned disapproving Resolutions might be intimated to the Generality, and registered there. And that withal, it was fitting to be there likewise in terms declared and registered, That, for the time to come, the Cities of this Province should not admit nor suffer any such Sending or Commission, to be brought or presented to them: and that therefore it should seriously be urged, That the Provinces beware of laying a ground for such Sending, or ever undertaking again to put the same in execution, for reasons to be further deduced then. That it should likewise be remonstrated to the Generality, 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 be particularised further.  
Lastly, That it was fitting, serious and well-grounded Letters should be 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 come never to be 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 Generality, even in presence of his Highness, and his Excellency 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 disburden the State for a time, according to the present opportunities, and nevertheless to keep a sufficient proportion of Forces for its security, and therewithal firmly to maintain, and more and more to cultivate the old confident Confederacy with all the Provinces.  
That in all this, the person and respect of his Highness, was to be held and maintained by them all, in high esteem, and that this intention of their No. gr. Mi. should in terms be certified to his Highness himself in their behalf.  
Upon the third point the advice was, that his Highness should be saluted from his No. gr. Mi. by the Councillor pensionary, and desired, that according to his wise Considerations, and the exact knowledge he hath of the whole Business, his Highness would be pleased to make overture of such Propositions, as he judged would most effectually serve for to reduce the Provinces to a common consent, about lessening or easing the charges of the State. And besides that the said Councillor pensionary 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 being afterwards made Report of the success thereof, such further progress might be made or undertaken, as should be 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 he 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 contrary. Saying, that for the defence of the Land there were required at the least 27000 Foot, and 3000 Horse. That the whole business of charges, aught to be reviewed with the Council of State: that being done once, he 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 pensionary 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 be 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 Generality, to the Cities of this Province, should be extended as a particular Resolution by itself, and as having no relation to the other Members of the same Advice.  
That his Highness confiding in the Committee-Members, that they will endeavour to the utmost to dispose their respective Superiors, that the business of disapproving the foresaid Sending to the Cities of this Province, might be set apart and laid by, without presenting of it to the Generality, or otherwise acting in it; he could be content, that a Committee might be appointed by their No. gr. Mi. for further Conference with him for to frame such an advice together, as might be most serviceable for the Land, about lessening of the soldiery, and matters depending thereon; to be communicated to the Assembly of their No. gr. Mi., and if accepted there, overture might then be made thereof at the Generality, as an advice of his Highness, and Conference thereupon had with the Provinces, that so the said Work might be settled at last, and effectually dispatched.  
That in the mean time the payment should be continued to the discharged soldiery, till such time as the Provinces should be reduced to a full consent.  
Furthermore it was related by the Counsellor pensionary, that his Highness at pa●ting, desired notice might be 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 being taken into Consideration, it was agreed, That the last Member of the foresaid Advice, should according to his Highness' desire, be extended, as a Resolution by itself, without reflection to any thing else.  
And further, that the Committee-Members should be desired, and were desired by these, to make a general Report to their respective principals, of the foresaid matter and dependence, and so endeavour to the uttermost of their abilities, that their said principals may be disposed to contribute that Zeal to the Work, whereby the same and things dependant, may commodiously be directed to most service of the Land, and best consent of the Provinces, for an happy issue and conclusion of all. And it was further agreed, that in the interim another Conference should be entertained by the Committee of their No. gr. Mi. with his Highness, about lessening of the soldiery 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 be managed as should be found expedient.  
At the Deliberation, what Members should be chosen for the Conference with his Highness about the said subject of lessening the soldiery and like matters, it was found good the Resolution now taken, and resumed, and concluded that afternoon, should beforehand be communicated to his Highness by the Counsellor pensionary, and his mind known, whether it would be acceptable to him, to enter next day following into the foresaid Conference.  
Not long after Report was made by the said Counsellor pensionary, that his Highness upon the hearing of the foresaid Resolution read, had declared, he would be ready to morrow to enter into Conference with the Committee of their No. gr. Mi. upon the intimated subject, vid. in quality 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 counsel pensionary.  
But they being not able to bring things to a Consent at that conference, his Highness in the interim was very busy for some days 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 tenor as followeth.  
High, Mighty Lords!  
After what manner his Highness, and his Excellency, 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 be protected; so immediately upon the Conclusion of the Peace, they have held it their Devoir, to continue their care and watchfulness 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 necessary 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 Excellency 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 separate 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 Excellency, 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 be brought to an agreement of minds. Nevertheless before they come to that, his Highness his Excellency, Stadholder and the Council of State, declare herewith, That they are still of opinion and conceiv, The security of this State, requireth as yet no less Forces, than were comprehended in the formerly delivered State of War; and they will likewise be held blameless, if through want of entertaining a sufficient Number of soldiery, the state of the Land, should be surprised by any mischief; declaring further, that they are moved to present this new draught or project, only 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 be taken thereabout, a considerable party of the soldiery remain the whiles unpaid.  
Therefore it is, that his Highness his Excellency, Stadholder and the Council of State, do in the first place desire that the pay may be continued to the soldiery separately and pretendedly discharged.  
And thereupon, to bring the Provinces to an Unanimous Resolution, as for the discharging of some Forces, so for the other points of Charges, and the settling of a State of War, his Highness his Excellency and the Council of State would present the ensuing propositions, nevertheless under express Declaration, as before.  
In the first place, That 16 Troops of horse should be disbanded, there remaining then in the service, yet 52, besides 50 Carabins belonging to his Excellency Stadholder: whereof 10 Troops of Colonels, consisting of 60 some, and others of 38 bors a piece; those of 60 should be reduced to 50. The 4 first Troops, should remain as now they are, viz. three of his Highness one of 150 and two of 200 horse; and that of Count Maurice, Lieutenant General, 100 horse. Thus there should be discharged 1340 horse and 3000 remain in service.  
That the Cuirassiers should be turned into Carabins, excepted only the Guards of his Highness, one Troop of 150 and the other of 100 horse, and the 50 of his Excellencies.  
That of the infantry there should be discharged 55 companies of 50 men apiece, and of the 201 Companies of 70 men, remaining, five men a piece reduced besides, so that in all there should be disbanded 3755 foot, and remain in service 450 companies, consisting of 26350 men.  
Which forces are less, than were kept in time of the Truce, besides the 2 troops of horse, 30 Companies of foot, entertained by France, at which time, there were not so many Frontiers to be Garrisoned, as now there are, there being a good many more gotten recovered since, besides other Relations requiring it now, which were not before.  
That the lodging-monies, where the same were paid hitherto, should be lessened by a Moïtie, provided the Companies be well and readily paid, and likewise disburd'ned from all extraordinary Charges.  
That the Officers of such Companies, as are to go off by disbanding, they being 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 course of living to apply themselves unto, it seemeth very equal, that a certain pension be allowed them; as namely, to a Captain of horse 1200 flor. p. an. he entertaining always one horse, to be in readiness upon occasions, at his Highness' call for service. To a Captain of Foot 800 flor. to a Lieutenant of horse 350 fl. to a Lieutenant of Foot and Cornet of horse, each 250 fl. to an Ensign 200 fl. p. an● respectively; so nevertheless, as that all such participants shall remain engaged for service as Reformadoes, if need be, under the Collonel-Companies of the Regiments, or otherwise as his Highness shall find meet: and that the said pensions shall be enjoied by them, either during life, or until they shall be preferred again in the Lands Service; whereunto they shall stand recommended before others; also that the pensions of such as shall leave the Land, for to dwell or serve elsewhere, shall surceas, and return to the equal benefit of all the Provinces.  
That being the Governors of some of the chiefest and most important Frontiers, besides the great trust put in them of such places, must honourably keep house there, as having great resort to them of passengers, and withal wanting those advantages of booties and prizes, which they enjoyed 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 Colonels of horse and foot, in present service, aught to be had in special consideration, most of them being ancient 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 be advanced to these Charges: and therefore now in time of peace, aught to be entertained according to their Deserts, some 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 horse might expire by death, the whole Cavalry being to be reduced to six Colonels only.  
That the Majors of horse and the Lieutenant Colonels 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 Horse expire after the present, likewise to six.  
And that the Majors of the foot-Regiments shall be reduced to an allowance of 42 fl. p month.  
His Highness, his Excellency, and the Council of State desiring their Hi. Mi. would be 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, aught to remain in statu quo, and the Council shall go on in the mean while, communicating with his Highness and his Excellency to examine and perpend the presented Provincial advices, for the spediest settling of that State of War, it being altogether impossible that the State of the Land and the Treasury can be 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 being read, his Highness his Excellency and the Council of State were highly thanked for the good and provident care, they had showed 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 wont 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 be returned from them; the same States of Holland being likewise desired then, that in the mean time, they would continue to pay the soldiery of Horse and Foot, now lately discharged by them. Whereupon the said Deputies of Holland in the Assembly of the Generality, declared, and caused to be entered in the Register-Book, that as yet they could not get their consent therein.  
During the session of this Assembly his Highness got an ague, and coming home, took his Bed. The Doctors judged, that it came from his washing or bathing himself the day before in the Viver, at Ryswick, being a cold standing water: next day he was let blood, and kept his bed for some days after. The opinion was, he would get the small pocks. A certain principal member of the Assembly said then, If the Prince chance to die, they of Holland will scarce admit of another Stadholder.  
But toward the week's end he was well again, though afterwards that saying is proved a true prophecy.  
The foresaid project of accommodation of July 15. was examined by the States of Holland in their Assembly for some days together, and to come still nearer and nearer, to the same and the intentions of the Generality, they drew up this conciliatory Model.  
That, not to vary and retract what was once agreed upon, there should be discharged 55 Companies of Foot.  
That the Companies of 70 men a piece, should be reduced to 60 and those of 60 to 50.  
That the form or manner of discharging should be left to his Highness and the Council of State.  
That the military entertainment should be 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 horse shall be allowed 1000 fl. p. an. apiece.  
The Captains of Foot 700 fl. p. an. provided those Captains of horse or Foot, engage in no other service; and they shall be recommended to his Highness for employment to come; and getting new employment, or into other service abroad, their respective entertainments shall surceas.  
That the Companies coming to be vacant, shall be given, at the nomination of his Highness, according to the former accustomed Order.  
That the Lieutenants of Horse and Foot, shall exspire by death.  
That three Companies shall remain exempt from alteration viz. two of his Highness and one of his Excellency's Count William Stadtholder of Friesland.  
That the Lodging-monies shall be taken off altogether, and good order settled for the more exact and ready pay of all Soldiers wages.  
And all this without derogating to any former Resolutions in case these aforesaid come to fail of success, the former in that case, remaining in full force and vigour.  
Delivered at the Generality 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 Revyl pensionary of Haerlem.  
Noble Mighty Lords, our singular good friends, Neighbours 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, security, growth and welfare of the Body 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 be 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 expenses, 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 Treasury of the Generality, and not only so, but, in times of exigency and necessity, furnished excessive sums to the Generality for the other Provinces, whereof there is no return made yet; by all which, our Treasury being 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 be lessened to some purpose; Hence it is, that since it hath pleased Almighty God to bless the State with a glorious Peace, we have judged it meet and equal to bethink our selus, how the enfeebled body of the Treasury, drawn dry of all its vital moisture almost, by the chargeableness of the long-lasting War, may, by the benefit of Rest, recover so much vigour again, that the ill-willers may be disappointed of all their devices to attemt any thing against the State, and the attemters by vigorous resistance defeated of all their hopes of success against us; it being undeniable, that otherwise, by the continuance of the charges, which cannot be furnished from the Incoms, the State will and must needs be ruined by Peace, which ought to be the means of its recovery; which as it were great unthankfulness to God, who all this while and long hot War not only kept, but also enlarged it; and unanswerable to posterity, that such a glorious Fabric, which stood unmoveable against all the enemies thereof, should by ill-trusted friends and careless Guardians be suffered to fall at last to ruin: So we have, looking on the one hand, to the Eas of charges, and on the other, with no less heed, upon the security of the State, acquainted thereupon his Highness his Excellency, and the Council of State, with our advice for the new state of War, framed with that circumspection, and presented at last to the Generality, that we have severed matters of Liberality from matters of Necessity, and nevertheless in the first, used that Discretion, that the modesty of a discreet desire might well be content therewith; and proceeded in the second with that carefulness, that we were no way behind 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, We made offer, that disbanding 20 Troops of Horse, and 55 Foot-companies each of 50 men, and the reduction of the companies à 70 to 60 men, we yielded to continue the remaining forces both Horse and Foot in service, the Cuirassiers only changed into Carabins; to the sum of 2700 horse and about 26000 foot: and although we hoped that the upright discovery, which with singular confidence we made to the Deputies of the Provinces, showing, that we should keep a less number effectiuè in service, if we took on more than we are able to pay; whereby the State must needs rest less secure and confiding in the Forces, and grow more ruinous in the Treasury. The conferences indeed, which have been made about that subject several times at the Generality itself, and at public Deliberations, and especially the Communication we imparted thereof by our Letters of December last to all the Provinces as Confederates, we 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 be so happy, no not so much as that the Deputies of the Provinces would but have assented, that the same thing wherein they themselves, 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 endeavoured to recommend the rest to their principals, that by degrees, at least, things might have come to a full consent at length; insomuch, that all our manifold endeavours and reiterated instances for many months together remaining fruitless, We were necessitated at last to dis-continue the pay of those Forces, for the entertaining whereof we had declared by our solemn Advice, we could not consent; Which howbeit, that by some at the Generality it is censured, as if it lay 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 only; and that therefore our foresaid discontinuance of pay should be a Breach of the Union; yea, and that we our selus had understood and sentenced it so at other times, upon like occasions, against other Confederates; Nevertheless we dare promise our selus, 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 contrary judgement to theirs, touching the Sens of the Union, and that which we are said to have maintained heretofore our selus against other Confederates. For as the Provinces have by the Union, in matters of public charge, kept unto themselves the freedom of yielding or withholding their Consent, which therefore was to be 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 empty sound of words, but in such effectual realities, that we our selus free from paying or contributing to such charges, for the continuation whereof we, (any of the Provinces) had declared our selves once, that we 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 Subsidy to the Coast-Navie, the Sea-Leaguer (as it were) of the State, as the other did for Subsidy to the West-Indie▪ Company, the protection of the Conquests in Brasil, and the withstanding of the perfidious power of the Portugals; and consequently contributed, respectively, not a penny to either. Thus much indeed we 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 levy the same, and engage them by Oath; and that the Officers so taken on, in matters of military exploits for the service and conservation of the State, are to yield obedience to his Highness and the Council of State; but the same are in no wise enabled or authorised to raise 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 be found, that the Province of Holland and West-Friesland understood it otherwise at any time against their Confederates; being that the Examples produced for that purpose are of a clean different nature; and particularly, That some Provinces, either contrary to their consent given, or without foregoing notification to the Confederates of their discontinuing consent, may have sought to eas themselves by clandestine Reduction of the Forces, or some other underhand way of disburthening charges; the same might not without reason be said to have been against the Union, as, whereby the security or safety of the State is impaired, against former (given, or at leastwise not professedly discontinued) Consent, without any notification to the Confederates. But if so be, that a Province have made known to the Confederates her disability of undergoing their Burden any longer, and have showed 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 be contrary to the Union; Holland having in this Case, not only been content to pass by such with-holdings, but (the Lands exigency requiring it) hath readily put her own shoulders under the burdens, thus excused or rejected by others; by which zeal and proneness of hers her back being overburthened and born down ready to break, We cannot be so mistrustful to our cause, that putting off now what we 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; we should yet be 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 we enjoy peace) to dispute our and your Freedom, never controverted in War, and ever acknowledged by the Princes of the Land themselves, before the Wars: especially considering further that our aim tends to the repute, honour and safety 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 be 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 Honour, that thereby may be recovered the lustre and splendour a● a well-ordred Treasury, and the Safety, that by exact and ready pay there may be kept a convenient and well-disciplined Army; whereas on the contrary the neglect of such a managing of peace, will cause our very friends to slight and vilipend us, and the further decay of our Treasury be the Joy and Exsultation of our Enemies, whereon to ground an assured hope, that (we continuing in this reklessness) it will shortly bring to pass that, which all the power from without, for so many years (whilst the good cause 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 Burdens in greater proportion than the incoms are able to discharge, must needs draw along an uncertain doubtful pay, which will soon lessen the number and strength, and that which is worse, 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 Treasury be but furnished with ability to make good pay, there will be no want of men in time of need; but to entertain more than can be paid, must of necessity cause want and decay of Treasure.  
And since by what hath been deduced here, Your No▪ Mi. are easily able to understand, that we have proceeded in all this with all requisite Communication with our Confederates, and done nothing, but what our disability, caused by our indefatigable Zeal for the preservation of the State, hath necessitated us unto, and that which by Right and in Wisdom we might and ought to do, and other Confederates, in times of greater danger, have done before us; for the maintenance and preservation of which Right and Freedom, all the Confederates themselves 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 themselves have ofttimes 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 we will not doubt, but our sincere intention shall sufficiently guard us in your Nob. Mi. apprehension, from all ●inister impression of our being otherwise disposed, then to remain inviolably faithful to the Union, which we do holily protest, we are resolved and ready, firmly to keep and maintain with life and goods for ever, with utmost seriousness, for the Love of our Dear Father-land, and the memory of those that have sealed the Confirmation of this Union with their heart'sblood; for the preservation of our selus and all that are near and dear to us, and for the Honour of God and his Son, whom here we have liberty to profess and worship according to his Will. Beseeching your Nob. Mi. that by your joint putting off, together with us, of such insupportable burdens as may be dispensed 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 we are not able to perform, or, if we 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, We rest, etc.  
Written in the Hague 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 Assembly of Holland, their Answer to the abovesaid Proposition of his Highness, made at the same Assembly June 30, in terms and manner as followeth.  
Noble Mighty Lords!  
THe Burgomasters and 36 in Council, of the City of Amsterdam, having seen a Copy of the Proposition presented to the Assembly of your No. Gr. Mi. June 30 last past, by his Highness 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 Highness, by and in behalf of the Government of this State; They are very sorry to understand, that the good and upright intention which their WW had in all the passages that Proposition reflects upon, should be so mistaken, as to be made the subject of Complaints and Dissatisfaction. And though they would have been glad, that what happened in that kind might have been passed by in silence, so, as their W. W. endeavoured on their parts by their Deputies to have disposed his Highness, and to give all possible content: Nevertheless they do now find themselves urged by necessity, 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: being confident it shall plainly be 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 City, to yield all due respect and honour to his Highness.  
Thus than 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. busy 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 passed, and the Orders issued for conformity thereunto▪ viz▪ to leave unpaid, and to hold for discharged and cashiered, some Companies of the Repartition or Allotment of Holland; Their WW rested confident, the other Provinces and their Deputies at the Generality, 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 uncontrolled in the effecting of what you had resolved.  
But contrary to all expectation their WW were advertised, that after the parting of your No. Gr. Mi. Assembly, the said honourable Deputies of the Provinces at the Generality, undertook upon Whitsundaie June 5ᵒ without any more ado, to Countermand your No. Gr. Mi. Order by Letters to the respective Commanders, Captains and Solicitors, tnd to resolve 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 Highness the Prince of Orange should in person help to suit and adorn the said Commission, together with some of the Lords of the Generality 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 Highness and the rest of that Commission, were already parted from the Hague to the purpose aforesaid, notwithstanding, that the present Deputies of your No. Gr. Mi. at the Generality, had solemnly desired there beforehand, June 7ᵒ that the said Sending being an Innovation beside all accustomed order of Government, which could promise no good issue, might be superseded, or but suspended, with offer that the Provincial Assembly should be convocated with all possible expedition, to the end, that the matters intended to be propounded to the particular Cities and Members of Holland, might be communicated there unto their Representatives.  
The great weight and concernment of all which, hath made the Burgomasters judge it necessary, 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 be admitted nor received to Audience; and thereupon concluded to dispatch forthwith Commissioners to meet his said Highness, and from the City to acquaint him, that his Highness Princely person and the other Commissioners with him, being in no other quality than Deputies from their Hi. Mi. they could not be admitted to Audience in the city's Council, nor so much as to come into the City.  
And without judging it needful to deduce here at length the reasons, which moved their W W▪ to this, they shall only refer themselves touching the fitness and unfitness, together with the troublesome 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 joined in Commission, but only some Holland-Gentlemen who made themselves liable to answer it to their Principals) hath amply been deduced and presented to your N. G. M. from and in behalf of the Government of this City, according to the Copy hereunto annexed, and unto that likewise, which by the Committee▪ members of your N. G. M. conformably thereunto, hath by way 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 dependence, is to be disapproved, as being past Example, and against the order and form of Government; as also, that it be resolved, The Cities of this Province should henceforward, neither offer nor admit any such Sending within their Bounds; furthermore, that this disapprooving Resolution should be made known from your N. G. M. to the Generality, and registered there, that hereafter no such Sending should be more admitted by the Cities of this Province; and that therefore it should be seriously urged to the said Generality, they would take heed of laying a ground hereafter for any such Sending, or of undertaking and acting the same, for reasons to be further showed, 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 sorry and wondered much to see, that his Highness suffered himself (by such, to whom it no ways belongs) to be entangled in the accepting of this Commission, and perceived, that they could no less disacknowledg his Highness himself then the rest in Commission with him, Their W W. out of respect to his said Highness, 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 Highness, and to let him know the foresaid Resolution, with deduction of the pregnant Reasons, which moved the said Burgomasters and Council, to take the same, and consequently seriously to desire his Highness, that be would be pleased to break off his intended journey, in regard that he and the rest in Commission with him, could not be received into the Council nor City of Amsterdam, in quality of that Commission. Which message with other offices being performed by the Burgomaster's Waverens and Hasselaër in the City of Gorcum, they had thanks given them at their return.  
Now the same being construed by his Highness, as if the intention of Burgomasters and Council had been, simply not to admit his Princely person into their City, no not in consideration of his Dignity 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 be assured of the greatest honour and respect that could be desired, and that the sens of the Council was only, That his Highness could not be 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 City, conceiving he might prevail for all that to get admission upon the foresaid Commission and Lees Credential from their Hi. Mi▪ Their W W and the Council persisted again, it was not in their liberty nor power to grant the foresaid Audience, and found good to send the second time to his Highness to acquaint him with their Resolutions, and for the foresaid reasons most seriously again to desire him, to pass the City by in this Commission, testifying nevertheless all due readiness to receiv him (this quality laid aside) as Stadtholder, with all respect and honour. To this end there were sent unto his Highness the Lord Gelvinck, old Burgomaster, and Sigr Spiegel of the Council, with a Secretary, who meeting his Highness at Edam, they there in decent manner made known unto him the foresaid Resolution and desire; intimating therewithal unto him, in the Name of their Superiors, that if his Highness were pleased to come into the City as Stadholder, that their W W should longingly take the opportunity of showing to his Highness all the proofs of their respect and obsequiousness.  
And because it pleased his Highness to reply thereupon that he meant to come together with the rest of the Commissioners in all the Qualities he now was invested with. The Citie-Commissioners returned, that his Highness coming to the City, he should be looked upon and received as Stadholder of the Province, and he was desired then to let them know the time when his Highness was to be there expected.  
Next day, being 23 of June, his Highness together with the foresaid Commissioners arrived within the said City, 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 Highness to declare to the said Burgomasters, that he was come 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 forecited reasons, answered with an Excuse.  
Which they made use of the rather, in consideration of the offence committed in this Commission against the Dignity and Reputation of your No. Gr. M. Province, when as the Lord Alexander vande Capelle, Sigr of Aertsberghen, being the mouth of the Commissioners from their Hi. Mi. did (according to the report of the Deputies of the City 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 dilatory answer made the day before unto his Highness, and that they would not departed 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 peremptory 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 themselves guilty together with other members of Holland, and were liable therefore in body and goods, according to the 23d Article of the Union, and the Examples alleged, to be 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 Highness was pleased to let it rest there, and began to desire that he might be admitted then himself only in person to Audience, as Stadtholder of Holland, without nevertheless laying down the fore●aid Quality of Commissioner, declaring that he intended to speak there only about that which was propounded to his Highness at Gorcum by the Lord Waveren, in the name of the Government of this City, without any further specification.  
And when his Highness would not be pleased to recede from▪ this desire, nor make any further overture of what he intended to propound, the Burgomasters, for to give as much content as might be, and to consider, whether it were necessary and requisite to call the Common Council about it, they received the desire of his Highness to communicate the same with the Lord Valekenier their Colleague, Precedent at that time, but not present, because of some bodily indisposition.  
And although their WW had Authority enough themselves to dispose of this Audience, nevertheless for their better Discharge, they had it debated in the Council, and it being found unfitting by their advice, his Highness being come into the City 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 be deputed to him, and fairly excuse the Admission▪  
Which Lords having made the foresaid Excuse to his Highness, they offered unto him for further satisfaction, that if his Highness had any thing to propound, either about that same, or some other matter, he would be pleased to make the overture to them, assuring him, they would make faithful Report unto the Council, which no doubt would be ready thereupon to give him all feasible satisfaction.  
But it being 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, he was ready to answer what passed at Gorcum, and to give satisfaction in that behalf therewith, and a repeated desire and presentation to his Highness unsatisfied, they parted.  
Now that this last Excuse of Audience, in manner as said is, should be 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 Burgomasters and Council cannot but rejoin for their discharge, That upon review of the Commission given by your N▪ G. M▪ to his Highness as Stadholder, it dotb plainly indeed appear, that the Stadtholder is bound to stand for, further, and defend the Dignity, Rights, Privileges and welfare of the Country, 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 done and administered 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 mind of the said Lords the States of Holland, or the Advice of their Commissioned 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, etc. But that the Stadhholder should have power, by virtue of the said Commission, to present himself in the respective City▪ Councils, there appears not the least tittle: so that in that particular regard, as▪ also in regard of the Quality 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 he address himself first to the Burgomasters to make the overture there, and to procure audience, it being the Burgomaster's part to judge, whether the desired audience i● to be granted, (for all things are not subjected ●o the Counci●● cognisance) and if not, than he ought to have patience, without any offence of being under valued; forasmuch as it is the peculiar right of the Burgomasters so to judge and declare.  
And besides their WW give your N. G. M. to consider▪ the most dangerous consequence, that when they, the States of the Country, of or by their Sovereign Authority do resolve ought, the Governor or Stadtholder, not pleased therewith, shall at his own pleasure have the liberty to travel round about from one Citie-Co●●cil to another, to over-aw and terrify them thus by piecemeal, in manner as before is related of the Lord of Aertsberghen his practice and endeavour; and if he seeking audience any where upon that score▪ none shall so much as dare to excuse the same.  
Against which there can be no contrary Precedents or practices of his Highness Predecessors be alleged, much less proved and made good during this Government in this City▪ and therefore very abusively, under favour, and upon very ill information, is there mention made in the foresaid Proposition of contrary use and practice; forasmuch as the Supreme Government is nor committed to the Stadtholder, but to the Assembly of the States Provincial.  
And this N. G. M. Lords is that which the said Burgomasters and 36 of the Council have been constrained in their necessary Defence to lay before your Honours, as concerning not only their peculiar Right and Freedom, but likewise that of your N. G. M. in general; whereupon they persuade themselves that his Highness, repondering the matters more exactly, and yielding place to reason, he will easily be able to judge, that the Lords of Amsterdam did nothing in all these occurrences, but according to the Order of Government, and with respect to the dignity 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 City of Amsterdam in particular, by those which advised and set on ●is Highness 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 injury 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 Generality, 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 necessity, upon Equity it s●lf, That this Province having, during all the war, laid out itself more than any of the other Provinces, even beyond ability, for the purchasing of the joint Liberty of all the Provinces, and having now, through Go●'s blessing, obtained the same, would be loath to suffer the same in peace to come to wrack and ruin by further waste of the Treasury; but rather, to entertain a well-regulated Army, 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 be hemmed, and by means of all this the honest habitants be eased and freed by degrees, as much as may be, of those great burdens and charges of impositions and like molestations, which hitherto, during the Wars, they have bo●n above measure; and therein be made as happy, as those of some Provinces already are in that kind, and come to taste likewise the sweet fruits of their Peace so dearly purchased; Which, by a longer entertainment of the former unnecessary and ill▪ regulated soldiery, they cannot possibly obtain or hope for.  
In conclusion, their WW add but this more, that they wonder much why the offence is only taken up against them and their City in particular, and not against any other; whereas his Highness declared in the written report made to t●e Generality in this behalf, that other members likewise of your N. G. M. Assembly had refused the same Audience or Admittance.  
By Order of their WW. Signed, Gerard Hulst.  
Matters being come thus avaunt, and each part conceiving they had sufficiently cleared or declared themselves, and none inclined to yield to the other; his Highness took a sudden and subtle resolution; viz. to seize some Members of the Assembly of Holland, and to reduce the City of Amsterdam by force of Arms; for which end he had secretly some days before already sent Orders abroad to several Troops of Horse at Nimmeghen, Arnheim and elsewhere, to be● on saturday morning very early, viz. July 30, before such a Gate of Amsterdam. Count William was gone from the Hague 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 Horse, but the rest of the Cavalry from Nimmeghen and Arnheim had strayed 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 Horse to Abkow, no● any charge of stopping passengers; whereupon it happened that the Hamborough post or messenger, lighting among his Troops, was not stayed at all, but keeping on his course, arrived early in the morn at Amsterdam, and brought the first news to the Postmaster by the Exchange, and after that to the Lord Van Swieten one of the Burgomasters, that he had been riding the night before among some thousands of Horse, supposing them Lorrainers, and that they were marching for Amsterdam. The Burgomaster immediately send's for the Major of the City, causeth the Draw-bridges to be taken up, and strengthen's the guards, and getting himself to the Town-hous, gave order (he being alone of all the Burgomasters at hand, the rest either from home, or sick, or dead) for the Ordnance to be put upon the walls of the City in posture of Arms.  
In the mean time the Horse all met, and after a Council of War, Count William marched, and arrived pretty late about noon, along the Amstel, even close up to the City. His Design and Charge was, fairly to ride in at Saint antony's gate, it being no custom at Amsterdam to keep any special Guard, much less to ask or examine any whence he came: supposing there would be 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, soldiers, all picked of several Nations, (the Prince would have had him taken only French, but Jentilot deprecating the Odium to fall all upon his Nation, he obtained 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 be next morning very early before Amsterdam, and civilly entering the Gate, suddenly to make himself master of the same. He told me himself, that he had express charge to commit no act of hostility, nor to shoot, even though they were shot at themselves. And so the Horse likewise that were to enter, were charged not to show the least hostile carriage, nor to shoot again being shot at, (unless the Citizens made it too gross; for then of right they might defend themselves, and the Prince gave them leave) but to tell the people, they came only as friends for the good of the City and State, to preserv peace and unity 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 house, until his Highness, who was to follow them, should have come, and have removed some ill-affected Members of the Magistracy and Council, and reduced the rest to an happy agreement with the rest of the Provinces about the present Differences.  
There was never a Captain of these but had two or three hundred ducats in gold about him, to supply their men's necessary occasions, most if not all of them being ill provided by reason of this sudden, unexpected service; though some 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 entry.  
Jentilot indeed was timely enough at the Rendezvous, but miss Count William, for the reason aforesaid▪ who coming at last, and finding the Gate shut against him, and the City all in arms, attempted nothing; sending only a Letter, from his Highness to the Magistrate, by one of his Gentlemen, in these ensuing terms.  
Worshipful, Prudent, very discreet, singular good friends!  
Being lately in your City, for the service of the Land, we were so strangely encountered by you, that for not being subjected any more to the like, we 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 we may not be let again by some ill affected, in what we have yet to propound unto you, concerning the service of the Land; whereunto we 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 City in the afternoon, in an armed Pinnace the Lords Huydekooper, Marseveen, and Counsel Verdoos, and being landed, on the Amstel road, right against the Garden-hous of Sigr Dirck Williers, called Wellna, they found his Excellency Count William standing accompanied with all his Officers in a Ring under the Skies blue Canopy, where, after some obeisance, the Lord Hydekooper, spoke in this manner.  Highborn Lord! We are sorry, that we must come to congratulate your Honour, in such a Disjuncture. The Lords Burgomasters, have well received the Letter of his Highness of July 29, sent by your Excellency into the City, but 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 resolve together upon an answer, such as the matters required: whereupon it was beld fittng, to depute of the company, Sigr Vanderdoos and myself, to let your Excellency know for answer▪ ●hat their W W (having understood before, that such ● number of bo●smen wa● marching towards their City) forthwith dispatched 〈◊〉 Express, 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 themselves, without the said weighty Advice, altogether unfit as yet, to ●●ti●n an answer to his Highness Letter, most friendly and earnestly desiring your Excellency in the interim to spare their City, and to make no nearer approach thereunto; lest their W W be constrained to defend and protect their City with all such possible me●●s and Arms▪ a● God and Nature hath furnished them withal. 
His Excellency being somewhat moved at this unexpected Answer, paused a good while upon it, whereof the Lord Huydekooper thought good to proceed in his Discourse, saying further.  My Lord, That which we have told your Excellency, is absolutely the Charge our Principals have laid upon us, and for my particular I make bold friendly and submissively to advise your Excellency to withdraw yourself with all conveniency; your Excellency being not without great danger in this place and juncture; the rather for that our City is full of all kind of Nations, and strange humours; who coming once to break out, might attempt things, ruinous to yourself, and unpleasing to us. The talk goes so high already, that it will not be much longer in our choice, but of necessity and constraint, we must make use of the means and Arms God and Nature granted to their W W to keep off harm at further distance. 
After some paus again, his Excellency answered.  That which is undertaken by me, is nothing, but what his Highness hath been pleased, to order, will and charge me, I shall make report of all unto his Highness. 
Whereupon, and a civil friendly leave taken of etither side, the said Deputies returned to their Principals, and his Excellency retired further off to Oudekerk.  
But within the City the Drums beat up and down, and men were taken on in service at 10 stivers (an English shilling) a day, and some Vessels of War, laid upon the Ye.  
They writ to the Cities of Holland, desiring them to send their Commissioners, and to remove the Assembly to A●sterdam.  
This being that Saturdays passage at and before Amsterdam; in the Hagh the Proceed were as strange that day. Early in the morning, some Lords were sent for to his Highness, which otherwise is usual enough; These were the Lords the Wit of Dort, de Wael and Revyl of Haerlem, Duyst Van Voorhout, of Del●t, Keyser, of Horen, and A●llingwerf of Medenblick.  
The same being let in one after the other, through the Anti▪ chamber, into the Presence, where his Highness usually gave Audience, they found there the Lieutenant Colonel of the Guard, Meteren, who told them one after the other, his Highness had charged him, to seiss and arrest their persons; and so committed them each with three Soldiers in a chamber apart, locked upon them. This feat being dispatched twixt 8 and 9 of the Clock, his Highness sent for the Counsellor pensionary Cats, who coming to Court, found the Prince with a sword at his side, telling him with some distemper, My Lord Cats, You will strange at what I did, and now am about to tell you. I was not able any 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 horse and men to reduce Amsterdam: Go and acquaint here below the Assembly of Holland with it, and that▪ I am going now myself for Amsterdam. The Lord Cats was not a little astonished at all this, and enquired after the names of the persons seized; and saying, he knew not whether, by reason of his weak memory, he should be able to remember them; the Prince bade him to write them down, going himself into the Gallery for to fetch pen and ink: In which interim the Lord Cats, making use of a looking-glass there, recovered his colour and countenance somewhat, and after he had written the names, asked, Upon what ground, and with whose knowledge or communication ●ee had done this: to whom he gave no other answer, but that he referred 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 Assembly of Holland; who immediately thereupon, not without great fear and amazement, separating themselves, went every one to their respective Cities, with resolution to return again on munday following. Soon after the Lord Bronckhorst being Precedent at their Hi. Mi. Assembly, repairing to his Highness according to custom, he desired him to make the like Communication or report these, thus namely, That his Highness, by virtue of their H. M. Resolution Junii 5ᵒ last, upon several and weighty grounds had seized some few Lords of Holland; and sent his Excellency the Stadholder with a good number of horse and men toward the City 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 Hague, together with two Troops of Horse. This mightily revived the courage of all military Blades, who for a while had gone drooping, much like an Ox before the Axe; on the contrary, others mourned and muttered, and most Statesmen, except such as wished Holland ill, were sorry to see such exorbitancies. Now it appears, said they, to what end some flatterers ever sought to aggrandise the the Stadtholders so much from time to time, still adding to theirs, and detracting from the State's Authority. See how they have possess▪ d this Prince with Tibi Roma subegerit Orbem (all for Him, what e'er we win). It was not our Freedom and Liberty that we fought for all this while, but only the Question, Whether the King of Spain, or the Prince (though he never had nor moved the least imaginable pretence or claim to the State or Sovereignty thereof) should bear sway and reign over us? That under the Earls of Holland themselves the States never suffered such indignities. That all State's Assemblies were now in vain, and as good as dissolved; being 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 ancient custom and order of Government; That it was not all Holland, but some few Bell-wether that had caused all this stir and variance: That those few one's being once removed out of the way, the● Province, no question, would soon return into it, and mind their Devoir. That, to Extremities of Diseases, there must be 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 prosperity; the like issue might now also well be expected upon the present application.  
Next day the Lord Bronckhurst, Precedent at the Assembly, acquainted the same in discharge of his yesterday promise from the Prince, that as yet he 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 expect the promised Reasons and Motives upon which his Highness grounded the arresting of the foresaid Members of the Assembly of Holland, and the sending of Forces Horse and Foot under the conduct of Count William the Stadtholder, towards and about the City of Amsterdam, as he the Lord Precedent had intimated yesterday, upon his Highness' desire at the Assembly. Hereupon the Extraordinary and Ordinary Deputies of Holland, caused to be Registered, that in lieu of their assent, they constantly adhered to their formerly entered respective Protestations and obtestations, of Octob. 26. 1649. 9 and 10 of April. 5, 6, 7 of June last.  
His Highness likewise dispatched this ensuing Letter to all the Provinces but Holland.  
Noble, Mighty Lords, singular good Friends!  
WHereas the Hi. Mi. Lords, the State's General of the United Netherlands have desired and authorized Us 5ᵒ Junii last passed, to take all necessary Order and care for the preserving of every thing in peace and tranquillity, and especially for the maintaining and establishing of the Union, together with the dependences and consequences of it, and on the contrary, for the preventing and withstanding of any contrary endeavours and practices; and that we, 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 eyes the apparent disorders, confusions, rents and dissolution of the foresaid Union, practised by the slights and continual instillations and instigations of some Ill▪ affected Members of the Assembly of the foresaid province of Holland; and others likewise within the said Province, encouraged and supported by and from the City of Amsterdam & their Deputies; We therefore, to stop and quell such evil practices and subtle courses, have held it most necessary for the said Union, and behooveful for the service of the Land to seize (as yesterday sornoon we did) the Lords, de Wit, of Dort, de Wael and Revyl 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 Cousin, with a good number of Horse and Foot-forces, towards Amsterdam, for the keeping of the same City firm to the Union, being the only yet remaining means, over and above all the former friendly ways and essays to preserv and maintain the Land in Concord, Peace and Unity: and resting Confident, the Advertisement hereof will not only be pleasing unto you, but that you will contribute your best endeavours for the maintenance thereof, and bringing all to a safe and happy issue; whereby your No. Mi. shall testify the Continuation of their affection and their unchangeable disposition, for the preservation of the common Fatherland; We declaring before God and your No. Mi. that in all this we have no other aim nor intention, but the foresaid preservation, together with the maintenance of the true Christian reformed Religion, for the which we are and ever shall be ready to hazard Life and Goods; and consequently with all faithfulness to serve the State of the Land in General, and your No. Mi. in particular. This, God Almighty judge off; into whose Holy protection we commend your No. Mi.  
In the Hagh this underneath stood, 15 of July 1650. Your Nob. Might. friend to serve you, and was signed, G. Prince d'Orange.  
In the afternoon his Highness mounted a great black Horse, with a great train of Gentlemen and Officers, all on horseback, 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 near them, left nothing undone of what was necessary for their defence, although there was nothing attempted in any hostile way, by either side.  
It was propounded in the Citie-Council, there would be no such present remedy for the raising of the Siege, as the cutting of the Sea-dyke or dam, and opening of the Sluices. The former mist, but by two voices, and it was found best to open but some Sluices 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 City, and offered a fair Treaty, those of the City likewise forbore all further extremities; as whereby a great part of Holland must have been set under water, to the irreparable damage 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 City. They, that his Highness would withdraw the Forces, promising that at the Provincial Assembly they would bring in all possible contentment, and dispose the rest of the members to the like. Neither sides offer being accepted, there were afterwards other Overtures made.  
At the Hagh, the whilst some both Extraordinary and Ordinary Deputies of the Province of Holland at the Generality, representing to the rest of the Provinces the present Condition of affairs, desired them to propound some Expedients, whereby these Commotions, might be assuaged; after some Deliberation, the other Provinces declared, that they were very sorry to see things grown to such a pass and height, desiring that the said Deputies of Holland themselves, (as best acquainted with the affairs of their own Province) would point out and propound, what they thought fittest and most appliable to the present constitution of things, for the calming of these Troubles; the said Provinces declaring, that they would be ready to contribute all good offices thereunto on their side. They of Holland replied, they had hoped the Provinces would have thought good to propound some ways and means of Expedients in this exigency, but since they did not, They would refer what was passed unto their Principals, whom they were expecting that Eve in the Hagh.  
Next morning, the Provincial States of Holland being met in full Body, it was represented there by their Counsellor pensionary Cats, what Troubles and dangers were like to ensue, by the prosecution of the enterprise about Amsterdam, if it were not prevented by a speedy application of fit and effectual Expedients; whereupon, since the other six Provinces and the Generality had thought good yesterday, the Deputies of Holland (as best acquainted with their own Province) should propound some such Expedients, as might best serve to be 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 any further delay, a solemn Commission might be 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 Garrisons, and returning personally hither into the Hagh again, there to deliberate and resolve with the Government, ripely and without force of arms, how all things ought most conveniently and effectually be reduced and determined, for the good service of the State; nothing doubting, but if the said Commission or Sending were dispatched seriously and without delay, the wished happy effects would soon follow. Which desire of the province of Holland, being taken into Deliberation, after resumed debate, it was found good, agreed and resolved, Commissioners should be sent from their Hi. Mi. unto his Highness, and that of every Province there should be appointed one member in the said Commission, and that the Commission itself should be to this effect, To dispose his Highness for to repair into the Hagh, and there to deliberate and resolve with the Government about and upon such means and ways, whereby the present distempers may be allayed and that his Highness besides, be most seriously desired, to avoid all acts of hostility, and to let the Commerce of the City 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 Commissioners from their Body, to dispo●e his Highness to the end aforesaid, and most seriously desire the Lords of Amsterdam, to send their Deputies hither without delay, to help together with the rest of the Members of Holland, to deliberate and resolve about the present perplexities of affairs, so as might make most for the service of the Country; 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 be frustrated of a happy issue. From the Generality there were appointed Commissioners, the Lords van Aertsberghen, Paets, Reinswoude, Ofinga, Mulert. The Ordinary 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 Extraordinary Deputies of their said Province, whom they understood to be already particularly authorized and empowered 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 kind; desiring only, that in this case, the present Members of Holland, would be pleased in the interim, so to dispose matters, that at the arrival of his Highness there may be taken and settled such a good and wholesome Resolution, as may be to the satisfaction and content of all the Members of the Union, in this behalf.  
The Lord of Beverweert was come expressly from the Leaguer on Monday, to observe and manage what might be resolved at the Generality; and it appeared, that this their Hi. Mi. Resolution would be acceptable enough to his Highness, as whereby, in case the Accord with Amsterdam should not succeed, he might nevertheless return with Reputation; and therefore, immediately after the foresaid Resolution, the Lord of Beverweert, returned per post towards Amsterdam, to make report thereof, unto the Prince. In the mean time the Treaty, betwixt his Highness and the City advanced; those of Amsterdam considered, that, for all their former desire, none of the other Cities appeared: that those of Haerlem, the next and mightiest, left her Gates open for the Prince's men, supplied the Leaguer with all manner of provisions, and took no party: 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 be spilt, their Trade and Commerce would be exceedingly disadvantaged, by reason of all which they held it best, to wink a little. The Prince, to show that he intended no harm to Amsterdam, but only against some ill-affected ones, excepted only the two Bickers, Burgomasters; as knowing well, that by reason of their great authority and respect, they were, as it commonly happens in popular Governments, much hated and envied by many. So it stood only at last upon this point, that these two should be removed from the Government. All the rest judged, this might prove of very evil consequence, by Hodie mihi, cras tibi; To day the case is mine, to morrow it may be thine. Notwithstanding, because the said Bickers themselves, shown themselves willing and ready for it having no desire that the Body of the City 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 show 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 City of Amsterdam, by their respective plenary Commissioners, according to the Procuration annexed here.  
We Burgomasters and XXXVI of the Council of the City of Amsterdam, do declare, that by these, we have commissionated, authorized and with full power enabled the Lords Cornelis de Graef, Baron of Zuyd-Pol-brock, old Burgomaster, Simon vanderdoos and Dr Nicolas Tulp Counsellors, and old Scabins, together with Mr Peter Cloeck Counsellor of this City, in Our name and behalf to enter into Treaty with his Highness the Prince of Orange, touching the Differences arisen, betwixt his said Highness and this City; to debate that matter with his Highness, and to agree and conclude so as our said Commissioners shall find good and expedient; promising to hold for acceptable and to ratify, whatsoever our foresaid Commissioners shall act, treat and conclude in this behalf, under all Obligations of Right. In witness whereof, we have here underneath affixed the Seal of the foresaid City, August 2. 1650. signed, Gerard Hulst, with the Seal of green Wax.  
That the Lords of Amsterdam shall resolve, to conform themselves with the six other Provinces, touching the State of War; That his Highness will be pleased to endeavour to procure that the State of War may be 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 be followed, jointly by all the Provinces, until the foresaid State be accomplished and settled by the Consent of the Provinces; and in case of delay 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 be composed; and in case it be not, that then things shall be disposed according to the constitution of the times, and to most advantage of the State, following the Order of Government.  
And that there shall be likewise Resolution brought in, that the Companies discharged by the States of Holland may be paid for their arrears; and good Order taken for good payment of the soldiery in time to come.  
That his Highness, disposed to come into the City, shall be received there like his Predecessors, Stadtholders of Holland, with all honour, respect and obsequiousness, and if he think good to appear in the City Council, that his Highness shall always have Audience granted him in that Quality.  
That the Lords of Amsterdam shall moreover employ all good and possible Devoirs at the Assembly of the States of Holland, that all Disgusts may wholly be taken away, and things be reduced to a firm and assured friendship and confidence, and all what hath past be put in oblivion, as if it had never happened. To which end they shall further debate and communicate with his Highness about the prosecution.  
As soon as this Contract shall be completed and signed on both sides, his Highness undertake's to dismiss the present Forces into their old Garrisons; and the City in like manner to cashier their levied men, and to resettle every thing in their City into the old posture.  
Promise being made on either side, faithfully and without any guile or fraud to perform and keep this Contract or Treaty in all parts thereof.  
Don at Amsterveen this 3d of August, 1650. and hereof there were two several Acts made, of like tenor, 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 Ʋander Does. Niclaes' Tulp. Petrus Cloeck, TsTs. The Burgomasters and XXXVI of the Council of Amstetredam do approve and ratify the abovewritten Contract or Treaty, 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 City affixed underneath, August 3. 1650. Signed, Gerard Hulst, the said Seal being expressed in green Wax.   

A separate Article of the Accommodation Aug. 3. 1650. betwixt his Highness and the City of Amsterdam.  
THat his Highness doth judge 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 honour and good name of either of them, and without any trouble or molestation of their persons and goods whereof his Highness doth assure them; do withdraw themselves from all further Government of the City, without being to be called again unto it. His Highness remaining ready nevertheless to hear them in person, and having heard them, if his Highns should not alter his former apprehension and judgement, they shall freely resign their foresaid Government as before, and from this present, abstain from all public functions. In witness whereof, this is signed and confirmed on both sides, in pursuance of the Contract or Transaction made betwixt his Highness and the Commissioners of the City this day, at Amsterveen, August 3. 1650.  
Signed, G. P. d'Orange, with the Seal of his Highness Signet in red Wax; and further, C. de Graef. Simon van der Does. Niclaes' Tulp. Petrus Cloeck. Ts. Ts. The Burgomasters, and XXXVI of the Council of the City of Amsterdam, do approve and ratify the abovewritten separate Article of Agreement betwixt his Highness on the one side, and their specially enabled Commissioners on the other side, concluded at Amsterveen. In witness whereof this is subscribed, etc. as before.   
Amsterdam, being 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 done very ill, to show so much averseness to so little purpose; There being now by this Extremity, a new pattern given to his Highness and the Generality, which will serve them hereafter for a Rule to proceed by, when Holland shall fall again into a fit of Reluctancy; that now there will be little cause left to glory 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 opportunity: 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, Granades, Morter-pieces, etc.) which passed 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 Hague 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 soldiers, besides 25 horsemen before, so many in the midst, and as many after, together with 50 musketeers. They passed along by the Veenen, Woerden and Ysselstein, to avoid the Cities, and next evening were brought unto the House of Loeuvestein. They, good men, thought to have stood it out stoutly, persuading themselves the States and Cities would have stuck to their Resolutions. But perceiving they accommodated themselves all one after another, to the Proposition of Julie 15o, and abandoned all their own cause; they saw well enough, none of them would take up the Buckler in their behalf, and that the Case of the Bickers must be 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 Employment in course, and being of a crazy constitution, and rich withal, having but one child, he was the first that sought and offered to get free upon that account.  
Above it was said, that his Highness had made promise to present the points of the Charge and Reasons of apprehending the six Gentlemen. The same he caused to be delivered under his hand and Seal to the Assembly Provincial of Holland; The substance was general; That they had done against the Union, and therefore were liable to punishment according to the 23d Article. That his Highness thought good to cull out these few, and to put them out of the Government, for the preservation of the whole State; as in a case of a great fire, some houses next the Embrasement are pulled down to save the whole street or City; and at last he said, he had besides some particular matters of Charge against every one, which he reserved for another opportunity.  
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 Assembly, much less Copies given of it, but locked up under Seal, which yet came to light at length, as shall be showed in due place.  
After all this August 13, the Lords of Holland came to the Assembly of their Hi. Mi. in presence of his Highness his Excellency 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 soldiery, and matters depending, with arguments taken from the condition of their exhausted Treasury, caused by the late long and heavy War; but having since considered, that the rest of the Provinces, shown themselves unsatisfied, as judging, the State of these Countries would not be 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 be, 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 lies; fully confiding, and seriously recommending, that the Provinces, as good Confederates, will on their side, in recompense, of this their undergoing again so heavy a charge, to pleas and comply with the other Provinces, undertake now for the good of the State, to improve their best endeavours. That the means of the State may be well and duly managed and advantaged. That the Navie-affairs may seriously be taken to heart. That the Liquidations between the Provinces, may at length be taken in hand and really performed. That the business of the West-Indie-Companie may vigorously be relieved. That the Ratification of the Treaty and Contract made with the King of Denmark, and matters coïncident, may be fully concluded and settled.  
Whereupon, after some Deliberation, it was found good, according to the Proposition and Modification, which his Highness, his Excellency the Stadtholder and the Council of State had brought in and presented to the Generality, 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 Excellency and the Council of State, and sent unto the Provinces; and that the Disbanding and Reduction therein mentioned, should be made by his Highness his Excellency and the Council of State, according to the Order of the Land, provided, that the 4 troops of horse and a 1000 foot, shall be entertained and paid, till the Provinces shall be wholly agreed touching the same; whereunto the Provinces were desired, to accommodate themselves, 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 pay all Soldier's wages entertainments and other defrayments of War, according to the old State of War. Further it was resolved and agreed, that henceforward there shall not separate Cashiering or Reducing of Forces be undertaken or practised by any Province, of their own Authority; and in case any Province should attempt the like, the same shall forthwith be addressed and remedied by the General Authority, 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 be held only as projected Resolutions.  
The 15 of August the Lord Reynswoude, than Precedent, 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 Assembly of Holland in persuance of their High. Mis. Act, Jun. 5o last past; which being taken into Deliberation, it was agreed, that the foresaid shut and sealed Reasons, should as yet be laid by and put into the Secretarie's Cabinet. The Deputies of Holland caused to be entered hereupon, that they would make report hereof to their Principals.  
The same Lord Precedent, likewise then, by Order from his Highness, communicated to their Hi. Mi. that the Governors of the City of Delft, as also the kindred of the Lord Jan Duyst van Voorhout had sought to his Highness, for his freedom and release 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 he was engaged to the said City, without ever reassuming or taking him in again, and yet so nevertheless, as that it should be no blot to his good Name and Fame; and that this might be 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 entered 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 Excellency 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 Assembly by his said Highness his Excellency 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 Excellency, 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, horse and foot, to be made in pursuance thereof shall be performed, by his Highness, his Excellency, and the Council of State, according to the Order of the Land; provided nevertheless, that the 4 Troops of horse and 1000 foot, about whom there were some Differences yet, should in regard of the Advices of some Provinces, and the foresaid modification, be entertained 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 be put in effect without further delay; 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, horse and foot, comprehended in the respective more particular Repartitions of the years 1626., 1627., 1628. as many 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 Generality Decemb. 8ᵒ. 1648. and sent unto the Provinces, until the time of the Disbanding to come 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 horse and foot in service and oath of the Generality shall be undertaken by any Province of their own authority, it being contrary to the Resolution of Nou. 1ᵒ. 1623. and Febr. 9ᵒ. 1626. hereby renewed and confirmed; but that all Disbandings, Reductions, Cashiering, shall and aught to be made according to the order of the Government: and if so be, that there arise any Difference hereafter among the Provinces about the continuance or alteration of this State of War, that the same shall be composed by friendly conferences; and in case they cannot agree, that the Difference or Question shall be referred then to the most wise advice and decision of the ●ords Stadtholders, or Stadtholder of the provinces then being: and that this their Hi. Mi. Resolution shall issue without further reassumption.  
Nevertheless the Deputies of Gelderland caused to be entered hereupon into the register Book, That they could not accept of the State of War, but with condition, that the Services in it should be divided 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 Body, entered, 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 Assembly of their Hi. Mi. entered, that having heard the wise Advice of his Highness his Excellency Stadtholder, and the Council of State, and likewise taken notice of the Advices of the other Provinces, they declared themselves ready to acquiesce to this Conclusion, upon pleasure of their Principals; and withal, safe and without prejudice to their wont 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 be entered hereupon in their behalf, That they could not otherwise accept of the new projected state of War, but under express condition, that the same be reviewed and redressed, 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 Horse, they consented therein so far forth as the same should be made of the Foreign 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 be 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 passed. Safe always and without prejudice of the freedom of their Principals in point of Consent.  
The Deputies of the Province of Over Yssell caused to be entered, 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 entered in behalf of the Province of the City 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 Horse be made of none but Foreign Nations. 2. That the Lodging-monies for the soldiery within the respective Provinces and Forts about them, be still as formerly paid and defrayed by the Generality. 3. That the considerations moved heretofore by his Principals about the new state of War, and such as ere long shall be added thereunto▪ may be 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. being all of them the youngest in Commission.  
Of the Cavalry there were Cashiered four ancient Troops, and the rest the youngest in Commission.  
After which his Highness and Count William, Aug. 27, went to Dieren for some Divertisement, and the Princess Royal, being great with child, to the house of Teylinghen. Yet before the Prince his departure out of the Hague, the States of Zealand arrived there, and solemnly presented their large thanks to his Highness in these terms:  
The Lords the States of Zealand having examined and weighed the means and proceed which his Highness was pleased to use, both in regard of the Forces sent towards and about Amsterdam, and likewise about the seizing and apprehending of some Members of the Assembly of Holland; judging it to be 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 Highness for the pains and endeavours undertaken in this behalf, and desiring him to continue his zeal therein Charging our Deputies to make the same known to the Generality, and to enter it into the Register-book of their Hi. Mi. and to desire the rest of the Provinces to conform themselves to the same acknowledgement. Don at the assembly 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 Highness the Prince of Orange, for the great pains, care, and providence which it pleased his Highness 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 somewhat enlarged in manner as followeth.  
Illustrious, Highborn Prince!  
We have understood at large by the Lord Chevalier André, our Deputy at the Assembly of the Hi. Mi. Lords the State's General, and the Lord Wickel, of the Council of State, the singular pains, labour and care which it hath pleased your Highness to employ for the preservation of the Union, and furthering an Uniformity in the State of War; finding our selus obliged to return most high and serviceable thanks to your Highness, as having been the only means whereby the Provinces were kept from confusion. We do most hearty beseech, your Highness will be pleased to continue the same provident care for the good and service of the Land. Whereunto wishing your Highness the blessing of Almighty God, we rest, etc. Attested, F▪ van Eyssinga v. Underneath stood  
Your Highness 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 Wellborn 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 passed in the Hague 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, we cannot but give your Excellency also our highest thanks for the pains and troubles undergon in that behalf, with friendly desire, you will be pleased still to continue the same thus, for the good and service of the Land. Wherewithal wishing your Excellency a long and happy Gevernment, we remain  
Your excellency 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 Body, 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 thanked his Highness, appears by this following Letter:  
Illustrious, Highborn Prince!  
We are sufficiently given to understand how much pains, care and zeal your Highness hath employed 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, confirmed 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 Highness hath effectually procured for the service of our Common State, and conservation of the said Union; in due consideration whereof, we find our selus obliged friendly to thank your Highness, being confident the same will always remain disposed to assist maintain and further by all means the Rights and Privileges of the Land, as also the rest, peace and unity among the Provinces respectively, as we shall not be wanting neither on our side, to contribute thereunto all possible care and endeavour. Pra●ing God, prosperously to preserv your Highness for a long lasting Government.  
Dated Zutphen Sept. 26. 1650. Your Highness good friends The States of Gelderland and County of Zutphen, assembled at Zutphen.  
They of Overyssell writ this ensuing Letter.  
Illustrious and Highborn Prince, gracious Lord!  
BY Letters from your Highness of Julie 31 last past, we 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 seize certain persons, and to send a considerable quantity of forces horse and foot for Amsterdam, for to preserv that City to the Union, and to encounter the practices of some ill-affected ones, tending to disorder, confusion and dissolution of the said Union; that being the only remaining means, after all the foregone friendly assays to keep the Land in quiet, and maintain a reciprocal Unity. All which considered, and trusting that your Highness had very pregnant motives thereunto, and proceeded therein no otherwise then with good and mature Deliberation, for the maintenance only of the said Union, Rest and necessary Concord betwixt the Provinces: We held it our Devoir first to congratulate your Highness prosperous achieving 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 prosperity, to the honour of his holy Name, and the good of this Land, and long to preserv the person of your Highness in good health; remaining herewithal  
Illustrious, Highborn Prince, gracious Lord! Your Highness servants The States of Overyssel. Swoll. Sept. 25, 1650.  
At Utrecht some would fain have had the Thanksgiving run in this strain among the rest. We therefore find our selus most highly engaged to give your Highness most serviceable and kindest thanks, as we do by these present, for the faithful care of your Highness, and therewithal fully so approve of your Highness applying and improving such further means of withstanding all evil designs and dangerous courses, and maintaining the Union of these Netherlands; particularly consisting in the seizing of certain persons, and the sending of a good number of horse and foot-companies for Amsterdam, to preserv that City 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 be quietly and peaceably governed, and each Province, with every Member thereof, maintained in their Rights.  
But the City- Council of Utrecht would not descend to such particular thanks, and altered the same as you shall find in the subsequent Letter; for notwithstanding all the means and endeavours which the two first Members used to persuade them to the contrary, those of the City carried it: for all that the Prince, having settled the Magistrate there much according to the mind of the City, and contrary to the opinion of those of the two first Memberships, was come himself to Utrecht (taking it in his way to go to the Land-daie at Zutphen): so that at last the said two Memberships complied with the City 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. being put in mind of what was propounded unto them on Wednesdaie last, accordin to the Notes added thereunto, touching the writing to his Highness the matter hath been further considered and deliberated; and it is agreed and declared therereupon, That the Delegated Nobility and Gentry had hoped, the Governors of the City 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 Nobility and Gentry do hereby accept of the draught of the Letter made and communicated to their No. Mi. the States here, by the Committee of the City of Utrecht, Aug. 28 last past; and accordingly conform themselves 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 Country of Utrecht, in manner as followeth.  
Illustrious, Highborn 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 Excellency Stadtholder of Friesland with a good number of Horse and Foot towards and about Amsterdam, together with the seizing of some Lords of the Provincial Assembly of Holland, of all which your Highness hath caused the Reasons and motives to be delivered in writing, shut and sealed up at the Assembly of their Hi. Mi. where the same yet remain's in the Cabinet of the Generalitie's Secretatrie. We do declare, firmly confiding in your Highness, and the good grounds those Reasons doubtless were built upon, that we approve of what in pursuance thereof hath been performed by your Highness, for the maintenance and conservation of the Union; giving thanks to your Highness for all the good offices employed for the good of the State, with most friendly desire, you will be pleased still to continue that good affection, for the maintenance of the common Peace and Unity; 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 Highness received the Letter formerly recited of those of Gelderland, which they therefore sent thus unto him before he arrived at their Land-day, for fear that coming thither before receiving of the Letter, he might have found means and ways there to make the thanks a great deal more ample and particular than they were.  
From Groninghen and the Omland came no thanksgiving, there being no Land-day, nor any appointed yet, and in the interim happened the Prince's death.  
Now though the rest of the Provinces returned one after another such thanks unto his Highness as you see; they of Holland, and Amsterdam especially, conned him none. Murmuring, Impatience, Obtrectations, Revile, was up afloat there. The City continued yet in September, to search the arriving ships and vessels; The Watches and Guards continued strict and strong: the common people talked broad and boldly; and the Magistrate's apprehension that the Prince had some further Design, and sought no less than Sovereignty and absoluteness, increased daily. Many, even of his Confidents and friends, wished him, and were of opinion, he should labour all he could to sweeten and salv up all that was past, and of his own accord seek to content and satisfy the seized Lords. But no such disposition appeared in him by what he did at Haerlem: for there happening in September, the day of their choosing Magistrates, on the 7th he returned from Dieren to the Hague, and perceiving there were some stood in Nomination not sorting to his humour (being especially, that one of his Confidents Seigr Verkameren was passed by, and left out of the Nomination) he did pass by the worthiest and most respected of all, and chose new mean persons; among others one a Doorkeeper; and when those of the City had put the Charge of Orphant's-master, or overseer of the poor upon Seigr de Wael (being sometimes given even to a Roman Catholic) he crossed it again, and made his displeasure known to them about it.  
A motion there was made at the Assembly of their Hi. Mi. for a day of prayer and thanksgiving to be published throughout all the Provinces, in regard of the present condition of times and affairs. But they of Holland would not give their consent, lest thereby they should tacitly allow, and in public avow all that had passed, and also not to let loose the reins thereby to some 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 shown in all their managing, that they were full of Jealousies; and therefore they caused their Citie-trenches to be fenced with pallisadoes or planks and trees round about, raised their brest-works, increased 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 blue books, there was one called, The distempered Amsterdammer; wherein the Prince is set forth to have outgone and out done 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 some of them; and that without any Autoritie's command. The Charge of the 5th of June which he pretends, being 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 money 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 he was in the Velaco, a hunting, as to recreate himself, so to have an eye withal upon the Geldrish Land-day, kept at Zutphen, aiming, (for that he was now in possession of Dieren,) to be likewise admitted in Gelderland as premier Noble, the head of the Nobility there. Once he was at Zutphen himself, and once he 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 some years, with divers Sentences passed upon it in the years 1642, 1643, and 1644. All this while that the Prince was in the Veluw, the weather was exceeding bad, windy and rainy, as indeed most of that Summer had been; nevertheless he kept there and cared neither for wind not weather, making shift in a Country▪ man's house at Bickberghen, and continuing his violent Exercises of hunting, unto the very end of October, whenas for a day or two growing somewhat feverish, he was advised to return by water down the Phine and Leck by Rotterdam to the Hagh, where he arrived Saturday morning by 3 of the Clock, being the 29 of October. This Sickness is described by his Physicians in manner as followeth; That viz. being at the age of 24 years and near 6 months, full of blood, after he had hunted there in the Veluw for 3 weeks together, and kept a disorderly Diet, and Octob. 27 (being Thursday) after a sweeting domestic Exercise or pastime, called Au billard, had been for seven hours on horseback in a very cold aër; whereupon, being wearied, he felt afterward some pain in his Loins, and next day keeping his bed, and eating nothing, he was brought down the River to the Hagh the 29. There he complained of Headache or the Meagrims, wherewith he was often troubled, also the pain in the Loins continued still, he eat but little, towards the evening he 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, he was Clystred, and in the evening about 4 having eaten a little at dinner before, he was let blood on his left arm; the blood was hot and dry; the fever continuing still upon him, his urine troubled, his thirst great, with pain in the head, difficulty of breathing and a cough: at night he eat little, drank some beer with a toasted crust of bread, decoctum Hordei, and water with some lemmon-juice and Sugar. Monday the last of October, there appeared in his face some small Pimples, and so likewise upon his arms, breast and all the body over: which was that his Doctor Ʋander straten presaged: therefore to help them forth, there was given him twice or thrice in 24 hours, Decoctum Cicorei, Card. Benedict. Endiu. and the like, which kept him in a continual sweat, though little covered. His eyes were washed with Rose-water and the like, also he had something 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. He took a little broth in the morning, and about 10 a Decoctum, at noon he eat moderately, drank some while a Julep, other while some beer with a toasted crust. He sweat so excessively and continually, that his shirt, waistcoat and bed must be changed sundry times, which nevertheless was done with that care, that upon the change, he sweat again immediately: in the evening he eat an Hordeatum, and jelly: that night he had pretty good rest without difficulty of breathing, head-ache or other Symptoms. Wednesday Nou. 2. morning, noon and night, he eat some small minced parcels of Pullets-breast and Partridge: once he took a Decoctum, in the afternoon at 3 he was Clystered, whereupon he had 5 stools, feculent matter, though without gripping in the belly: he had a reasonable night, the pulls and urine were passing good.  
Thursday, he kept the same Diet, eat sometimes of a roasted apple, drank twice of a Decoctum. He continued sweeting still, but not so excessiuly. The pulls and respiration differed 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 be, the Prince complaining of nothing, but that he was somewhat thirsty, in the evening his Excrem 'tis were heard: the Bed wherein he had lain now for 28hours, was changed, but with great weariness: the night following, he rested pretty well.  
Friday, his thirst increased, sweeting continually, though not overmuch; he kept the former Diet, the pox issued more and more, the face was overlaid with fresh Lard, made warm a little: he drank Decoctum twice; and now and then a Julep, and some beer, in the night once or twice almond-milk, he had no difficulty of respiration, no oppression or obstruction.  
Saturday, having rested well, his water was all sediment in a manner, the pulls beat somewhat quicker, the breath with some pain and difficulty, the sweat increased, the pox were raised and round. The Physicians being asked by him, what they judged of it, they answered, they perceived no bad Symptoms as yet, but that the fever was somewhat increased and the short breathing; which commonly happens about that time of this Disease, nevertheless, the ship was not in the Haven, and that the seventh day it was like to meet with some cross winds yet. In the evening his short-breathing increased; whereupon, some tabelle were ordained, the pox shown themselves fairly raised and white.  
Sunday, having had no good rest, the breathing was somewhat freer, the thirst great, the pox something inflamed, the water troubled. He broke his fast, and dined according to the former Diet. The pulls was heightened and quick, breathing grew difficult, it being usual in this disease, that the sixth and seventh day, when the pox begin to inflame, the pain and fever increaseth: he being costive, they applied a suppository of honey and salt, with good effect; a great many pox upon the back, loins, buttocks, thighs (in the evening also some upon the face) broke and mattered, others were raised, round, white, full of matter; other Symptoms besides these there appeared none.  
About 5 in the Evening, (many pox being bursted) the fever increased together with the short breathing, for the easing whereof (it arising 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 stay there all night. But within half an hour after they were gone, the fever and short breathing increased so mightily and with such a decay of vigour 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 fetched again. When Sterremont the Minister came, He was already past speech; and nevertheless the same Sterremont Printed and published afterwards, the Relation of his Deceas, in terms as followeth, namely,  
That he the Minister, having spoke 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 Christ's bloody merits, endeavoured to prepare his Soul for a blessed waiting for the coming of Christ, and happy departure out of this miserable World; His Highness, being asked the Question thereupon by the said Minister, whether accordingly, upon the ground aforesaid, His Soul was well satisfied, ready and content, cheerfully to wait for Death and the ensuing gracious Judgement of his Saviour, his Highness answered with a hollow voice, Yea, lifting up his eyes therewithal to Heaven. Then replied the Minister, well then Illustrious Prince, let these eyes of your body, be accompanied thither with your heart also, and with the eyes 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 Body new strength, or favourably to receiv your Soul into his glory. Whereupon with good liking of his Highness, he and the present company, but few in Number, fell down upon their knees, pouring out their prayer with sighs and tears, and hearty seeking to the Divine Majesty, to vouchsafe a gracious and speedy release to his Highness from under this heavy agony: during the prayer there was perceived a great and incredible change in the disposition of his Highness, which doubled the zeal of prayer, and made them sigh out from the heart, that God would yet be further gracious to the person of his Highness, and in him to the whole Land. Rising up from prayer, the Minister asked his Highness, whether he had undsrstood the words of the prayer, and received any comfort by it? but he received no answer. Then the Physicians would have given his Highness some Cordial, but they found his mouth closely shut up, which made them all conclude, that his last minute was at hand, returning thereupon to prayer. 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 snatched out of it, indeed unworthy of him, even in the beautifullest bloom, and youthfullest vigour of his years, being old but 24 years and 6 months, after that the unthankfulness of these times, and the base unworthiness of many, had for a good while hitherto afflicted and pierced his Soul, now translated into that place and company, where the Laurel-Garlands of his glorious achievements shall never fade nor fail him, upon Sunday Novemb. 6. about 9 at night, in the year of the prognostic of those Country's downfall, 1650. The News thereof, was at the desire of the Courtiers, presently brought to her Highness the Mother Dowager, by the foresaid Minister Sterremont, and to her Royal Highness the young widow, by one of her Chaplains; which two, even to death afflicted Ladies, met that night yet about 12. at his late Highness Court; The sighs, sobs, tears, doleful behaviour and words, that passed reciprocally between them, no eye was able to look upon, but it melted his heart into tears; the former grieving for the premature death of her only Son, the Crown of her Age; and the other for the untimely remooval, of the only hope and support of her Bleeding House, and of the Illustrious Father of that long longed-for Infant▪ which yet she carried swaddled in her Bowels, and had hoped speedily and cheerfully to have surrendered into his Arms with thanks. But woe unto us, and our dear Father-land, if God be not gracious unto us, in a most singular and yet undiscernible manner; the only hope remaining yet, is, that God would be pleased to bless her Royal Highness, by a happy and successful Delivery, with a young Son, another William, to shoot forth out of this withered Orange-tree, and that he may grow up prosperously from day to day, 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 Unity, to take care for the country's and Church's welfare, and to make choice in the interim, of a wise, pious, sober and fit Deputie-lieutenant; being that which all honest inhabitants of this Land, are bound, repentingly, to pray for.  
Thus far Sterremont.  
Next day the Body being opened, one might still see the small pox without raised and white (no bad signs) and many broken. The Brains were sound, the Milt somewhat slap as ordinary, and filled with some black blood, the 2 parts and the bottom of the Liver, bluish, but the whole Lungs very black, swelled, inflamed, surrounded with black blood, and thence arose the shortness of breath or difficulty of respiration, Dispnoea, and the fever of the two last days (not before) which as it could not be known, (for he 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 household notwithstanding have much complained and given out, as if the Prince had been neglected; That they suffered him too often to change his linen, and to take too freely Lemonadoes, and other cooling drinks. But all the three abovementioned Doctors have signed the foresaid Relation of his sickness with their own hands. The Report of his Death immediately filled all the Hague, and amazed it with the unexspectedness; it having always been held and given out, there was no danger, and all in good hopes; as indeed such flattering speeches are always best liked, and therefore most used in Courts. None indeed durst tell the Prince that he was in danger. The Ministers had once designed among themselves, to visit him every day by turns; but when any presented himself to his Bedchamber, they were always told, it would distemper the Prince, and put him out of heart; that he was pretty well, and visit was needless. Sterremont only was once admitted in all the time; and yet, lest the Prince should be terrified with a thought of death by the approach of a Minister, they told him before hand, he came only to present to his Highness some extraordinary good Oranges which he 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 mere Civility.  
The State's General assembled that night yet about 10, and found good immediately to advertise the Provinces of this unexpected Departure by Letters: Desiring them to prepare themselves for the taking and framing such Provincial advices thereupon, as their No. Mi. should judge fitting and convenient in the weighty conjuncture of the present times and affairs, and to return the same with all possible expedition to the Assembly, making overture there of such matters as concern the Generality. Notice also was given hereof to the Courts of the Admiralty; as likewise to the Ambassadors and Residents of this State in foreign parts, for to put themselves 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 Fieldmarshal, 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 eye 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 themselves 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 be taken, and provision made as should be found expedient and requisite for most safety of the State. Advertisement was likewise given to the reduced Cities of Brabant and Flanders apart. To the Foreign Ambassadors and Residents residing at the Hague intimation was given of this Accident by some Deputies of their Hi. Mi. and by the Agent Verburgh.  
The Corpse was not showed in public (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 Royal by too much stir and nois there, she being great with child; which was the cause likewise that she never saw the Prince in all his sickness; as also they would have kept his departure from her knowledge the first night, but that she perceived it well enough by the much running out and in, and hearing the whole Court alarmed with it.  
The King of Spain his Ambassador sent immediately to impart unto her his condoling, and for leave that he might come to perform it in Person; which was done next morning, as likewise that of the State's General, and inferior Courts or Assemblies, both to her, and to the Princess Dowager, and the Q. of Bohemia.  
The Princess Dowager sent that day by Seigr de Willem, and Secretary Busero, to get the Lord van Wimmenum to represent unto the Assembly, that there was a certain Treaty agreed upon between the Spanish Ambassador and the late Prince, about an Equivalence for the not surrendering of the Marquisate; there wanting nothing to it but the Subscription; and fearing the wind might get in between, being the Ambassador was upon his departure for Brussels; and therefore her Highness desired their Hi. Mi. would be pleased to induce the Ambassador to the accomplishment. They sent and pressed it, but the Ambassador said, He was charged to get the Treaty signed by the Princes own hand. The same now being dead, he must and would write for further instruction; and sometime after returning again to the Hague, he declared himself ready for to conclude that Treaty, as soon as the Wardship of the young Prince should be settled.  
The Death of the Prince did much perplex and afflict all those, that together with and by him had agitated the proceed against Holland. Some 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 Ruin. But among those of the Government of Holland, and every where among such, whose hearts stood more for Liberty, than Court dependence, you might have seen immediately a very great Alteration and Reviving. The news ran nimbly; by 3 in the morning, it was already at Amsterdam. The Alms box fared well by it; the people really glad, would be really thankful, and liberal for their liberty. One among the rest, putting in a good quantity of Gold, in the Deacons purse, at Sermon, had featly wrapped it up, and added a Note to it with words to this purpose, in Rhyme. The Prince his death, Makes my gift great. No gladder news, these hundred years.  
Upon the Letters from the Holland Deputies at the Generality, the States of Holland met presently, and after some preparatory business with their Commissioned Members, they caused to be presented in writing to the Generality; That their N. G. M. do judge the Unity of the Provinces, to be the only 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 Unity, Love, Friendship and good Correspondence with and among the Provinces, without ever to recede therefrom, and that they are ready to show forth the same not in words only; 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 public Churches of these Countries. That the Union shall be kept faithfully, so as it was concluded on, in the year 1579, at Utrecht: and that the soldiery for the service of the State, shall be entertained, according to the Resolutions formerly taken upon the preliminar points, for the Treaty of Peace.  
That the Provinces may be desired to appoint a General Assembly of all the States in the Hagh; and to take care, that they may come every one, duly 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 be left and proceeded in, according to the accustomed Cours and fundamental Order of this Government. The Courts or several Councils, as also the chief Military Officers, remaining in their respective Commissions and Instructions, until such time, as further Order shall be 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 Highness shall be delivered of the Fruit she yet doth go with. But least that might have caused a Construction of some Engagement, it was altered as above.  
Holland studied and endeavoured much, how they might draw Zealand in, at least, to side with them; hoping that thereby they should be able so to shut their Fence, and to be 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 shown themselves very Civil, in their expressions of thankfulness to the House of Orange and Nassaw; declaring, they would gladly forget and lay aside all what was past, and live and die with the Provinces in all Love, Unity and Concord.  
Before their intended sending to the Provinces could be dispatched, the Princess Royal was delivered of a Son, upon munday Novemb. 14. betwixt 8 and 9 of the clock at night. Whereupon the Assembly presently met, and notice was given of it to the Provinces, and congratulations made to her Royal Highness, her Highness the Princess Dowager and the Q. of Bohemia, and the news imparted to the foreign Ministers, the Bells also were rung, and the common people shown themselves very joiful; thereby manifesting, that they knew or apprehended not otherwise, but that the Prince was their Sovereign and the true Lord and Heir of the Country: which the vulgar sort was well content it should be so, for the several benefits and advantages, they had and made of the Court to themselves, by the utterance of their commodities and otherwise. But the Lord Cats said very well to a friend, upon an occasion touching the Prince's 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 be removed, The Pillars remain steadfast, unaltered, and they are such as only can and must furnish both Candlestick and lights upon them.  
And now the States of Holland sent away their Commissioners, viz. to Gelderland and Overyssel, the Lords Opdam and Polsbrouck with pensionary Riccen; to Utrecht, the Lords of Brederode, Strevelshook and Beverning; to Zealand, the Lords pensionary Ruysh, Zyl and Soneveld; to Friesland, Groninghen and the Omland, the Lords pensionary Bernighen, pensionary Nyport and Ripertse; whose respective Propositions were all fitted and framed, according to the former advice presented to the Generality, in manner as followeth.  
Noble Mighty Lords!  
THe Nobility, Gentry and Cities of Holland and Westfriesland, met in State's Assembly, upon the unexpected sad departure of his Highness the Prince of Orange, of immortal memory, for to help resolve 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 raise up these Countries, under God's blessing, to the bighest top of welfare and Greatness, there is nothing more necessary, then that there be holily and unalterably kept and entertained still a perfect Unity and good correspondence, among all the Members thereof.  
And in that regard, being excited and stirred 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 wholesome and seasonable consideration; Their N. Gr. M. have been pleased to appoint Us their Commissioners, for to make the same particularly known unto your Honours, 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 wholesome Resolutions, and the pestiferous bain of the State, may be prevented, eschewed and eradicated; and on the contrary all true and faithful friendship and such a solid Confidence, begotten, and more and more enlivened and cheered up amongst all the Members of this State, as that they may all, and evermore, conspire to a perfect Unity and Concord, in a sweet harmonious Consort of Hearts and Minds; Which the Lords our Principals do declare themselves to be resolved to help, encourage and maintain, and to observe and cultivate sincerely and inviolably for ever, without ever offering to fail or recede from it in the least; and that they shall always be ready to show it forth not only in Words, but much rather in deeds and realities.  
And like as always, it hath been held and esteemed, according to the old and good maxims 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 Safety and Defence, are the three main and principal means, for to uphold and preserv this most desirable and blessed Unity, together with Rest and Tranquillity at home, Respect among friends, and Terror to Enemies abroad;  
So their N. G. M. our Principals were willing upon this occasion, further to testify unto your N. M. That their unchangeable Resolution still hath been and ever shall be, to maintain the said Reformed Religion, according to the Synod of Dort, and in such sort, as the same now is taught in the public Churches throughout this Country; and therewithal holdy to continue observing the foresaid Covenant of the Union; and to entertain such an Army 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 being 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 be occasioned abundance of most weighty 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 promise any Resolution effectually Fruitful for the Lands welfare, but by mutual full and pertinent Communication, and well-united Consultation. In regard whereof, it being 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 wholesome and profitable practice of the Land, in cases even of less concernment than the present, for the more satisfactory transaction and determination of things, to the content of all parties interessed, and to establish and settle the same with the more efficacy, lustre and authority. That the Lords the States of all the Provinces in general, were solemnly summoned and called together, to make one states-assembly General, gathering and meeting all in one place; Their N. G. M. have therefore thought good and necessary, in consideration of the present occasion and for the service of the common interest, that there might be such a General State's Assembly procured and held now, in these Conjunctures, suitable to the foresaid fundamental rules and former good examples. And this we are especially charged to represent unto your N. M. wise Judgement, and most hearty 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 Assembly General of all the Provincial States may speedily be kept and solemnised; 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 be taken with one and full consent, as may serve 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 be 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 maturity, knowledge 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, be left to the usual Cours and fundamental Orders of this Government, the several Courts or Councils, as also the chief Military Officers remaining in their respective Commissions, until the Government General shall otherwise dispose therein.  
And this, Noble, Mighty Lords, is that which their N. Gr. M. the States of Holland and Westfriesland (not for any particular self respect, but merely out of the uprightness and abundance of their affection to the Common Weal and welfare) have thought good, not only to propound in the Assembly of their Hi. Mi. unto your N. M. and the other Provincial Deputies there; but for their own and your further 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. themselves in particular, by Us whose names are here under-written▪ And forasmuch as all this hath no other aim nor respect but the Unity, Friendship and Concord, without which there is no hope nor possibility to subsist, we dare and do promise our selus undoubtedly from the wisdom, prudence and good affection of your N. M. (that which we most friendly and earnestly request at your hands) a wholesome and desired Resolution, beseeching Almighty God to speed and bless the same to the constant Tranquillity, Prosperity and Glory of these United Countries, but especially to the magnifying of the prais of his most Holy Name.  
The Resolutions and Answers returned hereupon by the Provinces, were to this effect; That they undertook to appoint a good Number of Extraordinary Deputies for the said General Assembly. The Nobility of the Nimmeghen and Veluw quarter resolved to come in Body, though at th●ir own charges. They of Overyssell authorized only their Ordinary Commissioners, though afterwards Extraordinary ones were sent from the Towns, and of the Nobility, as many as would go upon their own expenses. Those of Groninghen and the Omlands, immediately upon the departure of the Holland-Commissioners, went to choose themselves a Stadtholder, and that at the desire and motion of Friesland by their Deputies, contrary 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 City 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 be communicated to the State's 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 Mighty Lords!  
SInce it hath pleased Almighty God somewhat to allay our great grief and dejectedness for the sudden Departure of Prince William, our dear son of blessed memory, by the birth of a young Prince, whereof the Princess Royal was happily delivered on the 14th of this instant: We 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 themselves to your consideration, of the importance of such a desired success at that instant, whenas it was sadly apprehended, 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 achievements, should come to fail in this sorrowful season. Nevertheless, to satisfy our mind, we could not rest there, but judged it every way fit and behoouful to make this present address unto your No. M●. together with the rest of the United Provinces, friendly and seriously showing, recommending, and desiring, that they would be pleased, according to their accustomed wisdom and foresight to take into mindful consideration, now that the supplying of the Captainship general by Sea and Land, and the Stadtholder or Governor-ship of your Province shall be put into deliberation, what regard and reflection ought to be made and had then unto the person of the said young Prince, in relation of what, as said is, his Ancestors of immortal memory have adventured both in goods and blood, and uncessantly sought and endeavoured in the common cause, even so long, until, by their successful direction, this State hath been raised to this height of prosperity and reputation, that their most puissant Enemy hath been constrained to seek that Peace at their hands, which the jo●nt Provinces so long generally aimed at, and do enjoy at present. We do therefore once again desire and entreat your No. Mi. that for the now succeeding times, you will help to frame and fit the public Resolutions suitably to the good remembrance of those which are past; and this granted, we are confident it will easily be 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 we persuade our selves your No. Mi. will accept of this friendly address and commendation, as proceeding, on the one side, from the considerations of natural duty we 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 Highness of blessed memory, our whilom most highly honoured Lord and Husband, we 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 Honour of his Holy Name, the Unity and Safety of this State, and the prosperity and welfare of the good Inhabitants thereof▪ and to keep your N. M. in his holy protection.  
Given at the Hague this 20 of Novemb. 1650.  
Count William, Count Maurice and the Lord of Brederode did likewise respectively recommend their persons to the State's General, by the Lord Precedent, though but in geveral 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 only put, To the Nob. Mighty Lords the States of Groninghen, and left out the Omlands; for which default the Letter remained unopened. How the choosing of Count William for Stadtholder of Groninghen and the Omlands pleased the Princesses, is not hard to conjecture, being done in a manner to their face, in regard of the Princess Dowager her abovesaid Letter so newly addressed unto them; nor could she cover the smart resent thereof. But those of Groninghen said, that by reason of their Differences among themselves, they stood in need of a Man, and not of a Babe for their Stadtholder; and were not used to have a Deputy Stadtholder, or Lieutenant's Lieutenant, 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 than forced upon them in the year 1640. Those also that stood well affected to the Common Liberty judged it better, that at leastwise one man should not be Stadtholder General over all; for which and such like allegations and discourses in the foresaid year 1640, some 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 he had before from the Prince, by virtue whereof he undertook to present himself again at the Board of their Hi. Mi. but his former Colleagues, 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 Commissioned Council and other Assemblies where he 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 Nobility among them was extinguished; and maintaining, that indeed hitherto they had allowed it to the Princes of Orange for their Deserts, but personally only, and under that protestation; not at all Really or hereditarily.  
Those of Dort, immediately upon the Prince's ' death, restored the Lord de Wit 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 Revyl, and they of Medenblick the Lord Stellingswerf, the Lord Keyser was already chosen Fiscal for the Council of the Admiralty in the North quarter, the Prince yet living. At Amsterdam they proceeded a little more slowly with the restitution of the Bickers, for to show their moderation.  
They of Groninghen and the Omlands, sought to have the Company of the Guard, which the Prince had caused to come from Groninghen in the late stirs last summer, that now they might be returned, which was granted without difficulty, but only about the manner, under what Commission they should march now the Prince was dead. Lastly they were dispatched with Commission from the State's General.  
The States of Holland being assembled in the Hague, they caused to be 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 foreright 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 themselves. But as touching the Cities, which having session in the Assembly of their N. Gr. M. but no such peculiar Privilege or foreright in this behalf, that in regard thereof it shall be ordained by a General Resolution, that the same shall have liberty to constitute their respective Magistrates in such a way and manner as they themselves shall judge most useful and expedient for their said Cities; provided that in case any of the foresaid Cities held it expedient or needful for their city's condition to have any thing more, or else granted unto them, than might be conceived to be understood by the foresaid general Resolution, that they shall have liberty to make their address to their N. Gr. M. for the obtaining of such further grants in that behalf, as shall be judged best suiting with their condition; and that the granting of such Desires (or passing of such Grants) shall be determined in the Assembly of their N. Gr. M. by the plurality of advices; and moreover it is provided, that in case any of the foresaid Cities should, for reasons best known to themselves, not desire to make use of the foresaid General Resolution for the choosing of their own respective Magistrates, the same shall be done 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 Commissioned 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 immunity in point of choosing Magistrates; it is found good, that they shall make their addresses to the Assembly 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 be enabled to dispose thereof respectively.  
As for the disposing of all civil Offices and charges, besides the Magistracy, it was agreed, that henceforward the same shall absolutely be and remain in the power of the Assembly of their N. Gr. M. such only excepted as shall be 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 Magistracy, it was agreed, That all such as should be invested with any place or office of that nature, aught to be of the Christian Reformed Religion, so as the same was confirmed by the Synod of Dort, and is taught now in the public Churches of the Land; at leastwise they should make public profession thereof.  
All other affairs, being not Domestic, or, merely Provincial, but having relation to the Generality, 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 he had augmented the Dowry of the Princess Royal from 10000 l. sterl. to 15000 l. per. an. in case she had issue; and failing of issue, 20000 l. sterl. per. an. together with the use, and all the movables of the Houses, at Buren, Breda, Isselstein and Houselardyck. There was likewise a Testament or Will produced; but without date of day or place, and unsubcribed; wherein he, 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, being Mother, and the next in Law. The manner of her plea, appears 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, she is necessitated in this her sad condition, so often to interrupt your high and weighty Deliberations, seeking for that at your hands, which the natural affection to her only Son, and her motherly tenderness for his welfare, together with the conservation of the mourning-hous of the Prince of Orange, her husband of happy memory, constrain's herself unto.  
Testifying before your N. G. M. her upright and sincere intention herein, she 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 be provided with Guardians-assistant together with herself, of such Lords, members of the State, as the Court of Holland, communicating with her Remonstrant, shall find good, under your N. G. M. approbation, to ordain.  
Being moved thereunto, by the full and perfect knowledge she, Remonstrant hath concerning this, of the earnest will and desire of his Highness her husband: whereof their N. G. M. may be further assured, by the draught of Disposition, lately sent unto you, in a Copy by the Court of Holland.  
Which disposition being circumstantially examined, especially so far forth, as the same makes 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 Highness, and the assuredness of the foresaid Disposition, cannot be drawn into question by any reason; it being 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 being the Fathers for his child.  
The reason why the foresaid Disposition vows the formal Solemnity (however unnecessary as for the present purpose of constituting Guardians) proceeded not from any change of his Highness former will, nor any intention of his, it should remain without the usual solemnities; but, that the same was hindered only by some other accidents, the which, she Remonstrant, for certain considerations, doth not think good as yet to discover, and should be contented to let it pass thus, if she be not constrained to show forth the Truth thereof in its nakedness.  
It being a mere abuse, that the draught of the foresaid Disposition should be abolished or cancel▪ d by the Codicill of his Highness, dated Decemb. 21ᵒ. 1649. the Laws plainly showing, 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 be of no efficacy, for that his Highness should have testified in his sickness, that he would or intended to make a Disposition or Testament. Such an intention tending not to the altering of the foresaid Disposition, but only to pass in due form, what he 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 lacked nothing more but the solemn formalities aforesaid, as shall be fully proved if need be.  
She, Remonstrant, will not be tedious now, by showing to your N. G. M. with what prudence and singular wisdom, that foresaid Disposition hath been framed by his Highness, all the world easily comprehending, that his aim was not only to take care for that which most concerned the weal and conservation of the affairs of his house, but also and especially, that his Son, whom he had destinated for the Service of this State, might be brought up, under the eye and inspection, of some Lords members of the State itself.  
The Right, which She, Remonstrant, hath before all other, to the inspection and Guardian-ship of her Son, doth need no justification at all, in the righteous judgement 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 complete by matrimony; so that the Civil Law can take no hold of Us in this particular; besides especially, that it ought to be considered, in what Eminency of Condition her person is, which doth qualify, the Princes and Princesses of her Family, even under age, such as she, Remonstrant, now is, to the Government of the State itself.  
She, Remonstrant, is very well contented, that My Lady the Princess Dawager should take care for the conservation of the Princesses, her Daughter's Rights and Interests, and declar's, she is like Zealously affected for it; it being 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 leave it to such, as his Highness most circumspectly hath ordained, by his foresaid Disposition.  
Judging, that whatsoëver is practised and contrived against and contrary to the wise intention of his Highness, cannot but most highly prejudice the welfare of his Son and his inheritance.  
She, Remonstrant, makes no scruple at all at your N. G. M. being authorised, to provide her Son with Guardians assistant together with herself, suitably to the foresaid Disposition of the Prince of Orange of happy Memory; but contrarily, she desireth and entreat's it at your hands.  
But if so be, it shall pleas your N. G. M. to make use herein of the service of the Court-Provincial, unto which is referred and committed the Universal Jurisdiction of the Countries of Holland, Zealand and Westfriesland: She rests confident, the same would prove no prejudice to the Highness of her house, and the eminent Quality thereof.  
Considering that the foresaid Court, of old, and time out of mind, have still exercised in this Land the right of Magistracy, over all Noble and Eminent persons, and consequently also provided their Orpbants, if need was, with Guardians.  
The Princes of the Land themselves, having had the said Court in that esteem and consideration, that they have committed to them the care and keeping of their Dignity and Rights; together with all their Sovereign and Princely prerogatives: and his late Highness himself sufficiently testified, by his abovesaid Disposition, the great respect he bore to the said Court whenas he committed or referred to the same, a considerable part of the oversight of his house 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, etc.  
Unto the States of Holland and West-Friesland.  
Noble, Great, Mighty Lords!  
THe Tragical Afflictions, wherewith it hath pleased the great God to visit her Royal Highness in the Royal House, and especially in the person of the King her Father of most blessed memory; as likewise the unexpected, 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, showed unto her, Remonstrant, your singular condoling, and more than fatherly compassion.  
She, the Remonstrant, reduced to such a Condition, and being great with child therewithal, it pleased the good God, graciously to deliver her of the Fruit, she had born in her womb with so much grief, to the singular solace of her in these foresaid heavy Visitations.  
And therein also she, Remonstrant, having favourably received your N. G. M. friendly Congratulations, and cordial Demonstrations of mutual rejoicing, She testifies to be and to remain obliged unto your N. G. M. with immortal Devoirs of gratefulness.  
But waiting for opportunities to evidence the same further, she is necessitated to appear sooner troublesome than thankful unto your N. G. M. and by request, touching her particular affairs to interrupt your N. G. M. that they would be pleased to suffer themselves to be informed, that she Remonstrant, in no wise intends to do any thing that shall be inconsistent with the Laws, or but liable to any construction of attempting aught against Justice, much less against the Authority of your N. Gr. M.  
It is without all Controversy, most agreeable to the Laws of this Land, that She▪ the Remonstrant, being Mother of the Prince, her Son, her Dear Husband deceasing, she thereby becomes and is the Governess or Guardian of her said Son, beyond all dispute, with exclusion of the Grandmother.  
Which unremoovable Foundation being laid, it follow's surely, and is clearly grounded in Right, that She, the Remonstrant, is enabled thereby, not only to undertake the Guardianship, but likewise to exercise all acts thereon depending, and that she cannot be hindered therein, by reason that hitherto there are no Guardianassistants assigned with her.  
That which is said here, being clear and plain in Law, she the Remonstrant stands evidently free from having attempted the least against it; so that in Justice there can be no Inhibition made of her foresaid Administration of the Guardianship.  
She the Remonstrant, is not able neither to conceiv or remember, that the Acts hitherto past and used by her in Quality of Guardian, should or could be other then most advantageous for the Prince her Son, being the most important Act thereof is tendering, how upon good Deliberation and advice with his Highness Counsel, the House mortuary, may be disburdened of the heavy and unnecessary Charges of above six hundred thousand flor. per. an.  
The other Acts consist in the Election of some persons into Magistracy, made by her in the Name of the Prince her Son, upon the Nomination of a double Number, whereunto it is apparent, that none other is or can be qualified, but herself, the Remonstrant, in her present Quality of Guardian over the Prince her Son. The foresaid Council of his Highness of blessed Memory, being provisionally authorised no further by the Court of Holland, than what concerneth their Ordinary function, and is contained within their Instruction, among which it is manifest, that the Election of any Magistrate, is not comprehended.  
She, the Remonstrant, doth protest, that this Concertation and Difference about her own indubitable Right, with the Lady Princess her Mother in Law, and the Prince Elector of Brandenburg, is much against her mind and heart, wishing for no other occasions, but to meet and occur them with all Offices of Civility and kind Correspondence, and being ready 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 some Charges and Grants or Benefices.  
She (Remonstrant) declareth herself to be ready in all uprightness, to order and dispose the said Education, with the approbation and advice of the foresaid Lady the Princess her Mother in Law, and according to the manner and custom of these Countries, to as much advantage as may be, without suffering any Foreigners to divert her from so doing.  
The managing and administration of the goods, the Remonstrant conceiveth, aught as hitherto, to be disposed by the Council, and conformably to the desire of his late Highness her husband.  
And that therein consequently be considered, the Confidence that before all things all debts and charges of the House mortuary be 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, she, the Remonstrant here, will gladly admit, that the same Prince Elector and her Highness the Princess Dowager shall themselves, 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 ways and managing of the said estate, she declares herself willing to embrace the same  
Being far from any inclination or design, that the foresaid Goods or Revenues shall in the least part be diverted to any other uses; besides that according to the known Laws, the like would not be in her, nor in the Assistant-Guardians power for to do.  
As for the Collation of the places and offices, the same belongs to her the Remonstrant by contract of marriage, in all such places out of which her Dowry is to be paid; and the rest in the quality of Mother and Guardian of the Prince her Son; being 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 be changed.  
And in respect of the Cities lying in Zealand, to take the advice, during the minority of the young Prince, of the States of that Country, whereby all apprehended surmises vanishing, how injuriously soever devised. The Remonstrant desire's to give your N. G. M. to perpend in their righteous judgement, whether there can be aught more just and behooveful to the honour and lustre of the young Prince, and respect of the Remonstrant as Mother and Guardian of him, then that the foresaid Collations and Elections be done in manner aforesaid.  
She Remonstrant not entertaining so much as a thought to intrude or intrust any English therewith, or even to suffer any Nundination to be made about them, but rather to take care, that in all, the Rules of distributive Justice may exactly be considered and observed.  
All which She Remonstrant thought good to attest thus unto your N. Gr. M. in all sincerity, lest by any contrary impressions she might be prejudiced in her undoubted Right, to the great indignity of her foresaid Qualities and personal Illustrious extraction; but especially, to the more aggrieving of her affliction, wherein she ought rather in this desolate estate to be by all means comforted and cheered up.  
And that in regard hereof, you will not suffer the way of Justice to be shut up to the Remonstrant, which to the glory and reputation of your N. G. M. Government stands ever open, even to the meanest and remotest, that comes but to make his address here unto it.  
The Princess Dowager stood upon this, that the Royal was himself in Minority yet, and could not in Law be Guardian; that she might be drawn to dissipate the good or revenue and adventure to spend it upon her Brothers, even as the late Princes both Henry and William had done themselves, and run themselves deep in debt besides upon the same score. That she the Grandmother, having much experience and special relations, the Guardianship ought to be committed to her, she could better administer the same, and the like, as appears more fully by her own ensuing Remonstrance.  
Noble and great Mighty Lords!  
HEr Highness the Lady Princess Dowager of Orange, having, in respect of her quality as mother and Guardian of the young Princesses her daughters, next interessed in the House Mortuaire of his late Highness her son of happy memory, been desired soon after his Deceas, jointly with some Deputies of his Electoral Highness of Brandenburg, to appoint some Commissioners, who in their Name might present▪ themselves at the opening to be made by the Court of Holland, of a certain disposition of a Last Will, as was said to have been left behind by his foresaid Highness, and was by her Royal Highness put into the hands of the said Court under close Covert, and not long after that she had been informed by the Commissioners, how that there was opened and read there a certain sealed Codicillarie Disposition, made and signed by his said Highness, and attested by a Notary and other witnesses in due form and manner, in the behalf of her said Royal Highs. That withal, at the instance of the foresaid Commissioners, there was read a certain other open Writing, begun some years past to be rough drawn by his Highness in another hand, but not completed, much less dated, signed, sealed or passed in form accustomed: Nevertheless that the Lecture hereof was not made but upon precedent Protestation of her Highness Commissioners against the plain invalidity of the same, seconded after by the said Court's explicit Declaration▪ that the said Lecture should neither benefit nor prejudice any; howbeit the Deputies of his Electoral Highness having protested against it, refused to stay the reading, and withdrew themselves out of the Court.  
And her Highness consequently, together with all uninteressed people of reason and discretion, looking upon the condition of this house mortuaire no otherwise then that his foresaid Highness having of late drawn the Contents of the foresaid Codicil, out of the rough-draught abovementioned, he hath thereby plainly rejected the same, and therefore at several times testified upon his Deathbed, he intended to make his Testament, and therefore without any contradiction, being precipitated by his sickness, came to die intestate; and that therefore it were requisite above all things, order should be taken both for the Guardianship of the young▪ born Prince, together with his Royal Lady Mother, and the administration of his goods.  
She was very confident indeed, and still she doth rely upon it, that your No. Gr. Mi. as Sovereigns of the Province where the House Mortuaire happened, and in consideration likewise of its Eminency, you would be 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 being her Highness hath been informed since, that the Lords of the Court of Holland had, besides their rescription, communicated Copies unto your N. G. M. not only 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 House, to engage the principal members thereof into needless Controversy; and dare take upon them, contrary to all Laws, Customs and sound reason, publicly to assert and maintain, as if by virtue of the foresaid invalid Writing, the pretenders were enabled to act in what concerns 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 endeavoured to carry on and dispose of the business, by all kind of strange under-hand-dealing.  
Her Highness 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 be 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 forenamed Guardian ship and Administration, That your N. Gr. M. doubtless finding good to appoint a Committee of some Members of the Government itself for it, there may be no further prejudice practised against them, to whom it belongs to be preferred and employed hereunto, as from the Father's side before all others, and who consequently likewise cannot be put by or excluded without singular reason, disgust, and offence.  
However your N. Gr. M. are to consider, that her Highness is making this timely application in discharge of her Devoir, partly out of motherly affection to her dear and only Grandchild, and partly by reason of her foresaid quality of Mother and Guardian to the said young Princesses her daughters, whose interests she may not abandon, That Guardianship being solemnly laid upon her by the last Will and Testament of his Highness of blessed memory, her Lord and Husband, who likewise desired therein your N. G. M. assistance for the execution.  
By another Memorandum the Princess Dowager shown as followeth.  
Noble, Great Mighty Lords!  
ALthough her Highness the Princess Dowager of Orange, and the next Allies of his Highness side of blessed memory, 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 whilst your N. G. M. (to whom as to the Sovereigns of this Province of Holland belongs 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 be attempted by the Princess Royal, as on the side of her Highness respect was given in this behalf to your N. G. M. by sitting still, and the said Princess Royal also entreated and invited in the name of her Highness to amicable composure of the differences arisen, and warned not to attemt aught while the matter was undecided.  
Nevertheless her Highness comes to be informed, not without amazement, that the Princess Royal, 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 find good, according to their accustomed wisdom, justly and equitably to determine and dispose in the said Guardianship.  
Wherefore her Highness 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 be pleased, for the exigent remedy of these and all other attemts, and preventing of unnecessary and prejudicial irritations, to mature and hasten your Resolution about the Guardianship; and in case the same could not be soon dispatched, at leastwise to settle such order, that like as her Highness continueth bearing due respect to your N. G. M. and awaiting your righteous Resolution, so also all attemts may cease and desist on the Princess Royal her side, and the affairs of the House, especially such as can brook no delay, be duly looked unto; her Highness leaving it to your N. G. M. consideration, whether it were not fit the same should be referred and committed to the Counsel of his Highness deceased, the same being specially obliged to the House by oath, well informed of all things thereto belonging, and sufficiently authorized in that behalf by the Court Provincial.  
And forasmuch as this desire is altogether grounded on Law, Reason and Equity, and void of all disputing, and that here especially delay breeds danger, her Highness and next allies; once again most courteously and friendly desire, your N. G. M. will be pleased, during this Session, to take and pass such a Resolution about it as you shall find fitting.  
your N. Gr. M. may be pleased herewithal to take notice, that my Lady the Princess Royal took upon her, to dispose alone of the change of the Magistrate at terveer in Zealand, about New-year's day last, and also at Gertruydenberg and Meurs, and in other places, besides other things and matters concerning the State of the House Mortuaire, being 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 being the next in blood, and substituted heir by Prince Henry, maintained, he ought to be Guardian; See his grounds and allegations in the following Memorandum of his Commissioner to the States of Holland.  
Noble and great Mighty Lords!  
COmmissioner Copes finds himself necessitated with all respect to make known unto your N. gr. M. that as yesterday he received Letters by the Post from his most gracious Lord and Master, the Prince Elector of Brandenburg, dated at Berlin Decemb. old stile 1650. Whereby it pleased his Elect. Highness to signify unto the said Commissioner in Substance, That he not only comes 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 Highness is amazed to hear of practices and endeavours, whereby in an unheard of manner, contrary to all Law, Reason and Equity, to put by and exclude her Highness, his Elect. Highness Dear and most-honored Mother in Law, together with others the next in Blood and Consanguinity, out of the said Guardianship and Administration of the Pupils Estate; whereunto his Elect. Highness in most serious and pregnant terms in adding, That he should most highly apprehend and resent it, if at all events her foresaid Highness came to be put by the Administration of the said Estate, being, That not only in Quality of Grandmother, 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 Highness pretends in all Reason, as Husband and Guardian of the next of those Heirs, to be likewise acknowledged in the said Administration, so as That he shall never connive, that the same be totally left and abandoned to the Discretion of them, who by pretence of the Mother's side only, seek to prevail against all the rest; his Elect. Highness having many weighty reasons and considerations besides against it, which it were better for them to help to cover, then to urge their coming to public 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 he understands to have these matters in present Agitation, would be pleased to have such a regard to what hath been propounded, that by means of their high wisdom and foresight, both his Elect. Highness and the rest of the Principal Interessed in the foresaid Guardianship and Administration, may obtain that, whech even according to the public Laws and Customs of these Countries, doth justly belong unto them: that so there may be eschewed and prevented all causes of further Difference, in such an Illustrious kindred, and many other more troublesome 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. Highness caused again to be remonstranced, That on the Princess Royal her side, They proceeded not in the matter of the Guardianship, and Administration of the Estate of the newborn Prince of Orange, with that respect which was due to their respective Illustrious Houses; being that by her Royal Highness 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. Highness, a Prince of such Eminency; 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 Highness, as the Supreme Magistrate, to decide these Differences, her party nevertheless proceeds to the changing of the Magistrates, as was done at terveer and elsewhere; and the Counsellors and Servants of the House are charged to bring in all affairs of dispatch, for to be disposed of by her the said Princess Royal as absolute Guardian, effectually thus occupying the Administration of those goods and Estates, wherein his Elect. Highness most rightfully pretends to be acknowledged, and shall never look with good eyes upon it, that in such an Illustrious Parentage, there should be practices and proceed of such undue and unseemly Conditions; whenas they pretend notwithstanding to submit the matter to Cours of Law. He desired therefore once again, That this affair might be taken in hand with all expedition, and the Guardianship and Administration of the goods adjudged to his said Elect. Highness and her Highness his most honoured 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 Lovis William, as son to Princess Amalia, full sister to Prince Maurice; item the Prince of Landsbergh maintained likewise as next of kin, to have right and interest thereto.  
The Prince Elector of Brandenburg, to second the prosecution of his own and her Highness his Mother's in Law pretence and claim, sent likewise two of his Clerish Counsel of State to the Hague. It was now, Ubi Cadaver, ibi congregantur Aquilae, Where the Carcase is, you may be sure of Eagles. The intention and affection for the young Prince was good not 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 placing of the Magistrate at ter Veer and Flushing, and by possession (though but gratis) the whole Membership of the Nobility in Zealand at his beck, whereby he 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 elsewhere; the Administration whereof could not but procure great authority and respect to the Guardians and their Ministers, and furnish them with notable opportunities and occasions.  
The States of Holland, for to be rid of these troublesome solicitations, sent all the materials presented unto them unto the Court Provincial, not by Commission, but only as a Caus belonging to a Court of Justice to be decided there, if it could not amicably be composed between the parties, which should be endeavoured; and within a few days after the States of Holland agreed and ordered expressly, That no person belonging to the Government should be capable of being employed 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 Prince's favours had often happened heretofore.  
According to the Resolution of August 18, there were also at length disbanded and cashiered sour Troops of Horse more, and a 1000 Foot; and the ensuing List made of paying the Companies Horse and Foot, according to their strength.  

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

A Troop of Horse, Carabins, of 60 horse.  Horse. flor. 4. The Captain by the Month for Entertainment 250 flor. and 4 horses, each allowed 25 flor. they appearing manned & armed at mustering, in all 350 2. The Lieutenant for Entertainment 80 flor. and 2 horses as before, comes to 130 2. The Cornet's Entertainment 70 flor. and 2 horses as before, comes to 120 1. The Quartermaster with one horse 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 Horse. Sum— 2099 flor.  

A Troop of Horse, Carabins, of 50 horse.  Men.— Officers. flor. 4. The Captain, with 4 horses, in manner as before 350 2. The Lieutenant with 2 horses, as before 130 2. The Cornet with 2 horses, as before 120 1. The Quartermaster with one horse 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 Horse. Sum— 1819. flor.  

A Company of 100 Foot-soldiers.  Men.— Officers. flor. 1. The Captain, for himself 150 1. The Lieutenant 45 1. The Ensign. 40 2. Sergeants, each 24 flor. 48 3. Corporals, each 16 flor. 48 2. Drummers, each 12 flor. 24 3. One Clerk, one Chirurgeon, 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 Musketeers, 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.  

A Company of 65 Foot-soldiers.  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 Musketeers, 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.  

A Company of 50 Foot-soldiers.  Men.— Officers.  1. The Captain at 150 1. Lieutenant 45 1. Ensign 40 2. Sergeants, 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 Musketeers, 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 ut▪ By Order of the Council of State. J. Eyckberg.   
ABove it was said, that they of Holland so ordered their Provincial Government, as to be without a Stadtholder or Governor; that the Cities should enjoy the choosing of their own Magistrates, and that whatsoenver hitherto was done by the Stadt-holder, should be done by the States themselves. The Membership of the Nobility and the City of Leyden shown themselves somewhat inclined 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 already beforehand, that none should be refused that came to desire it. And having the Grant, each City 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 belonged 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 welcomed with some Coaches, by the principal Members of Holland; as likewise afterwards they were fetched again in their Body, with Coaches, to have Audience in the Assembly of the States of Holland; there passing abundance of Compliments, and shows of much affection and friendship, with readiness of contributing whatsoenver might tend and conduce to the maintenance of the everlasting Union, and faithful correspondence one with another. Therefore did they of Holland, in Body, or one of every Member (the Lord van Opdam still being the chief, for that the Lord Beverweert, first nominated for that purpose had excused himself) meet with these of Zealand, making an Assembly together apart at the New Doel, where they had several Conferences. They of Zealand, spoke in the beginning of the young Prince, that special regard ought to be had of him; and at the least he might be nominated Stadt-holder, and have a Lieutenant joined 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 he might grow and be brought up to▪ Possibly indeed he might prove a good and fit Prince; but he might likewise as ●asily miscarry. As some of late reported of the present Queen of Sweden, being wished to marry▪ that she answered her States, I hold it better to design you a Successor, that is fit already, and known to be a good Prince, then to marry; for ● may as easily bring forth a Nero, as an Augustus; and so might this young Prince of Orange as easily be bred to follow the exorbitant footsteps of his Father Prince William, such as he made last Summer against the City of Amsterdam, and the Assembly 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 Lieutenant, or Deputy Stadt-holder might prove dangerous, as well for the young Prince himself as for the State: for the same might, during the Prince's Minority, so settle and establish himself, that neither the Prince full grown, nor the State should be able afterwards to make him resign and give up the place. And the young Prince besides, having now such an honour conferred upon him, would never con the States any thanks for it; but rather grow up in an opinion, that he had it by inheritance, and that he could not be passed by. Whereunto came further the secret considerations, of his near and great Alliances, with France, Spain, England and Denmark, joined with his great and mighty possessions in the Land itself, making him formidable to the State; that these were dangerous Entertainments for a Republic, and no sure means of maintaining Liberty. The Ostracismus and Petalismus were used in the Grecian Republics, against fellow-Citizens, if they grew once too potent in authority: the same was much more to take place against a Prince, whose Father and predecessor evidently showed, that under the Name of Governor, they levelled at the Sovereignty; which yet in effect, as well for Authority and Direction both of State and Militia they enjoyed already more absolutely and powerfully then the Souveraigns of the Land had done before.  
Those of Geld●rland and Utrecht came likewise in the later end of December, and were welcomed 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 only authorized their Ordinary Deputies, yet they sent Extraordinary after, viz. those of Zealand, Twent and Vollenhove, as many of the Gentry, as would go at their own charges, and from Deventer, two of the Magistrates there; from Campen came only their Ordinary Commissioner: from Swoll, no body, by reason of their instant Election.  
They of Holland saluted and welcomed them all in particular, and held particular and preparatory 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 be treated of in the Grand Assembly.  
The States of Holland, finding the Chamber of the Ordinary Assembly was not large enough for the Number of this Extraordinary meeting of all the Provinces, they caused the great Hall of the Court of Holland to be fitted for their Session, removing all the Booksellers and other shops quite thence, and setting up convenient seats and benches on both sides, rising up by degrees one behind 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 themselves. Between both sides there was a pretty space left, and in the midst thereof a square long Table placed; at the upper end whereof, was to sit the Precedent, and right over against him at the other end the Secretary. The Walls, Benches and Table were all hung with green cloth, to show the State was not in mourning. And because the talk went, that Holland intended by this opportunity, (in favour of Spain,) to remove and take away out of the said great Hall, all the Colours, 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 be well brushed over, and made more conspicuous, adding many more, that never were there before, but kept elsewhere hitherto, that it made a very gallant show.  
Wednesday, Januarie 18ᵒ. the Session began, and the Lords▪ of Friesland (in their turn) sitting Precedent, having made the Introduction, with convenient terms of welcoming this Grand Assembly, 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 day unto the Assembly in writing.  
High Mighty Lords!  
GOd Almighty be ever blest and praised, that this Grand and Solemn Assembly may be kept now in the very place, where heretofore the King of Spain was Abjured, his Yoke cast off, and the Foundations laid of these country's Liberty, whereof the Trophies and Bliss-tokens of Victory from time to time most graciously bestowed 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 multiply his Grace and Mercy upon us.  
After that, through the incomprehensible Judgements of Almighty God, Prince William of Orange, of immortal memory, was suddenly and unexspectedly taken away from this world, without leaving any issue of his body visible, however afterwards through God's blessing a young Prince was happily born; The State of these United Netherlands was found to be 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 House of ORANGE, fit and capable to be 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 themselves, 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 themselves 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 necessary, that the Higher Powers of all the United Netherlands might be 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, be safely and securely settled.  
Their No. gr. Mi. seeing now upon their intimated Desires▪ this Illustrious Assembly so happily met; They declare that therein they find 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 themselves like one man, to consider of their common good and welfare, the same being a most evident and manifest sign of their concord and unanimity; so do their▪ N. Gr. M. no less rejoice and congratulate both themselves and the whole High Mighty Assembly, in and for this blessed meeting of them all united thus, doubtless excited and brought to pass by a singular Providence and Grace of Almighty God, to whom therefore their N. Gr. M. return most hearty 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 praiseworthy and most important action, their Nob. Gr. M. do declare, as speaking by my mouth, their judgement to be this, That the Unity and Concord of the Provinces▪ is the only foundation whereupon the Fabric of this State may be securely grounded and kept always entire: as indeed our wise Forefathers and Founders of the State have well considered, leaving unto their posterity an everlasting Memorandum, the Hedged Close with the Bundle of Arrows, and this Inscription, viz. Concordiâ res parvae crescunt, etc. They therefore again now sincerely and uprightly declare before this High Mighty Assembly, their steadfast intention and utmost design to be no other, (whatever malice may have spread in the streets to the contrary, to abuse the people,) but to cherish, maintain, and inviolably to entertain and cultivate the mutual Love, Friendship, Unity, good Correspondence and Confidence between the Provinces, without ever receding or withdrawing themselves from the same; and that this they will do not only 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 judge it very needful, that three distinct main things be well settled and continually maintained, to wit, The Union, Religion, and Militia, being the three preliminar points which before the beginning of the Treaty of Peace were judged necessary by the State to be looked unto in and above all things. These their N. Gr. M. formerly held inviolable, and still adhere to the same judgement, That viz. the Union be kept entirely as it was concluded in the year 1579. at Utrecht; That Religion be maintained steadfastly, so as the same is taught in all the public Churches throughout these United Provinces, and was elucidated by the Synod of Dort in the years 1618., and 1619, and that the Militia be entertained 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 be praised) no change yet happened, and their N. Gr. M. are likewise confident there will be no discrepancy nor difference at all between the Provinces about them, so that the Deliberations and Consultations to be entered now into, will properly and only concern the settling and ordering of the Militia and matters annexed, and how the same aught to be disposed of and regulated by this present Solemn Assembly.  
There are at this present three concurrent things, which never since the beginning of this Republic 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 unexpected Case, That there is none at this present of the House 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 choose and appoint a Fieldmarshal, whose Office is, in absence of the General, or other emergency, to command the Army.  
Hereupon their N. Gr. M. considering that of old, from the beginning of the War, the managing of all military affairs was referred to the Council of State, according to their Instruction, especially in conformity to the sixth and eighteenth Article of the same. Their opinion is, that it will be good and serviceable for the State, that the foresaid Council of State, as also the forenamed Fieldmarshal, together with the Governors, Commanders, and other chief officers by Sea and by Land, be 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 be disposed of to the content and security 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 liberty to remove the Companies lying therein, and to give Commissions for it.  
That if it shall be 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 Commissioned 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 Captain's names, to be filled up and given afterwards by the States, or the Commissioned Council of the respective Provinces themselves; and that the Companies thus desired shall be yielded, unless the said States or Commissioned Council of the Province had reasons to the contrary, whereof they shall immediately give notice to the Council of State that they may judge of it; and if the reasons be not found sufficient, that then at the second desire of the Council of State the Companies shall be yielded. Provided that the Companies which stand upon the repartition of the same Province where they lie, they may not be removed out of it without express consent of the said Province, or their Commissioned Council; and that the same shall likewise be followed and observed in regard of Quarter, marches, and Randevouzes.  
That as much as shall be seasible, the Companies may be put in Garrisons within the same Province, or in the Frontiers about them from whence they have their pay, and that for this end there be 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 be done in time of need, and the service of the Country requiring it, by the States of the Province to whom the said Frontiers are assigned, or by their Commissioned 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 Commissioned Council of the Province to which the said Frontiers are assigned, sending Commissions for that purpose with vacant spaces for the Names, to be filled up by the foresaid States or their Commissioned Council, or returning reasons of their difficulties to the Council of State, to be considered and judged of; and the reasons not being found sufficient, that then at a second desire of the Council, the Companies shall be yielded.  
That as to the bestowing of the Chief Military Charges of Governments and Commanderies, together with their appurtenances and condependencies, coming to be void and vacant, they shall be in the power and gift of the Province▪ to whose repartition or allotment and Territory the same belong; and such as belong to the Territory or repartition of the Generality; in the power and gift of their Hi. Mi. the State's General.  
So also, That all the soldiery, shall be engaged by Oath as to the Generality, 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. judge it too considerable.  
Minding rather, or wishing for such a frame of Government in Military matters, as is exemplified by the oldest Republic, 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 only chose themselves a Head or Chieftain, for every Expedition respectively: and some of the most learned Writers, judge that Republic, to agree very much with this our State, for sundry 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 day; as formerly, by Romans, the Athenians, and the Lacedæmonians: 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 choosing of such a General now, cannot but be prejudicial in sundry respects.  
1. In regard of the persons itself, that might be chosen or designed now for it.  
2. In regard of the Lieutenant or provisional keeper of the place of General.  
3. In regard of the State itself, as may easily be gathered from the Nature of the thing itself, 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 be fit to be altered, or new ones made, the some may be done conveniently now with the advice and consent of all the Provinces.  
They of Friesland propounded, whether it would not be fitting, to adjourn the Assembly for some days, and to give time to the Provinces in the interim, to draw up their Considerations and to bring them in. But by reason that some had already before had preparatory Conferences with them of Holland, it was held best, to continue the Assembly 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 inclined to the Maxim 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 some of the Gentry, 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, Army.  

I.  
THat the Supreme Authority of the United Provinces remaining entire, the Direction of the Militia shall be in the disposal of the Assembly of the State's 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 be sworn to, and punctually followed.   

II.  
And if in time of War, or other emergent necessity, a Captain or Lieutenant General shall be requisite, for the conduct of the State's Forces, than the respective Provinces shall every one by themselves (an Instruction for that Charge, being agreed upon before hand) advise and resolve thereupon, as they shall find most conducing for the service of the Land in General; and cause the result to be brought in at the Generality, there to be concluded, by one common consent and no otherwise.   

III.  
All the great Military Charges, which formerly were in the disposing of the State's General, or his Highness unto the Charge of Colonel, 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 Assembly of the State's General.   

FOUR  
All other Military offices of Colonels, Lieutenant Colonels, Serjeant-Majors, Captains of horse and foot, and lesser Charges; which his Highness absolutely disposed of without any Nomination, they shall hereafter all of them, be they of foreign or native relations, be given and bestowed by the United Provinces, and equally shared amongst them.   

V  
But as for the Companies of horse and foot, and other Military offices, whereof his Highness 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 being void, and necessary, they shall absolutely be disposed of by the respective Provinces, by Commission of the State's 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 Keys, opening and shutting of the Gates, or the giving of the Watchword: 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 Military Jurisdiction in the said voicing Cities, then to neglects and trespasses of Marches and Watches, running over to the Enemy, deserting their Company, or running away from the one to the other without a Pass; besides such other excesses and delinquencies which the Officers and soldiers may commit among themselves, one against another, and no further; so that in all other matters whether criminal or civil, the military persons, or any soldier, shall be apprehendable, triable, condemnable and executable by the Civil or Criminal Judge in Ordinary, whose sentence also, in matter of Debts and such like, upon default of goods movable or unmoveable, shall extend and be executed upon the wages and pay of the party condemned, according to the course 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 be disposed by the United Provinces, by and according to the usual Commission.   

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

X.  
And the Majorships by the Council of State; provided they be all fit and qualified persons, and of the Reformed Religion; who, together with all other Officers of war, shall regulate themselves according to the Orders of the Land.   

XI.  
Touching the giving Patents 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 Country require's it, the same shall be and remain still in the disposal of the State's General, with the advice of the Council of State.   

XII.  
Provided, that always where any change of Garrison is to be made, the same be made known to the Provinces, Cities and places where the Companies are to be sent to, or taken forth; and there be timely notice given by Letters unto the Provinces where the same Companies are to march through, or make their Rendezvous, that order may be 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 liberty each within their own Province, to transfer some Companies with Patents or Commissions from one place for the succour of another, which the Officers of the same Companies shall likewise be bound to obey; provided there be immediately given advertisement thereof to the Generality.   

XIV.  
Moreover, that the Companies lying at present in Garrisons any where, or being laid there hereafter, they shall be 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 be new framed; and where any Companies shall come to lie forth the Cities in the open Country, for guarding of the streams or the like, Oath shall be made by them to the chief Officers of the said open Country.   

XV.  
Concerning Secret Correspondency within and without the Land, the same shall be continued and managed by the State's General and Council of State, by such persons and in such order, as may make most for the service of the Land, and be done most secretly and frugally; the needful expenses whereof shall be furnished from the Treasury by the Receiver General.   

XVI.  
As for the deciding and determining of incident questions, differences and misunderstandings, it would be advised, that the same arising at any time betwixt the Cities and Members of any Province, shall be composed or decided by the ordinary Court of Justice there, (in case their Jurisdiction be well grounded) and Commissioners of the Country; and in default of competent Jurisdiction, by such like Commissioners, with assumption of impartial members of some other Court of Justice.   

XVII.  
If there arise any misunderstandings or Differences betwixt two or more Provinces; That then the Province pretending to sustain the wrong, shall address themselves to the Assembly of the State's General, who shall forthwith seek to dispose the Province complained against, to forbearance, or friendly acommodation; and that not succeeding, to endeavour, that from other disengaged Provinces in the matter, Commissioners may be 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 come to no agreement among themselves, that then there should be Judges deputed out of the respective Provinces, to bring the Questions aforesaid to an amicable Transaction, or else to pass sentence upon and determine the same.   

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

XX.  
And the foresaid Commissioners or Judges, shall make Oath respectively, that they will have no regard or reflection to any particular Province or Members, but impartially judge and pronounce what in equity shall be found to conduce most to the tranquillity and Unity of the Provinces, which Judgement or Sentence shall be followed and yielded to without any further Exception or Appeal, under whatsoëver pretext, to be offered, much less allowed of.   

XXI.  
And if so be 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 course, that the said Sentence be not eluded, but really executed.   

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

XXIII.  
Concerning Religion, That the Resolution of their Hi. Mi. agreed Novemb. 6o. might still be 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 public 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 be 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 Vigour, and both those and such others as shall be published for the future, in that behalf may be executed according to the form and tenor thereof; and withal that there be a Temperament and Order devised, to refrain the overfree coming in, of the popish Clergy, without nevertheless impairing the Treaty of Peace.  
Read and presented thus, in the Grand-Assemblie of the United Provinces, at the Hague, on Januarie 10/20 1650. Signed J. Singendonck. H. Verstegen, Secretary.    
That same day Jan. 20ᵒ. they of Zealand, made the ensuing Proposition, by the mouth of their pensionary, Adrian Vett, and delivered it in writing, upon the 22.  
High Mighty Lords!  
AFter the sudden and remarkable Alteration happened in the chiefest parts of the Government, through the deplorable Death of his Highness of immortal memory, the Lords the States of Zealand, were very glad to understand, First, the provisional Order that was taken by the Ordinary Deputies of the Provinces, for Direction of the Militia or Army; and Secondly, that their Hi. Mi. were pleased to convocate this Grand and Solemn Assembly, for to consider together, either of some Person on whom the Eminent Administrations, his Highness whilom was invested with, might securely and safely be conferred; or of some other way and order, whereby the affairs of the Common Union, both within and without the Land, might best be regulated and managed.  
And that the rather, for that the same Convocation, was made in such a manner, as never or seldom was done before, that your Hi. Mi. were pleased to repair hither with such a numerous presence, and by the respective States-Assemblies.  
Whereby the said Ordinary Deputies in the Generality 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 be taken, for settling of the Government, and timely obviateing of all attempts, that might be 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 Authority 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 authority 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 Hereditary principals, in the days when the Dutch Nation in general, and ours also among the rest, were governed in the way of Republics.  
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 find itself at an instant and so unexpectedly bereft of its principal Director born of the Illustrious House of Orange, which had obliged this State with so many notable services and deserts; and deceased without leaving any of that Houses posterity, 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 be most requisite for the Common good and interest, The States of Zealand wish, their H. M. may undertake the same, with the same Love Unity and Confidence, wherewith their respective Predecessors made the Union at Utrecht▪ and proceed likewise with as much Zeal and Courage, as made our Forefathers (nothing daunted at the King of Spain, so mighty 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 only, because all good Governments are ever wont hearty to mind and effect the Government that is in being, but also for that the same which is set up among us, is grounded upon such laudable and steadfast maxims, that there can be no better nor safer devised; as that, wherein there is nothing administered or managed by any Superiority, and which is, even from the bottom to the top, altogether representative.  
As now this Grand Assembly of your Hi. Mi. is composed of Seven Members or Provinces▪ who though free and Sovereign, each one within their limits, are nevertheless, for their common preservation, so straight 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 slavery by any one's 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 knowledge, for the safety 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 Assembly of the Confederates. Whence it appears 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 Assembly, consisting of the prime, ablest and faithfullest persons in the Land, is not only in reason to be esteemed by all men understanding and versed in divine and humane affairs, but really and experimentally, the most pleasing, most honourable and most safe Government, that can be imagined here on earth.  
As being further also commended by the Example not only of the Common wealth of the Hebrews instituted according to the prescript of God Almighty himself, which ought to be of great weight and moment among all Christians; but of many other civilised Nations likewise, under the same forms of Government, both of old and later times, in neighbour and remoter Countries; especially the great Assemblies of the Grecians, called Amphyctiones, composed of divers Cities, who, though every one apart was free and Sovereign within themselves, 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 be overcome by all the power of the Persians: so experience hath showed likewise, what this State, through the Members unity 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 prosperity and height we see it in at present.  
Wherefore we have great cause to pray to God Almighty, that he would be pleased to preserv the Republic in Unity and Concord, that we may be able to transmit the same as pure and undefiled to our posterity as we received from our forefathers; settling and governing the same upon those good and wholesome Laws and Maxims that were the original foundations thereof.  
And forasmuch as without all controversy 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. some considerations thereupon, and chief upon the point of the Militia; We 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 Assembly, as the affairs of this Board's are properly grounded upon the Treaty 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 foreign and homebred force and violence.  
Which alone is sufficient to make your Hi. Mi. apprehend, of what importance it is, that the same Union be religiously and uprightly maintained, as known to be the only Foundation whereupon the glorious structure of this Government stands settled, the only mortar and morteises whereby the walls thereof are cemented and fastened on all sides, the advantageous steps and degrees which have mounted it to the present Eminency, and the pillars whereon securely resting, it presents itself with so much lustre and pleasantness to the eyes of all the world.  
Now as it is almost impossible, Hi. and Mi. Lords, that the same Unity shall duly be preserved, if the Members of the Body should clash one against the other through inward Dissensions 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 sundry Members and Cities, as said is, and they again represented by persons of various humours 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 be dispatched with unanimous consent; and that it happens oft times, that through the discrepancy 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 some promt and peremptory expedient may be thought and resolved upon, whereby the Differences at any time arising among the Provinces, may either happily be avoided, or expeditely removed.  
Which we say not, Hi. Mi. Lords, as if we feared this Assembly should be troubled by any such Disputes and misunderstandings; or, that, if any should happen (which God Almighty be pleased to prevent) we should not be confident the same might presently be agreed again, by means of persuasion or otherwise; but only that for time to come▪ sufficient order may be provided against the same; and that your Hi. Mi. both in the general and particular having met together in unity and parted in love, the same unity and loving friendship may for ever be preserved and continued among you.  
In reading over and examining the foresaid Treaty of the Union, we find, that provision is made in this behalf in distinct manner, according to the diversity of matters, & first by the IX Article, what course is to be taken in Deliberations about Truce, Peace & War, namely, that therein the Provinces are to conclude with one consent; or if that cannot be obtained, that then the Difference shall be referred & submitted to Lds Stadth▪ who shall compose the same between the parties, or decide the matter, rather by themselves alone, or in case of discrepancy, with ass●●mtion of some impartial Assistants and Assessors; which Disposing is afterwards likewise applied in the 16th Article, for the voiding and taking away of all other Dissensions, of what nature soëver they may be.  
True it is indeed, Hi. Mi. Lords, that the foresaid power and prerogative seems to be given by the contents of these Articles, only to the Lords Stadtholders then in being, and therefore not to be extended to the succeeding Stadtholders. But as these and other such like clauses are oftentimes put into solemn Contracts and Transactions, so they cease not, however but provisionally inserted, to be always obligatory, as long as they are not expressly repealed; the meaning of the foresaid clauses being only, that, if afterwards there should some inconvenience or grievance come to be 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 liberty, passing by or nulling the former expedient, to think and resolve upon another; as also accordingly the Members of the Union, if heretofore they had remarked any difficulty, whether about the foresaid submission to the Lords Stadtholders, or in their decisions, they had power enough to consider and agree together upon some fit and safer disposition; whereunto nevertheless they have not found themselves necessitated, forasmuch as the said Lords Stadtholders being of themselves not much inclined or disposed to pronounce Sentence or make Decisions between the principal Members of such a Considerable Body, and willing to avoid all occasions of giving offence, they have for the most part endeavoured to compose the Differences by way of intercession and persuasion, which also for the most part hath well succeeded, not only by reason of the great credit and authority the said Lords Stadtholders were invested with, but also that the party reflecting on each side, which way the balance might happen to preponderate, were loath to advenuture upon a Decision, and always eschewed the same.  
But since that same means of respect and intercession, are also of decision at last, is come to fail now, through the Deceas of his Highness of immortal memory, as having been Stadtholder over several Provinces, the Lords States of Zealand do wish some remedy may be thought upon, whereby the said Defect may most conveniently be supplied; and that indeed the rather for that by want hereof, two of the most principal and necessary Articles of the Union would be useless and in vain.  
We are not ignorant, Hi. Mi. Lords, what Expedients there are constituted against such Difficult Emergencies in other Countries and Commonwealths; but know as well on the other side, how little they would agree with the humour and disposition of this Nation, and with the constitution of this Government; therefore we refer to your Hi. Mi. consideration, whether in the cases alleged (which God Almighty 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 some Members of the Provincial Courts of Justice, they being used and versed in all manner of Differences, and being themselves also without the Government, and therefore unprejudiced, might best be able to judge of them; or if this should be excepted against, that there might be called and Commissionated, some of the ablest, most experienced and discreetest States men, who being well acquainted with Questions daily arising in Government, and knowing that in matter of State and Policy the way of Accommodation is usually more safe and expeditious then that of rigour in Law; they might per-adventure be employed thereabout more fruitfully: or if these persons also, as having some part or share in the Government, either directly or indirectly, cannot be held impartial and free of prejudice; that the Differences be submitted to some 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 be settled in this behalf.  
Touching the third point viz that of Religion, the States of Zealand assure themselves, your Hi. Mi. will evermore continue holily and sincerely to maintain that precious pledge, by God Almighty, put into the hands of this State from Heaven, and by their common Forefathers and Successors hitherto with the hazard and loss of so much blood and treasure preserved among us.  
Nevertheless their N. M. most affectionately desire your Hi. Mi. would be pleased upon this occasion anew to declare, That they are resolved not only to maintain the true Christian Reformed Religion, so as the same is taught now in the public Churches of this Land, and hath been elucidated by the Synod held at Dort; But likewise never to suffer any alteration to be made therein; and that the said Religion shall be protected and vindicated by the armed powers of the Lands, as in every Province apart by themselves, so by the Generality 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 public protection, and only connived or winked at, shall be kept in good order and quietness, and limited against all exorbitancies, and under express caution and clauses, that they shall be tolerated no where else but in those places where now they are at present.  
That for refraining of the public Exercise of the Romish Superstition, and removing of whatsoever hath dependence thereon, the public Ordinances of the Land shall be executed punctually without any composition or connivance, forasmuch as experience hath made it manifest, that for want of such prompt and ready Execution, whether it came through remissness of the Officers, or otherwise, not only the Government itself hath suffered much in their Honour and Reputation, but the disease also is grown from ill to worse; so that the liberty of the Papists, which according to the privileges of the Land, cannot be denied them, in what concerns and regards their Consciences and Opinions in matters of Religion, that therein they may not be questioned nor any ways molested, is by little and little degenerated into an open licentiousness and stoutness, insomuch, that they are not shy, to set up formal Hierarchies, and actually, by concurs of armed men, to oppose the lawful endeavours of the officers of Justice, in the very face of Justice and the Higher Powers of the Land themselves, 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 troublesome effects: and what advantage may thereby be given in particular to all that are ill-affected to the State, for attempts upon it, your Hi. Mi. are best able to judge, the consequences thereof would prove so much the sadder and more dangerous, in that they would light upon none more heavily, than the best Patriots, that is to say, those of the Reformed Religion, on whose faithfulness this State reposeth with most security.  
We are not ignorant neither Hi. Mi. Lords, that many Princes and Commonwealths are allied together for mutual protection, notwithstanding their manifest difference in Religion: And that likewise the discrepancy therein, doth not hinder their living together in confident Unity; But as there is no sure arguing, from the Examples or natural constitutions and humours of one Nation, to the other; so doubtless, though the same may safely be practised with other confederates, and is at this present; yet here in this Country it is not only unprofitable, but prejudicial and ruinous in the highest degree; being 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 being well-affected to the said Religion are thereby inseparably inclined and engaged to mutual Unity 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 possessed 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 be made against it, as well as may be.  
For although it is agreed unto of this side, by the Treaty of peace, that the Subjects of the said King in General, may convers and negotiate in these Countries, the same seems nevertheless not applicable to the foresaid ecclesiastical persons, or Clergymen. First, by reason of the Resolution taken upon the preliminar points, to be observed, during that peace; wherein it is plainly set down, that the Ordinances made against the Papists, should be executed according to their form and contents; in which Ordinances there is an express penal prohibition of the coming of such Ecclesiastical or Clergie-people into this Country. Secondly, because that the said pretended ecclesiastics, generally do maintain, as the Plenip●tentiarie Ambassador of the King of Spain at Munster; themselves alleged, that they are none of the said King's Subjects, nor subjected to any secular power; but only to the Pope of Rome; wherefore also the Provision of the foresaid Treaty, of free resort howëver couched in general terms, cannot be 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 Clergy of his to come and covers there, which interpretation agrees likewise with the Declaration of the Lords the Ordinary Deputies of the Generality plainly expressed in a Certain Ordinance of theirs, made for that very purpose, and observed to this day in the Quarters resorting under their Command. Wherein nevertheless if your Hi. Mi. should be otherwise minded, and willing to admit a larger sens and construction in that particular of the Treaty of peace; The States of Zealand could wish then, that it might be done 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 be.  
As likewise their N. M. desire, That the Resolution formerly taken by the Generality to the same end and for the same good considerations, whereby the Ambassadors and public Ministers of foreign 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 be renewed, seriously revived, and roundly declared to the said public Ministers.  
And lastly, That your Hi. Mi. will be pleased to take once some vigorous resolution for an effectual Introduction of Reformation both Ecclesiastic and Civil, in the Meyerie of the Bosch, and other known Quarters of like nature. And to that end duly weigh and review, how dear the Conquest of these Quarter's bath stood this State; what Disputes there have been agitated by the King of Spain, about the Sovereignty thereof, and with how much difficulty they were at last asserted to Us; what troubles and vexations, the beginning of Ecclesiastical Reformation sustained there; what countermining and opposition were practised against it, both from without and from within the Provinces: with how much enormity and insolence the Ministers thereof were assaulted; and what helpless remedies there were applied, not only to the contempt of the Government, and grief of all the good Inhabitants of the Land, but even to the dishonour of the Reformed Religion, and provoking of Almighty God. What courageous and wholesome Resolutions were there not taken by the Generality, for the introduction of the Civil Reformation there (without which the Ecclesiastic, 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 crossed, traversed and utterly hindered? Wherefore the Lords the States of Zealand desire, that courses may be 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 contrary, the same may be 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 themselves obliged not only to your Hi. Mi. as their Confederates; but even to God himself, to Reason and Equity, and to the Good and Benefit of the State in general. And nothing doubting of the sincere intention in your Hi. Mi. we shall pray to God Almighty, so to inspire the same with the Spirit of Wisdom, that in this great, extraordinary and solemn Assembly, no other Resolution may be taken, but such, as shall tend to the honour 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 Assembly, where Religion was one of the principal points to be 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 Assembly, five of them in number, where standing before the Table all bareheaded, Lotius one of the Ministers in the Hague 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 themselves.  
To the High Mighty Lords, the State's General of the United Netherlands.  
THe Ministers of Jesus Christ, and Overseers of the Church of God under your Hi. Mi. laudable Government, reverently show, That having been informed of an appointed solemn and extraordinary Assembly of the United Provinces, among other things, to consult about settling of Religion; They have judged it a duty of their Charge to rowz up themselves, and therefore could not forbear, by virtue of God's Command, constraint 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.  
We shall not need to demonstrate here, knowing assuredly your Hi. Mi. themselves do believ, that God Almighty, next unto himself, esteemeth nothing more precious and highly then his Church and People, being the beloved of his Soul; for whose sake God hath blessed or punished, preserved or destroyed 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 be that the Relogion whereof your Hi. Mi. make profession, and hope to be saved in, may be settled before all other affairs, so, as the same was confirmed out of God's holy Word by the National Synod held at Dort, in the year 1619, and by the Sovereign Authority approved, and hitherto (through God's grace) taught and maintained in all the public Churches, as the Religion of the Land, and the Foundation of the State, which therefore ought to be constantly maintained by the power of the Land; without permitting that any member of the Union, or whosoever else, should dare to attempt aught directly or indirectly against it; as we 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, we do hold it needful above all things, that all Popish Idolatry, Superstition and Hierarchy (whereby they take upon them to bestow both Civil and Ecclesiastic 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 some 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 some place having their Churches or Chapels trimmed and set with Images and Altars, may be forbidden and rooted out, as a Doctrine with the dependence thereof so directly opposite to God's Word, the places of the Land, the safety 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 goodly promises of Inheritances and other advantages, or threaten; by increasing 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 some, even to death, that are against their Idolatry, daring to put their consecrated wafers into the mouths of some dying Protestants, to shrive and anoint them etc. no otherwise then if they lived under the Cross, and themselves had all the Government in Church and Policy in their own hands.  
Whereunto they are mightily set on by an infinite number of Jesuits, Priests, Monks and Friars, who like grasshoppers out of the bottomless pit, overspread the Land by thousands, and under the colour and pretence of Religious Worship, do by their falls doctrine withdraw the Inhabitants from the Obedience they own 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 be 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 she Jesuits, and such like female pretended orders (condemned in the Court of Rome itself by Pope John 22, Clements, and but lately by Urban 8, May 21, 1631, as pernicious 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 day but entice and draw away all manner of persons, especially such as are sick and lying on their deathbed, from the love and profession of the Reformed Religion to the falls and comfortless doctrine of Popery.  
By all which means they encreas daily in such an extraordinary 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 be) is cruel, and their unfaithfulness great, they not holding themselves bound to keep faith with Heretics, and therefore not to be obliged by any oath of Fidelity; being besides daily more and more animated and incensed to all manner of cruelty against the reformed Protestants, by promises and persuasions of great merit; as appears by their daily Discourses; and that they live where round about they have Neighbours that will be ready 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 themselves guiltless of the innocent Blood of such, who may easily and on a sudden be surprised by them, according to all those foresaid Considerations.  
Hence it is, that in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, ●ee do here pray and beseech your Hi. Mi. that in obedience to God's Command, and following the Example of all Godly Kings and Governors, you will be pleased, effectually to remoov whatsoëver doth promote and strengthen Popery amongst us: according to the adjoined means set down by us in that behalf, and for the most part extracted out of the public Acts and Ordinances of the Land. Let once, we beseech your Hi. Mi. let those manifold complaints and grievances, crying to heaven, and those many Remonstrances of the Churches, presented in that behalf, be heard and regarded once by your H. M speedy Resolutions and Executions be issued forth and set a work against all the remonstranced excesses, and high banded insolences; which we do likewise particularly entreat in behalf of the Mayerie, the Barony, the Marquisat of Berghen, the Countries of Cuyck, Ravestein▪ Overmaes, etc. that together with the Ecclesiastic, there may also a Civil Reformation be instituted; to the end that the Churches of God and the well affected ones to the Reformed Religion in these Quarters, may thereby be protected.  
As for other Sectaries and erroneous spirits, whereof there are but too many in the Land; we humbly pray your Hi. Mi. that they may be kept within their bounds, and no where allowed any further or new privilege of public Exercise; But touching the Jews ●, that to them as abominable Blasphemers of our Dear Saviour all public worship be interdicted: And that likewise, all sorts be restrained from slandering the reformed Religion, and from translating and putting forth in Print, any kind of old or new heretical Treatises, whereby many of the simpler sort are seduced, especially the writings of the Socinians and Arrians, which were always wholesomly suppressed by the Government, till now of late, since the Peace a great many began to be printed and published without control.  
We 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 corpses every one in their Province against the great ●ins and Lan●destroying abominations, which through course of time, the witness of Satan, bad examples, contemt of God's Holy 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 Holidays, 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 being so little heed taken both to the administering or keeping of Oat●s; the general profanation of the holy Sabbath: the many murders and easy procuring of pardons for them; the filthy Resorts and Brothel-houses, Dancing-schools, Gaming▪ places, Playhouses, Rope▪ dance, 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 scarcity, the taking away of the righteous and precious 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, we do in conclusion once again in all humility pray entreat and beseech you in the Name of the King of Kings, by whom Prince's reign, that yo●● H. M. will be pleased, in the beginning of thi● great and I●●ustrious Assembly, to take a● effectual steadfast Resolution, for the settling of the Reformed Religion, abating of Popery, etc. before the Land do spew us out for it, and ●od revenge i● upon us.  
Thus shall your Hi. Mi. show your selus 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, terrify 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, be made partakers in Heaven, of the gracious reward, ready prepared there for all good Governors, which God Almighty 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 hindering of the Pope's Hierarchy, and the Superstitions of the Papists in the United Provinces, for the most part taken out of the Acts and Ordnances of the Land.  

I.  
THat all popish Clergy▪ persons, Jesuits, Priests, Friars etc. be kept out of the Land, they being no Subjects of any Secular Princes or Magistrates, but only of the Court of Rome, according to their own Tenants; 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 contents.   

II.  
That all Acts and Liberties granted to popish Clergymen, Priests etc. may be repealed, and an Order made▪ that no Governors nor Commanders, nor any whatsoëver, shall for time to come, grant any more such.   

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

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

V  
That all Popish Conventicles may be prohibited, disturbed, their Altars, Images, Crucifixes, and Ecclesiastical 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, etc. to any such purpose.   

VI  
That likewise the Inhabitants, running after Popish Church's, processions, festivals, may be let and prevented.   

VII.  
That no Ambassadors or Agents, being of a Contrary Religion be permitted to exercise their worship in any other, but every one his own language, and none admitted but their Domestics.   

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

IX.  
That all private entries, and close passages (which the Papists make use of, for the conveying of themselves from one house to another, in the exercise of their worship) may be stopped up and forbidden.   

X.  
That all public pilgrimages, processions, visiting of pretended holy places, the setting up of Images and Crucifixes in Churchyards, the crossing and marking of Papists houses, for to be the better known and found out by their Clergy; 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 holidays, may be prevented and hindered.   

XI.  
That it be expressly forbidden to make directly or indirectly any Collection or gathering of moneys, Wares, Commodities etc. 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 moneys, wares, etc.   

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

XIII.  
That no Marriages of the Papists be acknowledged lawful, but such as are made before the Magistrates or in the public Churches; and that they be prohibited to marry any other way.   

XIV.  
That all Popish Schools in this Land, together with the Catechising or teaching of children by Nuns in their Nunneries, or by the Cloppens in particular houses, may be hindered and restrained.   

XV.  
That the Papists dwelling in these Countries, may be forbidden to let their children be brought up, forth the Land in any Popish Schools, Universities, Colleges of Jesuits Cloisters of Friaries.   

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

XVII.  
That no popish Landlord be 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 be baptised by popish Priests.   

XVIII.  
That all useless Colleges, and Popish Societies be put down, and the revenue employed 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 Child's or Companies, may be restrained; and all the old Charters, full of Idolatries and superstitions renewed.   

XIX.  
That strict Orders be made against all Officers that are negligent in the Execution of the Ordinances, and that the same be enjoined not only to them, but also to the Military Officers.   

XX.  
For conclusion of these means, besides what other the wisdom of your Hi. Mi. shall judge fit and ordain, we do wish, some convenient ones could be thought upon by your Hi. Mi. whereby the Papists in this Land might be brought to the hearing of God's 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.    
Some Provinces could have been contented the Ministers had stayed 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 flattered him in regard of his proceed last year against those of Holland and Amsterdam; misapplying and wresting several Scripture-places to that purpose; which most Ministers themselves held to savour too too much of profanation.  
Those of Holland remembered likewise, what endeavours were used last Summer, to charge them with defaults in the point of Religion.  
And some others not best affected to Holland, pressed, it should be enacted in ample plain and special manner, That in case one or other member of the State should happen to go contrary to the Reformed Religion, or, not duly to maintain the same, the Generality should look to it. This the Hollanders and such like humours held for an opening of too great a door to all manner of Violences, and a giving of too much authority to the Preachers. Friesland, Overyssel, Groninghen and the Omlands alone, together with the Quarter of Zutp●en, were of opinion there ought forthwith to have been settled a way▪ whereby Religion might effectually have been maintain▪ d, against such as should not maintain 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 themselves in State-affairs, and make strange impressions of the necessity of a Stadtholder; as indeed two or three of them had attempted already, maintaining openly, That the Government could not subsist without an autoritative and permanent Head, as well in Civil as Military respects and affairs; representing the State more Monarchical than Polyarchical; so as was showed above some had done immediately after the Prince's death. Nevertheless by means of better persuasions by some of the Governors in the Hague it was forborn. The day 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 some two or three at the Hague, carried themselves 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 Ministry of Zealand and others, were, That the same aught to be 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 Liberty of Conscience, and in time of war and rigour itself, never proceeded according to the manner of the Spanish Inquisition, the same ought not now neither be 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 be seen anon by what was presented in behalf of those points) yet they declared afterwards, to wit, Gelderland, That they conformed themselves to the advice of Holland; provided only, that as concerning the Civil Reformation in the Mayerie of the Bosch and other parts of like nature, such as could show 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 liberty to treat with some fit person, being of the Reformed Religion, under the approbation of their Hi. Mi. Zealand likewise declared themselves Conform to Holland, urging only 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 be prosecuted and settled; and that the Sects which were connivingly tolerated, might not be suffered to spread further, nor in any other places, than where now they were.  
The Advices and inclinations of the other Provinces will be seen in their own Propositions hereafter, but for connexion's sake of matter, we shall produce here what Holland advised upon the point of Religion; the same being 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 maintenance thereof; converted into the following Resolution and Declaration, approved and received by all the other Provinces.  

I.  
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 public 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 Generality in the Quarters resorting under their Command, be maintained by the Power of the Lind, without suffering that ever any alteration be made therein by any.   

III.  
That the Sects and Separates, being secluded from the public protection, and only connived at, shall be kept in good order and quiet, with boundaries against all Excesses, and that the same also shall be permitted no where else, but where they are at present.   

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

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

VI  
That the Ambassadors and public Ministers of foreign Princes and Potentates shall be obliged, not to suffer any Sermons or other religious service to be done in their houses in Dutch, but order it so, that the same may be performed in the language of their respective Lords and Masters, and that there be no other admitted neither, to officiate with them in this kind, but such as do properly belong to the train and family of the said Lords Ambassadors and Ministers.   

VII.  
That the wholesome Resolutions and Decrees made at the Generality, for the introduction of the civil Reformation in the Mayerie of the Bosch, and other Quarters of like Nature, shall effectually once be executed in all their points and Articles; and consequently, that there shall be no other Baylies, Justices, Secretaries, Foresters, and other such like Officers, but of the Reformed Religion; provided nevertheless; that the particular Lords, having right and title to place Officers, be 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 be supplied by their H. M.    
And thus now the first point of the Assembly, viz. that of Religion was held to be determined; and however many things were passed by in this Declaration, held forth in the abovesaid Remonstrance of the Ministers, they nevertheless acquiesced, and returned their express thanks to their H. M. for it, and every one went his way 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 Overyssel agreed thus; they held it bootless to insist further. Their thanksgiving was in these terms following.  
High and Mighty Lords!  
THe Deputies of the Synods, thank your H. M. from the Bowels of their hearts, That you were pleased unanimously to take such praiseworthy Resolutions, for the maintenance of the true Religion and the propagation thereof, and do assure themselves likewise, that your H. M. will give it that life, by a vigorous execution, that we shall have cause, besides what is given us already, to make known and publish your H. M. noble Act, in all our respective Congregations, whereby not only the respective Members will be moved to bless God, but all of us shall be stirred up more and more, to make continual intercession to Him for further blessing of your H. M. great and weighty affairs, and to crown your Government with his gracious Regard, and long to preserv your H. M. persons and posterities, for the honour 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 Mighty 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 maintain 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 than shall be 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 be taken in the first and prime consideration, and special care had, that the Popish Superstitions, increasing daily more and more, may be prevented from spreading any further.  
And upon this ground they refer it to their H. M. consideration, whether it were not necessary for compassing hereof, that the joint United Provinces should resolve upon a like harmonious uniform Cours, not only of proclaiming and publishing the Ordinances after the usual manner, but especially that the substance and contents thereof may be put alike in practice throughout all the Provinces, to take away at once that prejudicial diversity; when one Province or member thereof doth so much affect the repute of clemency above the other, in sundry ways, 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 Province 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 penalty, 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 necessary, that, for the avoiding of divers prejudicial inconveniences, as between the United Provinces in general, so among the particular members thereof, every Province should resolve to choose themselves a Stadtholder, as those of Friesland ever did, although the place came to be 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 memory, doubtless not without great reasons.  
High Mighty Lords! The necessity of having Stadholders seems to have been so necessary 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 be 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 being] as if the Stadtholder's deceasing, this or that Member of the Union had liberty to choose another or not, at their own good liking and pleasure; nevertheless it cannot be 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 variety of difficulties and differences may arise, there might be always as ready and fit Physicians at hand to redress and cure the same.  
And besides this the words [now in being] may very fitly be applied to the words [United Provinces] and not be mean 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 come in; nor doth the Province of Friesland take the ●ords, [by Provision, or Provisionally] in that sens that the appointing of Stadtholders should be by provision, as by way of trial and assay; but that their Sentence and Determination should provisionally be 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 being] are explained by the words [in time] showing 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 be no Society erected, but the Contracters lose some liberty which they had before the Contract, so neither can our Union lay hold on any effect without each one's yielding so much of his Liberty to the Common Interest, as is once held and determined necessary for the upholding thereof, and the choosing of such persons, although some Province by the Deceas of theirs may for a time be freed: it being always more advantageous to maintain that which is safe and present, than what is new and dangerous; least by too much liberty, even Liberty itself do perish.  
To speak much of the point of Militia, the Province of Friesland holds it unseasonable as yet: nevertheless not to pass it by altogether, because 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 selus with the choosing of a new Captain General, especially there being none left at present of the House of Orange actually fit for it; The Province Friesland declares, that they are of opinion, that in time of Peace, War must be thought upon; and that the nature of War require's it, if it shall be safely managed, to be committed to one, both in regard of secret intelligences, without which none can stand upon his guard, nor any thing be kept private enough for the executing or preventing of Stratagems, whereof we have had many experiments; and to be always in readiness upon any incident occasion; we especially at this time, by reason of our doubtful peace with the King of Spain, who continues in arms still, hover continually about our frontiers, and shall never want for pretences, if he can find an opportunity to break with us to his advantage: for to begin a Deliberation about a General when the Enemy shall be upon us will prove too late indeeds and the histories of our own age can sufficiently show, what damage 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 be found of the House of Orange at present, fit or capable to be 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 themselves 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 acknowledgement due to them unto another family; this the Province of Friesland cannot look upon, but as a matter of evil consequence, and what doubtless will be strangely reflected on by many good Patriots and well-affected foreign Lords and Potentates.  
Wherefore they refer to your Hi. Mi. serious consideration, whether the Dignity of Captain General might not conveniently be conferred upon the present young▪ born Prince, quoad Titulum & honorem, fully to be invested with it at his maturity, with such instructions, as to your Hi. There shall seem good to frame besides, and in the mean time settle such order for the Lieutenant General, that the Difficulties which their Hi. Mi. mentioned concerning this matter, may be avoided and always obviated; thereby to make known to all the world, to the immortal glory of the House 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 be pleased to weigh these their foresaid Considerations, the following points of removing the Garrisons, and passing of Patents or Commissions will much the sooner be agreed on.   

Points of Consideration propounded in the General Assembly of the joint United Provinces, by the City of Groninghen and the Omlands at the Hague, Aᵒ 1651.  
High and Mighty Lords!  
FOrasmuch, as upon the serious Desire and further instance, as of the Lords the Ordinary 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, being 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 publicly 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 being less zealously taken to heart then the other, The Concord and consequently the welfare of this State, must needs immediately expect an irreparable flaw and detriment.  
The Lords of the City and Land therefore, viewing and well weighing, that the present constitution of the times and the important affairs which suitably to the undoubted presupposition of the foresaid 3 main points, are to be altered or otherwise disposed in this your H. M. most solemn Assembly, do refer 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 say, from the true reformed Christian Religion, and the uncorrupted public worship of God.  
To make many words of the truth and efficacious operation thereof, will be needless here. Only the Lords of City and Lands, would remind your H. M▪ of this ever undoubted Maxim, That all good gifts, blessings and prosperity of these Countries and the Inhabitants thereof, must come from the great and merciful God, who therefore ought to be worshipped and hearty prayed unto.  
Whence we conceiv it very necessary, if in these high and important affairs we would partake of God's gracious blessing, (without which all our consultations will be abortive) to mind 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 only by such words as these, Religion shall be maintained, even if need require, with the mighty hand; that being 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 be provided by the joint Provinces, to the end, that throughout them all, though in each, by themselves, and in all the associated Countries and Towns, effectual courses may be taken, as well as unanimous Resolutions past and Ordinances published, for the restraining, suppressing and punishing of Popish Conventicles, which do daily so encreas in Number and insolency, that without rigorous and present proceed against them, this State cannot but incur great danger.  
Consequently also, that the Seminaries of this Popery, that is to say, the places or Schools, where the Youth from their infancy are nourished up and embibed, like a new earthen pot, with those abominable superstitions, may de facto, be put down and abolished; they having hitherto been suffered and continued in this State, not by connivance only▪ but openly and daringly, to the great grief of many faithful Patriots.  
That withal there be to this end, upon all events a ready moderation and means devised against the unlimited coming in of the Popish Clergy, who do not only most freely and frequently resort and convers in the countries, but likewise by their subtleties and envenomed insinuations seduce the younger sort from the true worship to follow them: nevertheless, that the same be done in such manner, as the treaty of peace will permit; and besides this, that the other sects or separates, however they be called, be indulged no more liberty of exercise, than the very same, they had from the beginning, and no other; though none shall be troubled in his Conscience about private opinions.  
That the Ambassadors & public Ministers of Foreign 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 family.  
And that the civil reformation in the Mayerie of the Bosch, and such like other places, be most seriously taken to heart.  
Now concerning the second Point, being the Union and everlasting Alliance of this State; because 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 City and Lands would desire your Hi. Mi. seriously to ponder, whether all the consultations in these high and weighty affairs, as well Civil as Military, ought not to be regulated, according to the sens and contents of the Union aforesaid, it being an everlasting alliance, and a confederacy which cannot be receded from.  
Wherewithal their N. M. should take it for granted, that the least, yea no alteration thereof at all is doubtless the best; if so be your Hi. Mi. shall judge 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 be left respectively to their own Sovereinty, with restriction, nevertheless of the said sovereigns in behalf of the United Bond as joint interest, The Lords of the City 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 runs) shall be 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, aught to be left there, where, and according as the same Article dictate's.  
But in case there arise discrepancy and jarring among the Provinces about the conduct and managing of this United State and matters depending and consectary, the 9th Article saith, In that case all is to be 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 Generality and the State united, are matters of very great weight and consequence; Our forefathers agreed, that therein the plurality of Votes, should have no place, but things should be done, by the common and unanimous Consent of all the Confederacy.  
Our Forefathers considered well enough, that the diversity of persons, whereof the Government of this State consisted, and yet doth, would bring with it diversity of humours, and consequently cause at last discrepancy of opinion, even in weightiest matters.  
And herein also they have thought upon wholesome means, against the evil thence to be feared, agreeing, that the difference risen in that behalf, should be referred to the Lords Stadtholders of the United Provinces, in the last named Article.  
It is true indeed, that the said Article adds these terms, by provision or, provisionally, and now are at this time being.  
But the Lords of the City and Lands desire your H. M. seriously to consider, whether notwithstanding such clauses, all differences arising from the grounds aforesaid, ought not still be left at the submission there set down.  
First, because the same provision was never cancelled or altered yet by any other order of the joint Confederates.  
In the second place, because the 24 Article of the said everlasting League and Union saith in plain and downright terms, that the Lords Stadtholders which now are, or shall come hereafter, etc. shall make promise by Oath, to follow and observe all and every Article in particular.  
To which end, besides this, there ought to be 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 City and Land are desirous to propound to your H. M. herewithal, being the Articles of the Union ordinarily speak of ordering or settling things by the Generality, and the United Provinces; and more than manifest, that the said Confederated State, that is to say, the United Provinces, cannot always be assembled in Body;  
Whether it be not therefore very necessary, that exact and pertinent Orders may be framed and established for the Government of the Generality, in absence of the respective voting Provinces.  
And that the Deputies or Commissioners to be appointed thereunto, be authorized not by Provincial, but by a General and unanimous Instruction of all the Provinces together.  
That the same shall have an eye to whatsoever the joint Provinces have referred unto them, that is to say, to the Generality, and dispose therein as according to the extent of their instruction shall be 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, etc. as the Union holds forth throughout.  
Safe notwithstanding the Lords the States and the Stadtholders of the respective Provinces, each their own peculiar power, dignity and authority within themselves, 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 liberty in cases of necessity and conveniency 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 Military Discipline and Jurisdiction, as either they have already, or shall find good and suitable to the constitution of their Provinces.  
That the respective Provinces shall likewise retain to themselves the absolute bestowing of all higher and lower Offices of War, in such Regiments and Companies of either Foot or Horse, as shall by repartition be charged upon the Provinces, and do receiv their Commissions from them, provided only they take the Oath of Fidelity, to be true to the Generality.  
As likewise that the disposing of the Commanderies, Major ships, and the like charges coming to be vacant in the Towns and apperteining Forts of the respective Provinces, shall remain to the respective States where they happen to be vacant, to do therewith as shall seem good unto them.  
Moreover, that the Deputies or Commissioners of the respective Provinces to be appointed as is aforesaid, shall have the chief authority over, and managing of the Sea▪ affairs, with the advice of the respective Councils of the Admiralty; 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 be agreed about a General for the service of this State.  
By which occasion the Lords of the City and land do present to your H. M. whether it is not highly necessary, and mightily important for the service of this State, especially in regard of the great exigency of secret Correspondence or Intelligence, that the same (Generalship) be taken into consideration with the first opportunity, and that for this end there be first and foremost drawn up and settled a pertinent and rational instruction for that Charge and Dignity.  
And in case your Hi. Mi. inclination herein should light upon the person of ●the new born Prince of Orange, that this State may be provided with a Lieutenant General, whereunto God hath preserved (as their N. M. are confident) very Capable Persons, of Illustrious Family▪ & such as have very well deserved of this State.  
Your Hi. Mi. know very well, that in times of Peace one must be mindful of War, and that sudden cases and accidents suffer no long deliberations of several Counsels, and may bring irreparable damage to the State.  
And forasmuch as it is to be 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 Authority, unless there be in the interim some 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 decayed, ought not to be most seriously looked unto, and the said Company, 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 show 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 Mighty Lords!  
AS the cause of this Great Assembly and Solemn meeting was sad, by occasion of the unexpected Deceas of his Highness the Prince of Orange, of immortal memory; so it is comfortable again and very praiseworthy, 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 Republic so wisely and excellently devised and founded by our Forefathers, may be kept standing and strengthened more and moor wherein the pious zeal of the Confederates is very remarkable and laudable, every one showing himself so ready and forward to put his helping hand to the underpropping and upholding of the said ancient structure. Now as we seldom see Bodies attein to any great age without some sickness and diseases, and those though recovered, yet commonly leave some weakness behind; so very great and good care must be had, lest the Body of our Government fall into any relapse or new disease, and that fit preservatives and remedies may timely be applied against them.  
And whereas that which is necessary for the Conservation of this Body, may fitly be 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 lay open their inclinations upon each of them in particular, and accordingly to present unto the aforesaid Grand Assembly of the United Provinces these ensuing Considerations.  

Upon the point of RELIGION.  

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

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

III.  
Item, that the Sects and Separatists, being secluded and shut out of the public protection, and only connived at, may be kept in a regulated order and quiet, branding them against all exorbitancies; and likewise that such Sects and Separates, shall be permitted and suffered no where else, 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 be and remain firm and steadfast, and be observed in their full virtue and vigour, causing them to be punctually executed, according to their tenor, without any connivency or dissimulation, and strictly obliging the Officers to the performance.   

V  
Framing withal such orders and expedients against the licentious coming into these Countries, of Roman Clergymen and persons in Orders, as can be made without the least impairing or prejudice to the Treaty of peace.   

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

VII.  
And lastly, That the wholesome Resolutions and Decrees taken and passed at the Generality, for the introduction of the Civil Reformation in the Mayerie of the Bosch, and other Quarters of like nature, be once effectually and with all possible speed and expedition, put in execution, in all the points and Articles thereof; so that accordingly, there shall be no Bailiffs, Justices, Secretaries, Foresters, and other such like officers there any more henceforward, but such as truly are, and show themselves indeed to be of the said true Reformed Religion; provided nevertheless, that the particular Lords, having any right and power to put in Officers within the said Mayerie, have warning given them, and be seriously admonished, that within a certain peremptory time, to be perfixed, they themselves perform the same necessary and required change and alteration of their present Popish Officers; or else, that in default thereof at the perfixed time elapsed, the supply shall be made by their Hi. Mi.    

Touching the UNION.  

I.  
THat the Union shall religiously be 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 be 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 be 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 be voided and dispatched (if possible) within the space of six Weeks; and then no further appeal, nor other exception (under what pretext soever) to be admitted: and if the party condemned, after 2 or 3 summons made in the name and behalf of the State's General, shall not submit, or refuse to obey and observe the sentence past, that then there shall be courses requisite taken against the refusing; to the end, that the said sentence may prove effectual, and not illusory; provided only, that neither before nor after, there be avy reprisals, or other actual attemts made by, in, or among the Provinces.   

III.  
If so be, that there happen any misunderstanding or difference betwixt two or more Provinces, That the same shall be composed and determined by the other Provinces not interested in the Questions; who shall be 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 be obeyed and yielded to, without any further plea or exception of Law, Appeal, Relief, Revision, pretence of Nullity, or any other evasion whatsoëver, to be propounded or admitted.   

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

Concerning the MILITIA.  

I.  
THeir N. M. should hold fitting, That the Disposing of the point of the Militia, should be recommended to the Assembly of the State's General; and that with such Instructions, as shall be 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 be judged of by the consenting Votes, of at least five agreeing Provinces) a well qualified General may be made choice of, best suiting with the service and prosperity of the State of the United Provinces, to be over the Militia.   

III.  
That the respective Provinces, according to the Charge to be given to their Deputies at the Assembly of the said Lords the State's General, shall have▪ the disposing of all the high and low Military Charges and Offices, which respectively heretofore were disposed by their H▪ M. or his Highness to the Charges of Colonels, Lieutenant Colonels, Sergeant Majors, Captains of horse and foot, and lesser offices, which his Highness absolutely bestowed and conferred, without nomination of the Provinces.   

iv  
As for the Companies of foot and horse, and such other Military offices and employments, whereof his Highness had the choice, upon nomination of the pay masters, That the same shall absolutely be disposed, by the respective pay▪ masters or Provinces, to whom they are allotted.   

V  
The places of Commanders and Majors in the Cities and Forts of the respective Provinces, having Voice in the State and Generality, coming to be vacant, and being necessary, shall be disposed and conferred, by the Provinces themselves, according to the Charge, which those Provinces shall find good to give unto their Deputies at the Assembly of the State's General.   

VI  
As also the Commanders in the Cities of the voicing Provinces aforesaid, shall not use nor extend their Military Jurisdiction any further, then to matters of neglecting or trespassing marches and Watches, going over to the Enemy, 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 Soldiers among themselves, and not further; insomuch, that for all other matters and causes, whether Criminal or Civil, the Military men or Soldiers whatsoëver, shall be apprehendable, prosecutable and executable, only, by the Civil or Criminal Judge in Ordinary, whose sentence, if it be in matter of Debts or the like, for want or default of other goods and means of satisfaction, shall be executed upon the wages of the party condemned, according to the Order of the Land.   

VII.  
That the Governor's 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; being void, or otherwise, shall be disposed of and conferred by the respective Provinces, according to the Charge to be given by them to their Deputies at the Generality.   

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 be conferred and disposed of by them.   

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

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

XI.  
The giving of Patents or Commissions and removing 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 State's General, according to such Instructions, as their H. M. shall be pleased to frame by the joint Consent of the Confederates; or, of the Council of State, upon the like Instruction, to be voted by Provinces, not heads.   

XII.  
So that whatsoëver and as often as any Change of Garrison is to be made, the same shall be 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 liberty (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 be expressed; And the Officers of the said Companies shall likewise be bound to obey them; and present advertisement shall duly be given thereof, unto their Hi. Mi.   

XIV.  
As further also the Companies presently lying in the respective Garrisons, and hereafter to be laid there, shall be obliged to make oath to the Lords the States & Magistrates of the Provinces respectively, according to the seventh Article of the Union, in conformity to the form already made, and yet to be made; that which shall likewise be performed in the Country 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 State's General, or Council of State, with instructions to be given them, such as shall be agreed on by the joint Confederates; and to be managed by such persons, as they shall find requisite, in most secret manner, to the best advantage of the service of the Country, and with as much frugality as may be. Nevertheless if the Council of State shall be thought fit to be authorized with the foresaid Intelligence, that their Instruction, in that behalf, shall not be 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 find it necessary and useful for this State, to charge all Military Officers of horse 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 themselves from their respective▪ Garrisons, for time to come.   

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

XVIII.  
That there ought likewise Order to be made, that the Captains keep their Companies complete, and give the Soldiers their full pay; care being had, that the Captains also themselves be precisely paid, and freed from unnecessary 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 incline, and hold it very necessary, that by occasion of this Assembly of the Confederates, good Orders were settled, for the maintenance, subsistence and redress of the West-Indie Company, judged to be one of the principallest Pillars of this State.   

XXI.  
All which foresaid proposals here presented, being 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 themselves 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 Assembly, aught, according to the 24 Article of the Union, to be solemnly sworn by the respective Confederates, for the more engaging of them to observe and keep the same.     
Those of Holland seeing their Proposition traversed in several points by the Considerations of the other Provinces, especially by those of Friesland and Groninghen, with the Omlands; they held themselves obliged to justify their Aslertions; the which they endeavoured to make the more savoury by particular Conferences and Addresses here and there.  
In the Great Assembly they caused a certain▪ long Deduction to be produced and read, and the same to be elucidated at intervals by word of mouth; chief concerning the Militia; showing, 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 sundry 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 City and Lands had still been very wary 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 downright terms, We are Sovereign in our Province, and over our purse: if heretofore we yielded something to our Stadtholder, or Captain General, that is past and gone; we reassume it now to our selus▪ it is escheated back again unto us by Death, which paie's all. God Almightic hath returned it into our own hands. And if the Danish High-Steward Ulefield, being at the Hague in the year 1649, had reason to say, When our King is dead, we have not only power to choose whom we will, but likewise to choose none at all, and to remain Musters our selus; Holland had far better ground to say so; Nevertheless, they made use of no such argument, contenting themselves with allegations of the old and former ways 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 Assembly of the States of the United Provinces extraordinarily met at the Hague, serving for to justify their N. Gr. M. Assertion in the point of the Militia, and matters depending thereon, formerly made known to the foresaid Assembly.  
Their Assertion being 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 Military affairs, concerning the Generality, was referred and committed to the Council of State; they are of opinion, the same Government and the disposing of the soldiery aught to be left unto them, they following their Instruction as the same lies before them, or with such alterations and amendments, as suitably to times and affairs, shall be thought good by the common Confederates to be made therein.  
TWO lie That the States of the particular Provinces, or their Commissioned Council, have right and power to transplace the Companies lying in their particular Provinces, without any further address, as often as they shall find it expedient; provided they abide within the resort of their respective Provinces.  
III lie That if it shall be requisite to remove any Companies out of a Voicing Province, the Council of State shall be obliged in that Case to desire the same of the States of that Province or their Commissioned Council, that the said States or Commissioned Council would be 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 be supplied and filled up by the States or Commissioned Council of that Province; and that therewithal their own patent also be joined; and that thereupon the desired Companies shall be yielded, unless the said States or Commissioned Counsel of the Province had reasons to the contrary, whereof they shall give present advertisement to the Council of State, to judge of those reasons; and in case they be found insufficient there, That upon the second Desire of the Council, the Companies lying in the Province, and not being of their repartition, they shall be yielded; and those of the repartition, no otherwise, then with consent and Patents of their pay masters.  
IV lie That no Companies shall be laid into a voicing Province without express Consent and Commission of the States of that Province, or their Commissioned Counsel, and that the same course is to be followed also in the case of Quartering, Marches or Randevouzes.  
V lie That as much as may be done, the Garrison Companies ought to be laid in the same Provinces and Frontiers thereabout, from which Provinces the same Companies receiv their pay, and that to this end, by joint advice of the Members of the Union, certain Frontier-places be assigned to each Province, in which respective Frontier places the foresaid Council of State, shall have power with the knowledge of the Provincial Government to change or transplace the Companies; and that the States of the Province, to whom the foresaid Frontier places shall be assigned, or their Commissioned 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 lie That the Council of State intending to take forth some 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 be filled up by the foresaid States or their Commissioned Council, or else to return their reasons to the Council of State, of making difficulty for to be judged of by them; and that upon the second desire (the reasons of making difficulty being judged insufficient) the Companies shall be yielded. Provided nevertheless, that for the more reciprocal content and quietness, there shall be made two Lists, the one for besetting, the other for employ; and that in case of Invasion or sudden breaking in of the enemy, the Council shall have power to take forth the Companies, standing in the List of employ, giving only 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 lie That the bestowing or conferring of all Military 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 Military Charges, paid by the Generality, or where the Generality had the disposing formerly; and the Commanderies of the places resorting under the Generality, doth absolutely belong to the Disposition of the joint members of the Union.  
VIII lie That the Militia or soldiery shall be bound, besides the General Oath to the Generality, to swear likewise in particular to the Province wherein they shall be laid, and that of their Repartition; as also to the respective Cities of the voicing Provinces where the Garrisons are to be laid, and that according to the form already framed, or yet to be framed by the Provincial Government.  
IX lie That at present to proceed to the Election of a Captain General over the soldiery, is judged by their N. G. M. to be useless and not to be counselled.  
All which points their N. G. M. thought good by this summary deduction, to elucidate a little, to the end that your H. M. ponderating the same in their upright truth, they may discern and find, 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 Military affairs, touching the Generality or Union, of old times ever was, and consequently still ought to remain with the Council of State; their N. Gr. M. cannot judge 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. speaks clearly in that point; there are many which remember the practice thereof very well yet.  
The Head or Title of the foresaid Instruction being 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 be judged that the matter is not sufficiently determined there yet; their N. G. M. are confident, all the remaining scruple will be 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 soldiery, being in the Land's Service, causing their Commands to be 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 themselves, must (following the contents of the 18 Article of the foresaid Instruction) promise to obey the Council of State, settled, or hereafter to be settled by the State's General.  
So that the foresaid Instruction itself doth speak about this very business in more express and plainer terms than those are wherewith their N. G. M. have formerly expressed their assertion.  
As likewise the same Authority of the Council, doth manifestly appear out of the whole frame and tenor of the said Instruction, besides many other public Acts and Resolutions, held needless to be rehearsed here.  
And verily the matter itself of directing and ordering of War, and things apperteining thereunto, is of that nature, that the same cannot fruitfully, nor so as the service of the Common safety and protection requireth, be managed elsewhere; no not by name in the Assembly of the State's General; being that there are sitting such, who being engaged by Oath to the particular Provinces from which they are sent; and not to the Generality, may easily be so possessed with the interest of their particular Provinces, that thereby the necessary protection of the General Body of the State may come to be neglected and prejudiced; for which reason Prince William, of blessed memory, 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 be 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 being to have nothing before their eyes but the glory of God, and the welfare and conservation of the foresaid Land and general affairs of the Common▪ wealth, etc.  
And that the said Council of State successively used and exercised the foresaid power and authority, much more absolutely than the actual possession for some years hitherto held forth, appears not only 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 authority, were wont to go forth themselves with the Leaguers, together with the Generals, or at least to quarter in some places near hand them, to cause 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 be kept in a commodious and secure place of the United Provinces, without being 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 being now abundantly proved, that the Direction of Military 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 be receded from; they are firmly confident, there will be 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 be transplaced, such Companies as lie within their respective Provinces, without any further address, there shall be 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 ancient times, and particularly under the Emperor Charles, 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 be kept in good security and defence; and that by Articles and Instructions made with the Royal Majesty of England, about the undertaking of the Sovereignty of these Countries, it was expressly 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 Commissioners.  
For application of which true fundamental Rule, their N. Gr. M. desire to premise that which is evident and clear in itself, viz. That all that hath been done in former times in these United Provinces, and is done to this day in Friesland, Groninghen and the Omlands, by particular Governors, or Captain's 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 being clear and manifest, not only out of the forementioned Declaration of the States of Holland and Zealand, but also out of many other public 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 Commissioned 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 Commissioned Council.  
Which is so much the more confirmed by the same Resolution of Feb. 6, 158●. forasmuch as that it is not only said there. That his Excel c●e of Nassaw, Prince Maurice of immortal mimorie, who was only particular Stadtholder or Governor of Holland and Zealand, without having the Commission then of the Generality, 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 increasing, diminishing or altering of the Garrisons of the Cities and Forts of Holland Zealand and West-Friesland, should be done by the Orders of his foresaid Excellcie of Nassaw, with the advice of the States forenamed, or their Commissioners.  
It being very considerable, that at the very same time the Earl of Leicester had absolute Commission from the State's General, as Governor and Captain General, not simply of the leaguers or over the soldiery only, 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 themselves, which power and authority was never conferred upon any one after his time.  
Where observe an indubitable Argument arising hence, That all the removing or transplacing of the soldiery or Garrisons within the Respective Provinces, made by the successive Princes of Orange, was performed by them, not in the Quality of Captain's General of the soldiery of the United Provinces in General, but only in quality of Stadtholders, Governors or Captain's 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 appears by what was showed before to have been done in Leiecester's time by his Excellcie Prince Maurice) how much more than must needs the changing of the Garrisons, in times when the Commissions of Captain General extends only to the soldiery or Camps and Leaguers of the Generality, be done or made, by the Governors or Captain's General of the respective Provinces in particular, that is to say, though by such persons, who together were Captain's General over the soldiery in general, and Captain's General of several Provinces in particular, yet no otherwise then in the foresaid latter Quality, and not in the former.  
As also (another evident and palpable token) the Princes of Orange, having been Captains General, for the Generality over the soldiery, 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 holder's or Governor's particular, which how far it was from being so, the public generally and known practice of Friesland, sufficiently showeth, serving also for a singular and manifest token, that it belongs and appertain's to the particular Provinces, every one to be careful how to beset or Garrison their Cities and Forts, and to have power of removing the soldiery within their Province from one place to another, for the same end; and that the respective States thereof, might always appoint, and effectually also have appointed their particular Captain's General, who being appointed thus, had necessarily therewithal, full power and and authority over the soldiery (as the very word Captain doth imply) acknowledging no Superior therein, as the signification of the word General makes plain and easy to be understood.  
All this being 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 be Captain General and Upper-Head (Note) of our soldiery of horse and foot, which at present is in this Province, or hereafter may come 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 Captain's General over the soldiery of the Generality, and Governors or Captains-General of the Provinces in particular, exactly and curiously observed in all public Acts and Monuments, every one of the United Provinces having always transplaced the soldiery within their Province, either by order of the States themselves, and their Commissioned Council, or by the particular Governors or Captain's General of their own Province, or by order of the one, with the advice of the other, without ever giving or yielding any Authority to the Generality 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 be considered, That whatsoever is committed or given in charge to the respective Stadtholders', Commissioned Counsel or deputed States, by Commission or Instruction from the States, Countries, or Plenipotentiaries of the particular Provinces; The same cannot be 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 Generality, or such as do not absolutely stand under the arbitrary 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 Stadtholders', Governors or Captain's 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 be 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 Stadtholders', or Commissioned Council, or also to the one, with the advice of the other, Their N. gr. M. shall briefly show the same by the summary allegation of some 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 country's Deputies, is very pertinent, where, it being premised, that all Dispatches or Expeditions shall be issued in the Name and Title of the Deputie-States of the Principality of Ghelders, and County of Zutphen, there follow these express words, [excepting the commands to the soldiery, which shall be issued in the Name of his Excellency as Stadt-holder (Note) with the advice or reference to the Deputies aforesaid.  
Where it is worth observing, not only that it is ordained, the Commands or Patents for the soldiery are to be dispatched or expedited by the Deputie-States of the foresaid Province; but also, that the same issuing forth in the Name of his Excellency, his said Excellency is thereby considered only as Stadt-holder of the Province, and not as Captain General for the Generality.  
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 necessary inquartering and through-marching without due Patents; such namely as are mentioned in the foresaid 5 Artic. the same being yet further confirmed by the Instruction for the late Prince William, in the year 1642. being received Stadt-holder by the foresaid Province of Gelderland; the said Instruction, Artic. 6o. holding forth, That his Highness shall not give nor receiv given by others, any Patents for through-marches, Randevouzes, or inquartering, no not in extreme necessity (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 only that it appertain's to the Provincial Government of Gelderland to transplace their soldiery within their Province; but also that the same belongs to the said Provincial Government, privative, absolutely and so far forth, that the Country hath enjoined their Deputies, not only to exercise and maintain the same right, but also, in case any Soldiers came marching into the same Province, upon any other Order, to keep off and hinder them de facto.  
To this same end serve also the 5. 11. and 17. Articles of the Instruction; whereupon Prince Maurice of immortal memory in the year 1590. item the 11. & 17 Artic. whereupon Prince Henry, in the year 1625. were received Stadtholders' of the foresaid Province, wherein there are especially observable, the said 11th Articleimporting, That the Stadt-holder be not permitted to put any Garrison into the Cities without the foreknowledge and consent of the respective Magistrates; and the said 17th Article, ordaining, that if his Excellency shall not be within the Country, the Government shall be exercised by the Landship or Land Deputies, to whom the soldiery shall be bound to yield as perfect obedience as to his Excellency himself.  
As for the Provinces of Holland and Zealand, over and above that which hath been amply deduced in this behalf out of their forecited Resolution of Feb. 6. 1587. there is a very pertinent passage in the instruction for the Commissioned Counsel of their N. Gr. M. made in the year 1590. and contained in the 38th Article thereof, where it being 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 Westfriesland, there are afterwards by way of Exception subjoined these following words, safe notwithstanding the Dispatches and Commands to the soldiery, which they shall issue forth in the Name of his Excellency, with advice of the Commissioned Counsel aforesaid.  
As likewise in the later Instruction of the foresaid Commissioned Counsel of the year 1623. Artic. 35. the same is ordained more straight yet, even with Exclusion of the Governor of the Province, That namely the Dispatches and Commands to the soldiery shall be issued in the name of Lds the States, with reference to the Commissioned Counsel.  
It being also given in charge to the respective Stadtholders' of Holland and Zealand, by the States of the said Provinces, in their Instruction Artic. 6. together with the Deputy Counsel, to look to all the needful Garrisons, security and protection of the foresaid Country's 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 Commissioned Counsel, and those of the 5. 28. & 32. Artic. of their later & last cited Instruction.  
In conformity whereof also the Patents within the Province of Holland, were given and dispatched, in the former times by the foresaid Commissioned Counsel, and confirmed with their Seal and Secretary's Signature, in the Name of the Stadtholders' and Governor's, with these express words inserted, with advice of the Commissioned Council: whereof for example, there shall be a copy set down here of a Patent, given and dispatched by the said Commissioned Council April, 17o. 1595. word for word as followeth.  
Maurice, born Prince of Orange, Earl of Nassaw etc. Marquis of Vere, Flushing, Governor and Captain General over Gelderland, Holland, Zealand, West-Friesland, Zutphen, Utrecht, Overyssell etc. 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 City of Goude, and there to abide for a certain short time, till further order from his Excellency. Don at the Hague, under the Seal of the forementioned Commission'd-Council. underneath stood, By his Excellency, according to the ordinance of the Commissioned Council of the States of Holland and Westfriesland: and was signed, C. de Rechtere.  
And although for some years hitherto, the last Stadtholders' may have past and given some Patents of themselves, without the knowledge of the Commissioned Council, it is considerable nevertheless, that the same being done by them, as Stadtholders' and Governor's particular of the said Province, and consequently in the Name of the same Province in particular, and not in the Name of the Generality, the Right of the Province is no whit impaired thereby.  
Coming now to the City, Towns and Lands of Utrecht, there are divers pertinent passages in the Instruction for their Stadtholders' or Governors, to prove what hath been said before: and particularly the passage of the 11th Article thereof, importing, that if it be found needful, any Garrison should be put into the foresaid City or Towns, the same shall not be done, 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 Country; (Note, that here the transplacing of the Garrisons is said to to be 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 be made otherwise, then with express consent and advice of the said Deputies, etc.  
It being 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 be ready for the service and protection of the Country in all places and quarters, where the same shall be 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. judge needless notwithstanding here to enumerate.  
Only for further Confirmation thereof, let the 8th Article speak, of the Instruction whereupon his Lp Count Henry of Nassaw whilom in the year 1632, and afterwards his Excellcie Count William, received the Government of the foresaid Province, it being therein ordained, That the Stadt-holder shall govern himself, according to the foresaid Instruction of the Deputie-States, for so much as the same concerns his Person, especially about placing of Garrisons, in which regard they must precisely observe the foresaid 33 Article of the Instruction for the Deputies; provided always, that in the absence of the Ld Stadt-holder, the Government of the foresaid Country shall remain in the sole disposition or administration of the said Deputies.  
Concerning the Province of Overyssell, it is plain, that the Respective Stadtholders' of the said Province were by the States thereof entrusted with power to transplace the soldiery garrisoned within their Province, with precedent deliberation of the States or Deputies, and to give due patents accordingly; the said Stadtholders being 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 foreknowledge 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 throughmarching, randevouzes or quartering, no not in extreme necessity, nor to receiv any patents given by others, but with precedent deliberation of the States or their Deputies authorized ●hereunto.  
Which could be deduced with many more instances, as from the same Instruction, so out of several other public Acts of the said States; but that their N. Gr. M. do hold it needless.  
For Conclusion only 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 be found requisite for the protection of the said Province and the Commonwealth; 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 themselves.  
And this their N. G. M. are persuaded will suffice, and that nothing more can be desired for the justification of what was said before and asserted, to wit, That every one of the United Provinces in particular have always had and practised the transplacing of the soldiery within their Circuit, either by their Deputy States, or by their Stadtholders with the advice of them, without address to the Generality, even to this day.  
And forasmuch as the foresaid transplacing of the Garrisons is a principal, yea the most principal point of the Sovereignty 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 Deputy States, And that every member, together with every particular person of this Assembly, is bound by solemn Oath to stand up for, defend and maintain the sovereignty 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 only yield that each Province in their precinct, shall maintain this peculiar right of theirs, of transplacing the soldiery within their Province, but also in case of necessity, help to uphold and maintain the rest of the Provinces in the same right.  
All which premised thus, there results from it the Justification of what before Artic. 3. was asserted: for this being sure, that the care of the common defence and union, together with the managing and ordering of the Military 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 be in danger of being invaded or overrun by any foreign forces, for preventing and withstanding the same, may have sufficient forces sent into them; and it being proved above, that the Supreme Authority and Command over the soldiery within each Province doth appertain to the particular States thereof, or to them whom the States absolutely have authorized thereunto; there remaineth nothing, but that the said Council standing in need of taking forth any forces out of a Voicing Province, and being destitute of power to cause the same to march within the Territory thereof, do address themselves by way of Desire to the Provincial Government there, that they would be 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 Sovereignty of every or any Province, no soldiery or military forces may march, without order or patents and Commissions from the States thereof, or, such, as by the same State shall thereunto be qualified. And that therewithal there ought to be provided also a patent from the Council, for as much as the forces being past the bounds of th● Province whence they come, and forth their jurisdiction, the power of the foresaid Provincial patent comes to cease then, and the patent of the Council, must supply the warrant for the forces coming upon the ground of the Generality.  
And although, according to the foresaid known Right, the States of that Province, whence the forces are desired to be taken forth, are not bound, stricto jure, to yield the same; nevertheless, partly by reason of the solemn promises made at the Treaty of the Union, to help to protect one another with body, 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, Captain's General of the Armies or Leaguers; and particularly in the Province of Friesland, out of which when the Council of State had a mind to take forth any forces, they were always wont to address their desire for that end, to the Stadt▪ holder's or Governor's particular of that Province, transmitting their patents with blanks for names, which the Stadtholders' or Governor's particular, by advice of the States, or their deputies, filled up, and added thereunto their own Provincial patent.  
Now▪ concerning the justification of the Fourth point, set down above; That namely no Forces may enter, or march through any Province, without express consent and patent of the Provincial Government thereof; besides that the same sufficiently and naturally follow's from the Grounds already laid; it is a thing expressly settled and ordained in every one of the United Provinces, by their respective States-autoritie in each.  
Wherein the States of Gelderland went so far, That in the before-cited 31. Article of the instruction for their Deputies, They charge them, De facto, or actually to forbear all necessary inquartering 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 ordered 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 beforementioned Resolution of Feb. 6. 1587. in plain words, That in the open country of Holland, Zealand, and West-Friesland, no forces of foot or horse, 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 country: Ergò much less, in fenced Cities sorts or strong holds of the Provinces.  
The like is easily to be showed to have been settled by the Provinces of Utrecht, Friesland, Overyssel, Groninghen, and the Omlands; as in the Instructions given to their Deputie-States and Stadtholders, so also by several other public Acts of the States; which their N. G. M. (confident the former deduction will be sufficient) judge 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, necessity requiring it, shall be bound at all times to receiv such Garrisons as the United Provinces shall find good, and ordain by the advice of the Governor of the Provinces, where the Garrison is to be laid (where note by the way, that it presupposed the garrison as coming from another Province).  
But it is specially observable, how this is bounded with the words, necessity requiring it; for there being no express and urgent necessity, this same might not be done simply by the Governor's advice alone, without the express Patent from the Provincial Government, as hath been proved before at large; so that only extreme necessity requiring Expedition, seemeth to dispense 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 forementioned Instructions, set down and established by the States.  
Proceeding then to justify 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 soldiery, according to the eighteenth Article of the Instruction of the Council of State about the form of swearing the soldiery, and likewise according to the foresaid Resolution of Holland and Zealand of February 6, 1587., is bound among other things to be true and faithful to the States of the Province, to whose Repartition they belong for payment, and faithfully to serve and to obey them, and that consequently it might justly be asserted, that the soldiery cannot be 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 only to motion, that certain places, belonging to the jurisdiction of the Generality, may according 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 soldiery may be disposed of and laid, as much as may be done, 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 pay.  
Which motion of their N. Gr. M. pertinently agrees 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 endeavour by all possible means, that all the soldiery, standing on their Repartition and Pay, may be laid in garrison within the foresaid City 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 authority 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 concerns the Policy or Civil Government, besetting and keeping of the Sconces in the O●lands, Belingerwolderland, and other as well out-land as inland Sconces, and that which depends thereon, are to regulate themselves 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 authority and provision; and more pertinently yet by the 15 Article of the Instruction for the Stadt▪ holder of Groninghen and the Omlands, showing, That the said Stadt-holder shall likewise be engaged, to endeavour to his utmost, that the said Provinces be defended and maintained in the authority and right belonging to them, over the Sconces Bellingerwolde, Bourtanye, and Couvorde, or such others as may hereafter be raised in the said Province for its protection.  
And though it be 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 be seen in the 12 Article of the foresaid Instruction for the Stadtholder of City and Land, in these terms, Provided, that in the absence of the Lord Stadtholder, the forenamed 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 Military Discipline in their foresaid out-Frontiers over the soldiery there in Garrison, as appears 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, themselves alone, in all the Sconces lying as well without as within the said Country.  
All which is further confirmed yet by the 33 Article of the same Instruction, and divers other public Acts, Monuments and Resolutions, for brevity's sake passed by here.  
Therefore their N. G. M. judged it expedient, that the proceeding therein might be moderated, as is set down above in the 5 and 6 Article; partly for the better accommodation and conveniency 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 come now to the Seventh Point, to wit, That the giving or bestowing of all Military 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 Maxims formerly laid down; for it being true that the particular Provinces ever kept and retained the supreme authority over their soldiery, and the Sovereign jurisdiction within their Territory; it follow's naturally and of itself, that theirs also is the right of disposing of the Military Charges and Commands in such manner as is ass●rted before; nevertheless their N▪ G. M. are willing, for more abundant satisfaction, to add and show here, That every one of the United Provinces thus understood and settled it by State's authority.  
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 because the words thereof are so considerable, it will not be amiss to set them down: That all the great Commanders, Colonels, Superintendents and Captains already put in Garrisons, or which may be put in hereafter, in the Cities of Holland, Zealand, and Westfriesland, shall receiv Commission from his Excellency (namely, as Stadtholder and Governor of the same Provinces) and be engaged by Oath to the States of Holland and Zealand, together with his Excellcie, for their fidelity and obedience; and such as shall be unwilling to do it, to be cashiered.  
The Province of Utrecht in the 13 Artic. for their Stadtholders'.  
And so likewise Friesland in the Instruction for their Stadtholders', 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 Stadtholders' are very pertinent and remarkable, they are following here in their own terms: All Militant Offices standing in our Repartition and Pay, shall indifferently every one of them, be disposed of by the Stadtholders' and our Deputies, by most voices, and in the absence of the Stadtholder, by our Deputies alone.  
Overyssell 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 some Officers of the Foreign Nations were absolutely, and without any precedent Nomination, disposed of by the late Prince of Orange and his Predecessor or Predecessors; yet it cannot be contradicted, but that the same was done, not by virtue of any right those Princes had in quality of Captain's General over the soldiery for the Generality, but only 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 Foreign 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 day of the same month (wherein the swearing soldiery, among other, makes this solemn promise, To be 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 being twofold, namely either for the Generality, 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 Generality, his Authority extended over all the United Provinces, there being yielded up unto him, powerfully and absolutely, (to make use of the words of the Acts of Authorization, given by the State's General, unto the Earl of Leicester Januar. 10. 1586.) to command in the matter and point of War, and that which depends thereon, by Sea and Land, over all the foresaid Provinces, Cities and Members thereof etc.  
That on the contrary the Charge of Captain General, likewise invested from the Generality, extended no further, then over the soldiery Horse and Foot, in service of the Provinces, appears by the Commissions given to the respective Princes of Orange in that quality, by the State's General.  
Insomuch that betwixt these foresaid offices or charges there are to be observed these ensuing remarkable differences.  
First, that the power and Authority of the Governor General extended and spread itself over all the United Provinces themselves, together with the Cities and Members thereof, and the power and authority of the Captain General, only over the soldiery, Army 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 contrary, 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 soldiery, for the Generality, having been themselves also Captains General over the soldiery lying within their respective Provinces, as the same hath sufficiently been showed 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 soldiery, for the Generality.  
Thirdly, that the Government General of the Generality did not in effect include the Admiralship of the United Provinces, there being given likewise to those Governor's General by their Commission the power fully and absolutely to command the Admirals and Vice-admirals'; whereas on the contrary, the Captainship General, and the Admiral-ship of the Generality, are two equal charges, the one not being above the other, but of equal authority over the soldiery by Land and Water, respectively; wherefore also the Commissions of the Captains general do not import (that which the Commissions of the Governor's General aforesaid, in that regard expressly comprehended) that the said Captain's General should have any command over the Admirals, howbeit, that generally the Admiral-ship hath been conferred upon the Captain's General, as a Charge apart, sometimes by one and the same, and otherwhiles also by separate and distinct Commissions.  
By all which it being abundantly manifest, what a palpable difference there is betwixt the Government and the Captainship General, being both conferred and exercised by authority from the Generality of those Countries; their N. gr. M. will likewise briefly show, the distinct offices of the Captain General over the Forces for the Generality, and of the Captain's General appointed over the soldiery, for the particular Provinces; holding it needless to say any more of the foresaid Government General of the United Provinces, the same coming now into no consideration at all, being altogether extinct and mortified in the times of the Earl of Leicester; or to show here the distinction that is betwixt the Government and Captainship General of the particular Provinces, forasmuch as those Charges were never combined together in one and the same person.  
Now then, it being heretofore fully proved, that the supreme authority over the soldiery, within the respective Provinces, hath always appertained and yet doth at present, unto the Provincial Government thereof, or to the Captain's General of the particular Provinces, appointed by the same Provinces in the manner abovesaid; it must needs follow, that the power and authority of the Captain's General of the United Provinces, appointed by the State's General, in quality as such, hath extended no farther, nor indeed could extend any further, then over the soldiery Army or Leaguers, being without the Voiceing-Provinces and in the Field, so as their own Commission shows likewise plainly enough, insomuch, that the difference of the Charges of the Captains-General of the Generality, and of the Captain's 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 being in the Field, and the other had the chief power and authority in the Militia and the conduct of War within the respective Voicing-Provinces, by the advice of the States or their Commissioned Counsellors, for so much as concerned the security of each of these Provinces apart.  
The State's 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 themselves, they found good after, for the preventing of the like inconveniencies in time to come, to extinguish and mortify the said charge, as also it hath remained absolutely extinct and mortified to this day; (so that, as was said before, the same ought not to be taken into any deliberation at all) nevertheless the Provinces being 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 choose his Excellence Prince Maurice, of immortal memory, 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 Highness Henry and William, both Princes of Orange: and now the War, through God's gracious blessing being come to an end, and changed into a glorious peace, their N. gr. M. are of opinion, that thereby those moving causes being come to cease, and yet ceasing, it is consequently not only needless, but likewise for sundry 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 judge 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 Almighty in mercy keep off from these Countries) there would be no necessity of proceeding to the Election of a Captain General. The Militia or forces of these United Provinces being provided yet with a fit Chieftain or Director for the Generality, the Fieldmarshal namely, appointed by Commission, dated Julie 31, 1642, to be over all the Forces Horse and Foot, in present service of the State, or such as may be entered therein afterwards.  
The said Fieldmarshal having full power, authority and special command given him in that quality of his, to command the said forces; and to bring and keep them in all good order, rule and military discipline, and to use and employ 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 enemy, to annoy 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, etc.  
By which Commission their N. G. M. conceiv the Militia to be sufficiently provided with a Chieftain, and the same Chieftain as well with all requisite power and authority.  
Nevertheless if your Hi. Mi. shall judge it to fall yet short of something, their N. G. M. shall make no difficulty, that the same default may be 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 be weighed by your Hi. Mi. being 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 only not accept against, but much rather, for the rest, peace, welfare and common good of these Countries, conform thereto in all the particulars.   
Next day, 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 say or reply 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 Military Offices.  
THat the Conduct and Disposition over the Forces be left to the Council of State, in conformity to their Instruction; only that the same be first amended and amplified in some points according to the present constitution of times and affairs.  
That the States of the particular Provinces, or their Commissioned 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 themselves▪ provided the same be done only within the limits of their respective Provinces.  
That if it it shall be 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 Commissioned Council, that they would be pleased to yield so many Companies as the Council shall judge needful; adding the motives and reasons of their desire, and transmitting of Patents for that purpose, wherein Blanks shall be left for the names of the Captains, to be filled by the States or Commissioned Council of that Province, and accompanied by their own Patent, and that thereupon the desired Companies shall be yielded, unless the said States or Commissioned Council of the Province had reasons to the contrary, whereof they are to give present advertisement to the Council of State, that they may judge of them, and if they be not sound weighty, that upon a second desire of the Council, the Companies lying in the Province, and not being of their own Repartition, they may be 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 be made two several lists, the one of beletting, the other of employ; and that in case of invasion or sudden surprisal from the Enemy, the Council shall have power to draw forth the Companies standing upon the list of employ, giving advertisement thereof to the States of the Province, where and in whose assigned Frontiers they are lying, and the danger being over, that they be returned to their former garrisons.  
That no companies may be 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 be observed in regard of Quartering, Marches, Randevouzes.  
That as much as may be, those Companies ought to be garrisoned within the respective Provinces and in the Frontiers thereabout, which have their pay from that Province where they are put; and that by common advice of the Provinces, there be 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 only that Provincial Government with it, to whom the said Frontiers are assigned; and that the States of the Province, or their Commissioned 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 only they give present advertisement thereof unto the foresaid Council.  
That if the Council of State have a mind to draw forth any Companies out of the assigned Frontiers, they ought to address their Desire to the States or Commissioned Conncil of the Province to which the said Frontiers are assigned, sending Patents for that purpose with open Names, to be filled by the foresaid States or their Commissioned Council, or their reasons of difficulty to be returned and judged of by the Council; and upon the second desire (the foresaid returned reasons not being held sufficient) the Companies shall be yielded.  
That the bestowing of all Military Charges and Offices indifferently shall be in the disposal of the States or Commissioned 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 Territory or assigned Quarters, the same are situated; as also the disposing of the Military Charges, standing under the pay of the Generality, or where the Generality formerly had the disposing, and of the Commanderies of the places resorting under the Generality, the same doth absolutely belong to the Members of the Union in general.  
That the soldiery shall be engaged, besides the general Oath to the Generality, to swear likewise in particular to the Province where they shall be 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 be passed yet.   
Upon the 1 of February Counsellor pensionary Vett made a notable Proposition in the name and behalf of Zealand, against the giving and taking of Bribes and Presents; offering withal a Draught of Instruction for the Council of State; for which good zeal and intention they of Zealand had thanks returned them by the Lord Precedent. And Copies being imparted, they of Holland next day declared, that they likewise avowed and conformed themselves in all to the considerations offered the day 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 elsewhere; as also in regard of all other Courts or Assemblies of the Generality. The other Provinces likewise undertaken, they would declare in behalf of these matters.  

Counsellor de Vett his speech in the Grand Assembly against Bribes and Presents.  
High and Mighty Lords!  
THe whilst that your H. M. are busied with considerations how the Government may be settled and every where secured with good and wholesome Laws and Constitutions; the Deputies of the Lords the States of Zealand cast their eyes and thoughts in the mean time upon the most principal causes, whereby the same Government might formerly have been brought to some Convulsion-fits; and for aught they can judge, one of the chief and principal thereof should be that base custom of giving and taking Bribes and pensions; which if credit may be given to the public and constant reports, are used and practised here among us, even to public shame and confusion.  
We shall not, H. M. Lords, take upon us to particularise any, but, for some reasons, represent them only in the Thesis, or thing, and without any personality.  
We know very well and easily grant, That every one, who carry's the Name of an honest man, is presumed in Law, what matters soëver be brought before him, that he will advise therein, attentively, uprightly and ingenuously; so as according to his best knowledge, and in Conscience, he apprehend's it to make most for the honour of God Almighty, and the common welfare; as likewise, That all such as are chosen to any office or place of Government, aught to be called thereunto, with such a particular reflection; that all Instructions and Commissions in the Provinces and others, do precisely aim at and imply as much; That all Governors themselves do either implicitly oblige themselves thereunto, or are engaged by Oath in that behalf. But yet we sadly know as well, how easily many, whether by weakness of Spirit, not being able to resist the insinuating Temptations, which set upon them; or by some sudden surprise, before they are ware of the danger; or by domestic Necessity; 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 Duty and public Fidelity; Who, if they be not presently stayed or stopped in their carrier, either by their own Christian and generous Resolution and Repentance, or by public Animadversion and Punishment; it cannot be any otherwise expected, but that their disease, through custom of sinning and impunity, will degenerate by degrees from evil to worse, and, through the infectious Contagion thereof at last, precipitate and engulf the State in Ruin, past all redress and remedy.  
Your H. M. know and remember, that, at what Time the Arms were first taken up against the King of Spain, and when afterwards he was solemnly declared to have forfeited all his Right and Dominion over these Countries, the same was done, 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 be heard to speak of themselves; but they stand in need of Advocates and Defenders, who if they prove not faithful and sincere, the foresaid Privileges not only miss their needful plea, but, even contrary to nature, they are prejudiced thereby; as also, one can scarce possibly conceiv, how those their Advocates or Counsellors shall be kept in their integrity and faithfulness, when they lie open and exposed to the countermining of Corruption and Baseness: they being, 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 stands plainly engaged to the Giver, for the working out of his Design, whether it be with or against his own min●e and better knowledge.  
We intent not H. M. Lords, to extend our selus at large in showing the pernicious effects of th●s Evil, when once it comes to get the prevalency in all the parts of this Republic; the same would be to v●st an enterprise; we only desire leave, to touch and produce some of the most remarkable and essential concernment.  
And first of all, to sh●w, how extremely prejudicial and dangerous that disease is, when once it hath infected the chief Cou●ts of Justice; there is none of any understanding, but can apprehend the same, if he do but consider, That the said Courts do sit to judge and pronounce sentence, not only in Civil, but also in Criminal affairs; not only in the behalf of goods and possessions, but of the credit also, of the honour and reputation, yea and the lives too of all the Commonalty or Inhabitants of this Country: and, that therefore it is impossible that the said Inhabitants, whether of high or low Degree, can neither have any due assurance of this or that without Law; or rest confident of a sincere and inviolable Administration of Justice, by Law; if so be, that those which are appointed to be of the Judicature, sh●ll not proceed in the managing, with such clean and unpolluted hands and hearts, as by all Divine and humane Laws is required of them.  
Which also makes the wisest Statesmen to conceiv, that the most principal cause 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 money; whence they cannot but infer, that virtue and knowledge must needs be despised, where the Employments are exposed to sale; and where Covetousness gets on the Bench, there can be no place for integrity.  
For which respects also, it hath been ordained both by written Laws, and the constitutions of divers Nations, That all such as are advanced to any of these functions, must before their admittance, clear themselves by Oath, that they never presented, promised or gave aught to any, directly or indirectly, for their preferment.  
How pernicious yea and ruinous this same exorbitancy is likewise to good Policy, and the Administration of Government, may thence appear, that it doth especially show forth itself, and is mainly busy and occupied about the conferring of Public Charges and Offices: the most noble and sensible point of Government.  
From whence immediately and unavoidably there arise 3 sorts of dangerous incongruities.  
First, that thereby, there come to be employed in the managing of Government, and direction of the public affairs of the Land, the most ill-conditioned, mean and unfittest persons; the most worthy, able and sufficient both in parts and Estates being passed 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 integrity the public tranquillity 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, being once advanced to the foresaid Charges, and standing in fear, either of being turned out by those of better qualities and conditions; or that the virtue and sufficiency of such, will be 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 security get and keep the Courts supplied and packed still with persons of like stuff and condition.  
And thirdly, That such Governors as crept into Magistracy, not by any virtue or worthiness of their own, but by mere baseness, will ever be found to hold forth all their actions; as well those which concern their functions, as others, saleable and mercenary; considering, that they do not only bring with them into the Government a most corrupt and base mind; 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 reimbursed▪ do find themselves necesst●ated to follow the course of their Patrons; at first, it may be with a more subtle and straighter hand but afterwards with such loose reins, that they never stop again, and commonly run on thus to their dying day; as indeed you never see men falling fram a precipice to remain lying half way, but to come tumbling down from the top to the bottom without intermission.  
It being 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 estranging or divisions amongst the persons and members of one and the same Court or assembly; forasmuch as Viciousness▪ though very fruitful otherwise, nevertheless cannot work alike, with her infections upon all minds, but is oft 〈◊〉 generously resisted, and consequently by the different and contrary aims and endeav●●s of the honester sort, and the dishonest, there m●st needs fall out between them, discrepancy of opinion, and from that mathal fractions and divisions, to the apparent prejudice of the public interest; as the same is not only found by experience, but observed likewise throughout 〈◊〉 Histories, to be one of the principal causes whereby divers Countries and Republics were brought to R●●ne; 〈◊〉 among others Taci●●s allegeth the same as the main ●●ason of the loss of the Roman liberty; putting in the first place, avatiti●m Magistratuum the ●retc●ed Covetousness of 〈◊〉 governor's; 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 Money, 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 people; who finding, that instead of being by their Superiors and Magistrates governed as they ought with all Justice and integrity, they are but plagued, exacted upon and undone by them; whence at first there arise's just reasons of discontent, and consequently no address appearing by any means or order from public authority, they seek to right and vindicate themselves by ways of Insurrection; which many times grows 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 ordained by the Romans▪ That all such as had the Government of any of their Provinces, when the time of their administration was exspired, should stay and remain for some time after in the said Province, and show themselves in public, ready to undergo the trial of the Laws, upon any one's information or charge of misgovernment against them.  
Wherewith agrees 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 he had constituted them as watchmen: declaring openly, That they took no man's Ox nor Ass, had wronged or oppressed none, nor received any gifts of any, to hid their eyes from him, (that is, to dissemble their iniquities) and further offering there, if they were guilty in the least, to make due restitution; and if not, desired and likewise obtained of the people a public testimony of their innocence and integrity.  
And for this same purpose serve likewise no less the Resolutions and Commissions in these Countries, and particularly in the Province which hath the honour of this present Grand Assembly, taken and decreed, Super Censurâ bonorum, that is, To take information, or make enquiry of all new Riches gotten, and all apparently sinister purchases; to take provisional cognizance of them; and also to sequester them, for to be 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 be introduced and practised in the times of their greatest perplexities, in the beginning of the Troubles, when there seemed to be noreason for any such courses; what then ought there not now to be done in these times, when partly by the success of our Arms, and partly by our Flourishing Commerce, both Richesse and Luxury have so mightily overspread this State? Should not a man with much more reason think and ask now? Ubi Lex nunc Julia dormis? Where lies 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 some such eat▪ and drinkwaves from the Provincials, as might be spent within a few days (whereupon some very imprudently do seek to ground a liberty for corruptions) but this was allowed for no other reason, then that those persons were Commissioned and sent to the said employments from Rome, into parts very remote from their own Families and accommodations, and not without sensible prejudice to their Household affairs●; whereas now on the contrary, especially in these Countries, according to their own customs and privileges none may be chosen to the public Offices of any place but where he is born, and bathe his babitation; and who, besides the Entertainment which they receiv by way of Salary, are not hindered by th●ir Employments, to look to and order their own particular affairs▪  
Moreover, how considerable is it among the chiefest concernments of this kind, that by reason of the foresaid Corruptions and baseness, where they are impunely winked at and suffered, it is impossible any public Deliberations, Advices and Resolutions can be● kept so secret as is requisite; which Secrecy notwithstanding is the very soul of the noblest part of State▪ affairs.  
And though the same evil be 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 Republics at all times.  
For which reason in some of them, the Governors are justly forbidden and debarred all speaking and communicating with any public Ministers of Foreign Princes and Potentates residing with them; and that because those Ministers make it their special business narrowly to pry and inquire into the whole frame and all the parts of Government, to fish out and observe the Arcana Imperii, to sound the humours 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 opportunity serveth; and meeting happily with some unstaied or unfaithful greedy Grandees, do lure and engage them by all means possible for the advancement of their Master's interest.  
We do not speak here H. M. Lords, of Extraordinary Ambassadors and Commissioners, whose employment continues but for a little while, but of those called Ordinary now, or Residentiarie, and Leigers, of which sort former histories, even of the wisest and civilest Nations, and consequently the Right of Nations, were wholly ignorant, being 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 Society, as by all understanding Politicians is asserted; for which cause likewise, divers Christian Princes, to avoid the alleged inconveniences, admit of none such in their Countries.  
And although, on this occasion it would not be difficult to represent here some troublesome passages even thereby caused and brought upon the State of these Countries, yet for certain good respects, we shall dispense with it, in this Grand Assembly, as being met, not to occasion trouble, but to settle Unity, not to censure what is past, but to order and regulate what is to come.  
Wherefore also the Lords the States of Zealand, judge, under Correction, that your H. M. taking this subject of Corruptions and some redress thereof into their serious thoughts and considerations, it will be one of, not only the honourablest, justest and most acceptable, but also the most advantageous and necessary actions, that can here be treated of, and is worthy the Deliberation of this Assembly.  
As whereby the whole Commonalty shall be freed from all manner of exactions, oppressions and outrages, Justice, every where and always, administered 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 Authority and Reputation, both at home and abroad.  
And therefore also we 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 only in most solemn manner and pregnant terms, give thanks for it to Almighty God, but straight 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 Country; Secondly, safely enjoy the possession of their means and goods, and lastly be 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 persuaded they had thereby done acceptable service to God, and procured for themselves, first, the Testimony of a cheerful Conscience, and after that, the recompense of a better and unfading State of Glory; the foresaid evil, being indeed a Concatenation, or linking together of a world of scandalous abuses and enormities, which suppressed once, doth lay a solid foundation of a happy Government.  
Nor can we see, H. M. Lords, how in default of necessary Remedies against this Evil, any Courts or Cours, either of Justice and Government, or Treasury and Militia can subsist.  
For if Unrighteousness and Iniquity bear sway 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 Authority be not shy, nor scruple to defile and contaminate themselves 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 Military, which are guilty of the same crimes? how shall they look to the fair managing and good improoving of the public Treasury, which are the only cause of wasting and exhausting it, putting it into confusion and thereby seeking and raising their own profit? how, I say, shall those be able to take a right care of the common stock, the Means and Revenues of the Land, who make no Conscience thereby to enrich themselves? And lastly, how is it possible that such as are every way base and catching and gripping, should be fit or able to tax, rebuke and curb the malversation of others; and than what place can be secured, what Bulwark can be imagined strong enough against such corruptions, when we 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 Body.?  
Now if ever it was useful and expedient, H. M. Lords, to take a vigorous course against this scandalous Evil; it must needs be of special use and advantage, in this Conjuncture of time, and in the present constitution of Government, which being for the greater part Aristocratick, and Popular in some part, the said disease is of more dangerous Consequence under it, then under a Monarchy, for many reasons, which might be deduced by Politicians; unless it were more experimentally discernible and known to them, what sure and wholesome Orders for preventing thereof, the Senate and Republic of Venice have settled of old among themselves, whereby they had the happiness to subsist a Commonwealth for these twelve-hundred years, in a constantly flourishing and puissant Condition.  
Which blessing we longing for, together with your H. M. to see imparted likewise to this our dear Father-land and famous Republic; We do most humbly desire, that this Point may speedily and vigorously be look▪ d too.  
The rather, for that otherwise it will be impossible to turn away from these Countries the just wrath and indignation of God, which we have cause to fear, may be kindled already 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 be not atoned by a ready meeting and resolute redress of those, whom he hath entrusted with the power to remedy the same, and of whom he will likewise demand a strict account; that having either well acquitted themselves of their endeavours, they may inherit bliss and glory, or being found faulty, suffer not only 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 Judge of all the World to their everlasting confusion and destruction.  
Let us but, my Lords, the better to consider of it, View our selus in other Republics, which, whiles their Governors continued Virtuous and uncorruptible, remained flourishing for many ages, but afterwards, corruption seizing on them, were soon brought to decay and ruin; and among them especially, That of the Romans, which in this point degenerated so far from their former integrity, that their own Historie-writers balked not to say, 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 we conceived most fit to be applied against this Evil; we should, b● your permission, apply nothing of what hath been decreed against it in other Countries and Republics, but only, that, which according to the written Laws, in use and course here among our selus, and upon like occasions in these Countries hath been enacted against it.  
And in the first place, we should under Correction hold it needful, that all such persons, as shall be called to any Office or Employ in any of the Courts of the Generality, shall before their admittance, be 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, themselves, their wives, children, family, 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, be they Cities, Courts, public 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 be dispatched in the said Court; and if so be that any one should have received any such gift of any one, who might happen afterwards to get some business in that Court, the said receivor shall be 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 be directed to do, and besides this they shall not be allowed to be present at the hearing or debate of his cause and affairs, from whom they shall have received the said gifts, without special leave, from the Court. All this under pain, that such as shall be found to have done contrary to the order aforesaid, or any point thereof, shall forthwith be 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 arbitrary punishments, as, according to the exigency of things and circumstances shall be 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, be obliged before the acting of any other thing, to clear themselves by solemn Oath in the said Court one to another, that, in and about the foresaid matter, they have honestly acquitted themselves, and that they know not at all, whether their Wives, Children, Household, or any, having relation to them, have done aught contrary to the foresaid Order, promising, that for the time to come they will continue this their uprightness constantly. And suffering none to be admitted to the affairs of the Court, before and till such time, as he shall solemnly have made the foresaid promise and protestation.  
And furthermore they shall be bound at any other time upon the least occasion thus to clear themselves the one to the other by Oath as before; as also to make such as shall have business at the Court, and may be somewhat suspected, to declare by Oath, that they neither did nor would give or promise aught to any of the foresaid persons directly or indirectly.  
And that such as shall be found to have given or promised or caused to be given, or promised any bribes, gifts or presents to any of the foresaid persons, their Wives, Children, Household or to any others in their behalf, directly or indirectly, either before or after the business shall be despatched, for expedition's sake of the business, or otherwise, under what pretext soever, shall be sentenced and condemned to he fine proportioned or countervailing the worth of the business transacted or otherwise, according to the condition and exigency of the matter. And that all the foresaid Fines or Amercements shall be 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 come to be discovered, till some years after they were committed.  
And to the end that the foresaid grounds may the more effectually be practised and prosecuted, and none of those which have any business at the Courts, plead ignorance, there should be 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 be warned from offering, giving or promising, or causing to be offered, given or promised, any gifts or presents to any of the foresaid persons, their wives, children, household, 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 Proctor's Solicitors and others, which are ordinarily attending to be employed, at the said Courts shall at the day aforesaid, or being absent then, as soon as they shall return to the Court, make promise under Oath, not to serve any in the Corrupted way aforesaid, nor to their Council, their Clients or cause them to be counsel d to give or promise, or procure to be given and promised any gifts or presents, to any of the foresaid persons their Wives etc. But if so be their Clients should discover unto them any disposition of giving or promising in that kind as aforesaid, that they shall dissuade them from it, or, understanding, that already they may have given or promised the like, They shall immediately make it known to the Court; as they shall be obliged likewise from the very beginning of their employment, to give faithful warning to their Clients not to give or promise aught to the foresaid persons in manner abovesaid, directly or indirectly and all under pain, if they be found guilty of the contrary, to be punished according to the nature and exigency of the offence.  
And both the Courts of Justice here in the Hague shall be 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 find 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 Generality himself should happen to be charged, shall according to the instruction to be given them in that behalf, by order of the foresaid Courts of Justice, exactly inform themselves of the foresaid exorbitancies and accordingly proceed against such of the foresaid persons as shall be held guilty in this kind, and charge and prosecute the matter to a Definitive sentence; which sentence shall punctually be executed forthwith without any appeal to be made from it to Us, or any other Court sovereign in these Provinces.  
Or if so be the rest of the Provinces should scruple the foresaid Commission, and conceiv, that the Members of both the Courts aforesaid being daily over busied with weighty affairs, so as that they would not be able with that commodiousness and that exactness to expedite the Differences and Processes which may arise in this kind, as the nature of it requireth; in that case the Lords of Zealand should not think it amiss or useless, that some understanding, learned and discreet persons might be chosen a Committee for that purpose out of the respective Provinces; to whom likewise might be referred the cognizance and reports of such judicial matters as by Appeal devolv to the Court or Assembly of the State's General; and all this by and under such a Commission, Instruction and Entertainment, as by common advice of the Provinces shall be agreed on.  
And as we are confident, Hi. Mi. Lords, that you will take these our considerations seriously to heart, so we will not doubt neither, but that according to your eminent wisdom and ancient zeal for the common good, you will take a speedy and courageous resolution and course, for the refreining and suppression of the fores●id v●le enormities and corruptions, to the end, that Justice may be administered with all integrity, the Government duly served, the Subjects protected against all violence, and a free passage opened for Virtue, Knowledge, Honesty and Piety, discountenancing and suppressing all oppression and profaneness: Whereupon we shall be able to rest secure, That God Almighty the Author and Protector of this flourishing Republic, will bless and prosper all your H. M. Deliberation and Resolution in this great and solemn Assembly, 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 United Netherlands, according to which the Lords, lawfully commissioned, and to be commissioned, are provisionally, and till it shall be otherwise ordered by the State's General, to manage and direct the affairs concerning the common state, the defence, conservation and Union of the foresaid Countries.  

I.  
IN the foresaid Council there shall be comprehended, and at all times appear, have place and voice therein, the Governors of the respective Provinces where they are; and matters shall be handled, deliberated and treated in the said Council with all due reverence, respect and modesty, for most service of the foresaid Countries, and the good unity 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 Precedent of the foresaid Council for the time being, are desired to take good provident care, that all particular affections, jangling and impertinent motions (not concerning the matters and affairs under Deliberation) may be prevented and hindered.   

II.  
In the foresaid Council there shall not be together such as are allied by consanguinity in the fourth degree, and by affinity 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 be allowed to departed (or go forth) without acquainting the Lord Precedent therewith. And the said Counsellors shall be obliged, to repair and appear constantly at the place, where the said Council shall negociate; and to be ready to to meet at any time, when they shall be 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, be settled and kept in Unity and Concord both amongst themselves▪ and with the Governors and military Commanders, as also the Governors and the Commanders amongst themselves.   

V  
And the said Council shall have and exercise the Authority, to dispose in matters of War, and over all the soldiery, being in the Lands service, causing their Commands to be performed by the foresaid Governors of the Provinces for the time being, the Admiral or other officers, 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 endeavour, that the general means agreed, or to be agreed on, and committed or to be committed to their disposing, by the consent of the Provinces for the Lands Defence, may uniformly and generally be raised throughout all the United Provinces, the Associated Countries, Cities and Members thereof, together with the Quarters resorting under the Generality in particular; and that the Farmers and Collectors thereof be maintained for the getting of it in, and executing of what shall be farmed out to them, or commanded to be collected; and that the trespassing of the Ordinances made in that behalf, or to be made, be punished without any connivance, The Council of Brabant or Flanders, being 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 be made in that behalf by the State's 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 be appointed, the foresaid Council shall proceed against the Debtors, Farmers and Collectors, as also against the Inhabitants of the Provinces and Cities, being in default, and their goods, as in former times the custom was to proceed in these Countries, about the actions and moneys of the Prince, and according to the Executorials to be granted in that behalf; provided, that none shall be summoned forth the Province where he inhabit's, without the consent of the States of the same Province.   

X.  
They shall take care, and narrowly look to, that all such as are accountable for the Generalities means, duly bring in their accounts, at the Generalities Chequer or Chamber accountant.   

XI.  
The moneys proceeding of the foresaid assented means and other consents, shall be used and employed for the payment of the soldiery, and other requisites of War, according to the agreements of the respective Provinces, or so, as the Provinces in general shall ordain for most profit of the Land; and especially shall there be good order settled for the mustering and military discipline, and that the soldiery may be paid by the head or pole.   

XII.  
They shall take care, and straight oblige the Captains in the Land-service, under pain of cashiering, that they pay, and cause to be delivered to their Soldiers the full pay according to the order of the Land, without also abating to the said soldiers the eight day; and those, by whose information any trespassing of the order aforesaid, shall be discovered, they shall take special notice of, to further and advance them according as opportunity shall be given.   

XIII.  
All Patents or Commissions and Command, to be addressed to the soldiery, shall be signed by three of the Council, being of distinct Provinces, and by the Secretary.   

XIV.  
As likewise all Orders for Payments shall be signed by the Treasurer and three of the Council, being of several Provinces, and by the Secretary of the said Council; and no Orders of payment shall be held authentic, but such as shall be signed in manner aforesaid, with a Note Registered, folio tali, upon it.   

XV.  
They shall likewise endeavour and further as far as shall be needful, that the Convoys, according to the Agreements and Lists made, or to be made yet by the State's General in that behalf; and so likewise the free passages, according to the Lists appointed and to be appointed, be 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 aught above the aforesaid lists of those goods; and that the contrary thereof, whether directly or indirectly committed, may receiv exemplary punishment.   

XVI.  
They shall let the Cities enjoie their Custom, in time of exigency, and when matters can suffer no delay, to arm themselves by Sea, and to set out Ships of War at the charge of the Land; that they may be paid out of the foresaid means; and that against all Pirates, 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 Admiralty, settled or yet to be settled in the respective Quarters of those Provinces which negotiate and traffic by Sea.   

XVII.  
The Council of State shall be obliged to deliver up to the State's 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 be agreed on, and the employment 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 be conditioned from time to time, and shall be 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 be not lessened, and that all Cities and places resorting under the Generality be brought and reduced under equal Contribution for the common defence of the Land, as much as may be possibly; and that the like be used in regard of the Cities and places which shall be recovered hereafter.   

XX.  
They shall take care, that all Governors, Admirals, Generals, Colonels, Ritmasters, Captains and all men belonging to the Wars, by Sea and Land, shall promise 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 employed, and at whose charge and repartition they are paid, to be true and faithful to them, faithfully to serve them, and readily to obey the aforesaid State's 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 promise to obey the Council of State, instituted, or to be hereafter instituted by the State's General: and that the Colonels, Ritmasters, Captains and all the rest of the soldiery shall likewise further promise and swear, duly to obey the commands of the Governors of the Provinces where they are, and the soldiers at Sea, the Commands of the Admiral, and all such other Officers and Commanders as shall be 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 Republics, and for that end, and the advancement of the Trade and Traffic of these Countries, they shall entertain good Correspondency, Friendship and Neighbourhood with foreign States and Princes, the Kingdoms, Republics, 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 honour, duty and conscience they shall think good, whether it be by conforming themselves 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 be determined in the said Council by most voices of the Lords present, having voted thereupon; and if so be 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 be allowed to give his advice therein, nor be present at the Deliberation and Conclusion thereof, but shall withdraw and remain without the Council-Chamber, during the said Deliberation.   

XXIII.  
Nothing shall be finally determined or decreed in the foresaid Council, but in the presence of all the Lords of the Council, which shall be present or resident in the place, where the Council shall be kept; or at least the greater part of them.   

XXIV.  
The Council shall not assemble about, nor resolve upon any Extraordinary 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 State's General shall have granted for a certain space of years, after the expiration 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 publicly and allow of no continuation of works undertaken, upon pain to make satisfaction themselves in particular, of the damage, which the Commonwealth may chance to incur thereby.   

XXVIII.  
The foresaid Council shall not be allowed to have any part or share, directly or indirectly in any Works, already put out, or to be put out hereafter, for the service of the Commonwealth; nor in any Convoys, Imposts, or other common means, nor in any Powder, Shot, Artillery, Arms, Corn, Rye, Oats, Butter, Cheese, or any other victuals, ammunition and such like military requisites, whatëver they may be, which are to be employed for the profit and service of the public 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 themselves, 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 themselves, 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 be, whether Cities, Courts, public 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 be dispatched in the Council; and in case that any such shall have received gifts by any, whom afterwards they perceived to have somewhat to do with the said Council, which at the time of receiving the gifts they knew not; or that such may get some business afterwards at the Council, They shall be 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 be 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 leave: all under pain, That whosoever shall be found to have done contrary to these orders or any point thereof, he shall forthwith be 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 be bound besides to make restitution and lay down the fourfold proportion of whatsoever he received or enjoied by any participation of the foresaid public 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 liable above all this to such further pennances and arbitrary correction, as shall be 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 May, and such as may be absent then, on the first Tuesday they shall appear in the Council, before they fall upon any business belonging to the Council, clear themselves the one to the other by solemn oath, and make likewise the Treasurer-General, Receivor-General, Fiscal, Secretary and Clarks to purge themselves by oath, that in the foresaid matters they have acquitted themselves uprightly▪ and that they are not privy, that their wives, children, families or any others of relation to them, have either directly or indirectly done aught contrary to what is aforesaid; with promise for the future also to continue upright in this behalf. And none at all shall be admitted to any business or affairs of the Council, before and until he shall have solemnly cleared and engaged himself as is said before.   

XXIX.  
Also the foresaid Council shall over and above all this be always bound upon the least suspicion to clear themselves thereof one towards another by oath as before, and to cause the Treasurer-General, Receivor-General and Fiscal, the Secretary and Clarks of the Generality, to clear themselves of the same; as those likewise, which have any business with the Council, and are under suspicion, 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 be found to have given or promised, or caused to be 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 be dispatched, either for expeditions sake or otherwise under what pretext soëver, they shall be 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 be conditioned and require. And all the foresaid Fines or Amercements shall be disposed, one third part to the informer, and the two remaining thirds for the use of the poor; although the committed exorbitancy should not be found out till within some years after the fact.   

XXXI.  
And to the end, That the foresaid things may the better be observed, and none pretend or plead ignorance thereof, having any thing to do with the Council, there shall be 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, Solicitors and others; which ordinarily present themselves to be employed before the foresaid Council, shall upon the abovesaid Tuesday, or in case of absence then, assoon as they shall be returned to the Hague again, make promise by oath unto the Council, that they will serve none, nor give counsel to any Client, or cause them to be counselled, to give or promise, or cause to be 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 be, that they find their Clients disposed or inclined, to give or promise any thing to any of the persons aforesaid, that they shall dissuade them: or, coming to know, that they may have given or promised something already in that kind, that they shall make it known to the Council forthwith: as also they shall be bound from the beginning of their employ, faithfully to warn their Clients of all such giving or promising aught 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 be punished by the Council, according to the quality and exigence of the matter.   

XXXII.  
And that the Council may the better be able to attend the affairs, concerning the common weal and protection of the Land, and not be hindered therein, by the examinations of the processes; which may arise against the exorbitances mentioned in the foresaid Articles, and which might be laid to the charge of any one of the Council, the Treasurer-General, Receiver-General, Fiscal, Secretary, or any of the Courts; and for the preventing of all distaste, contention and discord, which might arise thereby among the Counsellors themselves, to the prejudice of the common good; therefore the Lords of the Courts of Justice here in the Hague shall be 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, Secretary or Clarks may come to be charged; and therein they shall do right, according to the tenor of the foresaid Articles, so as in their Consciences they shall find just and fitting.   

XXXIII.  
And the Fiscal of the Generality, 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 Generality 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 being culpable, even to definitive Sentence, which shall stand and be made effectual without any further appeal thence to our selus or any Court whatsoever.   

XXXIV.  
All Commissions, Orders, Instructions, Letters and Dispatches shall be under written by the name at length of the Council's Precedent, and being thus underwritten, shall further be signed by one of the Provincial Governors, or by some other member of the Council, (and that, in case the same shall be judged needful by the Council, for the importance of the martyr) and by the Secretary of the Council, without letting the same come into any other hands, or communicating it with any besides those of the Council: and the Secretary 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 be of any importance and notable consideration: and the businesses and matters being 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 contrary opinion, shall jointly, without any further contradiction, contribute all endeavours towards the well-managing, effecting and maintaining the foresaid Conclusions and Resolutions.   

XXXV.  
The Council of State shall have power to summon the State's General of the United Provinces, necessity 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 be called or summoned forth the Provinces.   

XXXVI.  
The Residence of the foresaid Council shall be kept in a commodious and safe place of the United Provinces; without being 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 be 1500 pounds Flemish a piece by the year, to be paid them by the Province by whom they are appointed, from three months to three months: whereupon they shall maintain themselves honourably, befitting their state, without nevertheless bringing any extraordinary charge upon the Land, other than Convoys and transportation, and what shall further be ordered in that behalf: and if any of the Council come to deceas, or resign his place, the Province by whom he was appointed shall nominate another fit person acceptable to the State's General, to be admitted by them.   

XXXVIII.  
Besides this Council there shall be entertained a Treasurer and Receiver-general, for to accommodate them with their Salaries.   

XXXIX.  
The Secretary's Entertainment shall be of 800 pounds Flemish a year, and that upon such instructions, as the State's 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, being 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 State's 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 State's General aforesaid.   

XLII.  
The Seal shall be kept by one of the Counsellors to be appointed thereunto, who shall be answerable for it, and not suffer in no wise to let it come into any other hand; and shall keep a good Register and Counterroul of all Dispatches past the Seal, and be paid according to the Tax set by the State's General, or to be set yet; and the profits thence arising shall be disposed for the paying of the Officers of the foresaid Council, and other necessary Expenses 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 State's General, or the States of the Provinces in particular, each one as much as appertain's to him in times of necessity, or when the affairs of the Country shall require the same, themselves to appoint and exercise orders and directions of military affairs by Sea and Land for the service of the Country, otherwise by them committed to the disposal of the foresaid Council, together with all such things as have relation thereunto, especially also the musters, keeping of military discipline, and punishing of all exorbitancies. And as for all other matters concerning the state, policy 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 State's General, the States of the particular Provinces, the Magistrates of the Cities, and other lawful Superiors respectively; and the States of the respective Provinces do reserv unto themselves, the right of giving of Patents to the Train-bands, if at any time of need it shall be requisite for the service of the Land, to lead and employ them forth their own Cities, without any intermeddling 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 themselves and declare by Oath, that for the obtaining of the said Employment they neither gave nor promised any money or monie-worth, nor any thing whatsoëver, nor shall give or promise aught in that kind directly or indirectly; and moreover promise and swear into the hands of the State's General, or their Deputies, to be 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 Correspondency with either Provinces, Cities, or private and particular persons, so far forth namely as the same shall be 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 eyes but the Honour 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 body about the same, and especially with no Ministers of Foreign Kings, Princes, States and Commonwealths, in what company, and with whomsoëver, unless it were with some of the said Council of State apart and separated from all other. Item, that they shall be in service to no body else, 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 public works now, or hereafter to be put out for the common Wealth; nor in any Convoys, Imposts, or other common means, nor in any furnishing of powder, shot, artillery, arms, corn, rye, butter, cheese, oats, or other provision, ammunition and requisites for the Wars, whatsoëver, being to be employed for the use and service of the Commonwealth: 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 themselves, 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 themselves, nor their wives, children, families, or any other in their behalf, receiv, enjoy, make profit of any offers, gifts or presents, in any kind, how small soever they may be, even to eating and drinking wares, from any body whosoever, whether they be Cities, Courts, Persons, public or private, whom they know to have any thing to do with the Council; or in likelihood of it, and that as well before, as after the matter shall be transacted: and if so be they should chance to receiv any such gifts from any, whom they shall afterwards perceiv, to have some 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 themselves 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 be found to have any obscurity in it, or to require any alteration, contracting or amplification, it shall be taken into consideration accordingly, at the first Assembly of the State's General, with the knowledge and advice of the Council.  
Don thus in the Assembly 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 appears, that some 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 themselves, 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 Secretary, and the Clarks, or their respective Wives, Children, Families, or others having relation to them: showing thereby that they have not that opinion of the faithfulness, sincerity and uprightness of the said Lords of the Council and the foresaid Ministers, which the worthiness of their charge and office, and the honour of their Persons should cause them to entertain of them; and this being a matter of very evil consequences, and not to be endured by men of honour, nor by the State; Hence it is, That thereby, the Counsellors of State, do straight forbid and prohibit all and every one of what Quality and Condition soever they are or may be, that neither for Expedition's sake, nor under any pretext whatsoëver, they presume to present, give, or promise, or cause by others to be presented, given, or promised to any of the Lords of the Council, the Treasurer-Ceneral, the Receiver-General, the Secretary or Clerk, 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 be 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, be 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 Union.  
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 Assembly is called together for reasons and causes of weighty 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 mind, that the affairs of this Assembly ought to be so ordered and disposed, that with Unity and Concord they may be brought to a wholesome and speedy conclusion, for the transaction whereof indeed your Hi. Mi. peculiarly met here, that so the particular Members of the Provinces may be eased in their grievances; the Commonwealth secured within itself by an orderly supplie of the defect, happened in a principal part of the Government, and the stability of the State made known to all the world, by good and ready Resolutions, the true effects of Wisdom and Unity, 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 shown the Concourse of the 3 points of Religion, Union and Militia, yet they enlarged themselves but little upon the two former in their said proposition; not as holding the same to be of less importance than the last; but only because that therein there happened no alteration in the present conjuncture and condition of affairs, presupposing that in the first point, concerning the Honour of God, the Provinces would ever out-strive one another in a holy and fervent Zeal, and in the second, wherein consists the preservation of the State, they would be as ready to continue their upright mutual affection each to other.  
Nevertheless, since some of the Provinces were pleased to insist, that the States of Holland would declare themselves 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 be removed; others some, as the Lords of Friesland, and the City of Groninghen, and the Omlands, were pleased to infer out of the said Articles and from a pretended Necessity, 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 be proved, That the Provinces should be 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 themselves, That the States of the respective United Provinces every one apart are Sovereign States; That the Union made between them, expressly conditioned it, that every Province notwithstanding the same, should not only remain unprejudiced in their freedoms and prerogatives, so as that none should trouble or molest the other about it, but on the contrary, 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 Sovereign Government, therefore the Provinces had no intent nor desire, to bound and overrule 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 Sovereignty, in policy, Justice and otherwise, by themselves, or some 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 themselves 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 only provisionally; neither at all to the office of Stadtholdership, but only to the persons in office and place then; insomuch that the foresaid provisional Order, not being discontinued or altered in the life time of the Stadtholders' then in being, the foresaid submission must needs be ended with the deceas of the said Stadtholders', as being fastened by the said Confederates to the Elected persons of those Stadtholders'. And by adding of the words, now being, clearly showed, that they meant not their Successors should pretend to the same right, unless it were that the same by a later Resolution should be referred unto them, which the Lords of Holland do not find was ever done since; being 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 be provisional, but that the sentence or doom of the Stadtholders' should have provisional Execution; so much the less, being this is directly opposite to the 16 Article of the Union, expressly importing, That the sentence of the Stadtholders' ought to be followed and yielded unto without any further demur, or other proviso of right, by way of appeal, relief, review, nullity, or any other exception whatsoëver: which doth not agree with a provisional Execution, presupposing a further demur or appeal, whereby the sentence may come to be altered: as also the words now being cannot be referred to the United Provinces, because that thereby the Stadtholders of the Provinces which thereafter might have joined themselves to the Union, would have remained excluded from the foresaid Umpirage, or arbitrary Decision; and those Provinces should have been fain to submit themselves to the judgement and decision of the Stadtholders of the other Provinces, which would have made an inequality 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 be inferred from Artic. 24 of the said Union, That the Provinces should be bound to the appointing of Stadtholders, for that it is said there, That the Stadholders then in being, or afterwards coming in should be sworn to the observance of the Union, and the Articles thereof: for although these words show what the Stadtholders, which may happen to be chosen, are bound to do; they do in no wise prove, that the Provinces shall ever be bound to choose Stadtholders; and the Lords of Holland do not think neither, that the office of Stadtholdership should be absolutely necessary, for the voiding of differences; and that the same should serve as the uttermost remedy of removing controversies; for besides that on the one hand it would be unreasonable, that the Provinces, only for deciding of Differences, should be necessitated to choose 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 be as ill-beseeming, that the Stadtholder's Commission should be altogether impaled with the foresaid Decision. And the ninth Article itself shows that our forefathers foresaw, the Stadholders might not prove such of whom the said Decisions could be expected, forasmuch as they, being engaged every one to stand for his own Province, and thereby bound to the interests thereof, will hardly be perfectly neuter and impartial; wherefore it is said, that when they shall not be able to agree among themselves, they shall assume to themselves some unpartial assessors or adjuncts, which makes 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 some difference should happen, which might & must be determined by decision, some such expedients might then be taken & followed as are propounded by the Lords of Zealand, Gelderland and Utrecht respectively; those of them which shall be judged the best and most convenient, according to the condition and exigence of times and affairs: hoping nevertheless, that God Almighty shall bless the State with so much prudence, wisdom and Unitis, that it shall be needless, to have ever recours to any Decision of Differences, whereunto the Lords of Holland and West-Friesland shall evermore be ready to contribute not only, all good will and readiness, but likewise the real and upright effects; desiring that this their Declaration, as proceeding from upright hearts, may be received accordingly▪ my Lords of Holland and West-Friesland reserving to themselves the Liberty, 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 Overyssell, touching the 3 important points of the great Assembly.  
High and Mighty Lords!  
AS on the one side the State hath great reason of being grieved at the last departure of his Highness the Prince of Orange of immortal memory; so it is on the other no small ground of joy among the confederat●●, mutually to see and observe the extraordinary Zeal of seeking and finding out extraordinary and wholesome Remedie's, upon this unexpected accident whereby our dear Fatherland may be kept secure, and safe as well within itself as from without.  
The present Lords of the Province of Overyssell, have judged it their duty, as Members of the common labouring Country, 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 mutual concord and friendship, to the uttermost.  
And forasmuch as in this regard there are three inseparable main things without all controversy most requisite and necessary to wit, Religion, the Union, and the Militia, it will be very needful likewise, to consider in what manner and condition, the one as well as the other may be 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 be desired in that behalf: only we refer to your H. M. consideration, whether there could not be some expedient settled, 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 be used then, for to keep the failing party to better performance; being the said resolution doth make no mention of any; and the second point thereof speaks only of the maintenance of Religion itself, without expression any penalty 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 themselves, not only to the observance of all the Articles of the forementioned resolutions, but also to use and apply the foresaid penalty 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 aught to be kept holily and unviolahly as it was concluded at Utrecht in the year 1579. But if it should fall out, which God prevent, that some Questions, or misunderstandings 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 be the Provinces, destitute now of Stadholders, have no mind to choose new ones; it will be very requisite in this Case, That means be thought upon and propounded, whereby the said defect may most conveniently be supplied, and in this regard we hold the Propositions made by the Province of Gelder-Land to be especially serviceable, and could rest well satisfied with them. Nevertheless, under Correction, judging it a no less convenient remedy, That the parties should be bound within a certain peremptory time, to choos, and submit their questions to a certain number of impartial Arbitrators, who not being able to agree among themselves, for want of a casting voice, they should likewise be obliged to choose within a prefixed time a Super-arbitrator, for to compose the questions if it be possible within the term of one month at furthest, and sooner, in case of urgent and pressing necessity, or, in case of deficiency, to decide them upon Instruction. And if so be that the one party shall not have named their Arbitrators, within the term aforesaid, than the other which is ready, if they be members of one Province, may desire and have granted them others. But if they be members, those that should cause the voices to fail; or Province against Province, then both to be done by the State's General within time limited; and if the same should happen among the Provinces together, than such Arbitrators to be chosen out of the one or the other Court of Justice in these United Provinces.  
It would likewise be very expedient, to bethink our selus, how to make these and the like Orders, when settled once, to be readily and really obeyed.  
The execution, of what by sentence should be determined in manner aforesaid, we should think fit to be remitted to the Generality, after the third summons gone before.  
The tranquillity of the confederates requireth likewise, that neither before nor after, there should be any extremities, reprisals or acts of hostility used, by, in, or among the Provinces.  
Touching the point of the Militia, we should conceiv, that the disposition thereof aught to be recommended to the Assembly of the State's General, with advice of the Council of State, upon such Instructions, as by common consent of the Confederates, shall be agreed on.  
Holding it needful likewise to frame an instruction for a Chieftain over the Militia, nor to be concluded but with common consent of all the Provinces, and the time of election to be ripely weighed, and nothing determined therein but at the least, with the consent of five Provinces.  
The persons We judge should be elected then by plurality of voices.  
That all Chief Offices in the Army, which heretofore were at the disposal of the State's General or his Highness, unto the charge of Colonels exclusively, should hence forward be left to the disposition of the Provinces, who should send in their advices about it, to the Assembly of the State's General.  
All other Military offices of Colonels Lievtent Collonels Sergeant Majors, Ritmasters, Captains and inferior charges, formerly disposed of by the absolute pleasure of his Highness without any nomination to him presented, shall hereafter, without difference of In or Outlandish ones, be 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 be disposed absolutely by the same Provinces, upon Commission of the State's 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 keys, opening or shutting of the Gates, but that the same shall wholly and solely remain in the disposing of the Magistrates of the said Cities and places.  
Among the foresaid Majorships, there are not to be comprehended here, any such as hitherto have been by the appointing of the Cities themselves, which ought to be left to what hitherto they enjoied.  
The Commanders aforesaid in the voicing Cities, shall not otherwise exercise or extend the Military discipline, then for neglects and trespasses in marches and watches, running over to the Enemy, deserting their Companies, or shifting from one Company to another, without pass; together with such other Exorbitancies and delinquencies; which Officers and Soldiers, in military matters may commit among themselves; and no further; so that all other matters, whether Criminal or Civil, shall make the soldiery or Military persons liable to be aprehended, indicted sentenced and executed by the Civil or Criminal Judges, whose sentences, be they about matters of debts or otherwise, shall in default of other satisfaction, be 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 be appointed by the Provinces; and that with the usual Commissions: the Commanderies of other such like places, by the State's General.  
The Majorships, by the Council of State.  
The Military Officers to be 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 be and remain in the disposition of the State's General with advice of the Council of State.  
And their Hi. M. are to conclude and determine therein by the plurality of voices: provided, that if any alteration come to be made, the same be made known to the Provinces, Cities and places, where the Companies are to be sent to or taken forth.  
As likewise timely notice is to be given by Letters to the Provinces where the said Companies are to pass or rendezvous, that orders and courses may be taken about their marchings and quarters: provided that the Governments of the Respective Provinces, shall have liberty also to send Companies from one place to another for the security thereof; and the Officers of the said Companies be 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 be put in hereafter, shall be obliged to swear to the respective Cities, according to the 17th Article of the Union, and the form already made, or to be made; or to the chief Officers in the open Country, in case Necessity should require, to put any Companies there, for the keeping of Rivers or otherwise.  
The Cities anciently exempted and privileged, of being molested with any Garrison against their will, they shall remain in their old right and possession thereof, and not be prejudiced therein at all.  
As for Secret Correspondency both within and without the Land, the same shall be 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 be; the moneys for it being to be furnished from the Treasury by the Receiver-General.  
Besides all these foresaid Inclinations and Considerations, the present Lords of the Province of Overyssell reser● to themselves the liberty of taking off or adding, what they shall judge fit and requisite, for most service of the Country.  
Upon Februarii 13ᵒ there being come 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 Assembly, in manner as followeth.  
The Lords the States of Holland and West-Friesland, have brought into the Assembly, and made overture of their further Considerations; for dispatching the affairs of this great Assembly, by distinguishing things purely provincial (concerning which they have likewise declared themselves in manner as will be showed by and by) and things properly to be deliberated by this Assembly; 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 Assembly, they judged thereupon, that the matters contained in the said Considerations, are some of them purely Provincial, and do not belong to the Deliberation and Ordering of the said Assembly, but wholly and solely to the managing of the Respective Provinces; and others some belong purely to the managing of the Common Union, and consequently to the Deliberation of the foresaid great Assembly.  
That the things which their No. Mi. judged to be provincial, and wholly and solely to belong to the managing of the States of the Respective Provinces, are these following.  
I. The appointing of Stadholders', or forbearing it, at the State's pleasure in every Province.  
II. The disposing of the Commanderies and Majorships in the Cities and Forts within the respective United Provinces, together with their Condependencies.  
III. The keeping of the keys by such Cities as have voices in the State, and the giving of the watchword by the Magistrates of the said Cities.  
iv The jurisdiction over the Militia, in all things which are not purely Military.  
V The disposing of the Collonelships, Captainships 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 soldiery by the States of the Province and Magistrates of the Cities, where any soldiery is put in Garrison, besides the oath which the said soldiery 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 be 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 Military may be written unto, from this Board, in that behalf, for to submit themselves 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 aught to be deliberated in this Assembly, are,  
I. Whether in the General Direction and Disposition of Military affairs and the Army or soldiery, by common advice of the Confederates formerly referred unto the Council of State, it will be thought good to make any alteration therein.  
II. By whom and in what manner the Patents or Commissions shall be given to such of the Army, 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 way to Marches and Randevouzes.  
iv In what manner any soldiery shall be drawn forth out of voicing Provinces and the Cities thereof.  
V To whom it shall be referred 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 Majorships in the said Cities and Forts.  
VII. Who shall have the disposing of the great Military Charges, formerly disposed by the State's General, or his Highss unto Colonels, exclusively.  
VIII. Whether the foresaid Charges, together with Governments, Commanderies, and Majorships, may henceforward be bestowed upon persons not being 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 Army.  
X. How the Differences, arising amongst the Provinces in General, shall be determined.  
XI. How and by whom the the secret Correspondencies ought to be 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 be disposed of by the State's General.  
That the Majorships of those places be disposed by the Council of State.  
That the great military charges to Colonels exclusively, formerly at the disposal of the State's General, or of his Highness, shall be disposed by the State's General.  
And that the foresaid great charges, together with the Governments, Commanderies and Majorships, be given henceforward to none but such as are of the Reformed Religion.  
In regard whereof the Assembly shall not need to trouble themselves 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 contained in the foresaid 1, 2, 3, 4, 9, 10 and 11 Articles, namely,  
I. Whether it shall be thought good to make any alteration in the direction of Military affairs.  
II. The giving of Patents to the soldiery 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 be proceeded to the Election of a Captain General.  
VI How the Differences arising among all the Provinces, shall be determined.  
VII. How and by whom the Secret Intelligences shall be 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 eyes only upon the rest, unity and preservation of the State, they will meet one another with so much affection and confidence, that therein also things may soon be brought to a happy conclusion.  
After which there were these two ensuing points of Deliberation propounded by the Lord Precedent, to be advised upon by the respective Provinces against the next morning, according to the order of the present Assembly.  
First, whether it shall be thought meet to make any alteration in the general direction and disposition of military affairs, and the Army or soldiery 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 be given to the soldiery, 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 Precedent the ensuing paper; being 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 be hereditary; but that both he and she should take it as tokens of pure affection and thankfulness.   
High Mighty Lords!  
THe Princess Dowager of Orange doth here by these address herself with all respect to your Hi. Mi. Illustrious Assembly, wishing from the bottom of her heart, that God would be pleased to continue his wont Grace and Favor over their famous Government, and especially to bless your Hi. Mi. present most important Assembly with such an happy success of wholesome Res●lutions, as may be most effectual for the service and safety of the common interest in these troublesome conjunctures.  
And forasmuch as her Highness is informed, That your Hi. M. are busied now, in that part of your important affairs, which relate's to the chiefest Civil and Military Charges, made vacant at late by the sudden departure of the Prince her Son; her Highness doth find herself engaged 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 mind and remembrance, h●w that at this present, through God's mercy, and to her singular Comfort, in her manifold heavy afflictions, there is lying in the cradle now the only remaining male-heir and offspring of those Illustrious Princes of Orange, of whom her Highness is confident it is still some sweet content and satisfaction to your Highness to have it remembered, how they not only helped to lay the foundation of this Commonwealth, 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 only the good inhabitants of these Countries do find themselves seated in perfect prosperity, liberty, and quietness of Conscience under their own Vine and Figtree, but that even all Foreign Nations, and though sore against their will, the most ill affected to this State do come to see and take notice with terror and amazement, that the Honourable 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 Highness 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 she finds herself likewise much strengthened in that confidence of hers by the kind and friendly answers she received from most Provinces, upon her former communicating and commending to them, soon after the deceas of the Prince her Son, the happy birth of the present young Prince.  
Nevertheless her Highness 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 honour of your witnessing for him at his Christian Baptism▪ to assure him of your special favour 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 find fitting upon the premises.  
Her Highness shall confidently await your H. M. favourable resolution, without any further importunity; concluding this only with her most express declaration and protestation that she doth not intent in the least manner to pretend and claim aught of your H. M. as if those high charges, the Princess of Orange have been invested with, for so many years, should thereby be acquired to their houses and posterity; but on the contrary, her Highness intent is, whatsoëver Your H. M. shall be pleased, at her request, to grant and confer, 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 show unto that house, in regard of their said long and manifold services and merits. Which favour her Highness is confident, this young Sprout will duly acknowledge 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 showed; Whereof your H. M. may rest very confident not only in regard of the house 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 always be a concurrence of the consideration of his own interest joined with his own, and Fore-father's honour and glory, together with the inbred love and affection to the constant welfare of the State; which God Almighty second with his holy Blessing.  
(Signed) Amelia, Princess of Orange.  
This Memorandum being taken into deliberation, there was nothing done 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 Child, with such a power as the former Stadholders and Governor's General had here. Friesland and Groninghen, with the Omlands, having a Stadholder already, were much less able to say any thing in behalf of the young Prince in point of Stadholdership. They shown indeed a great deal of zeal for conferring the Charge of Captain General upon the young Prince, so as that Count William their Stadholder might in the mean time, and during his Minority, be his Lieutenant. But this was not relished 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 Precedent, they declared themselves,  
FOr the First, That in the General Direction and Disposition of the Military affairs and the soldiery, formerly by common advice of the Confederates referred to the Council of State, there should be made no alteration, but that the same Direction should be left to the Council of State, and that the Instruction of the said Council should be framed for the security of the Provinces, suitably to the considerations brought in, in this behalf, by the Lords of Zealand the first of this month, whereunto their N. Gr. M. herewithal conformed themselves.  
And for the Second, That as much as is feasible, the Companies be laid in Garrison within such Provinces and adjacent Frontiers, from which Provinces they do receiv their pay; and that to this end there be 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 liberty of transplacing the Companies, acquainting the Provincial Government with it; and that the States of the Province, to which the said Frontier-places shall be assigned, or their Commissioned 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 only 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 themselves 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 be filled up by the said States, or their Commissioned Council; or elf their reasons to be returned to the Council, why they make difficulty, and the same to be judged of by the Council; and upon the second address of the Council (the foresaid transmitted reasons being not found weighty enough) the Companies shall be yielded; with this proviso nevertheless, That by the common advice of the Confederates, and for the more mutual content and quiet, there should be made two Lists, the one for Besetting, the other for Employ; and that in case of Invasion or sudden Surprisals by the Enemy, the Council should have power to draw forth so many Companies as are upon the List of Employ, giving but advertisement and notice thereof to the Provinces where and in whose assigned Frontiers they lay, and causing them to return as soon as the danger shall be 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 Assembly, by the Lord Precedent 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 soldiers, shall be referred to the Council of State, under such an exact and pertinent Instruction, as according to the draught was some few days ago, in their N. M. behalf, presented to this Assembly; or shall with joint-advice of the common Confederates, be thought best, by which determining of the Instruction their N. M. likewise understand, that the decreeing of the foresaid Delegation shall be comprehended pari passu, and 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 be made to the respective Provinces, and the transplacing of the Garrisons therein.  
Declaring, their N. M. advice to be, that the Militia and the soldiery, standing upon the Repartition, and at the charge of the repsective Provinces, should be laid as much as possibly might, within the same Province, together with the Frontiers and places assigned for their security and protection; as not being liable then, for their faithfulness and obedience to their Paie-master, to take any other Oath, or in any other manner than hath been usual heretofose according to the old form.  
That therewithal, suitably to former practice and examples, there should be assigned to the respective Provinces for their particular defence, provision and authority, all such strong holds and forts as lay next them, & in whose conservation & preservation they were most interessed: in which affair their N. M. desire, that a serious conference and debate may be appointed by a Committee of this solemn assembly, and the same favourably 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 way of Inclination, in all the points and Articles thereof without any variation, desiring only, that a speedy course may be taken for the framing of the lists both of Besetting and Employ 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 being 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, some few Members of all the Provinces should be appointed as a Committee, not only to confer about the said discrepancy; but likewise to find out some 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 aught to remain with the State's General, and not with the Council of State.  
FOrasmuch as in the Assembly of the State's 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 say as the other about the Direction of the Militia; it having not come 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 Sovereigns contributing each one according to their abilities for the general interest, about which every one ought therefore to have equal Authority of advising therein.  
The same agrees likewise with the eldest and best Governments of Republics, 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 faith, and equal authority 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 be brought to the Council of State, because there is not only an inequality there of voicing for the Provinces; but a further inequality also therein now, that some Provinces have the voice of Stadholder in it; to balance 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 Authority, with other such like inconveniences.  
That heretofore indeed the Direction of the Militia was by Instruction referred, for a season only, to the Council, the same was done in regard that England then by reason of their Subsidy, had likewise somewhat to say therein, according to agreement. The Direction over the Militia by the said Instruction, being likewise only constituted in part and consisting most in terms prohibitory, or negative: and not longer then about three months after the agreement upon the Instruction for the Council of State, the State's General being reassembled, they reassumed the general direction to themselves, according to the Union Artic. 9 And there it ought likewise to remain, regulating only the Assembly with an Instruction and by a general oath, according to that, agreed upon May 14ᵒ. 1580. and renewed Octob. 22o. 1586. which will be more easy to be done then to frame the Council so, as shall be to the content of all the Provinces in this behalf.  
If it should be in the disposal of the Council, it is well known, that the States of Holland always assembling in the Hague, and being most of them together, there would be nothing done in the Council, but with the advice of the Lords the States of Holland, as is to be seen by the Report made to the State's General by the Council Decemb. 10o. 1588. Therefore it were best, that the other Provinces also, were something 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 be not thought good as yet to choose a Captain General or Stad holder, whiles there is no difference about the giving of Patents in the voicing Provinces, though it be considerable; but only about the transplacing of the Garrisons without the Provinces; the Province of Gelderland maintain's, that the same aught to be done by the State's General with the advice of the Council of State.  
That being 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 be n●ted, that the Garrisons without the Provinces should be 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 be ordered with the approbation of the State's 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 be neglected, and the Division would first be practised among the Provinces, and afterwards among the members of the Provinces; They that give least, would be least secured, although there were most need of it. Examples we have in the Admiralties; the Names of Licences and Convoy's by direction of Aᵒ. 1579. divided, is the cause, why the Commerce out of the Maces and other places cannot so well and requisitly be conducted as from Amsterdam; and let it be observed withal, how little the Admiralties obey the State's 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 necessity now and then it hath been useful, and in necessity it may be allowed still.   

That in the Disposing or bestowing of the Military 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 expenses and common charge, are to be applied and managed in common, Artic. 6. and that conform to the 9th Article by plurality of voices, as the manner is in the Generality, 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 State's 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 State's General.  
V If it shall be made particular, than first it will be 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 Diocese 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 be done according to every one's Rate or Quota, then note, that Gelderland would be 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 be guarded and kept in awe with officers from Holland, and give never the less; only they might appoint a Governor, and furnish 5½ Companies, in hundred. This must be laid down for a ground, That the Repartition give's not Right, but that the Defence is Common, and, by the death of his Highness, the disposing of the Military charges are devolved again to the Provinces in general.  
VII. Or if it shall not be liked in Common, which nevertheless ought to be so according to the Union in all the three foresaid points, let the proceeding be as in the Admiralties, suitable to the interests, opportunities, and natural conditions of the Confederates: Gelderland, Utrecht and Overyssell help all offices of War to be entertained 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, be appointed for the Provinces most interested by Land, most suitable and according to their natural condition, the practice being observable, that when the Generality hath any offices to bestow by Sea or Land in Holland, it is referred to Holland; if by Land in other Provinces, they refer it to the Province.  
VIII. Only it behoov's us to say yet something 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 tolerable, 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 authority in the common Defence, 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 be as well content to reduce it to the Generality, for to have a full seventh part of authority: but to apply all the same to Holland, and their Quota against Gelderland, Utrecht and Overyssell, would be too wide beside the Union. Et tum Getri essent sub Tutela Hollandorum: and introduced once into practice, one might then justly apply the Government of the Roman Republic to those four Provinces, and say, 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 some points were found severed, which might more fruitfully have been joined; and some 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 be discussed in this Illustrious Assembly, being agreed to be these three, to wit Religion, the Union, and Militia, and granting, according to the since of most of the Proviuces, that of Religion to be 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 Remedy against accidental Differences, before we proceed to couferences about matters having relation to the Militia. Nay even therein, my Lords of Holland and Westfriesland, went so far as to judge, there was no discrepancy 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 Precedent in regard of that which my Lords of Holland and West-Friesland were pleased to propound in this behalf to be discussed in this Assembly, that Copies might be communicated to the Provinces, the same could not be obtained hitherto; Therefore the said Deputies of the Province of Friesland do advise, that it ought first to be deliberated in this Assembly, 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 be allowed, that deductions or extracts should be made thereof, and propounded for solemn Debate; and in this regard the said Deputies of Friesland would friendly desire the joint Provinces to be pleased first of all to declare their minds on this subject, to the end that every thing may be 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 be inserted and registered among the public Acts, to serve 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 Overyssell presented this following advice.  

High and Mighty Lords!  
FOr to be 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 Precedent, the present Lords of the Province of Overyssell, conceiv, under Correction, it were fit to be 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 Military affairs, and how much they would have comprehended under it, saving that entire which seems to be presupposed, that such a general Disposition, which might be excluded even to the Supreme Authority, should be referred to the Council of State by the Confederates; we do find indeed, that the State's General, at that time, when the College of this Council was erected, not being able to meet always, recommended the direction of the Military affairs to the Council, by way of provision, together with some others, such as were the paying of the soldiery, and other Military requisites, Muster, Discipline, Swearing the soldiery, together with discharging of them, upon precedent order of the Confederates, and some such other particular matters, but not the general; and all nevertheless with that restriction, that they could not make to surceas, what they the State's General, or the Provincial States in particular, were pleased to order themselves.  
Neither do we know that this Delegation or Commission was done by common advice, so as all the members of the Union should have unanimously consented about it in their voicing, though we will not gainsay, but that the Confederates 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, being that in the managing of Confederacies and the dependence thereof, that is to obtain and to be followed, which shall be concluded by most voices, which must be gathered for that purpose; so as the custom was to proceed at that time in the Generality, according to the 9th Article of the Union, there being never no alteration made therein, as none also can be without joint advice.  
And supposed, that the foresaid Direction was referred to the Council with common advice, (which nevertheless we were not able to discover) it is manifest, that the same College is very much altered already, as in regard of the moving causes, wherefore it was chosen, and through the alteration of the State's General, and the misting of those excellent Military Persons, then constituting the same, so likewise in respect of the matters themselves to be transacted there, partly by tacit and partly by express consent of the Provinces abridged, or referred to others, or returned 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 Overyssell can find no sufficient reason, wherefore there ought more Authority to be given now to the foresaid College, then is constituted at present; and judge, that the Supreme Authority remaining with the Sovereign, that is to say, the Provinces themselves, the general Direction and Disposition of Military affairs ought to be left under Instruction, to such a governing Power, where there is found no iniquity, and the Provinces may enjoy still those prerogatives, which the Union allowed them in voicing; which Right, is not where found to be abdicated by them, there being never constituted a certain number of Persons in the Council.  
And this we advise without restraint of the Lords our Principals to add or diminish, what their N. M. shall find fitting for the service of the Country.  
As for the Second point, we shall refer our selus to our formerly delivered Inclinations and Considerations, ready to justify the same, together with the matter foregoing with the first.  
Those of Friesland seeing, that most Provinces wholly disposing themselves to remain without Stadholder and Captain General, made not only no more mention of that point, but seemed to have buried it in oblivion; they thought good, to draw up a writing, which they delivered and caused to be read in the Great Assembly, Febr. 21. endeavouring as by experience, and the nature of these Republics, so also from the Union itself to demonstrate, how necessary it was, that this State being Polyarchical, should be tempered with a show and shadow of Monarchical Government.   

A Deduction of Friesland, in justification of their N. M. formerly delivered Considerations.  
High Mighty Lords!  
THe Commissioners of the Province of Friesland having seen the Debate which the N. M. the Lords States of Holland presented to the Generality 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 minds, and discharge of their duty declare, that under favour they cannot judge the foresaid Considerations of that weight, thereby their scruples should be 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 be feared still, as discord and division among the Governors, proceeding from Dissenting, Emulations and Factions, as also from different interests, aims and designs, which ever follow such a State, as a shadow doth the body, which is testified by the continual disputes and distempers of the Demagogues, People-leaders at Athens, the manifold alterations and commotions in the City 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 Commonwealths were through that heat of dissensions, subverted by themselves.  
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 memory (being absolutely the best Politician and Adviser in those times) judged it behooveful and necessary, by advice of the said Prince, that the function, authority and direction of the Stadtholders would be the best temper and qualification of the Polyarchical Government, for the banishing and preventing of all such dissensions and discords; yea the very bond and chain of the everlasting League they were a making then among themselves; and in case notwithstanding this preservative, there might creep in any differences and misunderstanding among the Provinces, and find entertainment there, they made choice, appointed and established the foresaid Stadtholders, to be as it were the Panacaea or sacra Anchora, and the only remedy 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 be used or admitted; in conformity 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 Confederacy, and causing them to be observed and kept. Article 24, together with the maintaining 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 way 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 vary 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 choose likewise Stadholders for themselves, 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 be 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, property and efficacy of all contracts, that there may be 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 be considered, the great Diversity of opinions and enormous lingering of Resolutions in Polyarchical Government, as a most peculiar property 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 vigilancy, credit, authority and dexterity of a Stadholder, and reduced to expedition, consent and unity; whereby it comes 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 being 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 shows, what hindrance, 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▪ Mighty States of all the Provinces would be pleased, with unamous resolution to accommodate themselves to the choosing of a Stadholder, or Stadholders; for that we see how it hath pleased God Almighty to bless and prosper the said form of Government hitherto, to the admiration of all the world, and it being much to be feared, (which God in mercy 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 definite, 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 Sovereignty of each Province, the Majesty whereof is nothing impaired, restrained or lessened by Contracts or Covenants; for else all Kings and States should come to lose their supreme authority as often as they do bind themselves to make no peace nor truce with the Common Enemy the one without the other, which being absurd, the foresaid assertion of like nature must needs be as impertinent. Quid multis? Why should the Sovereignty be more prejudiced by the necessity 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 course of Coins, which nevertheless are the most principal marks of Supreme Authority. Qu●madmodum igitur libertatem non afficit nec alterat, siquis lege prohibeatur quid facere; sic Majestatem non afficit yell 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 being then not abjured yet, and the Stadholders then in being, having had their commissions from the King etc. 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 itself to have been unlawful, and to be of no validity. Besides, that it is true de facto, that Count John of Nassaw, of famous memory, was called by the State's General to be Stadholder, of Gelderland, at the desire of the said Province; and had no commission from the King at all: and that all the Provinces being 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 be referred, to the Lords Stadholders, by provision, till it shall be 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 be deprived of this provisional Remedy, nor the course 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 Stadholders' and the Persons thereof, taken from these words of the IX Article [now being,] to pass by the contradictory terms of debate) the same savoreth more of acuteness then of probability, and is partly literal, and contrary to the meaning, intent, and design of the Confederates, which without all question was no other, but that the questions happening to arise from the foresaid causes might aswell be accommodated and decided by the subsequent Stadholders', as by those that were being at the time of making the Union, there being the same ground and necessity for either, namely, by provision, till it should be otherwise ordered by common consent and advice, which was never done to this day. And besides, it is plain▪ that the foresaid IX Article treats only of the foresaid particular cases; and that the XVI and XXI. together with others formerly alleged, speak generally and indistinctly of all the Stadholders', aswel to come 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 consists in too too large an assumption of the alleged interpretations, impertinent consequences, refutations of imaginary 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 apply them to each point in particular. Their N. M. the Commissioners of Friesland declaring herewith, that they have no other aim in all this deduction, but in the uprightness of their hearts, zealously to maintain the common cause, and to contribute their utmost for the conservation and settling of the State, being 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 Assembly Febr. 22, he 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 be employed to enter into and make any Treaty in the behalf of this State, with Ambassador or other public Ministers of foreign Princes, Potentates and Republics, should be obliged before they enter upon any business of that kind, to take such an oath mutatis mutandis, as the Lords their Hi. Mi. Extraordinary Ambassadors and Plenipotentiaries, for the General Treaty 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 day expressly resolved, That all such as should for time to come be employed in the behalf of this State, for to make any Treaty with Ambassadors and other Ministers of foreign Kings, Republics, Princes and Lords, shall be bound by solemn Oath to promise and swear, that before the beginning of the respective Treaty they had neither taken no● enjoied, and that during, and also after the conclusion of the Treaty, they would not take nor enjoie any Gifts or Presents, directly or indirectly, in any manner conceivable or unconceivable: but that on the contrary, if any gifts were presented them before the beginning of the foresaid Treaty, or should be presented them during or after the conclusion of the said Treaty, they would with all uprightness and faithfulness, and as soon as possibly might be, without any delay give notice thereof to their Hi. Mi. under pain of infamy and such other punishment as the condition of affairs should require. And that they shall likewise be 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 themselves to whatsoever shall be practised to retard or prejudice the same.  
This same day it was likewise found good, Letters should be written in friendly terms unto the Province of Groninghen and the Omlands, that they would be pleased to send their Deputies hitherwards, to help together with the rest of the Provinces to resolve upon the important deliberations: none being absent of the Principal Members but they.  
Since that, there past some days, wherein nothing was done in matters relating to the great Assembly; there being presented before them (howbeit contrary to the former intent and appointment of the Assembly:) the business of the West-Indies, the Ratification of the Danish Treaty; The Complaints and Counter-complaints of Spain and France. Whereupon the Ambassador of Spain, the Resident Brasset, and the Royal Swedish Commissioner Appelboom had successively and respectively Audience in the Assembly. All which not relating to our present purpose, we pass over here.  
Holland itself grew cool in pressing the business of the Militia; whether it were that they would stay for the arrival of the English Ambassador; to cause jealousy 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 be fain to accommodate themselves with Holland's desires of their own accord; or that Holland and Zealand, having now declared their mind and purpose, they would give tacitly so much to understand, that they intended not to communicate the authority over the Militia in their pay any further with the rest, then according to the project of assigning the limits and distinctions of the Companies, and to leave it to the Council of State; whereunto if the rest complied not of themselves, Holland and Zealand would stand to it by themselves.  
Those of Drent sought and solicited lately again by their Deputies Schickard and Str●ick, respective Recorder and secretary of the land of Drent, in all the assemblies of the particular Provinces, their former pretence, pressed these many years, of being 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 Assembly, and had it Martii 2o, upon the Letters of Credence from the Drost and deputy of the foresaid Country; 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 be pleased to receiv them into their Assembly, and to show and appoint the places where they the Commissioners should in the name and behalf of the said Land of Drent, have their Ordinary Session at and together with the rest of the Provimces; as also, That the Deputies of the said Country should be allowed Session likewise in all the Courts of the Generality. Hereupon it was found good, that the Retro-acta of and in regard to such matters and propositions formerly passed in the Assembly of their Hi. Mi. touching the said Country, should be 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 Precedent, and addressed by the Secretary to those of Drent; whereby they were as well invited to come to the Great Assembly, 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 being desired to show how that abuse came, he was able to say nothing else to it, but that such kind of dispatches depend upon the direction, notice-taking and fidelity of the secretary, having all the Registers and Original Acts in his keeping; and it being impossible for a Precedent to collation every thing that is brought him for to sign, with the Registers, or to look after it whether all be well done, there being sometimes twenty, thirty and more things sent in together at one time, to be signed in haste. However this abuse, profited those of Drent nothing, but they were silently kept without the Assembly for all that.  
That which the Deputies of the Country of Drent produced and presented in writing to the Lords of the great Assembly, in grounding and justifying their Demands, is to be seen by that which followeth, formerly exhibited by them.  

High Mighty Lords!  
THe Gentry and Freeholders' of the Country 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 Treaty of Peace or Truce at Munster and Osnabrug, they would deliberate and resolve upon the necessary means, such as should be 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 being issued or sent from your Hi. Mi. unto the Country of Drent in that behalf, notwithstanding that the same is known to be a fellow-member of the said Union.  
They have therefore in their latest Land-day and states-assembly found good and necessary, to present their just complaints or grievance in that behalf unto your Hi. Mi. and in that regard appointed and charged me, 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 Country of Drent, hath been of old, and still continueth, an entire, form Province, by itself 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, Treasury, Laws and Customs, altogether distinct and apart from other Provinces.  
That the said Country likewise, even under the Sovereigns of these Countries as well by the Government of the Bishops of Utrecht, as that of the House of Burgundy, was never held otherwise but as one of their Neighbouring Provinces. Not only 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 Country was always prayed and entreated apart, and had thanks returned them accordingly, for their voluntary consents, although the same did many times come 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 weighty and difficult matters, touching the common-weal of the Provinces, required their assembling, whereunto the States of the Country of Drent, were constantly no less called and invited by Writs, than the States of any other Country.  
As the same appeared notably among other instances, at the time of the solemn Transport of these Netherlands by the Emperor Charles to his Son King Philip in the year 1555. at Brussels.  
Unto which Act the States of the Country of Drent were summoned and invited by the said Emperor Charles 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 being thereupon peculiarly discharged of the Oath, formerly made to the Emperor, and anew engaged to King Philip, they received likewise on the contrary peculiarly for themselves from the said King, the Oath and confirmation again of their Rights, Freedoms and Possessions.  
The same Country likewise afterwards, when these Netherlands came to be engaged in War, with the King of Spain, and by the Union of Utrecht into an nearer alliance one with another, being no less acknowledged, but always 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 received into the said Union, it being a matter so known and manifest, that the said Country was of itself qualified and privileged to repair to and appear in the Assembly of the State's General, and that by virtue of the 3d Article of the Pacification of Ghendt, The Convocation of the State's General was to be done in the same form and manner, as it was used, when the Emperor Charles transported these Countries to his Son King Philip, where the States of the Country of Drent were likewise summoned apart and appeared as well as the rest.  
In regard whereof the said Country was held for so essential a Member of the Assembly; That the same was not only 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 State's General themselves, and the Archduke Mathias, 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 Country of Drent, and that therefore in default of sending their Deputies, or their Advice at least, they should be necessitated, to leave the fo●esaid affairs undone.  
In pursuance of this, the Gentry and Freeholders, representing the State of the Country, or County 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 Assembly of the State's General, negotiating in the several Courts or Colleges of the Generality, and continued thus, until the Country, to their great grief, and without any fault of theirs was rend from the Union for some time, through the loss of Groninghen, Cororden and Steenwick, and subdued by the Enemy.  
The like case happened also to other their neighbouring Provinces, either totally or in part, who notwithstanding the same, being afterwards reduced again, recovered all their former places and privileges, Jure postliminil.  
So that in every regard, it is more than fitting and reasonable, that the Country of Drent, after their Deliverance and Reduction, be likewise wholly restored unto and repossessed of their former state and condition.  
Which your Hi. Mi. themselves also have understood thus, and clearly manifested, in the year 1584. whenas your Hi. Mi. stood in Treaty with the King of France, after the death of the Duke of Alencon, where not only in the 3d Article, all the country'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 Enemy) 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 promises, which your Hi. Mi. were pleased to make in the years 1602. and 1632. by public Ordinances, in most ample terms, even unto such Provinces, as are yet under the Spanish Dominion, and some whereof had abandoned the Union formerly of their own voluntary accord.  
Whereas on the Contrary the Country of Drent, entered into the said Union of their own free accord, and always carried themselves like faithful Confederates, and contributed to the common charges, according to, nay, sufficiently beyond their abilities, and hath not deserved in the least, to be frustrated or deprived of their Right.  
Nor can or ought the smallness of the said Country or their mean abilities, prejudice them aught, being that notwithstanding the said Considerations, they were received into the Union and into the general Assembly aequo jure, so long ago, by reason whereof they cannot now in that regard be rejected.  
It being moreover well known, that it doth happen but seldom, that all Confederated members are always alike able and powerful, enjoying nevertheless alike Right of Session and suffrages; as we find it practised of old in the confederacy between the mighty King of Persia and those of Thebes, and by that of the Athaeans, and at this very day 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 Country of Drent is not so small neither, or of so little consideration, but that in regard of the situation she is the Key of 2 or 3 of her neighbouring allied Provinces, in which the Countries in general are not a little concerned.  
No more can it prejudice the said Country, that divers and some particular Cities also were admitted into the Union, which nevertheless had no Session nor Voice in the general Assembly; There being a vast difference betwixt one or more particular Cities of a Province, which which were merely received into the Union, without allowing them Session among the States of the Provinces, and betwixt an entire form Country or Province, such as the Country of Drent is, which, as it was abovementioned, had both Session and Voice in the said Assembly, 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 only to the Union simply, but likewise to the Session and Right of voicing; nay, and held and acknowledged too, for so necessary a member of the said Assembly, That without them and their Resolutions, no final Resolution could be taken in any point concerning Peace or War, or other weighty affairs of the Land, by the State's 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 being plain, That no better Maxims or Foundations of State, can possibly be found or laid, then that which God the only Author 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 be Religiously observed and kept.  
And on the contrary, that it is repugnant against all Jura Societatis & Foederum, that the one shall go about to usur power the other.  
Even as your Hi. Mi. themselves 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 be maintained 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 Almighty would doubtless bless the Common Caus, and grant it an happy issue; and doing contrary, it would certainly multiply mischiefs and hale on Judgements for the future upon them.  
And lest some should pretend and say, that the Country 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 Enemy, and afterwards from time to time made their reiterated address of Grievances, Remonstrances and solicitations 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 solidity, that having taken it into your Consideration, and communicated with his Excellency Prince Maurice of Orange, of immortal memory, and with his Honour Count William of Nassaw of happpie remembrance, as Stadtholder for to take their advice therein; The same was, that Copies ought to be taken of the said Remonstrance and annexed Papers to be sent to all the United Provinces, and to recommend the desires grounded thereupon unto them: and notwithstanding that, allow the said Country Session in the Council of State, without henceforward putting them any more or otherwise to Consents about Subsidie-matters then by way 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-days, they might ripely examine the whole matter, and having considered thereof, charge and and autorize their respective Commissioners at the Assembly General, that with common advice of all the Provinces, the foresaid desires of the Country of Drent might be 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 some Provinces declared thereupon, that they would charge and autorize their Deputies at the Assembly, to advance such a Resolution, as should give content to the Country of Drent, and that none should thereby be prejudiced in his just cause and right. Some also effectually did charge their Deputies by express resolution in that behalf; and some plainly to consent to the desire of the said Country, being the same was found to be grounded on reason; as appears 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 some Lords of the Assembly appointed, viz. one of every Province, to re-examine all the Papers; which Lords made a very ample report to the Assembly, to clear the matter and justify the desire.  
Nevertheless the justly expected and longed for fruits could hitherto not be obtained; but we must see and suffer, that the States of the Country of Drent, in lieu of having in the Bishop's times of Utrecht, and those of the King of Spain, been sought unto by way of Petition or Prayer, 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 than Tributaries.  
That instead of being 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 Assembly of the State's 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 Generality; They are shut out now from them all, and from all Common Consultations, and contemtibly passed by, even now at this solemn occasion of deliberating what Resolutions to pass, not only in regard of the affairs of the instant Treaty at Munster and Osnabrug, but also about the reconfirming of the Union of Utrecht; in which matters nevertheless, there may not be 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 Country 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 pray 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 endeavours, which according to their slender ability, they have always willingly contributed for the common safety and support of these Countries, Your Hi. Mi. would be 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 only assist the present Deliberations about the affairs touching the foresaid Munster and Osnabruge. Treaty, and the further confirmation of the Common Union; But also henceforward have liberty to come together with other Provinces their Neighbours and Confederates into your Hi. Mi. Assembly, 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 Country be 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 Equity, shall give so much the more cause to the States of the said Country, to continue their wont zeal for the service of the Land and common interest, as good and faithful Confederates.   
(Another Deduction was presented to the State's 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 be too tedious, and is besides the scope of this Treatise).  
SAturday Martii 10o. there being but little▪ treated of the 3 main points in the great Assembly, as was said before, those of Friesland, presiding, they propounded, whether it were not good, to adjourn the Assembly for a time; being that in several Provinces, there were Land-days to be kept about that time; whereupon five Provinces, 14ᵒ. advised for the Continuation of the Assembly, those of Holland having Remonstrated, that it would be a great Disreputation for the State, to part without some Notable Resolution, the world being in great expectation, what this great meeting would effect, towards the settling of their Unity: and would be ready to interpret the parting a rapture of the Union, or at least a great disorder.  
Next day after those of Friesland were desired, to declare themselves touching the two points heretofore propounded by those of Holland, viz. the Direction and Disposition in military affairs, together with the giving of Patents or Commissions.  
Upon the 18th the said 2 points being taken into further Debate, and a further proposition likewise presented by the Lords of Gelderland and some other Provinces, that there might be a Committee appointed, of some few members of this Assembly, for to examine the several Advices and Considerations of the respective Provinces, brought in by them upon the case of his Highness departure; and to see wherein they were agreeing or differing, and thereupon to frame a reconciliatory Model: the foresaid matter was put by yet, and the Provinces, which had not yet declared themselves 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 delay.  
The 22th, at length there were some 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 Assembly; and to observe how and in what points they were agreeing together, and wherein disagreeing yet, thence to frame in writing an Advice conciliatory, and to make report of all to their Hi. Mi. provided, that every Province should have liberty to augment or diminish the Number of their said Deputies, at their own pleasure.  
Next day it was found good, that there should not be above 3 from each Province, at the Committee for the business conciliatory.  
On the 24th the Lords of Gelderland gave in this ensuing motion.  
The Province of Gelderland desireth the great Assembly, That their H. M. would be pleased,  
That Letters be written 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 themselves the keeping of the Keys, 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 Military Jurisdiction, but for neglects and trespassing in in marches and watches, going over to the Enemy, deserting the Companies, or running from one Company to the other, without Passport, together with such other exorbitances and delinquencies, as may happen to be committed, between officers and Soldiers or among themselves and no further; insomuch that for other offences, whether Criminal or Civil, the Military persons shall be subject and liable to be apprehended and executed by the Civil or Political Judge▪ whose sentence is to be 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 party condemned.  
Lastly, that the Companies both horse and foot in Garrison at present, or for time to come, within the foresaid City, 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 be made to the United Provinces together, or the particular and respective ones; as likewise to the chief officers in the open Country where the said Militia shall be disposed of.  
By this occasion it was likewise propounded, whether it were not expedient to nominate a Committee, for to draw the forms of the Oath to be made by the Militia respectively. 1. To the Confederates in general. 2. To the Provinces their paymasters. 3. To the Provinces where they shall be employed. 4. To the Magistrates of the Cities, and the Officers of the open Country, where they shall be put in Garrison, all to this end, that the foresaid Oaths may not chance to thwart and contrary one the other.  
Which being taken into Deliberation, The Provinces desired and took Copies thereof, and next day it was found good, That in conformity thereof, Letters should be written 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 themselves the keeping of the keys, opening and shutting of the Gates, or the giving of the Word, but leave 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 Military Jurisdiction any further, then over neglects and trespassing in marches and watches, going over to the Enemy, deserting of the Companies, or running from one Company to another without passport, together with such Exorbitances and Delinquencies, which officers and Soldiers may chance to commit among themselves, or one against the other, and no further: insomuch that for all other offences, whether Criminal or Civil, the military persons shall be subject and liable to be apprehended, proceeded against, sentenced and executed by the Judges Civil or Political, whose sentence shall be 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 party condemned.  
Furthermore, their Hi. M. declared upon the proposition aforesaid, that the companies both horse and foot, lying in Garrison at present, or to be 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 already made or yet to be made to the United Provinces together, or the particular and respective ones, as also to the officers of the open Country where the foresaid Militia may be disposed of▪  
Which occasion it was likewise found good, that by certain Commissioners to be nominated, there should be drawn up the forms of the Oath to be 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 be made by the said Militia to the Provinces their Paymasters, as also to the Provinces, where they shall be employed, and to the Magistrates of the Cities, and Officers of other places in the open Country, where the same may happen to be put in Garrison, all to this end, that the foresaid Oaths may not thwart and contrary one another.  
On the 28 it was found good, that in the conciliatory Conference about the points touching the Direction and Disposition of the Military Affairs, the Advices or Votes should be gathered not by the Heads, but by the Provinces: That the said Conference should be begun that same afternoon, precisely at 4 of the clock, in the place of the Ordinarle Assembly 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 be expedited with all promtitude, and report made to their Hi. Mi. as soon as could be; it being found good likewise, that the Secretary of their Hi. Mi. should be added to the said Deputies at the conference; and this their Hi. Mi. Resolution past without any further Resumtion.  
Touching the Oath to be made, and things annexed with it, those of Holland made a Draught, and brought in this ensuing Report.  

Noble, Great Mighty 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 be made by the soldiery, 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 moved and presented to your Hi. Mi. these ensuing Considerations.  
First, touching the Oath to be made to your No. Gr. Mi.  
1. By what persons the said Oath is to be made or taken.  
2. Where and into whose hands the said Oath is to be plighted.  
3. Whether the form formerly agreed upon to be put in practice, shall be communicated to the other Provinces, yea or no.  
4. Whether the soldiery once sworn, and after having been employed forth the Province, shall be bound upon their return to be new sworn, yea or no.  
And as for plighting the Oath to the Magistrates of the Cities.  
1. Likewise to whom the same shall be made.  
2. Whether the same shall be taken in all the Cities, or not, and what distinction there is to be made therein.  
3. Whether the Oath being once taken by the soldiery, if the same march forth to other parts, and come again afterwards, they shall be put anew to their Oath, or not.  
4. Whether those Cities which were wont heretofore to cause some Articles to be sworn to▪ or after subscription promise to be made for the observing thereof, shall notwithstanding the foresaid Oath, continue that said custom of theirs: and withal, 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 conformity 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.  

Upon the first Article touching the Oath to be plighted to your N. Gr. Mi.  
THat the said Oath is to be taken by all the Colonels and Commanders being within this Province, and exercising any Command over any forces in Garrison therein; and that by all and every Colonel, Lieutenant-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 be there in Garrison.  
That the same be likewise done by all common or private soldiers none excepted.   

Upon the second Article.  
THat all the forenamed Officers unto Ritmasters and Captains inclusively, aught to be summoned to make their appearance here in the Hague with the soon, and being come to take their Oath in your N. G. M. Assembly, or in case of your absence and not-sitting, before your Commissioned Counsel, with erected fingers in the wont solemnity.  
That Commissioners be appointed from among your N. G. M. Assembly, to make a progress through all the parts and places of this Province, where any soldiery 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 Soldiers, as said is.  
And that in regard of the soldiery which for the future may come forth of other Provinces to be put in Garrison here, or may be newly raised for the service of the Country, such a course may be 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 be summoned to repair hither, to have the Oath administered to them as before; as also those officers might be dealt with, who not being of your N. G. Ms. Repartition, may be remitted hither from some other Provinces; and that for as much as concerns the soldiery of your N. G. M. own Repartition, the Oath might likewise be taken here from the Lieutenants and Ensigns; being the same are to receiv their Commissions here in loco. That besides all the rest of the soldiery, or the comers 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 be 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 be present there, commanding the Soldiers: and that for that end the foresaid Commanders, Magistrates, Captains and other officers, shall be Commissioned by special Missives or Acts to take the foresaid Oath from such, and the same be read aforehand publicly and plainly before them, which are to take the oath.   

Upon the third Article.  
THat the form of the Oath, before spoken of, is fit to be communicated with the Lords of Zealand; and that being done, it might be deliberated afterwards, whether it should be needful to make any further Communication thereof to other Provinces.   

Upon the fourth Article.  
THat the soldiery, notwithstanding they may have taken the oath once or oftener, yet as often as they shall have been forth the Province, and be returned again, they shall be bound to take it anew, in manner aforesaid.   

Touching the Oath to be made by the soldiery, to the Magistrates of the Cities.  
Upon the first Article.  
THat the same aught to be taken not only by all such as shall have any command over the soldiery there in Garrison, whether their Troops or Companies be there complete or but in part, (comprehending herewith likewise the Commanderies in the Cities, having Voice in the Assembly,) but also by all the common Soldiers indifferently.   

Upon the second Article.  
THat in the other Cities, where Governors and Commanders are appointed, under-officers and common Soldiers, shall take the foresaid oath without any let or contradiction of the Governor.   

Upon the third Article.  
THat the soldiery being gone forth the City upon other employments, and returning afterwards again, shall be bound to take the oath anew.   

Upon the fourth Article.  
THat besides the foresaid oath there ought not other Articles to be sworn to; nevertheless where it hath been the custom formerly, it shall be in the choice of those Cities, to make the Captain's 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 day of March 1651.   

Draught of The Form of Oath, to be taken by the soldiery, keeping Garrison within the Province of Holland and West-Friesland, in relation to, and before the States thereof or their Committees.  
We do promise and swear unto the State's 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 be true and faithful to them, to serve them uprightly and faithfully, for the defence 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 be obedient to the said Lords the States of Holland and West-Friesland or their Commissioned Counsel, whiles we are in the said Province, in such things as they shall command us, for the furthering of the service and defence of the foresaid Countries, to help protect the foresaid Provinces from inquartering 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 Almighty help us.   

Draught of The form of Oath to be taken by the Captains and Officers, before the Magistrates of the Cities where they are lying in Garrison with their Companies respectively.  
I Do promise and swear to be true and faithful with the Company under me, unto this City and the Magistrates thereof, and faithfully to serve and obey them in what they shall command me for the maintenance, service and tranquillity of their City, and in particular against all uproars and sedition, the commands which the Lords the States of this Province or their Commissioned Council shall give me. So truly etc.    
Upon the 22 of March, the Nobility, Gentry and Cities of Braband, resorting under the State, did likewise address themselves unto the Great Assembly; 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 themselves in the Superscription of their Address and in the Text itself, not as Petitioners, by way 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 only general and no concluding Answers and Resolutions from them.  

The Deduction of the Nobility, Gentry and Cities of Braband, United and associated with the rest of the United Netherlandish Provinces, showing how well they are grounded in their desire presented to the Generality.  
PHILIP, surnamed the Good, Duke of Burgundy, Earl of Flanders, Arthois, etc. being by right of Collateral succession become Duke of Braband and Limburg, and of the lands of Over-Mase, Earl of Hainoult, Holland, Zealand and Westfriesland; and by purchase, Duke of Lutsenberg, Earl of Namen, and Lord of Mechelen; He first joined all these Countries (being formerly under several Lords) into One Body.  
Emperor Charles the V afterwards having gotten likewise the Over-Rhenish Provinces of Friesland, Utrecht and Overyssel, Groning●en and the Omlands, Gelderland and Zu●phen, for himself and his Heirs and posterity, as Dukes of Br●band, and Earls of Holland; and having reduced and reannexod to that Body certain considerable parcels, which for a long time had been alienated and distracted; He, 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 Body, under one Prince only.  
And when after in the year 1555, the foresaid Emperor resigned the Sovereignty over these Netherlands unto his Son King Philip the second, taking his leave of all the Provinces, he exhorted them that notwithstanding the Countries were divers and separated in themselves, yet all of them making but one Body, the Members of that body ought still to help, assist, and succour one another; considering, that without such a Concord and Conjunction among them, the Enemies would easily get great advantage upon, and means to surprise and invade them; when as on the contrary, they remaining united together, and assisting one another, experience had showed 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 foreign forces, and promised each other ever to continue so doing.  
After which, the troubles and bloody Wars ensuing in the Netherlands, the most principal of the said Countries allied themselves together from the very beginning for their Common Liberty, and opposed themselves jointly with common advice and aid, goods and blood, against the Inquisition and Spanish Tyranny.  
The Confederated Nobility, who in the year 1566, presented their Petition to the Duchess of Parma at Brussels, as to the Governess of these Countries, were indeed some out of all Provinces, but most of them of Braband and Flanders.  
And the men of Brussels were those which principally opposed themselves against the execution of the Tenth penny, notwithstanding that the Duke d'Alva was present then within their City, and had a strong Garrison of Spaniards about him.  
Whereupon there following that unexpected beginning of the Deliverance by the taking in of the Briel, most of the Cities of Holland and Zealand joined themselves together for Liberty; at which time those of Braband and other adjacent and Inland-Countries, being oppressed and opposed by the Tyranny of Duke d'Alva with Castles and strong Garrisons, had not yet found or met with the conveniency and opportunity which they of Holland and Zealand had of casting off the Spanish Yoke; but the City of Anwerp was plundered first twice over by the Spaniards.  
At the Treaty 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 some particular Noblemen out of other Provinces treated there with the King's Commissioners.  
In the time of greatest strength, 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 rend and divided within themselves, 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 only by the Deputies of the Prelates, Nobility, 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 City of Mechelen representing the States of those Provinces, Cities and Countries; and on the other side, by the Deputies authorized 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, Confederacy and Union, to the end that the Inhabitants of all the Netherlands being 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 foreign soldiers 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 German forces to abandon the Cities of Ziericksea, Berg op Zome, Steenberghen, Stolen, the Bosch, Breda, Grave, Campen, Deventer, and made themselves 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 slavery, and both by force of arms and practices to divide and dismember the Provinces, and to nullify the Union made by the foresaid Pacification; therefore the Nobility of the Principality of Gelder's and County of Zutphen, the States of Holland, Zealand, Utrecht and Friezish Omlands betwixt the Ems and lawyers, did, for the eschewing of further separation among the foresaid Provinces and particular Members thereof, enter in a straighter and more particular League, Union, and Confederacy, for ever to remain in all manner and condition, as if they were all of them but one Province; without ever separating or suffering themselves to be separated for any cause whatsoëver, engaging themselves one to another to maintain and protect each other's special and particular privileges with body and goods, against all and every one that should make or attemt any actual breach therein, and against all foreign 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 being made at Utrecht, and published there from the Town-hous Januarie 29, 1579, was likewise approved and signed by divers of the Nobility, Gentry 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 City of Breda, who had their Deputies there at the Assembly of the State's General of the United Netherlands; as may be evidenced by many and divers Writs of Summons and Commissions.  
But within a little while after the said Union was likewise accepted of and entered into in the name and behalf of the States and Provinces of Braband, and the same being published in a special manner with the City of Bosch; the said States, according to the ancient custom, sent their Deputies to the Assembly of the forementioned State's 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 City of Breda, etc. would undoubtedly have remained particular Members of the said Union, and kept their place and voices in the same.  
The Condition of affairs being 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, being forcibly withdrawn from the Union, and reduced under it again by the arms of their Confederates; the said Cities ought not therefore, contrary to the express sens of the common Union, be 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 House of Nassaw is, next God Almighty, a principal means of the preservation and recovered Liberty of the United Countries.  
Nor hath any of the foresaid Braband-Cities ever purposely separated from the common Body of the United Provinces, contrary to the contract made with them, and solemnly confirmed; but they were all of them rend away from the same by the Power of the Enemy, or the Treachery of others, without any fault of their own, nay to their great grief and sorrow; and therefore they have no ways merited to be 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 Treaty made not long ago with France, That in case any Provinces, Cities, Princes or Lords came to join themselves for the establishing of a Peace and their Freedoms, the said King and States would take them into protection and Confederacy, and make a League with them Offensive and Desensive; and in case three or four Cities surrendered themselves together, the same should have power to make a free body of State apart.  
The State of Braband were they, which together with those of Gelder's and Zutphen, Holland, Zealand, Mechelin and Utrecht, for the protection and safeguard 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 Sovereignty of the foresaid Netherlands; and ordained in conformity to the Union of Utrecht, that instead of the King's Seals there should henceforward be used the Great Seal, counter-seal and signet of the State's General of the United Provinces in matters touching the Politic administration of justice and other particular affairs in each Province apart, there should be used by the Provincial and other Counsels, the Name Title and Seat of the Countries, respectively; where the matter happens to be done, and no other; all upon pain of all such Letters, Judgements or Dispatches Nullity, which shall be expedited or sealed contrary to the way prescribed.  
As the Treaty 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 Sovereignty, the States propounded to the King in the Articles, agreed upon among themselves, That the King ought to reduce under his obedience the Cities and open Country, 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 be rend 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 Generality, taking their leave or farewell from the Ordinary Assembly of the State's General, made this request, That the Lords the States would be pleased to take that care of the remaining Cities of Braband, that they might be dealt with conformably to the Privilege of the said Country.  
But those foresaid Deputies (being swayed 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 Nobility Gentry and Cities of Braband, which continued in the Union, and afterwards were again reduced under it.  
Whereupon followed, that Counsellor Bruyninex, being 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 Nobility and Gentry, together with the Deputies of the City of Berg op Zome, seek and solicit 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 Generality, 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 Generality, aught to have by virtue of the Common Union.  
Upon which Motions and Desires, after several Communications, both before Commissioners of the State's General, and at the Assembly itself, their Hi. Mi. were pleased at last to declare, That in this posture and condition of Braband, They could not acknowledge or hold them otherwise, than their Associates, and not as States of Braband.  
And by an Act of that year 1588. Prince Maurice of happy memory was appointed Captain General over the Cities, Forts and Forces in Braband.  
And the Council of State Authorised, provisionally, to govern and direct all matters regarding the Government of Braband, in the Name of the State's General, in respect of the State of Braband for that time, without prejudice to the States of Braband, being of this side, and to the City likewise of Berg op Zome; with this promise annexed▪ That in case hereafter there should be any Treaty set on foot, about a General Peace, or transportation of the Sovereignty of the Lands in general, than the foresaid Nobility and Gentry of Braband and the Governors of Berg op Zome, should be summoned.  
Which being promised them, in regard but of one City; what consideration ought there to have been of the present State of Braband; whenas not only one Capital City or Metropolis, but other Considerable ones likewise are reunited to the Union, which formerly had Writs sent them to come to the Assembly of the States, and accepted of the Union.  
During the above said solicitation, Prince Maurice had in the year 1587. put and authorised some to be 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 Chancery and Fief-Court, appointed a Council of Braband; under this Declaration, That having taken into their special Consideration, how the Country, the Nobility, Gentry, 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 be, through the blessing of God, might be governed in good order, policy and Justice; They ordained &c. without impairing or prejudicing the Privileges and Rights of the Land of Braband, and of the Nobility, Gentry, Cities, Liberties, Villages and the Inhabitants thereof.  
Afterwards in the year 1600, when by the State's General there was introduced at Berg op Zome and Breda a higher raising of the general means, and complaint presented thereupon in these City's behalf, showing, That the said Cities, for matter of means, contributions and the like burdens, were not dealt withal, according to their old Rights and Privileges of Braband; the said State's General declared thereupon, That they judged, the Remonstrants aught, as members of the Common Union, bear the burden together with their Neighbours; and if thereafter there should be occasion of any high or new raising of means, they should have Writs sent them first, to come to the Assembly of the State's General, with the same authority, as they should have in those matters among the states-assembly of Braband, if the same could be form in due manner.  
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 etc. insomuch, That the State of Braband, holding it with the United Netherlands, consists at present, in six strong and walled Cities, besides Mastricht, and divers others belonging thereunto, and therewithal an exceeding great District of open Country, full of liberties, villages and Habitations resorting under it extending itself 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 being impoverished by the war, and Holland with the other United Provinces, enriched; shall the hard fortune, that those of Braband were expelled and banished for the common cause, their Cities forced, taken and plundered by the Enemies etc. Be the ground and reason of forfeiting their Liberty?  
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 body, being allied together equally, atque aequo foedere and so that none of them hath any right of Superiority or Dominion over the other; for confirmation whereof, may be alleged, that which Prince William of Orange, of happy memory, and the State of Holland and Zealand, writing in the year 1573 to the King of Spain do expressly say that the Netherlanders, having formerly been under several Lords, were afterwards reduced together under one head of the house of Burgundy, allied thereafter with the house of Austria and at last with the King of Spain; nevertheless always with this express reservation and limitation that the same land and each Province apart, should remain and be maintained in their own peculiar Policy, Rights and liberties, wherein they had continued from all antiquities so that the one Country or Dominion should pretend no Right or Signiory over the other, to dispossess the same in any kind of its Rights and liberties, but they should be obliged and engaged each to other in concord and equal Degree.  
By the Union of Utrecht the Countries engaged themselves together, as if they were but one Province; namely, in that they might not be 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, Usances, 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 be questioned, whether the one Member ought to exalt itself over the other, by reason of his prosperity and power. They make up all but one Body, to the preservation whereof each Member hath cheerfully 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 Country and lost his Cities with standing it out to the utmost against the Common Enemy. The Illustrious Princes of Orange of happy Memories, they have contributed thereunto their wise and courageous direction and Conduct, and hazarded their persons, lives and estates thereby; and thus every one hath brought and contributed something of that which was requisite and necessary 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 Nobility, Gentry and Cities of Holland, written to the State's General of the Provinces assembled at Brussels, under Date of Sept. 12, 1573, drives at, saying, We do hope that you shall never be able to forget the cheerful and friendly faithfulness which in former times we always did and still do bear one to the other; i● being our duty before both God and Men, and we for our parts being still resolved and ready for it: Do but remember (it being the very truth) that we do not wage War the one against the other; for we never offended one another, neither in great nor small concernments, but all our strife and War is only and merely against the Government of foreign Nations.  
The Confederacy of the Union of the Netherlands is Offensive and Defensive for ever and always, against all and every one, who or how qualified soëver they may be, 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 maintain the Countries in their Rights, one of which, without all peradventure, must be the Government; for the Union was made for their advantage, and not for their damage.  
The King of Spain● caused offers to be made at the Treaties at Breda, of Cullen, and at all others since, That he would keep and maintain 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 be restored, being made known.  
In prosecution of which ground, the States of the United Netherlands have often and at several times summoned the States of the Country's subject to the Spanish Government, and among the rest, in a certain Letter of theirs dated June 7. 1602, ●used these words, Only we 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 themselves for some hundred of years, and left the same to us upon record for a rule, that still we should be 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 way of distinguishing the Provinces and Cities on this side, joined together by a Common Union; the Provinces and Cities of the Netherlands, being 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 maintained in their Rights, Privileges and immunities.  
The State's 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 Highness 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 themselves to be divided: and if this be to be understood of such which desired to be under the Union, and continue to desire the same; The Nobility, Gentry and Cities of Braband have always 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 day, 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 State's General of the United Provinces, do address the Inscription of their Letters for public Bid and Fasting days, 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 themselves their Confederates.  
Nay, The Treaty between France, England and the State's General, concluded ult. Octob. 1596. imports 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 State's General of the United Netherlandish Provinces; to wit, Gelderland and Zutphen, Holland and West-Friesland, Zealand, Utrecht, Friesland, Overyssell, Groninghen, and Omlands, together with the Gentry, Cities and Forts of Braba●d, those that were United then with the State's General.  
And however hitherto, the Government of Braband, since the loss of Antwerp hath been exercised in the Name of the State's General; nevertheless the same is done only by way of provision for that time, without impairing, and under protestation of not prejudicing the Right and privileges belonging to the Nobility Gentry 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 Treaty of Peace concluded at Munster, declare and acknowledge, That the State's General of the United Netherlands and respective Countries, Cities and appertaining Lands, are free and Sovereign City's 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 Posterity; Therefore, the Nobility, Gentry and Cities of Braband, do confidently persuade themselves, being in the Union and Associates, That according to the forementioned Concordates, Confederacies, Unions, Treaties, Promises, and Acknowledgements of Kings, yea of the King of Spain himself, They shall be held by the United Provinces, Confederates, Sworn Allies, Associates and Free States, and not conquered, invaded and subdued ones, in worse condition, than the Spanish Netherlands.   

To their Hi. Mi. Lords, the State's General of the United Netherlands.  
THe Nobility, Gentry and Cites of Braband holding the side of the Union, show and desire, That, forasmuch as the war through God's blessing is come to an end now, They, Exhibiters, may as Associates and Confederates of the common Union, have Session and Voice in the Generality, 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, we being persuaded they may, That at leastwise the Exhibiters may without prejudice of the Rights of Braband, govern their Province particularly; contributing for the common welfare and Defence together with other Provinces, such a Rate, as by mutual agreement and equity shall be found fitting; which doing, etc.   

High Mighty Lords!  
THe Commissioners of the Nobility, Gentry and Cities of Braband, holding the side of the Union, presented in April 1646, unto the high mighty Lords the Deputies at the Generality, 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 Defence such a Rate or Tax, as according to the condition of the Countries should by mutual accord be held fitting in equity.  
Whereupon there having been no Resolution taken by your Hi. Mi. the Exhibiters addressed themselves 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 enquiry and mature Deliberation, sufficiently agreed, that the second member of the foresaid conclusion, could not be denied unto the Exhitors, autorizing thereupon, their Deputies at the Generality, that they might treat with the Deputies there from the other Provinces about it.  
And foresmuch as the United Provinces eaten now extraordinarily met in a grand states-assembly, 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 Exhibiters present themselves with all due respect unto this most honourable Assembly, to reiterate the foresaid Conclusion, grounded upon the Union, and represent thereupon unto your Hi. Mi.  
That the Exhibiters 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 nearer Union of Utrecht, de Anno 1579. signed by them of Breda at Utrecht, published in the Boso●, and by the rest of the Cities embraced and followed in States-manner.  
That likewise None of the Exhibiters ever abandoned the Union, but that the Cities of the Bosch, Breda, Grave and Steenberghen, were by force of arms, or domestic oppression and treachery, rend from the same, with the good parties loss of goods and blood: Berg op Zome and Willemstadt having always 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 conformity 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 Confederacy.  
And that consequently the same being aequo jure entered into, the Members are bound not only to assist one another with goods and blood, but also (if need be) to restore them in their ancient Rights, Liberties and Privileges, whereunto it would be è diametro repugnant, that one Member should take upon him to exercise Superiority and Domination over the other.  
Therefore the Exhibiters, negociating at present for such a considerable number of Cities and great district of Country, containing in ground more than the Moiety of all Braband, offering to contribute according to their abilities to the common welfare, ought not to be excluded in any wise, but fully to enjoie the effect of the Confederacy, like unto the other United Members thereof.  
The Exhibiters undertaking beside, that by their direction the Means of Braband shall undoubtedly be brought in, to the best advantage and behoof of the Generality.  
All this nevertheless notwithstanding, being the Exhibiters are held and treated no better than invaded and conquered places, suffering sufficient prejudice generally in all their Rights and Privileges, as well in regard of administering Justice without their Country, 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 Nobility, Gentry and Cities holding the side of the Union.  
IT is universally known, that the supreme power of the Serenissime Republic of the Netherlands consisteth in the State's 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 Unity in the State upon the old and laudable principles and foundations of the first Government, the Great Mighty States of all the Provinces, caused to be enregistered Novemb. 16, 1646, for an everlasting Remembrance, That they were resolved to keep and maintain 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 observe and maintain 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 City 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, Gentry and Cities of Braband, who being Members of the foresaid Common Union, aught to enjoie the effects thereof, and not to be treated contrary to promises 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 Unity for the expelling of the Spaniards and their Adherents, and to restore the Inhabitants again to their ancient 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 public Writings those of Braband are termed no otherwise then Associates, but by many in their discourses they are against all right and reason termed 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 be a distinction made betwixt Cities and Countries of the Enemies own, won from him by War, in which case the Laws allow, that he that wageth the war, doth get the propriety of the goods taken; and such Cities and Countries as formerly belonged to our Friend's and Associates, and were delivered and recovered out of the enemy'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, into their former state and Government.  
In conformity hereof were likewise the Cities of Zutphen, Haerlem, Ziericksea, Amer●ort, Devente●, Campen and divers others, being 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 party 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 party still; well-affected to the State, who were so long kept under by an ill-affected party, until they were delivered by the Confederates, and reduced to the Union.  
Now to show what the present Braband-Cities of the Union have done for the common good, during the Netherlandish troubles and wars, both in acting and suffering, it will appear by this short ensuing survey.  
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 themselves 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, showing their Zeal to the true Reformed Religion by open preaching, vigorously opposed themselves 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 some Companies of Soldiers; for which cause also they were proscribed by the King by open Proclamation March 18, 1567. and blocked up, until the Prince of Orange his departure, when as the good party were fain to abandon the City, and departed the Land; as likewise happened generally then throughout all the Netherlands.  
After which time the City being overmastered, the same was continually kept under by force of arms, and pitifully handled by the Spaniards Italians and other foreign Nations, till in the year 1577. their Confederates rescued the City from the High Dutch.  
In the year 1576. the foresaid City signed and sealed the Pacification of Ghendt.  
In the year 1578. she 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 party within that City adventured life and goods, labouring continually, how they might be supported by the Confederates with men and ammunition, according as they had offered and promised them by the Deputies, within a little while after the foresaid publication, and the whole Government of that City, had thankfully accepeted of it, with protestation, they were resolved never to separate from the Generality, whereunto they were engaged and confederated by solemn Vow and Oath.  
But when the Confederates afterwards, contrary to the foresaid presentation foreslowed the sending of succour, and the Prince of Parma, after the subduing of Mastricht drawing near to the said City of the Bosch, caused the same to be summoned to surrender, than the good party, unable to make resistance, both to the ill-affected within, with whom they had struggling enough before, to bring them to some community; and to the puissant Leaguer of the foresaid Prince of Parma without, was constrained to abandon the City with all their families, some thousands of them, and to leave all their welfare behind.  
Which City being afterwards reduced again to the Union, by the arms of the Confederates in the year 1629. it ought likewise to be restored to their ancient Rights and Privileges.  
As for the faithful services of the City of Breda, for the Common Liberty, there is much of it upon public Record, in the Netherlandish Histories.  
For a taste whereof we shall only touch here; That the Company of the withdrawing party from Breda, did many notable services against the Spaniards, before Berghen in Heinout, Harlem, within Zirick-Sen and elsewhere.  
The inland wars lighted more heavy and smart upon this City than any of the Netherlands besides. For being taken into Confiscation by Duke D' Alva in the year 1568. it was thereafter most extremely overburthened with heavy Garrisons both horse and foot; until the City was beleaguered and delivered again by the Earl of Hohenloe in the year 1577.  
Afterwards, Jun. 28. 1581. the City, being bare of Garrison, was surprised again by the Spaniards, through the Castle, by force of arms, and barbarously plundered notwithstanding the manful resistance made by the Citizens, and especially by the young men of the City, who were most of them slain in the Defence thereof.  
In the year 1590. the 4th of March, the Castle was surprised 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 City, by the war, plague and famine; and the City was deserted after the surrender by more than three fourth parts of the Citizens, till the reduction of the City followed in the year 1637.  
Those of the City of Grave, have likewise showed themselves 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 money, what by force and the loss of many Citizens in the Enterprise, got and drove out the Spanish and high-Dutch Garrisons, altogether.  
Afterwards May 4th of the year 1586. all the Inhabitants thereof engaged themselves by Oath; to make utmost resistance against the common Enemy 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 City being forced from the Union and subdued by the Enemy, they remained in a sad condition, till the City was reduced again to the United State, in the year 1602. by Prince Maurice.  
Steenberghen, a very ancient City of Braband, being 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 whilst the Spanish held this City 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 appears, That none of the foresaid Cities of Braband, ever endeavoured to join or agree with the Spaniard or their Associates against the Union and Oath taken, without extreme necessity; and consequently never sought of their own accord or wilfully to disjoint themselves from the United State; but they were all of them, forced and rend away from the same, by the force and power of the Enemy, destitute of succour, or betrayed 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 only places, which for the said Crime of Desertion were publicly declared Enemies, and consequently had forfeited their Rights and pretensions, which by virtue of the Union they might have claimed otherwise.  
In all public 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 we 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, contrary 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 way of naturalising strangers in Braband, for the suppressing and excluding of the Natives as well from being employed in their own Province, as they are sufficiently excluded from offices and Employments in others, contrary 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 day.  
Thirdly, touching the Revenues and Contributions, there have been new burdens imposed all along upon those of Braband, and they are threatened with more heavy ones to be imposed at pleasure, without any of their consent, nay, without so much as hearing them.  
Which is repugnant, not only against the Privileges of the Country, but likewise particularly against the promises of the State's General of the year 1600, alleged in the former Deduction.  
We shall not insist here on the opposition of the States of Holland against Emperor Charles for the Congie-monie, nor of the City of Brussels against Archduke Albert, for a small impost upon pears; but touch in a word only, that in Spain, England and Germany, it hath ever been and is the observance in course, as likewise is showed 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 Society which the Cities and Countries of Braband have in that kind with the other Confederates, may well be miserable and deplorable, even as in the benefit of cessio bonorum among the Lawyers: whereof we 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 colour of Covenant we are reduced to slavery, we being not entreated like Associates, but like Bondmen.  
Love indeed is the only firm foundation of Government, and according as a Wiseman said once, That kind of Republic fares best and lasts longest, which all the parts are in love with, and wish it lasting.  
By the fore●aid Common Union the Netherlands engaged themselves together for ever, without impairing the special privileges of the particular Provinces, Cities, Members and Inhabitants thereof; wherein they not only 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 be the principal, To maintain the Countries, Cities, Members and Inhabitants thereof in their particular Privileges, amongst which without all controversy Government is one too.  
Wherein of old not only the chief Cities, but even the smaller ones in Braband did share and participate. For information whereof may serve, That among the Cities of Braband there was no certain order kept heretofore, as appears by the engagements of the Cities in the years 1354, 1370, 1426, the Charters of Corteberg of 1312, and of the Lady Johanna of 1385, and the privileges of Duke John the IVth of the year 1422.  
And that the foresaid Cities of Braband were anciently summoned to and sat in the Assembly of the States of Braband, is a thing too well known to be doubted of.  
Where it is observable yet, that to the Pacification of Ghendt and Union of Utrecht, there were not only invited and called in the great or chief Cities of the Provinces, but indifferently all the Cities and Members thereof; and who knows not the practice since thereupon 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 Superiority over the other.  
Whence it is evident, that there is no ground which can take away or hinder the Right of the Lords, Gentry and Cities of Braband, of governing their own State particularly without the Generality.  
The Government of the Switsers' Republic may serve 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 City of St Gal, the Grisons, the Bishop and Country of Valaye, Rotwiel, Mulhausen and divers others; every one of these being likewise Sovereign within his Sphere, and yet bound together with the Cantons for the Common Safety.  
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 Sovereignty of the Land remaineth and returneth into the hand of the Gentry 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, only provisionally for that time, without impairing, and under protestation of not prejudicing the Rights and Privileges belonging to the Lords, Gentry and Cities of Braband, as hath been declared by divers Acts of the State's General themselves, which makes it apparent, that their desire is grounded upon order and reason, and aught therefore according to the Union, to be determined by most voices: This is that which makes the Lords, Gentry and Cities of Braband aforesaid to be very confident, That as Confederates and Associates of this Serenissime Republic, 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 unquestionable Rights and Privileges.  
THe Princess Royal had in the beginning of Januarie discharged the Tables of her household, 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 some eagerness and estranging; none would yield. And it was observable, that the late Prince having but last Summer charged those of Holland with Discord (though they maintained the contrary, and prosecuted the managing of their affairs very unanimously) and handled them so roughly upon that pretence, his own House should be visited now with so much Discord and Contention, and that those of his House must take their Refuge and seek unto those very States for Right and Redress, whom he, but a little before, had subdued in a manner.  
The Court of Holland, propounded several ways of Accommodation. But the Grand mother claiming part in the Guardianship, and the Mother all entire to herself: all expedients, and conciliatory means were frustrated; insomuch, that about the end of February Sigt Matsvelt and Commissarie Copes were sent in behalf of the said Princess Grandmother and the Prince Elector of Brandenburg to the Prince's Council, insinuating, and declaring there, by a missive from the said Grandmother, all Acts possessory, made by the Princess Royal, to be null and of no validity, 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 Secretary Bucero; the Princess Grandmother grounding herself upon this, That according to all Rights and Laws, nothing ought to be innovated or attempted by the Princess Royal; deliberante Principe & Judice (the States and Court of Holland)▪  
The Princess Royal stood upon this, She would have her mother in law, first of all to acknowledge her Guardian; and then she would hear her speaking of Co-Guardianship. The Mother in law on the contrary, would have the Princess Royal first of all to acknowledge her Guardian, and hearken then what she could say for partnership.  
The Baptism of the young Princess was at last resolved to be solemnised, on Sunday, the 15. of Januarie; the Ceremonies whereof were performed in the great Church, that afternoon, in manner as followeth.  
The Deputies of the State's General, those of Holland, those of Zealand, as also those of the Cities of Delft, Leyden, Amsterdam, assembled themselves presently after high noon, each party in their usual places of assembling.  
Those of the State's General road first to Church in a Caroche and took their places appointed for them, all which, together with the passage all a long from the entry of the Church and Church-yard, the way they came, covered over with black Bayss.  
The Steward Dorp, together with the Prince's Gentlemen and Halberdiers, came to meet the Deputies of the State's 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 thronged and filled with people greedy after Novelty, that it caused very much disorder and disturbance both in singing and preaching, the one was confounded, the other could scarce be heard by any, for all the authority 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 some Disorder likewise at Court, which caused them to come later than was expected, 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 carry the Infant, and be led by the Duke of York and Prince Edward. But the Duke desired to be excused, saying, he had not been welcomed by the State, and if on this occasion, he should meet with some of the Government, he knew not how to comport himself, towards, or salute them; nevertheless he said he would go along and lead the Queen of Bohemia; but afterwards, considering that likewise, he repeated his former Excuse, and went not at all. But he himself having made no address at all before unto the State of his coming, that he might be welcomed by them, his Excuse was none: and it was thought, he refused it only of greatness, or by reason of the contesting of the Princess' Royal and Dowager about the Guardian-ship.  
But hereupon the Princess Albertina likewise refusing to carry the Infant, it was moved my Lady Stanhope Governess of the Princess Royal should carry it, and the young Ladies of Brederode and of Dhona should bear up the Train, being a long piece of cloth with white fur and black spots. This was opposed by my Lady Brederode, saying, She did not desire her daughters should go training it after Madam Stanhop.  
At last it was agreed that the Lady of Dhona, daughter of the Lord Brederode, should carry the Child to Church, as she 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 Lovyse, the young Princesses of Orange, of Hozenzollen and others, most of them confusedly.  
Being Coached 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 company stood up:) and then the Child was presented by the Queen, and baptised by Lindanus, naming it William-Henrie.  
The speech went, that the Princess Royal would gladly have named it Charls-William, but that the Grandmother opposed it with that eagerness, that she said, If they will call him CHARLES, I will not go along to see him Christened.  
The Church-Cerimonies being performed, the Deputies risen up one after another in their order, and passing by the Ladies, took Coach again, each party repairing to their usual Rendezvous, and the rest back to the Court.  
Where having reposed themselves a little, there came the Deputies of their Hi. Mi. the State's General, finding the Princess Royal 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, he presented a gilt-box for the Infant, wherein there was an Obligation of an yearly pension for him of 8000 Gilders. The Princess Royal answered with a like compliment, yet did not reach forth her hand to receiv the Box from him, but he being beckoned towards a Chair standing by, there he set it down; and thus taking their leavs again they withdrew, having caused a thousand Gilders in fair gold to be bestowed upon the Nursery. 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 Nursery. 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 Administering 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 foreign friend, neither in person, nor by Deputation.  
The Deputies from the State's General were the Lords Van Soelen, Wimmenum, Vett, Renswoud, Donia, Mulart and Essinga.  
Feast or Collation there was none.  
Some did not take it well that the Halberdiers went by the Coach sides of the young Prince; nor that the child was covered with Ermyn-fur, black on white, that being Royal.  
The Lord Donia, one of the Deputies from the State's General sickened next day, and died on friday following.  
The Enterrement was resolved to be performed Tuesday Mar. 7, but the weather proving foul and tempestuous, it was put off till Wednesday the 8, the Company 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 Highness consisting of 400 men, in their best array, trailing their Colours and Pikes, the Muskets under the arms, with the bores downward.  
All the Military Officers which were present at the Hague.  
Two Comtrollers with staves to conduct the Mourning.  
All the Household, both Gentry and others.  
Two Kettledrums.  
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, being a field-Banner with Colors.  
The Helmet of Turney, or Tilting, with feathers, born upon a short Staff.  
The Target, being a shield with Colors, likewise born upon a short staff▪  
The Turney, or Tilting Horse, hung down to the ground with Colors and Devises.  
The great Standart with colours of Arms.  
An Herald of Arms.   
Hereafter followed the Horses and Bannerets.  

The Horse 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 Horse with the Arms of Orange and the Banneret thereof.  
The Herald of Arms▪  
Le Penon des arms, or field-Banner of Arms.  
Le Guidon des Arms, or the field-Banner of War.  
The Horse of the Battle, embroidered down to knees with the Arms of his Highˢ.  
The great Standart with the complete Arms of his Highˢ.  
The Horse of Honour, embroidered with the complete Arms of his Highness down to the ground.  
The great Banner.  
The IV Headquarters. 

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, being 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, being the sword of Arms.  
The Coat of Arms born upon a staff.  
The Horse of Mourning.  
The Colour and Garter of England, born upon a Cushion.  
The Sword of Sovereignty, 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 Canopy, very leisurely drawn along with 8 horses, all decked with black velvet down to the ground, attended round about with abundance of Gentlemen, noblemans and others of great quality, and on both sides guarded with the Halberdiers of his Highness.  
After this there followed the Dukes, Princes and Earls of next kindred and alliance to the famous house 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 Lovys 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 Henry 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 Assembly of the State's General in body, 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. Mighty Lords, the States of Holland and Westfriesland.  
The Nob. Mi. Lords the Precedent 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 Chequer Chamber of the County 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 Colours and pikes, the muskets under their arms with the boreas downward, 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, Wagons and horses, all with black liveries, for the Noblemen and Great-ones, following one another all along in great State unto Delft; where the Train-bands of the City, conducted the Hears to the new Church etc.  
But though the Prince was buried, the heavy 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 she ought of right to be the sole Guardian.  
She 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 endeavours made to dispose those of Zealand, for the choosing of a Stadholder.  
Those of Holland, to have an eye 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 Assembly, and to erect the Chambre Mi-partie, according to the Treaty 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 done 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 essays hitherto of accommodating the difference of the Princesses about the Guardianship, having proved 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 themselves to the same, for inhibition, which, though many were of opinion, it could not be done, was nevertheless granted.  
During these Contests, his Highness 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 animosity and partiality in the Princess Royal proceeded more from evil Counsel, than her own inclination, suspecting most the Lords of Beverweert and Henulict, the said Pr. Elector caused a certain Proposition to be presented 
Jun. 24. 1651.  to the Princess Royal by his Counsellor Sweryn; which did rather more exasperated, then mitigate or reconcile the minds; she the Princess Royal giving to understand in her Answer, that instead of a friendly interview and debate, which had become such Allies, she was laden with reproaches etc.  
But the said Elector, stayed not there; for having intimated in the foresaid Proposition, that her bad Counsel swayed too much, and principally aiming at the above mentioned Lords Beverweert and Henuliet: he caused in solemn manner by two of his Counsellors in the presence 
Jun. 27.  of a public Notary, protests to be made in the Hague, first to the Lord Beverweert, to this effect; That his Elect ●l. Highness took it very strange, the said Lord had meddled with the Questions in debate, betwixt his said El. Highness the Princess Dowager, and Princess Royal, concerning the Guardian-ship of his Highness the young Prince of Orange, and caused the same by his advice and counsel to be so carried, that hitherto no good could be done in it for the young Prince, his Highness 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 Highness the young Prince of Orange; and that be the Lord Beverweert should do well to remember, in what Obligations he stood to the House of Orange, and have a care therefore to meet the Princess Dowager with as much respect, as if his Highness of blessed memory, were yet alive. Or else, his Electl Highness should not forbear, to require another account of him, the said Lord Beverweert, in this behalf. Whereupon the said Lord Beverweert made answer; He was confident his Electl Highness was evil informed, concerning the foresaid matters, desiring his said Counsellors they would undeceiv him therein; forasmuch as he 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 Highness yet nevertheless he held both his late Highness of happy memory and the Princess Royal in that esteem, that if the Princess Royal did require his Advice, he was and would still be ready to serve her, not only with his Counsel, but also with his person, and whatsoëver depended on it; and yet never advise any thing, but what may be most advantageous to the House and Person of his Highness the young Prince of Orange, as being the only remaining hopes of the House of Orange. Moreover, said the Lord Beverweert, that he bore all due respect to his Electl Highness, as became a Prince of so high Quality; but, that he was none of his Subjects, but the Lords the States of Holland, to whom and none other, he was bound here to give account of his Actions. And touching the memento made of yielding respect to my Lady the Princess Dowager, he said, he had no obligation to her person, but only to her high Quality, and knew well enough, what he owed to such.  
To the Lord Henuliet, his said Electl. Highness of Brandenbourg caused the like protest to be made by and before the same persons, That his Electl Highness took it very strange, he the Lord Henuliet had meddled with the Difference betwixt his said Highness, the Princess Dowager and the Princess Royal, and by his counsel and direction, brought things to that pass, that hitherto no good could be done for the young Prince; That his Highness esteemed him too mean, to be employed in affairs, concerning his Highness the Prince of Orange, though he was not against it, but that he might be used in private concernments and businesses of the Princess Royal, as one of her Household. That his Electl Highness gave him warning hereby, to have a care, and meddle no further with the affairs, concerning the Prince of Orange, or else he should find, the hands of his Electl Highness not to be too short to require a personal account thereof, of the Lord Henulict.  
Whereupon the Lord Henulict made answer; That he had received Charge and Commission from his late Royal Matie of great Britain, 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 he had done hitherto, was done by virtue thereof; and as his Electl Highness did maintain his Servants and Ministers, so he was confident he should be likewise be maintained, in following his Commission: and said moreover, That he had declared in full Council, that he never intended to trouble himself with the business of his Highness, but only with the affairs of the Princess Royal, wherewith he was charged; adding thereunto, That he should never suffer himself to be hindered by his Electl Highness or any body 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, he would return his answer in writing accordingly.  
On the 29th of June the Princess Dowager caused the foresaid two reports or protests to be delivered to the Counsellor pensionary Cats, with desire that they might be read at the Assembly of their Nob. Gr. Mi. to the end, that they might truly understand, what had passed between his Electl Highness of Brandenburg, or his Ministers, and the Lord Beverweert and Henulict, which her Highness 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 pensionary by the Secretary of the Princess Royal, the sum whereof was, That her Royal Highness found herself very much wronged, in that his foresaid Electl Highness had of his own humour caused two persons of quality, viz not only the Lord Henulict her superintendent, but likewise one of her friends, to be most uncivilly, disorderly and unreasonably affronted, and threatened 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 be pleased to provide and order against such proceed, what they should find requisite in reason and Justice, to further her Caus; which things being taken into Deliberation, it was found good▪ That the persons as well of the Lord Beverweert, as of the Lord Henulict, should be taken and were taken into the protection of their N. G. M. And that this Result should be made known to the Counsellors and Ministers of his said Electl Highness from the States and in their Name, expressly declaring unto them, that their N. G. M. could not allow of such kind of proceed here, as unsufferable to the Constitution of this State. That the same Resolution aforesaid should likewise be intimated to my Lady the Princess Dowager of Orange, and she most seriously desired, to dispose his Electl Highness, that he would forbear such proceed, and leave matters referred 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 Highness 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 pensionary.  
And by this occasion it was found good likewise, to advise how and in what manner it should be provided, That no great Ones should be suffered to come 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 heightening the Contention, news being brought about this time, that the Governor of Orange, the Earl of Donaw, had caused to be apprehended and secured an Orange Gentleman, by name Rafaëlis, heretofore French Minister at the Hague, and afterwards one of the Prince's Counsel, being secretly dispatched by the Princess Royal, to get a certain Act declared in the Principality of Orange, pretended to have been made by Prince William, and addressed 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 Royal his Spous shall give him: And the said Earl shall maintain the said place in her behalf against any other whatsoëver pretending to it.  
Don at the Hague this 24 of Febr. 1649. Signed, G. P. Prince of Orange; and lower, Busero.   
When the said Rafaëlis took his leave of the Princess Dowager, she presently told him, Sir! You are going upon an errand for the Princess Royal; but he declared again and again, he went about his own affairs. When he arrived at Orange, it was so late (which it seems he did of purpose) that the Castle gates were shut already, that so he might have the better excuse, why he was not come to speak with the Governor before any other; and so to lose no time, he presently addressed himself to the Parliament and Magistrate there, to recommend the Princess Royal her intention unto them, but the Governor getting notice here he caused hold to be 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 be 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 she would desire Review thereof to be made; yet because all the Creditors remained still unpaied, and clamored much, the Princess Royal declared, That though she could not yield to the foresaid Sentence, there being 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, she was content, reserving her Right and exception against the foresaid Sentence, that Order may be taken jointly for their payment etc. Which Declaration being presented from the Princess Royal to the Princess Dowager, July 31. her answer was, That as for the alleged Sentence, her Highness and the Pr. Elect of Brandenburg, had more reason to except against and desire a review of it, being that therein the Princess Royal was joined in the Guardiansh p, contrary to the Law, she being yet in her Minority. And as for payments, her Highness wished that the moneys had not been otherwise diverted, but employed for their proper use and appointment. It was none of her Highness fault, that the Creditors were not paid, she having desired the High Court formerly, to autorize the Prince's Counsel for satisfying of them. Her Highness commended it to the care of the Princess Royal to find the moneys for satisfying of the Creditors, and would be very glad those honest people might receiv content once.  
But there being no End of those Deputies, and the prejudice and damage on all hands thereby but increasing: there were very great endeavours 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 passed by, it being presupposed, that it would be but troublesome to him, to attend the administration here at his own Charges, though it had been offered. The said Agreement being signed, the Princess Dowager went that evening yet, being Sunday, forth the High towards Aken, for her health's sake, without seeing the Princess Royal. After her Departure there arose new disputes, like to undo all afresh, which yet was allayed again, so that the Agreement stood, the sum whereof was,  
That the Princess Royal 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 Highness the young Prince of Orange, on condition,  
1. That the Princess Royal as Mother, should have as much Authority alone, as the other two partner-Guardians together.  
2. That all shall be administered 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 expenses.  
4. That the Questions about the Principality of Orange shall be left to Decision of both the Courts of Justice jointly; together with some 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 party shall refuse or act contrary 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 Highness shall be divided in two parts, and by lot adjudged to the parties.  
7. Except that the Election of the Magistracy, and Collation of Offices and Benefices at Flushing, and resort thereof, shall be left wholly to the disposing of the Princess Royal; and that of ter Vere to the Elector and Dowager.  
8. That the former five Counsellors shall be continued by new Commissions, and two new ones added, one by the Princess Royal, and the other by the two other Guardians.  
9 That the Counsellors, and other Council-Officers, shall be supplied and chosen by turns, the Princess Royal beginning for the Office of Secretary 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 be 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 be 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 themselves by Oath.  
12. All emergent Differences to be referred to 4 persons, to be chosen by the Princess Royal, and two by the two other Guardians; and those 4 to choos a fist if need be for the casting Voice.  
13. That all former Questions and Differences shall hereby be void, dead and null.  
14. That all these points and Articles shall be subscribed by the parties interessed, passing their princely word for the inviolable keeping and performing thereof.  
Hereof there were drawn two authentic Copies (at large) and the one signed, Maria; the other Amidia, Princess of Orange.  
However, there being no mention made in this Agreement of the Cabinet, the same gave occasion of a new dispute. The Princess Royal pretended, that according to this Agreement she was not bound to produce the Cabinet; that in it there were likewise some Secrets which it was not fit for her to reveal or divulge. The others said, that by the Agreement there could not be 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 Royal was persuaded to restore the Cabinet, as she 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 Treaty made with the late Prince of Orange. And although the said Draught was made at that time more advantageous for the Prince, the Spanish being somewhat jealous still the Prince might otherwise incline too much to the French; and now he was dead, they might have taken the opportunity of protracting the work, or at leastwise, new-molding it; yet the Spanish shown themselves 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 be put and remain in full possession and propriety of all his Goods, Domains and Lordships, situated under the Sovereignty of his Majesty of Spain, and specified in the Treaties made at Munster; howbeit and notwithstanding that they were destinated, as appears by the said Treaties, to serve and take place for the Exchange and permutation of the Marquisate of the Bergh op Zome, with the dependences 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 be 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 florins at 20 fouls each flor. to be paiable either here at the Hague or at Amsterdam, at the choice of the said Ambassador in two payments, 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 payment of the said 500000 flor.. there shall be 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 Majesty, and according to the common course of the Coin then at the said places, when successively year by year the said payments shall be made. The interests of which rent for the profit of the said Prince being to begin their course from the same time of signing or dating the present Agreement and contract; the Capital and Principal thereof may be redeemed at 20 years' purchase within the space of twelv years, to be paid at several terms, and by several parcels, provided no parcel to be paid be less than three hundred thousand florins each time.  
And all this under the pledges contained in the foresaid Treaties, and the special obligation of all the Goods, Domains, Subsidies and other Revenues of his said Majesty in the Dukedom of Braband and Earldom of Flanders.  
This advantage only 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 payment began but now; so that they got or saved all the rest; viz. not only from the time of signing the Peace; but also from the death of the Prince hitherto, which was one of the fruits of those Domestic jars and misunderstandings among friends.  
The Guardians 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 because of their authority one might be 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 bind them, and so it was waved. The Treaty being Signed, the Spanish Ambassador feasted and Regalized the Commissioners, together with his Excellency the Lord Stadholder Count William in place of the Princesses.  
Having thus far treated of the Defect and Detriment sustained by the death of the late Prince, we shall now go on to prosecute that which was taken in hand for the orderly supply and redress or resettling of the Government.  
About the latter end of March and beginning of April, as also before and after, the great Assembly was more busied with the affairs of France, Spain, Portugal and others, then with domestic, and such, as properly were the cause of their meeting; and therefore, we shall but barely point at the foreign 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 because they could not agree together about the Ceremonies, there was no conference at all held with him, insomuch that He▪ seeing he could do nothing here, went his way home again in the beginning of May.  
The Ambassadors S ● John and Strickland, both Counsellors of State, to the Republic of England, arriving here about the latter end of March, with a Train of near 300 persons, had Audience upon the 30th. in the great Assembly, but withal so many affronts put upon them from the Courts and Courtiers there, (however the Lords of Holland laboured to suppress them) that towards the end of April, they were charged by the Parliament to return, declaring they could tarry there no longer with safety to themselves, and Reputation of the Republic. The State sought indeed to give them all possible satisfaction, propounding the Treaty of the year 1495. Those of Holland caused the same to be insinuated to the Parliament, by their Commissioner Schaep, desiring some longer stay of the Ambassadors, which was granted for a certain space longer, but that being elapsed, they were again summoned back, towards the end of June; and though there were all possible endeavours used to protract their Departure a little longer▪ they could not be prevailed with; and so the Treaty remaining uneffected, it was resolved, that by an Extraordinary Embassy from hence into England, the same should be consummated. They took their leaves Junii 30th. and parted from the Hagh the first of July.  
The long and ever since the year 1649. delayed Ratification, of the Treaty made that year with Denmarck by the High Steward Ulefeld, was at last completed and settled in the great Assembly March 21. 1651. notwithstanding the Swedish Ministers Canterestein and Appleboom their respective and reiterated offices and endeavours against it.  
The King of Portugal his Ambassador Sousa de Macedo, having after long Delay, obtained Audience at last, Martii 6ᵒ. and made his proposition in Latin in the great Assembly, gave more hopes than effects; so that it was resolved Martii 25o. to cut off all further conference with him, and thenceforward not to acknowledge him any longer in the quality of Ambassador, notwithstanding that the Queen of Sweden offered by her Commissary 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 stay of the Ambassador Bellieure, several bicker presented in the great Assembly, both by public 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 domestic affairs; There was much pains taken since March 28. for to conciliate the discrepant inclinations, that were come in and presented by the several Provinces, which at length produced a full Report, made in the Assembly April 26. and afterwards Jun. 16ᵒ. completely passed and determined, as shall be seen in due place.  
At this time, Things stood not in Zealand according to the mind of the Lords of Holland, understanding what endeavours there were on foot, to proceed to a new choice of a Stadtholder, Captain General, etc. And though the same did not necessitate the Lords of Holland, to do the like, yet they feared, it might occasion some alteration in the Provinces of Gelderland, Utrecht, Overyssell, and in divers Cities of Holland itself. 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 Wit, Newport and Picca, in Commission thither; who made there this ensuing Proposition.  

Noble Mighty Lords!  
We hold our selus obliged in discharge of our Commission, and according to the intent of our Principals, successively to communicate and represent unto you the considerations and solicitous 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 too Provinces, God be praised, unanimously agreed on; so that we were not able to observe any discrepancy concerning any other subject.  
Your N. M. well know, that the Supreme Authority over the Militia or Army, together with the Direction of military 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 quality of Captain General within their respective Provinces, and especially in those Provinces, whose Stadholders were not invested with the quality 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 be Captain General and the Chief-head (note) of the forces of Horse and Foot, which at present are, or hereafter may come into the said Province.  
As also by your N. M. themselves and the Lords of Holland and Westfriesland, it hath been several times solemnly declared; especially by the resolution of Febr. 6, 1587., That his Excellency Prince Maurice of immortal memory (who was then particular Governor and Captain General over Holland and Zealand, and had no Commission yet from the Generality) should have the direction and managing of the Military 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 Captain's General of the Union, granted, nor by any other Act resigned or given up the foresaid Authority over the Militia, and the direction of Military affairs; That the successive Captain's General of the Union could claim in that quality no power or authority in the world within the territory of the Voicing Provinces.  
Insomuch, that the function of the Captainship General could be 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 Country, to appoint a Governor General over these Countries, whose Authority withal extended within the limits of the Voicing Provinces, even in matters of policy and justice itself 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 come to be abused, to the great prejudice of the Country, and with extreme danger of the liberty and freedom of the people: therefore our Forefathers bethought themselves, and resolved to mortify 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 only a Captain General; whose power having in no kind of way (as is proved before) extended within the limits of the Voicing Provinces (as that of the Governor General had done) and consequently only over the Army or Leaguers without the respective resorts or jurisdiction of the Voicing Provinces, and being drawn forth into the Field. All which appears 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 Captain's General; and you may be sure, that our prudent Forefathers would never have resolved for the choosing of a Captain General, if their grievous War had not required an Army in the field, and the same being abroad, compelled them by evident necessity to provide a Chieftain for it.  
However things being brought now thus far through God's gracious Assistance, that the bloody Wars are changed into a long-desired peace, and consequently the forementioned moving cause is come to cease thereby; we cannot otherwise judge, but that the Charge which was grounded upon that cause, is in effect by the cessation thereof to be held exspired and mortified of itself, we being not able to see how, where no leaguers are gathered, a Captain General could be made there over the Leaguers which are not, or a Chief field-Commander, where there is no field-Expedition.  
Nor have we ever heard of, or met with any example, that ever any Republic in the world retained, much less chose a Captain General in time of peace. But on the contrary it is well known, that many well-governed Countries are wont to give Commission to their Captain's General or Chief field-Commander, only 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 Quality of his, notwithstanding that the same Wars continue still in those parts, and the Army being to take the field again soon after, must be 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 be the troubles and disturbances arisen in the Netherlands, together with the necessity of using the way of Arms (as he pretended) whence it appears, and he sufficiently shown it thereby himself, that in quieter times, or peace, the same should never have happened.  
Upon all which arguments we grow very confident, that your N. M. apprehending, together with us, in these present conjunctures, That a Captain General can be of no use nor benefit at all to the United Provinces; assuredly you will not now, contrary to the example of all other Republics, and even of the Netherlands themselves, and contrary 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 Republic, as one Body, yea as one City together with your N. M.  
As after we cheerfully took it for a pledge and token thereof, that your N. M. Deputies at the particular conferences with a Committee of our Lords lately met at the Hague, declared then, That during the minority of the young Prince of Orange the choosing of a Captain General could well be waved without any prejudice to the Country. Nevertheless we find our selus necessitated to declare that we cannot find it agreeing with reason, nor consistent with the service of the Country, that your N. M. Deputies seem to infer and urge withal, viz. That a resolution should be 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 be decreed, the same Prince being come to age, and judged fit by the most Voicing Provinces, he should then be 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 mercy 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 Minority; when it would prove very prejudicial to the public interest, that the Provinces in that case should be manacled by such an Engagement from doing their Country service.  
And on the other hand, it might so happen likewise (as we hope to God it shall) that the young Prince of Orange being come to age, these Netherlands may yet enjoie the blessing of a settled Peace, so that all the reasons and motives formerly alleged, whereupon we 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 be found and held directly to be 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 posterity by such Engagements.  
However, and in all cases whatsoever, we are fully persuaded, that the welfare and service of the Country, or the public or common good and interest, is that which ought to be the only aim of all good Governors, and the only square whereby they are to rule and order all their Actions and Deliberations; and that above all things the same Freedom is to be left unto posterity, to dispose themselves in their own time of such weighty concernments, so as then they shall judge requisite and expedient for the good and service of the Country: it being likewise to be feared, upon very probable ground, that the Governor to come shall protest, that in matters of such weight and moment, the Resolutions or promises of their predecessors, could not bind them, nor prejudice their own Deliberations. Whereby it would come to pass then, that the Prince of Orange and his Adherents▪ grounding themselves 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 we are confident your N. M. will ever help and endeavour to avoid and prevent, according to their wont providence.  
Besides that, in all the Provinces express resolutions have been taken, and prohibitory Laws enacted against seeking of Reversions or Survivances, or promising of any Offices or Charges for time to come, and in some Provinces against the very nomination of a Captain General within themselves, doubtless, because that such survivances and promises are usually procured and practised by corruptions or favour of some great ones, without regard had to the common good and service of the Land. Which reasons, together with sundry others, we dare promise our selves your N. M. will find sufficient to persuade you not to proceed in this weighty affair without the orderly course, 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 complimental and general Terms, That the Lords of Zealand would so instruct and charge their Commissioners, now ready to return to the great Assembly, about the matter proposed, that the common interest should suffer no detriment by it; but all endeavours used, for tranquillity and settledness, Yet, there happened soon after a very remarkable change and alteration of things in Zealand, as will be seen toward the latter end of this book, in prosecuting the affairs of the House of Orange.  
At present we shall return to the most observable Result and Issue of the great Assembly; where the Lord van Andref, presiding in the latter end of April, propounded, That their Hi. Mi. would be 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 Clergy into these Countries, as might best and most commodiously be introduced without derogating to the Treaty of Peace, as also, about the framing of an uniform course of executing the Laws of these Countries made against the Papists. Whereupon next day the Lord Precedent moved, that there might be some Lords commissioned of the Provinces, for to inform themselves of the way and course which was kept in this behalf, during the twelu-years Truce here, and accordingly to prepare a Draught of a fit and requisite Temperament, to be presented to the Assembly, that Deliberation had upon the same, some Resolution may be taken about it. This same was afterwards referred to the Ordinary Assembly of the State's General, and tacitly left, as it was resolved Jan. 28. last, and reassumed Julii 17o.  
In the beginning of May the Lords of Holland propounded and desired that the Lord Fieldmarshal might be admitted into the Council of State, to assist the Consultations about military affairs; but the rest, especially those of Friesland, Groninghen, and the Omlands had no mind 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 Generality; according as the same was presented to and read before the Assembly two days before, and in persuance thereof all the said Governors and Commanders, who formerly were only authorized by his Highness 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 State's 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 we reposing Trust in the valour, manfulness, and good Experience in handling Military affairs, of (Title and Name of the Governor (or Commander) we have with advice of the Council of State of the United Netherlands, continued, appointed, commissioned and authorised him, as by these we do continue, appoint, commission and authorise him to be Governor, (or Commander) over the City, or Fort, etc. (Name of the place) giving him full power, authority, and special Charge, to commaad all the soldiery and Forces lying in the said City, or Fort, or according to future occurrences and accasions to be put in Garrison there, and to use and employ them, against all and every one, that shall attempt or practise any hostility to the prejudice of the said City etc. and the State in General, the Provinces in particular and the members thereof; and that in such sort and manner, as he shall be 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, military guard and Discipline, by day and by night; without suffering them to endamage or molest the Citizens and inhabitants of either City or Country, where they lie in the United Provinces, nor any Neighbour Neutral Countries; also, as much as in him lies, to discover, resist, keep off and prevent, whatsoever may any ways tend to the disservice and prejudice of the foresaid Countries, Members and Cities thereof, giving forthwith advertisement to the Council of State of all emergencies, according as necessity or occasions shall require; and especially, not to deliver or yield up the foresaid City, etc. to any, nor to let any soldiery or Forces to march in or out there, but with our (such as shall be authorised for it there) resolution, approbation and due Patent or Commission; looking very narrowly and carefully to it, that the Companies there in Garrison be kept in their complete 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 be remedied. In conformity whereunto, A. B. (the Name of the Governor or Commander) shall be bound to pledge his Oath hereupon into our hands; which being done, we make known and command to all and every Ritmasters, Captains, Officers, Soldiers and people of War, in the said City of— being there in Garrison, or coming to be, to acknowledge, 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 Hague, under our Counter-Seal, Paraphure, and Signature of our Secretary etc.   
There was likewise upon the said 12th. of May, 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 completed and ratified at length Julii 18ᵒ. we shall see in due place; it being needless to insert the said Draught.  
May 13ᵒ. there appeared before the Great Assembly, 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 Lion, 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. There of May 12 their Commissions being read before them, they took their Oath, in their respective Qualities, in the hand of the Lord Schagen then Precedent in the Assembly.  
On the 17th. there was read the advice of the Council of State of the 13th. showing, that the Patents or Commission of the Companies both horse and foot, had been addressed in former times to the Rittmaster or Captain of the respective Company, 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 be addressed to the said Governors or Commanders, for the more orderly sending forth, or marching of the foresaid Companies, which course their N. M. conceiv aught to be followed still.  
Whereas the Lord of Ghent and other their Hi. Mi. Commissioners had held several conciliatory conferences for a good while, they presented at length a report May 20ᵒ. and caused their Advice conciliatory about the Direction and Disposition of military men and affairs to be read before the Assembly, together with the forms of the Oath for the soldiery, which were somewhat amplified upon further conference, and past afterwards; and so likewise there was brought into the Assembly and read there, a Draught of Instructions for the Lords Commissioners at the Assembly of their Hi. Mi. in ordinary; how namely, they ought to govern themselves in the giving of Patents or Commissions to the said soldiery, and providing the Frontiers of the State, in manner as the same were passed, Junii 16ᵒ. and shall be communicated anon; the said Council had thanks returned them for their pains, and in all the foresaid businesses, the Provinces of Gelderland, Holland and Zealand, conformed themselves wholly, during that Session yet of the Assembly, 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 be written to and desired, conformably to the 19th Article of the Union, That without any further procrastination, they would return to the Assembly, (being that since February last, they had been absent, by reason of a Land-day, they were to keep in their own Country, leaving none behind 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 Assembly, and to help to bring the same to a speedy and wished issue.  
This same day there was likewise a course settled upon the Advice of the Council of State, of May 13o, That the Patents for the Companies of horse and foot, in the frontiers of the Generality, where there is a Governor or Commander, should be addressed to the said Governor or Commander; and that in the Voicing Cities of the United Provinces, the same should be done, by the States of the Province or their authorised Commissioners unto the Burgomasters and Governors of the same Cities for the better ordering of the marches or remooving of the foresaid Company.  
Maii 23o. Deliberation being had upon the Advice conciliatory, touching the Disposition and Direction of Military affairs and the soldiery, together with the form of the Oath for the soldiery, and the Instruction for the Lords Commissioners at the Generality, how to govern themselves in giving of Patents to the soldiery, and providing for the Frontiers of the State, the Lords of Utrecht declared, That they received Order from their Principal, to conform themselves 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 conciliatory, April 26ᵒ last; but whereas after the 9th. Article of the foresaid advice, as likewise in the said form of Oath, some 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 Assembly; 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 be. 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 Assembly, 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 be 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 authority in military affairs is committed to the said Council of State, then in former times.  
Next day, the Lords of Overyssell, propounded the like for themselves also, as the Lords of Utrecht had done before.  
May 27o. the Lords of Utrecht acquainted the Assembly, that they were charged now by their Principals, wholly and fully to conform themselves to the Advice conciliatory, touching the direction and disposition of the affairs and forces military; and that they likewise approved and accepted of the Form of the Oath for the soldiery of this State; together with the Instruction for the Lords Commissioners at the Ordinary Assembly 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 Generality on the 20th. of this instant, by the Lord of Ghent and other their H. M. Commissioners, at the Assembly; the said Lords of Utrecht resting confident in the mean time, that their H. M. will speed and facilitate their satisfaction about the increasing of their Deputies in the Council of State; which being taken into Deliberation; Those of Friesland, Overyssell, Groninghen and Omlands, were desired thereupon, that withal possible speed, and without any longer delay, they would likewise be pleased to conform themselves to the foresaid Advice conciliatory, Form of Oath and Instruction for the Commissioners of the Generality, with the agreeing Provinces of Gelderland, Holland, Zealand and Utrecht.  
Upon the 18. it was Whitsunday, during which feast, and for some days following most of the Lords (without dissolving of the Assembly) took some respite, or went home once, till Saturday the 10th. of June, the Lord Tiassens of Groninghen being Precedent, they met again the first time in the great Hall; where the foresaid Advice conciliatory being taken again into Deliberation, the Lords of Overyssell declared their conformity in the whole and all the particulars thereof, with the four first agreeing Provinces of Gelderland, Holland, Zealand and Utrecht, and had thanks returned 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 Military affairs and the soldiery; and especially by whom, on what grounds and in what manner the Patents were to be given to the said soldiery by land, etc. being reassumed; their Hi. Mi. were pleased to approve and ratify all according to the advice conciliatory brought in May 20 by the Lord van Ghent and others their Hi. Mi. Commissioners into the Assembly, in manner as followeth.  


I.  
THat provisionally and till further order of the joint Confederates, the disposing and granting of Patents should belong to the Ordinary Assembly of the Lords Commissioners at the Generality, with precedent Advice of the Council of State, who being demanded it, shall be 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 Precedent at the Generality; signed by two Deputies of the next succeeding Provinces, subscribed by the Secretary, and sealed with the Seal of their H. M. shall be sent thence to the Council of State, there likewise to be Paraphured by the Precedent, signed by the Secretary, and sealed with the Seal of the said Council, and by them to be sped away thus without any dela●e.   

II.  
Provided, that the said Council of State shall be bound likewise to advertise the Ordinary Assembly of the Generality, from time to time, of the true condition of the Frontiers and Forts of this State, and the necessity of some interchange of the Companies, as often as their N. shall judge it requisite, that upon the advice received as before there may be 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 themselves, agreed upon and decreed in this very behalf, a peculiar Instruction, containing the manner and order which the said Commissioners at the Generality 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 observe 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 being dispensed, for as much as concerns this particular, of the particular Oath which lies upon them by virtue of their respective Commissions, or which otherwise they may have made, or ●om to make yet unto their Principals.   

V  
And consequently the said Commissioners at the Generality 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 be provided with sufficient garrison of several Nations, and furnished with necessary ammunition by the Council of State, and that the rest of the soldiery, as much as may be, and occasions do permit, be distributed and placed in the nearest and most commodious places about the said Frontiers, for to be ready at hand at all times, in case of any sudden need, whether from within, or from without.   

VI  
And in case it should be found requisite to take forth any Companies out of a Voicing Province, that then the States of that Province, or such as are authorized by them shall be desired to part with so many Companies as shall be held necessary, transmitting withal the occasion and reasons thereof, together with Patents or Commissions, with open names to be filled up by the said States, or those authorized by them, who are to join thereunto their particular Patents, and that thereupon the said Companies shall follow; provided, that it shall be determined by common advice among the Confederates, how many Companies there are to be 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 be lessened, but in time of necessity, and with express consent of the States of that Province or their autorized Commissioners, so as that the necessity being passed, the said Companies be returned again to their former Garrisons, or others instead of them.   

VII.  
That no Companies be laid into any Voicing Province, but with the foreknowledge, 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 be taken for their passage; and that no Companies or Soldiers at Sea or Land, shall march through any walled towns of the said Provinces, without leave of the respective Magistrates thereof; but that the same shall tarry without the foresaid Cities, and give notice of their arrival to the said Magistrates, who shall thereupon, as soon as may be, give order that the said forces may pass either through or about the said Cities, so as they shall find good to appoint, which order the soldiery shall be bound to follow precisely.   

IX.  
That the States in the respective Provinces, or such as shall be especially authorized by them shall have liberty to transplace the Companies within their Province by Patents from one place to another; and that the Officers of the said Companies shall be bound likewise to obey the same; provided there be 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 be enabled in case of sudden need, and when the Patents from the Generality cannot be stayed 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 Generality: provided always, that thereof there be present advertisement given to the Lords the State's 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 ordinary Number of the determined Garrison, when, and if so be that the same shall have received contrary Order from the Generality before the foresaid Revocation.   

X.  
That the soldiery shall be bound, besides the general Oath to the Generality, to make Oath likewise in particular to the Province wherein they shall be laid, together with that under whose Repartition (or pay) 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 be made to the Chief Officers of the open Country, or the Representer thereof; if so be that necessity require, the putting of any Company there, either for the keeping of the Streams and Rivers, or otherwise.   

XI.  
That the Garrisons of the Fontier-Towns and Forts shall likewise be changed from time to time, so as it shall be found requisite for the most service and welfare of the Land, according to occasions and emergencies of affairs.   

XII.  
And that therewithal there shall be kept an exact List of the garrisoning of all the Cities, Forts and places, so as the same shall be conditioned from time to time; and that copies thereof shall be communicated to the respective Provinces at their desire at all times, to be there preserved and Registered. And of this their H. M. Resolution an Extract shall be sent to the Council of State, to serve 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 Assembly of their Hi. Mi. the State's General of the United Netherlands, by which they are to regulate themselves, in giving of Patents or Commissions to the soldiery, and in providing for the Frontiers of this State.  

I.  
THe foresaid Commissioners, shall take ●are with the advice of the Council of State, that the Frontiers of the State in general be beset with sufficient garrison of several Nations, and provided with necessary Ammunition and Provision by the Council of State; and that the rest of the soldiery, be as much as may, and occasions permit distributed and disposed of in the nearest and most convenient places about the said Frontiers, for to be ready 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 soldiery, but after advice had from the Council of State, and the said advice being heard and approved of; The Patents to be issued, shall be attested by the Lord Precedent for the time being in the said Assembly of their H. M. and signed moreover by two Deputies of the next succeeding Provinces, being present, together with the subscription of the Secretary and sealed with the Seal of their H. M. and the Patents thus attested, signed and sealed as before, shall be sent to the Council of State, for to be there likewise attested by their Precedent, signed by their Secretary and sealed with the Seal of the said Council, and thus with all speed to be dispatched.   

III.  
And if it shall be 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 authorised Commissioners, to give way for the taking forth of so many Companies as shall be thought necessary, adding therewithal the reasons thereof, and sending the Patents a long to the said States or their authorised Commissioners, with vacant spaces of the Names to be inserted by either of them, with the addition of their Provincial Patents   

IU.  
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 be found good hereafter to be 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 necessity should require the same, and the States of the said Province or their authorised Commissioners, do give their express consent unto it: and in that case, the danger being passed, the foresaid Companies, (or some others in their stead) shall be returned to their former Garrisons.   

V  
They shall not have power to lay any Companies in any Voicing Province, but with the foreknowledge, advice and consent, yea and Patent too, of the States of that Province or their authorised Commissioners.   

VI  
They shall cause no forces to pass through any Voicing Province, without giving timely notice thereof to the States of that Province or their authorised Commissioners, That order may be 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 be found to make most for the service and welfare of the Land, according to the occasions and occurences of affairs.   

VIII.  
They shall likewise cause an exact list to be kept of the Garrisoning of all Cities, Forts and places, so as the same shall be conditioned from time to time, and cause copies thereof to be imparted to the Provinces desiring the ●ame.   

IX.  
The foresaid Commissioners at present being, or succeeding afterwards, in the foresaid Assembly of the State's General, shall promise by Oath and swear, they will precisely regulate themselves 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 aught to be done to the contrary; 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 way, that might prove prejudicial to the public interest; and that without any regard of the Provinces or Cities, where they were born or chosen, or of the particular profit of themselves or any others, and promise to have nothing before their eyes, but the welfare and conservation of those Countries and the public interest, and doing besides in this behalf, what good and faithful Commissioners are bound and aught to do.  
Upon which Instruction, the present Lords Deputies at the Ordinary Assembly of the Generality are obliged forthwith to take their oath before the present Great Assembly; as likewise the rest (now absent) are to do from time to time as they shall present themselves, or such as may be further deputed by the respective Provinces, during the Session of this present Assembly; or, the same being ended, before the foresaid Ordinary Assembly of their H. M. insomuch that none of the Extraordinary Deputies of the respective Provinces at the said Assembly shall be 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 soldiery mentioned and established by the tenth Article of the above standing Resolution.  
The Oath to be made by soldiery to the State's General.  
I A. B. do promise and swear, to be true and faithful to the State's 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 paymasters, together with the States of the other Provinces, where I shall be employed; as also to the Governors or Magistrates of the Cities, as well within the said Provinces, as without them; where I shall be put in Garrison; to serve them resolutely and faithfully under the conduct of the Chieftains and Commanders set, or to be set over me; to honour, respect and obey the foresaid Lords the State's General, and the particular, my pay masters, together with the States of the other United Provinces, wherein I shall be employed and put in Garrison, and the Governors thereof at present being, or succeeding afterwards, and such as have or may have in time, authority there given them over the soldiery, and the fores●id Chieftains and Commanders set or to be set over me, in their respective commands, for such time as I shall continue to be employed in the respective Provinces and Cities; and and moreover to govern and regulate myself 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 be conditioned, in manner as followeth.  
To wit, Under the Attestation of the Lord Precedent, besides the signing of two other Lords of the Deputies at the Generality; the subscribing of the Secretary, the Seal of their H●. Mi. the attesting of the Precedent at the Council of State, the signing of the Secretary and the Seal of the Court of the Council of State, being accompanied likewise with the Patents of the States▪ out of or into whose Province I shall be commanded to march, provided withal, that, lying within any of the United Provinces, I shall upon the special Patent of the States of the Province or their authorised Commissioners, transport myself into any City or place of the said Province, and likewise into the Cities and Forts immediately resorting under the Generality, 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 find 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 hostility or disorder n●r any other trouble or molestation whatsoever upon the Inhabitants of the foresaid Provinces; nor suffer any trespass of this kind in the Soldiers under my command; nor attempt any thing myself, nor suffer those under me to attempt the least to prejudice, distress or endamage the same Provinces, Members or Cities thereof: and if so be, that any shall be sent to meet me lawfully impower'd by the States of such a Province, or their authorised Commissioners, for to conduct me 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, without first giving notice of it to the Magistrates thereof; but that I shall remain without, waiting for their order and pleasure, whether it be to let me pass through their City, or along the same without it; So help me God.   
The Lords of Friesland, of Groninghen and the Omlands, declared that they were ready 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 conciliatory, 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 Military affairs should not be prejudicial to the method form and order already concluded on, for the conservation and mutual entertainment of the Union, or to be concluded hereafter, in case the one or the other Province would not accommodate themselves to reason and the observation of the Union in some point or other. As also their N. M. understood it so, That the Right of a Stadtholder or Stadholders should not be prejudiced thereby, that the name only 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 be 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 Neighbour 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 conciliatory; they declared likewise, that they could easily conform thereunto, provided there were but some ●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 be 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 serve their Hi. Mi. with advice, what might be requisite in cases concerning them; for the Text remaining as it is in the foresaid Resolution▪ might otherwise at first somewhat obscure and at length que obliterate this clear Right of their Province, so well known yet to their Hi. M. themselves. All which (said they) might easily be prevented by the foresaid insertion, with●t nevertheless altering any thing essential in the establish● Resolution: it being (said they) far from the meaning●d intent of this solemn Assembly, to prejudice any Mem● thereof in their due Right and Authority.  
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 always 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 themselves in regard of t● said Sconces and circumstances in the year 1596 and at●● times. Should the Text of the fift Artic. remain in ten 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 be 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 Military now advanced by the Advice Conciliorie, being but provisional, it ought to be expressed 〈◊〉 it should stand and be of force only until it sha● be otherwise disposed of, as the constitution of the Land shall require it.  
The present Lords Deputies of the province of Overyssell, having seen what the Province of Friesland and Groninghen pretended yesterday Jun. 16, at he Assembly in their Exceptions delivered in, about the oints of Direction of Military affairs and giving of Pants; namely, that the Direction and Disposing of ga●isoning and keeping the Fort of Coevorden belonged of ●ght to them; They the Lords of Overyssell could not p●s it thus without contradicting it, in behalf and for the conservation of the Right of their Province in that particular, against the pretences of the said Provinces of Friesland and Groninghen.  
However, within a few days after, viz. Jun. 21, it was agreed, That touching the Exceptions of the said three Provinces, there should be satisfaction given them in manner as followeth.  
That upon the motion of some Provinces at their H. M. Assembly, it was found good upon precedent deliberation expressly to declare, That by the Resolution taken June 16, about the Direction of Military affairs, and the giving of patents, their H. M. meant not to enervate, altar, or prejudice in any kind or part the Articles of the Union and everlasting Confederacy 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 be prejudiced in the least by the abovesaid Resolution; nor their Stadholder or Governor, in the Disposing over some neighbour 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 be made to the Generality. 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 Generality; the same is to be seen by the Copies following, the first whereof is,  

The Form of Oath to be made by all Chief Commanders, Colonels, Ritmasters, Captains, Lieutenants, under-Officers, and all the soldiery, standing upon the Repartition of Holland and Westfriesland, into the hand of the States of the said Province, or their Autorized Commissioners.  
We do promise and swear to be true and faithful to the State's 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 serve them resolutely and faithfully in the Defence of the foresaid United Netherlands, and especially the Country of Holland and Westfriesland, the Quarters, Cities, and Members thereof against all their enemies; to be 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 Country of the foresaid Province from all inquartering and disorder of military forces: 
* Note, The words as also, etc. to Autorized Commissioners, inclusively, to be left out at the swearing of the Common Soldier.  as also that being within the said Province we shall not march forth, or being without we shall not enter into it for to be employed, quartered, or garrisoned 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 selus to the Articles of War; So truly help us God Almighty.   

The Form of Oath to be made by all Chief Commanders, Colonels, Ritmasters, Captains, Lieutenants, under-Officers, and all the soldiery in Garrison within the Province of Holland and Westfriesland, not being of their Repartition, into the hands of the States of that Province or their Autorized Commissioners.  
We do promise and swear to be true and faithful to the State's 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 we shall remain in the said Province, to be 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 Country of the said Province from all inqua●tering and disorder of military forces; 
* Note the words; as also, unto, authorised Commissioners, inclusively, to be left out at the swearing of the common Soldier.  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 myself to the Articles of War; So truly God Almighty help us.   

The Form of Oath to be made by the Captains, under-Officers and Soldiers, into the hands of the Citie-Magistrates, where, with their Companies, they lie in Garrison, or are to be laid respectively.  
I Do promise and swear, 
* Note, The words with the Company under me, to be left out at the swearing of the Lieutenant, under-Officers and Soldiers.  with the Company under me, to be true and faithful to this City and Magistrate, faithfully to serve and obey them, in what they shall command me for the conservation, service, and tranquillity of their City, and particularly against all manner of uproar and sedition of the people; saving always the Command which the Lords the States of this Province, or their Commissioned Council shall lay upon me. So truly God help me.   
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 Military Officers should be sworn by the Commissioners appointed for the mustering of the Forces under this State. The Lords of Friesland caused to be entered in their behalf, that they consented no further to the conclusion, then that their Militia and Military persons should be 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 Republic, wherein there had happened no alteration at all by the death of the Prince of Orange.  
Jun. 22o. the Lords van Ghent, Dort, Roesveld, Wimenum, Loo, Paets, Sunk, Aylva, van der Beeck, Cates, Jacob Veet, v●n der Hoolk, Tiassens, and Cla●t, took their oath, before the the great Assembly, upon the Instruction of Jun. 16ᵒ. for the Lords Deputies in the Ordinary Assembly of the Generality, whereby they are to govern themselves in giving of Patents to the soldiery, and taking care for the Frontiers of this State; the same was likewise performed afterwards by the rest of the Ordinary Deputies.  
About the later end of June, all the chief and subordinate Officers military to Captains, Lieutenants and Ensigns inclusively, being summoned and come to the Hague, they presented themselves in the Ordinary Assembly, and there took the oath, according to the form established in the great Assembly Jun. 16ᵒ. all of them standing, and barehead; except only his Excellency Count William of Nassaw as being Stadtholder of Provinces, for whom a chair was set: nevertheless taking the oath he stood and was uncovered. The like was done by them all in the Assembly of Holland.  
For the stopping of the course of Corruptions, there was a Report made June 27o. importing, that a solemn Act or Proclamation ought to be published against the same, and an order settled by Resolution; That no members of the Government, sitting in any Assembly, Court, Magistracy or Judicature, depending on the Generality, should suffer himself to be 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 themselves unto it, and the rest of the Provinces were desired, to declare themselves in like manner.  
Whereupon July 1. the Lord Jacob de Vett, being Precedent at the Great Assembly, it was disposed of and unanimously resolved, agreed and consented to, That None of the Lords Commissioners at the Assembly of the State's General, no● Council of State, nor Treasury 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 Generality, none at all excepted, nor their wives, children, or any in relation to them, shall either themselves, or by any other, take, receiv or enjoy any thing, not so much as by transaction, sale, exchange or otherwise, either directly or indirectly, being a gift or present, whatever, yea and how small soever the gift or gifts may be, even to eating and drinking wares, and that from no person whatsoever, whom they know to have any thing to do at the forementioned Assembly, Courts, Judicatures, whereof they are members, or may be like to get any business there, by reason that either for themselves or other they may pretend, sue or have obtained any Charges, Offices, Benefices or Emoluments, Grants, Judgements, Decrees, Resolution, about any matter, there depending, or for expedition's sake, under what pretext soever, either before or after the Business shall be transacted or dispatched: and if so be they should have received or enjoyed any such gift or present from any one whom afterwards they came to understand, that they had business in the Assembly 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 Assembly or Courts before named respectively, and refrain, either directly, or indirectly to recommend the business of such to the Assembly 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 enjoyed 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 be withal declared incapable of being employed again in any other, besides other arbitrary punishment to be inflicted upon them. And all the members at their first admittance in the respective Courts, shall be bound to swear into the hands of the chief Assessor or President, a certain oath to be 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 be able to inform their Hi. Mi. that one or other of the foresaid Government shall have received any such bribes or presents, he shall be 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 themselves 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 Country published and affixed in all such places where things concerning public observance were used to be published.  

The Proclamation, so as the same was printed, published and affixed, follow's.  
THe State's General of the United Netherlands, to all such as shall see or hear the reading of this, greeting. Be it known, That whereas it hath been discovered, that some dangerous and pernicious people, do so far presume, to the great dishonour and v●lifying of the chief Government and other Courts of the Generality, and to the no less grief of the members thereof, that having any cause or business at or before the said chief Government or Courts, they dare adventure to present or cause to be presented to the members thereof, any gifts, bribes or presents, whenas on the contrary, they ought to have that opinion of their faithfulness, sincerity, integrity and uprightness, as the worthiness of their place and function is requiring; We therefore, for due redress hereof, do hereby most expressly interdict and straight prohibit every one, of what quality or condition soever, at any time to present, give or promise, directly or indirectly, whether by bargain, sale, exchange, or any otherwise, to any of the chief Government, or other Courts of the Generality, 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 Generality, none excepted, or to their wives, children, or to any of their Household, 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 themselves, or some body else, directly or indirectly, any Charges, Offices, Benefices, Grants, Judgements, Results or Decrees, in any kind of business, or for the expedition thereof, under what pretext soever, upon pain that the Transgressor shall be condemned to pay a Fine, proportioned to, or equalizing the value of the matter which he hath depending, either in his own, or any others behalf, before the said Chief Government, or other Courts of the Generality, the Courts of Justice of Braband and Flanders, their prime Ministers or Officers respectively, or any Magistrates or place▪ of Judicature, resorting under the Generality; besides other arbitrary punishment, infamy and uncapableness of ever being readmitted to any public charge, office or benefice whatsoever; and that the same persons shall ip●o facto, forthwith be and stand deprived of all such charges, offices and benefices, as he may have, bear and enjoie; and all this without any connivance, mitigation or moderation to be used to himwards: the foresaid Fine to be employed and bestowed among the Officers, the Informers and the poor, for each a third part thereof; and the Informers person and name shall be kept secret besides, and if he were guilty himself in this kind, he shall have indemnity. And to the end, that all this may well and in all parts effectually be performed and practised, the Lords the States of the respective Provinces have promised and assured one another, promptly and fully to execute and cause to be executed, within their several Jurisdictions, all the Resolutions, Sentences and Judgements, which by the respective Courts upon address made by Us, the Council of State, or other Courts of the Generality, or of the Court also of Braband and Flanders, and other Magistrates and Jurisdictions under the Generality, shall have been pronounced against the Transgressor's 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 delay; for thus we find it requisite for the service of the Land: and therefore we do signify unto and desire the Lords the States, the Commissioned Councils, and deputed States of the Respective Provinces of Gelderland and the County of Zutphen, Holland and West-Friesland, Zealand, Utrecht, Friesland, Overyssell, Groninghen and the Omlands, the Courts of Justice and Governors in Cities and the open Country, to cause this our Act and Proclamation to be published and affixed every where in the usual places. Don at the Assembly of the said States General, at the Hague, in the great Hall of the Court of Holland, this first day of July. 1651. Attested, Jacob Vett, ut. underneath stood. By Order from the same. signed N. Ruysch, and sealed with the Seal of the said Lords the State's General in red Wax.   

The Form of the Patents was agreed on in manner as followeth.  
THe State's 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● he shall take care, that the Country people be no ways molested or damnified; Their H. M. enjoining the— and Magistrate of the said City to furnish the said Companies with lodgings.  
Don at the Hague the—. By Order of the said Lords the State's 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 be left in the respective Voicing Province, as well for the garrisoning and guarding thereof, as for the executing of their civil Orders and Commands; having first conferred about it with the Lord Fieldmarshal and other Military chief Commanders. In conformity whereunto, having conferred with his Excellency the Fieldmarshal, and likewise heard the Lord of Beverweert Serjeant Major General of the Army, and his Excellcie the Stadholder, etc. 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) be left less provided and beset then is showed forth by the List of Companies herewithal presented; and that the rest of the Companies could be left within the Voicing Provinces, for the besetting of the Frontiers thereof, and executing of their civil Orders and Commands, as may be seen by the other List made in that behalf and likewise presented here, without drawing any forth thence but in case of necessity, 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 be 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 looked to and prevented, that it would be expedient the Horse should be exempted from having any more but the Generalities Patent, being to be drawn forth out of any Province; for the same being to be employed on a sudden to prevent any evil design against the common good, if they should be put to stay 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 come too late, and the Land by that foreslowing to a great deal of inconveniency; therefore they were of opinion, that the Patents for Horse ought only to be given by the Generality, in the same manner as the Patents are given to the Companies for garrisoning of the Frontiers, that so they may be ready at hand upon any emergency and troublesome accident, and march away forthwith, thus to obviate and prevent all disaster and mischief; provided, that the danger being passed, they be returned again to their former Garrisons.  

The List of such Garrisons as are fit to be left within the Voicing Provinces.   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 Bierulict 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 Horse.  

The List of the Garrisons or Companies fit to be left without the Voicing Provinces in the Frontiers.   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 be Garrisoned by a Commanded party out of Meurs.   ●rsoy 8 1 Rhinberck 9 2 weasel 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 Katherine by Opburgh 1 0 Ardenburgh 6 0  In all 284 Companies of Foot. 31 Companies of Horse.  
IT was a great while and went hard, beforethey could come to an agreement: each Province conceiving themselves prejudiced, and to have too few allowed them for the executing of their Civil Orders and commands; in the mean time every one grew weary and tired with the slow progress of this great Assembly; for the compendisying whereof it was propounded by Counsellor André, that nothing should be handled and resolved at the great Assembly, but the points following; (all the rest being remitted to the Assembly in Ordinary) viz. how and in what manner, the Differences arising between the Provinces, may be 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 Assembly of the Generality: the passing of the reformed Instruction for the Council of State; the redressing of the respective Instructions for the Generalities Exchequer; the Courts of Admiralty, the Treasurer General, the Receiver General, the Secretary of the Council of State, the Secretaries of the Exchequer of the Generality, the Advocate Fiscal of the Generality, and consequently the respective requisites of the said Courts of the Generality, and lastly the Lists of Garrisons as well within as without the Voicing Provinces. Next day it was resolved, That the following points only should be taken into deliberation here. viz. How and in what manner the Differences arising betwixt the Provinces should be 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 be framed a good Project, accommodated for the present time and conjuncture, leaving out such things, as are not practicable, or cannot be 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 soldiery, whereby some places might easily have run great hazard, had it not been prevented instantly; at what time his Highness Prince Henry, with some of the Lords of the Generality were fain to repair in person to Breda, to settle the disorder by exemplary 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 be brought or kept in practice. This they thought themselves obliged to represent unto their H. M. before the drawing up of another Act for redress in the point of Mustering; which might easily cause new distemper, or would hardly be observed as was fitting, and the executions of the punishments prove as difficult and dangerous; not that they sought any way to protract or delay 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 be fruitless, if there went not before, a redress of that pretext, which is so commonly taken up in this kind, viz. in the first place, a more precise and ready pay, without letting the company'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 course with a certain Ritmaster, for the better paying of his complaining Troopers; the said Ritmaster alleging, That his paymasters 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 extraordinary charges, for Clarks and Solicitors, whom they must entertain at 60. 70. and more Florins per month, besides other encumbrances, as defalcating of the 100 penny and the like, over and above all other expenses; which they being not able to supply out of their own entertainments, (being allowed but a single pay for a Clerk in the list) they must either abate and deduct the interests of so many months' arrears from their Soldiers and Troopers, whence those complaints of them arise, that they can never get their full pay: or else they must seek and find out other ways, whereby to repair their damages, to the Land's great disservice. Which ground of their pretext, if it were once remooved, and that the Companies were duly and orderly paid their wages, the redress in the mustering would easily find admittance, that the transgressors might be punished according to the tenor of the Acts made or to be 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 some Provinces sent their Commissaries to a Garrison where there lay many Companies of several Repartitions, mustering there only such Companies as belonged to theirs; where it is easy to conceiv for any one, that it was no hard matter for such Companies to make complete musters, when the rest knew it concerned not them, though all the Companies appeared in arms, and some kind of mustering passed upon them all, as long as their pay was not at hand. But (said they) if this Council should muster the whole Garrison together, then none would be at liberty, to lend his Soldiers to another; which would be so much the more effectual yet, if the Provincial payments were made by no other rolls but those of the Council, where the public interest would be 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 themselves, in the least; but that according to their bounden duty, they were constrained to make this representation, it being evident, that in the courses hitherto used, the public service was not considered as it ought, and the whole Land and the Provinces abused. They therefore desired their H. M. that they would be pleased, to take all these things into due consideration, that the affairs concerning the militia may be brought once to a good settlement at length.  
In this month of July, there presented themselves likewise once more, a pretty number of Ministers, out of all the Provinces; who had Audience on the 14th. at the great Assembly, and delivered there this following Remonstrance.  
To the Hi. Mi. Lords the State's General of the United Netherlands.  
High Mighty Lords!  
IN the beginning of this great and Illustrious Assembly, the Churches of our Father-land cast themselves by their Deputies into the arms of your H. M. for to recommend unto them, with all humility and the zealous yearning of their Souls, the welfare of the true Christian Reformed Religion, as the only key, the true Pillar and Foundation of this flourishng State; together with the protecting it against, and delivering it from, that which might be dangerous and ruinous to the establishment and propagation of it, in regard especially both of the Popish Idolatry and daily increasing sins and scandals, lying heavy upon this Land, and calling aloud 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 favourable and wholesome Resolution, for the conservation of the foresaid Religion, and supporting it against that which might prove prejudicial to the growth and prosperity 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 already, especially in the both Ecclesiastcal and Political Reforming of the Mayorie of the Bosch and Marquisat of Berghen, where the presumptions and insolences of the Papists were grown so high, That the Churches of our dear Father-land, which had so hearty rejoiced at the zeal of your H. M. shown forth by the introducing of Reformed Teachers into these parts and Quarters; seeing the slow advancement there of the Reformed interest, and on the contrary 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 administered the same in those parts, were entertained there in such an hostile and barbarous manner, that it could hardly happen worse to them among the Turkeys 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 not where so good as they had hoped it would have proved; and therefore they cannot but make known and complain to your H. M. how that even in some such places of the Mayerie, where Reformed Officers were brought in, nevertheless things go not as they ought; for where some former Popish Officers had before, only in policy, put in some 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 bitterest Papists to supply 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 Lieutenant of the Land Drost Ravesway when he was come to dissipate the assembling of them by hundreds in the Chapel of Aerler in Peeland, and would doubtless have endangered his life, if he had not been rescued by some Troopers coming to assist him. The idolatrous Crosses and Saints-Shrines by the high ways sides, which the Papists so much resort to in their blind devotion, they remain standing in many places still for all the Ordinances made against it: and in the City 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 Country people of the Mayerie come flocking thither; and of the Barony of Breda and Marquisate of Berghen, and County of Linghen and Land of Cuyck the report goes, 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 publicly known, and such a Concourse there to their superstitious worship, as if they had public licence and authority from the Magistrate; that in the open Country the Priests remain still and in many places where heretofore there was but one, there are oft-time 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 undone 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 colour of Country charges, to collect and gather moneys for the entertainment of their Priests: that in the County 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 pay the same; insomuch that there is scarce any left which dare show 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 be feared, if there be not some speedy course 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 themselves to their H. M. beseeching them with most solicitous hearts, that orders may be taken and settled in this great Assembly 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 Assembly Januarie last 17, and consequently that not only 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 insolences may effectually be refrained, Religion maintained, and the Reformation both Ecclesiastical and Civil, as far forth as the same is defective yet, without further delay, brought to perfection, and in particular, that the place Ghement having been provided with a Reformed Preacher for these three years, may be maintained by this State; that likewise some quick and vigorous means may, by your H. M. wisdom, be found out, established and published, whereby all Sectaries may be kept in awe 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, Jesuits, Priests, Clergiemen, Friars, may be kept out of the land, as being no subjects to any secular Princes or Magistrates, but only to the Court of Rome, according to their own Tenants. And besides all this, that all crying and God-provoking sins, such as are the public violations of Sabbaths, Cursing, Swearing and divers others shown forth by the former Remonstrance presented to your H. M. Januarie last 20, might be made to cease once among us; and all your H. M. Officers charged upon forfeiture of their places and other heavy censures, punctually to execute and perform your H. M. good intention in this behalf. And not to detain your H. M. any 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, pray and beseech your H. M. that ye would be pleased to entertain this their Remonstrance with hearty tenderness, and let it prevail so far, that it may be seconded with a fruitful execution; that as your H. M. famous Assembly began with the LORD, his Word and Honour, so it may likewise end there, to the joie and comfort of all the Churches of our Father-land, which at present with great long do expect and look up for the great Work of securing and settling of Religion, happily begun by your H. M. great and illustrious Assembly, that it may not be left half done, 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.  
Mathias Waelsweer.  
Joannes James-Huysen.  
John Knyphuysen.    
The 15 of June there was brought in the following appointment for Vacations and travelling expenses, both for the Lords Commissioners of the Generality, and those of the Council of State, whereof mention will be 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 be allowed for vacancy and entertainment in the journey (repast and baiting comprehended therein) eight gilders per diem.  
Taking a Messenger along, besides his man or men aforesaid, he shall be allowed two gilders more per diem, over and above the foresaid sum; in all ten gilders, besides the said Messenger his Vacancy, as also the said Lord his Boat, Ship, Wagon, Fraight, Convoy or such like charges, which ought to be put upon account apart.  
One of the Lords travelling with a greater Train or Company than his fellow-Commissioners, the said his fellow-Commissioners ought not to be put to charges by it.  
The said respective Commissioners shall accept and partake of no defraiments by the Magistrates of the Cities and other places resorting under the Generality, nor by such persons as are in service of the Generality.  
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 be annexed to the said Declarations, and thus delivered into the Council of State, by them to be first viewed and examined, from thence to be transmitted to the Generalities Checquer-chamber, to be there likewise viewed, examined and cleared, and especially to see, whether the Land was liable to be charged or not with the accounts brought in; and then to be returned back to the foresaid Council, by them to be passed into Ordinances, which Ordinances, should be signed by the Lord Precedent, besides two others Lords of the same Council, being all of several Provinces, together with the Treasurer and Secretary of the said Assembly, the same being first registered folio tali. And this being done, those ordinances with the foresaid annexions', should be brought again into the foresaid Exchequer, to see and examine, whether the same was done according to the Order of the Land; and after the examination past, the said Ordinance should there likewise be registered, folio tali▪ and all the Ordinances to be passed hereafter upon the respective Declarations, should be thus conditioned, or else no moneys 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 be, and caused to be prosecuted and put in execution; and as touching the Countries and Cities resorting under the Generality, the Lords Commissioners at the Generality in Ordinary, were charged, to take especial care and inspection, that the public Reformation both ecclesiastical and civil, may be 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 duly restrained, and every thing effected and executed, conformably to the before▪ mentioned Resolution. As likewise the foresaid Lords, Ordinary Deputies had charge given them, to make and publish due Acts and decrees against all gross sins, Profanations of the Sabbath of the Lord, Fight 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 endeavours, zeal, and pains showed and undertaken in this behalf.  
There was great endeavour made this week, the Lord Scheel presiding for Overyssell, 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 already a project was made of coining a certain Medail, of Gold and Silver, for a memorial of this famous Assembly: 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 Assembly, 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 longed what issue the affairs of the United Netherlands would take, upon the Death of the Prince of Orange, with various conjectures, according to the variety of each party's Conditions and Dispositions; it pleased God, (Janus Temple being shut before) that the Grand Court of the Batavian States was opened, where at last, through God's assistance, after a courageous 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 joined they stand Rock like unshaken and safe under God's own hand.)  
But however, The Ship of affairs, instead of getting straight into the harbour, as most had conceived, was driven about again for a while by new cross winds, arising out of the Debate touching the amnesty or Act of Oblivion: and withal it was advised by some, that since the last years troubles proceeded mainly, from and by reason of the excessive public charges, all courses of lavishing the same might be eschewed, to prevent clamoring among the people; notwithstanding that those of the other Provinces, being come hither upon the invitation of Holland, and having spent much, conceived it was the least this Province could do in civility, to present each Deputy with such a gold Medail. But there it stuck, and never came further.  
The Business of Religion, being dispatched, as was said the first day of this presidency; there was taken in hand the point of Secret Correspondence; concerning which, it was found good and decreed, according to the report of the conciliatory Conferences, That it was very necessary and expedient for this State, to send and still to entertain public Ministers abroad (whether they be Ambassadors, Residents, Agents or Commissioners) at the respective Courts of the Emperor, the Kings, Spain, Sweden, etc. at brussels and elsewhere, where it should be found requisite: so much the better and more conveniently to consider and observe what might be best for this State's Interest, as also that from time to time, advertisement may be 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 be continued in the same way as before, according to their Commissions.  
The present Commissioners at the Assembly, being of opinion, That, during the peace, this course would be provisionally sufficient for this State.  
That the moneys likewise appointed for secret Correspondences, may provisionally be converted to the entertainment and support of the foresaid respective Ministers.  
That likewise all foreign Ministers of this State shall address their Letters immediately to the Ordinary Assembly of the State's General, and writing of things which ought to be held secret, that the same shall be enclosed under Seal apart, and transmitted within the Ordinary Letters, provided there be every such line, mention made in the ordinary Letters, of the said enclosed secret one. Which Secret Letters shall not be opened, but by a certain select number of the Commissioners, (successively to be nominated and chosen thereunto, out of every Province present) together with the Secretary; and that the said Secret shall forthwith be made known to the Ordinary Assembly, unless it were judged requisite by the said Committee, it should be 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 Ordinary Assembly of the State's General, whether they send them mediately under covert by a third hand, or immediately, and all such Letters shall be opened and managed, as was said before.  
And to the end that the service of the Country may be so much the better regarded, and the foresaid public Ministers the more fitted for it, the Assembly judged it requisite, that the Committee (to whom the opening of the foresaid secret Letters shall be referred) should likewise be desired and authorized to transmit unto the said public Ministers from time to time all the Resolutions and other necessary 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 day, that some Resolution might be 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 be disposed by the Generality, but they obtained 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 be decreed in manner as the same was drawn up by their H. M. Deputies in the Conferences Concil●●torie, and reported in the Assembly on the 6th and was likewise entered in their H. M. public Registers, save only the 21 Article of the said Instruction, speaking of the grant of orders upon some Declarations, to be dressed according to the last Article of the report made by the Lord Ommereun and other their Hi. Mi. Deputies, for the Conference conciliatory Julie 25, touching the appointments or allowances for vacations and travelling charges of any of the Deputies at the Generality, or Counsellors of State going in Commission from the Generality. 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 be Commissioned, shall provisionally, and till the State's General do otherwise ordain, guide and govern the affairs touching the State in general, the defence, conservation and Union of the Country's aforesaid.  

I.  
IN the foresaid Council there shall be comprehended and at all times appear, have place and voice, the Governors of the respective Provinces, where now they are, or may be hereafter; and matters shall be handled, deliberated and transacted in the said Council with all due reverence, respect and modesty, to the best advantage of the service of the said Countries, the good unity and friendship among the same, their Cities and Members, together with the mutual good understanding of the Lords of the Council among themselves: And the Governors of the respective Provinces, and the Precedent of the Council aforesaid for the time being, are desired to take good care, that all particular affections, jarrings and impertinencies (nothing concerning the matters and affairs there to be deliberated) may be prevented and forborn.   

II.  
Into this Council there shall be chosen and admitted men, qualified, fit and versed in matters of State, and being of the true Christian Reformed Religion, such as the same is taught and preached at present throughout the public Churches of these Countries; and not being engaged by Oath, pension or employment to any King, Prince or Lords, at home or abroad; nor allied to each other, unto the fourth degree of blood, or second of affinity, according to the computation of the civil Laws; and that without any dispensation; also the said Counsellors ought to be firmly resident in the place of their Assembly.   

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 leave or knowledge of the Counsellor-President; and they shall be bound constantly to repair to the place where▪ the Council shall be employed; and appear at any time when they shall be desired to meet, except only upon lawful excuses.   

iv  
The foresaid Council shall, together with the Assembly of the Commissioners in the Generality, take good care, that the Countries and United Provinces, Cities and Members thereof may be put and kept in mutual good concord, according to the Union made and settled amongst them; and likewise that all good correspondence be entertained between them and their Governors and Military Commanders; as also between the said Governors and Commanders among themselves.   

V  
And the said Council shall, together with the Assembly of the Ordinary Deputies, as before, have and exercise the authority of disposing in Military affairs, and over the soldiery being in the State's service, taking, according to the exigencies of things, the considerations thereupon of the Fieldmarshal and other chief Commanders of War, and causing their Commands to be executed by the foresaid Governors of the Provinces for the time being, 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 City or Member thereof in particular.   

VII.  
And the said Council shall, together with the Assembly of the foresaid Ordinary Deputies at the Generality, take care that the Frontiers of the State in general may be beset or provided with sufficient garrison of several Nations, and that the rest of the soldiery be 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 be at hand.   

VIII.  
For which end the foresaid Council shall be obliged, the foresaid Assembly of the Ordinary Deputies at the Generality desiring their advice, about transplacing or sending forth of any Companies, and giving of Patent to the same, to supply the desired advice to the said Assembly with all expedition.   

IX.  
And besides that likewise to inform and advertise the said Assembly of the Ordinary Deputies at the Generality, from time to time, of the true State and condition of the foresaid Frontiers, and necessity of changing some of the Companies, as often as the same shall judge, that the service of the Land requireth it.   

X.  
And to the end, that the beforementioned Patents may be duly expedited according to the mind of the joint-Confederates, and as much as may be done, care had, that no Company shall march into any Voicing Provinces, to be 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 be removed or drawn forth out of the Voicing Provinces, whereby the prescribed Number agreed upon, or hereafter to be agreed upon with common advice of the respective Provinces, to be 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 come to be lessened; the foresaid Council shall review and carefully observe the Patents, after their advice transmitted unto them by the Assembly of the Ordinary Deputies at the Generality, whether the same Patents be attested by the Precedent at the Generality, and signed by two Deputies of the two succeeding Provinces present, subsigned by the Secretary, and sealed with the Seal of their Hi. Mi.   

XI.  
And if at any time any Patents shall serve to make any Companies to march into a Voicing Province, than the said Council shall observe further, whether the Claus be 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 be the Patents shall serve thereby to draw forth any Companies out of a Voicing Province, the foresaid Council shall take care that in the same Patents there be blanks left, or open spaces for the names of the Officers which are to lead the said Companies to be 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 contain 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 Precedent in the Council, and sign them by the Secretary, and seal them with the Seal of the Council, thus without any further delay to be forthwith dispatched and sent away.   

XIII.  
Moreover the foresaid Council, wherever the States of a Voicing Province or their autorized Commissioners shall be desired in time of need by the Generality▪, to yield to the drawing forth of some companies out of their Provinces, whereby the number to remain within the Province, according to the forecited agreement, to the ends aforesaid, comes to be lessened; shall to their uttmost take care and endeavour, that the Need or Necessity, which caused the drawing forth of the said Companies, being passed over, the foresaid Companies be 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, be duly provided with needful ammunition, provision and other requisits of War.   

XV.  
The said Council shall endeavour, That the General means for the common defence of the Land, throughout all the United Provinces, the associated Countries, the Cities and Members thereof, together with the Quarters resorting under the Generality, particularly agreed, or yet to be agreed upon, and referred or yet to be referred to their Disposition, by the consent of the Provinces, may every where be well and equally levied, and that the Farmers and Collectors thereof, be 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 be made in that behalf, be 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 cause to be followed such Instructions, as are or shall be made by the State's 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 be 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 Prince's suits or moneys; and, according to the Warrants exsecutorie to be issued in that behalf. Provided, that none shall be called forth out of the Province where he inhabits, without the consent of the States of the said Province.   

XVIII.  
They shall take care, and seriously endeavour, that all accountable Persons of the Generalities means, the farming both in Cities and Country, the redemption of means, Contribution, Mulcts, Ecclesiastical goods, the Seal of domains, pourvaying of Provision and Ammunition for the Army, 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 be audited in the foresaid chequer-chamber, whereof copies shall be returned, as formerly; and that for to prevent abuses.   

XIX.  
The moneys proceeding of the foresaid consented means and subsidies shall be converted and employed to the payment of the soldiery and other Necessaries of War, in conformity to the agreements of the respective Provinces; or, so as in general shall be ordained by the Provinces, for most profit of the Land; and above all there shall be settle dorder for Mustering, and Military Discipline over the soldiery; and that they may be paid by the head, as near as possibly may be.   

XX.  
They shall take care, that the respective Provinces do pay the Companies their full wages without any abatement, or charge of Solicitors, Clarks, cash-monies, New▪ year money, or any other, whatever it may be called, directly or indirectly; that they may receiv their pay monthly; there being good heed taken, that the Ritmasters and Captains be engaged and kept to it upon pain of casheiring, to pay likewise their horse and foot Soldiers their full pay according to the Lands order; to wit, the horse men every month, and the foot soldiers every seven days; and those by whom any transgressions in this kind shall be discovered, they shall be rewarded according to the Acts made and to be made in that behalf, and notice taken of besides for being promoted and advanced, according to the condition of the matter revealed.   

XXI.  
All Orders for payment shall be signed by the Treasurer and three of the Council, being of several Provinces, and by the Secretary of the said Council, and no orders for payment shall be held valid, but these signed as said is, together with a Note of, Registered, folio tali, upon it; to the said Orders there shall likewise be joined 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 conditioned, shall be sent to the Generalities Chequer-chamber, there to be viewed examined and registered in like manner, in case they be granted according to the Lands Order. Without which the Receiver General is to make no payment, 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 be given and performed, according to the respective Consents and Lists made or to be made in their behalf, by the State's General; and that there be 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 aught for the said goods beyond the foresaid Lists; and that the contraventions directly or indirectly practised in this kind, be exemplarily punished.   

XXIII.  
They shall suffer the Cities according to their ancient customs, in time of need, and when matters can brook no delay, to arm by Sea, and to set out men of War, at the charge of the Country; provided they give present information thereof to the Generality, that they may be 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 only, 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 be yet further set up in the Respective Quarters.   

XXIV.  
The foresaid Council shall be obliged to deliver up, every third month, to the State's General and the States of each Province, an exact State of the charge of War, and of the incom of the means to be 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 be conditioned from time to time, and shall let the Provinces have copies thereof, whensoever it shall be desired.   

XXVI.  
They shall have a special care that the pales and limits of the foresaid Provinces respectively be not lessened; and that all the Cities and places resorting under the Generality, be reduced and kept under an equal contribution, for the common defence of the Land, as near as possibly may be; and that the same course be taken and practised, in regard of such Cities and places as may yet be subdued under this State.   

XXVII.  
They shall take care, that all Generals, Admirals, Colonels, Ritmasters, Captains and all the soldiery by Sea and Land, shall promise and swear, to be true and faithful to the State's 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 be employed, and on whose charge and repartition they shall stand for pay, and faithfully to serve 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 promise to obey the Council of State instituted, or hereafter to be instituted by the State's General, and that the Colonels, Ritmasters, Captains, and all the rest of the soldiery, shall besides that likewise, promise and swear duly to obey the Commands of the Governors of the Provinces where they are employed; and the Sea-soldiers, the commands of the Admiral, and all such other Heads or Cheiftains, as shall be 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 Commonwealths; and for that end, and the advancement of the Trade and Traffic of these Countries, they shall entertain all good Correspondence, Friendship and Neighbourhood with foreign Princes, and States, especially the neighbor-Kingdoms, Commonwealths, Countries and Cities, by the best means they shall ordain in this behalf.   

XXIX.  
Those of the Council aforesaid, and every one of them, being to vote: they shall openly, freely, and advisedly declare what in Honour, Duty and Conscience they shall think best, whether it be by conforming themselves with the opinion of others, being satisfied with them, to avoid repetitions, or otherwise, as they shall think good themselves, by other arguments and considerations; and all matters shall be determined in the said Council, by most voices of the present Counsellors, having voted; and if any matters shall come to be propounded concerning any of the said Counsellors themselves, directly or indirectly, either in regard of their own persons, or their kindred and allies, to the fourth degree, therein they shall not be allowed to give any advice, nor to be 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 be decided and determined finally, but in the presence of all the Lords of the Council, being 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 resolve upon any extraordinary 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 State's General, for a certain time, after the expiration 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 Assembly of the Ordinary Deputies at the Generality; 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 public, and join the same bills to the orders, and allow no continuation of works formerly undertaken, upon pain to undergo themselves in particular, the damage thereby redounding to the public, and there shall no orders, of what name soever, be 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 concerns them.   

XXXV.  
The foresaid Council, Treasurer-General, Receiver-General, Fiscal, Secretaries, Substitutes, Clarks, Controllers of Fortifications, and all other attendants of the Council, shall have no share nor part in any Ecclesiastical goods, Lands, demesnes etc. which are farmed out for the Generality, or otherwise let forth, nor in any works already put out, or to be put out upon the common stock of the Land; nor in any convoys, imposts, or other public means; nor in any furnishing of gunpowder, bullets, artillery, arms, corn, rye, oats, butter, cheese, or any other provision of victuals or military ammunition and necessaries, of what sort and condition soëver, being to be employed for the public service: nor shall they be allowed to buy, or under any other title or colour to undertake or let forth, any Orders which are to be let out, at the charge of the Land in general, or of any Province in particular, neither by themselves, their wives, children, household, 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 themselves, their wives, children, household, or any other in their behalf, as before, accept of, enjoy or profit by any gifts, bribes or presents, of any thing, be it never so small, though but eating and drinking wares; and that from no body at all, whether they be Cities, Courts, public 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 be expedited in the Council; and if so be 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, than they shall be 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 be allowed to assist or to be 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 be found to have done contrary to the orders aforesaid, shall forfeit their state and place, and be infamous and uncapable of ever bearing any office or charge, within the United Provinces, the associated Countries, Cities and Members thereof; and besides that, be bound to return and make good fourfold, what they have participated of the foresaid Ecclesiastical goods, lands, demesnes, etc. farmed out or otherwise let forth, for the Generalities behoof, or of the abovesaid public 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 enjoyed of or profited by them; and shall be further liable to such amercements and arbitrary punishment, as according to the exigency of the matter shall be found fitting and requesite; and the foresaid Counsellors, the Treasurer-General, Receiver-General, Fiscal, Secretary, Substitutes, Clarks, Controller of the fortifications, and all other attendants of the Council, present or to come, shall at their first admittance to their functions take their oath, that in and about the matters aforesaid, they will honestly acquit themselves; as likewise the foresaid Counsellors shall yearly upon the first Teusday in the month of May, and such as be absent then, upon the first day of their appearance again in Council, before any other thing be agitated in the said Council, clear themselves one to another by oath, and so likewise shall the● Treasurer-General, the Receiver-General, the Fiscal, the Secretary, the Substitutes, Clarks, Controllers of fortifications and all other attendants of the Council clear themselves, that in and about the matters aforesaid, they have acquitted themselves honestly, and that they have no knowledge that their wives, children, household or any other, having relation to themselves, have done contrary in any of the foresaid things directly or indirectly promising for time to come to continue thus in all uprightness; and that none at all shall be admitted to the businesses of the Council, ere and before he have solemnly cleared himself and made promise in the manner aforesaid.   

XXXVI.  
And the said Counsellors shall moreover, upon the least susspition arising, be likewise bound at all times to clear themselves by Oath one toward another in this behalf, as aforesaid, and to make the Treasurer General, Receiver General, Fiscal, Secretary Substitutes, Clerks, Comtrollers of Fortifications and all other attendants of the Council to purge themselves thereof; and to make him on whom any suspicion falls in particular to declare by Oath, that they neither promised, nor gave nor would promise or give aught to any of the persons aforesaid, directly or indirectly.   

XXXVII.  
And those which shall be found to have given, or promised, or caused to be promised or given, directly or indirectly, any gifts or presents to any of the foresaid persons, their wives, children, household, or to any other for their sakes and behalf, whether it be before or after the business done for expedition's sake, or otherwise, under what pretext soever; they shall by sentence of the foresaid Council be condemned to a fine proportionable or equal to the value of the cause there depending, or otherwise, according to the occasion and condition of things; and all the foresaid fines and amercements shall be dispensed, one third part thereof to the informer or discoverer, and the two remaining parts to the behoof of the poor; yea though the exorbitancy or corruption committed should not come to be detected, till within some years after their commission.   

XXXVIII.  
And to the end, that what hath hitherto been said, may the better be effected, and followed, and none of all that have or shall have any thing to do at the Council, may plead or pretend ignorance, there shall be hung up in the out-room or antichamber of the council an open Patent, in the Netherlandish, French, English, and Scot's language, whereby every one shall be 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 expressed in the foregoing article; as likewise the proctor's, (attorneys) solicitors, and others usually employed, before the foresaid Council, shall upon the tuesday abovesaid, or then absent, at their first return to the Hague, make promise to the Council by oath, that they will not suffer themselves to be employed nor give nor cause to be given advice to their Clients of presenting or promising aught 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 promise 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 promised the like, that they will forthwith acquaint the Council with it; as also they shall be bound at the beginning of their employment by any, faithfully to warn them that they give nor promise nothing in that kind to none of the persons aforesaid, directly or indirectly; and in case they had done it already, to acquaint the Council with it themselves, on pain of incurring the censure and correction of the Council, if they shall be found to have done contrary to the Orders aforesaid.   

XXXIX.  
And that the foresaid exorbitancies may duly be found out, and the guilty punished according to desert, the Fiscal of the Generality shall narrowly observe the action of the foresaid persons, and if so be that he suspect any of the Substitutes, Clerks, Controllers of fortifications, or inferior attendants of the Council, he 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 be that suspicion falls upon any of the Council, the Treasurer General, Receiver General, or Secretary of the Council, than the Fiscal of the Generality, and the Fiscal and Proctor General of the Province where the Council shall reside, both together; or suspicion falling upon the Fiscal of the Generality himself, the Fiscal of the foresaid Province alone, shall, by Order of the highest Court of Justice there, inform him or themselves 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 Secretary 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 themselves, the Process being rightly stated and form shall be sent to the States of the Province to which he belongs, they having taken upon them, themselves there by ordinary course of Justice to determine the business, according to the tenor of the foresaid Articles, within six weeks after the receipt, and the sentences pronounced in the foresaid cases, shall have their full course and effect, without allowance of appeal thence to our selus.   

XLI.  
All Commissions, Orders, Discharges, Instructions, Letters and Dispatches shall be attested with the full name of the Counsellor Precedent, and being attested thus, shall be signed by one of the Provinces, or some other of the Council, and all this on condition the said expeditions be found of necessary importance by the Council; and afterwards subsigned likewise by the Secretary of the Council, without suffering the same to come into other hands, or communicating them to others than those of the said Council: and the Secretary 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 being once determined and resolved 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 contrary opinion, they shall without any gainsaying apply themselves to the well-managing, effecting, and maintaining 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 Assembly of the Ordinary Deputies at the Generality, and desire such a call or summons to be made, inserting the points serving to that end; and in case the said Deputies should happen to make difficulty thereof, the said Council is authorized hereby to present their justification to the respective Provinces themselves, 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 be called or summoned forth of their Provinces.   

XLIII.  
The Residence of the foresaid Council, shall with the good liking of the Ordinary Assembly of the State's General be kept in a convenient and secure place of the United Provinces, without being 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 Military affairs require it; and of the foresaid Council there shall at all times, whiles divers may be 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 be 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 themselves, without bringing any extraordinary charge upon the Country, besides Freights and Convoys, and such appointments as shall be made and ordained in that behalf. And if any of the Council come to die or leave his place, another able person and acceptable to the State's General shall be named by the Province whence he was sent, and taken in by Commission from the State's General.   

XLV.  
Besides the Council there shall likewise be entertained a Treasurer and a Receiver General, with certain wages for them.   

XLVI.  
And a Secretary at 800 pounds Flem. per an. and with such instructions as the State's 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, being 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 be made and issued in the Name, under the Seal, counter-Seal and signet of the State's General of the United Netherlands, by advice of the Council of State, with this subscription, By Order of my Lords the State's General of the United Netherlands, with relation to the Council of State thereof.   

XLVIII.  
And the Dispatches being not of so great importance and consideration, they shall be issued in the Name of the Council of State of the United Netherlands, but yet under the Seal, Counter-Seal and Signet of the State's General aforesaid.   

XLIX.  
The Seal shall be kept by one of the Counsellors to be appointed thereunto, who shall be responsable for it, not suffering the same to come 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 be paid for it, according to the tax ordained or to be ordained by the State's General: and the profits coming in thereby, shall be converted and employed, to the paying of the Officers of the foresaid Council, and other necessary occasions in matters of the said Councils Disposition.   

L.  
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 State's General themselves, 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 concerns them, themselves to order, appoint and execute, what shall be fitting for the service of the Land, even in those very things, which are by them referred to the disposition of the foresaid Council, such as is the Direction of military affairs by Sea and Land, with all things appertaining thereunto, and in particular the keeping of Musters, exercising of military 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 referred to the disposition of the Council of State aforesaid, shall remain in the disposition of the State's 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 necessity, and when the service of the Country 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 entering or admittance to their charge clear themselves by oath, that for the getting of that place, they neither gave nor promised any money or mony-worth, nor any thing else whatsoever, nor shall give or promise aught, directly or indirectly, or in any wise conceivable or unconceivable; and shall further promise and swear in the hands of the State's General or their Deputies, to be 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 prove 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 eyes, but the Honour of God, and the welfare and the conservation of the foresaid Countries, and the public affairs; That they shall not reveal the Communications, Deliberations or Resolutions, which ought to remain secret, and speak with no body about them, besides those of the said Council, and especially not with any Ministers of any foreign Kings, Republics and States; in whose or with what company soêver, unless it be with those of the said Council separated, as apart from all other. Item, They may not be engaged in any one's 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 be put out upon the public account, nor in any Ecclesiastical goods, lands, domains, etc. which are or may be farmed out for the public, nor in any Convoys, Imposts, or other common means, nor in the furnishing of any powder, shot, artillery, arms, corn, rye, butter, cheese, beer, oats, or other provision or ammunition, and necessaries of War whatsoever, being to be used for the benefit and service of the public; 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 themselves, 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 themselves, 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, public 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 be transacted; and if so be 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 themselves 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 be that this Instruction shall be found to have any obscurity, or need of any alteration, contracting or enlarging, the State's General shall upon occasions, with advice of the Council take notice thereof and provide accordingly, as shall be requisite.  
Don thus, and decreed in the Assembly of the State's 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 payment into a due Form, the respective Requests to that end presented to the Council, shall be accompanied with all the requisites, bills and particulars, belonging to the business, wherefore the said respective Order shall be desired; and being viewed and examined by the said Council, they shall be transmitted to the Generalities Checquer▪ chamber, to be there also viewed, examined and cleared; where special heed is to be taken, whether the Land is bound or not to the particulars therein specified; and thence they are to be returned to the Council again, that by them there may be past and granted Orders, which Orders being registered folio tali, are to be signed by the Lord Precedent 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 be brought back again into the foresaid checquer▪ chamber, for to examine, whether they be given according to the Order of the Land▪ or not; And after examination these be likewise there registered folio tali. And thus all the Orders for payment shall be conditioned, or no payment made thereupon by the Receiver General, on pain of disallowance.   
This same day there was likewise settled the appointment for Vacations and travelling-charges, for both the Deputies of their Hi. Mi. and the Counsellors of State, being abroad in Commission within this State.  
A Lord of the general Assembly or Council of State travelling in Commission, within this State, with one or more servants, shall be allowed a day for vacation, entertainment for meals and baiting, ten gilders; having a Messenger along with him, besides his own man or men, he shall be allowed for the same, two gilders more, a day; that is to said, 12 gilders in all; the same Messenger's vacation remaining free, as likewise the said Lord his Boat, Ship, Wagon, Fraight, Convoy and other such like charges, all which are to be brought into a particular account by itself.  
One Lord travelling with more retinue or company than his fellow-Commissioners, they ought not to be overcharged thereby.  
The foresaid respective Commissioners ought not to accept nor participate of any defrayment, from the Magistrates of the Cities or other places reforming under the Generality, nor from any other persons in service of the Generality.  
And for to get Orders in due form, upon the foresaid respective Declarations, the respective Original Resolutions of these Commissions, aught to be annexed to the said Declarations, and thus delivered into the Council of State, there to be viewed and examined first, and thence transmitted into the Generalities checquer-chamber, there to be likewise viewed, examined and cleared, especial regard being had, whether the Land be bound or not to the particulars therein contained, 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 Precedent, besides two other Lords of the Council, all of several Provinces, together with the Treasurer and Secretary of the said Council; which done, the said Orders, with the foresaid annexed pieces, shall be brought back again to the foresaid Chequer chamber there to be examined, whether they be given according to the order of the Land; and after examination the said orders shall there likewise be registered folio tali: and thus shall all the Orders granted upon the respective Declarations be conditioned, or else no payment 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 Assembly, it were not fit it should be declared by a general resolution, That all their H. Mi. resolutions taken and passed here in the great Hall, during this session, touching Religion, the Union and the Militia, shall be held and be of the same virtue and vigour 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 filled up the same with other Companies than 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 day there was likewise order taken, that on Saturday being the 22 of Julie the Assembly should be ended with a Sermon of Thanksgiving, and that the Consistory of the Hague should appoint a Minister for the performance.  
On the 20 there was read the further advice of the Council of State, reform the day 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 way of paying the Army; and that the Ritmasters and Captains might be eased and disburdened of unnecessary charges, without which provisoes, this intended Act would prove not only unseasonable, but unpracticable altogether.  

This Act about Mustering was drawn in manner following.  
THe State's 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 lies open to extreme danger, it being found upon all occasions and exigencies, that the Companies, both Horse and foot, do extremely differ in the number of men from the number enroled at their Mustering and paid by the State; and that we hold it more than seasonable to provide once vigorously and rigorously against the abuses herein; Therefore it is, that we have reassumed the former Orders and Acts, and after several Communications and with the advice of his Excellency Count of Nassaw Stadholder of Friesland, Groninghen and Omlands, and Drent, and the Council of State, we have anew ordained and established, and do ordain and establish by these expressly all the points and Articles here ensuing, for to be observed and followed without any remissness, upon the pains and punishments mentioned in the said Articles, which we will have executed presently without any connivance, dissimulation, respect of persons, or sparing of any.  

I.  
And first of all we ordain 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 kind, from any Colonels, Ritmasters, Captains or other Officers of War, nor to be entertained 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 be given to the Muster-masters themselves, or to any of theirs.   

II.  
That henceforward no Ritmasters or Captains shall be allowed to absent himself out of his Garrison for the dispatch of his particular affairs within the Country but having leave from his Governor or Commander; and no Lieutenant, Coronet, Ensign or other Officer, but having the consent of his Ritmaster or Captain; charging the Governor and Commander to grant leave 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 be granted but by Our selus, the Council of State, or the Stadholder, or the Commissioned Council of the Province their Paymasters; all upon pain for the trespassers, that staying out longer the first time, they shall be passed by in the Mustering, and lose a month's wages; and the second, be liable to arbitrary punishment.   

III.  
Further we ordain that henceforward no Colonel, Ritmaster, Captain, Officer, and Soldier, whether Native or Foreigner, let him be of what quality or condition soever, shall get leave to travel forth these Countries about their particular affairs, neither by us nor the Council of State for any longer time than three months in ordinary course; for which end they shall likewise be bound to seek and obtain▪ the consent of the No. Mi. the Lords the States or Commissioned Counsel of his Paymasters, as also, if he lies in another Voicing Province, that of the Lords the States, or Commissioned Council thereof; giving withal notice of his obtained Leave unto his Governor or Commander, and unto the Magistrate also of the City, if it be within a Voicing Province. And upon his request and cognisance of the matter, he may have granted him a month two or three more for the continuation of the said Leave. But if so be he shall stay abroad two months beyond his Leave, then shall his Place, Company and charge be open and impetrable, and conferred upon another.   

iv  
That moreover all Colonels, Captains, Officers and Soldiers every where, shall yield due respect to the Commissioners for Mustering, and others to be appointed by Us the Council of State, the respective Provinces, or their Commissioned Council, to attend the said Mustering in the execution of their charge and office, and being summoned by them to make Muster or reviews, shall immediately be ready for it without any tergiversation; although the Ritmaster, Captain Lieutenant, Ensign were absent themselves; upon pain of cashiering and further arbitrary punishment.   

V  
Moreover We ordain, that the Ritmasters and Captains henceforward shall present at the Musters none but upright true and real Soldiers, being able and sufficient men for the arms they bear, fit and worthy the wages they receiv, duly and completely armed, (according to the Orders made and to be made in that behalf▪ and upon the pains therein contained,) 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 domestics, or retainers of Governors, Commanders, Ritmasters, or Captains, or any Burghers, inhabitants, countrymen, victuallers, freebooters, soldiers of other companies, Passevolants, (wanderers or vagabonds) or others not having full pay, nor being 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 arbitrary corporal punishment, yea death itself, according to the exigency of things, to pass as well upon the Captains and Officers which shall be found to have presented or advanced any suborned persons or passevolants at the Musters; as upon the foresaid persons or passevolants themselves appearing at the Musters, and their assistants; the defrauders being to be committed into the hands of the Provost, and present advertisement given to the Council of State to proceed further as shall be found requisite.   

VI  
And the better to provide against all fraud and abuse in this kind, we do ordain, that all the sick persons of the companies, if possible, shall be presented at the place of the Mustering together with them; and if any be so sick that they cannot be brought there without danger of life, that then the Commissioners shall visit them, or cause them to be visited by such as he may confide in, and be 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 be allowed.   

VII.  
And to the end all fraud may yet further and better be prevented, we have and do ordain by these, that informations may be made and presented within a year's time by any one, even such as being no Commissioners, Ritmasters, or Captains, may have trespassed in this kind, or participated therein; and that the informer proving the same, shall, besides the pardon for his own delinquency being culpable, receiv for recompense the sum of 200 gilders; and if he be a soldier, shall be considered over and above this retrard with enlargement of his wages, or advancement to such charge and office as he may be 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 be appointed for asserting of the same by their oath, and lest they incur perjury, and the pain of being deprived of their places, and further arbitrary punishment, even death itself 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, being fit for service, marching and watching their turns, and being bound to follow the colours every where, and whom they shall find present at every Mustering, without suffering any More-paies to pass for Majors or others, under what pretext soëver.   

IX.  
And that the mustering itself may be performed the more successfully henceforward, the Council of State shall ordain the same to be made as often in the year as may be feasible; and the Muster-rolls afterwards transmitted by the Council, under Seal, to the Lords the States, or Commissioned Council of the Provinces, the Paymasters, to proportion the pay accordingly; it remaining nevertheless in the choice and power of their No. Mi. respectively, finding it expedient to cause themselves mustering to be made, as well without as within their own Provinces, giving only advertisement thereof to the Council of State, to prevent confusion; whose Commission and autorisation from the said Council of State, shall extend itself to the mustering, if they pleas, the whole Garrison, of whatsoêver Repartition the same consist, whereof the Roll shall be sent to the Council of State, and in case the same be found less than the former Mustering, the payment shall be fitted accordingly.   

X.  
Forbidding moreover all Ritmasters and Captains, that they receiv no Burghers or Inhabitants of Cities and Forts, nor any countrie-people or peasants into their Companies, otherwise then upon the ordinary oath and service, to be obliged, to perform all marches and watches and to follow their Colours every where, without abiding elsewhere, and without any promise to be made them, that upon the marching of the cornet or colours they shall be discharged, upon pain, that the same shall not be allowed at the muster▪ing, but forthwith cashiered, and further liable to arbitrary punishment, allowing the Informer hereof a months' wages.   

XI.  
We ordain likewise, That henceforward, there be allowed but one Victualler, being a Soldier, to a Troop or Company, having a Warrant for it by the Ritmaster or Captain, upon pain, That such goods as shall be exposed to sale by other Soldiers or their wives, shall be forfeited.   

XII.  
Item, That the Ritmasters and Captains shall not be allowed, either to take on, or dismiss any Trooper or Soldier, but with the knowledge of the Muster-master in loco, where there is any. And if any Soldier came to die, or run away Skellum, betwixt the musters, the new ones taken on in their places, shall not be allowed till the next muster day, where he shall pass present.   

XIII.  
Commanding moreover all Ritmasters and Captains, to keep their Companies complete still, and musters being 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 Soldiers serving under each division or Corporalship, and then withal expressing after that Roll, what new Troopers or Soldiers there are taken on from month to month, and 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 Commissary or Clark, that shall have accepted or produced any other Rolls.   

XIV.  
And not only the Ritmasters, Captains, Lieutenants, Cornets and Ensigns, but the Quartermasters and Sergeants likewise of the Companies, shall be bound to sign the said Rolls, and to declare by oath, that the Troopers and Soldiers listed in the Roll, do uprightly and really serve in the same Troop or Company, upon pain of casheiring, and other arbitrary punishment.   

XV.  
And the Ritmasters and Captains shall deliver up to the Commissary three several Rolls, whereof he the Commissary 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, than his own proper Christen-name, and usually best known surname, together with the place of his birth, upon pain of immediate arbitrary punishment upon the fact; and no Ritmasters nor Captains shall permit any to be otherwise listed in the Roll, upon pain, of being disallowed the same, and arbitrary punishment.   

XVII.  
All the Commissioners shall have power likewise to visit both the night and daie-watches, for which end the Serjeant-Majors, shall be bound to give the word to the said Commissaries; and the Commander also shall be bound once a week at least, by night, in company of the Serjeant-Major, to take an exact note of the just number of the Soldiers, and of what companies each Corpse du guard is beset with them, and send up the said Notes every second month to the Council of State, upon pain of losing their places.   

XVIII.  
All Ritmasters and Captains shall without any refusal give way to the paying of the soldiery by the Pole, if the Government shall find good so to appoint it; and if for a certain time it be not done thus, than they shall give an exact and just account of their Soldier's wages in course, at least every fourth month, without longer delay, and that in the presence of the Commissary of the musters in loco, or others specially to be deputed thereunto; and to that end shall the Ritmasters and Captains, at each time, precisely acquaint the Commissary, with the time of the last account made, upon forfeiture of a months' wages for their persons; and the said Commissaries shall be bound, within a seven-night after, to give advertisement thereof unto the Provinces, to whose Repartitions the Companies belong, upon pain likewise of forfeiting a months' entertainment for themselves.   

XIX.  
The Ritmasters and Captains shall henceforward not give consent, or leave to more than 3 together of their Companies at the utmost, and at furthest no longer then for 14 days, and not otherwise, but upon necessary occasions, for which they shall get leave of the Governor or Commander in writing, signed likewise by the Commissary in loco, in which the place shall be expressed whither they are to go; and the parties having leave obtained thus, shall be allowed, under condition nevertheless, that they be personally present at the next ensuing muster, and not otherwise, unless it were, that some Soldiers were commanded forth by the Governor of the Province, upon some exploit; who are not to march forth, but in manner as followeth.   

XX.  
Namely, That none other, horse or foot-Souldier, be sent forth upon any Exploit, but such as are upright Soldiers in actual service, and no Free▪ booters, nor under the number of 25 together, except for convoys or spies for intelligence; whereof the Governor or Commander of the place shall be accountable; which five and twenty horse or foot-soldiers, shall be conducted by a Corporal, Gentleman or Sergeant; from that number upwards to 50 or under, by a Lieutenant 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 be made up of several Companies.   

XXI.  
Besides these thus conditioned, no Soldiers of horse or foot, shall go forth without having the Governors or Commanders pass, of the place, there being any, with the proper names and usual well known surnames of all that go forth. And the foresaid Ritmasters, Captains, Officers or Gentlemen, shall be answerable for all the exorbitancies committed by the Soldiers under their conduct.   

XXII.  
We ordain further, that among the English, French, Scots and and Switser-Companies of foot, the vacant places shall be supplied as much as may be, by their own respective Nation; and no Soldier of what Nation soëver shall forsake the service of the Captain or Company where they serve, but having gotten his lawful passport, upon pain of the halter for the deserter.   

XXIII.  
And further we ordain, that all Officers, horse and foot-soldiers, being forth with leave, out of their own Garrison, in any place, where mustering is made, they shall be bound to appear likewise at the mustering place, to be duly noted down by the Commissary, with expression, of what Garrison they are, and under what Company they serve, which notification duly verified, the said Commissary shall transmit to the Council of State, to serve as occasions may require; so that such absents shall not be allowed upon any lawful certificate of their Alibi, unless it appear that they elsewhere presented themselves as above.   

XXIV.  
All which Points and Articles, we Will and Ordain, shall precisely and strictly be kept, observed and executed, upon the pains expressed in every one of them, without any favour, connivance or remission; according to which also all Governors, Commanders Colonels, Cammissaries, Ritmasters, Officers and Soldiers and every one besides are to regulate themsel●s, upon the foresaid pains; ordaining, That the cognizance and execution of all these shall appertain to Our selus, 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 way of prevention.  
And that none may pretend ignorance of this our present Act, we do hereby intima e unto and desire the Lords the States or their Commissioned Councils, and Stadtholders of the Provinces, where they are, respectively, and enjoin all other Judges, Officers and public Ministers, they being required it, That they cause this Act and Ordinance to be 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 cause the publication hereof to be frequently renewed in the Frontier-Towns and places of strength, before the soldiery horse and foot, by Drum and Trumpet; providing nevertheless, that all the foresaid points shall be 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 favour, connivance or dissimulation to the contrary. For thus we have found it requisite for the advancement of the service of the Land.  
Given at the Hague.    

This same day the Lords of Friesland gave in the ensuing Proposition or Advice.  
High Mighty Lords!  
THe Lords Commissioners of Friesland having taken into further Consideration the conclusion made yesterday touching the Thanksgiving to be returned to Almighty God on Saturday next, they find the same praiseworthy. But since there is nothing more worthy the name of God, and nothing more necessary 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 mind that the points of Secret Correspondence, and Determining of arising Differences among the Provinces, being some 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 be perfectly adjusted with love and unity of all the Confederates. And whereas likewise this Illustrious Assembly 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 maintain 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 weighty and long-deliberated affairs should be concluded with a Solemn Resolution of amnesty, forgiving and forgetting whatsoever by the one or the other Province, or any Particular persons and members thereof, may have been done 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 necessary, 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 be expected; and nothing attempted in the one or other Province, after the ending of this Assembly, by either fact or writing, in derogation or prejudice to his late Highness the Prince of Orange of praised memory, or any other; whereby the minds of the Inhabitants might be disturbed, and the pretext of peace become as Oil in the fire, and set the whole State into an unquenchable combustion of discord and contention; desiring that all the Provinces would be pleased particularly to advise and resolve upon this Proposition: as without which Resolution the Lords of Friesland are firmly persuaded, that the foresaid Thanksgiving to Almighty God cannot be sincerely performed here, nor any good effect thence be brought to perfection in the respective Provinces.   
The Caus and Occasion of this Motion must be repreesnted with some reflection to things past. The Lord Cats, Counsellor and and pensionary of Holland had some months ago made known to his Lords principals his great age of 74 years; humbly desiring thereupon that he might be released, and end the rest of his days in quiet and enjoiment of himself. This having been reiterated by him several times, and yet not harkened unto, he did at last (to show he was in good earnest) declare, he must of necessity discharge himself of several papers and secret resolutions wherewith he had been entrusted; and to this end he likewise delivered up a certain writing, entitled, The Reasons and Motives which induced his Highness to undertake both the arresting of the Lords, and the enterprise upon, at and about the City of Amsterdam. Which Prince William of high memory had given in last year, and which then for peace sake was found good not to open. This Writing being exhibited to the Assembly, it was put to the question, whether it should be opened or burnt. Most voices, especially those that held themselves offended, were of opinion, that it ought to be read; to make it appear, how little ground the Prince had of proceeding as he did. It being opened accordingly and read, there were copies taken, the Tenor whereof followeth.  
THe High Mighty Lords the State's General of the United Netherlands, taking to heart the long-continued, tedious and dangerous disturbances and irritations which daily are increasing more in the States of these Countries, by reason of the discrepancy 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 knowledge 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 plurality of voices, and orders issued by them for the effecting thereof; they found good and necessary to decree a solemn Sending or Commission (whereunto we joined ourselves) 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 Generality; and to withdraw themselves from what might have been undertaken to the contrary; conforming themselves 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 State's General desired and authorized Us, to see all requisite order taken, and to provide that all might be kept in peace and quiet, and specially the Union preserved and maintained, together with all the consequences and references of the same, and that on the contrary all things may be obviated and resisted, what is or may be attempted against it.  
The foresaid sending or Commission being performed and finished, and nothing effected by it, by reason of the counter-working of some ill-affected, We, together with his Excellency 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 be) framed a solid draught touching the affairs of the Militia, and things consectary and connexed, so as it might be 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, unity and security of the State of these Countries.  
Whereupon conceiving hope, and having likewise used both in public, and underhand all friendly means of inducement and persuasion, we found at last, to our highest grief, that all these well-meant endeavours and labours of ours were made but so much the more fruitless through the insolent demeanour of some, who chose rather to put the safety of the Land from without, and the welfare of the good Inhabitants within into an hazardous balance, then yield but one hair's-bredth from their ill-conceived opinions, wherewith they had abused, and abusively informed their respective Commons, and endeavoured afterwards by wiles and subtleties to draw aside likewise divers good Members of the Assembly of Holland itself.  
Nay of mere presumption and wantonness, durst urge and go about to maintain the foresaid business of Separate Cashiering, saying besides, They were not destitute of counsel and means to make the other six Provinces yield and comply, peremptorily alleging, that the Union was dissolved and wholly disannulled, by whose decay and fall there was avoidable to be expected a notable Change and alteration, not only in the General Civil Government, but also in the point of the true Reformed Religion, as the same is now by public authority professed and exercised in the Provinces, Associated Countries and Cities of this State.  
So that there being no appearance left of prevailing by any kind of persuasion or accommodation, and in the mean time all kind 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 be undertaken, whilst under a fair show and specious pretexts, they only 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 rapture and confusion, to the singular advantage of those which are big with jealousies against this State.  
We have by virtue of our Commission and special resolution and autorization in that behalf from the foresaid Lords the State's General, judged and considered it highly necessary, that the forenamed evil and pernicious designs, undertaken with so much prejudice and danger of the Common Caus, contrary to the Union, aught to be prevented and resisted before it should bëe too late.  
And thereupon (though unwillingly, as may appear by all our former peaceable offices and friendly endeavours) resolved to prevent the foresaid persons in their attemts, and to take and keep some of the most principal Bell-wether from among them in custody, lest they should further misled and abuse the other good and wellminded Members of the foresaid Assembly of Holland and Westfriesland.  
We were constrained at the same time, and upon the same grounds, to resolve with the assistance of some Forces to represent unto the City of Amsterdam, how that a very few persons among them, and chief leaders and instigators of the foresaid designs, having hindered the Audience we sought in the Citie-hall there in quality as Stadholder of the said Province of Holland, for the service and advancement of the public, they ought of necessity 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 being broke out in its worst condition, the same was so conditioned, as it would have rend and torn the whole State and Bond of those Provinces, and thereby involved them into inevitable ruin, the remedies, all fair ways failing, were of necessity now more strictly and sharply to be applied and practised.  
For even as when there happens a dangerous fire to arise, we make use of and employ any thing to quench the same, which otherwise would not be thought on, as sometimes such and such particular houses are one a sudden pulled down to the ground, to save a whole street and thereby a whole City, from being laid all in ashes; So we, being engaged by Oath and Commission to maintain the Union and Religion, and over and above that anew authorised 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 continuance might have laid them all into coals and ashes, and having the means in the hand, to prevent the same, it might justly be conceived, we had had no regard to acquit our Commission, Honour, Oath and Conscience, nor duly respected or valued such a special and express autorisation, from the highest Government, if we had not with all possible speed and fervour adventured our selus against that rising embrazement, and endeavoured to resist and damp it, in manner as was done Us.  
As for the particular points of the charge against the arrested persons, which do respectively more concern the one than the other of them, the same could not be brought in above, in the general charge; but is reserved to a proper time of proceeding therein as shall be fitting.  
This wrought so much in the minds of the said Assembly 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 some Members, who thereupon framed this ensuing advice.  
First, That by a Deduction in writing, to be drawn up by select Commissioners, the Proceed 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 payment of a part of the Militia, having been in service, during the War; should after a summary rehearsal of things past, be justified, and the contrary refuted in the contents of the foresaid two Acts or papers, especially the latter, entitled, Reasons and Motives, which induced his Highness to undertake both the arresting of the Lords, and the enterprise upon, at and about the City of Amsterdam.  
And that the said Deduction being made ready, the same should be read at the Generality, after the opening of the like writing, there containing Reasons and Motives as before, presented to their Hi. Mi. Assembly, August 15. 1650. by the Lord Precedent for the time being, and by Resolution then taken, laid by them in the Box of the Secretary. And in case the foresaid opening should, beyond expectation be disputed by the Provinces, They the Commissioned Members, do hold, that the foresaid justification ought then to be presented to the Generality notwithstanding, and entered into the Register there.  
In the second place, That the Sending or Commission in June the last year 1650. performed by his Highness the Prince of Orange with the assumed Lords, to all the Cities of Holland and West-Friesland, having Voice in this Assembly, together with all the consequences and effects thereof ought to be disapproved by a positive Resolution, As contrary to the Order and Form of the Government, infringing the Eminency and Prerogative of this your N. gr. Might. Assembly, and especially prejudicial to the Freedom of Deliberation of the respective Members thereof; and that it be 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 written Deduction and Justifications, to be presented to the Generality, and entered into the Register there; and likewise transmitted by Missives unto the respective Provinces▪ desiring each of them, that for the reasons to be alleged in the said Missives and justifying Deduction, they would be pleased to conform themselves to the like; however, in no case to lay any ground for such Sending hereafter, nor ever to take upon them to decree the same.  
Thirdly; That the respective Provinces, as well in the Assembly of their High. Mi. appearing there by their Deputies, as also by pregnant Letters, to their respective States-Assemblies, shall be desired, to disapproov the Resolutions of Jun. 5. and 6. 1650. taken by a few Members at the Generality, and having passed, (it is confidently believed,) without the foreknowledge 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 sway of his Highness the Prince of Orange; and especially that autorisation of the person of his said Highness, 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 Highness, and to declare, that they hold the same, as such, for no lawful Resolutions, and to ge the same to be entered in the Generalitie's Register.  
Fourthly, That their N. gr. M. ought to declare by positive Resolutions as before, the enterprise against the City of Amsterdam last year July 30. together with the seizing of the six Lords, Members of this Sovereign states-assembly, committed the same day, and the consequences thereof to have been an attempt upon the Freedom, Eminency and Sovereignty of this Province, directly contrary 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 Assembly, there and so far forth as it was not performed already; as also all other common Halls or Councils sending their Deputies to the said Assembly, aught to be 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 withholding of the Consents of paying some 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 themselves conformable to the charge and intent of their Principals yea or no; that the same Declarations being perused, the Assembly might then proceed in regard of the six Members aforesaid, by further Declarations, according as the condition and exigency of the matter should be found to require.  
Hereupon there was taken several examinations and informations; as first that of the respective late Secretaries and Clarks of his said Highness Heylersich, Hulst and Cunes; Which was done the 15, and 16. of June, by a Committee of the States of Holland. Secretary Heylersich was demanded.  
I. Whether he had not delivered to the Clarks of his Highness Secretary, 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 being entitled, Reasons and Motives, which induced his Highness, to seize on some of their N. Gr. M. Assembly, and to lay Siege to the City of Amsterdam.  
He answered, Yea, and that he had received the said papers from his Highness own hands; but knew not the hand whereby the same was written.  
II. Whether he knew not otherwise, who had written or indicted the same.  
He answered, no.  
III. Whether he had never surmised with himself, who might have penned it.  
He said, That now and then he received writings of that nature at his Highness hands, within some hours or a little while after, that the late Secretary Much had been with his Highness in private, and that thence he took occasion sometimes, to conceiv, that the said Secretary Much might have drawn them.  
iv Whether all the forementioned writings had been written by one and the same hand, or no.  
He said; he conceived, That the letter written by his Highness to the Provinces and Cities, touching the matter of the foresaid seizing and siege, and the first-named paper above, was written by one and the same hand; but that he was not able to say, whether the other paper entitled, Reasons and Motives etc. was written by the same, or no.  
V Being demanded a second time, whether he could say nothing of the hand, whereby both the papers, mentioned in the first Article, were written;  
He said, he thought, that one of the Clarks of his Highness Secretary, by name N. Hulst, had told him, whilst the same writings were copying, that it was the hand of Cunes, chief Clerk of the foresaid Secretary Musch.  
VI Whether he knew the hand of the said Secretary, and whether he could not say for certain, that the foresaid writing was written by the Secretary himself.  
He said, he knew well enough, that it was not the hand of the said Secretary himself, and that the writings withal were written fair without any blots.  
VII. Why He, examined, being summoned by their N. gr. M. went home first.  
He said, it was to tell his wife, that he was summoned▪ and withal to make water.  
VIII. Whether he had spoken with no body else concerning this, before he made his appearance in the Assembly of their N. gr. M.  
He answered, No: but only that coming along, he had spoken with his brother in Law Burgomaster van der Maiden.  
This examined being withdrawn, and after that the foresaid Hulst was likewise heard and had declared as will be showed presently, called in again, he was asked, whether he knew not the hand of Cunes, and whether when van der Hulst aforesaid had formerly told him, that it was Cunes his hand, he could observe by the writing itself, whether it was his hand indeed.  
He said, that when the Clerk van der Hulst put him in mind, that the same was Cunes his hand, he could observe well enough, and knew it now, that it was so indeed, both by reason that he knew Cunes his hand before, and that having since seen more of his writing, he observed it more particularly.  
The Questions demanded of the Clerk van der Hulst, were,  
I. Whether he had not by Order of Secretary Heylersich, copied two certain distinct writings, the one containing Complaints against those of Amsterdam, with desire of Repartition and Satisfaction in the points therein rehearsed; and the other entitled, Reasons and Motives which induced his Highness to seize some of the Lords of their N. Gr. M. Assembly, and to lay siege to the City of Amsterdam.  
He answered, Yea,  
II. By whose hand the original was penned from which he took the said Copies.  
He said, he 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 Secretary Musch?  
He said, that now indeed he 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?  
He said he knew not.  
V Which of the two then he was sure to have been the hand of Cunes?  
He said, that entitled, Reasons and Motives, etc.  
VI Whether he knew Cunes his hand well?  
He said, yea; and that he had seen his writings often.  
VII. Whether he had no discourse with the said Cunes about the said Writings?  
He said, yea; and that Cunes had told him, it was Secretary Musch that indicted the same, but had charged him (Cunes) very earnestly to keep it secret.  
VIII. Where and when they had this discourse together?  
He said, it was after the Prince his death, but he could not remember the place.  
IX. Being further demanded, whether he was sure that the writing written by Cunes was the same which is entitled, Reasons and Motives, etc. and no other?  
He said, he knew it very well, and that it was done after the siege of Amsterdam; and that he remembered 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 day the Clerk Cunes was examined by the said Committee.  
I. Whether he had not been Clerk to the late Seig ● Musch, late Secretary to the Lords the State's General?  
He answered, yea.  
II. Whether he had not copied several things concerning his Highness, and in particular touching the Siege of the City of Amsterdam, and the seizing of some Lords of the Assembly of Holland, penned by Secretary Musch.  
He said, he had copied several writings of that nature in the said Secretary's Dining room, very early in a morning.  
III. Whether he copied the same from a draught, or b●eing dictated to him?  
He said, that for the most part he copied the same from a draught, and that Secretary Musch being busy with making of himself ready, had dictated the rest.  
iv By whose hand the foresaid Draught was written?  
He said, the foresaid Secretaries,  
V Whether the said Draught contained the foresaid Reasons and Motives, or whether the Secretary dictated of his own head what was defective.  
He said the Draught was not perfect, and that the said Secretary had dictated of his own head what was defective.  
VI Whether he, Examinat, had copied any thing else of that nature?  
He declared, No: but if any other like matter were written, the same was like to be done by one William Goversz, deceased, late Clerk likewise to the said Secretatarie.  
VII. Whether there was any body else present then besides the Secretary?  
He 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 Secretary he had brought the said Writing, sealed with his Seal, without Superscription to his Highness Chamber, and delivered it there to one of his Highness Grooms of the Chamber, by name Youngman.  
IX. Whether he Examinat did not conceiv, that some other Clerks might be alive yet, that were employed about writing of things of like nature by order of the said Secretary?  
He said, it was very like, and especially one Peter Spyck, Jan Dornick and W. van Zyl.  
X. Whether he Examinat could not tell of some particulars that were contained in the said Writing?  
He said, he was confident if he heard it read, he should remember it well enough.  
XI. Whereupon there being read unto him the writing, entitled, Reasons and Motives, which induced his Highness the Prince of Orange to, etc. as also the Proposition of his Highness made in the Assembly of Holland, Jun. 30, 1650, containing, Complaints against those of Amsterdam, with desire of Reparation: He was asked again, whether one of these two was the Writing beforementioned, and which of the two it was?  
He▪ said it was the latter, which he had in manner aforesaid partly copied, and partly written at Dictate.  
XII. Whether he Examinat knew very well, not to have copied the other Writing?  
He said, he could not affirm it; yet he knew well enough that he had copied the former in the manner abovesaid.  
By and through occasions of these informations and inquiries others also were muttered of, and especially the Lord of Sommersdyck, who for some time hitherto had kept himself at his house at Spyck, and this rumour coming to his ear, he found good of his own accord to repair to the Hague, and to make his appearance in the Assembly; which also he did, declaring, he had understood of Discourses to his prejudice, and that therefore he was come to answer to what might be alleged against him.  
Whereupon the abovementioned Committee could not but hear him also, Julie 13, when he declared, that in the month of Julie last year, some few days before his departing to Sharp Zyl he was summoned to the Chamber of his Highness the Prince of Orange, and that his said Highness had then acquainted him, he was resolved to send Count William Stadholder of Friesland with some cavalry 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 way: That he Examinat, having thereupon shown some difficulties, by reason of the great distance, the heat of the season, the weakness of the horse, after some debates about them, his Highness took it into further consideration; and that next day he appeared there again with Count William; whenas his Highness declared, he continued still in his Resolution, notwithstanding both of them instanced again about the foresaid difficulties; his Highness saying, It must be tried, let the horse go as far as they are able: and that in case the said could not timely and in sufficient number be at hand, he himself would come thitherwards with more strength, for to recover reparation and satisfaction. That nevertheless the matter remained at a stand, his Highness speaking no further of it for the two ensuing days together, neither with him Examinat and Count William jointly, nor with him Examinat alone, so that he began to think his Highness had waved it; but that on the third day his Highness having sent for both again, he declared unto them, that how he had ordained and settled the day, the wa●e, the Troops, and every thing requisite; desiring, that without further delay the work should be taken in hand, and that he 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 he Examinat, considering the way, to favour his person, represented the great distance thereof to his Highness, and disposed him, that the Troops; which were to be lead by him Examinat, should instead of the Heath van Harten, be advanced to Sharp Zeel, where he would attend them; whereupon his Highness dismissed him, with order to be ready to departed the second day after, only that before his going he should attend once again for further order; adding, that he would order the Count of Dona, to receiv the Troops at Harten▪ and to conduct them to Sharp-Zeel. That accordingly▪ he Examinat, in his travelling suit repaired again the appointed day at 11 of the clock to his Highness, for to learn, what his Highness would further be pleased to charge him with; and that his Highness persisting in the orders formerly given, wherewithal he charged him especially to take his journey by Amsterdam, and riding through all the Villages abovementioned, to observe 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 he had charged Count William, to take such Order with the Troops brought once into the City of Amsterdam, that no manner of violence should be exercised against the inhabitants or Soldiers there: and though it came to pass, that some 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 being to fiery, courageous and hasty, that no disorder may be committed: Saying that this was that which passed before the beginning of his the Examinat's journey to Sharp-Zeel. That in pursuance thereof, he Examinat, taking his journey on Wedensday July 27. from the Hague by Leyden, and being come as far as Kondekerck, having none with him, but his chamber-Groom, he was met there by the Marquis de Vieuville, who told him he was charged by his Highness, to accompany him the Examinat, and to follow the cavalry, and to make report of all that past; and forasmuch as his Highness 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 Highness, and that therefore, he Examinat made no further discovery to the said Marquis, but in general terms: That he was to conduct the Troops to Abconde, and that thus they rid together to the Overtoom, and being arrived there late, about half an hour past 9▪ it being 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 horse, and some mares among them, there happened some disorder, and he Examinat setting spur to his horse, rid somewhat before, leaving the Marquis a little behind for to accommodate his stirrup by the help of the Examinat's chamber-Groom, the same being broke in the foresaid disorder, whiles he Examinat riding on still, through the City of Amsterdam, the next way towards the Utrecht-gate, called the Reguliers-gate, as he thought, he had met in the midst of Broad street, and was saluted and spoken to by the Justice or Secretary of Bueren, but immediately left him again: and that the foresaid Marquis, overtook him not till he was gotten some 60 or 70 paces forth the foresaid gate, where the Clock striking five, he Examinat set his watch, to make the better guess what time there would be 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 he might be able to steer accordingly; and that he Examinat, being past all the said Villages, arrived at Sharp-Zeel, at 5 in the evening, the foresaid Marquis, being parted from him at Hilversum, to make a step to Amersfort, whence he returned to the Examinat about midnight. That next day they stayed there, and after dinner, put themselves in readiness to attend the Troops, till about five of the clock, he Examinat having notice of the Troops being arrived without the Village, he 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 some halt in the Village, till they were all met again, refreshing themselves withal a little; and, that, in marching thence, the thunder and tempest more increasing, one part took the right way, and ten companies an other, which was not perceived till the former were come to Vreelant. That notwithstanding this, he Examinat, marched on with the Troops about him to Abconde, where as he could guests, he arrived half an hour past four in the morning, and met Count William with two or three Officers, ask strait, whether all the Troops were arrived, and perceiving that some remained behind, he shown himself ill-satisfied, saying, he had cause now to scruple, whether, in regard of this neglect, he might go on with his Commission or not; however he 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 being heard, and sufficiently agreed about advancing the march, He Examinat stepped in between and advised, That it ought not to be attempted, it being expressly against the intention of his Highness, who would not have the business undertaken but with a great number to prevent disorder, and lest the Inhabitants and Soldiers of Amsterdam might be encouraged by so small an appearance of forces, to adventure upon a resistance and engagement, which his Highness desired should be avoided by all means. And that these reasons did prevail with Count William and the rest of the Officers to stay for the rest of the Troops, who having strayed as far as Naerden, arrived not till within 3 hours after. And that Count William resolved notwithstanding to advance towards Amsterdam, and to cause his Highness Letter to be delivered there; being come before the City and having stayed there, till by some of the Lords of the City, (one whereof was the Lord Huydecooper) an answer was returned to him upon the foresaid Letter; whereupon he was resolved to take up his Quarter at Oudekerck, where next day order ca●e from his Highness to divide the Troops, the Lord of Stylestein being commanded to Muyden, and he Examinat to the house ter Hart: and that he Examinat had understood, that his Highness intended to be that night at Oudekerck, though he got no further than Amsterveen. That he Examinat marching towards his assigned place, he 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 horse and 30 musketeers thither, at whose arrival the Guard lying there, presently forsaken their standing, and he Examinat having caused a bridge to be laid got over there, and continued his march directly to the House ter Hart, where immediately the Lords of Haerl●m came to him much perplexed and astonished, fearing an enterprise against their City; but, that he Examinat, assured them by order from his Highness, that there was nothing intended against the City, 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 Highness, he Examinat, answered, he knew nothing of the least Communication between his Highness and the said Troops, but that the said Troops were come there, for to demand the arrears of the contributions due to them, adding, it would be well if there were no more correspondence and communication between the City of Amsterdam and the Parliament of England; and that there happening some discourses about that subject, he Examinat said at last, That his Highness had told him 6 days before, of a Letter shown him written from London to an English Officer, affirming that the said Parliament had promised to send the City of Amsterdam an assistance of ten thousand men, and that his Highness had likewise seen a List, wherein the names of the Colonels and other chief Commanders of those Forces were expressly set down; adding, that if those of Haerlem might have been drawn to any thing, he held them to be men of that honesty, as being but minded of it, they would easily be brought to agree with the rest in their Declaration. That moreover, he Examinat, having left a Troop of Horse to guard the House ter Hart, and gotten notice of his Highness arrival at Amsterveen, he repaired thither next morning by order; acquainting him with the apprehensions of the Lords of Haerlem, and having received answer for their assuring, he returned that evening back again to his Quarter, understanding from his Highness at parting, that the same had given order for the changing of the commanded parties under him into entire Companies; and that he Examinat in pursuance of the Orders given him in that behalf, had with some Companies under his brother in Law the Lord of Steelandt, secured the passage of Sparendam, and remained the day after in his Quarter. And upon the second, being Wednesday, coming to Court, he understood, that there was a Treaty of accommodation between his Highness and those of Amsterdam, and the night after he 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 he had been employed only as Colonel, in regard of most of his own Regiment; as Governor in regard of all the Horse of his Garrisons, and as Ritmaster, in regard of his own Company, employed in the foresaid Expedition, so conceiving, he was bound to obey both the Captain General as also the Stadtholder of this Province, who was entrusted with the Militia; he trusted, That all such as knew what belonged to the Duty of an Officer to his General, would pass a favourable judgement upon his innocence in this matter; he protesting that this his Deposition was according to Truth, of which he ever made Profession. And desired, that all circumstances in this Accident might be weighed and all prejudice laid aside, whereby it would soon appear, that he was guiltless in the 3 following points, which he understood would be laid to his charge; namely, in the first place; That in this matter, he should have committed aught against his civil Oath. Secondly, That as a Spy he should have discovered the Walls of Amsterdam, and thirdly, That he should be the Author of the foresaid Rumour, of a Contract entered into by those of Amsterdam, with the Parliament of England: beseeching the Committee to make a favourable Report of all to their N. Gr. M. the States of Holland.  
This confusion of his coming forth thus of his own accord, and containing things which were not demanded, it caused more matter of discourse and charge against him; which to prevent, he comprehended them all in the said three points, and undertook to justify them in manner as followeth.  
As first, concerning the Charge, That by reason of his Civil Oath he ought not to have accepted of nor concealed his Highness Command: to this he said, That to judge aright of this matter, there must be considered the whole condition of the interest of his Highness, and of the affairs as they stood then, and consequently good heed be taken to these ensuing Reasons, whereby (said he) all causes of suspecting him would be removed.  
As that it was his Captain General and Stadholder who then commanded and employed him, not as a borrowed Officer, but as a Colonel, Governor and Ritmaster, and that only for to bring the Troops of the Land, with whom he was absolutely entrusted, into a City of the Land, & that to no other end but to obtain the Audience, by the refusal whereof, he had already made complaint in the Assembly of their N. Gr. M. that he was prejudiced in his function of Stadholder; and said, he desired it only by way of Reparation, and (as he likewise had put in the Letter to the Lords of Amsterdam) there to propound such matters as concerned the service of the Country. But notwithstanding all this, put the case they should make as bad a construction of it as now is made by many; he desired their N. Gr. M. would but consider; first, that though he had refused and concealed his Highness Command, the design would have gone on for all that, and himself would thereupon have been charged of having failed in his Military Oath by his disobedience; for which the heaviest punishment, according to custom of War, would undoubtedly have been inflicted upon him. And if he had attempted further to reveal, namely to their N. G. M. what his Highness had given him in charge, and to do the same without witness (as indeed he had none to produce, being it was told him but by word of mouth) his Highness might easily have fallen upon him as a Liar and Slanderer, and their N. G. M. themselves looked upon him as a man out of his wits. And besides all this, he prayed their N. Gr. M. would but remember, when his Highness was pleased in person to denounce his intent and purpose in the full Assembly by the Counsellor pensionary, 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 he Examinat, by the obligation of his Military Offices, was bound to be employed therein.  
Now as touching his having played the Spy upon the City of Amsterdam, he represented the occasion, the time and the cause of his journey to Sharp-Zeel by Amsterdam: being gone from the Hague upon Wednesdaie in the afternoon, about one a clock on horseback, attended but with a Chamber-groom, and overtaken about Koudekerck by the Marquis de la Vieuville, who presently told him, he had order from his Highness to overtake him, and to make report of the March which he was to make with the cavalry. And thus they were in Company arrived at Overtoom half an hour after nine at night; where alighting, they went into the greatest Inn, and lodged there that night; and being got on horseback again next morning a little after half an hour past four, and riding up towards the Leyden-gate, and there meeting a number of Horse driven out to be put to grass, it chanced that one of the Marquis his stirrups broke; and whilst his man (the Marquis having none with him of his own) did reaccommodate the same, he rid on like a Traveller directly the readiest way towards the Utrecht-gate without the least stay any where, but that about the middle of the street which leads to the Utrecht-gate, riding on still he saluted and spoke 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 he was gotten a pretty way forth the gate; and to show what haste he had made, the clock struck five at that very instant, so that all that way from their Inn at Overtoom, till without the Utrecht-gate, they had not spent half an hour; which makes it evident enough (said he) that he was altogether as guiltless and free from the act of discovering or spying the walls of Amsterdam, as he protested he had neither charge nor thoughts of any such enterprise, and had taken his way by Amsterdam for no other end, but that he might know the exact distance of the march, and to pass through the villages, which had been given him in writing, he having never gone that way before, and being expressly ordered to march through them.  
Concerning the Deposition of the Lords of Haerlem, although (said he) the reports be very much differing, nevertheless he held the Depositors to be so honest, that he doubted not if he should mind the● of the occasion and the discourse itself, they would well enough agree with him. And however it was but a relation of news, yet by good hap being fresh in his mind yet, he could assure them the substance and circumstances thereof were briefly thus; That after he had with much ado put the Lords of Haerlem out of fear and perplexity, they being even ready to departed again, the Lord van der Camer addressed himself to him Examinat, and asked, whether the 6 or 7000 Swedish Horse which were said to be come into the ●and of Gulich, were sent for by his Highness? Whereupon he assured, that for as much as was known to him, his Highness had nothing to do with them at all; but that they were only come there for to get in their Contribution-arrears in those parts, and that it were happy if those of Amsterdam had no more to do with the Parliament of England; and being demanded, How so? he answered, That there were strange rumours abroad: whereupon they replying, b●t no ground for it at all, ●ee rejoined, be hoped so too, but he could assure them, that but six days ago his Highness told him, he had a Letter in his hand written f●om London to an English officer of this State, wherein he had seen, that the Parliament should have decreed an Assistance of ten thousand men for those of Amsterdam, and that therewithal the very names of the Colonels had been expressed. That this was all, according to his best remembrance, that had passed in discourse with them being only a communication of rumours and news, for proof whereof he could produce the Officer whom his Highness had named, being at the Hague now, and ready to avouch, not only that he had showed such a letter to his Highness, but likewise seen divers others of like tenor.  
This he said was all, succinctly and truly, what he had to lay 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, etc. and that the Design of the last Summer was subject to be 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 he did in manner following.   
As that being given to understand, to his great grief and amazement, that all he had said or propounded in their N. Gr. M. Assembly, had been so ill taken and construed, as if thereby he had intended to justify his Caus by process or course of Law, whereas he declareth hereby sclemnly, that he had no other aim, but with all respect personally to inform their N. Gr. M. whom he had understood to be upon inquiries by their Commissioners about his Actions in regard of the Expedition for Amsterdam, of the true condition thereof, fully persuaded, that thereby he might have given all satisfaction to their N. Gr. M. He therefore found good anew hereby to declare, that his intention was no other than he professed before; and doth herewithal humbly desire and beseech their N. Gr. M. not to construe his actings and say any otherwise, and that accordingly they will be pleased to comprehend him together with all other Military Officers and inhabitants of this Land which were employed in that Expedition, in the General Amnestia or Act of Oblivion, which he understood was in agitation among the Provinces. 
And afterwards he presented the ensuing Petition.  

To the Noble Great Mighty Lords, the States of Holland and West-Friesland  
THe Lord van Sommersdyck showeth with all reverence his being so unhappy, that notwithstanding his uttmost endeavour of giving satisfaction to their N. gr. M. by an upright and respectful Information, touching his Employ in the Amsterdam Expedition, he understands their N. gr. M. do still remain unsatisfied in that behalf: He doth therefore once again most humbly beseech your N. gr. M. seriously to consider the strict obligation and forcible tie of his Military Employment; most submissively praying, that in regard thereof they will be pleased to comprehend him in the Amnestia, now in agitation, promising, that in acknowledgement thereof he shall evermore be 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 Prince's Designs last year; it was found good on the other side to justify 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 themselves these ensuing Acts of Justification.  

Act of Justification of the City of Dort.  
We Burgomasters, Senators, Counsellors, old-council and commons of the City of Dort, make known by these our open Letters, to all and every one to whom they shall be presented, That the Lord Jacob de Witte, old Burgomaster of this City, at present Commissioned Counsellor and Deputy from this City at the Assembly 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 being anew examined in our full Assembly, and all the Acts and Resolutions concerning that matter renewed Junii 10. last, the same is found in truth to be 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 conferred of here with his Highness in particular, and yielded to and promised by word of mouth with our Consent, to the content of his Highness, according to the written advice presented in our behalf to the foresaid Assembly of Holland: That besides the Lord de Witte hath endeavoured to the utmost, together with other Deputies, that the conciliatory advice of 16. July last, might first among the Deputie-Members of their great Might. and afterwards here in our Assembly by their Nob. gr. M. be settled; and for that and other continued services had together with his fellow-Commissioners thanks given him by us, and we thank him to this day, by these; and whereas all the foresaid affairs and advices were done and performed by his Honour with our full knowledge, order and autorisation; therefore we declare by these, that we do commend, approve and ratify the same, together with the advices grounded thereupon, promising to his Honour, and to his Children also, that whatsoever in regard and by reason hereof shall further come, or is already come upon or done to him, to hold the same, as if it were come upon or done to Us in general, and to every one of Us in particular and personally, and to help the same to be repaired with all vigour, and to keep his Honour harmless and indamnified, under the obligation of our City and all the goods thereof, recoverable by any Lords, Courts, Laws, Judges and Judicatures. Actum August 2. 1651. and the foresaid Act, being read over again in our Assembly Aug. 5. next ensuing, the extent thereof hath been approved, and we Burgomasters, Senators, Counsellors, Old-Council and Commons abovesaid, do cause this to be sealed with the City Seal in behalf thereof. Underneath stood; In absence of the Secretary signed by H. Roosboom, where under stood the Seal expressed in green Wax, covered over with white paper.   

Register-Notes taken by occasion of his Highness the Prince of Orange his arrival at Dort, together with Lords van de Capelle, van Aersberghen, Marignault, Rhynswoude, Claut of the Assembly of the Lords the State's General, and the Lords van Asperen, Lucas, and Treasurer General Brasser, of the Council of State, all in quality of Deputies from the Generality, about the point of Reducing and Casheiring of the Militia by the Lords the States of Holland and West-Friesland, resolved in June 1650.  
Thursday June 9 1650.  
ADvertisement being given the day before by the Commissioned Counsellors, of the arriving of his Highness and the foresaid Deputies of the Generality, after that the Lords Burgomasters of this City accompanied with divers Lords of the Government, had waited till ten a clock at night for the said arrival of his Highness; 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 Highness arrival that night, had dismissed the foresaid Lords of the Government, together with the Citizens; this morning early the said Burgomasters were desired in his Highness behalf, who was come to town yet last night about eleven, that the Assembly of the Senators, Counsellors, Old-Council and Commons might be gathered that forenoon yet, for to have Audience there, together with the foresaid deputed Lords from the Generality; whereupon the foresaid Burgomasters accompanied as before, being gone to his Highness lodging for to bid him welcome, and desired by him to assemble the Old-Council apart, returned answer to his Highness, that they, the said Burgomasters, would at the desire and for the respect to his Highness only, gather the foresaid Old-Council, and admit of the said Audience; under protestation nevertheless, this being an innovation, and beside the Order of Government, to lay no ground of prejudice thereby to the Eminence, Prerogative and Sovereignty 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 Highness being conducted to the foresaid Audience, attended by the forenamed Deputies of the Generality, there were read by the Lord vand der Cappelle, some Propositions and papers in writing, being neither signed, nor bearing any date of time or place, nor addressed or directed to any, and after the reading thereof delivered into the hands of the said Burgomasters.  
His Highness, after some compliments being 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 be examined, and thereupon such Resolutions presented to the next instant Assembly of the Lords the States of Holland and West-Friesland, as should be found to serve 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 be communicated to his Highness, by way of answer to the forementioned Propositions.  
June 10. 1650. There being examined in the full Assembly of the Old-Council, some few only 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 some forces horse and foot, and the Resolutions and Orders passed in that behalf from time to time, and given to the Deputies of the City of Dort, assisting then at the said Assembly; 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, contrary to the abusive report, as if the foresaid Deputies for the City of Dort, at the said states-assembly, had given their consent to the reducing of the said Militia and separate casheiring of them, contrary to their order and the resolution of the Old-Council; that the foresaid Lords Deputies, have truly followed their Order which was given them, remaining yet rather too much within, than any whit exceeding their Compass, as having had Warrant enough to go further, and therefore all they did was approved, and they, the said Deputies had thanks given them, and express notes were registered thereof to the securing of them against the foresaid wrongful imputation.  
His Highness being next day, upon his desire, admitted again in the Assembly of the Old-Council, together with the foresaid Deputies of the Generality, under benefit of the protestation made the day before to his Highness, that should be 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 Assembly given to understand, that the Lords Deputies, could take no satisfaction at all in the diliatorie answer, presented yesterday unto his Highness, and that he would not stir 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 peremptory 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 themselves guilty and punishable in body and goods; in as much as by the 23. Article of the said Union, and according to former Examples, (whereof some had been alleged to them already) by reason of the transgression of the same, both their persons and goods might be arrested and prosecuted in all places, before any Lords Judges and Judicatories, wherever the same may be met with in case of delay; concerning which Reparation, he (the Lord van der Capelle) declared, they the Lord's Deputies, shall be constrained to talk with them in an other strain yet, whereof they should hear more ere long. All which being 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 be refused, and the former Resolution persisted in; That moreover it should be declared to the said Deputies in downright and significant terms, that the foresaid Old-Council, found themselves by reason of the foresaid harsh and threatening language, uttered by van der Capelle aforesaid, abused and scandalised in the highest degree, and that upon all occasions they would testify 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 Assembly of the Lords the States of Holland and West-Friesland; to the end that due and effectual reparation may be 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 Highness, 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 day without any further answer obtained, towards Gornichem. underneath stood, Extracted out of the Notes of the Resolutions of the City of Dort, agreeing therewith, July 17. 1651.  
signed, M. Berek.   

Act of Justification of the City of Haerlem.  
We Burgomasters, Counsellors and Commons of the City of Haerlem, having heard the reading of a certain writing, entitled, Reasons and Motives, which induced his Highness the Prince of Orange to the undertaking both of the seizure of the Lords, and that which was undertaken, at, by and about the City of Amsterdam, together with the Declaration of the L. Counsellor pensionary 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 City, both of them at the time of the foresaid Arrest, our Deputies at the Assembly of their N. Gr. M. the Lords the States of Holland and Westfri●sland, do declare, contrary to what is pretended in the writings aforesaid, that the same each of them have ever, in their respective employments, showed and given full proof, that they are upright Patriots and lovers of their native Country, and of the dear-purchased freedom thereof, and zealous defenders of the true Christian Reformed Religion; That their actions have always been far from enterprising, projecting or plotting, much less ●ffecting any thing that might 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 ruin of the State; but on the contrary, that in all their do they have showed upon all occasions, to have had no other aim before their eyes, but the furtherance of the honour of God, and the freedom, quiet and security of their Native Country; That the same men each of them have with all sincerity and faithfulness followed and performed whatsoëver we had given them in charge, as Deputies for us at the Assembly and elsewhere, and acquitted themselves so well therein that he had cause to commend them for it, and to give them thanks for their zeal and endeavours, and especially that touching the new state of War projected by his Highness, his Excellency 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 Assembly 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 showed to be acted by passion, or possessed with any malignancy, but always sought every one of them to direct and steer things according to the quality 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 unnecessary charges of the public Treasury, they have propounded and urged nothing at the Assembly of their N. Gr. M. but what being 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 Generality 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 weighty and pregnant reasons, and determined by a formal resolution taken in our Assembly, and that the said Lords, so far forth as each of them hath been employed in the executive part thereof have demeaned themselves 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 we were necessitated to our great grief to discharge them from their respective employment, we commended and approved whatsoever respectively to that very time they had most carefully and faithfully done and transacted in the the Government; as also still we approve and prais both that and whatsoever else hath since been done by them in our behalf, and give them hearty thanks for their good endeavours therein, and especially in the business of reducing the Militia and unnecessary charges; as also opposing the foresaid Sending, and other affairs touching the state of this Land wherein they are employed; promising to them and their posterities, to keep them always 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 City and all the goods thereof, to be impleaded by any Court or Judges.  
Don thus in the Assembly of the Noble Lords the Counsellors and Companies of the City of Harlem, this third day of Julie, Anno 1651; there being present four Burgomasters, six Senators▪ six old Law-keepers, and eleven Counsellors and Companiemembers of the foresaid City. In witness whereof is the Citie-Seal hereunder affixed.  
Signed, J. Benningh.   

Act of Justification of the City of Delft.  
Noble, Great, Mighty Lords!  
THere being exhibited and read in our last Assembly a certain Missive from your N. Gr. M. addrests to the Lords Burgomasters and Governors of this City, dated Julie 6, 1651, together with a certain Paper entitled, Reasons and Motives, etc. (as before) accompanied with the Declaration of the Lord Counsellor pensionary Cats, bearing dat 16ᵒ Jun. last. We have after the reassumtion of our former Resolution, and with mature deliberation found good and resolved, by way 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 themselves otherwise then conformable to our intention and orders which we, not abused by our foresaid Deputies, and abusively informed, (as the forementioned Paper very ill and wrongfully holds forth) but according to the true and full report made to Us of all things, and upon full knowledge of the matter as it was tending and making most for the service of the Land. For which cause also we have commended and approved, and yet further do commend and approve whatsoëver our said Deputies did or transacted in this kind, 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 employment hath always given full proof of an upright Patriot, and true lover of his Native Country 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 ruin of these Countries: but on the contrary, that with great industry, faithfulness, providence, sincerity and uprightness he hath still considered the main end and aim of his employment. Wherefore also we 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 contrary 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 detained first at the Hague in the Court of his Highness, together with five other Lords, and carried prisoners afterwards to the House of Loevestein: That indeed at the same time we 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, because the times were evil, but being delivered thereof by God's wonderful Providence, we restored him soon after his Highness deceas into his former state and place, returned him into the Court of the Commissioned Council of Holland, and his Ordinary time of serving there being exspired, have deputed him for the Assembly of their No. Gr. Mi. in public testimony, that indeed and truth we ever held, and yet do hold, the foresaid Lord John Duyst van Voorhunt qualified as is before expressed.— Herewith, etc.  
Noble, etc. &— Writen at Delft, Julie 26, 1651. Your N. Gr. M. subjects the 40 Council and Commons of the City of Delft. By Order of the same Signed S. Groenewegen van der Made.   

Act of Justification of the City of Amsterdam.  
We Burgomasters and Commons of the City of Amsterdam, having heard the reading of a certain Writing entitled, Reasons and Motives, etc. and finding that therein are made notable Charges against divers Members of the Assembly 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 therein mentioned; and having seen withal a certain Letter from the said Lords the States of Holland and Westfriesland, of the 6th of this month; whereby, etc. and having maturely weighed all, we found our selus obliged in defence of truth and the innocence of us all, and of the Lords in particular employed by and for Us in the affairs aforesaid, and aimed at in the foresaid Charge; as also to satisfy the desire and Order of their N. Gr. M. do testify and declare the contrary 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 always showed themselves true and honest Governors, and upright and faithful Patriots and lovers of their Native Country, 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, ruin and distraction of the State; but on the contrary, have always tended to the conservation and assurance thereof, and that in that regard we are abundantly satisfied with their sincere affection, as to the good of the common cause 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 we declare, that they have done nothing else but what we our selus found good in that behalf for the service of the Land, and gave them in charge by iterated Resolutions; insomuch that then we gave them thanks, and hearty 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 necessary instruction, without ever showing any ill-affectedness, much less endeavouring to abuse us thereby; and that in like sort the Counter-acting and opposing by this City of the sending decreed by a few Lords of the other Provinces, to be made to all the Members and Cities of Holland and Westfriesland hath been our own work, grounded upon very pregnant and weighty reasons, and decreed by reiterated Resolutions, taken in our Assembly, 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 City, and by no means at all thereby to cause any Distraction in the State. According as about that very time; we have by our Deputies to your N. gr. M. fully justified the same, and drawn it up in writing, whe●●● his Highness was pleased to make particular complaint to your N. gr. M. of our Cities and their Deputies encountering of him, and to demand reparation and satisfaction in that behalf, to which Justification of ours we here refer our selus; and have cause to think our selus happy for the good direction, which hath been afforded to us by the Lords whom we employed in all this, renewing our hearty 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 we have caused Our City Seal to be 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 City of Horen.  
We Burgomasters, Council and Commons of the City of Horen in West-Friesland, make known to every one to whom it appertaineth, That, by our present Deputies at the Assembly we are advertised 27▪ Junii, of the reading of certain Motives and Reasons etc. whereof a Copy was sent us by their N. gr. M. having heard likewise the personal plea and answer of the Lord Nanning kaiser of our Citie-Council and late pensionary in our Assembly, having been a fellow-member at that time, made upon our the said Burgomasters precedent permission, instantly, and since again upon this day, by reason that on the day aforesaid, there had been three absent, with all due modesty, unto all and every point thereof, comprehended by him in seven, with reference to the written Resolutions, taken from time to time in our Assembly, and besides to the proper knowledge of our selus respectively, which both in this our City, and at the Hague have seen and heard his advices and directions, about the Execution of our Resolutions; whereupon, when the foresaid Lord kaiser of his own accord withdrew himself out of our Assembly; we 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. Assembly, 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; We do hereby unanimously declare, Yea, adding moreover, That both in these and other affairs of the Land, he 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 eyes without any malignancy, ill-affectedness or passion, and fitting his advice accordingly, to his best knowledge, as an honest fellow-member would or could do; That likewise he shown much sorrow by reason of the discord or misunderstanding arisen among the Members of the Government, and endeavoured all he could in our behalf to prevent with wholesome advices, all those troubles, exasperations and inconveniencies, which threatened the State thence: That moreover he 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 only in respect of his Highness of immortal memory and his high Charges. That both we and he together are commended in his Highness written Proposition, faithfully enregistered in our Book of Resolutions, for our Love to the conservation of our Native Country 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 endeavours, which both we and he had contributed for a long time to the Unity among the Provinces. That since also he hath notably cleared the points in difference unto us, and shown himself together with us much inclined to accommodation; nay, he together with his fellow-Deputies, have even gone somewhat beyond our order towards the embracing of the conciliatory advice of June 16. 1650. which nevertheless, after report made unto us by our Deputies, we have given them thanks, on the 24th. Nor have we ever found in him any humorousness, ill-affectedness, malignant design, presumption or self-will, much less ever heard any seditious or dangerous Discourses come from him, tending to the Dissolution of the Union or Compulsion of the other Provinces; neither do we know or can believ, that ever he had any ill designs, plots or contrivances, or kept ill Counsel apart; we having contrariwise always known him, and by these we declare him, an upright Patriot, and Lover of his Native Country, and the paternal freedom thereof, fought for these four-score years, and withal a good defender of the true Christian Reformed Religion, and whom we never could suspect to have had any thing before his eyes, but the advancement of the glory of God, and the foresaid Religion, the Freedom, Quiet, Security, and Unity of our dear Father-land, and that in the same form of Government, according to the Union and other fundemental Maxims of the State, wherein he was born, and which he ●ath appeared and stood for many a time, according to his place and talon. And further yet we do declare, that he 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 sincere reports, touching that which had past as well in the particular conferrences, as in the full Assembly, and likewise well discharged his respective Orders, and contributed all he could, for the good and service as well of the public as of our City in particular; for the which we have oftimes thanked him, and yet have cause to do, in regard of his Vigilancy, Faithfulness and Zeal, which appeared sufficiently to every one, in the discharge of his Employments, as our Secretary first, and afterwards pensionary: for all which, as was done before July 31. 1650. so we do still hold good, firm and valid, whatsoëver the foresaid Lord Keyser and other our Deputies have done at the Assembly, in the affair of Cashiering and Reducing of the Militia and things depending thereon, giving him hearty and reiterate thanks for his good endeavours in that and other discharges of his Trust, and withal promising to him and his posterity, to keep them free and harmless at all times from whatsoever might betid them by reason hereof, and to defend and protect them therein against every one, under the obligation of our City and all the goods thereof, to be impleaded by all Laws, Judges and Judicatures. Don thus in our Assembly July 10. 1651. present the N. Lords Will. Claesz de Jager, M. Albert de Groot, Claesz Janssen Pot, Burgomasters. Marten Jansz Groot, Jan Albert's 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 Sunk and the Vry, attending their function in the Hague; and the foresaid Lord Keyser, du●●ng our deliberation, gone out of Town. In witness whereof we have caused our Citie-Seal to be annexed here under, this 12. of July 1651. underneath stood, By Order of the Noble my Lords aforenamed,  
signed by me Secretary Wormbout Jadsz.  
We M. Nicoles Raet Burgomaster, and Geroit Jansz de Vry, Old-Counsellor, both fellow-Counsellors of the City of Horen, not having been present at the time of taking Resolution upon the foresaid Act of Justification and Approbation at Horen in the Assembly of the Commons there, but being deputed here at the State's Assembly, in the said City's behalf, we do declare by these, that we do approve the foresaid Act and every part thereof, and fully conform our selus thereunto, as if we had been personally present at the framing and decreeing of the fore●aid Act and Resolution, in our Common Assembly. Actum at the Hague July 14. 1651.  
signed; Cl●es Raet and Gerrit Jansz de Vry.   

Act of Justification of the City of Medenblyck.  
Extract out of the book of Resolutions, of the Burgomasters and Commons of the City of Medenblyck.  
Assembly being held by the Burgomasters and Commons July 3. 1651. present M. Everk Jacobsz, Jan Jansz de Zee, and M. Volckart Cornelis Burgomasters, together with Simon 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 being exhibited to and read before the Lords, Burgomasters and Common Council of the City of Medenblyck a certain paper countersigned by the Lord pensionary Cats, entitled Reasons and Motives etc. 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 being made, what was fit to be done in specie, in the behalf, defence and protection of the said Lord Stellingwerf, Counsellor and pensionary of this City, 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, being Counsellor and pensionary, and Ordinary Deputy from this City at the Assembly 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 Generality Jun. 5 and 6. 1650. and of the Commission afterwards of his Highness to all the Cities of this Province; and lastly of the approbation of the conciliatory project of July 16. 1650. and other businesses ensued thereupon, hath carried himself so honourably, 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 Assembly of the Province of Holland and West Friesland, as also at the Generality, touching the foresaid subjects, both pro and contra, according to his ordinary, curious and laborious custom, as well by writing as word of mouth, as ever could be done by any, wherefore also both himself and his respective fellow-Deputies, after reports made of their vigilancy, zeal and good endeavours, had every time most hearty thanks given them, which is now reiterated by these in special manner, approving the Zeal and Courage, which they have showed 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 be reputed no better, promising also therefore to him and his descent and posterity, not only to hold them guilt-and harm-less of whatsoever might at any time betid them by reason hereof, but likewise, to repute of any such accident, as happening unto our selus in General, and to every one of us in particular, and to see the same repaired with all vigour 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 City 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 day and year as before.  
Signed by me M. Ryckaert, Secretary 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 Country; To all those that shall see or hear the reading of these, greeting.  
Be it known, That whereas last year 1650, a Deliberation being on foot about the receiving a new state of War, a Retrenchment of the Land-Charges and other dependences thereof, some of the Lords Members of our Assembly of State; by name Jacob de Witte, Old-Burgomaster of the City of Dort; Jan de Wael Burgomaster, and Aelbert Ruyl Counsellor pensionary of the City Haerlem: John Duyst van Voorhout old Burgomaster of the City of Delft: Nunning Keysar Counsellor and pensionary of the City of Horem; and Nicolas Stellingwerf Counsellor and pensionary of the City of Medenblyck were seized, and for a time detained prisoners in our house of Loevestein; and that all the foresaid Lords, as also together with them the Lords Andrea's Bicker, Lord of Engelenburg, and Cornelius Bicker, Lord of Swieten, the former Old▪ and the latter governing Burgomaster of the City of Amsterdam, were fain, through the practice used then about the foresaid matters, to resign and be discharged of their respective city's employments. That likewise our good City of Amsterdam hath for some days been kept shut up and besieged by forces of the State; all which might cause such as have not a right and full knowledge 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 employments 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 City of Amsterdam there had been any just cause given of the trouble they sustained by the Siege aforesaid: And that nevertheless on the contrary it hath plainly been evidenced unto Us by the lawful and solemn Declarations of the Unanimous Commons of the abovenamed Cities, that the foresaid Lords respectively have, with all sincerity 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 withholding of the consents of paying of a part of the Militia, petitioned for by the Council of State in the forementioned 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 Assembly of the Lords the States-General; deduced pro and con to those Commons their Principals perfect instruction, good content and absolute satisfaction. Moreover, that in the managing of the foresaid matters and deliberations in the respective Commonalties, the said Lords, or any of them, never shown themselves to be acted by passions, or possessed with prejudice or ill-affectedness, but on the contrary, ever directed the affairs uprightly, sincerely and unpassionately; however, as much as in them lay, they laboured by all good and suitable means to direct all to the securing of the dear-bought Liberty of the United Provinces in General, and of our Courtrie of Holland and Westfri●sl●nd in particular; and all that for the quiet welfare and common good of our dear Father land; Therefore we our selus having likewise good and perfect knowledge of all the proceed about the foresaid affairs transacted in our Assembly; being 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 selus fully satisfied in the innocence and uprightness of the proceed, which by the Government of the foresaid City 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; We 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 abovenamed Lords, and those of the Government of the said City of Amsterdam, have done 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 aught to have done, and that therefore they all and every one of them, can nor ought not in the least to be prejudiced, impaired or wronged, in their honour, good name and fame by either their foresaid seizure, detention and resignation of their respective Employments, or in regard of that siege of the foresaid City.  
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 some few Copies were printed under Title of  

A True and Necessary 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 payment of a part of the Army, in service during the War: Together with A Refutation of a certain Paper entitled, Reasons and Motives which induced his Highness the Prince of Orange to undertake both the seizing of the Lords, and that which was begun upon, at and about the City of Amsterdam.  
THe States of Holland and Westfri●sland, having seen a certain Paper entitled, Reasons and Motives which induced his Highness the Prince of Orange to undertake both the seizing of the Lords, and that which was undertaken upon, at and about the City of Amsterdam; Consigned by his Highness of immortal memory, into the hands of our Counsellor pensionary, August 9, 1650, and afterwards brought into our Assembly, 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 we, for that end, committed the said Writing, with sundry other Acts and Resolutions relating to that matter; We do find our selus necessitated for the better information of our Confederates, and all others to whose hands the foresaid Papers may have come, and this also may be presented, as also in special manner for the discharge of Our selus and posterity, to make known the true state and condition of affairs mentioned in the Paper aforesaid, together with the proceed taken in hand by Us from time to time in and about the same. Declaring and protesting, that in all this we have no other aim nor design, but to justify, defend and maintain our Actions, so odiously represented in the foresaid Paper, together with the Honour and Reputation of our Country 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 proceed, to our great grief and sorrow, have been procured and practised against us by some few one's from among them, set on and favoured therein, even (we are fully persuaded) to the dislike and discontent of their own Principals. Yea, and that all our intent is only tending to the Quiet, Peace, Unity and Common Good, the which we have during the great and weighty Deliberations happened since the Deceas of his Highness 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 judgement hereupon, as we have showed and carried our selus peaceable and impartial all along, and really complying in the matter it ●elf; The same being thus conditioned, That, immediately after the conclusion of the peace, obtained through the help and blessing of God Almighty, and especially purchased, by the free and voluntary contributions of the goods and blood of our faithful Subjects and Inhabitants, All our Actions and Endeavours were directed and employed, 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 some measure, if it were possible, be eased and relieved in their manifold Impositions and Contributions, laid upon them for the maintenance of the Army and other Charges of the Land. And whereas our Treasury, through the excessive Charge of that long War, and the continual taking up of moneys upon Interest, which from time to time we 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 we could never recover any liquidation, much less repayment, had run itself in that extremity of behindhandedness, That even after the discharge of the ordinary Leaguer-charges, and after a notable redress in the Treasury by the retrenchment of some other charges both of the Generalities and Provincial regard, nevertheless the Ordinary Revenue of our Treasuries, could no ways reach to the paying of the Army, Rents, Interests and other unavoidable yearly charges: and it being not avoidable in any kind▪ to supply the yearly arrears caused thereby, by any further ruinous and cankering means of running in debt, being in so deep before, by reason of former frequent refuges to it; much less could we resolve upon an encreas of Taxes, and higher raising and aggravating of Impositions; that being most unreasonable, and a sign of a most corrupt policy, to lie more heavy upon the good people and commons of the Land in time of peace, than we had done in all these heavy wars; but equity itself requiring, that the Treasure and Blood so frequently adventured and spent by them and their zealous progenitors, for the safety of the State, with so much hardship, should now by occasion of the peace, (were it possible) be recompensed at least with lessening of the charges, and all deviseable allevations; We saw our selus reduced to that point of necessity, that either we must undertake to redress the foresaid yearly excess and arrears by means of a well-regulated saving, and the retrenchment of sundry not highly necessary charges; or else suffer and see the State of the Land to precipitate itself into utter disorder and confusion. And accordingly we have caused as well a Committee of our own Assembly, and our Commissioned Council, seriously to examine and devise, by what means and in what things the foresaid saving design might most conveniently be 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 unnecessary Officers, whose functions were of themselves absolutely come to cease by the peace or otherwise, and to the retrenching of part of the Entertainments of those, whose employment, by the foresaid alteration was eased of much pains, charge and expenses.  
Now forasmuch as the said Officers, being for the most part Military and relating to the Generality, were by the Council of State brought in again with their full Entertainments, at leastwise higher than we judged fitting, in the State of War for the year 1649. drawn up the whilst, and according to the ancient custom sent to the Provinces, with desire to yield their consents to the particulars therein contained: We for our part not able to consent in this manner, did bring in at the Generality, 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 only, then to come, and from time to time since by continuation surcharged upon us, might now be found, by the discharge of 50. like Companies of foreign Nations, reserving to our selves the remonstrating of such particulars and charges in the said projected State of War, as we should judge could well be discharged, and left out there without any special disservice of the Land; and whereupon we should not be able, by reason of the great decay of our Treasury, to pass our Consents; as to that very end we had already before July 13. by express Resolution desired and charged our Commissioned Council (being entrusted with the surintendance and care of our Treasury) upon their reiterated Remonstrances that though the foresaid projects of saving and retrenchments might actually be brought to Execution, nevertheless the yearly Balance came evidently far short of adjusting the charges of the State with the Revenues thereof; besides the great arrears yet of running debts, which ought to be satisfied before all other; That they should draw up their Considerations, how and which way any further means might be found of disburthening our Treasury; and they likewise had accordingly made a proposition already to that purpose, the same consisting especially herein.  
1. That the pay for lodging Soldiers, hitherto furnished by the State, may be retrenched, under condition of prompt and ready pay of their wages.  
2. That the Companies of Cuirassiers be changed into Carabins.  
3. That the Regiments of foreign Nations in service of this State, consisting, some in 23, 18, 17, 14, and some but in 10 Companies, be all reduced to an equality of the least proportion, and 55 Companies of them disbanded.  
4. That of the Horse, a considerable part be disbanded; in regard that in time of peace, and by reason of the condition of these Provinces, more foot-soldiers are required for the besetting of the Frontiers, than horse, (who nevertheless upon occasions may readily be had in these Countries at all times) they being less useful and exceeding chargeable and cumbersome to the State.  
And however we were mightily inclined, for the easing of our burdened Treasury, forthwith to embrace the said Proposition, and accordingly without more ado to resolve upon the disbanding of 105 Companies of foot and half the Cavalry, reducing the same to 32 Companies, at 60 horse a piece; nevertheless we found good before we would proceed to a final Resolution, to communicate all the foresaid affairs with his Highness the Prince of Orange of immortal memory, for to understand his Considerations and Advice thereupon. And his said Highness, was pleased after reiterated Remonstrances and further Discoveries of the state of our Treasury, 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 be discharged one Company of every small Regiment, and 2 of all the great ones.  
That in lieu of reducing and equalizing the foreign Regiments to the least proportion, the Inland Companies should be reduced to 60 heads, and the foreign to 45.  
That instead of disbanding the one half of the horse, twelv Companies only should be disbanded in all, and the rest reduced to 45.  
That the alteration of Cuirassiers into Carabines should be performed.  
That the Services should be lessened to a third part.  
Now although, according to this his Highness Proposition itself, there would have been discharged 175 foot-soldiers 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 Horse▪ differed in number but 420 horse; and that consequently both according to the one and the other, there was within a small matter in all (comprising horse and foot together) a like number of Militia to have continued in the State's 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, we were not able to condescend to that of his Highˢ.  
First, because that according to the Discharging to be made after his way, the same would have lighted more▪ nay in double proportion upon the Natives and Inhabitants of these Countries, then upon the Foreigners. And secondly, thereby there would have been don most by Reducing and but little by Disbanding.  
And although on the one side, we might easily calculate, that his Highness was drawn both to the one and other, by some Considerations of his personal repute; Yet we on the other side took into our Consideration; first, that the State's Security consistech especially, that the soldiery perform their duties, not only for the receipt of their wages, but also out of love, affection and natural proness to the State itself, which without all question, is always more to be expected from the Natives than the Foreigners; besides that it could not be 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 Foreigners, as adopted one's 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 many or more forces then by our way, were thereby to be substracted from the State's Service, yet there appeared no proportion at all therein with ours, for the easing and sublevating our overburdened Treasury; when you observe that the said Reduction toucheth not the Captains and Officers, but only the private Soldiers, whereas that which one Captain alone is wont to receiv by the State, would find and entertain a good number of common Soldiers. And forasmuch as both sides proposals being counterballanced, it is apparent, that as well the security of the State on the one hand, as the disburdening of the feeble Treasury on the other, is much better to be obtained by our way of Casheiring, then by the effect of that of his Highness; we therefore held it best seriously to remonstrate all this to his said Highness, and caused our Deputies to perform the same with many pregnant reasons, and especially by a most exact Balance of our Treasury, exhibited unto him, whereby we shown, That according to our way, the Rate of this Province would yearly be eased more, then by his way, by two hundred eighteen thousand, nine hundred and forty Gilders, 14 Stivers, 2d. Desiring in that regard, that he would be pleased so to direct the business and recommend it to the rest of the Provinces, that the Cashiering propounded by Us, may be expedited and accomplished with all speed.  
At last, after many serious instances applied to this end in vain, we found our selus necessitated to make known unto the Generality, that by reason of the weakness of our Treasury, we were not able to grant or bear that which the Council of State desired of us, and by the abovenamed project of the state of War, was assigned and charged upon upon us, and that consequently we were absolutely enforced in part to excuse our selus of that desire, declaring, that as to the continuing and paying of the before▪ mentioned 105 Foot-companies, and 32 of Horse, together with other particulars expressed in the abovecited Advice of our Commissioned Council, we 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 themselves in the strictest sense, we were not bound to give any particular reasons thereof, or to use any persuasive means, but might, by the vigour of the said Freedom, sufficiently have acquitted our selus with a simple notification of discontinuing our Consent: yet for to satisfy all, we forbore not to▪ discover and lay before the Deputies of the States of other Provinces our Confederates, at the Generality, the whole State of our Treasury, 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 be retained in service then we had declared our Consent for, if so be that the State will entertain more than they are able to pay. 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 necessity unto their Principals, easily to dispose the same, That the foresaid dis-banding of forces and lessening of charges, might, according to the ancient order and old way, have speedily been set a work and effected. Nevertheless we not only saw our selus disappointed of any such effects, but on the contrary, found to our great grief, that the payment of those charges which we had consented to as before, began to be required at our hands; insomuch that at last we were constrained to declare unto the Generality, as also in Januarie 1650 we had formally declared, that the Treasury of this Province was not able any longer to bear the heavy charges imposed upon them during the Wars, now the Peace had already continued so long. And whereas every Province hath liberty each year to consent or not to consent to the Petition addressed unto them by the Council of State; and likewise to accept of, or to excuse the charges therein proposed, according to every one's constitution and condition: and that the said state of War was knownly nothing else, but a Petition of the Council of State, and so was transcribed and sent to the respective Provinces. That we finding the charges therein mentioned to be insufferable for us, had found good therefore to make difficulty, and to yield no further than our Provincial Advice formerly returned, and often renewed there did import, and that consequently we were resolved, in case the other Provinces could not be disposed to the like, to proceed to the execution of the said Provincial Advice, according to the contents thereof, within our selus; it being sure that the beforementioned Freedom of consenting cannot possibly consist in a bare and empty sound of words, but in such effectual realities, whereby one may hold himself free from paying such charges, to the continuation whereof he hath expressly declared he cannot consent. But then the Deputies putting us in some hope they would speedily bring in their Provincial Advices upon our foresaid proposals of saving charges; we again, for further satisfaction's sake to all, superseded the foresaid execution for some 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 Highness the Prince of Orange of immortal memory, would have used some endeavours upon our serious and reiterated desires, with the said Deputies of the Provinces of their Principals, that the same might have conformed themselves with our foresaid Resolution; or however that his Highness would so have directed the matter, as that at leastwise they might have accepted of his Highness former own proposals made unto us Decemb. 8, 1649. We saw contrariwise to our grief the matter so carried, that the Provinces remained far beneath them yet.  
Allowing only 55 Foot-Companies and 12 of Horse to be disbanded, and the rest of the Horse to be 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 Lieutenants, Cornets and Ensigns therein proportionably. And whereas thereby we should nothing near have been able to save the Moiety of that whereunto we had forborn our Consent; we again most seriously represented to his Highness 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 being denied by his Highness, and the Deputies of the Provinces insisting and pressing, that the same Forces, for whose continuance we had not consented, should be entertained and paid by us, for the most part beyond our abilities; We thereupon, according to the Right belonging to us, andin conformity of our abovementioned Declaration presented to the Generality in Januarie 1650, began to consider, how and by what means we might best and most conveniently eschew the payment charged upon us against all right and equity in prejudice of our Freedom, and to the intolerable burden of our good Commons, and consequently to put in effect our former Resolution of saving charges; and yet before the effecting thereof, the project being drawn, we once more communicated with his Highness the Prince of Orange, and the second time desired him he would be pleased to conform thereunto, and help likewise to dispose the rest of the Provinces to the like; and thereupon some likelihood appearing, and some hope also being given, that his foresaid Highness was about to make a further Proposition about the said matter, which would be of better relish yet unto us, then that of Decemb. 8 abovesaid, we again superseded the foresaid intended Execution for a pretty while longer, and patiently waited for that same further Proposition, until at last May 11, 1650, the same was produced and transmitted unto us in Writing; Concerning which we must declare here, that we could not hear the reading thereof without excessive amazement, that whiles we had waited for a Proposition more suitable to our account, and more contenting our minds then was that of Decemb. 8 beforementioned, in lieu thereof and clean contrarily, we saw how his Highness leapt back there near the full half of his former condescension, besides the adding of very grievous Conditions, and notably impairing or making worse the former. Pro▪ pounding namely therein,  
First, the Disbanding of only 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 Cavalry should be lessened by 20 Companies, the rest being reduced to 60 Horse a Troop; whereby (Note) 300 Horse more would have been retained, 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 be yielded unto in any wise, That, viz. no other or further Reduction or Disbanding of forces should be made before such time as the Crowns of France and Spain were agreed, and peace made between them, and before the peace in Germany should be settled.  
That moreover the Cuirassiers should be turned into Carabins, and the moiety of the service-monie taken off, on condition the forementioned projected state of War be 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 we plainly perceiving all our hopes of agreeing in this matter with his Highness to be cut off, and being ready therefore and resolved to pass on to the final Execution of the Resolution taken by Us from time to time in this behalf: We nevertheless stayed our hands again, by reason of a new Proposition presented at our Assembly by the Deputies of Leyden, May 13, which differed from that of his Highness of May 11, only 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 be reduced to 60.  
And in like manner, that besides the foresaid offer of Cashiering 20 Companies of Horse, the rest, which by the Government were stinted to 60 Horse, should be reduced to 50.  
But forasmuch as we 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 we stood in fear it might burst out into Extremities; to avoid all confusions which threatened us, passing by all former projects, and that of the Deputies of the City of Leyden also in particular; we determined to conform our selus 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 Assembly, totidem verbis, by the Lord Bronckhorst, to wit,  
That in the first place no further Disbanding of Forces should be made, than 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 some change of humours, and more facility would be met with.  
Nevertheless, after reiterated instances thereupon made at the Generality May 28, and 29, respectively, the foresaid Provisional Execution of the Provincial Advices of all the Provinces could not be obtained 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 way to our being disburdened so far yet, as the respective Provinces had unanimously consented to, by Resolutions of their own State-Assemblies for themselves; whereby we perceiving through their non-accepting of the foresaid most reasonable offer of ours, that all hope of accommodation was taken away, and we absolutely necessitated at length once, after so much and long patience, to take a final course for the discontinuance of paying the Militia, for whose further entertainment We had not given our Consent; and to resolve upon it, as also accordingly we did on the 1 of June next ensuing thereupon; (to leave unpaid, and withal to hold for cashiered certain Companies Horse and Foot standing upon our own Repartition) without nevertheless going further therein than the Deputies of Leyden had propounded last, assuring our selus, that thereby the business would have been transacted in that manner, that none in the world would have contradicted it, or could have done it with any ground or show of reason.  
Especially none of the Deputies of the Provinces, in regard we were gone so far to meet them, that even the second time, we 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 kind, by their own Deputies. Neither by his Highness, whose project of Decemb. 8. 1649. would have discharged 665 foot-soldiers more, and but 140 troopers less, and consequently in all, horse and foot comprised together, 525 men more. Nor by any Members of our own Assembly, for that by way of accommodation, we had conformed our selus to the project or opinion of some few, which always had showed themselves most difficult in the foresaid business: and there being great Necessity, our said Resolution should be made known to the Militia or the Officers thereof, least continuing in service, and afterwards missing their pay, there might be caused mutiny or confusion thereby; therefore we found good to give timely advertisement thereof, where and so as the same was requisite; communicating nevertheless again with his Highness about it, and desiring to understand his intention, to what sort of Officers the foresaid advertisement might best be directed. And finding, that his Highness excused himself, we proceeded therein with that circumspection, and without consideration of any persons, That we caused Writs to be made to XXXI Captains, being our proportion in the 55 Companies, all Foreigners, 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 come, signifying unto them, That after the expiring of the present month, they should expect no further Orders from Our Commissioned Council, nor any further payment 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 we avouch to be reduced, and left unpaid for the future. To the end that those respective Ritmasters and Captains might have disposed of themselves as was fitting; Only, before the dispatching of the said Writs, we would try once more Jun. 3. 1650. to reiterate our former offers, to the Deputies of the other Provinces at the Generality, with desire they would be pleased to allow, That the State might be disburdened by provision of that wherein all the Provinces were agreed, and that the rest might be taken into further consideration at leisure; but all our endeavours were applied in vain there. For notwithstanding all this, we were given to understand, that contrary to all expectation, immediately after the dispatching of our foresaid Writs, his said Highness, his Excellcie the Stadtholder of Friesland and the Council of State, by a Missive of theirs, of Jun. 5. 1650. (being 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 forbade 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 State's General, or his Highness and the Council of State, charging every one, to govern himself accordingly in this behalf; as also that self same day, upon the remonstrance made at the Generality, by his said Highness, his Excellcie the Stadtholder and the Council of State, some few there of the Deputies, in their presence, presently determined;  
That a Letter of like tenor, mutatis mutandis, should be expedited in the Name of their High Might▪ to the end as before, and withal a solemn Deputation or Commission to all the Cities and Members of our Province, to persuade 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 Generality, and to abandon that which may have been undertaken to the contrary, referring and committing to his Highness, in what manner and by what persons, and in what number the said Sending should be performed; as also in the mean time desiring and autorising his Highness to take all requisite order and to provide, that all may be conserved in good peace and quiet, and especially the Union maintained and secured, together with all things thereunto relating; and on the contrary, to resist and oppose whatsoever might be attempted against it. Whereupon ensued, that his said Highness next day after communicated and gave notice to the Deputies aforesaid at the Generality, That in consideration of the importance of the business, his Highness intended personally to go along in the same deputation, and by virtue of the beforementioned autorisation and commission, named and assumed to himself certain Lords, both from among their Hi. Mi. Assembly itself, as of the Council of State, to be deputed as aforesaid. And notwithstanding that (by reason of the adjournment of our Assembly in regard of the Whitsun-holy-days) the Lords our Commissioned Council, together with our Ordinary Deputies at the Generality, did remonstrate by many reasons, as well to his Highness 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 be expected; desiring that the said Sending might be waved and deferred, at leastwise but for a little time yet; offering therewithal to that end, to call our Assembly together again, as soon as possibly could be done, that the matters which seemed to be intended for to be propounded to the particular Cities and Members of this Province, might be represented to them; yet all this wrought nothing of that, which our Commissioned Council and Deputies at the Generality had hoped for: his Highness notwithstanding any thing that was or could be alleged, departing from the Hague with the forementioned assumed Lords, to execute their pretended Commission, which accordingly was performed; though besides the foresaid remonstrance made at the Hague, divers very serious and earnest endeavours 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 Highness from the further prosecution of that design and to dispose him, that he would be pleased to return to the Hague, where the business might be transacted in an orderly way. And though the said Commissioners were desired and authorised no further in their Instruction, then by all possible means of inducement and persuasions, 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 City report was made) used in their second audience such a threatening language, as we 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 dilatory answer, returned the day before to his Highness upon the first Proposition, and that they would not stir thence, until the Lords of the Old-Council of that City had roundly declared to them (Commissioners) whether they would come into the Union again, which they had deserted; and till they (Commissioners) had obtained from them a clear, short, positive, categorical and peremptory 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 themselves guilty, and were punishable for it in body and goods etc. And in case of further delay of the said reparation, he 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 City 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 Eminency and Sovereignty, together with the foresaid Commination, and divers other things thereabout, we had cause enough given Us, to take once for all a clean other course, laying aside our long-suffering and patience, to expostulate about the proceed aforesaid, and to apply such remedies against the same, as we should have found requisite; nevertheless, though there was a Protestation ready drawn against the foresaid Sending and consequences thereof; yet we again endeavoured by all compliableness and fairness to try the laying by of the Differences, keeping reiterated Communication and Conferences with his Highness 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 Highness, to procure such a proposition as yet might be acceptable; but all in vain still and without any fruit or effect; so that at last by some Members of our Assembly, deputed to his Highness, 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 be discharged, on condition that the Officers thereof should be retained, with a Moiety of their former Entertainments.  
And in case the Deputies of the Provinces shall find themselves 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 be entertained one Company of 150 horse, three, each of an 100 and 38, each of 60 Riders, besides 50 Carabins.  
That there should be disbanded 26 Companies, and that the Officers should remain, at half entertainments, whereby there would have remained in the State's service 2884 horsemen, and thus 44 more than by his Highness first proposition of Decemb. 8. 1649.  
And in case that nothing of all this should be accepted by the Deputies of the Provinces, that then it should be insisted, that the Disbanding should provisionally be effected, according to our Writs to the Officers, by the Council of State.  
But notwithstanding that this proposition, for number of horse and foot, doth nothing near, as appeareth, go so far in lessening them, as his Highness himself had found good in the foresaid project of Decemb. 1649. and that likewise our most reasonable offer was in effect reiterated again hereby, we being content, that the State should by provision only be disburdened of such a Number of forces, as all the Deputies of the Provinces were warranted by their Principals they might disband, yet his Highness would not relish it; but at last July 15. 1650. he, together with his Excellcie the Stadtholder and the Council of State propounded unto their Hi. Mi. and thence was brought by report into our Assembly a Certain conciliatory Proposition, according to which, although there would have been kept in service 160 horse and 1670 foot-soldiers more, than his Highness yielded too at first December 8. 1649. and besides very large and unreasonabl pensions allowed and continued to the discharged Officers, Governors of some Frontiers, Colonels, Lieutenant Colonels and Majors both horse and foot, to the unsupportable surcharge of our Treasury; nevertheless we took the said Proposition so far into our consideration, that we appointed a Committee of our own Members, ripely to examine both that and the former of July 12▪ made unto his Highness, together with some other pieces relating to that matter, and having advisedly conferred and balanced them one against the other, to frame such an Expedient of all, as the said Members should judge best, for to bring the work at length to an happy issue, which being done, it produced July 16. this following conciliatory advice.  
That, not to vary and retract, what once was done, there should be disbanded 55 Companies of Foot.  
That the Companies of 70 men should be reduced to 60.  
That there should be disbanded 20 Companies of horse.  
That the Companies of 60 horse, should be reduced to 50.  
That the form or manner of disbanding should be referred to his Highness and the Council of State.  
That the military Entertainments should be regulated according to the project presented upon a certain occasion by our Commissioners in Decemb. 1648. the same being a good deal larger and more advantageous for the military Officers, than a certain other advice, projected in the month of July before.  
That the Fieldmarshal's Entertainment in the foresaid project somewhat 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 be recommended to his Highness to be reimployed upon occasions; but getting new employ or engaging elsewhere in service, their respective Entertainments shall surceas.  
That the Companies happening to be vacant shall be given upon the Nomination of his Highness according to accustomed order, formerly used.  
That the Lieutenants of Horse and Foot, shall expire with the present incumbents.  
That the Cuirassiers shall be changed into light-hors; and that 3 of the said Companies shall remain exempt from that change; to wit, two of his Highness and one of his Excellcie Stadtholder of Friesland.  
That the Lodging-monies shall wholly be cut off, on condition of orderly and ready payment made to the soldiery of their full wages.  
With this now-mentioned Advice conciliatory, 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 Assembly, upon precedent communication with their Principals about it, had so far conformed themselves, that doubtless it would have been concluded on with one consent, but that the Lords of the Nobility, having deliberated aforehand about it with his Highness, declared, they could not yield any further, then to the foresaid project of the Council of State, July 15. 1650. And the whiles we had therefore desired our Counsellor pensionary July foresaid 29▪ to change the foresaid Advice conciliatory, by leaving out some points, according to the Advice of the Members, into the form of a Resolution, thus to be communicated to his Highness, and consequently presented to the Generality; and that by reason thereof, the whole affair seemed now to be brought to such terms, that there might have succeeded a speedy 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 we durst not have thought upon without horror, viz. That six Lords of our Sovereign Assembly, being desired to come to his Highness, were upon arrival into his Chamber, detained there under Guard, and afterwards carried away prisoners by force of Arms, to the house of Loevenstein; and moreover the City of Amsterdam, being the most considerable of our whole Provinces, and whose sudden and unexpected ruin 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 secrecy, and what else there hath passed in pursuance of these enterprises at that time, before the face of Our Selus 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 Selus, touching the Saving of the Public Charges, and lessening of the Militia, happened in the years 1649 and 1650, We are very confident it will most clearly appear thence, that there was nothing in the world done by Us in the whole carriage of this affair, but what according to the constitution of our Treasury we were bound, and according to the Freedom and Right belonging to all and every one of the United Provinces, we were warranted to do; nay, that for accommodation's sake we 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 Almighty God, and from Him alone expecting a good issue at length in the business aforesaid; and that on the contrary, little or nothing hath been yielded or condescended unto by the Deputies of the other Provinces; but by his Highness not only nothing yielded, but on the contrary, a perpetual recoiling used in our regard, insomuch that Complaints of the counter working of some ill-affected ones, or insolence and stubbornness of some, which chose rather to see the safety of the Land from without, and the rest and quiet of the good people within to be laid into a hazardous balance, then recede but one hair's breadth from their imbibed maltgnancie, wherewith the foresaid Paper labour's to asspers some of our Members, may more justly be recorted upon those pernicious and vile Counsellors, who, to satisfy 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 we 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 Highness, entitled, Reason and Motives, etc. 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,  
We shall in the first place, and before all things show forth, That besides the extreme necessity, we were sufficiently authorized and warranted to withhold and keep back the paying of the Militia, to the further entertainment whereof we had often declared we 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 be made to all the Cities and Members of our Province, Julie 5 and 6, 1650, and performed likewise afterwards, was unlawful, directly contrary 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 Highness and his fellow Commissioners against Our foresaid proceed.  
And then in the third place we shall evidence that the Enterprise upon the City of Amsterdam, undertaken Julie 30, 1650, together with the Seizure of the six Lords out of our Sovereign Assembly, committed the same day, and other passages relating thereto, were an Attemt upon the Freedom, Eminen●● and Sovereignty of our Province, directly contrary 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 knowledge of the form of Government in these Countries, that from all antiquity 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 be needful and requisite against the next, for the conservation and defence of the Common Body 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 be pleased to grant, and at the Generality to declare their Consents upon the particulars therein contained; 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 addressed, have absolute Liberty to Consent thereunto, or not, according as they shall find good and think requisite for the condition of their affair▪ And thus by lawful consequence suitable to to the known Order of Government among us, we might claim and exercise the same absolute liberty 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, We present the same to Your Hi. Mi. with desire, that your Hi. Mi. will be 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 Horse and Foot, either totally▪ or in part, so as we should find it most requisite for the State in general, and for our Province in particular.  
Insomuch that we being disposed to make use of our Liberty therein, according to the order of Government, and especially the 9th Article of the Union, as being a matter of charge requiring contribution of moneys, we can nor may not be over-voted in that case.  
Or if so be that on the contrary such a thing should have been endeavoured to be put upon us, we might have had liberty then to withhold those moneys or contributions, and forbear them altogether, like as June 1, 1650, we took such a Resolution, spoken of before at large, and consequently did well and justly for the preventing of confusion and mutiny, to give advertisement thereof to these (viz. Ritmasters, Captains and other Military Officers) who otherwise, conceiving afterward they were to draw moneys, would together with the Soldiers 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 Premises, the groundlesness of their Supposition is evidently discernible, which would have drawn the foresaid Liberty of Consents in regard of the Militia, into question.  
It being very remarkable besides, to the further Confusion of such; That before the beginning of the Peace, that that very party, which so fain would have seen the foresaid yearly liberty of consenting in these Militia-matters, justled out, hath been very busy about it for a whole twelv month together, as the Registers of the Resolutions at the Generality show forth, though all in vain, and without any success, there being inserted into the fundamental Resolution about the preliminar points before the Treaty of Peace, Novemb. 16, 1646, these express words, Thirdly, concerning the Militia it is found good and resolved, that the said Militia shall be fitted and framed according to the occasions of times and affairs, and according to the ancient custom, there shall yearly a Petition be made by his Highness, 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 Generality.  
By reason whereof also we always 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 done for the time of one year, and no further; and never engaged or promised further than for the year current only, to take fitting order for the paying of our Quote towards the Militia and other petitioned public charges.  
After the quotation of which clear, significant and express words, both of the foresaid General Resolution, and our own Acts of Consenting, we cannot judge our foresaid first point should need any further confirmation.  
Although ex abundanti it might be showed here, not only 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 we 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 only acknowledged the said liberty of Consenting, but likewise themselves plainly made use thereof in several particulars for their own advantage; for proof whereof we shall content our selus to produce here only 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 be lessened or substracted from the whole mass or body of the State aforesaid, they claus it with these following formal words, declaring, That otherwise we will not be bound to consent to any further charges or Petition.  
Whence indeed we took occasion to believ, as also we are still persuaded, that the foresaid affair was agitated and advanced at the Generality, not according to the intention, or by the joint acting of the Provinces themselves, whom we perceiv to have been of one mind with us concerning the main, but only by some few Deputies, seeking to curry grace and favour from his Highness, or otherwise biased 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 Assembly, we have therein observed a twofold unlawfulness and unbefitttingness; the one in regard of the party giving the Commission, or decreeing that Deputation; and the other, in respect of the matter itself, 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 we 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) being warranted and ordered thereunto by their Principals, or having understood their minds and intentions in that behalf; proceeding to grant and decree the same only 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 we are verily persuaded, there were divers yet among those few one's, of a contrary opinion and merely over-voiced by their fellow Deputies, and others some, which by reason of the presence and authority of his Highness durst not oppose.  
Insomuch that even thereby, first it may easily be judged, what is to be held of the lawfulness of the foresaid Conclusions taken at the Generality 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 State's General, or the Deputies of the Provinces, completely instructed and authorised thereunto, with unanimous consent of six consonant advices (in regard our own Deputies could not join with them) nevertheless it had been clearly showed, and will be further very clearly and evidently deduced, that their Hi. Mi. are in no part warranted nor qualified to do it.  
Being, that all Sending, decreed or to decree, unto the Provinces, aught according to the fundamental Order of the Government to be addressed unto the states-assembly, and not to the Cities or particular Members thereof.  
Which likewise was always observed in these Countries; and particularly also by the Lord Stadtholder Count William Lodovick of happy memory, and Deputy for the Province of Friesland in the year 1587. who understood and declared it thus, in regard of the Letters and Sending, by or in the behalf of the E. of Leicester, than Governor and Captain General of these United Provinces, addressed 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 else, but to the making of Separations and Divisions, and consequently Dissensions and Discord in the Countries there, which to that time was never practised or used before, by any Governors, Magistrates, no not the foreign Lords and Potentates themselves. And that the matter rightly considered, it is indeed the states-assembly of every one of the United Provinces, or the Members and qualified Cities thereof jointly, to whom the Eminence, Sovereignty and chief Government of the Provinces respectively belongeth; to whom also in that regard, all such must address themselves, as have any thing to propound concerning the public affairs of the common state of the Land, or relating to the chief Government; so that no such address can be made to the particular members or Cities, without derogating the said Eminency, Sovereignty and Prerogative Provincial. As indeed even his late Highness the Prince of Orange himself and the fellow Commissioners not obscurely acknowledged in their Proposition made to some 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 Eminency, Prerogative, Rights and Privileges of the Country of Holland and West-Friesland, the Members or Cities thereof; by words thus seeking to salv up, or in some sort to qualify 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 body 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 being 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 City of every Province being in that Covenant, on the other side, but only between Provinces and Provinces in general.  
So, that as on the one side the Generality 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 Eminency and Sovereignty of the States of their Province, admit of any such Sending unto them, they being not themselves the Confederates, but to content themselves that they are Members of that Province which is confederated with the other Provinces. Besides that it was in fresh memory yet, That in the year 1639. the like Sending having been decreed by the Generality to the Burgomaster and 36. Council of the City of Amsterdam, when their Hi. M. Deputies were showed there very pregnant reasons, why such a kind of Sending could not be 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 kind of Sending from the Generality 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 addressed, any Missives, or Letters, Acts or Ordinances, or any other thing, directly to any such particular Member.  
Forasmuch as all such things must be directed still to the States of the Provinces, and in their absence to their Commissioned Council or other authorised parties, relating to the said States; with desire, if need be, that the same may thence be sent to the particular Members or Cities; the Generality having no power, in case the said States or those authorised by them, should forbear to send those dispatches to the places directed unto, themselves 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 ready by their Hi. Mi. April 16. 1650. and decreed on the 20th ensuing, by the Generality, which being sent thus to our Commissioned Council, with desire, that the same Missive might by Copies be transmitted to the respective Members of our Province; although our said Commissioned Council, having upon good and weighty grounds resolved, to delay it, till such time, as we should meet again in a states-assembly, 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 be contrary to the Order of Government, and derogatory to the Eminence, Authority and Prerogative of our states-assembly.  
By reason whereof we could not sufficiently wonder at, That the same Assembly, which but in April before had actually acknowledged their being uncapable of addressing themselves by their Missive directly to the particular Members of our Province, should in June next following forget themselves so much, as not only by Missives, but by a formal solemn Sending of so great Lords and Commissioners, to address themselves unto the same Members and particular Cities of our said Province.  
Which address notwithstanding was so much the less to be born with then the former, as the lustre and authority 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 military persons, could not but much more perplex and intimidate the respective Governors and Magistrates, and consequently also, more prejudice and preoccupy their free Deliberations, than a few dumb lines could have done.  
And as for the unlawfulness and unbefittingness which we observed in the foresaid Sending in respect of the matter itself, or the Subject, drift and aim thereof, the same consists 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 be judged serviceable and advantageous for the State of the Land, but on the contrary to overthrow such a Resolution, already taken, after so manifold Communications and reports, as may easily be seen by what hath been showed before, and which was taken upon full knowledge of the matter, with all ripeness and maturity, and to the taking whereof Necessity's unavoidablness had pressed and constrained Us.  
Which caused us to be so much the more astonished after, when in the foresaid Sending we understood, and afterwards by the reading of the foresaid paper entitled, Reasons and Motives etc. we heard, That the matter was propounded so, as if the Deputies of the Cities, at the states-assembly, had abused, and abusively informed their respective Commons, and gone beyond the orders and good intentions of their Principals, whereas on the contrary, 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 sincerity and faithfulness followed and executed that which was given them in charge by their respective Principals, and especially, about the point of saving the public Charge, and in regard of the Deliberations upon the projected State of War for the year 1649. as also the withholding of the Consents for the payment 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 themselves 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 Assembly, as of the Deputies of the Provinces at the Generality, pro and contra, opened and moved there, and in a word done all, to the said Commons their full intention, good content and absolute satisfaction; without having ever showed themselves to be acted or instigated by passion or ill-affectedness, but on the contrary always directed the businesses uprightly, sincerely and unpassionately, and indeed as much as in them lay, by all fit means endeavoured to transact and direct all to the further security 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 we persuade our selus to have fully and abundantly justified the proceed insisted by Us in the years 1649. and 1650. about the saving of the public Charge and lessening of the Militia, and therewithal sufficiently showed that the abovementioned Sending was unlawfully decreed, and contrary to the order and form of Government, to the prejudice and derogation of our Eminency, Rights and Prerogative, nothing doubting, but that every one will be easily able to discern thereby, the groundlessness and impertinency of the Arguments, which by the abovesaid Commissioners in their Proposition, and by his Highness in the foresaid Paper and elsewhere 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 payment of the foresaid Militia in manner as you heard before; and on the other, That the safety of the State should not have been duly provided for, in case our design of lessening the Militia had taken effect; for which end they laboured hard to prove and confirm their project, as well by persuasive 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 Highness 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 payment, should have been a breach of the Union; and the alleged Examples endeavouring to evidence that we our selus at other times had understood it thus, yea maintained and helped to resolve upon it, against others of our Confederates.  
So much indeed being 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 Levy 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 military exploits for the service and conservation of the State, stood obliged to obey the Council of State, and his Highness as appointed Captain General over them; But the same were never qualified, nor had ever the power committed to them to levy 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 being likewise evident by the manifest deduction above, that we are charged with carelessness for the safety of the State without any ground in the world, whiles indeed on the contrary all our aim and drift hath tended to the Reputation, Honour and Safety of the State, the Reputation consisting therein, that by a wise and provident managing of things care be had to strengthen that in time of Peace, which by the exorbitancy of war is weakened; and the Honour that thereby may be recovered, the ornament of a well-furnished and well-ordered Treasury; and the Safety itself therein, that by means of ready payment a well-disciplined Militia may be entertained under complete Companies; in lieu, that the neglect of such a Management would cause a slighting of the Government among friends, a further decay of the Treasury, low enough already, and among the enemies much rejoicing from an assured hope, that by our own regardlesness we shall shortly bring that to pass our selus, which all the power from without for so many years together, through God almighty's blessing, was never able to effect: which as on the one side it could never be answered to posterity, so on the other side it would prove an high ingratitude to God himself, having not only 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 come to decay and ruin through the heedlessness 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 defray, must needs and unavoidably cause a decay in the Treasury, and that decay, most slow and doubtful payments; whence nothing else can be expected, but a deserting and diminishing in the Militia, and that which is worse yet, thoughts and purposes in them of disobedience and disaffectedness, and consequently an assured disorder and ruinous confusion in the State. These Countries being withal so situated, that if the Treasury be but in good condition for ready payment, there may be 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 showed above more at large, had yielded to a greater diminishing of the Militia than ours, and the disbanding of more Soldiers; 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 Deputy specially desired at our hands, that it might be done.  
There being no Examples in the world to be produced, that ever we should have understood those matters otherwise against our Confederates; those Resolutions which were alleged to the contrary, in as much as there was found good and approved by us, relating to matters of a quite different nature, and particularly that some provinces had either done contrary to their declared Consents, and so against the tie and obligation thereby undergon; or without preceding communicaaion with the Confederates of their discontinuing, gone about to eas themselves by secret and underhand Reduction of forces, or some other course of saving their charges. And whereas especially to the end aforesaid, there are produced the words of their Hi. Mi. Resolution of Nou. 1. 1623., running thus, That no Provinces may of their own authority 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 contrary, there ought provision to be taken against it by Authority.  
We cannot pass by to show here in particular from the Registers of the Generality, 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 only excepted, were already returned to and declared at the Generality 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 done it together June 20, and Overyssell, 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 difficulty of paying their Companies, and were putting them off from their Repartition; it doth appear, that the said difficulty was made, and the said putting off endeavoured, by those Provinces which already before by their declared Consents had obliged themselves 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 be made by Authority; being that these and other examples of like nature, could not without reason be judged to have been contrary to the Union, as whereby the security of the State should have been diminished, against the express consents, and without the knowledge of the Common Body of the Union; but whenas any Provinces shall have made known their disability of bearing the charges assigned them by the Council of State unto the Confederates, and then made difficulty 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 we should have maintained in such a case this to have been against the Union, that on the contrary, we not only have allowed of such a discontinuance or forbearance, but likewise (if the Land's necessity required it) helped to support the▪ excused burdens 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 only excepted) by reason that the same from time to time withheld their consents, and consequently also their payments, in regard of several Companies assigned and charged upon them by the successive statings of the War, such great sums must be taken up, that the same, for the respective Provinces Gelderland, Zealand, Utrecht, Friesland, Overyssell and Groning●en, with the Omlands, being calculated, were found to amount above a million of Gilders; the Province of Utrecht and Friesland having besides that withheld 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 necessary for the preservation thereof as any; the other in behalf of the Subsidy 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 penny either to the one or the other respectively.  
And truly after that we, through our constant zeal for the common good, had helped to bear the foresaid excused and refused burdens with great readiness, we should not have expected, that when we once, according to the example of our Confederates, were fain to lay down what we were not able to bear any longer, and doing therein nothing else but what the Freedom preserved by the Union doth warrant and enable us and all the Confederates respectively; we should nevertheless be held liable to perform even impossibilities; and that after the Péace purchased we should have Liberty disputed us, which during the War was never scrupled to the rest of the Confederates; and before the Wars could not be denied by the Princes of the Countries themselves.  
By all which Arguments it being sufficiently asserted, that in the business aforesaid we proceeded not otherwise then with full Communication with our Confederates, nor did any thing but what our disability, 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, we were warranted to do, and others of our Confederates in more dangerous times had done before us; for the conservation and maintenance of which Right and Freedom all the Confederates themselves 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, Honour, and Security 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 contrary are groundless, impertinent and altogether to no purpose. We shall therefore not extend our selus 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 some Members and Persons of our Assembly 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 judge, by what hath been deduced, with what right, and to what end our foresaid righteous proceed 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 Eminency and Sovereignty of this Province.  
The same Freedom consisting chief and principally therein, that we, as the Protectors of our good Commons, and being set over them as Fathers or Guardians over their Children or Orphans, shall not be surcharged against our wills with unsufferable burdened of our Subjects, especially when we do know, that without any disservice of the Land they may be eased thereof; as likewise the grievance of the tenth and twentieth penny, endeavoured by the King of Spain to be introduced, malgree our forefathers the lawful Governors of the Land, gave just cause of, and was a great ingredient in the taking up arms against him, and afterwards abjuring his Dominion over us: whenas we formerly shown at large, that the foresaid whole business was taken in hand by Us upon this sole occasion, that we would not charge our selus and poor Commons with such burdens as we judged, according to the foresaid constitution of times not to be very necessary.  
And another thing wherein this Freedom doth likewise especially consist, being this, that the Respective Commons or Commonalties of the Cities, each within themselves and their Deputies and Commissioners at our State's-Assemblie, should hold their Deliberations and utter their advices freely, without being awed, hindered or molested therein; in which regard on the one side by the foresaid Sending, and especially the comminatory 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 Eminency and Sovereignty of this Province was violated to the utmost, and especially thereby that the highest and chiefest Government, and consequently the Sovereignty itself 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 Assembly, and even against the mightiest, weightiest and considerablest of all this Province.  
All the said proceed being likewise directly against all the Laws, Rights and Privileges of the Land, both in regard that the foresaid Arrest and detention was done 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 show 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 house of Loevenstein was done without any precedent sentence or judgement given in that regard; without cognisance of the matter, without hearing, without plea, without Law, only by bare force and mere violence.  
Whereunto is to be joined, that both the foresaid six Lords, and some others within the City of Amsterdam, were forced to abstain from all Government, and to abandon their respective charges; which is likewise directly contrary to all the known Privileges of the said respective Cities, and especially in regard of those persons which had the honour to be Members of their Senates; who, according to the privileges thereof could not be put out thence all their life time, but must remain and continue therein to their dying day, 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, being grossly transgressed in this, that on the one hand the foresaid six Lords had in all the affair abovementioned and deduced in the foresaid Paper of his Highness the Prince of Orange, of immortal memory, done nothing of their own head, but all by Order and Commifsion from the respective Senates their Principals; as some of those Senate's instantly, and the rest have fully declared and manifested unto us; and on the other, that the said Lords cannot be otherwise considered, than Deputies or Ambassadors, and in that quality were not in capacity to be arrested for executing their Orders even by the Law of Nations.  
All which might be deduced and asserted more at large yet, with an infinite number of reasons, examples and other arguments, but that we hold it needless to enlarge our selus further in regard of the undoubted and palpable verity before our eyes.  
Lauding and praising only Almighty God in the inwardst of our souls, That most unexspectedly, without any helping hand of our own, he hath through his wonderful operation so mercifully delivered us out of all these troublesome perplexities and difficulties, and withal restored again such an Harmony, Concord Love and mutual confidence and Affection between the General Confederates, and thereby recovered the state of the Land from utter confusion and imminent ruin to such a settledness, as we could hardly have dared to expect from his Almighty hand without presumption. Beseeching him from the bottom of our hearts, that it may be his favourable pleasure to continue the gracious blessing of his upon these Countries for all times to come, 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, we may henceforward so mind and improve the public affairs of the Land, and in all troublesome occurrences so tender and attend the weal thereof, that we may leave the state of the Land and the Government to our Posterity in the same assurance, liberty and freedom as God hath put the same at present into our hands.  
Don and determined thus in our Assembly— 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 day after committed to the Lord van Omeren, and others of their H. M. Commissioners for the conciliatory 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 come to arise among the Provinces: wherewith these of Gelderland Zealand and Overyssell conformed themselves 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 be 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 be chosen an unpartial, able, peaceable and expert man in affairs of State, out of every Province, to the number of seven, to assay the way of friendship betwixt the parties, and the same not succeeding, the differing Provinces shall make choice of an equal 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 be found then those Arbiters shall by the major voices ●hoos a Super-Arbiter; but if the voices should be equal, the matter shall be expedited by Lot, and he on whom the lot falls, be the Super-Arbiter or Umpire among them.  
III, And the foresaid Seven 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 judge and pronounce unpartially, what in conscience, reason, right and equity they shall find due and requisite for the most quiet peace and Unity of the Provinces.  
III. Provided nevertheless, that if any parties conceiv they may have reason to except against any of the foresaid Seven persons or chosen Arbiters, they shall have liberty to produce their said reasons, and the remainder of the foresaid seven persons and arbiters respectively, shall judge and pronounce touching the suff●iciency of the foresaid Exception; and that forthwith there be others chosen to supply the places of such as upon good reasons, are accepted against.  
V That the judgement once pronounced shall be 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 party 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 done, to the end that the said sentence become not illusory, but may be 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 be hereafter, there should be chosen out of every Province an unpartial, able, peaceable, and expert man in State-affairs, to the number of seven, to assay the way of friendship between the differing parties, and the same not succeeding that the party shall each of them make choice 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 being able to find the same, the said Arbiters, should proceed unpartially to judge and pronounce that which in conscience, reason, right, and equity they shall find fit and requisite.  
III. And those former seven persons and all the rest chosen in as aforesaid, should be obliged to make oath, without respect of any Province or members thereof, to do right in manner aforesaid, Artic. 2.  
IU. And in case that among the 14. adjoined there were any recusable, than the 7 former and the rest of the unsuspected Arbiters, should examine the reasons of the recusation and judge of the sufficiency thereof and pronounce accordingly; provided there be 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 be performed and executed, without pretence and much less admittance of any further appeal and other Prouisoes, under what name or pretext soëver.  
VI And in case the condemned party shall after 2 or 3 summons from their Hi. Mi. delay or fail to obey the sentence pronounced, than the same should take due and requisite order therein, to see it done, to the end the same sentence be not rendered illusory, 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 Stadholders' as yet, had right and reason, to supply that defect, with choosing of a Stadholder.  
That they likewise had power to do the same, at such times and seasons, as suited with their Conveniences, and when they should judge the same expedient for the Provinces.  
That in the mean time in these deliberations, and, during the defect of a Stadholder, they ought not to be 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 be made in the Union: but that the same should be left in an entire State and course.  
The Lords Commissioners for Groninghen and the Omlands, are of advice, and understand, by way of inclination, that the Provinces having not Stadholders', 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 be and remain in the Lord's Stadholders', for the time being, and such arbiters, as the rest of the Provinces, destitute of Stadholders', should choose, each Province one, and join the same with the Stadholders' aforesaid.  
Which Arbiters, should in as much as concerned this difference, abjure their own respective Provinces, and engage themselves 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 assayed first some other means of agreement in vain.  
This being done, the Province condemned shall be bound without any delay or opposition to perform and obey the judgement or sentence pronounced.  
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 be fully executed.  
The said Lords Commissioners do not hold it fitting, that there should a special solemn Oath be framed in this behalf; being the same might presuppose an Innovation to be introduced into the Union; whereas all the Provinces (they are persuaded) 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 be declared by special Resolution of the joint Confederates, that this Expedient, and the results thereof, ought, during the Defect aforesaid, to be of equal force and validity 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 be joined to the Lords Statdtholders, should be recused as suspect; in that case the Lords Commissioners are of opinion, that the Reason produced by the recusing party should be examined, by the Lords Stadtholders and the rest of the unreproached Arbiters, and sentence pronounced accordingly.  
July 22. The Lords of Friesland declared themselves 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 be pleased to appoint any, there shall be 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 way of friendship betwixt the dissenting parties; which not taking effect, that the differing parties each of them shall choose to and with the former, some 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, than the one disputing Province should choose eleven Arbiters more, and the six other Provinces, six more; if 2 Provinces dispute with 5, the two should choose 8, and the five, 5 more; if 3 were against 4, the 3 should choose 9, and the 4, 8 Arbiters.  
This Number of Arbiters should by plurality of voices choose a Super-Arbiter; But the voices being evenly balanced, the matter should be determined by Lot, and he on whom the Lot doth fall, should be the Super-Arbiter; which Arbiters and Super-Arbiter should first and before all things try the way of Concord betwixt the parties in difference, and not able to find the same, proceed then to judge and pronounce unpartially, as in Conscience, Reason, Right and Equity, they should find requisite.  
And the foresaid seven, together with the foresaid equal number of Arbiters, and the foresaid Super-Arbiter likewise, should be bound to make oath,; without respect to any Province or Members thereof to judge unpartially according to Article 2d.  
Provided that if any party conceived they had reason of recusing any of the foresaid Arbiters, they may produce the same; and that the sufficiency thereof should be judged by remainder of the foresaid Arbiters respectively, and sentence pronounced accordingly; on condition there be forthwith another supplied in the place of him, that shall be recused thus with reason.  
Also the sentence past, should be performed and executed, without pretence and much less admittance of any further appeal and other provisoes, under what pretext soever.  
And in case the condemned party, after two or three summons, by their Hi. Mi. should fail to obey the sentence pronounced, the same should then take a requisite course for to see it done; that the said sentence be not made illusory, 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 some 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 Ordinary. Assembly of the Ordinary Deputies at the Generality, and that afterwards it pleased God Almighty in His Fatherly compassion, wholly to remove again the foresaid Troubles, and to restore between the General Confederates, such a harmony, Concord, Love, Confidence and Affection, that all the great and weighty Deliberations, which through the occasion of the Deceas of his Highness the Prince of Orange, of high-praised memory, were held in the General Assembly of the respective States of the United Provinces, extraordinarily gathered here in the Hague, 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, Overyssell and Groninghen with the Omlands, for to eradicate the thoughts of the foresaid distempers, out of the memory 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 Assembly 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 show any resentment in regard thereof, in any kind whatsoëver, against any Province, Persons or Houses in general or particular, but on the contrary 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 done, or ensued thereupon in any kind; wherefore also all the Resolutions, Acts and Agitations, taken or undertaken in that affair shall be removed, raised and taken forth out of all the public Registers both of the Generality 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 misdone against them; but so, as that every Province should be left at Liberty, to administer Justice, as they should see cause within their own Jurisdiction; about which there was much bickering for some days yet, as will be showed anon.  
July 14. there were taken into Deliberation the two lists of the respective Garrisons, which were to be 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 Assembly to return the same to the hands of the said Council, for a review and re-examination, to be presented afterwards to their Hi. Mi. with their further Consideration and Advice, which being done, the Ordinary Assembly of their H▪ M. should then dispose therein, as should be fitting. Yet the Lords of Zealand consented not to this Conclusion.  
About the point of deciding Differences, some further instances being made, the Lords of Friesland shown to the Assembly by way 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 controversy betwixt the United Provinces, in matters referred to the disposition of the Generality, 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 be judged and decided by the rest of the Provinces, or them whom they shall depute for that purpose; and if so be 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 be chosen an unpartial, fit, peaceable and well experienced man in State-affairs, to make up the number of 7 in all, who should try the way of friendship between the differing parties, and if the same succeed not, then should the parties on each side choose to and besides the foresaid 7 persons, some 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 say, if the Difference be between one Province on the one, and six Provinces on the other side; in that case that same one Province should choose eleven Arbiters more, and the six Provinces six more, so that on each side there shall be employed twelv Arbiters in all; and if the Controversy happened to be between two Provinces of one side and five of the other, that then, the two should choose eight Arbiters more and the five, five, so that on each side there be ten Arbiters in all. And if the controversy 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 themselves and elect by plurality of voices a Super-Arbiter: But if the voices were equal, that the Decision than should be determined by Lot, and he remain the Super-Arbiter on whom the Lot fell.  
And that the foresaid Arbiters and Super-Arbiters should first and before all things assay the way of Concord betwixt the differing parties, and failing of success, impartially judge and pronounce what in Conscience, Reason, Right and Equity they should find to be requisite; and to this end they should promise 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 party should conceiv they had reason of recusing any of the Arbiters or the Super-Arbiter, they may have liberty to allege the same, and that the sufficiency thereof should be judged, and sentence accordingly given by the rest of the foresaid Arbiters; on condition there be presently another supplied in the room of him that was rightfully recused.  
That the respective Provinces should promise to conform and submit to the Sentence to be given, without doing, causing or suffering to be done any thing against it, directly or indirectly, in any kind or manner whatsoever, and without seeking or using of any Exception or Provision thereupon, by way of either Appeal, Relief, Revision, Nullity, or what plea soever else it might be. And if any did or attemted aught to the contrary, that the same be declared now as then, null and of no force nor validity, under the obligation of themselves 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 satisfy the foresaid sentence in performance of the effect thereof, and what depends thereon, to be arrested, detained and prosecuted in any places, before any Magistrates, Laws, and Judicatures wherever they can or may be met with; renouncing and rejecting to that end all Exceptions, Indulgences, Privileges, Reliefs, and generally all other Benefits of Law which might any ways serve them to the contrary, and especially the Laws which say, That no General Renunciation is to have place, without the special was made before.  
About this time there were likewise motions made to the Board again and again, By whom the Governments and Commanderies in the Cities and Forts without the voicing Provinces were to be bestowed, together with the Majorships in the foresaid places; as likewise the high Military Charges, having formerly been at the disposing of their Hi. Mi. or his Highness the Prince of Orange unto Collonelships exclusively. And lastly, whether the foresaid high Charges, together with the Governments, Commanderies and Majorships may be 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 Country of Drent, soliciting for Session in the Generality, or that their business might be committed to impartial Judges or Arbitrators, were remitted to the Ordinary Assembly.  
The Lords of Holland, Julie 26, brought in their Advice about the Decision of Differences, which was to this purpose; if it should come to pass,  
That besides matters of Consents (in which regard the Provinces are to keep their liberty, to dispose therein as they themselves shall judge the service of the Land to require) there do arise, which God prevent, any dispute, misunderstanding, discord or controversy between the United Provinces in such matters wherein over-voting takes no place, according to the Union made at Utrecht in the year 1579, they being 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 be the Stadtholders of the Provinces, where there are any, or may be 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 some new Arbiters to be 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 choose eleven new Arbiters, and the other six Provinces six more, so that on both sides the number of Arbiters should be twelv; and if the differences happened to be between two Provinces of the one and five of the other side, that then the two Provinces should choose eight Arbiters more for themselves, and the five other Provinces five more, so that on each side there may be 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 choose yet nine Arbiters for their part, and the foresaid four Provinces eight more, so that in case there may be in all twelv Arbiters on each side.  
And that the foresaid Arbiters thus chosen shall assume to themselves and elect by plurality of voices a Super-Arbiter; but if the voices were even, that the Decision should be determinated by Lot, and that person on whom the Lot fell, should be 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 way of Concord between the differing parties, and failing thereof, proceed to judge and pronounce as they find in Conscience, Reason and Equity to be requisite; being to promise to this end by Oath, without regard or affection to any Provinces or Members thereof to judge 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 liberty to allege their Reasons, and that the sufficiency thereof shall be judged▪ and sentence pronounced accordingly by the rest of the said Arbiters, on condition there be presently another supplied in the room of him that was rightfully Recused.  
Moreover, that the respective Provinces should promise to conform and submit to the sentence to be given without doing, causing or suffering to be done any thing against it directly or indirectly, in any kind or manner, without any seeking or making use of any further exception or provision of the Laws in that behalf, whether it be by way of Appeal, Relief, Revision, Nullity, or any other Evasion or Plea whatsoever. And if any one should do or attemt any thing against this, the same should be declared now as then, to be Null and of no validity at all; all this under the obligation of themselves and all the Inhabitants of the respective Provinces, Cities, and Members thereof, their persons and goods, for in case of contravention and failing to satisfy the foresaid Sentence, by performing the effect thereof, and that which depend▪ s thereon, to be arrested, detained and prosecuted in any places between Magistrates, Laws and Judicatures wherever they may be 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 contrary hereof, and especially the Laws which say, That no General Renunciation ought to have place, without a special one be gone before.  
The Point of the New State of War being likewise propounded, was remitted to the Ordinary Assembly.  
It was conceived the great Assembly would have ended on Saturday, July 29. being just the anniversary 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 unready for it; that on the 29. aforesaid there was a Recess made, and the Assembly adjourned to the 7. of August, against which time the Provinces took upon them, precisely to meet here again; it being found good, that in the mean time, the Conference conciliatory should be 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 be left both within and without the voicing Provinces. Nevertheless it was Friday first, the eleventh of August before the Great Assembly 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 moved by some Provinces, That some places or Frontiers situated within the voicing Provinces, were set upon the List, as resorting under the Generality, and vice versâ, for that reason they had in the presence of his Excel c●e the Stadtholder, in Council, reassumed the Lists aforesaid, and examined them and accordingly declared, That they met with no place of that reflection, 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, Bieruliet, Lillo and Liefkens-hoeck. As for the Forts of Bourtang, Bellingwold and Langackersconce, the same lay not in, or within any of the voicing Provinces, as neither Coevorden, lying in the Country of Drent, and in that regard justly placed in the List without the voicing Provinces; and then concerning Axel, Neusen, Bieruliet, Lillo and Liefkens-hoeck, being put upon the List of the voicing Province of Zealand, it must be understood, that this was done, not for that the said places lay in or within the Province of Zealand, which indeed could be said of none; but because that Province, having otherwise but few Garrisons, the Companies of the foresaid places, might serve them for the more commodious Execution of their Civil administrations and commands; without any intention notwithstanding, thereby to prejudice the Generality; 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 pressed in behalf of the 3 foresaid respective Provinces, that those places ought to be continued to them, forasmuch as they are respectively most highly concerned in the guarding of them, for the security of their Provinces, and that the respective Garrisons, continuing thus under their Tuition, they would be the better accommodated for the executing of their Civil Commands; which being 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 authority and inspection or oversight over those places and forts, lying otherwise without the voicing Provinces, under the immediate resort or jurisdiction of the Generality.  
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 urn Sommersdyck, whose case bred most of the Difficulties; as likewise, that they would suffer the matoer of Consents about public charges to be comprised in the Act of deciding Differences; which Holland instanced, aught to remain Sovereignly 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 show no Resentment of things passed in the year 1650. against the other Provinces, the Subjects, Inhabitants or Ministers thereof, of what quality, state or condition soever, etc. but under these words, against the other Provinces, the Subjects Inhabitants thereof, did not disable themselves, to exercise resentment against their own Subjects; which aimed principally at the Lord van Sommersdyck, being not able to forget or digest, that any one should be a Member of their own Assembly, and nevertheless do such services to the Stadtholder and Captain General, as were so much prejudicial to the Assembly, as they maintained. But they of Friesland maintained the contrary in that sort, that August 18ᵒ. they declared,  
They saw well enough, that amidst the affairs of that Illustrious Assembly, some passions began to play 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 public and common interest, they had found good July 20 last past, to move their Hi. Mi. that this Illustrious Assembly (the principal business being transacted) might be crowned at parting, with an Amnestia and oblivion, of all that had passed, to and fro in the year 1650. betwixt the Provinces, the Members and Subjects thereof; which▪ although it was acceptable in that kind to all the Provinces, that by the conciliatory conference an Act should be drawn to that effect; the same being done 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 themselves, so as the Province of Friesland and others, after so long a Recess, had confidently hoped they would have done; being the Act yesterday presented by Holland and West-Friesland (perhaps not without over-voting, and against the good intention of some of the chief Members of Holland itself; 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, because that none can be excluded in particular, but the reflection will light upon the Provinces themselves, which decreed and ratified the Resolutions, pretended to have been the cause of all the Troubles, though in truth they had an other Rise, as is well known to this Assembly. And as then the Commissioners for the Province of Friesland, could not remember (and the like they were persuaded of all the other Provinces, to have done or committed any thing, which could give way 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 be 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 be pleased to comply with the drawn Resolution of the Amnestia, as it was presented July 22 last, being the same would not only agree well with the Proposition the Deputies of Holland made before the Assembly in the respective Provinces; but most consonant likewise to the gratulation and welcome reception they found at their arrival here.  
In case of default, the Commissioners of Friesland instanced, They were constrained to declare, That many points, otherwise transacted at this Board, could not be acceptable nor grateful to their Principals; and therefore they desired, That in regard of the affairs of this Assembly, it should be entered in their behalf, That they would be guiltless of all the inconveniences which through the neglect of such a Christian Request, might in time ensue; being resolved to assist this Assembly no longer than the end of that week. Some would have had this protestation served in with harder and sharper terms, as, that the Province held all the Transactions here for null etc. but the greater part found it not good, to appear ●o eager in this particular Provincial business; but advised the Lord of Sommersdyck, by some good means or other to endeavour giving Content to the Assembly of Holland; as was done likewise, in manner following, whenas Augusti 19 the Lord Counsellor pensionary Cats, declared, in the name of the Nobility, to the Lords the States of Holland, that, for the preventing of further disturbance in the Province of their N. Gr. M. and lest the great Assembly should part with discord, They (the said Nobility) had caused the Lord van Sommersdyck, to find good, to absent himself from the Assembly of the Lords the States, without appearing there again, till such time as their N. Gr. M. should be disposed by the foresaid Nobility, to approve of his readmittance; and that consequently, the said Lord van Sommersdyck should be 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 be found to have been taken about impeaching of the said Lord van Sommersdyck.  
Whereupon report presently after being made by the Lord pensionary de Witte, of the conference held by the Committee of their N. gr. M. about the subject aforesaid, in manner as followeth.  

Noble, Great, Mighty 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 be terminated, and the great Assembly concluded and dismissed with general content, have judged unanimously, That the Lord van Sommersdyck shall absent himself from the affairs of the Assembly of your N. gr. M. either by a Voluntary withdrawing, or by the Disposition of a politic Resolution, until such time, as by full consent of the Members it may be otherwise ordered; and that moreover the Provincial Act of Holland shall be 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 conciliatory, and July 22, 1651. reported by them in the great Assembly shall be embraced by their N. gr. M. referring themselves 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 Nobility should be received, and that accordingly the Lord van Sommersdyck should absent himself out of their N. gr. M. Assembly, and that all Acts and Resolutions taken for charging or empeaching the said Lord, should be taken forth out of their N. gr. M. Registers, and held abolished.  
That moreover the Act of the general Amnestia, agreed upon at the conciliatory Conference July 22. brought in at the great Assembly, should be accepted and was acepted of by their N. gr. M. and that the Lord van Sommersdyck, should be understood, as comprehended in it.  
At last Saturday Aug. 19 the Provinces of Gelderland, Zealand, Utrecht and Overyssell accepted of the Act of Deciding Differences, in manner as followeth.  

I.  
IF it come to pass (which God forbidden) that there do arise any dispute, misunderstanding, contention or discord among the United Provinces in matters, where no over-voting takes place, according to the Union made in the year 1579. they not being able to understand one another, in that case, there shall be 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 be the Stadtholders of the Provinces, where any are at present, or hereafter may be, and whom the rest of the respective Provinces shall be pleased to appoint thereunto) for to try the way of friendship between the differing parties, which not succeeding, then shall the differing parties on both sides make choice of some 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 controversy be between one Province of one side, and six Provinces of the other, that in that case the said one Province shall choose 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 be 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 be arisen betwixt three Provinces of the one and 4 of the other side, that then these 3 Provinces shall choose 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 themselves and choose by plurality of voices, a Super-Arbiter; but if the voices about it fall out to be even, than the Decision shall be committed to Lot, and he on whom that falls, shall be 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 come, and likewise first and before all things assay the way of Concord betwixt the Differing parties, and failing of success, proceed then impartially to judge and pronounce as in Conscience, Reason, Right and Equity they shall find requisite; to which end, they shall promise 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 party should conceiv they had Reasons of recusing any of the foresaid Arbiters or the Super-Arbiter, they shall have liberty to show the same, and that the sufficiency thereof shall be judged, and accordingly sentence pronounced in that behalf by the foresaid Arbiter; so that presently there be another supplied in the room of him, that was rightfully recused.   

V  
The Respective Provinces having promised, as by these they do promise, to conform and submit to the foresaid sentence to be given, without doing, or causing or suffering aught to be done against it, directly or indirectly in any kind or manner, and without seeking or making use of any further exception or other provision in Law, either of Appeal, Relief, Revision, Nullity, or any other Evasion or Plea whatsoëver; and if any shall have done or attempted aught to the contrary, they do declare the same now as then, null and of no effect nor validity; obliging here under themselves and all the Inhabitants of their respective Provinces, Cities and Members thereof, their goods and persons, for, in case of contravention, and failing to satisfy the foresaid sentence by performing the effect thereof, and what depends thereon, to be arrested, detained and prosecuted in any places, and by any Magistrates, Laws and Judicatures, wherever they can be 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 contrary, and especially the Laws, which say, That no general Renunciation is to have place, where the particular went not before.    
The Lords of Holland were pretty well satisfied with the frame of this Act, if they would have but in terms exempted therein the Consents of Charges, concerning which every Province should retain their Freedom to do and dispose in that regard as they should judge 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 Ordinary Assembly of their Hi. Mi. as soon as might be; 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 Precedent on friday 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 Assembly 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 dressed by their Hi. Mi. Commissioners in the conference conciliatory, with that proviso nevertheless, that the 20th Article, speaking of the Solicitors, could not as yet be put in practice with them according to the present constitution of the Province of Groninghen and Omlands; nevertheless they shall be careful, that after the deceas of the present Solicitors, no Ritmasters or Captains shall be charged with Clerks of greater Entertainment than is allowed by the state of War; they would likewise take such order for effective paying of the soldiery Horse and Foot, that no just complaints should be presented to the Council of State in that behalf. Withal they conceived, that the Provinces of Utrecht, Overyssell, 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 say in a Court or Council of the Generality as one that contributeth less.  
After that the Amnestia or Act of Oblivion was unanimously agreed to and consequently printed, proclaimed and publicly 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 Ordinary Assembly of the Lords Deputies of the Generality; And that afterwards it hath pleased God Almighty, according to his fatherly Goodness wholly to take away again the foresaid troubles, and therewithal to let shine forth among the General Confederates such an Harmony, Concord, Love, Confidence and Affection, that all the great and weighty Deliberations occasioned by the Deceas of his Highness the Prince of Orange of famous memory, and held in the General Assembly of the respective States of the United Provinces, extraordinarily gathered here in the Hague, 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, Overyssel 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 Assembly 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 show any resentment of the matters aforesaid against any Provinces, Persons or Houses in general or particular, however qualified; but on the contrary 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 withal for null and invalid; as likewise whatsoëver by virtue and pursuance thereof was done. And for further confirmation of whatsoëver is said before, there shall be put out, razed and taken forth out of the public Registers as well of the Generality 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 day of August, 1651. Attested, J. Young van Oosterland. v t Underneath stood, It agreeth with the Register. N. Ruysch.   
And thus this Great and Extraordinary Assembly of the Confederates was unanimously and with full content concluded and ended. All other affairs being remitted to the Ordinary Assembly of their Hi. Mi. and hearty 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 Almighty the source and fountain of all good prayed and besought from the inwardst bowels of all their hearts and reins, that he would be pleased according to his fatherly goodness and undeserved mercy to keep them knit together, and bless the state of these Countries with all Benediction prosperity and welfare, and the Governors thereof especially, with upwright love, Unity, mutual friendship and Confidence, indissolubly and ever more. Furthermore their Hi. Mi. agreed, that the said Assembly should be concluded as also it was on Monday August 21, with a Sermon of thanksgiving, performed by Mr Streto one of the Ministers at the Hague, 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 be 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 Bonfires made in token of the public joie and satisfaction.  
The Lord Counsellor pensionary Cats, who at the entrance of this great Assembly Januarie 18, had made the first speech in Holland's behalf, made likewise this at conclusion.  

High Mighty 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 be 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 society, but at length it is determined by parting again.  
This being the condition of all assembling (according to the ever variable condition of mankind here below:) there can be no better course taken (in our judgement) at meetings, then to consider of, and endeavour for a fair parting, or good farewell after.  
Experience hath showed in all ages, That the greater Assemblies, were always subject to the greater dangers of heavy and grievous Accidents, and very frequently the causes of them.  
This inconvenience (common almost every where) ariseth doubtless especially from the inbred variety of men's inward Disposition, and some 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 be easily proved.  
The cause hereof is the great Difference of the humours 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 be altogether as discrepant and unlike one another in their inward Dispositions, Judgements and Conceptions.  
We see this Illustrious Assembly here, consists of a very great number of persons, but that among them all, there are not two to be found, which perfectly resemble one another in the Lineaments of the Face, the posture of the outward members, or the habitual kind of moving them. The Diversity is as great within.  
So that such a great Number of Men meeting together and there being oftimes (besides these Natural Diversities) many different aims and several particular interests, playing under covert thereof) it must be counted a very great wonder, when ever so great an assembly, comes to be ended with an unanimous Conclusion.  
There never was so good a feast  
That some sat not at eas, at least.  
As the proverb goes. Men have usually the disposition of Sea-water; put that into a small vessel, and it stands still there and unmoveable as it were. But in the open sea (the assembly of waters) the least wind doth rear and stir and swell the waves past measure. Men in the precinct of their own houses State, Province, may peradventure remain, or be kept in quiet, but the greater the assembly is, the more mutual stir and striving there is found of one against the other.  
Where, I pray, is that Kingdom, Country, Province, City, village, neighbourhood, house, Cottage; nay in a house, but man and wife, to be found, all, or always of one and the same mind; yea, where is the man, that finds not another man within himself of contrary 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 wand'ring in this life.   
So that it is no wonder, that men coming together, out of several Provinces, countries, and places, there should be a great diversity in their thoughts and judgements, one from the other. Distance of place usually causing discrepancy of humours and dispositions.  
Tales sunt hominum mores, qualis pater ipse,  
Jupiter auratâ perlustrat Lampade terras.  

(i. e.)  
Men's manners, humours, and condition  
Do follow their Sun's disposition.   
And if any such great assembly do happen to end peaceably and with one consent, the same must be ascribed only to the goodness and blessing of Almighty God.  
There have been transacted here (according to the constitution of aflairs) many 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 troublesome accidents happened heretofore; and such an intricate business as that was, and all the toilsomness and tediousness of it was wrapped in, hath nevertheless been overcome, 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 only here in this place, there should be a thanksgiving celebrated to God Almighty; whereunto should be called likewise all the Courts of Government residing here; but likewise, that throughout all the United Provinces and associated Countries, a certain day should be set apart for a general Thanksgiving-Sermon and Prayers, fitted to the occasion, for to give God the honour of this High and unestimable mercy.  
For who else should have the prais returned to him, but that good God, who hath so bountifully poured forth his spirit of concord over this Illustrious Assembly, and conducted all to this happy Issue.  
Especially in the point of the Amnestia. He that reflects upon the business, as it stood a twelumonth ago, would hardly see any grounds, but such as were laid for an everlasting quarrel, nay, even at the beginning of this very Assembly, there fell things out, and continued during the same, which might have turned all upside down, and produced a clean contrary disposition to what now we see.  
To forgive, forget and never to remember wrongs, is no common practice or easy work; it is a thing above Nature, and the finger of God. Honored and praised be all those, which contributed their good thoughts and endeavours this way.  
Now for us to keep in fresh memory all the memorable things transacted here in this Illustrious Assembly; the verge, Locality (a means of ancient observation) of this place, that is, the Situation and structure thereof, may be of singular use unto us.  
Those which are conversant about the Art of Memory or Remembrance, for to strengthen the same that many things may firmly be retained by it, they use to make impressions into their scholars by a representation of imaginary pictures, placing the same upon the walls, windows or doors, where the scholars are practising, as Lds here in the assembly may know and remember by their own former experience.  
If therefore we 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 carry that along with us; For coming to it from without, and drawing near the entrance of this great Hall, You have on the one hand a House devoted to God's Worship, viz. a Church, where the word of God is daily taught, the impression of which sight, will present to your mind (being 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.  
Being entered into the Hall, You meet there on the one side an ascent to the place where the Assembly of the Lords the State's General is wont to be kept; and by that, every one shall be 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 its function in matters of justice, whereby we may be put in mind, what was resolved and found good by this Assembly, for the furtherance and maintenance of justice.  
On the other end, there is the way or entrance into the chamber of accounts and chamber of feudary matters, which will prompt to your memory, what was wrought here at the Assembly in the behalf of the Treasury, and the duty 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 Almighty, minding every one of us, at any distance with what heedfulness things concerning Military matters and functions together with their dependencies were here debated, and concluded on by the Assembly, for common security; which may likewise rouz up every one to true thankfulness, due to Almighty God, for the manifold mercies by him bestowed upon us.  
Casting our eyes up to the very arched roof of this Stately fabric, we cannot spy upon any of the beams, rafters, laths and other Carpenters-work all along there, the least web of any Spider, the nature of the pure materials enduring no such vermin. The spider is an insect, having a vast belly 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 be renewed, as often as we think upon the cleanness of this fabric.  
All this then being passed thus, through God's gracious 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 Assembly 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 many weighty consultations about it. Their N. G. Mi. most earnestly desiring all and every Member of this present Assembly, 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 only good and merciful God, for his gracious blessing abundantly poured forth upon the whole employment of this great Assembly, which Thanksgiving they expect will be performed more at large anon by Mr Streto one of the Ministers of the Word of God here in the Hague this forenoon yet in this very place; as will likewise be done throughout all the Provinces at the day appointed.   
The same Thanksgiving Sermon and a devout prayer thereupon performed in the place aforesaid by Mr Streto; and in their Hi. Mi. behalf one thousand Rixdollers brought by Secretary Ruysch to the Deacons of the Hague for the poor; thereupon the great Assembly 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 day of September after the like Thanksgiving and public 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 Ordinary Assembly of the State's General.  
The Lords of Holland and Westfriesland had for many years together found and judged the place of their Assembly 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 Nobility, 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 be taken up, as that before the meeting of the foresaid Assembly there, the mourning-year of the House of Orange might be exspired.  
The Lord Cats being 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 be brought to grant his request. But the great Assembly being ended, he solicited more seriously yet for the obteinment, which having gotten at length Septemb. 27, he fell upon his knees in the Assembly, thanking first Almighty God for his manifold mercies in preserving him all along in so weighty, toilsome and hazardous an Employment; and afterwards the Lords the States of the Province for all their favours by many elegant expressions, and wishing them all further happiness, bliss and prosperity.  
Thus the Lord Cats being discharged of that place, though continuing in his Office of keeping the Great Seal, and being Deputy of the Fiefs of Holland; the Assembly proceeded instantly to the choosing of another Counsellor-Pensionarie, the necessity and importance of the said Charge being 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, etc. 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 employed in divers solemn Embassies with greatest prais, and to the special service of this State. Next day after this Election was signified unto him by Beaumond Secretary to the said Assembly, with desire, that his native Country standing now more in need then ever of his service, he 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 be, offering to amend what might be found amiss in it. In the mean time he was visited and entreated both in the Nobilitie's and the city's behalf from the Assembly, by the Lord Cats himself, and by the brethren the Ministers at the Hagbe for to take the Charge upon him; it being both their and all good Patriots opinion, that such a person of honour, integrity, faithfulness, knowledge, experience, discretion and authority as the Lord of Hemstede was, was exceeding necessary and behooveful for the supplying of this Charge, to the good and service of this Commonwealth.   

The Lord of Hemstede was very hardly drawn to declare and resolve hereupon; and therefore the foresaid Secretary pressing him further in their N. Gr. M. behalf, he discoursed long thereof, and deduced likewise by word of mouth in the Assembly itself whatsoever he could to show the weight thereof; and especially in regard the said Charge and Employment was subject to great trouble and thankless issues, and upon revolutions of times and affairs like to prove very dangerous; Therefore he desired that he might not be liable to give account of his do, actions and administrations to any but their No. Gr. Mi. full Assembly, and that likewise he might be allowed to have recours (if need were) to the Courts of Justice in the ordinary course thereof, without being constrained under any pretext whatsoever to make any appearance, plea or answer before any delegated or extraordinary Judges, or before any combined in-landish or outlandish Courts, Civil or Military; or any other Councils, Courts, or Benches of Judicature here or elswere erected or to be erected in any place.  
That upon all Events, however things might fall out afterwards by either Revolution or mischance, he might keep and effectually enjoie still the rights and privileges of the Country of Holland and Westfriesland in general, and particularly the privileges belonging to the City and Citizens of Amsterdam; and that their N. G. M. would be pleased to confirm the same ex abundanti, unless they should think better, without prejudice or imminution of the solemn Act he had obtained formerly from the Burgomasters & Governors of Amsterdam to grant him some other favorabl privilege for his farther security against any such sinistrous accident.  
That their N. Gr. M. would be pleased to vouchsafe him Letters Patents of Protection & indemnity, against all violence, Molestation, Detraction & other troubles, vexations, damages, and inconveniencies, which by reason of his function might be put or come upon him, in what manner, or under what pretext soever; with such clauses and provisoes, and dispatched in the best form, as his Predecessors in office had it, and the like was granted heretofore to himself in his former employment during the Wars.  
That in regard and consideration of the Commissions and travels laid upon him by the Instruction, to perform only 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, he may be and remain excused from all further Foreign Employments and Commissions, and that he shall not be obliged to the accepting and performing thereof without his own inclination and conveniency, but be spared in that particular, as likewise the same was granted to some of his Predecessors in the same charge heretofore.  
And whereas the Instruction made for the said charge of Counsellor pensionary, and delivered into his hands by their N▪ Gr Ms Secretary, contained a good number of Articles which partly were not to be found in former Instructions, and partly differed somewhat from the way and order which their N. Gr. M. had formerly desired should be observed; and that in the execution of some of the Articles of the present Instruction, there might likely some difficulties be discovered; That therefore he might have leave and liberty, upon the finding 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.  
Promise being made hereupon, that good and full consideration of all this should be taken, his Honour at last complied, and being sworn in the accustomed manner, undertook the charge in God's Name.  
The great Assembly being ended in this manner, there remained divers points of less concernment, or but imperfect and unfinished, referred to the Ordinary Assembly; which, together with other incident matters, held them busy to near the end of the year 1651, as especially the granting of leave for absence to the Military Officers, whilst some of the Officers, against the Act, engaged themselves in foreign service; others, and particularly the French, English and Scots being desirous in this time of peace and breathing, to visit their own Countries once. The State's General maintained the right of disposing herein to belong to them, by such reasons as they sent unto the Provinces Nou. 30. whereof more shall be said anon. The Council on the other side claimed it to themselves; protesting the one against the other. For Accommodation whereof there were propounded several Expedients: as,  
That Leavs should be 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 leave to to him that was refused by the other.  
That Leavs should be 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 be 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 day in the week should be appointed for to examine the requests of that nature by a Committee of both Assemblies, and to advise their Hi. Mi. whether the desired Leave should be granted or not; and that the Leavs to be given should pass in the name of their Hi. Mi. and the advice of the Council of State to be witness by their Sealing thereof.  
That the like number of Members of both Assemblies might be authorized for to dispose of these Leau-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 be asked but of their Hi. Mi. who should have power to refuse the same, or else 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 be valid, till first they were confirmed by the Seal of their Hi. Mi.  
And assoon as the one or the other of these ways should be liked and determined, that then notice should be given thereof to the Provinces, with desire that thenceforward they would give no Leavs themselves, but by way of annexing theirs to the Leave given by their Hi. Mi. or the Council of State; in such a manner as should then be found good to be granted, for to avoid confusion and disorder, which else would hardly be avoided.  
As for the Absent Officers, the Lords of Holland brought in their Provincial Resolution Sept. 30, containing a charge to their Commissioned Council, to issue no pay to any, which contrary to the Act of June 30 this year, had absented himself forth the Land, or engaged in foreign service, or should do the like for time to come. 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 be 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 Leau-giving, being to be 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 be held by Deputies of their Assembly, with a Committee of the Council of State, about the way and manner to be observed in giving leave to the Military Officers in service of this State, which was to be done by their Hi. Mi. with precedent Advice of the said Council, provided that there were besides that annexed consents to be sought and obtained from the respective Provinces their paymasters; 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 conferred upon them by the first Article of the Act in the year 1599 in the point of Mustering; and the possession ensued, which being not specifically revoked or taken from them by the Assembly 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 way 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 find the Council's Assertion to be 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 Assembly, the chiefest care, authority and direction over the Militia of this State, was peculiarly committed to the Generality; 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, only with the precedent advice of the Council aforesaid; which they understood was likewise to be 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 Correspondency (whereby they could best penetrate, what was specially necessary for the security of the respective Frontiers of the State aforesaid) and of what a dangerous consequence it might be, in case the said Leavs should be given by any other but themselves, when as otherwise it might frequently come to pass, that upon any Discovery of the condition within and without of one or other Frontier of greatest importance, the same may by such means be made bare or deprived of a good part of their Officers, and consequently of their principal security and direction, against which the alleged Article of the foresaid Act cannot avail, in as much as in the first place, the said Act was decreed by them (the Ordinary Assembly of the Generality, & not by the joint Provinces met in states-assembly or summoned together upon precedent intimation of certain points to be determined, and therefore, might as justly, for pregnant reasons, be straightened, enlarged or changed by themselves (the Ordinary Assembly) which could in no wise be 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 Captain's General had during that time, by little and little taken that right, for the most part to themselves; insomuch that of the forecited Possession, the said Council would be able to show 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 Captain's 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 be continued to them; to the solution of this, besides the motives and reasons already alleged, serveth especially the 50th Article of their Instruction, renewed July last 18. importing, That all things not expressly set down in the said Instruction, to be at the disposition of the said Council, should remain at the disposition of the State's 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▪ Leau-giving, much less the same referred to the Council, and consequently might not be exercised by them; but that the same doth appertain to them (the Ordinary Assembly of the State's General,) even by virtue of the said Article, and likewise by the foresaid Resolution of July 18. and from the nature of the business itself, for the reasons abovesaid; which may yet further be confirmed by the last Resolution, at the Close of the foresaid Assembly in the great Hall, taken August last 19 whereby all other businesses and affairs not determined there, should be left to them (the Ordinary Assembly) and none else. 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 be granted by them (the Ordinary Assembly) saving the Right nevertheless of the particular Provinces, of granting or refusing their foresaid Annexions' to the Leavs thus obtained, according to the exigency of affairs.  
Septemb. 30. The old Instruction for the Generalities Chamber of accounts 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 be 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 Accounts shall take special care, and industriously look to it, that all Accountants of the Generalities means, whether of Farming in Cities or Country, 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 come yearly to the said Chamber of Accounts, and deliver up three several Accounts, 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 Copies may be 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 eye upon it, That the respective Provinces do monthly pay the Companies their full wages; and without any defalcation or surcharging of them by means of Solicitors, Clarks, Cash money, New-years-gifts, or any other way whatsoever, directly or indirectly prejudicing their full pay 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 be 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 being first registered folio tali shall be signed by the Lord Precedent, and two other Lords of the said Council, being all of them of several Provinces, besides the Treasurer and the Secretary of the said Assembly; and then the said Orders shall be returned again together with the Requisites to the foresaid Chamber, for to be re-examined there, whether they be given according to the Lands order, and being found answerable thereunto, shall there likewise, at the Chamber of Accounts, be registered folio tali; insomuch, that no order, wanting these conditions shall be 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 be uniformly given and executed according to the Consents and Lists made, and to be made in that behalf by the State's General, and the Licences in like manner, according to the List dressed or to be dressed 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 delay, to arm by Sea and set out men of War, at the charge of the Land; provided only, they give immediate advertisement thereof to the Generality, for to be 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 be granted by their High Might.   

VII. Turn to Artic. 33.  
THey shall allow of no Remission given to any Farmer or other Debtor of the Land, but with the foreknowledge and consent of the Ordinary Assembly 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 publicly; and that the said Bills and particulars be annexed to the Orders; as likewise look to it, that no continuation of undertaken works be yielded unto; and that no Orders, of what kind soêver, shall be 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 be most convenient for them.   

IX. Turn to Artic. 49.  
THere shall likewise account be rendered of the Rights of the Seal, according to the Tax ordained, or to be ordained by the State's General; whereof good and exact Registers and Counter-rolls are to be kept. Nevertheless the same may be converted to the paying of the Officers and other necessary expenses of the Council of State▪    

And so likewise was the Instruction of the Receiver General enlarged with these two Articles.  

I.  
IN the first place the Receiver General shall hold no Orders valid, nor make any payment thereupon, unless they be given by the Council of State, and signed by the Lord Precedent, and two other Lords of the said Council, together with the Treasurer and Secretary of the same, upon precedent registering 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 payment upon pain of disallowance.   

II.  
Nor shall any Orders, of what name or kind soëver, be 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 abode, or where it shall be 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 come 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; showing, that some 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 being pressed anew, with the soon to come and take the Oath, they judged it necessary 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 according to the letter, without knowing the true sense of them by further interpretation; protesting beforehand that they were sorry they must represent it in this manner, being constrained to it for the quiet and satisfaction of their minds; which indeed might well have been prevented, if so be that according to the 24 Article of the Old Instruction, the alteration or change thereof had been made with the knowledge and advice of the Council of State, according to the plain words of the said Article; but now the Council being passed by, contrary to the plain text of the foresaid old sworn 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 Assembly; this the Council held serviceable indeed for the State, if it could be put in practice by the Lords; but some 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, being absent now, they would find themselves 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 be ready at hand where the Council is employed, they said, they held it sufficient to keep to the old practice, and such as their Hi. Mi. themselves do, gathering namely in the forenoon in ordinary, and besides that at any time when the Lord Precedent shall find it requisite for the service of the Country.  
To Article 15, That is was known the Council had no disposing of the common means within the respective Provinces, but only in the places without the Provinces resorting under the Generality, where the equality would be observed well enough, but that it was requisite there should first some resolution be 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 be looked into, as not well agreeing yet.  
They declared, they could not perform the 19 Article according to the letter, being the payment of the soldiery was not made by them; but the same and the charges of War being charged by Repartition upon the respective Provinces, they had the disposition over the payment and the managing of their means themselves. The Generalities means were employed 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 Generality. As for the necessary Mustering and Discipline over the soldiery 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 ability.  
To the 20 Article the Council said, it was not in their power to provide for that, being every Province did therein every one as they found good, and some did practise the contrary, causing the Companies to be charged; some also not paying precisely; so that without redressing first the one and other exorbitancy in the Provinces, and reducing all to an Uniformity, it was in vain precisely and duly to effect the rest upon or against the soldiery.  
To the 21, where is said, how the Orders ought to be signed, they observed there was omitted, that the Secretary 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 be paid otherwise, but being signed also by the Secretary.  
The 22 they said did most concern the Courts of the Admiralty, who had the direction of the Receipts for Convoys and Licences, and accordingly aught to take care, that none indebted that way, may seek to exempt himself. That this Council was only concerned in judging of such goods in the open Country, as being stayed by the soldiery, want passes; of which this Council had always given Judgement, 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 be 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 soldiery 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 way of Petition, What they judged Necessity did require for the conservation of the state of the Land, it belonging to the States of the Provinces, by Declarations and Liquidations to show forth their payments issued.  
The List for the Garrisons whereof the 25 Article treated, the Council was ready enough (said they) to see it kept exactly; provided only, that the Provinces transplacing any Companies within their Provinces or places adjacent, or Patents being sent them with open names, filling them up and yielding the Companies to be 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 equality of Contribution, but that first the remaining Differences with some aught to be resolved upon, as was likewise instanced above upon Article 15.  
As to the 27, The Council would continue their wont care in regard of the Land-forces, on condition, that the Provinces do address such Colonels, Ritmasters and Captains, as they shall choose 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 delay of payment, according to the usual, ancient, 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, lest they should commit any thing against it unwittingly.  
In the 31 there was mention made of ordinary matters, whereas the Old Instruction speaks of extraordinary matters, whereof they desired explanation.  
Concerning the 33 they said, the Council ever proceeded warily, and upon good knowledge after information, in granting some Remissions to Farmers, as also to the people of the open Country where any of our Army or Leaguers had been; and that in such extraordinary Cases, whereof consideration may be desired on both hands, it were fit to know, whether the intention was that all the Counsellors ought to be personally present, which seldom happens; or, that all all the Counsellors being at the place where the Council is kept, should be present in it; however making up the greater part.  
To the 34 they said, That the public putting out of Fortification works, was for a long time observed by the Council by way of affixion of printed Bills, as also the continuations of entertainments abolished heretofore; but many times it happened, that the public undertaking of such works could not be effected by reason of bad payment, whereof we have some late Examples, none being to be found that would undertake the work at a double rate, because the Provinces paid not at all, or very slowly; so that for the avoiding of more mischief, the Works remaining imperfect▪ the Council was sometimes necessitated to cause the same to be made up by other means, (when the public course failed) either by daily pay, or upon declarations; for which cause all could not be tied thus to the public putting out of the Works without disservice to the State; but the Council (said they) made indeed trial still of all public means, and so they would likewise for the future: but if no undertakers could be found, they must nevertheless still consider the advancement of the Land's Service, and the managing of it with the least charges that may be. Also since the Assent to the last state of War no Orders for Works were addressed to the Receiver General, but Acts only are given for desiring of pay 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 be 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 some business to follow at the Council, that would prove too captious. However, of such things no more could be made known, than one enjoied or remembered yet.  
To the 28 they said, it would be very unbeseeming to hang up any such Patent in the Out-room, or Antichamber, much impairing and derogating to the honour 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 Generality. The best way 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 integrity; the Ordinance of July 1. being a sufficient Patent, to give warning to all in that behalf, having been published and affixed every where, which also sufficiently reached to the Attorneys and Solicitors, practising before the Council; there being no ordinary or set ones there, but every one having liberty to follow and solicit his affairs before the Council, by whom he conceived it best, and so as might be least chargeable to Soldiers and poor people, having business there. Insomuch that they knew not whom to swear; the Council having likewise no Jurisdiction over the Notaries, Attorneys 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 always to remain in loco, five persons at the least out of sundry respective Provinces; that if this could be observed thus, it would doubtless be expedient; but being more narrowly looked into, if there should be too strict a tie to this, it might prove many times very disserviceable; it being not feasible that there should always remain Lords of five several Provinces, and the less because the Provinces of Utrecht, Overyssell and Groninghen, with the Omlands, have but one Lord a piece in the Council; besides that the Commissioned Lords in the Council are by some Provinces called and summoned to attend their Land-days, so that they cannot be continually present here: again, though there might Commissioners, be present here of five Provinces, if one of them should fall sick, or were otherwise hindered to appear, should not the rest then, being for persons the Major Number (though not just of five Provinces,) be able to proceed and act, than it would follow that the Council▪ chamber aught to be shut up at some times, to the great disservice of such as come up in necessary affairs of the Land, which require a present and ready dispatch, and many times can brook no delay at all, as it is well known doth happen very often; but the Council being so framed, that each Counsellor hath his own Vote, and the conclusion is carried by the plurality of voices; it was more fit, That if but five Lords were present, without regard had, of what Province, the same might deliberate and resolve upon all matters: as also it was the Custom, that no process of any matter of importance could be determined without at least five Lords present, though smaller ordinary businesses might be dispatched by a less number; the Council trusting, the intention now to be no other.  
Touching Artic. 44. they said, They were well contented with the allowance the Provinces afforded them, and the reglements made or to be 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 House hire, the lay money about 8● Gilders, the Cony-monie about 64 Gilders, and the ordinary lays upon the farming, being they were things used and enjoied from all antiquity.  
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, because the Council in those times was fain, according to the occurrences of affairs to divide themselves, some here, some in other Provinces and in the Leageurs; where the Secretaries had all the Dispatches, with the profits and emoluments thereof: they being dead, there were no others put in their rooms, so that since the year 1605. all was looked to by one Secretary: and accordingly his entertainment was augmented, and hath been above these 30 years enjoied by the predecessors of this present Secretary, viz. up to 1400 Gilders: as may be seen by the State of War in Anno 1628. whence this is extracted.  
The present Secretary (they said) had remonstrated to the Great Assembly his 34 years' service, in several qualities, and having been Secretary 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 Ordinary Assembly of their Hi. Mi. Therefore the Council trusted, and d●d recommend to their Hi. Mi. that they would be pleased, to take it into such consideration, that instead of lessening the Entertainment it may rather be somewhat amended, and he not discouraged, but rather cheered and animated in his faithful service.  
To the 49. they said, That the Counter-Seal was wont to be kept by the Lord Precedent in the Council, but in regard of the troublesomeness, there being oftimes divers Commissioners and other Dispatches to be Sealed, without the Councils sitting, the Seal was therefore committed to the hands of the Secretary 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 deuce received for the same, together with such moneys as were employed there for public 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 be done; but it was worth considering, whether this service and troublesomeness should be undertaken gratis.  
To the 51. they said, they referred the same to Artic. 35. whereby this also might be 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 troublesome now to their Hi. Mi. with this Remonstrance. Trusting nevertheless, that there will be 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 tranquillity of mind, to the best advantage and service of the Country, which (they said) was their only 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 be employed in the name and behalf of the Generality in any Embassy, Commission or any other Deputation, of what nature soever, whether within or without the Land; it was decreed already August last 10. that they should be prohibited and forbidden to receiv any Honoraries, gifts or presents from any at any time, neither themselves, nor by any other directly or indirectly, in what manner or under what pretext or title soever, of what quality and how small soever the same shall be; all upon pain of infamy 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 be and remain deprived of all such Charges, Employments, Offices and Benefits, as than they may have, enjoie or be invested with; and all this without any connivance, mitigation or moderation, besides other arbitrary punishment to be inflicted upon them: of which Resolution Copies were sent to all the public Ministers employed at present in behalf of the said Generality, in any Embassy Commission or Deputation as well within as without the Land, for to govern themselves according to to the Contents of the same, without failing in the least particular.  
Next day the Lord Wimmenum, presiding at the Assembly, he 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 be performed hereafter without the charge of the Generality, by the ordinary lays respectively assigned thereunto: but it was only found good, that the said Deputies should regulate themselves according to the appointments determined July 18. by the great Assembly, for the vacations and Journeys or Travelling expenses.  
After that, Septemb. 16. it was agreed, that all such persons as should be 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 Vryens at Sluys, shall be 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 be 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 be ready 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 be sworn, as shall be put in any place or office, by the Generality.  
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 promise or give any gifts or presents, to any persons, either within or without the Government under what pretext or title soever. So truly help me God Almighty.   
Of which Resolution, several Extracts together with some Copies of the foresaid Act against Corruptions were transmitted to the foresaid Council of State, the Generalities Chamber of accounts, the Courts of the admirality, the Councils of Braband and Flanders respectively, as also to the Court of the Vryens at Sluys, to the end the same may be respectively kept and observed, and seen kept and observed.  
On the 20. of Novemb. there was presented before the Lords of the Ordinary Assemblies of their Hi. Mi. the frame of an Oath, according to which, they should promise and swear, That they would not take, accept or enjoy, neither themselves, 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 ways, 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 Assembly 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 soenver, whether it were before or after the business shall be transacted or dispatched, and in case they should have received or enjoied any such gifts, from any one, whom afterwards they understood, to have something to do at the foresaid Assembly, 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 Assembly, and forbear directly or indirectly to recommend any such business by themselves or others to either the Assembly or Members ihereof. But for the present, there were only taken Copies hereof, by reason of the consideration lately presented by the Council of State upon the 35. Article of their Instruction.  
Something there is to be said yet of ●he Princely House Mortuaire.  
How the Agreement was made between the Princely Guardians or Administrators for the young 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 Magistracy in the City of Breda and elsewhere, places assigned for the Princess Royal her Dowry should be constituted only by her, or by them jointly; their Plea's were were heard for some days 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 themselves, but with the States of Zealand, about the City's 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 only being exempt) 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, being inclined to Freedom, they did for a great while hitherto support the said direction of the Prince (the rather for that commonly and of necessity he must sway it by an under-Director) with some 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 only of the Director; therefore the cause remaining still the same, the impatience remained in like manner. To this came also, that those which had the present Direction laboured very much still, during the Great Assembly, against the intentions of Holland; who for that very purpose sent to the State's-Assemblie in Zealand the Lord's Opdam, de Wit, Nyport and Ricce, who made in public the Proposition of April 25, above-recited. But underhand 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 liberty 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 already 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 contrary to the privileges of the City; which caused at last a total change of the Magistrate at Middleburg; as oftimes it happens, when outward ordinary medicines are destitute of operation, that nature itself begins to work a change within: The story and occasion hereof is, that the Cities of Zealand, 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; only supplying the defect of the Stadtholder, and doing themselves, what he 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 be strangers or forein-born Citizens) was much impaired in the Grant for the City 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 Magistracy, 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 Sundays, 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 come to that height, that they began to enjoin the Ministers, they should come that day 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, threatening them, that the Church, yea and the City too, should be forbidden them, if they continued refractory. The Ministers answered, if they should be put out of the Church, they would preach it in the Streets; and if forth the City, they would do it in the fields.  
Thus one discontent coming upon the neck of another, there being an Assembly of the States kept at that time, there gathered themselves June 6. a great number of Citizens near two thousand of them, in the Abbie-Court, desiring Audience. But the States of Zealand remitted them to the Magistrate of their City. 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 gravity; which fell out contrary; for he got into such a throng, that once he was quite under their feet; yet, rescued by the Bailie, he was brought to the Inn, called the court of Holland, next the Balance; where the Burghers demanding his forthcoming, the Host told them, he was got out at the backside already, they might come in and look him; whereupon presuming that he was gone to his own house, the company ran thither, and without losing of time, broke the windows and forced the doors open, and plundered the whole house, breaking all the cabinets and coffers, and throwing the China wares, out at the windows. This don, they ran to the Lord Tibant his house, casting abundance of stones at the windows. But there met them about five of the Ministers, who with their presence and persuasive language, quieted the multitude somewhat and saved the house 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 City of Middleburg in Zealand do declare hereby to recall the Constitution of reforming the Laws of this City, decreed at the Assembly of the Lords the States of Zealand, May 1. 1651. in as much as concerns 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 always in all respects to maintain and protect, as well the persons as the Office and Function of the Brethren the Ministers, in their honour, lustre and estimation.  
Don at the Council June 6. 1651▪ Me present, P. van der Perre.   
The Office of the Electors, (twelv in number, during life, all strangers, or foreign born, for the improvement and encouragement of Trade, as also to hinder and prevent oligarchy;) consisted therein, that they named or chose twelv men out of all the Citizens, and out of those there were taken six. This course was much altered by the new Constitution, the power of the Electors being reduced to narrow limits, and in a manner extinguished, that they must no longer choose out of the whole number of Citizens, but be tied up, in a certain way, to the Council, which being an Innovation, and depriving the said Electors of a great part of their Power, and the same power being impropriated by some few invested with the Government; those said Electors, being 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 City. 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 abovesaid Act of June 6, being published, and there being some new Orders requisite, together with a supply of other Persons in the place of those, that were retired; the Companies of the City, 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 City of Middleburgh, whereof many Members have set their hands underneath here, do show, 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 being come so far already, 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, humbly pray and beseech your N. to grant unto them, and cause to be observed the ensuing Articles.  
First, that none of the Lansbergeus may be admitted any more to any function or government, Ecclesiastical or Civil.  
Item, that all the Books and papers written by the respective Landsbergeus against all the Ministers, shall be declared from this day infamous books and libels.  
Item, that no Scouts or Sheriffs shall be able to serve within this City, except they be of the Reformed Religion beforehand.  
Item, that the Excise for the building of the new Church shall be taken off, they the Petitioners being ready to pay down a freewill gift to that purpose, desiring all possible expedition may be made with the building thereof.  
Item, that the Masters of the Orphan's-chamber shall take no higher salary from Widows and Orphans, or any other persons, than Mr Adrian Coney enjoied in his time.  
Item, that the present Secretary of the Orphan's▪ chamber shall forthwith be put out of his Office, and never admitted any more to any Ecclesiastical or Civil functions.  
Item, that M ● Joban van Scrooskercken shall likewise forthwith be put out of his Offices and Secretaries places.  
Item, that Mr Paulus Scrooskercken shall be employed no more as Receiver in any Church, Hospital or other God'shouses, nor exercise any public function Ecclesiastical or Civil.  
Item, that henceforward there shall no yearly payments more be made for any pews, seats or benches in the Church; and that the said places shall be left open for any one.  
Item, that all such as are in the city's service shall hereafter be dispensed of petitioning yearly for continuation in their Services, and continue in their Offices during life, unless some notable faults should be committed by them.  
Item, that all the Companies be maintained according to the petitioners privileges, and none thereof be impaired but rather enlarged, and especially that the Super-Deacons may not be able to do aught without the assent of the other Deacons and Members.  
Item, that no persons whatever they be, may be 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 be molested or surcharged, but rather defended and protected in their City- Freedoms, and no more be fetched forth out of their own houses, according to the custom of the City.  
To this end the Petitioners desire, That the Privileges and Customs apperteining to or concerning this famous City may, with the soon, be 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 be not impaired.   
The City of Middleburgh or the Commons thereof being 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 themselves the one here, the other there. Landsbergen and Scroos-kerck were gone to the Hague; Tibant to Sluys, from whence within a while after by petition to the Court of Holland etc. he gave to understand That he Counsellor and heretofore Burgomaster of the City of Midleburg in Zealand, and afterward one of the Commissioned Counsellors of Zealand, and the Admiralty there, had, for a considerable time there, exercised the same function of his to the best advantage of the said City of Middleburg, and therein caused the common good thereof always to outweigh his particular profit and considerations, as whereunto he had ever acknowledged himself obliged; nevertheless it happened, That June the 6t last passed, he being at Middleburg aforesaid in the Assembly 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 Assembly, by a company of common people flocked together that day with great impetuosity; That he ●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 house, through this rude multitude, as fearing he might be personally affronted and uncivilly entertained by the said people in some kind or other, to avoid their rage he withdrew himself out of the chamber of the said Assembly, by a secret passage; which being come to the ears of the foresaid tumultuous Company, they presently betook themselves toward the Petitioner's house 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 begged by the intercessions of some of the Magistrates and Ministers there, who were fain the rest of that day and all night after to keep watch before the said house; within a few days after, a certain request was presented to him by some of the Ministers, in the name of some persons, pretending to be the Companies of the City, being in effect desired thereby, and what else was declared by word of mouth by the foresaid Ministers, that he would lay down his abovesaid Office and place of Counsellorship of the City of Middleburgh, if he chose not rather to sell both his own and some of his friends houses, utterly plundered and ruinated the first night ensuing, insomuch that then, to avoid more mischief, he was constrained, to condescend to the said desire with this proviso nevertheless, that it should be promised him in the foresaid pretended Companies behalf, that so doing all should be 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 he was ready 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 kind, 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 be best he should retire himself for a while out of the City, which he was very loath to yield unto, in regard of the foresaid declaration made, but yet was persuaded at last, the rather for that this same retirement of his out of the City was afterwards found good likewise (as they pretended) by the ruling Burgo-masters for the time being, who likewise in token thereof, together with the Bailiff, conducted him forth the City themselves, and brought him to a certain boat in the haven there, bespoken by him. Within 7 or 8 days after he being returned again into the City, for the discharging of his other Offices in manner requisite, some of his friends to whom he had communicated his design, dissuaded him from it, as well assured he could not scape being 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 find their City's constitution such that they could defend him against the feared street-injuries, they declared in plain terms, it was not in their power, whereupon he desiring the said Burgo-masters, they would be pleased then to consent to his retiring himself to the Spa, for his own and wife's health sake; the said Burgo-masters gave their consent unto it, and accordingly he went to the Spa, and being afterward returned thence to Sluys in Flanders for the dispatching of some particular affairs of his own there, he thence by letters signified to the Magistrate of Middleburgh, that he was still disposed and ready, to come and duly to execute his foresaid offices for the service of the said City, waiting but for their (the said Magistrates) lest intimation and promise of being protected against all the suspected and feared insolences or affrontings in the streets. But there being hitherto no answer at all returned to him upon his said letter, and he therefore not without reason suspecting, that the constitution of the said City was not yet so settled, that the Magistrates were able duly to protect him; and that besides he was from good hands in that City sufficiently informed of the certainty thereof: That all such tumultarie commotions of the commons were of dangerous consequence, which, according as now was done in some of the prime places of Holland, aught to be exemplarily suppressed; and that therefore, he was constrained now for to be duly and sufficiently freed from all the suspected street-violence, and other insolences, together with his wife, children, family, servants, movable and unmoveable goods, and unmolestedly to attend in due manner upon the discharge of his offices, to apply 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 be requisite, and there in the name and behalf of the Supreme Magistrate, calling to his assistance (if need be) the officer of the Pleek to put and take the foresaid Lord Thibant, his wife, Children, men and maidservants and whole Family into the protection and safeguard 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 cause to be done to the foresaid Thibaut, his wife, children, men and maidservants, and the rest of his family, any manner of injury, in body or any of their goods, great or small, by words or deeds in any kind; being 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 safeguard of the Supreme Magistrate aforesaid. And to the end that none may be able to plead or pretend ignorance hereof, and every one beware of trespassing in this kind, they charged him to make public Proclamation hereof in the usual places of promulgations, and where it shall be requisite. Advertising therewithal, all Justices, Officers, Ministers and subjects of the foresaid Supreme Magistrate, that he executing this, seriously to assist and obey him therein, as they stood in awe of the Supreme Magistrate's indignation, and would avoid their peril.  
The foresaid Exploiter or Doorkeeper arriving at Middleburgh, he made his address to the Magistrate; who demanding his Warrant, and having taken it into deliberation, they found not good that the same should be proclaimed, lest the Commons might thereby be the more irritated, both against the matter itself, and to the endangering of the Messenger himself; who thereupon returned back again without performing the Exploit. And the Magistrate finding some passages in the said Protection to be contrary to the Truth, they sent Senator Morthamer and Secretary Beaumond to the Court Provincial, whom they informed otherwise, and in such sort, that the Protection was called in again; and promise made, that the Magistrates of Middleburg themselves, if need required, should protect the said Lord Thibaut, and cause him to be protected sufficiently against all injuries. One night the Lord Thibaut his brother in Law Peckius went about to set up the foresaid Protection in some of the chief passages at Middleburg, and to publish the same; but by command of Burgomaster Vette, accidentally passing that way, one of them was torn from the wall, and immediately the Round doubled for to find out who set it up; by and by some body being discovered busy some where with putting up the like, he for fear of being apprehended, fling away his Hat, Coat and Sword and shown them a good pair of heels. The things found being brought before the Senate, it was soon known they belonged to Pe●kius▪ who being sent for and questioned about it, after some tergiversation he confessed the deed; and was thereupon commanded to departed the City, without ever returning into the same.  
This alteration having happened at Middleburgh, and consequently in all Zealand: the four Cities thereupon, by virtue of an ancient Resolution, and taken before the alteration, took in hand the business of the Vassal▪ Cities, Whether, and how the same henceforward might or aught 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 itself 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 else to do it themselves; or in case the said Cities should continue to suffer the constitution of their Magistrates to be 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.  

Copy of the written Advice of the Commissioned Council of the Lords the States of Zealand, bearing date Septemb. 1. 1651, touching the Distinction of the Right belonging on the one side unto the County or Earldom; and on the other side to the Marquis or Lord of Flushing and Veer, in regard of the Magistracy and Civil Government of the same.  
FOr the pertinent handling whereof there must be 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 be 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 be held for assured & unquestionable, that although an Earl of the Land in those times could justly claim, not only the Power of Sovereignty and Resort, but likewise all manner of Jurisdiction and Royalties in the same; nevertheless there remained and belonged also to the places themselves ex jure publico Universitatis, some proper and peculiar authority 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 University (or Body Politic) be otherwise rightly constituted sine aliquo Exercitio Juris publici.  
Therefore it appears 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 Zealand, to them of Flushing in the year 1315, and afterwards renewed and amplified by the Lady Marie of Burgundy, 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 Zealand they were sold and transported to other Lords.  
It being 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 retained no more to themselves then the right of Sovereignty, Resort and Homage.  
And Secondly, that the foresaid particular Lords, by the Contract of their foresaid Sale and Transport, they have notoriously passed away no more right or authority over them then the Instruments of Investiture, and the specification of the Fiefs do contain and hold forth.  
Which for all the Concession of as well higher, as middle and lower Jurisdiction, and divers other both honourable and profitable rights and prerogatives made over to the said Lords, do therefore withal in terminis give up unto them all manner of functions and requisites necessary for the Direction and Government of a Civil Society; it followeth evidently, that whatsoever (serving to that end, and not belonging to the immediate exercise of Sovereignty) is not expressly and by name set down in the foresaid Letters, the same aught to be 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 be 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 Zealand, some even after the time, that the said Cities were under particular Lords; which are things without dispute, and to be 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 Burgundy as Lord of Flushing, and the Burgamasters and Governors of that City touching the maintaining of the Citie-works to the Seaward, and the collecting of several Incoms and means arising there, a certain distinction being made therein between party and party, both for charge and benefit thence accrueing; where is likewise mention made, not only of nulling or repealing a former Contract, but also (which is worth noting) in the city's behalf that this was done, after due and Legal communication had with the Principal ones and Commons of the said City; the whole Contract also being 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 Memory, in the year 1582, granted unto those of Flushing aforesaid for their support and relief, and towards the maintaining 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 City 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 be considered without them; as also in such a case, being all one with their Lords, it is plain of itself, that they would not be able to make any Contract with them, Siquidem nemo secum contrahit.  
It appears Thirdly also very evidently by the Agreements and Transactions entered into and passed by the said Cities, without their Lords, apart and in particular with the States of this Province.  
For proof whereof doth serve especially among others, that which passed between the said Lords the States of Zealand, and the City of Flushing, in the year 1585., touching the Indemnity desired by them upon the insurance made to her Royal Majesty of England.  
By which Letters or grant of Indemnity obtained then, there are engaged to them and put into their hands, all the Domains, Means and Revenues of the Earl and Earldom of Zealand, within that City and resort thereof; with autorization, that of their own power they may seize upon the same for the Indemnity of the City, their Citizens and Inhabitants, against all damages and prejudices, which by reason of the said transport or surrender the said City might chance to suffer in their Domains, Incoms and otherwise, or any of their Citizens and Inhabitants in their concernments.  
Being that the foresaid Letters and Acts of Indemnity (note well) were granted to the Governors of Flushing for themselves and their Inhabitants in particular, and upon their particular Request, without any use made in that behalf of the name and intervention of his Excellency Maurice, being 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 themselves, that content might be 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 appears by the Registers, that after the foresaid Act of Indemnity for the Governors and Inhabitants of Flushing, expedited Septemb. 23, 1585., the Letters of Indemnity for his Excellency aforesaid, (in case, that through the foresaid Garrison of the Queen of England, his Jurisdiction, Domains, Houses and Rights should come to suffer any damage or inconvenience,) for all the instance of those of Flushing aforesaid, and the earnest solicitation of the Lord Bruninex, Counsellor to his Ezcellencie were not granted till December thirteenth ensuing.  
It being true withal, that the Magistrate and Citizens of Flushing, for the cause abovesaid, having been engaged by a particular Oath of Fidelity to her Majesty 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 Excellency Prince William of happy memory, in the year 1574. That according to their ancient Privileges they are sufficiently qualified and antorized to treat, transact and dispose of all matters and affairs belonging to the foresaid City.  
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 foreign Princes and Potentates.  
An example whereof we 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 Marquis and of the City of Veer on the other, concerning the foundation of a Staple for the Scotish Wares within the said City, in most of the Articles principally engaging the Magistrate there; and in the solemn Signature thereof, the Deputies of the Marquis standing separated from the Commissioners of the City.  
All which had been to no purpose, and could not have been done without incongruity, if the Magistrate of the foresaid two Cities had no power and authority in civil matters without their Lord, but absolutely in all things depended on him.  
Fifthly, the same is put out of all Controversy, in regard of the particular Domains, Revenues, Royalties, Lordships and Offices which the said Cities of old have had and still own the propriety 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 City.  
And for further proof may be added, that the foresaid Rent-master is bound yearly to bring in a due Account of his Receipt 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, being that they are particularly put in by the Lord, for the administration of Justice: as also to this very day 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 ancient privileges, should have the Disposing of the City - Revenues, to employ them to the use there rehearsed, without any mention made of the Lord.  
It being likewise known, that in conformity hereof, the Districts and and Lordships of Soutelanden and Coudekerck do particularly appertain at present to the City of Flushing, the Lord not pretending the least Right or Direction therein.  
As also in times past the Lordship of the host▪ Capelle belonged to those of Veer, which afterwards they alienated to their own benefit, without needing or seeking for the consent of the Marquis.  
And further it is as well known, that both the foresaid Cities, for the maintenance of their said Revenues, Domains and other Rights, sustain 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, only in relation to the said Cities.  
Sixthly, the same is also strongly manifested thereby, that the Cities aforesaid were privileged and authorized of old (as is expressly agreed by Artic. 9, of the foresaid Charter of Prince 〈◊〉 of their own power to make themselves such Ordinances, Statutes and Inhibitions, for both Civil Justice and Government, as they shall find good and useful for themselves and their Inhabitants.  
The same right and power being 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 Society 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 be reserved to be determined by the Discretion and sentence, not of the Lord or Marquis, but of his Excellency as Stadtholder of the Province, assisted with the Senate, in the name of the Earldom; an evident testimony, 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 appertain, not to the Lord, but unto the Cities themselves, by reason whereof also it is notably declared Artic. 7, of the Charter abovementioned, That the Burgomasters, Senators and Counsellors of Flushing have the Authority 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 Authority, 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 Bailiffs and Secretaries, and for the administration ofhis domains, 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 only 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 some likewise to oversee the poor and hospital, and other attendants, belonging thereunto.  
So also do the said Cities use of their own authority and without the privity or knowledge of the Lord, not only to send their Deputies to the Assembly of the Provincial Government; but also to Commissionate some persons both for the Commissioned Council and Court of the Admiralty, 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 belongs unto them in matter of Policy and Government, and out of respect of the particular and singular interest which the foresaid Cities have in the Conservation and prosperity of the Province.  
Eightly, The same may further be deduced, out of the manifold Privileges and Immunities granted unto them, not only by the Earls and Countesses of Zealand (as was told already above) but also by foreign Kings and Princes, as well, if not more in favour 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 City, which then were, or should be hereafter.  
Which kind of Privileges, especially there being many of them, are of that validity and weight, in regard of the foresaid Cities, and must so be understood in Law, that although the Lords thereof, should either commit any felony or delinquency against the Earl, as the direct Lord, or have given to the said foreign Potentates▪ any just cause of offence, and merited thereby to be deprived of the Disposition and Contents of the foresaid Privileges, so far forth as concerneth them; nevertheless the same could not be interpreted to the prejudice of the foresaid Cities and Inhabitants, being guiltless of any such transgression or neglect; nor they deprived of their Interest in the said rights and privileges, but for their own Delinquency.  
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 Excellency in the Name of the said King, as Earl of Zealand, and the Earldom itself.  
And secondly, given not to the Lord, nor in respect of him, but only upon request for the common good of the foresaid Cities in regard of their particular members.  
And especially in the third place, That it might serve them for a permanent law and constitution, whereby the government of the said City, should thenceforward be regulated, and as near as was feasible equalised 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 Judgement can at first view, remain ignorant thereof, much less contradict the same.  
The rather for that his Excellency, as well in the Proêm and beginning as the upshot of all, very plainly avoweth, that he doth it in the Name and behalf of his Majesty, v z as Earl of the Land, and in that Quality being his Stadtholder within this Province.  
Without making any mention of the Right and quality which the foresaid King was then invested with in regard of these places, being their particular Fief-Lord.  
As likewise that Quality could then not well have been made use of, not only by his foresaid Excellency without special Order and Commission from the King, as Lord, wherewith it is known he was not instructed then; but also much less by the said King himself, in regard that in the foresaid quality and simply considered as Vassals of the Earldom, he was well known to want the Qualification of any such Privileges, which appertained only to the Prince or States of the Land, or to such as by them are lawfully and solemnly commissioned and authorized thereunto.  
The like power and authority was never committed to the Lords of Flushing and Veer, in their Letters of investiture, which readily appears in the perusing of them.  
Therefore we see likewise, that in divers other Privileges and Elections, wherewith it pleased Prince William of happy memory in those times to gratify divers other Cities also, both in this and some neighbouring Provinces, his Excellency every where made use of the Name and Title of Stadtholder, and as exercising the function of the Supreme Authority.  
Whereunto is very appliable, that his said Excellency in the Proëme of the foresaid Charter saith withal, to have done 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 chief represented the Sovereign Government of this Province, and that in the Name only of the Earldom.  
And so likewise the Conclusion at last, whereby all high and low Judges and Officers are charged effectually to maintain the foresaid Magistrates and Inhabitauts, according to the content and purports of the said Graces; and withal that there is added at the close [for such is Our pleasure] which could be used by none but the Sovereigns and States of the Land, and can in no wise be attributed to the power of any Vassal of the Earldom be he never so great and eminent:  
Besides that the advantages and prerogatives themselves also contained in the said Privileges, in the judgement of all understanding Statesmen, are most of them of such a nature, that they cannot directly flow from any other source but from the Earldom; being so inseparably fastened to the disposition of the Sovereign Government that they shall never be 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 ancient Privileges, Concession of Execution under caution of all sentences, both interlocutory and definitive, being repairable, and not exceeding a certain Sum; 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 be done by the Burgomasters in the absence of the Officers; the erection of the country's Quadripartition, under the managing of the Scout or Sheriff and Senators, to be appointed by the foresaid Cities, Dismembering of the high Jurisdiction, having appertained of old to the cognizance of the Renomasters at Westerschelt, freedom from Tolls, and execution of Confiscations, besides the Right of returning some of their Porteers, which may be elsewhere criminally impeached and sundry 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 efficacy, that they must be called to all Assemblies, Communications, Account-audites, and all other transactings and affairs concerning the said States respectively, and being 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 controversy, not only can be communicated to the foresaid Cities from none other, but the special free concession of the Earldoms authority, 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 happy memory, is said, to be made originally.  
Considered that if thereby it might be understood, the same was granted them for the supplying in the states-assembly the vacant places of the Abbot and Prelate at Middleburg (which nevertheless is constantly maintained by the other Members of the Earldom, that it could not be) or, that the same was done 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 be made relative or applied to the intention of the Lords of these places, so as to infer thence, that in the granting of the foresaid Graces or Privileges, there was some regard or reflection had to their Persons or condition,  
For besides that, in general, it cannot be presumed the foresaid Prince, being at that time so highly offended and persecuted by the King of Spain, he should have been disposed then to gratify Him, being the Lord of the places aforesaid, with any particular advantages; it cannot be conceived in any case, how the said King otherwise the First and representing the rest of the Nobility in the Assembly of Zealand, should besides that be 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 Prelate, which indeed without palpable contradiction and absurdity, and the introducing of manifest confusion in matters of Government, can be maintained by none.  
Therefore, and clearly do show, that the said prerogatives were granted without any regard had to the Lord, and only 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 come, together with the common Porteers and inhabitants thereof.  
And to what end? namely, for the furthering of good Government, welfare and prosperity among them, and that they may be relieved from under the great and heavy burdens which were fallen upon them, partly by reason of the necessary Sea-Works, and great arrears of Rents, and partly because of the wars against Duke d' Alva and his adherents, together with regard had to their good endeavours 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 extension; and so, that the same Cities, (as likewise was touched above) cannot lawfully be deprived of the same, through any felony, neglect, or delinquency of their subaltern Lords.  
Which ought to be of so much the more validity, when reflection is made upon the direction intention and aim, Prince William of happy memory had in granting of the said Charters to the Cities aforesaid, namely, to compose and frame the Government and civil admin stration thereof, as near as might be, equal to the other Cities of the Earldom, as among other appears 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 war, 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 being well known that (as on the one side the Court of justice was formerly set up and employed 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 be effected otherwise, then with express consent, and by the immediate Authority of the Earldom.  
That same power being one of the most eminent and principal Royalties, which belongs to the Princes or States of the land here.  
As therefore we see likewise, that both in these Neighboring-Provinces, not only the City Councils themselves, could not be erected without the special Grant from the Earldom; but likewise not the Least amendment, alteration or ampliation thereof could be 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 be presented only by the Burgo-Masters and Common-Council apart, with preterition of the Counsellors, Who in many places in this country, have nothing to do with the Government, but are only employed about the exercise and administration of justice.  
As in very truth also, there hath ever, time out of mind, 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) only 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 only to resolve but also to dispose of all things, concerning the state of the Country 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 themselves, even to the least inclusively.  
Insomuch that it cannot be showed by any letters of Investiture, or other feodary 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 happy memory, by any means to equalise 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 be chosen simply without any Nomination ex arbitrio Dominorum at the pleasure of the Lords, the same cannot be done so now, because of the foresaid privileges, but upon a precedent presentation, whether it be, that any Election shall be needful for the yearly renewing of the Laws, 〈◊〉 that the same must be 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 be made there as well of persons which are of the Common Council of the said Cities, as of any one from amidst the Commonalty, nevertheless the Burgomasters thereof may not be chosen, but out of those which shall be named of the said Common Councils, they being the Head of the Government, and therefore ought always by known course to be of the number of the Common Council, which in the Counsellors, as was said even now, it is not necessary.  
In regard that on the one side for the administration of good Justice in the general, it sufficeth, that there are chosen and appointed some understanding, discreet, and just men; but on the other side for the direction and well-ordering of Government it is requisite besides, that there be chosen some 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 employment of Common Counsellors ought to be every where firm and permanent, so likewise) all manner of functions in matter of Government be as near as may be, conferred upon the Members of the said Councils only.  
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 Commonalty is left to his Royal Majesty to wit, as Earl of Zealand; being that the quality of the Lord as concurring therein, is not all expressed, nor the Designation of his Majesty in this behalf ever used in all the Charter.  
Which nevertheless had been very needful in every regard, if so be that the meaning of Prince William had been to gratify the King as Lord of the said places, above the advantages and prerogatives mentioned in the Letters of Investiture, with sundry other such eminent Concessions; forasmuch as of Right all Collations of Royalties, whether of Vassals or otherwise, aught to be made plainly and in express downright terms, such as admit not any arguments of presumption or inference to the contrary.  
But besides that same, beyond all this, would yet imply divers other palpable contradictions and absurdities, against the quality and function wherewith his Excellency was then invested, (as was demonstrated above) it is undoubtedly to be held, that it was as far from his excellency's intention as the East is from the West,  
Not only for that the King so grievously persecuting him at that time had merited no such thing at his hands; but also because the same could not be admitted then to the use and exercise of such eminent Royalties with any safety 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 be said and asserted upon good ground, that although their Excellencies and Highnesses of happy memory 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, because his often abovesaid Exrellencie Prince William made the said Election there, from the year 1574 to the year 1582 inclusively, (at which time he first became the buyer of the two foresaid Lordships) no otherwise and in no other quality, then as Stadtholder of the Province; and that it was likewise most reasonable and equal that the Magistracy of the foresaid Cities, being 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 be instanced, the appointing of the Counsellors cannot be disputed to the Marquiles or Lords of the foresaid places, being the power thereof is expressly given them by the Letters of Investiture; yet it can no ways be conceived or imagined, how or upon what ground the said Lords or Marquises should have any right or authority over the Election of the Common Councils, or of the Burgomaster, as the head and chief members thereof.  
Being that to the Office of the Consul or Burgomaster there is peculiarly committed the Ordinary Direction and Command in all Civil affairs, touching as well the Administration of the city'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 be considered as integrating Members of the Sovereignty, 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 day were never couched in any other terms than they were originally, and therefore cannot contain more now, then was granted and conferred upon them at the original investiture.  
A manifest token, that there appertein's no share nor authority 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 only from the Earldom.  
Which is the more to be credited yet, forasmuch as in the Judgement of all those which are versed in these matters, it is held altogether incompatible▪ and contrary to natural reason, that one and the same persons, Court, Society, or University in the said quality, shall be Vassal and Independent together of the Earldom, and on the other side comprehend such a considerable and main part of the Sovereignty itself; on the one side to do Oath and homage, and on the other side to receiv it; to be subject and command all at once.  
As therefore it is well known, that in some of the neighbour Provinces, some Cities could not be made Members of their Provincial Assemblies, but after that it was solemnly resolved by the States of that Country, the said Cities should always and solely depend of the Earldom, without ever being to be reduced or engaged any more to any particular Lords.  
The said States alleging this reason in the Letters solemnly passed thereupon, That thus they do and did for the security of their Province; besides that it could not but cause a great undervalue and disrespect to the Governors of integrating Members of the State's Assembly, to be chosen by particular and subaltern Lords; to say nothing of the disservice to the common interest, which in many regards, would unavoidably ensue thence.  
All which Considerations, of what reflection and weight they are, your N. M. will easily judge according to their wont wisdom, and determine by their Resolution.  
Holding nevertheless (under correction) that hereunto is not contrary, that both here and elsewhere some Ecclesiastical persons, Gentlemen and Citizens, being Subjects and Vassals of the State, do constitute a part of the Supreme Magistrate, being that the same doth not appertain to them as to Vassals, but as Commissioners, or being the first and worthiest of certain Bodies or Orders whereof the foresaid State is composed.  
Nor that it is contrary to this, or implieth any contradiction, that many of the foresaid Common Councils are appointed and employed by the Marquis, for the administration of Justice, and keeping of his Right, Lordships and Royalties there; being that in Law, one and the same person, considered in divers respects, may without any incongruity or confusion be employed in distinct services, and engaged under several Oaths, as might be instanced and verified, if need were, by many examples and autorities.  
And consequently the persons which from among the foresaid Common Councils may be appointed Counsellors there, though on the one side they be engaged by Oath to the Earldom or to the Magistrate of the Cities for being 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 ordinary duty which they owe to the inhabitants by Commissions from the Lord, they stand withal engaged to the Earldom (or State of the Province) to administer good Right and Justice to the people of the Country assigned to their resort.  
Wherewith as we trust, Noble Mighty Lords, to have summarily and no less usefully elucidated the whole condition of this Affair; so we will not doubt but the same have sufficiently understood thereby what Difference there is betwixt the Command and Authority which in the foresaid Cities doth belong on the one side to the Earldom, and on the other to the Lord or Marquis, and in what points the same respectively doth most properly consist.  
Therein namely, That to the Earldom, without all Controversy, appertaineth all the Right of Sovereignty and Supreme Authority.  
That the particular Lords, as Vassals of the Earldom are bound to show to the said Earldom all due Obedience and homage.  
That the said Cities, in respect of the Employment▪ and Deliberations touching affairs, as well of the Common Government of the Land, as the particular of their Cities, do altogether and immediately resort under the said Earldom, without being bound to acknowledge the Marquis or Lord in that behalf.  
And consequently, That the Courts of the Common Councils being originally erected there by the Authority and in the Name of the Earldom, there is none can justly pretend to any disposition of confirming, altering or moderating the same, but only the Lords the States, as representing the said Earldom.  
That the Creation and Election of the Burgomasters in those Cities (as being 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 themselves, or else (in conformity 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 way and Reiglement, as was by them drawn up with the least impairing of their privileges, and might consequently upon due cognisance of the matters, be authorised 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 conformity to the common practices formerly alleged, that they may be enabled to make choice and election of persons, for the supplying of some vacant places in the Common Councils, absolutely and definitively by themselves.  
As also there ought to be left (under correction) unto the foresaid Lord or Marquis, unprejudiced and undamnified all such dispositions and authority 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 being desired to administer Justice at first instance in criminal, or by appeal in civil matters, over the Inhabitants of the open Country, having relation to their appointed resort, they shall be bound and obliged in that regard to respect, and that immediately, the Commands of the Earldom.  
As likewise the Bailiffs and Counsellors aforesaid, shall be bound to make Oath in that behalf unto the Earldom, and likewise in the express Name and Quadripartition of the same to banish, etc. howbeit as we are informed, the same hath not been absolutely practised for these many years. Being that the power of the said Bailiffs and Counsellors, of administering 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 only by delegation and permission of the States.  
That withal the Marquis or Lord shall have liberty 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 find it requisite, for the adminstration of their Government and best managing of their own means and revenues.  
And thus we conceiv, shall every one be duly maintained in the Right belonging to him, and no body wronged, the Earldom reserving its Right, the Marquis 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 be pleased to appoint some Members of their present Assembly, 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 Magistracy or Government of the foresaid Cities may henceforward be directed to the best advantage; and consequently their N. M. conform the taking of their Resolution of it to most Justice and Equity.  
For which end we pray Almighty 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 etc. In Middleburg Sept. 1. 1651.   
If his Electoral Highness of Brandenburg in his French letter sent heretofore by Monsieur Severin to the Princess Royal, had reason to intimate, what detriment the affairs of the Young Prince did suffer, by reason of their mutual Disputes; certainly, here was more cause to regret and rue it. The Princely Guardians or Administrators notwithstanding, did both underhand and overboard, privately and publicly 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 Assembly, 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 Quality of Guardians of the said Prince, their respective Son, and Son's Son., Marquis and Lord of those Cities▪ had found themselves obliged to cause the Right of the said Prince over the said Cities to be carefully examined, that thereupon they might so much the better and more fundamentally be able to inform their N. M. and to show, that divers positions and arguments drawn thence, were most▪ abusively and without any necessary consequence inserted intothe foresaid Considerations, whereby the right of the said young Prince-pupil was not shaken at all; for which end there could be 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 antiquity and beyond the memory of men, the Marquises and Lords of the Cities had created and appointed there, not only the Counsellors, but the Burgomasters also themselves, and that the same Right had ever solely appertained to them as Lords of the places.  
That their N. M. should likewise be showed, 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 happy memory, and his Illustrious Successors.  
That it should likewise be 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 Country of Zealand, or by virtue of any other delegated power from the Prince of the Country.  
And further they said, That their N. M. could very well, according to their great wisdom and wont equity, consider the importance of the foresaid Right in respect of the young Prince-Pupill aforesaid; and that it became them in quality 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 weighty impediments, and especially, that but lately they were come to a due settlement about the Guardianship, they had been hindered 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 difficulty to bear them so much respect about the matter aforesaid, in their quality of Guardians of the foresaid Prince Pupil, whose Illustrious forefathers had merited so much of the state of these Countries, and in particular of their Province; as to be 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 Zealand to the states-assembly there, the Lord Beaumond, 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 Zealand, by way of confuting the written Considerations and Advice of their Commissioned Council, touching the Right of his Highness over the said Cities in respect of the Magistracy and Government thereof, and for Assertion, that his Highness, cannot be deprived of the Election of the persons of the Magistrates, or part thereof.  
Noble, Mighty Lords!  
THeir Highˢˢ, the Guardians of the young Prince of Orange having been informed of the written 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 way 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 Magistracy and Government, and consequently, That the Princes of Orange, of happy memory, should have exercised no other in that regard, but as, or in quality of Stadtholders of the Province; so that, not till now, by the death of his late Highness of blessed memory, it was revolved into the Bosom of the Earldom, to be provided for accordingly.  
And their Highˢˢ, the Guardians of the said Prince, finding themselves obliged, to cause his Right over the two said Cities to be examined, that they might be able so much the better and more fundamentally to inform your N. M. and show, that divers positions, and arguments drawn thence, were put into the said considerations through mistake, and without any necessary consequence; so that thereby the said Right of the Prince Pupil, is not shaken in the least point; and it being the part and duty 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 weighty impediments, and particularly, that the Guardianship was but lately brought into a due settled course, being hindered, 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 quality of Guardians to the said Prince Pupil, whose Illustrious forefathers merited so much of the state of these Countries, and of that Province especially, That they would be pleased, to supersede but a while all deliberations upon the foresaid Advice and Considerations, and leave 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, being by other hands most unexspectedly informed, that, without heeding the said just desire of their Highˢˢ, by giving but a little respite, the abovesaid point, touching the foresaid considerations and advice, was brought and taken into Deliberation at the Assembly of your N. M. and that some Members have already opened their Resolution upon the same, without having heard, what may be alleged to the contrary against the said considerations and advice, and for the assertion and maintenance of the said Prince his Right.  
Their Highss do find themselves necessitated, so much as the shortness of time and the unlooked for, unexpected precipitancy permitteth, summarily to say 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 being 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 be devolved again into the Bosom of the Earldom.  
And that the said Earldom might now henceforward, either make the said Election themselves, or confer the same upon the City's aforesaid.  
And by further privilege enable them, for the choosing of persons to supply the vacant places, in the Common Councils, absolutely and definitively by themselves.  
Whereby seeing, that his Highss should come to be deprived of his Rights lawfully belonging to him and the Princes of Orange his forefathers, as Marquises; We shall show, for the assertion of his Highness Right, and confutation of the foresaid Councils Considerations and Advice, all along as the said Commissioned Council hath chalked out the way, 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 authority 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 endeavoured to be proved by the foresaid Considerations, from the beginning, all along to the 50. Article.  
From the contracts, agreements and transactions both ancient 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 indemnity, in regard of the assurance made to the Q. of England, in the year 1585.  
And the contracts and negotiations with foreign 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 find requisite for the good and advantage of them and their Inhabitants.  
Hereupon your No. Mi. may be pleased to understand, in his Highness 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 passed by.  
With this proviso and limitation nevertheless, that the 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 43, 44, and 45 Articles be understood and granted no otherwise and further, then that what is touched there, and in other Articles concerning Government, aught to be done with consent of the Bailiff, and in the Name of the Lord Marquis.  
Nevertheless, seeing that the Lord of the Commissioned Council take upon them to deduce and assert from hence a fundamental right for their purpose;  
The Council of his Highness by way of Reply succinctly showeth,  
That nothing of all this can or aught to come 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 Deducing neither, can be so absolutely in all parts yielded unto, to that end whereunto they labour to reduce it.  
And particularly not the inference which is drawn thence in prejudice of the Marquis 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 necessary for the direction of a Civil Society; therefore it should follow, that whatsoëver served to that end, and did not belong to the acts of Sovereignty, or was not expressly named in the Letter of Investiture, was to be left and reserved to the City.  
The Right which appertaineth to the Lord Marquis in the Cities is easy to be found by the Letters of Transport and Investiture, made by the Earls to the Lords; more than those Letters import the Marquis 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 Marquis of his Rights and Prerogatives by lawful title acquired, as indeed could not be avoided, in case the Advice of the Commissioned Council should be followed.  
The City of Veer hath ever been under particular Lords; nay and by such it is believed she was built upon their own ground; and the City of Flushing being in the year 1477 come by Sale and Session to the said Lord of Veer, the same by the Letters thereof was transported to the Lord, with all that belonged 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, only the Sovereignty, resort and homage reserved.  
The Emperor Charles, 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 only as before.  
With which University the Marquis being invested, there is conferred therewithal upon him not only the Rights of personal Dignity, but together with the University all the jurisdictional parts and interests which the Superior Lord had there.  
To which purpose serves likewise, that in the Conditions, whereupon the Prince of Orange bought the City 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 Marquis any particular right in and over the said Cities, in respect whereof only those Cities should, tanquam mixtum statum obtinentes, be owned by and subject to the Marquis, and have remained without his Jurisdiction immediately under the Earl, so as divers Cities in Germany, as Hamburg in respect of the Duke of Holstein, Magdeburg in respect of Saxony, Brunswick and Cullen in respect of their Princes, and divers others, which only in certain respects acknowledge their Lords, and for the rest are immediately subject to▪ the Empire.  
But the City of Veer hath always been subject to their particular Lords, and the City of Flushing was reduced to the same nature and condition by the Earl of Zealand, in his foresaid Letters of Transport and Sale in the year 1477.  
Whereunto serveth ungainsaiably, that the same Letters do expressly contain, a special charge and command from the Earl to the subjects, portiers and Inhabitants of the said City, for to obey and swear unto the Buyer, their Lord, his Heirs and Posterity, as to their just Inheritor and Lord proprietary.  
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 versed and skilled 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 hereditary Allegiance to him, are to be held subjected Cities absolutely.  
The like Oaths of Hereditary Allegiance being 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 serves further, that by the Grant or Charter of the year 1574, given to the said Cities by Prince William, the said Prince takes the said Cities into the Earl's immediate protection and subjection, with promise never to alienate the same, which execution had been needless, if those Cities were not subject to their particular Lord.  
From whence may well be considered, that the Lord Marquis hath not only ex praesumtâ ment, but also by express surrender of the Earl, by virtue of the foresaid Letters of the year 1477, and all succeeding feodary Letters intentionem fundatam to all Rights and Deuce 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 belonged not to the Act of Sovereignty, the same should be 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, beginning 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 sundry Articles; and may be seen too in the old Statute-book of the City of Flushing, that of all ancient 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 City, were made and caused to be promulgated by the Lords of Flushing.  
So that all those Privileges are belonging to the said Cities, not of themselves, ex Jure ullo Universitatis, without the exercise whereof, no University or Civil Society could be instituted.  
Although otherwise also it is conceived, that the Jus illud publicum Universitatis, is screwed up somewhat too high by the Council in their Considerations; for the deriving thence such conclusions, as would exceedingly prejudice the Lord Marquis in his Lordly Prerogatives.  
It is a known business in the Laws, that not only Cities, but Castra, Villa, Vicus, and even Courts or Body's Collegiate, which are comprehended under the name of University, 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 privity or notice given.  
That the Universities may both sue and be sued in Law, and also contract without it. And furthermore, according to the diversity of the Universities, whether they be Counties, Cities, Villages or bodies Collegiate, expedite the affairs and negotiations concerning themselves.  
But from this Right to attribute so great a Right unto those Cities, as by the Considerations seems to be done, we hope that shall not be found to have ground in any Laws.  
What kind of authority and power is belonging to the Magistrates of these Cities, considered in their own nature, as Vassal-Cities, the same would soon be determined by the Laws if there were any question about that between the Lord and the Cities.  
As also it is an easy 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 be, the more is their authority for to keep their Citizens in order.  
But yet that the said Authority is different from the Jurisdiction and the rights deriving thence and belonging only to the Lord.  
And that the privileges depending thereon cannot come or be acquired to those Cities, but by gracious Concessions, Purchase, Grants, and other singular titles passed unto them from the Lord.  
As the same also appears in what concerns the Cities of Flushing and Veer, by the Contracts and privileges alleged by the Commissioned 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 authority of being Magistrates there, exercising the same but ex accidenti.  
Coming herewith to Artic. 51, containing 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 happy Memory to those of Flushing and Veer respectively, in the year 1574.  
In which regard your N. M. are desired to consider in his Highness 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 Zealand.  
And the same Charter is given directly, not to the Marquis, nor in reshect of him, but only for the common good of the foresaid Cities, in their particular interest.  
And thirdly, for to serve them as a permanent pathway and constitution, whereby thenceforward to rule and steer their Government, and that they might be 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 be taken away from the Lord Marquis.  
Those of his Hih ˢ counsel, do willingly grant, That as the Commissioned Council say, in their 60. Article, the forenamed Prince William, granted and settled divers other Privileges and Elections, both in this and other Provinces, wherein he constantly used the Name and Title of Stadtholder, and as exercising the Function of Supreme Authority.  
As the same is likewise manifestly to be seen, in the business mentioned Artic. 68 of the said Considerations, touching the Session, made at the Assembly of the States to those of Flushing, for to supply the vacant place of the Abbot and Prelate of Middleburg.  
About which there having arisen some difference and dispute, in collecting of the Votes at the State's Assembly, in the year 1579. and the Cities of Middleburg, Zirk-zee, Romers-Wale, Goes and Tholen, having addressed themselves afterwards with a long Remonstrance unto the said Prince, his Excellency resolved and declared thereupon, according, as the Act thereof holds forth, of June 14. 1579.  
That, during the Wars, businesses should be carried by plurality of voices, beginning with the Premier Noble, and so going or collecting the voices of all the Cities in Order.  
And the War being ended, the Land's affairs should be 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 Excellency.  
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 else but the Earldom itself, such are the prerogatives and privileges rehearsed in the Articles 64. and 65. of the foresaid Considerations.  
That it cannot neither be 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 Sovereign Government of Zealand, 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, only to them in particular, and to further the same Cities good Government and Prosperity, and to reliev and consider them in regard of the heavy 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 be 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 equalise the said Cities in manner of Government or Policy with the other Cities of the Earldom, there is nothing at all can thence be inferred to the prejudice of the Lord Marquis.  
But rather to the contrary, asserted, that there was no aim nor intention at all, to deprive the Lord of the Election of the Burgomasters.  
Whereunto may serve also, That, as in part is touched by Artic. 75 of the Consideration of the Council, the Government of the City 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 be present and called, in all matters and affairs concerning the Government and common welfare of the City, 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 City of Flushing, a good many years after the grant of the foresaid great Charter; they the Governors, promising there, that there shall be no Assembly or consultation about the City's affairs, but the Baylif shall have a timely call thereunto.  
And that no Resolution or Decree shall be passed or executed, against which the Baylif shall have protested either in behalf of his Lord's 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 City's Revenues or Charges. with a true information, what new Imposts there are made without Licence, that they may be either confirmed by his Grace, or otherwise disposed of, as the same should be held requisite for the eas and relief of his Subjects.  
As also every year, give timely advertisement of the day of rendering the accounts of the City, and to transmit Copies thereof, to the end, that some body of his Council, instructed and impower'd as is requisite, may come 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 always notice must be given by Letters, for his Princely grace, as those of his Council to audit the City's 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 be set up and instituted a formal Court of Common Council, for direction of the Government;  
The Council of his Highness cannot find 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 heavy burdens of War, which must be supplied by the Commons, to make them the better relished, and born with the less repining, when as they should see, that the necessity thereof was deliberated and resolved upon, by the prime persons, of their own choosing, joined with the Magistrate.  
The Prince had found good, that besides the Baylif, Burgomasters and Schepens, there might be chosen by the City, some 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 authority 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 City, or the chief Government of the Province.  
As also in the same Cities, the Schepens, besides their employment in the administration of Justice, do perform all the functions else 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 City of Flushing, that the Schepens are the Principal Members of the City Council; The words run thus,  
This I (Senator) do swear, always to do the common advantage of the C●tie with those of the Law; Item, at all times, when I shall be 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 be given me 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 Zealand, matters of Government belong not to the Counsellors, but all Authority and direction thereof to the Common Council and Senators, with seclusion of the Schepens.  
To that the Council of his Highness reply, That such as have any knowledge of the Government of the Cities of Zealand; and those of Holland, they may easily apprehend and understand, that this may only be said of the Government of the Cities in Holland.  
And is no ways agreeing with the Government of the Cities in Zealand; being that there is no City in Zealand, where the Counsellors are excluded, from the managing, authority 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 Wet 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 City of Goes, there are indeed no Counsellors or Common Council at all, nor in the City of Tolen neither; the whole Government consisting there both for Policy 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 serve to their purpose and intentions.  
But on the contrary, those very Articles include a Justification of the Lord Marquis 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 day to the Lords of Flushing and Veer.  
As likewise the same Lords electing of Burgomasters and Schepens can be showed 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 equality with the cities of the Earldom, by the said Privilege, depriving the Lords of Flushing and Veer of the free Election, which to that time he had made ex arbitrio, without Nomination, and prescribing an Order, according to which the Election to be made, out of the precedent Nomination, now as to this, by that Order, the Election itself should be taken away from the Lord.  
Moreover it turns likewise for the advantage of his Highness, that it being presupposed, even according to the sense of the Commissioned Council themselves, that Prince William his meaning, aim and intention had been to equalise the two Vassal-cities with the cities of the Earldom;  
There is no probability 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 be secluded from the cognisance and deliberations of matters of Government, as is deduced above.  
Nay, on the contrary it appears 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 being 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 be 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 Policy, whereof depend all the important affairs of the State, from the lawful and ancient Magistrate, and against the usual order of Government observed in all the Cities of Zealand, to reduce and confine the same only to the new Senators.  
As for the contents of Artic. 88 of the foresaid Considerations, it shall serve for reply thereunto to say, that a perverted fence is put upon the contents of the Charter there, whenas the said Article averr's, that the Election to be made out of the nominated persons, as well of Burgomasters as Schepers, should be left to his Royal Majesty as Earl of Zealand, being that the quality of the Lord is not expressed therewithal, nor the Designation of his Majesty any where in all the Charter exhibited by that Name.  
Whereas the contrary hereof is unanswerably manifest by sundry Articles of the foresaid Charter; as for Example in that of Flushing.  
Artic. 2. That his Majesty shall appoint a Bailiff for to keep his majesty's and the city's Rights. Artic. 7. that the Burgomasters, Schepers and Senate shall create the Officers requisite for the good of the City, and maintenance of Government; the King's majesty's authority and domains remaining still entire; and so likewise in the 24 and 34 Articles of the Charter of the City of Veer, That the Fishermen shall not be allowed to sell their fish upon the stream, but bring the same for rebate into the foresaid City, and pay there the deuce of the Clark-office belonging to his Majesty.  
All which Articles have relation to the Domainial Rights belonging to his Majesty there, not as Earl of Zealand, but as Lord of those two Cities.  
For further verification whereof doth serve, 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 Majesty did not satisfy the same▪ nevertheless he carried himself as the buyer and Proprietary 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 Majesty in the year aforesaid by the said Decree, do expressly import,  
That the prerogative of representing all the Nobles of Zealand, the second State of the Country aforesaid, from all times belonging to Lord of Veer, the same Right and Prerogative, should likewise remain to the Buyer.  
In pursuance whereof his Majesty 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 Marquis of Veer, used as Premier Noble of our Country and County of Zealand, by reason of his Marquisate of Veer and the City of Flushing, to come and appear in person, or by his Plenipotentiaries into all the Convocations and Assemblies of the General States of this Country, and that the foresaid Cities are devolved of late to Us by purchase, we found good therefore to ordain and commissionate a certain qualified person, in our Name to act in that behalf as Lord of these Cities, so as the exigency and opportunity 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 forenamed late Marquis of Veer was wont to do in his life time, etc.  
By the deduction of which instance there falls to ground the contents of the 89, 90 and 91 Articles of the oft-mentioned Considerations; there being otherwise also no question here about gratifying the Marquis above the advantages and prerogatives mentioned in the Letters of Investiture with any other extraordinary ones.  
But whether the Sovereign Lord may dispossess the Lord Marquis of his Domainial Rights.  
That which the Commissioned Council somewhat 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 only as Stadholders of the Earldom, and that through their deceas now the said Election should be devolved again into the bosom of the Earl.  
The same is manifestly a wrong conclusion, grounded upon untrue premises, since the contrary thereof can be 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 written to their Highnesses for the making of the Election, which Letters can be produced in originali, showing,  
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 be desired to consider the reasons which their Nob. Artic 94 say, could not be conceived or imagined, how there should belong any right or authority to the Lords Marquises in choosing 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 politic affairs should peculiarly be committed to the office of the Burgomasters, which above is proved not to agree with the Government of any City in Zealand, being that the affairs of policy 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 contain no more now then the original first Letter of Session, Erection and Investiture of the years 1477, and 1555 abovementioned; as also there is no more right pretended to by his Highness, then by those Letters is conferred upon him.  
But this only 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 be 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 (being made integrating Members of the Sovereignty) stands 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 authority of the Lord Marquis, in the present or former Government of the foresaid two Cities, and the incompatibility of one and the same person or body Collegiate, being Vassal on the one side, and obliged to make oath and do homage, and on the other side to be an integrant Member of the same Sovereignty, 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 Highness behalf, That from that there can be nothing at all inferred for the impairing or taking away his Highness 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 authority belonging to the persons of elected Magistrates, whether the same derive directly from the Earl as Sovereign 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 Magistracy, do belong to those Persons, co ipso, that they are elected to the Magistracy.  
Burgomasters and Schepens, sitting in Judgement, do administer ex mandato Jurisdictionis de Justitiâ.  
The Baylif, Burgomasters and Counsellors, with the Senate, transact the affairs politic, whether it concern the City, ex Jure publico Universitatis, belonging to them without the Lord; or in other matters politic, by special Title devolved or granted to them from the Lord, or such affairs, as do concern the Province, and the state of the Country, committed unto them by the Sovereign Government, as integrating Members thereof.  
All these respective Functions, Employments and Deliberations being 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 enjoied hitherto by the Princes of Orange of happy memory, over the Cities of Flushing and Veer, in respect of their Magistracy 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 themselves from the Earls of Zealand.  
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 Highness of happy memory, the same Right is no way and in no part devolved or relapsed into the Bosom of the Earldom.  
By reason whereof, all the Provision comes to surceas and fall to ground of itself, 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. Might. 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 Highness, yet,  
Their Highˢˢ, the Guardians of the Prince-Pupil are confident, your N. M. will forbear to dispose or determine aught in that behalf;  
But, it being no affair of State, to remit the whole business to the Court of Justice, thence to receiv its determination and accomplishment.   
This Counter-Remonstrance, being presented at the Assembly of the States of Zealand, Novemb. 9 The Counsellor pensionary of the Country, propounded next day after, whether it would not be fitting and expedient to proceed therein with all due Circumspection and equity, that the Lords of the Council should ripely examine 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 contrary, were much more confirmed thereby, fully to embrace the same, without any further scrupling, and that the Lords of Flushing and Veer, aught to draw up and bring in their respective Reiglements, in conformity thereof; nevertheless, to show how ready they are to proceed therein with leisurable prudence, they found good, that the said Counter-Remonstrance, should be put into the hands of the Lords of the Commissioned Council, who should ripely examine the same, and within a few days 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 be taken in this matter, such as should be found requisite in reason and equity, to which advice Zirick-zee, Goes and Tholen conformed themselves, Flushing and Veer desired a copy of the said Counter-Remonstrance, to bring in their Advice with the soon.  
Wednesday Novemb. 15. report being made by the Counsellor pensionary of the Land, That the respective Members having heard the day 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 day 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 ways move them to change the former advice; but on the contrary, they were rather more encouraged therein by the lecture thereof, and that so much the rather now, since they day 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 being now sufficiently and fully verified, the same was readily fitted for to be determined, and that the pensionary of the Land ought to put it in form without any longer delay.  
The Lords of Flushing, judging this to be a point of great weight and Consideration, and which should not be entered into, without due search and ripe deliberation, so as neither on the one nor the other side, any might be prejudiced; they desired, that what the day before was declared by word of mouth, might be brought to paper and copies given thereof unto the Members, that so the Common Councils might be 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 themselves, relating therewithal, that the Counsellor Beaumond, having presented himself to their Assembly in the behalf of the Princess of Orange, had desired them to direct their advice accordingly; as also the pensionary of the land declared, that the said Beaumond had in the same Name desired, that a Copy of the foresaid Verbal Advice, might be brought to the hands of the Ladies aforesaid, before any further proceeding in and concluding of so weighty a point; which advices being heard and the respective 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 being fully discussed now, proved and justified, there ought to be used no further delay, and that the pensionary was bound to conclude, though otherwise they could be content, that Copy of the foresaid Verbal Advice should be given to the respective Members, to serve 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 Copy of the Verbal Advice should be yielded, and yet the conclusion not delayed, they insisted again on their former desire, and withal that beside the said copy of the Verbal advice, they might have a view of the Letters of Sale and Investiture, that so much the better and with full knowledge of the cause, they might frame their advice: upon which desires no further conclusions being taken, the pensionary 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 day they might declare themselves in the principal matter.  
Two days after the Lords of Flushing and Veer respectively, were again desired to declare themselves 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 Copy 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 being the second time solicited by the pensionary of the land, to advise, They declared, That the business having its accomplishment of Deliberation, and lying so clear before them, as could not be gainsaid by any reason, The Conclusion ought to be taken without any further delay; upon which the pensionary 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 he propounded, whether the Members might not find good for to proceed in this weighty affair with all complementarie civility and discreet leisurableness, to communicate copy 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 copy of the desired pieces, that in convenient time they might produce what they shall have to say to it: and to the end, that there may no ground be laid of any prejudice, that the Election of the Magistrate, and all other matters in Justice and Policy, might the while remain in statu; whereupon the question being 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 passed 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 Magistracy and Civil Government; the Lords of Flushing and Veer being desired to draw up and bring in their respective Reiglements, for to be past and registered, in conformity of the Resolutions of March 23. and May 1. last passed; the Lords of the Council being authorised, 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 be entered, That they reserved them the Liberty, to bring in touching this matter hereafter what they shall find requisite.  
In Holland, as was intimated before, the Cities had already, immediately after Prince William's departure, assumed to themselves the self-choosing of their Magistrates, by grant of the States of the Province as the Sovereign.  
In Gelderland the City of Nimighen undertook the like of her own accord, on New-year's day the 1 of Januar. 1651. as a matter of old, and rights belonging to them. The City of Tiel obtained it, during the Great Assembly from the States of Gelderland by way 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 Overyssel and Groninghen.  
At Utrecht the Magistrates likewise reassumed it to themselves, as of old and right belonging unto them; in this manner, Thursday May 22, 1651, the common Council assembled and there being 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 Highness the Prince of Orange of high-praised memory, 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 resolve upon the form and manner to be observed for time to come 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 City of Utrecht, was and for ever should remain belonging to the Common Council only; and that it should be decreed as an unalterable Resolution and everlasting Law, that the said Right shall never be yielded up, neither whole or in part, on no condition, and in no manner whatsoever, to any other. saturday May 24 the Common Council being met again in competent number, there was after divers propositions made, and ripe deliberations used, unanimously found good and agreed this following form and course of Nomination and Election of Senators in the Common Council.  
First, That so many papers should be marked with Numbers as there be Members present in the Common Council, and that by the drawing out of the said papers the Court should be divided into four parts according to the Order of the Numbers.  
That the partition being made thus, none of the Members should by either words or signs recommend or intimate any to others, upon pain of losing 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 be even-ballanced amongst those of the first Division, so that by voicing again with close papers, the person cannot be found out yet, they shall proceed to lots, by drawing of two papers: And that the Name of the person thus nominated, shall be set down by the Secretary.  
That then successively and orderly in manner as before, the like proceeding shall be made by the second, third and fourth Division respectively.  
Provided nevertheless, that by the subsequent parties none be nominated that was nominated already by a former, and set down by the Secretary as before.  
That four persons being nominated and set down, as said is, there be chosen one of them, by the joint present Members, with close papers, by plurality 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 be evenly balanced, 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 day of October proceed to the Election of two Burgomasters for the year ensuing, and that by close papers and plurality of voices.  
Provided, that one of the ruling Burgomasters, who at that time shall have been Burgomaster two full years together, may not be nominated or employed for that time.  
Item, that any Burgomaster happening to die, the Common Council shall proceed within three weeks to the choosing of another in his place.  
That in like manner as before, there shall be chosen yearly twelv Counsellors, with that proviso, that such Counsellors as shall have been employed at that time for three years together, may likewise not be nominated nor continued then.  
God Almighty give his blessing to all these good and wholesome actions which I, so far forth as they have appeared and been known to me and all the world, thought good to relate thus, without any the least design of willingly or knowingly offending any.  
If nevertheless some shall dislike it, it will be no great wonder. Actions and Transactions of State relish not alike to all. There are some which in former times have found, and now, or for the future, think to find their interest in a Principality or Monarchy; and therefore Monarchy is that which they prais, not regarding, that a King and Prince hath the Name, whenas two or three Favourites, or Favourites of Favourites, do really reign and rule at their own pleasure.  
There are some here in the Land, even of those that are engaged by oath and wages of the Land, who nevertheless writ Books in the behalf of Monarchy. Such must not take it ill, if something also be done and written in favour of a Common wealth's Government; though without all affectation and passion, aiming at nothing but the naked Truth. If here and there, should occur any aberration or mistake, ascribe it to humane frailty and want of better Information; we have done our utmost, to give and impart nothing but things plain and real. They are not Mysteries and hidden Secrets we pretend to. Most of what we publish, was either by Authority or connivance of the Government made public before. And the intention of the State as themselves profess somewhere, was to show 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 Talon that way; nor was the time ever stined or limited for any such endeavours. To satisfy all men is impossible.  
Tres mihi Convivae prope dissentire videntur.  
(There are scarce three, but disagree.)  
And some there be so overrunning full of wisdom and conceitedness, that they can like nothing, but what they do themselves, and can discern through planks of Oak, things never seen nor done. Howbeit we shall easily grant every one to enjoie his opinion, provided they allow like like liberty▪ to others.    
END.   

THE CHIEF HEADS AND MATTERS CONTAINED IN THIS TREATISE.  

THe Union of Utrecht, made in the year 1579. being, That from which the Confederated Netherlands, were called the United Provinces; premised here, for the better understanding of the late Transactions.  
The Province of Holland seek's to reform and reduce the Army and public charges p. 1. 2.  
The State's General endeavour to dissuade it p. 4.  
The States of Holland, having abated much from their first intents, and obtained nothing, they resolve to proceed of their own authority, and actually cashier 12 Companies of horse, and 31 Companies of foot, p. 8, 9  
The Prince of Orange and Council of State oppose and countermand it p. 9 10.  
The State's General authorise the Prince to repress and quell the proceed of the States of Holland p. 11.  
A Solemn Deputation, decreed to all the Cities of Holland; and the whole managing thereof, as also the naming of the Commissioners, referred to him; who resolves to go along in person, 10, 11, 12.  
Some Ministers bus●e meddling, p. 13.  
The Deputies of Holland, pray, this Cours, as a great Innovation and breach of Privilege, may be forborn: but in vain, p. 14.  
The Prince with the rest of the Commissioners begin their Progress, p. 15.  
Their arrival and Proposition at Dort, 15, 16, etc.  
Observation upon the same p. 25, 26, etc.  
The Answer of Dort, p. 38.  
The Commissioners advancing to Gorkum, Goude, Briel, Rotterdam, Shiedam, Delft, p. 38. 39 to Alckmar, Horn, Enckhuysen, Medenblick, Edam, Amsterdam. (N.) ibid., to Harelem, Leyden, Schonhoven (N.) p. 40.  
The said Commissioners return to the Hague, and report made p. 40. 41, etc.  
The Approbation p. 44.  
(The old and new rate among the Provinces, for entertaining of forces) p. 45.  
The State's General further address to the States of Holland about complying, p. 45.  
The particular Report of the Prince of Orange, together with a smart Charge against the City of Amsterdam, p. 46.  
Holland's Carriage and Resolutions thereupon, p. 48, etc.  
The Prince of Orange and Council of State present a Proposition for accommodation, p. 54, etc.  
The Prince falls sick, and recovereth, p. 58.  
Holland's Advice for Reconciliation, p. 59  
Their large Letter to the 6 other Provinces, in justification of their proceed, p. 60, etc.  
The answer of Amsterdam to the Charge made against them, p. 66. etc.  
The seizing of six Members of the States of Holland, p. 76.  
The Enterprise against Amsterdam; and notable passages about the same, p. 76, etc.  
The Prince of Orange his Letter thereupon to all the Provinces, p. 83.  
A great black Horse, p. 84.  
The Prince in person before Amsterdam, p. 85.  
Amsterdam begins to Treat, p. 88  
The Treaty concluded, p. 89.  
The six Members submit, p. and are released, resigning their charges, p. 93.  
The Prince his Reasons and Motives for seizing the said Members etc. sealed up, p. 94.  
An agreement made about the State of War, p. 96.  
The Disbanding of several Companies, 20 French, 32 English and 3 Scottish, besides the newest horse and some old, p. 100  
The Prince of Orange goeth to Deurens in Gelderland for to recreate himself, p. 100  
Several Letters of thanksgiving procured, and sent to the Prince, by reason of his late exploits, in reducing Holland to conformity: first from Zealand p. 100 then from Friesland, both to the Prince p. 101. and to Count William their Governor) p. 102. from Gelderland p. 103. Overyssel, ib. Utrecht 104, etc.  
Great murmur and discontents in Holland, p. 107.  
A day of public Thanksgiving endeavoured for by the State's General, upon the foresaid account, and hindered by those of Holland, ibid.  
Amsterdam stands upon their guard, 108. many invectives against the Prince, ibid.  
The Prince his design of being declared premier Noble in Gelderland, 108.  
His last sickening, of the small pox; with the whole Narration thereof unto his Death, as it was set down and attested by his Physicians, 109. 10. etc.  
The Ministers warned not to visit him, lest their appearance should fright him into an apprehension of death, 115.  
The Minister Sterremont his Relation, 111.  
Notification given of his death to all the Provinces, Courts, Ambassadors, Governors, etc. 115. 116.  
The Princess Royal never saw the Prince in all his sickness, 117.  
The Spanish Ambassadors visit, 117. His being pressed to sign▪ the Treaty made between the King of Spain and the Prince; and his evasion, ibid.  
The Prince his Death variously taken by Courtiers and Patriots, 118.  
The carriage of some Ministers, 〈◊〉.  
The advice of the States of Holland for a General Convocation of all the Provinces, 118.  
Their averseness from having any Captain General of Stadtholder more, 119.  
The young Prince of Orange born, p. 119.  
(The Lord Cats his comparison of Pillars and a Candlestick) 120.  
Holland's Deputation to all the Provinces, for a General Assembly, and three main points to be treated of, 1 Religion, 2 the Union, 3 the Milirid, p. 121, etc.  
The Provinces answer and readiness, p. 124.  
The old Princess Dowager of Orange her address to the Provinces in behalf of the young Prince her grandchild, p. 125.  
Count William and Maurice, and the Lord of Bredetode their address to the State's General in their own behalf, 126, 127.  
Count William chosen Governor of Groninghen and the Omlands, 127.  
Knuyt excluded from the Assembly, ibid.  
The six outed Members restored to their places and functions, p. 128.  
Holland's provisional Government within themselves. p. 128. 129.  
Differences and jarrings about the Guardianship of the young Prince of Orange, p. 130.  
The Princess Royal her memorandum and address to the States of Holland and West-Friesland, p. 131. etc. and 134. etc.  
The Princess Dowager the grandmother, her address to the States of Holland, p. 137, etc. 140.  
The Prince Elect. of Brandenburg his pretention, p. 142. Ubi Cadaver, ibi congregantur Aquilae, 144.  
The States of Holland resolve, That no Member of the Government, shall be employed in the Administration of this Guardianship, p. 145.  
Lists of all the Companies, horse and foot, in the States pay▪ and their wages, p. 146. etc.  
The Cities of Holland begin to choose their own Magistrates, which formerly was done by the Stadtholder, p. 149.  
They of Zealand arrive the first to the great General Assembly, p. 149.  
(An answer of the Queen of Sweden, being advised to marry,) applied to the doubtfulness what an Infant Stadtholder might proov in time, and the danger of Lieutenants under him, both to to the State and himself, p. 150. etc.  
The arrival of the rest of the Provinces, all but Groninghen and Omlands, p. 151.  
The beginning of the great Assembly General, p. 152  
The Lord Cats his first Speech and Proposition there, in behalf of the States of Holland, p. 152. etc.  
The Considerations of Gelderland, p. 159, etc.  
The Proposition of Zealand, p. 166, etc.  
The Remonstrance of the Synodical Ministers, p. 177. etc.  
Means of hindering the growth of papistry in the Provinces, propounded, p. 182, etc.  
Various Dispositions about matters of Religion and liberty of conscience, p. 187.  
The Advice of Holland about the point of Religion, generally assented to, p. 189.  
The Minister's acknowledgement, p. 191.  
The Considerations and Inclinations of Friesland, touching Religion, the Union and Militia, p. 192.  
The Considerations of Groninghen and the Omlands, p. 197. etc.  
The Inclinations of Utrecht, p. 204. etc.  
The large Justification of Holland's proposition in point of the Militia, p. 215, etc.  
Provincial Considerations of Zealand, about giving of Patents or Commissions, and removing or transplacing of Garrisons, and conferring of Military Offices, p. 242. etc.  
pensionary (or Advocate) of Zealand, De Vett his notable speech against Corruptions, p. 245.  
The old Instruction for the Council of State, of An. 1588. p. 260. etc.  
Considerations of Holland about some Articles of the Union, p. 281, etc.  
The Considerations and Inclinations general of Overyssel, p. 285. etc.  
Holland's Proposition for expediting the affairs to be debated, by distinguishing matters merely Provincial and General, p. 290.  
Two main points propounded, 1 the Direction of the Militia; 2 the giving of Commissions, p. 294.  
The Princess Dowager grandmother, her Application to the great Assembly, for the young Princes succeeding in his Father's charges, p. 294. laid by, p. 297.  
Further Advice of Holland about the Militia, p. 297. of Zealand, 299. of Gelderland, 301. of Friesland, p. 306. Overyssel, p. 307.  
Frieslands Justification of their former Considerations about Stadtholders, etc. p. 309. etc.  
Ambassadors and public Ministers of State, ordered to receiv no gifts, etc. p. 316.  
Groninghen and Omlands are desired to send in their Deputies, p. 317.  
Several matters brought before the Great Assembly, besides the first intent; as that of the West-Indies, of Denmarck, Sweden, Spain and France, p. 317.  
Those of Drent seek to be readmitted at the States of a peculiar Province, p. 317. their Right and Claim deduced at large, though all in vain, p. 319. etc.  
Commissioners appointed for a Conference conciliatory, 3 for each Province, to frame an unanimous advice from the respective considerations presented, p. 329.  
Gelderland's motion of limiting the military Commanders in voicing Cities; about the keys, the word etc. and about the several Oaths to be taken by the soldiery; with the Resolutions thereupon, p. 330.  
The manner of proceeding or voting in the Conference conciliatory, p. 332.  
Holland's Considerations about the Soldiers Oath to the States of the Province and the Magistrates of the Cities, p. 333, etc.  
The forms of the said Oaths p. 337, 338.  
The Nobility, Gentry and Cities of Braband, under the Resort of this State, their Address to have place again as equal Confederates and the first Members of the Union; together with the Deduction of their plea, at large, p. 33●, etc.  
Continuation of the Dfferences and Altercations, betwixt 〈◊〉 Dowagers of Orange, p. 363.  
The young Prince Christened; notable circumstances and passages about it. p. 366, etc.  
His Father's Burial, with the state and pomp thereof p. 369. etc.  
Further strife and debates betwixt the Dowagers about the Guardianship. 373.  
The Prince Elector of Brandenburg his coming to the Hague, divers animosities and contests, as betwixt the said Elector and the Princess Royal. p. 374. So especially betwixt him and the Lords Beverwert and Henuliet. p. 375.  
The Princess Royal her Address thereupon to the States of Holland. p. 376.  
Their Resentment and Resolution. p 377. 378.  
More matter of contention about the Principality of Orange, and the Cabinet. 378.  
With much ado some Agreement is made among the parties by partnership. p. 380.  
The Guardian's further application to the Spanish Ambassador for concluding of the Treaty made betwixt his King and the late Princes, by virtue of the Munster-Articles p. 381.  
The Spaniards Generosity. ibid.  
Disadvantage of contentiousness. ibid.  
The ●●al conclusion and signing of the said Treaty. p. 382. 383.  
Foreign affair transacted in the great Assembly accidentally. p, 384.  
French, English, Danish, Swedish, Portugal Ambassadors. p. 384. 385.  
Contentions betwixt the Spanish Ambassador and French Resident. p. 386.  
Holland's Deputation into Zealand to prevent the choosing of a Stadtholder and Captain General. 386.  
Their Propositions at large. p. 386. 387. etc. the answer and effect. 392  
A Motion at the General Assembly for prohibiting of the Popish Clergie's resort into the Provinces. p. 392.  
A Motion about the Fieldmarshal to have place in the Council of State. p. 392.  
A Form of giving Commissions to Governors and Commanders of places. p. 393.  
Many Governors solemnly sworn. p. 395.  
Report from the Conference Conciciliatorie, and the Advice it produced. p. 396. 397  
Utrecht demands, they may depute as Members to the Council of State as any other Province. p. 397 Overyssel demands the like. 398.  
Orders agreed upon for giving of Patents or Commissions. p. 398. 399. etc.  
Special Instructions for the Deputies at the Generality about the same, p. 405  
The Oath to be made by the soldiery to the Generality. p. 408. 409  
Friesland and Groninghen conform themselves in this behalf with the rest under respective Declarations. p. 410. 411. Overyssel. 412.  
Form of the Oath Military to be made to the particular Provinces under whose Repartition or pay the Companies are. p. 414.  
Form of the Oath they are to make to the States of that Province where they may be placed or garrisoned, not being under the Repartition or pay of that Province. p. 415.  
Form of the Oath to be made by them to the Magistrate of the Cities where they are in Garrison. p. 416.  
The business against Corruptions revived. p. 416. 417  
The Deputies or Commissioners of the Ord. Assem of the Generality, sworn. ib.  
Count William of Nassaw, and all the Military officers, solemnly sworn, in the great Assembly, as also in the Assembly of the States of Holland. 417.  
The Order and Act against Corruptions. 417. 418.  
Form of giving Patents for removing of Companies. 421.  
Lists agreed upon for Garrisons in the frontiers, and for the execution of civil commands within the respective Provinces. 422, etc.  
Matters to be debated yet in the Great Assembly 426.  
The Council of State's advice about Mustering. 427, etc.  
A second Remonstrance from the Ministers of all the Provinces. 429 etc. Defraiments. 433.  
The General Assemblie's Resolution upon the Minister's Remonstrances where among other things, special charge is given to the State's General in Ordinary, to make strict orders against all gross sins; profanation of the Sabbath, Fight of Duels, contentious writings about Religion, and especially Socinian and other scandalous books. p. 435  
The Great Assembly seems at an end. p. 435. 436.  
Projects of certain Medailles or Coins in commemoration of this famous Assembly, come to nothing. 436  
The point of secret correspondencies, Ambassadors, Residents, Agents and Commissioners. 437  
The address of Letters to be made by them and the Governors. ib. & 438  
The manner of opening Letters of Secrecy. 438  
All Resolutions of State, and such like necessary matters to be sent and communicated to the public Ministers, residing or employed in foreign parts. 438. 439  
The New Instruction for the Council of State, consisting of LII Articles. 440 etc.  
the point of Defraiments settled for Commissioners within the Land, travelling in State-affairs. 463.  
A motion, that the Resolutionsof this Assembly might be of equal value and vigour with the Articles of the Union; waved, 464.  
The Councils of State further advice, about the point of Musters, 465.  
The Advice of Friesland about the Amnestia or Act of Oblivion, 476.  
The Lord Cats seek's to be discharged of his Pensionarie-ship, or place of Advocate General for Holland, 477.  
He delivereth up the sealed paper of the late Prince of Orange, containing the Motives and Reasons of seizing the six Members, and besieging of Amsterdam, ibid.  
The same paper is read openly in the Assembly, 478  
The Resolutions of the States of Holland thereupon, 481, etc.  
Several Examinations in that be half, 484.  
The Lord van Sommersdyke his purgation of himself before Commissioners, about his forwarding the enterprise against Amsterdam, 489, etc.  
His submission. 500 501.  
The respective Cities of Holland (whose respective Deputies, the six seized Members were at the Assembly of the States of that Province) their solemn Justifications; as, That of Dort, p. 502, etc. of Haerlem, p. 508. of Delft, p. 511. of Amsterdam, 513. of Horen, p. 515. of Medenblick, 520.  
A Declaration of the States of Holland and West-Friesland, touching the late Prince of Orange, his Charge against the 6 Members and the Governors of Amsterdam, 522.  
A large Information and Deduction of the States of Holland their whole proceeding, about the reducing of their forces and retrenching of their charges; together with a Refutation of the late Prince of Orange his foresaid Reasons and Motives of proceeding as he did, against the said Members, and the City of Amsterdam, 525. etc.  
Friesland presenteth a draught of the Amnestia or General Oblivion, 568.  
Several projects and advices about the deciding and determining of Differences, happening among the Provinces, 568. 570. 571. 573.  
A Draught of the Amnestia, by the Committee for the Conference conciliatory, 574.  
Some Differences about the Lists of Garrisons, 575.  
Further Debate and projects about the voiding of Differences among the Provinces, 576.  
The disposing of Places of Governments, remitted to the Ordinary Assembly general, 578.  
The business of Drent, about Session in the Generality, likewise remitted thither, ibid.  
Holland's Advice about deciding of Differences, 578, 579, 580.  
The point of a new State of War, referred to the Ordinary Assembly, 580.  
Friesland eager, and Holland remiss, about the Amnestia, 580. 581, etc.  
That and the rest of the points undetermined, recommended to the Conference conciliatory, 581.  
Adjournment of the Assembly for a little while, 581.  
Their meeting again, and Report from the Conference conciliatory of the Lists of the Garrisons to remain, 581, 582.  
Contestations betwixt Holland and Friesland about the Amnestia, 582, etc.  
The Lord van Sommerdyck's case, a principal rub in the matter of the Amnestia, 58●.  
Friesland's sharp Remonstrance and Protestation, 584, 585  
An Expedient found out and made use of, 585, 586.  
Further projects about ending of Differences, 587.  
Some Exceptions against the Qualifications of the Instructions for the Council of State, 590.  
The Amnestia or Act of Oblivion solemnly passed and published, 590, 591.  
Conclusion of the great Assembly, 592.  
The Lord pensionary Cats his Speech at the breaking up thereof, 592, 593, etc.  
A Sermon of thanksgiving in the Assembly, 598.  
Several Rooms formerly used by the Stadtholder of Holland, made use of by the States for the enlarging the place of their provincial Assembly, 598.  
The Lord Cats resigning his place of pensionary or Advocate of Holland, 598, 599.  
The Lord Adrian Pauw van Hemstede, chosen and put in his room, 599.  
The Condition upon which he accepted the same, 600, 601.  
Many difficult businesses left to be determined by the Ordinary Assembly, 602. especially about granting leavs to military Officers for some absence, ibid. and about such absents as enter into any other State's service, 603, etc.  
Some further Points and Articles, relating to the Instruction for the Council of State, touching the Generalties Chamber of Accounts, 607, etc. and touching the Receiver General, 610.  
Further Debates about the list of the Garrisons, and for executing the civil commands; Item, about a State of War, etc. 611.  
The Council of State being summoned to take their Oath, they demur upon it, and present their Exceptions, in regard of several of the Articles prescribed them, 611, 612, etc.  
Resolution, That no Ambassador or public Minister shall receiv any gifts, 620.  
Item, about Defrayments of Commissioners employed within the Land, and their accounts, 621.  
Item, That all public Officers beware of transgressing the Act against Corruptions, ibid.  
The Oath all Officers of the Generality are to take, that they have neither given nor promised any thing for their places, 622.  
Endeavours for a like Oath to be taken by the Deputies at the Generality, 622.  
Remaining Differences among the Guardians of the young Prince of Orange, about the Government of Orange, the Magistracy of Breda and elsewhere, 623, 624.  
The great Difference between the Princely Guardians and those of Zealand, about the Cities of Veer and Flushing, much animated by Holland, 624. and the Ministers, 625.  
Great stirr's and tumults thereupon at Middleburgh, 626, etc.  
The Councils of Zealand, ample Deduction of the Difference between the Rights of the Earldom or States of Zealand, as Sovereign, and the Marquisate of the said Cities, which appertained to the Prince of Orange, as vassal, 635, etc.  
The Princely Guardians answer thereunto, 657, and Counter Remonstrance, 660, etc.  
The Result, 681, etc.  
The Cities of the Provinces generally reassume the choosing of their own Magistrates, 685.  
Utrecht in an especial manner, ibid., etc.  
The Autors Conclusion, 687, 688.   
FINIS.