Briefwisseling en aantekeningen. Deel 1

1740.

XI.
Willem Bentinck aan de gravin van Portland.

[B.M., Eg. 1712]

Sorgvliet, 29 Juli 1740.

......Besides, as Jack who is almost the only one who understands my language, tells me that of late I am changed as to my humour and character, which another can better judge of than myself, it makes me more cautious. One thing I am sure of is, that out of my own family I have not met those sentiments I have found in it; which makes me regret the more being settled here. This last affair of Brother Charles¹⁾ has given me an unexpressible uneasiness and concern. Supposing even it had succeeded, it had been owing to Mons^r Corver²⁾, Burgemaster of Amsterdam, who has acted as handsome and kind a part to us in this as can be, and as a friend of ours. Count Wassenaer, with all his merit and capacity, is utterly incapable of being of any use to his friends.

1) Het ging om een ritmeestersplaats bij het regiment gardes te paard, waartoe 22 Juli 1740 A.J. van der Duyn van Maasdam benoemd was (Resol. Holland). Later in hetzelfde jaar viel weer een compagnie bij dat regiment open en 18 Nov. verkreeg C.B. die.

2) Gerrit Corver (1690-1756), vele malen burgemeester van Amsterdam tusschen 1731 en '48, in welk jaar geremoveerd.

[p. 12]

If I did not out of principles of honour and gratefulness keep him up, it depends upon me to expose him and turn him topsy turvy in the Nobles in the States of Holland, and States General, being loved nowhere for his crossness and inactivity when there is occasion to oblige anybody and readiness to set himself in people's way. I shall not enlarge upon this now.

'Tis true that the votes being even, one was forced to draw lots, and that Jack lost it so. I wish he had not declared he would quitt, and if he had not, I should be of opinion he had better remain. He has been prevailed upon not to ask his dismission yet, till one shall see if he cannot be placed in another Regiment; that will soon be determined. I don't know any particulars of Mr. Halewyn stirring much against him, but do not doubt but he has......