Briefwisseling en aantekeningen. Deel 1

XXVII.
Willem Bentinck aan de gravin van Portland.

[B.M., Eg. 1712]

Den Haag, 28 Dec. 1741.

......news of revolution in Russia¹⁾. It is a great misfortune for Europa, whose liberty is much endanger'd by the instability of that mighty power, which makes every

1) 6 Dec. 1741 had Elisabeth, de dochter van Peter de Groote, zich van de kroon meester gemaakt en de Duitsche regente Anna ten val gebracht. De meening die in Europa algemeen was en waarvan ook Bentinck uiting geeft, dat de Fransche gezant La Chétardie de hand in 't spel had, was niet ongegrond. Toch bleek het voordeel voor de Fransche politiek minder groot dan men verwacht had.

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concert with her as precarious as the crown seems to be... The Prince of Hesse-Homburg has had the conduct and execution of this Revolution... But I don't doubt but the French Minister at Petersburg has had the superdirection of the whole affair by his counsel and money... If the King of Prussia sticks to his engagements with France, as he hitherto does, - - for all his negociations with Vienna are not to be reckon'd upon - - this revolution will put him more at liberty. The news spread of his having threatned here are not true, but his past conduct with the Queen of Bohemia makes every prudent person afraid of his protestations of friendship...

......God knows what is to become of us all. Our greatest misfortune is not the danger we are in from abroad, but our bad constitution of government, which makes every measure and concert with us almost impossible and contradictory, but above all the want of spirit, resolution, unanimity, and generous principles - - the effect of the long peace - -. I hope that out of all the confusion and distress we are in, at least one good will happen, that it will bring People to reflexion, and make 'em wiser, of which the natural consequence is being better, and if so, our case, far from being desperate, may become as favourable as that of any power in Europe, not excepting even France, who has done such great efforts to arrive at the pitch she is at, that she cannot hold it out long. There is at present a new augmentation of 20,000 men upon the carpet, in which the Provinces of Gelderland and Overyssel have consented, and I hope that of Holland will next follow that example. I can assure you it was no disappointment that made me what you call censorious, and if I could let you into the detail of things I daily see, you would find me very moderate in my expressions, and tremble at the consequences of the Principles by which People act, who have the reputation of honour, virtue, and understanding, and whose behaviour - - I mean acts, not thoughts, nor words - - entitle them to nothing less, and if others did not set them right, it would appear much more in Publick. I don't know what will become of young Twickel. He has quick parts, and if well led would give great hopes; but fear that too much time already is lost......