Briefwisseling en aantekeningen. Deel 1

XLIV.
Willem Bentinck aan de gravin van Portland.

[B.M., Eg. 1712]

Den Haag, 9 Maart 1742.

I wish affairs may take a right turn in England. It is not possible to express how important it is at this present juncture that wellmeaning people here be sure of vigor

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and spirit there. All our little filthy rascals here, - - T - K¹⁾ à la tête - - are frightned out of their wits by the change of Ministry in England²⁾ and Fénelon who, when the first news came of the appearance of this change, and that things were in tottering state in England, went and told it about with a triumphant air, sees now how little he knew of the true situation of affairs, and of the bent of the Nation, as well as of the designs of those who were then in opposition.

The inside of the machine here is in such a condition that none but those who see it can have any notion of it. And it is a question whether those that do see it may in honour tell it. If I could satisfy myself upon that point, I should have great pleasure in venting my spleen, and could do it with the less suspicion of partiality, because as to my person I have no reason to complain, nor to be dissatisfy'd; and my only care and concern is to see this country, England and our old allys out of the precarious situation we are all in, depending upon the good pleasure of France, whose maxims and conduct are destructive of all principles of society or even humanity. This form of government is such that in matters of any great importance two or three Rogues can effectually hinder the most salutary designs taking place. And as it is not to be hoped that two or three such will not at all times be found, it is not to be hoped neither that as long as People will be bound to forms, things can mend.

Another great misfortune that even among the better sort - - among our friends - - there is not spirit nor courage enough to withstand opposition and hold it out to the last. T'is true that of late things have come to such a height, that others³⁾ have been forced to give 'em notice

1) Torck van Rozendaal.

2) Februari 1742 was Sir Robert Walpole afgetreden en een kabinet aan het bewind gekomen, waarvan Lord Carteret (die er Secretary of State for the Northern Department in was) de leidende persoonlijkheid was.

3) Lady Portland verstond deze duistere taal zeer wel en teekende achter op de brief aan, dat de inhoud o.a. was ‘how he had opened himself to Ct. W(assenaer), so as to make him persuaded no frendship could engage him to go on to strengthen the power of France and it had a good effect etc.’ - Vgl. de brief van 24 Januari 1742 aan Wassenaer, hiervóór.

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that personal friendship and obligations had their bounds, that they must not expect others would follow nor even go with them without knowing whither, and that if they did not come into fix'd and constant measures, others knew how to make them follow at their turn, and would stand alone without them. This had the effect design'd, and assure you it is the cause of what has happen'd of late¹⁾, and what there is reason to hope will have further consequence, if not to set things right, at least to have hinder'd 'em going into the wrong Channel, which would have been our ruin.

1) Het toegeven van Amsterdam en Dordt in de zaak van de legervermeerdering? Dat was 1 Maart gebeurd.