Briefwisseling en aantekeningen. Deel 1

XLV.
Willem Bentinck aan de gravin van Portland.

[B.M., Eg. 1712]

Den Haag, 13 Maart 1742.

......I cannot tell you yet what Br. Charles may gain by this projected augmentation ... The 3rd augmentation is not yet concluded, the consent of Zeeland and Groningen being still wanting. I hope it will be brought to a conclusion next week. You have no notion of all the little dirty base intrigues and machinations employ'd against this augmentation whilst it was in deliberation in the Province of Holland nor of what is actually a doing to hinder the conclusion in the Assembly of the States General; and to which contribute some people nearly related, whom one manages outwardly because of their relations, but at the same time one is forced to be in guard, and work under ground against them as they do against mankind. As affairs grow more difficult and times more critical, People of capacity and honesty must at last prevail and force their way. Which is the only agreable prospect these times can give. For the rest, turn which way you please, not one agreable object, nor

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ground for any hope presents itself anywhere in Europe, but from the courage, spirit, and honour of some who are not yet known, and will certainly join with those who are, as soon as occasion offers itself.

Pr. William of Hesse has signed a treaty with the new Emperor by which he is to furnish him 4000 men. This is only for his protection in unjust pretentions and unlawful possessions. Into the bargain a mistress of his, who was his father's mistress till his death, is made a Countess. I am almost ashamed to write this. What all this will end in, God knows; but one th...(beschadigd)...re is, that all these politicks, which are n(ow) in fashion, and are absolute negations of all principles of honour and virtue, can never come to a good end at last. I long to see what will at last happen to the King of Pol(an)d for his double dealing, the King of Pr(ussia) for his treachery and perfidiousness, and above all to the new Emperor, who by the by has hired a lodging at Francfort, not having a house left in his possession to shelter from rain and wind, and has endebted himself to France for the succours she has given him, for above 60 millions of livres, besides other engagements which it will never be in his power to fulfil, and which will make him for ever depending of France, as my dog that lyes by me is of me for a bone or a piece of bread.

P.S. I have just received your letter by the Messenger¹⁾. T'is that I am ill with Hop²⁾, I suppose. And I don't wonder at it, if his correspondents at Amsterdam have writ him all that has pass'd of late. But I would not have that hinder you sleeping. I wish I could give you a true picture of the Magistracy of Amsterdam, their personal characters, way of thinking, maxims, conduct, politicks etc. The most exact and naked truth would pass for a caricature.

1) Tusschen 4 Sept. 1741 en 30 April 1742 zijn geen brieven van de gravin bewaard gebleven.

2) Hendrik Hop, gezant van de Staten bij het Engelsche hof van 1723 tot zijn dood in 1761; hij was een lid van de bekende Amsterdamsche regentenfamilie. Vgl. Elias, Vroedschap van Amsterdam, II, blz. 741.