Briefwisseling en aantekeningen. Deel 1
(1934)–Willem Bentinck–
Auteursrecht onbekendDen Haag, 19 Maart 1743.......As to publick affairs, I know nothing new, having been absent since Thursday. But the Provinces of Zeeland and Frieseland have join'd with HollandGa naar voetnoot1) and tho' Overyssel have putt off the conclusion till the 2nd of April, I hope they will join too, so that we shall then have a majority in the States General, which will give a very good turn to affairs in Europe, and strengthen the good party considerably. Tho' properly speaking I had nothing to do at Amsterdam, yet I had a great deal to do, because there are several things upon which I wanted informations, which I could not get here, and were to be had nowhere but there. And I assure you I don't repent my journey. I never go to Amsterdam without admiring that town as a curiosity in almost every respect. But above all I admire its government. And as I have the honour of being particularly acquainted with every one of the Burgemasters who come by turns to the assembly, and that I see how right and justly the citizens and merchants judge of their magistrates, it is surprising how that town is governed so peacebly by them, and it would be quite incomprehensible, if everybody was not busy from morning till night. I assure you that, except Mr. Corver - - to whom everybody does justice - -, all the rest are hated and despised beyond all expression, and that the chief members of the government of Holland and the other Provinces are very well known there too...... |
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