Briefwisseling en aantekeningen. Deel 1

CVI.
Willem Bentinck aan de gravin van Portland.

[B.M., Eg. 1713]

Den Haag, 9 Maart 1745.

Mr. Trevor arrived here last night²⁾. I have not seen him yet. But I hope I shall soon have the pleasure of hearing by him directly from you. I was very glad to hear the Resolution taken by the King with relation to the Duke³⁾. It is quite right and handsome, and will certainly meet with a general approbation. For my part, I own I have all along thought it a shame for the British Nation that none of the Royal family was in the field. And I am persuaded that the Duke's example will raise a spirit among the English Nobility which will be much better for the Nation than frequent journeys to France .. The Prince and Princess⁴⁾ are still detained here by the ice in the Zuiderzee. The Princess regrets much not having found Charles here, who is mightily in favour with her, as well as with the Prince. This journey and accidental stay will procure them many friends; for they

2) Trevor had in verband met de onderhandelingen van Chesterfield een keer naar Engeland gedaan. Zie P. Geyl, a.w., blz. 140 vlg.

3) Om de hertog van Cumberland, zijn jongere zoon, voor te stellen voor het opperbevel van het verbonden leger in de Zuidelijke Nederlanden.

4) Van Oranje.

[p. 122]

behave both as well, and with as much judgment and prudence, as can be wished, are civil and obliging to every body without distinction¹⁾, keep a very good table, and keep at supper all the ladys and gentlemen who go and play there in an evening......

1) Bentinck en andere aanhangers hadden het een jaar tevoren noodig geoordeeld Willem IV zeer ernstig te vermanen, dat Anna's vasthouden aan de eischen van een strikte koninklijke étiquette zijn populariteit scha deed: zie P. Geyl, a.w., blz. 317.