Briefwisseling en aantekeningen. Deel 1

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CLXXXV.
Willem Bentinck aan de gravin van Portland.

[B.M., Eg. 1713]

Den Haag, 28 October 1746.

I must begin by assuring you that I did not disguise things to you about the situation of the armys, nor about the appearances of a battle. I did not foresee it, neither could any body think that there would be such an opportunity offer'd to the French by the Prince of Waldeck. I assure you that if I had foreseen it, I would have rather prepared you for an accident, which may naturally happen, and which everybody that carrys arms is exposed to, than flatter you with vain hopes. The surprise was general when the news came: and now everybody had foreseen it. I believe it will be the same with you. I must wait to tell my opinion of this affair till I have seen people who have been in the engagement and are able and honest enough to judge and speak truth. I have seen a letter of General Somerfeld¹⁾ to Mr. Laurenzy²⁾ very much in the honour of Charles, but I do not know the particulars of the action yet, - - because I don't hitherto believe a word of all I have seen upon it - -, and that General Somerfeld attributes to Charles and to Colonel Spork who is Charles's great camerade, what I cannot yet understand that it has been in Charles's power or in his way to execute. I shall not mention it, till I have more light into it, which I daily expect, by the same channel; and shall then let you know it.

I shall be obliged to you if you will shew some civility to Madame Boetselaer, and Sis. Kent too; but I must warn you beforehand that I am sure she will be impertinent for she never was otherwise... Lord Sandwich arrived here this morning and has taken up much of my time this afternoon...

I forgot to tell you that there has been a great deal

1) De bevelhebber van het Hannoversche corps.

2) De resident van George II als keurvorst.

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of opposition from the French party against admitting the troupes of the Allys, English, Austrians etc. into our towns. When Mr. Roosendaal was spoke to about desiring Marshall Batthyany to pass the winter in these Quarters, he said that he had rather give him a kick on the Br. -! This is an instance of his politeness and judgment.