Briefwisseling en aantekeningen. Deel 1

CCLXXIV.
Willem Bentinck aan de gravin van Portland.

[B.M., Eg. 1714.]

Den Haag, 30 Januari 1748.

......As to Aix, we are not yet certain when we are to go. France has not yet passed a minister, but will, as soon as the passports come from Vienna in the form which is agreed to; and about which there has been some disputes. These passports are daily expected. The convention between the Allys for the ensuing campain was signed last Friday¹⁾. I own that when I took upon me the commission to the conferences at Aix, I had hopes that this convention would have been signed and everything adjusted towards the beginning of December at latest: and never thought that it would have been protracted till the end of January. This convention must now be immediately taken into consideration in Parliament, that the subsidys may be granted, without which all is at a stand. It is a terrible thing to see how the fate of Europe is subjected to the private views, humours or

1) 26 Januari; vgl. P. Geyl, Willem IV en Engeland, blz. 261.

[p. 366]

personal interest of those who have the conduct of affairs. This reflexion does not fall alone on any one side; but on all together, tho' I cannot conceal from you that the wit¹⁾ in England has acted his part in this in a most shamefull manner. If I was seconded here, as I might with reason expect to be, I would work him so roughly, that he would not be able to hold it out long......

1) Chesterfield.