Diary of the times of Charles II/Volume 1/Mr. Sidney to the Earl of Halifax, August 5-15
MR. SIDNEY TO THE EARL OF HALIFAX.
The Hague, August 515.
If I could tell you all the particulars of my negotiation, I am sure you would be very well satisfied; for you could not expect any thing better, (I do not mean on my part,) and that you win know with the first good opportunity. I made some proposals by the last post to my Lord Sunderland, from the Prince and Monsieur Van
Beuninghen, which I hope you will approve of; it is thought here the only means of saying Europe; and those great men of Amsterdam that were thought of the French faction are well pleased with it; and say openly, that rather than be in danger of being used as they have been, they would chuse to submit themselves quietly to France; but if there be any appearance of their being able to make their defence, which they believe they may do with the assistance of England and Spain, they will use their uttermost endeavours to preserve their liberty. The Prince having brought the States to this resolution, it is thought he has more credit than ever he had, and by every body that I speak to, I find he hath: I am sure he deserves it, for he has abundance of good qualities; it will be a fortnight or three weeks before he comes hither, and till then he will spend most of his time a-hunting, and thinks little of business, but ever of his friends. Monsieur Van Beuninghen calls you one of his, and desires me to make you a compliment from him. All I can say for myself is but what you know already, that no man loves you better, and is more your servant than
H. Sidney
.