The Memoirs of Charles-Lewis, Baron de Pollnitz Volume II Part 18

_SIR_, _Helvoetsluys, Feb. 2, 1733._

Being detained in this Port by Winds that have for these six Days obstinately opposed my Pa.s.sage to _England_, without any Prospect of their changing, I am at full Leisure to inform you of such Things as I have seen since the last Letter that I had the Honour to write to you from _Amsterdam_.

I was carried from that City in the Boat in less than three Hours to HARLEM, the second of those Towns that have a Right to send Deputies to the a.s.sembly of the States of the Province. It was for a long Time the Rival of _Amsterdam_, and actually at War with it, but could not hinder its Aggrandis.e.m.e.nt. While those Provinces fought for their Liberty, _Harlem_ was besieged, taken and plunder'd by the _Spaniards_, against whom the very Women bore Arms. In 1559, Pope _Paul_ IV. erected this Town into a Bishop.r.i.c.k, but it never had more than two Bishops. The Splendor of it is owing to its Manufactures, which consist of Silk-Stuffs, Cambrics, strip'd Dimities, and Thread Stockings. Its Whitsters also bring a great Revenue to this Town. The Florists cannot fail of being agreeably amused here, by reason of Flowers of such Beauty, that I have been a.s.sured a Tulip-Root has been sold there for fourteen hundred Florins. But the greatest Honour of _Harlem_ is to have given Birth to _Laurence Coster_, the Inventor of Printing. I am not ignorant that _Mentz_ disputes with _Harlem_ for the Honour of that Invention, but this being a Controversy which 'tis none of my Province to determine, I sincerely believe, when I am at _Harlem_, that _Coster_ is the Inventor of this wonderful Art, provided I may be at Liberty to believe the contrary when I am at _Mentz_, and to be uncertain of the Matter everywhere else. _Coster_'s House is to be seen here with the following Inscription placed Over the Gate, which denotes, that _Printing_, the BEST ART for perpetuating the other Arts, was first invented here about _Anno_ 1440.

MEMORIae SACRUM.

TYPOGRAPHIA, ARS ARTIUM OPTIMA, CONSERVATRIX, HIC PRIMUM INVENTA CIRCA ANNUM MCCCCXL.

In order to reconcile the two Towns, I believe it might be granted, that _Coster_ invented the Art of Cutting in Wood, which was formerly made use of, and that _John Faustus_ of _Mentz_ invented the Characters of Metal, that are used now. By this Means the two Parties will have equal Share in the Glory of the Invention, which after all is disputed with them by the _Chinese_, who prove that the Art of Printing was known to them two thousand Years ago.

As I walked about in _Harlem_, my Guide bid me look at certain Cambrick c.o.c.kades trimm'd with Lace, which were tied to some of the Doors. He told me, that this was to shew that the Woman of the House was in Childbed; which procures the Husband a Protection, so that he cannot be arrested during six Weeks that his Wife is supposed to lye-in. What was the Occasion of the Grant of this Privilege, I could not learn, nor by what Prince it was granted.

The Walks of _Harlem_, especially that in the Wood, which is at the Gates or the Town, would be charming, if they were not so sandy. On the other Hand, the Ca.n.a.l which leads from this Town to _Leyden_, is one of the most disagreeable in the Province, there being scarce any Thing upon its Banks but Meadows and Downs.

LEYDEN is one of the largest and finest Cities in the Country. It has been subject, as all sublunary Things are, to great Revolutions and Misfortunes. The _Spaniards_ besieged it in 1573, and as they despaired of taking it by Force, they intended to reduce it by Famine. The Inhabitants were drove to the utmost Misery, till they pierced the d.y.k.es of the _Maese_, and the _Issel_, by which Means all the great Meadows about _Leyden_ became a perfect Sea of Water, and the _Spaniards_, in Danger of peris.h.i.+ng, raised the Siege: And the 3d of _October_ is annually observed with Rejoicings in Memory of the Deliverance of the Town upon that Day of the Month.

The great Church, dedicated to St. _Peter_, is one of the finest Structures in _Holland_. The Roof is supported by three Rows of tall Pillars. All the other Buildings are neat, the Streets broad and airy, and a great many have Ca.n.a.ls. 'Tis pity but this Town had a greater Number of Inhabitants, who had Estates to live upon; for it swarms with the meaner Sort of People, all Carders of Wool, or Makers of Cloth, who are not very well to pa.s.s, the Manufactures being very much decay'd, since the Importation of Cloth from _Holland_ has been prohibited by some of its neighbouring States.

The University seems to be in a more thriving Way. There are actually three great Men for Professors, _Vitriarius_ for the Civil Law, _Boerhaave_ for Physic, and _s'Gravesande_ for the Mathematics. The first is a Gentleman of so much Learning, and has so happy a Way of expressing himself, that he draws all the young n.o.bility of _Bohemia_ and _Austria_ to _Leyden_. Of all the Protestant Universities, those of _England_ excepted, I know of none where the Students are more regular and retir'd than they are at _Leyden_: Nor is there any Place more proper for Students, who are at the Fountain of Literature, and may live here how they please, without being obliged to Profusion: For the Students here don't value themselves upon the Richness of their Cloaths, as they do in _Germany_; and many of them seldom put off their Morning Gowns, which is also the favourite Dress of the Burghers; so that the first time I came thro' this City, I really thought there had been some epidemical Disease in it: For all the People appearing in the Streets in an Undress, look like so many Patients. The famous Chamber of Anatomy has been so much describ'd, that I forbear to speak of it. The Catholics have Churches here, up one Pair of Stairs, as they have in all the Towns of the Seven Provinces. Some of these are very rich, and of good Families.

The Pa.s.sage from _Leyden_ to the _Hague_, whether by Land, or by the Ca.n.a.l, is equally pleasant, on account of the beautiful Country-Seats, and fine Gardens, that are to be seen, which way soever you look; so that these three Leagues seem as nothing at all.

The HAGUE, which is called a Village, because 'tis not inclosed, and sends no Deputies to the a.s.sembly of the States of the Province, is nevertheless a better Place than many great Cities which have that Privilege, and is certainly one of the finest in _Europe_. The States General, as well as those of this Province, a.s.semble here, and 'tis the Place of Residence for the foreign Ministers. Heretofore the Counts of _Holland_ lived here.

Since the Establishment of the Republic, the Stadtholders have kept their Court here; and the _Hague_, as much a Village as it is, may be reckoned for the Capital of the whole United Provinces. The Inhabitants are more genteel, more sociable, and in every respect more conversable than in the other Parts of _Holland_. The n.o.bility here are esteemed, and Merit does not go for nothing. The Ladies have a good Air, and dress well, and have something more engaging than mere Beauty.

The Houses are more s.p.a.cious and better built, tho' perhaps not so magnificent as those at _Amsterdam_; and here are some Palaces with Gardens.

The Palace which they call _the Court_, was anciently the Residence of its Sovereigns, and afterwards of the Stadtholders. This is a great Fabric, consisting of several Structures, which form a very irregular Tower. There meet the States General, the Council of State, the States of _Holland_, the Council of n.o.bles, and that of the _Gecommitteer de Raden_, or Deputy Counsellors of the Province. Their High Mightinesses hold their Conferences in two large magnificent Rooms, one of which is called the _Chamber of the Truce_, because the Truce for twelve Years was there concluded with _Spain_. 'Tis in this Chamber that the States give Audience to the Foreign Ministers. There is also another great Room in the Palace, in which are hung up all the Colours and Standards taken from the Enemies of the Republic. Adjoining to the Court, is the Palace or Hotel for lodging the Amba.s.sadors during the three Days that the State defrays their Expence. It was built by Prince _Maurice_ of _Na.s.sau_, after he returned from his Government at _Brasil_, and he adorned it with all the Rarities that are the Production of the _Indies_. But all these Things, as well as the Palace, were consumed by the Flames in 1707, on the very Day that the Duke of _Marlborough_ set out for the Army. Nevertheless, as only the Timber Work was burnt, some private Persons who had a Mortgage upon this House, afterwards caused it to be rebuilt as it now stands, which tho'

'tis not very large, yet makes a good Appearance.

The Palace of the _Old Court_ belonging to the King of _Prussia_, because it fell to _Frederic_ I. by Inheritance from King _William_ III. is a large Pile of Building, at the Bottom of a Court, formed by two advanced Wings, which are supported by high Arches, and joined together by an Iron Bal.u.s.trade, which separates the Court from the Street. The Apartments are large and commodious, and there's a very fine Hall, adorned with Paintings by good Hands. To this Palace there is a large Garden, which was very much embellished by the late King of _Prussia_, who gave Leave for all People of Fas.h.i.+on to see it; but 'tis now neglected. The King's Minister, and the[104] Count _de Hompesch_, General of the States Cavalry, have Lodgings there. I could name several other Houses of Consequence to you, which I pa.s.s over in Silence, for fear of swelling my Letter with Things that are needless.

The Situation of the _Hague_ is very different from that of the other Towns of this Province, and in its Neighbourhood there's every Thing that forms a fine Landskip. Every Inlet into the Place is by fine Avenues paved With Bricks. There is not a better Road than that which leads to _Scheveling_, a Village on the Sea Sh.o.r.e, a League from the _Hague_. 'Tis a strait Walk cut out of the Downs, and inclosed by double Rows of Trees interspersed with Pyramids of Yews. The _Delft_ Road, and that which leads to _Loosduinen_, one or two Leagues from the _Hague_, are also very beautiful. In short, go which Way one will, we always find charming Walks, and even within the Town there are some that are very agreeable. That called the _Voorbout_ is the most frequented, it being the Ring for the Coaches. There's a great Walk in the Middle, well gravelled and railed in, where in all the Summer Evenings there's very fine Company. 'Twas _Charles_ V. that embellished the _Hague_ with this Walk. It has occasioned several Disputes between Amba.s.sadors about Precedence; but the most remarkable that ever happened was that between M. _de Thou_, the _French_ Amba.s.sador, and M. _de Gamarre_, the Amba.s.sador of _Spain_. These two Ministers were taking the Air, each in his Coach and Six, when they met full b.u.t.t, and neither would give Way, so that their Domestics were just going to Boxing; when some Gentlemen of the a.s.sembly of the States, who saw what gave Occasion to the Dispute, offered the Amba.s.sadors their Mediation, and proposed to both of 'em to return back at that very Instant by the same Way they came. M. _de Gamarre_ was very ready to comply with any Proposal; but M. _de Thou_ refused every one, and would by no means admit of an Equality betwixt himself and the Amba.s.sador of _Spain_. The Gentlemen of the a.s.sembly of the States being by this Time reinforced by several others, all equally desirous to pacify the Disputants, M. _de Beverwert_, the first of the n.o.bles of the Province of _Holland_, after having spent no less than four Hours in Debates and Conferences to no purpose, seeing M. _de Thou_ obstinately bent in demanding a free Pa.s.sage, proposed at last to M. _de Gamarre_, to drive off across the Ring; and for doing this with the better Grace, he offered that there should be two Openings made in the Ring; by which Means, said he, his Excellency would have the Rail opened to him, and the Honour of the Right-hand. The _Spanish_ Amba.s.sador accepted of the Proposal, and thereby ended the Dispute; which, had it not been for the Wisdom and Care of the States, might have been attended with fatal Consequences. Both Parties pleased themselves with the Fancy, that they had gained _the vain Honours of Precedency_; a trifling Advantage indeed, tho' in short, if there were any Advantage to boast of, it was with the Amba.s.sador of _France_, because he obtained the Liberty of his Pa.s.sage, which was all he demanded; and he finished his Carrier, while the _Spaniard_ returned home, perhaps because they had disputed so long till Night overtook them.

The _French_, who were always very jealous of Precedency, have had the most Disputes about this Matter. The Count _d'Estrades_, the Emba.s.sador of _Lewis_ XIV. had one in this same _Voorbout_, with the Prince of _Orange_, afterwards King of _Great Britain_. Their Coaches happened to meet, and each of 'em aiming at the Post of Honour, they stopped over-against one another. The Amba.s.sador's Servants ran from his Lodgings, and were joined by all his Friends; but he forbad them to proceed to Violence, for fear of the Misfortune which would infallibly have happened, and would have been very great, by reason of the Concourse of People that flock'd together for the Prince. The Pensionary, being informed of it, hastened to the Spot, to prevent any Disorder; and the Amba.s.sador, seeing him coming, said to him, _I know not what the Prince's People mean; I was ignorant till now, that the High and Mighty States had a Sovereign_ (implying that the Amba.s.sadors only give Way to Sovereigns). He sent at the same Time to the Princess Dowager of _Orange_, to know whether the Prince's Governor was not more to blame for this Misconduct, than the Prince himself? She answered, That 'twas the King of _England_'s Business to concern himself in the Affair; for she imagin'd, that his _Britannic_ Majesty was bound in Interest to support the Dignity of his Nephew's Rank. Nevertheless, she follow'd the Advice of the Pensionary, and went into the Walk that was between the Rails. The Prince her Son alighted to shew his Respect for her, and made his Coach turn about, so that the Amba.s.sador's pa.s.sed into the Rank which he claimed to be due to him. This Minister pretended, that the Prince's Ancestors never had Precedence of the Amba.s.sadors; that on the contrary, they went a League from the _Hague_ to receive them, on the Part of the States; insomuch that _Frederic-Henry_ the Prince's Grandfather, tho' upon Pretence of the Gout he excused himself from the Ceremony, yet he did not take the first Place. _Charles_ II. might perhaps murmur at it; but being sold to _France_, he did not stand up for his Nephew's interests.

Since I am upon the Article of Amba.s.sadors, I will now give an Account of such Foreign Ministers as reside at the _Hague_.

M. _de Fenelon_, Brigadier of the _French_ King's Armies, is his most Christian Majesty's Amba.s.sador to the States General. This Minister is Nephew to the Great _Fenelon_, Archbishop of _Cambray_. He is esteemed for his Modesty, his Candour, and for the Order he keeps in his Family. His Expence is not very considerable, and appears much less than it is to the Inhabitants of the _Hague_, who have not forgot what was spent among them by my Lord _Chesterfield_, Amba.s.sador from _Great Britain_, one of the most sumptuous n.o.blemen in _England_, who was perfectly adored by the common People, and whose Absence is regretted by all Persons of Distinction.

The Count _de Sinzendorff_, the Emperor's Plenipotentiary, has a great Estate in the Hereditary Dominions. He is Son-in-Law to the Great _Sinzendorff_, Chancellor of the Imperial Court, which is the Reason that he began very young to display his Talents for Business. He has been so successful as to re-establish the good Harmony between the Republic and the Emperor, which was violated by the Establishment of the _Ostend_ Company, and to get the _Pragmatic Sanction_ guaranteed by their[105] High Mightinesses.

The Count _de Golofskin_ is Plenipotentiary Minister of _Russia_, which Employment he fills with the general Approbation of all that know him. He is as civil and courteous as the Climate in which he was born is sharp. He pa.s.sed his Youth at _Berlin_, and performed his Exercises at the Academy founded by the late King _Frederic_ I. He was afterwards several Years Envoy Extraordinary from the late Czar _Peter the Great_, and from the late Empress _Catharine_ to the Court of _Prussia_; from which Court the present Empress _Anne_ sent him in Quality of her Amba.s.sador to that of _France_: And now he has the Management of his Sovereign's Affairs with the States General. He is esteemed for his Sagacity and good Nature. While he resided at _Berlin_, he there married the Daughter of the late Count _Fera.s.sier de Dhona_, who unhappily lost his Life in the Affair of _Denain_, where he acted as Lieutenant-General of the Infantry in the Service of the States. She is a Lady whose Virtue commands Respect, and she has the most charming Family that is to be seen.

M. _de Masch_, Envoy from the King of _Prussia_, is a very fit Person to manage the Interests of the King his Master in this Country, where a Minister ought to be civil and popular. The late King appointed him Governor to the Princes of _Brandenbourg Culmbach_, the eldest of whom is actually the Prince Regent of _Bareith_. M. _de Masch_ has inspired those Princes with such Sentiments as do him Honour. He was a Privy Counsellor of the Regency of _Cleves_, when the King sent him into this Country, where he has been so happy as to put an End to the long Disputes that had subsisted[106] between his _Prussian_ Majesty, and the Prince of _Na.s.sau Orange_, concerning the Succession to the Estate of the late King _William_ III.

M. _de Brosse_, a _Frenchman_ by Birth, manages Affairs here for the[107]King of _Poland_, in whose Service he is a Major General. He has acquired very great Esteem, owing to his Talents, his Politeness, and his fine Understanding. He observes great Decorum in his Family; nevertheless, he makes a grand Appearance.

M. _de Sporck_, Minister here from the King of _Great Britain_, as Elector of _Brunswic-Lunenbourg_, is a Gentleman of good Extraction. He came very young into Business; and as he is on the Spot to take for his Pattern his Father-in-Law, the Grand Pensionary of _Holland_, one of the wisest Ministers of his Time, 'tis to be presumed he will make a great Progress.

He lives as grand as most Envoys. His Lady is very well behaved, and does the Honours of her Family to Perfection.

I am not acquainted with the Envoys of[108]_Sweden_ and[109]_Denmark_. M.

_d'Ayrolles_ takes care of the Interests of the King of _Great Britain_, and acquits himself like a Gentleman of long Experience in Business.

Don _Lewis d'Acunha_, the Plenipotentiary Minister of the King of _Portugal_, has been for a long Time trusted with the most important Emba.s.sies. He was his Majesty's second Amba.s.sador at the Congress of _Utrecht_, which Employment he afterwards had in _England_, then in _France_, and now again here, where he makes a Figure worthy of his Character. He has the Reputation of being an able Negotiator, and a crafty Politician. He is very polite, is fond of Grandeur, and when he was younger, was no Enemy to Gallantry.

Thus, Sir, have I given you an Account of most of the Foreign Ministers who reside at the _Hague_. Those of the States are not many. M. _de Slingeland_ the Grand Pensionary is at the Head of 'em. The consummate Wisdom of this Minister, who is grown grey in the Direction of the Secrets of this State, is acknowledged universally. The Republic deems him as one of its princ.i.p.al Pillars, and _Europe_ ranks him amongst its greatest Ministers. He was heretofore Secretary of the Council of State, when the _Hague_ was what _Rome_ was formerly under a _Sixtus_ V. the Centre of Politics. He succeeded the late M. _Hoornbeck_ in the Office which he now holds, and exercises this painful Employment with universal Approbation.

Tho' he is well stricken in Years, and very much troubled with the Gout, he gives Application to Business[110].

His Second is the _Gressier f.a.gel_, one of the greatest Genius's of the State, who is to be reverenced for his great Age, and respected for his Virtue, for his Learning, his Candour, and for that n.o.ble Freedom which accompanies his Words and his Actions. Being a Lover of Learning, he has a Library, which is a most learned Collection; and a Cabinet of Medals, and of the most rare antique Stones. His House is adorned with Pictures, done by the most able Masters, with Vessels, Urns, and all the most precious Things which Antiquity has left, of which there is nothing but what he takes a Pleasure to shew to the curious Connoisseurs. 'Tis pity that this Minister, who has every Quality for which the greatest Men are reverenced, cannot live for ever.

'Tis certain that the _Hague_ contains a vast Number of worthy Persons of both s.e.xes, and this State may boast of having as great a Number of Subjects of known Probity, as any other Country perhaps in the World. Were I to name them all to you, Sir, it would be attempting a Work above my Capacity, and require a Volume. I may hereafter give you an Account of such only as make the greatest Figure at the _Hague_, either on Account of their Employments, or their Birth.

The _Hague_ is the best Place in _Europe_ for a Foreigner to make a good Acquaintance with the greatest Ease, because of the many Societies or a.s.semblies, public Spectacles and Walks. If a Person appears ever so little in public, he is presently known. The Houses that are most open to Company, and where the most distinguished Persons of both s.e.xes at this Place are to be seen, are those of my Lady _Albemarle_, M. _de Keppel_, and the Count _de Welderen_. My Lady is Dowager to the Earl of _Albemarle_, General of the _Dutch_ Infantry, Colonel of the _Swiss_, Governor of _Tournay_, and Knight of the Order of the Garter. He was of the _Keppel_ Family, which has for a long time been distinguished in these Provinces. He had been Page to the Prince of _Orange_, who, when he came to be King of _Great Britain_, created him a Peer of _England_, with the t.i.tle of an Earl. He heaped Wealth and Honours upon him, and it may be said, that my Lord _Albemarle_, and my Lord _Portland_, were two n.o.blemen for whom _William_ III. always professed the highest Esteem. My Lord _Albemarle_ maintained himself in Favour by his a.s.siduity, his Complacency, by a Fund of real Merit, and by his Care not to ask any Thing, but to leave every thing to the King's voluntary Grace and Favour.

This n.o.bleman has left a Son, who has a Regiment in _England_. The Lady his Dowager is the Sister of Messieurs _Vander Duin_, n.o.bles of this Province. She lives in a very decent Manner, and is always considered as the first Lady of the _Hague_.

M. _de Keppel_[111], the Brother of the late Earl of _Albemarle_, is a Lieutenant-General in the Service of the State, and Colonel of a Regiment of Horse. He was for some time Envoy Extraordinary from their High Mightinesses to the Court of _Prussia_. He lives very grand at the _Hague_, his Behaviour is extremely n.o.ble, and his Family will always bear a good Character in all the Countries of the World. Madame _de Keppel_, heretofore _Welderen_, does the Honours of it with all the Care possible, and she is extremely valued and esteemed. Her Son the Count _de Welderen_, Deputy of the Province of _Guelderland_, to the States General, is not inferior to her in Politeness. He was very young when he was admitted a Member of the State in the room of his Father, and was soon after appointed Amba.s.sador to _England_, in order to congratulate their _Britannic_ Majesties on their Accession to the Throne. His Expence in _England_ was very splendid, but the _English_ did not so much mind the young Amba.s.sador's Magnificence, as his prudent Conduct. He brought back with him the Applauses of their Majesties, and the Court of _England_, the Esteem of honest Men, and the Affection of the Citizens of _London_. At his Return to the _Hague_, the Count _de Welderen_ resumed his Seat in the a.s.sembly of the States General. He lives still in a grand Manner, and his House is one of the gayest in the Country. He has a younger Brother a Member of the Council of State, (they call him the _Waldgrave_) who is a young Gentleman of great Merit.

My Lady _Cadogan_, the Dowager of my Lord _Cadogan_, a trusty Friend of the late Duke of _Marlborough_, and his Successor in his Employments, keeps an a.s.sembly every _Sunday_ Night. She is Mother to the d.u.c.h.ess of _Richmond_, who is look'd upon at the Court of _England_, as one of its Ornaments; and she has another Daughter, _viz._ my Lady _Margaret_, one of the most amiable Ladies at the _Hague_.

The Countess _de Wartemberg_, the Dowager of the Prime Minister of _Frederic_ I. King of _Prussia_, lives retired at the _Hague_, much after the same Manner as the d.u.c.h.ess of _Mazarine_ did at _London_. She turns Night into Day, and Day into Night. Her House is open to all Foreigners, and there is very great[112]Play. But she is not so fond as the d.u.c.h.ess of _Mazarine_ was, of Pieces of Wit, and Men of Learning. If a _St.

Evremond_ wrote or said ever such good Things, I believe she would always give the Preference to a young _Alcides_.

By the Account I have now given you of the Families, you perceive, Sir, that here are so many, that a Man cannot be at a Loss where to go. There is not a Day but some a.s.sembly is held here at one House or another alternatively. There are no Plays performed here for the present, they being, as I think I have told you, prohibited by the States, by reason of the Worms that infest the d.y.k.es upon the Sea Coasts of this Province. The Comedians continue here nevertheless, and there is an Opera which an _Hebrew_ Anti-Comedian has sent for from _Paris_, on Purpose to ruin the Comedy, when the Theatres are open. On the other hand, an Anabaptist, a zealous Man for the Comedy, rather than that the Opera and its Protector should triumph, stands up stifly for the Comedy. All the People at the _Hague_ are Parties in this great Quarrel; but 'tis my Opinion, that in order to reconcile them, the States will permit neither the one nor the other. This Schism would be a very copious Subject for exercising the Pens of the Writers of Comedy; and I am surprised that some Wit or other does not regale the Public with their Thoughts upon it, the rather because they are not here in any Danger of Persecution from the Lieutenant of the Police[113].

You will, no doubt, think it a Phaenomenon, to find that a _Hebrew_, whom in _Germany_ we treat with a sort of Disdain, which perhaps is neither very Generous, nor very Christian, should concern himself in the Spectacles, and presume to force an intire Town to conform to his Taste: But you are to know, Sir, that the Jews are treated in this Government upon quite another Footing than they are elsewhere; and really, as for the _Portugueze_ Jews, they deserve it; for a _Texeyra_, a _Schwartzo_, a _Dulis_, have done such generous Actions as are worthy of the most virtuous Christians. They live like n.o.blemen, and indeed such you would take them to be. They are admitted into all a.s.semblies, and even their Wives appear there: They treat and receive all Persons of Distinction at their Houses: They relieve our Poor, contribute to our Churches, and differ in nothing from us, but in frequenting the Synagogue.

The n.o.bles of the greatest Distinction in the Province, are the _Wa.s.senaars_, and the _Boetselaars_.[114] The former are divided into several Branches, whereof that of _Obdam_ is the eldest. The Emperor _Charles_ III. raised this Branch to the Dignity of Count of the Empire.

The present Count _d'Obdam_ is Grandson to the famous Admiral of that Name, who delivered _Copenhagen_, and in Grat.i.tude for whose Services, the King of _Denmark_ conferred the Order of the Elephant upon him, which no Foreigner had been honour'd with before, unless he were a Prince. After this Admiral's Death, the same Order descended to his Son, who died a Lieutenant-General, and Colonel of a Regiment of Horse in the Service of the Republic. The present Count _d'Obdam_ is Knight of the Order of St.

_John_, and, together with his[115] Brother, is of distinguish'd Rank in this Government. He spent Part of his Youth at the Court of _Berlin_, where his Father was Envoy Extraordinary. At that Time n.o.body was so brisk and gay; but he is thoroughly changed, and lives now very much retired, and applies himself wholly to Devotion and Business.

Of the Blood of _Na.s.sau Orange_, those Princes, Founders of the Republic, there remains no more than one young Prince, besides the Counts _d'Auverquerque_, _Zeist_ and _Laleck_, who are by the Left Venter. The Prince is Hereditary Stadtholder of _Frieseland_, Stadtholder of _Groningen_, Stadtholder and Captain General of the Province of _Guelderland_, and the Country of _Drente_. He bids fair some Day or other to be a worthy Possessor of the Station of the Princes whose Name he bears[116].

_Maurice_, Count _d'Auverquerque_, is the Son of a Peer of _Great Britain_, who was promoted to that Dignity by King _William_ III.[117] He is a Major General, and Colonel of a Regiment of Dragoons. He is a n.o.bleman of distinguished Merit, and signalized himself very much in the last War.

M. _de Zeist_, one of the richest n.o.bles of this Province, is Deputy of the Province of _Utrecht_, in which he has a great Estate.

The Count _de Laleck_ is the oldest Lieutenant General of Horse in the Service of the States. He has a Regiment, and is Governor of _Menin_, one of the Barrier Towns. The three last-mentioned Counts are Cousins, and form three Branches. They are descended from Prince _Maurice_ of _Orange_, and _Anne_ of _Mechlin_. My Grandmother was a Daughter of that Prince.

I am still to give you an Account of M. _Hogendorp_, Receiver General of the State, an Office which in this Country, as well as elsewhere, is liable to Envy, and exposes him that exercises it, to the Censure of the Public. M. _Hogendorp_ has had his Share of both, for several Years: And tho' his Enemies have not been wanting in any Thing to ruin him, yet he stands his Ground, and the States approve of his Conduct. He lives with as great Magnificence and Splendor almost as any Subject of the Republic.

In one of my former, I gave you an Account of two living Preachers at _Amsterdam_; and here I cannot refrain the mention of a certain Minister lately dead, whose Name is ill.u.s.trious among those of his own Communion, and ours too. The Person I mean, is M. _Saurin_, who was always reckoned here, and in all the Provinces, one of the most eloquent Preachers, since the Repeal of the Edict of _Nantes_.

A great Number of Epitaphs have been made for this famous Preacher; but as they are all good for nothing, I content myself with sending you an Epitaph on those very Epitaphs.

_EPITAPHE._

On the EPITAPHS made for M. SAURIN.