The Embassy of Everaard van Weede 25 



retains his post, though in daily expectation of losing it, but he is in the country for 

 two or three days. That is the reason why Halifax desired me to pay you his 

 respects, and to tell you that he shall not wait upon you unless you consider it 

 convenient." 



Another difficulty faced Dykvelt. The English king denied 

 him a hearing. 100 It has been observed that James II was quite 

 aware of the hostile designs of his son-in-law. 101 He was not 

 inclined to greet with open arms the unwelcome messenger of that 

 "arrant Calvinist," the Prince. Moreover, he held a weapon, 

 which might serve as a most adequate defence. The States Gen- 

 eral had only recently passed a resolution which made the admis- 

 sion of ambassadors difficult. The other European powers had 

 looked upon the move with disfavor. 102 The English envoy to 

 Holland, the treacherous Albeville, had not yet been recognized 

 by the States. James II took advantage of the situation. He 

 refused to see Dykvelt until the Dutch body had given Albeville 

 a public reception. William was compelled to request the States 

 to reverse their ruling. They complied, and Albeville repeated 

 in his address to them what he had assured the Prince and Princess 

 in private. 103 He produced no marked effect. 



He had been losing favor for some time, and the Prince was more 

 popular than ever before. On the first of March James wrote to 

 the Prince that Dykvelt might now have his audience when he 

 pleased. 104 



The coming of Dykvelt caused no small stir in England. 105 



99 Foxcroft, Life and Letters of Sir George Saville, First Marquis of Halifax, 

 vol. i, p. 478. 



The original of this letter may be found in the Hist. MSS Conim. Report, vol. 

 viii, p. 559, Earl of Denbigh. It is without address, and is dated "Lundi Mattin." 



100 Russell, Letters, vol. i, p. 211 ff. Lady Rachel Russell to Dr. Fitzwilliam, 

 February 18-March 1, 1687. 



101 Supra, note 62. 



102 Klopp, vol. iii, p. 285. 



103 Kramprich's Report of February 24, Klopp, p. 285. 



104 Dalrymple, Memoirs, Letter from King James to the Prince of Orange, 

 February 18-March 1, 1687, from Whitehall, vol. ii, Appendix to Part I, p. 181. 



105 Ellis, The Ellis Correspondence, vol. i, p. 246, February 26, 1687. 

 Van Nyevelt, Court Life in the Dutch Republic, 1638-1689, p. 332. 



109 



