The Embassy of Everaard van Weede 27 



good relationship between his country and the States. Upon his 

 accession to the Crown, he had determined to observe and follow 

 exactly the agreement between the States and his Kingdom. He 

 was persuaded that his country and the States had a good under- 

 standing and that nothing need be feared. James further con- 

 stantly reassured Dykvelt about the peace and tranquility of the 

 other Christian countries. As Dykvelt was about to retire, the 

 King bade him to his private chamber where he had several matters 

 to take up with him. 114 



The above account is taken from Dykvelt's public letter. It 

 clearly bears all the traces of a desire to please the people. Avaux 

 secured a copy of this letter and sent it to his master, Louis XIV. 115 

 He saw very well that it was being used in Holland as an excellent 

 bit of propaganda. 116 



In a secret letter, bearing the same date as the public letter 

 above, Dykvelt wrote to the States General about the interview 

 with the King in his private chamber. 117 



I was all alone in the Cabinet with His Majesty. He said that it grieved him 

 exceedingly not to have been able to admit me to an audience immediately after my 

 arrival. He rejoiced that some way had been found to give Abbeville his public 

 recsption despite the resolutions of the worthy Deputies. He had hoped all the 

 time that the matter would be adjusted. It was, in fact, of small concern, but all 

 of the ambassadors had made a great deal of it and feared that it might cause the 

 interruption of the ordinary affairs. For that reason he was desirous of recommend- 

 ing to their Highnesses the removal of that stone from the path. 



Then His Majesty spoke freely about a sincere friendship and correspondence 

 with the States, and the good that both countries might receive from such amicable 

 relations. It was his earnest intention and resolve to maintain such a relationship. 

 His Majesty never had the intention to break with the States nor to declare war 

 upon them. These were the rumors of evil-minded persons. His fleet was in a 

 very bad condition, unfit to do service in case of need. For that reason he desired 



114 States General, 6929, Public Letter from Everaard van Weede to the States 

 General, March 4, 1687, from London. 



115 Avaux, March 13, 1687, vol. vi, p. 47 ff. 



116 Ibid, idem. 



"On ne l'avait pas tenue secrete, parcequ'on etait bien aise de faire voir au 

 public toutes les marques et toutes les assurances d'affection pour les Etats, et de 

 conference pour le Sieur Dykveld, que le Roi d'Angleterre avait donnees." 



117 States General, 7335, Secret Letter from Everaard van Weede to the Secre- 

 tary of the States General, from London, March 4, 1687. 



Ill 



