plexed or influenced by them.

"Other nations owe their origin to causes similar to those which gave
birth to ours, and it may not be useless to inquire how they conducted
themselves under similar circumstances.

"The tyranny of Philip II of Spain made his subjects in the Low
Countries declare themselves independent; a long and cruel war ensued,
which was suspended by a truce for twelve years, and afterwards
concluded by a definitive treaty of peace.

"History bears honorable testimony to the wisdom and fortitude of that
nation during that interval, and we think the following detail is so
interesting, and so applicable to the case of our country in general,
and particularly to the point in question, that we cannot forbear
requesting your Excellency to peruse it.

"On the 26th of July, 1581, the United Provinces, by a formal act,
declared that Philip II had forfeited his right to the sovereignty of
those Provinces, and that consequently they were independent.

"On the last of June, 1584, the King of France sent an Ambassador (le
Sieur Pruneaul) to Holland, and he in writing represented to the
States assembled at Delft, that his Majesty had understood that they
desired to treat with him, and that he had thought proper to inform
them, that they should let him know on what terms they proposed to do
it, with many reasons to induce the Provinces to come into such
treaty.

"Queen Elizabeth did nearly the same thing by her letter of the last
of October, 1584, which she sent to her Ambassador _Davidson_.

"The Deputies of the States soon after, by their order, returned
thanks to the Queen and informed her, that they had resolved to accept
the King of France for Prince of the country in the same manner as
Charles V had been, but on condition to retain their rights and
privileges.

"On the 3d of January, 1585, the States despatched Deputies to make
this offer to the King of France. Spain remonstrated against their
being _admitted to an audience_, calling them rebels, &c.

"To this remonstrance the King of France gave an answer, which does
the highest honor to his magnanimity.

"On the 13th of February, 1585, the deputies had an audience of the
King, and afterwards of the Queen Mother.

"On the 8th of March, 1585, the King gave for answer to the Deputies,
that he could not at present accept their offer nor assist them;
complained greatly of the violence done him by the Spaniards and
Guises, and desired them, to provid