t peace; which cannot be without solidly establishing the
principles of the armed neutrality between these powers and the
Republic.

I am, &c.

DUMAS.

_P. S._ Next Friday this Province will propose the Baron de Dedem,
Lord of Peckendam, &c. as Minister Plenipotentiary of the Republic
near the United States. The other party is canvassing warmly, but
secretly against him. All appearances, however, are in favor of this
good patriot, and I recommend him beforehand as such to your
Excellency. He is a cousin-german of M. de Capelle du Pol, formerly a
correspondent of your uncle, the Governor of the Jersies.

* * * * *

MEMORIAL OF THE PRUSSIAN AMBASSADOR.

January 20th, 1783.

High and Mighty Lords,

The King had flattered himself, that the amicable representations and
intimations, which the undersigned has made, by the express order of
his Majesty, to several distinguished members of the States-General of
the United Provinces, on the subject of the present unhappy
excitement, which manifests itself at present in Holland, would
produce the desired effect, conformably to the positive assurances he
had received on this point. But his Majesty has learned with as much
displeasure as surprise, that these domestic troubles, instead of
being quieted are constantly increasing, and that it is even meditated
to deprive the Prince Stadtholder of the command of the army and navy,
and thus to strip him of his chief prerogatives of hereditary
Captain-General and High Admiral. The King cannot believe that this
is the general sentiment and desire of the nation, and of the rulers
of the State. His Majesty on the contrary is persuaded, that it is
only the private wish of a few individuals, who are inimical to the
Most Serene House of Nassau, from personal hatred or private views,
without regard to the true welfare and common interest of the State.

Every good Dutchman will remember with gratitude, that the foundations
of his present liberty and prosperity were laid by the Princes of the
illustrious House of Orange-Nassau, and acquired in part at the price
of their blood; that this House has formed, and established on a firm
basis, the present constitution of the Republic, and after
extraordinary vicissitudes and revolutions, in some respects
resembling the present crisi