of his kingdom; that
they had exhibited such repeated demonstrations of their duty and
affection, as must convince his majesty of their zeal in his service;
nor could he want the knowledge of persons fit to be employed in all his
secret and arduous affairs; finally, as the French king appeared to have
violated the treaty of partition, they advised his majesty, in future
negotiations with that prince, to proceed with such caution as might
imply a real security.

WILLIAM IS OBLIGED TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE KING OF SPAIN.

The king received this severe remonstrance with his usual phlegm;
saying, it contained matter of very great moment; and he would take
care that all treaties he made should be for the honour and safety of
England. Though he deeply felt this affront, he would not alter his
conduct towards the new ministers; but he plainly perceived their
intention was to thwart him in his favourite measure, and humble him
into a dependence upon their interest in parliament. On the last day of
March, he imparted to the commons the French king's declaration, that he
would grant no other security than a renewal of the treaty of Ryswick;
so that the negotiation seemed to be at an end. He likewise communicated
two resolutions of the states-general, with a memorial from their envoy
in England, relating to the ships they had equipped with a view to join
the English fleet, and the succours stipulated in the treaty concluded
in the year 1677, which they desired might be sent over with all
convenient expedition. The house having considered this message,
unanimously resolved to desire his majesty would carry on the
negotiations in concert with the states-general, and take such measures
therein as might most conduce to their safety; they assured him they
would effectually enable him to support the treaty of 1677, by which
England was bound to assist them with ten thousand men, and twenty ships
of war, in case they should be attacked. Though the king was nettled
at that part of this address, which, by confining him to one treaty,
implied their disapprobation of a new confederacy, he discovered no
signs of emotion; but thanked them for the assurance they had given, and
told them he had sent orders to his envoy at the Hague, to continue the
conferences with the courts of Franco and Spain. On the nineteenth day
of April, the marquis de Torcy delivered to the earl of Manchester, at
Paris, a letter from the new king of Spain to his Britan