Holland: the history of the Netherlands

Front matter

1822 02509 8773

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Chapter I

FROM THE INVASION OF THE NETHERLANDS BY THE ROMANS TO THE INVASION BY THE SALIAN FRANKS

Extent of the Kingdom — Description of the People — Ancient State of the Low Countries — Of the High Grounds — Contrasted with the present Aspect of the Country — Expedition of Juhus Cajsar — The Belgae — The Meuapians — Batavians — Distinguished among the AuxiHaries of Rome — Decrease of national Feeling in Part of the Countrj' — Steady Patriotism of the Prisons and Menapians — Commencement of Civilization — Early Formation of the Dilies — Degeneracy of those who became united to the Romans — Invasion of the Netherlands by the Salian Franks . . 17

Chapter II

FROM THE SETTLEMENT OF THE FRANKS TO THE SUBJUGATION OP FRIESLAND BY THE FRENCH

Character of the Franks — The Saxon Tribes — Destruction of the Salians by a Saxon Tribe — Julian the Apostate — Victories of Clovis in Gaul — Contrast between the Low Countries and the Provinces of France — State of Friesland — Ciuirlcs Kartell — Friesland converted to Christianity — Finally subdued by France 27

CHAPTER ITT

FROM THE CONQUEST OF FRIESLAND TO THE FORMATION OF

Commencement of the Feudal System in the Highlands — Flourishing State of the Low Countries — Counts of the Empire — For-

in niation of the Gilden or Trades — Establishment of popular Privileges in Friesland — In what they consisted — Growth of Ecclesiastical Power — Baldwin of Flanders — Created Count — Appearance of the Normans — They ravage the Netherlands — Their Destruction, and final Disappearance — Division of the Empire into Higher and Lower Lorraine— Establishment of the Counts of Lorraine and Hainault — Increasing Power of the Bishops of Liege and Utrecht — Their Jealousy of the Counts ; who resist their Encroachments 34

Chapter IV From The Formation Of Holland To The Death Of Louis

DE MALE

Origin of Holland — Its first Count — Aggrandizement of Flanders — Its growing Commerce — Fisheries — Manufactures — Formation of the County of Guelders, and of Brabant — State of Friesland — State of the Provinces — The Crusades — Their good Effects on the State of the Netlierlands — Decline of the Feudal Power, and Growth of the Influence of the Towns — Great Prosperity of the Country — The Flemings take up Arms against the French — Drive them out of Bruges, and defeat them in the Battle of Courtrai — Popular Success in Brabant — Its Confederation with Flanders — Rebellion of Bruges againt the Count, and of Ghent under James d'Artaveldt — His Alliance with England — His Power, and Death — Independence of Flanders — Battle of Roosbeke — Philip the Bold, Duke of Burgundy, obtains the Sovereignty of Flanders 44

Chapter V

FROM THE SUCCESSION OF PHILIP THE BOLD TO THE COUNTY OF FLANDERS TO THE DEATH OF PHILIP THE FAIR

Philip succeeds to the Inheritance of Brabant — Makes War on England as a French Prince, Flanders remaining neuter — Power of the Houses of Burgundy and Bavaria, and Decline of Public Liberty — Union of Holland, Hainault, and Brabant — Jacqueline, Countess of Holland and Hainault — Flies from the Tyranny of her Husband. John of Brabant, and takes Refuge in England — Murder of John the Fearless, Duke of Burgund}' — Accession of his Son, Philip the Good — His Policy — Espouses the Cause of

John of Brabant against Jacqueline — Deprives her of Hainault, Holland, and Zealand — Continues his Persecution, and despoils her of her last Possession and Titles — She marries a Gentleman of Zealand, and Dies — Peace of Arras — Dominions of the House of Burgundy equal to the present Extent of the Kingdom of the Netherlands — Rebellion of Ghent — Affairs of Holland and Zealand— Charles the Rash — His Conduct in Holland — Succeeds his Father — Effects of Philip's Reign on the Manners of the People — Louis XI. — Death of Charles, and Succession of Mary — Factions among her Subjects — Marries Maximilian of Austria — Battle of Guinegate — Death of Mai-}' — Maximilian unpopular — Imprisoned by his Subjects — Released — Invades the Netherlands — Succeeds to the Imperial Throne by the Death of his Father — Philip the Fair proclaimed Duke and Count — Eis wise Administration— Affairs of Friesland — Of Guelders — Charles of Egmont —Death of Philip the Fair 60

Chapter VI

FROM THE GOVERNMENT OF MARGARET OF AUSTRIA TO THE ABDICATION OF THE EMPEROR CHARLES V

Margaret of Austria invested with the Sovereignty — Her Character and Government — Charles, Son of Philip the Fair, created Duke of Brabant and Count of Flanders and Holland — The Reformation— Martin Luther — Persecution of the Reformers — Battle of Pavia — Cession of Utrecht to Charles V. — Peace of Cambraj' — The Anabaptists' Sedition at Ghent — Expedition against Tunis and Algiers — Charles becomes possessed of Friesland and Guelders— His increasing Severity against the Protestants — His Abdication and Death — Review — Progress of Civilization .... 83

Chapter VII

FROM THE ACCESSION OF PHILIP II. OF SPAIN TO THE ESTABLISHMENT 07 THE INQUISITION IN THE NETHERLANDS

Accession of Philip II. — His Character and Government — His Wars with France, and with the Pope — Peace with the Pope — Battle of St. Quentin — Battle of Gravelines — Peace of Cateau-Cambresis — Death of Mary of England — Philip's Despotism — Establishes a Provisional Government — Convenes the States-General at Ghent — His Miuist<'r Granvelle — Goes to Zealand — Embarks for Spain — Prosperity revives — Effects of the Provisional Government— Marguerite of Parma — Character of Granvelle — Viglius de Berlaimont — Departure of the Spanish Troops — Clergy — Bishops — National .Discontent — Granvelle appointed Cardinal — Edict against Heresy — Popular Indignation — Reformation— State of Brabant — Confederacy against Granvelle — Prince of Orange — Counts Egmont and Horn join the Prince against Granvelle — Granvelle recalled — Council of Trent — Its Decrees received with Reprobation — Decrees against Reformers — Philip's Bigotry — Establishment of the Inquisition — Popular Resistance .95

Chapter VIII Commencement Of The Revolution A.d. 1566

Commencement of the Revolution — Defence of the Prince of Orange — Confederacy of the Nobles — Louis of Nassau — De Brederode — Philip de St. Aldegonde — Assembly of the Council of State — Confederates enter Brussels — Take the Title of Gueux — Quit Brussels, and disperse in the Provinces — Measures of Government— Growing Power of the Confederates — Progress of the Reformation — Field Preaching — Herman Strieker — Boldness of the Protestants — Peter Dathen — Ambrose Ville — Situation of Antwerp — The Prince repairs to it, and saves it — Meeting of the Confederates at St. Trond — The Prince of Orange and Count Egmont treat with them — Tyranny of Philip and Moderation of the Spanish Council — Image Breakers — Destruction of the Cathedral of Antwerp — Terror of Government — Firmness of Viglius — Arbitration between the Court and the People — Concessions made by Government — Restoration of Tranquillity . . 120

Chapter IX

Philip's Vindictiveuess and Hypocrisy — Progress of Protestantism — Gradual Dissolution of the Conspiracy — Artifices of Philip and the Court to disunite the Protestants — Firmness of the Prince of Orange — Conference at Termonde — Egmont abandons the Patriot Cause — Fatal Effects of his Conduct — Commencement of Hostilities — Siege of Valenciennes — Protestant Sj'nod at Antwerp — Haughty Conducf'of the Government — Royalists Repulsed at Bois-le-duc — Battle of Osterweel, and Defeat of the Patriots — Antwerp again saved by the Firmness and Prudence of the Prince of Orange — Capitulation of Valenciennes — Success of the Royalists — Death of De Brederode — New Oath of Allegiance; Refused by the Prince of Orange and others — The Prince resolves on voluntary Banishment, and departs for Germany— His Example is followed by the Lords — Extensive Emigi'ation — Arrival of the Duke of Orleans — Egmont's Humiliation — Alva's Powers — Arrest of Egmont and others — Alva's first Acts of Tj'ranny — Council of Blood — Recall of the Government — Alva's Character — He sumuions the Prince of Orange, who is tried by Contumacy — Horrors committed by Alva — Desolate State of the Country — Trial and Execution of Egmont aud Horn — The Prince of Orange raises an Army in Germany, and opens his first Campaign in the Netherlands — Battle of Heiligerlee — Death of Adolphus of Nassau — Battle of Jemminghem — Success and skilful Conduct of Alva — Dispersion of the Prince of Orange's Army — Growth of the naval Power of the Patriots — Inundation in Holland and Friesland — Alva reproached by Philip — Duke of Medina-Celi appointed Governor — Is attacked, and his fleet destroyed bj' the Patriots — Demands his Recall — Policy of the English Queen, Elizabeth— The Dutch take Brille — General Revolt in Holland and Zealand — New Expedition of the Prince of Orange — Siege of Mons — Success of the Prince — Siege of Haarlem — Of Alkmaer — Removal of Alva — Don Luis Zanega y Requesens appointed Governor-General 136

Chapter X

Character of Requesens — His conciliating Conduct — Renews the War against the States — Siege of Middleburg — Generosity of the Prince of Orange — Naval Victory — State of Flanders — Count Louis of Nassau — Battle of Mookerheyde — Counts Louis and Henry slain — Mutiny of the Spanish Troops — Siege of Levden — Negotiations for Peace at Breda — The Spaniards take Zuriczee — Requesens dies — The Government devolves on the Council of State — Miserable State of the Country, and Despair of the Patriots — Spanish Mutineers — The States-General are convoked, and the Council arrested by the Grand Bailiff of Brabant — Tiie Spanish ]\Iutineers sack and capture Maestricht, and afterward

Antwerp — The States-General assemble at Ghent and assume the Government — The Pacification of Ghent 158

Chapter XI

TO THE RENUNCIATION OF THE SOVEREIGNTY OP SPAIN AND THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

Don John of Austria, Governor-General, arrives in the Netherlands— His Character and Conduct — The States send an Envoy to Elizabeth of England — She advances them a Loan of Money — The Union of Brussels — The Treaty of Marche-en-Famenne, called the Perpetual Edict — The impetuous Conduct of Don John excites the public Suspicion — He seizes on the Citadel of Namur — The Prince of Orange is named Protector of Brabant — The People destroy the Citadels of Antwerp and other Towns — The Duke of Arschot is named Governor of Flanders — He invites the Archduke Mathias to accept the Government of the Netherlands— Wise Conduct of the Prince of Orange — Ryhove and Hembyse possess themselves of supreme Power at Ghent — The Prince of Orange goes there and establishes Order — The Archduke Mathias is installed — The Prince of Paraia arrives in the Netherlands, and gains the Battle of Gemblours — Confusion of the States-General — The Duke of Alencon comes to their Assistance — Dissensions among the Patriot Chiefs — Death of Don John of Austria — Suspicions of his having been Poisoned by Order of Philip II. — The Prince of Parma is declared Governor-General— The Union of Utrecht — The Prince of Parma takes the Field — The Congress of Cologne rendered fruitless by the Obstinacy of Philip — The States-General assemble at Antwerp, and issue a Declaration of National Independence — The Sovereignty of the Netherlands granted to the Duke of Alencon . 168

Chapter XII To The Murder Of The Prince Of Orange A.d. 1580—1584

Proscription of the Prince of Orange — His celebrated Apology- Philip proposes sending back the Duchess of Parma as Stadtiiolderess — Her Son refuses to act jointly with her, and is left in the Exercise of his Power — The Siege of Cambray undertaken by the Prince of Parma, and gallantly defended by the Princess of

Epinoi — The Duke of Alencon created Duke of Anjou — Repairs to England, in hopes of marrying Queen Elizabeth — He returns to the Netherlands unsuccessful, and is inaugurated at Antwerp — The Prince of Orange desperately wounded by an Assassin — Details on John Jaureguay and his Accomplices — The People suspect the French of the Crime — Rapid Recovery of the Prince, who soon resumes his accustomed Activity — Violent Conduct of the Duke of Anjou, who treacherously attempts to seize on Antwerp — He is defeated by the Townspeople — His Disgrace and Death — Ungenerous Suspicions of the People against the Prince of Orange, who leaves Flanders in Disgust — Treachery of the Prince of Chimay and others — Treason of Hembyse — He is executed at Ghent — The States resolve to confer the Sovereignty on the Prince of Orange — He is murdered at Delft — Parallel between him and the Admiral Cohgny — Execution of Balthazar Gerard, his Assassin — Complicity of the Prince of Parma . . . 180

Chapter XIII To The Death Of Alexander, Prince Of Parma

Effects of William's Death on the History of his Country — Firm Conduct of the United Provinces — They reject the Overtures of the Prince of Parma — He reduces the whole of Flanders — Deplorable Situation of the Country — Vigorous Measures of the Northern States — Antwerp besieged — Operations of the Siege — Immense Exertions of the Besiegers — The Infernal Machine — • Battle on the Dike of Couvestien — Surrender of Antwerp — Extravagant Joy of Philip II. — The United Provinces solicit the Aid of France and England — Elizabeth sends them a supply of Troops under the Earl of Leicester — He returns to England — Treachery of some English and Scotch Officers — Prince Maurice commences liis Career — The Spanish Armada — Justin of Nassau blocks up the Prince of Parma in the Flemish Ports — Ruin of the Armada — Philip's Mock Piety on hearing the News — Leicester dies — Exploits and Death of Martin Schenck — Breda surprised— The Duke of Parma leads his Army into France — His famous Retreat — His Death and Character 198

Chapter XIV

TO THE INDEPENDENCE OF BELGIUM AND THE DEATH OF PHILIP II. i..D. 1592—1599

Count Mansfield named Governor-General — State of Flanders and Brabant — The Archduke Ernest named Governor-General —

Attempts against the Life of Prince Maurice— He takes Groningen — Death of the Archduke Ernest — Count Fuentes named Governor-General — He takes Cambray and other Towns — Is soon replaced by the Archduke Albert of Austria — His high Reputation — He opens his first Campaign in the Netherlands — His Successes — Prince Maurice gains the Battle of Turnhout — Peace of Vervins — Philip yields the,Sovereignty of the Netherlands to Albert and Isabella — A new Plot against the Life of Prince Maurice — Albert sets out for Spain, and receives the News of Philip's Death — Albert arrives in Spain, and solemnizes his Marriage with the Infanta Isabella — Review of the State of the Netherlands 211

Chapter XV To The Campaign Of Prince Maurice And Spinola A.d. 1599—1604

Cardinal Andrew of Austria Governor — Francisco Mendoza, Admiral of Aragon, invades the neutral States of Germany — His atrocious Conduct — Prince Maurice takes the Field — His masterly Movements — Sybilla of Cleves raises an Army, which is quickly destroyed — Great Exertions of the States-General — Naval Expedition under Vander Goes — Its complete Failure — Critical Situation of the United Provinces — Arrival of the Archduke in Brussels — Success of Prince Maurice — His Expedition into Flanders — Energy of the Archduke — Heroism of Isabella — Progress of Albert's Army — Its first Success — Firmness of Maurice — The Battle of Nieuport — Total Defeat of the Royalists— Consequences of the Victory — Prince Maurice returns to Holland — Negotiations for Peace — Siege of Ostend — Death of Elizabeth of England — United Provinces send Ambassadors to James I. — Successful Negotiations of Barneveldt and the Duke of Sully in London — Peace between England and Spain — Brilliant Campaign between Spinola and Prince Maurice — Battle of Roeroord — Naval Transactions — Progress of Dutch Influence ia India — Establishment of the East India Company 223

Chapter XVI To The Synod Of Dort And The Execution Of Barneveldt A.d. 1606—1619

Spinola proposes to invade the United Provinces — Successfully opposed by Prince Maurice — The Dutch defeated at Sea — Desper-

CONTENTS It

ate Conduct of Admiral Klagoon — Great naval Victory of the Dutch, and Death of their Admiral Heemskirk — Overtures of the Archdukes for Peace — How received in Holland — Prudent Conduct of Barneveldt — Negotiations opened at The Hague — John de Neyen, Ambassador for the Archdukes — Armistice for Eight Months — Nej-en attempts to bribe D'Aarsens, the GrefRer of the States-General — His Conduct disclaimed by Yerreiken, Counsellor to the Archdukes — Great Prejudices in Holland against King James I. and the English, and Partiality toward France— Rupture of the Negotiations — They are renewed — Truce for Twelve Years signed at Antwerp — Gives great Satisfaction in the Netherlands — Important Attitude of the United Provinces— Conduct of tlie Belgian Provinces — Disputes relative to Cleves and Juliers — Prince Maurice and Spinola remove their Armies into the contested States — Intestine Troubles in the United Provinces — Assassination of Henry IV. of France — His Character — Change in Prince Maurice's Character and Conduct — He is strenuously opposed b^' Barneveldt — Religious Disputes — King James enters the Lists of Controversy — Barneveldt and Maurice take opposite Sides — The cautionary Towns released from the Possession of England — Consequences of this Event — Calumnies against Barneveldt — Ambitious Designs of Prince Maurice — He is baffled by Barneveldt — The Republic assists its Allies with Money and Ships— Its great naval Power— Outrages of some Dutch Sailors in Ireland— Unresentod by King James — His Anger at the manufacturing Prosperity of the United Provinces— Excesses of the Gomarists— The Magistrates call out the National Militia— Violent Conduct of Prince Maurice— Uncompromising Steadiness of Barneveldt— Calumnies against him — Maurice succeeds to the Title of Prince of Orange, and Acts with increasing Violence — Arrest of Barneveldt and his Friends— Synod of Dort— Its Consequences— Trial. Condemnation, and Execution of Barneveldt— Grotius and Hoogerbeets sentenced to perpetual Imprisonment — Ledenburg commits Suicide 338

Chapter XVII

The Parties of Arminianism quite subdued — Emigrations — Grotius resolves to attempt an Escape from Prison — Succeeds in his Attempt— He repairs to Paris, and publishes his "Apology" — Expiration of the Twelve Years' Truce— Death of Philip III. and of the Archduke Albert — War in Germany — Campaign between Prince Maurice and Spinola — Conspiracy against the Life of Prince Maurice — Its Failure — Fifteen of the Conspirators executed— Great Unpopularity of Maurice — Death of Maurice . . 261

Chapter XVIII To The Treaty Of Munster A D. 1625—1648

IVederick Henry succeeds his Brother — Charles I, King of England — War between France and England — Victories of Admiral Hein — Brilliant Success of Frederick Henry — Fruitless Enterprise la Flanders — Death of the Archduchess Isabella — Confederacy in Brabant — Its Failure, and Arrest of the Nobles — Ferdinand, Prince-Cardinal, Governor-General — Treaty between France and Holland— Battle of Avein — Naval Affairs — Battle of the Downs — Van Tromp — Negotiations for the Marriage of Prince William with the Princess Mary of England — Death of the Prince-Cardinal— Don Francisco de Mello Governor-General — Battle of Rocroy — Gallantry of Prince William — Death of Cardinal Richelieu and of Louis XIII. — English Politics — Affairs of Germany — Negotiations for Peace — Financial Embarrassment of the Republic — The Republic negotiates with Spain — Last Exploits of Frederick Henry — His Death, and Character — William II. Stadtholder — Peace of Munster — Resentment of Louis XIII. — Peace of Westphalia — Review of the Progress of Art, Science, and Manners — Literature — Painting — Engraving — Sculpture — 'Architecture— Finance — Population— Commercial Companies — Manners 371

Chapter XIX From The Peace Of Munster To The Peace Of Nimeguen

State of the Republic after the Peace of Munster — State of England — William II. Stadtholder — His ambitious Designs and Violent Conduct — Attempts to seize on Amsterdam — His Death — Different Sensations caused by his Death — The Prerogatives of the Stadtholder assumed by the People— Naval War with England — English Act of Navigation— Irish Hostilities — Death of Tromp — A Peace with England — Disturbed State of the Republic — War with Denmark — Peace concluded — Charles II. restored to the English Throne — Declares War against Holland — Naval Actiotis — Charles endeavors to excite all Europe against the Dutch — HTsT'ailure — Renewed Hostilities — De Ruyter defeated — Peace of Breda — Invasion of Flanders by Louis XIV. — He overruns Brabant and Flanders — Triple League, 1668 — Perfidious Conduct of Charles II. — He declares War against Holland, etc., as does Louis XIV. — Unprepared State of United Provinces — "William III. Prince of Orange — Appointed Captain-General and High Admiral — Battle of Soleba\' — The French Invade the Republic — The States-General implore Peace— Terms demanded by Louis XIV. and by Charles II. — Desperation of the Dutch — The Prince of Orange proclaimed Stadtholder — Massacre of the De Witts — Fine Conduct of the Prince of Orange — He takes the Field — Is reinforced by Spain, the Empei-or, and Brandenburg — Louis XIV. forced to abandon his Conquests — Naval .Actions with the English— A Peace, 1674— Military Affairs— Battle of Senef- Death of De Ruyter — Congress for Peace at Nimeguen — Battle of Mont Cassel— Marriage of the Prince of Orange — Peace of Nimeguen 290

Chapter XX From The Peace Of Nimeguen To The Peace Of Utrecht

State of Europe subsequently to the Peace of Nimeguen — Arrogant Conduct of Louis XIV. — Truce for Twenty Years — Death of Charles II. of England — League of Augsburg — The Conduct of William — He invades England — James 11. deposed — William III. proclaimed King of England — King William puts himself at the Head of the Confederacy against Louis XIV., and enters on the War — Militarj' Operations — Peace of Ryswyk — Death of Charles H. of Spain — War of Succession — Death of William IH. — His Character— Duke of Marlborough — Prince Eugene — Successes of the Earl of Peterborough in Spain and Portugal — Louis XIV. solicits Peace — Conferences for Peace — Peace of Utrecht— Treat V of the Barrier 311

Chapter XXI

FROM THE PEACE OF UTRECHT TO THE INCORPORATION OF BELGIUM WITH THE FRENCH REPUBLIC

Quadruple Alliance — General Peace of Europe — Wise Conduct of tlie Republic — Great Danger from the bad State of the Dikes —

Death of the Emperor Charles VI. — Maria Theresa Empress — Her heroic Conduct — Battle of Dettingen — Louis XV. invades the Netherlands — Conferences for Peace at Breda — Battle of Fontenoy — William IV. Stadtholder and Captain-General^ Peace of Aix-la-Chapelle — Death of the Stadtholder, who is succeeded by his Son William V. — War of Seven Years — State of the Republic — William V. Stadtholder — Dismemberment of Poland — Joseph II. Emperor — His attempted Reforms in Religion— War with England — Sea-Fight on the Doggerbank — Peace with England, 1784 — Progress of Public Opinion in Europe, in Belgium, and Holland — Violent Opposition to the Stadtholder — Arrest of the Princess of Orange — Invasion of Holland by the Prussian Army — Agitation in Belgium — Vander Noot — Prince Albert of Saxe-Teschen and the Archduchess Maria Theresa joint Governors-General — Succeeded by Count Murray — Riots — • Meetings of the Provisional States — General Insurrection — Vonckists — Vander Mersch — Takes the Command of the Insurgents— His Skilful Conduct — He gains the Battle of Turnhout — Takes Possession of Flanders — Confederation of the Belgian Provinces — Death of Joseph II. — Leopold Emperor — Arrest of Vander Mersch — Arrogance of the States-General of Belgium — The Austrians overrun the Country — Convention at The Hague — Death of Leopold — Battle of Jemraappes — General Dumouriez — Conquest of Belgium by the French — Recovered by the Austrians— The Ai'chduke Charles Governor-General — War in the Netherlands — Duke of York — The Emperor Francis — The Battle of Fleurus — Incorporation of Belgium with the French Republic— Peace of Leoben — Treaty of Campo-Formio 335

Chapter XXII

FROM THE INVASION OF HOLLAND BY THE FP^.NCH TO THE RETUEN OP THE PRINCE OF ORANGE

Pichegru invades Holland — Winter Campaign — The Duke of York vainly resists the French Army — Abdication of the Stadtholder — Batavian Republic — War with England — Unfortunate Situation of Holland — Naval Fight — English Expedition to the Helder — Napoleon Bonaparte — Louis Bonaparte named King of Holland — His popular Conduct — He abdicates the Throne — Annexation of Holland to the French Empire — Ruinous to the Prosperity of the Republic — The People desire the Return of the Prince of Orange — Confederacy to effect this Purpose — ^The

Allied Armies advance toward Holland — The Nation rises to throw off the Yoke of France — Covint Styrum and his Associates lead on that Movement, and proclaim the Prince of Orange, who lands from England — His first Proclamation — His second Proclamation iJ4fl

Chapter XXIII

FROM THE INSTALLATION OF WILLIAM I. AS PRINCE-SOVEREIGN OF TH« NETHERLANDS TO THE BATTLE OF WATERLOO

Rapid Organization of Holland — The Constitution formed — Accepted by the People — Objections made to it by some Individuals— Inauguration of the Prince-Sovereign — Belgium is occupied by the Allies — Treaty of Paris — Treat}' of London — Formation of the Kingdom of the Netherlands — Basis of the Government — Relative Character and Situation of Holland and Belgium — The Prince-Sovereign of Holland arrives in Belgium as Governor-General — The fundamental Law — Report of the Commissioners by whom it was framed — Public Feeling in Holland, and in Belgium — The Emperor Napoleon invades France, and Belgium — The Prince of Orange takes the Field — The Duke of Wellington — Prince Blucher — Battle of Ligny — Battle of Quatre Bras — Battle of Waterloo — Anecdote of the Prince of Orange, who is wounded — Inauguration of the King .... 3S7

Supplementary Chapter (a,d. 1815—1899) 373

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

The Duke of Alva Deposes Margaret of Parma ....

Storming the Barricades at Brussels During the Revolution of 1848 William the Silent of Orange ........

A Holland Beauty ..........

Chapter I

FROM THE INVASION OF THE NETHERLANDS BY THE ROMANS TO THE INVASION BY THE SALIAN FRANKS

THE NETHERLANDS form a kingdom of moderate extent, situated on the borders of the ocean, opposite to the southeast coast of England, and stretching from the frontiers of France to those of Hanover, The country is principally composed of low and humid grounds, presenting a vast plain, irrigated by the waters from all those neighboring states which are traversed by the Rhine, the Meuse, and the Scheldt. This plain, gradually rising toward its eastern and southern extremities, blends on the one hand with Prussia, and on the other with France. Having, therefore, no natural or strongly marked limits on those sides, the extent of the kingdom could only be determined by convention ; and it must be at all times subject to the arbitrary and varying influence of European policy. Its greatest length, from north to south, is about two hundred and twenty English miles; and its breadth, from east to west, is nearly one hundred and forty.

Two^distinct kinds of men inhabit this kingdom. The one occupying the valleys of the Meuse and the Scheldt, and the high grounds bordering on France, speak a dialect of the language of that country, and evidentlj'- belong to the Gallic race. They are called Walloons, and are distinguished from the others by many peculiar qualities. Their most prominent characteristic is a propensity for war, and their principal source of subsistence the working of their mines. They form nearly one-fourth of the population of the whole kingdom, or about one million three hundred thousand persons. All the rest of the nation speak Low German, in its modifications of Dutch and Flemish ; and they offer the distinctive characteristics of the Saxon race — talents for agriculture, navigation, and commerce; perseverance rather than vivacity; and more courage than taste for the profession of arms. They are subdivided into Flemings — those who were the last to submit to the House of Austria; and Dutch — those who formed the republic of the United Provinces. But there is no difference between these two subdivisions, except such as has been produced by political and religious institutions. The physical aspect of the people is the same ; and the soil, equally low and moist, is at once fertilized and menaced by the waters.

The history of this last-mentioned portion of the nation is completely linked to that of the soil which they occupy. In remote times, when the inhabitants of this plain were few and uncivilized, the country formed but one immense morass, of which the chief part was incessantly inundated and made sterile by the waters of the sea. Pliny the naturalist, who visited the northern coasts, has left us a picture of their state in his days. "There," says he, "the ocean pours in its flood twice every day, and produces a perpetual uncertainty whether the country may be considered as a part of the continent or of the sea. The wretched inhabitants take refuge on the sand-hills, or in little huts, which they construct on the summits of lofty stakes, whose elevation is conformable to that of the highest tides. When the sea rises, they appear like navigators; when it retires, they seem as though they had been shipwrecked. They subsist on the fish left by the refluent waters, and which they catch in nets formed of rushes or seaweed. Neither tree nor shrub is visible on these shores. The drink of the people is rainwater, which they preserve with great care; their fuel, a sort of turf, which they gather and form with the hand.