Sève, Sept. 25th, 1787.
My dear Brother,
I arrived at Paris this evening, and immediately set off for
this place, where Eden has a house. You will have heard all the
good news in Holland. The effect it has produced here seems to
be that of frightening these people into withdrawing themselves
from the business. If so, my mission will soon be ended, and the
general result will be so happy, that I shall have nothing to
fear from my particular share in it. I have but just time to
scrawl these three lines, as the courier is waiting, and his
getting to Calais early is of real importance.
Ever yours,
W. W. G.
The "good news" was neither more nor less than the rapid and complete
success which attended the arms of Prussia, without striking a blow.
While Mr. Grenville was negotiating in Paris, to dissuade the French
from interfering, the Prince of Orange was making his public entry into
the Hague--an event which, to the astonishment of Europe, after the
sturdy independence shown by the States in the first instance, took
place within seven days from the date of the invasion.