Ominous political state of England at the time of the marriage of
William and Mary. Confidential relations of Heenvliet with Henrietta
Maria. Visit of the Queen to Holland. Her efforts to secure help
for the royalist cause. Goodwill of Frederick Henry. The Dutch
people generally anti-royalist. Mission of Walter Strickland
from the Parliament. The States-General refuse to receive him.
Under pressure from Holland they declare for strict neutrality.
They send two envoys in 1644 to offer mediation between the
King and the Parliament. After more than a year of futile effort
they return. Death of Frederick Henry, March, 1647. Peace of
Munster, January, 1648. Character and ambitions of William II,
Prince of Orange. His affection for and generosity to his English
relatives. Mission of Dr. Doreslaar. The States-General will not
grant him audience. Adrian Pauw and Albert Joachimi commissioned
to intercede for the life of Charles I. The news of the King's
execution excites universal horror and detestation in the States.
Condolences are officially offered to King Charles II. The English
Council of State send over Isaac Doreslaar and Walter Strickland
to propose closer relations between the two republics. Doreslaar
is assassinated. Recall of Strickland. Joachimi ordered to leave
London. The province of Holland takes independent action. The States
of Holland send Gerard Schaep to London to bring about a better
understanding, January, 1650. The Prince of Orange engages in a
struggle for supremacy with the States of Holland. Supported by the
States-General, he compels the submission of the Hollanders by armed
force. His ultimate aim with the aid of France to attempt a Stewart
restoration. His sudden death by small-pox, November 6, 1650. His
death followed by revolution. The Stadholderate is abolished. The
Great Gathering. Holland supreme in the State. The Commonwealth
recognized. Joachimi returns to London. St. John and Strickland
make a state entry into the Hague. Hostile reception. Negotiations
for 'a more strict and intimate alliance and union'. Divergence of
views. No prospect of agreement. The English envoys leave the Hague,
July, 1651. Bitterness in England against the Dutch. All the old
grievances raked up. Navigation Act. Deadly blow to Dutch commerce.
Mission of Cats, Schaep, and Perre, December 27, 1651. Both sides
arming. Exorbitant English demands. Refusal of the Dutch to accept
them. Conflict between Tromp and Blake off Dover, May 19. Final
negotiations. Dutch envoys leave England, June 30. War declared
PAGES 132-57.