| Content Description | Comments on problems concerning a lawsuit relating to the Webbenum [Weibnom] legacy; says the 'misérables prisoniers', soon to be executed, have been in court for the whole week but were not to appear until the following morning; hopes it will be concluded to the satisfaction of those who are looking after his [Portland's] interests; believes d'Allonne will have told him that nothing would contribute more to his success than his presence there; comments on the likely timetable of events and hopes he will be able to come although knows that he may be prevented by his lawsuit in England; refers to his wish to know the thinking in Albemarle's [circle] and says he has discovered certain things, which have been revealed to him in strict confidence; says he feels he should tell him so he can use [this information] as he sees fit.
Says he has been advised that the lawsuit will be delayed until the arrival of Albemarle and that whatever he [Portland] does, nothing will happen until he arrives; says he has also been told that Lord or Lady Marlborough are taking an interest in this affair and warns him to beware of the Lord High Treasurer [Godolphin]; says they are having trouble finding evidence against him and their only hope lies in depositions of Henning and the merchant, named in his note found amongst the king [William III's] papers; believes his name may be something like 'Els' and says both he and Henning are to be examined under oath and are expected to declare that the money in question was from the king's 'privé burs' or elsewhere; says he must take precautions against what these two may say and warns of intrigues being plotted.
Referring to a previous letter, notes an end to the disorder in Middleburg over disputes within the magistracy; informs that the party of the old magistrates has been chased out by the new and gives details; considers the implications for Guelders and expresses concern for the effect on the health of M. de Rosendael [Arnhem]; says he has seen Lord Marlborough and Mr Stepney but has not been able to find 'l'amiral Michel' [Mitchell?]; refers to a meeting between Marlborough and the Estats; reports rumours that the enemy is gathering at Namur; reports that 'Top' [Dopff] has asked to resign, Slangenburg [Baer] swears he will not serve unless he is marshal and Coehoorn is suffering from fatigue after two attacks of apoplexy; observes that the generalship will cause problems.
Refers to letters from Germany with details of news from Vienna where there is less anxiety about the threat from the Elector of Bavaria [Maximilian II], and comments on the Emperor [Leopold I]'s attitude and actions regarding proposals for peace with the 'rebelles'; reports advice from Spain that things are continuing to go well for the common cause; comments on the 'furieuses et continuelles tempestes' and sends compliments to the Countess, Lord Woodstock and the 'jeunes ladies'.
See also Pw A 318/1-3 regarding the lawsuit with the Earl of Albemarle. |