| Content Description | The first part of the letter, in French, refers to preoccupation and speculation concerning the Prince of Wales; describes the queen's [Mary of Modena] condition in her pregnancy and concerns for her health; notes that Fagel's letter has been sent to a printer [in England] with permission from Amsterdam to print; comments on attitudes towards the repeal of the Test Acts and the qualities of the Prince [of Orange, later William III] as potential king; refers to a dispute between Mr Sydney and Lord [Hunsdon].
Notes that another, undated letter was joined to the above; this was written in English and asks if the recipient reads his letters, and if so if he reads them all, and if he washes them; asks if 'they' [Prince and Princess of Orange??] are happy for him to 'mix advices with matters of fact'; notes that the advice and reflections included in the letters are his own, and do not come 'from such hands as ought to make them to be valued'; comments how difficult it is to write in this way since the ink dries so fast 'that one has neither the time to chuse ones matter nor ones words'; observes that Dr Burnet will prove to be very useful but notes that he must be told when matters are to be kept secret.
Refers to the paper about the Test and the 'Letter to a Dissenter', which 'did you more service, than ever was done you in England'; comments that whatever they are told, 'people here are afraid, and they stand in need of a bold triumphing way of writing, to keep them in heart'; gives assurances that he can distinguish his duty to them [the recipient's 'friends', i.e. the Prince and Princess of Orange?] from his friendship to Dr Burnet; says Burnet wishes to be written to once every three weeks; says Sydney is unhappy that the recipient has not written to him; describes Sydney as 'one of the best men in the world'; states a means by which they can communicate to each other the last letters they have written and received.
Concludes by stating that Dr Burnet should give careful consideration to his answer to the Bishop of Oxford, since 'they eyes of all the Nation are on him for one'; refers to a rumour there [i.e. in England?] that the States will banish him.
Copy of Pw A 2125/1-3.
Copy made in 1733 and forming part of a bundle of papers sent from Holland to England and referred to in the papers of the 3rd Duke of Portland (Pw F 1261). |