“Nota, that the alliances with Spain and Brandenburg go well.
“Nota, that the Prince William of Orange is popular in England; nota, not to trust him, M. Fagel has changed front and is utterly against peace; nota, he has received instructions from the Prince.
“Fresh levies to be sent to Groningen; nota, that the French, especially M. de Luxembourg, behave with great cruelty, thereby filling the people with terror.
“Nota, confidence to be restored to the States by resolute speaking, despair a worse enemy than the French.
“Nota, that the clamour for the Prince of Orange grows, and that the people seem to put more trust in him than in God.
“Nota, that two days of fasting be appointed till God be pleased to guide us out of these troubles.
“Nota, that the Princess Amalia petitions the State for leave to ask the King of France’s protection for her property at the Hague; nota, not to be granted, as it would show despair of our success.
“Nota, that one Mynheer Sylvius arrived from England on a secret mission to the Prince; nota, that this looks ill.
“These notes made Tuesday, June 21, 1672, at the Binnenhof.”
John de Witt drew out his handkerchief and wiped his brow.