Page:A Tour Through the Batavian Republic.djvu/140

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128
TOUR THROUGH

a few years, from its defects and insufficiency, a government resembling the states-general, but of a more republican character, will probably be established under the auspices of France. Until the restoration of peace, however, it is not likely that any alterations of magnitude will be attempted.

Had the son of the stadtholder survived, who died about two years ago a general in the imperial service, a powerful party would probably have been formed in Holland in his favour, which would have endeavoured, had circumstances arisen to promote their design, to recal him to his country, and invest him with the dignities which his ancestors enjoyed in the republic. He was a young man of singular courage, and engaging manners; his person and talents were thought to resemble those of his great uncle the illustrious Frederic of Prussia[1]; and the Dutch beheld<references>

  1. I use the word illustrious, not in its common sense, to signify eminent for excellence, but to denote a man better known than any king of the same name. I think by no means favourably of Frederic either as a man or a monarch, and the reputation which he enjoys is disgraceful to the discernment of the age.