Page:A Tour Through the Batavian Republic.djvu/315

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THE BATAVIAN REPUBLIC
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persons, the great difference between the revolution of Holland and that of France was clearly pointed out, and the relatively happy situation of the Batavian patriots obviously demonstrated. It was the Dutch nation, and not a faction, which triumphed; it was the cause of liberty and equality, not the spirit of destruction and revenge. The people were exhorted to make a cordial offer of the right hand of fellowship to such of their brethren as were deluded or misled, and to attach them to the new system of government, not by terror, but by justice, moderation, and generosity[1].

This proclamation calmed the fears of many who had taken an active part under the old government, and consequently expected, as had happened in the course of<references>

  1. In the Appendix (paper D), I have given a few extracts from this interesting proclamation. It was published about the time when General Daendals and some other patriots, who had fled from Holland in 1787, and returned with the French army, were anxious to promote violent measures against their adversaries the members of the old government.