Bleecker, then the Charge d' Affaires of the United States near the King of the Netherlands. The well known interest of this gentleman in the cause of historical research, induced him to enter, at once, cordially into the views of the State; and I gladly and gratefully embrace this opportunity to renew the expression of my thanks for those valuable counsels, and friendly efforts to further the objects of my appointment, which he was always ready to give and anxious to make. " In order to obtain the necessary facilities for investigating the archives of the Netherlands, '

an application was addressed by Mr. Bleecker, on my behalf, to the Baron Verstolk de Soelen, Minister of Foreign Affairs. Upon my presentation to the King, a few days afterwards. His Majesty received me in the kindest manner, expressing much pleasure with the objects of my mission, and a warm interest in its successful accomplishment. The general direction of the royal archives being entrusted to the Minister of the Interior, the application was promptly referred to the Baron Schimmelpennick, the head of that department; and an interview was accordingly had with His Excellency, who at once informed me that he would give directions to the officer in charge of the archives to afford me all facilities for the purpose of fully carrying out the objects of my commission, and which had been directed by the King himself to be as liberal in their extent as the exigencies of the service would allow. " The government records at the Hague are placed under the supervision of an '