Answer to Remonstrance presented to the King and the Lords, his the Commissioners, by their Lordships the Ambassador and Deputy of the Lords States General of the United Provinces, in April, 1G32.

First: as regards the occasion of this Remonstrance, which is founded on the suspicion of some misunderstanding, it cannot but appear strange to his Majesty who could not imagine, by any indication, except by this Remonstrance, that there had been evil designed attempts made with a view to disunion, nor that offence had been taken to the respect shown by the said Lords the States to other princes. For although his Majesty might well claim for himself the preference in the balance of their esteem, he would not object to the good understanding they cultivate with their other friends, confident that they are in a position to weigh well in their prudence how much more advantageous is their union with him to that with others. Now, inasmuch as they have sent expressly to assure his Majesty of the respect and affection they bear him, the attention they have manifested therein is deserving all praise. These pains cannot indeed be too great to preserve such a treasure as they possess in the friendship of his Majesty and his subjects, their antient friends and good neighbors. And the consideration of that respect towards his Majesty, afforded by the communication of the contents of their last despatch to France, furnishes, indeed, an evidence of their confidence without, in the least, prejudicing their affairs; and were this frankness continued, it would, without doubt, have dissipated all those pretended clouds of disaffection and distrust. As regards the restoration which they have made of the vessel captured near Reculvers by one of their ships (mention whereof is made in the second Article) that also deserves praise, as the result of their justice, especially if the first delinquent had been punished and had made reparation for the losses and damages they have been always accustomed to demand and sue for in such case, which also should properly be made to prevent the recurrence of such depredations.