contained, but enquiring how long it was probable we should remain in Amsterdam, they affixed the necessary certificate of inspection to our papers, and in the most obliging terms hoped that our residence in their city would prove agreeable. Judging of the customs of other nations from a country where the fees of office are exorbitant, and the clerks insolent and rapacious, I was surprised at the politeness of the Dutch, and that we had nothing to pay for the inspection of our passports. Those who are acquainted with the municipal government of London will readily account for my surprise.
Our business with the municipality being dispatched, we waited on General d'Henisdal, the French commandant of Amsterdam, to deliver to him the recommendation with which we were favoured by General Chorié. He received us with much civility; and on our representing to him the badness of our accommodations at the English Bible, he carried us to the Doele on the Cingel, one of the best hotels in Amsterdam, where we are at present lodged. It is kept by a widow,
