was in agitation, and expressed their resolute determination to oppose its execution by force, should the government rashly proceed with their design.
In defiance of the proclamation by which popular meetings were prohibited, a numerous and formidable body of the citizens of Amsterdam assembled to take into consideration the situation of the country, and to present a petition, or rather remonstrance, to the council of regency against the proposed inundation, and the admission of foreign troops into Amsterdam, which was a plan connected with the former measure. The remonstrants, in spite of the endeavours of the military, and civil magistrates, to disperse them, assembled with great regularity and order in the square before the stadthouse, and deputed three persons, one of whom was Visscher, the dismissed pensioner[1], to present their strong, but respectful petition to the regents. The magistrates<references>
- ↑ Dismissed in 1787. See note, p. 276.
