THE BATAVIAN REPUBLIC
291
LETTER XV.
Conduct of the provisional representatives of Amsterdam. — Inquiries respecting the solvency of the bank. — Official report on the subject. — Deficiency of cash. — Nature of bank credits and receipts. — Indignation against the members of the old government. — Violent measures strongly recommended. — Wise proclamation of the representatives of Amsterdam. — Its beneficial effects. — Abolition of the stadtholderate. — Expressions of public joy at Amsterdam on that occasion. — The French representatives and generals occupied comparatively but little attention during these revolutionary movements. — Character of General Pichegru in Holland. — The inhabitants of the United Provinces required to deliver up their plate for the use of the nation. — This ordinance chearfully complied with through animosity to Great Britain. — Attention of the Dutch to their marine. — Removal of large bodies of the French troops. — Estimate of the amount of the contributions paid to the French.
Amsterdam, 1800.
DURING this arduous period, the provisional representatives of Amsterdam laboured
