been formed of this resource, it was presumed that none had been withheld.
The leading cause of this promptitude in the Dutch to assist their new government, was the animosity which the nation entertained against Great Britain, with whom a war was now become inevitable. The detention of Dutch ships and property in England, the contemptuous treatment of the deputies sent to reclaim them, and the hostile measures obviously intended to be pursued against the colonial possessions of the republic, conspired to increase in Holland the flame of hatred that had long gone forth against the British nation. Every measure was embraced with avidity that tended to strengthen the republic against its odious and ancient rival; and the government, profiting by this enthusiasm of the people, ventured on expedients for the restoration of public credit which would not have been attempted at a period of less national spirit and ardour.
The utmost activity reigned in all the naval arsenals of the republic, and large sums were voted to place the marine forces
