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estimation in the eyes of government, than the most ancient Patroon!
This has long and truly been the case. I cannot remember when it was
otherwise!
It may not be denied. But it would little become political discretion to
affect precipitancy in the judgment of character. If my own administration can
be stigmatized with the same apparent prejudice, it proves the clearer how
strong is misrepresentation at home. Time was wanting to enlighten my mind,
and that time has been refused me. In another year, my worthy Sir, the Council
should have been filled with Van s!
In such a case, my Lord, the unhappy condition in which you are now placed
might indeed have been avoided.
Is it too late to arrest the evil? It is time Anne had been undeceived, and
her mind regained. There wanteth nothing to such a consummation of justice,
Sir, but opportunity. It touches me to the heart, to think that this disgrace
should befall one so near the royal blood! Tis a spot on the escutcheon of
the crown, that all loyal subjects must feel desirous to efface, and so small
an effort would effect the object, too, with certain--Mr. Alderman Myndert Van
Beverout--?
My Lord, late Governor, returned the other, observing that his companion
hesitated.
What think you of this Hanoverian settlement?-- Shall a German wear the
crown of a Plantagenet?
It hath been worn by a Hollander.
Aptly answered! Worn, and worn worthily! There is affinity between the
people, and there is reason in that reply. How have I failed in wisdom, in not
seeking earlier the aid of thy advice, excellent Sir! Ah, Myndert, there is a
blessing on the enterprises of all who come of the Low Countries!
They are industrious to earn, and slow to squander.
That expenditure is the ruin of many a worthy subject! And yet
accident--chance--fortune--or whatever you may choose to call it, interferes
nefariously, at times, with a gentleman s prosperity. I am an adorer of
constancy in friendship, Sir, and hold the principle that men should aid each
other through this dark vale of life--Mr. Alderman Van Beverout--?
My Lord Cornbury?
I was about to say, that should I quit the Province, without expressing part
of the regret I feel, at not having sooner ascertained the merits of its
original owners, and your own in particular, I should do injustice to
sensibilities, that are only too acute for the peace of him who endures them.
Is there then hope that your lordship s creditors will relent, or has the
Earl furnished means to open the prison-door?
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You use the pleasantest terms, Sir!--but I love directness of language,
above all other qualities. No doubt the prison-door, as you have so clearly
expressed it, might be opened, and lucky would be the man who should turn the
key. I am pained when I think of the displeasure of the Queen, which, sooner
or later, will surely visit my luckless persecutors. On the other hand, I find
relief in thinking of the favor she will extend to those who have proved my
friends, in such a strait. They that wear crowns love not to see disgrace
befall the meanest of their blood, for something of the taint may sully even
the ermine of Majesty.--Mr. Alderman--!
My Lord?
--How fare the Flemish geldings?
Bravely, and many thanks, my Lord; the rogues are fat as butter! There is
hope of a little rest for the innocents, since business calls me to the Lust
in Rust. There should be a law, Lord Governor, to gibbet the black that rides
a beast at night.
I bethought of some condign punishment for so heartless a crime, but there
is little hope for it under the administration of this Mr. Hunter. Yes, Sir;
were I once more in the presence of my royal cousin, there would quickly be an
end to this delusion, and the colony should be once more restored to a
healthful state. The men of a generation should cease to lord it over the men
of a century. But we must be wary of letting our design, my dear Sir, get
wind; it is a truly Dutch idea, and the profits, both pecuniary and political,
should belong to the gentlemen of that descent--My dear Van Beverout--?
My good Lord?
Is the blooming Alida obedient? Trust me, there has no family event
occurred, during my residence in the colony, in which I have taken a nearer
interest, than in that desirable connexion. The wooing of the young Patroon of
Kinderhook is an affair of concern to the province. It is a meritorious
youth!
With an excellent estate, my Lord!
And a gravity beyond his years.
I would give a guarantee, at a risk, that two-thirds of his income goes to
increase the capital, at the beginning of each season!
He seems a man to live on air!
My old friend, the last Patroon, left noble assets, continued the Alderman,
rubbing his hands; besides the manor.
Which is no paddock!
It reaches from the Hudson to the line of Massachusetts. A hundred thousand
acres of hill and bottom, and well peopled by frugal Hollanders.
Respectable in possession, and a mine of gold in reversion! Such men, Sir,
should be cherished. We owe it to his station to admit him to a share of this,
our project to undeceive the Queen. How superior are the claims of such a
gentleman to the empty pretensions of your Captain Ludlow!
He has truly a very good and an improving estate!
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These Ludlows, Sir, people that fled the realm for plotting against the
crown, are offensive to a loyal subject. Indeed, too much of this objection
may be imputed to many in the province, that come of English blood. I am sorry
to say, that they are fomenters of discord, disturbers of the public mind, and
captious disputants about prerogatives and vested rights. But there is a
repose in the Dutch character which lends it dignity! The descendants of the
Hollanders are men to be counted on; where we leave them to-day, we see them
to-morrow. As we say in politics, Sir, we know where to find them. Does it not
seem to you particularly offensive that this Captain Ludlow should command the
only royal cruiser on the station?
I should like it better, my Lord, were he to serve in Europe, returned the
Alderman, glancing a look behind him, and lowering his voice. There was
lately a rumor that his ship was in truth to be sent among the islands.
Matters are getting very wrong, most worthy Sir; and the greater the
necessity there should be one at court to undeceive the Queen. Innovators
should be made to give way to men whose names are historical, in the colony.
Twould be no worse for Her Majesty s credit.
Twould be another jewel in her crown! Should this Captain Ludlow actually
marry your niece, the family would altogether change its character--I have the
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