uadron
arrived here the 4th, while the wind coming round, became all at once
favorable on the 5th to depart; and he reported to the Prince, who did
not communicate the report until the 7th, in secret session, that the
squadron was not in a state to go to Brest, for want of provisions,
cordage, sails, anchors, clothes for the seamen, and other necessary
articles;[46] on which the committee abovenamed presented themselves
today to the Prince, to express their surprise and ask an explanation.
The Prince professed that he had no account to render but for the
past, and none for the present or the future; at least till a new
resolution of their Noble and Grand Mightinesses. On their side, the
committee conceiving with reason "that the resolution which was
committed to them, contained particular instructions to look into the
points which it specified, and particularly a general order to report
on all subjects relating to the marine, and especially the direction
of the present war, as much as should appear to them necessary to
dissipate all obscurity," have in consequence made their report to the
Assembly.

_October 16th._ Their Noble and Grand Mightinesses having deliberated
on the report, all the cities were ready to conform to it except
Schiedam, la Brille, and Medemblick, which have taken it _ad
referendum_, the final resolution being deferred; but it will be
adopted as reported next week, at least by the majority, which is
sufficient in this case.

His Excellency Mr Adams departed this morning, the 16th of October,
for Paris. In taking leave of the President and Secretary of their
High Mightinesses the States-General, he did me the honor to present
me as _Charge d'Affaires_ of the United States; which is an
indispensable custom. He had before advised the Grand Pensionary of
it, to whom I shall make tomorrow a visit of politeness in
consequence.

_October 18th._ A young officer, (De Witte,) convicted of high
treason, for having attempted to assist the enemy in an invasion of
the coast of Zealand, was about to be tried by the High Council of
War, which is wholly dependent on the Prince, when the States of
Holland solemnly signified to the Prince that he ought to cause
prosecution to be stayed before this tribunal, as incompetent, and
carry it up before the Court of Justice of Holland and Zealand. This
High Council of War, is, besides, odious to the nation, and regarded
as tyrannical and unconstitutional.

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