The assembly of which I spoke in my second of 31 December never convened. The grand pensionary so vigorously assured the pensionaries of Dordrecht and Amsterdam that the prince, in concert with the council of 163state, had taken such effective measures to prevent all such disorders in the future that the pensionaries were persuaded to take no further action.

Indeed, there has never been so peaceful a New Year's Eve at The Hague. The past has rendered us wise—or perhaps it is the doubling of the guard, and particularly the precaution of closing all the taverns at a certain hour each evening. Otherwise we would probably have had some rowdiness; for nox et amor vinumque nihil moderabile suadent.1

Besides, had this disturbance occurred, its consequences would have been more harmful to the ill-intentioned than to be dreaded by anyone else.

Your honored letter of 24 December arrived after my two letters of 31 December had been sent. Since you seemed in a hurry for Pensées sur la révolution, sir, and wondering in vain whether it was for some particular occasion, I have decided to send it at once through the mail as you requested.2

We have no news of your son, who will be welcomed with open arms if he comes.

We note with much pleasure, sir, that you seem anxious to be back among us. I said as much yesterday to the grand pensionary, who was asking after you.

Yesterday, despite a violent attack of lumbago, I paid the customary calls on the president of their High Mightinesses, the grand pensionary, the secretary, the president of the council of state, and the grand bailiff of The Hague. It remained only to visit the court, when I was overcome with weakness in the apartment of Mr. Bérenger, with whom I had intended to go. Instead he brought me home, where I have been confined ever since.

My family, as I do, sends its regards and shares the sincere respect with which I am, sir, your excellency's very humble and very obedient servant