Life of John of Barneveld, 1613-15


CHAPTER IX.

Aerssens remains Two Years longer in France--Derives many Personal
Advantages from his Post--He visits the States-General--Aubery du
Maurier appointed French Ambassador--He demands the Recall of
Aerssens--Peace of Sainte-Menehould--Asperen de Langerac appointed
in Aerssens' Place.

Francis Aerssens had remained longer at his post than had been intended
by the resolution of the States of Holland, passed in May 1611.

It is an exemplification of the very loose constitutional framework of
the United Provinces that the nomination of the ambassador to France
belonged to the States of Holland, by whom his salary was paid, although,
of course, he was the servant of the States-General, to whom his public
and official correspondence was addressed. His most important despatches
were however written directly to Barneveld so long as he remained in
power, who had also the charge of the whole correspondence, public or
private, with all the envoys of the States.

Aerssens had, it will be remembered, been authorized to stay one year
longer in France if he thought he could be useful there. He stayed two
years, and on the whole was not useful. He had too many eyes and too
many ears. He had become mischievous by the very activity of his
intelligence. He was too zealous. There were occasions in France at
that moment in which it was as well to be blind and deaf. It was
impossible for the Republic, unless driven to it by dire necessity, to