History of the United Netherlands, 1607



CHAPTER XLIX.

Peace deliberations in Spain--Unpopularity of the project--
Disaffection of the courtiers--Complaints against Spinola--
Conference of the Catholic party--Position of Henry IV. towards the
republic--State of France Further peace negotiations--Desire of King
James of England for the restoration of the States to Spain--Arrival
of the French commissioners President Jeannin before the States-
General--Dangers of a truce with Spain--Dutch legation to England--
Arrival of Lewis Verreyken at the Hague with Philip's ratification--
Rejection of the Spanish treaty--Withdrawal of the Dutch fleet from
the Peninsula--The peace project denounced by the party of Prince
Maurice--Opposition of Maurice to the plans of Barneveld--Amended
ratification presented to the States-General--Discussion of the
conditions--Determination to conclude a peace--Indian trade--
Exploits of Admiral Matelieff in the Malay peninsula--He lays siege
to Malacca--Victory over the Spanish fleet--Endeavour to open a
trade with China--Return of Matelieff to Holland.

The Marquis Spinola had informed the Spanish Government that if 300,000
dollars a month could be furnished, the war might be continued, but that
otherwise it would be better to treat upon the basis of 'uti possidetis,'
and according to the terms proposed by the States-General. He had
further intimated his opinion that, instead of waiting for the king's
consent, it more comported with the king's dignity for the archdukes to
enter into negotiations, to make a preliminary and brief armistice with