Those bodies were urgently implored to appoint deputies to a general congress, at which a close and formal union between Holland and Zealand with the other provinces might be effected.

That important measure secured, a general effort might, at the same time, be made to expel the Spaniard from the soil.

This done, the remaining matters could be disposed of by the assembly of the estates-general.

His eloquence and energy were not without effect.

In the course of the autumn, deputies were appointed from the greater number of the provinces, to confer with the representatives of Holland and Zealand, in a general congress.