This, however, was the character studiously impressed upon the "Brussels Union." The people, subdivided according to the various grades of their social hierarchy, had been solemnly summoned to council, and had deliberately recorded their conviction.

No restraint had been put upon their freedom of action, and there was hardly a difference of opinion as to the necessity of the measure.
A rapid revolution in Friesland, Groningen, and the dependencies, had recently restored that important country to the national party.

The Portuguese De Billy had been deprived of his authority as King's stadholder, and Count Hoogstraaten's brother, Baron de Ville, afterwards as Count Renneberg infamous for his, treason to the cause of liberty, had been appointed by the estates in his room.

In all this district the "Union of Brussels" was eagerly signed by men of every degree.

Holland and Zealand, no less than the Catholic provinces of the south willingly accepted the compromise which was thus laid down, and which was thought to be not only an additional security for the past, not only a pillar more for the maintenance of the Ghent Pacification, but also a sure precursor of a closer union in the future.