They had much, influence with all the refugees from Flanders, Brabant, and the Walloon Provinces.

In Utrecht, especially, where the Earl mainly resided, their intrigues were very successful.

Deventer was appointed, as already stated, to the important post of burgomaster; many, of the influential citizens were banished, without cause or, trial; the upper branch of the municipal government, consisting of the clerical delegates of the colleges, was in an arbitrary manner abolished; and, finally, the absolute sovereignty of, the Province, without condition, was offered to the Queen, of England.
Leicester was now determined to carry out one of the great objects which the Queen had in view when she sent him to the Netherlands.

She desired thoroughly to ascertain the financial resources of the Provinces, and their capacity to defend themselves.

It was supposed by the States, and hoped by the Earl and by a majority of the Netherland people, that she would, in case the results were satisfactory, accept, after all, the sovereignty.