Moreover, the offence had been aggravated by the employment of United States' troops against the commonwealth of the United States itself.

To cut off the heads of these prisoners was a sharp practical answer to the claims of sovereignty by Leicester, as representing the people, and a terrible warning to all who might, in future; be disposed to revive the theories of Deventer and Burgrave.
In the case of De Maulde the punishment seemed especially severe.

His fate excited universal sympathy, and great efforts were made to obtain his pardon.

He was a universal favourite; he was young; he was very handsome; his manners were attractive; he belonged to an ancient and honourable race.

His father, the Seigneur de Mansart, had done great services in the war of independence, had been an intimate friend of the great Prince of Orange, and had even advanced large sums of money to assist his noble efforts to liberate the country.