At the Hague the deputies were heard on the 22nd August, 1590.

They complained to the States-General of "brandschatting" on the border, of the holding of forts beyond the lines, and of other invasions of neutral territory, of the cruising of the war-vessels of the States off the shores and on the rivers, and of their interference with lawful traders.

Threats were made of forcible intervention and reprisals.
The united States replied on the 13th September.

Expressing deep regret that neutral nations should suffer, they pronounced it to be impossible but that some sparks from the great fire, now desolating their land, should fly over into their neighbours' ground.

The States were fighting the battle of liberty against slavery, in which the future generations of Germany, as well as of the Netherlands were interested.