She has often made war upon the Continent with indomitable obstinacy and perseverance; but at bottom and by the very force of circumstances England remains, as regards the affairs of Europe, an essentially pacific power.

War brings her no advantage; she cannot pretend to any territorial aggrandizement in Europe; it is the equilibrium between the continental powers that makes her strength, and her first interest was always to maintain it.
The campaign of 1711 was everywhere insignificant.

Negotiations were still going on with England, secretly and through subordinate agents: Manager, member of the Board of Trade, for France; and, for England, the poet Prior, strongly attached to Harley.

On the 29th of January, 1712, the general conferences were opened at Utrecht.

The French had been anxious to avoid the Hague, dreading the obstinacy of Heinsius in favor of his former proposals.