There was no panic.

Steps were at once taken for carrying on the government in Holland, Zeeland and Utrecht.

Stimulated by the example of Holland, the States-General likewise took prompt action.

On August 18 a Council of State was appointed to exercise provisionally the executive powers of sovereignty, consisting of eighteen members, four from Holland, three each from Zeeland and Friesland, two from Utrecht and six from Brabant and Flanders.

Of this body Maurice of Nassau, William's seventeen year-old son, was nominated first Councillor, and a pension of 30,000 guilders per annum was granted him.