The proposal was shameful in itself.

Could they think that it would be made a crime in Grotius to have written a book, dictated by his love to his country, and deserving a recompence from the States to whom it had been of great use in the dispute with England concerning the right of navigation?
At the first examination which Grotius underwent, he answered[94] that he was of the Province of Holland, Minister of a city of Holland; that he had been arrested on the territories of Holland; that he acknowledged no judges but that province, and was ready to justify all he had done.
He maintained that the States General had no jurisdiction over him, and consequently could not nominate his Judges.

He alledged also the privilege of the citizens of Rotterdam and demanded permission to set forth his reasons before the States of Holland and the States General; and that the validity of his objections might be determined by Judges of Holland.

All these things were denied him.

They insisted that he should plead: he protested against this violence; but this did not hinder them from proceeding against him, in contempt of all forms.