On his arrival at the Hague he assisted at an assembly of the states-general, whom he harangued in very affectionate terms, and was answered with great cordiality; then he made a progress round the frontiers to examine the state of the garrisons, and gave such orders and directions as he judged necessary for the defence of the country.

Meanwhile, the French minister D'Avaux, being recalled from the Hague, delivered a letter to the states from the French king, who complained that they had often interrupted the conferences, from which no good fruits were to be expected; but he assured them it wholly depended upon themselves whether they should continue to receive marks of his ancient friendship for their republic.

The letter was accompanied by an insolent memorial, to which the states-general returned a very spirited answer.

As they expected nothing now but hostilities from France, they redoubled their diligence in making preparations for their own defence.

They repaired their fortifications, augmented their army, and hired auxiliaries.