The opinion of the leading Whig statesmen was communicated to the King in a letter which was not many months later placed on the records of Parliament.

These statesmen entirely agreed with William in wishing to see the question of the Spanish succession speedily and peaceably settled.

They apprehended that, if Charles should die leaving that question unsettled, the immense power of the French King and the geographical situation of his dominions would enable him to take immediate possession of the most important parts of the great inheritance.

Whether he was likely to venture on so bold a course, and whether, if he did venture on it, any continental government would have the means and the spirit to withstand him, were questions as to which the English ministers, with unfeigned deference, submitted their opinion to that of their master, whose knowledge of the interests and tempers of all the courts of Europe was unrivalled.

But there was one important point which must not be left out of consideration, and about which his servants might perhaps be better informed than himself, the temper of their own country.