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Rh clouds which have of late obscured his fortunes, and the treasons that have tainted his character, is still spoken of in Holland with sentiments of respect and esteem. I have heard his military talents questioned by persons well qualified to pronounce on the subject; but the astonishing success of his campaigns has always made me receive such reports with scepticism. If he is not to be ranked with the first generals whom the present contest has produced, he undoubtedly deserves to hold a distinguished place among the leaders, who have covered with laurels the arms of the French republic. His conduct as general of the army which conquered Holland, is represented by the Dutch as extremely amiable. It was moderate, humane, and unassuming. The vast authority which was lodged in his hands, was sullied by no acts of oppression or injustice; and lastly, he quitted Holland unenriched by the plunder of the people whom he protected.

The financial embarrassments of the republic early in the new order of things demanded the attention of the provisional representatives