Page:A Tour Through the Batavian Republic.djvu/393

Rh Batavians! we know you too well to imagine you would be accomplices in so abominable a conspiracy. Our enemies are also yours. The blood of the founders of the United Netherlands still flows in your veins; and in the midst of the confusion of war we consider you as our friends and allies. It is under this name that we enter your country. We seek not to terrify, but to inspire you with confidence. It is but a few years since a tyrannic conqueror prescribed you laws; we have abolished them, and restore you to freedom.

We come not to make you slaves; the French, nation shall preserve to you your independence.

The armies of the republic shall observe the strictest military discipline.

All crimes and civil offences, of citizens against citizens, shall be punished with the most rigid justice.

Personal safety shall be secured, and property protected.

The freedom of religious worship shall suffer no restraint.

The laws and customs of the country shall be, provisionally, maintained.

The people of Batavia, exercising that sovereignty which is their right, shall alone possess