The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1840-12-08

ed TO the strctest secresy. Accordingly, just be-
fore the appointed hour, (having previously reti-
red 10 bed for the purpose OF more ehectually de-
ceying his attendants, Charles hastily dressed
himself and stole undiscovered down the back
stairs; he previously, however, anticipated the
fears OF his little Court by leaving letter on the
table, in which he expressed his intention TO be
absent for two or three days, at the same time
enjoining them 10 keep his departure as much
secret as possible, and TO plead indrsposiiion as
the cause of his secusion. Having joined
Fleming he explained to him his intended pur-
pose Of visiting his sister, and by making great
expedition, and selecting the most secretly -ways,
about six O'Clock in the morning arrived without
interruption at the Hague. The King, who had
adopted an excellent disguise for his purpose
alighted at a small inn In a retired part OF the
town, whence he dispatched Fleming 10 bis SIS
ter with instructions to contrive some feasible
plan for their interview.
Shortly after the return of Fleming, the ira
vellers were intenupte by the entrance of their
landlord who informed them stranger was ma
king inquiries respecting them, and desired 10 be
admitted. Charles appeared much surprised,
but, notwithstanding the earnest circumstances
of his attendant, consented TO admit the stranger
to an interview. His establishment was still great
er when ian old reverend-ike man, with a long
grey beard and ordinary grey clothes, was ush-
cred into the room, who Immediately addressing
himself to the King, assured him he was the per-
son whom he came to see, and requested that
their interview might be private. On this Charles
turned to Fleming, and desired him to withdraw.
Fleming however, naturally apprehending some
danger might befall his Sovereign, at first posi-
lively refused, till the King, taking him aside,
explained TO him how little was to be feared from
person advanced in years, and again com
manded him to retire.
No sooner had Fleming quilted the apartment
than the stranger excited the Kings suspicious
by cautiously boiling the door. A moment after
wards, however, he fell on his knees, and pulling
off his disguise, discovered to the Kings aston
ishment, the celebrated Sir George Downing,
then ambassador from Cromwell to the States
General An explanation followed, in which
Downing implored the forgiveness of his Sove-
reign for the share which he had taken in the late
troubles, adding that, at heart, no one could be
inspired by more devoted feelings of loyalty than
himself, and that whenever circumstances per-
mitted him to take off the mask, he would be
found one Of the foremost to risk life and fortune
in his Majesty's service. He then came TO the
object of his present visit, in the first instance
however exacting solemn promise from Charles,
that till he should be restored to his rights,
he would communicate TO no person living the
secret Of their present conference; and, on the
other hand, that he would never inquire or either
directly or indirectly, make any attempt to disco
yer, the means by which ne mad become possess
ed of the secret Of the Kings present exped-
ton. Charles having made the promises requi-
red of him, Downing then told him that, in ac-
cordance with a secret treaty which had been
recently entered into between Cromwell and the
Dutch, il had been guaranteed on the part OF the
latter, that should Charles ever place his foot
within the territories Of the States, his person
should Immediately be seized, and delivered over
to the usurper. Downing added, that SO extraor-
binary were Cromwell's means Of intelligence,
that he expected on his return to his own house
to find official information of his Majesty's pre-
sent visit, of which, should he neglect to avail
himself, he should in all probability, lose his head
He then proposed that Charles should immedi-
ately take horse, and make the best Of his way
out of the dominions of the States; he added,
that he himself would return home, and on the
pretense of indisposition, would keep his bed
longer than usual, and by that means would OBJ
tain sufficient delay fo- their purpose, and that as
soon as il could be reasonably expected that his
Majesty had escaped, he would repair to the
States with his tardy information, and require on
the terms of the late treaty, that the Kings per
son should be instantly seized The plan fully
answered their expectations, and Charles return
ed safe to Brussels.