REMARKS

ON

THE BARRIER TREATY, &c.

THIS treatise may be considered as a continuation of the Con duct of the Allies. The complaints of the author against the continental alliance in general, are here particularly concentrated and fixed upon the Barrier Treaty, which, to say truth, seems, at this distance of time, a most extraordinary production of diplomacy.

PREFACE.

WHEN I published the discourse, called The Conduct of the Allies, I had thoughts either of inserting, or annexing, the Barrier Treaty at length, with such observations as I conceived might be useful for public information: but that discourse taking up more room than I designed, after my utmost endeavours to abbreviate it, I contented myself only with making some few reflections upon that famous treaty, sufficient, as I thought, to answer the design of my book. I have since heard, that my readers in general seemed to wish I had been more particular, and have discovered an impatience to have that treaty made public, especially since it has been laid before the House of Commons.

That I may give some light to the reader who is not well versed in those affairs, he may please to know, that a project for a treaty of barrier with the States was transmitted hither from Holland; but being disapproved of by our court in several parts, a new project, or scheme of a treaty, was drawn up here, with many additions and alterations. This last was called the counter-project, and was the measure whereby the Duke of Marlborough, and my Lord Townshend were commanded and instructed to proceed in negotiating a treaty of barrier with the States.

I have added a translation of this counter-project in those articles where it differs from the

barrier treaty, that the reader, by comparing them together, may judge how punctually those negociators observed their instructions I have likewise subjoined the sentiments of Prince Eugene of Savoy and the Count de Zinzendorf, relating to this treaty, written, I suppose, while it was negociating. And lastly, I have added a copy of the representation of the British merchants at Bruges, signifying what inconveniences they already felt, and farther apprehended, from this barrier treaty.