Note 26 — Chapter IV
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On the first out-break of the revolution, the people of Antwerp, strongly opposed to it, sent the following address to the King of Holland. “Sire, it is not without painful sensations that we have been apprised of the demand made to your Majesty, tending to obtain a separation of interests between the southern and northern provinces. The fear that our silence may be interpreted as an adhesion to this proposition, imposes upon us the duty of exposing to your Majesty, that the wish is in no way participated in by us. The experience of fifteen years has proved to us, in the most evident manner, that is to the free and mutual exchange of produce, that we are indebted for reciprocal prosperity. The advantages that navigation derives from the colonies, the increasing outlets that these same colonies constantly offer to the produce of our industry, are irrefragible proofs, that any separation would not only be fatal to this province, but to the commercial industry of all Belgium. Intimately persuaded of this great truth, we dare to make it known to your Majesty, with that confidence and respect inspired by a King, who desires the welfare of his people, and who will never labour but in the interest of its well understood prosperity.”—Antwerp, September 13th, 1830.