... at the moment when the present war broke out, to prejudice in the least the fidelity of the Citizens of the Amstel, or to shake themin the observance of their duties; the inconveniencies and the ... greatpart of the cares of the venerable Regency; nevertheless, having regard to the importance of the affair, the petitioners have thought that they might, and that they ought to take the liberty to address ... by all other measures, that your noble and greatLordships with the other members of the Sovereign Government of the Republic, shall judge to tend to the public good, and to serve to the prosperity...