TO THE MOST ILLUSTRIOUS

STATES OF HOLLAND

AND WEST FRIESLAND,

THE MOST POWERFUL LORDS,

A decorative square drop cap initial T is embellished with ornate floral and leafy scrollwork patterns.

SO GREAT is your praise and glory, greatest and wisest leaders The Latin term 'Proceres' refers to the high-ranking officials and nobles of the States of Holland., that there is almost no region of the world where the fame of your deeds has not reached. These are deeds which you have carried out for liberty for so many years, whether through your own manifest virtue or through favorable fortune. Yet nothing seems greater or more excellent than those events that cling especially to the recent memory of everyone. For what is more new or unheard of than your capture of the Mexican fleet and the nearly incredible treasure of the King of the Spains? This refers to the capture of the Spanish Silver Fleet by Admiral Piet Hein in 1628, a massive economic and symbolic victory for the Dutch Republic during the Eighty Years' War. Which