Forty-one years old and brought up from boyhood in camps under the eye of his brother, Frederick Henry was now to show that he was one of the most accomplished masters of the military art, and especially siege-craft, in an age of famous generals, for Bernard of Saxe-Weimar, Torstenson, Turenne, Charles Gustavus and the Great Elector were all trained in his school.
He was, however, much more than an experienced and resourceful commander in the field.

He inherited much of his father's wary and tactful statesmanship and skill in diplomacy.

He was, moreover, deservedly popular.

He was a Hollander born and bred, and his handsome face, chivalrous bearing, and conciliatory genial temper, won for him an influence, which for some years was to give him almost undisputed predominance in the State.

To quote the words of a contemporary, Van der Capellen, "the prince in truth disposed of everything as he liked; everything gave way to his word." The offices and dignities held by Maurice were at once conferred on Frederick Henry.