This body was first appointed by the citizens of Brussels, but the States General were helpless against it.

It was supported by the armed force of the patriots and by the personal prestige of Orange.

His power was growing, for, with the capitulation of the Spanish garrison at Utrecht he had been appointed Statholder of that province.

When he entered Brussels on September 23, he was received with the wild acclamations of the populace.

Opposition to him seemed impossible.