For this reason the Prince long abstained from formally expressing his sentiments.

At length it was represented to him that his continued silence had excited much uneasiness and distrust among his wellwishers, and that it was time to speak out.

He therefore determined to explain himself.
A Scotch Whig, named James Stewart, had fled, some years before, to Holland, in order to avoid the boot and the gallows, and had become intimate with the Grand Pensionary Fagel, who enjoyed a large share of the Stadtholder's confidence and favour.

By Stewart had been drawn up the violent and acrimonious manifesto of Argyle.

When the Indulgence appeared, Stewart conceived that he had an opportunity of obtaining, not only pardon, but reward.