Great quantities of gold, not less, it was said, than a hundred thousand guineas, came to him from England.

The Huguenots, who had carried with them into exile large quantities of the precious metals, were eager to lend him all that they possessed; for they fondly hoped that, if he succeeded, they should be restored to the country of their birth; and they feared that, if he failed, they should scarcely be safe even in the country of their adoption.

[454] Through the latter part of July and the whole of August the preparations went on rapidly, yet too slowly for the vehement spirit of William.
Meanwhile the intercourse between England and Holland was active.

The ordinary modes of conveying intelligence and passengers were no longer thought safe.

A light bark of marvellous speed constantly ran backward and forward between Schevening and the eastern coast of our island.
[455] By this vessel William received a succession of letters from persons of high note in the Church, the state, and the army.