"The others received the article and took time to consider of it, on which the meeting was adjourned. They immediately despatched a courier with a copy of it to Brussels, and received an answer on the 13th. They complained, however, to the Ambassadors of France and Great Britain, &c. of the States being _so precise_ in that article. "On the 13th of February, 1608, in the afternoon, the Deputies again assembled, and those of the Archduke _consented to the article as it was drawn up_, with reserve, nevertheless, that in case all the other points should be agreed upon, _they hoped_ the States would do something for the King of Spain and the Archduke respecting the Indies, &c. "On the 15th of February they again met; they agreed on the points of amnesty and oblivion; but on treating of reciprocal free trade and navigation to each other's ports and countries, the Deputies of the Archduke declared, that they did not mean to comprehend in that free trade, _the navigation to the Indies_ and all the fortresses there, but, on the contrary, that all the subjects of these countries should _forthwith desist therefrom_. The Dutch Deputies opposed _this strongly and firmly_, saying, that it would prejudice the liberty of the Provinces and _the free use of the sea_, and, therefore, that they were not authorised to relinquish it. The others continued firm in their demand, and after long debates the Deputies separated. "On the 19th, 23d, and 27th of February, and 4th of March, 1608, the Deputies met, but, except debating, did nothing, both parties continuing firm and resolved not to cede anything. "The Deputies of Spain, finding they could not carry the point as to the Indies, declared, at length, that they would consult together on a proposition to make a truce for some years respecting the navigation, and that they were ready to go on to the other points, and try to agree upon some of them. "On the 7th of March, they exchanged heads of articles for consideration. On the 11th and 12th of March they again met, and had fruitless debates about a _free navigation to the Indies, &c._ The Marquis Spinola proposed that the subject should be divided, and that two sets of propositions should be prepared, one for the navigation in Europe and the other for the Indies. "On the 17th of March they again met, and the Dutch Deputies offered to the others two sets of propositions as had been proposed; they received them for consideration; but, after debate, they declared that they could not agree to them, and that they must make a journey to Spain for further instructions; for this reason the truce was prolonged to the end of May.