Aarssens, or
Aarssen, Francis van (1572-1641), a
celebrated diplomatist and statesman of the United Provinces.
His talents commended him to the notice of Advocate Johan
van Oldenbarneveldt, who sent him, at the age of 26 years,
as a diplomatic agent of the states-general to the court of
France. He took a considerable part in the negotiations of
the twelve years' truce in 1606. His conduct of affairs having
displeased the French king, he was recalled from his post by
Oldenbarneveldt in 1616. Such was the hatred he henceforth
conceived against his former benefactor, that he did his
very utmost to effect his ruin. He was one of the packed
court of judges who in 1619 condemned the aged statesman to
death. For his share in this judicial murder a deep stain
rests on the memory of Aarssens. He afterwards became the
confidential counsellor of Maurice, prince of Orange, and
afterwards of Frederick Henry, prince of Orange, in their
conduct of the foreign affairs of the republic. He was sent
on special embassies to Venice, Germany and England, and
displayed so much diplomatic skill and finesse that Richelieu
ranked him among the three greatest politicians of his time.
From Gutenberg Encyclopedia (1911).