The Wet Suit of Nassau

Johan Maurits of Nassau (1604-1679) is a prince of the German principality of Nassau-Siegen. At sixteen, he becomes a soldier in the army of the Dutch Republic. Eventually, he becomes a field marshal. In 1664, Johan Maurits comes to Leeuwarden for the funeral of his cousin, the Frisian stadtholder Willem Frederik. On the way back, he falls through a bridge in Franeker with his horse in the Dijkstraat. The accident nearly costs him his life. Johan Maurits describes his adventure very personally and thrillingly in a letter to his sister. After the accident, Johan Maurits is cared for in the Martenahuis for several months by Lady Saepck van Vervou. He also receives regular visits from the academy's professors.

"Dearest sister,

Things are going considerably better with me now. But I still have quite a fright! I thank my lucky star that nothing worse befell me! The accident happened when my horse and I were nearly across the bridge in the Dijkstraat. Suddenly the bridge deck on the other side collapsed with a great crash. The bridge became a slide and everyone tumbled into the canal.

The little canal was only small and very shallow. And that was precisely the problem. Imagine! In the narrow space between the quay walls, six horses snapped and kicked about in blind panic. Their riders too fought for their lives.

To make matters worse, I became trapped and was pushed under water. I was helpless! Fortunately, I remained calm and held my breath. Never have I prayed so hard for help and mercy!

It seemed like an eternity before they finally pulled me out of the canal. From the water and the muck, I was heavy as lead and they thought I was dead! But then I gasped for breath. In their joy, they began to pull me even harder and more roughly. I was nearly torn apart. I felt completely broken!

Once on the bank, I first fell to my knees. From the bottom of my heart, I thanked God! Some bystanders thought I could no longer walk. They cried: "He cannot stand! His back is broken!" But fortunately, there was nothing wrong with me! The others too were, thank goodness, unharmed!

Then I was quickly brought to the Martenahuis. There I was examined by a doctor and bloodletted. After that, they put me to bed.

I am now being excellently cared for for several weeks by Lady Saepck van Vervou. She has her cook prepare the most delicious meals. She has good connections at the university and ensures that the professors are constantly watching over my health and my spirits.

I hope to recover completely soon and send you my warmest regards.

Johan Maurits of Nassau-Siegen"