DeWitt, Jan, 1625-1672

Dutch statesman, leader of the party opposed to the House of Orange; grand pensionary of Jan DeWitt. Holland for 20 years, from 1652. He conducted war with England 1665-67; checked the aggre ive plans of Louis XIV. by forming the Triple Alliance with England, Holland, and Swe den 1668; when, later, the French invaded Holland and captured some towns, DeW. became unpopular, and was murdered by a mob, with his brother CORNEL I US, 1623-1672, naval officer.