Greetings all,

I'm looking for an English equivalent to the Dutch formal address "(Uwe) Hoogedelgestrenge Heer", litterally something like "(Your) Highly Noble [and] Stringent Sir".

Apparently contrary to British custom, the formal addresses used by Netherlands officers and commanders closely resembled civilian forms of address. Generals for example were addressed with "Excellentie", and "Hoogedelgestrenge" resembles formal addresses used in the judiciary. I could use something like Honourable or Right Honourable Sir, but this might give a wrong impression.

The context is a letter by Colonel De Jongh (8th National Militia) to Colonel Du Caylar, adjutant to the Prince of Orange, 1816. Important to note: Du Caylar was not of nobility, so I suspect I can't use "Your Grace".

Any help appreciated.