State Papers, 1657: April (6 of 7)

April (6 of 7)

A letter of intelligence from the Hague.

Vendredy le 27^e Avril 1657. [N.S.]

Vol. xlix. p. 172.

L'Ambassadeur de France a fait dire ce matin, qu'il desire audience particuliere, ou non publique toutefois dans l'assemblée des estats-generaux; mais non pas à portes ouvertes. Pour sa conduite sont nommés le sieur de Dorth & le sieur Vryberge.

Il y a en sin venue lettre du vice-admiral de Ruyter, contenant le detail de son action.

La Hollande a proposé, que l'on aura parlé ou à parler avec l'ambassadeur d'Espagne, touchant la permission d'apporter du sel du Puncto del Re, pour n'estre pas privé du sel, en cas qu'on vient à rompre avec la France.

Il y a advis de Zeelande, que les François equippent tous les grands navires arrestées en France, pour servir à la guerre ou caperie.

L'on croit que la susdite proposition de parler du sel est un acheminement pour traiter avec la Spaigne autre chose, & d'alliance, pour donner jalousie à la France.

Et les deputés des admirautés sont requis de donner un advis pour quelque employ de navires, à bien garder les emboucheurs des havres & navires de France.

Samedy le 28^e ditto.

Messieurs de Hollande ont à ce matin porté dans la generalité des resolutions fort vigoreuses: 1. De ne faire aucune restitution des navires prins par le vice-admiral Ruyter. 2. Ni rappeller ou changer en aucune façon l'ordre & instruction à luy donnée à prendre tous autres navires de mesine nature. 3. Ains continuer & aussy amplier l'ordre icy donné, pour saisir tous navires & biens des François; pour aussy prendre par mer tous navires & biens des François. 4. Et pour tel effect aggrandir le nombre de navires de 36 à 48. 5. Pour boucher toutes les havres & navires des François. Jusques à ce que 1. la France aye relaxé les saisies presentement faites sur les biens & navires des Hollandois en France. 2. Aye mis en execution les 500 à 51 arrests & sentences de restitution de navires, que le sieur Boreel a en main. 3. Et promettre prompte justice, touchant tous les autres prinses, montant à plus de 300.

4. Finalement, face un bon traité de marine, & reglement, à prevenir in futurum semblables desordres.

L'ambassadeur de Thou en après venant à l'audience, a exhibé sa lettre de créance, qui a contenu pleinte de l'accident de Ruyter, reproched'ingratitude, & reparation avant toute chose: l'ambassadeur a dit de bouche presque la mesme chose, & de ne pouvoir oüir aucune autre proposition devant que la restitution soit faite. Il n'a pas demandé aucuns commissaires.

Le sieur de Gent a respondu, après compliment, que touchant le cas, sur quoy le roy sembloit avoir indignation, on donneroit si bonne raison, qu'on esperoit, que son excellence y prendroit contentement.

Lundy 30^e Avril.

A ce matin le sieur ambassadeur de France a fait demander permission aux estats generaux, de pouvoir demeurer par provision dans la maison où il est à present; ce qu'on luy a accordé.

L'on a commencé de besoigner sur la lettre du roy de France, & sur la proposition de l'ambassadeur, & pour former une response, en quoy la Hollande continue à demonstrer son animosité, à sin que la response soit conceüe selon les advis de Hollande, exprimé en leur resolution du 30 Avril. Mais la Zeelande demonstre plus de pusillanimité & fils doux; mais rien encore n'est arresté. L'on tachera de tirer l'ambassadeur à conference.

Mardy le 1^r May.

Il y a eu une lettre des Omlandois Doleanciers aux estats generaux, remonstrants, que voyants bien, que ceux de leur party adversairen'observe, roient point le premier jour de May, à eux atterminé pour comparoistre icy, il sera necessaire d'appeller ou adjourner lesdits leurs adversaires à comparoistre icy pour un autre jour, sous & avec quelque clausule penale; mais le sieur Schylenborch s'est opposé à cela, & les autres provinces aussy ont trouvé cette petition mal fondée.

Il y a eu dereches besoigne & rapport sur la proposition de l'ambassadeur de France, & le sieur raet-pensionaire a esté requis de mettre quelque concept response sur le papir, ce que la Zeelande, Frise, & autres voudront transumer pour y aviser.

En Frise il y aura landtach la semaine qui vient, tant sur l'affaire de France, que specialement sur la contention à Leuwarden, pour y faire un croetschap comme en Hollande, à quoy le prince Guiliaume s'y oppose; & s'il y persiste, l'on craint quelque émotion comme à Groningue.

Mercredy 2^e May.

L'on a mis sur le papir quelque concept de response à la proposition de l'ambassadeur de France, ce qui seroit traduit en François; mais cela n'est pas arresté: car le concept est entierement selon l'advis de Hollande du 26 Avril, desirant devant tout la relaxation des saisies de navires & accomplissement de justice, touchant les sentences ou arrests de la cour pour la restitution des navires prinses; & en mesme tems on demande un reglement sur la marine.

En mesme temps sont venues diverses lettres du sieur Boreel, qui maintenant donne à entendre, que la France ne veut pas sleschir, & escrit des particularité & indignités à luy faites, que cy-devant il a obmisés. Là où cy-devant il a escrit, que la France sleschiroit bien si seulement cet estat soy tenoit roide & constant, il escrit que bientost il esperoit de venir icy en personne rendre conte plus particuliere du passe.

Jeudy le 3^e ditto.

Maintenant on est en ces grandes deliberations touchant la response à donner à l'ambassadeur de France: l'on a fort pressé la Zeelande à se conformer. Et ce soir seroit dereches assemblée generale, tant sur cela que sur l'interdiction des manufactures de France.

La Frise se tient le plus roide en cela, d'autant que le lantdach y est proclaimé, & sans expres ordre ne veut rien faire, pendant que le conseil est prest d'envoyer des officiers vers Dansigk. La Geldre a resolu, comme la Zeelande, Frise, & Groningue de rapeller les troupes de Dansigk. Mais l'on remarque, que la Hollande seule y laissera des troupes qui sussiront.

L'on attend icy des deputés extraordinaire de Zeelande. L'on a resolu d'envoyer au sieur Boreel la proposition de l'ambassadeur de France, en tant qu'elle fait pleint de sa personne.

Vendredy le 4^e ditto.

On s'alembique fort la cerveille pour donner une response à l'ambassadeur de France, ou pour mieux dire, pour tirer la Zeelande & la Frise aussy du costé du sentiment de la Hollande, pretendant que les deux navires que Ruyter a prins ne font pas navires du roy, ains pirates: que pour cela sa majesté n'a nul sujet de s'en formaliser, ny en demander restitution; ains que reciproquement l'on doive proceder à relaxer les arrests & saisies de biens, navires, échanges, effects des sujets de l'un & de l'autre, & entamer un traité de marine pour restablir la bonne correspondence & entrecours: sur cela est encore & derechef à ce soir particuliere conference, & la Hollande la presse fort; car les deputés des admirautés attendent pour cela icy, comme aussy l'ordre & l'instruction à forma pour l'admiral. Et en tout cas l'on croit, que demain sera arrestée l'interdiction des manufacture & des fruits de France.

Letters de creance sont exhibées. Des deputés de Munster sont venus icy, qui auront audience demain.

A letter of intelligence from the Hague.

Vol. xlix. p. 211.

[Paragraph contains cyphered content — see page image]

Monsieur,
Nous sommes en grande expectation de ce, qui viendra de ces grimaces de costé d'autre; car je m'imagine, que ces sont de vrayes grimaces & point verités; au moins fi cet estat apportoit une partie des facilités à la France, qu'il apportoit à l'Angleterre, l'an 1652, je dois croire que la France plieroit: car desja la France fait beaucoup de son costé, de seulement envoyer icy; ce qui ne peut que sort choquer la reputation du roy de France. Quoyque les François peuvent se sauver, en disant, qu'aussy bien l'ambassadeur estoit en chemin desja devant la brouillerie; & qu'ainsy ce ne soit qu'une continuation de l'ambassade premiere.

Mais cela neantmoins ne laisse pas d'estre une submission; & la Hollande, la remarquant, n'en devient que plus fiere, s'imaginant, que la France se pliera d'avantage: mais si le contraire avenoit, la Hollande seroit bien surprise. Car la guerre ne luy doit point, & icy au-dedans de l'estat se manifesteroient aussy-tost des membres, mesme d'Hollande, qui crieroient, nulla salus bello. Et la maxime prosunde de la Hollande mesme est de brouiller tous leurs voisins, mesme les autres provinces, à sin de maintenir tout le commerce pour elle. Et fans la venue de l'ambassadeur de Thou elle auroit desja songé à envoyer des ordres à l'ambassadeur Boreel, pour proposer des expedients; ce qui se fera maintenant icy: car messieurs de Hollande sont trop sages, que de laisser aller le sieur de Thou, ou se priver du commerce de France, pour la laisser aux Anglois. Car desja dans l'Oost-see le com merce est fort bas, & tant les estats d'Hollande que Amsterdam favorisent sous main si fort le Danois, que Dennemark seroit un grand sol, s'il nes'en servoit pas pour attaquer le Swede. Mesme j'attens, qu'a present ceux Amsterdam donnent à louage leurs troupes & vaisseaux de guerre à des marchands, & ces marchands dereches à ceux de Dennemark. Quant à la ratification du traité d'Elbing, fomnium: si la fortune ne favorise pas le Swede, & le electeur de Brandenbourg, de Amsterdam & les estats d'Hollande ils ne doivent attendre que de deplaisir & tromperie. Avec grand contentement on entend icy, que ceux de Majorque auroient ruiné deux riches navires d'Angleterre.

Ce 4^e May 1657. [N.S.]

Je suis Vostre très-humble servant.

Boreel, the Dutch embassador in France, to Ruysch.

Vol. xlix. p. 220.

My lord,
I Received your lordship's letter upon the 1st of May. I thank you for the communication of affairs at large. I do now very much long for the copies of the viceadmiral de Ruyter's letters sent by the lord de Rhede from Madrid to the lords of the admiralty at Amsterdam, unless there be some considerations for the service of the state to keep them secret, whereunto I wholly refer myself. We do not hear of any further rencounter with any other French pirates than formerly.

Here at court is extraordinary diligence used to incite all powerful and rich men to set forth men of war, to go against the Netherland subjects, to disturb and prejudice their commerce and navigation in the Channel, West-sea, North-sea, and in all other places. There are some, who already desire the consiscation of the Netherland siezed ships in the harbours and ports of this kingdom, that they may forthwith sit them for sea; so that special regard ought to be had of this, and provision made against it, as soon as is possible. I hope the government will take it into their serious consideration. Ten pirates may be kept and block'd up in the ports, when that one will be hardly taken, when it is once got out to sea.

In regard those commodities, which were used to be brought out of the Netherlands begin to be somewhat scarce, it is privately spoken in the court, to incite others to bring in such necessary required commodities as they shall stand in need of.

The merchants of this kingdom seem to be very much troubled at this disturbance given to their trade; but great complaints are especially made by shop-keepers and others, that sell all manner of toys, as hats, ribbands, &c. which were daily exported out of this kingdom to the value of some millions yearly, which gave a subsistence to abundance of the meaner sort of people here, who now begin to want it, in regard their commodities begin to lie upon their hands, and the fabrick and manufacture thereof will come to cease hereafter, if so be the misunderstandings between the two nations happen to continue; which likewise will be a means to help decry the extraordinary hard proceedings of this court against the Netherlanders, and to cause them suddenly to cease.

Here is no likelihood of a peace with Spain; all the blame is laid here on the Spaniards, why the peace is not made. They speak here with great attention of the equipage and sea-preparations in the Netherlands. It is said here, that there is one sent from hence into England, in the behalf of this court, to desire of the lord-protector an assistance of a good number of men of war to be employed against their H. and M. L. but 1 could not learn, that this court had sent over any money with the said request, nor what answer this court hath received upon it. All which may be better known in Holland with more certainty.

Paris 4 May 1657. [N. S.]

My lord, &c.
W. Boreel.

Nieuport, the Dutch embassador in England, to Ruysch.

Vol. xlix. p. 224.

My lord,
The express mentioned in my last of the 27th of April last, came back from Dover upon tuesday last; and he related to me, that he was well informed and assured by several Netherland merchants and others, that there are no Netherland ships laden with salt or others brought in by the ships of war of this nation into the Downs or any other port; moreover, that he had understood, that two Netherland ships laden with salt, hearing of the general seizure laid in France upon all Netherland ships, were arrived in the Isle of Wight; but that the same were in no wise molested. The letter to captain Bancker, he had sent it to him by a barke.

The six regiments of foot lately raised, each of 1000 men, are daily exercised in their arms, but they are not yet all muster'd. Sir John Reynolds, commissary-general of the horse in Ireland, is to go general over them. The major-general of them is not yet elected. Many are of opinion these forces will not so soon be transported as some reported, at least not till this great domestick business be over. The lord Downing, the first in the commission for the examining of the business of the Netherland merchants of the entercourse, hath sent me word, that he as yet could not do any thing in it; but that the next week he would do all that he could to get the committee to meet about it.

Westminster, 4 May 1657. [N. S.]

W. Nieuport.

The mayor of Bedford, &c. to secretary Thurloe.

Vol. xlix. p. 236.

Sir,
Yours we have received, and have delayed no time, but with our utmost diligence (the complexion of affairs importing no less) have push'd on such further discoveries as you will find inclosed; and though perchance they may not fully correspond with your better informations, yet they are (certainly) the product of our endeavours, who heartily and unseignedly desire the peace and welfare of the nations, and that they may prosper that love it. As to the informations and examinations now sent up, we conceive mr. Pare's is most material. Mr. Robert Grew, there mentioned, we sent for, but he at present is out of town; as to others that live in the country, they are foreign as to us, commissionated only for the town. We shall undoubtedly have our eyes and ears open to attend further what may concern the things now before us, and accordingly certify. In the mean time we await your commands, and humbly crave, that you put a speedy period to the restraint of our neighbours, either by your orders to attend you above, or by acquitting those of them, who seem innocently drawn in by the countenance or endeavours of such who are strangers among us; taking withal the boldness to hint our own thoughts, that most of those men that have been before us are free from any designs, that may tend to publick disturbance, however in this nick of time they may seem unhappily involved in the most pernicious attempts of unquiet and restless spirits. But of this your pardon; and remain,
Bedford April 24, 1657.

Sir, your humble servants,
Robert Fitzhugh, mayor.
John Barbor.

Bedford-town, ss. The examination of Richard Cooper, of Bedford aforesaid, labourer, taken before Robert Fitzhugh, the mayor of the said town, and John Barbor, esq; justices of the peace of the said town, the 24th day of April 1657.

Vol. xlix. p. 234.

Who faith, that he did sign a petition or paper, which afterwards was taken from Nich. Hawkins; but is not free to discover the persons names, which brought it to him: and further faith not.

Robert Fitzhugh, mayor.
John Barbor.

Bedford-town, ss. The examination of John Fenn of Bedford aforesaid, haberdasher, taken eod. die coram eisdem.

This examinant faith, that he did set his hand to a paper, but will not acknowledge what it concerned, nor when, nor where he did sign it; nor is free to answer any question concerning it.

Robert Fitzhugh, mayor.
John Barbor.

Bedford-town, ss. The information of Thomas Pare of the said town of Bedford, gent. taken upon oath before Robert Fitzhugh, gent. mayor of the said town, and John Barbor, esq; justices of the peace of the said town, the 24th day of April 1657.

Vol. xlix. p. 235.

This informant faith, that the last Lord's-day in the morning he being walking abroad, did meet with Robert Grew, who asked this informant, what the news was last night at the free-school? (being the time and place where Nicholas Hawkins and others were first examined, in order to the paper stiled, The humble and serious testimony, &c.) This deponent answered, that he might rather ask him: the said Grew replied, that he thought long to know, for his father being late there, and he being in bed before his return, could hear nothing of it. Whereupon this informant said again, What is this business, which is called a plot? the said Robert Grew answered, and told him several particulars of it, which this informant hath forgot. Then this informant asked the said Robert Grew, if it were not the same thing, which they at London were called in question for, which was called a plot? The said Robert Grew answered, that it was not the same verbatim, but it was the same in effect. Then this informant asked the said Robert Grew, what hands were to it? the said Robert answered, that this was not that paper, which mr. Beckett took from Nicholas Hawkins, but it was that, which George Hawkins had (which was the same with that of Nicholas Hawkins) and that some of the persons names that subscribed were his father and himself, mr. John Eston the elder and younger, col. Okey, Thomas Gibbs, mr. Cater of Kempston, and divers other gentlemen in Bedford and Bedfordshire, and about Olney in the said county of Bucks, and of St. Neotts in the county of Huntingdon, to the number of 100: And further said to the informant, that mr. Dell and mr. Donn were the contrivers of the said paper, or at least had an hand in forming of it: and further faith not.

Robert Fitzhugh, mayor.
John Barbor.

Bedford-town, ss. The examination of George Hawkins of the said town, draper, taken before Robert Fitzhugh the mayor of Bedford, and John Barbor, esq; justices of the peace of the said town, the 24th of April 1657.

Vol. xlix. p. 238.

This examinant faith, that he was the last week with Thomas Gibbs of the said town, at the house of Thomas Wiggens, to desire his name to a paper, stiled a testimonial; but he faith, he was not by when the said Thomas Wiggens did subscribe it, nor doth he know, that the said Thomas was asked to set his brother's hand to it; for before the said Thomas Wiggens did subscribe the said paper, he went away about his business; nor doth he know what arguments the said Thomas did use, to persuade the said Wiggens to sign the said paper; for he did retire himself to the door of the said house, and not long after the said Thomas Gibbs did follow him. And further this examinant faith, that the first time that he saw the said paper, he did find fault with the title of it, because it was not directed to his highness; but it was answered by the company then present, that it had taken up 2 or 3 hours debate already. Then this examinant did ask them, where they had any precedent for it? to which they answered, that there were divers godly people in London, who had set forth such an one. And further faith, that he doth utterly disclaim the promotion of the said matter; but was going to lieutenant Clerk's house about some private business of his own, when the said Thomas Gibbs accidentally meeting with him, they went toward the said lieutenant Clerk's, and in the way did go into the house of the said Thomas Wiggens, where the said paper was signed; and further faith not.

Robert Fitzhugh, mayor.
John Barbor.

Bedford-town, ss. The information of Thomas Wiggens of the town of Bedford, weaver, taken upon oath before Robert Fitzhugh, gent. mayor of the said town, and John Barbor, esq; justices of the peace of the said town, the 24th day of April 1657.

Vol. xlix. p. 248.

This informant faith, that one evening the last week, about 10 of the clock, Thomas Gibbs of the same town, gent. and George Hawkins of the same draper, did come to him to his house in Bedford aforesaid, and shewed him a paper, to which they desired him to subscribe his name, and told him, that it was a petition against kingly government. And said further, that kingly government would involve the nation in a new war; and this informant being then at work, and seeing some hands subscribed to the said paper, whom he judged very honest men, he was induced to subscribe it; but faith, that he did not read the paper, nor heard it read, only 2 or 3 lines at the latter end of it. And further faith, that the said Gibbs and Hawkins did desire him, this informant, to subscribe his brother's name to it without his knowledge or consent; and also faith, that his said brother is near an ideot, and altogether uncapable of any such thing, and therefore refused to do it, and so they went from him to other neighbours; and further faith not.

Robert Fitzhugh, mayor.
John Barbor.

To the Venetian agent.

Antwerp 5th of May 1657. [N. S.]

Vol. xlix. p. 254.

There is news here from Holland and other parts, that the king of Spain is entered into Portugal with an army in person; but hereos is yet no certainty; only thus much they write from Madrid, that all things were ready for the march, and that the king is resolved to march in the head of his army against Portugal. Here is great expectation to know; what answer the states-general will give the French embassador upon his proposition and demands of the king of France: most believe here the business will be accommodated between them.

Yesterday late don John of Austria made his publick and solemn entry into this city, the magistratess whereof do intend to feast and present him with some noble present, and to agree with him about the contributions of this province, wherewith he will be enabled to raise men, and to take the field at the latter end of this month.

The protector's commission to sir John Reynolds, to be commander in chief of the forces in the expedition to France.

Oliver P.

Oliver lord-protector of the common-wealth of England, Scotland, and Ireland, and the dominions thereunto belonging.

Vol. xlix. p. 256.

We reposing special trust and confidence in the wisdom, discretion, fidelity, courage, and experience in warlike affairs, of sir John Reynolds, knight, we do hereby constitute, ordain, and appoint the said sir John Reynolds captain-general and commander in chief of the army and forces raised, and to be raised, under our command, for the service of the common-wealth of England, in the present expedition into France; giving and granting unto the said sir John Reynolds full power and authority to rule, govern, command, dispose and employ the said army and forces, and every part thereof, and all officers, and others whatsoever employed, or to be employed in, or concerning the same, in, for, or about all defences, offences, invasions, executions, and other military and hostile acts and services, as captain-general and commander in chief, and to be subject to and pursue such orders and directions as he hath or shall receive from ourself or successors: And also full power and authority to lead and conduct the said army and forces, and every part thereof, against all enemies, rebels, traitors, and other such like offenders, and every of their adherents, and with them to fight, and them to invade, resist, repress, subdue, pursue, slay, kill, and put to excution of death by all ways and means, and to fulfil and execute all and singular other things for the governing of the said army and forces; and to assign and grant commissions to all such commanders and officers, as shall be thought necessary and requisite for the government and command of the said army and forces; and to assign and appoint one or more provost-marshals for the execution of his commands, according to the tenor hereof: As also by himself, or others deputed and authorized by him, to take up and use such carriages, draught-horses, boats, and other vessels, as in his discretion, and as often as he shall think meet, shall be needful for the conveying and conducting of the said army and forces, or any part thereof, or for bringing and carrying ammunition, ordnance, artillery, victuals, or any provisions necessary or requisite for the said army or forces, or any part thereof, to or from any place or places, according to the tenor hereof; and to give rules, instructions, orders and directions, for the governing, leading, and conducting of the said army and forces, and every part thereof; and to execute, or cause to be executed, marshal-law for the punishment of all tumults, rapines, murders, and other crimes and misdemeanors, on any person whatsoever, in the said army and force, or any part thereof, according to the course and custom of the wars heretofore allowed by any act, ordinance, or orders of parliament, and the said laws and ordinances of war shall cause to be proclaimed and executed. And we do hereby strictly charge and require all the officers and soldiers of the said army and forces, and every part thereof, to be obedient to him the said sir John Reynolds; and also all captains and commanders of ships, and all governors of sea-ports, and all other officers and persons whatsoever, in their respective charges and places, to be aiding and assisting him the said sir John Reynolds in the execution of the said office or charge of captain-general and commander in chief of the said army and force, for the ends and purposes, and in manner aforesaid.

Given at Whitehall the 25th day of April 1657.

The Dutch embassadors in Denmark to the states-general.

Vol. xlix. I. 273.

My lord,
Since our last to your lordship of the 29th of April, the lord ryxshosmaster and the lord Ritz (the lord chancellor being yet indisposed) have been in conference with us about the draught of ampliation of foregoing alliance delivered by us, and the business is brought so far, that we are agreed about the whole; and also particularly about the renewing the article of the treaty of redemption, concerning the passing of their H. and M. L. men of war through the Sound, in conformity to their H. and M. L. resolutions and orders given to us; only there remaineth some difficulty about the renewing of the 12th and 13th articles of the treaty, in regard they maintained with us, as formerly trained with the lord Keyser, that a fire upon the Auchouter-clif, stipulated in the 12th article, would be impracticable; and that the said article, according to the intention of the said lord, is drawn up in too general terms. We have since informed ourselves further concerning the condition of the said fires, and we will do all we can to overcome the said difficulties and difference, and advise their H. and M. L. of the success thereof very speedily. The lord Morstein, envoy of the king of Poland, hath given us the first visit, and explained himself in very good terms about the obligations, which the king his master doth acknowledge to owe unto their H. and M. L. for the support given by them the last year to his affairs in Prussia; and said amongst the rest, that he had order to use our counsel in the occurrences of his negotiation in this court. The Swedish resident hath not yet received any answer to his last memorandum. All things seem to tend to a rupture between the two northern crowns. Upon the 9th, 10th, and 11th of this month a fast is to be observed in this kingdom.

Copenhagen 6 May 1657. [N. S.]

Beuningen.
Amerongen.
Viersen.

D'Avangour to Bordeaux, the French embassador in England.

From the Sweedish camp at Kirzemien; the 6th of May 1657. [N. S.]

Vol. xlix. p. 263.

My lord,
Since the conjunction of the king of Sweden with the prince Ragotsky, both armies have done nothing else but march continually, endeavouring to find out that of Poland, with which that of Lithuania is joined, to fight them; and we followed them so close, that they did but just get over the rivers of Vieper, Bouget, and Vistula before us; but the Polish generals finding themselves too weak to oppose their enemy, and apprehending above all the presence of the king of Sweden, and of his troops, they judged it safest for them to retreat with all speed. So that in effect seeing there was no hopes to overtake the Poles, the Swedish army was forced to take breath, being very much tired through so tedious a march; and afterwards they are resolved to march towards Brezekcie, where the Poles are retreated, to fight them, if they will stand, or to assault the place, in case they cannot meet with them.

The province of Zealande to the states of Holland.

Vol. xlix. p. 259.

Noble great lords,
We had this day overture made in our assembly of your noble great lordships resolution taken in the business concerning the violent and hasty proceedings against the inhabitants of the United Netherlands in France; but we did not find therein, to our sorrow, that which we did expect from your lordships usual care and courage in this extraordinary accident, namely, that you would have made no difficulty to indemnify the said inhabitants, by laying a seizure in your province upon all French ships, which shall be found in the same; and likewise that you would have consented, that the bringing in of all French manufactures and growths should be generally prohibited in this country. Wherefore we thought it requisite to represent unto your lordships herewith, that we and the respective provinces are bound to defend and protect the said good inhabitants of this country, by all vigorous and real means, against the said unjust violence; and also to cause them to have due and effectual reparation for the same; the injustice, inequity and enormity whereof is sufficiently laid down, and made to appear in our answer this day agreed upon, which is to be delivered to the lord ambassador de Thou, to which we, for brevity sake, will refer our selves, knowing that your noble great lordships will soon see the same. And we are of opinion, that the said general seizure of the French ships and goods to be made upon them in this state, and the prohibition of all French goods to be imported, will be likewise sufficient means, amongst the rest, to take off the general seizure laid upon the Netherland ships, and goods in France, considering the disorders which will be occasioned thereby amongst the commonalty of France, when they come to feel the want of such commodities as used to be brought unto them from hence, and the buying of the manufactures from their subjects by the merchants of this state, whereof some reports are already heard. And your noble great lordships may be also pleased to consider, that without vigour, and courage, and constancy, with good unanimousness to be shewn herein for the taking away the said arrest in France, and other affairs more, very much concerning this state, and the inhabitants thereof, there can no good be expected to be done, as your noble great lordships may be able to perceive by the advices from thence. Upon which we desire your lordships to make due reflection; and also to observe, that both the said means above-mentioned are grounded upon equity, and the laws of nations, and the second also very necessary to prevent and hinder all diversion of commerce and navigation here, in regard it is observed, that by the Hans-towns and the English at this juncture of affairs (where the French themselves fearing a seizure here, dare not come to any of the ports of this state) the said Frenchmens goods are brought in. This prohibition likewise of importing of such French goods cannot offend any neighbouring nations, as being grounded upon the practice itself of several nations in amity with each other; and amongst the rest, in England, there being yet a certain act in viridi observantia, whereby all other nations are prohibited to bring in any other comodity than of their own growth, and which are made in their own countries. We will then not doubt, but that your lordships considering somewhat further of this business, according to their usual wisdoms, will also resolve something further, and more vigorous upon the one and the other, which we desire may be speedily, without any loss of time; for thereon we judge to depend the welfare and preservation of the commerce, and consequently the preservation of the whole state, upon which we relying, &c.

6th May 1657. [N. S.]

The answer of the states-general to the proposition of monsieur de Thou, the French embassador.

Vol. xlix. p. 267.

Les estats generaux des Provinces Unies de Pays-Bas ayants entendu, examiné, & mis en meure deliberation, la proposition faite de bouche, & ensuitte donnée par escrit, le 28° du mois passé, par le sieur de Thou, comte de Melay, &c. ambassadeur du roy tres-chrestien, au nom & de la part de sa majesté en vertu de ses lettres de creance, escrites à Paris, le 4° d' Avril 1657, ausdits seigneurs estats-generaux, contenant ladite proposition des doleances, & plainte sur la rencontre de deux vaisseaux de guerre, pris en la mer Mediterranée par le vice-admiral de Ruyter, & particulierement sur la maniere & conduite, dont ils auront usé en cette action. De la quelle le susdit ambassadeur demande & requiert, au nom & de la part comme ci dessus, reparation & restitution desdits vaisseaux, aussy punition exemplaire de la personne dudit vice-admiral, y adjustant de plus, que le sieur ambassadeur Boreel de cet estat auprés du roy en France, ayant demandé au dience avec empressement sur la nouvelle de ce incident, au lieu d'adoucir les choses, & donner quelque satisfaction à sa majesté, s'est servi de tels termes dans son discours, qu'elle s'en est trouvé blessée: de quoi faissant des pleintes auxdits seigneurs estats, il demande qu'il leur plaise d'ordonner audit ambassadeur d'user à l'avenir des termes plus respectueux à son endroit. Iceux seigneurs estats, après avoir fait une serieuse reflexion sur le continu de laditte lettre & proposition, comme aussy sur la relation y jointe, avec ce qui en depend; ayant aussy recapitulé les pertes & dammages inestimables, que depuis quelques annés en ça les habitans & sujets des Provinces Unies ont soufferts par les depredations & pirateries des François, & de plus porté leur veüe sur la saisie generale de tous les navires, merchandizes, credits, & effets, appartenants à leurs dits sujets, qui n'a gueres a esté ordonné & executé par le commandement de sa majesté en tous les ports & places maritimes du royaume de France, croyent se pouvoir imaginer sans reproche, que les les doleances & plaintes susdites de la part de sa majesté ne sont mises en evant à autre fin que pour offusquer aucunement, si cela se pouvoit, la verité evidente des torts & violences, que le dits habitants & sujets ont soufferts l'espace de plusieurs années, consistant en vols, depredations, massacres, & autres outrages de cette nature, exercées par des particuliers; &, outre ce, nouvellement en une procedure si extraordinaire, & tout-à-fait surprennante, comme est celle dudit arrest. Et quoyque les seigneurs estats-generaux (voyants que tant des justes pleintes & prieres instantes, faites en leur nom à sa majesté pour le redressement & la reformation desdits exces exorbitants, ont esté inutiles & sans fruict) pourroient avoir esté au point de desesperer, que tous ces devoirs sussent jamais d'aucune efficace, & impetrassent les remedes tant necessaires à leur maux: si est ce neantmoins, qu'aimant mieux tenter toute autre voye que celle de fait (dans la confiance, que la justice tant renonuée de sa majesté seroit ensin touchée vivement, & ouvriroit l'oreille à l'equité des susdites doleances & prieres) ils ont donné des nouveaux ordres audit sieur Boreel, leur ambassadeur à la cour de France, d'y remonstrer derechef, & trés serieusement, la continuation des pirateries, pilleries, effusion de sang, & autres violences sus alleguées & insupportables, qui se commettent sans interruption par les capitaines François armés en course de ports & havres de la coste de France, generalement & particulierement de ceux de Provence, d'où sont sortis les deux mesmes vaisseaux, qui ont esté pris par le vice-admiral de Ruyter, avec lesquelles, entre autres, aussy le chevalier de la Lande, & ses officers subalternes; ont exercé tout ce qu'est mentionné cy-dessus. Lesdits seigneurs estats generaux esperent donc, que sa majesté aura la bonté de considerer deuement l'incompetence de ces horribles disordres, & que ce sera son bon plaisir de les faire cesser par les moyens promptes & efficacieuses, ordonnants qu'à leurs habitants & subjects soit faite reparation & dedommagement des injures & pertes qu'ils ont endurées, & qu'on pourra convenir ensemble sur des pojnts, qui fassent arrester les cours de ces exorbitances, & qui appaisent le chemin au restablissement d'une intelligence plus parfaite, & à la corroboration des anciennes alliances, confidence, & amitie, qui a esté cultivée tousjours entre la France & cet estat; pour à quoy parvenir, les seigneurs estats se tiennent asseurés, que ledit sieur ambassadeur de Thou, personnage d'une singuliere integrité, contribuera sans difficulté ses bons offices, comme à la chose du monde la plus equitable: & à sin, que l'evidence d'une cause si juste paroissoit nettement aux yeux dudit sieur ambassadeur, lesdits seigneurs estats seront tousjours prests de verifier par des preuves tres-certaines, & qui puissent donner une entiere satisfaction, tout ce que leur ambassadeur a remonstré sur cette matiere à Paris. Mais consideré, que tout nouvellement, & avec une surprise extraordinaire, lesdits seigneurs estats ont apris, que sa majesté a voulu envoyer ces mandements, pour faire saisir en tous les lieux de sa royaume tous les vaisseaux, biens, & effects, appartenants à cet estat, & à ses sujets; & qu'en suite de cela non seulement lesdits vaisseaux, avec leur charge entiere & marchandise, ont esté réellement arrestés en tous les ports de France, mais que depuis, & à Roan, & par tout ailleurs, les commissaries de sa majesté ont invadé les maisons des marchands de ces pays, & saisant toutes leurs danrées, effects, monnoyes, lettres de change, comptoires, registres, & papiers, & generalement tous leurs biens; les seigneurs estats se trouvent absolument tenues de representer briefement audit sieur ambassadeur la vive image de ces procedures, le priant de faire voir à sa majesté leur incompetence, & qu'il leur soit permis de parler ainsy, leur iniquité, puis qu'il est contraire au droit des gens; que non seulement ces manieres d'agir ne se doivent pas practiquer contre des peuples neutres, moins contre des alliez, sans avoir des raison trèslegitimes, & pour des causes trés-pressantes; mais aussy non pas mesme quant lesdites causes auroient esté donnés (comme il ne paroist à jamais, qu'en aucune maniere il en ait esté donné de la part de cet estat) sans en avoir préallablement addresse des pleintes à la partie qui a fait l'offense, en avoir demandé la reparation, & reçeu les refus de la faire, contre toute equité & justice. Or en cette rencontre les seigneurs estats-generaux sont pleinement persuadés, que ledit sieur ambassadeur, que tout le monde, & sa majesté mesme, y remarqueront les omissions des préallables necessaires & sus-allegués: car, les seigneurs estats susdits ne sont jamais convaincus de la moindre injure faitte au roy, ou à la couronne de France, moins d'en avoir refusé les reparations apres leur conviction. Ils di sent aussy, qu'avant lesdites saisies inventées si rigoureusement, il ne s'est fait ouverture de rien ny immediatement à cet estat, ny mediatement à leur ambassadeur à Paris, sur quoy peut estre fondé le procedé susdit; & si cela eust esté fait, les seigneurs estats n'eussent pas demeuré en défault d'agir equitablement à l'endroit de sa majesté, & de luy donner satisfaction. Ayant donc deduit icy fort-visiblement l'informalité de la procedure susdite, sa repugnance contre les loix divines & humaines, contre les droits des gens, que par icelle toute commerce, toute correspondence des subjects de l'un & l'autre estat, & en suite l'amitié si necessaire entre les deux nations est si grievement menacée; & que ces disordres, faute qu'on y remede promptement, entraineront infalliblement une alienation des esprits des deux peuples, telle qu'il est à craindre les affaires demeurent aux termes où elles sont presentement; c'est-à-dire, ladite saisie generale continuera: qu'un examen curieux & exact des faits posés aux susdites lettres de creance de sa majesté, & en la proposition dudit sieur ambassadeur, causeront plustost une difference des sentiments, & de l'alteration entre les parties, que le restablissement de la confidence necessaire, & la restauration de l'ancienne amitié. La raison exige done, que ledit arrest general soit levé avant toute chose, & le commerce libre redintegré, que tous empeschements y survenus de part & d'autre soyent promptement ostés and redressés: & pour cette cause, les seigneurs estats generaux prient bien humblement & instamment, qu'il plaise à sa majesté de donner de sa part les ordres requis à cette sin, sans aucun dilay ny retardement; aprés quoy les seigneurs estats ne seront pas en défault de faire deue reflexion sur les pleintes & demandes de sa majesté, & ensuite d'entrer en l'examen, conjointement avec le sieur ambassadeur de Thou, des positions comprises dans lesdites lettres de creance, proposition, relation, & tout ce qui en sera dependant; comme aussy des premiers principles qui ont occasionné la necessité des procedures de cet estat. Les seigneurs estats se persuadent, que ces conferences amiables seront fructueuses en bons effects, qu'elles apporteront des remedes au mal, produiront des expedients, par lesquels non seulement seront levés les obstacles presents, mais parvenus pour tout à l'avenir, y concertant des fondaments solides, sur lesquels se pourra bastir une vraye satisfaction aux doleances de sa majesté en toute equité & justice. Cependant les seigneurs estats ne sçauroient doubter, que le sieur ambassadeur de sa majesté, & sur les informations de sa majesté mesme, conferences qui doivent estre tenues sur le subject dont il est question, ne scauroient estre suivies d'un succés desiré, ny d'un resultat, qui soit au contentement de sa majesté, touchant la restitution des deux navires pris & reclamés: si ce n'est que les habitants & subjects de ces Provinces Unies, qui par les cours licentieux desdits pirateries sont endommagés si excessivement, en soient aussy dedommagés; & qu'à cette fin les sentences obtenues & les arrests de cours de justice en France desja donnés au profit desdits habitants & subjects, sur le fait des navires prins & marchandises pillées, & tous ordres du roy & de son conseil sur cette matiere soient effectivement executés, obéis, & suivis de leurs effects, & que les causes de la mesme nature, qui sont encore en procés & indecisés, ou qui pourroient encore y estre tirés, soyent expediés, sans y apporter des longueurs ny du retardement au train de la justice, & cela suivant la regle & les articles du traité de marine arresté & conclu le 18^e d'Avril 1646 entre la couronne de France & cet estat, & de l'edict de sa majesté, donné le 30^e de May 1651, tous deux fondés sur le traité du 25^e de Fevrier 1635; mais que sur tout, à sin de prevenir toutes les depredations & actions violents pour le future, il soit convenu sur un traité ferme & durable, qui vienne à regler le commerce & le trafic de la marine selon qu'il appartient. Et d'autant que ledit sieur ambassadeur temoigne dans sa proposition avoir esté destiné auprés de ces Provinces Unies, pour y entretenir & restablir cette belle amitié, qui a esté si utile, si glorieuse, & si avantagieuse à la France & cet estat, lesdits seigneurs estats declarent, que le chemin estant preparé par les moyens sus-mentionnés, ils seront trésbien intentionnés d'en entamer les conferences, & d'y apporter de leur part tout ce qui servira pour faciliter un bien si desiré. Tout ce done que lesdits seigneurs estats generaux ont posé cy-dessus, derivant de la source de l'equité & de la justice mesme, ils ont droit d'en attendre les effects d'un roy trés-chrestien, requerant ledit sieur ambassadeur, qu'il y veüille contribuer ses bons offices. Fait à la Haye en Hollande, le 6^e May 1657. [N. S.]