State Papers, 1657: December (1 of 6)

December (1 of 6)

An intercepted letter.

Vol. lv. p. 364.

Sir,
I Have now this day receaved 3 of yours together, to all which I shall neede to say noe more, but you shall receive more particular satisfaction and accompte of all commands in a box by the carrier. It onley nedes, that I now tell you, that mr. Smyth is your servant, and by him you understand, that mr. Buck's power in Richmond parke is soe small, that I feare your mare hath eaten more grasse then her body will pay for; and is sick of the same disease in the fielde, that myne is goeinge into the stable. Capt. Saucklfield gave mee your letter, which I will firste send to Richmond, before I conclude her disease desperate, and at a returne of that you shall know the worst.

I thinke I have done all your commands; if I have beene something remiss, it was only want of tyme, and not of affection to serve you. You are very charitable in not charginge mee untill I am solvent, which I shal be shortly as soone as my merchant comes to towne, which will be now in a few dayes. Dr. Lake setts out the beginninge of the next weeke, so that now I hope your affaires will draw to a period to your content. which there shall wante nothinge that may be contributed by

Your affectionate servant,
W. Bagaley.

Louel, 1 Decemb. 1657.

The Dutch and wee are upon noe good tearmes, yet not soe bad as to make a suddaine breach. Their ambassador is called home, but 'tis sayed another will come in. In Mardyke our men are sick, and divers runn away. The towne-talke is heere of a young rich lord, who is troubled with a mortifyed member, and lyes inn, although but lately married. Capt. Sauckfielde sayes a Jamaica journey is the onely cure. Comende me to all our frendes, and deliver the enclosed.

The superscription.
To capt. Phillip Carpenter, at Prescott,
neere Warrington.

Secretary Thurloe to Lockhart, embassador in France.

In the possession of Joseph Radcliffe of the Inner-Temple esq.

His highness, according to that zeale, with which he hath allwayes interessed himselfe for the poore protestants in Piedmont, commands mee to recommend to your excellencie the inclosed. There is it seemes no period of the enemies malice, or their sufferings, and therefore more necessity to bee constant in the good endeavour for them. You are therefore desired to communicate to the court of France what is sitting of the enclosed paper, appearing for them, as you have still done, in H. H. name; and with your owne vigor pressing that court, according to their manifest obligations, to interpose powerfully with those of Savoy, for the protestants, their lives, their possessions, their libertyes; that they may obtaine not an edict only, but an effect; for perfomance is the only security. There is no end of their edicts but the breaking of them. I know the affection your excellencie brings to this is equall to the sufficiency, which you have unto all other businesse; therefore shall only pray for a good successe upon your endeavours, assuring you that I am
Whitehall, 1/11 Decemb. 1657.

Yours, &c.

Upon the whole it is the opininion of mr. d'Ize, and those that are most acquainted with those affayres, that unlesse there be some speedy remedy, by the mediation of H. H. these poore protestants will immediately take up arms in their own defence, which is the only pretext the court of Savoy desires, utterly to destroy them roote and branch.

They doe likewise intreate, that H. H. and the committee would be pleased to send them about 1500 pounds for their reliese, and to enable them the better to abide the brunt of the winter season.

Secretary Thurloe to H. Cromwell, lord-deputy of Ireland.

In the possession of the right hon. the earl of Shelburn.

My lord,
Your lordship's two letters of the 11th and 18th of November came both to my hands together upon friday last, which is the reason, that you had noe sooner answere to either of them. As to the pay of the armye, wee are here under the same streights and necessities for money. The truth is, the charge of the fleet is soe great, that it doth exhaust us: besides, we have all alonge reckoned upon a considerable retrenchment of the armye in the 3 nations; but publique safety will not suffer it, at least in the degree propounded; soe that there is nothinge left us but the abateinge of the charge of the fleet, which wee are now about, and soe shall apply some of the money, which was swallowed up by the sea, to the land-forces; and in the meane tyme I shall not be wantinge to get a supplye for Ireland in such proportion as we are able.

As to the reducement, I perceive it is very difficult to get a consent, much lesse a direction here for the doeinge it in such manner, as your excellencye propounds; and therefore it is to be considered, wheither now it may not be done in Ireland. Some here thinke it may, and with more conveniencye. To deale plainlye with your excellencye, I beleeve some of the officers are much regarded here in this reducement; and for their sakes the way propounded by you is the lesse lik'd; and truly if your excellencye should doe it now, I judge a tendernes to some men would be of use, and very agreeable to the present constitution of affaires.

I am glad your lordship hath put thinges into a posture against the cavaleir partie, who still discover more and more of their intentions to rise; and it's more then feared, that the duke of Bucks bussines hath a great relation to this designe. My lord Fairefax engageth in his behalfe to the uttermost, and presseth upon his highnes with all possible importunitye to give the duke leave to live in England; but although his highnes beareth him as much honour and love as any man, yet he finds hymselfe not enabled to gratisie hym in his desire, the duke being proscribed by the parliament. I doe prosesse, that I am wholly ignorant of the grounds of layeinge aside mr. Goodwyn further then they wereexpressed openly; and those were only for insufficiencye, which was affirmed to be very great; and that roome might be made for some other more able, if such a man be to be found, which I beleive is very difficult, consideringe the other qualifications requisite. And for my part, it hath been my studye to promise such a person, as your excellencie may with considence relye upon; and till such a one can be had, I shall be very unwillinge to have any sent at all. And this, I doe assure your excellency, is all the account I can give of this buissines. If there be any intrigues in it, they are unknowne to me. His highnes hath made some progresse in the buissines of the other house; but nothinge if yet brought to any conclusion. The difficulty proves great betweene those, who are fitt and not willinge to serve, and those who are willinge, and expect it, and are not fitt. There are but 7 or 8 dayes left for the finall resolution, there beinge a necessitye, that the writts issue 40 dayes before the parliament meets. It's possible by the next I may send you a list of the names; but I assure you, that there if not yet any one man fully resolved upon yett; and noe man is able to say, who they shal be. But I beseech your lordship, doe not suffer our freinds of Ireland, who are of the house of comons, to absent themselves; it is of absolute necessitye, that they be all there the first day of the sittinge. I heare wee shall have a full house, all the members which were kept out resolvinge to come in; and consideringe the great number of our freinds, which wil be taken out of the commons-house, we had need want none of those who abide with us, least wee goe backe againe, and loose all which we have gott. There is no foreine newes worth the writeinge, since the taking of Fredericksode. The Swede hath not advanced much in his affaires; only by the help of that garrison, he was enabled to spare some horse out of Holstein and Jutland into Pomerania, and thereby forced the Poles to retire. The king of Hungarye's army hath alsoe quitted the seidge of Thorne, a great towne in Prussia, soe that Prussia remeynes yet entire to the Swede. That which is most to be seared is, the conjunction of the Pole and Hungarians together for the invading of Holsteine and Jutland, to drive the Swedes from thence. I remeyne

Your excellencye's
Most humble and faithfull servant,
Jo. Thurloe.

Whitehall, 1 Decemb. 1657.

H. Cromwell, lord-deputy of Ireland, to secretary Thurloe.

Dublin, 2 Decemb. 1657.

In the possession of William Cromwell esq.

Sir,
I Have enclosed sent you a large letter to his highnes about the arrears of the army. I desire you to deliver it at such a time, when it may be read and considered; and withall as soon as you can, for it is of near concernment to us. You have put me upon the stage, and therefore I desire you to continue your endeavours, that I may in some measure act answerable to expectation; for if money be wanting, all I can do will signify little. I have given the account of all particulars relating to this business to Phil. Jones, for no other reason, than that I hope he may be more at leisure to sollicite you for us. I have likewise desired my lord Broghill to yoke with him.

I find in our Instructions no mention of sallaryes for members of the councill as such. I desire to know, whether it was by oversight omitted, or designedly to make way for consideration of what I formerly offered. If upon the latter ground, I shall revive my former thoughts about it. Although the reasons for discarding mr. Goodwin might probably be of some weight, yet I wish it had been done at some other season; for at the next sitting of the parliament I fear, that such as know him may make an ill use of it, since most men think he was excluded upon the account of his judgment. The poor gentleman takes it much to heart, insomuch that I wish it could be remedied without too great incovenience; for men doe not only wonder, why a man of so eminent affection to his highnes should suffer above all others, but do make very odd reflections both upon his highnes and my self about it. The account I have sent is as clear as the present way the treasury is managed in can make it. Although I have troubled Phil. Jones and my lord Broghill about it, yet I rely no less upon you, than if I had said nothing to them at all. I remain

Your very affectionate friend, and humble servant,

H. Cromwell, lord-deputy of Ireland, to the protector.

Dublin, 2 Dec. 1657.

In the possession of William Cromwell esq.

May it please your highness,
Having by your highness's favour been admitted governor here, your highness might expect by the return of the messenger, who brought me your commission, to receive from me nothing but thanks, or, as some may think, nothing but expressions of joy for so great an honour and preserment. Nevertheless (though without the least derogation from what I owe your highness) I am forced to mingle with those duties some addresses of another nature also. That which I am to trouble your highness with at this time is, want of monies to discharge so great an arrear to your army, as of late hath scarce been heard of within the three nations. I have received lately a letter from my brother Fleetwood so full of discouragements as to this matter, that did I not know our condition to be lamentable and dangerous, I should have little hope to speed in this attempt. I have several times hinted our wants to your highness, mr. secretary, and others; but being then subordinate, I thought it fit to be urgent chiefly with my immediate superiour, trusting, that he being upon the place of relief, and having himself left me in this entangled condition, would use all fit remedies. But finding hitherto no effectuall answer to all former intimations; and having some reason to think, that some make it too much their work to frustrate my endeavours therein, the care of this business being now wholly mine, and that all miscarriages must be charged upon my single account, I must now humbly tell your highness, that had not this country been in an ill condition, by reason of the 3 months vacancy of government, I should even have deferred opening my commission, untill by supply of monyes I might have seen it possible for me to discharge the trust thereby committed to me, and not have given ground for all men to think, that my greediness of honour and power is such, as to make me admit of any absurdity, to venture upon any impossibility, and to take upon me such things, as must hereafter end in your highness's disservice, and my own reproach. May it please your highness, this arrear of our army is of 8 months growth, about half of it being contracted before the disbanding in September 1655, and the rest, by paying off that great number of horse and foot then disbanded, with the growing pay of the then remaining army, who got no pay till near three months after that reducement. I shall not here trouble your highness with a more particular account of this matter, having entrusted my lord Broghill with a large state thereof to be presented to your highness, as it was drawn up by the treasurer and auditors of the exchequer here. In the next place I humbly mind your highness, that although I was left under this debt, yet at the time of that reducement the allowance from England was lessened from 24 m. to 17 m. pounds per mensem, and no care taken how to pay off that debt. And that there hath been no assignment made of that our allowance since the 24th of June last, which comes to near 100,000 l. and which, with what is yet not sent to us of our former assignments, makes up about the 180,000 l. which by my letter to your highness of the 15th of July last, I humbly intimated was wanting to clear our engagements here. We are sollicitous to think upon what reason our allowance of 17000 l. per mensem is with-held from us since June last; but hope, that it was not, because Ireland's share of 1,900,000 l. per ann. will not extend so farr; for in that case care ought to have been taken for lessening the charge of Ireland accordingly, which (foreseeing the streights we were running into) I have several times pressed; and that in my letter of the 15th of July did offer my thoughts as to the manner and hast of doing it. Your highness seeing in what condition I am, and how I came into it, I humbly beg your highness to consider, what ill uses of several kinds my enemies have made of this disadvantage; some perswading the army, that I was negligent of their concernments, hoping thereby to alienate the affections of the soldiery from me: others telling them my interest in England was very small, that I could not procure supplyes as others, my predecessors, had done; others taking occasion to advise, that the said arrear might be wholly struck off, and never paid at all, perhaps thereby to bring the odium of so ill an office upon me. Your highness may easily conceive, what I have been forced to do to keep down mutinous dispositions among them; and that it will be very difficult henceforward to keep the army quiet, and in their due obedience, with words and promises only. The truth is, that to have borne delays from time to time for above these two years did argue a good temper and inclination towards your highness. If they have no relief from me now, when they see me in as much visible power as they can expect, and when I want those grounds of excuse, which formerly I had, I shall be much to seek, how to carry it towards them for the future; for upon my being vested in the government, they seeming to expect some advantage, may think it very hard not to receive their bare dues after so long expectation. Besides, this want of pay concurring at this juncture with the extreme trouble and confusion about Spanish and bad coins, the soldiers are apt to grow too licentious in abusing thecountry, when they levy their contribution, refusing to take such money, as probably is good enough; thereby to extort some unwarrantable advantage from the people; all which they take occasion to do, partly out of necessity, and partly presuming 'twill seem unreasonable to punish severely, and pay negligently.

Moreover, if your highness thinks fit shortly to lessen the charge, I suppose it will appear very hard now, after all their patient forbearance, to dismiss them without their due. And if we put off those, who are now to be disbanded, with the growing pay of the rest, who are to stand, we shall then relapse into the same error we committed in 1655, upon the like occasion; and so growing still into a worse and worse condition, must at last fall into such a state, as I cannot promise my self able to wade through. I humbly beg your highness to weigh these truths, and not to keep me for ever engaged in conflicts and difficultys more and greater than any other man in my way doth or hath suffered. Your highness knows, how hard 'tis to keep things right without money. The ill consequences of these wants may be hereafter represented as my errors and miscarriages; and it will be better for me never to have been advanced to this place of trust, than to be left without means to manage it; without which it must prove but an empty and dangerous title only. I hope your highness will think well of some, perhaps not so fit, expressions, which I used in giving you my apprehensions of the army. I am not willing to suggest causeless sears, nor would I speak at this rate to any other: I judge it my duty to deal faithfully upon these occasions. Eight months arrear is so great a matter, that I hope your highness will not think me froward, if I insist upon the paying it off, as believing no prudent man would or ever did embarque on a charge of this moment, without being first set on clear board. I have several other things of moment, wherewith to trouble your highness, as that of the reducement, and of your highness's leave for me to come for England for a small time, at a convenient season: but I shall at present only beg your highness's attention to this of sending us over the above-mentioned 180,000 l. it being no more than what will appear to be justly due, as the arrear of our allowances from England. I say, I shall press this one thing of money only; and therefore hope your highness will mind it with effect on our behalfes. The Lord bless your highness, and direct you in that great affair of the other house, and in what else may make for the glory of his name, and good of his people committed to your care, and enable me in the faithfull discharge of my trust; and that I may in all things approve my self
Your highness's most obedient sonn,
H. C.

H. Cromwell, lord-deputy of Ireland, to general Fleetwood.

Dublin, 2d December, 1657.

In the possession of William Cromwell esq.

Dear brother,
I Have represented to his highness by this return of Bradley the greatness of our arrear, and have withall sent the auditor's account of all the particulars, intimating the manner how and when it became due. Mr. Roberts saith, you carried with you from hence another account to the like purpose; wheresore if the account you have will give any further light to that, which I have sent, I desire you to make use of it accordingly. The account, which I have sent, claims only 157,000 l. but I have many clear reasons to believe, that more is due and wanting; for I find by two several computations, that we are in arrear above 200,000 l. but because I will not vary too much from the auditors, I have desired from his highness but 180,000 l. as the least that I judge can discharge our arrear. I rely very much upon your readyness to help forward this necessary work, and beseech you, that no time may be lost in it. Mr. Goodwin takes it very heavily, that he is the only person excluded this last commission, notwithstanding his owning his highness with the first, and his constant affection to his service ever since. He hath desired me to recommend his condition to his highness, and particularly to your self. I must confess, I doe not well understand the grounds of his exclusion, wishing, that although they were of some weight, that they had been made use of at some other season. We are now about rectifying the wretched state of coins here; and wish, that what we are to receive from England may be sent us in specie; for without English money we cannot remedy this evill. Yesterday we kept as a day of humiliation in the councill-chamber, to seek the Lord for his blessing and guidance with us. We hope we shall have the help of your prayers. I remain
Your very affectionate brother, and most humble servant,
H. C.

H. Cromwell, lord-deputy of Ireland, to Colonel Phil. Jones.

Dublin, 2 December 1657.

In the possession of William Cromwell esq.

Sir,
I Have several times, both from my lord Broghill and others, received such assurances of your kindness and respect for me, that it gives me confidence to trouble you with my greatest concernments, even upon this first salute. The arrear of our army is now very vast, that is, we are 8 months behind-hand; and now I am able to shift no longer without supplies.

Those, who were against my coming to this emplyment, by keeping back our monys, have an after-game to play; for it is impossible for me to continue in this place upon so huge disadvantages. It is my confidence in yourself and some other friends, that I shall be releived, notwithstanding the counterworkings of others, which hath made me venture upon what in prudence I ought otherwise not to have done. I have written at large to his highness upon this subject, and have made a demand of 180,000 l. that is about 22,000 l. more than appears wanting by the parliament-roll of particulars herewith sent you, being the account of the pay of the army, according to the very musters of each respective month to a man, as the auditors have drawn it up. Now the truth is, I find so many intricacys in some of the branches of that account, that I can searce rely upon it as very exact; and that what error is, is by way of shortness. Wherefore, instead of the 157,000 l. therein demanded, I ask 180,000 l. for computing the debt, according to the establishment, and making deduction for what hath been paid our forces in England, I find our arrears to be about 247,000 l. that is 67,000 l. more than even what I demanded of his highness. Moreover, computing another way, what we want of our monthly allowance from England, since the reducement in September 1655, and the 3 months arrear before that time, with what was then unpaid for cloaths, will altogether amount to so much, as confirms me, that the auditors have demanded short, and that 180,000 l. is the least you can insist upon, which must be had from England; for you may see we have reckoned the assessments of Ireland to the 24th of December instant, and the Spanish 20,000 l. as already actually received, which indeed are not; and the civill revenue is able to contribute nothing to help us, being indeed too streight for the civill charge, as it stands yet established. I have severall other things which I can scarce forbear writing, but am loth to clogg this business, least any thing should in the least divert you from your utmost endeavours in this business, upon which my whole depends. Wherefore I remain
Your very affectionate friend and humble servant,
H. C.

Extrait de la lettre escritte à monsieur le president du conseil privé de son altesse mon-seigneur le protecteur, 2d December 1657.

Vol. lvi. p. 10.

Estant engagé de la part de S. A. E. de Brandenbourg, mon seigneur & maistre, pour la somme de environ 120 livres sterling, à un certain cuisinier, dont je me suis servi jusques icy pour l'entretien de ma maison, nommé Henry Prise; & étant summoné par iceluy en particulier, de luy en rendre satisfaction prompte, ou des respondants suffiçants: j'ay respondy, que pour le payement, il l'auroit aussy-tost que mes lettres d'échange seroient arrivées; mais que pour des respondants, estant estranger icy, comme je suis, je ne luy en pouvois pas donner. Ains que mon charactere & ma qualité luy en tiendroient lieu, il n'y ayant nulle presumption, que je pourrois ou voudrois m'en aller fans avoir pris congé honorablement, & au contentement de tout le monde. Qu'en cas, qu'il auroit intention de proceder à l'encontre de moy, par les voyes ordinaires du droict d'Angleterre, comme il saisoit semblant de m'en menaçer, qu'il en feroit à son hazard, & qu'il s'en pourroit repentir, parce qu'estant homme d'honncur & personne privilegiée, je trouverois de l'appuy dans le droict des nations, pour me guarantir contre tous les attentats prejudiciables à la reputation d'un prince, dont je representois icy la personne. Aureste, il me trouveroit l'homme le plus raisonnable, & melme le moins chiche, qu'il auroit eüe jamais rencontré, pour le recompenser de la patience qu'il auroit eüe en attendant que l'argent de monseigneur l'electeur seroit venu. M'ayant laissé là-dessus quelques jours en repos, il me vient surprendre un matin accompagné d'un homme aussy hardy ou plus que luy, qui s'appelloit (si je m'en souvien bien) Aistolf, & me presenter un billet, dans lequel il y avoit escrit une recognition du debte que j'avois contracté auprès de luy, sans que nous avions arresté & conclu notre compte, dans lequel je luy avois permis de mettre un pris excessis des choses delivrées, pour luy donner tant plus de sujet de ne se sacher pas de l'attente de mon argent, en intention de le payer liberalement & sans en rabattre le moindre sous. Il sembloit estre con tent; & quand son homme me demandoit, quand ce seroit que je pensois que l'argent ou ces lettres d'échange devroient arriver icy ? je respondois, que je croyois que ce seroit dans l'espace de quatre ou cinq semaines, selon l'esperance que j'en pouvois concevoir alors raisonnablement, encore que je vois bien à cet heure par mes lettres, que temps en pourroit estre prolongué: je saisois pourtant des protestations, que comme je procedois avec eux simplement & de bonne soy, les prenant tous deux pour des honestes gens, je voulois escrire, qu'il n'y auroit point de caption dessous la signature requise dudit biller, parceque je n'avois pas encore reçeu le compte, & que je la leur avois accordée tant seulement asin que le cuisinier cust moyen de se défaire tant mieux de son crediteur, qui le menaçoit de le faire arrester; encore que je me suis apperçu depuis peu, qu'on joüe icy des telles comedies. Sur quoy il me faisoit des assurances de son respect & civilité. Ne songeant plus à cette affaire, que pour l'accommoder quand il viendroit à propos, j'ay continué à demander audience de congé auprès de S. A. depuis le 5^e de ce mois jusques au 24 du mesme, m'estant proposé de me défaire de mon train, & fous le droict des nations (par lequel tous les legats joüissent de leurs immunitez, & sont tenus saints & inviolables, estant respectez pour tels par-tout jusques à ce qu'ils reviennent au lieu de leur residence, & qu'ils mettent bas leurs charges & leurs commissions) mener icy une vie privée en apparence, mais peut-estre plus utile en public, & mesme au bien & à l'honneur de cette nation, que cette façon à laquelle je me suis assujetty contre ma volonté, je trouve que ledit Henry Prise se servant malicieusement dudit billet signé de ma main, & abusant par un artifice noire les sherifs de Middlesex, en passant fous silence & à dessein mon rang & ma qualité, me fait aborder en pleine ruë, au beau midy, par des gens, qui m'ont traité en apparence avec quelque espece de submission & de respect, mais en effect avec une telle vilainie & tel mépris de S. A. E. & de moy-mesme, que j'ay horreur d'y penser. Je confesse d'estre obligé à vostre seigneurie & à messieurs du conseil, d'estre delivré de la main de ces barbares, le plustost que faire s'en pût; aussy ay-je sujet d'estimer leur justice, en ce qu'ils ont fait arrester tant ces gens-là, que la mere dudit Henry Prise, sous le nom de laquelle le cuisinier a fait cette action. Mais je supplie vostre seigneurie, & je m'adresse par icelle à tous les seigneurs du conseil, mesme j'appelle à son altesse, pour la requerir très-humblement de considerer, 1. Si estant affronté publiquement, comme je suis, de la plus indigne maniere dont on se pourroit adviser, & la loy des nations estant violé par là en ma personne, qui suis venu icy sous la foy publique, il ne sera pas juste & équitable de faire aussy punir ces gens exemplairement & en publique ? 2. Secondement, si ce n'est pas de raison d'enquerir en des complices de leur dessein, & les faire sentir le fruit de leur attentat ? 3. Et en troisiéme lieu, si ceux, qui ont demandé & executé cet arrest, ne doivent pas estre condamnez en tous les srais faits & à faire pour le sujet de cetta action ? 4. Ensemble, si le compte de cuisinier ne doit pas estre reveu, examiné, & payé selon la raison & l'équité ? 5. Et sinalement, si l'on ne doit pas faire de reproches bien hautes aux sheriffs, qui ont donné cette acte d'arrest, sans s'en informer contre qui e'estoit, & leur permettre & recommender de s'en prendre à ceux qui les y ont induits frauduleusement ? 6. J'implore en ce-cy la justice de messeigneurs du verable conseil, qu'ils trouveront bon de remettre cette affaire à l'examination de quelques commissaires, lesquels il leur plaira d'ordonner au plustost pour cet effect; & leur demande encore cette faveur, d'estre pris deformais en la protection de son altesse, contre tous ceux, qui me voudroient molester cy-après, fous quelque prétension que ce soit, jusques à ce que mes lettres d'échange soient venus, & que S. A. E. sera informé de tout ce que dessus.

The Swedish commissioners to secretary Thurloe.

Vol.lvi. p 12.

Right honorable,
This is earnestly to importune, you would (according to your last promise) be pleased to give us notis, where those monies promised should be receaved; wee howerly expecting orders from his majestie, how it shall be disposed of, that wee may be able percisely to obay his majestie's commands; which will be a greate obligation from your honor to

Your faithfull servants,
George Fleetwood,
John Friderickvon Friesendorff.

Covent-garden, 2 Dec. 1657.

Boreel, the Dutch Embassador at Paris, to Ruysch.

Vol.lvi. p.18.

My Lord,
By the foregoing post, and now by this, I receive their H. and M. L. order to me, to justify in the best manner the rupture of peace with the crown of Portugal; for which I have these following papers and pieces,

1. The instruction of the lords commissioners.

2. The articles or points of the draught of the treaty, presented by the lord ambassador of Portugal to their H. and M. L. the 9/19th of August 1648.

3. The articles in the Netherland language, as they were agreed on the 11th of August 1648, according to the negotiation with the lord ambassador of Portugal, and the states-general of the United Netherlands.

Quaritur, Whether this is to be said agreed by their H. and M. L. assembly, to propose the same further to the Ambassador of Portugal ?

4. The treaty of accommodation, &c. in the French tongue, received the 24th of October 1648, and read in their H. and M. L. assembly, containing their H. and M. L. inclination and will.

This is all I have yet received; but having heretofore had some discourse with some of the chiefest of this court, they answered me and said, True it was, the lord ambassador of Portugal had agreed to such points and articles; but then he did also very much urge, that their H. and M. L. would receive the same absolutely; and he would have signed them, to have engaged his king but that the same was not done by their H. and M. L.. In the mean time, the said ambassador was disgraced and discharged the court of Portugal; and then he was forced to disown and recall what at first he had consented to. From whence these lords infer, that the actings of the ambassador being disowned, could not convince the king his master of acknowledging of injury, and of right and justice for their H. and M. L. Wherefore your lordships may be pleased to inform me in this. But I also want all propositions, which the late commissioners of their H. and M. L. made to the queen, or king of Portugal, anno 1657.

The answer of the queen, or king of Portugal, to the propositions of the said lords commissioners.

The credential-letters of their H. and M. L. to their commissioners, and the re-credentials of the king of Portugal to the commissioners.

The act of denunciation of a rupture made by the commissioners, and all that else dependeth upon this subject.

For the letters of monsieur de Cominges, ambassador of France in Portugal, writ to the court and great ones here, do give quite other impressions to the advantage of Portugal.

I earnestly desire, that I may be fully instructed with all that hath past, or shall be transacted hereafter, concerning this business.

Paris, 13 Dec. 1657. [N. S.]

Will. Boreel.

Sir John Reynolds to secretary Thurloe.

Vol. lvi. p. 20.

Right honorable,
I Received your's by the messenger, and shall, according to his highnes order, take care, that the guns be mounted, and the other provisions landed, and the workes in some measure in security, before my coming, although they are already such as no storme is to bee feared, if the men do their parts; which I doubt not. I could wish some gunners had beene sent with the guns, few being heere. The inclosed will relate the state of our busines represented to monsr. Turenne, who is unwilling to give me meanes to keeps the place, by setting free the English from Burbourg and Guien to come hither. And indeede this place, after so many promises of good winter-quarters, is but a pitifull refreshment; and may, considering the badnes of the aire amidst all accommodations, releife of sicke men excepted, be put amongst the rest of our quarters. There have dyed 50 in one day, and for a long time 40 in all places. Want of beds, firing, and other accommodations, will soone reduce these regiments to be like the French at the end of a campagne. I understand, that two regiments are marched to the sea-side, for the releife of this place. If that supply might be converted to a releife of your souldiours of these regiments, who fall sicke, I doubt not but they may be preserved, this place maineteined without charge to his highnes; and having found that course taken by the French, who releive theirs, I desired you would be pleased to do the like by the English; and that foure hundred or five hundred able men may be presently ordered to come hither, and I shall send in the same ships neere double the number of sicke, who are not able to stand at the line. I have no hopes of finding another expedient for the preservation of our souldiours, or safety of this place; and therefore I beseech your favour in representing it to his highnes, and I shall take care, that it shall be without charge. Those, who come, enter upon the French pay sooner than those who go, are to be taken into the regiments of his highnes pay.

The last night wee tooke three Spanish horse-men, killed one, and narrowly missed many more. The new Dragoones much encourage the horse, and will be of good use. Mr. Talon is still heere, and acts with greate sincerity and diligence.

I beg your orders for the sending the souldiours from Harwych, who, I heare, are recovered.

This day came the Halfe-Moone, giving notice of the Elias, with severall supplyes, hoped for this night to arrive in the Splinter. If the deales had not beene sent from Dover, certainly many dayes had beene lost in our worke, and the place in hazard. By the next post I shall present to you the mappe of this place, with all the new workes; which by your messenger I hope to have ready for his highnes sight. I have no answer concerning English horse, or saddles; I onely want fifty, and cannot get any more at Calais, having employed the saddlers to make lesse than 20 these three weekes. I have no more, and do feare this hath beene too much. I shall sum up all in this short conclusion, which may save you the trouble of reading the rest, that men, provisions, and coales, are wanted at Mardyke. I remaine,
Right honorable,
Your most humble and faithfull servant,
Jo. Reynolds.

Mardyke, Dec. 3d [1657.]

Secretary Thurloe to Lockhart, embassador in France.

In the possession of Joseph Ratcliffe of the Inner-Temple esq.

Sir,
I Received both yours of the 28 Nov. and 15 Dec. new stile, and one since, which hath very much troubled me: and therefore I shall not presse your excellence, or incumber your mind with any businesse, untill I heare how it shall please God to deale with my lady. I assure you it was very sad newes here, that she was in the condition you exprest I trust the Lord will bee mercifull to you in this, and continue her life, and therein your comfort and happinesse; wherein none shall more rejoyce then

Your's.

3 December 1657.

Mr. Longland, agent at Leghorn, to secretary Thurloe.

Vol. lvi. p.38.

Right honorable,
Here is arryved bad newes from Tunis, that thos ships of war hav latly taken a smale Inglish frigat, cal'd the Frendship, laden with currants from Zant. Thos men of war hav not bin able to look abroad since theyr late destruction by general Blake; but now they are grown very strong, and ar able to set to sea at least six good ships, wherof som carry abov 30 gons. The Majorkins hav sent into Holland to hyer 4 good ships, which they dayly expect thence. Assoon as they arryv at Majork, they put about two hundred soldiours in each, and set out 3 or 4 lyht nimble ships in theyr company, to go a robbing our nation and the French. The best ship the Majorkins had abroade this last season, was a Hollander, purposly freited to go a theeving; which was the ship, that took and destroid the Estland Marchant and An. Persy. This is but a bad neighbourhood of the Dutch, to furnish our enemyes with armd ships and men to tak us. If your honor pleas to acquaint his hyhnes, or honorable councel, herewith, 'tis probable they may tak it into consideration; for it wer better, I humbly conceiv, to hav a known then a secret enemy. The French in the state of Millan ar going into the countrey of Cremona, to foragether, being the depth of the winter is no tym for action. I am,
Right honorable,
Your most faithful servant,
Charles Longland.

Leghorn, 14 Dec. 1657. N. S.

Mr. Bradshaw to secretary Thurloe.

Vol.lvi. p.30.

Right honorable,
Since my last of the 27th November (of which the inclosed is copie, least the post miscaryed) I have not received any from your honor; neither is the answer yet come from the great duke or his chauncellor: and it's beleeved by all, that they will not answer, because the title was not such in the second credentiall as was declared by the chancellor upon the first omission, to be due to the great duke. It should seeme, that beinge resolved to hold firme his engadgement to the Pole, Austrian, and Dane, for a general peace or none at all, with the kinge of Sweden, he takes occasion from the defect (as he pretends) in his title, to be silent, haveinge once signified what he would have, and what other princes give him. The next weeke the 3 months of my attending for an answer to my second addresse will expire, and then I shall retyre, if it come not, that his highnes suffer not in his honor by an over-longe waitinge, as in my last.

I am sory that it thus falls out, haveinge with much truble and charge made provission for the journey, which I did upon the many letters from your honor, of the importance of my proceedinge: but seeing the great duke is so averse, I trust the Lord will carry on his work some other way. I heare the kinge of Sweden hath sent an ambassador to the kinge of Poland; it may be he will close there: allsoe they write, that the kinge of Denmarke hath declared, that he cannot proceede in the treaty with the kinge of Sweden, except all such as are concerned in the trade of the Balticke be included. Gnusephskie continues the seege of Riga, but at a distance, the Muscovites beinge not yet joyned with him, that I heare of. Nothinge further offeringe here worth your notice, I cease your truble, and prosesse myselfe

Your honor's verie humble servant,
Richard Bradshaw.

Groubin-castle in Courland, 4th Dec. 1657. S. V.

A letter of intelligence.

Vol.lvi. p.40.

Much honored,
I Writ to you uppon the 18 and 27 November of collonell Spintler's byesnes, and mr. Pian, hom you sent hether, hee feares is cast away, for hee hath bin gone from Flushing in a ship for Yarmoth 28 dayes since; and collonell Spintler hearing nothing from him, nor of my too letters I have sent, doth very much trubbel him; for Pian had all the byesnes by him sined by his partie and frinds: therefore hee hath sent this gentleman, home I know to bee a very able man, and one home I know will be redy to doe you any servis, to know his highnes pleaseuer; for the byesnes doth requier a speedy answer, to give satisfaction to his partie and frinds; and collonell Spintler is sertayne the plase shal be obtayned within a short time after he knowes his highnes pleaseure; for hee hath sent those French shipes home, hom have bin at Midelbor conserning this byesnes neare a month; and in the meane time is at great charges with his frinds. If you please to let this bearer speake with his highnes, hee shall give him and you good content. I hope you wil be pleased to satisfy this gentelman for his charges going and coming, for you shal find him redy to serve you. I writ to you of divers things in my too letters conserning my ensigne and captayne; that however I shall not stir from hence, till I know your furder pleasure, for I had thought to have bin this messenger myselfe, but that these too parties doe seeke to ruin me, if they can. The plase I writ you of the people are gon from it, and don Jon is gon to Dunkerck; and the hole cuntre is ary sin for the regayning of Meredicke. There be many other things to write, but the resolution was soe suddayne of this gentelman's coming, that I had not gayned the sertayntie of them yet. Soe beseching you wil be pleased to take a littell care for him, home you shall ever find to be

His highnes most devoted servant, as long as his life doth last,
Thomas Death.

Sluse, this 4 Desember 1657.

Collonell Spintler's letter is heare inclosed; and if you shall thinke fit I shall wayte uppon you in England, when you please to doe heare or there what you please to comand me.

A letter of intelligence.

Amsterdam, Dec. 14, 1657. [N. S.]

Vol. lvi. p. 32.

I Mourne for the distress of the Dane, and the miscarriage of the Dutch, for they are Protestants and neighbours; but what good could we expect from their high thoughts ? To the Dutch I was half reconciled for their fair carriage in the affair of Munster. The Swede keeps the old garbe of a terrible comet, a skipping leopard. If Brandenburg hath the witt and power to reconcile the Swede and Pole, and to keep them both and himself at a distance from the Austrian, then we may hope to see the leviathan entangled by the lime-twiggs of our viscus occidentalis. I am full of hopes, that the Lord, by mr. Drury's sollicitations, and his other depths of wisdom and goodness, will beat us off from our shallow and narrow factions, to unite in charity and purity; that the idolaters may not so justly boast of their unity in deformity, and deride us as a very rope of sand. I am perswaded, that his highness hath a large glimpse into the best rule of settling reformed religion, to give a due liberty in speculations and notions, which men must not take up or alter upon human authority, and to require sanctity in all that have publique authority and publick reward; to beare with errants, and sweeten their walkes into the paths and chambers of truth. In my last I sent you a copy of Syllogismus orbis terrarum practicus, which hath been sent both to the king of Sweden and the prince of Transylvania. The malignants here give out, that the Swedes were beaten out of Fuenen. Our whole fleet, with the admiral and vice-admiral de Ruyter, are arrived safely; they have gotten about some 20 sugar-prizes from the Portugal. I have told you already, that the disferences between Sweden and this state, about the Swedish resident in the Hague, is taken up; they have again audience both ways. I read Lillie's Ephemeridies; he agreeth with Lux in tenebris only about the Turk: he doth not prognosticate very good news to us. It is said here, that the lord protector shall be king with the first parliament. The retaking of Mardyke by the Spaniards, and the killing of the pretended duke of York, is a meere sable. There is good hopes we shall agree with you about the treaty of marine-affairs.

A letter of intelligence.

Hague, December 14, 1657. [N. S.]

Vol. lvi. p. 33.

Gonziewsky hath quitted Riga, but taken the small towns of Dalen and Woldemar. The Swedes begin to carry themselves very favourably towards those of the reformed religion at Elbing, against the good will of the other inhabitants there; but those of Dantzickcould by no means obtaine from their king the free exercise of the Lutheran religion at Posen; only they should be suffered in the suburbs. The magistrate of the city of Dantzick hath much ado to appease the discontented multitude, their soldatesea complaining, that they are not duly paid. The taking of Fuenen by the Swedes is not confirmed; but three Swedish men of war did beat themselves through 5 Danish men of war, and are safely arrived at Fredericksode. In Denmark there is great want of money, men, and commanders; but the king is not willing as yet to enter into any particular treaty, having concluded with Poland, which the states-general did very much endeavour to prevent. Admiral Opdam was forc'd (nolens volens) to strike sail to an English frigat. The prince of Transylvania is deposed by the Turkish emperor; or rather, as letters from Vienna of the 29th of November relate, he hath deposed himself, by resigning his government, and is resolved to live from henceforth upon his own lands, as a private gentleman. The states of Transylvania, to give satisfaction to the aforesaid empire, are said to have chosen another in his stead; but of all this we must have another kind of confirmation, before we can believe any such matter. Brandenburg is met in person with the elector of Saxony at Lemstenberg; no doubt to consult how to compell the king of Sweden to a peace, and to gratisye the Austrian election. The said elector of Brandenburg hath done a shreud mischief to the Swedish affairs; for the deputies of the dukes of Brunswick and Luneburg having conferred with the electoral deputies, they have concluded, that nothing shall be done or attempted by their principals without the consent of his electoral highness. Thus you see, what assistance the Swedes may expect from henceforth from the Lower-Circle of Saxony. At Berlin are daily expected the earle of Starenberg, embassador-extraordinary from the king of Hungary, with the resident Isola; as also ambassadors extraordinary from Denmark and Poland. Monsr. Bradshaw hath been desrayed at the duke of Courland's charge for 21 weeks (at Grobin) as an ambassador; but nothing as yet hath been treated on concerning the remainder of those propositions, which were not resolved on, when the duke's resident was last in England; nor hath the great-duke declared himself, whether he will admit the aforesaid ambassador or not, being not so forward, as he seemed of late, to make peace with Sweden. A Muscovian ambassador being at the same time, and in the same place, at Grobin, though but lodged in the town (whereas the English minister is lodged at the castle itself), it was much wished, that he would have made acquainted with him; but he stood too much upon a point of reputation. But truly, if you mean to speed with Muscovy, there will be a necessity of remitting a little statecivility, which may be at other seasons, and on other occasions, more strictly observed.

Extract of a letter from the Dutch embassador Nieuport.

Vol. lvi. p. 28.

I Hope that mr. Downing will have an easier passage than I had myself. Things are so well prepared here, and the intentions so good, that such a deserving person coming in the quality of a publick minister from his most serene highness (the most considerable and confident confederate of the United-Provinces) will certainly be received with all the demonstrations of honour and kindness. I wish, that besides the credentials to the lords the statesgeneral, mr. Downing may bring with him also credential-letters to the lords the states of Holland and West-Friesland, who intend to meet again here at the Hague, as soon as they shall have notice of his arrival in these parts.

Hague, this 4/14 of Decemb. 1657.

H. Cromwell, lord-deputy of Ireland, to the protector's privy-council in England.

4th Decemb. 1657.

In the possession of William Cromwell esq.

My lords,
I Receaved your lordships of the 17th of November this 4th instant, whereby I understand your lordships have been informed, that a committee of the councill did heretofore send me some proposals, concerning the retrenchment of part of the forces here, and wherein your lordships did appoint me to conforme to the way and proportions mentioned in the said proposals; or in case I varied from them, to represent my dissent with the reasons of it.

In answer whereunto I humbly acquaint your lordships, that I cannot at present find the papers you mention, either to act by, or except against; for those papers not coming to me (as your lordships apprehend) from the commitee of the counsell, nor being at all signed, but seeming only to be draughts of something under consideration, I did not preserve them so catefully, as otherwise I would have done; but I remember, that upon the receipt of them, I did (as I was advised by my lord Fleetwood, from whom I received them) make my objections, and shewed how with the same charge a much more effective force might be maintained, than would be by the way laid down in those papers. Now although those papers be at present mislaid, yet supposing I may hereafter find them, I further intimate to your lordships, that I doe not conceive them a sufficient warrant for me to act by, no more than many other like hints and draughts of reducements, which I received about the same time from others: and the rather because I perceive, that by our last instructions the reducements were intended to be framed here, your lordships considering, as I suppose, that it would be inconvenient to doe it elsewhere; with which opinion I also concurr: for our allowance being lessened, and yet the reason of keeping up our present force continuing, I think it will be necessary to take more advantages and opportunities in the work, than will easily occurr to any not upon the place; besides, the nature of our dangers, and our remedys against them, do so often change, that those, who were very ready to contrive a reducement for Ireland a while since, cannot be altogether the same now. Wherefore after the receipt of those your lordships instructions, I only expected to know our future allowance, that according thereunto we might so contrive the reducement, as to uphold the greatest force possible, with so much charge, whatever it might be; for the stirring of the Cavaleer, and the murmurings which the oath of abjuration hath caused among the Irish, forbids us to be too secure. I do not say this, as if I was fond of ordering the reducement here; for besides the difficulty of pleasing my superiours, I know well enough the odium and other inconveniencies incident to those, who are active about such works, and therefore look upon it as a business, which of all others I would be excused from. But fearing our allowance will be small, and (as I said before) seeing our dangers are not lessened, I doubt that all means and advantages will be little enough to reconcile the force, which is necessary, with the allowance obtainable; and consequently, that our ease and exemption in this business will not consist with the safety of your affairs. Besides, what I have here said against ordering the reducement elsewhere then in Ireland, I might with all offerr my objections against the way layed down in the above-mentioned papers; but not being certain, that your lordships do particularly know all the circumstances of our present state, my reasons may seem less weighty; and for that I cannot hope to guess at the several objections, which your lordships may make against any other thing offered from hence, I humbly crave leave to forbear saying any more to those papers, then what I have heretofore done; nevertheless if your lordships shall think those papers a fit way, I desire they may be authentically, and with speed, sent hither from your lordships; and that whether you proceed by them, or by any other rule, or leave it to be regulated here, I shall in the last place mind your lordships, that no way is practicable without a supply of money, to pay off our arrear. I have by my late letters humbly intimated so much to his highness. 180,000 l. will be necessary to set us clear, and make us fitt to alter our constitution; for being already 8 months in arrear, and having no money in the treasury for our present support, we cannot make shift with less; for a considerable sum must be forthwith advanced, even to pay off those, who must be disbanded. And if we shall go about to pay the arrear of the disbanded, with the growing pay of such as are to stand, we shall repeat the error committed in 1655, and make the sad condition of this army irreparable. The lessening of your charge is a matter of great hast, which made me venture to answer your lordships letter within a few hours after I received it. I humbly importune your lordships, your effectuall determinations may with like dispatch be returned unto us, or as soon as your lordships wisdome shall think fitt.

My lords, our necessitys are so great, that had not this nation been in an ill condition, by reason of the 3 months vacancy of government, I had deferred opening my commission, till I had seen some relief. Some may think, that 'twas greediness of power, that made me venture upon the government upon these hard terms. I did in that cast myself upon your lordships, and hope I shall not be neglected the more for it. If supplys cannot be had, I professe myself unable to proceed without them; and desire your lordships not to rely upon me in it. I shall willingly resign to any other, who can do your work without money. I am ready to yeild obedience to all your lordships commands, remaining,
My lords,
Your lordships most humble servant,
H. C.

H. Cromwell, lord-deputy of Ireland, to general Fleetwood.

4th Decemb. 1657.

In the possession of William Cromwell esq.

Dear brother,
This day I received a letter from the councill, dated the 17th November, commanding me to reduce by that paper you sent me about 3 months since. I indeed thought it not a thing necessary to be kept upon record, therefore have laid it where I cannot readily find it. For my own part I utterly disliked the way, and gave you my reasons against it; and though you told me, nothing would be done therein without my concurrence, yet I find it otherwise. I confess the councill leave me a liberty to make my objections, which I do in no fort account a favour, but rather a handsome way to lay the blame of the ill effects of that modell upon me; because it will seeme in my power to have made choice of a better, or else I must runn the danger of continuing an insupportable charge upon the confidence of my own wisdom.

To speak the truth, I am very much afraid, that I have not been well dealt withall in this business; for besides that I am not thought competent for an affair of this nature, I am put upon an impossibility, viz. to disband without money to pay off the arrears. I wonder that you, who so well understand an affair of this nature, and so perfectly know our condition here, the army being 8 months in arrear, and no money in the treasury, should suffer things to come to this pass. Good brother, let me intreat you to lay these things to heart. I will assure you, they lye so near mine, that I have not much patience to discourse of this thing. I hope you have not put me upon this imployment to ruin me by it. I would fain have better thoughts. I remain
Your affectionate brother,
H. C.

A letter from sir John Reynolds.

Vol. lvi. p. 53.

Mon seigneur,
I Came hither upon my owne choise, upon intelligence, that some attempt was intended upon this place; and it being in som present security, there appeares a necessity of providing future supplies of men and provisions, the one dying faster than the other is consumed. And I must therefore beseech your highnesse to admitt my making use of your former vouchased consent for my absence for some time, in regard to the urgencies of this place, which will not admitt delay. I am the more inclined to take this occasion, because I now suspect no danger in this place, otherwise I suppose the three battalions at Gienne had not bin detayned by order from your highnesse, to whose wisdome I therin submitt, and in any thing else. But if there be an expectation of my takeing charge of this fort, untill the army take field, I doe desire (and indeed am constrayned) to expect the six regiments of English to be left wholly to my disposall in this service. There are not at this present in France and Flanders in all places 1800 able serviceable men of the whole English; and if they be divided, they are inconsiderable. There are lesse then 1000 English fitt to doe service: the French being most officers, afford few sentinells, and although those gentlemen may be of admirable use in an houre of action or for a reserve, yet there is necessity of fully manning this garrison with souldiers fitt to labour in the works, and carrying provisions from the sea, and to doe duty as sentrymen, it being within a league of the grand quarters of the ennemy, of Dunkirke and Bergen.

Since your highnesse is pleased not to admitt the coming of all or half the English of the other three regiments, according to my order to them, I shall endeavour to obteine a supply of men from England, whither I am going within few dayes; and if by any meanes I can put myselfe into a posture and possibility of answering your highnesse's expectations in my continuing in the charge of this place, I shall speedily returne to Mardyke; and untill that, I doubt not major-generall Morgan will performe that trust with good approbation, unlesse your highnesse thinke fitt to appoint some other, neither he nor I being very ambitious of this charge.

As for the two regiments mentioned in your's, I have received directions to order them hither, if the ennemy attacke us by siege; but the windes and seas may detaine them a month at least after orders; and there is no certaine keeping this garrison by the defence of men in England, when the ennemy for offence is so neer as Dunkirke. I have hitherto endeavoured so to represent the state of affairs, as his highness the protector may have satisfaction to persue this warr with all vigour; and thereby, and in whatsoever else I am able, I shall demonstrate my affections to the service of the two nations, and any particular obligations to your highnesse, as becometh

Your highnesse's most humble and faithfull servant.

Mardyke, 5th Dec. 1657.

A letter of intelligence.

Vol. lvi. p. 55.

Sir,
If you have received mine the 14th, you have reason to thinke, that the doctor was very welcome to us, who brought me your's of the 16th of this instant; to which I neede say the lesse, because the honnest man is so fully instructed: onely I wil tell you, that when you and I meete, which I hope will be shortly, we shall complayne to each other, that our freinds there doe not take the businesse into thought, to imploy art; but if their temper doe hereafter improve, that shall be forgotten. You must thinke, we doe vallew ourselves heer upon our interest and party in England, which they doe to much suspect. The little allacrity our freinds shew toward redemption, I wonder at; and if you know how little money we have heer altogether, you will thinke they might be more bountifull towards the supporting some few persons there, upon whom in their own judgements and estimation they doe as much depend in any action as the king does; and no doubt, this vile good husbandry proseeds from want of action in some few persons, nor can more be done from hence to wake them. But the time hoped drawes near, that all must prepare in plaine English, and be as ready to doe as speake. The king desires assoone as 'tis possible, to finde opportunity to speake with the old officer, and to ingage him to be as ready, and in as good a posture as he can, and to attend any occasion that may offer itselfe in those parts. And if upon conference with him you finde any any madversion of moment, that relates to your coast or any place thereabouts, that you speedily send away an expresse hither. It is a strange thing, that all men should not discerne, though that time drawes neer, that there will be no more left for dissimulation, but that they must untie all formallityes and oathes to declare and professe themselves loyall subjects: and if they doe not resolve to doe soe, that they will doe somewhat to prevent it, for they can no longer injoy that little ease they please themselves withall. Many perticulars will occurre to you upon what I have said, and the doctor will adde what cannot be suggested by me. I hope you will live to be very happy; I am sure you shall allwayes have the disposall of,

Sir,
Your most affectionate humble servant,

Dec. 15, 1657. [N. S.]