State Papers, 1658: March (3 of 3)

March (3 of 3)

Secretary Thurloe to Lockhart, embassador in France.

In the possession of Joseph Radcliffe of the Inner Temple esq:

I have received your's by the monday's post, whereby I see the endeavours our enemies use to render us distracted. I do not well understand the grounds they have for these reports; I never have observed a greater calm than at this time. And as for the army, I do assure you, they are in a very good temper in all the three nations; and are now makeinge an addresse to H. H. assuring him of their sidelity, and that they will live and die with him in all events: and I am perswaded it comes from their very hearts; and those that try it, will find it so. There is here a lying report, as if general Monck should refuse H. H. orders; raised, I suppose, by that party, which spread the same falshoods in France. But there is no colour for these fancies, there being not a man in all the three nations more loyal and dutiful to H. H. than he is, and to whom H. H. is more beholden for weeding out of the army troublesome and discontented spirits. Our enemies have made always lies their refuge, and have fared accordingly.

The French post is not yet come, which we expect this day; nor have I yet any return from your excellency to that, which captain Compton was sent with hence to you. We have travailled in the business of hay with all the care and diligence we can; and finde, that every load of hay will cost with the charges of it, to bring it to the water-side, 30 s. or 31 s. and the freight of it will cost 10 s. per tun: and a ship of 100 tuns will not carry above 22 loads; by which you may fee, that it will cost 4 l. 10 s. per load, to deliver it on the other side the water. There is about 300 loads bought in Essex, to be shipped in the Thames. We have sent into Kent also, and into Norfolk and Suffolk; but have yet no return from thence, that we can tell what it will be had for in those parts. I think we shall have in all about 500 out of this river; but all that will cost as aforesaid. By this your excellency sees, that if the proportion of hay be still desired, a far greater sum of money is to be transmitted. If before the frost we had received directions for buying this hay, above 10 s. the load would have been spared; but through the hard weather, that commodity is grown very dear. Having not heard from your excellency concerning the money for levying the men, nothing is yet done therein, norcan, 'till there be an assurance of that.

I suppose the success the Swedes hath had, in making so advantagious a peace with the Dane, will have some influence upon the affairs of France, as it hath upon those of most countries in Europe, and upon none more than upon those of the Dutch. It were worth knowing, what measures France will take therein.

I suppose you know how the treaty proceeds between the Dutch and the king of Portugal, or rather the offers of a treaty. The cessation is still denied in Holland; but yet seem to say, if a minister were sent from Portugal, it might easily be obtained. The Portugal embassador here hath no instructions in it; but we have it from Holland, that an embassador is coming from Portugal thither. I should be glad to understand what your excellence heares in that court about this affaire. I am
Whitehall, 11/21 March 165 ⁷/8

Your's, &c.

After I had writ my letters, Compton arrived with both yours, but so late, that it is not possible to give any answer by the post. Besides, the matter of it will deserve an express. That of the encrease of pay for the soldiers, I pray, insist upon. It will be hard also to raise the men. To be sure we shall get none of the old men out of the regiments without it.

A paper of the protector's commissioners for adjusting damages betwixt England and Sweden, 11 March 1657.

Vol. lvii. p. 178.

May it please your lordships,
According to your lordships order, we, the commissioners deputed on the part of his highness, have received and considered of the papers sent to your lordships from the commissioners deputed on the part of the king of Sweden, concerning satisfaction and restitution of the damages, according to the treaties betwixt his highness and the said king.

And being commanded by your honours to return a true state of the whole business, with our opinion hereupon, what answer may be given to the said papers in respect to the said treaties;
We do, in obedience thereunto, humbly represent,
That omitting the words of the 7th article of the treaty, 17 July 1656, which is before your lordships,
It appears, as the Swedish commissioners in their now papers state it, that three commissioners should be ordered on either side; which commissioners were to meet at London 1st of Jan. 1656 English style; and such three commissioners on either side so ordained were to have power to deliberate of all things, that should be exhibited on either side, as well of ships and goods to be restored, as of damages sustained by either, by occasion of the retention of ships then freed, or after to be freed, or by any other means, that should be found meet. and of them to judge ex aquo & bono, honot summarily and without all provocation or observance of forms.

Which treaty (as the Swedish commissioners state it) the king of Sweden being desirous to observe, sent them over; and they (as they say themselves) arrived here at the latter end of February last year (1656): so upon their own shewinge, they came not hither till the latter end of February; whereas by the said 7th article the three commissioners on either side to be ordained were to convene here at London on the 1st of January before that February.

But being come hither, they say, they desired nothing more than to have a meeting according to their treaty and their commission; but they were put off by hindrances of this state, and much time spent to no purpose 'till the 11th of June; upon which day their commission and full power of treaty with the commissioners for this state, who were shortly to be named, was then first demanded, which they immediately presented; yet say, they sped not therein answerable to their wishes; but there arose a sudden and near scruple, a whole month being spent thereupon.

They say, that on the 21th of July commissioners were nominated on this side, with whom divers times one, and sometimes another scruple being moved, 'till such time, that after they had presented divers memorials here and there, upon the 13th and 17th of August, they got his sacred majesty of Sweden's plenary and sufficient power upon the 20th of August.

My lords, your lordships may here perceive upon their own shewing, that we were not nominated commissioners for his highness 'till 21st of July, though indeed our commission, which is under the broad-seal, bears date 17th of July 1657.

But to give your lordships a clear account of what passed with us upon our first convening with them, we did (it being our profession, which hath sufficiently versed us with affairs of this nature) produce our commission from his highness, and demand the production of their's from the king of Sweden; which being by them produced, we found it defective in substance, and no way conform to the said seventh article of the said treaty at all.

For it was only a commission ex parte to treat for damages for the Swede only; but had no power in it to treat for the damage of the English.

And yet the article is as express for the English as it is for the Swede, for the damages which either side and the people on the other side had sustained by the other during the war betwixt this state and the Dutch.

We shewed them the defects, and that the commission did not impower them to treat with us. They could not assert it; but said, there were certain preliminaries, that we might treat and agree upon them, and in that time send for a farther power; and were instant with us to set down what words we desired to make it effectual.

We replied, that as to the preliminaries or any thing else, we could not treat upon with them, until they were fully impowered according to the tenor of the treaty; for 'till then, they were, as to us, but private persons. And as for words to enable such power, we were not to give any opinion, 'till the commission itself was produced, but then only, and not before, to consider of it.

And your lordships may see by this narrative themselves present to your honours, that it was the 20th of August before they got the king of Sweden's plenary and sufficient power to authorize them to be commissioners to treat with us.

But after they had obtained it, viz. mr. Barkman went out of England, and themselves in their narrative acknowledge it; so that where by the very words of the article, and by the tenor both of ours and their own plenipotentiary power, three were required to treat with three on either side, on their side there were but two; which was an impediment on their part, and was owned by themselves by the absence of one. And again, where by the very article, and by their own commission, the very first convention was the 1st January 1656 English or old style, that being past before their first coming over, and long past before their first commission, we friendly represented it to them, that as it was not in our power to call back yesterday, so was it not in our power to proceed with them, unless they had come over in time to have had a convention, as the article directed, the 1st of January: and that it was such a defect in substance (and a default or impediment coming from their side) that if we should proceed before a new convention from our superiours, to enable us, we should fail in fundamento, and all we should do would be of no value.

Whereupon there was a sur-ceasing, until that the lords commissioners or his highness and the king of Sweden had treated again, and made a new agreement and article, assigning therein a new day for us to meet with the said Swedish commissioners, viz. the 10th day of November 1657: and according, and in pursuance of that, a warrant came to us from his highness, subscribed with his highness's own hand, commanding us to meet again upon the said 10th of November with the Swedish commissioners, and proceed with them, to decide the controversies referred to us; yet so as we should not exceed the space of three months, to be computed from the said 10th of November.

Upon which 10th of November we met together accordingly; and the Swedish commissioners proposed, that we should all take a corporal oath, to deal sincerely and proceed faithfully in the business committed to us. We debated about the forms; but at last we all agreed upon it, and every commissioner took a corporal oath to proceed faithfully and sincerely.

The Swedish commissioners exhibited a sixfold complaint for divers of Wismar, and demanded great damages upon it. Several other circumstances were then agreed upon, for actuaries, time, place, and others. We moved and insisted upon it, that all the complaints on both sides might be brought in, and a terminus exclusivus and certain day prefixed for it, as was used in other treaties. Which was at first by them opposed, they desiring to proceed by degrees, and dispatch the first before any exhibition of more.

They further desired we should agree upon preliminaries, and even upon rules for decision, and therein propounded, that they exhibited the sentences of our admiralty so far only, as to evidence that such ships were by us taken, and after by our own judges released, but to no other end or purpose, with this, that they were not to enquire upon what causes their ships had been seized, just or unjust; whither they were going, or from whence coming, or wherefore stayed; but finding them taken or stayed, and released afterwards, they were to have damages for the stay for the demurage; and brought in catalogues of particulars, and told us plainly they had received instructions from their king, and his royal majesty so interpreted the treaty, and gave it to them so in command.

We replyed, that they moved things of great import, that we had before us the treaties of peace for our foundation, but might not proceed upon any other private instructions supposed by them. That we desired them therefore to declare their minds in writing under their hands, to which we would answer in writing under ours; for that affairs of so great weight were not to be committed to the actuaries penning, which might be subject to mistakes. To this it was assented. We then again insisted for the whole demands to be before us, that upon view of our whole work we might order our time accordingly, and finally conclude all by one and the same sentence, with annexing of schedules. Upon a large debate upon it, they at last agreed to it, so as we should notwithstanding proceed upon their Wismar fix-fold complaint in the mean time.

They shortly after exhibited to us in writing under their hands their proposals concerning the main points and principles, to which they desired our concurrence; we perused it, but took time to answer to it, 'till we might get copies of the whole treaties.

At the prefixed day for bringing in the catalogue of complaints, they brought in theirs, containing so many particulars, as the damages amounted to above one hundred thirty six thousand pounds sterling.

After which a catalogue being also produced on the English part, amounting to above 100000 l.

We were in several debates, till having gotten copies of the whole treaties, we drew up and signed an answer to their writing formerly exhibited to us, wherein we examined and answered to all their reasons, and set forth the grounds, why we were to examine the causes of the seizures, captures and detainers, whether they were right or wrong, upon good cause or without, and not to deal with the righteous as with the wicked, nor to put the just unto the same weight or ballance with the unjust.

We stated and declared the rules and principles, equity and righteousness of the laws of nations, the common reception, the purity and simplicity thereof in such like cases of treaties between princes and states, for an interpretation or good direction, where any thing was seemed to be ambiguous or not clear.

We desired to have the sentences and decrees of our admiralty in all the cases of their catalogue, and all that was in them pronounced, to be admitted absolutely, and not restrictively (or in quantum.)

We told them, and desired them to weigh it, that our admiralty proceeded according to these rules of law, which were not peculiar to us alone, but generally received and practised in the several nations in Europe; and prayed them to deliberate upon it, of what authority, and how great weight the judgments and sentences duly given in such a court was held all Europe over.

But because we do annex the copy of what we wrote and signed, to which we humbly refer for the reasons and grounds upon which we did and do still rely, we will not farther repeat them here.

This of ours produced from them another writing, wherein they ingenuously acknowledge the value and force of the statutes and judgments of our admiralty not at all to be infringed or impugned, considering the dignity and authority of such sentences every where among nations.

Theeir own . . . are, Ut autem rectè intelligant D. V. sensum nostrum, nobis profectò nunquam in mentem venit, vel impugnandi nedum insringendi sententias anteà bâc vel illâ de re latas, quippe bene memores, quantœ autoritatis debent esse talia tribunalibus judicata, & quœ sides adhiberi soleat: cùm primis apud moratas gentes cultumque populum, debite in curiâ examinatis discussis & ad ultimum maturè decretis.

And a little after,
Nos quidem, utut sit, quiescere sinimus in pace sententias omnes, nec quo fundamento conclusœ nitantur inquirere nostrum putamus:

Cùm semper de illis œqué sentiendum sit.

But then they make recourse to what they say their king gave them in private charge or instruction, in a declaration of his particular sense upon it, in these words:

Non enim intelligit nec nos intelligere voluit serenissimus alque clementissimus rex & committens noster, ut talia in hoc executionis negotio sub commissionem nostram caderent, &c. Quin curœ nostrœ & commissioni voluit concreditum, ut tàm de bonis navibusque restituendis, quœ etiamnum ab alterutro confœderatorum retinentur, quamvis per latam sententiam dudum fuit relaxata, quàm de satisfactione ob accepta damna ex retentione alterutrius bonorum & navium, quœ jam anteà per sententias datas liberatœ sint, aut imposteram liberandœ erunt, amicè, sincerè & simpliciter, secundùn œquum & bonum juxtà tenorem articuli determinaremus.

And then having stated their own sense upon that supposed foundation, they write thus:

Simplciissimus hìe est sensus noster & explicatio serenissimi ac potentissimi regis nostri articuli illius septimi tractatus Wismar: quòd si in eo quoque fuerit serenissimus ac celsissimus princeps vester, de quo non dubitamus, &c.

To this we replyed vivâ voce, that our meeting and constitution of us commissioners to treat with them was founded and bounded upon the articles of the treaty only, and the just, true and right interpretation thereof, and not upon any other private sense or explication, which, whatever it were, was neither before us, nor to be taken into consideration by us.

That in the articles of the treaty no mention at all was made of any sentences or decrees passed in the admiralty, nor any thing declared or agreed, that we should not inquire into the causes and justice of the seizures; that we had in our declaration to them under our hands set down the grounds and weighty reasons, why we ought to consider of the justice or injustice, of the righteousness or unrighteousness of the seizures and detainers, and of the other particulars by us therein stated.

That as we had taken our oaths to deal and proceed uprightly; so we had considered of it, and set down just and righteous grounds, and truly and sincerely.

That they in their second paper had not offered us any reasons contradicting ours, but rather did admit ours for truth, and founded themselves over upon the expostulation of their king; and that he had so declared and committed it to them, as his own sense: and that if our prince, his highness the lord protector, were of the same sense and opinion, of which they doubted not, there would be no difficulty.

To which we then replied again, and often afterwards persisted in it, that our grounds and reasons were so just, so equal, so equitable, and righteous, and so well-grounded upon the treaties concluded in writing, which were before us, that we might not by any means recede from any of them; but that they laying another foundation, grounding themselves upon what their king had privately concredited and committed unto them, and such special explanation as his majesty of Sweden had (as they only said, for they shewed us none from his majesty in writing) made to them privately, they and we went upon different grounds; but they much insisted upon it, and that they doubted not his highness the lord protector was of the same mind.

We at their instance told them, that though the treaties in writing and our commissions in writing were our sole and only business, upon which and whereby only we ought to guide ourselves, and from which we neither could nor would recede; yet in our civilities towards them, and to do them a courtesy, we did represent the matter to our superiors; and if from our superiors we should receive any new order or command, we would communicate it to them.

But withal we told them, that to lose no time, and keeping those grounds of ours, which were conform both to the genuine sense of the treaties, rules of equity, and right of laws, and practice of nations, we were ready to proceed with them upon all or any of their demands, which they pleased; which they refused to do, saying, that the grounds by us insisted upon did shake all their proposals, and would reduce their demands to nothing: therefore they would expect, that his highness would declare his sense to concur with theirs; which was the sense their king had concredited to them.

We friendly declared, that we must know what his highness was pleased to injoin us not from them, but from his highness himself. And this was all, that in substance was delivered; out of which they in their narrative to your lordships take liberty to write,
That things were brought to that, that the English commissioners confessed at last, that partly they had need of explication from their superiors in those things that were ambiguous, whom they did acknowledge as true and capable interpreters of the treaty.

Whereas in truth we told them plainly the true and genuine sense of the articles and the treaties (which needed no explanation) was against them; and that we had no warrant at all to resort to private instructions or secret explications. And it was a civility only, and to do them a courtesy, that we did tell them we would communicate it to our superiors.

And though we, to perform what we told them in civility, did represent the matter truly, as it was in truth, and as in duty to his highness we ought; and that we afterwards again convened with them, and declared ourselves to adhere to what we had written as just and equal, and shewed ourselves ready to proceed in any thing else, telling them, that we had received no new, order or command from our superiors, they finally refused to proceed further with us upon those grounds, or upon any thing produced by them; and so, with friendly salutations upon the last day prefixed to us, we brake up.

This being the state of fact, we humbly offer to your lordships a justification of our grounds:

1. That the sentences of res judicatœ are never derogated by general words, in treaties of peace; but all the matters therein so judged rest in peace, unless special mention be made of them, and a clause of derogation thereof inserted (which is not in this treaty).

2. That we were really of that mind. We upon that very ground set aside divers English complaints, because they tended to the re-examination of what was defined and finally determined by the sentences and decrees of the admiralty, and did transire in rem judicatam.

3. And lastly, we submit it to your lordships, whether the delay in this business be to be imputed to us, or whether to them, upon the following particulars?

1. In their setting forth, without any good or full commission, or power to treat or conclude the treaties or articles.

2. In their coming over hither too late at the end of February, when the articles expresly directed to begin the 1st January before.

3. In the departure of one of themselves, when in August they had received a full commission, two alone without three could not proceed.

4. Upon the main point, by flying off from the articles of the treaty, upon which only damages were to be awarded, to a secret sense, explanation or instruction, without the treaty.

5. In refusing to treat, and so finally conclude upon all other demands, keeping upright the sentences and judgments of the admiralty (which themselves allow were just and equal) and the inquiry into the right and wrong, justice and injustice of the captures and detainers.

For ourselves (my lords) we have endeavoured to discharge that duty we did and do owe to his highness and this nation faithfully and sincerely, and in all our proceedings in this business have (as we hope and conceive ourselves able to maintain by the rules of right reason and equity, the genuine sense of the treaties before us, and practice of nations in such cases) done justly and uprightly.

And do humbly submit ourselves, and what we have done, and this narrative to his highness and your lordships.

Wal. Walker.
Wil. Turner.

Extract of the resolution of the states-general, 22th March 1658. [N. S.]

Vol. lxiii. p. 253.

The letter of the burgomasters and magistrates of Rotterdam, of the 14th instant, hath been again produced to the assembly, to second a certain request presented to the said burgomasters and magistrates in behalf of Michael van Diest, complaining, that some English men of war have attacked and taken upon the coast of Flanders three ships belonging to the petitioner, loaded only with their ballast, without any victuals or ammunition. Wherefore the burgomasters and magistrates aforesaid require their lordships, that they would be pleased to lend a favourable hand to the said Van Diest, with the resident Downing, or there where they shall judge more effectual, to the end, that the said ships may be released with damage or charges. At the same time also was read a memorial of the said mr. Downing, importing, that the said Van Diest might be forthwith imprisoned, and proceeded against, as guilty in a high degree of the breach of the 7th article of the treaty of peace made between the lord protector and this state, in that he would have sent ships to Ostend for the service of the enemies of England.

Also a letter received from the college of the admiralty of Rotterdam, of the 20th instand, in answer to that of the 14th of their lordships, and by the same informed, that the said Van Diest (having been by them more particularly examined) hath declared, that he had set forth 4 ships to sea upon his own account, and had sent them to a free port, to wit Ostend, and directed them to Andrew Dirck, John de Raet, Leonard Kelckhoven, and Adrian van der Hagen, merchants in the same place, without any intention to violate directly or indirectly the 7th article of the said treaty; and that he never imagined, that there was any intention to give offence to the republick of England by these ships, or to employ them to be sunk or stop any harbours, seeing, that the said ships being fluits without any guns, arms or ammunition, were sent loaden only with their ballast, having each one but mariners and a boat, and provided only with so much victuals as were necessary for so small a voyage; as also in as much as some of these vessels were new, or as good as new, and consequently too good to be sunk. Whereupon, after deliberation, it hath been found good, that the two letters and the said memorial shall together be put into the hands of monsieur Huygens and other deputies of their lordships for the maritime affairs, to consider, examine, and make report thereof. And notwithstanding this, without prejudice to these presents, the deputies of the province of Holland have taken the business into consideration; and the said mr. Downing shall be required by the agent De Heyde to deliver to their lordships such informations as he hath touching this matter.

Memorial delivered to the states-general, of March 1658.

The underwritten resident of England, &c. having presented a memorial to their lordships, of the 16th instant, wherein he desired, that it would please their lordships to order, that it might be proceeded against captain Thysen, according to the 7th article of the treaty of peace between his most serene highness the protector of England and the states of the United Provinces, did not doubt, but that accordingly exemplary justice would have been done against him; yet on the contrary it being then reported, that the said Thysen is set at liberty, he could not but make known so much to their lordships, though he gives little credit thereunto, considering the tenor and purport of the resolution of the same date delivered to him by the agent De Heyde, in answer to the aforesaid memorial, and the notoriousness of the fact by the said Thysen, contrary to the aforesaid treaty.

[Given at the Hague, the 29th day of March 1658.]

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

Vol. xlviii. p. 143.

Right honourable,
Our letters this week, as well from France as Ingland, speak much of the dissolution of the late parliament, which gives much occasion here of discourse; but God be thanked, we hear al things are quyet. The pope continues to levy many soldiers, pretending in defence of his state, for fear of the French. The Spanish conte d'Ognate, desyned for government of Millan, does com forward very sloly thither, which does much deject thos dishartned peple; nether indeed he is much to be blamed, knowing he shal fynd ther nether soldiers nor mony. 'Tis a strange thing to se what a miserable low condition that somtyms gallant flourishing countrey is reduct to by il government, being the richest part of Itally, and formerly of itself able to wage war with any potentate. Here is in Porto Longone two Majorkin men of war, who hav taken a small Frenchman. They ly very dangerous for our merchant ships; but I hope it wil not be long ere capt. Stoaks com back from Barbary to our succour. I am,
Leghorn, 22 March 1658. [N. S.]

Right honourable,
Your faithful servant,
Charles Longland.

An intercepted letter.

Laus-Deo in Middleburgh, 22 March, 1658. [N. S.]

Vol. lxiii. p. 251.

Deare Namesake,
After my hearty commendations, and friendly greeting of you, these are to signify to you, that I have had the favour and honour to receive your worthy lynes of the 26th of the last month, which, in the first place, I most kindly thank you for; and then I must tell you, that on the 8th of this moneth I fully answered the contents yours bares; whereby I will now save you a second trouble and repetition, assuring you I did perswade Ned to make tryall of the receipt, which he found an infinite deale of ease and comfort of, and he hath given me a thousand thankes for it. My master is not like to drawe in his debts soe soone as he hoped for; and therefore is like to deferre his coming to you till a further time; and I find he hopes to reconcile his mistress and friends to to the acceptance of his best and utmost endeavours; and I presume she is of that approved discretion, as not to expect from a man (at no time) more than he can; and I am sure my master has as ardent a lust to the busines, as she may for her heart, or the most incontinent of that prodigious sex, who, I presume, you will not offer to shew these lynes unto; but that when a fitt opportunity serves, insinuate the best you can for my master's goods, and therein you will shew the right part of a friend.

In case you find mr. Eden to continue his resolutions to see his master in these partes, prithy try and perswade him to bring me two or three payre of kids-leather gloves, of a sise lesse then for himselfe. If you can procure him to do this, I'le promise to him, what he shall lay out for the same, and thanke you for your kindnesse too boote. My time will not permit me to enlarge; therefore content and make your selfe merry with this; but let me beg of you to remember me most kindly to my cosin Tom, who, I hope, continues his pleasant humour; and soe kissing your hands, rest for ever and a day, deare namesake,
Thy most cordiall good friend,
Richard Edwards.

Written on the other side in juice of lemon.

Deare Namesake,
I have receaved yours of the 26th of February, wherein you tryed the writting the juyce of lemon; but whatever the matter was, it came not well out, and it was rather to be seen before it was warm then afterwards; so that I conceave the fault was in your paper, which was too firme a sorte; soe that I pray get another kind against you make use of the same againe; and I beleeve you found the same long a drying after you had written it. This that I write instantly sokes into the paper, and you no more see where it is written, then if there nothing; soe that your paper (I conceive) was the mayne fault. The last I writt to you, which was about this day fortnight, I writt alsoe in this manner, and wished you to trust noe person with the folding or unfolding of it, being a degree remooved from your country high treason. I then wished you not to come over, if you could stay there without danger or hazard to your person, for that there are and were great hopes of seeing you there, whereof I can yet say no more as to the time; but I can assure you they are close at work about it at Bruxelles; and the result of their councels we expect very shortly, and I beleeve the mayne point is how to gett out of these countries, now that the English have blockt up at Ostend with 14 or 15 sail, Dunkerke with 5 or 6, Newport with as many, and several others are said to be hovering up and down, to watch and examine all shipping, that stirs neere this coast; and the other weeke there five Holland fluits coming into Ostend, which the English perceaving, made up to them, and took 3 of them; but the owners have sent into England to demand them. And this I instance in, to let you see, what difficulty there wil be to gett out of these ports without a stronger fleete then is prepared for our businesse: but some have hopes, that the Hollanders will be drawne to assist us with their 48 sayle almost ready to put to sea; but I very much feare those timerous butterboxes will not be drawne to it at this conjuncture. By this you may see what difficulty there are yet to struggle with, soe that I should thinke you had better stay, if you can do it with security, and within a fortnight more I shall be able to tell you, what hopes there will be of stirring hence this yeare; which by the Spaniards tedious delayes makes many feare the worst, and that they will leave us againe in the lurch, as they did last yeare; but if they doe, in all probability these countrys will be lost, who are strangly: afraid of Crumwell and his forces, even more then of the French army; and what will then become of us, God knows. We have heare had great reports of the officers of the army opposing Noll's designes in raysing of money for payment of the souldiers; and that they refused to do any thing in that; but of this you know more then I can tell you of the truth, and how the people, and citty and gentry stand affected to the present power. My lord Gerrard came but the last weeke out of France to Bruxelles, where he is with his master and the rest of our friends of any note, except those of his family; but we hope they will not be long there, and that something of good will be resolved on. I pray, is sir Sis. Howard escaped ? some say he is, others noe. The prysoner Crispe has paid 3000 1. and went hence for Zealand the former weeke; and before this I beleeve he is in England, intending to take the first shipping thence. My former told you, how little my lord Rochester was pittyed.

Sir Marm. Langdale is made a barron, which he ownes; sir Edw. Hyde is made lord high-chancellor of England, and hath the keeping of the great-seale; his lady is latelybrought a bed of a son, which the king christins, and the duke of Glocester stands for him, and the princesse-royall if god-mother. The lady lyes in at Breda, where the princesle-royall if still, but goes the next weeke to the Hague. Thus, sir, I have given you what is stirring, wherein, if you find any omissions, you must pardon, being I see not what I write; and in what I may serve command freely,

Your very faithfull servant, &c.

The superscription.

For mr. Richard Crich, at mr. Francis Mills his house,
the signe of the Castle, in Fleete-street, London.

Mr. H. Smith to the protector.

Vol. lviii. p. 100.

May it please your highness,
Sir Henry Slingsby haveing formerly given bond to lieutenant-collonel Elton for his true imprisonment, had liberty from him to bee at a house in towne, where he hath lodged for some time without a guard. And being doubtfull, that hee might have some notice of the busynes I formerly gave your highnes an account of, which might cause him to endeavour an escape, I thought it the safest way to secure him in the castle, where hee had not beene many dayes, but that hee manifested his malicious treachery against your highnes, endeavouring to engage capt. Overton, as hee had formerly major Waterhouse; of which the captain did immediately informe mee, who if soe faithfull to your highnes, that I beleeve he would as soone loose his life as betray his trust. When the busynes is accomplishd according to your highnes former, commands, I shall give your highnes a more full account thereof. I have desired captain Brockhorst to give your highnes a more particular relation of affaires here. Capt. Barnett with his company are, according to order, come hither from Scarbrough. I doe believe the captain and his commission-officers to be honest well-satisfyed men; but both of his serjants, one corporall seaven private souldiers are Quakers: and being sensible, that theire being here might prove very inconvenient to the place, I thought good to send them out of towne to their owne habitations, and to respit them to the next muster, untill I should receive your highness commands concerninge them. Haveing noe more to trouble your highnes with at present, I humbly take leave to subscribe myselfe
Hull, March 13th 1657.

Your highnes most faithfull servant,
Hen. Smith.

Mr. Downing, the English resident in Holland, to secretary Thurloe.

Vol. lxiii. p. 254.

Honourable sir,
My lord Nieuport's secretary being now to depart hence, I could not doe less then write a lyne by him: upon his arrivall Payne is to returne. By yesterdayes post the states-general wrote to his highnes concerning the Portugall suger-prizes, the deteyning whereof is made a very great matter here; and still when I propound any thing here in relation to the treaty on theire part, they stop my mouth with suger, alledging, that they ought to have free ingress and egresse out of his highness ports; and that the king of France did upon theire complaint forthwith discharge the Portugall prizes, brought in thither. And they say, that no latter treaty, made with Portugall or any other, ought in any wise to infring a treaty made before with them. Indeede somthing must be done in this busines. I know you are in a straight, but at least I thinke good words and good hopes must be given them; and they will impatiently expect an answer to this. Theire last letters from Cadiz of the 12th February make mention for certain of 15 ships and gallions, that contrary to all former advice and expectation wil be there made ready to sayle for the West-Indies about the beginning of Aprill. The letters from Franckfort bring newes of conte Pignoranda's entry into that towne; and it's beleeved, that by this time the king of Hungary is there, and the 3 ecclesiastick electors are expected there; so that it's thought the election will goe forward, notwithstanding that the French and Swedes have given in writing at large theire gravamina, which they desire satisfaction in before any election. How farr the peace in Denmark will have influence, we dayly expect. The inclosed is onely a coppy of what I sent yesterday, least that might possibly miscarry; by which post I writ foure letters to you. I am,
Hague, the 23th March 1658. [N. S.]

Honourable sir,
Your very faithfull humble servant,
G. Downing.

Pray bid heartily welcome the bearer, because he comes upon your score.

Pray let me have a correspondent at Dover, by whom I may convey letters either to the Downes or Mardike as occasion.

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

12 Martii 1657/8;.

In the possession of William Cromwell esq.

Dear brother,
Although I have troubled you many times already about this business of money, yet since we are now forced to use our last shift in sending over mr. Standish, I desire you to assist him what you can. I hope he will be able to make out the severall particulars, about which we have written so often in vain, and reconcile the different understandings of our accompt. I know I need press you no more upon this matter, being of your self forward to accommodate the publick, and to oblige
Your, &c.

H. Cromwell, lord-deputy of Ireland, to generall Montagu.

12 Martii 165⁷/8.

In the possession of William Cromwell esq.

Sir,
Our necessitys are now so great, that having written severall letters for relief (tho' without effect) we are now constrained to send over this bearer, mr. Standish, to make known our condition, the arrear of the army, the manner of incurring it, the state of our revenue both past and present, as also what it may probably be hereafter, and so consequently what will be requisite to be had from England to defray the charges of the government in this nation, over and above what the revenue and assessments of this country will afford. I desire you to assist him in procuring our supply with all convenient speed; for untill we be releived, we must stand at above 3000 1. per mensem needless charge; which is a considerable sum in these times of necessity. Your furtherance herein will be a work of publick good, and much oblige
Your very humble servant.

Another purporting the same to Lord Fiennes.

Another purporting the same to Lord Broghill.

Another purporting the same to Mr. secretary Thurloe.

Another purporting the same to Col. Phi. Jones, comptroller, &c.

Another purporting the same to Col. Sydenham.

Another purporting the same to Col. Clerke.

Another purporting the same to General Disbrowe.

Another purporting the same to Capt. Richard Deane.

Another purporting the same to Capt. Blackwell.

Mr. Standish carryed into England with him instructions about procuring 96000 1. to pay off the arrears here; and other additional instructions about a guard for the coast, 500 barrells of gunpowder, and naval expences, both dated 12 Martii 165⁷/8.

He carryed likewise an account of some navall disbursements; as also an account received from England of the arrears of the army in Ireland; also a paper containing the present state of the revenue in Ireland.

Secretary Thurloe to mr. Downing, resident in Holland.

Vol. lviii. p. 88.

Sir,
I ave this weeke received 3 expresses from you; one was brought me by a captaine, whose occasions brought him hither; he arrived with me upon sunday morning last. Another was brought me by the post from Colchester, and was that, which you sent thither by your butler; and the 3d came alsoe by the post from Colchester. I received with them all the papers mentioned in them, and in the last the certainty of the peace betweene the kings of Sweden and Denmark. The post, which wee expected this weeke, is not yet arrived, soe that hitherto wee have noe newes of a peace but what you sent. This peace will have as much influence into affairs of Europe as the warre had, and will put the Dutch wholly to new counsells: what those will be, wee shall longe to understand, because thinges are so cast, that wee heere must steere our course with respect to them. If they still reteyne thoughts of sendinge a fleet of ships of warre to the East-sea, then wee must order our matters one way. If they apply to the Swede for termes, and endeavour to court them, and propound advantages to hym, the better to gaine the trade of the Baltique (which latter is the more probable,) then it will behove us to goe another way; and therefore I intreat you to penetrate into their intentions with all the diligence ymaginable, and trye by the intelligence you have with monsr. Appleboom, what the king's inclynations may be to the Dutch, in case they will carry it fairly to him, and be his friends. I might be larger upon this subject, but you know my meaning, and can order yourselfe accordingly.

I wonder, that you heare nothing from major-gen. Jephson and mr. Meadows; it must needs be thorough the miscarriage of the post, I haveinge writ to them both to correspond with you.

I writ you at large by the last about the five ships, which went from Rotterdam, and were mett with by vice-admiral Goodson; and that you should doe your outmost to gett Van d'Est promished, accordinge to the treaty: as alsoe, that you would prosecute any other persons, which are imployed in any the lyke businesse at Amsterdam or elswhere. I pray alsoe, have an eye to these ships sayd to be provided for the West-Indyes; and if you can find noe pretence to gett them stopped, that you gett notice of the certayne time of their departure from the place, where they be, upon their voyage; for it's certaine, that they are for the Spanish service. And I desire you to use your utmost diligence to find out the correspondencye of Jacques le Governeur, whom I know to be in Galicia upon the king of Spaine's service. I pray enquire further about the Catholiques collection for money for the king of Spaine, and to gett as many particulars about it as is possible.

For the treaty defensive, I am not able to give information therein for the present; it is a matter, that requires much consideration, and we are very busie about our owne affaires. you may carry it, as if this state were enclyned to it; and soe it may be upon the matter, if considered: but surely, our present business is to pause a little, to see how they will serve in the matters of the East-sea. I pray be very carefull, that you doe not oblidge yourselfe to any thing about trade in those parts, either in generall or in particular termes.

I see not what wee can gett by applying to the states-generall about the placart as to Portugall. I hope wee are in a condition not to have hard thinges put upon us; the Hans-townes have noe other remedy.

For the marine-treatye, H. H. is willinge to proceed therein; but you are to know from them, what their intentions are therein, since they have had the report of my lord Newport in that business: and this is fitt for us to have, before wee knowe what resolutions to take here, or instructions to give you.

I will endeavour to have your servant continued in the musters.

I account it noe fault for you to send expresses; but your diligence therein is to be comended.

You doe very well to minde us of that clause of the treatye, which concernes rebells; ad accordingly H. H. directs, that you in pursuance thereof demand of the states-generall the banishment of Belcarris, and such others of the fugitives, whom you finde considerable and active to promote Charles Stewart's interest.

I doe assure you, the reports raysed by Belcarris about our confusions are very false; but the same reports are sent abroad here; and that generall Monk is revolted, and I knowe not what stuff; whereof there is not the least title of colour, all things beinge in a great calme. But these reports are spread to usher in their intended insurrection, whereof there are all the symptomes that can be. They intend alsoe to land some forces upon us from Ostend, and have provided all thinges there for an attempt of that kind; but wee trust they will be disappointed, and wee shall be as ready, as God will enable us to be, to receive them.

Mr. St. John, mr. Hasselrigge, and Dr. St. John, at Paris, were designed upon to be carryed into Flanders by some of the little queene's servants; and it was a great mercy they escaped. Sr. William Lockhart had information of the designe, and caused the partyes engaged in it to be apprehended, and soe prevented it. I rest,
12 March 1657.

Sir,
Your most humble servant.

Monsr. Fly to Bordeaux, the French embassador in England.

Calais, the 23 March 1658. [N. S.]

Vol. lviii. p. 95.

My lord,
I was very glad to understand by your letter the news, which you were pleased to write me; it hath undeceived many persons, who give some credit to that, which was writ to Paris. I sent it to the mareschal d'Aumont at Boulogne, who will be also glad of it. The news, which we have from Hesden, is uncertain. I hear the king is to come shortly to Amiens, and that monsr. de Castelnau hath order to muster some troops together, and to march towards the said place, unto which those of the enemy are said to approach. Monsr. Talon is come back from Mardyke, and is gone to Boulogne, to speak with the mareschal d'Aumont. I expect him here to-morrow: and upon monday he and the treasurer goe to carry some money to the English troops at Mardyke.

Intelligence sent from Holland by resident Downing.

Extract out of the resolutions of the lords states of Holland and West-Friseland, taken the 23d of March 1658. [N. S.]

Vol. lviii. p. 116.

The counsellor and pensioner hath reported to the assembly the consideration and advice of the committee for the affairs of Sweden and Denmark, having for the execution of their resolutions of the 19th of this instant weighed and examined the letters of the embassador Beuningen, now at the court of Denmark for this state, written the 2d and 6th instant, as they are more largely mentioned in the said resolution. Whereupon, after deliberation and respect to the condition of the affairs of the North, it hath been resolved, that in all things the former resolutions are to be persisted in as far as they may serve for the present juncture of affairs. Wherefore, that they will move the states-general to write again to monsr. Maesdam, embassador extraordinary from this state to the king of Sweden, that he labour by all means, that the elucidation and clearing of the trea ty of Elbing, made 11th Sept. 1656, may be concluded and perfected, according to the resolutions taken here by their lordships, and according to the letter written the 4th of August 1657. And for the more easy accomplishing the same, according to the report made by monsieur Huybert of the good intention of their lordships contained in the last clause of the said letter of the 4th of August, the ratification of the treaty of Elbing shall be dispatched into due form, and sent to the said monsieur Maesdam, with order, that he detain it, until the points of the elucidation being accorded, the ratification may at the same time be altered by both parties; and that this intention of their lordships shall be communicated to the publick ministers of France and England, residing in this place, with the copies of the said treaty of Elbing, and the points of the elucidations, upon which this state insists according to their former resolutions. Requiring them also, that the king of France and the lord protector contribute their care together with this state, according to the offers and assurances, that their said ministers have heretofore made and given in their names to this state, to the end, that the trade and navigation may be hereby assured in the Baltick-sea. Moreover, that upon the reiterated offer made in behalf of the lord protector, to demand nothing in favour of the subjects of England, Scotland and Ireland, which should not likewise be granted to the subjects of this state, it shall be again offered to the said resident Downing, according to the resolution of the states-general of the 21st of February, to pass thereon a reciprocal act in writing, to assure fully both parties herein; also to make a treaty of alliance for the maintenance and warrant of the navigation and traffick; as also concerning the conditions, that may be agreed on with the king of Sweden.

And this being thus resolved upon, that the equipage may be advanced speedily; and that to this purpose serious letters shall be dispatched to the admiralties; and also, that commissioners may be sent, in case the business require it.

Memorial of the resident of Sweden.

The underwritten resident of Sweden having understood, that there was publickly sold a printed paper, that was said to be the treaty, which the elector of Brandenburgh hath concluded with the king of Poland, wherein are points, that tend to the prejudice of the king his master, and particularly in the 22th article of the same the states-general are sought for to be warrant in what is there agreed; the said resident finds himself obliged (although he can hardly perswade himself, that it can be the true treaty) to require their lordships however, that it please them to consider, out of their great wisdom and prudence, how little such a blind warrant can agree with the treaty of alliance between his majesty and their lordships so strictly made, and with the ancient amity and correspondence, which hath been always continued between these two states, to the great good and commodity of one another, which his majesty doth always study, and shall always do, to preserve carefully; promising himself, that their lordships will reciprocally give testimony how acceptable the continuation of this good intelligence is to them.

At the Hague, 27 March 165⁷/8.

Memorial of the resident of Sweden.

The underwritten resident of Sweden, by express order from the king his master newly received by him, is to represent and make known to the states-general, how it hath pleased the Almighty to conduct his majesty and his army miraculously and happily even into the heart of the dominions of the king of Denmark, and hereby to give him advantages over that kingdom. Nevertheless his majesty would not make use of them but with extraordinary moderation. And as he hath been forced to this war, so he never had during the same other thoughts than to gain an honourable and sure peace, as he hath made appear by the effects, when they came to treat; hoping, that since the business is now determined to the content of each one, all will turn to the publick tranquillity and repose; and especially, that in trade and navigation there will not be any disturbance or hindrance; and consequently their lordships, as the ancient and confident friends of his majesty, will have cause to rejoice thereat.

Hague, 28 March 1658. [N. S.]

From Hamburgh, 19^th March.

Since my last, all the discourse is of the Swede's progresses like to be made against the house of Austria, Poland, Brandenburgh and Dantzick; and that Dantzick is much threatned by the Swedes to be attacked by sea and land; and that in short time the Swedes will return to Prussia. They of Dantzick would gladly be comprehended in the treaty of Denmark. The dyet at Warsaw is ended: the ecclesiasticks incline to a war with Sweden, and suspect very much the mediation of the French.

From Wismar, the 18th March 1658. [N. S.]

They are here very vigilant, because the elector of Brandenburgh is summoned to joyn his forces with those of Austria and Poland, according to the treaty: also the said elector hath demanded leave of the duke of Mecklenburgh, to march through his country; and sent to all his subjects now in service under other princes, to return upon great penalty. Some believe the king of Sweden will go first to Sweden; others think he will come hither shortly.

From Dantzick, 13th March.

The states in Poland desire a peace with the Swede, and have sent commissioners to Frankfort on the Oder for the 25th of this month. They are much animated against the Austrian succours; so much the rather, because the governour of Cracow would have the burgesses take oaths of allegiance to the king of Hungary.

From Copenhagen, 10th March 1658.

By reason of some days of thaw, the great Belt is thought unsafe to pass with an army; yet the king of Sweden hath sent the count Tot to this court, to demand the evacuation of all the forts in Schonen, and all to be delivered up to the Swedes. Whereto he was answered, that the treaty faith expresly, that it is not to be done, 'till the Swedes have quitted Zealand. Many of ours go freely to visit the Swede's army; and they come oft to this court. Many have been heard to let fall threatning words against the states of the United Provinces, and against Austria, Brandenburgh and Dantzick; and the king himself was heard say, that he was resolved to besiege Dantzick by sea and land; and that he would fain see if the Hollanders would give him any assistance or succours. The Swedes endeavour to render the states-general odious to this court; so that no amity for the future is to be expected from them.

From Brussels, 27 March.

A courier extraordinary is come from Madrid with divers orders for the next campaign, amongst others to confer with the king of Great-Britain against the designs of the English. They talk here of a great design, and that this king is to go in person to sea; but whither is unknown.

Intelligence sent from Holland by resident Downing.

Beuningen the Dutch embassador at Copenhagen to Ruysch, 24 March 1658. [N. S.]

Vol. lviii. p. 173.

The Swedes continue still in this island; their king is gone to visit the fortresses in Schonen and Bleken, and to give orders there. He carries himself extraordinarily courteous toward all the inhabitants and magistrates to gain their affections, and not in vain. At Elsenburgh 300 Swedes will be in garrison, and at Malmuyden 300. The Swedes from Sweden shewed themselves on the frontiers of Schonen, at the time this island was invaded; and there were 6000 Swedes under the command of general Steinboch, that threatned to advance during the treaty. But there is certain news, that general Crabbe in Lower Norway hath had some advantage upon the Swedes; and that general Steinboch excused his not coming into Schonen, because of the impossibility of marching. The inhabitants of Bahuys shew themselves very unwilling to be under the Swedes, and prayed general Crabbe and then the governour of Bahuys to oppose them; which they refusing, because of their own king's orders to the contrary, many of the inhabitants ran away to the strong places near Norway. It is much spoken here, that the English will joyn forces with the Swedes by sea and land; and yet mr. Meadowe told me, there had nothing been treated thereupon, but that the king of Sweden had sent into England to treat of a straighter alliance. The Swedish commanders speak of great forces they shall have by sea this year, and that they shall besiege Dantzick by sea and land. How that will be taken in England, your lordships no doubt will be informed from other parts. Mr. Meadowe faith, the lord protector will oppose that vigorously; and he doubts much, that the peace between Sweden and Denmark would not be welcome to his highness, whilst the conditions were so disadvantageous to the king of Denmark, especially because his orders were to advance such a peace as should be equitable and not hurtful to this crown; whereas the conditions are such, that there is evident danger, that some time or other by secret pra ctices or open force, this crown may fall wholly into the Swede's hands and joined to that crown, if extraordinary remedies be not timely used, or else by some unexpected accident the state of affairs be changed. One from Holstein is here expected to treat of the satisfaction promised that duke. The sea is yet so frozen, that horses and carts pass still to Malmuyden.

From resident Romer at Hamburgh, 2 April 1658. [N.S.]

Since my last, mr. Jephson, envoy from England, is from Gottorp arrived here. It is much discoursed of a double marriage between the crown of Denmark and the prince of Holstein; that is, the prince of Denmark with the daughter of Holstein, and the daughter of Denmark with the son of Holstein; and that the king of Sweden much labours in the business to effect it; and that in such case he will present the prince of Denmark with Drontheim and Bahuys. It is said, that the Swede's fleet, that lies this winter by Holstein, together with the ships got from the Danes, shall be sent before Dantzick; and that to this purpose some secret articles are agreed on between the kings. The Swedes fear much the marching of the Polanders into Pomerania; wherefore the count of Slippenbach is suddenly departed towards the court of Poland, to put by that design: also, that the general, prince Adolph, brother to his majesty of Sweden, hath assured the king of Poland, that the king of Hungary shall be included with in the treaty with Poland. Just now came letters from Prussia and Poland, that the forces advance towards Pomerania. At Frankfort they are much perplext by the peace with Denmark, fearing now, that Poland and Brandenburgh will also make peace; wherefore orders are given to general Montecuculi, not to advance, for fear there may be occasion to defend his own country; and that this peace may retard the election of an emperor, and occasion a war in the hereditary dominions of the king of Hungary: that most of the electors are now for giving all satisfaction to the king of France, to avoid invasions from him: that before the election France shall be heard in all its pretensions; and if they are found not sincere for continuing a peace, they will proceed to the election. The arch-duke of Inspruck takes all care for forces, to hinder the invasion in Alsatia from the French, who expect the coming of the Swedes, and endeavour earnestly for a peace between the Swedes and Polanders; that so the Swedes may be free to advance his designs in Germany.

From resident Sasburgh at Brussels, 1st of April 1658. [N. S.]

The province of Flanders seeing all their havens blockt up by the English, have agreed to pay punctually every week 3000 men. Secret letters are come from Spain, not to be opened 'till the count of Pigneranda be come hither, which will not be 'till the election be past; which makes strange conjectures, and some very melancholy.

From agent Hoff at Cologn, 2 April.

Monsieur Grammont, embassador of France, would have the elector of Mentz put himself under the protection of France; which he refused. The elector Palatine will not be known to have any alliance with France; and to shew it, hath sent away lieutenant-general Balthazar. Touching the election at Frankfort there are so many difficulties, that before Easter it is not likely to be; and the electors voices are yet uncertain. From Brisach all forts of ammunitions are transported towards Philipsburgh.

From embassador Isbrands at Berlin, 30 March.

The marching of the Poles, Austrians, and Brandenburghers, continue not; either their resolutions are changed, or the season permits not yet the horse to be in campaign. The envoy of the king of Hungary hath had long conferences here with the elector's commissioners. Some say, he hath brought the ratification of the last treaty between his master and the elector; but whether any difficulty of accepting (now as things stand) the said ratification, or any new propositions made, I shall know shortly, &c.