State Papers, 1658: September (4 of 4)

September (4 of 4)

General Monck to secretary Thurloe.

Vol. lxi. p. 125.

My Lord,
This gentleman, lieut. col. Stevens having some application to make unto his highnesse, I make bold to intreate your favour in getting him accesse to his highnesse, and a speedy dispatch of his businesse. Hee is an old friend of mine, and now an officer in Ireland; and by shewing this respect unto him, you will lay a very great obligation uppon
Your Lordshippe's
Most humble servant,
George Monck.

Dalkeith, 21st of 7^ber, 1658.

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

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

May it please your Excellency,
I Received yours by the messenger, and another by Mr. Hambden, with the inclosed proclamation. I must confesse myselfe to bee much refreshed by reading your excellency's of the 11th instant, to see therein the support the Lord is pleased to give you under this sore stroke, and upon some other considerations, which I cannot now trouble your excellency with, in respect that I am disabled through eight dayes sicknesse to write with my owne hand, for which cause also I cannot acquaint your excellency with some other things, which may bee fitt for your knowledg. There is this mercy, which God is pleased to give us, that his highnesse is so generally received with the armys in England and Scotland, as also with all the people; and I see by your excellency's, that it is so also in Ireland. There can bee nothing more obliging to his highnesse, then what your excellency is pleased to write to mee, and in the manner of proclaiming him; and so his highnesse takes it. But I dictate this with great difficulty; and therefore I beg your excellency's pardon, if I here breake off, beseeching your excellency still to account mee
Your most obedient, humble, and faithfull servant,
Jo. Thurloe.

Whitehall 21 Sept. 1658.

Ypre is taken by the French from the Spaniard, and the strong castle of Elsynore by the Swede from the Dane.

General Fleetwood to H. Cromwell, lord deputy of Ireland.

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

Deare Brother,
I Shall adde little to what my last mentioned, though I think it is a subject we cannot too often think of, nor too seriously search and inquire in what may be the provoaking cause thereof; and the more we understande by earnest searching and finding, the beter shall we improve what such a dispensation requirs. I shall only acquaint you at presant, that there hath bine a late addresse made to his highness, in the title of which was named Scotland and Ireland, because of both armyes. We had officers, who joyned with us; and it was desired all three armyes might for the great union have joyned in one; but not to take upon us in the least to impose, but that so farre as might be consistent with your own judgment and satisfaction, you might joyne with us, or vary from us, as you showld be most satisfied. Heare was great union, and surly that showld be preserved with utmost care and diligence; and rather let all things of a doubtfull acceptation remaine as they are, then hazard the breach of union upon any indifferent, much lesse doubtful account. The Lord continues our peace and quietness, which indeade is a mercy allmost beyond expectations, as beyond our deservings. But surly ther is that in this cause, that the Lord takes pleasure in, and will not forsake. His highnes hath given very great satisfaction to the officers in the late addresse. It is our duty to be earnest for him, that he may be kept up to walke in his father's paths with that integrity, as may manifest by what spirit he is ledde forth by. I neade not tell you, what the temptations of such a station is: he hath hitherto much exceeded expectation, and did speak heartily to old freinds. Excuse the abruptnes of
Sept. 21. [1658.]

Your most affectionate brother, and humble servant,

I intended to have sent you the coppy of our addresse, but it seemes the judg advocate hath prevented me; excuse it I begge you.

Lord Fauconberg to H. Cromwell, lord deputy of Ireland.

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

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Dear my Lord,
This last week the cabal I men tioned lately was delivered o fathing the yeal the armies adr ess; it's in deed pretty well f eatur'd, promise sall goodinsh ew; but in the end If care wil prove as erpent.

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all the officersint owne, exc ept two or three, signed it at f i r s t reading, and s t ro v e whos hould be for most.

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Two or three officers at Ire land and Scotland present at si gning, give it title to be also the act of these armies.

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The close cont rivers were fd Sydenham, Berry, Huson. At last Whall e y and G o ss were caldin; a ll others ignorant til offer d to be signed.

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Matters certainly groww or s and wors everyday. Suddenly c lashing like t o b e in the counc el. None here after to be admit ted members there, on of the arm y t h a t pronounce not Shibbo le t h. The present aime conceive d t o excludet and br from councel. dman imagine the sad consequ ences of this, and that they wil not rest here.

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I believe wil shortly be sen t forover.

But, deare my Lord, owne not the knowledg of this to any liveing, as you have any kindnesse for
Your lordship's most devoted humble servant, B.

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B. was not mistaken in Lockhart. but dare undertake for him.

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A. is sure to be of the councel w he n he comes over order is alre ady in it.

Sept. 21. 28.

The agent from Dantzick to secretary Thurloe.

Magnifice atque honoratissime domine.

Vol. lxi. p. 129.

Domine Nolendissime,
Cum jam aliquoties in ædibus magnisicæ & hon. dominationis viæ suerim, & eandem propter corporis insirmitudinem (quam ut Opt. Max. cum pristina valetudinæ quantocius commutare clementer dignetur, ex animo precor) convenire non poruerim, negotia vero à dominis meis principalibus mihi commissa, pro moderno rerum statu, ulteriorem moram pati nullatenus possint, hisce magnisicam & hon. dominationem vestram compellare coactus sum, eandemque majorem in modum obnixè togare, ut si id valetudinis dispositio permittere velit, tempus, quo paucis saltem coram magnisica & H. D. vestra contenta negotii mihi commissi exponere possim, mihi benignè concedatur, aut si id propter morbi gravitatem sieri nequeat, mihi saltem indicetur, an magnisicæ & Hon. D. vestræ molestum non fit suturum, propositionem, quam hic post adventum meum juxta mandatum dominorum principalium meorum conceperam, et ad suam serenitatem gloriosè desunctam direxeram, perlegere. Ex illa namque satis luculenter colligere licebit, quid domini principales mei intendant, mihique enixe apud serenissimam suam celsitudinem et florentissimum hunc statum sollicitare in mandatis dederint. Expecto super hoc benevolentissimum responsum, & interea prosperrimam valitudinem apprecatus, permansurus sum
Magnæ atque honoratissimæ dominationis vestræ

Devinctissimus et ad quævis grata officia servitor
G. Wustenhoff.

Ablegatus Civit. Gedanensis.

Datæ Londini

2 8^br.

22 7^br. A^o. 1658.

The Danish agent to the protector Richard.

To his most serene Highness the lord protector of England, Scotland, and Ireland, and the dominions thereunto belonging.

Vol. lxi. p. 354.

The agent of the king of Denmark, Norway, &c. how unwilling to molest your highness with foreign affairs at such a time, that he cannot chuse but think your highness vehemently afflicted over the great loss you sustain in the person of your father and predecessor of immortal memory, and exceedingly busied about the government of these nations, which so lately it hath pleased God to commit to your care, is nevertheless bound in duty and by especial command, not to neglect a matter of no less concernment than the preservation or total ruin of the kingdom of Denmark, and the deliverance or utter undoing of his king, and master, and all the royal progeny of the same, as this his majesty's letter will declare, and a more large and as true a relation of all the transactions past between him and the king of Sweden, as soon as it shall be translated into a language fit to be presented unto your highness.

In the mean while, since the business can suffer no delay, the said agent relieth upon the information, which in this particular your highness will receive from his privy council, being able to witness, that in February last, by the authority and mediation of his late highness, a peace was concluded between the two kings of Denmark and Sweden, upon such advantageous terms for Sweden, that the king of Denmark was to deliver up more than half a kingdom, which he hath not only performed on his side, as well as all the other articles contained in that treaty; but over and above, hath nothing left undone, or unoffered, to satisfy (if it were possible) the king of Sweden in his other new and most unreasonable demands, so he might but in some part enjoy the benefits of that peace bought at so great a rate; but all hath been in vain, and without the in reason desired, and by the king of Sweden so often promised, effect, which was that at length the Swedish army might, according to agreement, withdraw out of the dominions of the king and kingdom of Denmark, more hardly used since the conclusion of peace, than they were during the former war.

Whilst the subject sighs under their burden, still fed with hope of a speedy delivery, and their prince endeavoureth on his side to ease them with disbanding his army, the king of Sweden, who in conscience and by his royal word was bound to do the same, instead of quitting that part of the kingdom, already too long by him unjustly possess'd, invadeth anew the Isle of Zeland, layeth siege to the royal residence of Copenhagen and to the castle of Cronenburgh at one time, whilst the remainder of his forces, which he had left behind him, endeavour to surprize at once all the strong places in the dukedom of Holstein, and so makes known to the world, that his insatiable ambition could not be satisfied with less than the intire possession of the three northern kingdoms; and howbeit it hath pleased the lord hitherto miraculously to frustrate the king of Sweden of all his unjust designs; yet it is not his will always to work miracles, left we should think him to have used little providence in the creation of second causes, so that the king of Denmark in reason ought, next unto God, have recourse to his friends, amongst the which there is none, to whom his majesty wisheth rather to be obliged for his delivery, than to your highness.

Therefore the said agent, by express command, and in the name of his most afflicted king and master, imploreth your highnesse's aid and assistance for the defence and preservation of two kingdoms, which cannot be alienated from him whom God, hath intrusted with them, but to the great prejudice of your highness's dominions. If besides these considerations, your highness doth not think himself sufficiently bound in honour to relieve a prince, that is otherwise like to sink for relying upon the guarrantee of him, whose most worthy son and successor your highness is, in hope that your highness will be pleased to afford these proposals your most serious consideration, and take thereupon such and so speedy resolutions, as the condition wherein both king and kingdom of Denmark are requireth, the said agent shall pray unto God to indue your highness, for the better governing your people in peace and justice, with the heavenly wisdom, and to preserve your highness from such a neighbour as his king and master hath.

Covent-garden, 22 of 7^bre. 1658.

Simon De Petkum.

Sir Edward Hyde to the lord Culpepper.

In the possession of Mr. Deodatus Bye of Maidstone in Kent.

My good Lord,
I have yours of the 30; and if it were not to accompany the inclosed from my lord lieutenant, you should hardly have receaved any trouble from me this post; for meethinkes the conclusion of yours gives me warrante enough to forbeare writinge, and to beleive, that you may be heare before this will come to Amsterdam. I beshrew you for giveinge us so ugly a prospecte of Denmarke, which I now give for lost; for it is not possible, that the Dutch intende to relieve it, though meethinkes they have such shewes of it, that some should be angry for beinge so deceaved. These proceedings cannot end in a calme.

The English letters are not yett come, which must proceede from some stopp on the other syde of the water; for the windes were very good. From hence there are many conjectures, and they write from, that an oister-bote from Englande bringes newes, that younge Richarde is likewise deade of a violent burninge feavour, which some say comes likewise in other letters from other places; yet I do not believe it, nor do I know, that I could be glad it were true. I do confesse, I cannot suspecte, that any sonn of his will inheritt the father's fortune, but that we shall see very notable changes, and I am not at all out of countenance, that they do not yet appeare.

I am as little in love with this place or people, as you are; yett I cannot thinke wee should leave ether, till wee see more reason; and here there is much difference betweene and Cleve; nor do I see any possibility of a treaty betweene England and Spayne; and if there were, I should hope to dispose ourselves better then to Cleve. And indeede I thought * * would have had more mettle upon this turne, and that the people there would have bene lesse nice; but I never expected it from the bourgemaster, who cannot walke in any path distincte from the government; but I do not understande what you say in yours to my lord lieutenant, that ther are other people meddle in that affayre, and proceede in a way you do not approve. I cannot imagine what that people are, and I am very consident, they have not the least authority to meddle in it. I pray explayne that to me: the service would strangely raise our spirits, for I tell you truly, there was never so much insupportable beggary amongst us. God keep you. My good lord,
Your lordshipp's owne.

C.

Bruxells this 3d. of October. [1658 N. S.]

For the right honourable the lord Culpepper.

Cromwell, lord deputy of Ireland, to secretary Thurloe.

Vol.lxi.p. 136.

Sir,
By this I shall onely give you to understand, that all things remain quiett here. The proclamations for his highnesse succession in the government of these nations have past throwout this with great expressions of satisfaction from the people, as appeares by the returns of the respective sherriffes. The addresse of the army here goes on with much cleernes. I shall bee able to say more to that by the next post. You will excuse mee, that I write thus brokenly and briefly to you. Truly besides the great sadnes, that is upon my spiritt, my body is in no good condition of health; I am scarce a day without some greivous distemper; I have been somewhat worse then ordinary for these two dayes past, and am now in physicke; I am now in the hands of the lord, let him doe with mee as pleaseth him. Wee have not heard from England since Mr. Underwood came thence. I am
Your very affectionate and most humble servant,
H. Cromwell.

Sept. 23d, 58.

Petkum to Thurloe.

Vol.lxi.p.131.

May it please your Lordship,
This inclosed letter from the king my master to his late high renowned highnes I received by the last post; and withall such orders, that forced me to draw this annexed paper, addressed to his highnes, in expectation of your lordship's recovery. The one and the other is become some dayes elder then they ought; yet did I thinke it not convenient to doe any thing without your lordship: neither would I trouble you till now, that I am informed your lordship is so far recovered, that I have reason to hope for pardon of this importunity, who am resolved without intermission to pray for your lordship's perfect recovery in the quality of
Your Lordship's
Most humble, and most obedient servant,
Petkum.

Covent-Garden, 23^d of 7^ber, 1658.

Thursday, September 23. 1658.

At the council at Whitehall.

Vol.lxi.p.135.

Order'd,
That it be offered to his highnes, as the advice of the council, that his highness will please to send the lord ambassador Lockhart to the court of France, with such instructions, as his highness shall think meet, in order to the preserving of a right under standing betwixt the two states, he leaving the charge of his highness's garrison of Dunkirk, during the tyme of his absence, in the hand of col. Alsop; and that his highnesse will please to order his return from the said court to his charge at Dunkirk with all convenient expedition.

W. Jessop.

Cromwell, lord deputy of Ireland, to secretary Thurloe.

Vol. lxi. p. 137.

Sir,
You wel know, how backward I have bin to bee troublesome to you in the private interest of any particuler persons, especially such as have at any time appeared against us; yet having had that satisfaction of the carriage of colonel Trevor, and finding him soe sensible of the favours hee hath received from his late highness, and soe ready on all occasions to testisye his sence thereof, and resolution to live as becomes an honest man under the present government, I could not but second his request to you, which is to have twelve or thirteen hundred pound debentures, (which he hath purchased) satisfyed on some lands in Kildare, the greatest part thereof being at present under his owne stock; for which he payes but an inconsiderable rent, yet thought to be as much as the land is worth, the place being rather for pleasure then profitt; and only fitt for a person, who can apply it to use. His highness signeture and privy seale to the inclosed impowers mee to do it for him; which I desire you to procure, and to returne it with all convenient speed to mee. Pray take a speciall care of his business.

Your affectionate friend,
H. Cromwell.

Dublin, 24th of Sept. 1658.

Mr. Downing to secretary Thurloe.

Vol. lxi. p. 139.

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Honourable Sir,
The post is not yet come this weeke, and by my letters by the last weeke's post, I gave you an accompt, that I had not as yet received any commission or instructions from you since his late highness his death. The duke of York did open the pacquet at Nieuport, 158 431 131 145, and tooke your packquet to me, in which was my commission, and sent it to Don John; 68 147 477 375; they also tooke your packquet to the lord Lockhart, 365 74 319 132 146, in which, among others, they say was expressions to this purpose, that he should keep his horse together, 133 140 477 311 468 134, for that you might have use at home, 45 219 328 379, which expression gave them much comfort; 89 305 145; and I doe understand, that they are 169 213 41 resolved oft 148 to make use 42 of this trade 437 263. The duke of York was upon sunday last in this towne with Charles Barkley 26 319 132 83 287 227 133 75 358 169 and one Brunket. 20 The princesse royall and hee 468 570 207 324 went forthwith away, that his being heere 133 might not be discovered, and went for De l e t s have n, and from thence, as I am informed, they are gone to a private village in the baronny of Bredah, 408 29 133 42 260 55 62, where they are yet together.

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I am informed from a very good hand, there is a person of quality 412 408 126 152 17 362 475 within this ten days gon for England from Charles Stewart, 547 306 572, and he supposes that it 346 576, but whether it be hee or who else 41 83 142 42 I thinke I shall know.

The inclosed papers will give you an account of affayres heere, whereby you will perceive that Coningsburg castle is certainly surrendered. It is supposed, that with this change of winde Opdam is put out to sea, but as yet there is none come from him, giveing assoreance there; and yesterday the states of Holland sent two of their deputies to the Vlye to hasten them out, who are men, it seemes, very expert in the hasting out of fleets, and were made use of to that purpose, during the warr with England. Last night arrived heere Mr. La Mer this state's resident at Elsinore, who was also in the castle during the seidge, who confirmes the rendition thereof by capitulation, for feare of some mines, which the king of Sweden had ready to spring. He saith also, that he had spoken with the king of Sweden, and that he offered to give this state any contentment, in case they will desist from assisting the Dane; but if otherwise, that he is resolved to attend them, where he is, and not to quitt Denmarke. He saith also, that Copenhagen is yet in a good condition. I am,
Right Honourable,
Your most faithfull humble servant,
G. Downing.

Hague, 8^ber 4, 1658. [N. S.]

I pray, that you will please now this Michaelmass, that I may have the businesse for the 150 l. per annum, mayntayneance heere for the English ministers settled; or at least so farre, as that I may have one quarter, ending this Michaelmas, for the two, which now preach heere.

It will be good to have some new names to write to you by.

Captain Thomas Lilburne to secretary Thurloe.

Vol. lxi. p.148.

Right Honourable,
Whyle I stayd in the country of Durham, I mett not with any thing worth troubling your honour with. Abundance there was troubled with the bad newes of the death of his late highnesse. He is now in glory crowned; his highness was proclaimed with much willingness protector, &c. I went to two places to see it done, which was performed with all solemnity. The Lord give him courage and wisdom from above. As I was to his royall father, so shall I bee to his sonn, even espouse life and all in the world, in the strength of the Lord, to serve and stand by him. Oh, that his highnesse may have a constant converse with God through our Lord Jesus Christ! Sir I was sent for to Scotland, where the officers haith unanimously asigned an address to his highness, which I suppose is sent up by my lord general Mounck this post: the truth is, general Mounck is of that prudence and discretion, that he doth ingage every man that knowes him, willingly and freely to doe that which is fitt. Doubtless he is a good man, and the Lord prospers him. Before I came from Durham there was a meeting in order to an address to his highness from that county, as they did to his late highness. I hope it will not dye there. This next generall sessions of the peace, some of the county would have me stayd, but I could not. As soone as I can dispatch and get into that country, I shall give your honour a further accompt. I am soe much fixt for this setlement, that I looke upon it as a mighty mercy, these nations may injoy the benefitt of itt. I shall be glad your honour would let me know the receipt of this, for I am likely to stay with my lord generall this month in this place. I am,
Your Honour's
Humble servant,
Tho. Lilburne.

Dalkeith, 24 Sept. 1658.

General Monck to secretary Thurloe.

Vol. lxi. p. 161.

My Lord,
I Have made bold to give you the trouble of presenting this addresse from the commission officers of the forces heere at the head quarters, being desired by my lord Fleetwood to present the same addresse, which was sent by the officers in England to the officers here, which I have done to them all, and they have signed itt; and we haveing in some consideration some thing of the like nature to bee signed, which that you may see wee had, I have sent you the inclosed signed, which your lordshippe may please to keepe to yourself for your own satisfaction. For newes we have none; all things are quiett and well at present, only I heare, that severall of these officers that were in the hills, that were under Middleton, are come together in Holland, and expect what commands Charles Stuart will give them. But I believe the want of moneys, and expectations upon this change failing so much of that which they expected, that we should have had some difference amongst ourselves, will quash all their designs, the Spaniards nor Dutch beinge able to helpe him in this juncture of time, wherein God in his providence hath provided better for us. I have given order, that those officers, who are in England, that uppon reading the copy of the addresse (which is to be sent to them) and their approving of it, they should write to your lordshipp, and desire their names to be added to the rest. So I shall crave your pardon for giveing you this trouble, not knowing otherwise how to doe it, being I thinke itt will be as good as if they had signed itt, which is all at present from
Your Lordshippe's
Most humble servant,
George Monck.

Dalkeith, 257^ber 1658.

Petkum to secretary Thurloe.

Vol. lx. p. 189.

May it please your Lordship,
Talke has been this many months, that Sir George Ascue and 10 or 12 sea captains were to take service under the king of Sweden, which I could not be induced to beleeve, thinking the the said Ascue would not turne a mercenary soldier of another prince, whilst the warre in his own country lasted, if he could not be satisfyed with that welth and honnour he has gotten, and live a retired and quiet life. But I have been deceived in my opinion, and sinde that certainly he and the said captaines are to depart within a few dayes; they to command each a man of warre, and Sir George the whole Swedish fleet. Wherewith I have thought it my duty to acquaint your lordship, in hope his highnes will thincke it convenient to stay his and their journey, as judging it more convenient, that his subjects should reather assist the king my master, then in the service of the king of Sweden helpe to oppresse him; and this I think would be also conforme to the sence of the article of that treaty concluded betwhen his late highnes of immortal memory, and the king my master; viz.

Ita ut neutra pars populusve, aut subditi alterutrius, neque per se neque per alios, directè vel indirectè quidquam agat, vel quantum in se est, agi permittat, in damnum aut præjudicium alterius, verum altera alteram omnibus bonis officiis adjuvabit, atque alterius rem & commodum pro virili promovebit."

I rest your lordship's (whose perfect recovery I heartily wish)
Covent-garden, 27 of 7^ber, 1658.

Most humble and obedient servant,
Simon Petkum.

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

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

May it please your Excellency,
I Had the honour to receive your's by Mr. Underwood, and beg your excellency's pardon that I doe not make a returne thereunto by my own hand, which truly yet I am not able to do for want of strength, though I blesse God I am somewhat better then I was by my last. It troubles mee to find your greise returnes upon you. I trust the Lord will support and strengthen you under this great losse. Your excellency will herewith receive his highness's prayer the day before his death, whereby is seen, what a spirit of love remayned in him, even to his enemyes to the very last. All the commissions have order to be renewed, and among the rest, that of your excellency's, under the name of lord lieutenant of Ireland. I am not able to say more at this time, then to beg your excellency's pardon for this short account, being all that is possible to be given you at this time by
Your Excellency's
Most humble servant,
Jo. Thurloe.

Whitehall, 28 Sept. 1658.

Lord Fauconbery to H. Cromwell, lord deputy of Ireland.

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

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My Lord,
What ever others may tel, A.B. is more and more confirm d: matter sare drawing to wardsr uine, an dspeedy, if not prevented. Th ecabal l gets ground apace, has w rought militiatocon form t o their de signe, and wil sudde nly nowpul offits vizard.

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They are de manding things w hich no magistrate in the wor ld eangrant, without devesti nghimself of all but shadowe.

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V. have some daredal ready to move to giveaway his power of disposing all commande in M. to W. but this agreat secrety et.

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Afalsebro the ramongt hemt elsmeeall theydoe, even the irclosest de bates. B. is con fidentat thenext place in M fild by isaseild of fiicerst hey will remons trate.

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Unles can draw strength to C. and timely look supponall as lost. Z. has promis'd to send fo r A. over suddenly.

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B. told docter Pettyallat larg e this morning; to his A. mustb er efer'd form ore particulars.

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The yarere sol v'd to have th e power of giving coll if sio n sin their owne hands, and wils uffer no addition to the counc el, because they cannot get co nsent for such as they desire. ln short, is monstrousnigh. However that be, l ordlieut e nan tis pai sedhap pily, because they know not there alon.

Sept. 28. 1658.

B.

Dr. Thomas Clarges to H. Cromwell, lord deputy of Ireland.

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

May it please your Excelency,
I HOPE my good friend Sir William Bury have made my excuse to your excelency for the discontinuance of my duty to you by reason of my journey into Scotland, with his highnes commands to my brother, of which I presume your excelency will not think it impertinent, if I give you a brief account. When I first came to him, I found him overwelm'd with sorrow in a greater degree, then I thought his temper had bin capable of; but he was much comforted with the assureances I gave him of his highnes affection to him, and return'd me with large testimonies of it, which I brought from him and his highness councill there, whoe were very unanimous in their resolutions and actions. They are now preparing a large adresse from all the military and civill power of the nation, which will be as speedily sent hither, as a work of that consequence and time can be effected. Last night anaddresse was presented to his highnes by my lord Wolseley and colonel Bridge, from the gentry and freeholders of Staffordshire, filled with expressions of duty and love, and had an answerable returne from his highnes; and I beleive the other counties will follow the example, for I never observed in any action a more sweeter concurrence from all degrees of people.

Since the taking of Ypre the French army have taken Comine, a very strong place upon the river of Lys; and by the taking of Menine and Odenarte before, they will have a large tract of ground secure for winter quarters for their army. Odenarte is a place large and more considerably for commerce then Ypre, the best and greatest manufacture of tapistry being there. I suppose the army will make little more attempts this winter, as well because of the season, as allso for that some of their horse are to march into Normandy to allay an insurrection there, which is headed by many considerable gentry, and chiefly by one Monsieur Crequi a neere kinsman of that duke of Crequi, that came from the king of France this summer to complement his highnes. There is no account of the king of Sweden's progresse before Copenhagen, more then what is in the printed bookes. So that I have no more at this present to add to your excelencie's trouble, but that I am,
May it please your Excelency,
Your excelencie's most humble,
and most obleig'd servant,
Tho. Clarges.

London, the 28th
of Sept. 1658.

General Monck to secretary Thurloe.

Vol.lxi.p.190.

My Lord,
I am as heartily sorry to heare of your being ill, as any friend you have. I hope God will be pleased to restore your health againe. I make noe doubt, butt before this comes to your hands, you will receive the addresse, which was signed by all the comission-officers about the head quarters; which I hope will give his highnesse satisfaction, till the same addresse bee signed by the comission-officers of each regiment, according as I wrote to you in my former letter. I am glad to heare, that all the good people of the nation are so united to the present government. Truly itt is a great happiness to us in this juncture of time, and I hope God will continue it. As yett I heare of noe designe of Charles Stuart heere in Scotland; but as soone as any such thing is, I am consident I shall heare of itt; and assoone as I heare of it, I shall acquaint you with itt. I am very glad to heare, that the king of Sweden has taken the stronge castle of Elsenore from the Dane; for truly that business, if it pleases God to blesse him, soe that he takes Copenhagen too, and be master of that island of Zealand, itt will be a great advantage to our affaires, as I conceive. Soe desireing the Almighty God to blesse you, and restore you to your health, I take leave, and remayne
Your Lordshippe's
Most affectionate humble servant,
George Monck.

Dalkeith, 28. September, 1658.

Mr. John Barwick to king Charles II.

In the possession of Joseph Radcliffe, of the Inner Temple, esq;

I am too short-sighted to write of state affaires, and yet, having this opportunity, I think it my duty to give your majesty some account of what I conceive present condition of affaires are. About a week before Cromwell's death, he made his son Richard generalissimo of all the forces both by sea and land; but it was not till the very day before he dyed, that he nominated him his successor, and that so sleightly, as some doubt, whether he did it at all. It was justly expected by all men, that a matter of such weight should not be done without a formall instrument under hand and seall before the counsell, &c. but those, that speak the highest of this, say, it was only verball, before Thurloe and one of the commissioners of the great seall; and those, that duly ponder the proclamation, will have cause to think the penner of it did not believe so much. And though hitherto things pass with some smoothness in the former channel, yet there is some underhand muttering already upon this poynt of his succession, which makes them dread the very name of a parliament, and yet they are upon the very poynt of being forced to call one for want of money. Their debts are great, and no other visible way of raysing any competent summe. Whether this be the cause, or his so tamely parting with the generalship of England at lest to Fleetwood, or both, of young Cromwell's melancholie, I know not; but sure it is, most men say he is sick; and yet those, that are likest to know the disease, say, it is chiefly to give way to his counsell to doe what they please, which some of them like well enough. There was some consusion at Whitehall the night before Cromwell's death, though closely conveyed. Some of the grandees, distrusting the place, removed their trunks out of the house. At least six howers before his death, the fifthmonarchy-men sent out their emissaries post into most parts of England, having notice how desperate his condition was. They speak their minds freely already, and have something a brewing in all likelyhood. They have pitched upon Lambert for their general, and Harrison is content with the next command under him. Ever since old Cromwell had his eye upon the crown, he hath courted Lambert very much. One office he had was restored, with 2000 l. arrears, and his estate was promised to be doubled from 3000 l. per annum to six; and still they carry fair with him, and have sent him mourning against the funerall. The want of money makes them fall short of their first designe of the funerall pageantrie. At first they proposed to themselves the funerall of K. James for their pattern, and intended to go beyond it; but second thoughts are wiser. If a parliament come, the fifth-monarchie-men will cut them out worke both in the house and field. They hope Fleetwood will be no bitter enemy; and give out, as if they had Monck's army sure on their side, though not his person. If they have not learned the . . of bragging, there may be some cause of fear, least they get . . . the sadle, and ride us all; yet some of them say your majesty will need no other sword but their own to make way to your throne, in case they clash in earnest; for the weaker party will espouse your majestie's cause, and that upon your owne termes, rather than yield to the other. I wish they may be true prophets. And I humbly crave leave to add, that some persons here of good repute for wisdome and sidelity to your majesty think this will be more sesible, if your own party be not too forward to ingage on either side; and seeing your majesty having now no visible force on foot, will make them more secure, and consequently the more likely to quarrell among themselves. I beseech your majestie pardon this boldness. I was never cut out for a statesman. If there be any thing in it of moment, your majestie's wisdome may make use of it; if nothing, I hope your clemency will pardon it. That God would direct your majestie's counsells, protect your person, and prosper your designes, is a part of the dayly prayer of
Your Majestie's
Obscure, but most loyall and faithfull servant,
J. B.

The great stormy munday, Cromwell (upon a revelation they say) told his physicians, he should now live to perfect the work. At his death, he had no sinne, that troubled him, but only his want of faith. By faith, I presume, he meant (as the divines of that party doe) a full assurance of remission of sinns, and eternall salvation; and then it was no wonder he wanted it.

Collonel W. Michell to secretary Thurloe.

Vol.lxi.p.200.

My Lord,
Having att the first meeting with the lord general Monck, and other officers, subscribed the address allreadie presented to his highness, itt being then determined, that the same forme should be recommended to the comition officers of the respective regiments, and to be transmitted to your lordshipp; my lord, in pursuance thereof, myself and officers have signed the inclosed; and I must humbly begg your lordshipp's leave to mention their cordiall affections and cherefullness for his highnesse service. I dare nott give your weightie affaires more trouble, but remaine,
My Lord,
Your lordshipp's humblest servant,
W. Michell.

Dundee, the 29. of Sept. 1658.

Captain Langley to secretary Thurloe.

Leith, the 30^th of Sept. 1658.

Vol.lxi.p.208.

Right Honourable,
I received yours of the 21st instant, for which I returne your honour most harty thanks, and shall doe my utmost in obsarveing your desires therein expressed, being exceeding joyfull to heere and see all things correspond, and give such large hopes as to future injoyment of the nation's peace and tranquilitie, houlding myselfe obleidged to indeavour the continuance of the same with all might, being soe resolved to sarve out my generation. Sir, as to that of Scots blessing God, that he had heard them in some things, they speak it mistically; for just as the newes came of the death of his H. they declared a fast to bee kept the saboath following, and speake those words as a motive to incurage the people to keep the day, that they daylie pray for their K. in such termes as these, that the Lord would be mertifull to the exiled, and all those that are in captivitie; and that once more he would cause them to returne with sheaves of joy; and some speak in plainer termes against the government. They pray under the termes of being delivered from the yoake of Pharaoh, Egiptian bondage, or the taske-master of Egipt, &c. They use severall imprecations, praying for the confution of all tirants, and from enemies, and all their oppressors and afflictors, &c. desireing God to cutt them off, to shorten their time, thereby hasting their deliverance, and giveing ease to his people, meaning themselves, &c. Thus they speake, but so ambiguously, that they can evade, if questioned; yet soe plainly, that the whole people knowes their meaning; soe that, the premises considered, it is easie to understand they praysed God, that he had hard them in taking away his highnes, which they take to be the begining of what God hath further to doe for them as to that deliverance they further expect and pray for, promiseing the people, that God will yet bring forth further deliverance to them. Thus at large, if not too large, have I delivered my thoughts as to that particular; and what you are pleased further to mention in your letter, I shall be carefull to observe you in. But feering my letter will growe out large, I shall make that the subject of my next, which shall shortly follow. In the mean time I desire you to exsept of the tender of my cordiall thanks for the care as to the two last respects mentioned in yours. Soe kiss your hand, and crave leave to continue,
Sir,
Your honour's most oblidged servant,
Timothey Langley.

Extract of the resolutions of the states of Holland and West-Friseland.

Thursday, 10. Octob. 1658. [N. S.]

Vol.lxi.p.207.

The Sr. pensionary Voglesang reported to this assembly the consideration and opinion of their deputies, having, in execution of their resolution of the seventh of this month, examined and reviewed the contents of a letter of Paul Briel, bailiff and dykegrave of the Bril and country of Voome of twentieth of last month, writ to their most noble lordships, importing, that, according to the order of the seventh of August, he had made exact inquiry concerning prizes made upon the subjects of the commonwealth of England by Spanish capers, and brought into the said port, and had stopped an English pinace, which captain Caspar Verstelle at Dunkirk took at sea the 31. May, 1657. Whereupon consideration being had, and having seen the attestations and other papers accompanying the said letter, it is thought fit and resolved, that the said bailiff shall be injoined, and the burgomasters of the Brill, that they shall give order, that the said vessel shall be delivered to the true owners without any charges; and that they send word to their lordships what they shall do therein.

Extract of the resolutions of the states of Holland and West-Frise in their assembly.

Thursday, 10. Octob. 1658. [N. S.]

Vol.lxi.p.210.

The Sr. pensioner Voglesang hath reported to the assembly the consideraion and opinion of the deputies of their most noble lordships, that, in pursuance of their resolution the eighth of this month, they have examined and reviewed the demand made by the Sieur resident Downing from the protector of England, Scotland, and Ireland, the second of the said month, that it would please their lordships the states general to give order, that a certain English vessel, named the Rachel of London, taken by James Zacharias of Ostend, and carried to Medenbleck, be, with its lading, restored to the owners. Whereupon being deliberated, and found, that the said prize hath broken bulk in the roads of these countries, contrary to the resolution of their mighty lordships, which hath been confirmed by their placart of the ninth of August last published upon this matter, it is thought fit and resolved, that besides the letter of the second of this month, which their mighty lordships have written to the college of the admiralty of North-Holland, it shall be written in the name of their most noble lordships to the counsellors of Holland in the said college, that it is the serious intention of their lordships, that they proceed precisely according to the contents of the placarts, and to observe it in every respect; and that therefore the said vessel Rachel, with its lading, be forthwith restored to its owners; and that they inform their lordships, what the said college shall do thereupon; yet that it shall be seriously made known to the resident Downing, that their lordships will in like manner expect justice from the protector, that when, in like case, prizes are made upon the subjects of this state, and carried into the ports of England, and having there broken bulk, they shall in like manner be restored to the owners, and particularly the sugar prize taken by the Portugals, (but taken away in England from the men of war of this state, contrary to all law and reason) to the end it may be forthwith restored.