State Papers, 1656: April (1 of 7)

April (1 of 7)

Mr. John Pell, resident in Switserland, to secretary Thurloe.

In the possession of the right honourble Philip lord Hardwicke, lord high– chancellor of Great–Britain.

Right Honorable,
It is almost a complete yeare since I first gave you notice, that one Gesner, a citizen of Zurich, was coming to London, to cali upon sir Oliver Flemming for mony lent to him, whilest he resided heere. Most of the other creditors are men of principall note. One, that was sir Oliver's landlord, is now one of the two burgo–masters of Zurich. Another creditor is, by marriage, neere kinsman to the principall secretary of state. By these, it chancellor of was not hatd for the poore creditors to have their businesse proposed in the senate heere. They complained, that mr. Gesner had beene almost a yeare at London, and did once speake to his highnesse, but had not yet gotten one penny from sir Oliver Whereupon this senate resolved to write to my lord protector in savour of their citizens; and yesterday they sent the aforesaid secretary of state, to pray me, that they might have a letter of mine to accompany that other for his highnesse; so that I could not well refuse to let them have these few lines from

Zurich, April 1, 1656.

Your honour's most humble and faithfull servant,
John Pell.

D. Searle, governor of Barbados, to the protector.

Vol. xxxvii. p. 1.

May it please your highnes,
Upon occasion of a meetinge I had some dayes since with the councel and general assembly of this island, concerning the publicke affaires of this place, the security, peace, and quiet they are senceable this people doth enjoie under your highnes authority, obliged them as in duty bounde, in all humility, by this instrument heare enclosed under their hands, to acknowledge the same, and to beseech the continuance of your highnes gratious aspect to, and favourable consideration of this colony, a limbe of the commonwealth, in such things as by their agent shall in all humilitye be presented to your highnes to grant, or such of them as in your highnes wisdome shall seeme meete.

Att saide meetinge of councel and assembly consideration was had of the present unsettlednes of our militia lately established by commission from generall Venables, by reason of the generall's being withdrawne from the Indies, and severall letters makeing mention of the desolution of his authoritye, which hath caused some of our officers to tender the delivery up of their commissions, and refuse to act by them, as judgeing it unsafe; the militia by this meanes being not soe well settled as is requisite, many being unsatisfied, whether saide generall's authority be yet in force or not, for the continuance of our peace and future safety, the councell and assembly of this place have, by the enclosed addresse unto mee, made it their request, for the reasons therein exprest, to take the charge of the militia againe, as formerly, and to settel the same by the advice of the counsell; which desiers of theires I have humbly thought fitt to communicate to your highnes heare enclosed, that I might receve such authority and commands from your highnes therein, as in your highnes wisdome shall seeme meete. This being what the presant offers, I doe in' all humillitye subscribe myselfe to be, as in dutye bounde,

Berbados, April 1, 1656.

Your highnes most faithfull and most humble servant,
Daniel Searle.

Mr. Bradshaw, resident at Hamburg, to secretary Thurloe.

Vol. xxxvii. p. 51.

Right Honorable,
My last was of the 29th ult. by mr. Rolt, incloseinge to his highnes and the committee of the councel under flyinge seales for your perusall, and to be received or held up as you shall judge meete. I hope hee is with you er'e this, haveinge taken my leave of him at the waterside; but presently, even before the barge was got a stone's cast from the shore, mr. Townley, without the least cause given him, fell to abuse me in the manner set downe in the inclosed paper; wherein to avoyde tediousnes, I have omitted many aggrevatinge circumstances. I wish he had done it in mr. Rolt's hearinge, but hee feared his testimony. The affront was given soe publiquly, and in soe arrogant and indigne a manner, as that it presently spread all the towne over, soe as the ministers of state heere resideinge expect what course will be taken with him for it.

I have had some private discourse with dr. Peterson, my neighbour, whose judgement it is, that beinge hee submits not himselfe, some speedy course must be taken to punish such an insolency; otherwise it will reflect very much upon his highnes, beinge done by his subject, and persisted in, to the great encouragement of the enemies of the state and other English men heere to doe the like, whoe knowe how much and howe often hee hath affronted me formerly. Many discerninge men judge Townley in noe good condition, and to have but little to loose, that he soe wantonly exposeth himselfe to the lash of state; and by what he hath let fall in a boastinge way upon the exchange heere since, sayinge, that he cared not to be called over to answer it, for that was what hee desired, I gather, and many others with me, that he hath formerly, and now purposely thus affronted me, that hee might be sent for, that soe if he follow Spurway and severall others of his faction, as many thinke he will, by his workinge, it may be said, that the state ruined him; to avoyde which, and all further truble with him at Whitehall, I humbly conceive it best, if his highnes shall approve of it, that a few lynes be writ from his highnes to this senate in a general way, or to dr. Peterson by your selfe, to signifie to them or him his highnes resentment of such affronts put upon his resident; and that hee judgeth it meete for the deteringe of others from the like misdemeanors, that the senate compel Townley, either to submit himself suitably, or otherwise to punish him accordinge to the nature of his offence; which proceedinge beinge upon the place, where the offence was committed, will satisfy all publique persons heere resideinge, that his highnes will noe more suffer such indignities, than other princes; and it will lay a restraint upon others from doeinge the like, when they shall see the citty interpose their authority with his highnes approbation, as it hath beene usuall in the like cases heere; and dr. Peterson with the cheese burghmaster doe assure me, that they will proceede suitably, if his highnes require them, both of them judginge it of ill consequence to suffer such an indignity, where soe many publique ministers reside. And undoubtedly it will be the best way to meete with Townley, whoe emboldens himselfe to this behaviour, from a confidence he hath, that his highnes and the councel will not truble themselves with such sleight matters amidst the weighty affaires of state, or at least that his freinds of the faction at London will be able to keepe the busines longe on the wheele, if they cannot altogether obstruct my vindication. I beleeve, that, which made Townley soe bold just upon mr. Rolt's departure, was, the letters he received that morneing by the post from London, which, it seemes, brought him and his party the good newse, that his highnes would permit them to chouse whom they would for their deputy; and that I was suddainly to be called home; which alsoe I myselfe had notice of from a friend, whoe was tolde it by mr. Lloyd, their new deputy at London. If it be soe, I suppose it will not be longe ere I heare of it from yourselfe; till when I cannot beleeve it; and if it be otherwise, I presume you will then require an accounte of mr. Lloyd for soe ventinge his owne conceites and desires, to the encouragement of that party, whoe indeed made him deputy for such ends and services.

Sir, I hope you will now at least think it fitt to order the deliverie of those letters by mr. Rolt, and to acquaint his highnes and the committee of the councel with soe much of this relation as may be convenyent to let the truth be knowne. For my owne part, I professe, I am sorry to be thus necessitated to truble you, but either the character I beare must be preserved from contempt, or otherwise I must entreat his highnes to discharge me of it. I could with much satisfaction to myselfe despise the sleightings of my enemies, but your honnor knowes this busines reacheth higher than my owne concernment: had he but excepted my publique character in his foolish and arrogant comparison, I should never have noted the rest, save onely to continue it. Craveinge pardone for the truble, which I could not avoyde, with tender of my due respects, requestinge you will please to hast a few lynes from his highnes or yourselfe, at least to signify his highnes assent to proceede with Townley heere, as premised, which will curbe his boysterousness, and dash his designes, or otherwise that some speedy course may be taken at home, I remayne

Hamburg, April, 1656.

Your honnor's most humble servant,
Richard Bradshaw.

The last weeke's news is all contradicted, and you have now what hath since offered; but the certainety of things wee cannot knowe, till they be confirmed from the places of action. I waite your orders for the masts and powder. I inclose a booke lately brought heither from Cullen, makeinge his highnes Antichrist. If you have not seene it formerly, it's said to be the frutes of Charles Steward's idle houres, with the Jesuites pates to helpe him.

Inclos'd in the preceding. A narrative of what happened at Blankenheyes betwixt my self and mr. Francis Townley, the 29th of March 1656.

Vol. xxxviii. p. 199.

I being with the company there, taking leave of mr. Rolt, as the boat in which he was putt off from the water–side, mr. Misselden, the company's secretary, stepping into it, and saying he would wayte on mr. Rolt to his ship, mr. Townley putting him on to do it, mr. Watson the company's treasurer and myself observing it, we both of us told him, that he did not do well to goe without the company's orders, as if he respected mr. Rolt more than the whole company present, who he knew would have gone to the ship as well as hee, if it had not been mr. Rolt's own desire, that they should go no further, being the wind was faire, and the next day the Lord's day: whereupon mr. Misselden came fourth of the boat again, mr. Rolt so desiring him, which it seems so displeased mr. Townley as that he presently asked me, in a passionate manner, who should or could hinder him if he had a mind to go? to which I onely answered, that I knew not any, that would command him to stay, if he had a mind to go, and that he the said Townley might go with him, if he pleased; to which he presently replyed, in a scornfull manner, that he had more to do with the company than I had; adding, that he had to do with the company before me, and hoped to have after me. And when some present asked him how that appeared, he answered, that he had taken his oath to the company before a court, and I only before an assembly; whereupon I told him he forgot himself, requiring him to forbear his peremptory and provoking lan guage, and to keep his respect. Then presently he replyed in a yet more sleighting manner, that he was as good a man as I, not excepting my publick character, when he spake these words. Thereupon I told him, that he should answer for his insolent carriage and comparison; to which he replyed againe, that he was as good a man as I, but not so proud, adding, that I had often threatned to call him to an account, but he knew my strength well enough, bidding me do my worst, saying, he cared not a rush for what I could do, he could do as well as I, philliping with his fingers, and cocking his hat before, when he uttered those words; which some merchants present observing, they blamed him for it, desiring him to moderate his passion, and to give me respect; but he scornfully bade them (though his betters) hold their prating, saying, he spake not to them but to me, adding, that he knew well enough both to whom he spake and what he spake, repeating his former comparison of being as good a man as I, without once excepting the publick character, and oftentimes coming close up to me, and sometimes going a little before me, looking scornfully over his shoulder or sideways at me in the sleightingest manner he could devise, and in the face of the whole company present that could observe him, because I went very fast to get out of the hearing of his provoking language; in the midst of which he said, that he had never lived at Bilboa, as if he meant to reflect something thereby on mee. I asked him what he meant thereby; to which he giving no answer, I told him, that if he had not lived at Bilboa, better men than he had, and that better behaviour, as he then used, was the way to bring him shortly into the bilboes, minding him again of his insolent carriage, saying, he was a peremptory and insolent man to treat me in that manner without any cause given him; to which, he then coming close to me, replyed, hee's a rogue or a knave, that says I am insolent, which words he spake in a lower tone then the rest of his language; whereupon I said to him, what do you call me a rogue or a knave? desiring those present to take notice of his words; he presently replyed, thinking none had heard him but myselfe, it's false, you scandalise me; though I can and will take my othe that he spake those words, to the best of my remembrance, and I doubt not but to prove them by some that overheard him. And when we drew near the house at Blankeneyes, mr. Townley said to me among other sleighting and provoking language, that he knew well enough what I aymed at or designed, but that I would find myself deceaved in my expectation. To which I replyed, I knew not what he meant by those words, but by them he meant to charge my designing or ayming at the deputye's place. I told him he abused me therein, for I had not sought the place by a party as he had done, but was desired by the company in a friendly and respectfull manner to accept of the place, in which I had searved them faithfully and to their content, untill his unquiet spirit begat a difference and rent in the company, or words to that effect; adding, that he might have more need of the place than I had, which words were only spoken on that occasion, and in that place as we were ryseing the hill to goe into the house, which was long after he made his comparison and expressed himself as premised. As soon as we came into the house, I went into the room, from which I had gone out with mr. Rolt, as his father Elborrow, mr. Misselden and others of his party aparted themselves into another roome, where they stayed a while, in which tyme I bidding one of my servants to get my coach ready, he came hastily up to me again, saying, that as he passed by the door some younge merchants and apprentises standing together about the door, one of them, whom he knew not, asked him if I were ready to fight, that he made such hast, by which he sayed that he believed that party had a design to assault me, if they could but provoke me to begin the quarrell. Presently thereupon mr. Townley, with his father Elborrow, mr. Misselden, and others came up into the room where I and my friends were, Townley taking his hat and putting himself into such a posture, as if he meant to second his former affront, and provoke me to some inconteynence; whereupon I presently withdrew, without interchanging a word with him. In my absence (as after I was told) mr. Townley falling into high words with some of my friends, he in speaking of me, called me only by the name of Bradshaw, without other title or terme of respect, which they reproveing him for, and acquainting me with, I came into the room again, and asked him why he so treated me, or spoke of me in my absence, having always called him mr. Townley; to which he replyed, that he had not only called me Bradshaw, but mr. Bradshaw, which he said was all the title that he knew to belong to me; saying, that he was a pick–thanke or a make–bayte that had told me so; and when I said it should be proved, he then answered, that if he had said so, he was mistaken, or it was a mistake. I then asked him, what he meant by saying at the waterside, that he had never lived at Bilboa, being those that heard him judged, that he ment to give them to understand, as if he knew something that tended to my reproach, there being otherwise no occasion for such an expression; to which he replyed, that it was the enemies country, and thereby he loved it not, which some smilinge at for the sillinesse of the answer, he then added, that a merchant adventurer was better than a Bilboa merchant, and that he was a merchant adventurer and no Bilboa blade, as I was, or words to that effect; whereupon I told him, that better men then himself had lived at Bilboa, and that when I was a merchant, which I accounted no disgrace to me, it being the quality he esteemed himself for, I had kept as good mens sons as himself there, if not better; to which he replyed, that he had kept as good men as I, or words to that effect. Then his father Elborrow came to me, saying, sir, let there be no mistake, for though my son Townley sayd, that he was as good a man as you, yet he did not say he was a better man; declaring thereby, that he had heard his son make the comparison, and judged no offence in it.

Thereupon I withdrawing a little from them, mr. Townley, (which I believe some of his friends that saw how far he had overshot himself, and would have salved all up if they could, put him upon) sayd in a generall and sleighting manner, if I have offended any man in word or deed, I am ready to give him satisfaction; to which I replyed, though he addressed not his speech to me more than to the rest present, that it was not the first time that he had affronted me, and then expressed himself in that manner; mynding him how in the way from the waterside he had in effect called me rogue or knave, and when he had done denyed it, thinking none but my self had heard him; to which he replyed, that it was salfe. I then told him, that in effect he gave me the lye, which deserved a cuff or box on the eare, but that I had more regard to my publique character then he had; to which he presently replyed, that if any man cuffed him, he would cuff him againe, whilst he had two hands, holding them out in a threatning manner. This is the truth of what passed, and of all that passed, to the best of my remembrance, as I am ready to attest upon othe.

Richard Bradshaw.

The council of Ireland to the protector.

Vol. xxxvii. p. 69.

May it please your highness,
In pursuance of a late letter from your highness's council, and an inclosed paper or proposal for a general pardon to be granted under the great seal of Ireland unto the protestants here, and to return unto your highness and council our considerations thereof; we have considered of the several ordinances for admitting the protestants in Ireland to compound, and for the preparing some matter fit to be presented to your highness and council, in order to a general pardon for the protestant inhabitants of Ireland, who live in Lemster, Munster, and Connaught.

And first as to the ordinance of indemnity for the protestants of Munster, made the first of August 1654, although the same was published here, and notice given for their compositions to be made in pursuance thereof; yet there hath not any one person hitherto of that province come in, that profered or made any composition at all.

As to the ordinance of the second of September 1654, by which liberty is given to admit all persons being protestants in Ireland (other than such as have been excepted from pardon) to compound for their delinquencies, some few persons (the most of them being of the Scottish nation) have made their compositions, and days set for payment of their fines; yet very few of them have made their sines or any part of them; and since by order of your highness and council such as have not come in and submitted to a composition before the 25th of December 1655, are thenceforth excluded from the benefit of compounding; and such as by the said last ordinance have made their compositions, we doubt not but your highness hath taken notice of the complaints and petitions of the adventurers and soldiers who do complain, that they are thereby deprived of that satisfaction that by the acts and ordinances of parliament is held out unto them towards the satisfaction of their arrears out of those forfeited estates now compounded for, they insisting on that clause in the act of 17° Caroli, that all patents and pardons, which shall be granted to any of the said rebels after the 23d of October 1641, without assent of parliament, shall be adjudged void.

But if your highness (in your wisdom and judgment) shall please to vouchsase any further grace or mercy to offenders of that kind, we shall not interpose therein; only we herein humbly offer to your highness's consideration, whether these provisoes in this paper inclosed, or some of them, may not be judged fitting to be inserted in such pardon; but nevertheless whatsoever your highness shall command further therein, shall be observed by

Dublin castle, April 1, 1656.

Your highness's most humble and faithfull servants,
H. Cromwell,
R. Pepys,
Rob. Goodwin,
Miles Corbett,
Math. Thomlinson.

Inclos'd in the preceding.

Vol. xxxvii. p. 71.

1.That it extend not to persons or officers excepted from pardon by the act of settlement made and passed the 12th of August 1654, or by any ordinance or declaration of his highness since.

2. That it extend only to free and acquit all persons protestants of Ireland, and their estates from all questions, suits, demands, forfeitures, pains, imprisonments, punishments, trouble, or molestations, sequestrations, fines, penalties whatsoever, for any matter or thing by them done and committed by land or sea against the parliament of England, their army or forces, and since against his highness, his army and forces in the late war, or any the former wars, except as in the said pardon is excepted.

3. That it extend not to give any power, right, or advantage to any arrears; or satisfaction for arrears for his or their service done on the behalf of the commonwealth before his or their defection.

4. That it extend only to such part of their estates, and of such values, as shall be mentioned in a particular to be by them exhibited in writing under their hands and seales, and for which they shall make their composition; the fine and fines for the said compositions not less than to be two years full value of such estate, as the same was worth or were let for in the year 1640. The said fine to be assessed and set by the lord deputy and council, or by the council in the absence of the lord deputy, or by such other persons as his highness shall nominate and appoint. And that upon payment into the treasury of such fine and fines so set and imposed as abovesaid, all and every person and persons so paying the same, his and their heirs and assigns, and all and every the lands and estate which shall be so compounded for, shall be thenceforth freed and discharged of and from all and all manner of sequestration, confiscation, or forfeiture, for and in respect of any delinquency whatsoever, and not otherwise.

5. That it extend only to such persons, as having any real estates in Ireland, or having any personal estates above forty pounds, shall tender and make their composition for their delinquency, at or before the day of which shall be in the year and shall duly pay the same at the time appointed as abovesaid.

Commissioner Pels to the states general.

Dantzick, April 12, 1656. [N. S.]

Vol. xxxvii. p. 91.

High and mighty lords,
Your high and mighty lordships embassadors extraordinary to his majesty of Sweden are departed from Stetin, and now on their way towards this place, where they are shortly expected; and in the mean time their lodgings are prepared, and the magistrates here according to the request of their excellencies are willing to send a troop of horse to meet them 7 or 8 miles off, as soon as they shall hear of their approach. The posts and messengers from Poland, Thorn, and Breslaw are wholly supprest by the Swedes; and likewise it is said, that they will unhorse the post of Hamburgh or the general posts of this city, so that then we shall be debarred of all our correspondence. They endeavour all that they can to master this city, by streightening of it on all sides.

Resolutions of the states general.

Mercurii, April 12, 1656. [N. S.]

Vol. xxxvii. p. 101.

There being once more produced to the assembly the sending of the extraordinary embassy to the king of Spain, after deliberation had, it is resolved forthwith to desire and appoint the lords Vander Gent, and Beverning, and Vander Hoolck, to prepare the said business, and to draw up the necessary orders and instructions concerning the same, and likewise to give their opinions upon the form and manner for the executing thereof, and thereof to make report. Withall upon this occasion it is thought fit to authorise and appoint the lord Henry Van Reede Van Renswoude, being at present in the court at Madrid, to excuse the delay of the said embassy in the best manner to his said majesty; and also to assist the merchants of this state in those parts in their just requests; to which end sufficient credentials shall be sent over to him; and also their high and mighty lordships commissioners are desired to consider what title or character is to be given to the said lord Henry Van Reede, and to give notice hereof to the lord embassador of Spain refiding here.

Mr. Hugh Morrel to secretary Thurloe.

Paris, April 12, 1656. [N. S.]

Vol. xxxvii. p. 77.

Right honourable,
I conceive itt my dutie to inclose you this print, which consernes our state to take into consideration, or in a feowe yeares wee shall have nether gold nor silver to pay our armeys, nor naveys, nor taxes, nor customes. On frydaie this parlement gave an arrate against the decree of the king forbidding to pass anie gold or silver (to pas) but as they decree. On munday the king made a second decree against the parliament, and imprisons severall of ther members. All this I foresaw, but will draw no conclusions, only keepe my selfe within my bounds, as itt desperatly reflexeth on our nation severall waies. God direct his highnes and councell for preventing the mischeess, which this threttens to our nation. What freindshipp in ther pece with us, ise at same time, by this raising ther coyne, they secretly thereby forbid our trade, and improve ther owne. Not only our gold and silver, but the richest dowrey of our nation (our walls) wil be stolen from us; on which millions of our people grew able to pay taxes. Hunger (that is extreame want) knowes no law. Itt apeares so heere; for in a province raising new taxes not knowen ther, the collectors by the people were kil'd; and itt's whispered, thousands are risen, to defend ons bread, for him and his samely. Nature gives the law; but this nation is prytty kind of ass–like people, displeased in a day, the nex freinds, and foes the next. The Spannyard smyles at this (a thred of his owne spynning) and his sperritts (the Jesuitts) are no fooles; who insteede of divinity can prech, must the people know the reason of ther king's command? Itt's in them only to obay. So faith the hearers: this is court documents, not appostolicall, who teach, fathers provoke not your children to wrath; and superiors, I say the highest, are, or should bee so; but I will draw to a conclusion. Inclosed is the king's ordynance; they are worthey of his highnes and his honourable councell's examination; as also of all ther espesses, gold and silver, compare them with ours, and then wonder not, why you see littell gold in England; why our exchang is so high: who will buy goods, pay custome, bee at great troble and hazards by sea, to gaine 14 or 15 per cento, when by remitting of his money may in 2 moneths gett 30, yea more then 32 l. 10 s. per cento. Your honner may say, you make wide a deepe wound to the whole nation: propound a meanes to cure itt. I shall;

If itt may seeme good to his highnes, in the first place, to appoint thoes of his mint to trey and compare by melting some of ether of all the French espesses, as well silver as gold, the inside trew with ours, which done itt will discover, wher goes our gold and silver; and what makes our exchang so high, and our exportation of goods so lowe, and our people to murmer in paying taxes, when trade is stopt by this unkind, unjust, mischeeves designe of the French undermining our state, as ise itt wanted will or witt to redres itt.

Upon ther discovery verry privettly to appoint a committy of merchants, to examine the decaye of trade; the causes how to redres the same: This is our Indeys att whom: next howe to redres our intollerable excessive exchange. But they must bee bred marchants; and on ther seriose debate to report in writting ther conclusions, and keepe this committy on foote; his highnes will have the benefit, and the whole nation, which is the hartey desire of

Your honner's most humble servant,
Hugh Morrell.

Minard to Bordeaux, the French embassador in England.

Paris, April 12, 1656. [N. S.]

Vol. xxxvii. p. 85.

My lord,
We have not yet received any of your letters since your departure.

The arrest of parliament, which reduced the louis of gold to ten livres, have been annulled by the council above, as given in contempt. Monsieur Talon advocate general, the presidents Mollé, de la Grange, messeurs Pontcarré and Godart Petit Marez are banished, and monsieur Montauglan, counsellor of the great chamber, is sent to the Bastile. I am not able to tell you what effects this will produce amongst the people, who are yet quiet enough upon it.

A letter of intelligence.

De Paris, le 12 Avril, 1656. [N. S.]

Vol. xxxvii. p. 105.

Sur l'advis qu'on eut a la cour la semaine passée, que l'empereur devoit fournir 12000 hommes au roy d'Espagne, pour servir cette campayne en Flandres, le roy fit partir dicy sur la fin de la semaine passee un gentilhomme pour aller a Vienne porter une lettre de plainte, que sa majestie escrit a l'empereur sur ce sujet, parce que c'est une contrevention au traite de Munster.

On escrit de Perpignan, qu'il y a eu grand desordre entre les habitans & la garnison, sur ce que quelques officiers ont donné de coups de baston a un juge du conseil royal de la ville, dont les plaintes estant venues a la cour, on a arresté prisonniers quelques uns desdits officiers dans Perpignan par ordre du roy. Cependant la mesintelligence continuant, on a renforcée la garnison de la place, & sait descendre dans Roussillon toutes les troupes, qui estoient en quartier d'hiver dans les pays voisins.

Le mareschall de la Meilleray & le grand maistre de l'artillerie, son fils, s'en viennent de Bretagne a la cour. On dit, que c'est pour establir le mariage du fils avec une des niepes de mr. le cardinal, qui est la sœur cadete de mademoiselle Mancini.

Il y a plusieurs lettres de St. Sebastien & de Bayonne, qui assurent qu'on y avoit en advis par courrier exprés, que la flotte des Indes estoit arrivée a Cadis le 22 du passé fort riche, & qu'aucun vaisseau n'en avoit esté perdu. Sa majeste ayant resolu de faire revenir les 4 chanoines exiles au sujet du cardinal de Retz, a envoyé de lettres de cachét pour leur retour a mr. le doyen du chapitre nostre dame, qui les a rendues a leurs amys, lesquels se son charges de les leur envoyer au plustot.

Mr. de Cumont conseiller au parlement mourut icy mecredy au soir d'une retention d'urine, fort regreté d'un chacun pour sa probité & grande intelligence dans les affaires. Il estoit Huguenot, & ne voulut voir devant sa mort ny prestre ny ministre.

Mr. Bignon advocat general mourut jeudy dernier. Le public a fait une grande perte en sa personne; sa probité recognue de tout temps, & sa capacité extraordinaire le font regretter de tout le monde. Son fils est receu en survivance de sa charge.

* * * Le parlement s'estant assemblé, il fut arresté suivant les conclusions de mr. Talon advocat general, que tres humbles remonstrances seroient faites au roy verbalement & par escrit sur le fait de monnoyes, & que cependant le lieut. civil, le prevost des marchands & les eschevins & les juges consuls seroient mandes a la grande chambre, ou il leur seroit enjoint en presence de toutes les chambres assemblées de tenir la main a l'execution des antiens edits concernant les monoyes. Ensuitte de quoy le conseil d'en haut donna un arrest le soir du mesme jour, par lequel celuy du parlement, qui avoit esté donné le matin sur les faits des monoyes, est cassé & annullé, avec iteratives defenses au parlement de prendre aucune cognoissance de cette affaire, & a toutes personnes, mesme au prevost des marchands, & eschevins, au lieut. civil, aux juges consuls, d'y obeir, n'y d'y avoir aucun egard, & ordonné que les derniers arrests du conseil donnés sur le fait des monoyes seront executés selon leur ferme & teneur, & que les louys d'or seront exposes & receux au pris d' 11 livres, & les escus d'or a 114 sols, permis aux debiteurs de consigner en cas de refus, & la cognoissance de ces matieres attribuée au lieut. civil, dont les sentences seront executées, nonobstant tous empechements; pour lesquels il est ordonné, qu'on se pourvoira au conseil & defenses au parlement d'en prendre cognoissance, & a luy enjoyndre d'oster des registres l'arreste de vendredy dernier & d'y mettre le present arrest.

Et par ce que le dit arrest du parlement fut donné sur les conclusions données par mr. Talon advocat general, lesquelles furent suivies de mot a mot, celluy cy receut avant hier a une heure apres midy un ordre du roy de sortir de Paris dans 24 jours, & de se retirer a Rheims. En mesme temps on porta de pareils ordres a 6 autres officiers du parlement, sçavoir au president Molé de la cinquiesme des enquestes, de se retirer a Avranches, au president de la Grange de se retirer a Salses proche Perpignan, a mr. Benoise conseiller de la grand chambre de se retirer a Issendun en Berry, a mr. Godart (qui avoit esté aussy exilé dernierement sur le mesme sujet) de se retirer a Quinpercorantin en basse Bretagne, a mr. le Grand de se retirer a Perpignan, a mr. Grangier de se retirer a Nantes. Pendant que ces ordres furent portés, un exempt & quelques gardes du corps du roy arresterent prisonnier Mr. Montauglan cons. & le conduisirent dans Bastille; & comme il est colonel de son quartier, en remarqua, que les marchands Du Pont St. Michel le voyant passer, lors qu'on le menoit, voulurent faire rumeur; mais il les pria luy mesme de ne rien faire.

Avant hier au matin le parlement s'assembla sur ce sujet; & pendant l'assemblée un huissier de la chaisne estant venu a la porte de la grand chambre avec l'arrest du conseil, qui avoit esté publié, le premier president luy fit dire, qu'il se retirast, & qu'on ne le cognoissoit point dans le parlement, lequel arresta que mrs. les gens du roy iroient l'apres disnrée au Louvre pour demander au roy la liberté de monsieur de Montauglan, & le retour des exiles, & prendre jour pour les remonstrances, & que jusqu'a ce qu'on eust satisfaction la dessus, les chambres demeureroient assemblées tous les jours. Mrs. les maistres de requestes ayant fait ouvrir l'audience ce matin la aux requestes de l'hostel, aucun advocat ne voulut s'y trouver pour plaider; & ils furent obligés de fermer l'audience: ils n'ont pas mesme voulu plaider a la cour des aydes, n'y ailleurs, ayant resolu entr'eux de ne point playder du tout, jusqu'a ce qu'on auroit appellé mr. l'advocat general.

Le parlement s'estant encore assemblée hier au matin, mr. Fouquet & mr. Bignon y furent mandes, ou s'estans rendus, ils dirent, que veritablement le roy avoit esté fort en colere de l'arreste de vendredy dernier; mais qu'il paroissoit adoucy, & qu'il ne laisseroit pas d'entendre leurs remonstrance. La deliberation de la compaignie fut, que mrs. les gens du roy continueroient les instances au roy pour la liberté de mr. de Montauglan.

Cependant on travaillera aux remonstrances, qui ont esté ordonné. On croit que cette affaire se terminera par negotiation pendant les festes.

On a publié un edict nouveau pour les monoyes, qui est conforme a l'arrest du conseil, & qui a esté verifié a la cour des monoyes. Le bruit continue fort, qu'on travaille a establir le traité de marriage de mr. le grand maistre de l'artillerie avec de mademoiselle Mancini.

H. Cromwell, major general of the army in Ireland, to secretary Thurloe.

Vol. xxxvii. p. 113.

Sir,
I perceive by yours of the 25th of March, that you are thinkeing of fitt persons to bee sent hither to be of the councill. I am convinced, that it is a difficulte worke to fasten uppon such, as may bee thought fitt in all respects; and truly though the publique affaires, and wee there servants here, doe very much stand in need of some additionall helpe, yet it were better wee should waite for some time, then by too much haste putt you uppon makeing choice of such, as would not fully answere both yours and our expectation.

When I writte to you about colo. John Jones, I did not knowe, that he was likely to bee my unkle. Perhaps that may serve to obleige him to faithfullness to his highness and governement. I wish it hath as good an influence uppon hime as to other thinges; but you have silenc't mee as to hime.

There hath bin some late disorder committed at Kinsale betwixt the inhabitants and the souldiers. Uppon the Lord's day was sevennight, the people being assembled together in the publique place, a quaker at the end of the exercise stoode up, and spoke after their revileing manner. The people, as usually they doe uppon such occasions, hasted in a confused manner out of the church. At the doore they were mett with by a guard of a file of musquetteers with a serjeant with light matches; whoe forcibly made the people to goe backe, the serjeant commanding them to fier; and there was one of the souldiers did fier in the pann. Whereuppon some of the inhabitants for there owne safety, as is pretended, and as did afterward appeare by there carriage to the souldiers, tooke away there armes; and not useing any violence to them, carried there armes to the civill magistrate of that place; whoe uppon demand immediately restored them to the officer of the company. This business is nowe under examination; and I believe uppon further inquiry, the gouvernour major Hodden, whoe is a man of atheisticall principles, will bee founde to have misbehaved himself herein. I'le assure you, sir, it was a verry great mercy there was noe blood spilt in this businesse. You may by this have a taste, what manner of persons your officers are in the countye of Corke, and howe necessary it is to have a good gouvernour setled there. Here are dayly complaints of the exorbitant practises of the present persons there, which cannot possibly be remedied, but by removeing them, and appointing some sober person to that place. If you heare any thing of another kind concerning that miscarriage at Kinsale, uppon the hinting of it to me, I shall endeavour to give you a more full and perticuler relation of it. It's saide the governor harboured this quaker in his house; and strongly presumed, that he designingly laied the souldiers here the church, to put ane affront uppon the people, in case they had molested the quaker, there haveinge not for these three years past bin any guarde kept in the towne till nowe. I have bin too tædious in my relation, but this is only to prevent misrepresentations, which I believe you have enough of, and will probably have more uppon capt. Kingdon's and dr. Carterett's comeing to London, whoe sett forward this weeke. A good lady and nere freind of yours writes, that you in England give too much encouragement to the anabaptists; but I hope it is not at Whitehall. I here anabaptists, quakers and all sorts goe in great herds to your overthwart neighbour. I pitty him, and pray for hime. I would have all injoy like liberty both in spirituall and civill concernes, soe farre as is consisting with the safety of the whole. Howe comes it aboute, that 2 places here will not bee sufficient for one mane, viz. Kingdon, but that he muste be sent for into England, to have an addition ? One of his places here is worth a 100 l. per ann.

The councill have presented a petition frome sir Hard. Waller to his highness. Indeed, I thinke he hath had summum jus in the setting out of his lande. If you please to putt in a good word for hime to his highness, you will bothe obleige him and mee.

Wee are, the Lord be praised, as yett quiett, prepareing to give the army there lands; as alsoe to putt them into a posture to answere any attempt, that may bee made uppon us either frome abroade or frome home. Wee keep the Irish with some trouble and charge in prison, as the councill gave his highness ane accounte of about 3 weekes since: wee are waiting for his pleasure, what shall bee done with them. I shall not fur ther inlarge, but remaine, Sir,

Aprill 2d, 1656.

Your verry affectionate freind and servante,
H. Cromwell.

The council of Ireland to the protector.

Vol. xxxvii. p. 117.

May it please your highness,
Upon receipt of your highness and councils letter touching an abatement of 1500 l. to the lord of Claneboy on his composition, in respect of the jointure of his mother yet living; having well considered of the same, we think it our duty to represent to your highness, that upon our proceedings with the said lord and others, on your highness ordnance of the 2d of September 1654, several considerations did arise touching allowances to be made upon jointures, mortgages, statutes, &c. wherein full liberty was given to hear what could be said by the parties in that behalf; but not finding ourselves in the ordinance impowered to make such deductions, we declared to proceed, and accordingly have done without any such allowance. Having given your highness this account (as also acquainting you how great an influence such a particular may have in lessening the advantage, that may accrue to your highness's affairs in this respect) we submit it to your highness's consideration, and herein wait to receive your highness's further direction, which shall be punctually observed by

Dublin Castle, this 2d of
April, 1656.

Your highness's most humble servants,
Rob. Goodwin,
Math. Thomlinson,
R. Pepys,
H. Cromwell,
Miles Corbett.

To Bordeaux, the French embassador in England.

Hague, April 13, 1656. [N. S.]

Vol. xxxvii. p. 125.

My lord,
My lords the states general being now truly informed, that all the reports spread of the defeat of the Swedes by the Poles were false, have ordered anew to send their fleet of war to sea with all the speed that may be; and the said fleet wants only mariners, being otherwise most of them ready. Great endeavours are used to raise men: sew do offer themselves voluntarily. In regard I had none from your lordship by the last post, I shall not enlarge any further at present.

Mr. H. Bishopp to secretary Thurloe.

Vol. xxxvii. p. 121.

Right honorable,
Youre character commands me to owne my life from youre savor; for I being committed and strickley kept in a sad prison, was theare nere perishing, but yet knew not my crime. If false suggestiones rendred me oatherwise to youre honor then what I am, that falt lyes at theare dores; and I may go cleere to serve you. Theare is nothing I desire more then to apeere faythfull to the present goverment, whearein consists oure best satisfaction; and that I might so stand cleere in your opineon, and render myselfe truley gratefull for youre favor, as soone as I gat strenth, I imployed it to serve you with my attendance; but not finding youre honor in towne, I thought it beecame my deutey, to let you know bey these lines the thanckfulnes and faythfull servis of

London, April 3, 1656.

Youre honor's faythfull and most humble servant,
Henry Bishopp.

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

Vol. xxxvii. p. 129.

Right honorable,
I was sylent last wiek, not having any thing of concernment to acquaint you with. Here has bin this ten dayes a Genowes gally, that stil waits for the French ambassador from Rom, to transport him for Marcelles. 'Tis generally reported, that this ambassador is cal'd away in discontent; and the pope's present actions declare no les, having raised six thousand men to guard his confynes, and sent down two thousand masons to fortefy his maritin townes. Althoh the caus herof is attributed to his jarring with France, yet they ar lykwys very jealous of general Blak's fleete coming into thes seas. 'Tis said the French complain much at the pope's partiallity in syding totally with Spayn, and refusing to receiv the Portugall ambassador. The pope has a long tyme lul'd asliep most Christian princes with his pretended newtrallity as a comon father; but the truth is, he is entyrly Spanish, and must stick to him in al conditions, theyr interest being one and the sam, the pope's autority being only supported by the Austrian familly. They ar extreamly weary at Rom of theyr ghest the queen of Sweden, her carryage being so infinitly high and lofty, that she nether suffers man to be covered before her, nor woman to sit; besyd her behaviour in her new religion is not with such zeal, as with other new converted catholiks. Among other things ther was latly shew'd her Aron's rod; but shi told them plainly, it was not the ryht, (which was of an amond tree) and this was another sort of wood. The queen imploies all her interest with the pope, or whomsoever els, to advance the Spanish interest in al his affaires, wherof shi makes publik profession. The pope labours much to bring off the duk of Modena from the French, and mak him sit still; which the rendering som townes in the duchy of Millan, whereunto he has formerly layd clayme, may do. Wi do not hear any thing of the French at Tollon or in Provence, whether they arm or no. 'Tis given out general Blak's fleet intends for Porto Longone; some say for Majork, others for Scicilia. The Spanyard have no fleet in thes seas. My letters from Rom this wieke tel me great newes from Ingland, that the 8th of March the treaty of a legue offensiv and defensiv betwixt his hyhnes and the Swedish ambassador was brok off, whence you may know how good the jesuits advys is from London. Some of our Inglish marchants of Mallaga expeld from Spayn ar this day arryved here, which is what ocurs. I am, right honorable,

Leg. April 14, 1656. [N. S.]

Your most humble and faithful servant,
Charles Longland.

Mr. Longland to mr. Sam. Morland, resident at Geneva.

Leg. April 14, 1656. New Style.

Vol. xxxvii. p. 134.

Honor'd sir,
I hav very joyfully received yours of the 22d of March, wherby yow hav much oblieged me in affourding mi your correspondency. It siems the opinion of thos piple is, that the late made peace amongst the cantons wil not last long. That war was lookt upon by many as a for–runer of great matters; and what may yet bi the issue therof wi know not. Here has layn a Genowes gally here this ten dayes, to transport the French ambassador on his way from Rom to France. 'Tis believ'd, that king is highly disples'd with the pope, either for not receiving the Portugal ambassador, or rather for declaring himself in a manner for the Spanyard; for the truth is, the pope's interest and the Spanyards is so closly knit together, that if the one fals, the other cannot stand; and 'tis most certain, that in this age the Austrian power only keepes up the pope's. He is now raising 6000 soldiers, and new fortefying his maritim townes. The duk of Modena has bin much woo'd to leav the French; and 'tis believ'd the restoreing of som townes will do it; and then 'tis probable, thes princes of Itally will al combyn together in a legue for defence of Itally against forrain invasion. Since our peace made with France a great jelosy possesses thes piple, that our fleet wil disturb them by coming into thes seas to succour the French. The greatnes of the king of Swed is lykwys a continual torment unto them. They begin to be weary at Rom of theyr new ghest the quien of Swed. The Hollander has a gam to play very hazardous, wherin he may happily bi a loser, but deserves litle pitty, bicaus true to none. I much dout, whether our peace can long continue with them. Wi do not yet hear of generall Mountagu's departure from the channel. The Spanyard has drawn al his naval forces to Cadiz. Here is a report, as if the plate fleet was arryved, which wil be of myhty consequence unto them. I believ to prevent it was one caus of our fleet's now going out. I am, sir,

Your faithfull servant,
Charles Longland.

I had advys from Rom yesterday, that the trety of a legue offensiv and defensiv betwixt Ingland and Swed was broke off without effect.

Al illustrissimo signor Sam. Morland residente per il serenissimo protettore, Geneva.