State Papers, 1657: August (3 of 5)

August (3 of 5)

Extract out of the register of the resolutions of the H. and M. lords states-general of the United Netherlands.

Mercurij, the 22th of August 1657. [N.S.]

Vol. liii. p. 127.

Was heard the report of the lords Huygens and others their H. and M. L. commissioners for the affairs of Spain, together with some lords commissioners of the council of state, according to their resolution of the 15th instant, having been in conference with the lord embassador, don Estevan de Gamarra, about the deciding and the determining of the three countries of Overmaese. After deliberation had, it is resolved herewith to desire the said lords, their H. and M. L. commissioners, that they will take the surther trouble to go deliver to the said lord embassador a copy of their power, by vertue of the said their H. and M. L. resolution of the 15th instant, concerning the said subject, to be dispatch'd by them, and to desire, that his lordship will be pleased to procure for himself with as much speed as may be, the like procuration, mutatis mutandis, from the prince don John of Austria, with this clause, that what shall be mutually agreed on, shall be confirmed by the king of Spain. Secondly, to make known to his lordship, that it is their H. and M. L. good intention, that in conformity of their said resolution of the 15th instant, as soon as the said powers shall be exchanged, the abbot of Cloostraet, and all other prisoners fetcht in on both sides, by reason of the said differences, shall be released and set at liberty. Thirdly, that their H. and M. L. are contented, that from this time forward, for the space of the next two months, to use on both sides no act or acts of hostility in the three said countries of Overmaese. And the said lords commissioners are desired, to make report of all to this assembly.

The states-general to the king of Sweden.

Vol.liii. p. 134.

Serenissime,
Præsenti bello inter regiam majestatem vestram & regem Daniæ exorto moti sumus majestatem vestram hisce amicissimè rogare, quo eidem collibeat ita ordinare & mandare, ut principals Frisiæ orientalis ab omni onere atque obductu exercitus sub majestatis vestræ servitio & stipendio militantis eximatur, & ad majorem securitatem tempestivè regia protectione & sufficienti salva guardia prospiciatur: quodipsum nobis acceptatissimum erit, considerato, quod nostrum plurimum interesse arbitremur, tàm intuitu vicinitatis, quàm alio respeclu, in conservuione dicti principatus, & prosperitate ejusdem incolarum: nos vicissim proni & parati erimus illud ipsum erga regiam majestatem vestram referre, atque erga ejusdem subditos libenter agnoscere toties, quoties majestati vestræ libitum sit nobis ansam præbere, cui firmiter considat, prout à nostrâ parte speramus hacce nostrâ intercessione obtentum iri, quicquid abs majestate vestrâ pro commodo & defensione præsatorum incolarum Frisiæ orientalis tàm amicè contenderimus. Cætùm,
Serenissime, &c.

Datæ Hagæ comit. die 23 Augusti 1657. [N. S.]

Boreel, the Dutch embassador in France, to Ruysch.

Paris, 24 August 1657. [N.S.]

Vol. liii. p.153.

My lord,
I Am very desirous to know, whether my lord Rhyngrave (as monsieur Gentilot affirmeth) hath brought the consent of his majesty, to the content of their H. and M. L. whereof being assured, I shall be able to further the points given me in charge here at court, and to effect the same.

The letters from their H. and M. L. consul at Marseilles, of the 14th instant, do not yet speak of the publishing of the mainlevée there. Here at Paris hath been nothing done likewise. At Bayonne hath been some commotion and disturbance amongst the inhabitants: some kept the Jesuits from being brought in there.

The lord chancellor of France said yesterday, that he had delivered to the lieutenantcivil an order to take off all the arrests against the Hollanders, to the end the commerce may have its free course again. Here is a report, as if the French had raised their siege before Alexandria, and that monsieur de Turenne doth intend to besiege St. Venant.

I desire, that I may be weekly informed of all particulars what passeth in the business with this kingdom; it will enable me the better to serve their H. and M. L.

A letter of intelligence from the Hague.

Vol.liii.p. 157.

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Monsieur,
Le navire, qui de Canarie est retourné à Amsterdam, est appell` la Luicte de Jacob, [the Wrestling of Jacob,] ayant divers participants, est un grand & nouveau navire, apporte 120,000 reals de huit en argent, pour conte de diverses marchands demeurants à Amsterdam; aussy de la conchenille & du tabac, selon le billet cy-joint: & j'en ay parlé à un autre marchand de renom & de soy, qui me dit la mesme chose; & que le navire est passé par derriére l'Escossie, & qu'on en attend encore d'autres. En quelle façon on a resolu & écrit au roy de Suede, contre son resident, icy se voit par l'adjointe. Ledit resident declare, qu'on ne luy a jamais dit ny monstré la moindre chose des lettres, sur lesquelles ils se sondent; & à cause que le roy de Dennemark est ennemy de la Suede, ce seul regard devoit rendre suspects ces lettres. II dit, qu'on le traite pis qu'on ne fait ou feroit au plus vilain subject: de l'estat; car on ne peut pas condemner personne fans l'ouür. En essect: je remarque, que ce n'est que la serveur d'aucuns, qui ne peuvent souffrer, qu'on les tienne corruptibles. Mais la propre proposition de Hollande (que dans les deliberations avec la France, on devoit jurer de ne recevoir pas presents) les rend suspects de cela. Et le susdit resident ne les a pas dissamé; mais eux-mesmes, qui l'ont publié, se sont dissamés, & specialement Beuningen, qui les a icy envoyé. En verité, cette lettre infamant un honeste homme, sans jamais l'avoir ouï, au moins communicativement, est estrange. Combien plus louable fit l'Angleterre, qui dismettoit les ambassadeurs de Dennemark I'an 1652 avec le mesme honneur, comme elle les avoit reçeu, non-obstant que ce roy estoit un violateur de la paix & soy publique. Et l'ambassadeur de Thou a accusé l'ambassadeur Boreel, d'avoir parlé au roy en termes, qui blesserent la majesté. Quid sit læa majestas est connu. Ce non-obstant le roy ne luy sait pas telle chose. Bres, c'est un abus. Et se roy de Suede, ou je me trompe, n'abandonnera pas son ministre. Je suis,

Monsieur,
Vostre trés-humble serviteur.

Ce 24° d'Aoust 1657. [N.S.]

P. S. Il est vray, que la flotte sort avec seul dessein d'agir contre Portugal; les estats generaux ne scavent pas autrement. Mais estats d'Hollande ont cette practique, que prenant leur temps, ils sçavent avoir la pluralité de estats generaux & alors font resoudre ce qu'ils veulent: & parainsy pourra bien, qu'ils donneront charge à l'admiral, d'aller vers les Canaries; car il y a grande richesse pour le transporter.

A letter of intelligence from the Hague.

Vol. liii. p. 163.

Monsieur,
L 'Admiral Wassenaer est encore avec la flotte à Goereede, & pour sa personne est travaillé des gouttes; non-seulement le vent le retient, mais aussy les commissaires, qui iroient avec luy vers portugal, qui n'ont charge que de demeurer deux ou au plus trois semaines à negotier avec le roy de Portugal, en luy demandant diverses satisfactions, qu'aurez ouï cy-devant. Et s'il ne satisfait point, ces commissaires retourneront à bord de l'admiral, qui alors agira selon son instruction.

L'accord entre les membres d'Overyssel est moyenné par les sieurs de Polsbrouck & le raet-pensionaire.

Ce qui cause grande jalousie parmy les autres provinces, mesmes parmy ceux de Hollande, contre lesdits moyenneurs. L'accord consiste en tant de points & en si grande & longue escriure, qu'il ne merite pas d'en conter toutes les particularitez. Mais la verité est, que les membres estoient si las & satiguez entre eux, que les uns & les autres sont bien aisès d'estre consolidès.

Des nouvelles de Suede & Dennemark, je me rapporte aux gazettes imprimées; car e'est le plus particulier qu'on en a. Les Danois voyent bien, que l'imagination de leurs conquestes est sort evanoüy; & s'ils ne sont point de conquestes, quel fruit auront-ils de la rupture ?

En mesme jour qu'on print la dure resolution contre le resident Appelboom, l'on resolut aussy d'offrir la mediation entre ces deux couronnes. Mais je ne puis pas comprendre comment le roy de Suede peut accepter cette mediation tant que cet estat ne change ladite resolution.

Ceux de Hollande ont remarqué dans la publication de la, mainlevée du roy de France des passages choquants:

Qu'il dit, que les estats generaux ont donnés des marques de la deference, qu'ils ont pour sa majesté, & qu'ils n'ont point oublié les faveurs & graces, qu'ils en ont reçeu & en divers temps & en divers occasions; & combien ils avoient de douleur, que ledit Ruyter se fust emporté à quelque chose, qui peut deplaire à sa majesté.

Daer na in het placcart van dux de Vendosme.

Que ledit due a accordá, que pendant trois mois, à commencer du jour de la publication de ladite ordonnance, ès; ports & rades de la France, les armateurs laisseront librement & seurement passer les vaisseaux, qui sont aux sujets des estats generaux.

Ende die termen van drie maent werter driemael gerepecert, fonder daer by te doen de clausule; & après cell, jusques à ce qu'autrement sera convenu.

Aujourd'huy sera prins une serieuse resolution contre les exorbitances & excès dans le peage, que le comte d'Oldenburg prend sur le Weeser: en sera escrite au conte, item an college elettoral, & parlé icy au ministre electoral de Mayence.

Dans la resolution touchant l'affaire d'Outremeuse sera encore quelque chose changée.

Ce 24° d'Aoust: 1657. [N.S.]

De Thou, the French embassador in Holland, to Bordeaux, the French embassador in England.

Vol. liii. p. 159.

My lord,
The last letter, which the king writ to the lords of this state, hath put an end to our accommodation; and the day before yesterday we made bonfires, which served likewise for the subject of the success of the takeing of Montmedy. All things past with great satisfaction; and the embassador of Spain was of so good a humour, that he would have the pleasure of the fire, which was made upon the viwre before a private house, where was a company of ladies.

There is a convoy ordered for to-morrow, with which will depart from the Maese and the Texel 200 merchant-ships for France. The mediation of the king for the accommodation of Portugal is accepted, and the embassadors extraordinary of this state, who are in Prussia and Denmark, have order to interpose with us for the pacifying of the differences which are between the kings of the north; so that you see (my lord) that these lords do begin to act and to use maxims altogether differing from the foregoing, which were wholly suitable and agreable to the house of Austria. They have, as you write, great jealousy of the English fleet in the Downs; and their embassador at Paris writes them word, it is to savour the siege of Dunkirk, which monsieur de Turenne is to make.

I am told just now, that my lord protector is ready to send an embassador, or resident, or envoy hither: I pray inform yourself, for some reason I have about it, and do me the favour to let me know what you hear of it.

The city of Munster is besieged by the bishop of that place, assisted by the elector of Mentz, and the duke of Newburgh, who have very answerable troops; which will without doubt give jealousy to the dyet of Frankfort.

De Thou.

An intercepted letter of sir Robert Hony wood to sir Walter Vane.

Hague, 24th August 1657. [N.S.]

Vol. liii. p. 161.

Dear brother,
I Find by Will. James his note, that you are in great trouble about the Dutch fleet. The admiral is still at Helvoecsluys, and cannot get out. He is to have under his command (I mean that are to accompany him) 14 ships. De Witt plies to and again on the Dogger-sand with 12. ships, John Evertson in the channel with 6, and de Ruyter hath with him 16, in all 48; which is the whole number of this fleet.

The admiral and de Ruyter are probably to join together. They have been in as great trouble here to know the meaning of our fleet's plying to and again in the Downs.

The king of Sweden hath, as we are informed, ruined near 2000 men in Bremen, taken all the forts and places possessed by the Danes. Bremerswaert he hath been to view himself, and settled the command and government of that country on the prince of Sultzbach, but is returned, and marched on the 15th present with his whole strength into Holstein, where the Danes can hardly be persuaded to defend a pass, much less to stand an encounter. In the mean time there is a great diligence used to make those two kings friends; and I am assured, that places and persons are appointed, and ought to be now together, to make a quiet end of it; one condition being to be the fine qua non, namely, that the king of Sweden shall have all strangers now in the Danes service, horse and foot, and all others, that are willing to serve Sweden, transported to him, that so he may presently fall and en ter upon the king of Hungary's patrimonial lands, and be revenged of the house of Austria, to whom the king of Denmark imputes this trouble he is fallen into, as having promised him great matters, and performed nothing; and on the contrary to the Swedes, that he would not meddle in the business of Poland. Yesterday the French embassador made a feast and bonsires for Montmedy taken, and the peace concluded with this nation. From France they write from a good hand, that col. Lockhart the embassador was lock'd up 7 hours with the cardinal, where many free debates passed; and he reproached the cardinal for the loss of St. Gillain, just at the entry of the campaign; and then, contrary to promise, for having besieged an inland town instead of a maritime place, to be put into the hands of the protector according to agreement, and threatning to withdraw the English, and all other assistances. Upon which the cardinal promised to do all that he can to give contentment to the protector; so that it is believed yet something more will be attempted by them in Flanders this campaign, though the weather be not very propitious, without considering the situation.

To monsieur Petkum.

Hague, 24th August 1657. [N. S.]

Vol. liii. p. 165.

Sir,
It is not yet certain, that the king of Sweden hath received the assistance of 4000 men from his highness, as you write in your letter, by the express which you sent, or that his fleet hath any design against our king; since that it will observe without doubt the motion of our admiral Opdam. The affairs go very well in Poland, as we hear from several parts. The city of Cracow is reduced to extremity, and Ragotzky defeated by the king of Poland, and at present he desireth an agreement with the king. As for the news from our country, it is various, in regard the posts do not pass; and that the arrival of the king of Sweden in Holstein doth oblige them to send the letters by sea from Hamburgh, or to Rugen by land, and from thence by sea. As the merchants say, there is great misery wheresoever the Swedes pass, in regard he doth destroy whatsoever he meeteth with. They have burnt down Itsehoc. The embassador of France hath made bonsires for the taking of Montmedy, and treated some of the states. The minister of Sweden, whereof you make mention, is past by here; and monsieur Aytzma, if you know him, resident of the Hans-towns, hath received letters of credit, as agent of the king of Sweden with the states-general.

Marigny to Stouppe.

Hague, 24th August 1657. [N. S.]

Vol. liii. p. 167.

I Only write to you to tell you, that I take my journey for Frankfort on monday next, from whence I will not fail to write to you. If you had any acquaintance here in this country, to whom to direct your letters, I should be sure to receive them. If you write me any news, let it be good, and such as is worth knowing. Since the taking of Montmedy, monsieur de Turenne hath made a long and diligent march, with an intention to surprize St. Venant, where at his first onset he took a half-moon; but he hath been since beaten off with great loss, and will be forced to retreat, for the Spanish army followeth him at his heels. This morning the thunder fell upon the house of monsieur de Thou, and broke down the turret, which was upon the top of his house.

General Monck to the protector.

Vol. liii. p. 147.

May it please your highnes,
It is now some months since I was bold to recommende doctor Clarges, a brother-inlaw of mine, to be a commissioner of the navy in the vacancy of mr. Hopkins; and your highnes was pleased upon his delivery of my letter to give him hopes of your favour in this behalf, and commanded him to put your highnes in minde of it the next time the councell sate. But the settlement of these nations being then under debate, whereby your highnes was often taken up in great consultations, and he himself being engaged to a constant attendance upon his duty in parliament, he could not see your highnes till you had disposed of that place to doctor Wright's brother; but you were pleased to give him some kinde of assurance of being a commissioner of the admiralty, which mr. Hopkins injoyed with the other, and was allso vacant. Yet after that time, by the difficulty of accesse and his own modesty, he could never have the happines to waite upon your highnes; and being now drawn by his occasions farr distant from London, I presume to renew my humble sute for him to your highnes, who, as I inform'd your highnes before, is the first of my relations I ever moved you in. But I should not trouble your highnes upon that account, if I were not certainly knoweing, that he is not only faithful to the interest of these nations, and a true lover of your highnes's person and family, but one of much industry and diligence in busines, and very capable to serve your highnes in this or any other imployment. But if you have bestowed that place upon any other before this comes to your hands, if your highnes shall be pleased some other way to provide for him, I shall esteeme it as an effect of your kindnes and affection to

Your highnes's most humble and constant servant,
George Monck.

Dalkeith, this 14th of Aug. 1657. [N. S.]

Nieuport, the Dutch embassador in England, to Ruysch.

Vol. liii. p. 155.

My lord,
I Sent yesterday and the day before yesterday to speak with the lord secretary of state. to recommend unto his honour the furthering of the marine-treaty, but could find no opportunity to get to the speech of him; but this morning at seven of the clock he sent me word by a gentleman, that he would come to me at night to the house of their H. and M. L. but he did not appear, neither did he send me word, that he was hindred.

William Nieuport.

Westminster, 24 Aug. 1657. [N. S.]

Intelligence.

Hamb, the 25th of August 1657. [N. S.]

Vol. liii. p. 176.

My lord,
For news none got out of Poland; Ragotzky hath made peace; and some report, the Tartars have cut off his whole army; that I do not believe. I fear he hath made his peace, and delivered up Cracow. Brandenburgh will take the neutrality. The Swedes are in Jutland. No news out of Denmark.

Vice-admiral van Wassenaer to the states-general.

Vol. liii. p. 183.

H. and M. Lords,
My lords, by reason of the stormy weather, the ships of the north-quarter, and that of captain John Duym could arrive no sooner; and I will hasten them to be ready as soon as may be.

In the mean time I cannot conceal from your H. and M. L. how that I informed myself of captain Duym concerning the returning and manning of three ships, which are to come under the flage-franc of the college of the admiralty of Zealand; and I understand by him, that they are all mounted with 40 and 42 pieces of ordnance, and only manned with 100 mariners, whereof 8 or 10 are boys, and thirty soldiers; whereas it is your H. and M. L. resolution, that ships of that strength shall be manned with 130 seamen and 50 soldiers. The last year the Zealand ships were likewise poorly mann'd; but then we were forced to connive at it, in regard men were so scarce; but now there be enough to be had. I have writ to the said admiralty of Zealand to send away with all speed 25 men more for each ship; which I hope your H. and M. L. will further recommend, that so the business in hand may go on prosperously.

J. van Wassenaer.

Helvoetsluys, 25 Aug. 1657. [N. S.]

To the Venetian agent.

Antwerp, 25 Aug. 1657. [N. S.]

Vol. liii. p. 136.

The taking of Montmedy will go near to cause the whole country of Luxemburgh to pay contribution.

It was supposed, that the French would have come down with their forces to Dunkirk or Graveling, which places have had their garrisons reinforced; but it seems monsr. de Turenne hath made a halt by the way, being laid down before St. Venant, a small place up on the Lisa, but strong through its situation; so that monsr. de Boutteuille, who was sent with some forces to Graveling, seeing there was need of his stay there with his men, returned back through the country of Artois, and in his passage met with a convoy with the most part of the baggage of the French camp, which he fell upon and defeated, taking and killing most of them.

On the other hand don John and the prince of Condé have besieged Ardres with their forces, and intend to relieve St. Venant if they can. In Biscay are arrived two ships from the Indies with merchandizes and a little plate belonging to these parts.

In Spain they think Blake is gone to make some attempt on Minorca, he being gone from before Cadiz with his fleet.

Intelligence.

Brussels, 25 Aug. 1657. [N. S.]

Vol. liii. p. 179.

Tom. Howard going yesterday from the king's court, accompanied with a Fleming (employed as a sollicitor against me in all causes) was wounded in the street by a little young gentleman, cousin of mrs. Barlowe, who by former challenge demanded satisfaction from Tom. for words dishonouring her his cousin. Tom. refusing the demand, the little gentleman found him in his way, and with a stilletto-poiniard struck at his body, and by the other's defence with his right hand, met the point, which entred in by the elbow, and passed out at the hand-wrist; whereat his friend escaped away, and the person, that gave the wound, left him so, thinking he was slain.

To conclude: as formerly advised, if convenient, present my humble respects unto my lord duke; he can and will be a friend to you, I hope, seeking it.

The Spaniards have besieged Ardres.

A letter of intelligence.

Vol. liii. p. 56.

Much honored,
At my coming to Flushing yesterday, I went to Midelboro, and found your letter there of the 7th; and as soune as I reseave the bil, I doe intend to go to Brusseles, if hee bee not come before that to Bridges, because I would sayne know the sertayneti of som thinges. I heare uppon wensday last came to our towne sur Marmeduke Langden and sur Edward Walker, hoo is comissary-generall to the man of Bridges, hoo hath greate confidence in him; and with them came too ancient gentlemen, which came from Brusseles, which had not bin long come out of some part of the north; and a vessell wayting uppon them at Trevere, which had brought them over, and now caries them back; and I hard one of them say to our captayne, as they were walking to view the workes of our towne, they wer to land at Hull: and after they weare gon a shipbord for Sealand, I hard fur Marmeduke talking privatly, a distance from the company, with the captain, much of that plase, and of a castle called Whitbe, as I take it, which was a good haven for shipes. But they spake soe softle some times, that I could not wel understand; soe I doe asewer myselfe by what I have hard before and doe perseave, they are preparing of theyr byesnes against the time they shal be redy. I shall do my uttermost indeavor to learn what I can. The French hath taken Monmedi by the meanes of a miner, that run out of the town to the French, and shewed them where they should mine, or else they had not taken it but by famine. I writ in my last Turayne was marched thether, that day hee broke up, and the next day he made shew of it, til the Spanish was before him, and then fased aboute, and with a greate march came into West-Flanders, and came to the towne call'd Aviniogne, and tooke it in by assault on monday last; and the newes was yesterday, hee set downe before Graveling. The Spanish army are most come downe, and ly very neare them. A shorte time wil give notis how it wil goe there. The rattefication is com from the French king with some exceptions, which they take littel notis of, for the vise-admarall Witt Whitteson is gon with 25 sayle; and theyre admerall is to goe or is gon for the Sound, which is but ill garded at present. If the lord Gerat had not fallen sick in France, hee had, I heare, com over with the ensigne. His passe I writt you of is gayned by his captayne's meanes, and hee wil send to him the next weeke, if it come time enof from the Hauge; and if you should please to comaund the postmaster at London, that if such letterscame derected to such a man, as you have his name, as they should be sent to you: by that meanes you should know where to find him: hee is in very greate favor with his master by that menes, and hath a pension of 60 l. a yeare. I hope before his returne to find some meanes he may be had, for I asewer you I shall doe my best in this and al things else, and shall not sayle to hassard the best paune I have in this world to doe you servis; and about 14 dayes hence I hope to write you my opinion conserning Oestend, by meanes of the afferes heare, which if you shall aprove of it, I shall hafard my part in it. The newis heare, Leopoldus shal be emperor, and the emperor's sonn king of the Romanes. Your troopes in France, where they had 5 sous a day, are now redused to 3, as they say. There went on tewesday 2 of them for Flushing. The duke of Yorke's troopes are much decayed: he has not at present, as a Scotch gentelman tould mee, that is come hether to a frind of his being sick, not above 4 or 5 and twenti hunderd in the fild with him; and that the lord Wilmot's regemen is quite brooke, soe that many are gone to reinforse theyr companyes. Soe resting hee, that ever shall remayne

Your most humbell sarvant in any thing to comaund,
Chris. Allin.

Flushing, 15 August, ould stile, 1657.

General Monck to secretary Thurloe.

Vol. liii. p. 173.

Honorable sir,
His highnesse's affaires heere doe very much suffer for want of a good advocate-general to follow his businesse before the courts of justice and exchequer. There is one, who is in at present, a Scotchman, who is no way fitt for the place, and hee is onely in during pleasure. The councill had longe since appointed another man, but that my lord Broghill said, uppon his going uppe, hee would gett an able man for the place; soe the councill did nott putt any other heere. And itt seemes my lord Broghill hath forgotten itt, and being gone for Ireland, and there being divers thinges to come before the exchequer and other courts, which will require an able and honest man in the place, my lord Broghill had an intent to have gotten an able Englishman in itt; but when they come hither, though they bee never soe able, they doe not understand the law heere, and soe are to seeke; and I believe, that is the reason hee did nott provide one: soe if his highnesse cannott pitch upon an able Englishman, which truly I thinke will nott be able to goe through with the businesse for want of experience in the law; butt in case his highnesse thinks fitt to pitch uppon a Scotchman, here is one mr. Harper, who is a judicious man, and an able advocate, and I thinke will bee the fittest man you can imploy of a Scotchman. And if you thinke fitt to motion itt to his highnesse, when you shall finde an occasion, that there may bee some body appointed for that place, which will bee very needfull speedily to be done: and if his highnesse make choice of a Scotchman, I desire you will stand mr. Harper's friend, that hee may have it before another. Which is all att present from him, who is

Your most affectionate and humble servant,
George Monck.

Dalkeith, 15 Aug. 1657.

Intelligence.

Bruges, 26 Aug. 1657. [N. S.]

Vol. liii. p. 185.

The French have taken Montmedy, and have now besieged St. Venant, on the borders of this province, but we hope, that will be relieved. The Spaniards have taken a convoy of 800 waggons, that was going to their enemy; and cut off and taken 200 horse, that were with them. The French and Hollanders are absolutely agreed.

The French embassador to the states-general.

Lectum den 27^e Augusty 1657. [N. S.]

Vol. liii. p. 204.

Le soubsigné ambassadeur de France declare, & fait à sçavoir à leur seigneuries par le present memoire, qu'il reçût hier advis par une dépesche du sieur le comte de Brienne, datée du 27^e de Sedan, comme sa majesté, pour confirmer de plus en plus la bonne correspondence, qu'elle desire entre ses subjets & ceux de cet estat, & restablir parsaitement la confiance, que des malins, & malveillants ne cessent tous les jours, & de vouloir alterer & corrompre par des libelles & escripts, a fait ordonner dans son conseil, qu'il adjouste dans le placcart de la main-levée après la clause, que leurs subjects jouiront par interim du traité des villes Hanseatiques pour le terme de trois mois cette nouvelle clause, & après, jusques à ce qu'autrement en aye esté ordonné; dont ils donneront, s'il leur plaît, advis à leurs subjects, à fin que le commerce soit restably dans toute la liberté & seureté. Et comme sa majesté desire leur donner en toutes occasions des marques de sa bonne volonté, ledit ambassadeur requiert aussy leurs seigneuries, de vouloir bien recommander & or donner à leurs subjects, de ne se charger point de marchandises de contrebande, conformement aux articles dudit traité, & de faire severement punir ceux de leurs subjects, qui prendront des commissions d'Ostende, pour piller & infester les subjects de ses costes de Normandy & de Bretaigne sous la faveur de leur pavillon, comme on a advis d'avoir esté. fait depuis peu par une captaine Hollandois, dont on attend les particularitez, pour en faire la plainte en toutes ses formes & circomstance; comme aussy de vouloir envoyer des ordres à leur vice-admiral de Ruyter, de vouloir faire restituer des matelots François deserteurs, qui peuvent estre dans son bord, ainsy qu'il a promis, & que les loix de la marine le requieront, & le desirent estre amis & confederez. Fait à la Haye, ce lundy, 27 Aoust 1657.

Signé,
De Thou.

Extract out of the register of the resolutions of the H. and M. L. states-general of the United-Netherlands.

Lunæ, the 27th of August 1657. [N. S.]

Vol. liii. p. 206.

Being read in the assembly a certain memorandum of the lord embassador of France, containing in effect, that the king his master had inserted a further clause in his placart of the main-levée, that the subjects of this state, by form of interim, that enjoy the treaty of the Hans-towns for the space of three months, and afterwards, till it shall be otherwise ordered. Secondly, the lord embassador desireth, that their H. and M. L. will be pleased to order their subjects not to lade in their ships any contraband goods, in conformity of the said treaty. Thirdly, that the subjects of this state be severely punished, which shall take commissions from those of Ostend to plunder and damnify the subjects of France. Fourthly, that the vice-admiral de Ruyter be ordered to restore the French mariners, that are aboard of his fleet. Whereupon being debated, it is resolved, herewith to desire the lords Huygens and others their H. and M. L. commissioners for the affairs of France, that their lordships will be pleased to return thanks to his lordship for the communication of the said new clause; and likewise, that notice shall be given to the respective colleges of the admiralty of the said new clause, to serve for their information. And what concerneth the said request about the contraband goods, the said lords their H. and M. L. commissioners are desired to signify to the said lord embassador, that already sufficient order is taken concerning the same, by publication of the said treaty of the Hans-towns; and in conformity of the same, as amongst the rest, also disposing of the said contraband goods. Concerning the third point about the commissions, which the subjects of this state should take from those of Ostend, it is thought fit to expect the further declaration, which the said lord embassador hath to make about the same. And as to the fourth point, a letter shall be writ to the said vice-admiral de Ruyter, that he release the said French mariners, and to send them for France.

A copy of this resolution shall be sent to the embassador Boreel, to serve for his information.

Intelligence.

From Sedan, the 27th of August 1657. [N. S.]

Vol. liii. p. 202.

The regiment of La Ferte hath in the end made themselves masters of the half-moon; and if we can keep it, as there is likelihood enough, there is no doubt but Montmedy will be soon taken; for they make no more sallies out, but prepare themselves to receive an assault from us. They begin to want water and medicaments; and if they be not suddenly relieved, they cannot resist any longer. The baron of St. Pre, governor of Douchery, hath very much eas'd the army by his fresh supplies of men, the army being sufficiently tired by the continual sallies out of the besieged.

General Monck to the protector.

Vol. liii. p. 197.

May it please your highness,
Your highness's councill heere haveing received an order of your highness, dated the 24th of June 1657, referring to yourhighness's council here, the consideration of the losses and sufferings of mrs. Hamilton, sister to Hamilton, that was executed at Sterling for service don for your highness; and requireing them to state the same, and to report it to your highness, with their opinion what is fit to be done for her, and how.

They have accordingly taken consideration of her said losses and sufferings; and doe find, that by reason of her giveing intelligence from time to time to the officers of the army, she has been damnisied by the enemy to the value of six thousand markes Scots, and has bin in perill of her life; for which they are of opinion it may bee fit, that three hundred pounds sterlings bee allowed her out of the fines, to bee paide by the lord Belcaris and lord Dedup, or either of them; or out of the fine of forty thousand pounds to bee paide by the excepted persons in Scotland. All which, by appointment of your highness's councill heere, is humbly submitted to your consideration and order, by

Your highness's most humble and most faithfull servant,
George Monck.

Edinburgh, 17 August 1657.

General Monck to secretary Thurloe.

Vol. liii. p. 199.

Honorable sir,
This gentleman, William Somerville, having written this enclosed letter to one of our intelligencers heere, hee living at London, I thought fitt to recommend him unto you, if you think fitt to make use of him. He is a discreete fellow, and one, that may bee able to doe you service about London; and I am confident he will bee very honest to you; and I thinke a small businesse will satisfie him for his incouragement. I shall leave itt to you, to doe therein as you in your wisedome shall thinke fitt; and remayne
Dalkeith, 17th August 1657.

Your very affectionate humble servant, George Monck.

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

Vol. liii. p. 283.

Sir,
I Have endeavoured to avoyd givinge you troubles of this nature; but beinge at present through the importunitie of the earle of Meath prevailed uppon, I make it my request unto you, that in case you finde his businesse to be just and reasonable, you would favour him in presentinge both himself and it to his highnesse. My other occasiones have not permitted to know much either of the person, or his businesse; and therfor shall refer both to your better judgment, and rest

Your loving freinde and humble servant,
H. Cromwell.

August 17 [1657.]

The Spanish embassador to the states-general.

Lectum, den 28^e Augusty 1657. [N. S.]

Vol. liii. p. 210.

Messieurs les estats generaux ayent hier fait entendre au soubsigné ambassadeur d'Espaigne, par le sieur Spronssen, que L.L. S.S. desiroient avoir quelque asseurance de ce que l'on observeroit de la part du roy son maistre la surceance de toutes voyes de fait, & executions violentes pour deux mois, dans les trois païs d'Outremeuse, que L. L. S.S. ont offerte dans le dernier article de leur resolution du 22^e de ce mois (laquelle les sieurs deputez luy ont mise en main jeudy dernier) il vient la donner à L. L. S. S. par cet escrit, & leur engager sa parole, que cela s'accomplira, pourveu que l'on en eust de mesme costé de L. L. S.S. & que quelques resolutions cy-devant prises contre les officers de sa majesté soient aussy revoquées. Il se trouve en mesme tems obligé de faire ressouvenir L. L. S. S. de l'exces commis le 21^e du passé, par leurs gens, contre ceux de la terre de Hermalle, située hors du district desdits trois païs, qui est neutre, & appartient au sieur marquis de Treslon, à qui ils ont enlevée (après avoir tenu bloqué 3 ou 4 jours le chasteau d'Argenteau) son meusnier & censier, avec les chevaux, vaches, & bestail leur apartenant, ayant esté emmenez à Dalem, où lesdits pauvres officiers sont encore detenus prisonniers, leur bestail ayant esté publiquement vendu, & differents soldats du chasteau d'Argenteau pris & desarmez par ceux de L. L. S. S. tout sous pretexte, qu'on auroit protegé plus de 29 heures audit chateau la partie de Navagne, qui s'y estoit refugiée avec quelques prisonniers du Banq de Beeck, & qu'ils auroient par-là perdue le droit de neutralité; quoyque le sieur de Rovery, y commandant, n'en ayt pu user autrement, estant capitaine du roy, & esta bly de sa part, pour la garde dudit chasteau, lequel n'a jamais esté neutre depuis l'an 1632, que le duc de Bouillon l'occupa: c'est pourquoy il prie & requiert de nouveau L. L. S. S. de vouloir faire restituer ledit bestail injustement vendu, si faire se peut, ou du moins la valeur d'iceluy, & relacher les deux prisonniers susmentionez, ainsy qu'il est très-juste; & que l'on se doit promettre de l'equité de L. L. S. S. puisque ladite terre n'a aucune connexion, ny dependance avec les païs d'Outremeuse. Fait à la Haye, le 28^e d'Aoust 1657. [N.S.]
Signé,
Gamarra.

Count Charost, governor of Calais, to Bordeaux, the French embassador in England.

Calais, 28 August 1657. [N.S.]

Vol. liii. p. 208.

My lord,
I Writ you word on saturday last, that there was nothing but the siege of St. Venant, which hath produced something more for the Spanish army; and monsieur the prince has besieged Ardres since sunday morning last, where our governor doth defend himself very well, though he was surprized. As yet we have not been able to bring any relief into the place, nor the governor hath not been able to send to us. I hope I shall be able to send you better news by the next post; for I hope, that St. Venant will be taken, and monsieur de Turenne come to relieve Ardres before saturday next, and that the king will be still victorious.

We made as much of the captain as we were able, that came to receive the money for the provisions. He is a-kin to general Montagu. The packet-boat presseth. I am always

Your most humble servant,
Charost.

General Monck to secretary Thurloe.

In the possession of the right hon. Philip lord Hardwicke, lord high-chancellor of Gr. Britain.

Honored sir,
I Received yours of the 11th instant, and am sorry to heare the ill newes of the death of my old freind generall Blake, and doubt his highnesse will finde a want of him. I thanke you for the especiall care you have taken of getting an inlargement of the time of the excise of beere and ale brewed in Edenburgh and Leith, for supply of the cittadell heere; whereby you will do us a very great favour, and advantage the service very much, if you can get it inlarged some longer time; for there is one hundred pounds a yeare allowed to a brewer, who had a brewhouse destroyed, uppon the making uppe of the workes to be allowed him out of the excise of that brewhouse, which is newly built uppe againe till the 300 l. bee paid, which the councill heere, uppon the reference of his highnesse to them, thought fitt to allow him towards the reparation of his losses, which will something lessen the sume wee should have for the cittadell. The answer to his highnesse letter concerning the revenue and charge of the civill-officers, &c. will be sent by the next post. For newes wee have little, only I heare there are some letters come into this country from Charles Stuart, or some of his neere freinds, which came by the way of London: but as yet I have noe account what they doe concerne; but I shall speedily heare; and as soone as I have notice, you shall heare further from

Your very affectionate humble servant,
George Monck.

Edenburgh, 18 August 1657.

A letter of intelligence from col. Bamfylde.

Vol. liii. p. 236.

Sir,
My wayting for company (which is very necessary in this voyage) has retarded my journey till friday next, at which tyme (by God's permission) we shall certaynly parte from hence, and reach Franckforte in 12 dayes, which will be sooner then the Spanish embassador can well arrive there; untill whose comeing I doe not believe any thing of importance will be transacted there, and that the diet begins not before the 7th of September. I have severall letters of recommendation to divers persons there, besides my being knowne to the prince elector and prince Rupert, and the interest I have with monsieur de Gramont and count Maurice de Nassau, which I hope will render mee capable of the service you expect from mee, and in some measure contradict those informations you have received against mee. Though when I consider sadly the deep impression (which by the discourse you were pleased to entertayne me with in your chamber the night I firste wayted on you) they have made in you, and doe certaynly foresee, that I shall still be pursued by the same art and malice, which have wrought those severe thoughts in you towards me, as that I am allmost in despayre of recovering your good opinnion; yet I am resolved, in despight of all discouragement, with my uttermoste industry and fidelity to proceed in this affayre; and let the event prove what it will, as fruiteless as my melancholly can suggest, that your suspitions are as immoveable, as my determinations are to serve you faithfully, 'till I declare the contrary to you franckly; yet I shall at laste have this consolation, that my owne harte cannot convince mee of the breach of the least promise I have ever made to you, although you were pleased to tell me you were confident, I had not dealt honourably with you in my laste correspondence. 'Tis possible you may finde at last, that both you and I have been abused in this master; the greatest fault that I am guilty of, being to hope to convince a wise man in a case of this nature with words. The money you gave me the bill for I have received; and haveing made but a bare necessary provision to appear amongest such persons as I can only expect to be enlightned by in the affayres you expect an account from mee of, and that I shall have defrayed the expence of my journey thither (which will coste me above 40 pistolls) I shall not enter into Frankfort with ten, which you cannot imagine will mayntayne mee there many dayes; and to fall into a reproachfull want almost as soone as I arrive there, will frustrate all the possibilityes I have of serving you. To prevent which I shall request you, that mr. Noel may cause 50 l. to be paid to mr. Lucas Lucye, merchant in London, to be remitted to mr. Gerand Huish, merchant at Paris, whoe is his correspondent here, and whoe deals at Franckfort; with whom I have taken order to return it thither to mee. I hope you will please so far to consider the reasonableness (or rather necessity) of this demande, as not to be unsatisfied therewith, nor delay the favouring me therein; for when I told you a hundred pounds would put me in some indifferent equipage, and carry me to Franckfort, I did not consider how I should live when I came thither, being unwilling to aske any thing that you might have had a reluctancye at. Here is little good newes this poste. There is a rumour, that Allexandrie is releived; but I can finde noe grounds to believe it, but rather the contrary. The Spaniard has taken all the baggage of monsieur de Turenne's army, whoe has besieged St. Venent in Flanders, don Jean and the prince of Conde in sight of them, whoe, as it is beleived, will make some speedy attempt upon they quarters for the relief of the towne. Monsieur Bouteville, who commanded a party which surprized the baggage, let his troopers take what was portable thereof; and not being able to retire with the rest, fyred it, with about 2000 waggons. If you please to address your letters according to the inclosed note, they will come safe to my hands. To morrowe I will intrude to write agayne to you, and shall then send you an address howe to write to mee by the way of Flanders: both by that and this I shall write constantly to you every poste, the one a duplicate of the other, that you may be sure of my letters one of the wayes. I have noe more to say for the present, but that I am,

Sir,
Your moste humble and moste faithfull servant.

Paris, 29/19 August 1657.

General Monck to secretary Thurloe.

Vol. liii. p. 212.

Honorable sir,
Uppon an earnest desire of the lord Lorne to write unto you, to putt his highnesse in minde concerninge the prisoners that were committed by his order heere, I could nott deny the doing of him that favour; and therefore I must crave your pardon for giving of you this trouble att this time. I formerlye wrote to his highnesse about them; and if you please to doe the lord Lorne and my self that favour, as to move his highnesse, to know his further pleasure about them, you will very much oblige the lord Lorne, and him, who is

Your very affectionate humble servant,
George Monck.

Edenburgh, 19th August 1657.

Lord Broghill to secretary Thurloe.

Milford-haven, 20th of August 1657.

Vol. liii. p. 234.

Deare sir,
You have bin pleased to take such care of, and manifest such frendship to me, that I cannot but esteeme my self obliged to give you an account of one you soe undeservedly favor, and who is perfectly your servant. After three dayse beinge at sea, by contrary windes, and very stormy weather, I was driven into this place, where I wait a puff of winde to carry me into Ireland; from whence, God willinge, as soone as I arrive, you shall receive the trouble of a letter from me, and duringe my continuance ther, a full accounte of all things worthy your perusall, which shall come my knowledge. Really, sir, you have tyed me to you by the strongest bonds, and the assurance you have given me of your frendship; and the oblidginge expressions, in which you gave me that assurance, have confined me, whilst I live, to be unfaynedly,

Sir,
Your, and most obliged faithfull humble servant,
Broghill.

I pray, sir, present my humble service to honest Cadwallader and younge Van Trumpe, when you write to him next.

The states-general to the bishop of Munster.

Vol. xli. p. 586.

We are certainly informed from several parts and places, that you having taken up some discontent against the lords burgomasters and governors of the city of Munster, you do intend to force the said city to its devoir by arms; yea, that already to that end several considerable troops do appear; so that if the city be not besieged, it is as yet block'd up: and in regard we are highly concerned in the welfare of the said city, as well in respect of the neighbourhood, as in regard of the trade and commerce, which is to the same from several provinces of this state, and vice versa; that also, as experience hath taught, the success and issues of war are very uncertain, and that oftentimes in a way of accommodation, and without spilling of blood, more advantage is to be had than by the war; we have, out of a Christian and peace-loving mind, thought fit to dehort your lordship most friendly and neighbourly from doing any further act of hostility against the said city of Munster; as also withal to offer your mediation for the determining of the differences between your lordship and the city; and in case the business cannot be agreed amongst your selves, that your lordship will then be pleased to accept of our mediation offered unto you by your loving, neighbourly, and faithful friends, who will not fail to attribute all that can be desired of impartial mediators, to the end the said differences may be reconciled in love: and in regard we may be informed of your lordship's good intention concerning this, we do long to receive your lordship's answer by this express; and in the mean time pray to God, &c.

In the Hague, the 30th of August 1657. [N. S.]

The states-general to the city of Munster.

Vol. xli. p. 588.

What we have writ to the lord bishop of Munster concerning the differences risen between his lordship on the one part, and you on the other, you will perceive by the inclosed copy of the original letter, which we thought good to send herewith unto you, and withal to offer unto you our mediation, in case the business cannot be determined between you. Wherewith ending, expecting your answer, &c.

In the Hague, the 30th of August 1657. [N. S.]