State Papers, 1657: December (2 of 6)

December (2 of 6)

An information.

5th Decemb. 1657.

Vol. lvi. p. 47.

On thursday last I met with Fitz Symmons, who tould me, that one Teig ô Riorck, a clergie-man, came out of Spaine lately with assurance to the Irish here, that they will be soone relieved, and with authoritie and power, as well from the king of Spaine as from the king of Scotts, to give commissions (if they accept of any) to certayne persons in this nation, whose names are as yett unknowne to this Fitz Symmons; and sayes, that the pope's letters went thorough all Christaindome for sumes of money to be given to those, who would undertake to relive the catholiques of this nation from the oath of abjuration; for which sumes of money those that are to invade this nation doe stay; and sayes, that there is one hundred thousand pounds come into Spaine before this Riorck left Spaine. He knowes not how strong they are, butt sayes, that all the Irish, English and Scotts there are appointed to come. And askeing him, if there were any partie designed for England and Scotland, he answers, that he is sure there is noe neede of any, for that England and Scotland, as sure as death, when they shall heare of the parties designed for this nation, their safe landing here, they wil be all in armes against his highnes. He sayes, that there are more in this nation, that will fight for this government, then in England or Scotland; and out of this and the following considerations they ayme att this nation, that they can with more case land here then in eyther of the other nations, and that the English here can sooner come to their assistance with less danger, then those who affect them in England or Scotland; and that they trust more in the Irish being sufferers more for the catholicke and king's cause then in the rest. Lastly, he sayes, that if it were nott for the relieveing of the Irish from the yoke of persecution, which they suffer under this government, that the pope or those catholique princes would nott give one penny, where they give now a pound to fight against this government. Hee doth not expect them soe soone as Rely doth; but sayes, very few will know of it before they be landed.

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

December the 5th, 1657.

In the possession of William Cromwell esq.

Since the close of my letters the packett arrived here. I perceive by yours, that the cavalier is busy in England, which you may very well suppose hath its influence here. I do not know, whether you have considered the alteration of the state of affairs since the proposals were made for a reducement. I have just now received a command from the councill in England, to pursue those proposals, of which they have not so much as sent me a coppy. Those that my brother Fleetwood sent me about 3 months since in a private letter, being not signed by any body, nor in my opinion any way suitable to our condition, or adviseable to be practised here, were mislaid, so that part of them cannot be found. The councill have given me an invitation, that if I see cause to vary in my opinion from any of the rules thereby offered, that I should represent the same with my reasons. You see in what a snare I am; for I must either submitt to a thing, which will reduce us to such a state, as I shall in no ways be able to give a good account of my charge, or preserve the peace of this place; or by holding up the dispute, be made liable to a censure for continuing such a charge here, as you cannot maintain even while we speak of it. I shall not mention the unreasonableness, if not impossibility of doing the thing required at my my hands without money. That is too obvious, and could not be forgotten, that we are 8 months in arrear, and not a penny in the treasury. And it might well be remembred, that the paying off the disbanded in 1655, with the growing pay of the army, brought us to the distress we are now in. But as to the matter of money, you will see our state in another to you by this bearer, which I had written before I received this from the councill. Moreover, if I should attempt to give reasons by that dangerous liberty, which is given mee, to doe it perfunctorily were to wrong the cause; and to do it fully would require more time than the nature of the affair will admitt. Beside, you know how hard a thing it is by a paper to meet with every man's objection, which I cannot foresee, if they happen to be raised from a mistake of our condition, which for ought I know may easily fall out, if men undertake to judge at that distance; for I my self (being upon the place) know them only from time to time, they being in a continuall flux, and not perceivable but by a constant and diligent observation of their respective circumstances. Furthermore, I am the less carefull to give my reasons, because I have often discoursed some of them in severall letters to you; and that you seemed satisfyed with them. And according to your advice, I wrote them to my brother Fleetwood; but he has been pleased never to take more notice of them, then to tell me, that nothing should be done without my concur rance. The material part, in which my proposals differ from my brother Fleetwood's is, that a much greater effective force will be maintained with the same charge by the one way then by the other: and certainly since the cavalier doth still shew his teeth, it is adviseable to keep up the best effective force you can with one and the same charge. When you give the enclosed letter to the councill, pray attend the reading, and debate upon it; for if your reason prevail not, it were in vain for me to think a paper from me will do any thing: therefore let me have the councill's positive comaund for my warrant, together with such rules as I must observe. I will not deny, but they may see more at that distance then I can upon the place; and therefore I assure you I shall without the least regrett submitt to whatever they shall order, if it be not impossible nor unjust, neither of which I can suppose. I desire you to make the councill sensible, that no way of reducement can be put in practice, without the expected supplys of money; in which main point I no wayes doubt of your care, and remain
Yours, &c.

H. Cromwell, lord-deputy of Ireland, to lord Broghill.

In the possession of William Cromwell esq.

1st Decemb. 1657.

My dear lord,
I Have received the favour of your lordship's 2 letters of the 20th and 27th November, giving your lordship thanks for them, as also for the enclosed, which I herewith returne back again unto your lordship. I was well satisfyed, as well by my own guesse, as other intelligence, that what was done to mr. Goodwyn, and endeavoured against the other, did not come to passe by chance. I hope that the discovery, which my concernments have occasioned, will give timely notice how to steer in that business of great moment. What your lordship writes concerning the army, and delays as to the councell, seem to me rationall remedys of our evils; espetially concurring with his highness's good inclination mentioned by sir Charles. I take speciall notice of what you write concerning lieutenant-colonel Fowlke, both as to his being sheriff, and otherwise. The Lord grant my lady Ranelagh right in her cause against that perverse gentleman, and give him an heart to see whom he offends, and whom he abuses by these his courses. I have not forgott the arrears of the army, but have been hammering out such an account thereof, as any watchfull observer in England will be troubled to contradict, when it shall be finished. I shall transmitt it to our friend Philip Jones, that it may be ready with him against your coming, whom I shall desire to assist your lordship in the vigorous sollicitation of that affair; for without these supplys we cannot live. My commission is a shadow without money. All the orders I can make will not keep men in their obedience without power to punish; nor is it reasonable to punish, when we cannot pay. I shall pray for your lordship's redemption from that serjeant which hath arrested you. I hope the work, which God hath for you to do in England, will occasion your speedy deliverance. I wish your lordship all health and happiness. Your friend colonel Markham and doctor Petty make me beleive your business of lands is in all forwardness. I shall require a strict account of their diligence therein. I remain
Your's, &c.
H. C.

H. Cromwell, lord-deputy of Ireland, to colonel Philip Jones.

December the 5th, 1657.

In the possession of William Cromwell esq.

Sir,
Since the close of my letter, the packett arriving, I received from the councell a letter requiring me to reduce the army here to such a modell, as was formerly sent mee by a committee of the councell; otherwise to shew my reasons to the contrary, of which they did not so much as send me a copy; whereas in truth I never received any such letter from the committee, but from my brother Fleetwood, above three months since, not signed by any person; which I rather took to be an information of what was then under consideration, then any rule resolved on to be put in execution; which occasioned that paper not to be laid up among others of that weight, as now it seems to be, by reason whereof I cannot at present find it.

It is strange to me (considering the weight and necessity of speeding and setling of that affair) I should now be put either to submitt to that modell, or to declare my reasons against it, seeing I did some time since both to my brother Fleetwood and mr secretary represent my apprehensions of the same. Surely this reducement will not, without much prejudice, admitt of long delay; and therefore how adviseable it will be to wait for my reasons, when it is more then time it were already resolved on, as also when it is impossible to send my reasons accompanyed with answers to such objections, as may be made against them, I offer to your consideration.

I have now sent their lordships the best answer I could make them in so short a time, to which I am sure you will be no stranger; and truly such a one as in this juncture of affayrs I conceive suits best with his highness's service. And if this doth not satisfy, I shall, if their lordships please, upon their next direction observe what they think fitt to command, though they may upon good grounds admitt of such alterations, as are only obvious on the place where they are to be executed. I have likewise written largely to mr. secretary, to which I must likewise referr you, because the messenger stays for these dispatches; and therefore shall now desire you to be present at the councell, when my letter is read; as also, that you would move the councell to be carefull and speedy in sending over money for the discharge of the present arrear of the army, without which I am sure no retrenchment can be made, whatever their orders shall be to him, that is

Your affectionate friend, and humble servant,
H. C.

I desire you would conferr with my good friends generall Montagu and sir Charles Wolsely upon this matter.

Mr. P. Meadowe to secretary Thurloe.

Vol.lvi.p.57.

Right honorable,
Since my last to your honor of November 29th, I have received two from you, one of November 13th, which I received the 29th, another of November the 6th, received December 15th; so that the first of the two had a very quick passage.

This weeke has produced little, for mons. Reetz being sent to me from his majestie, a little to begin with me in general concerning the termes and conditions of a peace, which I might as from my self transmitt to his majestie of Sweden by colonel Jephson, thereby to put things into a better readines for the ensueing treatie, I found his propositions so extravagant, as nothing could be more contrary to those intimations, which I formerly had from his majestie and the rixshofmaster: so that absolutely refusing to make tender of them, as indeed I could doe noe less, I have retired for these 5 or 6 daies, having no communication with any of them. A feigned carelesness wil sometimes doe more than an over-busy diligence.

To demand the restitution of Halland, which by the treaty in 44 was oppignorated to the crown of Sweden for 30 yeers, but such an oppignoration too, as tantamount to an absolute cession; for upon the expiration of the said term, it is stil to be renewed again in perpeluum, or els another earnest to be given upon delivery of that, which shal be equipollent to the former. To demand, that the Swedish ships should pay tolls in their passage through the Sound and Belt, contrary to former capitulations, were indeed to give laws to the vanquished; but alas, the posture of affairs heer has no suitablenes with such like propositions.

Possibly this was but to tast my temper, how far I would be ready to second them; or els to dally a little with the busines, til the long expected answer shall com from his majestie of Sweden to their paper of November 3d, concerning the inclusion of Poland: as to which, I have freely already told his majestie, what an Egiptian reed Poland has been, and stil is to him, not onely not to support, but wound him; as also, that my master would retract his mediation, and interpose no further, in case the treaty be suspended upon the aforesaid condition.

But the great newes is here, that for certain Sweden and the states-general wil fal out; and if so, this people wil more intimately associate themselves with the Dutch, and then no hopes of a peace. The fleet came in heer fryday last, about 30 sail; 10 or 12 of them very able ships. The admiral was built by mr. Robins, an Englishman, who lives heer, according to the model of the Soveraign; she carries 100 pieces of ordinance. The mariners generally very sick and weake. The greater ships wil be laid up; the others must cruse up and down to secure the islands, and attend the motion of the enemy. The pest increases in this town, which I pray God remove. I am,
Sir, Your honor's
Most humble, and most faithful servant,
Ph. Meadowe.

Copenhagen, Dec. 6. 1657.

As for my expences, I so moderatethem, that were I heer upon my own private charge, I could not be more srugal for my self, with allowance to a just decorum, then I am for the publique. And in so doeing, I hope your honor wil take that care for me, as that my care to live shal not hinder my care to serve. I can far better and cheaper take up my moneys of an honest English merchant of this town, giving him my bils upon mr. Noel, then to receive them by the way of Hamburgh, especially my first credits upon De la Bistrat of Hamburgh failing me. I have wrot to mr. Noel accordingly, and I desire your honor to give him order to honor my bils from time to time.

Mr. Noel writes me word, that some obstruction is in the Chequer concerning the paiment of that money, which has been long du to me by order of his highnes and the council, and which I had reason to expect should have been paid me before my coming out of England. The unkindnes done me therein, after some service, though greater sufferings, make my Portugal wounds bleed afresh. I beseech your honor's favour on my behalf.

Lockhart, embassador in France, to secretary Thurloe.

Vol.lvi.p.67.

My lord,
I Am daily sollicited to write unto you on the behalfe of one Johnson, a prisoner in the custody of one of your messengers, who was taken about twelve months since at Rye, upon suspition of his being an intelligencer. His meanes of livelyhood, as I am informed, are quite exhausted through his long imprisonment, and nothing yet proved against him; which causeth many of his friends to importune my entreaties to your lordship, to order his tryall; that if he be found guilty, he may be punished, or otherwise be set at liberty. I submitt the request to your lordship's consideration, and pretend no further in this businesss, then to be quit of a continual vexation, which I cannot avoid, but by your lordship's determination herein. Remayning in all faithfullnesse,
My lord,
Your lordship's most humble,
and most obedient servant,
Will. Lockhart.

Paris, the 7/17 Dec. 1657.

Answer of the king of Sweden's commissioner, to colonel Jephson, the English envoy in Sweden.

vol. lvi. p. 146.

Serenissimo & potentissimo regi Sueciæ domino nostro clementissimo, præter omnem accidit expectationem, quod altissime memoratæ regiæ suæ majestatis declaratio, quâ suam in tractatus de pace inter hæc duo septentrionalia regna reducenda propensionem sub mediatione Christianissimi Galliarum regis, & serenissimi domini protectoris republicæ Angliæ, Scotiæ & Hiberniæ, &c. satis superque testata est, in Daniâ tam iniquos offenderit indices, neque quod ibidem contra propriæ conscientiæ dictamen culpam exorti belli in sacram regiam majestatem Sueciæ rejicere, ac de armorum suorum justitiâ ad judicium totius terrarum orbis provocare non sint veriti, satis mirari potuit.

Sed cum de hac materiâ in refutatione duorum scriptorum, quibus Dani causas a se moti belli toti mundo manifestare voluerunt, uberius actum sit, non dubitat sacra regia majestas Sueciæ, quin ea ubique certiorem meritura sit applausum quam Danorum jus feciale injustum eorumque manifestum meruisse, falso gloriantur, ideoque in hisce contentionis serram cum serenissimo Daniæ rege ulterius reciprocare supersluum ducit: ac quemadmodum sacra regia majestas Sueciæ in eodem pacis inter hac arctoa regna reducendæ proposito ad huc perstitit, sic valde illubenter percepit serenissimum Daniæ regem non æque in locum tractationum secundum præliminarium transactionem de anno 1644, consentire voluisse, cum more antiquitus in hæc regna recepto tales tractatus ad confinia regnorum institui sint soliti, à quo ut nunc recedatur nullo modo sacra regia majestas approbare potest, præcipue cum omnia acta & documenta ad talem actum necessaria facilius & absque ullo periculo in regnorum confiniis brumali hoc tempore ad manus haberi queant. A liter se res habuit, cum præterita æstate vel autumno congressus commissariorum inter duos exercitus urgeretur, quia tunc vel brevi tempore absque multis ambagibus atque solemnitatibus pax restabilienda seperabatur, ori vel commoditum anni tempore acta & documenta necessaria minori cum periculo e Suecia afferri potuerunt.

Neque sacra regia majestas Sueciæ e repetita declaratione serenissimi regis Daniæ data serenissimi domini protectoris reipubicæ Angliæ, Scotiæ & Hiberniæ, ablegato domino Medowe satis de seria regis Daniæ in pacem propensione informari potest, dum in ea varias nectit difficultates, ac omnium accolarum maris Baltici controversias ad hoc bellum SuecoDanicum nullo modo spectantes suis immisceat, simulque velit terminari: nihilominus tamen si quidam dicti maris accolarum sint, qui speciale interesse in hac bello habent, vel rex Daniæ desideret, ut quorundam suorum confæderatorum ministri in locum tractatus, ad regnorum Sueciæ & Daniæ confinia eligendo appareant, suisque commissariis adsint, non denegabit serenissimus rex Sueciæ illis suus salvos conductus, quibus illi ad locum tractatus tuto venire, ibique commorari & ad lubitum illinc discedere queant. Idem ut suis confœderatis corumque ministris ut concedatur sacra regia majestas Sueciæ expectat sibique eo in casu reservat.

Porro si celsi & præpotentes D. D. ordines generales unitarum provinciarum, postquam tractatum Elbingensem debito modo ratihabuerunt, ejusque ratificationem extradiderunt, ac sic pristinam amicitiam & fœdera renovarunt, mediationem suam ad hosce Danicos motus sedandos offerant, sacra regia majestas Sueciæ taliter super eâ re tune se declarabit ne ullam occasionem conquerendi prædicti D. D. ordines generales habituri sint, quemadmodum hoc sacra regia majestas uberius hic coram apud aulam suam existentibus D. D. legatis Belgicis ipsa non semper exposuit.

Quæ omnia si seriò pacem cum sacrâ regiâ majestate Sueciæ inire serenissimus rex Daniæ intendat, non improbare poterit; ac propterea in locum ad confinia regnorum commissariorum congressui aptum consentiet, & diem præfiget. Quibus intellectis sacra regia majestas Sueciæ statim & suos commissarios missura est, & salvos conductus in requisitâ formâ expediri, ac in manus dominorum mediatorum extradi curabit. Quo auxiliante divinâ gratiâ hoc pacificationis negotium brevi inchoari ac ad optatum finem perduci possit.

Hæc sunt quæ sacra regia majestas Sueciæ occasione repetitæ serenissimi Daniæ regis declarationis illustri domino ablegato serenissimi domini protectoris Angliæ, Scotiæ & Hiberniæ, significari ac sub regii sigilli impressione cidem extradi clementer jussit. Wismariæ die 7 Decembris, anno 1657.

Extract out of a letter written by a Swedish colonel to the governor of Riga.

Pernaw, the 18th of Decemb. 1657. [N. S.]

Vol. lvi. p. 69.

Yesterday came a boor through the enemy's leaguer, being sent from Clewell by his excellency grave Magnus, with letters hither, in which the said grave informs us, that a gentleman of the Swedish embassador Bieliken in Muscow was come thence to Revel, who affirms, that we are in great likelihood to have peace with the great duke of Muscovy; and that he was sent by the said embassador with letters from the great duke to the king of Sweden, for the confirmation and ratification of the concluded treaty. That the great duke also hath commanded up the third man throughout his realm, with a resolution to re-commence and prosecute the Polish war to the utmost of his force and power. Our Finland troops are 4000 scot, and upon the march hither, and (as grave Magnus writes) already on this side the Narva: assoon as they can come up to joyn his excellency, he resolves to come to our succour, and by the help of God to expel the Lithuanians out of these countries.

General Monck to secretary Thurloe.

Vol.lvi.p.70.

Honoured sir,
I Received a letter from my lord Fleetwood, which did acquaint mee with the resolutions of his highnesse and councill about the reducement; but being I wrote to him formerly of itt, and receiving his highnesse and councill's letter about reducement, itt came too late, for I had given out orders before for the reducement of the foote; which truly I was very unwilling to doe, being wee cannott recruite our foote heere (though for horse wee can doe itt att any time): And I was the more unwilling to doe itt, because of the designes that are on foote; butt however itt is done now, and cannott bee recalled; butt I return you thankes for putting his highnesse in minde of itt. I have according to their desire disbanded all that possibly may bee done without disservice to the state. In my desires I have shewne them my reasons for itt, which I hope will give them satisfaction, according to their commands laid uppon mee. I thanke you for your kind remembrance of judge Kerr's comission. Truly itt is nott safe for him to act onely by an order from his highnesse's councill heere, and all the rest of the judges have their comissions; I know nott how he came to be forgotten. I am sorry to heare of the sad newes from Jamaica, of that honest man's death, lieutenant-generall Brayne: hee was a very fitt man for the imployment; and if his highnesse does nott light upon another fitt man to supply his place, I doubt that businesse will come to little. For newes heere wee have none, all thinges are quiett and well; butt this people generallie are in as fitt a temper for rising as ever I knew them since I came into Scotland: butt I believe they will bee soe wise, as nott to begin itt heere first, being they have suffered for itt heretofore, and I hope they shall doe it againe if they begin. Which is all at present from
Edinburg, 8th Dec. 1657.

Your most affectionate humble servant,
George Monck.

H. Cromwell, lord-deputy of Ireland, to lord Broghill.

In the possession of William Cromwell esq.

My dear lord,
I Have given you so much trouble in putting you to peruse the severall inclosed papers, that I cannot in justice lay more burthens of my own scriblings upon your lordship at this time. Your lordship sees how they begin to play their after-game, by putting me to reduce in an absurd and dangerous way, and withall to do it without money. Indeed, my lord, these machinations with the rest, which must needs spring from the same roote, do make me importune your lordship to hasten away, where you may with God's blessing be an instrument to disappoint them. Your order is past, as well as we could for the present: if it require alteration, I hope it may be easily effected hereafter. It was lest to colonel Markham to have the surplusage of lands above 2000 acres omitted, according to your lordship's last advice; but he hath other reasons to pass, the which, as it is sent to you, I have sent the originall of the enclosed account to Phil. Jones, with letters to him and my brother Fleetwood much to the same purpose with those enclosed. I thank your lordship and my lady Ranelagh for the care of me as to my distemper, which I thank God is now over. I wish the same of your lordship, and remain
Your's, &c.

I desire your lordship to present my service to my lord of Cork, and to tell him, that no part of my late accession pleases me better, than that I may be more capable to serve his lordship and the rest of your noble family.

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

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

My lord,
I Had the honor to receive your excellencye's, which signified the reception of the comission and instructions. This weeke noe letters are yet come from Ireland. I longe to heare of the arrival of my lord Broghill at Bristoll (which was the port he intended for) especially seeinge wee have had such terrible wyndes of late. Many ships have beene shipwrackt to in these seas; and by letters received this day in the Downes, wee are in some doubt, that sir John Reynolds and lieutenant-colonel White may have miscarryed comeinge over from Mardyke on saterday last, there beinge a ship wracked upon the Goodwyn sands, wherein (it's very probable) those 2 gentlemen were. Wee have not yet the certeintie, but by the circumstances it seemes too likelie.

The list of the other house is not yet finished, and yet all the writts must be sealed upon thursday. I begin to guesse who they are like to be; and I am content your excellencye should receive them by any other hand. My lord, it is very late; and haveinge not any thinge worth your trouble, I make bold to subscribe me

Your excellencye's most humble servant,
Jo. Thurloe.

Whitehall, 8 Dec. 1657.

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

Decemb. 9. 1657.

In the possession of William Cromwell esq.

Sir,
I Have little to say more about the business of money, and am resolved to medle with nothing else, till I have some answer in that; for indeed we can go no further without it. Although 9 score thousand pounds was mentioned in the counsell's letter, yet it seems by the auditors account, which I have, that less will do. All that I desire is, that I may bee enabled to perform my trust. I know, I need say no more to you, but remain
Your's, &c.

Mr. Goodwyn was with mee again to day; and people say, I have lest one of my friends in the lurch.

H. Cromwell, lord-deputy of Ireland, to my lord Fauconberg.

Dublin, Decemb. 9. 1657.

In the possession of William Cromwell esq.

My lord,
Your lordship's letter was very welcome to me, as bringing demonstrations of his highness's wisdom, and my sister's happiness. I wish his highness may make as happy a choice of members for the other house of parliament, as he hath done of a husband for his daughter. But I hope, that God, who assisted him in the one, will also continue his goodness for the other. I may repeat your lordship's words, "This near degree of alliance, united with the satisfaction I have received of your lordship's personal meritt, affords me a double happiness." Only I must confess, that this contentment (great as it is) doth not so much satisfy me, as fill me with new desires; for now I am longing to have a nearer converse with your lordship, being apt to think my absence the ill husbandry of so great a talent. I will not wish your lordship in Ireland (altho' our barbarisms here, by giving your lordship a greater lustre, might be some advantage, if your lordship could be pleased with such airs); but rather wish myself in England, where I might in that measure, which becomes your lordship's meritt, express myself,
My lord,
Your lordship's most affectionate brother, and humble and faithfull servant,
H. Cromwell.

Mr. John Cooke to H. Cromwell, lord-deputy of Ireland.

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

Right honorable,
Theis are to present my humble congratulations, beseeching him, upon whose shoulders all government is or ought to be (Esa. ix. 6.) to bear the greatest part of your lordship's burden, that the Irish harp may be kept in good tune and order under your government, and that you may have as deep an interest and great a share in the hearts and affections of all good people (specially such as be good in the eyes of God) as my lord Ireton and my lord Fleetwood ever had. I have been all the last tearm attending his highnes, in order to my return for Ireland, as he commanded me; and have made bold to move the reviving of a presidency-court for Munster, to have law and equity, as formerly, for causes not exceeding 30 l. which must be advantageous to the province: but I perceave by my lord Fleetwood, that nothing of that nature will be seasonable, till the parliament reconvene, and what first moves from your lordship and council at Dublin. However, (Deo ducente & lucente) I shall attend your lordship in March, if not in a publique capacity, (for I dare not for all the world divide between law and equity, I must deponere officium, non conscientiam quamvis à erroneam): yet to testify my dutifull and obliged service and respects to your good lordship and his highnes council, to whom I am so much ingaged for many high favors and kinde remembrances of me in my absence, I am at your lordship's dispose in any thing, wherein I can act non reluctante conscientiâ. So wishing to your lordship and good lady and to yourselves multiplied all spirituall and terrestriall benedictions, I remaine (as you have by many favors merited me to be)

Your lordship's most humble servant,
John Cooke.

Northampton, December the 9th 1657.

Bordeaux, the French embassador, to secretary Thurloe.

Vol. lvi.p.88.

Monsieur,
Les lettres que j'ay reçavoir avec ces nouvelles à son altesse serenissime, que nous avons advis très-certain, qu'il se doit embarquer dans cemois en Espagne de l'infanteric, pour estre transporté en Flandres; & qu'elle doit passer par la Manche environ le 15 du presentmois. J'ay eu ordre de le faire sçavoir, afin que les vaisseaux de son altesse puissent (en y prenant garde, & observant tous ceux qui seront en mer, sous quelque pavillon ou commission qu'ils navigent) les surprendre devant leur debarquement. Je vous prieray aussy de me faire sçavoir, devant le depart de la poste, si son altesse a pris quelque resolution sur le memoire que je luy ay presenté en la derniere audience, & si les planches ou pallisades peuvent estre arrivés à Mardyk; afin que je puisse en escrire precisement, & tirer monsieur de Turenne de l'inquietude où il y est, faute de les envoyer. Les bastions & demy-lunes, qui regardent Graveline & Dunkerque, ne soyent pas en estat de defense, en cas que les froids commencent devant leur achevement entier. Faitez moy, s'il vous plaist, monsieur, la grace de croire, que je suis,
Monsieur,
Vostre très-humble serviteur,
De Bordeaux.

De Londre, le 10^e Dec. 1657.

A letter of intelligence.

Vol. lvi.p.77.

Much honored,
Your's of the 12th December I received, but cannot conveigh myselfe over to you soe soone as I would; but shall goe with the first to the Hauge, and procuer the states-generall and the states-provinciall theyre passes to come: for if I showld come with out them, my too enimies heare would doe theyre best to casshere me, and then I should be the undoing of my famile; for I doe not feare what the Spanish partie can doe to mee heare, nayther my other too enimies. The men I writ to you, which weare put into that fort, are all againe; and there is not at present 50 men in it: and whatsoever you thinke of the plase, I doe assewer you, the best of our one peopell doe feare more your taking of that plase, then what you have alredy. I shall make it playnely apeare unto you the easy gayning of it. Uppon the 5 of December mr. Vinson sent an exprese to you, having not hard any thing from you nor Pian since his departure. I writ to you by him and monsr. Vinson likewise. Hee has bin a marchant of Donkerke, and knowes all those plases thereaboutes weell, but is not made aquainted with the full desine of monsr. Vinson. Hee doth desier his sudden returne, for hee is much trubbeled with his partie for his highnesse's resolution. As sowne as I can come, I shall informe you of many passeges; and if you please to give mee any comaund under your troopes for those partes, I make no dout, but I shall doe you as good servis as captain Cluffe, Beadeles, or Littelton, which knowes mee, and I them weell: or if you please to give mee some resonabel subsistance out of that monyes the invective person has there, I shall intreate you to let mee know your mind more at large by mr. Latrey, Vinson's messenger, or else to derect your's with a cover to mr. John Gill, marchant at Flushing, and it wil come safe to mee; for I am very weary of serving heare, and specialy if I should be forced to goe agayne under the comand of my ould governor. Hee hates mee very much; therfor I doe desier to spend the rest of my dayes to doe his highnes servis, which my hartie prayers shall be always for. Heare hath bin very greate triump in all the Spanish quarters for the ... of theyre prince; and don John is sent for to com for Spayne, to be general against the Portingales; and the markes Caresine is to be viseroy of Napeles.

Your most humbell and reall sarvant in any thing to comaund,
Noble sir.

Flushing, the 20th of Dec. 57. [N. S.]

Vol.lvi.p.78.

Nobel sir,
I very well know you can helpe mee here, if you please, or there, I am sertayne, to some comaund, which may prove far better for mee then heare; which if you shall please to doe, you shall alway find mee to be most thankfull, and redy to serve you in any thing. The some of mony, that is there, is about 8000 l.

A monsr. monsr. Abraham Bobington, woonende ende Thredneedell-straet tot London.

Pass for col. Sinclaire.

Chester, December the 10th 1657.

Vol.lvi.p.81.

These are to will and require you to suffer the bearer hereof, colonel William Sinclaire, to pass quietly, without any molestation, to Aberdeen in Scotland, and elsewhere, upon his lawful occasions; he having given security, to act nothing against the commonwealth. Witness our hands and seals, the day and year above-said.

To all officers, civil and military,
to whom this may concern.

Tho. Croxon. (L.S.)
N. Croxon. (L.S.)

Secretary Thurloe to Lockhart, embassador in France.

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

I Wrote to your excellence upon monday last, since which I have received nothing at all from you, nor hath any thing happened heere worth your trouble by this, save that H. H. hath agreed upon a list of the names for the other house of parliament; a coppy whereof I herewith send you. I doe very much feare, that sir John Reynolds and lieutenant-colonel White are cast away coming from Mardike in a pinke. Wee have not yet the certainty; but the circumstances make it very suspicious. If it be soe, the losse is much to be lamented, they being twoe worthy persons, and of greate use. I am
10/20 December, 1657.

Your's.

(fn. n1)A list of the persons appointed for the other house.

Lord Richard Cromwell.

Lord Henry Cromwell.

Nathaniel Fiennes, one of the lords commissioners of our greate-seale.

John Lisle, one of the lords commissioners of our greate-seale.

Henry Lawrence, president of our councell.

Charles Fleetwood, lieutenant-generall of our army.

Edmund earl of Mulgrave.

Robert earl of Warwick.

Edward earl of Manchester.

William lord viscount Say and Seale.

Thomas lord Faulconbridge.

Charles lord viscount Howard.

Philip lord Wharton.

John Claypole, master of our horse.

John Desborough, one of the generalls of our fleete.

Edward Montague, one of the generalls of our fleete, and lord commissioner of our treasury.

William Sydenham, one of the lords commissioners of our treasury.

Sir Bulstrode Whitelocke, one of the lords commissioners of our treasury.

Sir Charles Wolseley baronet.

Walter Strickland esq.

Philip Skippon esq.

Francis Rous esq.

John Jones esq.

George lord Ewers.

Edmund Thomas esq.

Sir William Strickland baronet.

John Fiennes, esq.

Sir Francis Russell baronet.

Philip viscount Lisle.

Sir Thomas Honywood.

Sir Arthur Haslerigg.

Sir John Hobart baronet.

Sir Richard Onslow.

Sir Gilbert Gerard baronet.

Sir William Roberts knight.

John Glyn, cheefe-justice of the commonbench.

Oliver St. John, cheefe-justice of the common pleas.

William Pierpoint esq.

John Crew esq.

Alexander Popham esq.

Philip Jones esq.

Sir Christ. Packe knight.

Sir Robert Tichburne knight.

Edward Whalley, commissary-general of the horse.

Sir John Barkstead, lieutenant of the Tower.

Sir Thomas Pride knight.

John Clerke esq.

Richard Ingoldsby esq.

Sir John Hewson knight.

James Berry esq.

William Goffe esq.

George Moncke, commander in cheife of our forces in Scotland.

Sir William Lockhart.

David earle of Cassills.

Archibald Johnston of Wareston.

William Steele, chancellor of Ireland.

Roger lord Broghill.

Sir Matthew Tomlinson.

Mr. Bradshaw to secretary Thurloe.

Vol.lvi.p.96.

Right honorable,
Since my last of the 4th instant, I have received your honor's of the 13th November, which referres me to what direction I shall receive from major-generall Jephson, as to my proceedinge at or returninge, after he hath conferred with the kinge of Sweden aboute it; from whom I hope to heare shortly, that I may knowe how to despose of myselfe. The answer is not yet comme from the great duke or his chancellor. I beleive he will not answer at all, for the reason formerly given your honor. When I depart hence, I shall leave such order, as that if the answer come, it may be sent to me where ever I am. I must confesie, that your severall letters of late signifyinge his highnesse's pleasure, that I should proceede for Muscoe, without mentioning whether I had a passe or not, or take inge notice of the condition I was in, for want of men to goe with me, did verie much truble me, especially consideringe, that the first article of my instructions was to goe to the great duke, whereever he was; onely towards the latter end, that commission was qualified with orders, first to expect a passe. I am sorie, that his highnesse's mediation should be so sleighted by the Muscovites; but it seemes the Dane deales not much better in now declareinge, that he cannot treate, except all the borderers on the Baltique be included, especially the kinge of Poland; which I beleeve will be resented both by his highnesse and the kinge of Sweden. Questionless the Danish ambassador, that lately passed heere in such hast, hath diverted the great duke from his inclynation to peace with the king of Sweden, and hath been the cause the answer is so long delayed, as I am sure he was, that the Muscovite ambassador past by me in soe strange a manner. How smoothly soever the Dane may pretend, it's sufficiently knowne they envie our state. I heare the king of Sweden hath his ambassador count Slipenbourgh at present with the kinge of Poland; and letters from severall parts report a greate probabilitie of their agreeinge; of which I hope your honor hath a better accompt than I can give hence. The seege of Riga continues, but with greatest losse and hardshipp to the beseegers. It's writ from Hamburgh, that the English fleete is come in to the helpe of the Portugall Brasill-fleete, so as the Dutch got nothing. I shall not further detayne your honor, but to professe myselfe
Groubin in Courland, 11 Dec. 1657.

Your honor's verie humble servant,
Richard Bradshaw.

Monsieur le chevalier Terlon to Bordeaux, the French embassador in England.

Wismar, 21 Dec. 1657. [N. S.]

Vol. lvi.p.92.

My lord,
I am altogether obliged unto you for the honor of your correspondence. You may be assured, I omitt no opportunity to let his majesty know the good offices, which your excellency doth perform for him, where you are; and I can assure you he is very sensible of it.

Some of the English, whereof your excellencie made mention in your letter, are arrived at Staden. Here is no news at present; and tho' I have no cypher, yet I will tell you, that I have sent the second time monsieur de — to the court of Poland; and if God do assist us, we shall be able to make a peace, maugré the house of Austria. I dare not write any thing more for want of a cypher.

There hath been a conference held between the duke of Brandenburg, and the duke of Saxony: I hardly believe, that he will be induced to joyn against us.

A letter of intelligence from the Hague.

Vol.lvi.p.90.

Monsieur,
La Hollande à present est encore en profonde deliberation sur les affaires de la mer Baltique; & semble, que le Dennemarc luy donne des impressions grandement craintives: je dis, que le Dennemarc se feint grandement en peine, fort pauvre & foible; voire fait à croire, comme si tout-à-fait elle sera à la veille de sa chute, asin d'engager la Hollande à embrasser sa querelle contre la Suede.

Il y a apparence, que la Hollande conçoive un avis provincial, & sur cela tasche à diriger les affaires dans la generalité à cette sin, qu'on donne instruction aux ambassadeurs à parler haut, & à dire, qu'on aidera le plus foible contre celuy, qui ne voudra pas la paix.

Mais quant aux negotiations, que tant le deputé de protecteur que l'ambassadeur de France icy semblent vouloir proposer, il semble, que la Hollande ne veuille prester les oreilles: au moins la Hollande se dispose à monstrer toute curtoisie & civilité à l'Angleterre; car elle s'imagine tousjours, que l'amitié entre le protecteur & Sweden ne pourra pas durer; & qurau pisaller, quand 130 & 140 prendroient tout, que toujours les 104 se pourront joindre à l'un ou à l'autre, & faire la balance; ou bien aussy voyant, que tout iroit en proye, ils tascheront à en prendre leur part aussy, Je suis,
Monsieur,
Vostre très-obligé serviteur.

Ce 21^e Dec. 1657. [N. S.]