State Papers, 1657: December (4 of 6)

December (4 of 6)

An intercepted letter.

Windsor, Dec. the 16th 1657.

Vol. lvi. p. 169.

Deare benighte knaves,
Youl finde by the date of my letter, all's notsoe well as it should be. Since I saw you, persecutions I have met with by sea and land: my creditors upon my arrivall at London were very inquisitive after me; I am confident, they had notice of my coming from some of my friends in your parts. I dare not say I have done any thing in any of my friends buisiness or my owne. I hope by the next to give you and Will. a better accompt. I wonder I have not received directions from you both. I have only seen my brother Hollis since I came of all my acquaintance. Commend me to father Basill, and tell him, I sent his letter; and suddaynly I intend to make a journey to Harrow. I pray tell mr. Bates and his wife, I doe not forgett them; and let the Bruxeller your shoemaker know I will be just. Here is great lamentation for the loss of generall Reynolds, and some other officers; they were drowned much about the time your friend was at sea. Tho' the sun shine equally on the just and unjust, yet the stormes you see are sometimes partiall, and have hitherto spared him (to serve a couple of raskells) who is really
Your's,
William Wall.

Commend me to all the round table, and to honest Sandy Leith.

The superscription,
A monsr. monsr. Leigh, ou en son absence, à monsr. monsr. Lennard, chez monsr. Bates, à l'enseigne du Samson, dans le Polo à la Haye, Holland.

The answer of the English commissioners to the Swedish commissioners, 16 December 1657.

Vol. lvi. p. 179.

We have deferred hitherto to answer your little paper, because at that time we had not a copy of the peace betwixt our lord protector and the king of Sweden; for we judge it uncivil, to judge of some one part without perusing the whole law. But at length having received such an authentick copy, and well perused it, we thus answer your little paper abovesaid.

1. We admit with you, that being assembled together as friends and colleagues deputed and commissionated on both sides, we ought friendly to endeavour, that we labour not to no purpose.

2. In the causes to be decided by us, we do together with you admit the treaty of consederacy for the foundation of our decisions.

3. Whereas you say, that you have not instructions, or as lately you said by word of mouth, that you were not impowered to search into or examin again, whence this or that ship, whether Swedish or English, during the war betwixt England and Holland, came, or whither she was bound, nor to enquire into the causes, whether just or no, why this or that ship or goods of either side were taken, detained, or released; we meddle no further with your instructions or power (by which usually commissions and delegations betwixt parties are admitted;) but as to those things last recited, we on the contrary conceive, that by all means we must enquire into the causes of taking or detaining such a particular ship or goods, whether justly or unjustly; that those being duly weighed, we may give a just sentence so much the better, having examined the cause, and not rashly without examination thereof; for we ought to avoid the doing of injuries, we, from whom as final umpires, on both parts constituted, just things are expected; for that ought to be far off not only to nature, to right reason, to common justice, but also from that which is good and equitable.

For neither doth equity nor honesty suffer, that the said judgment should be given concerning that, which is according to, and against equity that, which is just and unjust, the guilty and the innocent.

4. Concerning the next clause, which presupposeth, that those things have been examined, agitated, disputed, and laid asleep by the sentences given; and yet, as you say, that you are not obliged by those former sentences further than as they do meerly prove, that such ship or goods were taken at such a time or released; we on the contrary believe, that all we, the umpires and colleagues deputed on both sides, are tied by the sentences herein formerly given, not restrictively and in quantùm, but absolutely; and therefore we do freely and friendly dissent from you herein, for these reasons:

1. Out of your own supposal, that these things are said to sleep. For we believe, that we ought not to examine further those things, which by the sentences given are so said to sleep, but to acquiesce in these sentences; nor, as you mark very well, rub again our old sores.

2. You accept those sentences for you (as appears by your exhibiting them the six-fold complaint of Wismar); therefore you ought also against you.

3. In your paper you admit them in quantùm; but that restriction or limitation (so far as in quantùm, or they meerly prove that such ship or goods were released at such a time) is not to be found in the treaty of peace, which we own for our foundation and rule only: therefore we ought utterly to reject that restriction in quantùm, and give credit totally and universally to the sentences formerly given herein.

4. In that six-fold complaint of Wismar, the instrument of Wismar was exhibited, which notwithstanding contained not neither the proof made good and proved, much less the thing decreed or judged; and you would enquire of us in your little paper, whether that were not sufficient for the proof? We therefore, exhibiting our English instruments, to wit, our final sentences and decrees in the court of admiralty given, concerning the same complaint of Wismar, would enquire friendly of you, whether such sentence and final decrees be not sufficient to prove what they contain, and what is pronounced and decreed in the said sentences? And we do candidly and friendly intreat you to consider of it, and to weigh very well the credit that is allowed to things judged, and how great authority and belief is to be, and is universally throughout Europe, given to things duly examined, discussed, and at last maturely and deliberately decreed and judged in tribunals.

5. But let us proceed to examine the reason alledged by you in these words; Whereas to our knowledge it was at last most friendly agreed betwixt the friends and confederates, and established simply, without any exception, distinction, limitation, cautele, that plenary restitution should be made of all ships and goods for whatsoever cause taken and detained, freed, or to be set free; and that satisfaction should be given of expences, costs, and damages arising from the taking and detaining of ships and goods: we answer shortly and after the same manner,

1. That we know no other convention or agreement but the treaty itself, most friendly concluded.

2. In that treaty it is not said, that there should be a new revisal or further examination concerning those or some of those things in either nation, formerly examined, judicially discussed, and by sentences given laid asleep.

Therefore, if you please, to let such sentences given on both sides rest in peace, they and all things pronounced and judged therein.

6. As to that concerning proofs (wherein you conceive, that you are not bound to the forms of strict law, nor to written laws, whether Swedish, English or Roman; but that what is equitable should in those controversies be on both sides determined without delay) we explain freely our thoughts here:

1. We admit, that we are not tied to strict forms of law.

2. We admit, that we being constituted final umpires in this public business, are not, as to the proofs to be admitted by us, bound up by the private particular and municipal laws of this, or the Swedish, or Roman nation.

3. We admit, that we consequently and without delay are to decide these controversies.

But, because the treaty explains not what should be determined by us about proofs, it is necessary, that we have recourse to something common and known on both sides, as a rule whence we should draw, in what manner we must prove on both sides that, which must be held by both of us for equitable and good. But the laws of nations, which are willingly and commonly received throughout Europe, as most consonant to human reason and natural equity, and which are generally approved, are not, as we conceive, to be slighted by us; nay, we praise and approve of the simplicity and equity of the law of nations: and we can demonstrate, if it be needful, easily, that at other times, upon occasion, in such treaties as this, it hath been alledged and approved of.

7. We do admitt with you the day of the grant of general reprisals here well known for the beginning of the English and Dutch war, and for the term, from which we ought to begin and compute in this business committed to us.

By your, &c.

Walter Walker.

William Turner.

Tho. Skynner.

London, 14th Decemb. 1657.

From mr. Pell, the English envoy in Swisserland.

Zurich, Decemb. 17/27, [1657]

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

Our two hundred, or common-council, being met December 9/19, in expectation, of the great debate betweene the two Werdmullers, notice was given to them, that the generall was gone away the day before. The senate seemed much displeased; yet his letter to them, and his wife's petition were read: and it was decreed, that he should be cited to appeare before them personally upon the 28th of this December; not out of any consideration of the holidays, or that it would be Innocents-day; but hee went from Zurich upon December 8th, and they conceived twenty dayes a sufficiently favourable space of time to be prescribed for his returne. They also gave order, that no advantage should be taken of his absence in the meane time; and therefore no new senator should be put into his place, upon the usual day of change or confirmation, December 12.

But a few dayes after they understood, that he had been with the French ambassador at Soloturn: wherefore by the senate's appointment two men (his lieutenant-generall in the last warre, and the principall secretary of state) went from Zurich, December 15/25, towards Soloturn to the French ambassadour, that they might give him true informations concerning the crimes layd to his charge. They will hardly be at Zurich againe before to morrow night. In the meane time it is beleeved, that generall Werdmuller is poasted away to Paris, to fill that court with the like impressions; as, that a good affection to France is now a capitall crime in Zurich; and that he cannot live safely there, since they forced him to shew his majestie's letters, containing a promise to make him collonell of the Tigurines, as soone as the league shall be renewed, &c. We feare he will be an occasion of much mischief and trouble to his country.

General Monck to secretary Thurloe.

Vol. lvi. p. 170.

Honoured sir,
I Received your letter of the 10th instant, and with it a list of the names of the lords of the other house; for which I returne you many thankes. I am sorry to heare of the ill accident of colonel White; but I hope, that sir John Reynolds is nott come away as yett, being hee desired leave of his highnesse, and he had not granted itt, which I suppose he would not come away without: butt truly I am sorry col. White should goe into a little shipp this winter time, when he had a larger to go along with him as a convoy. For newes heare wee have little, only I heare of three strangers lately come into the hills; but where they landed I know not yett; but I hope I shall have an account of them speedily, if they doe not gett away; but they usuallie never stay above two or three dayes, before they gett away againe. What their businesse is, I know not as yett; but they cannott doe much harme there, being I believe the people's mindes are pretty well settled for peace in those parts, being they have found the benefit of the peace and civil government amongst them, which I think they never had before: soe I believe they will be disappointed of their hopes in that place; though I think the lowlanders are generallie as apt for mischiefe (if a fitt occasion should be offered) as ever they were. Which is all at present from
Your very humble servant,
George Monck.

Dalkeith, 17th Decemb. 1657.

Mr. Bradshaw to secretary Thurloe.

Vol.lvi. p. 172.

Right honourable,
Since my last of the 11th instant I have received your honor's letter of the 20th of November, not doubtinge but e're this you will have received my letter of the 27th, which signifyed my resolution (with the blessinge of God) to proceede for Musco with such company and accommodation as I could gett, being I coulde not conveniently be supplyed from England, in case the great duke's answer were such as invited me thereunto; at least such as, that I might thence ground upon security and suitable reception. But (as my weekely letters since have intimated) I doubt the great duke intends not to answer at all; in which opinion I am now the more confirmed, in regard, that his governour Nashokin, whoe hitherto hath corresponded civilly with me, hath of late returned an expresse I sent him without any answer at all; which expresse was only to desire him to let me knowe the cause, if he could, why his majesty's answer to my second addresse, which he sent forward, was soe long delayed; which silence of his sufficiently declares what is intended, as I thinke. But to comply with command, I shall stay at Memmel, 14 miles hence, untill I have his majestie of Sweden's consent to returne, whoe, as major-general Jephson writes, will not give way to it, before he heare what answer the great duke gives; and to that purpose the king himself hath writ me, of whose letter, and my answer this day unto it, I have inclosed a copie. I am much trubled at the strange carriage of the great duke's chancellor; but they are strange people, and not to be wrought upon where they favour not. Doubtlesse the Danish ambassador, which past here lately in such haste, hath reported the kinge of Sweden in such a condition, as hath diverted the great duke from makeinge peace with his majestie. I should be glad this negotiation might yet take effect; but truly I almost dispaire of it. I beleive, if it be still referred to the king of Sweden, he will hardly give way to my returne, while he can prevaile with his highness for my stay in these parts, as judginge it may influence somewhat to the advantage of his other affaires and mediation from his highness. But I suppose, that upon the receipt of this letter it will be thought requisite to give me a positive answer how to dispose of my selfe, in case the great duke answer not by that time the post can returne therewith, which will compleat above five months attendance since I sent up my second addresse: and if hereafter the great duke should answer, and some way excuse his unreasonable and much noted delay, and that thereupon it should be thought sitt, that I proceede, it may then be done without exposinge the honor of his highness in the meane tyme, which truly hath suffered but too much already, as I beleive your honor doth judge. Here hath nothing occurred since my last, save only, that the garrison of Riga hath sallied a 3d tyme, and beat up the quarters of a regiment of Polish, killed 150, and taken aboute as many. I shall not detayne your honor longer, save only to begg your pardon, if the sense of my condition have drawne from me any unsuitable expressions; for I prosesse my self

Your honor's very humble and thankfull servant, Richard Bradshaw.

Groubin-castle, 18 Dec. 1657.

An intercepted letter of sir Robert Honywood to sir Walter Vane.

Hague, 28 Decemb. 1657. [N. S.]

Vol.lvi.p.190.

I Have in so many of my former given your reasons against a war betwixt England and this state, that I have been amazed you incline so much to a common report, as to be troubled at it. Downing's coming will clear all, I suppose; but I had expected a man of more importance, tho' in no other quality than that of resident, whose ambition I thought would have carried him above that title. I wish he may succeed no worse than his predecessor; but difference of times will make that a hard work, though his capacities I know are great. By what you write, all things seem to run towards a monarchy, without that any thing is like to be opposed by those, who formerly liked it not, willing rather to return to that, than run the hazard of new troubles; and the less is to be said against that proceeding, if there be a total return to the ancient constitution of the three estates, though those in arms against the commonwealth be excluded the lords house, and such also as have been neutralls. By the distribution of offices I should think we are near a settlement; and if this session of parliament succeed well (as what should hinder it ?) I do not see but a great step will be made towards it.

We hear the princess Louisa is gone for Antwerp: her unhandsome retreat has been the cause of many odd discourses, and is like to have a severe reflection upon the Catholicks here, whose steps I perceive are taken notice of.

The Danish resident Rosenwing presseth much assistance from this state, according to the treaties. The inclinations of North-Holland are great towards it. Those of South would first use all means to make a peace betwixt them, which Sweden refuseth not apart, but will not hearken to a conjunction with Poland; and the king of Hungary levies many men, and gives 18 rix-dollars for a foot-soldier. The king of Denmark levies also some men here, but giveth but sixdollars a head.

The loss of sir John Reynolds and colonel White surprized us much here. Many think he has escaped a more ignominious death; not seeing how he could answer what he has done at Mardyke in the conference held with Marsin and the duke of York; all men concluding him to have been either false, or more light-headed than was requisite for a man in such a charge.

I perceive the French have a very great care of Mardyke, by sending the mareschal D'Aumont in person into it. I do not see any thing can save Flanders next spring, but 15 or 20000 foot out of Germany, which is so threatned by Sweden and France, and other princes now in arms, that its thought they will not be spared.

Charisius to Petkum.

Hague, 28 Decemb. 1657. [N. S.]

Vol.lvi.p. 194.

Sir,
I Received yours of the 11th of December, and I make no doubt, but you have received the letter of his majesty, our king and master, to his highness, which was sent you from Denmark, to have leave to make levies in England; whereby we shall see, whether we shall have the same priviledges with the Swedes; and whether his highness will equally treat his allyes, as his minister has declared at this court. You will oblige me, to let me know his highness's answer upon this point, and whether there be not some exception.

The states of Holland took a resolution, before they parted, upon the point of assisting our king according to the treaty made with him; but by reason some commissioners of some of the towns were not sufficiently authorized by their principals, that business is not yet quite finished.

It is beleived here, that mr. Downing will make what hast he can over, to hinder this state from engaging against Sweden.

The king of Sweden hath declared to the ambassador of this state, not to accept of their mediation, till the treaty of Elbing be ratifyed.

Mr. Bradshaw to the king of Sweden.

Vol.lvi. p. 185.

Serenissime ac potentissime rex domine clementissime,
Tenui regiæ majestatis clementissimas 29 Novembris die datas, in iis clementissimum complacitum de non ineundo regressu, sed inexpectando Czari juxta iteratas meas literas responso. Certè, invictissime rex, si quid in votis habeo, & quod cor exultat, illud, illud est, ut altè dictus Czar quoquo modo suæ serenissimæ celsitudinis domini mei clementissimi intermediationi adesse studuisset, & ego regiæ vestræ majestatis istiusque summarum concernentium saluti & prosperitati tam devotissimus, ad Deum orator organicus suissem. Examinanti verò regiæ vestræ majestatis me quatuordecim septimanas in momenta dicti Czari responsum expectasse, quod unius mensis spatium dare voluisset, ut & quod nuper gubernator Kokenhusensis (qui semper civilissima literarum reciprocatione studiosissimus fuit) nuperrimas meas, quæ causam cur ex Muscoviâ responsum tantam moram pateretur? Expectabant omninò nihil responsi, expresso ablegato, quem ipsi cum literis miserum dederit: concredo vestram regiam majestatem suæ serenissimæ celsitudinis domini mei clementissimi honorem tenellâ in observantiâ habituram, qui tunc expositurus necessario esset, post tantam Czari evidentissimam respectûs suspensionem & contemptum, si ejus voluntati diutius invigilare daretur. Extra omne dubium pono, quin Danus legatus, qui tàm pernici itinere nuper hæc loca pervolavit, Moscum ab inclinatione ante (ut videbatur) conceptâ indecentibus & fictis relationibus de fœlicissimo regiæ vestræ majestatis armorum successu versùs ejus regem retraxerit. Utut verò hæc sint, attamen ego regiæ vestræ majestatis clementissima animi sensa ad harum humillimarum clementissimum responsium vel hìc vel Memeli præstolabar; nullus ambigendo quin sidicto tempore responsio mihi ullæve rationes tantæ retardationis vel à cancellario aliove quopiam suorum officiariorum non contingerent, regia vestra majestas regressum meum approbatura sit. In me quod est, extremi nimirum conatûs studium, officium, & sides in illo, quod mihi regiæ vestræ majestatis nomine sua serenissima celsitudo dominus meus clementissimus concreditum voluit, sidelissimâ expeditione in omnibus, nequaquam deficiant, si Omnipotenti hunc meum ardorem felici coronare non displiceret; quem ut regiæ vestræ majestatis humillimè confido, si votis fata non suppeterent, illumque reapse dare non daretur, vestram attamen majestatem clementissime acceptare non dedignaturam fore. Qua protectioni securissimæ summi Dei hisce commendo,
Regiæ vestræ majestatis
humillimus servus,
R. B.

Grobini, 15/25 Decembris 1657.

A letter of intelligence from the Hague.

Vol. lvi. p. 182.

Monsieur,
Le conseil d'estat a donné son advis dans l'affaire du cloistre de Couwewater, selon lequel est resolu, qu'on fera sortir tous les prestres & Jesuits, qui restent encore dans ledit cloistre de Couwewater.

A ce matin on a prononcé la sentence dans l'assemblée des estats generaux sur les affaires litigieuses, qui sont entre les estats d'Ost-Frise & la ville d'Embden.

Aujourd'huy s'escrit au protecteur touchant les navires de sucre, qui sont arrestés en Angleterre.

Il y a eu un advis provincial de Hollande, dictant, qu'en la besoigne, qui se tient dans & sur les affaires d'Outremeuse, on aura egard à la maintenue de la religion reformée.

Il y a discours de comment la Hollande aura resolu de maintenir le Dennemark auxiliarement, pour luy procurer la paix; mais Dort & Rotterdam se sont encore opposé, ou bien n'ont pas eu de se declarer dans 8 jours plus expressement, si qu'on ne doubte point d'une vigoreuse resolution. Et l'admirauté d'Amsterdam à tout hazard commence à equiper leur part dans la slotte de 48 navires.

L'agent de Heyde ayant charge, samedy passé, de supplier civilement l'ambassadeur de France à déloger, puisque il estoit pourveu d'autre maison, & qu'on attendoit icy un envoyé d'Angleterre; l'ambassadeur a trouvé à propos de déloger à le mesme soir, pour coucher en son nouveau logis, prevenant le sieur de Heyde.

L'on remarque, que le sieur ambassadeur Nieuport a assuré l'estat, que le protecteur laissera agir cet estat contre la Swede, à condition que cet estat laisse agir le protecteur contre l'Espaigne; & l'ambassadeur de France demonstre estre de mesme sentiment. Et déja vendredy la pluspart des membres de Hollande estoient revenus avec ordre de vigoreuse resolution contre la Swede, qui sera equipage avec levée de 5 à 6 mille hommes, pour obliger la Swede à faire paix.

Les admirautés auront advisés, qu'on doive escrire au protecteur, qu'il ne veüille pas permettre, que des moindres fregattes viennent obliger l'admiral de cet estat à baisser le pavillon. Mais la Hollande l'a encore overgenomen, craignant offense.

Lesdits admirautés aussy ont encore advisé un & autre, touchant la guerre de Portugal; & avec cela s'en sont allés, n'ayant pas encore pleinement advisé sur les moyens adjuvants à entretenir la flotte.

Aujourd'huy est resolu & concedée la transportation de la charge de maistre d'hostel des estats generaux du sieur Mortaigne sur son beau-frere Hessels. Je reste
Ce 28 Decembre 1657. [N. S.]

Vostre très-humble serviteur.

A letter of intelligence from the Hague.

Vol. lvi. p. 192.

[Paragraph contains cyphered content — see page image]

Monsieur,
Le sieur Nieuport ajant ouï ou veu, que le resident de Cromwell en Dennemark auroit voulu induire le Dennemark à faire paix apart avec le Swede, dit, que ce n'est pas l'intention de Cromwell, mais que Cromwell est entierement de l'advis de estats de Hollande, qu'il faille procurer la paix generale, & assister le Dennemark. Et si le resident de Cromwell aye parlé autrement à Dennemark, qu'il a fait sans ordre ny procuration. Je ne sçay & ne comprens pas les procedures de estats de Hollande; ils se mocquent de la ratification du traitté d'Elbingen, disant, qu'avant toute chose il faille faire la paix generale; & que la paix faite, tant la ratification, que le traitté est chose superflue: & cependant non seulement le Dennemark cy-devant, mais aussy le brandenburg nouvellement s'est ligué avec l'empereur, & cette maison là, si que Brandenburg est la legereté mesme; & si tout va selon le desir de Dennemark & Brandenburg, le empereur fleurira fort. Quant à l'equipage (dont on escrit) qui se feroit icy pour Holland, s'il s'en fait, cela est & sera fait sans l'aveu de les estats generaux; aussy les estats generaux ne font pas si faciles en cela. S'il s'est fait quelque chose par le chevalier Berklay, c'est par emprunt d'argent. L'equipage contre Portugal à present est petit, & seulement, comme j'ay escrit, d'esquadres de 3 à 3 navires, qui se suivront de mois en mois, ou de 5 à 6 semaines plustost ou plus tard. Mais le nouveau dessein est, d'equiper derechef 48 navires en tout. L'on a la persuasion aussy, que le protecteur se souciera moins de Sweden que de Portugal; & pourtant les estats de Hollande pousseront fort le Dennemark, le Brandenburg, le Poland, &c. contre le Swede. Je reste,
Monsieur,
Vostre très-humble serviteur.

Ce 28 Dec. 1657. [N. S.]

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

Hague, 28 Dec. 1657. [N. S.]

Vol. lvi. p. 199.

My lord,
I Have a little to write to you by this post, having had none from you these two last posts. The conversion of the P. Louisa to the Catholick religion doth somewhat trouble the Protestant party here, and some believe I had a hand in it: but truly I knew nothing of it, and was not honoured to be trusted in the business; for which I am not sorry. She is gone from Brabant to Antwerp. The princess of Hohenzollern was the person, that managed and contrived the business. We expect here monsr. Downing. I have left the house of the lords states-general, and am now in one of my own, which I was forced to buy, there being none to be let.

I intend to demand audience very suddenly, about the affaires of Portugal.

The princess of Hohenzollern to the queen of Bohemia.

A sa majesté la reyne de Bohéme.

Vol. lvi. p. 201.

Madame,
Aussy sensible, que m'a esté l'affection, que V. M. a senty par la retraite de madame la princesse Louise, sa fille, autant douleureux m'a esté de me sçavoir condamné de V. M. comme criminelle d'une action, en laquelle pourtant je suis plus malheureuse que coulpable. De m'excuser absolument de la cognoissance du dessein, je ne puis; mais il me sera aise de me justifier de n'y avoir rien contribué autre chose, que ce que je ne pouvois refuser à une personne, qui par une intime confidence m'avoit reduit à cet extremité, ou de sauffer ma parole, ou de faire une chose, qui devoit vous offenser, madame, dans les premieres ressentiments de douleur, secondés peut-ètre par mes enemis. Si je declare vostre majesté de ne m'estre jamais servie de la moindre persuasion ou changement de la religion, ny au dessein de la retraite de madame Louise, je ne diray que la pure verité; mais si après que la resolution de changer fust prise, elle m'avoit voulu confier le secret, cela ne me doit en aucune façon rendre coulpable, comme aussy sa retraite ne m'a esté communiqué, que lors que j'eus la derniere fois l'honneur de vous faire la reverence, & ce sous serment & promesse de fidelité, ayant esté conjuré de suite de vouloir prendre soin, que ladite retraite ne peut estre interpreté à mal, & que l'honneur de sa personne peut estre protegé de blame & calomnie des medisans. Après cette confession ingenue, madame, V. M. voit bien, si elle me veut faire justice, comme je n'en doute point, que du sentiment que je suis, je n'ay peu reveler l'un, n'y refuser l'autre, sans perdre le respect, que j'ay & conserveray tousjours inviolable pour vostre majesté & toute sa maison; n'ayant qu'à demander pardon à vostre majesté de mon silence, lequel je n'eusse peu rompre sans contrevenir absolument à la soy promise, & pecher contre ma conscience, laquelle ne me reprocheray jamais rien de criminel contre vostre service; protestant saintement à vostre majesté, que je lui conserveray tousjours mes respects inviolables; & la suppliant avec toute la submission possible, qu'elle daigne me continuer ses bontez accoustumées, puisque je ne cesseray jamais d'estre,

Madame,
De vostre majesté la très-humble & obéissante servante,
Elizabeth, princesse de Zollern.

De Bergue, le 28^e de Dec. 1657. [N. S.]

Order of cardinal Mazarin for the payment of 100,000 livres for the affair of monsr. de Cezi.

Le 28^e Dec. 1657. [N. S.] au Bois de Vincennes.

Vol. lvi. p. 156.

Ayant convenu avec monsieur l'ambassadeur d'Angleterre pour le payement de cent mille livres, qu'on doit donner d'argent comptant pour l'affaire de Cezi; je fais ce mot à monsieur le procureur general, pour luy dire, que j'ay arresté, que cette somme soit payée en cinq mois, commencant du prochain de Janvier à raoson de vingt mille livres par mois. Ainsi, je le prie, qu'il n'y aye pas faute, ayant promis en ce cas de payer de mon propre argent. C'est au commencement du mois prochain, que les premieres 20000 livres doivent estre payées.

Signé le cardinal Mazarini.

The Elector of Brandenburgh's agent to secretary Thurloe.

Vol. lvi. p. 188.

Monsieur,
J'ay esté surpris d'entendre, qu'ayant consenty au relaschement du bailif & ses compagnons, qui par l'induction, authorite, & instigation de quelques autres ont ofé attenter contre ma personne par un arrest indigne, on a creu dans la venerable conseil, queje témoignois par là d'estre tout satisfait, & avoir receu la reparation entiere de l'injure dont je m'étois plaint. Sur ce, monsieur, il vous plaira me permettre, que je vous envoye icy un extrait de la lettre, que j'ay escrit à monsieur le president du conseil, le 2 de ce mois, en ayant préalablement communiqué le project à quelques autres ministres publiques, & portant tout respect à vos grandes occupations, de n'avoir vous importuner tout seul dans cette fascheuse affaire. On verra par ledit extrait ce que j'ay desiré & en quoy consistera ma satisfaction. J'y adjousteray avec vostre permission, que les auteurs de cet attentat n'estant quasi encore touché par la justice du conseil, j'espere qu'on trouvera raisonnable de n'accepter aucune requeste ou remonstration de la part du cuisinier offendant, devant qu'il fera puny de l'affront, qu'il m'a esté fait par luy, & de la malice noire, qui apparoist dans toute cette action. Ensuite de quoy je vous supplie très-humblement de m'assister de vostre savour, asin que le venerable conseil y prenne une telle voye, qui pourra estre satisfactoire, tant à moy qu'à tous les ministres publiques icy presents, & ceux qui y doivent venir cyaprés soubs la soy publique. De plus, monsieur, j'ay souhaité ardemment, qu'il vous plaise me faire la faveur de m'appointer au plustot une heure, dans laquelle je puisse avoir l'honneur de vous entretenir à loisir sur cette matiere, & sur des autres plus importantes. Car encore que je confesse d'estre assligé extrêmement par cet accident malheureux, je n'ay pas quitté le desir, ny l'intention de servir au public, ny la profession que je faits d'estre de toute ma vie,
Monsieur,
Vostre tres-humble & trés-obeissant serviteur,
J. F. Schlezer.

Ce 18 Dec. S. V. 1657.]

R. Standish, &c. to major-general Tobias Bridge.

Vol. lvi. p. 186.

Sir,
Wee have examined capt. Carpenter and major Lyme, and thire answeres are heare inclosed sent you, as alsoe the answere of mr. Thomas Weaver, taken by colonel Ireland and capt. Case. Wee shall not take uppon us the bouldnesse as to put any sense uppon the whole; onely wee shall humbly offer our observations as to Carpenter, that wee fynd him a very subtile fellowe, and wee feare hee hath not dealt candidly in his answeres; for though hee will nott confesse any thinge considerable, save onely the knowledge hee hath off some persons, butt not of all; that those persons (as hee consesseth) are such as are men of desperate fortunes, and have lived in the Barbadoes, and acted against the state in the trubles there. And whereas hee interpreted those darke sayeings in Salfeild's letter, as relateinge to trade, persons and differences in the Barbadoes, and plantations there; yett wee doe nott know but other matters may be intended; for if all were truth hee faith, why were nott such matters expressed in more plaine tearmes, if nee danger therein ? And thoughe at length he confessed where he directed his letters to mr. Bagalay, yett at first hee denyed, that hee knew where hee lay. Of all his acquaintance, with whome hee hath to doe, wee fynd few (if any) freinds to the present government. Since his imprisonment wee have intercepted letters from him, which are here inclosed sent, adviseinge captain Bagalay to change his lodgeinge, and other expressions, which carry much suspicion. And that, which brings a suspicion upon all is, that capt. Bagalay did send a passe for col. Syncklar to goe into Scottland, which passe came inclosed in a letter to capt. Carpenter: and it plainly appeares, that it was counterssetted; for col. Croxton denyes, that ever any such thinge came from him, though they have putt Thomas Croxton to it, and N. Croxton, which was a soule mistake; for wee are informed his deputy's name is Benjamin Croxton. Sir, wee shall nott give you any further truble att this tyme, more then, that wee desire his highnes or the counsell's order to capt. Linley, what do with the prisoners, whether they may bee sent to Chester, or how otherwise disposed of. Wee remaine
Your most humble servants,
Ri. Standish.

Henry Ogle.

William Linley.

Wigan, this 18th Decemb. 1657.

To the honorable major-general Tobias Bridge,
att his house att Lambeth-marsh, thiese.

Intercepted letter of capt. Philip Carpenter, inclosed in the preceding.

Vol. xlv. p. 205.

Freind,
As I have not untill now knowne any safe way of sendinge, I have not beene desirous either to wright or receive any thinge whilst in this condition; nor have I much now to trouble you more, then to let you know, that I am not guilty of any matter whatsoever, that might bringe me to trouble in any degree, not soe much as a newesletter, that I cann imagine they have seene; and by circumstance conceave, that uppon information given to London of me as a non-resident, and suspected person, order came for my being apprehended, and might, as capt. Lynly tells me, have beene examined at the same tyme by himselfe, and any one other of the commissioners, had not my owne obstinacy caused them to retourne somewhat concerninge me to London, and cannot doe any thinge untill order from thence; which he hopes will come by this daye's post for my examination, he haveinge wrote theather to that purpose to the hastinge thereof; and I thinke represented mee in a better carracter then hitherto hath beene had of mee, and seemes to be tender of my sufferinge; and also of one major Lyme, who tells mee, that the cause of his comittall is for his examination, concerning mee, and hath already been strictly examined about mee, with whom hee never exchanged six words. I perceave, that the captain had beene huntinge about Warrington, and over all Chesshire-syde, to have found out some plott, whereof he had some notice; but confessed 'twas not worth his labor. Hee hath enquired of mee for Humphry's lodgeings in London, which I could not informe. Hee is onely suspected, as perhaps some others; but I heare of noe more, that are questioned or fought after. I would desire your lord, in reguard his delay hath brought this trouble uppon mee, that he would use his power to gett mee out, which he might doe in a private way to col. Ireland, as acquaintinge him of the cause of my cominge over, and of my stay, and necessity of my retourne to the release of some distrest familys; and although it be not proper for his lordship to undertake that, that I am not concerned in any matter of prejudice to the publique, yet upon my word he might, which I will not violat to save my life. I was cheifely questioned, if I had any relation to his lordship, wherein I answered them (justly) that I had none more then to accompt with him in the behaulfe of my aunt, and desired them to be soe civill as to send his lordship those accompts, that concerned him: but 'tis noe great matter; lett them make the best of any paper they have. Yet one containeing great sums I wish wear away; and col. Ireland may, if he please in favor to his lordship, lay them asyde, when uppon a coursery view they are perceaved to bee but accompts and soms, which if you mention to the colonel, doe not particularize any such one paper, but the accompts in generall. And now I humbly intreate his lordship to wright a line of comfort to my deere aunt, who I know will be distracted beyond measure; and would raither loose all that she hath in the world, then that any danger should befall mee uppon this occasion. And now the bores has almost done snortinge, I feare my lyons, that guard at my bedd-syde, should rouse; but I have an excellent way of wrightinge here in bedd with a candle, under pretence of a better exercise, and soe shall convey it by my trusty flave, who will never faile, whilst mony last; but it will end with this week: and if I stay longer, send Grace Bryan 20 s. for mee, or raither by some other, because they doe not know, that I have acquaintance with her, and wil be jealous if it coms that way. From Leaverpoole my landlord Rydinge can send almost daily; but any that comes to me will be searched and examined. Haste, adieu.

Preston, Tuesday morne 4 a clock.

Yours,
P. C.

Uppon the backsyde of a paper, which they have, there is directions for me to direct my letter for Humphry to mr. Sumner, goldsmith, in Marygoldcourt in Fleete-streete; let him alter his lodginge soe as Sumner may not know if questioned, till this storme be over. I pray, now I am put to it (which otherwise I should scorne) gett some body, that is gratious with mr. Stoker at Prescot to lett him peruse his Dyurnalls, that hee keeps upon the file, and examine them from the 26th of July 1656, to the end of that mounth, for viz. a letter from Kingsale touching the takinge of an enemys frigatt, in which action some foole or other hath made mee noe small foole in print; and borrow it to shew col. Ireland, or let him send to general Venables, to know what I am, or the clerk of the committee for the West-India affaires, mr. Hodgson, where I had my accompts for my imployment in the Indies stated; but it would be too tedious, and I would faine have them end heere of themselves, without address to London. If you chance to wright by this retourne, or any other, lett it be nothinge but what may be seen, for I dare hardly trust any, and therefore send forthwith to colonel Ireland. Upon mr. Lock's immediate arrivall lett me have present notice by express in 2 or 3 lynes. It was a most ignorant letter wrote lately; but no more, and so lett my landlord know.

For mr. Henry Medcalse, my freind.

Vol. xlv. p. 207.

I Have receiv'd your commendations; am glad you writ not; it might breede suspition without cause, and I feare the worse. The bearer has undergone a strict search. If mr. Salfield, a seaman, that lately lost his ship by the Spaniard, enquire for mee, desire him to spend some dayes at H. Ryding's at Leaverpool, in hopes to see me ere he goes over, and wish him to accomodate him on my account, if money be short with him. Tell him, I heard of mr. Goodwyn's departure for the Barbadoes, and the dispute between mr. Champanté and Holdipp about their plantation at Sorrenam, &c. I hope I shall be called before the commissioners this weeke, if mr. Medcalfe be diligent to sollicit it of colonel Ireland. I thinke it hard, that I, who have spent my blood and means against the enemies of our nation, should be thus troubled; and noething else I am confident of but patience. I pray trouble mee no more with your commendations; heere is a strict hand over mee, and I wright this by stealth in my bed, my guard being asleepe, and may wake and reade it, or find it out ere the departure, for ought I know. I am well, and my mind noe way discomposed, nor I thinke cannot be by any accedent, that I cann be subject to in this life. My onely trouble is, that this trouble, though it signifies little, will greatly distract my deere hart and my deare aunt, if they hear of it; and I would have wrote some comfortable letters, but am deny'd that Christian liberty. I had the booke and mony, and mr. Medcalfe's letters wednesday last.

Your loving friend,
Phil. Carpenter.

Sunday morne 6 a clock.

For mr. Tho. Wall at Prescott.

Another intercepted letter of the same.

Vol. lv. p. 208.

I Am now carryinge to Wiggin, and wheather I shal be theare examined and cleered, or continued in restraint, I know not; but if you heare, that I am continued, I pray find meanes to send to mee some trusty person, that I may privately imploy about my ocasiona. I thinke a woman will least be suspected; but let the party appeare to me with the left hand bare, and a glove on the right, by which toaken I may know. What trouble may be brought on mee I cannott imagin, not knowing any just cause for it: and in the presence of my maker I doe protest unto you my innocence, as not haveinge or knowinge any designe tendinge to the prejudice of the present government; and hope there will be noe necessity of sacrasising any more inocent blood. How be it, I praise God, I am prepared, and my mind as well composed, as ever it was in my life; and soe I pray God keepe you out of the hands of blood-thirsty men. I feare I am in your debt a shillinge, at least, which I heare enclose, and rest

Your affectionate freind,
Phil. Carpenter.

Friday morning, 18 Dec. 1657.

Upon further consideration, that the money might cause the miscarriadge of this noate, I have left it at the foote of my bed-post in the corner next the wall, and by that toaken you may wish the bearer to looke for it, and give it you.

P. C.

The information of Anthony Salter of the city of Bristol, clothworker, late sergeant in colonel Saxby's regiment in Scotland, taken this 18th of December, 1657.

Vol. lvi. p. 205.

Saith, that before the insurrection at Salisbury, one William Randall, a tall young man, of the age of 22 years, or thereabouts, lodged at the sign of the Grissin at Michael-hill steps in Bristol, and he kept two very good choice horses there about six months.

And this informant dwelling near the said inn, and observing the horses, enquired whose they were; and the said Randall told him, they were colonel Ashfield's horses, and that they had broken a man's neck, and so were brought hither, that they might not be seized for the protector. And at another time he told this informant, that the said horses were major Clarke's horses, and were to be sent to Barbadoes; and that he the said Randall was servant to the said major Clarke. And faith further, that about three months before the discovery of Syndercomb's treason, he the said Randall coming to Bristol from Scotland, told this informant, that he would acquaint this informant now what the business was, why the said horses were kept, and what contract was made between colonel Saxby and the said major Clarke at Mashfield in the county of Gloucester; and then told this informant, that he the said Randall was Saxby's man, and the horses were Saxby's horses, and that major Clarke was by agreement with Saxby to own the said horses as his, and paid for the meat of them in Bristol above five months together. And as soon as the rising at Salisbury was discovered, the said horses were sent away from Bristol into the country, and kept at a private stable belonging to one Philip Baker, yeoman, in Henbury parish in Gloucestershire. And the said Randall then also told this deponent, that the said Clarke knew the plot as well as his master; and that a great plot was then in hand, which the said Clarke also knew, and was privy to as well as his master. And said further to this informant, you will see great alterations the next spring; for he that is protector now, will not be protector long. And this informant faith, that he hath good ground to believe, that the said Randall meant Syndercomb's plot, which happened at the time he the said Randall had spoken of.

Saith, that immediately after this discovery made by Randall unto him this informant, he, this informant, revealed the same to maj. Harper, col. Tyssen, maj. Collins, mr. Purnell, mr. Ellys, and major Hazard, being the commissioners for preserving the peace of the county, upon his oath; whereupon the said commissioners immediately sent for the said Randall before them, who affirmed unto the said commissioners, that the relation they had received from this informant was true; upon which they committed him to prison; and that they also sent for the said major Clarke before them, but what they said to him this informant knoweth not; but said, that after the said Randall had been imprisoned by the space of ten days, they discharged him, and sent him to London. And the said Randall being in prison, and after he was set at liberty sent for this informant to come to him, telling him, he wondered, that he was punished for his discovery; and that major Clarke was not questioned, who knew, that the said plots against his highness and the state, and was in private with Saxby, and sent letters to him, and received letters from him, before the several plots were to take effect; and owned the said Saxby's horses, which Saxby said were provided against the plot at Salisbury, and kept by the said Clarke and Saxby for that purpose; and further faith not; save only, that the said Clarke was the same person, who together with Saxby were cashiered; and that the said Clarke if now in Bristol, and deals in merchandizing, and that he knoweth not what is become of the said Randall.

Anthony S Salter,
his Mark.

A letter of intelligence.

Vol.lvi.p.366.

Honored Sir,
Here is nothing of newes at present to entertaine you withall, the winter having putt an end to all manner of warlike actions for this yeare. That which troubles us here, is the little appearance of our being able to regaine Mardyke, by reason, that a good part of Tureine's army continue still quartered in the country of Bollonois, with a resolution to bee on our backes, whensoever wee attempt it. Nevertheless the consequence of the place is soe great, that wee are resolved to make an adventure on it, although we should loose the greatest part of our remaining foote. Here are many flying reports, that the treaty of the general peace is like to be promoted by the pope and the electors of Germany before the election of a new emperor; but because they are groundless, I forbear to particularize them here. It is most probable, that unless that great business of the election be made an end of before July next, that soe we may be supplyed with some of the German forces, the French and English together are like to carry the greatest part of Flanders.

29 Decemb. 1657. [N. S.]