State Papers, 1657: December (5 of 6)

December (5 of 6)

To the Venetian agent.

Antwerp, 29th Decemb. 1657. [N. S.]

Vol. lvi. p. 207.

The loss of the general of the English in these parts, with some other officers, and the continuation of the contagious diseases amongst the English in Mardyke and elsewhere, are sufficient presages, that God will not bless their actions, and that he will not let go unrewarded the persecution of the poor Catholicks in England; whereby is renewed the memory of Nero, and other tyrants, in times past. God will redress all without doubt. There is still a design, and intention to make some attempt upon Mardyke, but when, I know not.

Lockhart, embassador in France, to secretary Thurloe.

Paris, Dec. 19/29 1657.

Vol. lvi. p. 209.

May it please your lordship,
Upon thursday last I went to Bois de Vincent, and delivered to his eminence his highness's letter concerning M. de Bordeaux. I found him much surprysed with it, and (after long discourse upon this subject) ready to have returned his highness an answer under his owne hand. I besoght him to pay so much respect to his highness's mediatione, as to deferre his last resolutione, till I had the honor to entertain him further about it at next audience. I forbeare to mention the particulars, that past, in our reasonings for and against the thing, because letters are now in greater danger of miscarying then they have been formerly; and I have communicated them (to the least circumstance I could remember) to a frend of his heare, who undertakes to acquaint M. de Bourdeaux fully with them. I am lyke to meet with greatter difficulties then I could forsee; and that your lordship may remember, that I did apprehend some, when you took first notice of his highness's resolutions that way; tho' it was my opinion (of which I doe not yett repent me) that his highness had reasone to demand that favor. I have prayed my lord Faconberge to informe himself of my cariage, by a conference with the personconcerned; and if your lordship find, that I have come short either in zeal or addresse, I shall regulat my self at my next audience (at which I am promised a positive answer) according to such orders and instructions as I shall receive from your lordship.

My lord, little else save what related to the aforesaid affaire was spoak too; only his eminence undertook to wryt to the ambassador in Holland, to communicate with mr. Downing in great freedome, and to live so with him, as that state should be able to judge by it, how great and good correspondence and freindshipp was betwixt their masters. I mentioned the estate of the oppressed Protestants in the Valleys, and told his eminence, I had an account of their grievances from his highness, which I had translated into French; but could not expect any answer concerning the contents of the paper, 'till next audience, by which tyme his highness might both consither their sadd complaints, and think upon means of delivering these poore people from the cruelties and insolencies of their oppressors.

When I was reddy to take leave, the cardinal did condole with me the losse of sir John Reynolds; and then told me of some disorders, that was amongst the English troops, and at all tymes complains of the unreasonablenesse of their muster-rolles; and sayeth, when his comissarys goe about to make exact musters, they are threatned with mutinies and deserring of all, and returning to England. Its probable his eminence may be abused by misinformation; and yett it will not be amisse, that some notice of theise complaints be given to the major-generall. I have taken the freedome to doe it, but it will be of greater weight, when it comes from your lordship. Thier is one William Scott, who hath the repute of a very honest man, for whom I take the boldnesse to begg your lordshipp's favour. I am informed there are some land-waiters places vacant, and he is said to be well qualifyed for the discharge of such a trust, and hath no great means of livelihood, which maks me humbly offer him to your lordshipp's consideration. I confesse its imprudence in me to giv you trublefor others, that am forced to giv you som any upon my owne account; but if your lordshipp pardone this presumption, I shall not reddily fall into another of this nature. The cardinall sent me this day his order for the payment of the first 20000 livres: I send your lordshipp a coppy of it. Major-generall Morgan [wrote] by his last, that before colonel Gibbons's 4 companys aryved, they had 1400 of the English foot, that served all this campagne, 300 French foot, 200 officers, and 250 horse, which can be no inconsiderable garrisone for such a place. I doe not beleive, that the cramming of it with great numbers of men will signifye much to its defence, especially since its out of insult; and in case their should be a formall seige, it might be releived with what number of men should be thoght fitt, and theirefore could wish, that none of his highness's own forces might be sent, or continued their, except there be more cause for their stay than can be at present apprehended by,
May it please your lordship,
Your most humble, faithfull, and most obedient humble servant,
William Lockhart.

The answer of the Swedish commissioners, given in to those of England, 19th December, anno 1657.

Vol. lvi. p. 246.

Unto a certain little paper of ours, which was short and concise, and of a single thread, given unto you the 7th of December last, there hath been delivered and communicated to us three dayes ago your learned and elaborate answer in a large writing: unto which we have neither the leisure or disposition to reply at the same rate, least this our friendly negotiation and transaction should encrease with much paper, and the time prefixed for examining and deciding the mutual damages sustained in the English and Dutch war by our two nations should be consumed in this writing-combat. But that we may ingenuously and freely profess it, we are fixed and resolved to proceed streight on, if you please, to the examining, nay to the full, equitable and candid determination of those things, simply and plainly, without casting in of further delays or scruples, whereby, according to our capacity, we may with all our pains and endeavours attain the true scope of the consederacy, and the sincere intention of the confederates, which we will not obscure with our several interpretations; that so that which is sitting and equal may with the best speed be transacted in that agreement and covenant, and we may answer the very end of the consederates, and take care of the time that runs on, as also satisfy our commission and the friendly desire of our princes. The chief heads of your answer were four; concerning the sentences given the causes to be enquired into; the proofs; and the beginning of the English. and Dutch war. But that you may rightly understand our sense truly, it never came into our minds either to contradict or to weaken the sentences given heretofore in particular causes, being very mindful how much credit and authority is allowed among civilized nations to those things, that have been examined, discusied and maturely decreed and judged in their tribunals. And therefore we conceive, that in that sixsold complaint of those of Wismar, the decrees and sentences of the court of admiralty having been exhibited, in which the thing judged and decreed is conteined, there ought no further doubt to arise of the certainty of such goods or ships, which have been freed by the sentences given heretofore. But we conceive, that that maxim, that what a man takes for, he ought also to admit against himself, must here not be taken simply, but in a sound sense, and rightly understood: for in sentences given here or there, we know, that there is either a pure absolution or condemnation, or sometimes both are in the same sentence, to wit, the condemnation of one, and the absolution of another thing: in which case we may say, that he, who alledges, ought to accept the sentence both for and against himself. We verily, howsoever it be, do let all the sentences rest in quiet, nor think it our part to enquire on what foundation the things stand so concluded, seeing always we must repute well concerning them. But supposing, but one granting, that the one or the other of the consederates pretends, that he had just cause of seizing or detaining the other ships or goods during the said war, which doubtless will be alledged in all the sentences to be exhibited to us on both sides, we neither urge nor meddle with that, nor receive it for or against our selves: for our most serene and gracious king understands not, nor would have any to understand in giving us commission, that such things should fall under our commission in this business of performance, nor that these things should be hammered again at the anvil of disputation, after their friendly agreement once and again made between the two princes; but he would have it intrusted to our care and commission, that we should determine according to the tenour of the article friendly, sincerely and simply, according to equity and honesty, as well concerning ships and goods to be restored, which are yet detained by either of the consederates, altho long since released by sentence, as of satisfaction for damages received by the determination of the ships and goods of either, whether already freed by sentence given, or to be freed hereafter; for as much as our most gracious king made account, that that knot of the clauses of detaining and taking, the treaty coming on, had been unloosed totally by an unseigned and friendly consederacy. And in one word, we believe, the mind and intention of both the consederates in this consederacy friendly concluded was principally, that though this or that thing was not done without cause, notwithstanding what was equal and sitting, should fully and really be done, in restoring of things taken away, and satisfaction of costs, expences and damages; and therefore we conceive we ought to take care, that from us final umpires are constituted on both sides, from whom, if we be not deceived, there is expected a meere estimating, taxing and determining the damages received, there may not arise new contentions, the remnants of suits, and seeds of discords, the fewel of evil oftner than good; therefore we have expounded, and do explain most simply, as before, so now again, nay most candidly, both our own meaning and the genuine intention of our most serene and potent king, and the explication of the seventh article of the treaty of Westminster. But is, as we doubt not, your most serene and most high prince be of the same sense, and your opinion be not contrary to what we have said before, we shall easily agree about the proofs, seeing we have recourse to nothing else but that which by us all is held for honest and equitable. But as to your clause, in which you say you admit with us the day of the granting out the general reprizals for the beginning of the English and Dutch war, and from whence we must begin to reckon in the business committed to us, we answer, that we never pitched upon that absolutely in our writing, but alledged it only doubtful and disjunctively, as the particle [or] shews plainly; but rather we remember very well, that heretofore we concluded amongst us on the 18th of May 1652, unless some thing more evident were represented. Since when being better informed, we dissent freely and friendly from you as to that, and insist constantly upon the day aforesaid, alledged in the 3, 28 and 30 articles of the treaty of peace betwixt England and Holland, which we judge ought to be the term, from which we compute the losses, and begin in this our negotiation committed to us. But if in this we shall altogether dissent, we must humbly submit ourselves, and most willingly, to the judgment of our superiors, or of their commissioners on both sides.

London, Decemb. 19, 1657.

From yours, &c.

J. Barkman, J. Pryez.

J. Potter.

Mareschal Turenne to Bordeaux, the French embassador in England.

Amiens, 30 Dec. 1657. [N.S.]

Vol. lvi. p. 218

My Lord,
I Writ you word lately, that I was returned to Amiens upon the report, that the enemy intended to besiege Mardyke; I make no doubt, but you are sufficiently wrote unto by other hands, to sollicit the lord protector to send some pallisades, there being nothing so necessary for the preservation of the place. I make no doubt, since the mareschal d'Aumont is at Mardyke, and the musqueteers of the king, and the guard of his eminence, but that the protector doth see very well, that on our side there is nothing neglected for the preservation of that place.

'Tis also very requisite, that the lord protector should relieve from time to time that place with men, in case the 3000 English of the 6000, which the king employeth for the preservation of it, be not sufficient to do it. Is this side were able to do more for that place than it hath done, it would not be backward; and if the lord protector will make the preservation of Mardyke sure, he must begin to apply himself to it, as a place, which is of great consequence to him; and it is so well provided, that no accident can happen to it, but through the want of pallisades and men. I believe I shall return to Paris very suddenly.

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

Vol. lvi. p. 219

Right honorable,
Here is not any further nois of the French men of war, so I suppos they ar retyred to Thollon: yet here is som reports, that in March they wil set out thence what seaforce they can mak, which is of litle consideration. It is very observable, that the two esteemed greatest princes in Europ cannot now ether of them mak any great appearance at sea, wheras formerly they hav bin very potent both. The cherishing of merchants certainly maks sea-men, as is very clear by Ingland and Holland, wher they abound; and consequently theyr sea-forces ar the greatest in the world, as theyr merchandyzing is. By which your honor may consider, how much it does import a state to cherish and protect them. Merchants wryt generally both from Ingland and Holland, that a breach wil sudenly follow betwixt them. In such case, I am confident the wisdom of his hyhnes will be such, ether to advertiz our merchants of it, that they may ly close, or to affourd them a squadron for protection. Six good ships or frigates of war sent early into the seas might pick up twys as many good merchant-ships, which at Thollon myht be furnisht with men and soldiours; al which joining with the French might mak up a fleet of 30 sail, sufficient to maintain the sovereignity of the Mediterranean-seas. The lyk providence myht be used at the South-Cape; ten Inglish ships, to head and countenance the Portugues, myht command therabouts.

The Duch here do so frequently talk, how theyr fleets shal command the Streits mouth and al the Mediterranean, which maks me speak of things so far abov me, wherin I humbly desyre your honor's pardon; beseeching you not to think I utter this discourse as a bisy-body, but out of a harty and humble desyre to serv his hyhnes and my country. It is writ me this week from Amsterdam, that theyr bank has disburst that week six hundred thousand guilders for the king of Denmark. Seing the Duch do underhand furnish and serv the advers party, it maks the world beleiv, they will not long forbear to shew themselves openly. Nothing else occurs. I am,
Right honorable,
Your most humble and faithfull servant,
Charles Longland.

Leghorn, 30 Decemb. 1657. [N. S.]

The Swedish resident to the states-general.

Read, the 31 of Dec. 1657. [N. S.]

Vol. lvi. p. 233

The resident of Sweden wisheth their H. and M. L. states-general of the United Netherlands all happiness and prosperity in the next approaching year and the following years; especially, that the good and ancient amity and alliance between his gracious king and their H. and M. L. may not only continue, but more and more encrease; as the said resident hath always assured their H. and M. L. with all officious and good hearty endeavours, and is still hereby assuring them, that on the behalf of his said majesty all shall be performed, that may tend to such an end. And the said resident doth desire, in pursuance of his former instance, that their H. and M. L. would be pleased therein to concur and to correspond reciprocally with his majesty, and consequently exchange the ratification of the treaty concluded, signed, and sealed at Elbing a year and day since by their H. and M. L. embassadors, whereby all manner of jealousy will come to cease, which the disturbers of the commerce of this state upon the East-sea may have a design to plant between his majesty and their H. and M. L.

Hague, 31 Dec. 1657. [N. S.]

Signé, H. Appleboom.

A letter of Intelligence from Blank Marshall.

Bruges, this last Dec. new style, 1657.

Vol. lvi. p. 379

[Paragraph contains cyphered content — see page image]

Sir
I Have not omitted any oportunity to lett you know of your affayers heere; I humbly begg, if any have sayled, I may know it. The great provissio ns for Mardy ckeis like to turn on ott hing; army is week to go to quarters D. John is still at Gent, and into ndsto Brussels. Condé is well D. York is stillat D quarters D. John is still at Getit, into unkirk. Ch. Stewarts here. And 'tis Sayeth, wee shall bee suddaynly in England; but I see no great thope Yet ternigh hear was great news the 94 58 55 30 31 3 38 72 59 26 74 64 4 95 52, with 760 53 18 23 96 69 74 and other 80 70 39 13 41 45. I will trouble you no further at present, but that I am,
Sir,
Your most humble servant,
J. H.

An intercepted letter to mr. David Frizell.

Brussels, the last of Dec. 1657. [N. S.]

Vol. lvi. p. 231.

Sir,
I Am very much troubled to have received no letters from you the last week, that I might have known, if mine of the last post but one had come to your hands, wherein I named the hay-load at W. for the place where you might have sent the goods; which if you had done, I had by this appointed the time for it, and disposed of all things accordingly. In this packet-boat I hope I shall have a letter from you, to which you shall be sure to have an answer. In the mean space I will tell you, methinks, that if a week more than the time you mention were taken, it would be best, because of the crossness of the winds, which may happen, as it did in the last time, and other accidents; though hereafter I believe there will be less cause to fear them. But in that it shall be as you will.

Your's to serve you,
R. S.

I am still in my journey; but within 3 or 4 days of the end of it.

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

In the possession of William Cromwell esq.

My dearest lord,
I Received the favour of your lordship's both by the post and your agent, and have also received applications both from collonel Saunders and major Wallis; by all which I find nothing, that might occasion your so much sollicitude, there appearing to me nothing to have been done by your lordship not just and honorable, that which seemes most severe, having been caused by the complainant's crossnesse. Your lordship may be secure, that it will be very hard for any prejudice to insinuate itselfe against your lordship, where I have an interest, without such grounds, as I cannot beleive your lordship can ever be guilty of.

I have this week received nothing from mr. secretary; neither do I hear of any effect of our suit for money. The sad news of sir John Reynolds and lieutenant-collonel White is confirmed. The hand of God was eminently seen in that dispensation, in that they would not be perswaded to shun the danger that was evident. The Lord teach us to hear his voyce in these speakings. I cannot well tell, what to make of this other house; only I wish your lordship had been in the way, when that business was in agitation. There is still some secrett cause in England, why we are thus neglected here. I confess, I know not what will become of us without speedy supplies. I wish I could be in England to unty this knott, which entangles our affairs. I hope your lordship will make all the hast you can to gett over. Although I could not hear it from Whitehall, yet I am glad to understand from other good hands, that my brother is called to the councill, and hath a command in the army: and the same letter tells me, that Ned Montague hath a regiment of horse given him; which doth a little interpret some doubtfull circumstance of the other house. I return your lordship the papers you sent me, together with two letters from England, I remaine
Dublin, 22 Dec. 1657.

Your lordship's very affectionate and most, &c.

H. Cromwell.

H. Cromwell, lord-deputy of Ireland, to colonel Cooper.

In the possession of William Cromwell esq.

I Received your's, and am glad all things are quiett in Ulster, and that the proclamation hath produced some satisfaction in the business of money. There is this night order gone from the board, to referr the complaint concerning the assessments and replevin to you and some others. We are thinking of reducement, but shall put nothing in practice, 'till I have consulted with you and other officers of the army. Wherefore I desire you to make what hast you can hither, which I suppose you will doe in reference to your journey into England, whither I perceive you are called to serve in the other house. I remain your, &c.

Sir Thomas Bendyshe, embassador at Constantinople, to the protector.

Vol. lvi.p.238.

Sir,
In my humble address to your highness of the 31st July, I signifyed my hopes of procuring a speedy answer from the grand signior, of your highness's letter to him concerning the ship George; which had undoubtedly succeeded, if that the vizier had not fallen into disgrace with his master, whose favour he could not regain, but was cashiered the 5th of September, for having laboured to divert the grand signior from his intentions of rayseing an army to warr upon the Venetian by land; upon which followed an irremovable jealousy and suspicion of his being bribed by signior Balarino (the Venetian agitator) which caused him to be removed as farr as Adrianople, where he remains in safe custody, together with the old ambassador Capello. The grand signior's jealousy in this particular was such at that time, as he did not only seek to intercept letters, and stopp all messengers from carrying any, but also sent for my chiefe interpreter into the Seraglio, and their charging him of having corrupted his officers in favour of the Venetians, committed him to prison, from whence seldom any returne without loss of life or torture. Nevertheless, by the favour of the vizier I had him released that day without harme; also by the same favour I procured the releasement of a small English ship called the Hopeful Employment, on which was found three slaves concealed by the master; and by reason one of them belonged to the grand signior, both the shipp and goods were seized on, and the commander with the mariners putt in chains, scarce hopeing ever to be freed without a ransom; after which the unfortunate vessell was taken upon the coast of Barbary by a Tunis man of warr, and her men sold in the markett, of which I shall make complaint; as also of the Tripoli pyrates; to the intent, if your highness should send some forces thither, I may the better and easier excuse it. Although the vizier upon a report, that your highness had sent tenn shipps thither to receive satisfaction, or to fall upon them, told me, it was not fair so to proceed, for that they were the grand signior's subjects, and that he would be ready not only to hear what could be said against them, but to punish them also if they deserved it and in the mean time, without making complaint, to offer violence on those as at Tunis, could not but be taken as a high affront to the grand signior. In my defence I replyed, that I had in vain made many complaints of that nature already, as touching the taking of several rich shipps by the Trippoleeses, whose insolencies were insufferable, and would not be brooked.

The last month I went to the vizier, to informe him, how that his predecessor had delivered a letter to the grand signior from your highness, and that he told me the grand signior had ordered an answer to be returned; but by reason of his suddain dismission, I had not received it, but desired him to remember the grand signior of it. He promised me he would; but whether they have no mind to answer it yet, or whether their extraordinary business in hand diverts them, I know not; but of this your highness may be assured, that as I have not been, so I shall not be wanting of my duty fairly and opportunely to require it, and satisfaction for the damagetherein expressed.

The great dishonour the grand signior received in the loss of his fleet by so inconsiderable a state as that of the Venetian, in respect of their own vast power, so sticks in his stomach, as he cannot be quiet, nor without revenge rest satisfyed: therefore now his whole court is employed in nothing so much as in making preparations for the field; and to carry it on, they do not only seem to be resolved, but they have already listed great numbers of horse and foot, daily dispatching them away to their several quarters towards the consines; insomuch, that it cannot be thought but they will be ready to march by the beginning of April with a very great army, the grand signior pretending to go in person with his whole court, and expects the Tartar with fifty thousand horse to joyne with him. I suppose the adjacent princes will not with a negligent eye attend this great motion, noe nor yet the Swede: for although the designe published is only to invade the territories of his known enemy the Venetian, yet he may, as it hath been his common practice, divert and fall in upon Polonia, supposeing no man will suspect he should deviate from his desire of revenge.

From Alba Julia in Transilvania I have received letters from two gentlemen, which call themselves Ablegati from the king of Sweden to the prince of Transilvania, to treat (as I suppose) of a league, which, for ought I understood, they have obtained; for he is at this present (if the season hinder not) in the field with a considerable army in the Swedes assistance. The substance of their letters were as follows: That the nature of leagues betwixt princes being such as to oblidge their respective ministers to mutuall confidence in, and correspondence with one another, that soe the common interest may be promoted, they thought it therefore expedient to acquaint me, that the Hollanders had challenged to themselves the sole government of commerce in utroque mari (as they please to write) and that the Austrian family, together with the rest of the Roman Catholick league, feareing the confederation betwixt your highness and their king, and other Christian princes, endeavoured nothing more than to six the tottering condition of the Polonian; and to that end had instigated the duke of Muscovia to hostile attempts; and that they nothing doubted but that their residents here in this Porte would be as busy to stir up jealouseys into the Turkes of their masters successes, as likely to prove dangerous; of which their practice, the Tartars assisting of the Polonians, was an evident sign, because the Tartars durst not soe have done without the grand signior's order or permission. Upon these grounds they desired, that I would (as occasion or opportunity should present) talke of the jealous surmizes, which the Turks had of the Swedes, and devolve them upon the Polonians, who had so often in former times given check to the Turks proceedings; and withall to mind them of the correspondence betwixt Gustavus Adolphus of glorious memory and the Ottoman Porte, so as there need be no diffidence in the Turks in respect of the Swede. They likewise desired me to try how the Turks stood inclined towards them; and whether I thought their ambassador might have a fayer reception in this Porte or no, and whether it was likely they might be able to remove those suspicions, which their enemys had put into the grand signior's head, soe as to induce him to recall the Tartars from aideing the Polonians. To these particulars I gave as good satisfaction as my present knowledge would affoord; and to be instrumentall in the advancement of such a cause, I can never want inclination or opportunityes to doe something therein, being befriended by all the chief officers in the Porte, and intimate with some, especially the musti, whose hand hath been always ready to help me on all occasions. Yet not having received from your highness any command in this nature, I shall engage no further in it, that I may be able to come off, without rendring myself a jott the less capable to serve your highness, although your highness's interest and engagements, should draw a contrary way, which the accidents of time may possibly produce; and to that end I shall be cautious and reserved, untill I shall have the honor to know upon better grounds how your highness stands effected.

More than six gallies have not issued out of the castles since the fight, which remaine still abroad. They thought with small vessels to have gon to Tenedos, and to have stormed the castle; but now they esteeming that design too desperate, they resolve to have patience untill their armado be built, which to forward, the grand signior furnisheth vast sums of money out of his own treasure; so that by the spring they will have as good a fleet as they had the last year; not so many ships, but more galleys, which indeed they best know how to manage. They had never many good seamen; the most of those they had are lost, their only hopes of navigation lying now in the Moores of Barbary; wherefore should ought be done against them there, it would be taken the more hainously here.

In the beginning of November last came in a Persian ambassador with a great present to the grand signior. His cheif business was to signify the good-will of his master to the grand signior, and to continue the peace and amity between them. This I suppose they did, because they had heard that the Mogul had sent an ambassador with a present some months before, to desire the Turke to make warr upon the Persian, that he might more easily gain upon them, and withall to discover the inclination and the present condition of the grand signior.

By the extravagancies of mr. Edward Abbott, sometime consul of Gran Cairo, that trade has been lost these seven years. Three or four of them he hath been absent, but left such a debt behind him, as no man since durst adventure thither; insomuch as that trade, which in former times did employ 20 or 30 English shipps in a year, hath been wholly left to the enjoyment of the French and Dutch; which being no small damage to our nation as well in trade as the employment of shipping, I have adventured (understanding Abbott's creditors were content to accept of a reasonable composition, and the nation desirous we should renew the trade again) to establish one mr. Samuel Jolly consul, being a merchant, and a fitting person for that employment, and have sent him thither; and for the encouragement and security of the trade, have given him commission to make the best end he could with the creditors of the said Abbott, he being contented to disburse the money himself, and not to lay any tax or leviation upon the trade, provided he may be permitted to stay there in the consulship, and not be removed untill he shall be reimbursed of his money, and some reasonable consideration for the hazard and use of it; which seeming unto me a very fair proposition, I have presumed to trouble your highness with the cognizance of it, and to supplicate, that the consulship of Gran Cairo may not be given to any other; nor do I think any man will be forward to desire it upon such tearms as this man hath undertaken it.

Although the Levant company had not money sufficient in their treasurer's hands to pay mr. Richard Lawrence for the time of his abode here, yet understanding it was your highness's pleasure he should be paid, I gave order to the consull at Smirna to rayse the money, which was immediately done by a loan made by the merchants. After he had received full satisfaction, he writt to me, that he was resolved to hasten for England over land; and for the better security and convenience in travell, he thought the grand signior's command would be very requisite; which in the space of two or three days I procured, and sent him; and the day following, being the first present, he departed from home towards the Morea. I wish him a good journey, and should have been glad to have seen him before he went; but he hath writt so many groundless and apparent untruths against me, as I beleive he was unwilling to see me, nor can he speak a good word of me without taxing his own reputation, yet I never gave him the least occasion; and to avoid it, I have been more civil to him than became me.

The vizier secretly the other day discovered to me, that the grand signior would very gladly have ten or fifteen shipps from your highness, to serve him at any rates; and if he could have received any hopes from me of obtaining them, I believe an ambassador would have been sent to your highness to have desired it: but in telling him I had no commission to treat of such matters, stopped his mouth, without so much as informing him, that I would signify their desire to your highness, whereby your highness may plainly see how sensible they are of their great want of shipping.

As often as I can meet with a safe conveyance, I shall presume to continue my duty to informe your highness of the occurrances and materiall passages and affairs of this place. Which finding acceptance, will be so much the higher favour, by how much the more I am unworthy of it, or of the honor of being

Your highness's faithful servant,
and most obedient subject,
Tho. Bendysh.

Pera, 23 Decemb. 1657.

The French embassador's speech to the states-general.

Exhibitum 2 Januarii 1657. [N.S.]

Vol. lvi. p.235.

Messieurs,
Je croy n'avoir pas besoin d'adjouster beaucoup de paroles au contenu de la lettre de sa majesté, pour expliquer à vos seigneuries ses intentions, & vous faire connoistre l'affection & la sollicitude, qu'elle a pour le repos de vostre estat, & pour celuy de vos alliez. Il y a quatre mois ou environ, qu'en ce mesme lieu elle vous fit offrir par ma bouche sa mediation, pour composer le different, que vous avez avec la couronne de Portugal; laquelle offre fust si bien reçue par vos seigneuries, que vous donnastes charge aux commissaires deputez, qui accompagnoient monsr. vostre lieutenant-admiral, de conferer sur les moyens de l'accommodement avec monsr. le comte de Comminges, ambassadeur extraordinaire de sa majesté en cette cour là, aux soins & la suffisance duquel il ne tint pas, qu'il ne fust deslors determiné.

Mais l'affaire ou n'estant pas encore bien meure, ou la breveté du temps n'ayant pas permis, qu'elle peust alors s'achever, la declaration de la guerre s'en est ensuivie, pour laquelle finir au plustost, & avant qu'il y aye plus d'aigreur dans les esprits des deux nations, je viens a vous renouveller de la part du roy mon maistre les mesmes offres de mediation, que j'espere vous devoir estre d'autant plus agreables, que vous ne pouvez pas revoquer en doute, qu'elles ne viennent de la part d'un grand roy, qui est vostre amy & bien intentionné pour vos interests. Vous avez d'ailleurs, messieurs, reçeu avec une si grande & si loüable moderation d'esprit les premiers advantages, que la fortune vous a donné sur une partie de la flotte du Brazille, que vous avez bien fait cognoistre en cette rencontre, que ce n'est pas d'aujourd'huy, que vous estes accoustumez à en remporter sur ceux, avec qui vous estes en guerre; & que vous n'avez pas moins de disposition à un accommodement raisonnable, quand vous y estes conviez par vos amis, que vous avez tesmoigné le vigeur & de resolution à declarer une guerre, lors que vous avez creu en avoir un juste sujet.

C'est pourquoy je ne m'attacheray point par un discours estudié à vous presenter là-dessus vos interests, dans lesquels vous n'estes que trop sçavants & éclairés. Mais je me contenteray de vous exhorter, de vouloir au plustost faire reflexion, & examiner serieusement ma proposition: & comme une cessation d'armes & de touts actes d'hostilité, & le plus prompt moyen pour parvenir à une paix & les interests communs de deux estats & tous leurs alliez, semblent de demander & desirer, & qu'elle est déja comme faite sur la mer par la rigueur de la saison, de la vouloir resoudre à l'instance & invitation de sa majesté, & de nommer ensuite des personnes, qui puissent reçevoir au lieu, dont on pourra convenir, les propositions, qui seront faites de la part du roy & de la reine regente de Portugal, auprès de laquelle monsieur le comte de Comminges, dont vous connoissez déja le merite & la capacité, fait presentement les mesmes offres & la mesme proposition, & lequel n'agera avec moins d'affection & de zele dans la suite de la negociation, qu'il n'a fait paroistre dans le commencement.

Mais je ne puis finir cette audience sans vous convier aussy de la part du roy mon maistre, de continuer dans les bonnes intentions, que vous tesmoignez avoir pour la pacification de la guerre, qui est allumée entre les trois roys du Nord; puis qu'outre que vous restablissez le commerce de la mer Balthique, qui en est si troublé & si affoiblé, vous ne pouvez faire chose plus agréable & plus desirée de sa majesté, laquelle vous exhorte, de ne pas laisser surprendre aux artifices secrets de ceux, qui peuvent desirer la continuation de cette guerre pour leurs fins & interests particulieres.

Et pour le moins le roy mon maistre a cet advantage aux yeux de toute l'Europe, qu'il n'oublie en aucune part aucuns soins ny aucuns diligences, pour tascher par ses ministres & ses ordres à procurer la paix entre tous ses alliez, comme de sa part aussy il ne refuse aucune mediation ny ouverture pour finir par une bonne paix cette longue guerre, qu'il soûtient avec tant de gloire contre un puissant ennemy depuis 22 campagnes; ainsy qu'il ne l'a que trop fait paroistre par ce qui s'est passé depuis peu à Franckfort dans la mediation de messieurs les princes electeurs.

Et comme la paix est la source de tous les biens, & la cessation d'un nombre infiny de maux & de desordres, sa majesté a creu ne vous pouvoir faire par ma bouche au commencement de cet nouvel an un plus agréable compliment de sa part, que la presente proposition, puis qu'elle ne tend pas seulement à une paix, mais à en procurer plusieurs tout à la fois. Je vous supplie aussy, messieurs, d'avoir agréable, qu'après avoir de la part du roy mon maistre en ce commencement d'année acquise à vostre estat toutes sortes des prosperitez, je vous souhaite aussy en mon particulier, & à vostre estat & à vos personnes, toutes sortes de bon succes & de contentements; & que je vous assure de la passion, que j'ay de pouvoir contribuer de mes soins à l'execution de ces intentions favourables de sa majesté.

Fait à la Haye, ce 2^e Janvrier 1658.

Signé, De Thou.

The Danish embassador to the states-general.

Read, the 3d January 1658.

Vol. lvi. p. 267.

H. and M. lords,
The extraordinary commissioner of his majesty of Denmark and Norway, &c. being ordered by letters of the 21st of December last, once more seriously to represent to your H. and M. L. the pressing occasions, which moved his majesty to take up arms against the king of Sweden, through the violences and unsufferable proceedings lately committed upon or about the East-sea, with illegal extorsions of tolls, hostile attempts against the city of Dantzick, besides all other high and pernicious designs against all nations that frequent the sea, to the destruction of all commerce of Christendom, and especially the ruin and destruction of the good inhabitants thereof. Wherefore his majesty cannot omit to desire your H. and M. L. with due respect, as he is hereby desiring,

First, that you will be pleased well and ripely to consider, how necessary it is, as well for the wellfare and preservation of the crown of Denmark as of this state, that the said and wellknown Swedish designs upon the Sound and East-sea may in time be prevented from any further encrease, and that the commerce may be established and secured, and the general peace propagated, whereunto under God Almighty their H. and M. L. have chiefly the means in their hands; and that the treaty made between his majesty and their H. and M. L. in the year 1649 doth show us the next way; chiefly reflecting upon such, whosoever they be, none except, that shall go about to disturb the crown of Denmark or this state in their navigation and commerce, and the common peace, upon what occasion, and under what pretence soever.

Secondly, how heavy and unsupportable it will fall upon his majesty and the crown of Denmark, to manage the war wholly at his own charge, without real and speedy assistance of their H. and M. L. with ships (when the season of the year will permit) and in the mean time with subsidy-money and assistance of men, under such colonels and officers as your H. and M. L. shall be pleased to nominate, and to encrease the same, according to the 11th article of the treaty of alliance, and to such a number as the present necessity and dangerous constitution of the times shall require; no ways doubting, but that your H. and M. L. according to your great wisdoms and usual circumspection, will have no less regard to the interest and preservation of the crown of Denmark, than they have done on other occasions, and less weighty; it being very apparent, that the king of Sweden hath no great inclination to a peace with Denmark, and how unwillingly he seemeth to be to admit of their H. and M. L. as mediators thereunto, before that the treaty of Elbing be first ratified by their H. and M. L. which is not yet finished, and which cannot be ratified during the war between the Northern crowns; whereby he sheweth absolutely, that he hath no mind to a peace, or at least such a one, as will not suit with his own interest, and which, through the execution of their H. and M. L. mediation will continue no longer than he pleaseth. Whereupon expecting your H. and M. L. final answer and favourable resolution, that so his majesty may know how to order his affairs accordingly.

Done in the Hague, the 3d of Jan.
1658. [N.S.]

H. van Rosenwinge.

General Monck to secretary Thurloe.

Vol. lvi. p. 286.

Sir,
I Understand by your's, that the Cavaleers are uppon some designe in England. I have often heard from beyond seas, that they had great hopes of something to bee acted in England this winter; but in these parts I see nothing yett tending that way: onely heere came over those three men, which I wrote to you of, yett I cannott know what they are, or what their businesse is; but I rather beleive they are popish priests goeing for Ireland, rather than any thing else. But I shall suddainly heare what they are, and either wee shall take them, if they doe not goe out of the country speedily, or else wee shall know them and their businesse. You were pleased to speake of one Sinclair, butt you doe not mention his Christian-name; there are abundance in this country: butt I have inquired after such a man, that was prisoner att Chester, and I heare he will be at Edenburgh in three days; and if he comes to the same place that was written of, I shall secure him. I am heartily sorry to hear that news proves true of sir John Reynolds and collonel White; they are men, who I doubt his highness will have want of, if there should be occasion of action. I remayne
Dalkeith, 24 Dec. 1657.

Your very humble servant,
George Monck.

A letter of intelligence from the Hague.

Vol. lvi. p.280.

[Paragraph contains cyphered content — see page image]

Monsieur,
J'ay bien reçeu l'agreable vostre du 13/23 Decembre, par lequel vous desirez, que je ne sasse nulle mine d'avoir correspondence avec vous, & ce qui en depend. En quoy, monsieur, vous pouvez estre bien asseuré, que je fera exactement selon les ordres de vous. Les estats d'Hollande ont fait enfin ouverture de leur sentiment, dont on voit clair, qu'ils en veulent à Sweden, desirants, qu'il donne satisfaction à Poland, aussy bien qu'à Dennemark. Et le Brandenburg (selon sa legereté ordinaire) s'est ligué aussy ferme avec l'empereur, qu'avec Dennemark & Poland, & n'attend que quelque advantage; son courage n'estant pas assez grand pour attempter ce qu'il promet, qu'après qu'il voit son ennemy par terre, si que certe les estats d'Hollande n'ont nulle raison de pretexer aucun inegalité ou disadvantage du costé de Dennemark Brandenburg & Poland (pour ne dire du Muscovite) ains bien au contraire, que Sweden seul est fort inferieur à l'autre party. Et du costé de Sweden, il n'y a que son grand courage, conduite, & bonne cause contre la lacheté & perfidie de Dennemark, l'empereur & Brandenburg. Mais que diray-je de Hollande ? ce n'est qu'une malfondée jalousie conceu contre Cromwell; l'un & l'autre trés-mal conceue. Car le protecteur leur fait toute justice, equité & courtoisie imaginable; & sweden de mesme n'a jamais donné le moindre sujet de se plaindre de luy avec droit & raison. Mais ce sont eux-mesmes, qui ont proculqué & foulé aux pieds la vielle amitie, qui de tout temps a esté entre Sweden & eux. Le resident de Crowell près Sweden mesme pourra tesmoigner, que Sweden de bon cœur veut faire paix avec Dennemark, quoyque Dennemark l'ait offensé perfide. Mais Dennemark, pour éterniser la guerre, s'est allié à l'empereur. Brandenburg & Poland. Et si à cela vient encore les estats generaux (comme 105 l'a resolu assez) il faut, que tous plie sous l'empereur. Et je remarque, qu'aux Protestants deplaist fort, que France agisse d'une facon bizarre, pas vigoreusement contre 143.

L'on asseure maintenant, que le roy de Hongrie sera eleu empereur, & dans fort peu. Il est bien vray, que cette dignité apporte plus de splendeur que de force; mais néantmoins cela fera grand bien à Espagne, car d'ailleurs il ne sauroit avoir guere de secours. Quand le president de Cromwell vient icy, il faut esperer, qu'il parlera un peu plus serieusement à la Hollande (que ne fait celuy de France) pour Sweden. Il est bien certain, que estats generaux craint le Cromwell, si Cromwdeclare, qu'il assistera le Sweden à mesme mesure, que les estats d'Hollande voudront assister le Dennemark. Cela suffira pour obtenir le but & intention que Cromwell semble avoir. Je suis,
Ce 4^e Janvier 1658. [N. S.]

Monsieur,
Vostre très-humble serviteur.

An intercepted letter of lieutenant-colonel Doleman.

Dorte, 4th Jan. 165/78;. [N.S.]

Vol. xlvi. p.275.

Sir,
Our assembly broke up on Christmas-eve, and are to meet here again some two weeks hence. They have given sir Robert Honywood a troop of horse. The Denmark embassador pressed much for a sudden relief both of men and money, alledging, that without it he should be necessitated to seek his peace in such terms as might hereafter prove prejudicial to this state. The answer was, that our embassadors should do their utmost to procure a good agreement between the two crowns; and that if Sweden would not comply with what was reasonable, that then this state would think of some way to relieve them. The Spaniard is miserable poor, and in such disorder, that he can get no men to attack Mardyke.

Charisius to Petkum.

Hague, 4 Jan. 1658. [N.S.]

Vol. lvi. p.282.

Sir,
The lords states of Holland, before they adjourned, made an order, that first endeavours shall be used to accommodate and decide the differences by way of treaty between the two Northern kings; and if there be no likelihood of effecting this, then to assist the king of Denmark, by virtue of the treaty concluded with him upon this subject. And in order thereto the lord Rosenwinge delivered in a memorandum yesterday to the states-general, containing the several reasons to oblige them thereunto: but monsieur Appleboom doth promise to himself, that he shall be able to frustrate our design, demanding incessantly the ratification of the treaty of Elbing, that so by that means he might hinder this state from assisting our king, though there is not much amity shewn on the side of Sweden to this state; as doth sufficiently appear by the last usage, which he gave to the lords embassadors of their H. and M. L. in refusing to accept of their mediation, or to hearken to any point of elucidation, though formerly agreed, 'till such time, that the said treaty be ratified. Time will demonstrate what the issue will be of this business.

Boreel, the Dutch embassador in France, to the states-general.

Vol. lvi.p.284.

H. and M. lords,
My lords, the vice-admiral Paul hath order to equip forthwith 12 ships of the king's, to which are to be added the other 4 set out not long since; and some fire-ships are also making ready for the fleet, which will be considerable.

Upon the 24th of December arrived an English ship at Marseilles, which brought news, that 9 English frigats were sailing into the Mediterranean-sea, either to join with the French fleet upon a common design, or to go against those of Tunis and Tripoly, with whom they have no good correspondence.

The Spanish private men of war at Majorca do daily much prejudice to the French and English nation. The picture of the princess of Portugal is now arrived here, and there is spoken with much advantage of her person and beauty; and there is presented with her a million of guilders yearly, for eight years together: but now, on the side of Portugal there be such conditions demanded of France, which some say are not well liked of by this court. This marriage and alliance is much desired in Portugal.

Paris, 4th January 1658. [N.S.]

W. Boreel.

Secretary Thurloe to Blank Marshall.

25 Decemb. 1657.

Vol.lvi.p.300.

Sir,
Your's of the 21st is come to hand, wherein I expected to have knowne preciselie the numbers of the Spanish armyes both horse and foot, and what force Ch. Stuart hath. The French will not beleeve, that they intend for their winter-quarters; and therefore be sure of your information. They expect them at Bourbourg, if not at Mardyke; but unless you be an eye-witness of this, all you write will be incertayne, what quarters they are gone to. I writ by my last of a report here, that Ormond was dead; but your's mentions nothinge of it; you may easily informe me of the truth of this from your owne eyes, what messengers goe and come betweene this and Bruges.