State Papers, 1658: January (1 of 4)

January (1 of 4)

A letter of intelligence from the Hague.

Vol.lvii.p.25.

Monsieur,
Hier il y a eu conference des deputez des estats generaux, avec les ministres de Brandebourg, qui ont fait cuverture, h. e. ont leu le traité, en Latin, fait contre la Pologne & le Brandebourg, dont le principal point sera le 3^e article, contenant une ligue ofsensive & défensive pour la conservation de la Prussie. Au reste contient les mesmes particularitez, que desja on a eu dans les gazettes & advis; specialement, que l'electeur aura la ville d'Elbinge en gage, jusques à ce qu'à luy seront satisfait & payez certain nombre de tonnes d'or; c'est-à-dire, pour jamais. Mais l'electeur voudra l'evesché de Warmelant, où la religion Romaine sera restablie & maintenue. Les ministres de Brandebourg ont declaré le but de tout le traité n'estre, que le restablissement de la paix generale; & si le roy de Swede n'y veut pas entendre, que Brandebourg rompra. Tout cela est sort au goust de la Hollande; & en suite de cela seront continués les conferences.

Il y a eu aussy un asses long memoire du resident de Swede, opposé à celuy du sieur Rosenwinge; qui est mis ès mains des deputez sur les affaires de Dennemark & Swede.

Il y a eu conference sur ces affaires, en laquelle ceux d'Hollande auront dit clair, qu'ils ne voulent ny ne peuvent ratifier le traité d'Elbing, d'autant qu'ils ne veulent ny peuvent pas assister le Swede (comme ce traité porte) contre le Dennemark: ains au contraire ils veulent assister le Dennemark, qui sans cela periroit. Le Swede aura offert au roy de Pologne la paix, avec restitution de la Prussie, & inclusion du roy de Hongarie; mais Dennemark & Brandebourg urge pour faire rompre l'Austriche ou Hongarie contre le Swede, & Brandebourg en ce cas fera le mesme.

Le Swede offre à cet estat la liberté du Sond dans le futur traité avec Dennemark.

Ceux de l'admirauté d'Amsterdam ont avisé & requis, que 6 yachts devroyent estre envoyés pour nettoyer la Bocht ou costes de France, depuis Bretaigne jusqu'à Bayonne, contre les Biscains.

Il y a eu encore beaucoup de bruit touchant le rapport Anglois; car la Zelande, la Frise, & Groningue, & Omlande, ont fait faire quelque annotation, quoyque les sieurs Beverning, Nieuport, voire Jongestal mesme (qui estoit assez d'accord) ont fort travaillé afin de faire ofter ou cesser cette annotation; neantmoins elle y demeura, combien que l'annotation ne contienne rien de la conclusion, qu'implicite.

Aujourd'huy encore a esté sur le tapis l'affaire de Brandebourg; estant rapporté (ce qui en fust dit hier) à l'assemblée; & les ministres de Brandebourg ont insisté, 1. A ce que cet estat voulust accepter & permettre la garantie du traité, que l'electeur a fait avec Pologne. 2. Ils parlent d'ulterieur traité, en cas que la Swede voudroit faire mal à Brandebourg, pour choses qui sont passées en Prussie, & pour choses qui resultent du susdit traité, à quoy la Hollande mesme n'est pas preste; ains se deliberera encore.

Les estats generaux revocant au cœur la remonstrance de la reyne de Bohême & sa pleinte, ont resolu d'oster à la princesse d'Hohenzollern la creation des magistrats à Bergenop-Zoom, jusqu'à ce qu'elle aura donné satisfaction à cet estat, touchant l'enlevement de la princesse Louise. Je reste

Vostre très-humble serviteur.

Ce 11 Janvier 1658. [N. S.]

A letter of intelligence from the Hague.

Vol. lvii. p. 23.

[Paragraph contains cyphered content — see page image]

Monsieur,
Le principal, qui maintenant est en main & sur le tapis, est la conference avec les ministres de Brandenburgh, estant une grande inconvenience entre les estats d'Hollande & Brandenburgh. Car comme Brandenburgh (s'ayant separé d'avec le Swede, & ligué avec Dennemark, l'empereur, Poland), a fait une chose très-agreable & delectable à les estats d'Hollande; ainsy le Brandenbourgh taschera de tirer de les estats d'Hollande tout assistence & subside; & la correspondence ne fust jamais si bonne qu'à present entre Brandenburgh & les estats d'Hol. au moins ceux, qui y ont la direction. Car il y en a bien, qui ne vont pas si viste, & voyent bien, qu'il y en a de la passion, & qu'aucuns y jouirent leur personnage parmy. Le Brandenburgh donne un exemple de changement notable, quid sit fidere in homine; neantmoins ceux de sa religion cherchoient faire un peu plus de profession de foy & loyauté, & ne pas tourner ainsi avec tout vent, ny de happer aussy-tost quand on voit quelque advantage, ne faisant cas de parole, ny de soy, ny de serment. Mais les estats d'Hollande font doctes dans la mesme matiere, & ne cedent guere à Brandenburgh; & je croy, que les estats d'Hollande font aisé d'avoir un exemple en Brandenburgh & Brandenburgh d'avoir l'example de les stats d'Hollande. Maintenant ces directeurs dans les estats d'Hollande font ce qu'ils peuvent pour engager les estats generaux à la garantie de cette traité, que Brandenburgh a fait avec Poland; mais je doute fort si tous les estats generaux seront si hastés: aussy l'on scait bien, que tant Brandenburgh que Dennemark ne cherchent que l'argent de les estats d'Hollande. Mais les estats d'Hollande font fort aveuglés en leur passion. Exterieurement il semble bien, qu'en ces negotiations d'entre le Swede & Dennemark ils ne veuillent aller qu'avec communication de Cromwell & France; mais il est certain, s'ils voyent que Cromwell connive ou dissimule tant soit peu, que les estats d'Hollande envoyeront tous les navires de guerre & l'armée vers Dennemark contre le Swede & ayant mis bas le Swede, il y a grande apparence qu'ils en veulent à Cromwell car soyez asseuré, que le cœur ne vaut rien à l'endroit de Cromwell, & s'il ne prend garde, il le verra; mais si le protecteur declare positivement, qu'il fera la mesme chose pour le Swede que les estats d'Hollande feront pour Dennemark, la paix se trouvera bientost. Car rien n'oblige tant les estats d'Hollande à aider le Dennemark, que le tour que Dennemark fit à Cromwell l'an 1652; & c'est aussy le fort argument que le Danois a tousjours dans la bouche, car l'allegation de son danger & necessité est une vraye raillerie. Qui est si fol au monde, qui ne voit que le Danois, l'empereur, Brand. Poland valent plus que le Swede? mais des que le Swede (I'an 1652) declaroit de ne vouloir pas aller si viste contre Cromwell commeles estats d'Hollande le vouloient, des ce temps-là les estats d'Hollande ont porté rancune contre le Swede; & maintenant ils croient avoir trouvé l'occasion belle. Si Cromwell ne trouve pas bon de declarer à les estats d'Hollande positivement ce que je viens de dire, & sera forcer le Swede de traiter avec l'empereur, & alors les estats d'Hollande se trouveront peut-estre encore bien plus embarassés. Je suis,

Monsieur,
Vostre très-humble.

Ce 11 Janvier, 1658, [N.S.]

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

Vol. lvii. p. 17.

My Lord,

We expect here with impatience mr. Downing, of whom we have yet no news. I thank you with all my heart for the information you were pleased to give me of his qualities, and of the conditions of his person. They write to me from the court, that he is to have order from the lord protector to act jointly with me for the accommodation of Portugal. It is most certain, that this state doth incline to a peace with Portugal; but I perceive they apprehend a suspension of arms, mistrusting, that it is secretly suggested by the Portugueze to gain time, and so to deceive them at last, as they say they did by them formerly. For my part I think, if we can agree about the conditions, it will be best to finish the business out of hand. Monsr. de Brienne writ me word, that the affliction of his eminence for the mischance of his nephew had hindered him from sending me the powers by this last post, to negotiate the renovation of the alliance; and that I shall have them by the next.

It is not yet known what is become of the princess Louisa; she hath writ a second letter to the queen of Bohemia, but not naming the place from whence it is writ. By this letter she justifieth and excuseth the princess of Hohenzollern in having any hand in her retreat; but she unhappily forgot to burn two letters, which were in her cabinet, which came from the said princess of Hohenzollern, whereby it doth appear, that she had a hand in it; and which being come to the view of the states, they prosecute the said princess of Hohenzollern criminally, and by provision have already suspended her of her right, which she had in the naming of officers and magistrates in her marquisate of Berghen-op-Zoom, and she is threatned to be worse used.

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

Hague, 11 Jan. 1658. [N. S.]

Vol. lvii. p. 19.

Sir,
I Wrote to you the last week, and told you in my former, that the Danes had spoke of 1500 men in their propositions here; where it is believed 6000 will be granted. Whether all be to be new raised, or mixed with some old, will be resolved in the next assembly, which will hardly be compleat before the 20th this stile. The Danes lose reputation daily, 500 Swedish horse and dragoons having obliged 1400 of them, well fortified on a pass, to retreat, and leave their cannon behind them. The letters from Germany this week confirm fully what was writ by the last, that the electors are resolved to make the king of Hungary emperor; and for that purpose resolve all to be at Frankfort in person in February next, where they will dispatch the work with as much expedition as they can, and all in order to give the house of Austria liberty to send 15 or 20 thousand foot for the preservation of Flanders; the securing whereof is represented as a general good. In that meeting will be press'd the peace betwixt France and Spain, Sweden and Denmark, with her adherents; which if it cannot be effected, a league will be proposed to drive those two kings out of what they possess in the empire; unto which Saxony and Brandenburgh are thought to have consented.

I have seen a letter, that if a general peace can be made, there will be a general undertaking against England upon Ch. Stuart's account. This was not doubted. You need not ask from what fort of men that letter was writ.

An intercepted letter of lieutenant-colonel Doleman.

Dort, 11 Jan. 1658. [N.S.]

Vol. lvii. p. 21.

Dear mr. Thomas,
I Am sorry to hear of your father's indisposition: God in mercy send him patience and comfort, and restore him again to his former health. For the symptoms of a plague against the succeeding summer, you know such sicknesses for some years have constantly followed the coronation of your kings, and may now be destined on the like occasion, since we yet are so stupid as not to improve on so remarkable punishments.

We have very little news. The attack of Mardyke will be deferred 'till towards the spring: and if the king of Hungary be speedily emperor, as we believe he will, he being at present powerfully armed and freed from all apprehensions at home, will be able to supply the Spaniard, and so divert the French in attacking Alsace, that they will not much apprehend you in Flanders; and these are the only hopes the Spaniard hath now.

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

Vol. lvii. p. 14.

H. and M. lords,
My lords, I addressed myself to the court, to demonstrate how that upon the 1st of December last 8 French pirates (as having double commissions as well of France as of Portugal) were gone to sea out of the river of Lisbon, under which was Justo and Charles de Bils, who took the Netherland ship called the Elephant, and brought her into Portugal. We must expect what the lord French embassador de Cominges at Lisbon will be able to effect concerning this fact, he being expresly ordered by the king to look after it. And in regard good intentions and just affairs do require their furtherance and help, I humbly conceive it will not be amiss, that this business be recommended to the lord embassador de Thou, that the effects may follow. I understand, that the said de Bils with his companion captain Collard are now in France, and will be easily found to answer their piracy in a court of justice. The said Collard was forced into Brest by a storm, and hath contracted with the governor of that place for himself and his fellows, which are French Portugal pirates, there to harbour, to bring in Holland prizes, and to sell them there, to the great profit of the said governor; so that now that brave harbour of Brest doth seem to be designed for a general rendezvous for pirates, against the subjects of the United Netherlands. But I am told, that the king and council having notice thereof, have writ to the lieutenant-general of the king in Bretagne, and also to the governor of Brest, to prohibit him from harbouring any such pirates. And I am told, that the lord embassador de Thou is written unto, that no harm shall follow from all that is contracted with the said governor. This business of Brest being of great concernment, it deserveth the more care to be taken of it; which shall not be wanting in me, so long as I shall officiate in the quality I am in.

W. Boreel.

Paris, 11 Jan. 1658. [N. S.]

Boreel, the Dutch embassador at Paris, to the states-general.

Vol. lvii. p. 27.

H. and M. lords,
My lords, in Catalonia the Spaniards had a design upon Roses, there being but a weak garrison in it; but the same miscarried: and now cometh advice, that they have besieged that place; and now they be very busy to consider how to preserve that place. The queen of Sweden is still at Fontainebleau. Here are great preparations making in this kingdom against Naples (as some say) both by land and water; but as yet there is no writing with any certainty of it, the business not being yet ripe.

Now that the country of Montferrat is wholly destroyed of provisions and people, the French troops in Italy are forced to quarter in the dukedom of Mantua and Cremona, that so that duke may be moved to leave the Austrian party, and to join again with the French.

Here is arrived an envoy from the king of Sweden, being a military person; and there is another shortly expected of a higher quality, to confer (as some say) about business of great consequence. There is yet nothing fully concluded with Portugal, although that crown doth press hard for the accomplishing of the match between this king and the princess of Portugal.

In regard that the Spaniards have continually some design upon Flanders, which giveth great suspicions here, and doth cause them to keep their forces upon the frontiers of Flanders, to relieve that place, if need be. In the place of sir John Reynolds is to be sent out of England the lord Fauconberg, son-in-law of the lord protector. There is a great infection and mortality amongst the English at Mardyke and Bourburgh, so that their number daily decreaseth; and thereby the preservation of those places falleth heavy to this nation.

W. Boreel.

Paris, 11 Jan. 1658. [N. S.]

Memorial of the Swedish commissaries.

Vol. lvii. p. 34

In prioribus scriptis nostris diximus nos non posse, nec in mandatis habere, neque credere huic commissioni nostræ consentaneum esse, vulnera ante sanata, quæ cicatricem obduxere, nunc de novo refricare: & ingenue etiamnum confitemur nos illo de examine novo causarum capturæ & detentionis navium vel bonorum nullatenus instructos esse. Et quomodo esse poterimus in re tàm certâ, & semel atque iterum inter utrosque fœderatos amicè verbisque expressis conclusà? ne fortassis si in hoc executionis negotio & restitutio nis ac satisfactionis tractatu, ad tales iterum disceptationes, nostro quidem judicio, post ipsos principales tractatus fœderaque mutuo initia, & inconvenientes, & talibus in casibus inusitatas descenderemus; non tàm tenderet hæc negotiatio nostra, & collimaret ad finem utrinque speratum, quàm potius excitaret & commoveret partem læsam ad dissidentiam quandam amicitiæ, quàm indies crescere cupit, & magis magisque colere vult sacra regia majestas Sueciæ, clementissimus rex & committens noster. Concluso enim per binos tractatus fœdere tanquam solido fundamento, & insertis inibi tàm genuinis veræ & insucatæ amicitiæ signis, fructibusque æquitatis, sc. restitutiones rerum vel liberatarum, vel liberandarum; & quoque satisfactiones sumptuum, expensarum, & damnorum ex detentione factorum; censuit omnino clementissimus rex noster, non nisi æquum arbitrium commissoriorum utrinque constituendorum, & simplicem eorum determinationem, atque conclusi eorum executionum restare; & proinde cessare debere arbitratus est in tali finali & executivo per finales utrinque deputatos arbitros negotio, omnes scrupulosas quæstiones, quæ spem boni successus, speratumque tractatuum conclusorum fructum sæpe proscindere, & amputare solent. Quod si autem pars læsa in hoc negotio concederet visitationem navium esse rem non novam & tolerabilem, cum jus sit indubitatum dependens à supremitate dominii in mare huic vel illi competente, naves quasvis transeuntes, belli cumprimis tempore, visitare, & unde venerint, quove iverint, inquirere; non tamen inde sequi videtur, vel directe vel per indirectum æquitatem pati, illas, post visas & lectas salvi conductus literas, aliasque gentibus approbatas certificationes, tot septimanas & menses, imò annos unum vel alterum sine ullâ damnorum refusione detineri; multo minus existimamus id fieri debere post pacta de eo conventa. Quod si quoque pars læsa largiretur naves vel bona capta per sententias definitivas in hâc vel illâ curiâ latas esse, vel absoluta, vel condemnata, easque debere sententias in pace quiescere, cum nulla per navium magistros facta sit provocatio; non tamen inde inferri debet, quamvis navarhus in illâ actione justitiæ primariâ, factis tot expensis defatigatus acquieverit, huic primario justitiæ actui de navibus bonisque relaxandis, quod exinde omnia earum actionum & æquitatis consequentia per leges & status componenda, id est de satisfactione ex æquo & bono præstanda, omnibusque sumptibus & damnis refundendis, sint neglecta, præterita vel posthabita. Quin imò à parte nostrâ exacte novimus, cum ablegatum D. Lagersfeldium anno 1653, plurimis scriptis (quorum hic aliquot copialiter annectuntur) sæpius id ursisse, tum residentem sacræ regiæ majestatis Sueciæ apud fœderatos Belgii ordines D. Appelbomium per literas & commissarium Bonellum oretenus id negotii multoties iterasse. Et inde quoque factum est, quod hic fœderatus cum nostro status post tot commonefactiones, recommendationes, & protestationes per extraordinarium legatum suum D. Whitlocke consensit, Upsaliæ, anno 1654, huic navium & bonorum præfatæ restitutioni, itemque satisfactioni plenariæ. Quæ conventio in posteriori fœderatorum tractatu Westmonasteriensi anno 1656 iterum repetitur claris & expressis verbis, quibus nos constanter juxta simplicem, verum, & genuinum tenorem, imò humillime insistimus, Deum T. O. contestando, & judicem intentionum confœderatorum, & actionum nostrarum, quod in hâc commissione nostrâ hactenus rectâ progredi voluerimus, & adhuc velimus, summo cum candore, æquitate, & sinceritate; cum velit clementissimus rex noster & dominus, ut id, quod par & æquum est, in hâc negotiatione nostrâ secundùm verba tractatus conclusi sine morâ fiat & præstetur. Et omnino quoque speramus & considimus, velle serenissimum celsissimum dominum protectorem Angliæ, &c. ut à parte hâc, juxta mandatum ejus, recta procedatur, sine morâ; & injecto aliquo scrupulo; ne hic tractatus noster ullo modo spatium trimestre à die 10 Novembris numerandum excedat. Et idcirco profitemur nos quoque scripto hoc nostro, nos nequaquam aversari viam aliquam convenientem, vel media ad speratum hunc finem tendentia, dummodo sint consentanea cum tractatibus initis, & ad verum confœderatorum scopum & intentionem pertingant.

Script. Londini, die 1 Jan. anno 1658.

J. Barkman.

Joach. Potter.

J. Prytz.

Mr. Payne to the lord Nieuport at the Hague.

Westminster, 11 January 1658. [N. S.]

Vol. lvii. p. 15.

Here is come news, that six East-India ships, namely the Eagle, the Merchant of Smyrna, the Society, the African, the Benjamin, and another richly laden, are arrived in the Downes; which giveth a great encouragment to the new East-India company. The lord protector hath lately bestowed three new places in his court, namely to his steward capt. Maydstone a place called master-cofferer; to mr. Waterhouse, master of the green-cloth; and to the auditor, substitute-comptroller of the court; which were in the time of the king.

Scout-master-general Downing, who is going in the quality of resident to reside with their H. and M. L. departeth hence to-morrow morning early for the Hope, where a frigat lieth ready to transport him into Holland.

An intercepted letter.

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

I Pray let my cousin know from me, that her factor is very kind to her, and careful of her, and doth often enquire after her health, as a thing he desireth much to hear of. He and his brother have been this week at Gent, where they have treated with all the Spanish merchants; and, as they tell me, have conditioned and agreed for all those commodities, which she expects should be sent over; and I am told, all things will be ready about six weeks hence. I could send you a list of the commodities; but I believe, that will not be necessary until they come. I desire, that all who are concerned in this adventure will pray heartily for the safe landing of the goods; for I am confident, that this adventure will make us all rich, if we miscarry not at sea. The time is short, and therefore I pray hasten what I expect; for it will be to no purpose, unless it come speedily, to put me into a capacity to buy all such goods as shall be necessary for my voyage. It is like to be my last adventure, and therefore I hope my friends will not be backward to furnish me according to the urgency of the occasion; and if God bless me, I shall be able to requite all their kindnesses.

[1 January 165⁷/8.]

An intercepted letter.

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

My good nephew,
I Have lately receved to letters from you, the on of the 19th, and the other of the 22d of December, for which I thanke you; and am very glad, that in your last you give me hops of your ant's recovery; which good news, I will assure you, was most welcom to me: and if you confirm my hops, after you have sen her, and bin with her yourself, I shal be much mor comforted, I having gret belefe, that your presence will much rejoice her: and I hop, that you wil be able to perswade my cousins to shew that duty and obedience that they oght to pay to your ant; and I hop you will be able to prevale with your ant, to have patience, and not to vex and be trobled at that she cannot help. I pray comend me most kindli to her, and tel her, that she hath my continual prayers for her. Forget me not to my yong cosens. Al the good pepel with us salut you, and wish you hapines. And I am ever

Your most loving ant,
Mary Welsh.

12th of Jan. 1657/8. [N. S.]

For my deer nephu.

Written on the other side in white ink.

Sir,
I Have received both your letters, and shewed them to your friend, who is very glad to hear, that his friends are soe well disposed; and if he be not speedily with them, it will not be his fault; for I am sure he presseth all that he can: and the Irish, he hath their faithful promise both by word and writinge, to assist him with what is requisite for his business; but you know what a slow dull people he hath to do withall, who will goe their own pace. Let us say and doe what wee please, if their own interest will not move them, I am sure ours will not; but your friend is very confident of their promises, and doubts not but that he shall have the speedy effects thereof. I am more affraid, that your lord at Gaunt doth not doe his part as he ought, than I am of any other, all people heare begininge to grow very jealous of him, and to feare, that he doth abuse his master, and not negotiate as he ought to doe. Your frend desires you very much to remember his buisinesse at Waymouth; he lokes upon it as a buisinesse of great concernement. I hope you will write me by the next somwhat of it, and what my frends will doe, or are able to doe, if occasion be offer'd. I doe not well understand what you meane in writinge, that those of your have aplyed themselves to the cheese of them, and seeme to be very sorry to heare, that the lord you mention is like to dye; soe that I gather, they had great confidence in him.

They pretend heare, that they shal be speedily ready; but I am consident, that they cannot be ready untill March. It is true we have many regiments assigned us, but I seare they will be thinne ones; and that the noice of the regiments wil be more then the num ber of the men. I pray encourage and comfort my frends, and pray heartily for a safe passage; and if we once are landed, I doubt not we shall finde successe or an honourable grave.

Sir Edward Herbert is dead, and sir Edward Hide is made lord chancellor. We shall have some new lords made.

Extracts out of the several resolutions of their H. and M. L. states-general of the United Netherlands.

Sabbathi, 12 Jan. 1658. [N. S.]

The lords Huygens and other their H. and M. L. commissioners for the affairs of Sweden have exhibited to the assembly a certain draught of a letter, to be sent to the lord embassadors extraordinary of this state, which the king of Sweden gave in answer to theirs of the 24th of December last from Wismar, and directed to griffier Ruysh: Whereupon being debated, the said draught is agreed on and concluded; and a copy of the same shall be sent to the lord embassador Beuningen in Denmark, to serve for his instruction. The lords commissioners of the provinces of Zealand, Friezland, and Groningen, do declare, that they cannot consent to the first branch in the said letter, as having order for the ratification of the treaty of Elbing; and to the second part they do agree, with the good liking of the lords their principals.

The states-general to their embassadors in Sweden.

Vol.lvii. p. 51.

My lords,
We have with attention and observation examined and considered that, which your lordships have writ in three several letters, all directed to our griffier, and dated at Wismar, upon the 24th of the last month; and therein perceived, not without admiration, that the king of Sweden was still declining and scrupling all, as well our mediation offered, as the perfecting of the project of elucidation and further declaration; that also his majesty was not pleased to declare himself any ways further upon the one or the other, before that the ratification of the treaty of Elbing be duly performed in debita forma, and that besides his majesty however is resolved to go from what was formerly adjusted about the said elucidation; upon all which we, after due deliberation, have thought fit to return unto you this answer: That it is no wise our mind and intention, and the present constitution of affairs can in no wise bear it, that any ratification about the said treaty of Elbing be exchanged before the same be elucidated and further interpreted, according to the good intention in the foregoing resolutions, and especially in the last letter of the 4th of August last mentioned at large; there being thereunto added, that which we made further known unto you concerning the beginning of the obligation of the said treaty upon the 25th of October following, whereby we herewith are still persisting. And you are to endeavour, to make the said king to apprehend the equity, yea the necessity thereof, as also to dispose his said majesty to accept our mediation offered; and to assure him, that we will endeavour to effect the desired peace upon reasonable and honourable considerations. Also the treaty in that wise being elucidated and further interpreted, there shall be no defect in the ratification of the said treaty in its due form, with all the speed that may be; desiring thereupon to understand the final resolution of his majesty, which we cannot believe will be any other than an order to perfect and finish that, which is yet wanting about the said elucidation; as also to accept of our mediation, according to former custom. Whereunto God Almighty be pleased to give his gracious blessing; to whose protection we herewith commit you.

Hague, 12 Jan. 1658. [N. S.]

To the Venetian resident.

Antwerp, 12 Jan. 1658. [N. S.]

Vol. lvii. p. 48.

We have here no news to write at present. The court is still at Ghent, and is daily expected at Brussels, and the troops draw by degrees to their winter-quarters; so that Mardyke will now have some rest for a while. The sickness is still in that fort. If the Spaniard do not recover it, the country of Flanders will run much danger the next campaign. In Spain they are busy in feasting for thebirth of the young prince; they take no thought of the business of Flanders. The birth of the said prince will advance very much the interest of the house of Austria in the empire, and that now the election of the emperor will proceed without difficulty.

D'ormesson to Bordeaux, the French embassador in England.

Calais, 12 Jan. 1658. [N.S.]

Vol. lvii. p. 36.

My lord,
Yesterday I received a letter from Mardyke, wherein they advise me, that a ship a laden with hay was arrived there. She had in her 261 trusses of hay, each truss weighing 46 pounds, and 200 trusses of straw, being about the ordinary bigness of four. I hope the rest of the hay will be arrived there e'er now, the wind being favourable for those parts.

I am glad you have sent the bill of charges of the hay to his eminence, because he may see himself in what place it will be most advantageous to make further provision for the subsistance of the horse design'd for that place; and I shall have but to execute his orders.

I writ to you in my last, that the king had given me order not to pay any English but such officers and soldiers as were present. In this letter I will add, that the officers would not suffer their companies to be muster'd, which was desired a week ago for to have paid them for the last month of December; inraged, they said, that some soldiers died at the end of the month, to whom they advanced their pay for their subsistance, and that so this diminution would fall upon them to their loss. Upon this his eminence writ me word, that I should do according to justice and the usual custom in the like cases; and that if the English officers would not submit to it, he desired, that I should write to you about it, to obtain of the lord protector such necessary orders to oblige the officers to be contented with what was reasonable; and to prevent this difficulty for the future, he ordered me to pay them every fortnight.

We are advised from several hands, that the enemy is march'd into their winter-quarters, and has deferr'd the siege of Mardyke to another time. Mons. Mancini is gone for Paris, having rested here a day or two: he did not know any thing of the death of his brother. You have heard without doubt of his sad disaster; being at play with the schollars of his age in the Jesuits college, where they use to toss one another in a plain blanket, they let him fall, and bruised his head, whereof he died on the 5th instant. The cardinal is very sorry for his death. The mareschal d'Aumont hath received orders from the king to quit Mardyke, and to return into Boulonnois when he pleaseth, having established the garrison, and put the fortifications into a good condition. I have sent the orders for the two companies of Swissers, which are at Ardres, to march for Mardyke. I have sent a great convoy to Bourburgh, and I hope to send them another to morrow; after which it will be in a condition to withstand the frost, and the cessation of commerce for six weeks or two months.

General Monck to secretary Thurloe.

Vol. lvii. p. 45.

Sir,
Being informed, that lieutenant-colonel Patrick Hay, who is a dangerous person, and was of the partie late in the hills, having bin in Flanders, is lately returned to London, and may be found in the earl of Carlile's country or citty-house, or at mr. Coates's house, a victualler, next doore to New Bridewell in Clerkenwell, I thought fitt to acquaint you with it, that you may please to appoint some to apprehend and secure him, if you think good. Which is all at present from

Your very humble servant,
George Monck.

Dalkeith, 2 Jan. 1657/58.

Lockhart, embassador in France, to secretary Thurloe.

Paris, Jan. 2/12, 1657/8.

Vol. lvii. p. 47.

May it please your lordship,
Yesternight I waited upon his eminence by his own order. I condoled his nephew's death, and assured him his highness would receive the news of his greatt losse with very sensible resentments. After the civilities usuall upon such occasions was past, his eminence prest me much to moove his highness, that the six English regiments might be reduced to fower. He made it his desyer to me severall tymes before, but I still diswaded him from it; but it seems now he hath given order to mons. de Bourdeaux to urge it; and since mons. Turenn's returne, he hath been so earnest in it, as I could putt him off no longer. The reasones he gives for this reduction, is first the weaknesse of our forces, which will not amount to above the number of four compleatt ones. Their is also wanting of officers, who are either dead, or have absented themselves without leave, to the number of 80 or 90. Some of the officers, that are present, are not so fit for their commands as were to be wished, who by this reducement might be purged out, and the body restored to a better condition than formerly. And to the end he might cleare himself from having intentions to save money, or infringe the treatty, he offer'd, that at the same tyme his highness shall consent to the aforesaid reducements, he will give ready mony for 2000 new men to be raised, and putt into two new regiments, with officers as his highness shall think fit to give them; and added, that the most essential motive, that inclyn'd him to desire this favour from his highness, was, that all the officers of that body might by this example be taught to expect their continuance in their charges in the future, from the zeal they should express for keeping their companies compleat, which he said will be no small advantage to the common interest; and blames the officers for having been very carelesse in this point hearetofore. I gave him no hopes, that this proposition would rellish; but upon the contrary express'd fears it might occasion jealousie. He answered me, it could not, since he made it only his very earnest desire, and submitted its reasonablenesse to his highness's pleasure; from whom also he beggs, that a person of eminence, fidelity, and parts, may be entrusted with the general command of the forces. Your lordship's proposition concerning Mardike is not yet come to my hands; so that I forbear mentioning any thing touching that affayre. His eminence entertained me at large concerning the affairs of Germanie: the substance of it was, that the election will be carry'd in favour of the king of Hungarie; the elector of Mayence hath declared himself publickly for it: his pretence for change of party is, it is no more to be feared, that the empyr and the kingdome of Spayne will fall into one man's share. Upon the first news of the prince of Spain's birth, I did hint to your lordship my apprehensions, that it would facilitate the king of Hungarie's being elected; and yet I perswade my self, that emergence hath contributed more to the pretence then the reality of the thing, which I believe hath been intended all along, notwithstanding of these hopes to the contraire, wherewith his eminence flatter'd himself; so that this needs be no surpryse, but the consequences of it lyke to prove sadd; for the king of Hungarie is resolved to lift his mask, and declare open warr against the Swede, whom the duke of Brandenburgh hath most wickedly and basely betrayed, by undertaking his expulsion out of Pomerania; for effectuating whereof, he is to levy an army of 20000 men, with which, and the assistance he expects from the imperiall forces, and those of the elector of Saxonie, he pretends to be able to peforme his promise. The solemne oaths and covenants he is under with the king of Sweden, renders this treacherie the more signally odious. I am hopefull God will not only disappoint his hopes of reducing Pomerania, to which he hath now no just pretence, since by the treatie of Munster satisfaction to more than the valew of his right is given, but will raise him new enemies, whose successe against him shall eminently witnesse the Lord's abhorency of his perfidious dealings. The duke of Newbourg offers to reassume his pretences to the dutchie of Juliers' and Cleves: he is encouraged to it from hence by promises of assistance; and it seems not to be against the interest of the king of Swedden's freinds to favor that designe, to the end the duke of Brandenburgh may find work elsewhere, and so be diverted from prosecuting his pernicious intentions in Pomerania.

His eminence at parting gave me the enclosed lybell (which, tho' a most wicked peice, contains nothing save the oppinion of the generalitie of the clergy, and other bigots heare) and told me, his enemies had recompens'd the injurie they had done him, by giving him the honor of putting him in the same category with his highness. I beg, that after your lordship's perusall of it, it may be sent to my lord Faconberge.

The Lord hath blessed me with new hopes of my poore wyse's recovery; but the appearance of it is accompanyed with so many fears by reasone of her former relapses, as I am not yet without much troble upon her account; which with the constant attendance I am forced to give her, occasions the confusion and disorder of what you receive from,

May it please your lordship,
Your most humble, faithfull, and obedient servant,
Will. Lockhart.

We were yesterday allarumed with ill news from Nisms, one of the most considerable citties of the Protestants. It was reported, that they and the Roman Catholickes had been by the ears, and that much blood had been shed. Their currier arrived this morning, and informes, their hath been some despute upon the account, that the governor, by the instigation of their bishopps, would have deprived the citizens of their privilige of chosing their magistrates: the Catholickes as well the Protestants oppos'd the governor, who had arm'd the garrison against this town. Their is not above half a score killed of the garison, and the chiefe of the Protestants saved the bishopps and governor's lyfs.

Edward Waringe, &c. to secretary Thurloe.

Vol. lvii. p. 32.

Right honourable,
The contents of his highness's letter of the 24th past were, in obedience to his commands, with all speed communicated to the chief officers commanding two troops of colonel Bridge's regiment, now quarter'd in this town, who readily gave their utmost assistance in putting them into execution. And in regard they were strangers in these parts, that they might not rest wholly upon any intelligence as to persons now secured, I procured some faithful knowing persons, who were able to give us a character of that party all this county over, whereby we are enabled to assure your honor, that the persons named in the inclosed list, who are now in custody by a guard in this town, are all such as have been, and we do believe still are in their several capacities upon all occasions ready to close and fall in with the first opportunity to disturb the peace of this commonwealth, being for the most part men of rude and riotous lives, and as resolvedly desperate, as is imaginable. Many of them having consumed much of their estates, are rendered much the more insolent in their actings, which some of us too often experience. Sir, for such of that party among us, who have considerable estates, we observe to be very private and reserv'd in their actions, but know and believe a good correspondence to be kept by the whole. You may please to remember I hinted one colonel S . . . . in my last, who is now in Cheshire; but upon his returne shall be sent for: he is a civil person, but much respected as the fittest leader by that city. I have many more in my eye, and so under it, that shall be ready to obey his highness's pleasure upon the first notice. We shall crave your honour's acceptance of our faithful endeavours to answer your trust, and on our behalf to represent them, when required from,

Sir, your humble honourers,
Edmond Waringe.

Matt. Fann.

George Bernardiston.

Shrewsbury, 2d Jan. 1657/8.

We find for arms only here and there a fowling-piece, and a few good horses.

Major-general Jephson to secretary Thurloe.

Vol. lvi. p. 60.

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Sir,
I Met your's of the 20th of December, upon wednesday last at Lubeck, from whence departing the next day, I arrived here upon fryday; and having desired audience of the king, went upon saturday morning early to impart to him such things as you had given mee in commaund. I discourst largly to him the reasons, which hinder'd you from give ing you that present supply of mony which was promised, and hee very earnestly expected. Hee could not (or at least would not) seeme to be unsatisfyed with them; but I found he was very much troubled that the thing was not done. I wrote somthing in my last concerning the needfull n e s of it, which I doe now earnestly second, desiring it may b e done with all possible speed, as thinking, that it may probably prove (even to your owne interest) much more prejudiciall then the difficultye of raising so much can possibly b e to you; my reason for it beeing the only s u p p l y. which can be given him at this time of year, unless that bee done to give him a n e a r n e s t of your reall intentions to give him your a s s i s t a n c e, hee may be forced (though much against his will) to make such a peace with Poland as may include k. Austr. to which prest by France, upon pretence, that although you bee i n c l u de d, yet there will be sufficient ground for him and them to make war in Germanye; that is to say, k. Sweden upon this breach of the a r t i c l e s of M u n s t e r, by permitting Deam to take B r e m e r l f o r d from him in his absence, and k. France particularly against imperialists for sending continuall s u p p l i e s in to F l a n d e r s. But k. Sweden thinkes the true reason, which inclines k. France to this counsell, is, to avoyd trouble and charge of a s s i s t ing him in his war on the imperialists, to which they are b o u n d by the treaty. Hee sayes, the king of Denmarke is frequently supplyed by the Hollanders; and if he will not make a peace with him, without including all interests (which he lookes upon as a mere delay) hee must be fore't to conclude with such as will doe it without him. It is doubted here, that there is a designe of the Austrians and Poles to fall into Pomerania, where it is verily believ'd, that the electour of Brandenborgh will joyne with them; and then the king suspects, that they will all march forwards into Holstein, to fall upon his army there. This necessitates the king (in this bitter weather) to goe thither, to visit his army, and to consult with his officers there. As farr as I can ghuesse, hee is resolv'd (if they bee treble his number) to give them battle; for hee told mee himselfe, that he could make 10000 good horse, and 4000 foote, with which I am confident hee will not scruple to fight with them, if they be 30000; nor doe I thinke it very improbable, hee may beate such an army compos'd of divers nations, of different religions and interests, under severall generalls. I thought it fit to discourse particularly with his majesty concerning F r i s e n d o i f, who give mee very full assurance, that hee had not indeavour'd to d i s p a r a g e the lord F l e e t w o o d with him; or if he had, that it were not possible for him to effect, hee being very sensible, how much it is for his interest to respect him according to his worth, whose power in England by his brother's meanes, and his fidelitye to his service, hee is very apprehensive of. I receyv'd this last weeke two letters from mr. Bradshawe, in both which hee earnestly presseth for his returne, as not being able to procure an awnswer to his second addresse from the duke of Muscovie. I spake with the king thereupon upon saturnsday, who told mee, that it was noe more then what was done to the ministers of divers other princes, who have beene long upon his frontiers in the same manner, none having been admitted for these last 3 or 4 months; which causes some to conjecture, that the duke is dead; and others, that there are some troubles risen amongst themselves. Certainly there is somthing extraordinary in it, which hath likewise hinder'd the Muscovite from assisting the Pole in the seidge of Riga, which still continues, but with greatest damadge of the assailants, who, as mr. Bradshaw writes to mee, have lately lost 150 men by a sally from the towne. I purpose before the king's going hence to discourse with him concerning mr. Bradshawe's return, whereof I shall give you a further account by the next. I have likewise since my last receyv'd a letter from mr. Meadowe, of the 20th of December, wherein he signifyes the receypt of the k. of Swede's last awnswer, a copy whereof I have formerly sent you. How thinges are alter'd there, and what small hopes hee hath of a peace, hee tells mee he hath made knowne to you at large; therefore I shall not trouble you with that businesse. I shall about a fortnight hence want more money, whereof I shall send you a particular account by the next. I mention this only, because mr. Nowell desyred me still to give you timely notice. I have formerly intimated to you, that I had made a particular acquaintance with one of the Detch ambass. who serves for Z e a land. and have dayly more cause to believe, what I then hinted to you, of the possibilitye to divide Z e a land, which he seemes very much to abhorr. Upon the sicknesse of his w i f e, hee hath procur'd l e a v to goe h o m e. Hee told mee, hee should bee very happy to bee instrumentall in renewing a perfect good intelligence betwixt England. and that province, which beeing irreconcileable to h. Austr. hee thinkes will easilye bee divided from Holland, in case they shall joyne with it. Hee spake to mee of some little unkindnesses done by England to Zealand, by deteyning some small prizes they had taken from Portugall. I only propose it to your consideration, whither it may not bee for your interest to oblidge them (if it may bee done) in small matters. Your greatest businesse touching the treaty with k. Sweden (which I receyved in your last) I have beene forc't to leave untill last, because I was fayne to send to the secretarye for the king's answer thereupon, whilst I was writing the rest, which I have now receyved to some particulars; as first, that though k. Sweden bee supplyed with men, yet it will bee impossible for him to goe on with soe great a warr without some supply of money, which you may please to consider in what proportion, and on what tearms it may be done. Then hee sayes, that if k. Denm. will not consent to a peace, 'twill not bee possible for him to carry on his warre, unlesse the protect or join with him against the other; and therefore desyres order may bee given to the envoye in Denm. to declare to k. Denm. that unlesse he will assent to peace on equitable terms, you will help k. Swed. against him. Lastly, hee desyres, that in the meane time you would give order to your publique minister in Holland to presse thestates gen. not to assist k. Denm. The many severall occurrencies since my last have procur'd you this tedious letter; which if you will please to pardon to him, who most really is,

Sir, your very affectionate and faythfull servant,
Will. Jephson.

Wismar, 4th Jan. 1657.

A letter of intelligence from Blank Marshall at the Hague.

111 this 14 Jan. N.S. 1658.

Vol. lvii. p. 58.

Sir,
I have not fayl'd, but by every occation did acquaint you how your affayres stood heere. Now there is not one word of Mardik, all the army is gon to quarters; but the English in Dick sumed are starving in the streets. On the 16th instant we all gothere to muster. Ch. Stuart makes us heer very confident to see you suddaynly. The d. York goeth this day to Breda, from whence ther must bee shipinghad. I beleive ther is one great shipread yat Ostend. I have not seene so much bussines since I came hither as see now: what it will turne to I know not; but, sir, I intreate you beleive, that I will not fayle on my part. All is carried very close. Yeiter night Hyde was sworene lord c h a n c e l l o r of E n g l a n d. Sir Mar. Lang. w a s lykwise m a d e l o r d, and s o w a s s i r J o h n B a r t l e t. I s e e strange f a c e s d a y l y c o m i n g h e e r f r o m E n g l a n d. I will not truble you further at present, but I hope in a monethes tyme to give acount of your business. So humbly craves pardon for this bouldness, I rest, and am,
Sir, your most obedient and humble servant,
B. M.

Ormond is apointed to g o t o G e r m a n y.

D'ormesson to Bordeaux, the French embassador in England.

Calais, 15 Jan. 1658. [N.S.]

Vol. lvii. p. 67.

My lord,
The considerations, which you alledge in your last letter upon the resolutions of the king, not to pay any but such English officers as are present, are without doubt worthy of a serious examination; and I have sent them to his eminence, to the end, that if he thinks fit, having seen them, he may moderate the rigour of the orders; which he may do, before I make payment.

I conceive your lordship shall not need to trouble yourself to give any farther order for the buying of more hay for Mardyke, since I understand the horse will be sent for from thence, and there being now no great need of any more; besides, it is cheaper to buy the hay here, if need be.

The two companies of Swissers are going with all speed to Mardyke, and the fortifications thereof are almost finish'd.

H. Cromwell, lord-deputy of Ireland, to the protector.

5th January 1657.

In the possession of William Cromwell esq.

May it please your highness,
It having been advised me from England, that such parliament-men as were thoroughly affected to your highness and government should attend the first sitting of the house, I have hastened away major Morgan, before I could sufficiently instruct him by writing, how to represent to your highness the state of several matters here fitt for your knowledge; for indeed I think I know him to deserve that character, for which reason I desire your highness not easily to think otherwise; and for that I suppose he will be competently able to acquaint your highness out of his own judgment and memory, at least without our chief chief concernments. I desire your highness will take a time to hear him about the affairs of Ireland, or appoint some other fitt persons so to do. I suppose he will not be tedious or impertinent in the relation your highness shall admitt him to make; neither is he so forwardly, as to intrude himself into business, or presse your higness to hear him, unless you give him cause to think you expect it as a duty from him; for I assure your highness, I have reason to say, he is a modest person, and of a very amiable temper. But I wish your highness would take some occasion to know him well, rather than to receive a character of him either from me, who it may be favour him, or from others, who may erre on the other hand; for I make no doubt but you will find him very usefull. I humbly beg your highness, that he may have access to you; and that you will be pleased to give such timely dispatch to our affairs, as the necessity of them requires, &c.

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

Vol. lvii. p. 65.

Sir,
Such of the parliament-men as are willinge, and can bee spar'd, are hasteing over. Major Morgan, whoe is as readie as any to serve his highness, is the first of that number. I have formerly given you my opinion concerning him, and since his laste return hither, upon a diligent observeing of him, I find cause to bee confirm'd in what I have said of him. Hee is very hearty for his highness's interest, and does fully understand our condition here in all respects; wherefore pray heare him, and credditt what he shall say, and use him like my freind. I am

Your very affectionate humble servant,
H. Cromwell.

Dublin, Jan. 5. 1657.