State Papers, 1658: January (2 of 4)

January (2 of 4)

Mr. Bradshaw to secretary Thurloe.

Vol. lvii. p. 75.

Right honorable,
Since my last of the 30th of December hence, I have received your honor's letter of the 3d of that month; not doubtinge, but when it shall be knowne to his highness and the councell, that the great duke answers not att all to my second addresse, sent the 18th of September, I shall have a positive order how to dispose of my selfe, in case the kinge of Sweden should still hold me up here, waiting for what I doubt will never come. Here's a report from Dantzick of a great insurrection in Muscovie; and some write the great duke is assassinated; others, that he hath slaine his father-in-law, whoe attempted his lyfe: but the truth of what hath past, or whether there be any thing of this or noe, wee cannot yet learne, there being there come neither posts nor letters out of Muscovie. Its possible, that some change is befallen, and that it may have occasioned the long delay of their answer to my said letters. From Danzick they alsoe write, that the Poles and Muscovites are agreed touchinge the succession. The Poles have engaged the great duke shall be put to vote in theire free electione, and if he be out-voted, hee shall then peaceably enjoy what he hath got in Poland. Its generally beleeved here, that the meeting at Berlin will produce a general peace, the king of Sweden by his ambassador count Slippenburgh, now with the elector of Brandenburgh, having declared his desire of peace with all princes and states, which alsoe his majesty did in his last letter to me. I am sorie to heare the old enemy at home are at worke againe; but I trust God will disappoint and sutably reward them, whome noe acts of grace will worke upon. Riga is still beseeg'd, but noe conjunction of the Muscovite as yet, that I heare of. Its probable the Poles will strayten the citie till spring, and then goe more roundly to worke, else they must not think to carry it. I wave your farther trouble, remayneinge

Your honor's verie humble servant,
Richard Bradshaw.

Memetz, Jan. 5. 1657.

If the 200 l. be not yet paid to mr. Waynewright, I pray your honor's favour for the ordering of it.

Lockhart, embassador in France, to secretary Thurloe.

Vol. lvii. p. 69.

May it please your lordship,
I Have not been honored with any from your lordship since I received that of December 17th. By the last poast I gave you an account of what past at my audience upon the fryday before, and have nothing to add by this, save that the rumors of generall Reynolds having given a meeting to the pretended duke of York are soe greatt heare, and soe generally beleev'd, that I can no longer depresse them. Its given out by some of Ch. Stuart's factione heare, that something past at that meeting, which I know he could not be capable of; neither doe I beleeve, that any such meeting was: but since the forsaid party gives it out so confidently heare, that they have yett a very considerable intelligence at Mardick, I thought it my dewty to give your lordship this hint of it; and have also advertised majorgeneral Morgan, that their are endeavors a-foot for the debauching of some officers and soldiers in that garrisone; and have prayed him to observe every one's deportment as narrowly as can be; and have told him, that this is so much the more to be exactly looked after, because last tyme the Spanyards recover'd that place, it was by the treachery of an officer, who delivered them up the back port, which is towards the sea. My poore wyfe continues very ill. The Lord hath blessed her with a spirrit humbly submitting to his will; which gives me the better hopes, that he will deliver her from this languishing and dangerous sicknesse, and in so doing have mercy upon,

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

Paris, Jan. 6/16 1657/8.

An intercepted letter.

Paris, Jan. 16, 1658. [N. S.]

Vol. lvii. p. 73.

Reverend doctor,
I shou'd neither know how to excuse my self to you, or to be perfectly reconcil'd to my self for losing the benefit of so many weekes conversation with you, had there either any thing past here worthy your intelligence, or I not resolved to have been the poste my self: but since it is now probable, I shall not make such haste as at first I intended, by reason of my expectation of my lord Inchiquin here about the end of this month at farthest; and that I have hopes by my discourses with him to make a more kinde and comely understanding betweene him and his lady than is yet apparent. I thought it not fit to delay the presentation of my respects to you, nor to hazzard altogether your good opinion upon that little stock of civility you have discern'd in my carriage towards you, without a confirmation of your easy beleefe, by assuring you, that I am constantly,

Sir, your very humble servant,
Jo. Ogle.

I beleeve it is no newes to you, that the princess Lewis, the queene of Bohemia's daughter, is turn'd Roman Catholicke by the perswasion of the princess of Solderen at Berghen; that she hath quitted her mother, and hath beene received into the Carmeletish cloister at Antwerp, and is now from thence on her journey heitherward, where its probable she will be made lady abess. Prince Edward her brother is gone to meete her, to bring her to towne. It is certainly resolved, that some forces shall be sent from hence to Naples by sea; and it is as sure (they say) that the queene of Swede shall be generalissimo of all the army, and the duke of Guise be general, who hath so greate a kindness and regard for her, that many are of opinion, it will prove a match; but I beleeve shee flies higher. Wee heare from Flanders, that Ormond is going embassadour to the king of Hungary. Sir John Barclay is made a baron by the king of Scots. The case is well advanc'd with him since last yeare. My lord of Rochester is depriv'd of his regiment; for what reason, I heare not. I presume his men are molder'd away. If my lord Inchiquin be not here by the end of this month, I shall not attend him longer; and by the end of the next, I hope to give my self the contentment of seeing you, and many other of my good frinds there.

My very greate respects I desire may be made acceptable to your lady, and to Weames and his lady, and mrs. Cousens; and I desire your blessing. If you vouchsase a letter, direct it thus: A monsr. monsr, Ogle, chavelier Anglois au soleil l'or vis-à vis la palais xoial a Paris.

The superscription,
For the reverend dr. Taylor, at his lodging overagainst York-house, London.

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

6 January 1657/8.

In the possession of William Cromwell esq.

Sir,
This day my lord chancellor, sir Mathew Thomlinson, and my selfe, received writts of summons to parliament, but without any letter of advice, what to doe thereupon. I doubt it will not stand with the nature of our trusts, for us all to leave our stations upon those summons only. For my part, I wish I could make use of this occasion of coming over indeed, to obtain those releifs of our necessitys, whereunto I find all my writing hitherto hath contributed very little. I did formerly hint this inclination, but had no answer concerning his highness or your own opinion, as to the proposall. Indeed I think it time, that my leave for coming over were considered, for the reason and necessity thereof doth more appear every day. I do not think my self of much use any where; but I think, were I in England, I might be as serviceable even to the affairs of this countrey (in the condition as things are) as by remaining upon this place, and withall make my condition more comfortable and satisfactory than hitherto it hath been. And I beleive I could, upon a little notice, putt affairs here into such a posture, as that my absence for a convenient time would not be prejudicial. I could enforce this point with many reasons, besides that of naturall affection; but it is not my own opinion, but his highness, that must guide me, as in all other matters, so in this: yet I shall not lessen my hopes; wherefore pray let me hear speedily from you. I am

I had no letters from you these 3 last posts.

Your, &c.

H. Cromwell, lord-deputy of Ireland, to general Fleetwood.

In the possession of William Cromwell esq.

Dear brother,
I Receiv'd by your last some intimations, that we were lest to reduce according to the instructions given to my self and the councill: but receiving former directions from the councill in England to pursue another rule, I wish we might receive something from themselves, as also money to effect it.

We received this day writts of summons to parliament, but without any letter of advice what to do; for I suppose it is not meant, wee should all three of us leave our charge and stations here to answer that call.

For my own part, I wish I might make use of this occasion to go into England for a small time; for I beleive I could serve the affairs of this countrey better there, than upon this place itself for so long; besides, I hope I should be able to rectify the misunderstandings (if any remain) which others have been working between us, which indeed I look upon as a great mercy. Pray let me have your opinion about my coming over. If you think fitt, give it what furtherance you can. I remain

Your, &c.
H. C.

Resident Sasborgh to the states-general.

Vol. xlvi. p. 87.

H. and M. lords,
My lords, his highness don John of Austria, the marquis of Caracena, and other great persons, came to this place on tuesday night last. Yesterday the magistrates here were to bid the said prince welcome to town.

This day the prince of Condé feasted a great many of the great ones, which was performed with so much magnificence, that the like hath not been seen here of late: there were no less than eight several courses, and at each service 80 dishes.

The reports of the releasing of the duke of Lorrain begin to revive his old officers, who are yet here.

Yesterday I spoke with one of them, who maketh no scruple to raise for that duke a regiment of a 1000 men in less than a month's time; and he said, he knew others, who would undertake the like.

Brussels, 17 Jan. 1658. [N. S.]

Sasborgh.

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

Hague, 17 Jan. 1658. [N. S.]

Vol. lvii. p. 78.

The meeting of this assembly is about the assistance demanded by Denmark, which hath every day more and more need of it. Grissin hath contracted with that resident for a 1000 men to be delivered at Gluckstadt, at 10 rix-dollars the head; he is now going to receive his money, and to distribute it to his captains. I spoke on monday last with Beverweert, who is exceeding desirous to do you service; and had he known your mind sooner, he says he could have made what conditions he would for you; but he told me, he believed you would not be willing to enter into a condition, which might probably prejudice you in England, if early or late the protector should come to meddle in that way, as there was appearance, if there was not a peace speedily, which was not like to be, since that the Austrians do now publickly appear to hinder the treaty with Sweden, which otherwise Poland and Denmark would be willing to accept. To come then to that, wherein he thought there would be more safety for you, he told me, he did believe the states would send assistance to Denmark; but 'till the assembly be compleat, he cannot say in what manner it will be; but so soon as he doth, he will give me notice of it. If there be railleries with you at Pride's and Hewson's being made lords (which by the way they are not) by being called into the lord's house, there are those here, that think they may be as bold with Hyde, Langdale, sir John Berkeley, and Windham, who are admitted to the same title at Bruges Don John returns for Spain. Mardyke is abandoned for the present; but if succours come from Germany, as expected, it may probably be attempted again e'er spring. The prince of Condé is to command in don John's place, as is believed.

An intercepted letter of H. Brabant, to sir Edward Hyde.

Vol. lvii. p. 80.

Honorable sir,
Your's of 17th December I receiv'd by sir John Marlay, who tould me he had returned a satisfactory answer to your honor, in answer to your's to me; yett in duty thought myselfe bound in a lyne or two to give your honor an accompt of the receipt of your's, and to lett you know the reall truth, how the present state of my condition standes. I most humbly begg your honor's pardon, I have done it noe sooner.

Sir, at my last cominge out of England, and just as I gott to sea, caime a guard of soldiers by Cromwell's order to fetch me backe to Newcastle, soe that when I goe for England, must be upon soe good an occation, that must carry my freedom allonge with me, or ells dare not appear publickly; soe hopes his gracious majestie and your honor would not upon right information thought me a fitt meshinger, to undertake that jorney or voyage propounded by sir John Marlay, yet I dispatched that partie, whom he sent with all expedition I could possible; and am confident he's saise there.

Sir, as I have allwayes, I shall by Gode's assistance approve myselfe a loyall subject to his majestie, and be ready upon all occations to contribute my utmost endeavours to serve him; and shall allwayes pray for a happie good occation to perform it.

In the intrim, I hope to doe him better service here then I could doe in England; and if I may serve your honor in any thing, shall be happie to be honor'd with your commands, which shall upon all occations be cordealy perform'd with my best endeavours. God blesse our gracious maister, and make him happie in all his undertakings, shall ever be the prayer of him, that is,
Dordrecht, 17 Jan. 1658. [N. S.]

Honored sir,
Your most faithfull and most humble servant.

I have sent sir John Marlay a letter come this post, which I am consident gives advisse of saise arrivall of the partie sent from sir John.

The superscription,
For the right honorable sir Edward Hyde,
chancelor of the Exchequer, Brudges.

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

Dublin, 7 Jan. 1657/8.

In the possession of William Cromwell esq.

May it please your highness,
Collonel Cooper being now going for England, I have desired him to represent to your highness the state of publick affairs here, as being a person, of whose judgment and integrity I have a very good esteem; which indeed has increased with me, as I have had occasion to be more and more acquainted with him. We could not make ready the particulars in writing, which we desire he should move your highness in, but intend to send them to him and major Morgan, whom I desire your highness to hear and consider; for indeed the matters are urgent. Things and persons (except in the matter of pay) are in a good condition; only your old servant sir Hardress Waller thinks himself forgotten, forasmuch as he hath not been made partaker of those favours, which your highness has been pleased to conferr upon others. I have written very often about money, but see no releif. Wherefore as I make bold to importune your highness by the addresses of those gentlemen, so I shall otherwise trouble your highness no more at present, but to beg the Lord to be with you; and subscribe myself

Your &c.
H. C.

Mr. Marchamont Needham to mr. Swyst, secretary to Lockhart.

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

Mr. secretary hath been somewhat ill, but is now on the mending hand. The councell hath ordered a collection to be made for the poore Polish exiles of the Reformed religion, which have taken sanctuary in Silesia; which will bee managed as was the other collection for them at Piedmont.

George Downing went hence in hast on saturday, but is detayned yett at Gravesend by contrary windes: hee will as resident for H. H. sinde worke enough in Holland, because the Hollanders are brening H. H. designes. Against summer a greate fleete is equipping there, with part of which they meane to attack Portugal; and the rest will bee employed to see, that the Dane bee not in danger of loosing the Sound: they will supply him alsoe with money, and a good number of their old soldiers are to serve him; no lesse (as our letters say) then 4 or 5 regiments.

All our talk now is concerning the other house, the 20th January approaching, and what name shall be given it; as alsoe what will bee the issue of this next meeting. The popular chat bespeakes a king, because they would have it soe; but what ever the event bee, may it bee for the honour of God, the establishment of H. H. and thes nations.

Some say the lord Warwick, Manchester, Wharton and others, are not inclined to sitt.

7. January 1657.

Lord Strickland.

Lord Fleetwood.

General Desbrowe.

Lord viscount Lisle.

Lord Sydenham.

Lord Richard Cromwell.

Vol. lviii. p. 270.

In pursuance of an order of the council of the 16th December last, whereby it was referred unto us, to take consideration of the conditions of those widows of officers, who lost their lives at sea in their late coming from Mardyke, we examined, and find,

That colonel White left a widow, one son, and three daughters; that his real estate at the time of his death was about the value of 120 l. sterling, and the which, as we are informed, doth come to his son, whereby his daughters are left wholly unprovided for. Upon consideration whereof we are humbly of opinion, that it be offered to his highness, as the advice of the council, that six hundred pounds be paid at the receipt of his highness's Exchequer to major-general William Goffe, father of the said mrs. White, and major Keane, in trust for raising portions for the said colonel's three daughters; that is to say, to each of them 200 l. the same to be paid to them or either of them, when they or either of them shall attain the age of 21 years, or day of marriage, which shall happen first; and in case either of the said daughters shall happen to die, before they attain the said age or be married, that then the benefit of each daughter's portion be to the use of the surviving daughters; and that untill the said 600 l. be satisfied at his highness's said receipt, there be paid to mrs. White, the widow of colonel Francis White, towards the maintenance of her said daughters the sum of 36 l. yearly at the said receipt; and that the privyseal as well for payment of the said 600 l. as the said 36 l. annually be passed, and their monies from time to time paid gratis, without fees.

We have also taken consideration of the condition of the widow of captain Francis Kelsey, who died in the same service, and find he left a widow and one daughter, altogether unprovided for; and are humbly of opinion, that it be offered to his highness, as advice of the council, that there be paid at the receipt of his highness's Exchequer to majorgeneral Kelsey (brother of the said captain) in trust for raising a portion for the said daugter, the sum of 200 l. the same to be paid unto her at the age of 21 years or day of marriage, which shall happen first: and that, until the said 200 l. be satisfied at his highness's said receipt, there be paid 12 l. yearly to mrs. Kelsey, widow of the said captain, towards the maintenance of her said daughter; and if the said daughter do happen to die before she attain the said age, or be married, that the said 200 l. be to the use of the said widow, and that the privy-seal pass, and the money be paid gratis without fees.

The Swedish commissioners to the council of state.

To the most illustrious council of state of England.

Vol. lxiii. p. 27.

Most illustrious and most excellent lords,
It cannot seem improper for us to recall into the memoryes of this honourable councell, with how great care and circumspection from the very beginning of the friendship happily closing between the two kingdoms, it was provided, that no remora or scruple at all might remain hereafter in minds so well reconciled. For whereas our subjects complained, that they were not equally dealt with and rewarded for the good offices done to this most glorious commonwealth in the late warr betwixt England and the Netherlands by command of our crown, which even then did exceedingly favour the advantages of England, whilst very many of their ships of huge value, some bound directly hither, others following as their business and convenience led them, according to the law of nations the harmless freedom of commerce through those seas, were by the men of warr of this state in hostile manner taken, ransacked, most notoriously misused, and to the irreparable damage of their affairs detained half a year for the most part, nay some one, two, or three years, or longer; insomuch as neither yet are they all restored, although long since absolved by the sentences of the judges, after an hearing on both sides, the rest being in the mean time after the aforesaid vexations set free slowly, upon the continual supplications of our ministers both ordinary and extraordinary, sent hither ever and anon to that purpose.

For this cause I say, and presently in the first consederacy made between these kingdoms four years since at Upsall, after it was abundantly provided against all injuries hereafter to be feared from the subjects of each state; to wit, that the authors of such injurys, unlesse upon admonition they amended their fault, should be accounted as publick enemies; and being delivered up unto the commonwealth, besides a just and plenary satisfaction to be made, should be most deservedly punished. Immediately after, and even in the same paragraph the restitution of ships comes next to that former caution and satisfaction, as soon as possible and without delay to be made to the party aggrieved for all loss and damages lost and received in the said warr, which satisfaction is tyed into the restitution by the copulative particle, as not to be divided from it, and necessarily following.

And afterwards in the 2d confederacy renewed with our ambassador a year and half agoe at Westminster, whereas for the most part satisfaction was given as to the 1st part of the former agreement concerning the restitution of the ships, that which remained behind, to wit, the making good of damages sustained upon that occasion, was more articulatly concluded and determined; that three commissioners constituted on both consulting together thereupon, should make an estimate and indifferent judgment of those things, that (which only was intended) and which both partys most desired (they are the very words of the confederacy) satisfaction might be given to the party injured: 1. According to what is good and right. 2. Summarily. 3. Without any appeal. 4. Without forms of law. 5. Without delay. 6. Fully and really. Excellent words indeed, and conditions most proper for encreasing good-will betwixt friends and confederate states! Hitherto, most illustrious lords, (which hath been the cause of so long a repetition) we have desired, that your commissioners, deputed according to the confederacy for this purpose, might be called as to the very aim of their commission, from which, as we have by ours understood, when whether by mistake, or on set purpose, they swerved something far, indeed modestly had their recourse to your most illustrious judgment, tho' to the very great detriment of our affairs, as who do reckon not only days but hours, and daily buy that hope at a very high rate; and whereas the straitness of our term can scarce suffer the loss of one day, they indulge to themselves some weeks, that because this commission is now protracted into a second year, they may seem to put years instead of months, or to be willing to do so, which they neither ought nor had need to do, if they had stuck to the before mentioned conditions with that sincerity, which is fitting, and had sufficiently put off those personages, which heretofore they acted, while they pleaded privately those causes in private judicature; whereas now they bear the publick character of performers of covenants solemnly agreed upon betwixt two most friendly kingdoms, which nature verily those causes have taken upon them for the reasons before alledged, that they neither can nor ought any longer to be accounted as private businesses; whence they might easily have gathered, that no other answer would be given them by this most illustrious councell (as neither indeed could be given any other) than that which was conformable to the most express words of the confederacy, and unto their own decree: but they (as we have heard) though much against the will of law and right, have a mind, that the sentence heretofore given in the causes of those ships, should be placed as the rule of their commission; and because that were tolerable, they desire so far to extend them beyond their nature, that because those sentences pronounce the ships to have been detained upon just cause, that therefore they neither think that those which are to be restored ought to be restored, altho' already freed by those same sentences; and are so far from allowing any thing to our men by the way of interest for the ships already restored, that they pretend, that even the lucrum cessans, or gain, which might have been made by detaining them wholly here, may with justice be exacted from us; unto which end, 'tis said, that a paper is offerred already of contrary damages by an unheard of example pretended upon our very own ships which are already freed, which in earnest it is wonderfull how it could ever enter into the minds of men endowed with so much prudence and experience, as their other actions witness. For although the authority of things once judged be very great, yet were they never of so great moment, that they would prejudice any after-covenant or transaction whatsoever, although made among the most private persons; but rather they would receive their limitation from that which follows, according to the very order of nature, which requires (as it is in a most known canon) that the latter laws should derogate or take off from the former. Much less therefore can any former private sentences detract from a law so publick, and so solemnly conceived. For whereas this doth bind the kingdoms themselves, it ought deservedly to be more valued than all the laws in the code of Justinian, especially seeing it doth explain our business most particularly, and expressly enjoyns satisfaction of charges, and of damages received. Concerning which again is that frequent maxim of law, that special laws do derogate or take off the authority of laws general. What need we therefore conjectures in a thing so evident? For whereas they say, that if our people had desired any thing further than the restoring of their ships, they should have put in their appeal, seeing in those sentences no mention is made of any satisfaction of charges; by their leave, it is sufficient, that such satisfaction is not there denyed, seeing by equal reasons even thereupon it seems included; for that argument is very strong in law, which is called and taken from the contrary sense; and besides, that indeed was a very good and sufficient appeal, which both our ministers then here made unto your most illustrious councell, as to which the examining of these things properly be longed; and that which our subjects, worn out with charges and vexatious suits, made to our king himself upon that occasion, who also most deservedly took into consideration those their just complaints in the making up of the confederacy with his most serene highness; so that they both did therein give an ultimate and definitive sentence in this affair; concerning which so much as to dispute is in the law called sacrilege. But besides, we shall prove, that the very sentences themselves do not very much favour this their opinion: for let us grant, that they all lean upon this clause, that they were detained upon just cause, we do not dispute that justice, what or how great soever it was: but cannot two just things concurr and oppose one another? and hath not that which is just the appearance of unjust, in respect of that which is more just, in which almost the whole practice of lawyers consists? For seldom do men come to decide betwixt what is just and unjust, which even the unlearned can do, but of two just things, which is the most just; of two unjust things, which is the most unjust. Therefore if they were detained upon a just cause, whether shall they not seem released upon a cause more just, for otherwise they would not have been restored; for if they say, that they were unjustly restored, and that they would have the sentences so far repealed, they are not fit to be heard, because besides an unworthy countring of what they did themselves, they desire to have those things recalled, which long since have passed over into the nature of a thing judged and decided, which in law is accounted impossible; so that it cannot be beleived, that these things are said in earnest, unless it be done for protracting of time, and wearying out the patience of our men. They do better, who say, that the restitution of ships was not made according to the highest rigour of the law, which is often called the highest injustice, but according to what is good and equitable; for they indeed express the very nature of the business. For the emperors to admonish, that in all things more consideration is to be had of equity and justice than of strict law, l. 8. c. de Judiciis, where, which deserves much notice, justice is diametrically opposed to strict law. And this, if at any time, is certainly most true in those judgments and contracts bonæ fidei, as they call them, that is, upon the honesty of each party, wherein, as the lawyer saith, it is unfitting to dispute concerning the tittles of law; and among such kinds of contracts society hath even the highest place, which, as Ulpian saith, hath a certain resemblance of brotherhood. But what are publick confederacies but the tyes and society of kingdoms? what but a most brotherly brotherhood? Wherefore seeing in all things it is first inquired what is done, before what is law; because the consent of the contractors gives law to the contracts, and their meaning is preferred before all subtilty of words, nay before the writings themselves; seeing, as it is usually said, laws are written not in words but in things: that form most prudently by you prescribed for the handling of those causes, that they should be finished according to that which is good and equitable, without the fashions of law, because you say, that both partys do cheifly desire it, is by us respected and venerated as the publick law of the nations, and in it all of us do with very much reason rest satisfyed, for that we may add this one thing, if equity perswaded the restoring of the ships, shall not the same perswade to repay the charges, when those two points are so inseparably conjoyned, that he who denyeth the one, seemeth to deny both of them? But what private person shall dare to divide and separate those things, which the kingdoms themselves have solemnly joyned together, when neither it is lawfull for either of the kingdoms to do it against the consent of the other; insomuch, that absolutely either this must be stood to, or else the intentions of our princes must be made elusory or deceitfull; the very thought of any such thing being, as we beleive, punishable, and coming within the reach of treason. Therefore we do again and again desire, that those very honest men may be admonished of that publick office, which they bear herein, that they may not confound it with private brabbles, or cast in such anxious scruples of law into a most clear cause abounding with good beleif, and so weary themselves and us with fruitless labours; but that they would onely intend this, which the confederacy saith, that both parties do intend. And we do so much more earnestly now request it, by how much the loss of most precious time is made expensive to us, who in the multiplyed charges of so many years have almost spent more upon this business than can be hoped from it. And it had been much better for very many of our men, reduced to extreme poverty in this time, if they had known this from the beginning, which is now spoken; altho' we for all that, do never the more despair of the high equity of our causes, that notwithstanding does with reason afflict us, that whereas now the time of the second agreement is almost slipt away, we are yet sticking in the very beginnings of the business; so that if we be obliged to agree the third time upon a new term, verily we are afraid, lest the world should think we do but jest in a thing so earnest, and that we have a mind with such laborious machinations to effect nothing.

The most perfect judgment of this most illustrious councell, and their zeal so often shewn for the conservation and increasing of the Swedish amity, does in no case suffer us to doubt, but that you will praise in us this piety, with which we do prosecute the common business of both kingdoms, and especially this affair of so great moment. And although otherwise we are even confident, that your illustriousnesses would do all these things upon your own accord, notwithstanding the matter seemed to us of such moment, that we also thought it necessary to satisfy our selves thus far in disburthening our own consciences. We consecrate our services to you most devoutly,

Your most illustrious lordships Most humble servants,
Johan. Friderickvon Friesendorff.

George Fleetwood.

From our lodgings, 7 Jan. 1657/8.

A letter of intelligence from the Hague.

Vol. lvii. p. 100.

Monsieur,
Tant l'admirauté d'Amsterdam que de Middleborch ont fait plainte des depredations, que les Portugais font sur ceux de cet estat dans la Bocht, ayant libre retraite dans les havres de France. Qu'il y en a aussy des semblables Portugais, qui piratent avec commission des François & des Anglois. La-dessus par des deputez on a fait pleindre à l'ambassadeur de France, qui declare de croire, que cela est abus; mais qu'il en escrira.

Les estats generaux ont conclu, que le conseil de Brabant autorisera le fiscal pour garder le droit du pais touchant la judicature sur le pais de Puren, Leerdam, & autres biens d'Egmont. Il y a eu une lettre des estats d'Ost-Frise pleignant, que le prince d'Ost-Frise leur fait tort; sur quoy sera escrit scrieusement. Le Drossard Ittersum a representé je ne sçay quoy des droits ou peages, que le roy de Spaigne auroit prins sur des danrées passants par le pais de Bois-le-duc.

La reine de Bohême a communiqué au president derechef une lettre de la princesse de Hohenzollern, laquelle il a lu dans les estats generaux, pour aggraver le crime de ladite princesse; sur quoy le sieur Merode est requis d'en rendre un compliment & graces a la reine, qui aura refusé l'audience à la princesse de Hohenzollern, & continue à le refuser.

Du conte d'Oldenborch il y a eu une lettre preliminaire, promettant de respondre plus expressement touchant la quote de contribution, qu'on luy demande de la terre d'In & Kniphuysen.

Le sieur Reede escrit, que le roy de Spaigne sur le baptême a esté fort magnifiquement accoustré, ayant entre autres une perle de la valeur de deux millions.

Deux depredateurs Portugais, François, auront fait accord avec le governeur de Brest en Bretaigne, a condition qu'ils meneront là toutes prinses, & principalement Hollondois, & il en aura sa part; de quoy sera fait pleinte à l'ambassadeur de France.

Hier estoit proposé la presence de ceux de l'admirauté, sur quoy aujourd'huy il y a eu conference touchant les affaires de la marine; n'y estant encore rien parlé, que de la piraterie dans le Bocht: mais rien achevé.

L'assemblée d'Hollande n'est pas encore complete.

L'on a derechéf proposé le jour du jeune, qui desja a esté tenu en aucuns lieux de NortHollande, par abus le croyant aresté; mais il ne le fust pas: car il y avoit & est encore discrepance dans le juret; les uns voulants, qu'il y soit parlé de la guerre de Portugal, la Hollande point.

L'admirauté de Rotterdam a fait pleinte, que le magistrat de Nimeguen, avec advis de la court d'Haerlem, a rompu le coffre de fer, où estoient mis les deniers des convoys & licentes, & en avoient esté 6000 francs; la Hollande l'a overgenoomen. C'est encore une suite de la dispute pour les copper vaten.

L'on a advis, que le prince don Jean & le marquis de Caracena s'en vont; que l'archiduc d'Insprugh vient estre governeur, le prince de Condé general, & le marquis de don Est: de Gamarra mareschal de camp. Je reste
Vostre très-humble serviteur.

Ce 18 Janvier [1658. N. S.]

A letter of intelligence from the Hague.

Vol. xlvii. p. 106.

[Paragraph contains cyphered content — see page image]

Monsieur,
Les estats de Hollande s'assembleront, mais ne le sont pas encore tout-à-fait. Ils ne dissimulent en nulle façon, qu'ils resoudront, & se disent contraints de resoudre à maintenir le roy de Dennemarc, presupposant, que sans le secours & aide de cet estat il est perdu, & que les Suedois deviendront maistres du Sondt.

Mais je ne sçay qu'en dire; je ne puis pas voire, que le Suede aye si grand advantage: ains au contraire, si le Danois, l'empereur, & le Polognois se joignent bien (comme Brandenburg semble vouloir faire aussy, il sont palpablement maistres de le Suede. Mais je remarque, que les estats de Hollande considerent le Suede non pas proprement comme le Suede, ains comme allié & amy de Cromwel & France: consequement qu'en opprimant le Suede, ils oppriment ou diminuent en mesme-temps aussy les Anglois & France, contre lesquels (quelque chose qu'ils dissimulent) ils ont grandissime jealousie, nonobstant que Cromwel leur demonstre toute sorte d'amitie & moderation. Mais il est de ces choses, comme l'on dit, Quodcunque infundis acescit: Là où le cœur est plein de jalousie, de méfiance, insatiable & concupissant; quelle declaration, & demonstration, & effect d'amitie que vous versez sur un tel cœur, acescit; le plus doux se tourne en fiel. Les estats d'Hollande declarent bien, qu'ils ne veulent pas faire tort a le Suede, ny luy oster aucune chose de ce que, qui luy apartient ou appartenu devant cette aggression de Dennemarc. Mais qui se peut fier sur gens, qui ne tiennent parole? Certes, pour beaucoup de respects il seroit bon, que Cromwel pût bien estre assuré, que les estats d'Hollande sont autant & plus jaloux de Cromwel que de le Suede; & tout ce que les estats d'Hollande font contre le Suede, est & sera indirectement fait contre Cromwel. Quant à la guarantie, que Brandenburg a cherché sur son traitté fait avec Poland, cela demeure encore non-faite, quoique les estats d'Hollande aye fait tout son possible pour le faire passer dans les estats generaux. Mais les plus sages de les estats generaux ont dit, que leurs principaux devroient voir clair & authentiquement une chose, qu'ils guarantirent; & au lieu de le communiquer authentiquement, ceux de Brandenburg ne l'ont communiqué que par lecture: & l'on a remarqué en ces articles des choses qui regardent loin. Entre autres l'on doute fort, si la republique ou estats de Poland mesme ratifieront ce traitté. 2. II contient choses qui chocquent la religion; en quoy plusieurs des estats generaux doivent estre & sont scrupuleux. 3. Le electeur de Brandenburg veut estre guarantie mesme aussy dans l'Allemagne, quoyque la guerre n'aye que dans Poland. Or sont les estats d'Hollande si chauds pour l'interest de Dennemarc & l'empereur, &c. qu'ils n'ont trouvé nulle difficulté a guarantir le exceteua de Branden burg seulement, parce qu'ils le voyent avec Dennemarc, l'empereur & Poland, contre le Suede, Cromwel, France. Je suis,
Ce 11 Jan. 1658. [N. S.]

Monsieur,
Vostre très-humble serviteur.

An intercepted letter of lieutenant-colonel Doleman to mr. Axtell.

Dort, 18 Jan. 1658. [N. S.]

Vol. lvii. p. 109.

Dear brother Will,
I Must beg your excuse, if in this cold season my letters be not soe assiduous as at other times. Its a dead time of yeare, and I am far from the Haghe; and we divert our selves at present, as you do in England, with good company by a fyer, and leave the world to run as it will.

The Sweeds declare to be unsatisfy'd with us, and we confess they have reason to be soe; for if we had ratified the treaty of Elbinge, as we ought to have done, this disorder in Denmark had not happen'd, and we had been free from many fears that wee now apprehend.

Heare are halfe a dozen of honest blades, that in case you make any leavys for Flanders, you woulde oblige them and my lord too, to recommend them to him. They are men, that have languidge and experience of living with such people; and I am mistaken, if my lord make that progress in Flanders, which I hartily wish him, but that such kinde of men wil be more usefull to him, then the ordinary sort of the officers are. The only hope we now have of conservinge of Flanders is, the speedy election of the king of Hungary to the empire; which being done, and the howse of Austria freed from all jealousys they now have for that, they presuppose, beinge arm'd as they are, they shall divert the French by attacking Alsatia, and be able to spare us a 10000 men to make head against you. Dear brother Will, I am
Your most affectionate humble servant,
J. D.

Dort, 18 Jan. 1657/8. [N. S.]

The superscription,
For mr. John Axtell, at the signe of the Perewig in Green's-lane in the Strand, London.

To the Venetian agent.

Antwerp, 19th Jan. 1658. [N. S.]

Vol. lvii. p. 114.

Mardyke will be free from assaults this winter. We shall see what good can be done upon it in the spring, and what good alteration the crowning of the protector will produce, since we believe here he will be made king at the sitting of the next parliament.

We believe here likewise, that the birth of this young prince of Spain will facilitate the election of a new emperor.

The court is now come to Brussels, and the soldiers are in their winter-quarters; and now the poor country is like to suffer by them for want of money to pay them.

Lockhart, embassador in France, to secretary Thurloe.

Vol. lvii. p. 119.

My lord,
I Formerly writt to your lordship on the behalfe of some gentlemen relating to the duke of Vendosme, that they might have their horses restored, which were arested at Rye, and unjustly detained from them. Theyr dayly importunities for satisfaction doe oblige mee to this second adresse, and humbly to beseech your lordship to cause as speedy end to be given in their businesse, that they may have occasion to acknowlege your justice, and take from me a necessity of further troubling your lordship upon their accounts. I beg pardon for my present boldness, and do assure your lordship, that none can press upon you in matters of so small value more unwillingly than my selfe, who am

Your most humble and most obedient servant,
Will. Lockhart.

Paris, 9/19 Jan. 1657.

Lockhart, embassador in France, to secretary Thurloe.

Vol. lvi. p. 351.

May it please your lordship,
Collonel Rutterford being now upon his journey towards Scotland, to make his levy of the five hundred men by your lordship's favour the last summer graunted unto him, did entreate mee to make this addresse unto your lordship on his behalfe, that hee might obtain your additionall order for three or fowre hundred more. Hee being a person, whose discreete conduct hath justly gain'd him a good reputation in France (where he hath binn an honor to his country) I was the more easily perswaded by him to offer his suite to your lordship's consideration, and withall (if your lordship shall be pleased to graunt itt) to solicite for an expedition, since the cardinal intends, that his regiment shall bee one of the first in the field this next campagnia. I beseech your lordship to excuse my present boldnesse, and the trouble you thereby receive from

Your most humble and most obedient servant.

Paris, 9 Jan. 1657.

I begg your lordship's favour to coll. Rutterford, who really is a person of much honor and esteem heare, and hath well deserved it by the considerable services he hath rendered.

Lockhart, embassador in France, to my lord Faulconbridge.

January 9/19, 1657/8.

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

I Am exceeding afflicted for the sadd accident hath befallen my lord Howard. One would have thought, that both hee and his lady might have pretended to a more happy fate.

My lord, the parliament draweth neare, and your lordship's last summer's experience of what was generally mens expectations here may easily induce you to believe, that they enterteyne their old thoughts, and perswade themselves they cannot bee once more mistaken, since they apprehend, that all things now are in a favourable disposition for it. The cardinall with some impatience waytes for an account of his name, whoe succeeds to sir John Reynolds. I tell him, it's probable H. H. choyse will prove the more advantagious, because it's made with deliberation. My poore wife begins to recover againe; and I once more hope shee will live to pay some part of the humble services shee oweth to your lordship and my lady, to whome shee presents her humble duty, and commands mee to assure you both, that none can bee more faithfully yours, except it bee
Yours, &c.

General Monck to secretary Thurloe.

Vol. lvii. p. 112.

Honoured sir,
I Am heartily sorry to heare you have bin ill of late. I hope God will restore you to your former health speedilye, being it is butt an ague. I have received lately a summons to bee one of the other house, for which I returne his highnesse most humble thankes; and I shall desire you to acquaint his highnesse, that if it bee his pleasure, I shall attend his commands above, I shall bee very glad to doe itt; but truly I thinke the condition of this country, and his highnesse's affaires heere are such, that I cannot well be spared; butt in case his highnesse has a desire, that I should attend him, there must (before I can stirre) bee som person appointed to command the forces heere, and have power to signe warrants for money; and I shall desire you will be pleased to acquaint his highnesse thus much, that I may know how I shall dispose of my self, and that I may have timely notice of it. For newes, I heare there hath bin lately some letters come from Charles Stuart, but hee signes them not with his owne hand, but they come in another man's name, and are sent by his direction; and the man that conveys them into the northern part of England and Scotland is one capt. Rutherford a Scotsman, who keepes an inn in Newcastle, but the signe I cannot tell as yett, butt I shall know very shortly: he constantly receives letters from beyond seas, and from this country send thither; and they have not been working in this country (since the last rising) till now; and I hear there is a little begining, although it is kept so secret, they discover it to none but such as will take their oaths; and it is begun about the borders; it is not yett come into these parts, but I shall have an eye upon them; and I have appointed some people to have a special care of that side of the country; and I doubt not butt when it comes to be any thing considerable, I shall have a care to break the neck of it. But I shall desire you (being it is out of my bounds) there may be some care taken of this Rutherford; for I believe if they goe carefully about this, they may take some considerable letters going from this country and the northern part, which will be better than those that come in: and I shall desire you likewise to acquaint his highnesse, that I think the northern parte want an able man to command them there; for I have heard by a soldier or two, that came out of Yorkshire, that things are not well govern'd, and that they heard some odd expressions, even from the soldiers themselves: and mr. Sharpe has bin with me, and deliver'd your letter. And for the minister you wrote for, he is settled in the benefice: he is an able man of parts, but I doubt somthing of his life and conversation, whether it bee soe good as might bee expected; and formerly hee was put out of his benefice for praying for Charles Stuart: butt however, uppon your letter, and mr. Sharpe's recommendation, wee have settled him att present. I remayne
Your very affectionate humble servant,
George Monck.

Dalkeith, 9. Jan. 1657/8.

I heare, that lieutenant-general David Lesley is to come downe. I thinke itt will nott be good at this present time, to lett him have his liberty, of which I thought fitt to give you an hint.

A letter of intelligence from the Hague.

Vol. lvii. p. 126.

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Monsieur,
Ceux de Hollande se monstrent un peu surprins & estonné de ce que le ministre de Cromwel près Seede aura disapprouvé le dessein, que les estats generaux ont de donner infanterie, navires & argent à Dennemarc: & je scay de certaine science, que raet-pentionane a parlé haut & mal du resident de Cromwel icy, en cas que ledit resident voudroit tenir icy semblable advantage. Ils disent, que Dennemarc n'est pas engagé à l'empereur; mais ce n'est qu'une pure caption & fallace: car ils avoüent, que Dennemarc est engagé ou lié à Poland, & que Poland est lié à Pempereur. Comment done est-il possible, que Dennemarc puisse conclure sans l'empereur, estant plus que certain, que les estats d'Hollande ont autant & plus d'affection pour l'empereur, que pour Poland, d'autant que de l'empereur ils peuvent tirer plus d'effect & de fruit que de Poland. Le Poland n'est qu'un pauvre prestre, qui ne peut rien; mais l'empereur a des grandes forces, qui pourra puissamment contrecarrer le Cromwel, & France: & Cromwel est fort trompé, s'il croit, que les estats de Hollande souffriront son advancement en Flandres, si en aucune façon ils le peuvent empescher: & assistants fortement le Dennemarc, ils assistent, animent, & encouragent tous, qui sont engagés & interessés avec luy, comme sont Pempereur, Poland, Brandenburg, &c. estant très-certain, que tous ceux-là ne sont qu'autant de testes sous un chaperon: & que l'on veut (scilicet) distinguer le empereur d'avec les Dennemarc, Brandenburg, & Poland, ce n'est que pour abuser le protecteur & le 140. Les estats d'Hollande sont si pleins de duplicités, fraudes, & deceptions, qu'il semble, qu'ils n'ont plus rien de sincere. Il est du tout impossible, que Poland traitte sans l'empereur; cela est manifeste; & Dennemarc ne peut sans Poland, quoique sous main les Dennemarc & Brandenburg sont engagés avec l'empereur, aussy bien que Poland. Il est impossible à Sweden de donner contentment à tous, & les estats d'Hollande scavent bien cela; voilà pourquoy ils ayent à continuer & durer l'alliance, afin que Sweden soit accablé, & le empereur rendu grand & puissant, pour aider le Espagne contre Cromwel; cela se peut representer ad oculum clair comme le soleil. Je me persuade entierement, que les estats d'Hollande ront bien de l'eau dans leur vin si-tost qu'ils vissent, que Cromwel tient le pied, qu'il a commencé & consequement aussy Dennemarc, Brandenburg & Poland donneront meilleur marché: & les estats d'Hollande aussy n'auront pas le suite, qu'ils s'imaginent dans les estats d'Hollande mesmes, voire non pas dans les estats d'Hollande mesme; car tous n'approuvent pas les chaudes passions d'aucuns, qui ont la direction dans les estats d'Hollande. J'espere que le resident de Cromwel icy aura le mesme ordre, que celuy d'auprès Sweden; & vous soyez assuré, que je ne dira rien à ce resident de corresdondence qui est entre vous & moy. Je puis asseurer le vous, si les estats d'Hollande sçavent le project de Cromwel & Sweden (touchant p a i x) qu'on l'aura bien-tost; mais les estats d'Hollande ne la desirent pas telle, ni en telle façon; ains desirent le Suede bas, & le empereur haut. Je suis,
De ce 21 Janvier 1658. [N. S.]

Monsieur, Vostre très-humble serviteur.

Mr. Andrew Marvell to Lockhart, embassador in France.

January 11/21, 1657/8.

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

The last weeke mr. secretary commanded mee to give your excellence expectation of an answere to your former letters by this poste; but my lord Faulconbridge did undertake to doe it. Now I am againe ordered by him to begg your excuse, hee being neither yett so well confirmed, that hee dare venture into businesse. Hee hath received yours of the 6/16th; and as soone as hee shall bee in a condition (though God be praysed hee is in a condition nearer to health then sicknesse) he promiseth at once to answere those, which lye by him. I begg leave to continue
Yours.

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

11 Jan. 1657.

In the posession of William Cromwell esq.

May it please your highness,
I Have observed your highnesse's commands in the reception and treatment of col. Sanky, I hope he will satisfy your highness as much; and I hope it shall be my care, if possible, to have peace with all men. I perceive, it is your highness's pleasure, that something be done for col. Humphreys; and have been considering, which way to perform your highness's intentions of favour towards him. In this time of reducement I find things hard; nevertheless if it be your highness's pleasure, and that England will not afford him a more convenient provision, I hope we shall be able to accommodate him with a major of foot's place, which I humbly leave to your highness's consideration, and remain
Your highness's most obedient son,
H. C.

A letter of intelligence.

Hamburgh, 12 January 1657/8.

Vol. lvii. p. 41.

My lord,
Sir William Vavasour is march'd to Kiel with his 300 men: I fear he will lose most of them this cold weather. The king is at Kiel with about 4000 men. Within few days we shall hear of some action. I pray God prosper him. Major-general Jephson is at Wismar. Mr. Bradshaw is upon his rise for Hamburgh: his last letter was from Memmel. Your soldiers I hope are in England. There is no hopes of getting into this harbour till the frost breaks up.

Monsieur Fly to Bordeaux, the French embassador in England.

Calais, 22 Jan. 1658. [N. S.]

Vol. lvii. p. 129.

My lord,
Here arrived this last night four vessels laden with pallisades, there being about 2000 of them. They work still very hard upon the fortifications of Mardyke, which will now be forthwith finished. We expect to morrow the companies of the guard, which are to go to Mardyke. This is all I have at this time to communicate unto your excellence.

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

Calais, 22 Jan. 1658. [N. S.]

Vol. lvii. p. 127.

My lord,
I Have only to desire your lordship, in order to the commands of his eminence, that you will be pleas'd to send to Mardike 25,000 pound of powder, besides the 50,000 pound, which you writ him word his highness would send; his intention being to furnish that place with a great quantitie of powder. These are the terms of his letter. I intreat your lordship to give order for the speedy effecting thereof.

We are endeavouring to renew the garrisons of Mardike and Bourburg; and within two or three days 300 of the guard, and as many Swissers are to be sent to Mardike. This is all the news I have to write to you. I have not yet declar'd the intentions of the king about the paying the English, so that I cannot say any thing more to you as yet about it.

H.Crom.