State Papers, 1658: February (2 of 5)

February (2 of 5)

The French embassador to the states-general.

Vol. lvii. p. 304.

Le soubsigné ambassadeur de France, après avoir examiné soigneusement les resolutions, qui luy ont esté apportées de la part de l'estat par monsieur le baron de Ghent en response à sa proposition du 2 Janvier, & les avoir conferées avec ses ordres & instructions, se trouve obligé de donner à leurs seigneuries le present memoire, par lequel il renouvelle de la part du roy son maistre l'instance, qu'il a faite cy-devant, pour la suspension d'armes entre la couronne de Portugal & leur estat, non-seulement pour faciliter les moyens de parvenir à une bonne & prompte paix par une satisfaction juste & raisonable, dont les mediateurs demeureront guarants, & qui unisse deux estats, dont les interests ne doivent jamais estre separés; mais aussy pour aller au-devant de tous les desordres, qui peuvent arriver, & qui ont déja commencé par les armatures de toutes les nations, qui sous le pretexte de prendre des banieres & commissions de l'un ou de l'autre estat, qui est en guerre, apporteront sans doute une grande confusion & empeschement au commerce public de tous les alliez, qui ne pourroient que difficilement dans la continuation de la guerre empescher de prendre partie, & sortir de la neutralité, laquelle a present ils observent si religieusement.

Ledit ambassadeur se trouve aussy obligé à l'egard de la guerre du Nord, de representer à leurs seigneuries, qu'il a eu connoissance d'un certain memoire presenté par un pretendu ministre de Dennemark (lequel se qualifie ainsy, pour n'avoir eu aucune notification, ny receu de luy aucune des devoirs, ausquels il estoit obligé par l'alliance, qui est entre la France & la couronne de Dennemark) par lequel memoire, au lieu de presser leurs seigneuries d'employer fortement leur mediation pour appaiser la guerre, dont on a veu desja les suites, il fait une instance precipitée d'un secours pour les faire sortir de la neutralité, dans laquelle ils sont, & en vettu de laquelle ils peuvent si utilement joindre leur mediation, celle de France, & d'Angleterre, pour produire un accommodement si utile & necessaire à tous. En quoy ledit pretendu minister tesmoigne bien de quel esprit il est ronduit, & par quel conseil il agit, & qu'il ne tasche en effect, qu'à favoriser les interests des princes de la maison d'Austriche, qui pour leurs pretensions & desseins particuliers en Allemagne ne cherchent qu'à allumer la guerre par tout, & après qu'elle est allumée, ne s'estudient, qu'à destruire les bonnes intentions de ceux, qui desirent l'esteindre, & remettre les choses dans l'estat, qu'elles doivent estre. C'est pourquoy ledit ambassadeur se trouve engagé par les ordres precis & retirés du roy son maistre, de requerir à leurs seigneuries de faire une longue & serieuse reflexion sur les inconvenients, qui peuvent arriver de ce secours, s'il estoit resolu & accordé, & en bien peser & considerer les consequences, puisque s'ils le donnent à une des parties, ils obligeront fans doute les alliez communs de faire le mesme chose en faveur de l'autre; & ainsy bien loin de travailler à pacifier les choses, il se trouvera, qu'ils travailleroient à continuer la guerre, contre leur volonté, & intention, & les interests communs de tous.

C'est pourquoy il espere de leur prudence, qu'ils ne voudront point sortir des termes & de la fonction de veritables mediateurs, asin de voir au-plustost l'effect de la paix si desirée & si utile à tous, à laquelle il y a une si bonne disposition par les offices pressants, que les mediateurs ont desja fait. Et asin de leur donner tousjours preuves de bonnes & favourables intentions du roy son maistre, ledit ambassadeur declare à leurs seigneuries, que l'intention de son maistre est, de n'oublier aucuns diligences & devoirs possibles, & d'employer mesme toute sa puissance & son authorité pour conserver la liberté de commerce la mer Baltique, qu'elle ne veuille estre communs aux subjects de leurs seigneuries, pour conserver cette amitie & bonne correspondence, qui a esté depuis un si longtemps entre la France & leur estats, & qui doit estre dans peu de temps encore plus forte & plus estroite.

Fait à la Haye, ce 18 Fevrier 1658. [N.S.]

Signé, De Thou.

Lord Fauconberge to H. Cromwell, lord-deputy of Ireland.

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

My lord,
After the liberty your lordship has given me, there cannot ought of concerne happen in this place, which I shall not endeavour to give you the perfectest account of, and, if possible, outstrip all others in it. But those great things expected, in order to the nation's settlement, from the two houses meeting, it has pleased God to dash all of a sodaine; for, my lord, two dayes after my last H. H. surprized us all, not only us of the lower orbe, but those I mean of his councell, most (I am sure) of them, if not all, by putting an end to boath the houses of parliament that thursday morning. This we now see he was forced to doe, least some turbulant spirits amongst them should have put an end to the peace of this nation, by embroyling it as farre in blood and confusions as ever.

Major-general Packer, who commands H. H. owne regiment, is just now with H. H. and I have some reason to think his commission will be taken from him ere they part. It is beleeved some others too must follow; but I dare not say who, being ressolved to give your lordship all the truth of matters I can, without the least mixture of my owne or others conjectures.

I cannot at all perceive H. H. disposed to that of your lordship's coming into England, tho for never so small a time; and the truth is, I do not marvell att all as things now stand; for the troblers of our quiet will no doubt be watching all advantages there, as well as heere, and a greater then your lordship's absence I am sure they do not wish, whose actions stirre up as much dread in them, as wonder in all us, that love you. This, my lord, is the language of my judgment only, for my affection runnes quite counter, and would perswade, that for a few months your lordship might be dispensed with, there being no person alive so impatiently longing for the honour to kisse your lordship's hands, as,
Whitehall, Feb. 9th 1657.

My lord, Your lordship's most faithfull and obedient servant,
Fauconberg.

Lockhart, embassador in France, to lord Fauconberg.

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

To receive with this a packet from my lady, I have sent her ladyship one of that bulke, which makes mee beleeve there may bee some things in them for her use, and shall bee glad to know, if they came safe to her hands. I have been soe long without letters from mr. secretary, that I am in some feare hee is relapsed into that indisposition,of which I heard once hee had recovered. I pray God, it bee not trew; if it bee, I beseech your lordship speake to H. H. that I may know his pleasure in such things, as I have writt of late to mr. secretary. If mr. secretary bee in health, your lordship I hope will bee pleased to take noe notice of what is sayd in this further then in soe farr as it assures your lordship of the sincerity of my being
Paris, 10/20 Febr. 1657/8.

Your, &c.

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

10 February 1657.

In the possession of William Cromwell esq.

My lord,
As Ireland (like all other reviving plantations) receives many imported goods, but exports little, so I cannot repay your lordship's news with news, but must only give your lordship my humble thanks for those your free and useful communications, as the interest of your lordship's debt upon me. Besides, as Ireland sends forth nothing but hides, tallow, pipe-staves, and other coarse commodities, in exchange of the delicacys of art and nature; so, my lord, your lordship must not expect any thing from mee bearing other proportion to what I receive from your lordship. Wherefore it's something, that I see in your letters, not in my own, which makes me confident to draw you on to this trouble of a correspondence with me. Although the want of mr. secretary's intelligence leaves a great dimness upon my fight of affairs, yet I may tell your lordship, without flattery to your self, or disparagement to him, that the addition of your lordship's observations will so brighten the objects I look upon, as to make his prospective the more useful to me. Besides, my lord, as several plants contract their several and contrary substances from the same common earth, so certainly out of the same general mass of humane affairs, men of several minds and inclinations will remark and be affected with several and very different particulars. From whence concluding, that your lordship may shine upon me as clear from your own orb, as mr. secretary from his, I again beg the continuance of your lordship's favours: I say I beg, or at least would borrow them, for I told your lordship you must not expect payment from me at present.

I was quite mistaken in my last, when I feared as if the new-begotten house would lye cross in the womb, that conceived it; whereas now I see the unnatural mother uses means to procure the abortion of her own issue. But it may be, it is only the worms or vipers (you named) lying in the gutts of the commonwealth, which have caused the frettings and gnawings you mention: and this I rather believe, because of the 500 maggots, which you say are now again busily crawling out of the excrements of mr. Feak's corrupted church. But to be serious, my lord; it is a sad thing, when men of so many different ways (for such are or have been many of those you mention) should all conspire for unsettlement, seeking vain occasions to quarrel. But it is his highness happiness, that they find nothing but words and names to snap and snarl at.

I hear, that Harrison, Carey, Okey, &c. have done some new seats. I hope God will infatuate these men in their further endeavours to disturb the peace of these nations, as they seem already to be by those their follies, which do sufficiently shew them to have been but meer pretenders to, and abusers of religion, and such whose hypocrisy the Lord will avenge in his due time. Our want of money, and engagements abroad, will be an encouragement to these incendiaries, which are certainly very dangerous, and of an inveterate temper, when nothing will suppress their fury even for a while. I hope his highness will have an eye to the army, that those, who have a mind to scold, may not be suffer'd to fight too. The people of these nations have been too well experienced by their past sufferings, to engage their blood in so particular and unchristian animositys, as these contentions now on the stage seem to be. The Lord direct his highness, and dispose his friends to pray for his life, on which thread a great weight hangs.

My dear lord, you see I have no matter, only words to return for your things. Wherefore I will abruptly subscribe my self

Your's, &c.

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

In the possession of William Cromwell esq.

My dear lord,
Although I have no business, wherein to beg your lordship's assistance, yet I would write, that your lordship by feeling but my pulse beat, might conclude my affection towards you to be still alive. Wherefore I was glad, that your lordship's aversion to jealousy interpreted the not having my letters to miscarriage or delay; and that it pleased providence to answer your lordship's candor in that point in so speedy an approbation of your lordship's judgment and sagacity.

As for his highness pleasure about my coming for England, I acquiesce in it; for my end being to serve his highness, and the publick thereby, if his highness think I may serve him better otherwise, I reach that end a nearer way.

I fear, that was said of one for nauseating any thing but arbitrariness, was too true; and indeed it must be, that men ignorant of law and right should cry it down, and fly to that law, the sword, which is their own hands. What you say of Disbrowe's being general of the horse discovers the intentions, which have been industriously masked: neither was it an argument of real love to bring his highness into that ensnaring dilemma.

As for the reviving, &c. I am really at my wit's ends. You cannot but imagine, that too near concernment, and my imperfect knowledge of affairs, make me uncapable of advising any thing hereupon. But I rely upon your lordship's wisdom and integrity herein, and shall earnestly beseech the Lord to encrease it upon this most difficult attempt of your lordship.

It seems by the news of Harrison's, Carie's and Okey's pranks, and those of Feake's church, with what is acted in both houses, that there is a tumultuous irregular union to do mischief. I wish I could say any thing, that might direct your lordship through this labyrinth, but I cannot; wherefore I must beg your lordship not to be weary of imparting, although you see I can make you no return. I remain

Your, &c.

Extract out of the register of the secret resolutions of the lords states-general of the United Netherlands.

Jovis, the 21st of Febr. 1658. [N.S.]

Vol. lvii. p. 315.

By resumption being debated upon the proposition, which the lord Downing, resident of the lord protector of the commonwealth of England, Scotland and Ireland, made by word of mouth on the 13th instant, and afterwards delivered in writing, concerning the accommodating of the two northern Protestant crowns; and containing, amongst the rest in effect, that the lord protector will not desire any thing in favour of his subjects, unless the same be also agreed unto by this state; it is thought fit and understood, that this shall be given in answer to the said lord Downing, upon his proposition, by the lords Huygens and others their H. and M. L. commissioners for the affairs of Sweden and Denmark, that their H. and M. L. earnest intention and inclination is no other than by all possible ways and means, to help to further the peace between the Northern crowns: and that they are ready to endeavour, to get a meeting appointed in the first place for the purpose, according to the foregoing resolutions of the 8th instant, which were delivered to him the said resident some few days afterwards; and that their H. and M. L. will willingly consult with his lordship about the ways and means, whereby their said aim and intention may be best and with the most speed effected; adding withall, that their H. and M. L. do return most hearty thanks to the said lord protector for his affection, not to desire any thing in favour of his subjects, unless the same be also agreed unto by the state; making also the same and reciprocal declaration on this side to the said lord resident, and presentation of fully assuring each other about it by a common or reciprocal written act: that likewise the ambassadors ministers to be sent on both sides, or already sent, should be ordered to act communicatis consiliis; and the said their H. and M. L. commissioners are to make report of what shall happen. Extracts of this resolution shall be sent to the lords their H. and M. L. extraordinary embassadors with the kings of Sweden and Denmark, and at the court of the duke of Brandenburgh, as also to him, whom the lord embassador Nieuport hath left in England, to serve for their information.

Extract out of the register of the resolutions of their H. and M. L. states-general of the United Netherlands.

Jovis, the 21 Febr. 1658. [N.S.]

Vol. lvii. p. 313.

By resumption being debated upon a certain memorandum of the lord embassador of France, containing a renewing of his foregoing instance for a suspension or cessation of arms between the crown of Portugal and this state; secondly, concerning the affairs of Sweden and Denmark: it is thought fitt and resolved, that this answer shall be given to the said lord embassador upon his said memorandum by the lords of Ghent and others their H. and M. L commissioners for the affairs of France, that their H. and M. L. earnest intention and inclination is no other, than to help to further by all possible ways and means the peace between the two northern crowns; and that their H. and M. L. will be very willing to consult with his lordship about the ways and means, by which the said common design and aim may be best and with most speed effected. And what concerneth the said business of Portugal, that their H. and M. L. do as yet refer themselves to their foregoing answer, comprehended in their resolutions of the 5th instant.

The Swedish resident to the states-general.

Vol. lvii. p. 311.

Le soubsigné resident de Swede ayant entendu d'un certain memoire deliverée par l'envoyé de Dennemark, se trouve obligé de faire connoistre à leurs hautes puissances pour une meilleure information au contraire, que les veritables raisons & motifs, qui ont meu le roy de Dennemark à prendre les armes contre la Swede, sont tellement connues à tout le monde, & qu'il n'y en avoit point d'autres que l'occasion tant desirée, que le Dennemark s'imaginoit de se presenter pour deposseder sa majesté, pendant qu'elle estoit ailleurs cy-avant engagé dans la guerre, & specialement ce que leurs hautes puissances mesmes avoient trouvé à propos de stipuler en l'an 1645 contre & à la charge de Dennemark, pour la sureté du commerce de leurs subjects, de sorte qu'il semble fort estrange, & le sieur envoyé de Dennemark les appelle de fort mauvaise grace du nom des raisons très-importantes & necessaires, & d'une desence, bien que ce ne soit qu'une pure aggression ou hostilité ouverte. Leurs hautes puissances ont receu un contentment tout entier par le traité d'Elbing sur le fait du commerce, & les menées & ruptures Danoises en ont jusques icy empêchée la ratification. En outre les injustes exactions de Dennemark, pour vexer & troubler la navigation & commerce de ces pays, sont voir depuis plus de 100 ans, que leur ruine inevitable procedera plustost du costé de Dennemark, la Suede leur ayant encore n'agueres offert une liberté toute entieredes gabelles au peage du Sund; ce qu'on allegue par après de la part de Dennemark, que le traité d'Elbing ne peut estre ratifié durant la presente guerre, ne seroit qu'une contradiction trop intolerable de la verité & de la sincerité de leurs hautes puissances, comme ayants desja au mois de Septembre 1656 trouvé, que ledit traité estoit en tout & par tout confirmé aux ordres & instructions, qu'elles avoient baillié à messieurs leurs ambassadeurs extraordinaires, en suite de quoy il a pleu à leurs hautes puissances de leur donner ordre de faire en sorte, que sa majesté, sans attendre l'expiration du terme des 4 mois, envoieroit l'instrument de la ratification sans aucun delay à son resident, ainsy que elle a fait. Mais les Danois ont sçeu obtenir par leurs pratiques, qu'on traite si saint & si solemnel avec toutes ses resolutions; pouvoir, confirmation, la signature, & le sceau demeure nul & de nul effect; si bien, qu'il n'y a point de sujet de s'estonner, si Dieu permet, que les affaires de Dennemark se reculent ou empirent de plus en plus. Mais il est estrange, que le ministre de Dennemark s'efforce de porter leurs hautes puissances à l'assistance d'une cause, qu'on voit notoirement, que Dieu tout-puissant ne veut point benir; en decision du quel il se fonde sur des traitez, qui ne parlent que de secourir celuy qui sera attaqué, comme l'est en effect sa majesté de Suede, qui pour cette raison devroit estre aussy assisté, ainsy que ledit resident la demande cy-devant, & que continue encore tres effectueusement, assurant leur hautes puissances, que leur mediation (comme de plus anciens hautes puissances estoient prestes de donner un grand subsidie au roy de Dennemark, il fit à Lubeck sa paix avec l'empereur, & en signe de rejoüissance on tira le canon, sans en donner aucune connoissance ou advis preallable à leurs hautes puissances, ou & confidents alliez & amis de sa majesté,) au moins si elles demeurent dans la neutralité, sera très-agreable à sadite majesté. L'advertissement ou confession sincere dudit ministre de ce, que son roy pourroit bien traiter separement, sera peut-estre plus important & plus certain, que ces autres positions, veu qu'en l'an 1629, lors que leurs mesmes aux ducs de Meclenburgh, lesquels en surent privées de leur terres & subjects, comme on exclut aussy en ce temps-là toute la maison Palatine, & plusieurs autres familles Protestans; & pour les sauver, la Suede employa peu après son bien & son sang, sans espagner celuy du roy. Et comme il semble, mes seigneurs, les Danois ou quelques uns d'iceux pourroient a present bien voir la mesme intention, pour acquerir une paix particulier aux depens de cet estat, ou d'enricher de leur argent quelques nouveaux officers, ou eux-mesmes, au prejudice de ceux, lesquels n'y ont point d'interest: c'est pourquoy leurs hautes puissances sont très-affectueusement priées, qu'il leur plaise de refuser selon leur prudence les demandes de Dennemark, qui ne tendent qu'à leur profit particulier, & pour plus embarasser le trouble du commerce, & de contribuer leurs soins, comme veritables & sinceres mediateurs, avec les autres princes & alliez de sa majesté à cette pacification; les assurant, que de la part de sa majesté on apportera non-seulement toute sorte de facilité à la paix, mais aussy à l'augmentation & liberté du commerce de ces provinces.

Signé à la Haye, le 21 de Fevrier 1658. [N.S.]

H. Appelboom.

Downing, resident in Holland, to Lockhart, embassador in France.

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

Prince Palatine Sultzbach by his letter dated at Gottorpe, 31 Jan. old stile, signifies, that the king of Sweden is for certain master of all the island of Funen; and that several of the Danes, who flying out of Funen towards Rentsberg, were brought prisoners to Gottorpe, do say, that they saw the bastard-son of the late king of Denmark, called Goldenlyn, and several other principal officers of the king of Denmark, taken prisoners by the Swedes. This Goldenlyn was commander in chief under the Dane in Funen. The same letter also saith, that the Swede hath taken four ships of war, which were frozen in the harbour of the city Newborough. I need not tell you how this news is relished in these parts. Indeed, nothing could have happened more against the hair; and I do believe it will produce some effect. The last week I did make a proposition to the statesgeneral, desiring, that they would think of using their serious endeavour for accommodating matters between those two kings; and yesterday the embassador of France here hath put in a memorial to the states-general to the like effect. There is little progress yet made about the levies here for the king of Denmark; some captains are run away with their monies. A fortnight ago I sent to London the acceptation of these states of H. H. mediation between them and Portugal; but as yet they shew no inclinableness to a cessation of arms, until some propositions for peace be sent to them from the king of Portugal. I received your's by the last, and am
Hague, Feb. 21, 1657/8.

Your's.

The king of Sweden's brother writes out of Prussia, that their affairs are there in a very good condition; and doth confirm the news of the Poles, under Ganzisky there, being beaten by those of Riga.

Secretary Thurloe to Lockhart, embassador in France.

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

I Received your's by Compton, which gave me no new occasion to trouble your excellency, my former letters giving answers to what I desired therein, or in any of the former. By this post I expected some return from your excellency to some of mine, but the post is not yet come with us. When I shall understand your intentions to what I have writ about the secret treaty, you shall not fail to have a speedy resolution hence, The French embassador desired audience of H. H. this day, which he will have within a day or two. He faith he hath orders from the court, to propound something; but what they are I know not.

We have had no letters from Flanders this sennight, the post not coming, which we attribute to the badness of the weather; so that I can give no account how things are at the Hague, nor what progress George Downing hath made in his business.

H. H. hath spent this week about his army, and hath made some alterations therein. He took notice of some dissatisfactions, which were amongst the officers of his own regiment of horse; and thereupon sending for major Packer and the 5 captains, he found it as he had heard; and thereupon hath dismissed them all six from their commands. They are all Anabaptists; and hath resolved of six other very brave officers, to put in the head of those troops. This he did this day in the presence of many of the officers, who expressed their satisfaction in it. H. H. hath sent for Witham, to come from Mardyke hither, to speak with him. I rest

Yours.

Whitehall, 11/21 February 1657/8.

A letter of intelligence from the Hague.

Vol. lvii. p. 328.

Monsieur,
Rapport est fait d'un memoire, par lequel les estats d'Ost-Frise demandent nouvel ordre aux ambassadeurs, qui sont près des roys du Nort, a sin de donner acte de sauvegarde auxdits estats d'Ost-Frise; sur quoy l'assemblée a eu des speculations, craignant, que tel office pourroit eveiller ceux qui dorment; ainsy rien encore n'est resolu.

Le deputé du conte d'Oldenborch a baillé un prolixe memoire sur l'affaire de In & Kniphuysen, qui s'est mis ès mains des deputés sur les affaires d'Ost-Frise.

L'ambassadeur de France a fait donner un long memoire, faisant l'introduction par l'affaire de Portugal; mais en effect pour seconder le resident Downing, & dehorter cet estat du secours, pour lequel le ministre de Dennemark insiste si fort, donnant tacitement à entendre, qu'autrement la France & l'Angleterre feroient autant pour le Suede.

A l'instance d'Hollande on a achevé de conclure à escrire aux provinces pour se resoudre touchant les affaires du Nort, selon les concepts resolutions de Hollande.

En effect, l'on n'a pas encore des nouvelles assertives de Funen, mais bien certain estil, que le roy de Suede y soit entré avec les siens. Car s'il en avoit esté repoussé, la Holsace seroit pleine des fuyards Suedois, là où au contraire l'on ne parle que des fuyards Danois.

L'ambassadeur de Spagne a notifié, que sa majesté agrée de tolerer tous tels, qui de France ou Angleterre sont venus habiter en Zelande ou ailleurs en ces Provinces-Unies, pourveu qu'ils ayent bonne attestation ou certifications des magistrats.

Le sieur Rosewinge, deputé de sa majesté de Dennemarck, a par memoire representé la misere ou impuissance de son roy, requirant assistance & secours, &c.

La reine de Bohême aura par voye de missive notifié aux estats generaux, qu'elle ne se contente nullement, ou ne prend nulle satisfaction dans la lettre particuliere de la princesse d'Hohenzollern; ains qu'elle y a rencontré des piquantes calumnies; & qu'elle en a envoyé des copies à ceux de sa maison.

L'on a conclu sinalement l'equipage de 48 navires, & la Hollande s'est servy de l'argument de la presente nouvelle de l'entrée des Suedois en Funen; quoique proprement la nouvelle ne soit point asseurée. Mais pour cela on diroit, que ledit equipage est proprement destiné, & contre le Nort plus que vers le West.

Il y a eu une lettre du prince d'Ost-Frise responsive à celle, que cet estat luy avoit escrit touchant des pleintes, que les estats d'Ost-Frise avoient faits icy contre ledit prince.

L'on a resolu de donner tant à l'ambassadeur de France, qu'au resident d'Angleterre, des responses ou resolutions sur leurs memoires dernierement presentées, concernants principalement les troubles ou guerre du Nort, dont le contenu sera general; que leur hautes puissances par tous serieux moyens ont dessein d'appaiser ladite guerre, & qu'ils voudront avec lesdit ambassadeur & minister concerter du temps & lieu d'une assemblée, comme aussy des moyens & voyes, par où l'on pulsse le plus promptement parvenir à cette paix; avec remerciement, &c. Je reste
Ce 22 Fevrier, [1658. N.S.]

Vostre très-humble serviteur.

From mr. Kingston.

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

[Paragraph contains cyphered content — see page image]

Sir,
I Have seene a late letter written from Rome by one C o n n, a S c o c h ma n, to Dr. Kelly, wherein he sayes, that he was much grievd to see the king's affaires in that court agitated of late by a Carmelite, and now by a Benedictin sryer, men of noe power nor countenance; so as it seems, whatsoever those be, they have not been as secrett and wary as you could have wishd them. And the truth is, that sorte of men are commonly not unwilling to have it known, that they are intrusted with matters of moment; and though they wisper it but to their superiour, or some one of their companions, whom they think trusty, yet it spreds in the convent, and so getts out. Many, and such hands, when they are seen to be intrusted, makes a man cheap in that court.

I am apt to beleave, that the report wee have had heare of late, and was beleaved of most men, that Cromwell was reddy to conclude with the king of Spaine, and that nothing was an obstacle to it, but that the king of Spaine would not give up king of England, and the re f t, is a fable, and only spread by Mazarin, thereby to appease the c l e r g y, trobled at the delivery of Mardyke to the English.

The by shops here understanding the Hugonott agents were to have audience, went to the king to hinder it, but could not prevayle; and they were admitted to present their greavances.

I am not able to performe my promise of sending by this post the progress of the complaint made by the curats, which is now at a stand, the king having commanded them not to make any further application to the parliament; but I shall have it, and I am promisd a late choise peice.

I understand my lord chancelor is sicke of the gout: I pray God send him his health. You wil be pleasd to present my most humble service to him, and to let him know, that mr. Eliot, since he used a remedy I gave him for it, was not trobled with it, as he tould me, when I was there last; and assure my lord from me, that I had it from a gentleman here, who having been twenty yeares both spring and fall trobled with that disease, having come to the knowledge of that remedy, and made use of it constantly every month, was not in fifteen year before he dyed incommodated with any fitt of it. Methinks how averse soever he be to tryalls of this kinde, yet having experience of the effect of it upon the place, and receiving this testimony, he should dispose himself, after consulting his doctor, to make an essay of the virtue of it.

I beseech you, send this billet to my sonn in your next, if perhaps you may not have knowen, that coll. Bamfeild is gonn some other way. I remaine
Your most humble servant,
Kingston.

Paris, this 22d February 1658. [N. S.]

A monsieur, monsieur Lawrence.

A letter of intelligence.

Vol. lvii. p. 333.

Sir,
I Have received one from you directed to Lubec, of a very old date. You complayne of my silence, and yet I assure you, I have not wanted one post in many months; I am sorry any shoud have miscarried. I wrote to you to pay that pittance to A. M; which you may please to doe; or if you have not yet, keep it still in your hands, and send me a small note in omnem eventum. I have gott leave to come for England, from the states; most of my business is to speak with you and my uncle. You know my business. If you have not had the confirmation of the king of Sweden's mastering Funen, the enclosed from a sure hand will give it you. 'Tis said, that he is codem impetu pass'd into Zealand; but of this by the next. Wee had yesterday a solemn fast. If the Swedes master the Sound, wee shall have more such dayes; but more forced. Wee are at a stand; so are the leavies for Denmark. I believe the ratification may be sooner dispatched then the secours. Remember mee to to all friends in the country; and adieu.

Hague, 22/12 February 165⁷/8.

I am just going out a towne with your's to the captain.

For mr. Antonio Rogers, att the post-office in London.

A letter of intelligence, sent from Holland by resident Downing.

Paris, 22 February 1658. [N. S.]

Vol. lvii. p. 177.

The declaration of the king of France hath been published, whereby is prohibited, that none carry double commissions, no levying of men in any part of this kingdom, none to hurt any allies of this crown, upon pain of being declared pirats, and punished accordingly; also that all who have strange commissions depart out of the ports within 24 hours after their arrival, and the admiralty to have nothing to do with all strange commissions. The lord admiral interpreting the king's edict to be serious, hath hereunto added, that all those, that carry double commissions, shall be adjudged as pirats; giving order to arrest and set upon them every where; so that I believe the trade and commerce of the Low-countries will thereby be much advantaged, in case his majesty with your lordships will put it in execution. The commissions against those, that took the Elephant and another Holland ship, are sent towards Rochelle; and I will endeavour every day to procure them, to the end, that in time your lordships may thereby find your contentment. The troubles of Normandy, touching the quartering of soldiers, is appeased. There is sent (by the serious instances of the duke of Orleans) the mareshal d'Estampes towards Languedoc and Provence, to appease the affairs of Nismes and Tarascon; because in these two cities, about the choosing of consuls, some of the king's guards were killed. The affairs of Italy grow more and more troubled. The pope is levying 6000 soldiers against the design of the duke of Modena and Parma, who (as they say) shall be assisted by France. Those of the reformed religion here have, after long sollicitations, had publick audience of his majesty, where they made their complaints; the chancellor forgot not to put them in mind of the great favour they had hereby, because for a long time they had not spoke to the queen but by their commissioners general. Yesterday went hence a new brigade of the king's musketeers towards Mardyke, because the number of the English was but few, many being dead of late. Some assure me, that France is oblig'd to keep for the English all places gained in Flanders, at their own cost, until Dunkirk be taken, and put into the hands of the protector, about which there have been some dispute amongst them, which still continues. Monsieur le chevalier de Terlon is to be sent ambassador hence to the court of Sweden, in the place of the Baron of Avancourt deceased. The renovation of the alliance with the Protestant Cantons of Swiss is not yet effected. Of the ten ships of the king's heretofore provided at Toulon, six are freed; and it is believed, that the rest also shall be freed, and lest to free-booters. The six at Thoulon are ready to go to sea, so that the merchants ships of the Low-Countries may be advertised hereof. However, the good and sincere intention of the king is, that the friends and allies of this crown should no ways be damaged.

Dantzick, 20 Febr. 1658.

They say, that 3 or 4000 marched from Posen towards Prussia; also, that the Swedes about Marienburg, Elbing, &c. are muster'd, and all their musketiers made dragoons; for what expedition is yet unknown. From Berlin they write, that the signing of the conjunction of the armies of Austria, Poland and Brandenburg, was done the 14th of this month.

From ambassadeur Boreel, de Paris, le 1^r de Mars, 1658. [N. S.]

Dimanche dernier le seigneur ambassadeur d'Angleterre receva par courier exprès le dissolvement du parlement à Westminster, surquoy à l'instant il demandoit audience auprès monseigneur le cardinal. Son eminence tacha le divertir jusqu'après le department de la reyne Christine; mais faisant plus d'instance, & le seigneur ambassadeur luy fit dire, que c'estoit des affaires pressants, lesquels ne pouvoient suffrir aucun delay, tellement, que son excellence a eu audience Mardy dernier. Personnes, lesquels ont esté auprès de son eminence, disent, que la dissention nouvelle en Angleterre bien pourroit produire des empeschements fort grandes aux desseins formées à la campagne prochaine, tant aux Flanders, que ailleurs par tout. Il y a un courier exprès venu de Provence, portant des lettres, qui disent comment quelques navires Anglois estoient venu devant Livorno, y avoient voulu prendre une navire chargé de bleds, laquelle vouloit estre au Havre; lequel le chasteau de la ville apperçut, donna un coup de cannon pour monstrer, que ladite navire estoit dessous leur protection; & qu'on ne le devoit faire aucun empeschement; sur quoy est suivie, que toutes les navires Anglois ont chargé de leur cannon au chateau, non-seulement, mais aussy tiré dedans la ville plus que de 50 coups, tellement, qu'on tient une rupture asseurée entre les Anglois & le grand due de Toscane. Lesdits navires Anglois ont pris leur course vers les costes de Provence (comme on dit icy) pour executer ceux de la ville de Marseilles, pour le payement des deniers cy-devant prestés à l'ambassadeur de France à Constantinople, lesquels cette cour a ordonné à ceux de Marseilles de payer; ce qu'ils ne veulent faire.

Signé;, W. Boreel.

Extract out of the printed news at Amsterdam. De Londres, le 21^m Fevr. 1657/8.

Sur quelques difficultez survenues entre le parliament & le sieur protecteur Cromwell, de quoy on nous escrit, que le mesme parliament s'est separée avec un grand mescontentment; ce que voyant ledit sieur protecteur, il s'est tenu maistre absolu de la Tour, dans laquelle on escrit, que monsieur Rogers a esté mis prisonier depuis peu de jours, de quoy on ne parle point du sujet: & depuis l'on a imprimé quantité de libelles ou lettres, que l'on a distribués entre les soldats & le peuple, lesquels ne tendent qu'à sedition. L'on parle aussy fort de ce que le roy d'Escosse, Charles Stuart, second du nom, a dessein de revenir encore outre mer; ce qui a causé icy une grande alteration entre tous les habitants tant des villes, que de champs. Les frigats nommés Gainsborough, & le Brier, ont pris un advanturier d'Ostende, nommé le Lezard, monté de 16 pieces de cannon, & de 80 hommes, lesquels ils ont amenés à Falmouth. L'on a fait une publication la semaine passee, de la part de son altesse le sieur protecteur, à l'encontre de tous les Papists mal-affectionnés demeurants en cette ville, qu'ils ayent à s'en retirer dans peu de jours jusques à 20 lieuës d'icelle.

From resident Downing.

[I thought fit, by the above extract, to let you see, what news is printed at Amsterdam, which is publish'd there by a brother of the secretary of the Spanish embassador last heer.]

A letter of intelligence from the Hague.

Vol. lvii. p. 327.

[Paragraph contains cyphered content — see page image]

Monsieur,
Les ministres de le protecteur & France commencent à parler un peu plus clair, principalement celuy de France; & en effect cela estoit necessaire, car autrement le party contre Sweden seroit trop inegal & puissant; & sera bien necessaire, que le protecteur saffe aussy parler un peu plus clair, comme celuy de France, autrement les Hollanders prendront cela pour paroles, comme le raet-pension & ambass. Nieuport disent continuellement, que le protecteur ne sera rien pour Sweden; en quoy ils demonstrent clair, qu'ils ne travaillent, que pour separer le Swede d'avec le protecteur, comme ils ont separé desja le elect. de Brandenb. & comme ils se vantent d'avoir aussy desja donné tant de jalousie àSweden, qu'il est engagé en traitté avec l'empereur; ce qui est une belle raillerie: car les interests de Sweden sont tellement constitués, que jamais le Swede ne pourra se joindre avec l'emperear. Mais si le protecteur & France l'abandonnoient, & qu'il auroit les Holland, le Dennem. elect. Brand. Poland, & le Moscovite, &c. pour ennemis, il seroit bien contraint de traitter avec quelqu'un du partie contraire. Mais si le protecteur & France tiennent bon, & s'unissent bien avec Sweden, tous trois subsisteront glorieusement. Je scay bien, que le protecteur ne desire nul avantage de commerce par-dessus Holland; mais en cas que Holland continuent en leur faire de violer les loix de mediation & de neutralité contre Sweden, je scay bien, que le protecteur ne voudroit pas manquer prendre un avantage pour ses subjects très-notable. C'est que tres-facilement, & comme par un tournemain, que le protecteur pourra avoir un part dans le commerce du East-sea, que les Hollandois ont maintenant tout seul. Car si Sweden devient maistre de Oresmudt, & le protecteur l'y maintient, le Swede donnera à le protecteur tout le commerce qu'il desire. Je scay bien, que les Hollandois tascheront à donner grande jalousie à le protecteur, de ce que si Sweden devient maistre de Oresmudt, ils seront trop puissant, & pourroient trop abuser du commerce; mais cela est ridiculeux, veu que les abus du peage est commencé depuis que Dennemarc est separé de Suede. Autresois quand Suede & Dennemarc estoient sous la mesme domination, on n'a pas ouy de peage ou last-toll, mais seulement de quelque rosenobel-gelt; mais depuis le Dennemarc est devenu roy apart, il a prins le temps des troubles de Pais-Bas: autrement on sait, que le due d'Alba avec une lettre obligeoit le Dennemarc à moderation. Mais de depuis, à mesure que cet estate accroissoit, il a colludé avec l'Espagne, & attiré de plus en plus le commerce de cet estat. 2. La raison & la nature veut, que le Swede (comme un marchand riche & ayant grande boutique) donnera sa marchandise à moindre marché & à moindre prix ou peage, qu'un petit marchand. Le Swede mesme est interesse à abbaisser le peage, de peur que la navigation n'aille vers Moscovic ou ailleurs, estant certain, que l'Allemagne, les navires du Rhyn, Weeser, & Elbe, sournissent assez du grain & de bois, comme l'Angleterre en effect a du bois & des materiaux navales de soy, ou de l'Angleterre nouvelle. Et au pis aller, l'Angleterre & la Hollande, maistres de la mer, pourroient tousjours rediger le Swede à la raison. Si que la jalousie, que les Hollandois taschent à donner, est ridiculeuse tout-à-fait; & si le protecteur & France voudrcient porter envie à Sweden pour si peu de chose, & là où ils ont si peu de sujet (car Dennemare tient encore trente bonnes forteresses capables à rompre la teste à Sweden,) outre des si grandes ennemies, que Hollande & Dennemare luy ont suscité cela seroit monstrer le chemin à Sweden, à chercher ailleurs de l'appuy, à quoy autrement il ne songeroit pas; & les Hollandois pouvoient causer telle separation entre le protecteur, France & Sweden. Ce seroit une grande victoire pour Hollande, pour Dennemarc, l'emper. elect. Br. k. Pol. k. Spain; & les Hollandois se mocqueroient de le protecteur & France. Je suis,
Ce 22 Fevrier [1658.]

Monsieur, Vostre très-humble serviteur.

Boreel, the Dutch embassador in France, to Ruysch.

Vol. lvii. p. 317.

My lord,
Formerly I have often proposed to their H. and M. L. the intolerable excesses and disorders, which are so abominably practised in the Narrow of France, and in those parts, by those of Biscay, by taking and plundering of all Netherland merchant-ships, which they can meet with. Now at present I receive new complaints from some Netherland merchants at Nants, who complain, that the taking and plundering of their ships by those of Biscay doth encrease more and more; and that they had lately totally plundered two Netherland ships; but the schippers could by no means learn their names, that did them this mischief. This piracy doth very much obstruct the commerce of navigation in those parts; which I make no doubt but their H. and M. L. in their great wisdom will endeavour to prevent.

Paris, the 22d of Febr. 1658. [N. S.]

W. Boreel.