State Papers, 1658: February (4 of 5)

February (4 of 5)

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

17 Feb. 1657.

In the possession of william Cromwel esq.

My dear lord,
I Must give your lordship my thanks, not only for taking the pains (in the vulgar sense) but enduring the torture of continuing your useful communications; and must beg your lordship to let your noble secretary know, how deeply I think my self obliged to her lady ship's contribution towards the honour and advantage I receiv'd by both your labours. My lord, I am truly sorry for your lordship's sufferings, wishing, that as I do abundantly partake of your lordship's good things, I ought for your lordship's case to bear a share even of your lordship's paines. Although your lordship's letters are even as my eyes, yet I beg you to forbear all, when writing adds the least to your distemper.

What your lordship says, concerning the unexpecledness of the late dissolution, and of the ignorance the most knowing were in concerning it, especially remembring, that the refusals in the last sessions was managed in like manner, doth tye me up from offering at any thing concerning affairs, although my heart be full of apprehensions concerning them. Since the parliament is dissolved, I hope care will be had of the army. Your lordship knows, I always laid much stress upon the well constituting the councell and army, till which be satisfactorily done, I cannot hope for much.

I believe the milk, wherein 653 was sopt, had much water in it. I wish the 200001. were here, tho' it will be but a very small remittance. We go more and more backwards, because we have no authentick orders to reduce. Pray use means, that what we are like to have, be dispatched us by the latter end of March.

The army here are of themselves willing to remonstrate their resolutions of adhering to his highness. I keep their design in suspence, untill I hear your opinion upon it. For my own part, though I cannot see what harm it can do; yet considering the occasion follows so on the heels of the parliament's dissolution, makes me shy what to do in it. I remain

Your, &c.

Downing to Lockhart.

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

The last letters from the North do assure us yet further of the taking of Funen, with the particularities thereof; for which I refer you to the inclosed prints by order of mr. Appleboom, the king of Sweden's resident in this place. And I assure you, that this news makes very great impressions here; and I believe will also produce some alteration of councils. The French embassador and myself have this week each of us received another answer from the states-general, in which somewhat plainly they declare their unwillingness to join with England and France, for the promoting the peace in the North.

The princess Louisa and Zollern are now in this town, to endeavour to recover the princess of Zollern's rights to the election of the magistrat of Besgen-op-Zoom; but I believe to no purpose. The post will not let me stay any longer, only to tell you, that I am

Hague, the 28th Febr. ⁷/8 [N.S.]

Your's.

I pray let me have some name, for the future, for me to direct your letters to you: by that they may the better pass without opening in Flanders; and inclose yours to me in a cover to one mr. Harry, merchant at the Hague.

General Monck to secretary Thurloe.

Vol. lvii. p. 359.

Honoured sir,
I have nothing att present to trouble you withall, butt with the inclosed letters, and some bookes, by which you may see what labour and pains those Quakers take to get proselytes. Pearson if one, that was formerly sir Arthur Heslerigg's man. Alexander Parker is at Leith; I have given orders to the officer commanding there to secure him, and likwise on George Fox. There is one letter from mr. Turner, that lives at Newcastle. I thought this hardly worth the troubling you withall; butt being I intercepted the letter, I thought sitt alsoe to order an officer to looke upon the Books: there were so many of them, that the carriage of them betweene this and Newcastle came to 14 s. If you please to acquaint his highnes with itt, that there may be some course taken to prevent the printing of these papers, I thinke it may doe well. For other news wee have none; all things are quiet and well. Which is all at present from

Dalkeith, 18 Feb. 165⁷/8.

Your affectionate humble servant,
Gborge Monck.

The protector to the marquis of Brandenburg.

Vol. lvii. p. 357.

Serenissime princeps,
Grave quidem est, quod Thomas Dunn, præfectus navis, cui nomen the Thomas of Ipswich, nobis per supplicem libellum exposuit, & jurejurando rite interposito confirmavit, anno nempe 1657, mense Maii, Pillaviæ tres ex sociis suis navalibus, quos suspicabatur mercium suarum partem surrepuisse, ut manifesta res videretur, ad stipendia vestra, tanquam ad asylum confugisse. Ducem verœ quendam Hell é vestris cæteros etiam nautas compulisse, ut officium suum deserentes sub se mererent; præfectum autem. navis, ut impotentia sua & libido securius posset grassari, in carcerem compeoit, nullâ ne quidem probabili causa, nisi quod fugitivis illis tanquam operæ recte navatæ persidiæ insuper mercedem à prædicto præfecto numerari volebat. Tune etiam navem vacuam nactus, merces quidem diripuit, illam autem anchorâ & rudentibus spoliavit, & tormentis bellicis verberatam, ne qua sceleris sui vestigia manerent, in portu vestro depressit; magna quidem prædicti Thomsæ Dunn, & mercatorum suorum jadturˆ, utpote quæ 1200 libris nostræ monetæ æstimetur; majori autem existimationis vestræ dispendio, quum duces vestri ea, mediâ pace, in subditos nostros audeant, quæ nec apertis inimicitiis atrociora, nee impune committi potuissent. Pro amicitiâ igitur nostrâ petimus, imò pro justitiâ. vestrâ postulamus, ut vim & insolentiam hanc vestrorum hominum, uti communi gentium juri, commerciorum securitati & mutuis sœderibus contrariam &exitiabilem, reprimere & castigare velitis; petitori verò plenæ satisfieri jubeatis. Nos enim uti amicitiam vestram, quam magni facimus, excolere, in votis habemus, ita neque subditis nostris fidem nostram implorantibus deesse possumus aut debemus. Dabatur è palatio nostro Westmonasterii, 18^vo die Februarii, an. 165 7/6.

Vester bonus amicus.

A letter of intelligence.

Vol. lvii. p. 365.

In momento abituri tabelhrii per eos, qui satis fidem merentur, inteliigo, tractatus Sueco-Danicos in puncto clausulæ sitos esse. Dani Blekingiam & Schoniam jam obtulerunt, ut & partem suarum navium, duo millia equitum, totidemque peditum, summani pecuniæ & confæderationem offensivam & defensivam. Postulavit verò sacra regia majestas Sueciæ prætereà insulam Bornholm & districtum Frundhemensem in Norvegia. Nihilominus spes erat brevissimo temporis spatio omnia expedita forè, quod Deus largiatur, quove cuncta in sui nominis gloriam, & sacræ regiæ majestatis vergent emolumentum.

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

Vol. lvii.p.365.

H. and M. lords,
My lords, at last the queen Christina of Sweden is come into this city from Fontainebleau, and if lodged in the Louvre; and hath since had several long conferences with the cardinal Mazarin.

There have been very high waters in most parts of this kingdom, the like hath not been known for these many years; a good part of this city hath lain for some days under water, and the inhabitants of the houses built upon the bridges of this city forsook their habitations. The lord embassador of England received on sunday last, by an express from London, the news of the dissolution of the parliament at Westminster; whereupon he presently desired audience of the cardinal. Some are of opinion, that by these new dissentions in England great alterations might happen in the formed designs for the next campaign.

Paris, 1 March 1658. [N. S.]

W. Boreel.

An estimate of the state of the pay of the officers, on the 19th February 1657.

Vol. lvii. p. 361.

Mr. J. Hobson to the protector.

Most exceellent prince,

Vol. xlvii. p. 160.

Sir,
About ten dayes since was sent me from mr. Ch. Longland at Livorno a packett, wherein was inclosed a letter from your most royall highnes, directed to this prince of Venice, which arryved heare by admirall Stokes, commaunder of the ten friggotts sent aabrod for securinge your merchants tradinge in the Mediterranean-seas. Uppon receipt whereof I imediatly made my addres to the coleggio; and, according to my charge and bounden duty, I presented the same to the prince in your royall highnes name, which was receaved with much regard, and answer given me, that the state is at all times reddy to gratifye your highnes just demaunds; and accordingly the prince would signifye the same by his owne letters. In order whereto I was sower dayes past sent for to the coleggio, where by a secretary of state was delivered me the accompanyed letter from this prince to your royall highnes; which, according to my bounden duty, I herewith most humbly present to your highnes royall hands, with the tender of my most devoted and loyall obedience, well hopinge it will arryve in safety, that so both your highnes and his state may see I have freely performed what on each part hath byn intrusted to my charge. I have not wanted to acquainte some of those senators, of how great consequence the settinge out your frigotts is to the present warr with the Turke, for that in all probability it will obstruct the designes of those barbarescos from adventuringe to joyne with the Turkes forces at Constantinople this next springe, as fearinge, that they may fall in your shipps way; which indeed they doe lykewise so understand, and doe partely wish your royall highnes were pleased to reflect uppon their states present condition, which is growne deplorable by sustayninge so tedious a warr against this tyranicall ennimy of Christ and his gospell. This is all the present offers; not havinge else but to pray to the God of heaven for the continuance of your royall highnes preservation, and most humbly to remayne

Venice, this 22d Feb. 1657/8.

Your royall highnes most humble and most obliged servant,
John Hobson.

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

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

I Have just now received your's of Feb. 21th N.S. and have scarce time left me to let you know so much, by reason the Holland post was ready to depart before your's came to my hand: yet I cannot let this go without returning you my hearty and humble thanks for all the civilities of your's, and in particular for the good news your last brought me concerning the king of Sweden's success in Funen. I am

Paris, March 2d 165⁷/8 [N.S.]

Your's.

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

Sabbathy, the 2d of March 1658. [N. S.]

Vol. lvii. p. 370.

Was once more produced in the assembly the further memorandum of the 28th of Feb. last, presented to their H. and M. L. by the lord president Aytzma, in the name and behalf of the lords burgomasters and council of the city of Munster, desiring as yet, that the said city may be admitted and included in the treaty made in the years 1645 and 1646 with the towns Lubec, Bremen, and Hamburgh; whereupon being debated, and consideration had of the 9th article of the said treaties, it if resolved, that provided the said lords burgomasters and council of the said city of Munster do first make appear the consents given to that end by the said Hans-towns, that then there shall be consented in the said desired admission and conclusion, as in such a case if hereby consented: yet withall it is understood, that the said treaties and alliances shall be made upon such conditions, as shall be afterwards jointly agreed, and with common consent; and withal notice shall be given in a letter of this their H. and M. L. good mind and intention in respect of the said city of Munster, to the said three other Hans-towns.

To the Venetian agent.

Antwerp, 2d March 1658. [N. S.]

Vol.lvii.p. 372.

The posts from Venice, Germany, Frankfort, and Cologne, are not yet come, by reason of the high waters occasioned through the late great snow.

Here is no news at all. The king of England and the rest of that family are still here. The marquis of Newcastle entertained them last night. To morrow they go from hence, and the king is to accompany his sister the princess royal some few miles on her journey.

It is thought here, that the dissolution of the parliament will give some alteration in your country, and great occasion to the protector to be discomforted, seeing the dissentions and the great burthen he hath lying upon him.

The victory of the Swedes against the Danes is both ill for the Hollanders, and no ways good for this country.

I do not see any reason, why you should suspect, that any men will be sent from hence to invade England, when there be hardly men enough to defend our own country.

Mr. R. Ford to secretary Thurloe.

Vol. xlvii. p. 168.

Right honnorable sir,
The late good successe of the Swedish army in Funen and Zeland being like to render that king master of the Belt and Sound, and soe able to give lawes to the whole trade of the Baltique-sea, I begge your honnor's good leave to lay these few narrow thougths of myne at your feete; and that you would pardon what you finde of weaknesse in them, on the score of my honest good meaning towards the interest of his highnesse, and the trade of this nation. You know, sir, that the trade of the Baltique-sea hath bene, or may be, made of greater importance to this nation then any one other of the whole world, both as to the vent of our native comodities, and those which we may bring from both Indies, and all the southern parts of our trade; and alsoe as to our supply of most necessary and staple comodities, both for our owne use at home, and a father employment of our shippinge, and enlargement of our trade, by transporting them to our southern friends.

In which trade we have no considerable rival but the Hollanders, who have indeed founded and built all that greatness, to which they have attained, by empting those vast quantitys of goods, which they have brought from the Indies and other southern parts into the ports of the Baltique-sea, and imploying their woods of shipping in dispersing the comodities of the Baltique into all other parts of their trade, making their cuntry the only considerable magazin between the north-east and south-west parts of the world; and therefore they have with all their skill and force from time to time practiced the preservation and enlargement of that trade by contracts with the Swede and Dane and others, takinge every advantage of their necessities, to engross the respective commodities of those parts, and discourage and disable their neighbours:

As especially of late years by locking up the Belt, and farming the toll of the Sound for their own subjects goods, and obliging the Dane not to make any abatement of the duty to any other nation. And therefore I humbly conceive, that in this juncture of the kinge of Sweden's success, and the interest his highness hath in it, it might be as easy as it will be most advantagious for this nation, to obtain from the said kinge such conditions for trade in the Sound, as might render England master of it; and that either by obtaining from the Swede some abatement on the toll of all English ships and goods, so as they may pass in and out considerably cheaper then any other nation; which you know, sir, is and hath bin usually practised by princes of near interest one to another:

Or by such other ways and means, as your wisdom can better contrive and make effectual, to that great end of easing the nation of so much charge in that trade, as may enable them to render their commodities at home and abroad cheaper then their neighbours; which will infallibly make us the sole masters of that trade, and consequently give a most ample imployment to our shipping, vent to our native comodities, and make the dispenses of the most usefull commodities for both sea and land warr to all our neighbours.
I am,

February 22, 165⁷/8

Honnorable sir,
Your honnor's most obliged servant,
Richard Ford.

Extraict du registre des resolution secretes des hauts & puissants seigneurs les estats-generaux des Provinces Unies du Païs-Bas.

Le lundy, 4 de Mars 1658. [N. S.]

Vol. lvii. p. 387.

Ayant esté deliberé, il a esté dit & resolu, qu'il sera escrit au sieur de Dorp, ambassadeur extraordinaire de leurs hautes puissances à Wismar, de s'en rendre vers ou auprès du lieu de l'assemblée pour la negotiation de la paix entre les roys de Suede & Dennemarc, pour y effectuer (autant que faire se pourra) le but & bonne intention de leurs hautes puissances à l'ègard desdits traitè de paix.

A letter of intelligence.

Hamburgh, 23 Feb. 1658.

Vol.lvii.p. 332.

Mr. Sam. Bathurst,
Sir, the last post I sent you one from the major-general, and these are occasioned by the enclosed this day received from his honour. We have no letters from London this weeke, soe wee now wante 3 weekes letters. Our post-master conceived the post in passinge the river Rine may bee drowned; by which wee should have had 2 weekes letters, to witte, those of the 29th of January, and 5th present, which you may please to make use in time and place convenient; however, if they should heareafter come on, I shall advise you.

The major-general, I conceive, hath better acquainted you with the occurrencies of those partes, then can bee expected from hence. Here wee onelie are assur'd, that the Sweades are in Zealand; but heare nothinge of their actinges there: all say they are treatinge with the Danes, and some report they are agreed; but the reported articles are so disadvantagious to the Danes, that most men doubt of the thinge. The Sweades seeminge soe desirous of a peace with the Danes, makes us heare believe, they have resolutions of falleinge upon the king of Hungary; and soe farre their successe in Funen and Zeland hath influence on the Germaine princes, that they demurre on the choyce of the emperor, and resolve to meete at Nuremburg, to consulte of affaires before they proceed to the choyce at Frankfort. If divine Providence diverte not (in all probabilitie) sad tragedies will bee this sommer acted; and the whole empire embroyled in the quarrels; which God avert. With my humble service tendered, I take leave, and am,

Sir, your humble servant,
Edw. Halford.

The superscription ,
To mr. Sam. Bathurst, in Rope-maker's alley, neare Moore-fields.

To the lord George Fleetwood.

Hamburgh, 23 Feb. 1658.

Vol.lvii.p.330.

My lord,
These three weeks there have come no letters from London. It is supposed the post is miscarried between Antwerp and this place. For news, the king of Sweden on the 9th present got safe into Zealand. We have had no news what progress he hath made these 3 days. We have had a strange report, that there is a peace concluded: the Dane should quit Schonen, and Bleeke, and Drunthum, half his navy, 4000 horse and foot, and a sum of money, and half the Sound. The confirmation we expect daily. Sir William Vavasor commands the foot in Zealand. I hope he will get money there.

General Monck to secretary Thurloe.

Vol.lvii.p.375.

Honoured sir,
I have received your letter, dated the 16th instant, for which I returne you my thankes. I could wish my lord protector would be carefull to putt in a good able man on the head of his owne regiment of horse in major Packer's roome; for I doubt there is many of the same stampe left behinde in the regiment still. I am sorry to heare his highness hath bin ill; I hope God will restore him to his former health, and preserve his life for the good of these nations, which I doubt not butt he will. For newes heere wee have butt little, only monies begin to go very scarce with us. I remayne

Edenburgh, 23 Feb. 165 7/6.

very affectionate humble servant,
George Monack

General Monck to secretary Thurloe.

Vol.lvii.p.377.

Sir,
His highnes councill heere upon their first apprehending, that mr. George Bilton, formerly deputy to the treasurers at warr, and receiver-general of the monthly assessments heere, had made use of some of the publicq money, with which hee was entrusted, for his owne private benefitt and advantage, they appointed a strickt audit to bee had of his accompts, which being long and intricat, have taken upp all this time, but are now neere to bee perfected; and by what appeares, the receipt heere of the deputy-treasurer att warr, is charged with above thirty thousand pounds, with which the treasurers at warr above, doe not charge themselves, being seff-provision monies, and monies for armes, all or most of it, as is conceiv'd; and the said councill finde cause and grounds to suspect, that mr. John Drywood, who was joint-deputy heere with mr. Bilton to the treasurers at warr, is accessary to, or a consealer of these monies; and mr. Bilton denyes, that hee hath any monies att all to pay the said sume; but saies, that the treasury is liable to it. And the said mr. John Drywood being now at London, and mr. Charles Zinzan, who is now joint deputy-treasurer heere with the said mr. Drywood, being but lately come to that imployment, and soe much a stranger to those accompts, that hee scruples to charge himself with them; the said councill have therefore thought sit to acquaint you with the premises, to bee humbly made known to his highness or the councill, as you shall see cause; to the end, if the said mr. Drywood hath not made the treasurers at warr acquainted therewith, and they charged themselves with the moneys resting by the said deputy-treasurer, the said mr. Drywood may be required and compelled to give sufficient security for his repair hither, and perfect his accompts, and make due payment of all publieq moneys, which he shall be sound justly charged with.

Edinburgh, 23 Feb. 1657,

Signed in the name, and by order of the councill,
George Monck.

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

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

Deare Brother,
I have received your's, and do think we have all reason to do what we can by way of owning and tendering our dutyes to his highnes. I hade some discours with mr. secretary, and we both agree in this, that at present it is thought best to forbeare any addresse, both in regard, that we are not certeine, which way the Lord will direct his highnes for the future management of affayres; and it would be very convenient, that all the three armies might joyne in one addresse. We have hade some thoughts thereof heare; but at present it is suspended. Assone as we come to any resolution, you shall be sure to have a speedy advertisement thereof.

Union in the armyes, and to speake one thing, is very desirable at this time. I presume mr. secretary hath given you an account of the grounds his highnes went upon in dissolving the parliament: since which time, through his highnes indisposition of health, little hath bine done in publicke affayres; only we have taken some paynes in drawing up the state of our revenue, and what to doe in relation to a future contracting our charge, which will most relate to the navall expence, which hath bine a vast charge to us. We are com to no resolution, which way further to provide for our armyes; but in that shall suddenly resolve upon some course, and your condicion will be duly considered. This providence of his highnes illness, hath much retarded our result. We have had intelligence of the cavileers design to transport men from Flanders; to which purpose they have got a considerable number of shipps to wast their men over, which they have drawn neare the ports of Ostende and Newport. We have sent a good squadron of shipps to attend them, and are heare, I hope, through the Lord's good presence with us, in a condicion to prevent the designe they intend heare. They have hopes of some place of attempt, wherin I hope the Lord will so appeare, as to prevent what they intend therein. We have many enemyes: they compasse about lik bees: but if in faith we can say, the Lord is our salvation, and he will destroy them, we shall prevayle. That he may be alone our sun and sheild, is the desireof

Feb. 23. 1657.

Your most affectionate brother, and humble servant,
Cha. Fleetwood.

Our humble service to your deare lady.

I must begge your excuse, that I adde one word in behalfe of major William Duckingfeild, whose pay as major is now questioned. I know since his highness left the regiment, it is wholly at your dispose. When he first was put in, then he was intended major's pay. I dare urge nothing, but beseach what respects you can for him.

Beuningen, the Dutch embassador in Denmark, to Ruysch.

6th of March 1658. [N. S.]

Vol.lvii.p.399.

My lord,
My last of the 2d instant to your lordship is still here, in regard the passes of the king of Sweden for the free passing of the posts did not come till yesterday. I cannot yet learn, what hath been effected upon my memorandum, which I delivered to his majesty, only the same was seriously recommended to his commissioners at Roschilde; and I am told, that the Swedes do insist very much upon the extension of the projected articles; only, that they are contented to let fall the delivery up of 2000 foot, provided they may have 2000 horse delivered to them, before they leave this island: and they do also insist, that it be agreed, that the duke of Holstein for his security shall have the sovereignty of Snavestede, and the town of Renburgh. There was yesterday as yet no agreement made about the two said points; and yet, notwithstanding the peace hath been published in the Swedes quarters, and the same hath been since done here; and thereupon the 2000 horse, which are to be delivered up to the Swedes, march'd from hence yesterday towards the Swedes quarters at Keucke, they seem to be very much discontented, and unwilling to serve the Swede.

This island would have been suddenly ruined, if the Swedes should have continued long in it, there being a great scarcity of provisions.

Copenhagen, 6th March 1658. [N. S.]

My lord,
C. Van Beuningen.

A memorial of the English resident in Holland to the states-general.

Vol.lvii.p.397.

The under-written resident of his most serene highness the protector of England, Scotland and Ireland, &c. having received the resolutions of the high and mighty lords the states-general of the United Provinces, bearing date the 21st of February last, in answer to his proposition of the 13th of the same month, by the hands of monsieur Huygens and others, their deputies for the affairs of Sweden and Denmark, did at the same time by word of mouth signify his thoughts thereupon; but being more earnestly desired by monsieur Nieuport, in the name of the states-general, to put in writing what he then uttered; in compliance therewith, so sar as in himness, and that no means may be lest unassayed on the part of his most serene highness, which may promote the end propounded in his aforementioned proposition. In pursuance of his instructions and orders, he declares to their lordships, that his most serene highness would have been very glad, that a general peace in the quarters of the North had been produced by their lordships long and continued endeavours used to that end; but doubting, that instead thereof a general war hath been thereby occasioned and continued, and particularly to the rendring fruitless the endeavours, by which otherwise in all probability a peace had been brought about long ago between the kings of Sweden and Denmark, and thereby these many and great miseries and extremities whereto that king and kingdom are now reduced prevented: and being well assured, as it is the great interest of the house of Austria, that the said war should be continued and kept on foot (the beginning whereof hath already put a great and powerful kingdom into their hands, and the continuance must necessarily daily bring new advantage to them); so, while a general peace shall jointly be still laboured for, it will be in their power to hinder all peace, and to continue a general war about the Baltick-sea, not only to the total disturbance of that trade, but to the hazard of subjecting together with Poland other parts also about that sea to that house; and, on the contrary, that the endeavouring for a peace separately between the said kings, will be the most probable means to incline others to counsels of peace.

And as he hath already declared, so doth again, that his most serene highness in this great concernment of the Protestant cause, hath no design of particular advantage to his subjects in point of trade and commerce; but as his concernment is therein the same with that of the United Provinces, so it is his desire, that things of that nature should be managed by joint-counsels; and in that treaty a due and profitable consideration may also be had of other parts bordering upon the Baltick-sea. Wherefore he doth most earneltly desire their lordships, in the name of his master, not only upon the account of commerce, but as they tend to the interest of God, his cause, and people in those parts of the world (which ought to be dearer than all their considerations of outward profit whatever) that they will resolve separately to prosecute a peace between the kings of Sweden and Denmark, and that without any further delays or dubiousness of expression.

And as his majesty of Sweden hath formerly upon all occasions declared his extreme unwillingness to a war with the king of Denmark, and after it was broken out, his exceeding desire of composing the same, and his readiness to admit the mediation of the United Provinces with that of England and France (provided he might have assurance from them of their demeaning themselves as mediators): and considering, that notwithstanding the great success of his said majesty in that war, he hath very lately accepted of a treaty with the king of Denmark upon the offers made by the ministers of his most serene highness of England, &c. at Copenhagen, on behalf of the said king, it is not to be doubted, but that such is yet the inclination of his majesty of Sweden, as that a good and happy peace may yet be obtained between them.

And as it would not have been reasonably expected, that the mediation of England and France between the United Provinces and Portugal should have been accepted, without assurance first given of their neutrality and indifferency in their said mediation; so is it not to be wondered, if the king of Sweden insists to have the same from all such as offer their mediation between him and the king of Denmark; and it is not to be doubted, but when the same shall be given, his said majesty will be ready to admit of the said mediation of the United Provinces. And although his most serene highness desires, that no time might be lost for the persecting of peace between them, yet withal he also would be very glad, that their lordships might have a share in the making thereof.

But if their lordships shall yet think of other counsels, and instead of doing the office of true and sincere mediators, they shall take one part, and give succours thereunto against the other, his most serene highness, as he is clear of the evils, which have already befallen the king of Denmark (by having long ago by his ministers at Copenhagen forewarned him thereof) so he will be also free of whatever may happen upon such counsels and actions, by which not only that war may be still continued, other consederates and allies engaged, but possibly a new and more dangerous war begun between Sweden and the United Provinces; and, in fine, all turn to the only advantage and behoof of the house of Austria.

The said resident finds himself obliged once more to desire their lordships, that they will take into their consideration the making a cessation of arms for six months between them and the kingdom of Portugal; especially considering what hath been lately done by that king, testifying his good inclinations towards a peace with them, amounting (as one may say) to more than a bare cessation; and that nothing can be more honourable to their lordships, than upon the consideration thereof, and at the earnest desire and instance of England and France, to yield thereunto: whereby they will also give a present security and advantage to their own people trading at sea, where losses in one day may much surpass all that the United Provinces can pretend to by that war.

Memorial of the French embassador.

Vol.lvil.p.398.

Le soubsigné ambassadeur de France ayant eu advis de mons. le comte de Cominges, par sa dépeche de Lisbon du 30 Janvier, que la reyne regente de Portugal avoit sait donner main levée à tous vaisseaux & prisoniers des Provinces Unies, arrestez dans les ports & terres du roy son sils, & en suite avoit nommé deux ambassadeurs extraordinaires, dont le comte de Prado son grand escuyer en estoit un, pour tenir auprès de leurs seigneuries y traitter de la paix, ne double plus après une si favourable procedure, qu'elles ne se portent presentement à la suspension d'armes, pour laquelle elle a cy-devant fait deux instances reiterées de la part du roy son maistre; & en fait la troisiéme par le present memoire, a finde pouvoir au plustoft travailler au renouvellement d'alliance, en laquelle cette guerre de Portugal est un incident, qui ne permet pas de le pouvoir saire avec toute l'assurance & consiance requise en une affaire de cette qualité; & arm aussy, que les sieurs ambassadeurs de Portugal puissent au plustoft se rendre en cette cour sans perdre du tems, à negotier la maniere, dont ils auront à estre reçeu dans ce temps, que la guerre est ouverte, & le commerce & les lettres interrompu par les courses des annateurs de deux parties. Ledit ambassadeur aussy ne peut oublier de representer à leurs seigneuries, par l'estat où font prefentement les affaires du roy & de la couronne de Dennemarc, queste est la difference des conseils de la France, qui sollicite incessament par ses ministres la paix & la reconciliation des deux roys, & de ceux de la maison d'Austriche, qui a engagé cette guerre, & depuis a traversé & traverse de telle sacon toutes les bonnes intentions de mediateurs de France & d'Angleterre, en oftant les obstacles legitirnes, qui ont peu jusqu'à present empescher que leur mediation ne fust accepté; & de conviér mesnseigneur l'electeur de Brandenburgh, & Monseigneur le duc d'Holstein, d'entrer aussy dans ladite mediation, asin que des interventions si nombreux & de ces poids & de cette authorité puissent produire une prompte paix, si desirée par les alliez communs, & si utile pour le commerce general de toutes les nations. C'est ce que ledit ambassadeur a ordre de recommander de la part du roy son maistre, & en faire instance à leurs seigneuries, les assurant, qu'il n'oubliera aucun soin de sa part pour convenir à un si pieux & si digne ouvrage.

Fait à la Haye, ce 6 ^ne Mars 1658. [N.S.]

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

Vol. lvil. p. 384.

Sir,
Since things are as they are, I am glad that Packer and the rest are so well disposed of, and upon grounds that were so satisfactory to the officers that were present. Surely those men are onely angry for being disappointed, and that they cannot rule all by their own will and power; or ellse why did they urge the breaking up of the long parliament, and ever since opose all tendency to settlement of any kinde ? I beleive your streights are great, but you are where help is to bee had, if any bee; wee being more remote, must still crave help from you. It is not the least ill consequence of our wants, that I am forced thus; to importune you, whom I have sound so affectionately willing to forward our concernments. I wish it were in my power to return the kindness, although I shall ever pray you may never need it.

I perceive the several papers I have sent over are not understood; wherefore I am now sendeing a commentator to explane them. The short is, that wee are at 240001. per mensem charge with our army, and have but 9000 1. from the assessments here to beare it. The overplus of the revenue above the civill-list will not (till after March) afford 10001. per mensem to help it; nor then neither, unless the contract for the customes hold punctually, in which case we may depend upon 4000 1. more at most, which will be less proportionably to the failer of that bargaine. Pray get us some accompt of that business, whereof (though it concern us neerly) wee are wholly ignorant. As for that of England, tho' you allow us 7000 1. per mensem, yet the pay of our companies there being defalked, wee have indeed but 16500 1. in all, viz. 7500 1. short of our present expence, whereby every three months we must encrease our nine months arreare one monthe: all which might long since have been prevented, if wee might have had somwhat allow'd us to attempt our reducement; for so bitter a pill as an universal retrenchment cannot be swaslowed without something of sweet to carry it down. Besides the country, to whom the army is in score, will be all in a flame; for poore people must not loose their debts, who are duly peeled so many other waies; as namely, the assessments (a heavie charge) collections for repaireing the bridges, high-wayes, churches, joales, house of correction, sessionhouses, market-places, &c. which allwayes happens upon the close of such devastations: add to all this the great misery of base coine. I say, if wee may have a handsom summ forthwith sent us, we will considerably lessen our charge, without reduceing either officer or soldier; the feare of the former in som haveing proved an expensive passion. I receaved a letter from an Anabaptist pastor, disowneing the late transactions of som of his brethren in England. Truly I cannot say, but that those people are becom very quiett, and I countenance them accordingly, never having other intention then to bring them upon a levell with other of equal desert. I had a hint of some design of London Derry; but I shall eye that place, with the other garrisons. I wish you woud move his highnes to send home our officers, that are in England, to their charges, there ordinary diversions about emproveing their lands being dangerous enough without other occasions of absence. Mr. Goodwin seeing no morehopes (then others did reason) of his being restored, now desires he again may have his former place of register in the Chancery, which he sayes is of course revived by the ending of the last parliament. As he hath been well affected to us, I would not have him contemned, nor his past merritts forgotten, even although, through age and other infirmities he should not bee able to keep up his reputation: wherefore if you can, mind him in that particular. You must bee very carefull to prevent such graunts of lands as lick away our revenue; wee shall not in haste recover the last parliament's liberallitie, though wee have made a pretty good shift to satisfy those exorbitant demands made upon us by vertue of them. I am glad to heare, that as well non-legall as contra-legall wayes of raiseing money are not hearken'd to. Now L. is removed, the odium of such things would fall nearer his highnes. Errors in raiseing money are the compendious wayes to cause a generall discontent; for whereas other things are but the concernments of som, this is of all: wherefore I hope God will in his mercy not lead us into temptation. I remane

Feb. 24th, 1657.

Your very affectionate freind, and most faithfull servant,
H. Cromwell.

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

24 February 1657/8.

In the posession of William Cromwell esq.

My lord,
I wish his highness may happily supply the vacancy he has made; and am glad what was done was so satisfactory to the officers, who were present at the transactions. We are sending one mr. Standish to wait upon your lordship (pray give him your countenance) and to explain our paper of accompts; which if they were better understood (which the treasury seem not to do) I beleive we should be better regarded. It is an ill peice of husbandry, and ill-becoming a time of these necessitys, to keep us up at 4 or 50001. per mensem needless charge; which might be saved, had we but a competent sum, wherewithall to sweeten the universal retrenchment that must be made. Pray let me hear your opinion of the courses intended for raising money; and as you love me, keep off all illegal strategems, such being the most compendious ways to exasperate the people. I am sending over to my lord of Warwick, and my lady Devonshire, to condole our loss of dear Robin Rich. Indeed, I am much affected with that providence, which I desire you to let them know as there is occasion. I am glad there is any hopes of another parliament. The Lord grant they may be of a better temper than the last ! I trust his highness will bring the army to such a state, as that there may be no danger of them, whilst his friends in parliament are hammering out our settlement. I am glad to find by mr. secretary's letters, that he is upon his leggs again. God forbid indeed, that your mistake of my sense concerning him should ever come to pass. I have little more to trouble your lordshipp with than to assure you, that I am,

My lord, your's, &c.

H.C.

H. Cromwell, lord-deputy of Ireland, to the earl of Warwick.

24th Febr. 165 7/5.

In the possession of William Cromwell esq.

My lord,
I am asham'd to have been so negligent of my obligations to your lordship, that nothing but so sad an occasion as the death of my dear brother mr. Rich should mind me of it. And I am sorry, that I cannot say what is just in honour to his memory, without a kind of cruelty to your lordship. And truly, my lord, but that I know religion is more prevalent with your lordship than other worldly consideration, that you do not so much look upon your own loss as our dear friend's gain, nor upon your own disappointment, as the fulfilling of that Will to which we must all submitt, I should almost despair of your lordship's patience, under so searching and proving a tryall. But I know your lordship has learnt to mourn as not without hope, and to read the mind of God in these characters of his providence, and withall to beleive, that all things shall work for the best to those, that fear him. Upon these grounds I do the more presume upon your lordship's courage under this dispensation. For my own part, I am cut very short in my expectations; for I placed much happiness even in thinking upon the fruits of those seeds, which I understood to be in mr. Rich, both as to the honour of our whole family, and the advantage of my own particular concernments.

But I hereby learn, that even these best things are but frail; not knowing, but that this stroke may be a reproof particular unto myself, for placing (if it were possible) too much upon the consequences of this alliance. Upon these considerations, I need not tell your lordship, how I and my wife resent this providence, and sympathize with your lordship's just sorrow; the fuller accompt whereof I leave to the bearer. In the mean time praying the Lord to sanctify this affliction to all concerned in it, giving us to make a due use of it to his glory, and withall, that God would help your lordship to moderate the sense of this rebuke, and to recompense this loss unto us by some more durable good than this world can afford. In which affections I remayne,

My lord,
Your lordship's, &c.
H. Cromwell.

H. Cromwell, lord-deputy of Ireland, to the countess of Devonshire.

24th February 165 ⁷/8.

In the possession of William Cromwell esq.

Madam,
I Know not how seasonable it would be to tell your ladyship my thoughts of my brother Rich, nor what honor and support his virtues promised to both our families, least I should aggravate your ladyship's grief, already too great. There be many reasons, why our family, and particularly myself, should be affected with this stroke; yet there is none more prevalent with me than my concernment for your ladyship's own person: for considering my obligations, I must be very ill-natured, if I should not grieve, because your ladyship is grieved; and I am sure the loss of the only son of an only daughter, and the hopes, which, madam, you had of that now blessed person, cannot but grieve your ladyship. I am confident your ladyship has so learned Christ, the world, and the use of these dispensations, as to bee enabled to bear this crosse even beyond what might bee expected from flesh and blood, and that tenderness of affection so eminent in your ladyship. And truly, madam, this consideration only wipes my eyes; for truly, I am assured, the Lord will bring you safe out of this affliction. This occasion calls for your best thoughts, nor would I willingly interrupt them; the end of this express being to express how much my wife, myself, and indeed all good people are affected with this providence, and to assure your ladyship, that altho' God hath seemed to break the bond, that men think would have held our familys together, yet I desire your ladyship to beleive, that nothing shall be wanting in me to strengthen this knott, whereof I was ever ambitious. I hope the bearer will bring me a good accompt of the Lord's supporting your ladyship under this visitation; the happy newes whereof would be most welcome to,

Madam,
Your ladyship's, &c.

H. Cr.

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

20 Feb. 165 ⁷/8.

In the possesssion of william Cromwell esq.

My lord,
When your lordship had any communication to impart unto me, I was always made sensible of your liberality therein: wherefore now I must attribute as much to your lordship's prudent tenderness of me, in that when the sad news of poor Robin Riche's death must be written, your lordship was but sparing in your mention of that sad story. My lord, these providences are singly in themselves no miracles; yet when they happen so thick as of late upon sir John Reynolds, and now upon this gentleman, I can not think, but that God intends them for our instruction. I desire your lordship on my behalf to condole with my poor sister. Your lordship is able to say whatever is materiall upon this occasion: wherefore for me to venture upon any particulars, were to put your lordship upon a kind of pennance, in observing my impertinencies, and to endanger the end of comforting myself, which cannot miscarry upon your lordship's single management. I hope your lordship's being called to succour my dear sister your lady, tends but to tepair our family of the late loss it hath sustained; and I hope, that the sad apprehensions occasioned by this late stroke, will not frustrate our hopes therein. I beleive your lordship may by this time repent of the liberty you have given me, and see the inconvenience of good-nature and civility. My dear lord, I will be at present more moderate in troubling your lordship, begging at this time only the leave not to omitt declaring myself,

My lord,
Your lordship's, &c.
H. Cromwell.

General Monck to secretary Thurloe.

Vol. lvii. p. 391.

Honoured sir,
I have nott much newes to acquaint you withall, onely one of my intelligencers receaved a letter from a friend of his in Holland: though I beleive you have had the newes before this, yett I thought fitt to acquaint you with itt, and have sent a copy of the letter inclosed. The councill wrote to you last post concerning mr. Drywood: mr. Bilton and hee joyning together, have in their hands some monies of the state's, about 16000 1. I shall desire there may bee care taken, that you may gett out what you can of him as speedily as you may, before hee heares from mr. Bilton, who is this day committed to the Tolbooth, and the councill heere intend to seize uppon his estate as speedily as they can, according to the lawes of the country, which will be worth 10000 1. of the monie; and I thinke they will nott be able to cleare themselves of that summe. Mr. Bilton has given uppe his accounts, and we finde by that, that there is soe much due; and I beleive mr. Drywood can give noe other account than he has done, being they were joyntlie imployed in itt: and I intercepted a letter from mr. Drywood, which intimated some jugling betweene them, which wee have to shew him, when hee comes uppe; and wee hope wee shall make some discoveries to you shortlie, where there may be some monies of theirs in London in some people's hands there. Soe having nothing else at present, I remayne

Dalkeith, 25 February 165 ⁷/8

Your affectionate humble servant,
George Monck.

A letter of intelligence.

Vol xlvii. p. 281.

Sir,
The cavaliers now are transported with joye, there being (as they saye) 4 messengers come, severall wayes, for feare of miscarriage, to assure them, that the Spaniard hath now supplyed their master with moneys and 6000 men, and 6000 horse, and hyred 50 shipps for their transportation, and Marsine is to command them. They say, that a Dutch skipper, which came in upon tuesday last, brought them an expresse to this purpose; and it seemes that skipper (whose name I dare not aske) is a great confident in these messages, and passing over some messengers.

They say, that Neuburgh sollicits much, that upon the intelligence, that shall be given them, that the men are shipping, which they saye shall be sent, that the sealed knott here would order a party of their friends to rise in Cornwall, that the forces may be drawne down thither to prevent their growth, untill the men be landed; that however the whole army may not be drawne down to the place of landing. They will not acknowledge, that the place of landing is agreed upon. They say, that Ormond went away discontented on monday last was fortnight, because he could not have assurance, that such an appearance should certainly be made in Cornwall when desired; yet they say, some now undertake it: for it seemes Ormond sayd, that the Spaniard had hyred shipps, and furnished them with moneys; and that they must come and take their chance; and so sayd Bristoll: but it seemes the Spanish councell are much more willing to adventure their men and money now, since this breaking of the parliament, then they were before. I am staggering in my own opinion, what to judge of these relations of theirs, because they now averr the truth of them with much more confidence than ever. I am

Feb. 25th, 1657.

Your's, &c.