State Papers, 1658: March (2 of 3)

March (2 of 3)

The Swedish resident to the states-general.

Vol. lviii. p. 69.

The underwritten resident of Sweden, being certified by a letter from the king of Sweden, that there is a peace concluded between his said majesty and the crown of Denmark, findeth himself obliged to impart such good news to their H. and M. L. as his majesty's ancient and faithful friends and allies; whereby the bloody war risen between them will come to cease, and the occasions removed, which might in any way prejudice the commerce and navigation; for the encreasing whereof, as also of a good amity and correspondence with their H. and M. L. and their provinces, his majesty will not fail to contribute all that can be desired from a true allie.

Given in the Hague, the 17th of March 1658. [N.S.]

Downing, the English envoy in Holland, to secretary Thurloe.

In the possession of the right philip lord Hard wicke, lord high chancellor of Great Britain.

Honourable sir,
This day seventh night I dispatched an expresse with what account I then had concerning the conclusion of the treaty between the Sweed and the Dane, but withall referring you to some future account for the certeynty thereof. Last monday also I wrote to you by a captayne, who was going for London, and by him I send you the draught of the league defensive, which was given me by De Witt. The draught was made to be betweene France and the United Provinces; and De Witt thinks, that draught may do well for England, France, and the United Provinces, and so doth the French ambassadour, with such alterations and additions, as upon debate may be thought sitt.

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Since that time we have been filled with continuall reports of the Sweeds being twice repulsed before Copenhagen. A letter was read in the states to that purpose, a copy whereof I sent you by the last post; yea a seaman at Amsterdam had the considence to asfirme publiquely, that he saw the king of Sweeden brought prisoner into Copenhagen: and by one of the inclosed letters you will perceive, that last night an expresse was dispatcht to Copenhagen by sea, to bring news in what state things are there. Such was and is the aversion heere to the k. of Sweden.

Thursday last I sent another expresse to you by a Skeeveling boat by my butler, with order to him, to put it into the hands of the post-master of Dover, or governor of Dover-castle, or into the hands of the mayor of Colchester, as the winds would give him leave, and to returne himselfe by the same boate; for, that of one kind or another I have so much to doe, that I have halfe kild them that are about me, wanting help. By that expresse I sent you an account of 5 great fly-boats making ready at Amsterdam, to carry souldiers for Copenhagen, and that they, would have been ready within about 8 dayes; but, now I think they may putt them to some other use; for by the post this morning is confirmed the certaynty of the peace being made between the Sweed and Dane, as you will perceive by the inclosed, which were just now sent me by monsieur Appleboom, to which I referr you. Thow I have constantly written to major-general Jephson and mr. Meadowes, yet I have not received a word from either of them; and I (for more surenesse) constantly inclosed my letters to major-general Jephson in monsieur Appleboom's packer.

Since the arrivall of the news of the taking three of the ships, which went out of Rotterdam for Flanders, I have been very much pressed to have given in a new memoriall to the states, shewing my dissatisfaction with what they had done in not giving effectuall order for the stopping of them; and that they would do any thing against Vandiest I should desire; but I would not, seeing they did not stoppe them in time. But whether this news of taking of them be true or false, I know not: there is no believing any reports here without authenticke grounds.

Yesterday I gave in the inclosed memoriall to the states-generall, concerning captain Tysen, who had sent many seamen with promise of great, wages to Oftend, and was sending more, and hyring ships, not declaring for what service, only, that they will goe for an island, and they were all to be hyred for sixe moneth. The states-generall sent my proposition to the states of Holland, to take care about it. Jaques le Governeur (of whom the ambassador Lockart wrote to me, that he was (as he thought) hyring ships at Amsterdam) is himself in Galicia raysing men: he is a most active able man; probably he may have some correspondent at worke at Amsterdam. And I find, that there is one Richards, who is a Catholicke, and a near kinsman of one Richards, that is the secretary of the late Spanish ambassador here, and who still remaynes here, who is making ready many vessells now at Amsterdam (as it's said) to goe for Guiny for slaves, and thence into the West-Indyes, into the king of Spaine's ports; for that it's said there is great want not only of shiping, but of all forts of commodityes in those parts. I have sett at worke what I can to find the truth; but without some good circumstances it's to no purpose for me to make any addresse here: yea, it's very hard to gett them to be willinge to stoppe any ships upon any account whatsoever.

One John Vanderhelt of Amsterdam sent with the last fleet, which went with young Trumpe, two great ships loaden with ammunition and furniture for shiping, which were received by one Peter Reniers at Cadiz; they pretended here to be bound for Genoa.

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The Ca t ho li c k es in Holland have made very great collections of mo ni for the k. of Spayne. this is certayne.

About a fortnight agoe I wrote to you concerning the placart of the states-generall prohibiting trade with Portugall; a copy whereof I sent you long agoe, and desired to know what you would have me to do in it. By the last post but one I sent you a copy of the complaint of the resident of the Hans-townes concerning it, and the French ambassador hath order to complayne of it; and I thinke it were necessary for you to advise also with some merchants about it; for it is most highly prejudiciall, that trade with Portugall, whereas you suffer them to trade for Spayne freely. About the end of the yeare you will be filled with complaynts, if it be not timely prevented.

I have one of my servants, whose name is Woodrosse, who belongs to judge-advocate Margets, and he let me have him with me for some time: he speaks French, and writes exceeding well and fast, and is most faithfull to me, and hath of a long time belonged to the army, so that I can and do depend upon him; and indeed should he be taken from me, it were not possible for me to doe his highnesse the service I otherwise may here. He hath been constantly mustered in a troope, and he will not stay any longer with me (nor indeed hath he reason) unlesse he may be assured, that he shall continue in the musters. I pray therefore, be pleased to send for judge-advocate Margets (who lodges at Sommersett-house) and speake with him about him; and be pleased to procure an order from his highnesse for his being continued in the musters for such time, as he shall continue with me in this service. I am often forced to send my secretary abroad about businesse, and then have I none but him to depend upon; and indeed, I do most of all depend upon him. I pray your care in this businesse, else I am undone as to your service.

I have of late putt you to great charge in expresses, but I hold it safest for me to erre on that hand; if I overdoe, let me know my fault, and I shall amend.

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He that doth the king of Portugalls businesse at Amsterdam, hath on fryday last dispatched a vessell with an expresse to the king of Portugall, to hasten the ambassador away hither, but also to advise him, that seeing such delayes are used here in consenting to a cessation of armes, that hee give co m mi s s i on to take the ship s of the 548. I am,

Hague, March 17th 1658, new style,
11 of the clock in the morning.

Your most faithfull humble servant,
G. Downing.

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I thought not sitt to stay this dispatch, to enquire what councells will be taken here upon this news: your reson will give you great guesses thereat; yet it was the beginning of the last week talk'd hygh, that the King of Denmark would in making this peace deceive the k. of Swede; and, that if the king of Denmark were obliged to quitt his treatyes withall other states, that the y would endeavour to gett that at t er ed by so urce.

Lockhart, embassador in France, to secretary Thurlce.

Paris, March 7/11, 165⁷/8.

Vol. lviii. p. 54.

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May it please your lordship,
I was so discouraged with the disorder I see your businesse runn into heare, by reason of the so frequent miscarriadges of letters, as your lordship may assure yourself, that mr. Compton's arryvall heare upon fryday night was of exceeding greatt satisfaction to me. I have been carefull to loose no tyme since my receipt of your last yesternight: I had an audience at Bois de Vincent, and in the first place did fully clear the cardinal of all the fears he had been possessed with concerning the condition of affairs in England, which could not be worse then your enemies had reported it. By way of conference I have aggreed with the cardinall, touching most if not all of the matteriall points of your lordship's last dispatch. Monsr. de Servient and count de Brienne are to have their commission this day or to-morrow to treatt with me, and instructions to conclude upon the terms the cardinall and I have aggreed upon. I endeavoured to have monsr. de Brienne commission att alone, because I durst have promised my self to have ended the business with him alone in one afternoon, but could not obtaine it; the commissionatting one being against the usuall form of proceedure. Monsr. de Servient, as he is none of the best, so he is none of the worst friends, that the interests of England and the cardinally hath heare; and I am confident to bring the business to a conclusione by thursday night. The substance of what the cardinall condescended too at my last audience is, that the king shall oblidge himself to attaque Dunkirk, and shall not declyn that enterpryse upon any pretences whatsoever. The cardinall pressed much, that one exception to this might be admitted, which was the reductione of Hesden, in case that business could not be composed: but when I assured him, that if I should condescend to any such thing, his highness would not ratify the treatty, his eminency past from that and all other exceptions. That reddy mony shall be sent for the recruitting the English body, and compleaiting it to the first number; the lyke for all the provisions, that shall be sent from England; that the secret article, which oblydgeth England and France to make no peace with the Spaniard without common consent, shall be renewed for one yeare to come. I have not a positive promise for the additionall pay desyerd to the soldiers, but I hope to obteyne the augmentatione of one sols per diem for the space of two months, beginning at the 10/30 of Apryll next. If they gett once into the possession of it, it will be a difficult businesse to rebaitt it after the expiration of the two months, especially so long as the campaigne (which will ingadge their incouradgeing rather then discouradgeing of the soldiers) lasts. A certaine day for the landing of the forces in Flanders shall be agreed upon; after which they shall enter into the French pay, tho' they be in England, in case their stay their be occasioned by the French. All other particulars stand as they were in the last year's treaty. This being the summ what I can at present say in answer to your lordship's last commands, I shall add nothing further to it save this, Dunkirk is a post so necessary to his highness, so long as his arch-enemies are stated in so strong a union with those in Flanders, as I am confident his highness will see it his interest for to leave nothing unessayd for the obtaining of it. It is not only an excellent outworke for the defence of England, but a sally-port, by which his highness may advantagiously sally foorth upon his enemies, as often as he shall see occasion for it. I have been bold to say this, to the end I may the better presse his highness to give present order for the making of the levyes (which will not be under 3000 men, nor exceed 4000) so as they may land in Flanders by the 10/20 of Apryll. Nothing will so much facilitate the design against 407 as the preventing of the enemie in point of tyme. It is impossible to gett the levy-mony so soone turned over as it will be necessary to begin the levys, and yet I hope to gett all the money over in a very short tyme. Tho' I came very late from Bois de Vincent last night, yett I made shift to gett bills drawen by this post upon mr. Ashuirst for 10000 crowns; and could I have had more hill's I might have had more money: but this exchange will not afford much money at one tyme: every post-day I shall turn over as much money as bills can be had for upon reasonable terms, till the whole summ for the number of recruitts, that shall be aggreed upon, be compleated. I shall dee the lyke for the transport of the provision of hay, when I know what your lordship's estimat of it will amount too; and I hope the cardinall's promise, that he will send ever a gentleman, who shall see the money layd owt, and the-hay shiped. Your lordship will doe well to continue your resolution in taking such measures towching the sending over of that provision, as it may be in Flanders rather before then after the recruitts. I am at same losse as to the number, that will be requisit to recruitt or compleatt the English body, by reason I have not heard a word concerning the condition of theise forces from generall Morgan, since captain de Veaux went from this, which is at least 5 or 6 weeks ago. I have often writt to him in it, but hitherto have obtained no answer; howsoever I am resolved to bring the number of recruitts to 4000, if I can, because the more come over upon that account, their will be the lesse need of assistance: from his highness. The cardinall desyers to know if he can have any quantity of meale and biscuitt, under the rates they run att last yeare, and what may be the lowest rate of them, paying reedy money for them in London. If mr. Noell had occasion for any money heare, he may have what proportion he thinks fitt, or the whole of the money, that is to be turned over, either upon the account of levy-money or provisions.

My lord, I have been necessitated to brigue a greatt many persons heare with promises in his highness's name: their is not much to be done heare without using such means. I have ingadged his highness in nothing, that will be either expensive or a dishonor to him. I shall now troble your lordship only with the most considerable of them: Monsr. Turenne hath my promise, that his highness will be favorable to the marquis of Montpelian in every thing can be done for him without a direct violation of justice and the lawes. I have cowrted him with much devotione all this winter, but cannot say he hath any wayes ingadged himself to doe extraordinary things for his highness's service; all his promises being generall, and as I think, a little cold. If his highness cowld be perswaded to it, his wryting a civill letter to him might, as I believe, have good effects. Monsr. de Castellnaw I have assured, and indeed I must owne his highness is oblydged, if not to his kindnesse, at least to his interest: he hath expressed in all counsells this winter a greatt zeall for the businesse of 497, and hath argued hottly against all such as propounded difficulties in it. I have promised, that upon the taking of that place his highness shall earnestly sollicitt the cardinall for his being made a mareshall of France; which I hope he may obtaine, his owne meritt and greatt services intytling him abundantly to it. Monsr. de Strada hath been at all counsells as active for our interests, as he and I am oblydged to procure his highness's earnest sollicitations to the cardinall, for his being made governor of Graveling, whensoever that place shall be taken. Mareshall d'Aumont hath not only been active for the preserring of Mardick, but will also contribute what lyeth in his power for the taking of 497; besyds the advantages will be drawen from the neighbourhood of his government. It's probable he will be joyned with monsr. Turenne in the command of the army this summer. I have assured him of all respect and good offices from his highness, and was a little instrumentall in procuring the survivance of his government to his sone, when he was last heare. It will not be amisse, that his highness take occasion to wryt a civill letter to him, and lett him know, that he hath given me order to serve him heare in every thing that I am able. Monsr. d'Aumont told me, that in case any alteration should happen heare, he and his family would cast themselves upon his highness's protectione; and I have undertaken, that it shall not be denyed them. Monsr. de Charraust is so well pleased with the late civility he mett with in a businesse he had before the admiralty in England, as I was not put to make any promises to him. Their is another considerable person heare, who pretends to the ambassade of England, whenever monsr. de Bourdeaux shall be recalled: I have promised him all good offices, when any such occasion shall fall out, and have done the same to yowng count Brienne, who hath the lyke pretensions.

The cardinall will esteeme himself much oblydged, if his desyers concerning theise ships in the Medditeranean-sea be granted. He desyers their stay with his majesties fleete for so short a tyme, as any thing in consideration of it cannot hansomely be demanded; it will be better to excuse the granting of the favor expected, then to axe any thinge for it. Last night I had a smartbowtt with his eminency, concerning monsr. Bourdeaux's businesse; it is impossible to obtaine the first place. I have assurance of the second, provided the first can be so disposed as their be a vacancy; but that is uncertaine as yet: if theire showld not be any at this tyme, I am promised the first that is vacant. I know theire is no great weight to be layd upon such promises; but I may assure your lordship, I have pressed that affaire with as much faithfulnesse and zeale, as if it had concerned the nerest relation I have in this world. I must consesse, the dispose of the first place if of greater importance to this state then I was first aware of; much of the quyett of this citty, and consequently the rest of the natione, depends at this tyme upon it. The parliament heare is not in a very peaceable temper, and every corner of the kingdom if full of dissatisfied persons. The court intends to surpryse every body heare with their suddein remoovall; they will begin the campaigne by their departure from this once within this fortnight. I shall be forced to send my wyse to England when I leave this place, where I have so many enemies, as I dare not trust her amongst them. I am most bownd to your lordship's goodnesse, for not imputing the miscarriadge of my letters to any neglect of myne; and may assure your lordship, that the sense of the favors I continually receive from you doth farr exceed any thing, that can be now expressed by,

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

My lord,
Charles Stuart's party in Flanders hath towched all the mony, that was appoynted for the carying on their design against England. It is most certain, that they continue in their resolutions to prosecut that businesse, and expect greatt rysings in England in their favor. The keeping his highness's frigotts in the roads of Dunkirke, Ostend, and Newport, will make their resolutions, tho' never so much intended, altogether impracticable.

I have gott a favourable answer from his eminence to my proposition touching generall Marsin; but I feare, that businesse will fayle on his syd, his demands being unreasonably high. I was yesterday informed, that one coll. Whyte, who, they say, was lately a prisoner in the towne, hath made his escape from thence, and is come to this place. I have sett my spyes after him; and if his being here prove true, I doubt not to have him not only secured heare, but sent over into England. I am put to severall expenses in theise and other little businesses, and must at some spare-time trouble your lordship for some allowance towards theise contingent disbursments. I am
My lord,
Your most fathfull servant,
Will. Lockhart.

Mr. Bradshaw to secretary Thurloe.

Vol. lviii. p. 65.

Right honorable,
Since my last of the 26th Febr. from Koningsberg, I have received your honour's letter of the 12th, which speakes the dissolvinge of the parliament, and that all things since remaine quiet and in good order, which I am glad of: for from Amsterdam they write, that all was in great confusion in England, which this people were glad to heare of, as they are much troubled at the greatt successe of the king of Sweden, and the honourable and advantagious peace he hath made with the Dane, fearinge his majestie will shortly returne, to reckon with them for their arrogant deportment towards him. In my passing hither I had some conference at Maryenburgh with prince Adolphus, and thence gather, that the gentleman, which came lately from the Swedish ambassador at Musco, brought no such overtures of peace from the great duke as was reported. Allsoe I perceived by the prince, that his brother intends to make peace with the Pole; and it's said, the late assembly at Warsaw resoelved to have peace with the king of Sweden, though it was strongly opposed by the clergy. If the Austrian family be excluded, such a peace may not hinder the ordinance of the Protestant interest; but if otherwise, I beleeve it will not be liked of in England. Findinge, that I cannot pass further by land without much trouble and danger, I thinke to stay here till the frost breake, which yet continues very hard; but it's hoped, that within a moneth the passage by sea will be open. I hope your lordship's next letters will satisfye me of the payment of the bill of exchange of 500 1. which I sent from Memmel, to supply me there and in my returne; I lyeing here at a greate charge, shall haste what possible I can to Hamburgh, but doubt it will be the end of Aprill first. It's writt from Berlin, that the prince elector of Brandenburgh hath confederated with the house of Austria, and that Charnitzkie with 10000 men and some Austrian forces, stands ready on the border to enter Inner Pomerania; but I cannot beleeve either, though it's probable, if the Pole makes peace with the king of Sweden, it will be inter arma. I shall not detaine your honour longer, but to subscribe myselfe

Dantzick, 9/19th March 165⁷/8.

Your honour's very humble servant,
Richard Bradshaw.

Col. R. Norton to secretary Thurloe.

Vol. lviii. p. 58.

Worthy sir,
I doe not love to troble you nor my selfe with frivolous reports; wherefore you have not heard much of me: but now I doe present to you my apprehensions, and that upon some good grounds, that there is some intention of trobles to come upon us. I shall not troble you with the particulars of my reasons for my apprehensions, neither doe I doubt, but your care and vigilancy might have saved me this information: only in generall I thought good to lett you know my feares; the Lord divert them. And to lett you know, that (as we are provided) there shall be noe care wanting in me for this place; who am

Portsmouth, the 8th of March 1657.

Your affectionate friend,
Richard Norton.

I * * ne a riseing, though I cannot * * much in this county. I hope I shall heare from you if there be * *

Cunningham to Nieuport.

Vol. lxiii. p. 245.

My lord,
During your lordship's absence, here hath been nothing at all done in Lampsins's business; yea, the prooss and papers (so firmly promised to be restored) are yet in the lord secretary Thurloe's hands, although monsr. Payne hath oftentimes demanded them with all discreet diligence; and there hath not been wanting withal the daily admonition of the lord Strickland. I will willingly conceive a very charitable opinion over the said lord secretary, and attribute the occasion of the delay to his weighty occasions, as Christians are bound to do; but truly when I am sometimes in pain and passion, finding my patience spent through so great a delay, whereby I have sussered unspeakable prejudice, only to give this state a true information in a business, which doth highly concern their honour and reputation abroad, wherein I was used as a publick instrument, and that so many unusual instances have been made to perswade this one person, that he would believe this clear and naked truth, and report the same where it ought, without perceiving in him any reasonable, I omit Christian inclination to right and equity, where he is commanded by a higher hand, and when it will cost him not three hours time; I could be easily perswaded to be of another opinion, if so be the remembrance of God's all-ruling providence did not interpose: at least the business, in all human probability, will never fail in this ship without more wind to the right harbour of his highness's full knowledge; and thither it must be brought, in my weak judgment, if so be there be ever justice done us, whereunto your lordship's councel and assistance, under God, is the onely meanes. I beg your lordship's pardon, &c.

Inclosed in the preceding. Dr. Fraiser to Lockhart.

Vol. lviii. p. 75.

My lord,
My many misfortunes obliged me to a serious and sad conference with my freind collonel Retorfort, of the frequent and disastrous chances and conditions of my lyff these almost sexteen yeares, and how weary and loothsome it was to live and dye in a volluntary exyle, guylty of no other cryme against the present ruling power, unles it be to have indifferently exercised my arte to all that stood in need of it, or called for my assistance; and how willing I was to abandone all interists, causes and pretentiones, whatsomever, to retyre home and follow these advantages of my prosession, which my poor samily and the orphanes in this sad conjunctur of my affaires stood greatly in need of, and which in conscience I am obliged to doe. My good friend, the collonel, told me how obliging, civil, and kynd your excellence was to all of my relation, and that he doubted not but by your lordshippe's meanes I might be remitted to such a condition of liberty, deporting myself as I ought, medling with noe affaires but such as properly belong to my arte, as in tyme would free me from all these jealosies, that my adherence to that party so justly had charged upon me. Your excellence is too noble and generous to expect from me any other apology, then what I have maid in this application to your lordshipe, to be maid once mor a free man to exercise my profession in London, wher my interest and relationes ar, I shall with no littel ambition ouen this obligation to your honor; and to make me capable of it, will give your lordship good security of a faire and disinteresse deportment for what belonges to me, and that nether directly or indirectly will I have any busines, that shall oppose the present government, but behave my self soberly and calmly in all my deportments of what natur soever. Which if I obteen from your honor, I and myn shall have an eternall obligation to you and your family; and when it is seasonable, will give your excellencie reall and sincere testimonies of my gratitud and duty; being with great sincerity

Your excellencie's most humble and obident servant,
A. Fraiser.

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

10 Martii 165⁷/8.

In the possession of William Cromwall esq.

Sir,
This week, for want of a boat on the other side, we are without your letters; which hath this good in it, that it saves you the trouble of much from me now, when I prefume your thoughts are thoroughly employed otherwise. Our letters for money having hitherto been fruitless, we are put to our last shift, sending over mr. Standish to remonstrate our condition, and to explain the severall misunderstandings of our accounts. Sir Mathew Thomlinson complained to me this week of his letters being opened. I confess to you, that some while since, long before I came to the government, I did think myself concerned to look into the carriage and affection of some men; but had no knowledge of what sir Mathew complains of now: wherefore I beleive it was done elsewhere, and perhaps not without cause; for that secret spirit, which runs thorough all the troublers of our peace, lurks much in this man, and I fear is not to be cast out easily. I pray satisfy me, whether any intimacy hath of late been renewed between my brother Fleetwood, generall Disbrowe and Lambert; and if there be, whether it was upon the account of civility and old acquaintance only, or by appointment, or otherwise.

I hope his highness will have an eye, &c. Some hints lately out of England putt me upon these enquiryes. I wish his highness would supply the vacancies now in the army with such whose principles must and will lead them to what is good, rather than with such, who out of lenity, and not understanding themselves, are apt to talk liberally of living and dying with his highness, &c. The army here continues in a good disposition to make such representation of their affaires, as shall be thought fitt. I remain

Your's, &c.

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

10 March 165⁷/8

In the possession of William Cromwell esq.

My lord,
I conceive the late sadness in our family, and that stand, which I hear to be in all affairs, is the cause of your lordship's silence; altho' I might more rationally conjecture, that your lordship can take little pleasure in so fruitless a correspondence as mine hath hitherto been to your lordship. Your lordship sees how strangely I presume upon your goodness, in soliciting you to these disadvantages. I can excuse my self with nothing, but that I am capable to see my error. A converse with your lordship is great temptation on me to offend, even against my knowledge: wherefore I must beg your lordship's pardon for this rude zeal I have to be reputed

Your's, &c.

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

10 March 1657.

In the possession of William Cromwell esq.

My dear lord,
The services I have done to my lord of Corke and others of your family, are not yet equall, either to their own meritts, or to the obligations your lordship has heaped upon me: wherefore your lordship's mention, that I have done so much, upbraids me having done so little.

The calling of a parliament signifys nothing, untill the army be sufficiently modelled; for that being full of its humours, makes the honest party timorous, and the other insolent in their respective proposalls; the misery of human affairs being such, that the spring of all motions of this nature must be a visible force: I say, the well-framing of the army would insensibly temper, and keep steady the parliament, which no doubt would provide well enough for a councill. The policy of those, who would keep out honest Montagu, &c. is not to be disallowed. I must say, I commend them for their witt; but think withall, that the over-ballancing of these politicians themselves is to be endeavoured; for where great things as now are to be done, a bare ballance or æquilibrium will not serve. We have ebbed and slowed long enough already. 'Tis now time, as your lordship says, that affairs should run one way or other in a quick current, and, if God so please to settlement. The intimacy you mention of Fleetwood and Disbrowe with Lambert I do not like; for when such as they dare correspond with such as hee, it argues their power to be greater than one would wish, though I hope no greater than of all the rationall and interessed men of the 3 nations, who, I am confident, will not comply with their designs. I long to hear what the meeting of the officers and the rest will produce. I do not wonder why my lord Falconberg cannot get into the army, the difficulty concerning him being the same with that of Montagu; neither can the extraordinary qualifications of that gentleman much forward him therein, but rather hinder him; for his abilitys being formidable against those, who oppose him, it follows, that they must hate whom they fear. However, tell him the faults I find with him; and that I shall honour him, altho' he were thrust as much below his present state, as he deserves to be above it.

I beleive the councill here do either not think your lordship lame, or that you will quickly recover, having cutt you out trotting work enough to founder 6 sure-footed sollicitors, your lordship being to negotiate for us in the business of Kildare, procuring more judges, the admiralty, probate of wills, and as many things more, as would soon bankrupt the endeavours and interest of any but your lordship.

We are now about settling the adventurers, wherein I shall take a particular care (as well by my self as instruments) that all fairness may be used towards them; which your lordship may be pleased to acquaint them with upon pecasion, remembring to bespeak the favourable construction of those, whom the justness of the rule we intend to proceed by shall cast amiss.

I think the affections of the army here remain warm enough to carry on any reasonable representations of their affairs; wherefore we will only keep them in that good disposition, untill we shall be advised how to apply it. I remain

Your's, &c.

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

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

So hard of belief were the states here of the king of Sweden's successes, that upon saturday night last they dispatched a galliot to Copenhagen, to bring them the certainty how matters stood there. The next morning being sunday, we had certain news both of the making and proclaiming the peace between the kings of Sweden and Denmark; and though I suppose the French ambassador hath e're this sent the news to Paris by some express, I have herein inclosed to you a copy of the articles, which were sent from the states embassador to them, who to the last was refused to intermediate by the king of Sweden. I hope, that together with the French embassador, I shall at last prevail for a cessation of arms with Portugal for some time. The states of Holland do now much take it to heart, and have sent to their principals for their consent therein. I have put in a memorial to the states-general, that one captain Tesca, who yet remains a prisoner at Amsterdam, may be severely punished. He had actually sent many seamen to Ostend, and was very busy daily in hiring more, giving them very great wages, according with each man for six months certain, and that they were to go to an island, but would not tell them that island; and he was hiring six frigats. All this is certain. As for Jacques le Governeur, so far as I can understand, he hath not been at Amsterdam a great while; and he is at this time in Gallicia. There are many ships fitting at Amsterdam, under the notion of going to the West-Indies. I am

Hague, 21 March 1658. [N.S.]

Your's, &c.

There were 5 ships ready at Amsterdam, to have gone with sodliers to Copenhagen.

To the right honourable his highnes councill in Scotland for the government thereof.

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

These are humbly to certifie your honours, that allthough the accompts of mr. George Bilton, late receiver-generall of the monethly assessement in Scotland, be not as yet formally concluded, for want of vouchers for the annexed particulars; yet takeing the same as if avouched, I finde upon the present view (and against which the said accomptant hath noe exceptions) that he stands charged with the receipt of three hundred seventy four thousand twenty six pounds, twelve shillings, five pence, for the assessement of Scotland, from the 15th of December 1651 to the first of November 1655; whereof he dischargeth himselfe by three hundred forty seaven thousand nine hundred sixtie pounds, thirteene shillings, tenn pence halfe-penny, paid to the army, garrisons, and perticuler persons in Scotland, uppon warrants from the comander in cheife for the time being; and by thirteene hundred forty one pounds paid to himselfe for his owne sallary, at 20 s. per diem, from the first of March 162½ to the first of November 1655, being thirteene hundred forty one dayes; so that there rests in the said mr. Bilton's hands, twenty four thousand seaven hundred twenty four pounds, eighteene shillings, six pence halfe-penny, to ballance that accompt. I have alsoe examined his accompt of the persons sined in Scotland, by the ordinance of pardon and grace, and finde the charge thereof to be one hundred sixty one thousand one hundred sixty six pounds, thirteene shillings, four pence; whereof hee dischargeth himselfe by nintie five thousand nine hundred seaventy seaven pounds, sisteene shillings, seaven pence, retrenched by a report from the judges and other commissioners here, to whom it was referred by his highnes: by eighteene thousand seaven hundred forty one pounds, thirteene shillings, four pence, discharged by capitulation, remitted and suspended by particular orders from his highnes and councill: by five thousand six hundred twenty pounds, six shillings, eight pence, resting desicient by severall persons in arreare: by thirty eight thousand three hundred sixty nine pounds, six shillings, and one penny, paid to severall persons, upon resignation of their donatives and other orders: by fourteene hundred pounds, two shillings, nine pence halfe-penny, in the hands of receivergenerall Baines upon this accompt: by three hundred thirty nine pounds, two shillings, eight pence, discompted to himselfe for his fees, at 2 d. per pound: soe that there rests in the said mr. Bilton's hands, seaven hundred eighteene pounds, six shillings, two pence halfe-penny, to ballance this accompt of synes. I have also examined his accompt, as deputy-treasurer at warr, for provisions and other moneyes received by him, and findes he stands charged with one hundred thirty two thousand four hundred thirteene pounds, eight shillings, three pence farthing, for provisions delivered by commissary Eldred for the army, garrisons, and private persons, and deducted by the accomptant: with fourteene thousand three hundred nintie six pounds, twelve shillings, four pence halfe-penny, for horseprovisions delivered by commissary Hewling, and moneyes received of him: with four thousand two hundred and one pounds, eleaven shillings, six pence, deducted for freequarter: with nineteene hundred fiftie eight pounds, four shillings, deducted for armes: with four thousand two hundred pounds received from the commissioners of sequestrations; with one thousand pounds, eight shillings, received from the commissioners of prize-goods; which in all amounts to one hundred fiftie eight thousand one hundred seaventy pounds, four shillings, and a penny three farthings. Whereof the said mr. Bilton dischargeth himselfe by eighty nine thousand fiftie eight pounds, fourteene shillings, one penny, discompted with the old treasurer at warr, at London, and certified by them: by thirty six thousand seaven hundred seaventy pounds, seaven shillings, nine pence, paid by him for provisions upon warrants from the commander in cheise for the time being: by four thousand two hundred twenty five pounds, one shilling, seaven pence halfe-penny, paid into the treasury, as per warrant and receipt. Soe that there is resting in the said mr. Bilton's hands, twenty eight thousand one hundred sixteene pounds, eight pence and one farthing, to ballance this his accompt. Towards satisfaction of all which ballances of his said accompts of assessments, fines and provisions, which in the totall amounts to fiftie three thousand five hundred fiftie nine pounds, five shillings, five pence farthing, the said mr. Bilton hath paid unto receiver-generall Baines, three thousand five hundred twenty pounds, two shillings, nine pence, in part of the five thousand pounds for which hee gave bond; and alleageth there is in the treasury at Leith thirtie two thousand one hundred eighty nine pounds, three shillings and seaven pence; and that there is in bills drawen upon severall collectors, and wherewith he hath in his accompt of assessement charged himselfe twelve hundred seaventy nine pounds, one shilling, tenn pence; which said bills are returned unanswered by them, and therefore hee ought to bee discharged thereof: for both which last perticulars noe avouchers are as yet produced; which when produced, there will be then resting in the said mr. Bilton's hands sixteene thousand five hundred seaventy eight pounds, seaventeene shillings, and three pence farthing, as the summary ballance of all his foresayd accompts; but till the production of the said last two vouchers, there will be resting in mr. Bilton's hands, as the summary ballance of all his foresayd accompts, the summe of fiftie thousand forty seaven pounds, two shillings, eight pence farthing. All which I humbly submitted to your honours consideration.

At Edinburgh, the 23th of February 165 7/2.

John Thompson.

Articles in mr. Bilton's accompt not instruted.

To the right honorable his highness's council in Scotland, for the government thereof.

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

These are humbly to certify your honours, that by the state of mr. George Bilton's accompts of all his intromissions with publick monies, I find the said Bilton to be indebted to the state 16578 1. 17 d. 3d. ¼, and that the treasury at war (to the management whereof succeeded mr. Drywood and Medlicoat, as deputy-treasurers to John Blackwell and captain Deane, esqrs. principal treasurers at war at London) stand indebted to the said George Bilton's accompt the sum of 32452 1. 13 s. 11 d. as by a memorandum entred in one of the books of the treasury at war at Leith, dated the 6th of April 1657, and subcribed by the said George Bilton and John Drywood, doth appear in these words: Memorandum, that this day George Bilon, esq. and John Drywood made up their accompts som the beginning of the world to the date hereof, and there rested to mr. Bilton the sum of thirty two thousand four hundred fifty two pounds, thirteen shillings, and eleven pence, as witnes our hands. Which said sum of 32452 1. 13 s. 11 d. was, (as by the state of the said Bilton's accompt appeares) advanced by him for the treasurers at war, to the payment of the forces here at several times, out of the monies received by the said Bilton for the assessment of Scotland, and also out of the monies discompted by him for provisions deducted from the army when the said treasury at war was empty. Further I find, that the said treasurer at war stands charged with 12936 1. 13 s. 10d. for moneyes received and provisions discompted by mr. Drywood and Medlicoat since Bilton's tyme; for both which sumes, amounting to 45,389 l. 7 s. 9 d. the said treasurers at warr is to bee responsible, not haveing as yet given any accompt for the same. And it is humbly submitted to your honours consideration, whether the said treasurers at warr are not alsoe responsible for the 16,578 1. 17 s. 3 d. 1/4, the ballance of G. Bilton's accompts, the same being moneyes received or discompted by him for provisions: which moneyes were brought into the treasury at warr after this manner; viz. The commanders in cheife alwaise issued theire warrants to the treasurers themselves, to pay the respective regiments out of the moneyes in theire hands for the payment of the forces heere, theire deputyes instead of payeing the moneyes mentioned in the warrants have discompted the regiment, &c. for provisions delivered them by the severall commissaryes, takeing the regiments discharges for soe much money as paide, and giveing the commissaryes their acknowledgments for soe much moneye's received of them; by which meanes these moneyes being thus brought into the treasury, the same ought either there to bee found, or the treasurers to bee responsible for the faileings of their deputyes in disposeing thereof without due orders: and that this moneye's thus discompted by the deputy-treasurers heere hath beene alwaies a part of the treasurers charge for which they were responsible, the accounts of old treasurers will sufficiently cleare; for by certificats under theire hands, and now accompted upon the discompt of this present accompt of mr. Bilton, it appeares, that the said Bilton hath accompted with them for 89,058 1. 14 s. 1 d. deducted by him from the army, as is said, is for provisions, armes, free-quarter, &c.

At Edinburgh, the 10th of March 165⁷/8.

John Thompson.

Memorandum. That whereas in my first certificat, dated the 23th of February 165⁷/8. I mentioned, that mr. Bilton did alleadge, there is in the treasury at Leith 32,189 l. 3 s. 7 d. and that there is in bills drawne uppon severall collectors, and wherewith hee in his charge of assessment hath charged himself 1279 l. 1 s. 10 d. which said bills are returned unanswered; and therefore hee ought to bee discharged thereof. And whereas in this certificar, being to certifie the matter of fact, as to the mutuall subscriptions of Bilton and Drywood to that accompt ballanced betweene themselves the 6th of Aprill 1657, wherein there is said to bee 32,452 l. 13 s. 4 d. in moneyes, and 1051 l. 11 s. 6 d. in bills in the treasury; the seeming difference betweene them is thus reconciled. The totall of both certificats in moneyes and bills together are alike; but since Aprill 1657 there have been returned more bills unanswered, amounting to 263 l. 10 s. 9 d. whereby the moneys in the first certificat is soe much lessened, and the bills augmented; that being the state of the accompt, ballanced the 23d of February 165⁷/8.

General Monck to secretary Thurloe.

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

Honoured sir,
I communicated to his highness council here your letter of the 4th of this moneth, who before the comeing thereof had appointed the auditor-generall of the revenue here to prepare an accompt, to be sent up by them of the whole business relatinge to the moneyes received or discompted here by mr. Bilton, deputy-treasurer, by mr. Bilton and mr. John Drywood, when they were joynt-treasurers, and mr. Drywood, and mr. Thomas Medlicoat, whilst they were conjunct-deputyes to the said treasurers att warre, of how much rests due of their receipts respectively; as also to certifye, how it came to passe, and was the manner and constant practice, that the deputy-treasurers at warre here from time to time (as they were charged) were without scruple entrusted with those moneyes, as being part of the duetyes of their places; as also how farre their princ pass the treasurers att warre are responsall and accomptable for all their receipts, or for their receipts for armes and provisions, and other things, for which they made deductions from the soldiery who received them. Concerning all which the auditor-general having presented the two inclosed certificates to the said councill, they have thought it most expedient for the giveing a thorough sight of that affaire, to send you copies of the said certificates here inclosed, to shew not onely what is resting due to the state upon the severall accompts aforesaid, but likewise how the treasurers att warre are lyable thereunto, as appeares in that mr. Bilton accompted with the old treasurers for eightie nine thousand fiftie pounds, fowerteen shillings, one penny, deducted by him from the army for provisions, armes, free-quarter, &c. And the said councill desire you to acquaint his highnesse and the councill with the whole matter, that soe the said treasurers, mr. Drywood and mr. Medlicoate, their late deputyes, who are now there, may be called to an accompt for the moneyes, with which they are respectively chargeable, as appeares by the said certificates. And the said councill upon this occasion find it requisite, that you be informed, that it is and hath been all along found most convenient, that the receivor-generall here should still pay over the sesse-moneyes received towards the pay of the army to the treasurers att warre, their deputies or deputy upon the place here, who onely doe pay the forces. And seing the treasurers att warre accompt not themselves answerable for the sesse, that is or shall be soe paid over to their deputyes or deputy, who properly ought to and does pay the same to the forces; the said councill doe not conceive the state can be secure of those moneyes in the times comeing, unlesse: the treasurers att warre shall be answerable for them; for although they conceive the deputy now imployed here to the said treasurers to be a very honest man, yet considering the sumes the deputy-treasurers for the time being must receive for the assesse, and the often changeing of them att the pleasure of the treasurers, it is not safe, that the deputy-treasurers onely be still entrusted therewith; nor is it convenient that those moneyes be so received and paid out by the deputy-treasurers att warre; besides, that otherwise there must of necessity be another treasurer to doe that worke, which would be a further charge to the state, and bee in some sort inconvenient for the service, by occasioning confusion in the accompts of the pay of the army, if two treasurers should distinctly pay them.

Edinburgh, 11th March 1657.

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

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

11 Martii 165⁷/8.

In the possession of William Cromwell esq.

May it please your highness,
I have caused severall letters and accounts to be sent into England, in order to procure a supply of money from thence; and have received other accounts from those in England, wherein both our arrear and the revenue of this nation have been mistaken. I have now therefore, since nothing else will do, got mr. Standish to be sent over, to make what has been formerly asserted from hence to appear, and to offer such expedients (in case we may not be afforded our whole due) as may refcue your highnesse's affairs from the incertaintyes they lye under.

We did in our former addresses desire 180000 l. so much at least being due unto us. We have likewise intimated, that the civil revenue hath scarce hitherto maintained the civil charge: that our great arreares have not been incurred upon any unwarrantable expence, as by keeping up any supernumerary force or the like; but on the contrary, that we have practised several expedients of frugality, and have so adjusted the proportion of our strength to that of our danger, as whereby our arreare is above 100000 l. less, then according to the establishment it might have been. It has been likewise represented, that according to our present allowance we do every three months add one to our present arrear of 9; and that a reasonable supply at present would enable us to lessen our charge above 3000 l. per mensem, without (by God's blessing) any prejudice to the publick safety; all which particulars, since letters could not, mr. Standish is sent to demonstrate.

May it please your highness, because your army here lives, and your highness does not hear of mutinyes like to be amongst them, some may think our cryes are not to be hearkened to: but I desire your highness to understand, that in truth and reality we are in arrear to the poor people of the countrey, who have trusted the soldiers, and who pay a very heavy assessment (above 1/4 as much as all England and Wales) are impeded in their trade by unseasonable customes, pay towards the repairing of churches, gaoles, houses of correction, and sessions-houses, bridges, highways, &c. besides intollerable abuses they have suffered by Spanish money: all which their suffering should make us tender of bearing too hard upon them; for it concerns us to preserve the credit of the army with them, in case of future streights, as well as our interest in their affections otherwise. I do, may it please your highness, consider the streights upon your treasury in England; and therefore the money I ask is, in order to save money; for at this time the officers, to whom we owe so much, seem so sensible and affected with the publick wants, as that I never observed them in so apt a temper to remitt, forbear, or be retrenched, as now. Wherefore I conceive, that now is the time to try what a little present money would do with them: I say now is the time, for this kind temper in want of pay does not use to last long. Wherefore I wish we had so much forthwith speeded to us, as might enable us to speak rationally and conscionably to them about reducement.

For my part, I have been so concerned to take hold of this opportunity, that seeing moneys came so slowly from England, that I have encouraged the offering of all honest and legall proposalls for raising of moneys here, to spare your highness in England; but finding none of them without their too great inconveniencyes, I return with all submission to importune your highness for your concurrence with these our desires; to which end we have sent over mr. Scandish, the sparing of whom at this time is a good argument, that the cause of his negotiation is urgent. Besides the supply of money, we have instructed him to desire some certainty, as to our future allowance; for whether we be confined to some certain force, or other instruments of government, and left to maintain the same at the least charge we can; or whether we be confined to a certain allowance of money, and left to expend it to the best advantage of the publick safety, I hope in both cases to give your highness a tolerable accompt of my stewardship. But when neither is ascertained, we are forced to shuffle and bustle in our affairs, for not knowing what we have to do, nor wherewithall. I may be too anxious and distrustfull of providence in those importunitys; but according to reason, and the little experience I have had, it is clear, that all inconveniences and discontents, &c. arise from want and disappointments in the matter of money.

May it please your highness, it is but 96000 l. which is scarce half what is now due, that we demand for the present, to enable us to lessen the charge we are yet under, considerably below what was lately offered us by the committee in England.

Were it not that your highness is much concerned herein, and that this is a most fundamental point, I could well be contented to spare the many weary thoughts I have had about it, and the trouble I am forced to give your highness, as the duty of

Your's, &c.