State Papers, 1658: November (1 of 5)

November (1 of 5)

Mr. Bradshaw to secretary Thurloe.

My Lord,
Accordinge to your direction I have drawne up my accounts both for the councell and Mr. auditor Beale, which I here inclose. If your lordship please to peruse them, and require my further satisfaction as to any particular in them, I shall upon notice be ready to waite on you for it. The sume, which is to be cleared by a privy seall, being 3461 l. 5s. 10d. sterling, as by the foote of the accompt for the exchequer appears, I have charged myselfe within the other accompt for the councel, upon the foote of which accompt there resteth due to me the sume of 2188 l. 0 s. 9 d. for the payment of which I pray your lordship's favour in procureinge an order from the councel to Mr. Frost for the payment of it. I am necessitated to acquaint your lordship, that in the yeare 1648 I beinge then receiver of the crowne-revenue in North-wales and Cheshire for the state, and cominge to London to passe accompts, and pay in some money to Mr. Fauconberg the receiver-generall, my lodgings in Kinge-street, Westminster, was broake into by theeves the very same day the apprentises riss in London, and came downe to Whitehall; and 430 l. was taken fourth of a truncke in the chamber where I lay. Though it was a tyme of great distraction, yet I used such meanes with the warrants and assistants of Mr. Fauconberge, as that I found out and apprehended the fellows the next day, in which the messenger captain Compton was assistinge to me, whoe were tryed and condemned at the sessions in the Old-Bailey, as Compton very well knowes, being the sonnes of persons of note in Covent-garden. The prosecution of them cost me above 100 l. besides the greatest trouble that ever I had in my life aboute any businesse. But before my accompt could be declared by the commissioners for the revenue, whereon I expected allowance for that money, I was commanded for Hamburg; and now being to settle those accoumpts in the exchequer, to have out my ultimate discharge thence, I am told, that it's not in the power of the lords commissioners for the treasury to give allowance thereof in the way of the exchequer, without a privy seale to pardon that sume. Therefore I humbly request, that the 430 l. so taken may be included in the privy seale with the 3461 l. 5 s. 10 d. and then the whole will be 3891 l. 5 s. 10 d. which if your lordship be satisfyed with the accompts, I pray that Mr. Nutley or Mr. Moreland may have your lordship's order to make ready for the seale. I have noe businesse but this, that requires my care to settle it, before I returne to Hamburg. I am like to have a tedious worke of it, to passe my accounts for the powder and masts; for I am to passe them by parcells with the commissioners of the admiralty, of the navy, the customes, the officers of the Tower, and before the lords commissioners for the treasury, as the auditors tell me. I did thinke, I should not have been lyable to so much truble and attendance, for what I had onely in command from the councel. I am sorry to heare of the sad condition of the duke of Courland; but I hope he will not be found to have deserved it from the king of Sweden. Begginge your lordshipp's pardone for this truble, I subscribe myselfe
Axe-yard, first November,
1658.

Your Lordshipp's very humble servant,
Richard Bradshaw.

I inclose copies of the other accompts, if you please to looke on them.

Mr. Claypole to H. Cromwell, lord lieutenant of Ireland.

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

My Lord,
I HOPE, I need not doubt of having your pardon, (that your commands have layen so long with me without any returne) in regard that my late tryalls and exercise (wherein I confesse you have not onely had a share, but a deep sence) have bene so sad and dismal to me, that I could allmost wonder I have thus far outlived them; and the reflecting upon them is soe amazing to me, that I am allmost lost in darknesse, when I would know the meaning and signification of this great stroake. I desire not to aggravate a thing of this kind too much, knowing well the greatnesse of your concerne in it, as also my owne weaknesse; but desire to submitt to God as to a mercyfull father, who considers our frame, and that we are but dust. It is of mercy, that we are not consumed.

My lord, his late highnesse was acquainted with your commands to me concerning major Staples, and seemed very desirous to countenance and promote the thing, which you were pleased to favour and owne, but never had opportunity to doe any thing in it, as major Staples can more at large informe you. Wherefore application having been made to his now highnesse by major Staples and myselfe, his highnesse is pleased to send this inclosed by my hand; wherein although I thinke myselfe much interested, as in the behalfe of my deare sister, yet if my life and whole fortune was in it, I should desire to submitt itt wholly to your pleasure and direction. I confesse, I may easily forgett the civility I ought to have, when I cast any trouble upon you, whose time and thoughts are so considerable and precious. But so farre as you have a freedome to act a charity for my sister, and therein to all her freinds, I wish it may be upon the account of your especiall grace, certaine knowledge, and meere motion.

My lord, if in the midst of your many troubles and great tryalls, which I desire to be sensible of notwithstanding' my owne; I say, if you can allowe any reflection or favour to one, whose sorrowes are come like a floud upon him, who is stript of all his glory, it will be a very great reliefe and support. And although I cannot promise to make a deue improvement thereof, yet shall it ever be most deare and desirable by,
My Lord,
Your servant,
J. Claypole.

H. Cromwell, lord lieutenant of Ireland, to the lord Broghill.

November 2. 1658.

In the possession of William Cromwell esq;

My Lord,
My commission came on saturday, and was this day opened. No instructions are yet come. May-be the commission was sent before as a bait to engage me to swallow them, when they come. I must expect to be lustily threshed, when Th. hath the making of the clog. In brief I cannot expect much favour from the other side; for I am told on all hands, as well by letters as persons coming from thence, that I am a great eyesore; and am also told from a very good hand, that they give out, that the apprehension they had of the consequences of my coming over was the cause of their late tumultuary meetings; and 'tis said I am not the only subject of their envy, but that it reacheth to Fa. Th. and Mo. who they say are particularly aimed at. Indeed, for ought I hear, his highness hath carryed himself with prudence and resolution enough. I wish with all my heart your lordship were there, and I can assure you, by the last express I had from his highness, he earnestly desires it. I hear William Pierpoint is with him, which would render your being there the more significant. Some say there is fire yet in the ashes; but Fleetwood, Disbrowe and Sydenham say, there was never any thing in the whole matter. For my part, I think things are not so desperate but there is matter enough to work upon, if you were there to bring things to a good consistence. And now, my lord, upon the consideration of the state of things in England, together with my own observation of the state of things here, I am something startled at the strange proposition made to your lordshipp; and, if it be possible, more confirmed in the assurance of your lordshipp's kindness and faithfulness to me, by your acquainting me therewith. But though your lordshipp thinks I may guess at the man without being a prophet, (which I suppose to be the reason you named him not) I assure you I cannot do it, and am so much distracted in my conjectures, that I cannot rest, till I know the person; and therefore I do earnestly desire that from your lordshipp, and conceive, that you are under no obligation of secrecy, having wisely conditioned, that it should not intrench upon his highness, the government, or myself; and upon the present view I have of things, this seems to have a great affinity with distempers in England, and particularly strikes at me; so that if I should never make any other use of it, it's necessary for my own safety to know the person, that I may be aware of his walk. Besides, who knows what a pack of roguery may be found in the womb of this business? But however this Machiavell hath traduced me, I have been always ready openly to avow myself
Your Lordship's, &c.

Secretary Thurloe, to H. Cromwell, lord lieutenant of Ireland.

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

May it please your Excellencye,
I BELIEVE I need not give you any trouble in making excuses for my silence, beinge perswaded your excellencye hath soe much charity for me, that you rest assured, that nothing but sicknesse or death could have kept me from doeinge my duty in this kinde. I had thought to have written at large by the messenger, who was dispatched away with the severall comissions; but truly I was not able to put pen to paper without throwinge myselfe downe againe into my bed, soe weake was I growne with my distemper, which yet hanges upon me, that I cannot yet engage in publique bussinesse, though, I thanke God, I am soe farre advanced towards my recoverye, that I can write with my owne hand. I perceive by the last your excellency was pleased to favour me with, that you have had an account of the motions, which have beene in some part of the army. And truly I am very glad you had it from other hands; for I must professe my ignorance to be soe great of that buissinesse, either in the first rise of it, or in the growth and tendencye thereof, that I am utterly unable to give your excellencye, or any other body, any rationall account thereof. Sometymes it seemed to be allayed, and a satisfaction given. Then againe the fire burst out; and at this tyme new agitations are againe on foot; and at a late meetinge of some of the principall officers and some of the councell to speake about this affaire, which was desired might be at my chamber, with a minde to declare (as was sayd) the grounds of the dissatisfaction; and somethinge was sayd to this purpose, the whole whereof was, that his highnesse was lead only by the advise of Mr. controller and myselfe, and that he would doe nothinge without us. Haveinge heard this, and perceivinge alsoe, that it was industriously spread amongst the officers of the army, that I was a very evill counsellor, I did desire of his highnesse, that I might have leave to retire, hopeinge it might be a meanes to quiet thinges, and facilitate his affaires with the whole army. And truly, my lord, I doe not yet see, what opportunity there will be for my doeing further service, in the station I have done, either to God or the nation. I trust other honest men will have their opportunity, and may doe the same thing with myselfe with better acceptance, haveinge not beene engaged in many perticulers, as I have in your father's life-tyme, which must be the true reason of these stirringes; for they were all set on foot before his now highnesse had done or refused any one single thinge, or had received any advise from any one person whatsoever. I hadsome discourse with my lord Russell about your excellencye's comeinge over for your health, as alsoe for my ladye's. He alsoe spake with others in it, and I doe not finde any great hesitation in it. The greatest thinge is, in what condition, and in whose hands, your excellencye will leave the government in your absence. If your excellency pleases by your next (if you have not done it, before this comes to hand) to lett his highnesse knowe your thoughts therein, I hope your excellencye will not long expect a resolution hence. I was not able to see the commissions, before they were sent. I heare the instructions are not yet gone, the counsell orderinge, that they should be againe revised, soe that I knowe not in what condition they are. If they be not gone, they must be sent by an expresse, by whom I shall; if I am able, give your excellencye a further account.

Wee heare nothinge what hath happened betweene the Swede and the Dutch. The Swede lyes in the Sound with his fleete; and hath alsoe fortified both sides of the land to hinder the Dutch to passe with their releise into Copenhagen. I am able to give your excellencye noe further trouble at this tyme.

Whitehall, 2. Nov. 1658.

Your Excellencye's most humble, faithfull,
and obedient servant,
Jo. Thurloe.

Lord Fauconberg to H. Cromwell, lord lieutenant of Ireland.

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

My Lord,
I can say little to your excellency this week; for things have not only a seeming tendency to quiet, but indeed (a private friend tells mee) something is now done to keepe them so. For my owne parte, I know as little how matters goe as I shall a month hence, when I am at my owne house, where I shall not cease to pray for the government, and in that for your excellency and family, in whose happinesse will be included, in no little measure, that alsoe of
Whitehall, November the 2d, [1658.]

Your Excellency's most humble, faithfull,
and obedient servant,
Fauconberg.

Dr. Thomas Clarges to Henry Cromwell, lord lieutenant of Ireland.

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

May it please your Excelency,
My noble freind, my lord Broghill, has acquainted me with your excelency's bounty to me, which layes an obligation upon me to serve your lordship with all my faculties. The litle umbrages heere upon his highnes are, I beleive, vanish'd. They were managed with more insolence then discretion; and his highnes shew'd a great prudence and moderation in his proceedings, haveing not a friend that durst appear to advize him, or give him notice of any thing, that was doeing, till it was done. And indeed if your excelency considers, how litle his highnes was heretofore exercis'd in publique affaires, and the great greif, that allmost overwhelm'd him for the losse he had of so deare a father, it is miraculous how he waded through his difficulties at this time; and I am confident, if ever any stirrs appeare again of this nature, he will make the best and cheifest actors know their dutyes.

The common newes-book hath in it the latest account from Copenhaugen; but the king of Sweden's affaires in other parts are more prosperous. Major-general Douglas, pretending, that the duke of Curland had broke the nutrality granted to him by his master, made a violent inroade into his cuntry, and tooke his cheif citty, and the castle wherein the duke had his residence, and put garrisons into them, and carried the duke and duches, and their children, prisoners to Riga. The duches is sister to the duke of Brandenburgh, and was but a month since deliver'd of a child. The Portuguese, which lay before Badejoix, have drawn from the town without strikeing a stroak, upon the approch of the Spanish army within two miles of their trenches. There hath bin lately a very desperate mutiny for want of pay amongst the English soldiers at Dunkirk; but it is appeas'd by the care of the officers, and four of the cheifest mutineers are hang'd. The Spanish ambassador in Holland offer'd to exchange Neiuport and Ostende with them for Mastreicht; but the king of France, having notice of it, hath sent to acquaint them, that if they proceed in that contract, he shall interprett it as a breach of the league betwixt him and them. The last post brought no news of the Duch fleet, but that the king of Sweden hath put many souldiers on board his ships, and increas'd their number to forty-five, which will be ten more then the Duch have; but it is sayd, they are not so good as theirs. I am,
May it please your Excelency,
Your excelency's most humble and most obleig'd servant,
Tho. Clarges.

London the 2d of Novem. 1658.

Dr. Thomas Clarges, to Dr. Gorges, secretary to the lord lieutenant of Ireland.

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

Deare Sir,
My good friend, my lord Broghill, in his letter of the 20^th of October, acquainted me, that my lord lieutenant had granted me 100 l. per annum, as agent for the army in Ireland, and that you would transmitt an order to me for it. I sent my lord Broghill by the last a coppy of the commission I have from generall Monck, and a desire to have you write one in the same form; but least he should be gone before that came to Dublin, I have sent another to you, and I desire you will give the commission for me to Mr. William Temple, whoe will send it to me. I am pay'd in Scotland very constantly every three months out of the contingent purse; but I know not out of what treasury his excelency payes salarys of this nature, which I desire to be inform'd by you; and that to the many obligations you had conferred upon me, you will add an answere to this letter, which will be a great effect of your kindnes to,
Deare Sir,
Your most humble servant,
Tho. Clarges.

London, this 2d of November, 1658.

Date the commission from the 29. September last.

Direct the letter to me at Whitehall.

Whereas it is necessary, that there should be a meet and able person appointed agent and solicitor at London for the publique affaires, which concern the forces heere, I doe heereby constitute and appoint Tho. Clarges esquire, doctor in phisick, agent and solicitor at London to the manageing and dispatching of such businesses as concerne the forces in Scotland, hereby setling on him the yearly salary of one hundred and fifty pounds yearly for his travaile and paines in those affaires. Given under my hand and seale, &c.

H. Cromwell, lord lieutenant of Ireland, to the protector Richard.

Nov. 3. 1658.

In the possession of William Cromwell esq;

May it please your Highness,
On saturday last I received your highness commission for my being lieutenant and governor generall of Ireland, &c. for which great honour the reflection of my own unworthiness will make me always hold myself bound in gratitude to serve your highness whilst I live, altho' I were not (as in duty and good conscience I am) obliged therunto as your highness's subject. Nevertheless, I presume humbly to acquaint your highness, that I had great strivings within my breast, before I could prevail with myself to accept and open the commission, (which I did yesterday) but do not thereby account myself any thing more at all obliged to continue it, than I was at first to accept it. I considered, that if I should refuse it, that could not be done without noise and reflection upon the state of your highness's affairs; and besides, I had no reason to think your highness sent it upon any other terms, then what I was bold positively to insist upon in mine to your highness, which was presented by Dr. Petty; and that altho' no instructions came with it, I had as much reason to think, that either you intended to send none at all, or at least such as would not unreasonably limitt me, (being assured of your highness's care and favour) as to fear your highness might suffer the industry of T. and my enemys to procure such instructions, as might make my commission signify nothing; tho' I must needs acquaint your highness, that all observing men, who heard it publickly read, took notice, that the clause, which is of the very essence of a lieutenant's commission, and was always inserted in commissions to other lieutenants, was wholly left out of this, namely the power of making a deputy, and going for England; so that I have reason to say, I hope your highness will not by this acceptance esteem me bound to continue this charge without your licence to attend your highness in person for some short time, which I humbly conceive I have now much more cause to express than ever. I shall not at all look back into the causes and reasons, which first induced me to make this humble request to your highness, any further than to say they remain still in their full force. But I do now only argue from such things, as have since happened. I find that my enemys, upon this single issue, whether I should go or not, have hitherto prevailed, and so in effect have sentenced me with an honourable banishment. I am not conscious of any crime, which might deserve it; but if they can denounce such judgments upon my innocence, they will easily be able to make me criminous, by stopping all supplys from this necessitous army, who have no more now then keeps them alive, and from destroying our young plantations by free quarter. This is the compendious and infallible way to do it; but because they will be sure of a fair blow at me, before they give me the fatal stroke, they first cut my sinews.

They render me a persecutor of good men, and handle my reputation so rudely with their coblers thumbs, that they have already begot a doubt amongst some good men, (even my friends) whether all be right. And if I suffer this continuall dropping without effectuall contradiction, it may, for ought I know, prevail even upon your highness, tho' the most just and wise person in the world; or at least upon such honest men, whose good opinion I so far value, that I will rather submitt to any sufferings with a good name, than be the greatest man on earth without it. And, alass! Sir, how can I check this gangreen without appearing there? My friends have not power to help me; besides, 'tis doubtfull, who are my friends, and whether they do not sute their advice to your highness concerning me more to their own ends than my safety; and if they were never so powerfull and just to me, 'tis not possible they should maintain an argument touching matters or persons, wherewith they are not fully acquainted; and my condition is now such, that my very person is not known (I a little doubt) to my nearest relations, much less my disposition and manner of life. So that upon the whole matter, I beg your highness leave to conclude, that (according to the tenor of the 2 last letters I received from your highness) I shall receive your licence to present myself before your highness this humble request to that end; and in order thereto my wife being great with child, and so like to be less able every day to endure such a journey, I intend forthwith to send her over. I have also enclosed sent a copy of a letter (mutatis mutandis) from the late king, under his hand and privy signet, to the earl of Strafford, which, so signed and sealed by your highness, will both authorize me to come, and also to appoint justices in my absence, which I rather advise should be made than a deputy, as your highness's affairs here now stand. I should be too voluminous, if I should discourse all the concerns, which lead me to this opinion; and I forbear it the rather, because I am apt to think, that your highness, having thought fitt to entrust me with the charge of this place, will the more easily excuse me for presuming to offerr how it may be secured till my return. And for the army, I intend to divide it into 4 brigades, according as they now lye in the 4 provinces, and leave the charge thereof to 4 colonells, with instructions what to do, in case a conjunction should be necessary, and to bring over Sir Hardress Waller with me, and such others as cannot so safely be left there. May it please your highness, I have considered how the favour your highness intends to Goffe, &c. may be effectual; and whensoever your highness shall send the warrant, care shall be taken to have them answered, and grants perfected accordingly, tho' I assure your highness here is so little left, that it is no easy matter to do it.

General Fleetwood to Henry Cromwell, lord lieutenant of Ireland.

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

My deare Brother,
I think your last gives a very true sense of our late sadde dispensation; and we cannot too often and frequent have the thoughts of it upon our hearts; and I believe this will not be a blow felt now, but I feare the wound is too deepe for any, that can pretend to have searched into the bottom of it. Oh! no; this is a dispensation, that calls for deep heart-searching. Our present quiet will prove our great mercy. If the Lord make us so improve the season thereof, to know what it is the Lord improves us for, why should the living man complayne ? a man for the punishment of his sins; search and trye your wayes, and turn to the Lord. This scripture is surely much our case, that we ought to consider of in this day. His highnes and counsell have thought fit to confer another title upon you, and now you are lord lieutenant of Ireland. The Lord keep you humble, and close to himself in the midst of all your outward injoyments, is that, which I desire for you. The experience, which you have hade, what a poor empty thing this world is, may give the better sense how to improve what you have without an over-value of what you may injoye above others. Let it be often upon your heart, who hath raised you, and for what you are raised, and how great an account must be given of what we are to be trusted with. The Lord still preserve you in his feare and love. I am
Your most affectionate brother and humble servant.

I must begge your favour in behalfe of that pretious woman's children, widdow Tracy, who had a pention of 28 l. per annum from his highnes out of Swansy-lands, which is now fallen to yourself; the continuance of which will be a great act of charity in yourselfe: she was a truly gratious woman, and a great sufferrer; the enclosed is the case.

Serjeant Wylde to the protector Richard.

Vol. lxii. p. 123.

Most gracious Prince,
A Great dutie lies upon me to present unto your highnes my most humble acknowledgement of those gracious favours you have bin pleas'd to honour me with, which (had I windows in my brest) you would find there written as with the point of a diamond. And if it should please that God, who hath advanc't you to so great eminencye, with vertues answerable to so high a call, to make me so happie, as to be serviceable to your highnes, I think none should outrun me in that race, being driven by no artificiall motions, but by the inward principles of true love to your highnes, and to whatever else may conduce to your greatest happines. The long tract I have gone in the publick service, (thorough all degrees of my calling) with my best faith and industrye, hath met with a sad solstice, which hath eclipsed my greatest joyes; but if the beames of your highness favour shall break forth upon me, as often they did appeere from your noble father, those clouds of misfortune, which have surrounded me, my friendes and familye, would soone vanish into ayre. Therefore, tender of your precious tyme, and with that modestie, which becomes me, to reduce myself to some particularitye, if there be any place voide in your highnes two courts of law in Westminster-hall, or in that other, wherein I served last, which your highnes shall vouchsafe to honour me with, I shall devest myselfe of that sad mantle, which I have long worne for the losse of business, for time and repute, (the desired fruites of all our endeavours) and apply myself to such a course of action and service, as by the goodness of God and your highnes gracious aspect, shall render me what I am, and professe myselfe ever to be,
3. Nov. 1658.

Your Highnes most faithfull, humble and devoted servant,
John Wylde.

A letter of intelligence.

Paris, 15th November, 1658. [N. S.]

Vol. lxii. p. 192.

The duchess of Savoy and the princesses her daughters 'arrived the 7th at Chambery, the capital city of Savoy. The duke of Savoy comes thither in post with a most gallant court. It is much talk'd of, a second voyage of Monsieur de Lionne into Spain, to make there some propositions of peace between the two crowns. It is the rather believed, because of 30 horses, which he brought out of Germany, he hath sold none. The count of Harcourt hath been well received at Dijon. The count de Fiesque, who was the prince of Condé's agent in Spain, is there dead. The mareschall d'Aumont come hither upon his parole is gone for Bruxells to make an exchange.

Monsieur Akakia is not yet returned from the court, which makes men believe, that his negotiation between this crown and Sweden hath not been unfruitful.

From Boreel the Dutch embassador at Paris.

15^th November, 1658. [N. S.]

Vol. lxi. p. 302.

Daily comes news here of the ships making ready with Portugal commissions, and the damages, which the subjects of the United Provinces suffer thereby especially, going out of the havens of Bretagne, which they have at their devotion, and men of great power interested therein, whereof I have complained; because the king's declaration of August last hath not been publish'd, or sent to the admiralty, so that the seamen and merchants know not to whom to address themselves, since it hath been publish'd in some places of Bretagne, but not yet at Nantz, so that there they will take no notice thereof; and when any suit is commenced by their high mightinesses subjects, they are delayed, and no justice done; so that their high mightinesses will in their great wisdoms finde, that it were better by force to prevent the prizes, than to prosecute the restitution upon a declaration of the king's. Notwithstanding all my endeavours I cannot hinder the execution of the prohibition of the Dutch bringing in whale oil: they have just now seized divers ships of Rotterdam and Amsterdam at Rouen for the same, and pretend confiscation of ships and goods, and 10,000 livres of those to whom they were addressed; so that the owners are in great perplexity; wherein I shall expect your high mightinesses orders.

From Nieuport, the Dutch embassador in England.

London, 15^th November, 1658. [N. S.]

Vol. lxi. p. 302.

I understand by some persons of condition, that the protector and his council have resolved to tell the ministers of Sweden, that at present he could not assist the king of Sweden their master in his war against Denmark; and I am informed they give no hopes to them of entering into such a league as the Swede hath proposed, and that the money, that was promised here to pay the damages, which the Swedes have suffered during the war between England and the United Provinces, is not like to be had as yet; and that Sir Gustave Dowalt makes account to be gone hence in a Swedish frigate here in the river, and an English merchant-ship fraught by the Swedes for transport of English officers and mariners under Sir George Askew: but yesterday they say, that they were not willing to go to sea in this season, and that the convoy demanded by the Swedish ministers was refused; so that it is believed, that this fleet now ready will be for the Mediterranean sea, or the Canary isles.

An intercepted letter.

London, 5^th November, 1658.

Vol.lxii.p.139.

Sir,
There have been so many hindrances in my way, as I could not possibly as yet speak with the person I ought to do; but the chiefest has been his being in the country. I have sent to him; so as I am sure he will receive my letter, and have said all I can to oblige him to come speedily to town, or at least give me such an answer, as I may know directly how to govern myself either in staying or returning. This is all I can yet say to that particular. As to the generall news of this place, it is beleived by the best authors of all sides, and so delivered to me, that the protectoral and republican parties are absolutely irreconcilable.

That neither party is so destitute of force or friends, as that they need fear the success, if it be to be decided by arms. That half of the council, viz. Lawrence, Montague, Fiennes, Jones, Thurloe, and Sir Charles Wolsely, are strict adherents to the protectoral party.

That eight regiments of the English army, viz. Whaley's, Howard's, Fauconbridge's, Hacker's, Ingoldsby's, Goffe's, that which was Pride's, (who is lately dead) and two more, whose names I know not, are also firm to the protectoral party.

That all the forces of Ireland, those in France, and most of those in Scotland, with Moncke himself and the fleet, intirely are also of the same party.

That whatever are left unnamed, either persons or forces, are most of them declared for the republican party.

That the answer given by the protector to the officers of the army was but dilatory only, and not satisfactory, desiring them to remit that question till the obsequies of his father were performed.

That the treasuries are totally exhausted, and credit decayed. That neither party wish for a parliament, the republicans fearing, that if the elections be free, the moderate Presbyterian will have the greatest power, (which they much fear) be then too hard for them always, both by law and arms.

That the fleet is preparing to set out upon pretence of aiding the Swedes; but indeed to have them in a readiness to transport their forces out of Flanders, if need be, or at least to keep them from being debauch'd by the other party, as lying idle they may easily be.

That the republicans desire a peace with Spain, and would appear to be the authors of it, by that means gaining all such as are concerned in trade to their party; as also to take away the pretence of keeping such numbers in Flanders, and the expence the nation is at in setting out such vast fleet; which they believe will be a great weakening to their enemies. That for the reasons aforesaid, the protectoral party is not willing to make a peace with Spain, tho' they neither are resolved, nor indeed are in a capacity of prosecuting the war vigorously; only keep up the name, that they may not lose the advantages they have by it.

That the republicans gain much upon the protectoral party, both in the army and in the civil magistracy also, as appears by the said lord Lisle's and Sir Gilbert Pickering's declaring for them, both which not a fortnight since were against. The like defection there has been in the army, tho' not of those before named, but only of such as were neutral before.

That all the sectaries, commonly called the godly party, are by the industry of Desborowe (the head of the republicans) firmly united to him.

That the others are no less diligent in making the corporation throughout England theirs.

D l n k 32 h u g e x 72 68 i 47 n y a 22 27 seems p r l e p 72 r 77 and d k n l g s q 72 93 p k a r g 79 with 72 93 o p 73 r e of which the k q m g n x 293 79 have to my certain knowledge r k q 7 p l 9 g k d already, and seeks to make advantages of it; so that what is to be done that way, must be 72 93 x w 73 s g r 92 23 y r s x g 29 b n 44 g q; this and no other way is thought practicable at this time.

Order of the protector's council.

Thursday the fourth of November, 1658.

Vol.lxii. p. 129.

The lord commissioner Fiennes reports a paper from the public ministers of the king of Sweden, dated this day, which was now read.

Ordered, that it be referred to the lord commissioner Fiennes and Mr. secretary, to draw up an answer to be returned to the said paper, representing his highness's readiness, that his commissioners shall meet with the said public ministers to proceed in the treaty touching a nearer alliance; and that the season of the year is not such as will admit of sending any ships; and, touching the money insisted on, to intimate the present condition of affairs, according to the letter formerly ordered to be sent to that king.

Hen. Scobel, clerk of the council.

Intelligence.

Cologne, 19th November, 1658. [N. S.]

Vol.lxii.p.167.

The embassadors and envoys of the several states of the empire arrive there but slowly, to hold there an assembly; and it was thought it would be translated to Ratisbon by the emperor's desire. There is little probability of any thing to be treated this year. At Vienna the envoy of Ragotsky hath assured the emperor, that there is probability, that his master shall be re-established; because since the death of the grand vizir, musty, and bashaw of Istria, the present governor shews much affection for him. They speak there of 12000 men, that the emperor will send into Flanders. The Spanish embassador is going post from Vienna to Inspruck, to offer the archduke there the government of the Low-countries, and his brother the archbishoprick of Toledo, or government of Milan.

Secretary Thurloe to Henry Cromwell, lord lieutenant of Ireland.

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

May it please your Excelency,
I Was bould by the last post to trouble your excellency with a few lynes in reference to the publique affaires, and wish that I could have given you better satisfaction by this; but things hanginge as they then did, (if there be not a further declineinge, which I much feare) I may spare your excellency the trouble of enlargeinge upon a subject, which is only in the power of the Lord to remedye.

I professe ingenuously, that I am more to seeke for the reasons and grounds of some late actings amongst some of our freinds, then I ever was upon any occasion, since I had any reference to the publique affaires, nothinge haveinge been done or sayd, either by his highnes, or those who are upon the matter already proscribed since his late highnes death and proclamation of his now highnes, that should give the least offence to those, who fill themselves and others with discontents; but on the contrary all wayes sought and pursued, which might unite, and remove jealousies. But nothinge will doe: dissatisfactions are still reteyned, and many things whispered up and downe to affright honest and well-meaninge people into a feare of his highnesse and government, as if the cause were in the high way of beinge lost; whereas I doe verily beleeve, that there is nothinge soe much in the desires of his now highnes, as to walke in his father's steps, and to adhere to his friends; and he hath profest to me, that the greatest trouble he had was to see, that great endeavours were used to perswade many godly men, that he loved them not; and that they could not trust themselves and their concernments with hym; but that he had cause to rejoyce in this, that God had given hym a heart to love them, and to be willinge to venture all for them, and truste, that God would never suffer hym to forsake that interest, let the measure be what it will, which he receives from some men, who have a name for godlines. And truly I was greatly comforted to heare words to this purpose from his highnes. He hath beene greatly tempted and tryed; and it is to me a great token for good, that God kepes hym in this tryall, from declyneinge to that party, which I am sure favours not godlynes. And truly, my lord, his highnes hath carryed himselfe very steadily, and with honour hitherto in all these agitations; and I am perswaded is not afrayd of men.

I heare, that the single thinge, which is now stood upon, is, that my lord Fleetwood be made comander in cheife of all the forces of England and Scotland; and the reason alleadged for this is, that his highnes might not put another over his head, which they say is resolved upon. His highnes did assure the generall officers long since, before these thinges were talk'd of in the army, that he had noe such intention, nor would not; but that I perceive doth not satisfie; and yet his beinge made comander in chiefe doth not secure that at all. And now those, who have stirred in these matters, are made to beleeve, that they must prosecute what they have begun, or they are lost, when I am sure his highnes intends them noe more hurt then he doth to his children. What issue this will be brought to, I know not; and this beinge the first day of my goeinge out of my chamber about buissnes, I am not soe particulerly informed, as otherwise I might have beene. His highnes acquainted me this day with what your excellency writt about omission in your excellency's comission as lord lieutenant. Truly, my lord, I was not able to looke after the draweinge it. The comission was directed to be drawne by your father's; and I was assured, that it was verbatim accordinge to that; and judginge that to be as large as ever any was, this caused the mistake, which for the present must be supplyed by the paper enclosed in your excellencye's to his highnes, and be rectefied for the future by another comission.

His highnes will, I suppose, at the next counsell, move them about your excellency's comeinge over hither. The delay, which hath been in it, is to be imputed to nothinge but our present disorders and jealousies, which are exceedinge great. Much enquiry there is about the persons your excellency will leave the government with in your absence. I perceive most freinds enclyne to the counsell, who may be made justices; and truly that is my oppinion, as affaires now stand. I could offer several reasons for it, which I will not trouble your excellency with at this tyme, but humblye submit it to your wisdome. I humblye take leave, and rest
Whitehall, November 9. 658.

Your Excelencye's most humble and faithfull servant,
Jo. Thurloe.

Noe newes yet, how it fares with the Swede.

General Fleetwood to Henry Cromwell, lord lieutenant of Ireland.

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

Deare Brother,
I Doe wonder what I have don to deserve such a severe letter from you. How can I hope to have a healing of what breach hath bine 'twixt us, whilst you have such strange perswasions concerning me, as if I was guilty of any unworthynes against you? I know not what you meane by a tumult and stirre (you mention) about your coming hither. I know none, who have made such a buysnes of it, as you mention. If the publicke be answer'd, your own perticular concernment and person is beter beloved, then I perceive you are ready to think. It is an easy thing to say you are aspersed: I wish I could tell in what; and to say his late highnes hath bine so, and you must expect the lik, I think such persons as suggest such things, doe both abuse you, and distroy the peace and quiet of thes poore nations, more then any thing else, that hath bine practised heare. So much, it seemes, is represented to you in Ireland, as I am very confydent is an untrue relation presented unto you, or else you could not have such a sence of things, as you seeme to have. You mention stories told you of the old enimyes designes. I wish the effects of it be no more than stories; and if there be no danger of their influence, it is not myselfe only deceived. I am no obstructer of your coming: I was never so much as askt my thoughts about it but by one of the counsel, to whom I answer'd, I know no exception against it; but only askt, who showld be left your deputy; and therin thought you ought to be consulted, befor you wer concluded by any settlement of ours heare; and if I have fayled towards you in that, it was otherwise intended. This readynes to receiv impressions will not be to your service and satisfaction. I should be loath to undeserve your affections; but if in this day of division you will receive all that is suggested, you neade no other burden. Condemne me not, befor you heare me, who am
November 9. [1658.]

Your most affectionat brother, and humble servant.

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

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

My Lord,
I Willingly subscribe to your lordshipp's opinion, touching your comeing over, haveing for this last ten dayes (as things seeme to stand) been inclineing to it of myselfe, and to beleeve, that your lordshipp's presence would do a great deale of good among us; yet so as if his highnes resolve it not speedily, I would be loath afterwards to advise it; for really, my lord, delayes will but give advantages to those, that wish neither you nor your relations once well. Your lordshipp may be assured, I shall further it all I am able; and certainly of the two am much more prone to erre on that hand, which brings so great a satisfaction to,

My Lord,
Your Excellency's most faithfull and obedient servant,
Fauconberg.

November the 9th, 1658.

Dr. Tho. Clarges to Henry Cromwell, lord lieutenant of Ireland.

London, Nov. the 9^th, 658.

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

May it please your Excelency,
I Cannot say the officers of the army here (that begune the late litle emotions) are satisfied, but they seeme to be. And on fryday theyr meeting of preaching and praying was fill'd with expressions of amity. His highnes hath taken more resolution in this bussines then some expected; but others (and those none of his worst friends) think he took too little. The French in Flanders, notwithstanding the great incommodity of the season, have taken Alost, a strong place, within three leages of Bruxells.

There is nothing from Holland or Germany concerning the Swedish affaires more then what I communicated to your excelency in my last.

Yesterday the Portugall ambassador had his first audience, since the death of his late highnes, whose bussines was to condole and congratulate; a subject, which I never think of without much consternation of minde, and therefore shall not inlarge upon it to a person so nearly concern'd in it as your excelency. I am,
May it please your Excelency,
Your excelencye's most humble and most obleiged servant,
Tho. Clarges.

Nieuport, the Dutch embassador, to the protector's commissioners.

Vol. xii. p. 176.

My Lords,
I did hope, that I should have had a conference with your lordships on the 28^th of October last past, and therefor by an opportunity to receive some answer, not onely concerning the marine treaty, but alsoe to other papers, which I have exhibited since my last returne into England, because it had pleased the right honourable the lords commissioners, whoe delivered, on the 19^th of the same moneth, to mee, some papers concerning the three ships taken in the road off Bantam, to assure mee, that their lordships would make report to the councel off that, which I had then offered and propounded to their honors, that soe things being rightly understood on both sides, all complaints and differences might bee taken away, and a more firme amitie and confidence established; to which end, and noe other, I have waited on your lordships at your houses, and communicated, that being for severall urgent domesticq occasions off my own obliged to make a step over into Holland for a very short time, I did conceive, that yf I received before my going over such an answer and resolution, as the lords my superiors expected, that it would best have enabled mee to promote the publicq service, in relation to a compleate confidence and union betwixt his most serene highnes the lord protector off the three united kingdoms, and the state of the United Provinces. Truly my intentions to that purpose are sincere and reall; and therefore having preferred the publicq interest before my private, especially in the present intricate posture of affairs abroad, I wish that it may please your lordships to appoint mee a time, that I may attend your lordships; remaining, my lords,
Westminster, this 19/9. of November, 1658.

Your Lordships most humble servant,
Will. Nieuport.

Colonel Doyley to secretary Thurloe.

Vol. lxii. p. 180.

Right Honourable,
I Received your honour's, by the Coventry frigat, the 9^th of September last; and therein the very pleasing news of the mercy of the Lord to his highness and our nation, as well in blessing them with success abroad, as detecting and confounding the devices and machinations of wicked and turbulent men at home. And as we have good cause to rejoice at so general a deliverance and mercy, so we have some hopes it may redound (with his highness's favour) to our particular benefit, or at least the advantage of this place, where God hath cast us. Our great want is men, and yet have too many, unless they were better; and I know no place fitter to tame such restless spirits than this. Besides, there would be much benefit accrue; the nation would be rid of such turbulent men, the island here supplied with their chief want: and if the meaner sort may be sent, the officers will be content to allow what shall be thought fit out of their pay, for such a time as they shall think reasonable to be bound to them; and this also will in some sort be an advantage to them, who not knowing the price of peace and plenty at home, will by the looking-glass of labour be taught to value it. I suppose colonel Barry hath so perfectly informed the state of this place, that you cannot so be wanting to your own interest, as not to take some speedy course for men of some quality or other. We lessen every day, and are in the midst of many enemies; and the planting we have hopefully begun will fall to nothing without some speedy course be taken. I have made two handsome garisons or forts, and am making the third and chief, which is for security of this harbour, and indeed for the reputation of our country; but shall not be able to effect it without one thousand pounds more, being necessitated to make it of stone and brick, a chargeable way, which I humbly intreat may be speedily sent. Likewise we want some contingent money, here falling out many accidents, for which ready money must be paid. We are in want of cloaths and shoes, so that we appear more like savages than Englishmen. And I humbly and earnestly beg, that seeing God hath placed me in some eminency, and hath given me a servent desire of serving my country, that I may not have my endeavours stifled by being made uncapable through continual wants at land and sea of such things, as are necessary and requisite for the undertakeing; but that rather my want of abilities for the carrying on so great a business may be made good by your care in supplies. However you may deal in that, I am sure you cannot render me uncapable of testifying myself, as far as I am able,
Cagway in Jamaica,
Nov. 10^th, 1658.

Your faithful servant,
Edw. Doyley.

I have sent two more colours, which I took since from the enemy, and some wounded soldiers, which I hope shall be taken care of.

General Fleetwood to H. Cromwell, lord lieutenant of Ireland.

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

Deare Brother,
I have received your late quæryes, which I shall give some briefe account of. As to their meeting, when I heard of their intentions therein, I sent to them to dismisse their meeting, which accordingly they did; and though ther desires were of meeting the next day, yet upon what was sayde, when some of the officers cam to me, and other of the generall officers, they very freely contented themselves in that disappointment; and so I appointed a meeting of all the officers upon the fryday, and spake what I had reason to say, with which, and what was sayde by other generall officers, the meeting was sent away with much satisfaction. As to the matter of the peticion, I confesse I did see; but for the thing itself, I canot call to minde any thing, which reflected upon either of their highneses. As for his late highness, I think nothing could make any of this army have in the least such an unworthy heart; no, no, let men say what they will, we canot, we dare not be guilty of such wretched unworthynes; and I think both in life and since, never did any army give such signal testimony of endeared hearty dutyfullnes to a general and cheife majestrate, as most deservedly was due to him. And as for his presant highnes, he hath don nothing to deserve otherwise, then what becomes a person in his condition. And I hope we shall not be guilty of any neglect: if some have their thought, which might be the best way to preserve the honest interest in the army, and that his highnes his other occations wer of that pressing necessity, that he could not spare so much time as to intend that buysines; and therefore desired some might be commanded to make their buysiness upon all vacancyes, to render his highnes an account of such persons, as they think might best supply such vacancyes, I hope it is no lessening to his highnes; for what is desired is as under his highnes authority, and to be commissioned by him; neither is so strange a thing; for to my knowledge, his late highnes intended such a course out of this sense, how much his other affaires took up his time, that he could not attend that of buysines as formerly he did; besides, much more is practised and don in other armyes under his highnes comand. As for the Savoy meeting, it was long since apoynted, and a most choyce spirit appeared amongst them. I think their buysines and close will cleare it up. They hade no unworthy design; it is far from us to incourag an imposing spirit in any: it is both against principles and practices of us. Let us be render'd as men please for mutinous spirits, we shall through grace be found both soberly honest and faithful to his highnes. I am sure, I have otherwise deserved then to be rendered as I perceive by yours I am; but this is not the first time I have bine unworthily represented. I hope you know me beter then to believe such things as may be reported; but the Lord, I trust, will vindicate my integrity and faithfullnes. You know I have not served myself, but the publick; and so shall, I hope, still do. As for your coming into England, I am not the hinderer of it. I must, I see, beare the burden of all things, which may tend to reproach or jealousy. I know of no designs to keep you in Ireland, and shall be as glade to see you heare as thos who pretend more. If your publicke capacity be not in the way, ther is nothing will; neither will that be a hinderance any time. But surely you are not without account of this buysness from others; and certeinly none can be so unworthy as to put the obstruction upon me. If it be so, I begge you to let me know the truth. Your freedom in your last much obliges me, and so it be if you will in this; let me know wither it is looked upon as lying at my doore. This will adde to your last favor in the freedom you have exercised unto
Your most affectionate brother, and humble servant.