more reason you will have to be assur'd of our singular Love and Kindness for your Lordships From our Court at White-Hall August 1657. Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. To the most Noble the Senators and Consuls of the City of Lubeck Most Noble Magnificent and Right Worshipful our dearest Friends COllonel William Jepson a Person of great Honour and a Senator in our Parlament is to pass with the Character of a Publick Minister from your City to the King of Sweden encamping not far from it Wherefore we desire your Lordships that if occasion require upon the account of the Friendship and Commerce between us you will be Assistant to him in his Journey through your City and the Territories under your Jurisdiction As to what remains it is our farther pleasure That you be Saluted in our Name and that you be assur'd of our Good-will and ready Inclinations to serve your Lordships From our Court at Westminster August 1657. Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. To the City of Hamborough Most Noble Magnificent and Right Worshipful PHilip Meadows who brings these Letters to your Lordships is to Travel through your City with the Character of our Agent to the King of Danemark Therefore we most earnestly recommend him to your Lordships that if any occasion should happen for him to desire it you would be ready to Aid him with your Authority and Assistance And we desire that this our Recommendation may have the same weight at present with your Lordships as formerly it wont to have nor shall we be wanting to your Lordships upon the same Opportunities From our Court at White-Hall August 1657. Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. To the most Sereae Prince Frederick Heir of Norway Duke of Sleswic Holsatia and Ditmarsh Count in Oldenburgh and Delmenhorst Most Serene Prince our dearest Friend COllonel William Jepson a Person truly Noble in his Countrey and a Senator in our Parlament is sent by us as our Envoy Extraordinary to the most Serene King of Sweden and may it prove Happy and Prosperous for the common Peace and Interests of Christendome We have given him Instructions among other things That in his Journey after he has Kiss'd your Serenities hands in our Name and declar'd our former Good-will and constant Zeal for your Welfare to request of your Serenity also That being Guarded with your Authority he may Travel with Safety and Convenience through your Territories By which kind act of Civility your Highness will in a greater measure oblige us to returns of answerable Kindness From our Court at Westm August 1657. Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. To the most Serene Prince Ferdinand Great Duke of Tuscany Most Serene Great Duke our dearest Friend THE Company of our Merchants Trading to the Eastern Coasts of the Mediterranean Sea by their Petition to us have set forth That William Ellis Master of a Ship call'd the Little Lewis being at Alexandria in Egypt was hir'd by the Basha of Memphis to carry Rice Sugar and Coffee either to Constantinople or Smyrna for the use of the Grand Seignior but that contrary to his Faith and Promise given he bore away privately from the Ottoman Fleet and brought his Ship and Lading to Leghorn where now he lives in Possession of his Prey Which Villanous Act being of dangerous Example as exposing the Christian Name to scandal and the Fortunes of our Merchants living under the Turks to Violence and Ransack we therefore make it our request to your Highness That you will give Command that the said Master be Apprehended and Imprison'd and that the Vessel and Goods may remain under seizure till we shall have given notice of our care for the restitution of those Goods to the Sultan Assuring your Highness of our readiness to make suitable returns of gratitude whenever opportunity presents it self From our Court at Westm Septemb. 1657. Your Highness's most Affectionate Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. To the most Serene Prince the Lord Frederic William Marquiss of Brandenburgh c. Most Serene Prince our most dear Friend and Confederate BY our last Letters to your Highness either already or shortly to be deliver'd by our Embassador William Jepson we have imparted the substance of our Embassy to your Highness Which we could not do without some mention of your great Vertues and demonstration of our own Good will and Affection Nevertheless That we may not seem too superficially to have glided over your transcending deservings of the Protestant Interests we thought it proper to resume the same subject and pay our Respect and Veneration not more willingly or with a greater fervency of Mind but somewhat more at large to your Highness And truly most deservedly when daily Information reaches our ears That your Faith and Conscience by all manner of Artifices Tempted and Assail'd by all manner of Arts and Devices Solicited yet cannot be shaken or by any Violence be rent from your Friendship and Alliance with a most Magnanimous Prince and your Confederate And this when the Affairs of the Swedes are now reduc'd to that condition that in adhering to their Alliance 't is manifest that your Highness rather consults the common Cause of the Reformed Religion then your own Advantage And when your Highness is almost surrounded and besieg'd by Enemies either privately lurking or almost at your Gates yet such is your Constancy and Resolution of Mind such your Conduct and Prowess becoming a great General that the burthen and massy bulk of the whole Affair and the event of this important War seems to rest and depend upon your sole determination Wherefore your Highness has no reason to question but that you may rely upon our Friendship and unfeigned Affection who should think our selves worthy to be forsaken of all men's Good word should we seem careless in the least of your unblemish'd Fidelity your Constancy and the rest of your applauded Vertues or should we pay less respect to your Highness upon the common score of Religion As to those matters propounded by the most Accomplish'd John Frederic Schlever your Counsellor and Agent here residing if hitherto we could not return an Answer such as we desir'd to do though with all assiduity and diligence labour'd by your Agent we intreat your Highness to impute it to the present condition of our Affairs and to be assur'd that there is nothing which we account more sacred or more earnestly desire then to be serviceable and assisting to your Interests so bound up with the Cause of Religion In the mean time we beseech the God of Mercy and Power that so signal a Prowess and Fortitude may never languish or be oppress'd nor be depriv'd the Fruit and due Applause of all your Pious Undertakings From our Court at Westminster September 1657. Your Highness's most Affectionate Oliver Protector of the
for he sometimes found vacant hours to the Study which he made his recreation of the Noble Science of Musick in which he advanc'd to that perfection that as I have been told and as I take it by our Author himself he Composed an In Nomine of Forty Parts for which he was rewarded with a Gold Medal and Chain by a Polish Prince to whom he presented it However this is a truth not to be denied that for several Songs of his Composition after the way of these times three or four of which are still to be seen in Old Wilby's set of Ayres besides some Compositions of his in Ravenscrofs Psalms he gained the Reputation of a considerable Master in this most charming of all the Liberal Sciences Yet all this while he managed his Grand Affair of this World with such Prudence and Diligence that by the assistance of Divine Providence favouring his honest endeavours he gained a Competent Estate whereby he was enabled to make a handsom Provision both for the Education and Maintenance of his Children for three he had and no more all by one Wife Sarah of the Family of the Castons derived originally from Wales A Woman of Incomparable Vertue and Goodness John the Eldest the Subject of our present Work Christopher and an onely Daughter Ann Christopher being principally designed for the Study of the Common Law of England was Entered Young a Student of the Inner-Temple of which House he lived to be an Ancient Bencher and keeping close to that Study and Profession all his Life-time except in the time of the Civil Wars of England when being a great favourer and assertor of the King's Cause and Obnoxious to the Parliament's side by acting to his utmost power against them so long as he kept his Station at Reading and after that Town was taken by the Parliament Forces being forced to quit his House there he steer'd his course according to the Motion of the King's Army But when the War was ended with Victory and Success to the Parliament Party by the Valour of General Fairfax and the Craft and Conduct of Cromwell and his composition made by the help of his Brother's Interest with the then prevailing Power he betook himself again to his former Study and Profession following Chamber-Practice every Term yet came to no Advancement in the World in a long time except some small Employ in the Town of Ipswich where and near it he lived all the latter time of his Life For he was a person of a modest quiet temper preferring Justice and Vertue before all Worldly Pleasure or Grandeur but in the beginning of the Reign of K. James the II. for his known Integrity and Ability in the Law he was by some Persons of Quality recommended to the King and at a Call of Serjeants received the Coif and the same day was Sworn one of the Barons of the Exchequer and soon after made one of the Judges of the Common Pleas but his Years and Indisposition not well brooking the Fatigue of publick Imployment he continued not long in either of these Stations but having his Quietus est retired to a Country Life his Study and Devotion Ann the onely Daughter of the said John Milton the Elder had a considerable Dowry given her by her Father in Marriage with Edward Philips the Son of Edward Philips of Shrewsbury who coming up Young to Town was bred up in the Crown-Office in Chancery and at length came to be Secondary of the Office under Old Mr. Bembo by him she had besides other Children that dyed Infants two Sons yet surviving of whom more hereafter and by a second Husband Mr. Thomas Agar who upon the Death of his Intimate Friend Mr. Philips worthily Succeeded in the place which except some time of Exclusion before and during the Interregnum he held for many Years and left it to Mr. Thomas Milton the Son of the aforementioned Sir Christopher who at this day executes it with great Reputation and Ability Two Daughters Mary who died very Young and Ann yet surviving But to hasten back to our matter in hand John our Author who was destin'd to be the Ornament and Glory of his Countrey was sent together with his Brother to Paul's School whereof Dr. Gill the Elder was then Chief Master where he was enter'd into the first Rudiments of Learning and advanced therein with that admirable Success not more by the Discipline of the School and good Instructions of his Masters for that he had another Master possibly at his Father's house appears by the Fourth Elegy of his Latin Poems written in his 18th year to Thomas Young Pastor of the English Company of Merchants at Hamborough wherein he owns and stiles him his Master than by his own happy Genius prompt Wit and Apprehension and insuperable Industry for he generally sate up half the Night as well in voluntary Improvements of his own choice as the exact perfecting of his School-Exercises So that at the Age of 15 he was full ripe for Academick Learning and accordingly was sent to the University of Cambridge where in Christ's College under the Tuition of a very Eminent Learned man whose Name I cannot call to mind he Studied Seven years and took his Degree of Master of Arts and for the extraordinary Wit and Reading he had shown in his Performances to attain his Degree some whereof spoken at a Vacation-Exercise in his 19th year of Age are to be yet seen in his Miscellaneous Poems he was lov'd and admir'd by the whole University particularly by the Fellows and most Ingenious Persons of his House Among the rest there was a Young Gentleman one Mr. King with whom for his great Learning and Parts he had contracted a particular Friendship and Intimacy whose death for he was drown'd on the Irish Seas in his passage from Chester to Ireland he bewails in that most excellent Monody in his forementioned Poems Intituled Lycidas Never was the loss of Friend so Elegantly lamented and among the rest of his Juvenile Poems some he wrote at the Age of 15 which contain a Poetical Genius scarce to be parallel'd by any English Writer Soon after he had taken his Master's Degree he thought fit to leave the University Not upon any disgust or discontent for want of Preferment as some Ill-willers have reported nor upon any cause whatsoever forc'd to flie as his Detractors maliciously feign but from which aspersion he sufficiently clears himself in his Second Answer to Alexander Morus the Author of a Book call'd Clamor Regii Sanguinis ad Caelum the chief of his Calumniators in which he plainly makes it out that after his leaving the University to the no small trouble of his Fellow-Collegiates who in general regretted his Absence he for the space of Five years lived for the most part with his Father and Mother at their house at Horton near Colebrook in Barkshire whither his Father having got an Estate to his content and left off all business was
Richard Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. To the most Serene and Potent Prince Lewis King of France Most Serene and Potent Prince our most August Confederate and Friend WE have bin given to understand and that to our no small grief That several Protestant Churches in Provence were so maliciously Affronted and Disturb'd by a certain turbulent Humourist that the Magistrates at Grenoble who are the proper Judges of such Causes thought him worthy of exemplary Punishment But that the Convention of the Clergy which was held not far from those places obtain'd of your Majesty that the whole matter should be remov'd up to Paris there to be heard before your Royal Council But they not having as yet made any determination in the Business those Churches and more especially that of Yvoire are forbid to meet for the Worship of God Most earnestly therefore we request your Majesty That in the first place you would not prohibit those from Preaching in Publick whose Prayers to God for your Safety and the Prosperity of your Kingdom you are so free to suffer then that the Sentence given against that impertinent Disturber of Divine Service by the proper Judges of those Causes at Grenoble may be duly put in excution God long preserve your Majesty in Safety and Prosperity to the end that if you have any good Opinion of our Prayers or think 'em prevalent with God you may be speedily induc'd to suffer the same to be publickly put up to Heaven by those Churches now forbid their wonted Meetings Westminster Feb. 18. 1658. To the most Eminent Lord Cardinal Mazarine Most Eminent Lord Cardinal THE most Illustrious Lady late Wife of the deceased Duke of Richmond is now going into France together with the young Duke her Son with an intention to reside there for some time We therefore most earnestly request your Eminency That if any thing fall out wherein your Authority Favour and Patronage may be assisting to 'em as Strangers you would vouchsafe to Protect their Dignity and to indulge the Recommendation of it not the meanest in such a manner that if any addition can be made to your Civility toward all people especially of Illustrious Descent we may be sensible our Letters have obtain'd it Withal your Excellency may assure your self your Recommendation whenever you require the like from us shall be of equal force and value in our Esteem and Care Westminster Feb. 29. 1658. Richard Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. To the most Serene and Potent Prince John King of Portugal Most Serene and Potent Prince our Friend and Confederate ALthough there are many things which we are bound to impart by Writing to a King our Friend and in strict Confederacy with our Republick yet there is nothing which we ever did more willingly then what we do at this present by these our Letters to Congratulate this last Victory so glorious to the Kingdom of Portugal obtain'd against our common Enemy the Spaniard By which how great an advantage will accrue not onely to your own but to the Peace and Repose of all Europe and that perhaps for many years there is no body but understands But there is one thing more wherein we must acknowledge your Majesty's Justice the most certain pledge of Victory That satisfaction has bin given by the Commissioners appointed at London according to the 24th Article of the League to our Merchants whose Vessels were hir'd by the Brasile Company Onely there is one among 'em still remaining Alexander Bence of London Merchant whose Ship call'd the Three Brothers John Wilks Master being hir'd and laden and having perform'd two Voyages for the said Company yet still they refuse to pay him his Wages according to their Covenauts when the rest that onely perform'd single Voyages are already paid Which why it should be done we cannot understand unless those People think in their Judgment that Person more worthy of his Hire who did 'em onely single Service then he who earn'd his Wages twice We therefore earnestly request your Majesty That Satisfaction may given for his Service truly perform'd to this same single Alexander to whom a double Stipend is due and that by Vertue of your Royal Authority you would prefix the Brasile Company as short a day as may be for the payment of his just due and repairing his Losses seeing that their delays have bin the occasion that the Loss sustain'd by the Merchant has very near exceeded the Money it self which is owing for his Wages So God continue your Majesty's prosperous Successes against the common Enemy From our Court at Westm Feb. 23. 1658. Richard Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. To the most Eminent Lord Cardinal Mazarin Most Eminent Lord BY Letters to your Eminency about Eight Months since dated June 13. we recommended to your Eminency the Cause of Peter Pet a Person of singular Probity and in all Naval Sciences most useful both to us and our Republick His Ship call'd the Edward in the year 1646. as we formerly Wrote was taken in the Mouth of the Thames by one Bascon and Sold in the Port of Boulogne and tho the King in his Royal Council the 4th of November 1647. decreed That what Money the Council should think fitting to be given in Recompence of the Loss should be forthwith paid in satisfaction to the Owner Nevertheless as he sets forth he could never reap the benefit of that Order Now in regard we make no question but that your Eminency at our desire gave strict Command for the speedy Execution of that Decree we make it therefore our renew'd request That you would vouchfafe to examine where the impediment lies or through whose neglect or contumacy it came to pass that in Ten years time the King's decree was not obey'd and employ your Authority so effectually that the Money then Decreed which we thought long since satisfi'd may be speedily demanded and paid to our Petitioner Thus your Eminency will perform an Act most grateful to Justice and lay moreover a singular Obligation upon our selves From our Court at Westm Feb. 25. 1658. The two following Letters after the Deposal of Richard were Written in the Name of the Parliament Restor'd The Parliament of the Commonwealth of England c. To the most Serene and Potent Prince Charles Gustavus King of the Swedes Goths and Vandalls c. Most Serene and Potent King our Dearest Friend SInce it has pleas'd the most merciful and Omnipotent God at whose Disposal only the Revolutions of all Kingdoms and Republicks are to restore us to our Pristin Authority and the Supream Administration of the English Affairs we thought it convenient in the first place to make it known to your Majesty and to signify moreover as well our Extraordinary Affection to your Majesty so Potent a Protestant Prince as also our most fervent Zeal to promote the Peace between your Majesty and the King of Denmark another most powerful Protestant King not to be reconcil'd without our Assistance and the good Offices of our Affection Our Pleasure therefore is that our Extraordinary Envoy Philip Meadowes be continued in the same Employment with your Majesty with which he has bin hitherto entrusted from this Republick To which end we impower him by these our Letters to make Proposals act and negotiate with your Majesty in the same manner as was granted him by his last Recommendations and whatsoever he shall transact and conclude in our Name we faithfully promise and and engage by Gods Assistance to Confirm and Ratify The same God long support your Majesty the Pillar and Support of the Protestant Interests Westminster May 15. 1659. William Lenthal Speaker of the Parliament of the Commonwealth of England The Parliament of the Commonwealth of England c. To the most Serene Prince Frederick King of Denmark Most Serene King and most Dear Friend SEeing it now is come to pass that by the Will and Pleasure of the most merciful and powerful God the Supream Moderator of all things we are restor'd to our Pristin Place and Dignity in the Administration of the Publick Affairs we thought it convenient in the first place that a Revolution of this Government should not be conceal'd from your Majesties notice a Prince both our Neighbour and Confederate and withal to signify how much we lay to Heart your ill Success which you will easily perceive by our Zeal and Diligence that never shall be wanting in us to promote and accomplish a Reconciliation between your Majesty and the King of Sweden And therefore we have Commanded our Extraordinary Envoy with the most Serene King of Sweden Philip Medows to attend your Majesty in our Name in order to these matters and to impart propound act and negotiate such things as we have given him in charge to Communicate to your Majesty and what credit you shall give to him in this his Employment we request your Majesty to believe it given to our selves God Almighty grant your Majesty a happy and joyful deliverance out of all your difficulties and afflicting Troubles under which you stand so undauntedly supported by your Fortitude and Magnanimity Westminster May 15. 1659. William Lenthal Speaker of the Parliament of the Commonwealth of England The End * This word relates to his being a Protestant not a Roman-Catholick * The Horses which threw him out of the Coach-box
Licencer were in the Hands of the late Earl of Anglesey while he liv'd where at present is uncertain It cannot certainly be concluded when he wrote his excellent Tragedy entitled Samson Agonistes but sure enough it is that it came forth afert his publication of Paradice lost together with his other Poem call'd Paradice regain'd which doubtless was begun and finisht and Printed after the other was publisht and that in a wonderful short space considering the sublimeness of it however it is generally censur'd to be much inferiour to the other though he could not hear with patience any such thing when related to him possibly the Subject may not afford such variety of Invention but it is thought by the most judicious to be little or nothing inferiour to the other for stile and decorum The said Earl of Anglesy whom he presented with a Copy of the unlicens'd Papers of his History came often here to visit him as very much coveting his society and converse as likewise others of the Nobility and many persons of eminent quality nor were the visits of Foreigners ever more frequent than in this place almost to his dying day His Treatise of true Religion Heresy Schism and Toleration c. was doubtless the last thing of his writing that was publisht before his Death He had as I remember prepared for the Press an answer to some little scribing Quack in London who had written a Scurrilons Libel against him but whether by the disswasion of Friends as thinking him a Fellow not worth his notice or for what other cause I know not this Answer was never publisht He died in the year 1673. towards the latter end of the Summer and had a very decent interment according to his Quality in the Church of St. Giles Cripplegate being attended from his House to the Church by several Gentlemen then in Town his principal wellwi-shers and admirers He had three Daughters who surviv'd him many years and a Son all by his first Wife of whom sufficient mention hath been made Anne his Eldest as abovesaid and Mary his Second who were both born at his House in Barbican and Debora the youngest who is yet living born at his House in Petty-France between whom and his Second Daughter the Son named John was born as above-mention'd at his Apartment in Scotland Yard By his Second Wife Catharine the Daughter of Captain Woodcock of Hackney he had only one Daughter of which the Mother the first year after her Marriage died in Child bed and the Child also within a Month after By his Third Wife Elizabeth the Daughter of one Mr. Minshal of Cheshire and Kinswoman to Dr. Paget who surviv'd him and is said to be yet living he never had any Child and those he had by the First he made serviceable to him in that very particular in which he most wanted their Service and supplied his want of Eye-sight by their Eyes and Tongue for though he had daily about him one or other to Read to him some persons of Man's Estate who of their own accord greedily catch'd at the opportunity of being his Readers that they might as well reap the benefit of what they Read to him as oblige him by the benefit of their reading others of younger years sent by their Parents to the same end yet excusing only the Eldest Daughter by reason of her bodily Infirmity and difficult utterance of Speech which to say truth I doubt was the Principal cause of excusing her the other two were Condemn'd to the performance of Reading and exactly pronouncing of all the Languages of what ever Book he should at one time or other think fit to peruse Viz. The Hebrew and I think the Syriac the Greek the Latin the Italian Spanish and French All which sorts of Books to be confined to Read without understanding one word must needs be a Tryal of Patience almost beyond endurance yet it was endured by both for a long time yet the irksomeness of this imployment could not be always concealed but broke out more and more into expressions of uneasiness so that at length they were all even the Eldest also sent out to learn some Curious and Ingenious sorts of Manufacture that are proper for Women to learn particularly Imbroideries in Gold or Silver It had been happy indeed if the Daughters of such a Person had been made in some measure Inheritrixes of their Father's Learning but since Fate otherwise decreed the greatest Honour that can be ascribed to this now living and so would have been to the others had they lived is to be Daughter to a man of his extraordinary Character He is said to have dyed worth 1500 l. in Money a considerable Estate all things considered besides Houshold Goods for he sustained such losses as might well have broke any person less frugal and temperate then himself no less then 2000 l. which he had put for Security and improvement into the Excise Office but neglecting to recal it in time could never after get it out with all the Power and Interest he had in the Great ones of those Times besides another great Sum by mismanagement and for want of good advice Thus I have reduced into form and order what ever I have been able to rally up either from the recollection of my own memory of things transacted while I was with him or the information of others equally conversant afterwards or from his own mouth by frequent visits to the last I shall conclude with two material passages which though they relate not immediately to our Author or his own particular concerns yet in regard they hapned during his publick employ and consequently fell most especially under his cognisance it will not be amiss here to subjoin them The first was this Before the War broke forth between the States of England and the Dutch the Hollanders sent over Three Embassadours in order to an accommodation but they returning re infecta the Dutch sent away a Plenipotentiary to offer Peace upon much milder terms or at least to gain more time But this Plenipotentiary could not make such haste but that the Parliament had procured a Copy of their Instructions in Holland which were delivered by our Author to his Kinsman that was then with him to Translate for the Council to view before the said Plenipotentiary had taken Shipping for England an Answer to all he had in Charge lay ready for him before he made his publick entry into London In the next place there came a person with a very sumptuous train pretending himself an Agent from the Prince of Conde then in Arms against Cardinal Mazarine The Parliament mistrusting him set their Instrument so busily at work that in Four or Five Days they had procured Intelligence from Paris that he was a Spy from K. Charles whereupon the very next Morning our Author's Kinsman was sent to him with an Order of Councel commanding him to depart the Kingdom within Three Days or expect the
Punishment of a Spy By these two remarkable passages we may clearly discover the Industry and good Intelligence of those Times Here is a Catalogue added of every Book of his that was ever publish'd which to my knowledge is full and compleat TO Oliver Cromwell CRomwell our Chief of Men that through a Croud Not of War only but distractions rude Guided by Faith and Matchless Fortitude To Peace and Truth thy Glorious way hast Plough'd And Fought God's Battels and his Work pursu'd While Darwent Streams with Blood of Scots imbru'd And Dunbarfield resound thy Praises loud And Worcester's Laureat Wreath yet much remains To Conquer still Peace hath her Victories No less than those of War new Foes arise Threatning to bind our Souls in secular Chains Help us to save Free Conscience from the paw Of Hireling Wolves whose Gospel is their Maw To my Lord FAIRFAX FAirfax whose Name in Arms through Europe rings And fills all Mouths with Envy or with Praise And all her Jealous Monarchs with Amaze And Rumours loud which daunt remotest Kings Thy firm unshaken Valour ever brings Victory home while new Rebellions raise Their Hydra-heads and the false North displays Her broken League to Imp her Serpent Wings O yet a Nobler task awaits thy Hand For what can War but Acts of War still breed Till injur'd Truth from Violence be freed And publick Faith be rescu'd from the Brand Of publick Fraud in vain doth Valour bleed While Avarice and Rapine shares the Land To Sir HENRY VANE VANE Young in years but in Sage Councels old Then whom a better Senator ne're held The Helm of Rome when Gowns not Arms repell'd The fierce Epirote and the African bold Whether to settle Peace or to unfold The Drift of hollow States hard to be Spell'd Then to advise how War may best be upheld Mann'd by her Two main Nerves Iron and Gold In all her Equipage Besides to know Both Spiritual and Civil what each means What serves each thou hast learn'd which few have done The bounds of either Sword to thee we owe Therefore on thy Right hand Religion leans And reckons thee in chief her Eldest Son To Mr. CYRIAC SKINNER Upon his Blindness CYRIAC this Three years day these Eyes though clear To outward view of blemish or of Spot Bereft of Sight their Seeing have forgot Nor to their idle Orbs doth day appear Or Sun or Moon or Star throughout the Year Or Man or Woman yet I argue not Against Heaven's Hand or Will nor bate one jot Of Heart or Hope but still bear up and steer Right onward What supports me dost thou ask The Conscience Friend to have lost them over ply'd In Liberties Defence my noble task Of which all Europe rings from side to side This thought might lead me through this World 's vain mask Content though blind had I no other Guide A CATALOGUE OF Mr. John Milton's Works 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 In Answer to a Book Entituled 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The Portraiture of his Sacred Majesty in his Solitudes and Sufferings The Tenure of Kings and Magistrates proving That it is Lawful and hath been held so through all Ages for any who have the Power to call to Account a Tyrant or Wicked King and after due Conviction to Depose and put him to Death if the ordinary Magistrate have neglected or denied to do it and that they who of late so much blame Deposing are the men that did it themselves 4to Observations upon the Articles of Peace with the Irish Rebels on the Letter of Ormond to Collonel Jones and the Representation of the Presbytery of Belfast 4to The ready and easie way to establish a Free Commonwealth and the Excellency thereof compared with the Inconveniencies and Dangers of Readmitting Kingship in this Nation 4to Areopagitica A Speech of John Milton for the Liberty of Unlicensed Printing to the Parliament of England 4to Brief Notes upon a Sermon Entitled The Fear of God and the King Preach'd and since Publish'd by Matthew Griffeth D. D. and Chaplain to the late King wherein many notorious Wrestings of Scripture and other Falsities are observed By J. M. 4to Of Reformation touching Church-Discipline in England and the Causes that hitherto have hindred it Two Books written to a Friend 4to Of Prelatical Episcopacy and whether it may be deduc'd from the Apostolical times by vertue of those Testimonies which are alledged to that purpose in some late Treatises one whereof goes under the Name of James Archbishop of Armagb 4to Animadversions upon the Remonstrants defence against Smectymnuus 4to An Apology for Smectymnuus with the Reason of Church-Government 4to The Reason of Church-Government urged against Prelacy In Two Books 4to Of True Religion Heresie Schism Toleration and what best means may be used against the growth of Popery 4to The Doctrine and Discipline of Divorce restored to the Good of both Sexes from the Bondage of Canon Law and other mistakes to the true meaning of Scripture in the Law and Gospel compared Wherein also are set down the bad consequences of Abolishing or Condemning of Sin that which the Law of God allows and Christ abolisht not Now the second time Revised and much Augmented in Two Books To the Parliament of England with the Assembly In 4to Colasterion A Reply to a nameless Answer against the Doctrine and Discipline of Divorce Wherein the Trivial Author of that Answer is discovered the Licenser conferr'd with and the Opinion which they traduce defended 4to Tetrachordon Expositions upon the Four chief Places in Scripture which Treat of Marriage or Nullities in Marriage on Genesis 1 27 28. Compar'd and Explain'd by Genesis 2. 18 23 24. Deut. 24. 1 2. Matt. 5. 31 32. with Matt. 19. from the 3d. to the 11. verse 1 Cor. 7. from the 10th to the 16th Wherein the Doctrine and Discipline of Divorce as was lately Published is confirmed by Explanation of Scripture by Testimony of Ancient Fathers of Civil Laws in the Primitive Church of Famousest Reformed Divines And lastly by an intended act of the Parliament and Church of England in the last year of Edward the Sixth 4to The Judgment of Martin Bucer concerning Divorce written to Edward the Sixth in his second Book of the Kingdom of Christ and now Englished wherein a late Book restoring the Doctrine and Discipline of Divorce is here Confirmed and Justified by the Authority of Martin Bucer To the Parliament of England 4to The History of Brittain that part especially now called England From the first Traditional Beginning continued to the Norman Conquest Collected out of the Ancientest and best Authors thereof in 4to Paradice lost A Poem in Twelve Books in 4to Paradice regain'd a Poem in four Books to which is added Samson Agonistes Octav. Poems upon several Occasions both English and Latin c. Composed at several times A brief History of Muscovia and of other less known Countries lying Eastward of Prussia as far as Cathay gathered from the writings of
Lord Anthony John Lewis dela Cerda Duke of Medina Celi Governor of Andalusia The Council of State constituted by Authority of Parliament Greeting WE have receiv'd Advice from those most Accomplish'd Persons whom we lately sent with our Fleet into Portugal in pursuit of Traytors and for the recovery of our Vessels that they were most civilly receiv'd by your Excellency as often as they happen'd to touch upon the Coast of Gallaecia which is under your Government and assisted with all things necessary to those that perform long Voyages This Civility of yours as it was always most acceptâ—ble to us so it is now more especially at this time while we are sensible of the ill will of others in some places towards us without any just cause giv'n on our side Therefore we make it our request to your Illustrious Lordship that you will persevere in the same good Will and Affection to us and that you would continue your Favour and Assistance to our People according to your wonted Civility as often as our Ships put in to your Harbours and be assur'd that there is nothing which we desire of your Lordship in the way of Kindness which we shall not be ready to repay both to you and yours whenever the like occasion shall be offer'd us Westminster Nov. 7. 1650. Seal'd with the Seal of the Council J. Bradshaw President To the Illustrious and Magnificent Senate of the City of Dantzick Magnificent and Most Noble Lords our dearest Friends MAny Letters are brought us from our Merchants trading upon the Coast of Borussia wherein they complain of a grievous Tribute impos'd upon 'em in the Grand Council of the Polanders enforcing 'em to pay the Tenth part of all their Goods for the Relief of the King of Scots our Enemy Which in regard it is plainly contrary to the Law of Nations that Guests and Strangers should be dealt withal in such a manner and most unjust that they should be compell'd to pay publick Stipends in a Foreign Common-wealth to him from whom they are by God's Assistance deliver'd at home we make no question but that out of respect to that Liberty which as we understand you your selves enjoy you will not suffer so heavy a Burthen to be laid upon Merchants in your City wherein they have maintain'd a continual Amity and Commerce to the extraordinary Advantage of the place for many years together If therefore you think it convenient to undertake the Protection of our Merchants trading among ye which we assuredly expect as well from your Prudence and Equity as from the Dignity and Grandure of your City We shall take that care that you shall be sensible from time to time of our grateful Acceptance of your Kindness as often as the Dantzichers shall have any dealings within our Territories or their Ships as frequently it happens put into our Ports Westminster Febr. 6. 1650. To the Portugal Agent Most Illustrious Lord WE receiv'd your Letters dated from Hampton the 15th of this Month wherein you signify That you are sent by the King of Portugal to the Parlament of the Commonwealth of England but say not under what Character whether of Embassador or Agent or Envoy which we would willingly understand by your Credential Letters from the King a Copy of which you may send us with all the speed you can We would also further know whether you come with a Plenary Commission to give us satisfaction for the Injuries and to make Reparation for the Damages which your King has done this Republick protecting our Enemy all the last Summer in his Harbours and prohibiting the English Fleet then ready to assail Rebels and Fugitives which our Admiral had pursu'd so far but never restraining the Enemy from falling upon ours If you return us word that you have ample and fuâ—l Commission to give us satisfaction concerning all these matters and send us withal a Copy of your Recommendatory Letters we shall then take care that you may with all speed repair to us upon the Publâ—ck Faith At what time when we have read the King's Letters you shall have liberty freely to declare what further Commands you have brought along with you The Parlament of the Commonwealth of England to the Most Serene Prince D. Ferdinand Grand Duke of Tuscany c. WE have receiv'd your Highness's Letters dated April 22. 1651. and deliver'd to us by your Resident Signor Almerick Salvetti wherein we readily perceive how greatly your Highness favours the English Name and the value you have for this Nation which not only our Merchants that for many years have traded in your Ports but also certain of our young Nobility either Travelling through your Cities or residing there for the improvements of their Studies both testify and confirm Which as they are things most grateful and acceptable to us we also on our parts make this request to your Highness that your Serenity will persevere in your accustom'd good Will and Affection towards our Merchants and other Citizens of our Republick Travelling through the Tuscan Territories On the other side we promise and undertake that as to what concerns the Parlament That nothing shall be wanting which may any way conduce to the Confirmation and Establishment of that Commerce and mutual Friendship that now has been of long continuance between both Nations and which it is our earnest wish and desire should be preserv'd to perpetuity by all Offices of Humanity Civility and mutual Observance Westminster Jan. 20. 1651. Seal'd with the Seal of the Parlament and Subscribed by William Lenthal Speaker of the Parlament of the Common-wealth of England The Parlament of the Commonwealth of England to the Illustrious and Magnificent Senate of the City of Hamborough Most Noble Magnificent and Illustrious our dearest Friends THE Parlament of the Commonwealth of England out of their earnest desire to continue and preserve the Ancient Friendship and mutual Commerce between the English Nation and your City not long since sent thither Richard Bradshaw Esquire with the character of our Resident and among other Instructions tending to the same purpose gave him an express Charge to demand Justice against cert in persons within your Jurisdiction who endeavour'd to Murther the Preacher belonging to the English Society and who likewise laid impious hands upon the Deputy President and some of the principal Merchants of the same Company and hurri'd 'em away aboard a Privateer And although the aforesaid Resident upon his first Reception and Audience made known to your Lordships in a particular manner the Commands which he receiv'd from us upon which it was expected that you would have made those Criminals ere this a severe Example of your Justice yet when we understood our expectations were not answer'd considering with our selves what danger both our People and their Estates were in if sufficient provision were not made for their Security and Protection against the malice of their Enemies we again sent Orders to our afore said Resident to represent
to your Lordships our Judgment upon the whole Matter as also to exhort and perswade ye in the name of this Republick to be careful of preserving the Friendship and Alliance contracted between this Commonwealth and your City as also the Traffick and Commerce no less advantagious for the Interest of both and to that end that you would not fail to Protect our Merchants together with their Priviledges from all Violation and more particularly against the Insolencies of one Garmes who has carry'd himself contumeliously toward this Republick and publickly cited to the Chamber of Spire certain Merchants of the English Company residing in your City to the great contempt of this Commonwealth and trouble of our Merchants for which we expect such Reparation as shall be consentaneous to Equity and Justice To Treat of these Heads and whatever else more largely belongs to the common Friendship of both Republicks we have Order'd our Resident aforesaid to attend your Lordships requesting that ample credit may be given to him in such matters as he shall propose relating to these Affairs Westminster Mar. 12. 1651. Seal'd with the Parlament Seal and Subscrib'd Speaker c. The Parlament of the Commonwealth of England to the Most Serene Christiana Queen of the Swedes Goths and Vandals c. Greeting Most Serene Queen WE have receiv'd and read your Majesty's Letters to the Parlament of England dated from Stockholm the 26th of September last and deliver'd by Peter Spering Silvercroon and there is nothing which we more vehemently and cordially desire then that the ancient Peace Traffick and Commerce of long continuance between the English and Swedes may prove diuturnal and every day encrease Nor did we question but that your Majesty's Embassador was come amply Instructed to make those Proposals chiefly which should be most for the Interest and Honour of both Nations and which we were no less readily prepar'd to have heard and to have done effectually that which should have been thought most secure and beneficial on both sides But it pleas'd the Supreme Moderator and Governour of all things that before he had desir'd to be heard as to those Matters which he had in Charge from your Majesty to propound to the Parlament he departed this Life whose loss we took with that heaviness and sorrow as became persons whom it no less behov'd to acquiesce in the Will of the Almighty whence it comes to pass that we are prevented hitherto from knowing your Majesty's pleasure and that there is a stop at present put to this Negotiation Wherefore we thought we could do no less then by these our Letters which we have given to our Messenger on purpose sent with these unhappy Tydings to signifie to your Majesty how acceptable your Letters how grateful your Publick Minister were to the Parlament of the Commonwealth of England as also how earnestly we expect your Friendship and how highly we shall value the Amity of so great a Princess assuring your Majesty that we have those thoughts of encreasing the Commerce between this Republick and your Majesty's Kingdom as we ought to have of a thing of the highest importance which for that reason will be most acceptable to the Parlament of the Commonwealth of England And so we recommend your Majesty to the Protection of the Divine Providence Westminster March 1651. Seal'd with the Parlament Seal and Subscrib'd Speaker c. The Parlament of the Commonwealth of England to the Most Serene and Potent Prince Philip the Fourth King of Spain Greeting THE Merchants of this Commonwealth who Trade in your Majesties Territories make loud Complaints of extraordinary Violence and Injuries offer'd 'em and of new Tributes impos'd upon 'em by the Governors and other Officers of your Ports and Places where they Traffick and particularly in the Canary Islands and this against the Articles of the League which both Nations have Solemnly Ratifi'd upon the account of Trade the truth of which Complaints they have confirm'd by Oath And they make it out before us That unless they can enjoy their Privileges and that their Losses be repair'd Lastly That except they may have some certain Safeguard and Protection for themselves and their Estates against those Violences and Injuries they can no longer Traffick in those Places Which Complaints of theirs being duly weigh'd by us and believing the unjust proceedings of those Ministers either not at all to have reach'd your knowledge or else to have been untruly represented to your Majesty we deem'd it convenient to send the complaints themselves together with these our Letters to your Majesty Nor do we question but that your Majesty as well out of your love of Justice as for the sake of that Commerce no less gainful to your Subjects then our People will command your Governors to desist from those unjust Oppressions of our Merchants and so order it that they may obtain speedy Justice and due Satisfaction for those Injuries done 'em by Don Pedro de Carillo de Guzman and others and that your Majesty will take care that the Merchants aforesaid may reap the fruit of those Articles and be so far under your Protection that both their Persons and their Estates may be secure and free from all manner of Injury and Vexation And this they believe they shall for the greatest part obtain if your Majesty will be pleas'd to restore 'em that Expedient taken from 'em of a Judge Conservator who may be able to defend 'em from a new Consulship more uneasie to 'em least if no shelter from Injustice be allow'd 'em there should follow a necessity of breaking off that Commerce which has hitherto brought great Advantages to both Nations while the Articles of the League are violated in such a manner West Aug. 1651. To the Most Serene Prince the Duke of Venice and the Most Illustrious Senate Most Serene Prince Most Illustrious Senate our dearest Friends CErtain of our Merchants by name John Dickins and Job Throckmorton with others have made their Complaints unto us That upon the 28th of November 1651. having Seiz'd upon a hunder'd Butts of Caveare in the Vessel call'd the Swallow Riding in the Downs Isaac Taylour Master which were their own proper Goods and Laden Aboard the same Ship in the Muscovite Bay of Archangel and this by the Authority of our Court of Admiralty In which Court the Suit being there depending they obtain'd a Decree for the delivery of the said Butts of Caveare into their Possession they having first given security to abide by the Sentence of that Court And that the said Court to the end the said Suit might be brought to a conclusion having Written Letters according to custom to the Magistrates and Judges of Venice wherein they requested liberty to cite John Piatti to appear by his Proctor in the English Court of Admiralty where the Suit depended and prove his Right nevertheless that the said Piatti and one David Rutts a Hollander while this Cause depends here in our Court put
the said John Dickins and those other Merchants to a vast deal of trouble about the said Caveare and solicite the Seizure of their Goods and Estates as Forfeited for Debt All which things and whatever else has hitherto bin done in our foresaid Court is more at large set forth in those Letters of Request aforemention'd which after we had view'd we thought proper to be transmitted to the most Serene Republick of Venice to the end they might be assistant to our Merchants in this Cause Upon the whole therefore it is our earnest Request to your Highness and the Most Illustrious Senate That not only those Letters may obtain their due force and weight but also that the Goods and Estates of the Merchants which the foresaid Piatti and David Rutts have endeavour'd to make lyable to Forfeiture may be discharg'd and that the said Defendants may be referr'd hither to our Court to try what Right they have in their Claim to this Caveare Wherein your Highness and the Most Serene Republick will do as well what is most Just in it self as what is truly becoming the spotless Amity between both Republicks and lastly what will gratefully be recompenc'd by the good Will and kind Offices of this Republick whenever occasion offers White-Hall Feb. 1652. Seal'd with the Seal of the Council and Subscrib'd President of the Councel To the Spanish Embassador Most Excellent Lord THE Council of State according to a Command from the Parlament dated the 2d of March having taken into serious deliberation your Excellencies Paper of the 15th of February deliver'd to the Commissioners of this Council wherein it seem'd good to your Excellency to propose that a Reply might be given to Two certain Heads therein specify'd as previous returns the following Answer to your Excellency The Parlament when they gave an Answer to those things which were Propos'd by your Excellency at your first Audience as also in those Letters which they Wrote to the most Serene King of Spain gave real and ample demonstrations how grateful and how acceptable that Friendship and that mutual Alliance which was offer'd by his Royal Majesty and by your self in his Name would be to 'em and how fully they were resolv'd as far as in them lay to make the same returns of Friendship and Good Offices After that it seem'd good to your Excellency at your first Audience in Council upon the 19th of December Oldstile to propound to this Council as a certain ground or method for an Auspitious commencement of a stricter Amity that some of their body might be nominated who might hear what your Excellency had to propose and who having well weigh'd the benefit that might redound from thence should speedily report the same to the Council To which request of yours that satisfaction might be given the Council appointed certain of their number to attend your Excellency which was done accordingly But instead of those things which were expected to have bin propounded the Conference produc'd no more then the abovemention'd Paper to which the Answer of the Council is this When the Parlament shall have declar'd their minds and your Excellency shall have made the Progress as above expected we shall be ready to confer with your Excellency and to treat of such matters as you shall propose in the Name of the King your Master as well in reference to the Friendship already concluded as the entring into another more strict and binding or as to any thing else which shall be offer'd by our selves in the Name of this Republick And when we descend to particulars we shall return such Answers as are most proper and the nature of the thing propos'd shall require White-Hall March 21. 1652. The Parlament of the Commonwealth of England to the Most Serene Prince Frederick the Third King of Danemark c. Greeting Most Serene and Potent King WE have receiv'd your Majesty's Letters dated from Copenhagen the 21st of December last and deliver'd to the Parlament of the Commonwealth of England by the Noble Henry Willemsem Rosenwyng de Lynsacker and most gladly perus'd 'em with that affection of mind which the matters therein propounded justly merit and request your Majesty to be fully perswaded of this That the same inclinations the same desires of continuing and preserving the ancient Friendship Commerce and Allyance for so many years maintain'd between England and Danemark which are in your Majesty are also in us Not being ignorant that though it has pleas'd Divine Providence beholding this Nation with such a benign and favourable Aspect to change for the better the receiv'd Form of the former Government among us nevertheless that the same Interests on both sides the same common Advantages the same mutual Allyance and Free Traffick which produc'd the former Leagues and Confederacies between both Nations still endure and obtain their former Force and Virtue and oblige both to make it their common study by rendring those Leagues the most beneficial that may be to each other to establish also a nearer and sounder Friendship for the time to come And if your Majesty shall be pleas'd to pursue those Counsels which are manifested in your Royal Letters the Parlament will be ready to embrace the same with all Alacrity and Fidelity and to contribute all those things to the utmost of their Power which they shall think may conduce to that end And they perswade themselves that your Majesty for this reason will take those Counsels in reference to this Republick which may facilitate the good success of those things propounded by your Majesty to our selves so desirous of your Amity In the mean time the Parlament wishes all Happiness and Prosperity to your Majesty and People Westminster April 1652. Under the Seal of the Parlament and Subscrib'd in its Name and by the Authority of it Speaker c. The Parlament of the Commonwealth of England to the most Illustrious and Magnificent the Proconsuls and Senators of the Hanse-Towns Greeting Most Noble Magnificent and Illustrious our dearest Friends THE Parlament of the Commonwealth of England has both receiv'd and perus'd your Letthrs of the 16th of January last deliver'd by your Publick Minister Leo ab Aysema and by their Authority have given him Audience at what time he declar'd the cordial and friendly Inclinations of your Cities toward this Republick and desir'd that the ancient Friendship might still remain on both sides The Parlament therefore for their parts declare and assure your Lordships That they deem nothing more grateful to themselves then that the same Friendship and Allyance which has hitherto bin maintain'd between this Nation and those Cities should be renew'd and firmly ratify'd and that they will be ready upon all occasions fitly offer'd what they promise in words solidly to perform in real deeds and expect that their ancient Friends and Confederates should deal by them with the same Truth and Integrity But as to those things which your Resident has more particularly in Charge in regard
they were by us referr'd entire to the Council of State and his Proposals were to be there consider'd they transacted with him there and gave him such Answers as seem'd most consentaneous to Equity and Reason of which your Resident is able to give you an Account whose Prudence and Conspicuous Probity proclaim him worthy the Publick Character by you conferr'd upon him Westminster April 1652. Under the Seal of the Parlament in the Name and by the Authority of it Subscrib'd Speaker c. The Parlament of the Commonwealth of England to the Illustrious and Magnificent Senate of the City of Hamborough Greeting Most Noble Magnificent and Illustrious our dearst Friends THE Parlament of the Commonwealth of England has receiv'd and perus'd your Letters dated from Hamborough the 15th of January last and deliver'd by the Noble Leo ab Aysenia yours and the rest of the Hanseatic Cities Resident and by their own Authority gave him Audience and as to what other particular Commands he had from your City they have referr'd 'em to the Council of State and gave 'em Orders to receive his Proposals and to Treat with him as soon as might be concerning all such things as seem'd to be Just and Equal Which was also done accordingly And as the Parlament has made it manifest that they will have a due regard to what shall be propos'd by your Lordships and have testify'd their singular good Will toward your City by sending their Resident thither and commanding his Abode there so on the other side they expect and deservedly require from your Lordships that the same Equity be return'd to them in things which are to the Benefit of this Republick either already propos'd or hereafter to be propounded by our said Resident in their Name to your City anciently our Friend and Confederate Westminster April 1652. Under the Seal of the Parlament in the Name and by the Authority of it Subscrib'd Speaker c. The Council of State of the Republick of England to the Most Serene Prince Ferdinand the Second Grand Duke of Tuscany Greeting THE Council of State being inform'd by Letters from Charles Longland who takes care of the Affairs of the English in your Highnesses Court of Leghorne That lately Fourteen Men of War belonging to the Vnited Provinces came into that Harbour and openly threatned to Sink or Burn the English Ships that were Riding in your Port but that your Serenity whose Protection and Succour the English Merchants implor'd gave Command to the Governour of Leghorn That he should Assist and Defend the English Vessels they deem'd it their duty to certify to your Highness how acceptable that Kindness and Protection which you so favourably afforded the English Nation was to this Republick and do promise your Highness that they will always keep in remembrance the Merit of so deserving a Favour and will be ready upon all occasions to make the same returns of Friendship and Good Offices to your People and to do all things else which may conduce to the preservation and continuance of the usual Amity and Commerce between both Nations And whereas the Dutch Men of War even in the time of Treaty offer'd by themselves were so highly perfidious as to fall upon our Fleet in our own Roads in which foul Attempt God as a most Just Arbiter shew'd himself Offended and Opposite to their Design but also in the Ports of Foreigners endeavour'd to Take or Sink our Merchants Vessels we thought it also necessary to send this Declaration also of the Parlament of the Commonwealth of England to your Highness the Publishing of which was occasion'd by the Controversies at present arisen between this Republick and the Vnited Provinces By which your Highness may easily perceive how unjust and contrary to all the Laws of God and of Nations those People have acted against this Republick and how cordially the Parlament labour'd for the sake of publick Tranquility to have retain'd their pristin Friendship and Allyance White-Hall July 29. 1652. In the Name and by the Authority of the Council Subscrib'd President To the Spanish Embassador Most Excellent Lord THe Council of State upon mature deliberation of that Paper which they receiv'd from your Excellency 27 May 6 of June 1652. as also upon that which your Excellency at your Audience the 6 16 of this Month deliver'd to the Council return this Answer to both those Papers That the Parlament c. was always very desirous of preserving the firm Friendship and good Peace setled at present between this Republick and his Royal Majesty of Spain from the time that first your Excellency signify'd the tendency of his Majesty's Inclinations that way and was always ready to ratify and confirm the same to the Benefit and Advantage of both Nations And this the Councel of State in the Name and by Command of the Parlament in their Papers oftimes made known to your Excellency and particularly according to your Excellency's desire made choice of Commissioners to attend and receive from your Excellency such Proposals as might conduce to the same purpose At which meeting instead of making such Proposals it seem'd good to your Excellency onely to propound some general Matters as it were previous to a future Conference concerning which it seem'd to the Council that the Parlament had in former Papers fully made known their Sentiments Nevertheless for more ample and accumulative satisfaction and to remove all scruples from your Excellency concerning those matters which they at that time propos'd the Council in that Paper dated 31 March 10 April declar'd themselves ready to come to a Conference with your Excellency concerning those things which you had in charge from his Royal Majesty as well in reference to the pristin Amity as to any farther Negotiation as also touching such matters as should be exhibited by us in the name of this Republick and when we came to such particulars as were to the purpose and the nature of the thing requir'd then to give convenient Answers To which it seem'd good to your Excellency to make no Reply nor to proceed any farther in that Affair for almost Two Months About that time the Council receiv'd from your Excellency your first Paper dated 27 May 6 June wherein you onely made this Proposal That the Articles of Peace and League between the Late King Charles and your Master dated the 6 16. of Novemb. 1630. might be review'd and that the several Heads of it might be either enlarg'd or left out according to the present condition of times and things and the late Alteration of Government Which being no more then what we our selves briefly and clearly signify'd in our foresaid Paper of the 31 March 10 April the Council expected that some particular Articles would have bin Propounded out of that League with those Amplifications and Alterations of which you made mention since otherwise it is impossible for us to return any other Answer concerning this matter then what we have already given
And whereas your Excellency in your last Paper seems to charge us with delay the Council therefore took a second review of your foresaid Paper of the 27 of May 6 of June and of what was therein Propounded and are still of Opinion That they have fully satisfy'd your Excellency in that former Paper to which they can only farther add That so soon as your Excellency shall be pleas'd either out of the Leagues already made or in any other manner to frame such conditions as shall be accommodated to the present state of Things and Times upon which you desire to have the foundations of Friendship laid on your side they will immediately return you such Answers as by them shall be thought Just and Reasonable and which shall be sufficient Testimonials that the Parlament still perseveres in the same desires of preserving an untainted and firm Amity with the King your Master and that on their parts they will omit no honest endeavours and worthy of themselves to advance it to the highest perfection Furthermore the Council deems it to be a part of their duty That your Excellency should be put in mind of that Paper of ours dated Jan. 30. 1651. to which in regard your Excellency has return'd no Answer as yet we press and expect that satisfaction be given to the Parlament as to what is therein mention'd The Answer of the Council of State to the Reply of the Lords Embassadors Extraordinary from the King of Danemark and Norway deliver'd to the Commissioners of the Council to the Answer which the Council gave to their Fourteen Demands TO the end that satisfaction may be given to the foresaid Lords Embassadors in reference to the Answer of the Council to the Fifth Sixth Seventh Eigth and Ninth Article the Council consents that this following Clause shall be added at the end of their Answers That is to say Besides such Colonies Islands Ports and Places under the Dominion of either Party to which it is by Law provided that no body shall resort upon the account of Trade or Commerce unless upon special leave first obtain'd of that Party to which that Colony Island Port or Places belong The Receiving of any person into any Ship that shall be driven in by stress of Weather into the Rivers Ports or Bays belonging to either Party shall not render that Vessel lyable to any Trouble or Search by the Answer of the Council to the Eleventh Article as the foresaid Lords Embassadors in their Reply seem to have understood unless it be where such a Receiving shall be against the Laws Statutes or Custom of that Place where the Vessel put in wherein it seems to the Council That there is nothing of severity ordain'd but what equally conduces to the security of both Republicks As to the proving the Property of such Ships and Goods as shall be cast ashore by Shipwrack the Council deems it necessary that an Oath be Administred in those Courts which are already or shall hereafter be constituted where the Claimers may be severally heard and every Body's Right be determin'd and adjudg'd which cannot be so clearly and distinctly done by Written Certificates whence many scruples and doubts may arise and many frauds and deceits creep into that sort of proof which it concerns both Parties to prevent The Council also deems it just that a certain time be prefix'd before which time whoever does not prove himself the lawful Owner of the said Goods shall be excluded to avoid Suits But as to the manner of putting Perishable Goods to Sale that are cast A shore by Shipwrack the Council thinks it meet to propose the way of selling by Inch of Candle as being the most probable means to procure the true value of the Goods for the best Advantage of the Proprietors Nevertheless if the foresaid Lords Embassadours shall propose any other method already found out which may more properly conduce to this end the Council will be no hinderance but that what is just may be put in practice Neither is it to be understood that the consideration of this matter shall put any stop to the Treaty As to the Punishment of those that shall violate the propounded Treaty the Council has made that Addition which is mention'd in their Answer to the Fourteenth Article for the greater force and efficacy of that Article and thereby to render the League it self more firm and lasting As to the last Clause of the Fourteenth Article we think it not proper to give our Assent to those Leagues and Alliances of which mention is made in the foresaid Answers and which are only generally propounded before it be more clearly apparent to us what they are But when your Excellencies shall be pleas'd to explain those matters more clearly to the Council we may be able to give a more express Answer to those Particulars A Reply of the Council of State to the Answer of the foresaid Lords Embassodours which was return'd to the Six Articles propounded by the Council aforesaid in the Name of the Republick of England THE Council having view'd the Commissions of the foresaid Lords Embassadors giving them Power to Transact with the Parlament or their Commissioners concerning all things expedient to be Transacted in order to the reviving the old Leagues or adding new ones believ'd indeed the foresaid Lords to have bin furnish'd with that Authority as to be able to return Answers and Negotiate all things as well such as should be propounded by this Republick as on the behalf of the King of Danemark and Norway and so did not expect the Replies which it has pleas'd the foresaid Lords Embassadors to give to the First Second Third and Fifth demand of the Council whereby of necessity a stop will be put to this Treaty in regard it is but just in it self and so resolv'd on in Council to comprehend the whole League and to Treat at the same time as well concerning those things which regard this Republick as those other matters which concern the King of Danemark and Norway Wherefore it is the earnest desire of the Council That your Excellencies would be pleasd to return an Answer to our First Second Third and Fifth demand As to the Fourth Article concerning the Customs of Gluckstadt in regard they are now abolish'd as your Excellencies have mention'd in your Answer the Council presses that their Abrogation may be ratifi'd by this Treaty lest they should be reimpos'd hereafter As to the Sixth Article concerning Pyracy the Counil inserted it as equally appertaining to the benefit of both and to the establishing of Trade in common which is much disturb'd by Pyrates and Sea-Robbers And whereas the Answer of the Lords Embassadors as to this Article relates onely to Enemies but makes no mention of Pyrates the Council therefore desires a more distinct Reply to it And whereas the foresaid Lords Embassadors in their Reply to the Answer of the Council have pass'd over both their Tenth Article and the Answer
of the Council to it the Council have thought it necessary to add this following Article to their following Demands That the People and Inhabitants of the Republick of England Trading into any Kingdoms Regions or Territories of the King of Danemark and Norway shall not for the future pay any more Customs Tribute Taxes Duties or Stipends or in any other manner then the People of the Vnited Provinces or any other Foreign Nation that pays the least coming in or going out of Harbour and shall enjoy the same and as equally ample Freedom Privileges and Immunities both coming and going and so long as they shall reside in the Countrey as also in Fishing Tradeing or in any other manner which any other People of a Foreign Nation enjoys or may enjoy in the foresaid Kingdoms and throughout the whole Dominions of the said King of Danemark and Norway Which Privileges also the Subjects of the King of Danemark and Norway shall equally enjoy throughout all the Territories and Dominions of the Republick of England The Council of State of the Republick of England to the most Serene Prince Ferdinand the Second Grand Duke of Tuscany Greeting Most Serene Prince our dearest Friend THE Council of State understanding as well by your Highness's Agent here residing as by Charles Longland chief Factor for the English at Leghorn with what Affectiou and Fidelity your Highness undertook the Protection of the English Vessels putting in to the Port of Leghorn for shelter against the Dutch Men of War threatning 'em with nothing but Ransack and Destruction by their Letters of the 29th of July which they hope are by this time come to your Highness's hands have made known to your Highness how grateful and how acceptable it was to 'em and at the same time sent to your Serenity a Declaration of the Parlament of the Commonwealth of England concerning the present Differences between this Republick and the Vnited Provinces And whereas the Council has again bin inform'd by the same Charles Longland what further Commands your Highness gave for the security and defence of the English Vessels notwithstanding the opposite endeavours of the Dutch they deem'd this opportunity not to be pass'd over to let your Highness understand once more how highly they esteem your Justice and singular Constancy in defending their Vessels and how acceptable they took so great a piece of Service Which being no mean testimony of your solid Friendship and Affection to this Republick your Highness may assure your self that the same offices of Kindness and good Will toward your Highness shall never be wanting in us such as may be able to demonstrate how firmly we are resolv'd to cultivate both long and constantly to the utmost of our Power that Friendship which is between your Serenity and this Republick In the mean time we have expresly commanded all our Ships upon their entrance into your Ports not to fail of paying the accustom'd Salutes by Firing their Guns and to give all other due Honours to your Highness White Hall Sep. 1652. Seal'd with the Council Seal and Subscrib'd President To the Spanish Embassador Alphonso de Cardenas Most Excellent Lord YOUR Excelleny's Letters of the 1 11 of November 1652. deliver'd by your Secretary together with Two Petitions inclos'd concerning the Ships the Sampson and Sun Salvadore were read in Council To which the Council returns this Answer That the English Man of War meeting with the foresaid Ships not in the Downes as your Excellency Writes but in the open Sea brought 'em into Port as Enemies Ships and therefore Lawful Prize and the Court of Admiralty to which it properly belongs to take Cognizance of all Causes of this nature have undertaken to determin the Right in dispute Where all Parties concern'd on both sides shall be fully and freely heard and you may be assur'd that Right shall take place We have also sent your Excellency's request to the Judges of that Court to the end we may more certainly understand what progress they have made in their proceeding to Judgement Of which so soon as we are rightly inform'd we shall take care that such Orders shall be given in this matter as shall correspond with Justice and become the Friendship that is between this Republick and your King Nor are we less confident that his Royal Majesty will by no means permit the Goods of the Enemies of this Commonwealth to be conceal'd and escape due Confiscation under the shelter of being own'd by his Subjects White-Hall Nov. 11. 1652. Seal'd with the Council Seal and Subscrib'd William Masham President To the Spanish Embassador Most Excellent Lord BUT lately the Council has bin inform'd by Captain Badiley Admiral of the Fleet of this Republick in the Streights that after he himself together with three other Men of War had for two days together engag'd Eleven of the Dutch put into Porto Longone as well to repair the Damages he had receiv'd in the Fight as also to supply himself with Warlike Ammunition where the Governor of the Place perform'd all the good Offices of a most just and courteous Person as well toward his own as the rest of the Men of War under his Conduct Now in regard that that same Place is under the Dominion of the Most Serene King of Spain the Council cannot but look upon the singular Civility of that Garison to be the copious fruit of that stricter mutual Amity so auspiciously commenc'd and therefore deem it to be a part of their duty to return their thanks to his Majesty for a Kindness so opportunely receiv'd and desire your Excellency to signify this to your most Serene King and to assure him that the Parlament of the Common-wealth of England will be always ready to make the same returns of Friendship and Civility upon all occasion offer'd Westminster Nov. 11. 1652. Seal'd with the Councel Seal and Subscrib'd William Masham President The Parlament of the Commonwealth of England to the Most Serene Prince Ferdinand the Second Grand Duke of Tuscany Greeting Most Serene Prince our dearest Friend THE Parlament of the Commonwealth of England has receiv'd your Letters dated from Florence August 17. concerning the restitution of a certain Ship laden with Rice which Ship is claim'd by Captain Cardi of Leghorn And though the Judges of our Admiralty have already pronounc'd Sentence in that Cause against the foresaid Cardi and that there be an Appeal depending before the Delegates yet upon your Highness's Request the Parlament to testify how much they value the good Will and Alliance of a Prince so much their Friend have given Order to those who are entrusted with this Affair that the said Ship together with the Rice or at least the full Price of it be restor'd to the foresaid Captain Cardi the fruit of which Command his Proctor here has effectually already reap'd And as your Highness by favourably affording your Patronage and Protection to the Ships of the English in your Port of Leghorn has
in a more especial manner ty'd the Parlament to your Serenity so will they on the other side take care as often as opportunity offers that all their Offices of sincere Friendship and good-will toward your Highness may be solidly effectual and permanent withal recommending your Highness to the Divine Benignity and Protection of the Almighty Westminster Nov. 1652. Seal'd with the Seal of the Common-wealth and Subscrib'd Speaker c. The Parlament of the Commonwealth of England to the Most Serene and Potent Prince King of Danemark c. Most Serene and Potent King THE Parlament of the Commonwealth of England have received Information from their Admiral of that Fleet so lately sent to Copenhagen your Majesty's Port to Convoy our Merchants homeward bound that the foresaid Ships are not permitted to return along with him as being detain'd by your Majesty's Command and upon his producing your Royal Letters declaring your Justifications of the matter of Fact the Parlament denies that the Reasons laid down in those Letters for the detaining of those Ships are any way satisfactory to ' em Therefore that some speedy Remedy may be appli'd in a matter os so great moment and so highly conducing to the prosperity of both Nations for preventing a greater perhaps ensuing mischief the Parlament have sent their Resident at Himborough Richard Bradshaw Esquire a Person of great Worth and known Fidelity with express Commands to Treat with your Majesty as their Agent also in Danemark concerning this Affair And therefore we entreat your Majesty to give him a favourable Audience and ample Credit in whatever he shall propose to your Majesty on our behalf in reference to this matter In the mean time recommending your Majesty to the Protection of Divine Providence Westminster Nov. 6. 1652. Under the Seal of the Parlament and in their Name and by their Authority Subscrib'd Speaker c. The Parlament of the Commonwealth of England to the Most Serene Prince the Duke of Venice Greeting THE Parlament of the Common-wealth of England has receiv'd your Highness's Letters dated June 1. 1652. and deliver'd by Lorenzo Pallutio wherein they not onely gladly perceive both yours and the cordial Inclinations of the Senate toward this Republick but have willingly laid hold of this opportunity to declare their singular Affection and good Will toward the Most Serene Republick of Venice which they shall be always ready to make manifest both really and sincerely as often as opportunity offers To whom also all the ways and means that shall be propounded to 'em for the preserving or encreasing mutual Friendship and Alliance shall be ever most acceptable In the mean time we heartily pray that all things Prosperous all things Favourable may befall your Highness and the Most Serene Republick Westminster December 1652. Seal'd with the Parlament Seal and Subscrib'd Speaker c. The Parlament of the Republick of England to the Most Serene Prince Ferdinand the Second Grand Duke of Tuscany Greeting ALthough the Parlament of the Republick of England some time since redoubl'd their Commands to all the chief Captains and Masters of Ships arriving in the Ports belonging to your Highness to carry themselves peacefully and civilly and with becoming observance and duty to a most Serene Prince whose Friendship this Republick so earnestly endeavours to preserve as having bin oblig'd by so many great Kindnesses an Accident altogether unexpected has fallen out through the Insolence as they hear of Captain Appleton in the Port of Leghorn who offer'd Violence to the Sentinel then doing his Duty upon the Mole against the Faith and Duty which he ows this Republick and in contempt of the Reverence and Honour which is justly owing to your Highness the relation of which Action as it was really committed the Parlament has understood by your Letters of the 7th and 9th of December dated from Florence as also more at large by the most Worthy Almeric Salvetti your Resident here And they have so sincerely laid to heart your Highness's Honour which is the main concern of this Complaint that they have referr'd it to the Council of State to take care that Letters be sent to Captain Appleton to come away without stop or stay by Land in order to his giving an Account of this unwonted and extraordinary Act a Copy of which Letters is sent herewith enclos'd who so soon as he shall arrive and be accus'd of the Fact we promise that such a course shall be taken with him as may sufficiently testify that we no less heinoussy brook the violation of your Right then the Infringement of our own Authority Moreover upon mature debate concerning the recover'd Ship call'd the Phoenix of Leghorn which Affair is also related and press'd by your Highness and your Resident here to have bin done by Captain Appleton contrary to promise given whereby he was oblig'd not to fall upon even the Hollanders themselves within sight of the Lanthorn and that your Highness trusting to that Faith promis'd security to the Hollanders upon your word and therefore that we ought to take care for the satisfaction of those who suffer damage under the Protection of your Promise the Parlament begs of your Excellency to be assur'd That this Fact as it was committed without their Advice or Command so it is most remote from their Will and Intention that your Highness should undergo any Detriment or Diminution of your Honour by it Rather they will make it their business that some Expedient may be found out for your satisfaction according to the nature of the Fact upon Examination of the whole matter Which that they may so much the more fully understand they deem it necessary that Captain Appleton himself should be heard who was bound by the same Faith and is thought by your Excellency at least to have consented to the violation of it especially since he is so suddenly to return home And so soon as the Parlament has heard him and have more at large conferr'd with your Resident concerning this matter of no small moment they will pronounce that Sentence that shall be Just and Consentaneous to that extream good-will which they bear to your Highness and no way unworthy the favours by you conferr'd upon ' em Of which that your Highness might not make the least question in the mean time we were willing to certify your Highness by this Express on purpose sent that we shall omit no opportunity to testify how greatly we value your Friendship Westminster Dec. 14. 1652. Seal'd with the Parlament Seal and Subscrib'd Speaker c. The Council of State of the Republick of England to the most Serene Prince Frederick Heire of Norway Duke of Sleswick Holsatia Stormaria Ditmarsh Count in Oldenburgh and Delmenhort Greeting THough it has pleas'd the Most Wise God and Most Merciful Moderator of all things besides the Burthen which he laid upon us in common with our Ancestors to wage most just Wars in defence of our Liberty against Tyrannical
Usurpation signally also to succour us with those Auspices and that Divine Assistance beyond what he afforded to our Predecessors that we have bin able not only to extinguish a Civil War but to extirpate the Causes of it for the future as also to repel the unexpected Violences of Foreign Enemies Nevertheless with grateful minds as much as in us lies acknowledging the same Favour and Benignity of the Supreme Deity toward us we are not so puft up with the success of our Affairs but that rather instructed in the singular Justice and Providence of God and having had long experience our selves we abominate the thoughts of War if possible to be avoided and most eagerly embrace Peace with all men Therefore as hitherto we never were the first that violated or desir'd the violation of that Friendship or those ancient Privileges of Leagues that have bin ratifi'd between us and any Princes or People whatever so your Highness in consideration of your ancient Amity with the English left us by our Ancestors may with a most certain assurance promise both your self and your People all things equitable and all things friendly from us Lastly as we highly value which is no more then what is just and reasonable the testimonies of your affection and good offices offer'd us so we shall make it our business that you may not at any time be sensible of the want of ours either to your self or yours And so we most heartily recommend your Highness to the Omnipotent Protection of the Almighty God White-Hall July 1653. Seal'd with the Council-Seal and Subscrib'd President To the Count of Oldenburgh Most Illustrious Lord THE Parlament of the Common-wealth of England have receiv'd an extraordinary Congratulation from your Excellency most kindly and courteously deliver'd to us by word of mouth by Herman Mylius your Councellor and Doctor of Laws who wish'd all things Lucky and Prosperous in your Name to the Parlament and English Interest and desir'd that the Friendship of this Republick might remain inviolable within your Territories He also desir'd Letters of safe Conduct to the end your Subjects may the more securely Trade and Sail from place to place together with our Orders to our publick Ministers abroad to be Aiding and assisting to your Excellency and your Interests with their good Offices and Counsels To which Requests of his we willingly consented and granted both our Friendship the Letters desir'd and our Orders to our Publick Ministers under the Seal of the Parlament And though it be some Months ago since your Publick Minister first came to us however that delay neither arose from any unwillingness on our part to assent to the request made in your Excellency's Name or that your Deputy was at any time wanting in his Sedulity whose Solicitations were daily and earnest with all the Diligence and Importunity that became him to the end he might be dispatch'd but onely it happen'd so that at that time the greatest and most weighty Affairs of the Republick were under Debate and serious Negotiation Of which we thought meet to certifie your Illustrious Lordship lest any body through a false construction of this delay should think those Favours unwillingly or hardly obtain'd which were most gladly granted by the Parlament of the Common-wealth of England In whose Name these are commanded to be Sign'd Henry Scobel Clerk of the Parlament To the Most Illustrious and Noble Senators Scultets Landam and Senators of the Evangelick Cantons of Switzerland Zurick Bern Glaris Bale Schaffhusen Appenzel also of the Confederates of the same Religion in the Countrey of the Grisons of Geneva St. Gall Mulhausen and Bienne our dearest Friends YOUR Letters most Illustrious Lords and Dearest Confederates dated December 24. full of civility good-will and singular affection toward us and our Republick and what ought always to be greater and more sacred to us breathing Fraternal and truly Christian Charity we have receiv'd And in the first place we return Thanks to Almighty God who has rais'd and establish'd both you and so many noble Cities not so much intrench'd and fortifi'd with those enclosures of Mountains as with your innate Fortitude Piety most prudent and just Administration of Government and the Faith of mutual Confederacies to be a firm and inaccessible shelter for all the truly Orthodox Now then that you who over all Europe were the first of Mortals who after deluges of barbarous Tyrants from the North Heaven prospering your Valour recover'd your Liberty and being obtain'd for so many years have preserv'd it untainted with no less Prudence and Moderation that you should have such noble sentiments of our Liberty recover'd that you such sincere Worshippers of the Gospel should be so constantly perswaded of our Love and Affection for the Orthodox Faith is that which is most acceptable and wellcome to us But as to your exhorting us to Peace with a Pious and Affectionate intent as we are fully assur'd certainly such an Admonition ought to be of great weight with us as well in respect of the thing it self which you perswade and which of all things is chiefly to be desir'd as also for the great Authority which is to be allow'd your Lordships above others in this particular who in the midst of loud tumultuons Wars on every side enjoy the sweets of Peace both at home and abroad and have approv'd your selves the best example to all others of embracing and improving Peace and lastly for that you perswade us to the very thing which we our selves of our own accords and that more then once consulting as well our own as the interest of the whole Evangelical Communion have begg'd by Embassadors and other publick Ministers namely Friendship and a most strict League with the Vnited Provinces But how they treated our Embassadors sent to 'em to Negotiate not a bare Peace but a brotherly Amity and most strict League what Provocations to War they afterwards gave us how they fell upon us in our own Roads in the midst of their Embassadors Negotiations for Peace and Alliance little dreaming any such Violence you will abundantly understand by our Declaration set forth upon this subject and sent you together with these our Letters But as for our parts we are wholly intent upon this by God's assistance though prosperous hitherto so to carry our selves that we may neither attribute any thing to our own Strength or Forces but all things to God alone nor be insolently puft up with our Success and we still retain the same ready Inclinations to embrace all occasions of making a Just and Honest Peace In the mean time your selves Illustrious and most Excellent Lords in whom this Pious and Noble Sedulity out of meer Evangelical Affection exerts it self to reconcile and pacifie contending Brethren as ye are worthy of all applause among men so doubtless will ye obtain the Celestial Reward of Peace-makers with God to whose Supreme Benignity and Favour we heartily recommend in our Prayers both you and yours
great Duke of all Russia sole Lord of Volodomaria Moscow and Novograge King of Cazan Astracan and Syberia Lord of Vobscow great Duke of Smolensko Tuerscoy and other Places Lord and great Duke of Novogrod and the Lower Provinces of Chernigoy Rezansco and others Lord of all the Northern Climes also Lord of Eversco Cartalinsca and many other Places ALL men know how Ancient the Friendship and how vast the Trade has bin for a long train of years between the English Nation and the People of your Empire But that singular Vertue most August Emperor which in your Majesty far outshines the Glory of your Ancestors and the high Opinion which all the Neighbouring Princes have of it more especially moves us to pay a more then ordinary Veneration and Affection to your Majesty and to desire the imparting of some things to your Consideration which may conduce to the Good of Christendome and your own Interests Wherefore we have sent the most Accomplish'd Richard Bradshaw a person of whose Fidelity Integrity Prudence and Experience in Affairs we are well assur'd as having bin imploy'd by us in several other Negotiations of this nature under the Character of our Agent to your Majesty to the end he may more at large make known to your Majesty our singular Good will and high Respect toward so Puissant a Monarch and Transact with your Majesty concerning the matters above-mention'd Him therefore we request your Majesty favourably to receive in our Name and as often as shall be requisite to grant him free Access to your Person and no less gracious Audience and lastly to give the same credit to him in all things which he shall Propose or Negotiate as to our selves if we were personally present And so we beseech Almighty God to Bless your Majesty and the Russian Empire with all Prosperity From our Court at Westm April 1657. Your Majesty's most Affectionate Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. To the Most Serene and Potent Prince Charles Gustavus King of the Swedes Goths and Vandals c. Most Serene and Potent King our dearest Friend and Confederate THE most Honourable William Jepson Collonel of Horse and a Senator in our Parlament who will have the Honour to deliver these Letters to your Majesty will make known to your Majesty with what disturbance and grief of Mind we receiv'd the News of the fatal War broke out between your Majesty and the King of Danemark and how much it is our cordial and real endeavour not to neglect any labour or duty of ours as far as God enables us that some speedy remedy may be appli'd to this growing Mischief and those Calamites averted which of necessity this War will bring upon the Common Cause of Religion more especially at this time now that our Adversaries unite their Forces and pernicious Counsels against the Profession and Professors of the Orthodox Faith These and some other Considerations of great importance to the Benefit and Publick Interests of both Nations have induc'd us to send this Gentleman to your Majesty under the Character of our Extraordinary Envoy Whom we therefore desire your Majesty kindly to receive and to give Credit to him in all things which he shall have to impart to your Majesty in our Name as being a Person in whose Fidelity and Prudence we very much confide We also farther request That your Majesty will be pleas'd fully to assure your self of our Good-will and most undoubted Zeal as well toward your Majesty as for the Prosperity of your Affairs Of which we shall be readily prepar'd with all imaginable willingness of mind to give unquestionable Testimonies upon all occasions From our Court at Westminster August 1657. Your Majesty's Friend and most strictly Co-united Confederate Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. To the most Serene Prince The Lord Frederick William Marquess of Brandenburgh High Chamberlain of the Imperial Empire and Prince Elector Duke of Magdeburgh Prussia Juliers Cleves Monts Stettin Pomerania of the Cassiubiands and Vandals as also of Silesia Crosna and Carnovia Burgravae of Norrinburgh Prince of Halberstadt and Minda Count of Mark and Ravensbergh Lord in Ravenstein Most Serene Prince our dearest Friend and Confederate SUCH is the fame of your Highness's Vertue and Prudence both in Peace and War and so loudly spread through all the World That all the Princes round about are ambitious of your Friendship nor does any one desire a more faithful or constant Friend and Associate Therefore to the end your Highness may know that we are also in the number of those that have the highest and most honourable Thoughts of your Person and Merits so well deserving of the Commonwealth of Christendome we have sent the most Worthy Col. Will. Jepson a Senator in our Parlament in our Name to kiss your Majesties hands and with all to wish the continuance of all Prosperity to your Affairs and in Words at large to express our Good-will and Affection to your Serenity and therefore make it our request That you will vouchsafe to give him Credit in those matters concerning which he has Instructions to Treat with your Majesty as if all things were Attested and Confirm'd by our Personal Presence From our Court at White-Hall August 1657. Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. To the most Noble the Consuls and Senators of the City of Hamborough Most Noble most Magnificent and Worthy THE most Accomplish'd Collonel William Jepson a Senator in our Parlament being sent by us to the most Serene King of Sweden is to Travel through your City and therefore we have given him in Command not to pass by your Lordships Unsaluted in our Name and withall to make it our request That you will be ready to Assist him upon whatsoever occasion he shall think it requisite to crave the Aid of your Authority and Counsel Which the more willingly you shall do the more you shall find you have acquir'd our Favour From our Court at Westminster August 1657. To the most Noble the Consuls and Senators of the City of Breme HOW great our Affection is toward your City how particular our Good-will as well upon the account of your Religion as for the celebrated Splendor of your City as formerly you have found so when occasion offers you shall be farther sensible At present in regard the most Accomplish'd Collonel William Jepson a Senator in our Parlament is to Travel through Bremen with the Character of our Envoy Extraordinary to the King of Sweden 't is our Pleasure that he salute your Lordships lovingly and friendly in our Name and that if any accident fall out wherein your Assistance and Friendship may be serviceable to him that he may have free Admission to desire it upon the score of our Alliance Wherein we are confident you will the less be wanting by how much the
Thomas Viscount Falconbridge our Son-in-Law desirous to see France we could not but acquaint your Eminency with it and Recommend him in like manner to your self not ignorant of what moment and importance it will be to our Recommendation first given him For certainly what benefit or advantage he shall reap by residing in your Countrey which he hopes will not be small he cannot but be beholding for the greatest part of it to your Favour and Good will whose single Prudence and Vigilancy Supports and Manages the grand Affairs of that Kingdom Whatever therefore grateful Obligation your Eminency shall lay upon him you may be assur'd you lay upon our selves and that we shall number it among your many Kindnesses and Civilities already shew'd us Westm May 1658. Oliver Protector c. To the most Eminent Lord Cardinal Mazarin Most Eminent Lord HAving sent the most Illustrious Thomas Bellasis Viscount Falconbridge our Son-in-Law to Congratulate the King upon his arrival in the Camp at Dunkirk I gave him Order to attend and wish your Eminency long Life and Health in our Name and to return Thanks to your Eminency by whose Fidelity Prudence and Vigilancy it chiefly comes to pass that the Affairs of France are carri'd on with such Success in several parts but more especially in near-adjoining Flanders against our common Enemy the Spaniard from whom we hope that open and Armed Courage now will soon exact a rigorous account of all his Frauds and Treacheries Which that it may be speedily done we shall not be wanting either with our Forces as far as in us lies or with our Prayers to Heaven From our Court at White-Hall May 1658. Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. To the most Serene and Potent Prince Lewis King of France Most Serene and Potent Prince our most August Friend and Confederate SO soon as the News was brought us That your Majesty was arriv'd in your Camp and was sate down with so considerable an Army before Dunkirk that infamous nest of Pyrates and Place of Refuge for Sea-Robbers we were greatly overjoy'd in certain assurance that in a short time now with God's Assistance the Seas will be more open and less infested by those Plundering Rovers and that your Majesty by your Military Prowess will now take speedy Vengeance of the Spanish Frauds by whom one Captain was by God corrupted to the Betraying of Hesden another Treacherously Surpriz'd at Ostend We therefore send the most Noble Thomas Viscount Falconbridge our Son-in-Law to Congratulate your Majesty's arrival in your Camp so near us and that your Majesty may understand from his own lips with what Affection we labour the Prosperity of your Atchievemants not onely with our united Forces but with our cordial Prayers that God would long preserve your Majesty and perpetuate our establish'd Friendship to the common Good of the Christian world From our Court at Westm May 1658. To the most Serene Prince Ferdinand Grand Duke of Tuscany Most Serene Great Duke IN regard your Highness in all your Letters has ever signifi'd your Extraordinary Affection toward us we are not a little griev'd that either it should be so obscurely imparted to your Governors and Ministers or by them so ill interpreted that we can reap no benefit or sign of it in your Port of Leghorn where your Friendship toward us ought to be most clearly and truly understood Rather That we should find the Minds of your Subjects daily more averse and hostile in their demeanor toward us For how unkindly our Fleet was lately treated at Leghorn how little accommodated with necessary Supplies in what a Hostile manner twice constrain'd to depart the Harbour we are sufficiently given to understand as well from undoubted Witnesses upon the Place as from our Admiral himself to whose Relation we cannot but give Credit when we have thought him worthy to Command our Fleet. Upon his first arrival in January after he had caus'd our Letters to be deliver'd to your Highness and all Offices of Civility had pass'd between our People and yours when he desir'd the Accommodation of Porto Ferraro answer was made it could not be granted least the King of Spain that is to say our Enemy should be Offended And yet what is there which a Prince in Friendship more frequently allows to his Confederate then free entrance into his Ports and Harbours Or what is there that we can expect from a Friendship of this nature more ready to do us unkindness then befriend us or aid us with the smallest Assistance for fear of provoking the displeasure of our Enemies At first indeed Prattick was allow'd tho onely to Two or Three of our Seamen out of every Ship who had the Favour to go ashoar But soon after it being nois'd in the Town That our Ships had taken a Dutch Vessel Laden with Corn for Spain that little Prattick we had was Prohibited Longland the English Consul was not permitted to go aboard the Fleet The liberty of taking in Fresh water which is ever free to all that are not open Enemies was not suffer'd but under Armed Guards at a severe rate and our Merchants which reside in the Town to the vast emolument of your People were forbid to Visit their Countreymen or Assist 'em in the least Upon his last arrival toward the latter end of March no body was suffer'd to come Ashoar The fifth day after when our Admiral had taken a small Neapolitan Vessel which fell into our hands by chance above Two hunder'd great shot were made at our Fleet from the Town though without any damage to us Which was an argument that what provok'd your Governors without a cause as if the Rights of your Harbour had bin violated was done out at Sea at a great distance from your Town or the Jurisdiction of the Castle Presently our Long-boats sent to take in Fresh water were assail'd in the Port and one taken and detain'd which being redemanded answer was made That neither the Skiff nor the Seamen should be restor'd unless the Neapolitan Vessel were dismis'd tho certain it is that she was taken in the open Sea where it was lawful to Seize her So that ours after many Inconveniences suffer'd were forc'd at length to set Sail and leave behind 'em the Provision for which they had paid ready Money These things if they were not done by your Highness's Consent and Command as we hope they were not we desire you would make it appear by the Punishment of the Governor who so easily presum'd to violate his Master's Alliances but if they were done with your Highness Approbation and Order we would have your Highness understand that as we always had a singular value for your Friendship so we have learnt to distinguish between Injuries and Acts of Kindness From our Court at White-Hall May 1658. Your good Friend so far as we may Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England