England to the high and mighty States of Holland c. High and mighty Lords dearest Friends THomas Bushell and Richard Bear with severall other of our Subjects have made their joint complaint unto us setting forth that a shipp of theirs called the Edmond and John did being set upon in her way between Brasile and 〈◊〉 submit to the assault of a certain Privateor belonging to Vlushing called the Red Lyon whose Comander went by the name of Lambert Bartelson but upon such conditions and Tearmes 〈◊〉 by the said Lamberts hand and seale as that upon their arrivall at Vluissing restitution shoud be made of such Goods as shoud appear to belong unto the English That upon their arrivall there the shipp was acquitted and the seamen their respective goods restored them but the Merchants effects taken out and exposed to imediat sale That they namely the Merchants who had this affront put upon did upon their repair to Vlushing to demand their effects at the Admiralty Court there after five yâ—…ares expensive prosecution loose the cause with vast charges thro amost wicked sentence awarded against them by those Judges namely they who concern'd in the said Privateer were themselves both Juges and Jury in the thing That they have no other hope left 'em except it be in your equity and incorrupted uprightnesse which they now at length fly unto whom they judge some reliefe favour from if back'd with our 〈◊〉 of their complaint to you And truly this is a thing pardonable in the people if in so great a hasard of their fortunes as this seemes to be they under an uuiversall dread from all hands consider what they ought to fear from your power and authority as wel as what they were to hope from the integrity of Judges especially in a case where they were themselves 〈◊〉 We do not doubt but that the influence you are under of Religion Justice and Integrity may in preferrence to any sollicitation of Ours become an Incentive to you of comeing to such a determination herein as you may 〈◊〉 to consist with Equity and justice and an act that may become you God preserve both your selves and Republick to tâ—…e service of his Glory and the comfort of his Church Westminster April 1. 1656. OLIVER Protector of England c. OLIVER Protector of the Comonwealth of England To the most Serene Prince Charles Gustavus King of Sweedland Gothes and Vandalls Great Prince of Finland Duke of Esthon Carelia Bremen Verda Stetin Pomerania Cassubia and Vandalia Prince of Russia Lord of Ingry Wismar as also Count Pallatine of the Rhine Bavaria Jul Clevia and Duke of the Mounains c. Most Serene Prince PEter Julius Coitus haveing discharged his Embassy here and so discharged it as that I thought it a thing unfit to dismisse him hence without accompanying him with my opinion of his just merits which he now returnes to your Majesty with as being a person who upon your score who have a just Right to our highest esteeme was as well as for that of his owne meritts very acceptable unto us and no lesse praise worthy by the most dilligent discharge of this Trust. Therefore we freely certify if any Testimony can add thereto that he has answerd that character which he brought Us as your Majestys most just gift to him who may with the same fidelity and integrity relate the singular respect which we bear towards your Majesty What we have to add is to breath our wishes to the Omnipotent Great God to bless your Majesty with all prosperity and continue the influence of your victorys over the enemys of the Church to perpetuity Westminster Aprill 17. 1656. Your Majestie 's most affectionately OLIVER Protector of the Republick of England c. OLIVER Protector of the Republick of England To the most Serene and potent Prince Lewis King of France S. D. APplication being by petition made us in the names of John Dethicke present Lord Mayor of tâ—…is Citty of London and William Wackfield Merchant setting forth that haveing about the Calends of the month of October Auno 1649. loaded a certaine shipp called the 〈◊〉 of London one Ligâ—…tbagh Master the whole freight consisting of their owne proper goods to be transported to Ostend the said shipp was seised upon in the mouth of the River of Thames carryed away and disposed of at Dunkirk then under the obedience of the Crowne of France and that by the contrivance of a certaine Privateer called White belonging to Berkin who exerciseth piracy by vertue of a Comission from the son of Charles the late deceased King contrary to the purport of your Majestâ—…s proclamations published to the contrary Annis 1647. and 1649 besides some resolutions of Councill in favour of the Parliament of England whereby they understanding that the transportation of any Goods or ships taken from the English dureing that 〈◊〉 into any place under your Majesties jurisdiction or suffered to be in any such place exposed to sale was provided against as unlawfull dispatched Hugh Morrell their solliciter to Dunkirke with directions to apply to Mr Lestrado Governour of that Citty and demand restitution of the said shipp and Goods as knowing that they were in a great measure yet untoucht in Towne who upon such application replyed not like a gentleman nor one that woud seem to be very observable of the Comands of his prince that his present employ was a benefit comferr'd upon him in consideration of publick past services perform'd in the King of France s Service that he therefore intended to make as much improvement thereof as he coud as if comisionated to Robb his neighbours Upon which disappointment the said sollicitour after a great expence both of money and time comeing home the petiâ—…ioners destitute of all other hopes other then what they imagin'd they might meet with upon appeal to your Majesties Clemency and Justice and believing that our recomendatory Letters in their favour might render their access to your Majesty more facile pray that you woud not decline your help from a people robbed in defiance of all Justice and in derision of your repeated Comands to the Contrary Which if obtainable at our importunity albeit it is truly a thing which seemes ver equitable yet we shall believe it to be rather the effect of your naturall 〈◊〉 to Justice then the fruit of my soâ—…licitation Westminster May 1656. Your Majestie 's most affectionately OLIVER Protector of the Republick of England c. OLIVER Protector of the Republick of England c. To the high and mighty Lords the States General of the United Provinces S. D. High and mighty Lords Dearest Friends IOohn Browne Nicolas Williams with other Londoners have in a Petition humbly shewed unto us that having severally ventured to the East Indies by the Ship Good Hope of London then bound thither directed their Correspondents at Amsterdam about the Month of February 1644. to ensure there two thousand and forty Pounds Flemish That the
may be an inducement to your Majesty to take particular care of this mans case so direct your people that nothing may in your City stand in this mans way which may interrupt his demanding without delay recovering forthwith what ever the said Company or any others â—…an accountable to him in God incrâ—…se your Majesty in perpetuall felicity and render our friendship dâ—…eable From our Court at Westminster Octob. An. Dom. 1656. Your Mâ—…jesties most affectionatly OLIVER Protector of England c. OLIVER Protector of the Republ. of England c. To the Illustrious and Magnificent Citty of Hamburgh Noble Magnificent and worthy Gentlemen dearest Friends James and Patrick Hay Subjects of this Republick made us their heavy complaint setting forth that being the lavvsul heires to a third brother called Alexander vvho died intestate and so declared by a sentence of your Court pronounc'd thirteen yeares ago against his vviddovv avvarding the petitioners the Estate of their said Brother dedueting onely her portion coud not hither to either by by their ovvne solicitation or the interposition of the late King Charles vvho vvrit to that effect received he benefit of the said sentence That the purse and â—…ntrest of one Albert van Eisen a great Man among you in whose hands great part of this Estate lies are made use of to keepe them out of their Right who Acts all he can to prevent their Recepit thereof Being thus eluded sham'd oft with delays and at length reduced to great poverty and supplicateing that we woud not suffer them to sink under the oppression of a Corporation that 's our Friend And looking upon it as a principall branch of our Office to deny our assistance to none of our Subjects in cases wherein our help and protection are justly called for and applicable our Request to your Corporation shall not exceed what may be easily obtein'd and that is to give the said sentence its due force without suffering your Justice to be further suspended or the said Brethren exposed to any the like future delays whatever for we have consulted and accordingly herewith send you under Hand Sealed the opinion of our learn'd in the Law awarded here concerning their cause Wâ—…erein if Intreatys canoâ—… doe the Laws of Nations must 〈◊〉 such other methods as we woud willingly avoid the pursuit of and which we are confident your prudence will invite you to prevent From our Court at Westminster Octob 16. A. D. 1656. Yours most affectionately OLIVER Protector of England c. OLIVER Protector of the Republ. of England c. To the most Serene and Potent Prince Lewis King of France S. D. Most Serene and Potent King Friend and dearest Confederate OUr Letters of the 14. of the May last was twelve Month are we suppose come to Your Majesty's hands containing acomplaint made by John Dethick then Lord Mayor of the Citâ—…y of London and William Wackfield Merchant who declared that a Ship of theirs called the John laden with their proper Goods to be transported to Ostend was snatched away from out of the River of Thames's mouth and carryed to Dunkirke by a cerâ—…ain Privateer Comissionated thereto by thâ—… Son of Charles Stuart That they pursuant to your Proclamations and Decrees of Councill prohibitting the admission into or sâ—…le of any Ship taken from tâ—…e Parliament of England in any of your Poâ—…ts praying Monsr l'Estrade Governour of that Gitty to comand the restitution of the said Sâ—…ipp and Goods had an answer â—…o way truly suitable to the worth of a Gentleman nor such as would seem inclinable to shew obedience enough to his Kings comands namely that the King of France conferred that Governership upon him in Consideration of services in the Warrs moreover that he would take care to improve it all he coud right or wrong for sooth he did not seem to matter which As if your Majesty had bestowed this Governership and office upon him to robb his Neighbours vvith and Wipe his breech as it were with Edicts proclaimd in their favour If the King of France will be no more concern'd at injurys done us by our 〈◊〉 then bâ—…ly to forbidd his Subjects from abetting therein a Royall Governour has in his connivance thereat not onely violated and dispised a Royall prohibition in suffering us to be robbd and made a prey of before your doores but he himselfe is the Robber and made a prey of us and owned himselâ—…e openly to be Author of the Fact Tâ—…e Merchants therefore puâ—…t off with this answer provoaked and eluded went away with a flea in their Eares Our letters of last yeares date carryed Your Majesty an account of this affair tho to as little purpose wee must confesse for we we have yet seen no answer thereto The reason why was we believe because that Governour attended about that time your army in Flanders he lives now at Paris or rather Rants up and downe Citty and Country loaded with the spoyles of our people unpunished This therefore brings your Majesty a Repetition of our said demands which concernes your Majesties owne Intrest principally to provide for that none dare to heighten the thing by adding the contempt of Royall Edicts to Injuries done his Neighbours This matter canot be properly referr'd or carried before the Deputys or Commissioners appointed to the decision of Controversys on both sides seeing it goes beyond the Right of Society Royall Authority and the reverence due to that name is struck at It is to be truly admired if Merchants will be more concerned at their sufferings then your Majesty at yours namely the diminution of your honour Which if you will not suffer you will at one stroake shew that it doth not repent you of any friendly office which those most friendly Edicts might have intended in favour of us and this Republick nor that you have connived at the sufferings of our people nor that you would not listen to our Demands I am in affection friendship and fellowship From our Court at Westminster An. Dom. 1656. Your Majesty's most affectionally OLIVER Protector of the Republick of England c OLIVER Protector of the Republ. of England c. To the most Serene and Potent Prince Frederick the 3. King of Denmark Norway Vandalls and Gothes Duke of Slesvice Holsatia Stormaria and Dithmarsia Earle of Oldenburgh and Delmenhort c. S. D. Most Serene King Friend and dearest Confederate THis brings you an account of our Receipt of your Majesties Letters of the 16. of Frebuary from Hasnia brought by amost worthy Gentleman Simon de Perkinn your Embassadour here The peruseall of which and the very weight of their contents did so affect us that we did forthwith resolve upon sending unto your Majesty One furnished with such Instructions as should enable him to open unto Your Majesty at large our sense of this affair And altho we continue still under the same inclination yet we cou'd not hitherto fix upon one fit to be intrusted with a Matter
said Ship being in her way thither taken upon the very East India Coast by a certain Ship belonging to the 〈◊〉 East India Company the Ensurer's denyed to fulfill their Contract in paying the ensured Summe and have so far prevailed as to be capable by various delays to elude our People now after the expensive consumption of Six yeares in prosecution of their Right Which in regard they looke upon as an usage of great oppression and injustice and that some obliged for the Payment of the Money agreed for are either already dead or become insolvent We earnestly pray that you would to prevent â—…urther expences in addition to the said Losses be pleased to suffer your equity to be a safe Port and refuge to them after so many Yeares stormy useage and almost Shipwrack in your Court of â—…udicature and that Sentence be with all speed awarded concerning their cause in whose â—…ustice they seeme very confident Wishing in the meane time that happineâ—…s and prosperity may attend all you undertake to the Glory of God the safety of his Church Your High and Mighty Lordships most affectionally OLIVER Protector c. OLIVER Protector of the Commonwealth of England To the High and Mighty Lords the States of Holland S D. THomas and William Lower lawfull Heires of Nicholas Lower lately deceased on whose account you have had some former trouble giveu you about the â—…des of September last I thinke do bawl now a fresh again alleadging that they still labour under the oppression of their Adversaries whoâ—…e power or other private Intrest has notwitstanding the integrity of their claimes and when that coud not doe our Letters sent in favour of their cause â—…o far prevailed as to hinder them from entering upon the benefit of their Father's will That being rejected by the Court of Holland where the action first began and thrown upon yours pack'd thence to Zee-land and thence hurryed back again to your high Court of Judicatorie to their content accompanyed to each place with our Letters For where the hight and power is there they depend upon the dispensation of Justice proportionably If that fails they are at a losse to know where to cast anchor for reliefe after the pains they undertoke in pursuit of Justice For if they find that this our fourth recomendation of their cause can do no good it will be to little purpose for 'em to extend their hopes any further Wee shall reckon it as a true instance of kindnesse if after so many rejections you let them see that your apprehension of our Authority cou'd contribute somewhat to their Reliefe in bringing their claime to a speedy determination as well altogether as have them believe it to be the intire effect of your own Justice and equity As we can no way dispond of your allowance of the former of which so we are confident that the consideration of our Friendship will incline you to the later Your's c. OLIVER Protector OLIVER Protector of the Republick of England To the most Serene Prince John King of Portugal Most Serene Prince WHereas several Merchants belonging the Brazil Company in Portugal did in the Yeares 1649. and 1650. becom indebted unto sundry English Merchants in a considerable Sume of Money upon the account of freight and Moorage that the said Society respit the Payment thereof pursuant to an order of your Majesties to that purpose notwithstanding that they did truly depend upon the Payment thereof conformable to the Tearmes and conditions of the league lately ratified But fear they may be frustrated in their hope and other meanes of recovering their Right as being informed of your Majesty hayeing seized and sent to the Exchequer their said debt and assigned the repayment thereof upon the moity of your Customes so that the Merchants are like to have no more then the bare Interest of their Money the principal lying in the mean while wholly dead Haveing taken the hardship of which under our strict consideration the conviction of their just importunities prevailed upon our giveing your Majesty this trouble on their behalfe requireing that instant satisfaction be by the Brazil Company made the Merchants of his Republick in reference as well to each ma ns demand respectively as five Yeares Intrest This as it is a thing in it selfe consistent with lustice and conformable with the league lately contracted with you let me on their behalfe desire in an amicable manner that it be complyed with without further delay From our pallace at Westminster July 1656. Your Maâ—…esties most affectionally OLIVER Protector of England c. OLIVER P. of the Republick of England To the most Sereâ—…e Prince Charles Gustavus by the Grace of God King of Sweedland Gothes and Vandalls Great Prince of Finland c. Most Serene King AS the alliance of so great a Prince and so famous for his actions as Your Majesty is hath â—… just Title to the height of our esteeme so that person thrô whose means we have been so strictly allyed I mean that most â—…llustrious Gentleman Christernus Bondur your Embassadour Extraordinary must have been upon that very consideration necessarily gratful and welcome unto us Whom therefore having laudably discharged this Embassy we cou'd not dismisse hence without accompanying him with a Testimony of our being highly satisfied in the rest of â—…is singular vertues as being one who seemes to entertâ—…ine a belâ—…efe that this our recommendation of him may add ' considerably to that value and esteeme which he is already in possession of with Your Majesty in reference 〈◊〉 particularly to the diligence and prudence he exerted in this affair What remaines to be further transacted we have resolved to send Your Majesty an Embassadour soone about Whose health God in the mean time preserve for the defence of his Church and that of the Kingdome of Sweedland From our Court at Westminster July An. Dom. 1656. Your Majestie 's most affectionally OLIVER Protector of the Republick of England c. OLIVER Protector of the Repbul of England c To the most Serene Prince Lewis King of France Most Serene Prince Friend and dearest Consederate WE have had a petition in the names of Richard Baker and severall other Merchants of London and his Associates wherein they humbly complaine that an English built Ship called the Endeavour William Jopp Master and hired into their service was about the 21. of Novemder 1655. set upon in her way between a place called the Palm and the Island of Tenerif where shee put out for London from seized by four French Vessels who in appearance looking like Merchant-men but arm'd like Men of War and under the chiefe comand of one Egedius de la Rocke carried her with her whole freight consisting in Medera wines to the East Indy's whether they said they were bound together with most oâ—… the Mariners saveing fourteen which they landed upon the shore of Guiny Which the said Egidius declared the intenâ—… of to be to prevent
been found very easy and expedient and of a considerable advantage to your Highnesses and the other Provinces yet no part of the said settlement has been made good to this day altho sought with much sollicicitation So that he the said van den Brooke and la Maire being tired out with delays that affair lawfully descended to the said William Cooper our subject who out of a desire of receiveing the effects of his Father in Laws Industry applyed unto us by petition praying that we woud recomend this his Request to the consideration of your Mighty Highnesses which we thought unsit to deâ—…y ' him in Wherefore make it our friendly request to Your Mighty Highnesses that you would please to give a fair hearing to the petition of the said William Cooper and take care that the stipulated Reward of Industry and so just a stipend and for so many yeares past with a yearly 〈◊〉 fot the time to come be paid him Which as we doubt not of your Mighty Highnesses free allowance of as a just thing and worthy Your Bounty so we shall be on ouâ—… part ready to shew the like just disposition to your People in their Requests as often as we are in that nature applyed unto From our Court at Westminster September Anno Dom. 1656. I am your mighty Highnesses most affectionally OLIVER Protector of England c. OLIVER Protector of the Republ. of England c. To the most Serene Prince Lewis King of France Most serene King Friend and dearest Confederate IT is with violence to our inclination that so many complaints of ours against the injustice of your Subjects should happen to pursue the peace reestablish't vvith Your Majesty But as vve are confident that our sufferings are no vvay the effects of your consent so vve cannot be vvanting to the Complaints of our People It is evident that the Capture of the Ship Anthony of Deepe vvas lavvful prize if the Sentence of our Admiralty Court be consulted vvith vvhich says that her seisure happen'd before the Treaty vvas concluded Part of vvhich Prize to the number of about four thousand Hides more or lesse Robert Browne Merchant of London bought of those vvho had the overseeing of the publick sale Upon his sending selling â—…d calling for the price of about tvvo hundred of vvhich Hides from a certain Skinner at Deepe he complaines that the same vvas stopt and arrested in his Correspondents hands a quarrel fastend upon him so that he cannot attain to Justice in that Court Wherefore vve have thought fit to desire Your Majesty to cause the vvhole matter to be brought before your Council and that mony disengaged from that most uâ—…just restraint For if vvhat vvere comitted before the conclusion of the Peace shall be liable to be called into question and Judgment after its confirmation We do not see vvhat a Treaty can signify For there can be no end of quarrels of this kind if some severe punishment be not timely avvarded these frequent Peace-Breakers vvhich vve hope Your Majesty vvill take speedy care to see done Whom God honour vvith his most holy Defâ—…nce â—…om our Pâ—…llace at Westminster September 1656. Your Majesty's most affectionatly OLIVER Protector of England c. OLIVER Protector of the Republ. of England c. To the most Serene and Potent Prince John King of Portugall Most Serene King THe peace between this Republick and the Kingdome of Portugall being now transacted and all due provision and 〈◊〉 â—…ken of Trade Wee have thought it a thing 〈◊〉 and necessary to dispatch the bearer Thomas Maynard to your Majesty to act in your Kingdome as Consul to hear and determine matters of debate usually ariseing amongst Merchanâ—… But in regard it often fâ—…lls out that the nature of his employ may necessâ—…rily require 〈◊〉 to your Majesty relateing as well to the Intrest of this Nation as Trade in generall Wee desire your Majesty that as often as he has occasion of being hâ—…ar'd you will please to allow him the liberty of approaching to and being heard by your Majâ—…sty which shall pass with us for an evident argument and singular Testimony of your esteeme of us That the omnipotent great God may in the mean time prosper all your Majestys undertakeings From our Court at Westminster October 1656. Your Majestie 's most affectionately OLIVER Protector of England c. To the King of Svveedland Most Serene aâ—…d Potent King ALbeit your Majesties wonted and naturall disposition to men of merit is such as to reckon all additionall comendations unecessary yet we coud not dismiss this worthy Gentleman Sir William Vavasor Knight a person of note in warlike discipline and now upon his Journey towards you with out accompaining him with the trouble of a letter to your Majesty Our freedome in the doing of which was prompted so much the morâ—… when we were tould that much of his time blood has been spent in the pursuit of your service and in many battells fought on your behalfe So that the late Kings of Sweedland have in consideration of his warlike skill and true courage often exerted in warr settled Landsand annuall Pensions upon him Nor do we doubt but that he may be of future great use to your Majesty in the present Warrs as being faithfull and of knowne skill in Martiall discipline It is therefore but what he merits if we recomend him to your Majesty that the allowances granted him by them formerly be paid This we will take very kindly nor shall we upon any the like occasion that may offer grudge to gratify your Mâ—…jesty whom we wish all hapyâ—… and prosperity unto From our Court at Westminster Octob. An. Dom. 1656. Your Majesties most affectionatly OLIVER Protector of England c. OLIVER Protector of the Republ. of England c. To the most Serene Prince John King of Portugall S. D. Most Serene King Friend and dearest Confederate Thomas Evans Skipper and one of the Subjects of this Lâ—…d complains that haveing served the Brasile Company Annis 1649. and 1650 in a small vessell of his of about forty Tuns and whereof he was himselfe Master the said vessell with all her Freight and apparell was taken from him pursuant to a comand of your Majestys So that the damages done the man besides the loss of six yeares profit amounts according to the Report of the Commissioner appointed by the League to decide differrences on both sides to above seaven thousand pounds sterling or twice that number of Milreis of Portugall Which proveing such a great affliction to the a foresaid Thomas so as to be constrain'd to repair to Lisbon to recover his Right according to Tearms of the Treaty humbly prayed us that we vvoud graâ—…t him our Letters to your Majesty Wee altho we did the last year writ on behalfe of those merchants cause in Comon to whom the Brasile Company is indebted yet that we may be wanting to none justly requireing our help pray that the consideration of our friendship
in the Goverment of that Kingdome What ever kindness your Eminency will please to shew him reckon it to my account who shall add it to the maâ—… other Instancâ—…s of friendshipp which you have been curteously and amicably concern'd in upon my account Dated at Westminster May An. Dom. 1658. OLIVER Protector of the Republ. of England c. To His Eminency Cardinall Mazarine Most Eminent Lord. HAveing sent a very worthy Gentleman Thomas Bellasis Vicount Faulcounbridge my Son in Law to compliment the most Serene King upon his arrivall at Dunkirke I comanded him to attend upon and salute your Eminency in my name and thanke you as the person to whose fidelity prudence and vigilance alone the affaires 〈◊〉 France in divers places and in the neighbour hood of flanders more especially ovv their prosperity against the 〈◊〉 Enemy the Spaniard whom I hope open prepared force may soon bring to a Reckoning for his fraudulent underhand dealings wherein consisted much of his defence Towards the speedy promotion of which our Prayer and Pikes shall not as farr aâ—… we are able be wanting Dated at Court at Westminster An Dom. 1658. OLIVER Protector of the Republ. of England c To the most Serene aud Potent Prince Lewis King of France Most Serene and Potent King Friend and August Confederate AS soone ever as I had an account of Your Majestys comeing into the field and with such a force to lay a siege to Dunkirke that infamous Recess for Theeves I grew much affected thereat and began to entertain sure apprehensions that little time might with Gods assistance render the sea more navigable and less inflected with Rovers thâ—…n it has hitherto been that Your Majesty woud bring the fraudulent Spaniards to an account for Hesden and Ostend being both the purchase of corruption and Bribery by wâ—…ning that with your sword which was Iost thrô the treachery of ill servants I therefore send Thomas Vicount Falkonbridge my Son in Law and a very worthy person to bidd you and the approach of your Camp so neeer welcome and to let you know personally how ready are not onely our wisâ—…es but also our united strength to testify the affection we bear to tâ—…e good successe of your conqâ—…ests and our supplications to the Almighty Great God for your safety and the long continuance thereof for the comon good of Christendom and the friendshipp wherein we are now engaged Dated at Westminster May An. Dom. 1658. To the most Serene Prince Ferdinando Great Duke os Toskany Most Serene Great Duke THe Purport of all your Highness s former letters haveing invited us into a dependance upon the sincerity of the disposition you boâ—…r us Wee are troubled to find that the same has been so obscurely signified unto â—…our Governours and publicke Ministers or soe ill understood as that in the port of Livorne where your good Inclinations towards us ought most to be knowne we canot receive the benefit or Eflect thereof but the contrary rather from the Tryalls which we are forced to contend dayly vvith of animosities and strangness Wee seem to have more then knovvne the unfriendlynesse vvith vvhich those of Livoâ—…ne lately treated our Fleet how little help or supply it cou'd receive and finâ—…lly with what hostility entertained and how it was forc't â—…o quit that Port as the Testimony of several credible wiltnesses belonging to that place makes appear as well as that of the Comander in chiefe of the Fleet whom as we have intrusted therewith we canot denâ—… beliefe unto in this point Upon his first arrival the delivery of our Letters to Your Highnessse about the Calends of 〈◊〉 your Promises of all Friendship and good Offices passed to our Men were very large When praying the liberty of makeing use of the conveniency of Port Ferara the following Reply was given that the same cou'd not be granted least the King of Spaine our Enemy shoud be offended at it forsooth And yet what is it that a friendly Prince is more usual in the grant of to his Neighbours then the liberty of his Port and shore What is it that we can propose of advantage from such a Friendship which rather then offend our Enemys shall be found ready er to incomode then act the contrary or supply us in the least of our necessities And more particularly that out of every of our Ships there were not above two or three suffer'd to goe a shore and that conditionally too videlicet Praticque That as soone ever as the Towne understood and had notice of our haveing intercepted a Dutch Vessel design'd for Sapine with a supply of Corne there was present admittance Mr Longland President to our Factory there was denyed the Liberty of going a board our Fleet Fresh Water which is a comodity free for the use of all Nations that are not dovvne right Enemys vve cou'd not obtaine but at an extâ—…aordinary price and that under the difficulty of a Guard too So many of our Merchants vvhose Residence there is of no small advantage to your Country are forbid to visit or help their Countrymen vvith any thing Upon the approach of our Fleet about the latter end of March last none were suffer'd to go a shore Five days aâ—…ter vvhen by chance one of our Men of vvarr â—…ell fo vvl of a little inconsiderable Boat belonging to the States of Venice and tooke her your City tooke it in such a Dudgeon I warrant you as to have accosted us vvith tvvo hundred Guns or thereabouts tho vvithout damage vvhat ever they intended Which argues how farr into the sea from the reach of your Castle and the privilege of your Port these things were comitted which you woud causlely pretend to be an incroachment upon the priviledge of 〈◊〉 port For presently our Waterboates then a shore vvere set upon before your doores one taken detained and vvhen demanded that vvithout restitution of the said Naple's boot notwitstanding the justifiableness of her capture considering vvhere it happen'd nor men 〈◊〉 boate were to be parted with so that our People were 〈◊〉 at last to rest contended under their losses and pack away without carrying along what they so dearly paid for If all these things were as we hope they were committed without the consent or comand of Your Highnesse we desire that you shew it in the punishment of that Governour who made so slight a matter of 〈◊〉 â—…is masters 〈◊〉 But if otherwise and that you were privy to it thinke that as we alwayes valued your friendship at an extraordinary Rate so we have learn'd the lesson of distinguishing between kindnesses and open Injuries Iam. c. Dated at our Court at Westminster May An. Dom. 16â—…8 Your Friend as far as I may OLIVER Protector of England c. OLIVER Protector of the Republ. of England c. To the most Serene and potent Prince Lâ—…vis King of France Most Serene and potent King Friend and august Confederate THE double amends made
your Subjects to discharge the said ships without the least delay of time God preserve your Majesty long to the service of his owne glory and the Protection of the Orthodox Church Dated at our Court at Westminster Jan. 27. Annâ—… Dom. 1658. RICHARD Protector of the Republ. of England c. To the high and mighty Lords the States of West Friesland S. D. High and mighty Lords Friends and dearest Confederates Mary Grindar Widdow has in her petition to me made a great complaint against one Thomas Killig rue now a soldier in your service who to escape the paying of a considerable sum of mony due from him to the petitioner for about eighteen yeares or being brought to any account either with her or her atturney by Law or other tendency to a satisfaction is said to have petition'd your Highnesses that he might not be prosecuted by Law upon the score of any debt contracted in England But if I let your Highnesses see this onely that shee is a widdow poore a mother of many small Children whose entire support almost this man seemes to endeavour to divert I shall keepe farr from thinking that I need the use of many arguments with you who are too wel acquainted with Gods Comands especially on behalfe of widdowes and Orphanes against oppression as to imagine your giveing way to the grant of such a fraudulent priviledge which I am confident you will never allow of Dated from our Court at Westminster January 27. 1658. RICHARD Protector of the Republ. of England c To the most Serene and Potent Prince Lewis King of France Most Serene and Potent King Friend and august Confedâ—…rate WEe have not without griefe had and account of some unworthy interruption given by some ill minded Persons to the Protestants while in the exercise of their devotion in Province to that degree that when complaint was made thereof to the Magistrates at Gratianopoli whom it lawfully concern'd they condemn'd the thing as worthy of a severe reproofe And that the Neighbouring Clergy did thereupon prevaile with your Majesty to remit the whole matter to the Judgment of your Royall Councill at Paris Wâ—…o haveing done nothing hitherto 〈◊〉 Churches there the Protestants more 〈◊〉 conot peaceably 〈◊〉 to the exercise of their devotion Let my earnest desires therefore prevaile with Your Majesty first that they whose prayers sacrificed for your 〈◊〉 and the prosperity of your Kingdome were not rejected their publick meetings to pray be not prohibitted Next that the Disturber of Gods peace be pursuant to their judgment to whom alone belongs the lawâ—…ll and usual cognisance of such Cases at Gratianopoli accounted with Long and peaceable may God render Your Majestys days And that if these our desires prove acceptable and judged by you of service to God you declare them as such by removeing that prohibition from off the Protestants Churchs and laying a speedy injunction to have the same repealed Dated at Westminster February 18. An. 1658. To his Eminency Cardinall Mazarine Most Eminent Mr Cardinall THe most illustrious Lady Richmond widdow of the Duke of Richmond lately deceased designes with her yong son to visit and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 small stay in France My earnest request therefore to Your Eminency is that if they chance to need in any instance youâ—… 〈◊〉 favour oâ—… help as strangers you woud please to exercise that regard to their quality consisting with your wont in instances of extraordinary comendations So as to let them see that as farr as the usuall dispensation of your curtesys to all persons coud be render'd more then ordinary our Letters were able to do it and rest assured in this that if anâ—… comendation from your Eminency doe seem to call for any thing of this kind at my hands my allowance thereof may be noe less depended upon Westminster February 29. 1658. RICHARD Protector of the Repub. of England c To the most Serene and potent Prince 〈◊〉 King of Portugall 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and Potent King Friend and 〈◊〉 ALtho I ought to write upon various Subjects to a Prince that is a Friend and verâ—… much concern'd in the welfare of this Republick yet there is nothing which I can with more freedome goe about then what I now 〈◊〉 of letting your Majesty and the people of 〈◊〉 know how glad I am of the late sigâ—…all victory 〈◊〉 of the comon Enemy the Spaniard tending in the apprehension of all men not onely to your owne but the most 〈◊〉 peace and Repose of all Europe and which may 〈◊〉 entail thereon an advantage of many yeares continuance The next thing is to owne Your Majestys Justice as the undoubted fountain from whence spring Your victorys instance'd in the provision made by the 24 article of the League concluded bâ—… the Arbitrators at London for the satisfaction of our Merchants whose Merchant Men were hired into the service of the Brasile Company Thereis one Alexandar Banck Merchant of London whom the said Company denyes to pray the freight contracted for for the service of a ship of his called the three Brothers John Wilk Master in consideration of two voyages perform'd in the said Company 's service Whereas the rest have been long ago paid notwithstanding their haveing been in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 but once Which I do not understand the reason of except he in their opinion is beter worthy of a reward who has serv'd them once then he that did it twice My earnest Request to Your Majesty therefore is that this onely man to whom a double reward is due be not kept out of the satisfaction of his hire and cause by the influencâ—… of your Authority the said Company to fix upon some speedy day of payment repairing his damages their delays haveing exposed the Merchant to inconveniencyes farr exceeding his hire God increase your power and continue unto you the uper hand over your Enemies Dated at our Court rt Westminster An. 1658. RICHARD Protector of the Republ. of Egland c. To his Eminency Cardinall Mazarine Most Eminent Sr. THe Case of Peter Pett a person of singular honesty and very serviceable to us and the Republick in navall affaires came recomended to your Eminency in ours of the 13. of June being now about eight monthes past It was about a vessell of his called the Edward which was as we observ'd seised upon in the mouth of the River of Thames and sould at the Port of Bayon by one Bascon a Frenchman in the year 1646. And altho the King did by an order of Councill dated the 4. of November 1647. direct that what ever the Councill shoud Judge equivalent in mony to answer the damage susteind care shoud be taken of his being satisfied accordingly Yet the petitioner complains of his haveing received no benefit hitherto from the said decree But as I no way doubt but that your Eminency will at my request comand the speedy application of what may be requisit â—…revious to the execution of that order This brings you an earnest Repetion of my said request praying that you woud inspect where it sticks inquire thro whose neglect or obstinacy it comes to passe that the Kings order shall not after ten yeares respit be obeyed exercise your authority in the pressure of the execution of that Decree and payment of that appointed sume which we judge has been 〈◊〉 long agoe causeing'a speedy demand to be made thereof and the Result paid to the Receipt of the Petitioner Wherein your Eminency will act a thing conformable principally with Justice and that shall oblige me besides in a singular degree Dated at our Court at Westminster February 22. 1659. The two following LETTERS Were written in the name of the long Parliament when restrored upon the Removeall of Richard Cromwell The Parliament of the Republ. of England c. To the most serene and potent Prince Charles Gustavus King of Sweedland Gothes Vandalls Most Serene and potent King Dearest Friend IT haveing pleased the almighty God with whom the power of all Changes in Kingdomes and Republicks is lodged to restore us to our former charge in this the Government of the comonwealth of England we have thought fit first to acquaint you therewith and next to let your Majesty know of the very great affection we bear to so potent a prince as you are and how benâ—… upon the support of that peace which our industry and most sincere endeavour were the sole means of establishing between you and the King of Denmarke also a potent protestant Prince It is therefore ouâ—… will that the authority by which Philip Meddowes our exâ—…raordinary Embassadour there has in the name of this Republick hitherto acted be now continued as from us And do hereby confirme unto him the power of proposeing acting and transacting with your Majesty to be the same with the Originall What ever he acts or contracts in our name we do with Gods assistance engage to make good God take your Majesty into his continuall guide with tendency to the safety and security of the Protestants Westminster May 15 An 1659 Subscribed by William Leuthall speaker to the Parliament The Parliament of the Republick of England To the most Seâ—…ne Prince Frederick King of Denmark Most Serene King dearest Friend IT gaveing pleased the Almighty great God the chiefe Ruler of all things to 〈◊〉 us 〈◊〉 former Sâ—…ion and charge in the administration of this Republick we held it apoint mainly becomeing our disposition to our Neighbour and Ally to observe the same to your Majesty and to intimat how much we are concern'd at your troubles the proofe whereof you shall see in the endeavour and dilligence which we now do and shall as farr as there is necessity for it exercise to reconcile your Majesty and the King of Sweedland to peace To which purpose we have directed Phillip Meadows our extraordinary Embasadour at the Court of Swedland that for the furure he wait upon your Majesty in our name concerning this affair and let you know that whatever he communicateth proposeth acteth or transact the at he shou'd doe the same as the effect of our Comands The Credit given him by your Majesty in the discharge of which Character we pray that it be believed as given to our selves God deliver your Majesty to your content out of all those Difficultyes which you so resolutely contend with and draw all to happy and pleasing Issue Westminster May 15. 1659. Sign'd by William Leuthall Speaker to the Comonwealth Parliament FINIS
MILTONS REPUBLICAN-LETTERS OR A Collection of such as were written by Comand of the LATE COMMONVVEALTH OF ENGLAND from the Year 1648. to the Year 1659. Originally writ by the learned JOHN MILTON Seecrtary to those times and now translated into English by a Wel-wisher of Englands honour Printed in the Year 1682. Curteous Reader WHEN these following Letters came first to my hand in Latine I began to question with myselfe whether the usurpatious proceedings of their authors had not rather fitted them for the fire then reading But considering that whatever their proceedings previous to their obteining the Goverment might be that when obtein'd the support thereof obliged them to consult the inclinations of the people and square their actions by the most honourable of their humours I adventured and in their peruseall found the true Spirit of the English Nation soe livelyly displayed that I was not onely glad I was swayed to their reading but Resolved for the comon benefit of my Country to translate them into English that they might see how Zealous our predecessors have been in ascertaining and maintaining the liberty property both of the Civill and religious Rights not onely of themselves but also their Allies Confederates whensoever invaded though by the most potent of their Enemies And of what necessity they then found a protestaut Union to be may easily be guest at by their continued Cares and endeavours for the obteining and strengthening the same both at home and abroad And in what degree of honour our Nation must then have stood when their Resolutions were a Ballance to the actions of Europe Nor will it be unworthy of Consideration that soe farr was the french King then from dareing to offer such violence to his Protestant Subjects as of Late he hath that he at our Desire became Mediator with the Duke of Savoy on behalse of his Whom that Prince for their close adherence to the Reformed Religion hath so barbarouâ—…y butchered Et Readily Disclaimâ—…d the aâ—…ions of such of his Forces as were Co-acters in that Cruelty as done vvithout his consent or privity Neither rested he â—…ere but uudertooke vvith that Prince for the future fidelity and obedience to Goverment of those persecuted people Novv that the consider aeion of these things may stirr up â—… Zeal in every individuall Englishman to be so farr as in his station he legally may an augmentor or at least a Preâ—…erver of those Libertyes Priviledges and honours vvhich our vvorthily Renâ—…ned Predecessors transmitted to 〈◊〉 Not onely to secure us in a happy enjoyment of our Lives and propertyes but also in Trust for the Generations unborn And in what dishonerable Characters those our Posteritys will be inforced to vvrite our memory if vve prove so faithless in our Trust as to leave them onely â—… bare Report of vvhat our Progenitors have purchased for us and them and to their irrepairable vvrong and our Everlasting Infamy â—…ave imbezilled is that vvhich no true English â—…eart â—…ut must tremble at the very thought of Fare well LETTERS From the COMMON-WEALTH of ENGLAND To forreign Princes c. The Parliament People of England to the most Noble Senat and Corporation of Hamburgh greeting WEE doe unanimously acknowledge the antiquity of and shall be 〈◊〉 willing also to revive the Correspondence which has been upon severall good inducementâ—… erected and established by our Praedecessours and to this day continued between this Government and your most noble Corporation And haveing by yours of the 25. of June understood of some alteration in the comportment of some of our people who do not it seemes behave themselves with that punctualyty and integrity they formerly did among you we did immediatly thereupon truly consult with some Persons of judgment in the point whom we charged to inquire narrowly among the Clothiers and the rest of the people concerned in that manufacture assureing you withall our further carâ—… such to be as may render you sensible of all our genuine inclination and affection towards you But some thing also there appeares which not onâ—…ly we but equity and â—…ason it selfe calls for from you and that is that some care Suitable to the dignity of your Citty be taken of the security of the Priviledges Lives and â—…ortunes of such of our Merchants as are present Liverâ—… aâ—…ong you Which as it has been the main purport of our former letters so the dâ—…yly complaints brougâ—…t us on behalfe of the said Merchants and Estates all at stake render it necessary that this repetition of the said Letter of ours be looked upon as comeing with suitable earnestnesse For albeit they seeme to owne the Recept of some Ease as to time from our former interposition on â—…heir behalfe and a proportionable Breathing from the offensive villany of their Enemies yet since thâ—… arrivâ—…le of Cochrane of whom our former complaints made mention who pretends I know not what of an Embassy from Charles the Son of the late deceaâ—…ed King they seem to complaine of the want of that protection which they were formerly wonâ—… to receive upon demand made tâ—…erof against some late indecencies and mortal assaulâ—…s made upon them And that to such adegree that when one or more of the said Merchants together with the Governour of the Company himselfe were by fraude seduced on board a certain Privateer and thereupon applying to you for reliefe they were deyed so that the Merchants themselves were by force of armes constrained not without hasard of their lives to rescue their friends from out of the hands of their Enemies and that at your very doore Whom when by good fortune they brought home and as if it were râ—…cued from slavery thro meere strength and delivered tâ—…e Piraâ—…s alsoe into custody â—…uch has been the insolent pâ—…oceedings of that vagabonde and Rebell Cochrane we understand as to require not onely the discharge of the said Rovers but the surrender of the said Merchants as his Prisoners Wee therefore with all earnestness pray and desire that if you are such as you â—…eeme to be inclinable to the inviolable support of those contracts alliances and commerce for along time observed beâ—…ween us our people may be at some certainty to be at length relied upon in your faith prudence and authority and that in Order thereto you he prevailed with to assigne them afair hearing in reference as well to Cochrane and Party concern'd in this fact as such also as were concern'd in the yet un-accounted for affront tendered the Curate whom we expâ—…ct you woud see Right done unto by exposeing to prosecution and seeing brought to condign punishment those that abetted in that assault or expelling them your â—…urisdiction and do not thinke that people under their circumstances and banished like Tarquins are preferrable to the amity and power of England For if you do thinke fit to suffer our Enemyes to practise what they list upon our Merchants in your Citty consider among your selves how unsafeand dishonourable it
service can be of service to you we are ready to shew our selves not as friends but Brethren Dated at Westminster October Anno 1653. Signed and sealed by the Speaker to the House of Commons To the Spanish Embassador Most Illustrious Sir UPon the receipt of a petition in the names of Philip Noel John Goddall and other Merchants belonging to Foy in England heavily bemoaning that a ship of theirs called the Ann of Foy of their own buildding in England was about Michaelmas last most injustly sett upon and seised by a certain privateer belonging to Ostend comanded by Erasmus Bruerus who in his way homewards seised her loading wholly belonging to the petitioners and treated the marriners unworthily and barbarously The Councill of State thereupon writ to the Duke of Leda a copy whereof comes herewith to your Excellency and expected that he woud according to justice and equity make speedy inquiry into that affair But the said Noel and the rest of the Petitioners renewing their said heavy complaint and urgeing that although the said Duke had our said letters delivered him and that the said Merchants repaired since to Bruges where at the Admiralty Court they made proofe of their cause and the integrity of their Claime but that Justice is neverthelesse denyed 'em and they exposed to so unjust useâ—…ge That albeit the case has stood ready for determination any time these three monthes and more yet coud not obteine the sentence of that Court but that their said shipp and goods are still nevertheless under the same Restraint and they themselves from this delay of Justice exposed to considerable expences in the prosecution of their Right Your Excellency is not ignorant of its being contrary to the Laws of Nations as well as the Tearmes of Trade and correspondence â—…ow existent between the English and Flanders that any Osteender shoud offer to touch any English ship provided shee be loaded with Euglish goods and bound for England and that the said Captain 's inâ—…umane and barbarous useage of the Marriners ought to be severly punished The Councill therefore recommends the case to your consideration and prays that you woud write to Flanders about it and endeavour that speedy care be taken that this busynesse be no longer prolonged but that Justice be done as that the said shipp and Goods together with the damages expences and loss which the said English have susteind upon the score of that injust interception be by the Authority of the said maritime Court of Brussels or some other good manner restored them and provision made against any such future interception but that the correspondence now in being betvveen England and France be supported vvithout any Interruption Signed and sealed by the direction of the Councill of State appointed by the Parliament To the Duke of Lisle PHillip Noel John Gadâ—…ll with severall other Merchants belonging to the Towne of Foy haveing made large complaints unto us concerning a Ship of theirs called the Ann of Foy representing that the said Ship Anne built and loaded at their sole and peculiar cost and charges was about Michaelmas last in her way homewards unawares sett upon seised by one Erasmus Bruerus a Master of a shipp belonging to Ostend They moreover say that the Osteenders when they gott the vessell into their possession misused the marriners very inhumanely by dipping and almost stiffleing'em to prevent their telling of Tales and disposed of the goods as if they were French propriety Which albe it the Master as well as the Mariners positively denyed to be yet the Ostenders carried both Ship and Goods to their owne homes The truth of these things has upon inquiry made and the testimony of sworne witnesses been proved as is evident by the Certificate herewith sent In as much therefore as the said Ship called the Anne of Foy witth all the Goods truly properly and bonafide bâ—…longed to the English so as that there appears no cause why they of Ostend shoud lay violent hands on her or them much lesse touch the Master or expose the Seamen to so much hardship and whereas the constitution of the Laws of Nations and the alliance now existent between England and Flanders call for the restitution of the said Shipp and Goods wee earnestly desire Your Excellency that timely Right be done the English in haveing their owne forthvvith returned 'em and satisfaction made for the dammages they suftein'd and that the Trade and Commerce vvhich novv interceede betvveen England and Flanders may be supported firme aâ—…d permanent To the Spanish Embassador WHereas the Representatives of the Commonwealth of England being informed that great many People about Towne relating as well to Your Excellency as other Embassadours and forâ—…eign publick Ministers attending here resort to Your as well as other Houâ—…es under the pretence of hearing Masse Gave it in strict charge to the Counâ—…il to observe to Your Excellency that as the â—…aid practice tends to the expresse prejudice of the Laws of this Nation and of proportionable â—…ll example and offence to the Government They judged it abranch of their ossice to prohibit such a practice for the future and declare their dislike of such Assemblies for the ensuing time Whereof we desire Your Excellency to take notice and suffer none of the Subjects of this Republick to frequent Your House for the time to come to hear Masse And as the Parliament shall take due care to have the Right of Embassadors as well as their Priviledges secured inviolable to Your Excellency so they depend upon no encroachments to be made by You or Yours upon the Lawes of the Land dureing Your abode therein An Abstract of the particular Damages Susteind by the English East India Company thrò the meanes of the Dutch in severall places of the East Indies Imprimis THE Damages conteind in the 16. Articles lately exhibitted amounting in pieces 〈◊〉 291555. in Sterling make-73638 lb 15 ss 2. Satisfaction is expected for the Croppariseing from the â—…sland of Pularon from between the year 1622. to this time amounting in value to two handred thousane preces 5 8 besides future expence till the same be restored as it was when it was taken from us and that according to articles of agreement Which in sterling is 50000. lb 0 0. 3. Wee expect satisfaction for all those Sea prâ—…visions and apparell aken from the English in the Indies by the Dutch Factory delivered to or forc'd from their ships in their going to or returning thence Amounting to 10635. Royalls and in sterling 30158 lb 0. 4. Wee expect satisfaction for the Custom of all Dutch comoditys imported into exported out of Persia from the year 1624. according to the King of that Countryes Grant unto us which we canot calculat at lessâ—…n value then eighty thousand Royalls 20000. lb 0. 0. 5. Wee expect satisfaction for the reparation of four houses most malitiously and unjustly destroyed at Jocatra together with warehouses and other necessarys occasioned by the
particular pressure to you relateing thereto pursuant to the Parliaments said comands in order to the obtaining of Justice upon these villains yet when we found our selves disâ—…ppointed in our said expectation and likewise considering the danger which our Merchants and Estates should be alwayes exposed unto â—…or want of a guard against the restlesse malice of their Enemies we have comanded him to represent a fresh our sense of that affair And that he shou'd in the name of this Common-wealth sollicit your taking care of the preservation oâ—… the amity and alliance ratified between this Republick and your Citty and the considerable Comerce which intercedes between both and with all to protect as well our Marchants themselves as their Priviledges without suffering them to be lyable to any violation what ever and that in a particular degree in referrence to One Garmet whose deportment to this Commonwealth has appear'd very insolent and whâ—… to the great dislquiet oâ—… our Merchants and in contempt of this Republick has publickly cited certain Merchants of the English Company resi â—…eing in your Citty into the Chamher of Spire Wherein we depend upon such reparation as may consist with equity and Justice All these Particulars and if there be any thing further that may affect the â—…riendship novv on foot betvveen this Repubblick and your Citty vve have directed the said Resident to vvait upon you vvith Whom vve desire that you give ample Credit unto in such things relating the reto as he shall propose Westwinster 12. March 1651. Subscribed by the Speaker of the House whose 〈◊〉 be fixed thereto To the most serene CHRISTIANA Queen of Sweedland c. the Parliament of England greeting THis comes to your Majesty with an account of our recept and peruseall of your letters dated the 26. of September last from Stokholme directed to and delivered the Parliament of England by Peter Spiering Silvercroon and to intimate that we earnestly and cordially wish that the alliance commerce and great traffick anciently observed between England and Sweedland be permanent and dayly thrive Nor do we doubt but that an Embassadour had come from your Mâ—…jesty furnished with full power of makeing such proposalls as principally tended to the mutuall Intrest and reputation of both Governments and such as we shoud very freely have received from him and that should seem to imply more particularly the health and profit of both and who shou'd have return'd upon the speedy accomplishment thereof But it haveing pleased God The câ—…iefe Moderator of things to remove that person out of this world whose losse we have as bitterly and sharply lamented as consisted with our due deferrence to the will of God beâ—…ore he could have made knowne unto the Parliament the message he came upon from your Majesty the same has kept them hitherto from the knowledge of your Majesties mind so that the further progresse thereof lies under present suspence wherefore we have thought fit to let you know by our Envoy expresly dismissed herewith to that purpose what welcome your Majesty Letters and publick Minister may depend upon from the Parliament of England and how ambitious we are of your Majesties â—…riendshipp as also what weight we shall as we ought be found to lay upon the â—…avour of so great a Prince And our regard to the augmentation of that commerce now in beiâ—…g â—…etween this Government and your Majesties shall appear to be such as we ought to retaine in re errence to a point in it selâ—…e every way valuable and which for that very reason shall be of ultimat acceptance to the Parliament of England in whose name and pursuant to whoseauthority first recommending your Majesty to the protection of God their speaker has fixed their seale and counter signed this letters Dated at Westminster March Anno Domini 1651. The Parliament of the Comonwealth of England To the Most serene and potent Prince Philip the IV. King of Spaine greeting GReat complaints have been made us from such of our people as exercise the faculty of merchandizeing within your Majesties Dominions of great violence and injurious practises and of proportionably new customes imposed upon them by the magistrates and other officers of your respective ports and other places where the trade and more particularly in the Canaery Islands and that contrary to the Articles wherein both Nations have engaged each â—…ther for the Support of Trade The Truth of whick complaints they have by oath made appear and tell us that if in case they are not justly treated and their damages repaired as also their Persons and Estates secured against such oppressions and affronts they purpole to withdraw and trade no longer into those places Which haveing seriously considering and judgeing that the misbehaviours of your Ministers were not at all known or represented to your Maj. otherwise then as they really stood They thought fit to transmit herewith their said complaints to your Majesty not questioning but that your Majesty may out of regard to Justice as the incentive consideration of Trade wherein your own people's as well as the advantage of ours is equally involved be pleased to â—…ssue such directions to your officers as may wean such vexatious practises and that the English Merchants have speedy Justice done them in consideration of the damages sustain'd thro the meanes of Mr Peter de Carillo de Gusman and other persons contrary to the said Articles and that your Majesty may please to order that the said Merchants receive the benefiâ—… of the said Articles and so to be retain'd in your Majesty's Ey as that they in their persons and estates be lyableto no future oppression what ever This they thinke they may in a great measure attaine unto if your Majesty will grant them back again that Charter which protected them in cases of this kind Otherwise they may be for want of a due refuge from Injurys 〈◊〉 to the discontinuance of that comerce which is of no small advantage to both thrô these kind of violations and encroachments upon the Articles of peace To the most Serene Prince the Duke of Venice The Councell of State constituted by the Authority of the Common wealth of England greeting JOhn Dickons and John Throgmorton with severall others of our Merchants have complain'd that haveing pursuant to the constitution Authority of our Admirality Court about the 28. of November 1651. Seized upon a quantity of Camphire of about one handred Fatts on board a certain ship called the swallow under the Command of Isaac Tayler then in the downes but loaded thereon at a place in Muscovy called the Archangel obtein'd according to Law adecrre in that Court directing the delivery of the said Goods to the receipt of the said petitioners upon Caution first enter'd into by them of standing to the award of the Court that the said Court by whom this matter was to be determin'd writ according to Custome to the Magistrates and Judges of Venice praying that John Perat
a venetian who pretended a propriety to the said Good would by proxy appear in the admiralty Court of England where that differrence depended to prove the equity of his Claime Yet the said Piatt and one David Buttâ—… a dutch man have while this quarrell lay under the debate of our Court exposed the said John Dickons and the other Merchants to very much trouble touching the propriety of the said Camphire arresting their goods and effects at Venice the particulars of all which and the sum of all the proceedings hitherto acted in our Court are in these Letters of request more succinctly and largely contain'd Which after they were inspected into and perused by us we have thought fit to transmit to the most serene Rebublick of Venice presumeing that they might help the Merchants in this case earnestly praying that the said Letters carry not onely their owne force and weight but that the Merchants Goods thus arrested by â—…he meanes of the said Patâ—…us and David Rutts be discharged and the said controversys remitted to the determination of our Court who are ready to decide by Law their Right to this Camphiré In doing wh ch your Highnesse and the most serene Republick will do an act that in it selfe is principally just worthy the untainted friendship of both Republicks and finally that shall be recompensed by this Republick upon any occasion that may offer of expressing their affection or good offices Dated at Whitehall Febr. 1652. Sealed and sign'd by the President of the Councell To the Spanish Embassadour Most excellent Sir THe Councill of State haveing in pursuance of a comand from the Parliament dated the 2. of March taken into their serious considederation your Excellency's memoriall presented to a Committee of this board the 17. of February wherein your Excellency has thought fit to propose a demand of an answer to be before hand given to the two heads therein expressed orderd your Excellency the following reply That the Parliament when they gave answer to such proposalls as were made by your Excellency upon your first audience as also in the contents of the letters sent the most serene King of Spaine declared at Large how gratefull acceptable that friendships and mutuall comerce offerd as well by the King himselfe as you in his name was and finally how much he stood disposed on his part towards the returning the like friendship and offices That Your Excellency being afterwards heard in Councill thought fit to propose thereto on the 19. of December old Stile a kind of a project tending to the fortifying of this alliance whereof you haveing then made an offer as if certain of their board were appointed to receive and debate such things as your Excellency had to propose and after deliberation had thereon to report their opinion of the advantage thereof forthwith to the Councill the matter might receive no damage by it They did to gratify your said Proposalls nominate certain of their Number to give your Excellency a meeting who haveing convâ—…n'd pursuant thereto their said meeting instead of what were expected to be proposed amounted to noe more then the purport of the aforsai'd Memoriall to which the Councill directed the subsequent answer That considering the Parliaments declaration when your Excellency is gott over the fere going progresse we are ready to give your Excellency a meeting touching such Overtures as you shall have to make on behalfe of the King your Master in referrence as well to the alliance already made as a stricter to be enter d into or if there be any thing that may occur or we judge to move on behalfe of this Republic And when we come to particulars our Reply shall be meet and consistent Whitehall March 21. 1652. The Representatives of the Comonwealth of England to the most Serene Prince Frederick the 3. King of Denmarke greeting Most serene and potent King WE have by the conveyance of Henry Williamson Rosenwing of Lysaker a worthy person received and suitable to the merit of their proposalls freely perused your Majesty's letters dated the 21. of December last from your Court at Hasnia and desire that your Majesty woud rest assured that we retaine the same disposition of mind and the same affection to the continuance and preservation of the ancient correspondence comerce and friendship for so many yeares supported between England and Denmarke which we apprehend your Majesty to do knowing that albeit it has pleased God in favour of the Peace and tranquillity of this Nation to alter we hope to abetter the formerly establisht Form of this Government yet to continue imoveable the same correspondence maintain the same Intrest and recover its former vigour to the mutuall Trade and comerce which have been the Results of former Contracts and alliances between both Nations and by improveing those alliances all that may be to engage each other in an united and joint endeavour oâ—… perfecting and strengthering dayly more and more that friendshipp is what we understand to be our advantage And when it shall please your Majesty to pursue those Councells mention'd in your Royall Letters the Parliament will with all alacrity and sincerity be ready to embrace them and joyne all they can in any other contribution that may conduce to the promotion of such a designe and are therefore inclinable to believe your Majesty's resolutions in referrence to this common-wealth to be such it being also provided for in former contracts as may consistwiâ—…h that willingnesse mett with by your Majesty in us upon your 〈◊〉 proposall thereof The Parliament in the mean time wish your Majesty and subjects health and happinesse Dated at Westminster April Anno Domini 1662. Signed and sealed by the speaker directed there to by Authority of Parliament The Rèpresentatives of the Comon-wealth of England to the â—…llustrious and Noble Magistrates and Senators of the Hanseatick Cittys greeting THE Representatives of the Republick of England have received and perused your letters of the 16 of January last and conformâ—…ble to their Demands admitted into audience Leo ab Aisem your publick Minister who brought'em and withall represented the â—…nclination and affection your people bear this Republick praying withall and solliciting the future inviolable continuance of the ancient alliance now in being between us The Parliament therefore do for themselves 〈◊〉 and assert it to be amost gratefull thing to them to renew and ratify that friendship and correspondence which have formerly interceded between this Nation and those Coâ—…porations and their Readynesse upon all fit occasions to evidence their promises in their Performances expecting to be treated with suitable faithfulness and integrity by those their antient friends and confederates As to the other Branches more particularly comitted to and urged by your Resident no sooner were the same transmitted unto proposed and debated before the Councill of State but such an answer was resolved upon as seem'd to consist with equity and reason And which your Resident himselfe may remit