earnestly request from your Highness which is no more then what we have already requested by our Agent residing at Brussels that you will permit an afflicted and many ways misus'd Virgin Born of Honest Parents but Pyrated out of her Native Countrey to Return as far as lies in your power with Freedom and Safety home agen This not only we upon all opportunities offer'd as readily prepar'd to return the same Favour and Kindness to your Highness but also Humanity it self and that same hatred of Infamy which ought to accompany all persons of Vertue and Courage in defending the Honour of the Female Sex seem altogether joyntly to require at your hands Westminster March 28. 1650. To the Most Serene Prince John the Fourth King of Portugal UNderstanding that Your Majesty had both Honourably receiv'd our Agent and immediately given him a favourable Audience we thought it became us to assure your Majesty without delay by speedy Letters from us That nothing could happen more acceptable to us and that there is nothing which we have decreed more sacred then not to violate by any word or deed of ours not first provok'd the Peace the Friendship and Commerce now for some time settl'd between us and the greatest number of other Foreign Nations and amongst the rest with the Portugheses Nor did we send the English Fleet to the Mouth of the River Tagus with any other intention or design then in pursuit of Enemies so often put to flight and for recovery of our Vessels which being carry'd away from their Owners by Force and Treachery the same Rabble of Fugitives conducted to your Coasts and even to Lisbon it self as to the most certain Fairs for the Sale of their Plunder But we are apt to believe that by this time almost all the Portugheses are abundantly convinc'd from the Flagitious manners of those People of their Audaciousness their Fury and their Madness Which is the reason we are in hopes that we shall more easily obtain from your Majesty First That you will as far as in you lies be assistant to the most Illustrious Edward Popham whom we have made Admiral of our New Fleet for the subduing those detested Freebooters and that you will no longer suffer 'em together with their Captain not Guests but Pyrates not Merchants but the Pests of Commerce and Violaters of the Law of Nations to Harbour in the Ports and under the shelter of the Fortresses of your Kingdom but that where-ever the Confines of Portugal extend themselves you will Command 'em to be Expell'd as well by Land as by Sea Or if you are unwilling to proceed to that extremity at least that with your leave it may be lawful for us with our proper Forces to assail our own Revolters and Sea Robbers and if it be the pleasure of Heaven to reduce 'em into our Power This as we have earnestly desired in our former Letters so now again with the greatest ardency and importunity we request of your Majesty By this whether equity or act of kindness you will not only enlarge the fame of your Justice over all well Govern'd and Civil Nations but also in a greater measure bind both us and the People of England who never yet had other then a good opinion of the Portugheses to your self and to your Subjects Farewel Westminster 27. April 1650. To the Hamburghers MORE then once we have Written concerning the controversies of the Merchants and some other things which more nearly concern the Dignity of our Republick yet no Answer has been return'd But understanding that Affairs of that nature can hardly be determin'd by Letters onely and that in the mean time certain Seditious Persons have been sent to your City by ******* Authoriz'd with no other Commission then that of Malice and Audaciousness who make it their business utterly to extirpate the ancient Trade of our People in your City especially of those whose fidelity to their Countrey is most conspicuous Therefore we have commanded the worthy and most eminent Richard Bradshaw to reside as our Agent among ye to the end he may be able more at large to Treat and Negotiate with your Lordships such Matters and Affairs as are interwoven with the Benefit and Advantages of both Republicks Him therefore we request ye with the soonest to admit to a favourable Audience and that in all things that Credit may be given to him that Honour paid him as is usually in all Countries and among all Nations paid to those that bear his Character Farewel Westminster April 2. 1650. To the Hamburghers Most Noble Magnificent and Illustrious our dearest Friends THAT your sedulities in the Reception of our Agent were so cordial and so egregious we both gladly understand and earnestly exhort ye that you would persevere in your good Will and Affection toward us And this we do with so much the greater vehemence as being inform'd that the same Exiles of ours concerning whom we have so frequently Written now carry themselves more insolently in your City then they were wont to do and that they not only openly Affront but give out threatning Language in a most despiteful manner against our Resident Therefore once more by these our Letters we would have the safety of his Person and the honour due to his Quality recommended to your Care On the other side if you inflict severe and timely Punishment upon those Fugitives and Ruffians as well the old ones as the new comers it will be most acceptable to us and becoming your Authority and Prudence Westminster May 31. 1650. To Philip the Fourth King of Spain TO our infinite sorrow we are given to understand That Antony Ascham by us lately sent our Agent to your Majesty and under that Character most Civilly and Publickly receiv'd by your Governours upon his first coming to your Royal City naked of all defence and guard was most bloodily Murther'd in a certain Inn together with John Baptistade Ripa his Interpreter Butchered at the same time Wherefore we most earnestly request your Majesty That deserved Punishment may be speedily inflicted upon those Parricides already apprehended as it is reported and committed to Custody who have not only presum'd to wound our selves through his sides but have also dar'd to Stabb as it were to the very heart your Faith of Word and Royal Honour So that we make no question but what we so ardently desire would nevertheless be done effectually by a Prince of his own accord so Just and Pious though no body requir'd it As to what remains we make it our farther suit That the breathless Carkass may be deliver'd to his Friends and Attendants to be brought back and Enterr'd in his own Countrey and that such care may be taken for the security of those that remain alive as is but requisite till having obtain'd an Answer to these Letters if it may be done they shall return to us the Witnesses of your Piety and Justice Westminster June 28. 1650. To the most Excellent
a Journey into the Country no body about him certainly knowing the Reason or that it was any more than a Journey of Recreation after a Month's stay home he returns a Married-man that went out a Batchelor his Wife being Mary the Eldest Daughter of Mr. Richard Powell then a Justice of Peace of Forresthil near Shotover in Oxfordshire some few of her nearest Relations accompanying the Bride to her new Habitation which by reason the Father nor any body else were yet come was able to receive them where the Feasting held for some days in Celebration of the Nuptials and for entertainment of the Bride's Friends At length they took their leave and returning to Forresthill left the Sister behind probably not much to her satisfaction as appeared by the Sequel by that time she had for a Month or thereabout led a Philosophical Life after having been used to a great House and much Company and Joviality Her Friends possibly incited by her own desire made earnest suit by Letter to have her Company the remaining part of the Summer which was granted on condition of her return at the time appointed Michalemas or thereabout In the mean time came his Father and some of the foremention'd Disciples And now the Studies went on with so much the more Vigour as there were more Hands and Heads employ'd the Old Gentleman living wholly retired to his Rest and Devotion without the least trouble imaginable Our Author now as it were a single man again made it his chief diversion now and then in an Evening to visit the Lady Margaret Lee Daughter to the Lee Earl of Marlborough Lord High Treasurer of England and President of the Privy Councel to King James the First This Lady being a Woman of great Wit and Ingenuity had a particular Honour for him and took much delight in his Company as likewise her Husband Captain Hobson a very Accomplish'd Gentleman and what Esteem he at the same time had for Her appears by a Sonnet he made in praise of her to be seen among his other Sonnets in his Extant Poems Michalemas being come and no news of his Wife's return he sent for her by Letter and receiving no answer sent several other Letters which were also unanswered so that at last he dispatch'd down a Foot-Messenger with a Letter desiring her return but the Messenger came back not only without an answer at least a satisfactory one but to the best of my remembrance reported that he was dismissed with some sort of Contempt this proceeding in all probability was grounded upon no other Cause but this namely That the Family being generally addicted to the Cavalier Party as they called it and some of them possibly ingaged in the King's Service who by this time had his Head Quarters at Oxford and was in some Prospect of Success they began to repent them of having Matched the Eldest Daughter of the Family to a Person so contrary to them in Opinion and thought it would be a blot in their Escutcheon when ever that Court should come to Flourish again however it so incensed our Author that he thought it would be dishonourable ever to receive her again after such a repulse so that he forthwith prepared to Fortify himself with Arguments for such a Resolution and accordingly wrote two Treatises by which he undertook to maintain That it was against Reason and the enjoynment of it not proveable by Scripture for any Married Couple disagreeable in Humour and Temper or having an aversion to each to be forc'd to live yok'd together all their Days The first was His Doctrine and Discipline of Divorce of which there was Printed a Second Edition with some Additions The other in prosecution of the first was styled Tetrachordon Then the better to confirm his own Opinion by the attestation of others he set out a Piece called the Judgement of Martin Bucer a Protestant Minister being a Translation out of that Reverend Divine of some part of his Works exactly agreeing with him in Sentiment Lastly he wrote in answer to a Pragmatical Clerk who would needs give himself the Honour of Writing against so great a Man His Colasterion or Rod of Correction for a Sawcy Impertinent Not very long after the setting forth of these Treatises having application made to him by several Gentlemen of his acquaintance for the Education of their Sons as understanding haply the Progress he had infixed by his first undertakings of that nature he laid out for a larger House and soon found it out but in the interim before he removed there fell out a passage which though it altered not the whole Course he was going to Steer yet it put a stop or rather an end to a grand Affair which was more than probably thought to be then in agitation It was indeed a design of Marrying one of Dr. Davis's Daughters a very Handsome and Witty Gentlewoman but averse as it is said to this Motion however the Intelligence hereof and the then declining State of the King's Cause and consequently of the Circumstances of Justice Powell's Family caused them to set all Engines on Work to restore the late Married Woman to the Station wherein they a little before had planted her at last this device was pitch'd upon There dwelt in the Lane of St. Martins-L-Grand which was hard by a Relation of our Author's one Blackborough whom it was known he often visited and upon this occasion the visits were the more narrowly observ'd and possibly there might be a Combination between both Parties the Friends on both sides concentring in the same action though on different behalfs One time above the rest he making his usual visit the Wife was ready in another Room and on a sudden he was surprised to see one whom he thought to have never seen more making Submission and begging Pardon on her Knees before him he might probably at first make some shew of aversion and rejection but partly his own generous nature more inclinable to Reconciliation than to perseverance in Anger and Revenge and partly the strong intercession of Friends on both sides soon brought him to an Act of Oblivion and a firm League of Peace for the future and it was at length concluded That she should remain at a Friend's house till such time as he was settled in his New house at Barbican and all things for her reception in order the place agreed on for her present abode was the Widow Webber's house in St. Clement's Church-yard whose Second Daughter had been Married to the other Brother many years before the first fruits of her return to her Husband was a brave Girl born within a year after though whether by ill Constitution or want of Care she grew more and more decrepit But it was not only by Children that she increas'd the number of the Family for in no very long time after her coming she had a great resort of her Kindred with her in the House viz. her Father and Mother and
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
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
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
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
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
most beloved Friends what you were always wont to be with God's assistance still continue Magnanimous and Resolute suffer not your Privileges your Confederacies the Liberty of your Consciences your Religion it self to be trampled under foot by the Worshippers of Idols and so prepare your selves that you may not seem to be the Defenders onely of your own Freedom and Safety but be ready likewise to Aid and Succour as far as in you lies your Neighbouring Brethren more especially those most deplorable Piedmontois as being certainly convinc'd of this that a Passage was lately intended to have bin open'd over their Slaughter'd bodies to your sides As for our part be assur'd that we are no less anxious and solicitous for your Welfare and Prosperity then if this conflagration had broken forth in our Republick or as if the Axes of the Schwits Canton had bin sharpen'd for our Necks or that their Swords had bin drawn against our Breasts as indeed they were against the bosoms of all the Reformed Therefore so soon as we were inform'd of the condition of your Affairs and the obstinate Animosities of your Enemies advising with some sincere and honest Persons together with some Mininisters of the Church most eminent for their Piety about sending to your Assistance such Succour as the present posture of our Affairs would permit we came to those Results which our Envoy Pell will impart to your consideration In the mean time we cease not to implore the Blessing of the Almighty upon all your Counsels and the Protection of your most just Cause as well in War as in Peace Westminster Jan. 1655. Your Lordships and Worships most Affectionate Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. to the most Serene Prince Charles Gustavus by the Grace of God King of the Swedes Goths and Vandals Great Prince of Finland c. Most Serene King SEeing it is a thing well known to all men that there ought to be a Communication of concerns among Friends whether in Prosperity or Adversity it cannot be but most grateful to us that your Majesty should vouchsafe to impart unto us by your Letters the most pleasing and delightful part of your Friendship which is your joy In regard it is a mark of singular Civility and truly Royal as not to live onely to a man's self so neither to rejoyce alone unless he be sensible that his Friends and Confederates partake of his gladness Certainly then we have reason to rejoyce for the Birth of a young Prince Born to such an excellent King and sent into the world to be the Heir of his Father's Glory and Vertue and this at such a lucky season that we have no less cause to Congratulate the Royal Parent with the memorable Omen that befel the Famous Philip of Macedon who at the same time receiv'd the Tydings of Alexander's Birth and the Conquest of the Illyrians For we make no question but the wresting of the Kingdom of Poland from Papal Subjection as it were a Horn dismembred from the Head of the Beast and the Peace so much desir'd by all Good men concluded with the Duke of Brandenburgh will be most highly conducing to the Tranquility and Advantage of the Church Heaven grant a conclusion correspondent to such signal beginnings and may the Son be like the Father in Vertue Piety and Renown obtain'd by great Atchievments Which is that we wish may luckily come to pass and which we beg of the Almighty so propitious hitherto to your Affairs Westminster Feb. 1655. Your Majesty's most Affectionate Oliver Protector of the Comonwealth of England c. To the King of Danemark Most Serene and Potent Prince JOhn Freeman and Philip Travess Citizens of this Republick by a Petition presented to us in their own and the Name of several other Merchants of London have made a complaint That whereas about the Month of March in the year 1653. they Freighted a certain Ship of Sunderburgh call'd the Saviour Nicolas Weinskinks Master with Woollen Cloth and other Commodities to the Value of above Three thousand Pound with Orders to the Master That he should Sail directly up the Baltick for Dantzick paying the usual Tribute at Elsenore to which purpose in particulor they gave him Money nevertheless that the said Master Perfidiously and contrary to the Orders of the said Merchants slipping by Elsenore without paying the usual Duty thought to have proceeded in his Voyage but that the Ship for this reason was immediately Seiz'd and detain'd with all her Lading After due consideration of which Complaints we Wrote in favour of the Merchants to your Majesty's Embassador residing at London who promis'd as they say that as soon as he return'd to your Majesty he would take care that the Merchants should be taken into consideration But he being sent to Negotiate your Majesty's Affairs in other Countries the Merchants attended upon him in vain both before and after his departure so that they were forc'd to send their Agent to prosecute their Right and Claim at Copenhagen and demand Restitution of the Ship and Goods but all the Benefit they reap'd by it was onely to add more expences to their former damages and a great deal of labour and pains thrown away the Goods being condemn'd to Confiscation and still detain'd Whereas by the Law of Danemark as they set forth in their Petition the Master is to be Punish'd for his Offence and the Ship is to be Condemn'd but not the Goods And they look upon this misfortune to lye the more heavy upon 'em in regard the Duty which is to be paid at Elsenore as they tell us is but very small Wherefore seeing our Merchants seem to have given no cause of Proscription and for that the Master confess'd before his death that this damage befel them onely through his neglect and the Father of the Master deceas'd by his Petition to your Majesty as we are given to understand by laying all the blame upon his Son has acquitted the Merchants we could not but believe the detaining of the said Ship and Goods to be most unjust and therefore we are confident that so soon as your Majesty shall be rightly inform'd of the whole matter you will not only disapprove of these Oppressions of your Ministers but give command that they be call'd to an account that the Goods be restor'd to the Owners or their Factors and Reparation made 'em for the Losses they have sustain'd All which we most earnestly request of your Majesty as being no more then what is so just and consentaneous to reason that a more equitable demand or more legal satisfaction cannot well be made considering the Justice of our Merchants Cause and which your own Subjects would think but fair and honest upon the like occasions To the most Serene Prince John the Fourth King of Portugal c. Most Serene King THE Peace and Friendship which your Majesty desir'd by your Noble and
as the Guerdons of his Prowess Nor do we question but that he may be of great use to your Majesty in your present Wars who has bin so long conspicuous for his Fidelity and Experience in Military Affairs 'T is our desire therefore that he may be recommended to your Majesty according to his merits and we also farther request That he may be paid the Arrears that are due to him This as it will be most acceptable to us so we shall be ready upon the like occasion whenever offer'd to gratify your Majesty to whom we wish all Happiness and Prosperity 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 Prince John King of Portugal Most Serene King our dearest Friend and Confederate THomas Evans a Master of a Ship and our Countrey-man has presented a Petition to us wherein he sets forth that in the years 1649. and 1650. he serv'd the Brafile Company with his Ship the Scipio being a Vessel of Four hunder'd Tuns and of which he was Master that the said Ship was taken from him with all the Lading and Furniture by your Majesties Command by which he has receiv'd great Damage besides the loss of Six years gain arising out of such a Stock The Commissioners by the League appointed on both sides for the deciding controversies valu'd the whole at Seven thousand of our Pounds or twice as many Milreys of Portugal Money as they made their report to us Which Loss falling so heavy upon the foresaid Thomas and being constrain'd to make a voyage to Lisbon for the Recovery of his Estate he humbly besought us that we would grant him our Letters to your Majesty in favour of his demands We therefore although we Wrote the last year in behalf of our Merchants in general to whom the Brasile Company was Indebted nevertheless that we may not be wanting to any that implore our aid request your Majesty in regard to that Friendship which is between us that consideration may be had of this man in particular and that your Majesty would give such Orders to all your Ministers and Officers that no obstacle may hinder him from demanding and recovering without delay what is owing to him from the Brasile Company or any other persons God Almighty Bless your Majesty with perpetual Felicity and grant that our Friendship may long endure From our Palace at Westm October 1656. Your Mrjesty's most Affectionate Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. To the Illustrious and Magnificent Senate of Hamborough Most Noble Magnificent and Right Worshipful JAmes and Patrick Hays Subjects of this Commonwealth have made grievous Complaint before us That they being Lawful Heirs of their Brother Alexander who dy'd Intestate were so declar'd by a Sentence of your Court pronounc'd in their behalf against their Brother's Widow and the Estates of their deceas'd Brother together with the Profits onely the Widow's Dowre excepted being adjudg'd to them by vertue of that Sentence nevertheless to this very day they could never reap any benefit of their Pains and Expences in obtaining the said Judgment notwithstanding their own declar'd Right and Letters formerly Written by King Charles in their behalf for that the great Power and Wealth of Albertvan Eyzen one of your Chief Magistrates and with whom the greatest part of the Goods was deposited was an Opposition too Potent for them to surmount whilst he strove all that in him lay that the Goods might not be restor'd to the Heirs Thus disappointed and tir'd out with delays and at length reduc'd to utmost Poverty they are become suppliants to us that we would not forsake 'em wrong'd and oppress'd as they are in a Confederated City We therefore believing it to be a chief part of our duty not to suffer any Countrey-man of ours in vain to desire our Patronage and Succour in distress make this request to your Lordships which we are apt to think we may easily obtain from your City That the Sentence pronounc'd in behalf of the two Brothers may be Ratifi'd and duly Executed according to the intents and purposes for which it was given and that you will not suffer any longer delay of Justice by any Appeal to the Chamber of Spire upon any pretence whatever For we have requir'd the Opinions of our Lawyers which we have sent to your Lordships fairiy Written and Sign'd But if intreaty and fair means will nothing avail of necessity and which is no more then according to the customary Law of Nations though we are unwilling to come to that extremity the severity of Retaliation must take its course which we hope your Prudence will take care to prevent From our Palace at Westm Octob. 16. 1656. Your Lordships most Affectionate Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. To the most Serene and Potent Lewis King of France Most Serene and Potent King our dearest Friend and Confederate WE are apt to believe that your Majesty receiv'd our Letters dated the 14th of May of the last year wherein we wrote that John Dethic Mayor of London that year and William Waterford Merchant had by their Petition set forth That a certain Vessel call'd the Jonas freighted with Goods upon their Accompt and bound for Dunkirk then under the Jurisdiction of the French was taken at the very Mouth of the Thames by a Sea-Rover pretending a Commission from the Son of the late King Charles Which being directly contrary to your Edicts and the Decrees of your Council That no English Ship taken by the Enemies of the Parliament should be admitted into any of your Ports and there put to sale they demanded Restitution of the said Ship and Goods from M. Lestrade then Governor of the Town who return'd 'em an answer no way becoming a Person of his Quality or who pretended Obedience to his Sovereign That the Government was conferr'd upon him for his good Service in the Wars and therefore he would make his best advantage of it that is to say by right or wrong for that he seem'd to drive at As if he had receiv'd that Government of your Majesties free gift to authorize him in the robbing your Confederates and contemning your Edicts set forth in their favour For what the King of France forbids his Subjects any way to have a hand in that the King's Governor has not only suffer'd to be committed in your Ports but he himself becomes the Pirate seizes the Prey and openly avouches the Fact With this Answer therefore the Merchants departed altogether baffl'd and disappointed and this we signifi'd by our Letters to your Majesty the last year with little better success for as yet we have receiv'd no Reply to those Letters Of which we are apt to believe the reason was because the Governor was with the Army
in Flanders but now he resides at Paris or rather flutters unpunish'd about the City and at Court enrich'd with the Spoils of our Merchants Once more therefore We make it our Request to your Majesty which it is your Majesty's Interest in the first place to take care of That no person whatever may dare to justify the wrongs done to your Majesty's Confederates by the contempt of your Royal Edicts Nor can this Cause be properly referr'd to the Commissioners appointed for deciding Common Controversies on both sides since in this Case not only the Rights of Confederates but your Authority it self and the Veneration due to the Royal Name are chiefly in dispute And it would be a wonder that Merchants should be more troubled for their Losses then your Majesty provok'd at Incroachments upon your Honour Which while you disdain to brook with the same labour you will demonstrate that you neither repent of your Friendly Edicts in favour of our Republick nor conniv'd at the Injuries done by your Subjects nor neglected to give due respect to our demands From our Court at Westminster Novemb. 1656. Your Majesty's most bounden by Good-will by Friendship and Solemn League Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth c. Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. To the most Serene and Potent Prince Frederic III. King of Danemark Norway the Vandals and Goths Duke of Sleswich Holsatia Stormatia and Dithmarsh Count in Oldenburgh and Delmenhorst c. Most Serene and Potent King our dearest Friend and Confederate WE receiv'd your Majesty's Letters dated the 16th of February from Copenhagen by the most worthy Simon de Pitkum your Majesty's Agent here residing Which when we had perus'd the Demonstrations of your Majesty's Good-will towards us and the Importance of the Matter concerning which you write affected us to that degree that we design'd forthwith to send to your Majesty some person who being furnish'd with ample Instructions from us might more at large declare to your Majesty our Counsels in that Affair And tho we have still the same Resolutions yet hitherto we have not been at leisure to think of a Person proper to be entrusted with those Commands which the weight of the matter requires tho in a short time we hope to be more at liberty In the mean while we thought it not convenient any longer to delay the letting your Majesty understand that the present Condition of Affairs in Europe has employ'd the greatest part of our Care and Thoughts while for some years to our great grief we have beheld the Protestant Princes and Supream Magistrates of the Reformed Republicks whom it rather behoves as being engag'd by the common Tye of Religion and Safety to combine and study all the ways imaginable conducing to mutual defence more and more at weakning variance among themselves and jealous of each other's Actions and Designs putting their Friends in fear their Enemies in hope that the Posture of Affairs bodes rather Enmity and Discord then a firm agreement of mind to defend and assist each other And this sollicitude has fix'd it self so much the deeper in our thoughts in regard there seems to appear some sparkles of jealousy between your Majesty and the King of Sweden at least that there is not that conjunction of Affections which our Love and Good-will in general toward the Orthodox Religion so importunately requires your Majesty perhaps suspecting that the Trade of your Dominions will be prejudic'd by the King of Sweden and on the other side the King of Sweden being jealous that by your means the War which he now wages is made more difficult and that you oppose him in his contracting those Alliances which he seeks 'T is not unknown to your Majesty so eminent for your profound Wisdom how great the Danger is that threatens the Protestant Religion should such Suspicions long continue between two such Potent Monarchs more especially which God avert if any symptom of Hostility should break forth However it be for our parts as we have earnestly exhorted the King of Sweden and the States of the Vnited Provinces to Peace and moderate Counsels and are beyond expression glad to behold Peace and Concord renew'd between them for that the Heads of that League are transmitted to us by their Lordships the States-General so we thought it our duty and chiefly becoming our Friendship not to conceal from your Majesty what our Sentiments are concerning these matters more especially being so affectionately invited so to do by your Majesty's most Friendly Letters which we look upon and embrace as a most singular Testimony of your Good-will toward us but to lay before your eyes how great a necessity Divine Providence has impos'd upon us all that profess the Protestant Religion to study Peace among our selves and that chiefly at this time when our most embittered Enemies seem to have on every side conspir'd our destruction There 's no necessity of calling to remembrance the Valleys of Piemont still besmear'd with the Blood and Slaughter of the miserable Inhabitants nor Austria tormented at the same time with the Emperor's Decrees and Proscriptions nor the impetuous Onsets of the Popish upon the Protestant Switzers Who can be ignorant that the Artifices and Machinations of the Spaniards for some years last past have fill'd all these places with the confus'd and blended havock of Fire and Sword To which unfortunate Pile of Miseries if once the Reformed Brethren should come to add their own Dissentions among themselves and more especially two such Potent Monarchs the chiefest part of our strength and among whom so large a Provision of the Protestants Security and Puissance lies stor'd and hoarded up against Times of Danger most certainly the Interests of the Protestants must go to ruine and suffer a total and irrecoverable Eclipse On the other side If Peace continue firmly fix'd between two such powerful Neighbours and the rest of the Orthodox Princes if we would but make it our main study to abide in Brotherly Concord there would be no cause by God's assistance to fear neither the force nor subtilty of our Enemies all whose Endeavours and laborious Toils our Union alone would be able to dissipate and frustrate Nor do we question but that your Majesty as you are freely willing so your willingness will be constant in contributing your utmost Assistance to procure this blessed Peace To which purpose we shall be most ready to communicate and join our Counsels with your Majesty professing a real and cordial Friendship and not only determin'd inviolably to observe the Amity so auspiciously contracted between us but as God shall enable us to bind our present Alliance with a more strict and Fraternal Bond. In the mean time the same Eternal God grant all things prosperous and successful to your Majesty From our Caurt at White-Hall Decem. 1656. Your Majesties most closely united by Friendship Alliance and Good-will Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. Oliver Protector
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
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
such as we unwillingly dismiss him laden with the real Testimonials of our Applauses Almighty God grant all Prosperity to your Affairs and perpetuate our Friendship to his Glory and the support of his Orthodox Church From our Court at Westminster November 1657. Your High and Mightinesses most devoted Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. To the High and Mighty Lords the States of the United Provinces Most High and Mighty Lords our dearest Friends and Confederates GEorge Downing is a Person of Eminent Quality and after a long trial of his Fidelity Probity and Diligence in several and various Negotiations well approv'd and valu'd by us Him we have thought fitting to send to your Lordships dignify'd with the Character of our Agent and amply furnish'd with our Instructions We therefore desire your Lordship to receive him kindly and that so often as he shall signify that he has any thing to impart in our Name to your Lordships you will admit him free Audience and give the same Credit to him and entrust him with whatsoever you have to communicate to us which you may safely do as if our selves were personally present And so we beseech Almighty God to bless your Lordships and your Republick with all prosperity to the Glory of God and the Support of his Church From our Court at White-Hall Decemb. 1657. Your High and Mightinesses most Affectionate Oliver c. To the States of Holland THere being an Alliance between our Republick and yours and those Affairs to be transacted on both sides that without an Agent and Interpreter sent either by your selves or from us matters of such great moment can hardly be adjusted to the advantage of both Nations we thought it conducing to the common good of both Republicks to send Geroge Downing a Person of Eminent Quality and long in our knowledge and esteem for his undoubted Fidelity Probity and Diligence in many and various Negotiations dignifi'd with the Character of our Agent to reside with your Lordships and chiefly to take care of those things by which the Peace between us may be preserv'd entire and diuturnal Concerning which we have not onely written to the States but also thought it requisite to give notice also of the same to your Lordships Supreme in the Government of your Province and who make so considerable a Part of the Vnited Provinces to the end you may give that reception to our Resident which becomes him and that whatever he Transacts with your High and Mighty States you may assure your selves shall be as firm and irrevocable as if our selves had bin present in the Negotiation Now the most Merciful God direct all your Counsels and Actions to his Glory and the Peace of his Church Westm Decemb. 1657. Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. to the most Serene Prince Ferdinand Great Duke of Tuscany Most Serene Great Duke our much Honour'd Friend YOur Highness's Letters bearing date from Florence the 10th of Novemb. gave us no small occasion of content and satisfaction finding therein your Good will toward us so much the more conspicuous by how much Deeds then Words Performances then Promises are the more certain marks of a cordial Affection For what we requested of your Highness That you would command the Master of the Little Lewis William Ellis who most ignominiously broke his Faith with the Turks and the Ship and Goods to be Seiz'd and Detain'd till Restitution should be made to the Turks least the Cnristian Name should receive any Blemish by Thieveries of the like nature all those things and that too with an extraordinary zeal as we most gladly understood before your Highness writes that you have seen diligently perform'd We therefore return our Thanks for the kindness receiv'd and make it our farther request That when the Merchants have given security to satisfie the Turks the Master may be discharg'd and the Ship together with her Lading be forthwith dismis'd to the end we may not seem to have had more care perhaps of the Turks Interest then our own Countreymen In the mean time we take so kindly this surpassing favour done us by your Highness and most acceptable to us that we should not refuse to be branded with ingratitude if we should not ardently desire a speedy opportunity with the same promptitude of Mind to gratifie your Highness whereby we might be enabl'd to demonstrate our readiness to return the same good offices to so noble a Benefactor upon all occasions From our Court at Westm Decemb. 1657. Your Highnesses most Affectionate Oliver 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 Prince our most Invincible Friend and Confederate BY your Majesty's Letters dated the 21st Of February from your Camp in Seland we found many reasons to be affected with no small joy as well for our own particular as in regard of the whole Christian Republick in general In the first place because the King of Danemark being become an Enemy not induc'd thereto as we are apt to believe by his own Inclinations or Interests but deluded by the Artifices of our common Adversaries is reduc'd to that condition by your sudden irruption into the very heart of his Kingdom with very little blood shed on either side that what was really true he will at length be perswaded that Peace would have bin more beneficial to him then the War which he has enter'd into against your Majesty Then again when he shall consider with himself that he cannot obtain it by any more speedy means then by making use of our Assistance long since offer'd him to procure a Reconciliation in regard your Majesty so readily intreated by the Letters onely deliver'd by our Agent by such an easy concession of Peace most clearly made it apparent how highly you esteem'd the Intercession of our Friendship he will certainly apply himself to us and then our Interposition in so Pious a work will chiefly require that we should be the sole Reconciler and almost Author of that Peace so beneficial to the Interests of the Protestants which as we hope will suddenly be accomplish'd For when the Enemies of Religion shall despair of breaking your United Forces by any other means then setting both your Majesties at variance then their own fears will overtake 'em lest this unexpected Conjunction which we ardently desire of your Arms and Minds should turn to the destruction of them that were the Kindlers of the War In the mean time most Magnanimous King may your Prowess go on and prosper and the same felicity which the Enemies of the Church have admir'd in the Progress of your Atchievements and the steady Careir of your Victories against a Prince now your Confederate the same by God's assistance may you enforce 'em to behold once more in their subversion From our Palace at Westminster March 30.
stranger he should get nothing by contending with the Inhabitants of Tamira in their own Countrey he betook himself for Justice to your Majesty humbly demanded the judgment of the Conservator appointed to determine the Causes of the English but was sent back to the Cognizance of that Court from which he had appeal'd Which though in it self not unjust yet seeing it is evident that the Merchants of Tamira make an ill use of your Publick Edict to justify their own private Couzenage we make it our earnest request to your Majesty that according to your wonted Clemency you would rather refer to the Conservator being the proper Judge in these Cases the Cause of this poor Man Afflicted by many Casualties and reduc'd to utmost Poverty to the end he may recover the Remainder of his Fortunes from the Faithless Partnership of those People Which when you rightly understand the business we make no question but will be no less pleasing to your Majesty to see done then to our selves From our Court at Westminster August 1658. To the most Serene Prince Leopold Arch-Duke of Austria Governour of the Low-Countries under Philip K. of Spain Most Serene Lord CHarles Harbord Knight has set forth in his Petition to Us that having sent certain Goods and Houshold-Stuff out of Holland to Bruges under your Jurisdiction he is in great danger of having them arrested out of his hands by Force and Violence For that those Goods were sent him out of England in the Year 1643. by the Earl of Suffolk for whom he stood bound in a Great Sum of Money to the end he might have wherewithal to satisfy himself should he be compell'd to pay the Debt Which Goods are now in the Possession of Richard Greenville Knight who broke open the doors of the place where they were in Custody and made a Violent seizure of the same under pretence of we know not what due to him from Theophilus Earl of Suffolk by Vertue of a certain Decree of our Court of Chancery to which those Goods as being the Earls were justly liable whereas by our Laws neither the Earl now living whose Goods they are is bound by that Decree neither ought the Goods to be seiz'd or detain'd which the Sentence of that Court now sent to your Serenity together with these Letters positively declares and proves Which Letters the said Charles Harbord has desir'd of us to the end we would make it our Request to your Highness that the said Goods may be forthwith discharg'd from the violent seizure and no less unjust action of the said Richard Greenville in regard it is apparently against the Custom and Law of Nations that any Person should be allow'd the liberties to sue in a Foreign Jurisdiction upon a plaint wherein he can have no relief in the Country where the Cause of Action first arose Therefore the Reason of Justice it self and your far Celebrated Enquanimity encourag'd us to recommend this Cause to your Highness Assuring your Highness that whenever any dispute shall happen in our Courts concerning the Rights and Properties of your People you shall ever find us ready and quick in our Returns of Favour Westminster Your Highnesse's most Affectionate Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. LETTERS Written in the Name of RICHARD Protector Richard Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. To the most Serene and Potent Prince Lewis King of France Most Serene and Potent King our Friend and Confederate SO soon as our most Serene Father Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England by the Will of God so ordaining departed this Life upon the Third of September we being Lawfully declar'd his Successor in the Supream Magistracy tho in the Extremity of Tears and sadness could do no less then with the first Opportunity by these our Letters make known a Matter of this Concernment to your Majesty by whom as you have bin a most Cordial Friend to our Father and this Republick we are Confident the Mournful and unexpected Tydings will be as sorrowfully received Our business now is to request your Majesty that you would have such an Opinion of us as of one who has determin'd nothing more Religiously and constantly then to observe the Friendship and Confedracy contracted between your Majesty and our Renowned Father and with the same Zeal and Good-will to confirm and Establish the Leagues by him Concluded and to carry on the same Counsels and Interests with your Majesty To which intent it is our pleasure that our Embassadour Residing at your Court be empower'd by the same Commission as formerly and that you will give the same Credit to what he transacts in our Name as if it had bin done by our selves In the mean time we wish your Majesty all Prosperity From our Court at White-Hall Septemb. 5. 1658. To the most Eminent Lord Cardinal Mazarine THO nothing could fall out more bitter and grievous to us then to write the Mournful News of our most Serene and most Renowned Father's Death nevertheless in regard we cannot be ignorant of the high Esteem which he had for your Eminency and the great Value which you had for him nor have any reason to doubt but that your Eminency upon whose care the Prosperity of France depends will no less bewail the loss of your constant Friend and most United Confederate we thought it of great moment by these our Letters to make known this Accident so deeply to be lamented as well to your Eminency as to the King and to assure your Eminency which is but reason that we shall most Religiously observe all those things which our Father of most Serene Memory was bound by the League to fee confirm'd and ratify'd and shall make it our business that in the midst of your mourning for a Friend so Faithful and Flourishing in all Vertuous Applause there may be nothing wanting to preserve the Faith of our Confederacy For the Conservation of which on your part also to the good of both Nations may God Almighty long preserve your Eminency Westminster Sept. 1658. Richard Protector 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 Friend and Confederate WHen we consider with our selves that it will be a difficult matter for us to be Imitators of our Fathers Vertues unless we should observe and endeavour to hold the same Confederacies which he by his prowess acquir'd and out of his singular judgment thought most worthy to be embrac'd and observ'd your Majesty has no reason to doubt but that it behoves us to pay the same tribute of Affection and Good-will which our Father of most Serene Memory always paid to your Majesty Therefore altho in this beginning of our Government and Dignity I may not find our Affairs in that Condition as at present to answer to some particulars which your Embassadours have propos'd yet it is
our Resolution to continue the League concluded by our Father with your Majesty and to enter our selves into a stricter Engagement and so soon as we shall rightly understand the State of Affairs on both sides we shall always be ready on our part to treat of those things which shall be most chiefly for the United Benefit of both Republicks In the mean time God long preserve your Majesty to his Glory and the Defence and Safeguard of his Orthodox Church From our Court at Westminster Octob. 1658. Richard Protector 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 Friend and Confederate WE have receiv'd two Letters from your Majesty the one by your Envoy the other transmitted to us from our Resident Philip Meadowes whereby we not only understood your Majesties unfaigned Grief for the Death of our most Serene Father in expressions setting forth the real thoughts of your mind and how highly your Majesty esteem'd his Prowess and Friendship but also what great hopes your Majesty conceiv'd of our selves advanc'd in his Room And certainly as an Accumulation of Paternal Honour in deeming us worthy to Succeed him nothing more Noble more Illustrious could befal us then the judgment of such a Prince nothing more Fortunately Auspicious could happen to Us at our first entrance upon the Government then such a Congratulator nothing lastly that could more vehemently incite us to take possession of our Father's Vertues as our Lawful Inheritance then the encouragement of so Great a King As to what concerns your Majesties Interests already under Consideration between us in reference to the Common Cause of the Protestants we would have your Majesty have those thoughts of us that since we came to the Helm of this Republick tho the Condition of our Affairs be such at present that they chiefly require our utmost Diligence Care and Vigilancy at home yet that we hold nothing more Sacred and that there is not any thing more determin'd by Us then as much as in us lyes never to be wanting to the League concluded by our Father with your Majesty To that end We have taken care to send a Fleet into the Baltic Sea with those Instructions which our Agent to that purpose empower'd by us will Communicate to your Majesty whom God preserve in long fafety and prosper with success in the Defence of his Orthodox Religion From our Court at Westminster Octob. 13. 1658. Richard Protector To the most Serene and Potent Prince Charles Gustavus King of the Swedes Goths and Vandalls c. Most Serene and most Potent King our Friend and Confederate WE send to your Majesty nor could we send a Present more worthy or more Excellent the truly Brave and truly Noble Sir George Ascue Knight not only fam'd in War and more especially for his Experience in Sea Affairs approv'd and try'd in many desperate Engagements but also endu'd with singular Probity Modesty Ingenuity Learning and for the sweetness of his Disposition caress'd by all Men and which is the sum of all now desirous to serve under the Banners of your Majesty so renown'd o're all the World for your Military Prowess And we would have your Majesty be fully assur'd that whatsoever high Employment you confer upon him wherein Fidelty Fortitude Experience may shine forth in their true Lusture you cannot entrust a Person more Faithful more Couragious nor easily more Skilful Moreover as to those things we have given him in Charge to Communicate to your Majesty we request that he may have quick Access and favourable Audience and that you will vouchsafe the same Credit to him as to our selves if personally present lastly that you will give him that Honour as you shall judge becoming a Person dignifi'd with his own Merits and our Recommendation Now God Almighty prosper all your Affairs with happy Success to his own Glory and the Safeguard of his Orthodox Church From our Court at White-Hall Octob. 1658. Richard Protector 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 and Confederate SAmuel Piggot of London Merchant in a Petition deliver'd to Us sets forth that he lately sent from London into France upon the account of Trade two Vessels the one call'd the Post Tiddie Jacob Master the other the Water-Dog Garbrand Peters Master That from France being laden with Salt they Sail'd for Amsterdam at Amsterdam they one took in Ballast only the other laden with Herrings in Copartnership with one Peter Heinbergh Sail'd away for Stettin in Pomerania which is under your Jurisdiction there to unlade her Freight but now he hears that both those Vessels are detain'd somewhere in the Baltick Sea by your Forces notwithstanding that he took care to send a Writing with both those Ships Seal'd with the Seal of the Admiralty-Court by which it appear'd that he alone was the Lawful Owner of both the Vessels and Goods that part excepted which belong'd to Heinbergh Of all which in regard he has made full proof before us we make it our Request to your Majesty to prevent the Ruin and utter Shipwrack of the Poor man's Estate by the loss of two Ships at one time that you would Command your Officers to take care for the speedy discharge of the said Vessels God long preserve your Majesty to his own Glory and the safeguard of his Orthodox Church Richard Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. To the High and Mighty Lords the State of Westfriezland Most High and Mighty Lords our Dearest Friends and Confederates MAry Grinder Widow in a Petition presented to us has made a most grievous Complaint that whereas Thomas Killegrew a Commander in your Service has ow'd her for these Eighteen Years a considerable sum of Money she can by her Agents neither bring him to pay the said Money nor to try his Title at Law to the same if he has any Which that he may not be compell'd to do by the Widow's Attorney he has Petition'd your Highnesses that no body may be suffer'd to sue him for any Money that he owes in England But should we signify no more then only this to your Highness That she is a Widow that she is in great want the Mother of many small Children which her Creditor endeavours to deprive of almost all that little support they have in this World we cannot believe we need to make use of any greater Arguments to your Lordships so well acquainted with those Divine Precepts forbidding the Oppression of the Widow and the Fatherless to persuade ye not to grant any such privilege upon a bare Petition to the Fraudulent Subverter of the Widow 's Right and which for the same reason we assure our selves you will never admit From our Court at Westminster Jan. 27. 1658.
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