by them be hindred and that albeit they had not received hitherto from the Commissioners of Poland any certain resolution and therfore could not expect much good by the next daies meeting they would neverthelesse be present therat This his Lordship signified in writing to the Commissioners of Poland and requested from the Palatine of Belzes a larger Tent wherin the parties and the Mediators might assemble together His Lordship with the Hollanders prepared for the fourth meeting so much the more early to take order for placing the Mediatoriall Tent in equall distance from those of the severall parties and for the bringing of theirs neerer to ease the Mediators of part of their trouble These things set in order the Mediators concluded that to either party should be reiterated the Arbitration of the aforesaid differences by the Mediators Those of Poland to whom his Lordship and the Hollanders had applied themselves absolutely refused the same and the Suethes appeared to the French and the Electorals lesse inclining therto then before and thus the Treaty seemed to hang by a small twist which caused the Mediators to labour so much the more earnestly with the severall parties The Polanders professed themselves willing to hearken to equall conditions if they were propounded neither was there any means left for compounding the difference of the Parliamentary ratification save onely an equall division of the places that were to be restored or kept and at last not without the uncessant trouble of the Mediators in goings between they condescended unto these Conditions 1. That the Truce should be for twenty six years the Suethes requiring that one year should be added by way of compensation for their consent to the restoring of one halfe of Prussia without the strickt necessary form of Parliamentary ratification whereof the Polanders gave no positive assurance but promised their endeavours for its procurement the French Ambassador offering also to repaire to the King about the same 2. That upon the Regall and Senatoriall Commissioners ratification onely untill that of the Republike might be had the Suethes should forth with restore Marienburg Stume Braunsberge and Tolkemyth with the greater Island and the Territories to each of them belonging and that Elbing the Pillaw with the lesser Island and their Territories should still be retained by them 3. That the Fort made in the Wistle by the Suethes and the Fortifications made on the bord therof by those of Dantzig should be demolished hereupon the cessation was prolonged for four daies Thus at last the aversnesse of the parties admitted of shews of reconcilement and by how much the Treaty had seemed neer to vanish into nothing by so much the hopes of its happy issue began to beam forth more bright wherunto the Mediators thought it might be conducible that the parties accompanied by them as at the first should re-salute each other in the midst of the Village that so by a publike contest for Peace and Concord by mutuall interviews the wished end might be the more easily attained neither was the motion unpleasing to either of the parties who now seemed equally desirous of Peace This Ceremony being performed the Mediators and the parties take leave of each other and the vulgar not containing their contentment published the Peace as if already concluded In the mean time the French Ambassador obtained of the King the grant of the year demanded whilest his Lordship and the Hollanders at Marienburg employ themselves with the Sueths about those things which might further the Pacification These promising to exhibite at the next meeting certaine Articles of the whole Treaty wheron the agreement might be perfected The time appointed for the fifth meeting and all the parties being come the Mediators thought good that the Conditions then exhibited by the Suethes as fore-promised should be communicated to the Commissioners of Poland touching the Substance they were all one with the former some only altered and some added for their own availe all the Mediators being present they were accurately discussed by the Polanders not a word or title which might be wrested to their prejudice left unexamined or corrected The French Ambassador quoting in the Mergent the severall exceptions made by them Therwith they also tendred to the Mediators such things as they would have to be inserted importing that forasmuch as the present Truce was chiefly ordained and concluded to the end that during the same a perpetuall Peace might be the more commodiously treated and effected therefore within the space of two years next insuing the date of the said Truce Commissioners should be appointed of both sides with full power and instructions to meet treat and conclude the sayd generall and assured Peace by the intervention of those Kings and Princes whom the Parties should make choice of And if the sayd Peace should not be then effected the same to be resumed within the next two years and if not then the like within the two years ensuing and so consequently the Truce still continuing firme untill the expiration of the twenty six years Also that no Taxes or Customes should be exacted upon the River Dyna from the Inhabitants of the great Dutchy of Lithuania or the Dukedome of Curland That likewise the Rights and Possessions of the Duke of Curland should remaine in the same state they were before the Warr. That in like manner it should be lawfull for those that had been exiled out of Suethland or Leifland to return into their Countrey and to recover their goods and Inheritance and that if they should not like to abide there it should be free for them to sell or otherway dispose of their sayd Goods That Ambassadors or Messengers of either side should have free egresse and regresse That the Fugitives of the great Dutchy of Lithuania the Dukedome of Curland and the Pilten Territory or so many of them as should be found in Leifland should be restored and so reciprocally That foure Ships appertaining to his Electorall Highnesse of Brandenburg should be restored That there should be also freedome of Navigation from the Dutchy of Curland These Conditions were shewed to the Commissioners of Suethland by the French Ambassador and the Brandenburgers followed soon after by his Lordship and the Hollanders the Polish Emendations and additions night now approaching are cursorily by them run over and those appearing to be things but of small moment are referred untill the next day so as all things seemed to go forward according to the general desire One thing only bred some hesitation the French Ambassador reasoning by way of discourse about the restitution of the Romane Religion in Prussia urged by consequence as from the Commissioners of Poland the free exercise thereof in behalfe of those of that Religion remaining in Leifland but that also was remitted to be handled the day following neither was it then conceived that so much trouble would have ensued as that particular did
from which I have digressed The p 〈…〉 d delatory answer had so moved the Sueths as they talked of nothing save a present departure and a most just War whereby to requite the contempts and delusions as they called them of the Polanders committing their cause to the Divine Justice his Lordship who had imparted the same having lost his labour certified those of Poland thereof by an expresse who in their answer protested their own sincerity and accused the obstinacy and arrogancy of their Adversaries alledging that in duty it behoved them to acquaint their King with this new proposition of a Truce whose mind therin they expected by Saturday following the 11 21 July which having received they would immediatly communicate unto the Mediators and that done they would also be ready to depart They likewise recommended again to his Lordship their Ship detained as aforesaid in the Rode of Dantzig These things being shewed to the Suethes they changing their minds were contented to expect the Kings answer untill the Sunday next saying withall that if any of them should go to Elbing in the interim they would return by the day prefixed The 12 12 July the electoral Ministers whom the Marquis Sigismund had imployed to Marien werder came to Marienburg whither the Mediators were now returned bringing the Kings Declaration concerning the Truce propounded which was to this effect That albeit he rather inclined to a perpetuall Peace yet to shew his desire to Concord he would condescend to a Truce so it were for ten at most for fifteen years reserving unto himself a part of Leifland by the River Dyna Hereunto the Suethes would not consent nor to any Truce but with these three inseparble Conditions 1 The time to be for fifty years 2. The King of Poland to forbear during the same the Title of King of Suethland 3. A summ of money to be given unto them for the transporting of their Army These Conditions seeming intollerable the Mediators vehemently contradicted them but finding the Suethes unmovable they judged this Treaty for a longer Truce to be likewise in desperate tearms and the rather because the Suethes taking leave at the same instant retired to Elbing About three daies after his Lordship with the States Ambassadors repaired to Elbing to salute the newly arrived Generall Jacobus de la Garde as also to confer about the Treaty and about the Tolls They met with the French Ambassador returning thence who shewed them what new and not small difficulty he fore-saw about the Title of Suethen which was wholly to be omitted of the Polish side or that otherwise there could be no Treaty and that he was then meditating upon a journey to the King about the same Herein his Lordship gave a short but very sound advice saying that the King of Polands Title in things relating to Suethland might be concealed under an c. c. wherby the same was neither totally excluded nor included This counsell was pleasing both to the French and Hollanders wherwith they parted Being entred the Town his Lordship visited the Generall and ceremonials being ended they had a long conference about the fore-passed Negotiation of perpetuall Peace and of the longer Truce in present agitation as also about the disorders and exactions used in the Tolls The States Ambassadors then also entring they unanimously require a longer prorogation of the Truce currant Afterwards his Lordship propounded the Mean of abbreviation about the Title by an c. c. as abovesaid and as the main of all he desired that the number of years might be reduced to thirty which yet he thought that those of Poland would not or hardly consent unto neither within the memory of man could the example of any Truce be produced exceeding thirty years With exceeding humanity and courtesie did the Generall De la Garde reply to the Mediators assuring them that so far as his authority or power could extend he would endeavour and employ the same for Peace and the publike good and said that to the same end he would confer with the Commissioners that very day and certifie the Mediators of their resolution early the next morning by the Commissary Nicodemie Whilest there his Lordship received Letters by an expresse from the Commissioners of Poland containing that moved with the arrogancy of the Adverse Party who as they understood were retired to Elbing they were now ready to depart likewise committing their cause to the Supream Judge who abaseth the proud not doubting withall but that his Majesty of Poland who desired but could not obtain an equall Peace being forced to take up just Armes should prosper victoriously Withall they rendred thanks to the Mediators for their unwearied pains wherby they had obliged the King the Common-wealth and themselves in particular and by way of Postcript desired that their Procuratorials might be restored unto them The French Ambassador received the like Letters at Marienburg wherwith he being troubled acquainted De la Garde by an expresse that so the Suethes informed of the resolution of the Polanders might obviate the same in time The communication therof served probably to bring the Suethes to milder termes for the next day they declared to his Lordship and the Hollanders that they were contented to make Truce for forty years and absolutely to restore Prussia Leifland they would wholly retain as having wonne it by the Sword withall that the King of Poland must forbear the Title of Suethen that in order therunto they would prolong the cessation of Armes untill the fifth of August in which time the Mediators might if they thought good repair to and return from Thorne Herewith his Lordship and the Hollanders returning to Marienburg set forth the day ensuing for Thoronia whither the French Ambassador was gone before the day of their arrival all the Mediators had successive audience and joyntly pressing and obtaining the Suspention accorded by the Snethes they certifie them therof by Letters referring the rest to relation The next day all the Mediators together with the Commissioners and certain of the principall Senators of Poland assembled before the King to receive the last resolve which after long dispute the Parties and Mediators concurring was dilated unto these heads 1. That the Truce should continue for twenty years 2. That entire restitution should be made to the King and Kingdome of Poland as also to the Elector of Brandenburg Duke in Prussia of all places that had been taken in Prussia by the Suethes in the same State they now are with the Ordnance and all other things belonging to the Crown of Poland as Church Ornaments Bells c. 3. That neither at nor before departure ought should be exacted or taken away from the Inhabitants nor they to be burthened publikely or privately 4. That during the Truce the Suethes should possesse all the places they now hold in Leifland yet so that the River Evest
from pressing the same any further he only insisted earnestly that the said point of abrogating the stample might be inserted in the Regall Mandates for the calling of the next Parliament to be with the other heads considered of in their preparatoriall conventions or Land-dayes as t 〈…〉 y call them for choice of deputies that so the result might not be longer evaded by a Plea of ignorance or want of instruction touching the matter in question a thing usual amongst them and this also was largely promised The point which came to be discussed in the next place was the restitution of the Prussian Land-Seale to the Citie of Elbing after which the deduction of the army of the Suethes was handled Neither did it cause small contention for the Suethes required that their forces might have free passage into Pomerania through the Polish territorie they promising a strict observation of Military discipline the Commissioners of Poland would have them will they will they to depart as they came by Sea all arguments being used and no meane of compounding found it was by them referred to their Kings determination from whom they might expect an answere of their letters the next day The Mediators remained in the village that night to ease themselves their servants and horses of the daily travell The next day being the eleventh Congresse the Regall resolution was expected untill ten of the forenoon and not to lose time the foresaid difficulties being set apart the other Conditions were taken into discussion by either of the parties by reason that the King being gone to Dantzig it was conceived his resolution would hardly be brought in three daies The Articles for the free return of the exiled Suethes living in Poland into their native Country as also the restitution of their Goods movable and immovable were that day transacted concerning which the Curious are referred to the Articles of the Treaty Upon the day following which made the twelfth meeting the Mediators proceeded with the parties to the examination of the Conditions remaining which caused a new scruple with the Suethes by reason of an uncertain rumour that Duke Radzivill great Generall of Lithuania had lately upon the expiration of the first Truce made entrance into Leifland and taken certain places and Townes The Suethes who had concluded the Article about the retaining of Leifland according to the form of the former Treaty That each party should possesse the same during the Truce in the same manner he then possessed it desired of the Mediators that in regard the form aforesaid was in generall and obscure termes wherby they might sustain prejudice a clause might be added that if any places in Leisland had been taken of either side during the present Treaty they should be restored This restriction seemed strange unto the Poles yet affected them rather with laughter then anger they solemnly affirming that they were ignorant of what was done in Leifland and that they did not beleive the Duke to hav emade a progresse so advantageous as was vulgarly reported but alledged withall that the Conventions ware wholly repugnant to that clause and that what had once been concluded by agreement ought not to be altered that for them in case they had been so fortunate to restore those things they had obtained by a favourable chance of War would expose them to the scorne of all men The Mediators that they might make a timely remove of this rub remonstrated that forasmuch as the first prorogation of the Truce had beeen continued from the month of July to that present of August from time to time by the consent of parties it was no lesse to be understood for a cessation of hostility in Leifland then in Prussia and that they had ever beleived according as it had been reported unto them that Couriers had been from time to time dispatched into Leifland to that effect That if nothing but the truth were affirmed the request of the Suethes seemed unto them wholly consentaneous to reason and to the publike faith given so oftentimes reiterated and that they therfore earnestly intreated them not to go upon captious advantages shewing that they had been already enough and over-much troubled about the precedent differences The Commissioners of Poland being moved with these remonstrances yet having no power of themselves to dispose of the matter they referred it also to the King whose pleasure therin they desired to receive The other Articles were afterwards from noon to night throughly discussed and therein amongst other things the Polish Lords earnestly urged that the first condition of their side concerning a Treaty for perpetuall Peace during the present Truce to be appointed at a certain time and place as hath been before expressed might be included in the Acts of this Treaty with sundry other things formerly by them exhibited Lastly a Prorogation of the cessation was agreed unto for foure daies The meeting was resumed the day following being the 13th and therein the Commissioners of Suethland vigorously opposed the inserting of the foresaid Article into those of the present Treaty for Truce chiefly for this reason that the Treaty for a perpetuall Peace having been already deserted and in lieu therof this Negotiation of Truce undertaken they could not as then say ought therto and therfore seeing that their Commission of treating about the same was expired they could not admit of any particular mention therof in the Articles of the present Treaty nor prefix any place or time but added that forasmuch as they certainly knew their Queen would never be averse to such a Treaty they consented to a generall mention therof such as had been in the former Truce for the six years now expired This distinction being intimated to the Polanders they were somewhat chafed but his Lordship propounding that either the Duke of Courland or of Pomerania might be entreated to take the matter on them as Sollicitors or Intermediators their intervention was not unacceptable to those of Poland nor the addition made by the Suethes that in case the Treaty of perpetuall Peace should not succeed according to the generall wishes either at the first or so often as it should be undertaken the present Truce should notwithstanding remain firme and unviolable untill the end of the terme prefixed by these Articles The Kings answer concerning the three forespecified points to wit the Prussian Land-seal the way of Deduction for the Army of Suethes and the restitution of places if any taken in Leifland during the present Treaty was not yet come so as the Mediators being inforced to patience betook themselves to their severall Retreats The fourteenth meeting was now come but not the Kings answer in the meane time the Mediators endeavoured to agree that point of the deduction of the Army but could not The Polanders refused the same for these two reasons cheifly First that by granting it they should seeme willing to give way to the
Lithuanian Orders had appointed this Embassie principally for the neerer conjoyning of those Potent Kingdoms in peace and unity and as therunto conducing to enquire into the whole matter as not being of particular concernment to Suethland only but had like reference to the not to be violated Regall Dignity of his Majesty who was of both those Realms the sole Lord and King from whom they had obtained permission to treat with his Highness and the Senators of Suethen in a way of Brotherly Charity and Amity which is not wont to act rashly That the Senators and Orders of Poland and Lithuania doubted not but that the Orders of Suethen would continue faithfull toward their King to whom they were astricted by Nature by Oath and hereditary Right even as they had professed in that Sudercopian Enaction but that notwithstanding they could not but apprehend the intervention of sundry things at that Parliament which unless corrected by Mature Counsell might breed disturbance in the Kingdom such Initiations usually springing up when slighting the Lawfull Lord publike Counsels were convened by another Call Laws were enacted the form of Government changed Ministers placed by the King removed from their Charge things peculiar to the Royall Majesty transferred upon others All which may easily appear to be full of and obnoxious to many dangers That the Polonian and Lithuania Orders did conceive the Suethes could not be ignorant of his Majesties affections towards his Paternall Realm or that he desired to have a regardfull eye unto the good of his Subjects nor would have refused but rather granted them a Parliament if he had seen it necessarily requisite that Method and Order consentaneous to the Lawes of the Kingdome might have been observed It being undeniable that a Convention in a Kingdome cannot be rightly called without the consent authority and presence of the King but that as then no such thing had appeared wanting either in reference to the Kingdome or its ancient accustomed Lawes and Constitutions his Majesty having concluded a peace between them and the Russian and so disposed of all things within the Kingdome as that no detriment or disturbance could rationally be feared That the said Convention was not only made without publike necessity impelling contrary to his Majesties and the Pedish Senatoriall expectations and wanted the consent and authority of their lawfull Crowned King but even contrary to his Edicts prohibiting the same yea that many things had been therein enacted diametrically opposite to the Regall Rights and Superiority As the Call it self in manner as aforesaid The remove of persons intrusted by the King with Forts and these committed to others Exauthorization of the Royall Mandates coyning of money in other then the Regall name Appeals to his Majesty and therein the Regall Dignity it self many waies circumscribed That these things having been weighed in an equall Ballance the Senators and Princes of Poland and Lithuania with the respective Orders of the depending Provinces Dukedomes and Cities did by them their Ambassadors earnestly desire his Highness to preserve entire his Majesties Rights and Dignity wherein the Kingdomes welfare was involved as their propinquity of blood required and did also in Brotherly manner admonish and entreat the Senators of Suethland as such to whose vigilancy prudency and Fidelity that Kingdomes care was by him committed and intrusted to return a diligent demonstration of their duty and fidelity toward their hereditary and crowned King and by a vigorous resistance of any who affecting Innovations as in large Empires many times happens would for private disturb the publike Interest manifest to the world how freely they had implyed the Talent intrusted unto them from Heaven and his Majesty That all Innovations in Kingdoms were perilous and pernicious but especially such as tended to violate the Rights of a lawfull hereditary crowned King as might be evidenced by France which by a thirty six and the Opulent Belgian Provinces by a twenty seven years Warr were almost reduced to an utter extermination And that those Rights neither could nor ought to be impaired but by that Majesty by whom Kings Raigne and Princes decree Justice That wicked men did never proceed at first to open height of evil but by peicemeals plucked up the Fences untill that from faithfull Subjects they had wrested the Power whereby having overturned the Kingdome to augment their owne Wealth and Greatnesse Which evills it beseemed his Highnesse and their Lordships to obviate timely and to abolish any Laws Constitutions or Confederations contrary to his Crowne his Dignity and Regall Rights and by their prudence and authority to divert the course of ill undertaken Councells least the head thereby weakned the Kingdomes body might faint and fall into decadence That the Duke and Senators of Suethland might assure themselves that his Majesty albeit at present detained by greater cares for Christendomes universall good would never intermit his due regard of his native Countrey no more then suffer the Rights of Royalty to be disjoynted But that whatsoever faithfull Subjects should crave in a just and orderly way his Dignity preserved hee would undoubtedly grant That therefore his Highness and their Lordships ought to prosecute his Majesty with due returne of Love observancy obedience and faithfull endeavours The rather for that his Majesty did no way oppress or burthen them but like to an indulgent Father with a minde truely Royall more prone to mercy then to cruelty was willing to passe by offences the more grievous because proceeding from his owne by whom he ought not to have been injured Notwithstanding which he Promised no lesse for the future then that amidst the Community of Christendomes concernments whereof Suethland did partake he would endeavour their good and as a returne of his Highnesse and their Lordships constant and faithfull affections towards his Majesty was no way doubted of by the respective Orders of Poland and Lithuania so the continuance therein was their earnest desire That the Polanders as they had abundantly testified by a voluntary conferring their Crowne upon his Majesty and according to their Nations custome had vowed unto him their Fortunes Liberties life it selfe so they were now ready to bestow all those and what else could be dearer unto them for the vindication of his Regall Rights and Dignity and would to that end unanimously joyne with his Highness their Lordships and that Kingdomes Orders and did promise as the present Oration might testifie that they would never be wanting to endeavour the repair of the least injury done to his Majesty or Kingly name wherunto they expected and did promise to themselves a mutuall assured and an untergiversing concurrence from his Highness the Orders of Suethland from whom for conclusion they earnestly desired they might receive an authentique written answer to the severall heads of their Embassie wherby their diligence and faithfull delivery of what they had in charge might be approved to their principles In like manner Count Ericke and Aruidus Gustavus
would depute unto him not exceeding the number of eight persons to whom he thereby granted safe conduct and security Dated as before The Duke upon this answer desired a more exact forme of safe conduct for secure return from as well as repaire unto his Majesty which was accordingly granted at Stegeburg the fifteenth of September 1598. Hereupon Duke Charles delegated the same day three Noble men of his Counsell Maurice Steno Earl of Rasburg c. Ludbert Caverus and John Ericke unto whom he committed sundry things to be communicated to his Majesty in the name of himselfe and the Orders of Suethland earnestly desiring by his Letter of the same date that his Majesty would afford them private audience and give credite to what they should deliver and returne such answer as might be for the Kingdomes good and concluded with assurance of fidelity and brotherly affection from himselfe Their Instructions imported that his Majesty would graciously ponder the present miserable condition of his Native Countrey and not suffer himself to be induced to ought that might be prejudiciall to his Royall Person to the Duke the Regal Family and the whole Kingdome That as the resolution lately given at his Majesties instance to the Electorall and Ducall Ambassadors was not lesse Christian then Legal so as his Highnesse and the Orders of Suethland could not enlarge themselves any further they therefore earnestly desired his Majesty to rest therewith satisfied and to grant them the security they had submissively demanded That otherwise and if their humble suit could not find place they desired to be excused before God and the Christian world as having sought after those things that pertained to peace and concord Yet that the brotherly and friendly inclination of his Highnesse toward his Majesty might further appear he humbly desired as formerly that securely and in place convenient he might be admitted to Speech with His Majesty which if granted his Majesty would surely know that many things were imputed to his Highnesse whereof he was altogether free The said Commissioners were likewise to insinuate that his Highnesse and the States of the Kingdome were seve 〈…〉 and joyntly most willing and ready to render to his 〈…〉 jesty all possible respect and obedience according to their Oath of Fidelity and the written Laws of the Land neither should his Majesty find ought by his Higness other then tended to the welfare of himand his heirs for whom they would esteem nothing overmuch that was within their power as on the other side they hoped that his Majesty would shew himself a meek gracious and peaceable Prince Given as aforesaid King Sigismundus returned Answer that he had received what by the Commissioners of his Highness had been delivered but that they having left their Instructions with him and desired an Answer unto them in writing he did by these Letters return his answer and desire That twelve of the Equestrial and six of the Military Order of his part might meet an equall number of the Dukes to consult of and compound the whole matter And wished that his Dilection would have the same regard to the Patriall Regal and Ducal prosperity which he exhorted him unto not doubting but so all dissension would have a speedy wished end These were of the sixteenth of the said Moneth and accordingly ample Letteers of safe conduct of the same date were alternatively given by the King and Duke for the forementioned number of the said Orders respectively THe Royall Answer to the Dukes Legation contained that the amiable salutations and tenders of obedience were most welcome especially if deeds did correspond with words That albeit he had neither deserved nor expected such a reception into his hereditary Kingdome as well by intollerable conditions as by inconvenient propositions he had neverthelesse concluded upon the assecuration more fully as well in reference to his Highnesse as his followers then of Right ought to have been demanded the Act it self witnessing the same to all that desired peace and unity But that the Duke had no way consented to the Kings desires the Declaration delivered to the Ducall and Electorall Ambassadors not having regard unto nor any promising performance therof but rather adding certain unsufferable conditions the resolution it self lately exhibited to those Germane Ambassadors and tendred to his Majesty did evidently testifie That his Highnesse Admonition might have been spared in regard the King had offered no violence to him his Army or partakers nor had demanded ought save what was his own whereas his Highnesse had compelled the Regal Subjects and Servants to take up arms had appointed Military Stations within the Royall Territory exhausted his Majesties Subjects detained and consumed the annuall R 〈…〉 Revenue imposed Taxes and auxiliary exactions on the 〈◊〉 habitants prohibited provisions from being brought unto the Royal Camp for money and after several Marches had pitched his Tents his Army and Canon before the Regal gates had in the Ranensian fields and elsewhere seized as prisoners sundry of the Regal Servants and domesticks commanded the goods and moveables of them that repaired unto their lawfull King to be made Prey and unto this very day used the Title and Authority of Governour of the Kingdome albeit the King were present a thing never before practised from all which things collection might easily be made who had first administred matter to these mischiefs He therefore admonished his Highnesse to sur-cease these courses and to permit unto him the free enjoyment of his owne that otherwise he should have cause to protest if so manifest unjustice produced any misfortune That he desired never thelesse to understand what his Highnesse intended by his protesting and whereat the same aimed that so he might accommodate his Interest thereunto That he was not averse to the desired enterview and when his Highnesse should give a resolution condigne to his desires and peaceable demands he would in due place and time consent to the Colloquie required That the many professions of fidelity and obedience to his Majesty and his Heirs were most acceptable from his Highnesse and that a correspondency of effects was wished wherby this dissention might be the better sooner and more peaceably composed That he thought not the hurt of any person but was willing to give clear testimony to all men of his Kingly clemency and favour He therefore desired his Highnesse to weigh the whole matter seriously and not to make intollerable and dishonourable overtures which would not conduce to peace and concord but afford more ample cause of strife which he prayed God to divert and professed he for his part would decline The Dukes reply hereunto by Nicolas Nicolai Mauritius Georgij and Nicolas Rask the Kings Commissioners was to this effect THat touching the exprobations used as if his actions were not corresponding to his words he holds his Majesty excused as not being ignorant from what Fountaine they flowed that neverthelesse in regard it beseemed
he found that whilest his Majesty used their counsell the present difference would never have a prosperous issue He therefore as a friend and brother desired advised and admonished his Majesty to relinquish that band of treacherous and tumultuous Counsellours who for their peculiar and wicked ends did draw his Majesty into evill courses and to repaire to Stocholme or where otherwise he pleased He assured that he would not onely secure his Majesty from all hurt and danger but also engage that himself and his followers should attend and conduct him whithersoever he desired with all due fidelity obedience and promptitude That as to others they would proceed according to Justice having hither to forborn them for his Majesties sake least he with them might have undergone some misfortune which notwithstanding any suggestions of him to the contrary he took God to record he desired not but would alwaies be ready to avert such evill from his person if he would have regard to himselfe and rest perswaded of him as of his most affectionate Uncle But that if his Majesty contrary to this faithfull advice would still retaine those turbulent Counsellours he should be carefull least with them he might rush into some danger That if the same should happen which he besought God to forbid he was innocent thereof before God and the Christian World and willing to have prevented the same if his Majesty would have adhered to his advice rather then to the pernicious perswasions and wills of wicked men hereupon desiring an answer he committed his Majesty to Celestiall protection Dated from his Camp as above said King Sigismundus the day before he moved his Tents from Stegeburg toward Lincopia sent a Letter of assecuration which omitting the repetitions therein inserted contained that if the Illustrious Duke Charles would release his Servants and restore his Army Kingdome Townes Houses Forts and Territories his Navy Stores Ammunition with all other things to him and the Crowne of Suethland appertaining set free his Subjects and Domesticks cease from hostile Actions retire into his Dukedome there quietly remain ready with his party who were any way guilty to appeare and answer in Judgment upon legall citation and would thereof give security That he also did therby then pomise and ensure the dismission of his forraine Forces his ordinary Train and Guard of his body excepted and that neither toward his Highnesse his Army Subjects or any other of whatsoever condition any violence should be offered but each one permitted to enjoy the benefit of the Laws untill the whole matter were tryed before competent Judges That all Persons adhering to the Regall Party whosoever the Duke or any other would appeach should also appeare in Judgement and that all his Highnesse Servants who were under any restraint by reason of this Tumult should be released All which things he would observe and do upon his Regall Faith and Honour in confirmation whereof he had thereunto set his Hand and Seale adding as before that if beyond expectation himselfe or the Duke should before the controversie were legally decided infringe or attempt ought contrary to what that Instrument contained the Orders of the Kingdome should be obliged to resist the Party so doing These were given at the Camp at Stegeburg the twentieth of September 1598. Upon receipt hereof Duke Charles without delay returned these Propositions of Peace 1. THat his Majesty would repaire to Stocholme without stronger Guards then the King his Father had used in progressing through the Kingdome 2. That the Forraigne Forces should speedily depart the Land 3. That the Counsellors of the Kingdome should repaire and quietly remaine at home untill the Parliament and then appear in Judgement 4. That the Parliament be called and kept within six moneths 5. That Ambassadours of Germane Electors and Princes should be invited by Letters against the time to examine the dissention and that each side should name those whom they intended to choose In the interim nothing to be done secretly or openly within or without the Kingdome to the prejudice of each other but all persons to enjoy their Mansions peaceably untill the time of Legall decision 6. That each one retaine what he is at present possest of untill the time of the Comitiall Assembly 7. That nothing of the Kingdomes affaires be decided or treated of unwitting to his Highnesse 8. That the Finlandian Souldiers should be prohibited from entring the bounds of Suethland but containe themselves quietly within the Province and therin stand to tryall That in the mean time there be a cessation of all pernicious Plots and that Law and Justice be there administred to all persons 9. That no distribution of Lands be made untill the Parliament 10. That forraign Souldiers be removed out of the Castles and Forts and that they be committed to the faithfull Guard of the Suethes 11. That the forraign Ships which had brought Alien Forces into the Kingdome might remaine under Arrest Upon these Articles the Duke desired security from his Majesty with addition of the clause that if any of the said Articles were infringed the States of Suethland should freely adhere to his Highnesse whereupon he offered to disband his Forces to retire and remaine quietly in his Dukedome But King Sigismundus slighting say they these conditions retired in a calme and still night toward Lincopia leaving with the Commander of Stegeburg certaine instructions dated the twentieth of September 1598. Importing 1. THat they should continue faithfull to his Majesty in each respect procuring his good according to their duty and Oath 2. That if Duke Charles should enquire the reason of his Majesties sudden remove they should answer that perceiving the sparks of this dissention could not be extinguished by equall conditions but that lesse tollerable were daily obtruded he had withdrawne to avoid the effusion of blood and to see whether his Highnesse would take better counsell and cease those courses that tended to the Countries ruine 3. That if the Duke should forceably assault the Castle they should oppose him to their utmost power and resist force with force KIng Sigismundus as hath been said being gone to Lincopia Duke Charles by letter of the 22 Sept. expostulated that instead of Answer to his former his Majesty was departed from Stegeburg and might be induced by those evil Counsellours authors of the present dissension to abandon the Kingdome or repair where a larger field for tumult might be offered That he admonished and besought him by the passion of Christ not to be seduced by them to a further remove untill he had concluded the whole matter to the good of the Countrey protesting on the salvation of his soul before God and the world his innocency and averseness to any prejudice might thereby arise And desired his Majesty to believe that all things belonging to the Castle or Shipping which after his Majesties departure had been rendred unto him should be faithfully preserved for his Majesty HEreunto
King Sigismundus returned Answer the day following that he had received his M 〈…〉 tory Letters touching assecuration That he wondred why his Dilection would so long time varnish over his unjust cause before the promiscuous ignorant multitude seeing he could not prove but that fit assecuration had been offered but not accepted and that whilest one demand was granted others were made far different as the last Articles might testifie That he followed him with a strong Army having seised the Castle of Stegeburg his Ships and severall other things which notwithstanding his promised preservation of them would have been more safe in his own custody That in Answer to his Letter he desired that his Dilection would rest satisfied with that assecuration which as consentaneous to reason and his dignity he had already offered But if not that he might proceed to do what it seemed he would not leave undone yet with what fame he left to the Judgement of all honest and unbyassed minds That himself committed the decision of the whole matter to the Justice of God Lincopia 23. September 1598. DUke Charles replyed That there being no remedy but that all Admonitions proved vain through the prevalency of perverse and wicked Counsellours he also committed the matter to God before whom he protested that he was not the cause of these troubles nor of the effusion of blood like to ensue wherefore he desired to know whether his Majesty would absolve him of his Oath of fidelity which done he would endevour to repell unjustice and violence by fit wayes and means But that if possible he besought his Majesty by the love of God to weigh the matter more seriously and not permit this mischief to spread further to his own and the Kingdomes prejudice and that nothing might be by him be omitted he had sent a draught of the assecuration desired by him and his followers wherein he hoped nothing unjust would be found Campe 24. September 1598. TWo dayes after Duke Charles writes againe to the King that seeing the conditions tendred were not admitted and that he could not conveniently propound any other as also that he hoped his Majesty would so resolve as might be honourable for both sides He therfore desired that his Majesty would transmit a draught of the assecurations he would give and receive whereupon he would so declare himself as might be satisfactory to his Majesty these were dated the 26. of the said Moneth THe day following King Sigismundus sent Letters of safe Conduct for such of the Nobility with their Servants as the Duke shâ—â—ld send to treat with him importing Security in coming â—elivering what they had in Commission and saâ—e return Duke Charles also did the like for his Nephew Prince Edward Marquesse of Baden with other Lords to be sent to him from the King BY all that hath been said it may be easily discerned say the Suethes whether Duke Charles received from King Sigismundus answers condigne to his Letters wherein he desired nothing but the good of the King and Kingdome and that if he would have listned to the Dukes faithfull advice and counsel he needed not to have fled when none pursued Or that if he had loved Justice he might judicially have prevented those evils by a decision by equall Arbitrators before whom the Duke and Orders of Suethland were willing to answer to whatsoever could rightly be objected against them They say further that they had oftentimes just occasion given them of renouncing all fidelity and obedience towards him in regard he came not unto them as a good and peaceable King but as an Enemy and Persecuter offering violence and injustice to those that would not submit to his wicked intentions nor admit of his perverse Religion and that he had absolved them from their Oath of fidelity in the former Letters whereby they had just cause to have tried the utmost which yet they did not his Highnesse and they having desired that twelve of the Nobility of each side men qualified prudent judicious and lovers of peace should meet examine and decide the whole controversie and restore and settle peace concord and brotherly love whereunto King Sigismundus did likewise consent but that the same was by him observed as other things had formerly been and according to the ancient manner of keeping faith in promises by Jesuites and Romish Priests For the night following the Royall Army conducted by Wejerus made an on-set upon the Ducall Camp dispersed the night guards killing some and seising others Prisoners as was done not onely at Lincopia but at Stegeburg also but seeing their attempt prove unsuccesfull both Polanders and Suethes who fought under the Kings Ensignes began to cry and ingeminate Peace Peace which the King say they with his followers might have enjoyed if the Officers thereof had been timely embraced but that it was then over-late to treat when many thousands of men lay slaine on both sides each intending on his Enemy the revenge of his fellow Souldier Duke Charles and the Suethes as themselves assert had then both cause and advantage sufficient to have utterly ruined their Advarsaries yet they suffered themselves to be entreated to shew more mercy and mildnesse then they had deserved by abstaining from that revenge was then in their power to have taken upon King Sigismundus with his whole Army to the great detriment and misfortune I use their owne words of themselves and the Kingdome of Suethland as hoping for better things in the future from King Sigismundus from whom they found worse by an ensuing cruell War with the Polanders and Lithuanians touching a finall end wherof no certaine conjecture could be made But that if they had as then they affirme they might destroyed him and his Forces those tumults had happily sooner ceased and many gallant men who afterwards perished in those Wars had survived Nor had his Highnesse and themselves been defamed by so many unjust aspersory Libells as were spread in all parts which neverthelesse they hoped to confute All which things hapned by suffering King Sigismundus then say they to escape to the further prosecution of his Country contrary to the practise of all Magnanimous Potentates who expose their lives to defend theirs from Spoile and Rapine The cruell fight being over King Sigismundus entred into agreement with the Duke for the restoring and confirming of mutuall friendship brotherly confidence with administration of right and justice between his Majesty and his Highnesse whereof I give here the heads onely referring as in all Narations of Acts the more curious to the Instrument it self dated at Lincopia the twenty eighth of September 1598. And first THat whereas the Duke his most deare Uncle and all those of his party had religiously promised unto him and his Heires due obedience fidelity and brotherly affection according to their respective Oaths and the obligations of blood proximity and their tyes of duty and subjection He likewise did by
it's neighbouring bounds which kept firme therunto and would not admit of a Newtrality with the Suethes albeit they had been once if report err not upon a Treatie For which their fidelity they have since obtained no small priviledges from that Crown prejudiciall not onely to the Neighbour Cities as that of Elbing where formerly the English Merchants of the Eastland Company had a flourishing residence but also to those Merchants and their Nation in the point of trade by their Stample upon all wollen cloaths imported to be dispersed through Poland which Monopoly hath been and is no small greivance unto that Society Neither hath that yoake been taken off notwithstanding Englands merits towards that Crown and the intervention and earnest Solicitation of Englands Ambassadors and other Ministers as will hereafter further appear But returne we now to what is yet remaining that so we may proceed unto the promised Treatie The Polanders as hath been said being wholly on the losing hand and having other ancient constant enemies as the Turk and Tartar and the Russian no assured friend to cope withall besides the Sueths a Peace or if that could not be a truce was mediated Neither was King Gustavus reluctant thereunto as having then a designe upon the main body of the Roman Empire as well to revenge the Injuries he pretended to have received from the Austrian Family for aiding the Polander against him as to assist and succour the all-most totally oppressed Protestant Princes of Germany sundry of whom were his Allaies and who had secretly re clamed his power for their Protection GVSTAVVS ADOLPHVS D. G. SVECORVM GOTHORVM ET VANDALORVM REX MAGNVS PRINCEPS FINLANDIAE etc. The Most Illustrious Puisant and Victorious Prince GVSTAVVS ADOLPHVS by the grace of GOD. King of the Swethens Goths and Vandals great Prince of Finland Duke of Esthonia Carelia Lord of Ingria c sould by P Stent Tho Cecill sculp The King of France deputed the Baron of Charnace The Elector of Brandenburg also had his Ambassadors there and by the Mediation of those publike Ministers interposing the Authority of their Potent Principalls a Truce was upon the sixteenth of September 1629. concluded between those jarring Crownes upon the tearmes that the Curious may see in the Articles themselves long since exposed to publike view and not necessary to be here inserted Before the expiration of this Truce King Sigismundus paying the Debt that all men owe to Nature left the Polanders free to a new Election and three Sons the Princes Vladislaus and Casimir the name of the third Brother I remember not to the hopes thereof Also one Daughter Which three besides their mutuall relations of Brothers and Sister by the same Father might also be said to have been Cousin Germanes to each other by their respective Mothers who both were Sisters to the then Germane Emperour King Sigismundus after the decease of the elder whom he had first married Espousing also the younger by Papall dispensation The more Superstitious and Jesuited Faction which there is very powerfull in prejudice of the accustomed way of Elective Succession to that Crown would have baulked Vladislaus the elder howbeit not for want of merit but as by them conceived to be more favourable towards Protestanisme then they desired and would have chosen Casimirus the younger at present their King by his Brothers decease whom they thought as having amongst them received his Education would prove more inclining toward them but were vigorously opposed by the Illustrious Prince Christopher Radzivill Duke of Bierze and Dubinskie Palatine of Vilnen and great Generall of Lithuania who is said to have brought five thousand Horse to that Parliament a prevaling Argument by whose meanes the elder Prince obtained his Elective Right and was Crowned by the name of Vladislaus the fourth He was a Prince of great Courage and Vigour both of mind and body and inherited not only his Fathers pretensions unto his Hereditary Crown of Suethland but the fame desires for its recovery and hatred against the Detainer thereof Nor is it likely but that upon the terminating of the truce currant he would willingly have entred into a War for the re-gaining of the Right devolved unto him from his Paternall Ancestors had not the States of Poland shewed themselves more willing to a Treatie as having been but late before engaged against the Russian from whom he had gained the Citie and Dukedom of Smolensko with other Territories as also against the Turke and Tartar whom by the losse of two set Battels he had forced unto tearmes of accommodation by means wherof the Crowne of Poland had sustained a vast Charge with other Inconveniencies incident and might therfore require a time of breathing Yet not withstanding they also raised a powerfull Army to countenance the Cause and not without resolution for a vigorous Engagement in case the means used for obtaining a Peace or longer Truce should have proved uneffectuall It is certainly much to be lamented that the Spirit of Discord hath so much power over the minds of Christian Princes as that their Emulations and Dissentions which are the steps whereby the Othoman Empire hath mounted unto its present formidable height should be rendred perpetuall to the prejudice of Christendome the reproach of the Christian Profession and the advantage of insulting Infidells as then it did for the Polish Army at that time had the Turkish Forces at such a bay as that the great Generall of Poland Kaenigspolskie in the hearing of this Relator afterwards told the Ambassadour of Great Brittaine that but for the difference like to ensue between the two Crownes of Poland and Suethland by reason of the then neer expiring Truce hee would have convoyed those Miscreants unto the Gates of Constantinople but leaving this digression As the Crown of Poland might be not unwilling for the reasons pre-alledged to admit of Peace so likewise may the Suethes be conceived not to have been averse thereunto as having lost their Coesar in that famous Feild of Lutzen and being still engaged in the Germane War their Forces were then in decadence constrained to retire toward Pomerania and to keep a long the Sea Coast So as both parties being apparently willing a second Treaty was consented unto and those Princes who had assisted at the former as also the States of Holland were by the interessed Crownes invited to resume the Mediatoriall Office whereunto none of them being backward no more then to contribute their endeavours for a Worke so pious and beseeming Christians Sir George Duglass Knight Ambassadour from the late King of Great Brittaine Claudius de Mesme Baron D'Avaux from the King of France the Prince Sigismundus of Brandenborg Uncle to that Elector from his said Nephew with others of the Electorall Counsell as also Ambassadours from the States Generall of the united Provinces did accordingly howbeit at severall times as opportunity by reason of distance of places would permit meet in Prussia the
Province designed for the Treaty with the Commissioners from the fore-mentioned Crownes where each unfolded his utmost abilities for the composure of all differences by most powerfull and rationall arguments and as formerly interposed the Authority of their respective Princes and Principalls to bring the gauled minds of the parties whom a long continued Enmity had rendred in a manner implacable to a condescention for a finall peace or at least a Truce for so long a term as might indeed give some considerable ease to those Countries already so much exhausted by former Wars which is the Treaty formerly promised then which none at least in those parts did ever produce difficulties more numerous knotty or frequently tending to absolute rupture The Succinct and true relation whereof is next to be proceeded unto The Pourtraicture of the most renowmed Vladislaus Sigismundus King of Poland Great Duke of Lithuaniae etc etc sould by P. Stent R E scul THE TREATY OF PACIFICATION Upon the fore-related TROVBLES Concluded in the yeare 1635. BETWEEN The Most Illustrious and Puisant PRINCES ULADISLAUS the fourth KING OF POLAND Great Duke of LITHUANIA c. c. AND CHRISTINA AVGVSTA QUEEN OF SUETHES GOTHES and VANDALS Great Princesse of FINALND c. c. Faithfully related by J. F. an Eye-Witnesse of the daily Passages LONDON Printed for Hen Twyford and Tho Dring 1656. Christina Queene of Swethland Goths Vandalls sould by P Stent R Gaumond fecit A BRIEF RELATION Of the Passages at the Treaty OF PACIFICATION Between the CROWNES of POLAND AND SUETHEN Concluded at Stumbsdorff in Pruissia in the Month of September 1635. The Sueo-Polonian Treaty of Pacification HAVING already shewed the Alliance and ensuing Controversie between the jarring Crownes and Kingdomes of Poland and Suethland and hinted at the mischiefs following the same as also at the sixe yeares Truce concluded An. 1629. and expiring in July 1635 for the preventing whereof a second Treaty for a finall Peace or longer Truce was set on foot the particular passages thereof as formerly promised we now enter upon The mediating Princes and States were the late King of Great Brittaine the King of France the Elector of Brandenburg with the States Generall of the united Provinces by their respective Ambassadors But here before we enter upon the main difference it will not be amiss to mention those things which to Some may seem of lesser moment as the Procuratoriall Letters of the Commissioners from the interessed Crownes the reciprocall Instruments of security Acts usuall in Treaties of that nature which neverthelesse took not up lesse of time but caused even more trouble to the Mediators then the businesse it self in reconciling the differences about Titles mutuall suspitions of advantage or prejudice between the interessed parties afterwards the main businesse in order according to the severall meetings and conferences shall be faithfully and briefly related The first of the more remote Mediating Ministers the Electorals being but neer Neighbours comparatively who arrived at Dantzig was Sir George Duglas Knight Ambassador from the late King of England his repaire thither after a long and tedious Winter Journey from Franckfort on the Main accompanied w th all the inconveniencies of waies weather incident to that Season besides the almost daily passing through one or other part of those opposite Armies which then miserably infested Germany was about the ninth of January 1634. His Lordship understanding that the Commissioners for the Crown of Poland had their residence at a little Town called Morung in Prussia forthwith dispatched Letters to the Lord Chancellour Zadzicke chief in the Commission to certifie his arrivall as he also did to the Commissioners for Suethen at Elbing and to crave their opinion whether it would be more necessary first to go and salute the King of Poland then at Warsaw or to hasten towards the place nominated for the Treaty being a Town in that Province named Holland The Chancellours answer was congratulatory as well in regard of his wished safe arrivall as in consideration that his Master the King of Great Brittaine out of his sincere affection to their King and State had delegated him to this Treaty which he wished might prove auspicious for the diversion of the Tempest then likely to fall between them and the Crown of Suethland He likewise wished that his Lordship had arrived during the King of Polands late being at Dantzig where he might without further trouble to his person have acquitted himself of what his Master had committed unto him and accordingly have received a Princely answer but that forasmuch as the trouble and distance of the waies had hindred his sooner coming into those parts he believed there was no necessity of undergoing the like molestation by a new journey to his Majesty to whom it would be most gratefull if his Lordship should first repaire to the place appointed for the Treaty there by his Masters authority and his own endeavours to effect those things that might be conducing to the matter in hand and to their Princes dignity Lastly He wished that his Lordship having refreshed himself some time might come in safety to the place of meeting concluding with offers of Service and Curtesies in such cases accustomed By way of Postcript he added that at the instant of signing those Letters he was certified by their Subdelegates that the adverse party had altered some things formerly agreed upon complaining that almost daily from the 12th of that present month whereon they began to handle the Preparatories the other side had done nothing but protracted time by propounding new conditions which course if they should longer persist in themselves should be constrained having first solemnly protested before the Mediators to depart thence and commit their King and Countries cause to the Divine Justice I have given this Letter at length to shew in what state the businesse was and how far advanced when his Lordship arrived in those parts but shall not in the course of this relation insist so particularly on each of the severall Letters that passed between his Lordship and the respective parties My intention being to use as much brevity as the necessary circumstances of the Treatie will permit And here by the way is to be noted that the answer from the Commissionners of Suethland to his Lordships Letters was not lesse courteous nor lesse stuffed with complaints then the other The treatie had already taken commencement from the Alternal Security as the Basis and ground work of the maine affaire to which end the Commissionners of Poland and Suethen had sent their Subdelegates those Christopher Lode and Daniell Nawarousky Secretaries these John Necodemie of Ahausen Commissarie for Prussia to Holland a small Town nominated to be the Mansion of the Mediators and the place of meeting for the parties to settle and draw up a particular instrument of the security aforesaid between whom after much debate and many mutations on
in repute in that Kingdome and that a Law lately there enacted remits to him the whole matter of the Treaty with Poland whether he may not nullifie all the Acts that shall be done in as much as himselfe hath not signed the said Commission And albeit he may have consented that some other signe the same for him yet is this of lesse force in regard that one Tutor cannot substitute another On the other side to passe by smaller ones the Suethes complained of these maine errours in the Polish Procuratorials which they affirme must necessarily be corrected before any meeting could be granted 1. That the King of Poland did usurpe the Title of King of Suethland not onely in the beginning but in the end also of his Procuratory 2. That the name say they of their gracious Lady and Queen is wholly omitted and in lieu thereof the Suethish Commissioners which phrase amongst the Polanders by reason of their Kings pretensions is of a double sense and the like are intermingled 3. In either of the Procuratorialls as well that of the King as of the Common-wealth the Commissioners of her Majesty are not obscurely albeit by way of Amphibologie or doubtfully called the Commissioners of the King of Poland as in the peculiar Commission of the King it is sayd Wee do also promise that whatsoever by Ours and the Commissioners of the Kingdomes c. As also in the Procuratoriall of the Common-wealth it is expressed thus Promising that whatsoever by the Commissioners of both Parties shall be concluded We and the Common-wealth shall most willingly approve and ratifie the same Which notwithstanding they may by the adverse party be smoothed over in a contrary sense are yet so clear as they admit of no palliation Whilst thus each side insisting on their owne reasons argue and dispute these errours and shew their zeale in maintaining the rights and titles of their Principalls they appear so strict in the observation of their Instructions that at this very beginning a present rupture rather then a continuance was to be expected insomuch as the Suethes that same day retired to Elbing and the Polanders being about to depart on the morrow his Lordship after a long conference with them severally and in company of the Brandenburgers joyntly concluded that he would go thence to Elbing and there employ his utmost endeavour to perswade the Suethes to more conformity as he with the Electoralls did the day following where he was honourably received The next morning the Commissioners of Suethen with the Electorall Ministers came to his Lordship to finde out if possible some way of reconciling the differences arising from the Alternall Procuratories It would be overmuch to particularize the arguments used to that effect seeing they could not be prevalent the Commissioners protesting as they had formerly that bound by the strictnesse of their Instructions they could not admit of those mediate wayes propounded by his Lordship and at last onely condescended to send to their Principalls for Instructions more complying then those they then had and thought that at least six weeks would overpasse before they could receive an answer by reason of the Winter season crosse Winds and the passage in many places stopt with Ice And this they agreed unto conditionally that the Polish Commissioners would in the meane time procure other Procuratories from their King and therein not onely abstaine at least during the Treaty from all title to the Kingdom of Suethland but also in the same give their Queen her full and due titles it being otherwise in vaine to hope for any further meeting These things being by his Lordships Letters signified to the Polish Commissioners they would not listen to any mutation of their Procuratorials affirming that they dared not so much as once motion the same to their King much lesse offer to perswade him thereunto for which cause necessity so requiring and rather then a work so profitable for the State of Christendome should remain unperfected for the meer scrupulosity of Titles his Lordship hoping by his Solicitations in the name and Authority of his Master to dispose the King of Poland to some milder strain offered himself to undertake a journey with them to Warsovia and to that end commended to them his Letters for his Majesty of Poland in which with due respect he acquainted the King with his arrivall and intention for his Court. His Lordship the day following returned to Dantzig the Commissioners of Poland having remained still at Morung waiting for milder resolutions from the adverse party or imagining that at length they would accept of those Mediate waies w ch by the Ambassadors of great Brittaine and Brandenburg had been propounded unto them or at least that some such thing should by the Subdelegates have been proposed whereby an inclination to peace might have appeared But seeing that none of these things were done all hopes of peace excluded they resolved upon their return so to be present at the Parliament to be held at Warsaw and therein to give the King the States of Poland and great Dutchy of Lithuania an account of their actings according to their Commission and of the pains prudence and industry his Lordship had used to promove the Treaty and as before so now againe they solemnly by Letters protest their sincere and reall inclination unto the desired Peace and that they were not the causers of the Treaties dissolution not doubting but that his Lordship would signifie unto the King his Master the readinesse of their King and State unto the so much wished accord and on the other side the refractorinesse of the adverse Party The Declaration often urged by the Subdelegates for the renuing of the Treaty they suspend untill their Kings intention be knowne yet so that they are content to remit the same to the authority and intervention of Great Brittains Ambassador conditionally that the contrary Party leaving aside differences of smaller moment will returne to the Treaty observe the former Articles of the Truce and abstaine from unjust Marine exactions All which they signified unto his Lordship and that they expected an answer from their King and so to proceed toward Warsaw His Lordship was certified within few dayes that his Letters were most acceptable to the King of Poland as well in regard of the assurance he thereby had of his safe arrivall as of the King his Masters sincere affection testified in lending his helping hand to this Pacification which reall friendship as he had ever promised to himselfe so he could not but take his Lordships endeavours in good part Wishing withall that they might be so effectuall as to breake the contumacious perversnesse as he tearmed it of the adverse Party and to vindicate his injuries now manifest to all the World concluding that as the notice of his Lordships arrivall was most welcome so to see him at Warsaw would be no lesse gratefull To this effect were the Kings
Letters dated the eleventh of February 1635. His Lordship began his journey and the twentieth of February was received some miles without the City of Warsaw by the most illustrious Prince Janus of Radzivill with many of the Nobility and brought in the Kings Coach to his lodging which was faire and richly furnished of all things Beds excepted with other entertainment answerable We found there sundry Ambassadors as the Russian the Turke and the Tartar for ratification of the peace concluded with their Princes His Lordship had publick audience which according to custome was at first onely ceremoniall within few dayes he had severall in private in which he endeavoured to move the King to give unto the designed Queen of Suethen the Title so vehemently insisted on and to make a timely composure of those controversies that tooke their rise from the Procuratoriall Letters The King at length seemed not averse yet would give no immediate nor absolute consent but onely hopes thereof after deliberation to be taken His Lordship having remained there three weeks took his leave of the King and of the Commissioners who were to follow with the Regall resolution and began his journey toward Dantzig where hee arrived the twenty eighth of March sick of a violent burning Feaver which seized on him in his returne and left but small hopes of his recovery to his Friends and Servants for the space of three weeks Yet upon the intermission of its violence he was no lesse then in perfect health solicitous of the businesse committed to his trust and accordingly tooke care for setling a time and place of meeting Holland the former being incommodious The Commissioners of Suethland thereupon named an Island in the River Vistula commonly called Sperlings Campe for the place of congression for the Mediators residence a Village named Pisterfeldt for the Polish Commissioners a Towne called Dirshaw and for themselves the Village Lusson The day they prefixed to be the first of May following Here upon his Lordship sent Letters to the Polish Commissioners as yet at Warsaw and soon after received an excusatory answer from the Chancellour shewing that being ready to take journey he had been suddenly seised by grievous pangs of the Collick and Stone which had confined him to his bed and so hindred his journey wherat he grieved fearing least this delay might prove prejudiciall to the publike affaire he hoped neverthelesse that his Lordship and those who wished his appearance would make the best construction of his Stay sicknesse being in it self a lawfull excuse promising that so soon as a mitigation of his pains would permit he would hasten to communicate with his Lordship of things necessary and pertinent to the matter in hand That as touching the place of meeting and the Mansions designed by the Adverse party he had referred them to the King who disapproved thereof as himself also did the same being too far distant from his Majesty to whom frequent recourse would be necessary for obtaining his Declaration in points that would fall out in the course of the Treaty He thought it also unfit to commit their Meetings and Consultations in so weighty a businesse to Winds which move that River to impetuosity seeing they were all alike concerned in the gaining of time and that the least stirring of the Vistula would be no small hinderance to all parties Wherfore seeing that Marien werder was more commodious for necessary Provisions and that the adverse party might in the neighbouring places have their aboad and the generall meetings might be made with more facility he saw no cause why they should reject the same nor doubted but that his Lordships Authority interposed therin would be prevalent that he would attend the resolution perswading and assuring himself of submission to his Lordships reasons touching the place fore-mentioned That in regard of his infirmity the resuming of the Treaty might be by his Lordships intervention deferred untill the tenth of May He did signifie to his Lordship that he hoped to remove the Controversie depending about the Plenipotentiary having already procured of his Majesty to afford the Title of designed Queen of Suethen with this clause inserted that it might be without prejudice to his right which being equitable and no way prejudiciall to the adverse party he doubted not but his Lordship might easily perswade the Commissioners of the contrary side to accept of Hereof his Lordship forth with certified the Commissioners of Suethland resolving with them that Marien werder should be the Polish Mansion Mariemburg the Mediators residence Jonas Dorff their own This being agreed upon his Lordship departed from Dantzig toward Mariemburg as more convenient the same being one of the places sequestred at the last Truce of An. 1629. into the hands of the Elector of Brandenburg whose Uncle Prince Sigismundus was lately come thither with the fore-named Electorall Ambassadours to be assistant at the Treaty The parties arrived within few daies after at their severall Stations before-named and the Mediators so soon as they were certified that the Polish Commissioners were come to their designed Quarters convened in the Castle of Mariemburg to deliberate what was to be first propounded wherupon it was resolved that the first addresse should be made towards those of Suethland then likewise at their Rendezvous to see what Resolution they had received from their Principalls concerning their Procuratories by reason wherof the maine Treaty had been hitherto deferred that so the same might be signified to those of Poland who were no lesse desirous to know it His Lordship undertook that Journey with Mr. Gordon the Kings Agent and Georgius à Rauske one of the Electorall Ministers to whose propositions Count Brahe in the name of his Colleagues into which number the Lord John Oxenstierne Sonne to the Great Chancellour Axelius Oxenstierne was lately entred made answer That hee had received new Procuratoralls but to the same effect and nothing changed which ought not to bee demanded of them but from the Commissioners of Poland as without which no further meeting could be hoped for That this was their resolution this was a Law and a Command layd upon them the limits whereof they might not exceed That they would send their Subdelegate to Mariemburg the day following with their Procuratoriall Letters whereof the adverse Party being advertised theirs might likewise be produced Concerning the other circumstances about the time and place of meeting and the renuing of the instrument of security which might be done by changing a few words onely those might be afterwards agreed upon This was signified to the Commissioners of Poland the same day That ensuing the Subdelegates of each side came to Mariemburg from the Polanders Secretary Lode and Nabarowskie beforenamed from those of Suethen Secretary Lording the last produced the Suethish Procuratories and required that the Polanders might do the like he retyring Lode succeeded shewing a new Procuratorial but finding that of Suethen
confirm this they instanced recent examples drawn from the Turks and Russians For said they albeit their King had in the late Treaty of Peace with the Muscovite renounced his right of former Election to that Empire which neverthelesse was much weaker then the Hereditary Right he had to Suethen yet he did it not but upon very advantageous conditions they giving him for the same three great and large Provinces extending to above five hundred miles That in his late Wars also against the Turke he had shewed himself so resolute as not to yeild to the least disadvantage that when beside the Peace they desired of him some small Gift not by way of Superiority or Tribute but in token of Friendship onely he would not condescend therto but chose rather to wage most cruell Battell Wherin to his eternall Fame being twice Victor he made Peace with them according to his own desire That they might easily therfore conclude the King of Poland would never be induced to renounce his Hereditary right to the Crown and Kingdome of Suethland for Prussia and Leifland only by the restitution wherof no Emolument or compensation was derived to the King and his Family but only some satisfaction to the Common-wealth of Poland At last overcome with the earnest perswasions of his Lordship and the Ministers of the States Generall they did promise to write once more to the King about the resignation saying that they expected him to be suddenly at Thorne from whence they might within three daies obtain a Cathegorick answer All these things with the resolution of the other party being throughly scanned by the Mediators conclusion was taken that the Commissioners of Suethland should be perswaded to meet on the Wednesday next following against which time the Polanders expected a finall answer from the King in point of resignation no other means appearing to hinder a present dissolution of the Treaty and yet it was feared the event would not answer their desires Neverthelesse his Lordship and the Hollanders undertake the Work relating to the Suethes the answer of the contrary party as sparingly and mincingly as they could As they had presaged so it fell out for so soon as these understood that they were again delayed they interpreted all to be but meer delusions calling God to witnesse with what candour and sincerity they had hitherto treated Whereas quite contrary the adverse party said they had used nothing but Subterfuges not once daigning them an answer which might be so termed They complained of perversnesse and arrogancy in their Adversaries which they affirmed should not passe unrevenged saying that of a certain they should never obtain that Province of Prussia which they had over officiously offered and concluded that they could not be in reason required or desired to meet any more at these Conferences before the King had declared concerning the point in question To this their tartnesse his Lordship and the Ambassadors of Holland replyed as became Mediators by whose dexterous arguments and perswasions the Suethes became so tractable as that they promised without dissolving the Treaty to attend the finall resolution touching the resignation at Jonas Dorff their place of residence The Commissioners of Poland understanding the impatiency of the Suethes were moved with indignation rememorating their humanity and moderation used towards them by waiting a far longer time for their Procuratorials and entreated the Mediators to afford them a meeting and conference on the 6 16 of that month at a Village called Newendorff Hereunto the Mediators consented as having ever shewed themselves ready to contribute their utmost endeavours to advance the publike Interest which by the six generall meetings past may evidently appear The Mediators almost tired with daily journeys enjoyed now some daies of rest in which time his Lordship and the Hollanders spent part therof in giving severall audiences to Speiring fore-named about the Tolls much alteration and dispute being had about the same albeit to small effect The day prefixed being come all the Mediators the Fench excepted went to Newenaorff each being desirous of the Treaties happy progresse wherby the so much desired Pacification might be attained Being met they began their conference at the point of the renunciation that so they might have wherof to certifie the Suethes Commissioners who impatiently expected the same therto they added that the present Truce being neer expired and but little of the Treaty as yet concluded they thought good to advice a prolongation therof untill the ensuing first of August September November and for the more assurance a new Instrument to be made all hostility to be during the same forborne on both sides whereby the Treaty might have a longer course and if God so pleased be brought to a wished Period The Lords of Poland made answer that they had at length prevailed so far with their King in the point of resignation as he would be content to do it upon certain honourable conditions whereof the first and chief was that the Suethes should entirely restore all things formerly taken away that the others might be more easily agreed upon and that they would refer them to the arbitration of the Mediators concerning the prorogation of the Truce they left it to them also this declaration was so much the more gratefull as it gave hopes of a successefull renovation of the Treatie The French Ambassador with the Hollanders repaired to Jonas dorff the day following acquainting the Suethes Commissioners with the declaration made by the Polanders and remonstrated the necessity of prorogating the Truce yet albeit nothing could have come more welcome unto them they would not give any answer as then but promised to send their Subdelegate unto Marienburg the next day And though not materiall to the present purpose I shall heare insert that Mr. Gordon the Agent forenamed took leave of his Lorship and repaired for England upon great and weighty occasions Secretarie Lording Subdelegate to the Suethes being sent to the Mediators according to promise told them in the name of his Principalls that they having heard what the Polanders had declared in reference to the point in question to the end the Treatie the greater part whereof was yet unperfect might not be scanted by time the Truce being neere expired had consented to the prorogation thereof untill the time motioned provided that the Commissioners of Poland would treate more really in the future Herewith the Hollanders charged themselves to acquaint those of Poland and in the name of all the Mediators to require their consent Their answer imported that notwithstanding the prorogation desired would be to their prejudice yet to shew their desire of a happie end of the matter in agitation and to gratify the Mediators whose care for the publike appeared in this as in all other passages they would not refuse the same but there expect him that should be sent to perfect the instrument therof Hereupon two Copies were accordingly
to the Mediators drawn up in Substance as followeth That whereas the late truce for six yeares between the high and mighty Princes and States the Kings and Kingdomes of Poland and Suethen or Viceversa was now almost expired and that the Treatie of Pacification happily begun could not in that scantness of time attaine a wished issue the Ambassadors of the Mediating Princes and States had thought good to propound to each of the Parties a Prorogation of the said Truce Whereupon the foresaid Truce for six yeares remaining in full force and vertue in all the circumstances and clauses thereof the Commissioners of either Party had consented as they doe by these presents consent and agree unto a prorogation of the said Truce untill the first day of August September November next ensuing that in the meane time by the intervention and industrie of the Mediators the present Treatie for an entire and perfect Peace might by Gods assistance be happily finished And it was also hereby enacted that during the said Prorogation no acts of hostility should by either of the Parties be used or permitted to be used toward the other for the greater assurance and better observation whereof the Commissioners deputed from either of the Parties together with the Mediating Ambassadors had signed and sealed the same the eighteenth day of June 1635. The Ambassadors of the States Generall undertooke the care of sending this instrument to the Suethes by their Secritary for Signature they being still at Jonas dorff who promised to returne it the next day by their Subdelegate in perfect mannner Here by the way we may touch that the end of the Sequestrations approaching certain places of Prussia as Marienburg Stume Lochstadt c. which had been during the six yeares Truce entrusted by way of Sequestration into the hands of the Elector of Brandenburg were to be restored unto the Suethes the 12 23 June as also the Memeln and Brunsberge by them to his Electorall Highnesse within three dayes after the Marquesse Sigismund with the other Electorall Ministers as also the rest of the Mediators began to consider of some new residence Risenberg a little Towne in Prussia the Ducall was pitch't upon whereupon the Marquesse Sigismund taking leave went thether the same day Yet here may not be omitted that the Commissioners of Poland insisted earnestly against the exchange of Sequestrations affirming the same to be Ipso facto a breach of the Treaty and as it were a Summons to the War if made before the Treaty were finished and in their favour the Mediators chiefly his Lordship endeavoured what they could yet could not perswade the Suethes to hearken therunto But let us return to that from whence we have digressed Whilest the Mediators expect the Subdelegate from the Suethes they send the other Copy of the Instrument of Prorogation by the foresaid Secretary unto the Commissiones of Poland to be by them signed and sealed which was done without delay In the Interim Secretary Lording came to Marienburg with a new form of Prorogation which not being conform to the other Copy drawn in manner of a Patent nor the full time of the Prorogation unto the first of August inserserted as also that the Subscription of Count Brahe alone did not correspond to the plurall number of Commissioners mentioned in the beginning and middle of the said Instrument it was rejected and the foresaid Secretary of the Hollanders returning with full satisfaction from those of Poland who were to begin their journey toward their King then at Thorne the next day early he was sent to Elbing to acquaint the Suethes therewith and to move them to subscribe the Instrument drawn by the Mediators which at last they did This Remora removed the Mediators also repaired towards Thoronia a faire City belonging to the French and the States Ambassadors not having as yet saluted his Majesty They with the Electorals were honourably and magnificently received each severally according to their Dignities his Lordship also by young Prince Radzivill great Chamberlain of Lithuania and Baron Gildenstierne was received in the Kings Coach many others attending with a great Troop of the Polish Nobility on Hors-back and so conveyed to his lodging not far from that where the King then lay The Mediators in their particular audiances declared the true State of the Treaty and that without absolute resignation all hopes of Peace were desperate neither was any argument left unused wherby something might be gathered from the Kings own mouth or be moved to afford his Commissioners more ample Instructions But to a Courageous and a Victorious Prince such Solicitations being disrellishing they were also ineffectuall Wherfore the usuall Visites and Complements being added the main conclusion was that the meetings at the fore-specified place and time should be again resumed His Lordship having taken leave of the King by a private Audiance set forwards with the Hollanders towards Risenberg The French Ambassador doing the like as also the Brandenburgers about two daies after The Mediators being now altogether and understanding that the Commissioners of Poland were likewise returned to Marienwerder the Marquiss Sigismund as neerest concerned undertook to invite by Letters the Suethes to meet again on Munday the 29. June 9. July at a Villagenamed Honigsfeldt equi-distant from Mar 〈…〉 nburg Risenberg and Jonas Dorff but sundry of those Commissioners being gone to the Pillaw to receive the Generall Jacobus de la Garde who was newly arrived from Suethland with a Navy and an Army the meeting was therby retarded The French Ambassador signified the same to those of Poland who to gain time Duke Radzivill now hastning his journey towards Littaw to make provision for the War in case it should so fall out desired a conference at a Village named Leutznaw where a Polish Gentleman had a house fit to receive them Being met the Polanders were urged by the Mediators joyntly by all fair perswasions to declare in a word their Kings sinall resolution touching the resignation it being to be feared that if the last former condition which mentioned the restitution entire of Prussia and Leifland for the said resignation were still insisted on the first meeting would be the last The Commissioners of Poland having retyred themselves about an hour returned and sayd they wondered much to heare the Mediators desire of them a more full Declaration that themselves stood firme to the former and that Prussia and Liefland should not onely be absolutely restored but that the Laws also made in Suethen against King Sigismund and his Heirs should be utterly abolished and satisfaction made to the King out of the Provinces of Suethland all which things they urged as Sine quibus non The other conditions as restoring of Ships Ordnance and exiled persons would be more easily reconciled Whereunto the French Ambassador made answer in the name of his Colleagues that apparently upon these termes Peace was rather to be
should separate what belonged to Poland and to Suethen and should include one Castle now not inhabited named Marien haus 5. That all Rights and Priviledges appertaining to Cities Colledges or private persons should remain entire 6. That the Titles of either party should be couched in all Instruments Vladislaus 4. Rex Polinae Magnus Dux Lith c. c. and Christina Regina Sueciae Magna Princeps Finlandiae c. 7. The Customes and commerce in Prussia should return to the same state they were in before the War 8. A generall Amestia 9. The Ship lately detained in the road of Dantzig should be restored 10. Exercise of Religion to remain in the state it was before 11. That during the Truce and within two or three years at the furthest a perpetual Peace should in the Parliament of either side be treated of the Truce remaining still unviolate 12. That a time and manner should be settled for deduction of the Armies 13. That the Tolls in Leifland should be moderated and reduced to what they formerly had been 14. That the administration of Justice in the Confines of Lithuania and Leifland and of those parts of Leifland belonging to Poland to be as before 15. That Security should be given as well by the King as by the States of Poland and great Dutchy of Lithuania as also by the Elector of Brandenburg with the Cities of Dantzig and Conigsberg that during the Truce they should not permit any Ships to issue out of those Ports to prejudice or endamage the Kingdome of Suethen neither should they either by themselves or others attempt ought in prejudice of the present Treaty Almost to this effect were the Conditions propounded by the Halianders with addition that for the better settling of firm friendship and confidence between the two Kingdomes and for a sure ground-work to a perpetuall Peace an equall and honourable Marriage should be thought of sor the King of Poland which in their opinion could not be in a more Illustrious and Royall Family then if contracted with the eldest Daughter of the late Prince Frederick King of Bohemia Elector Palatine of Rhyne that Family being so Illustrated by Antiquity Dignity Nobility and Princelyalliances within and without the Romane Empire as none other could be preferred before it From which and the Marriage of Queen Christina with some Prince of the same Family Children might proceed by whose future Conjunctions the two Kingdomes might be joyned in assured friendship as before and the said Marriage might likewise produce other great advantages by reason of the affinity and alliance with other Kings and Princes by whom the differences and difficulties occurring from either or both the Kingdomes internally or externally might be in time remedied With the conditions aforesaid which were admitted by the King of Poland the Mediators made their repaire to Marienburg his Lordship reparing withall to Elbing whence after severall conferences upon the sayd heads with Generall De la Garde and the Commissioners they all determined to returne to Marienburg where the Mediators and the sayd Commissioners being assembled the fifteen conditions forementioned whereby the King of Poland might probably be perswaded to a truce were produced whereupon they being many the Suethes desired respite for consultation untill the day following which was granted the houre being come and all parties convened the Suethes exceptions to those Articles were 1. That touching the terme of Truce they could not accept thereof for lesse then thirty five years and that by their Instructions they were precisely tyed to forty that neverthelesse they retracted five by the approbation and permission of the Generall whose authority chiefly in Military affaires was of great consideration in the Kingdome of Suethland 2. That the title of the Queen of Suethen should be expressed in manner following Suecorum Gothorum Vandalorumque Regina Princeps haereditaria Magna Princeps Finlandiae forasmuch as they could by no means give way that the Hereditary right of their Queen most justly acquired should be obscured or overslipt much lesse be taken away 3. That a considerable sum of money was to be given for the deduction of their Forces That these three points being consented unto the others might be treated on and happily concluded withall that if the prorogation of the Truce which the Mediators desired were to be continued for eight dayes longer these three Articles by them expressed were first to be agreed unto by the Polanders The Mediators upon this answer take journey for Crowdentz a Towne of Prussia where the King with his Army had as then pitched his Tents The next morning early at the Chancellours lodging the Commissioners being present with severall Palatines and Senators consultation was held concerning the particulars propounded from the Suethes in the afternoon all the Mediators had audience together in the Castle of Crowdentz the chiefe of the Nobility being present the dispute continued from three untill ten at night The terme of years after long controverting was specified to be twenty five but the Title of Hereditary Princesse and the money demanded for deduction of the Army were absolutely denyed the first as prejudiciall to the King the other as dishonourable to them These things being afterwards delivered to the Commissioners of Suethen they crave liberty of deliberation untill the next day and promise a timely answer which to hasten the more the Mediators repaire to them into Marienburg Castle where they declare that they could not admit of lesse then thirty years and that they would not abate a day that in due regard to the advice of the Mediators they were contented that the title of Hereditary Princess should be included under an c. That concerning the Money demanded they sought it not directly from the King but to them it was alike whether it came from the Tolls or otherwise With this resolution indeed more mild then was expected the Mediators returned toward Croudentz where the King being busied about wighty affaires their Audience was deferred untill the next day and appointed to be in the Camp the King having resolved to take a generall view of his Army and was not unwilling that the Mediators should have a sight therof The Army Horse and Foot being drawn into order the first that presented was the Infantry the greater part wherof was Natives commonly called Heyduckes a people inured to hardship strong and able bodies but not much accustomed to Discipline some companies of strangers various but not many The Horse consisted for the most part of Lanciers known there by the appellation of Hussars braver men for personage better Horsed nor more superbly Armed can hardly be seen elsewhere consisting wholly of their Gentry yet their Vassals not more to them then they to their Captains obedient howbeit elsewhere they account themselves their equals Their Armour rich and glistering with Gold and Silver the better sort wearing over it loose Mantles
of Sables black Foxes Banthers and Leopards Skins the Furniture of their Horses answerable and garnished with rich Stones which by the Horses motion make a pleasant terrour They are a Courageous people most violent in a charge but once broken not easily rallying yet against the Turk and Tartarian the Bulwark of Christendome on that side over whom as formerly alledged by the Chancellour King Vladislaus had lately gained two famous Battels and had it not been for the difference ready to break out between them and the Suethes as their Generall himself at a Conference delivered to his Lordship they might have driven the Turke back to the very Gates of Constantinople A sadnesse it is and sorely to be lamented that the discords between Christian Princes who professe one God one Christ should make them more intensive against each other then against the professed Enemy of that blessed name wherunto they all professe their Baptization They were esteemed to be fifteen thousand Horse Effective but by themselves reputed more their Foot in all not exceeding six thousand After this and indeed delectable shew ended the King gave audience to all the Mediators joyntly concerning the years he would not add a day to the terme he had formerly prefixed Nor did the other particulars propounded give him any satisfaction so as he seemed enclining rather to War then Peace The day following his Lordship remained behind the other Mediators returned to Marienburg and related the Kings resolution to the Suethes who replied that for so small a matter as five years of time they did not conceive that either their principals or the Adversaries who stuck mainly therat did intend to broach a bloody War for the prevention whereof they would by severall waies dispatch two expresses into Suethen and that they might expect an answer within three weeks during which time the Truce might be continued and in the interim the other Articles might be discussed but if this were not approved they having no power to exceed their Instructions could not proceed unlesse that being by the Mediators secured of the concession of the other Articles by the Polanders and the Truce continued for eight daies longer they might therby take the point into further consideration These being related to the King in his Camp were not unpleasing and besides the eight daies of Prorogation a meeting was granted at Stumes Dorff the 4. 14. August provided the Garrison of Suethes then at Stume were removed The Mediators except the French who remained in the Leagure returning back to Marienburg acquainted the Suethes who by a visite prevented his Lordship with what they had concluded they willingly assented to the Prorogation and to the pre-appointed meeting which was to be the day insuing as also they restrained the Garrison at Sâ—ume by shutting up the Gates without any tumult or disorder Thus by the unwearied endeavours and not without the exceeding toile of the Mediators by frequent journey 's between the Parties the long intermitted meetings were resumed the 4 14 August at Stumbsdorff forenamed where at the first a new difference arose between the States Ambassadors and those of Brandenburg the former not willing to give the others the least precedencie refusing to come into the tent of the Marquesse Sigismund which in all former meetings had been the place of the Mediators joynt resort and consultation The other Mediators unwilling to make this competitionarie controversie theirs than which nothing could be more impeding to the present affaire and desirous to make the best use of time proceeded unto the matter before them concluding that the fore-specified conditions should be indifferently propounded to either of the Parties whereby each might the better explaine themselves by adding or diminishing what they should think meete his Lordship went to the Sueths the French and Brandenburgers to the Commissioners of Poland the former consented to most of the propositions tendred unto them but thought them to be over-breife and succinctly drawen and therefore for the more plaine understanding they delivered to his Lordship the whole matter of the Treatie comprehended in sundry Articles wherewith he presently repaired to the Polanders and which the French Ambassador and the Electoralls being present were instantly quoted with Marginall notes of such things as they either rejected or added or substituted in the place of others and having done they referred the whole to the Kings pleasure consenting to meete againe upon the second day ensuing and the Marginall Annotations being communicated to the Sueths and over-long to be then examined were also by them deferred to the said meeting One particular was by the last named recommended to the Mediators in especiall manner to be insinuated unto the other Partie to wit that a Parliamentarie ractification of what should be finally concluded might be procured from the Republike of Poland as without which the Treatie would be invalid Hereupon the Mediators and the Parties returned to their severall quarters Upon the day of intervall his Lordship visited the Sueths and consulted with them how to compound the competition between the Electorall and States Ambassadors that the publike Treatie might thereby receive no let nor hinderance at last it was concluded that besides the Prince his Tent an other should be pitch't the choice whereof should be given to the Hollanders whereunto his Lordship and the Commissioners of Suethland by an expresse visite that afternoon perswaded them to condescend The Mediators and the Parties assembled now the second time and the most urgent point of the Treatie consisting in the desired ratification the Mediators conceived it meete to cleer that rub the rather in that the Sueths mainely insisted that without the same all the Treatie and labour employed therein would be of no availe because a meanes of retracting there from would be remayning to the Polanders These on the other side demonstrated the impossibilitie therof in as much as a Parliament could not be called and held in lesse than four moneths affirming withall that the Kings ratification with theirs and that of the Senators placed by Parliament about the King in the name of the Republike would be sufficient they having from the same a full and absolute power of treating and concluding That in the mean time Prussia should be restored and then a Parliament for obtaining the ratification from the States of the Kingdome might be held in convenient time But the Suethes being herwith not satisfyed and it being unpossible for the Polanders to give any other present security the Mediators endeavoured by all meanes to remove this obstacle also and propounded that first the forces of each side should be dismissed and next that such places as the parties of either side should agree upon might be by way of Sequestration consigned into the Mediators hands untill the ratification were procured as also that Pledges might be given and the like Which propositions albeit
one who to coroborate the friendship of that fore-named Crown the more firmly to his Master would undoubtedly advance the interest therof which indeed he did so far as he might without evident blemish to the Impartiality of a Mediatoriall Dignity But now the Treaty being in a fair way of conclusion and howbeit not for an absolute Peace yet for a Truce of so long continuance as would see many changes over-passe before it expired and the Crown of Suethen being freed therby of all apprehension of hostility from that side might prosecute the War in Germany the more intensively and so be the more concurring with the designs of the King his Master and afford him the greater assistance by a more powerfull diversion it was neither contrary to reason or policy that he should endeavour at the last cast to ingratiate himself into the favour of the Polanders and to remove the jealousies they might have conceived of his aversnesse towards their affairs and the rather because sundry advantages might be therby derived to the advancement of the King his Masters Service by the entertaining of Officers and Souldiers especially the strangers in the Polish Army into his Masters Pay which he afterwards assayed to have done but with small successe the Emperours Ministers who also gaped after the disbanding of that Army preventing him therin by drawing Colonell Butler by them made Generall Major with severall Commanders as well English and Scots as Irish and others with most of the Infantry into the Imperiall Service so to recruit the old or frame a new Army in Silesia For these and other considerations it may be and was conceived that he might not unwillingly cast in that Bone the rather for that the businesse being almost ended and the Parties by how much neerer to peace in their hopes by so much the more affected unto it so as they would not break off upon slight occasions not doubting but that either by the Parties or the Mediators a meane would be found out to make all even againe and if he were not the first mover of that point then which he could never have pickt out one more specious or that could carry more lustre nor render him more gracious with the Polanders especially with their Clergy who bear a great sway in that Kingdome yet it may be supposed that by his forwardnesse therein he animated the Polanders to a greater pertinacy and obstinate perseverance in that contest which was longer and more hotly continued then any other neither was any one more likely to have caused a finall rupture As to his pretended conscientious zeale albeit there can be nothing better then to retain a good conscience in all things yet the conscience of one man cannot be obligatory to that of another much lesse to a generality and especially to their prejudice the same consisting of a mans inward disposition towards God and Man wrought in him by that spirit wherewith he is acted and therefore a mans private conscience ought not to be instanced as an inducement to a State in matters of Religion and especially of a different Creed But notwithstanding all these designes there wanted but little that the King having gotten such an advantage had not made use thereof to thwart all their hopes of a reconcilement and to advance his owne ends for the Warlike Prince fortunate in all his former undertakings against his Enemies and breathing new Conquests had as was conceived no inclination to the Truce but rather desired to have vindicated his pretensions to the Crowne and Kingdome of Suethland by the Sword seeing very well that he should not obtaine the same by Treaty And as the Commissioners for the Republike of Poland observing they could not get a restitution of Leisland whereupon they insisted at the first as well as for Prussia would make no generall Peace choosing rather a Truce after the expiration whereof their pretences to Leifland were still the same even so King Vladislaus perceiving that as well by the one as the other there was little appearance of his regaining the Crown of Suethen did equally distast the Peace and Truce and was induced to a condescention meerly by the Potency rather then the perswasions of the Polish Senators who bending wholly to what was for the present behoof of the Republike had little regard to the particular interest of their Prince a thing usuall in Elective Kingdomes whereas the King was desirous to have recovered his pretended right by force of Armes seeing it could not be otherwise gained wherby he might have assured his Posterity of a hereditary Kingdome in case they should come to be preter-mitted in the Elective as himself had almost been and wher the eldest would not alone be assured of a Crown but the younger likewise would be secured of Principalities and Dukedomes answerarable to the Dignity of their birth which in Poland they were not by any Right or Title for these reasons it may be conjectured that the King was not un willing to embrace any occasion of a rupture and even of late by standing stiff upon sundry points of smaller consequence he had not obscurely discovered his mind neither could he have a more glorious pretence as to them then that of Religion wherby also he might reap another and no small advantage to wit the razing out of his Subjects minds especially those of the Clergy an opinion they had conceived that he favoured the reformed Religion more then they desired he should albeit that surmise of theirs had no other ground then that they knew those of the Reformation had deserved better of him at the time of the Election then themselves had done yet this might be a motive to the King to make a cleer demonstration of his zeal to the contrary by sticking so fast to this particular wheron indeed he insisted most earnestly and so far that the Chancellour who at his first pressing therof did not think that ever it would have come to that height was more puzled therwith then with any other point which before or after the same came to be discussed in the whole Treaty as well how to satisfie the King as to salve their own honour and prevent a breach the same being feared by many and was not undesired by some but I will now leave this and return to the matter from which I have digressed further then I intended The French Ambassador having ended his Apologie the inducement to the former digression and successively gained a good opinion with the Polanders howbeit not without irritating his old Friends the Suethes and being therfore the more desirous to see an end of that controversie which himself had first broached did earnestly require from the Commissioners of Poland their finall resolution upon the point in question after two or three houres spent in debate the Polish Lords agreed that another form should be conceived in writing wherby in place of the words Ritus and Cultus liberty of conscience and
friendly manner desired them that as themselves had declared and as he had newly concluded with the French Ambassador no Subscription of the Mediators unlesse in the way by him propounded might be admitted whereunto they all accorded and gave their word This difference about the subscription being removed the Commissioners of each side convened in the Mediatoriall Tent to the performance of the last act viz. the Signing of the Articles whom the Mediators followed to be present at the reviewing of the same least ought might be transacted wherein their Principalls might be concerned In the reading the preface was ommitted whereby no offence might be taken and that worke being ended the Mediators were in most respective manner desired to retire and leave them to signe alone which they did and upon their comming forth were by the Mediators congratulated for that happy conclusion Thus at length by the blessing of God upon the infatigable toile and industrie of the Mediators this great and difficult worke after so many desperate-seeming ruptures was brought to a happy issue in twenty and foure severall meetings accounting ab initio and couched in so many severall Articles which having been for the most part already touched are forborne to be here inserted and the curious referred to the printed Acts. The whole was read allowed signed and confirmed by the respective Commissioners of the interessed Parties the 2 12 of September An. 1635. and the joy thereof was conceived to be so great that publike acclamations were every where heard At Marienburg the whole Ordnance about the Town and Castle was discharged upon the returne of the Mediators with the Commissioners of Suethland Onely the French Ambassador remained in Stumbsdorff to refresh himselfe as pretended but indeed to send an account by expresse unto the King his Master The remainder of that day was by his Lordship and the Hollanders employed in giving to the Commissioners of Suethen the attestation desired by them concerning those of the Roman Profession in Leifland which had formerly been so hotly disputed and was by them given to this effect That wheras there had been long and great dispvte concerning the Roman Catholicks in Leifland at length the Queen and Crown of Suethland at the instant urgencies of the Commissioners of Poland had condescended so far as to permit to the Roman Catholicks in Leifland liberty of Conscience Religion and Devotion in private but least that from those words ought might be inferred contrary to their intention in that point over and above the meer liberty of conscience by them granted or least that there might be pretended any Priestly exercise either publike or private they the said Commissioners had many times in their presence excepted by protestation against all the formes including any word of exercise either tacitely or expressed and that the Lord Ambassadour of France who had most earnestly laboured therin had propounded the same and the Commissioners of Poland had assented therunto in which Forme or Draught no mention of exercise was made that so they might by some faire way explicate and free themselves from that contention This they the said Mediators did witnesse and confirme to all whom it might concern under their hands and Seals Upon the day following the Generall of the Suethish Forces Jacobus de la Garde with the Commissioners of that Crown did visite his Lordship in a way of thankfull acknowledgment for his great paines and endeavours employed in the Treaty and afterwards did the like to the Hollanders concluding with a courteous invitation of them into the Castle that evening where their entertainment was answerable to their Dignities The next day his Lordship went to the Polish Leager and was soon after followed by the Hollanders to take leave of that King of whom he had publike audience in his Tent the great Chancellour and the other fore-named Commissioners being present That Ceremoniall Complementive farewell lasted not half an houre wherin it was observed that the King did not shew the same cheerfull countenance to his Lordship that he had formerly done both at his first repair and during the Treaty and the Commissioners likewise expressed lesse courteous respects then at former times which his Lordship took notice of but knowing himself to be free from any desert therof was the lesse troubled therat His Lordship whilest in the Camp was visited by the Wayvod or Palatine of Belskie whom according to the Kings words at parting he believed to have been sent with something in Commission but found it to be only a private Complementall farewell In the interim the States Ambassadours as also the French Ambassadour who had repaired thither from Stumbsdorff took likewise severally their leave but had each a longer audience according to information and returned the next day to see the Army which then was to be reviewed and drawn up into Battalia His Lordship stayed that night in the Tent of Col. afterwards Generall Major Butler aswell to see the Army as also that he might there be ready to receive any further expressions which according to the delivery at parting he expected from the King In the manner fore-mentioned was transacted and concluded the Treaty for Truce for twenty six years commencing in September 1635 between the two Crownes of Suethland and Poland What passages did afterwards befall by reason of the French Ambassadours signing the Polanders Counterpane or Copy of those Articles at that Kings instance by whom contrary to former President fore-mentioned agreement and stipulation they were to that end tendred unto the said Ambassadour as himself afterward acknowledged as also great Brittaines Ambassadours expostulation with some of the Polish Ministers in reference therunto and the difference answering therupon between that King and his Lordship are couched in the few subsequent Pages wherin his Lordships life and death are commemorated which now follow for a conclusion to the whole matter A BRIEF COMMEMORATION Of the LIFE and DEATH OF SIR GEORGE DUGLAS KNIGHT LORD Ambassadour Extraordinary from the late KING of ENGLAND For concluding of PEACE or TRUCE BETWEEN SUETHLAND AND POLAND An. 1635. By J. F. LONDON Printed for Hen Twyford and Tho Dring 1656. A briefe COMMEMORATION OF SIR GEORGE DUGLAS Knight Ambassador Extraordinary from the late King of Great BRITTAIN in the year 1635. for the Treaty of Peace between the Crowns of POLAND AND SVETHEN HAVING deduced the passages of the preceding Treaty of Pacification between the two Crowns before mentioned it may be not improper to annex somthing concerning that late honourable Person by whose indefatigable endeavours that good work was in great part so happily effected And the rather in regard his name albeit both ancient and honourable denotes him to have been of a Neighbour Nation and that there are but few now living who can remember to have known I may say scarce seen his person appearing in any way Considerable in the Court of
thousand Foot and Horse to their recruit wherby those places being surrendred by the Enemy were by him as the rest had been delivered into the hands of the Electorall Administrator But to return from whence I have not unnecessarily digressed the Suethes and the Confederate Princes fell not long after into a decadence of fortune for the Cardinall Infanta with an Army of old tryed Souldiers though bent for Flanders taking Germany in his way and joyning with the Imperiallists neer the City of Norglingen the Associates by this Conjunction received a great defeat wherin most of their Ensigns were seised their Commanders either slain or taken of which latter Calamity their brave Generall Gustavus Horne was partaker The scattered relicks found no sure retreat untill they recovered the formerly wasted Palatinate under Duke Bernard of Weymar where deprived of Colours and Commanders they continued in a manner without Discipline so as that Country was in a most sad condition and England thereupon solicited as aforesaid the Counsell wherof judging it expedient to send an Agent thither the fore-named Lievtenant Colonel Duglass was made choice of as one who in his reports would not be over partiall and he being first dignified with the Honour of Knight-hood accordingly received Credentials and Instructions The fore-mentioned Ambassador Sir Robert Anstruther who after his departure from Saxony had been with the Elector of Brandenburg at Berlin and from thence with the Queen of Suethen at Wolgast to condole the death of the King her Husband whose body was then to be transported into Suethland and had likewise been with the Duke of Holstein and the Dutchesse Dowager his Mother as also with the King of Denmark Treating with sundry of that Kings Counsell who were thereunto appointed he intimated unto them omitting particulars not so necessary to be here inserted that their Masters Conjunction with the Protestant Princes of Germany would much conduce to the generall tranquility as without which the Emperour and his adherents would hardly be moved to a constant and universall Peace in the Empire but rather hope that the Divisions and Separations of those Princes and States would be apt to produce unto him new advantages They after much reasoning acknowledged it was most necessary but prayed him to consider the hazards their King their Country and themselves had in the last Wars been exposed unto so as had they not made a peace with the Emperour they might by that time have gone a begging with their Wives and Children And that having thus made their Peace they ought not in equity to be the breakers of it the rather for that their Master was now acting the Mediators part They wished that Saxony were really as Brandenburg was united in the Alliance of Heylbrun the better to Ballance the Affaires there whereby a good Peace which their Master was still ambitious to be an Instrument of might more probably be expected His Lordship urged no lesse to their King himself upon occasion of some discourse soon after of the then present state of Germany and the King expressing how much he longed to see a good Peace established He replied that his Majesties Authority and Power if interposed with the Duke of Saxony might be very usefull for obtaining of the wished end in that Conjuncture and that if the three Protestant Electors and their Houses were firmly linked together by a perfect friendship and sence of common Interest they would soon grow so Considerable as that other Princes would be glad of their Association And then Caesar himself would in all likelyhood the better hearken to reasonable Conditions of Peace besides many other good effects which he inferred might ensue so happy a Conjunction The King professed to concur with his Lordship in opinion yet not without objecting some impediments But I shall wave further insisting hereupon This as not material to the Subject mainly here intended being onely to shew how far England did then interess it self in the Protestant cause of Germany and the concernments of its Allies there His Lordship returning to Hamburg to expect further Orders was soon after re-manded back to Francfort on the Mayne to interpose his Masters Authority as cause should be offered Return We now to Sir George Duglass who there met with his Lordship and during his Agency in the Palatinate had given an account so satisfactory as well in order to that Electorall Principality and its condition with the whole state of Affaires relative to that concernment as of the Associated Princes and Cities and likewise of the Suethes as was well rellished at home and therby gained to himself the opinion of one capable of a greater and more weighty Negotiation And as if all things should conduce to his advancement it so fell out that the expiration of a six years Truce concluded as hath been said by the intervention of Sir Thomas Roe Ambassador from the late King An. 1629. between the Crownes and Kings of Poland and Suethen was then drawing neer and the late King was by the Polander again solicited to the same effect with intimation of a desire of neerer conjunction by Allyance This motion was plausible and the more credulous of Englands Court were thereby wrought to cry up that Kings Cause albeit the same his Turne once served proved but a Fucus and like an Apparition vanished into Aire For this employment of no mean moment Sir George Duglass then Agent in Germany as aforesaid was thought a fit Minister and the rather because haying formerly served the late King of Suethland in those parts he was not unacquainted with their interests in Prussia and Leifland and might accordingly make use of arguments to induce them to a moderate and equitable compliance it being conjectured that they would not easily be won to restore either much lesse both of those rich and fertile Provinces but as to any resignation of the Crown of Suethland which the Polander claimed as his Hereditary Right it was fore-seen that however the same might be brought upon the Carpet it could not be with any hope of condeseension Credentials and Instructions were then drawn up and sent enclosed within a dispatch to the fore-named Ambassadour Sir Robert Anstruther to beby him delivered as was forthwith done unto Sir George Duglass whereby the Title of Lord Ambassadour Extraordinary from the King of Great Brittaine to the Kings and Crownes of Poland and Suethland became due unto him In this new Condition his first work was to furnish himself with Necessaries and Attendants suitable to that high Employment into the number wherof he was pleased to desire the Relator from Sir Robert Anstruther of whose Secretaries he then was and in the same capacity entertained him for that Embassy which is only mentioned to shew the ground he had for the present and precedent Narrative Whilest some weeks of time were spent in such like preparations Letters of safe conduct and Convoyes were desired
from the Generals of the opposite Armies through part of which we were necessitated to passe His Lordship in the interim made entry upon his Commission by visiting the great Chancellour of Suethen Axelius Oxenstierne at Mentz and by delivering to him the Letters he had from his Master directed to the said Chancellour and to his Son John Oxenstierne who sometime before had been employed as Ambassadour into England from himself as President and in the name of the fore-mentioned Directorium or great Counsell of the Protestant Associated Princes and Cities of Germany which Letters he received with great testimony of respect and thankfulnesse for the honour therby done unto him expressing the same at length and with great Eloquence And as concerning his Son he much rejoyced at his Majesties expressions of favour towards him both in this and at the time of his being in England albeit it were over long to tell the Condoleances he used for the frigidnesse as he termed it his Son then found in relation to his Employment but this having proceeded partly from things already glanced at I forheare to insist upon He further insinuated how glad he was of his Lordships being employed in a businesse that so much concerned their Prince and Country of whose integrity they had formerly received so good proof Yet it is not improbable and his Lordship did so conceive that they would not unwillingly have declined our intervention if it had been in their power knowing that Englands interest in the point of Trade and Commerce on which their Toll in the Balthick Sea lay so heavy would bring him in to crosse their designes and pull from them a Bit which they had found so sweet as they were loth to part with The Chancellor began then to discourse of the Treaty that was to ensue wherin he demonstrated at length the difficulties that would occur even at the first meetings touching Ceremonies and Titles as hath plentifully appeared in that Treaties Narration He afterwards insisted upon the trouble the main businesse would produce being no lesse then the question of a Kingdome and of the strangest nature that had been disputed in many Ages wherby those that were strangers and not vers't in the fundamentall Rights the ancient Priviledges and Jus Suecorum would he said come in a manner with prejudicate minds sympathizing with their own Governments which as they would not presume to judge of but leave every one to their own so he hoped that others would do the like to them and not expect that they should let fall a Controversie which had cost them so much treasure and blood for any arguments drawn from the opinions and example of others which concerned not them they being to take their own way and to follow their particular grounds to the last drop of blood What he set forth of the wrongs they had suffered under King Sigismundus which had constrained them to the extreamest courses may be ghessed by such as shall have read the first part of this Treatise and therfore needs here no repetition As to King Vladislaus then Raigning in Poland he having he said no right but from his Father had lost all in him and with what arguments he alleadged that his pretensions were lesse valid at that present then his Fathers in his life-time were over tedious here to relate His Lordship on the other side was not wanting in replyes but shewed that extreame Counsells have extreame Events that Obstinate Warrs were ever accompanied with troubles and Calamities and alwayes heavy even to the prevailing side that as their issues were uncertaine so their vicistitudes many whereof themselves had already received sufficient proofes That as the vertues of the present King Vladislaus were to be respected so his Forces and that great Successe which had but late before attended him against most potent Enemies was no lesse to be feared besides many other respects which might induce them to steere at least a midle course The restitution of such Territories as they had wone by their Armes was likewise touched upon in their discourse which his Lordship found to be by them taken for so good a Title as they were not like to give back for a Song They parted with great fairenesse the one professing much thankfulnesse affection and all other respects to the King of great Brittaine and his Allies the other assuring him of all reciprocall and respective offices to the young Queene and Crown of Suethen from his Master and every Minister of his Herewith his Lordship returned to Francfort His traine and equipage being in a readinesse his Lordship began his journey from Francfort in December 1634 having taken leave of the Ambassador Sir Robert Anstruther with all possible expresions of mutuall respect and affection and was met before he came to Hanaw a great and strong Citie about three Leagues distant by Sir James Ramsay before-named Governour thereof attended with foure Troopes of Horse the whole Garrison in Armes the great Ordnance upon the walls also going off from the Gate to the Governours Quarter where his Lordship was lodged during foure dayes of his aboad there to dispatch an Expresse for England The Governour howbeit but late before his Commander as hath been touched not disdayning to hold the Towell to his Lordship at washing before meales as to the Representer of his Prince which office he would perforce and did performe his Lordship in vaine opposing it Departing from Hanaw He made no Halt untill he arrived at Berlin the Electorall Court of Brandenburg where by that Prince he was lodged in the Palace and for eight dayes that that he stayed there was entertained with all the Magnificencie that might testify an entire respect to the King his Master Between his Electoral Highnesse and his Lordship there passed some Communication upon the points like to occur in the Prussian Treaty between the principall Parties as also what concerned his own Interest which suffered but overmuch every where After the Curialia by word of mouth the Elector returned a large Memoriall in writing in answer of some heads propounded by his Lordship by all which it was easie to perceive what the Chancellour had before intimated that there would not want difficulties to bring the businesse to an equall accord for they who had been hitherto on the losing hand would be loth to sit by it still nor the adverse party lesse unwilling as was conceived to quit ought already gotten but on termes not much to the others honour for which cause the King of Poland having a good Army in readinesse was then personally at Danizig to take order for all provisions necessary giving out that he would either have a perpetuall Peace or else declare the War And here his Lordship received information that he was by that King expected with much longing From Berlin his Lordship came to Stettin in Pomerania the old Duke wherof being sick he visited him not
stand for her Majesties safety her good and welfare as well as for that of the Kingdome even to the danger of their lives and losse of their goods Provided that her Majesty when shee should attaine to perfect years and full possession of the Government of the Kingdome did secure unto them and the whole State whatsoever might concerne the maintaining of all their Lawes Liberties and Priviledges c. as the like had been done by former Kings especially by her late Royall Father and had by the State of the Kingdome been approved Secondly that if any Suethe or other subject to the Crown therof of what degree dignity or quality soever should refuse to subscribe and submit to this establishment or dare to oppose their present Act or seek to advance any other whether native or forraigner They did esteem and declare that party to be a member separated from their body an Enemy yea Traytor to the Kingdome and upon conviction of a Crime of that nature to be punished without mercy Thirdly They confirmed and ratified the Acts formerly concluded against King Sigismundus with his Children and Discendants and declared them to have no right or interest in the Crown of Suethland or any part of the Dominions or Jurisdictions therto belonging and that all their right and pretensions were lost void forfeit and in the lapse for ever And that if any Sueth or other person under that Crown should endeavour the admittance of any of the aforesaids into the Kingdome or to yeeld them any footing within the Jurisdictions or upon the Frontiers therof They would hold that person of what quality soever he were for a pernicious and hainous Traytor to them and to the whole State And upon perseverance therin should meet with the mercilesse punishment due to such a one And that whosoever should listen unto or harbour or lodge any such person without timely discovery unto Authority should be liable to the like punishment As also that the Orobrogian Acts of February 1617. against all such should remain as inviolable as if they were here Verbatim expressed And all Lords Judges and other Officers were to see execution and performance of the same as he would otherwise answer it at his perill Fourthly That they unanimously and deliberatly confirmed and renewed what had been formerly enacted concerning the Service of God and his Church by other Assemblies and Diets and did generally oblige themselves to remaine in the same Form Truth and Discipline of Religion according to the Revealed truth of Gods holy Word and the Articles of Christian Faith contained in the Apostolical Nicene and Athanasian Creed together with the Confession of Auspurg and as formerly concluded in the Counsell of Vssall Fifthly That in regard of the Queens under age and insufficiency therby to defend and govern the Realm by her owne self and ability They did unanimously desire and ordaine that his Majesties Decree and Ordinance concerning this matter formerly committed to the Counsell and Lords of the State for their judgment and the conceiving of a right Order therupon which had been also by them tendred unto and approved of by his Majesty but by reason of his suddain â—eath and other occasions impeding had not had its full effect notwithstanding their want of sundry necessary instructions and appurtenances which through straitnesse of time could not be inserted should be put in execution and performed for the good of the Realme by the five chief States and Officers therof Viz. 1. The Lord high Steward 2. Marshall 3. Admirall 4. Chancellour 5. Treasurer And in the absence of one or other or of any the eldest of the Counsell of State to supply the place And these five to govern the Kingdome of Suethen for her Majesty untill shee should have attained perfect years And they five or as aforesaid the eldest of the Counsell of Stockholme being of the same Colledge and Assembly supplying the place of any of them absent should have the Tuition of the Queen and should bear rule during her Minority and Nonage onely in her name and stead without prejudice to the Realm or State or violation or breach of the Lawes Rights and Priviledges therof And should for her Majesty powerfully maintain the five Brotherly Offices and State Ranks That is Court-right Counsell Counsell of War Admiralty Chancery and Treasury or Exchecquer according to the institution and establishment of former Kings and especially of their late King Gustavus the second And should to their power uphold and maintain the Rights Lawes Justice and Policy of Suethen Defend and protect the Realm with all the depencies theron so as they might conscientiously answer before God the Queen and the State when therunto called as those by Oath were therunto obliged So on the other side the Lords and Peers of the Realm did promise to yeild and perform unto those persons Selected as aforesaid all due respect honour obedience and submissive Subjection in whatsoever they should require and command tending to the Glory of Almighty God the good and welfare of the Queen of the State and Common-weale And that in case any person or persons should either in word or deed thwart and oppose the present proceeding and government They would withall their powers endeavour to suppresse such Insolencies punish the parties and constrain them to better obedience Sixthly They would to their utmost prosecute the War against the Emperor and Popish League in Germany which their King had sealed with his blood untill it should please Almighty God to settle a happy and desired Peace for the good of his Church As also the Kingdomes necessity so requiring whether by reason of their present Wars or of any new Enemies against their Queen and State they would with their lives and Fortunes maintain their Rights and Liberties and with their utmost abilities oppose all such as should confront or withstand their proceedings Seventhly That forasmuch as no Kingdome could subsist without meanes or War be rightly managed without great charges They did likewise thinke good that the Tolls and Customes should be continued for the good of the Kingdome in the same manner as then raised and received c. Moreover If the Germane War should continue Or if their Kingdome and Countrey should fasten upon some other War or trouble They did promise and oblige themselves that whensoever required by the Peeres States and Lords of the Realme They would with all their power and meanes stand and fight for the Religion Queen Kingdome and Liberties That in all the particulars before specified they were resolved and had unanimously generally and particularly in their owne and in the behalfe of their brethren present and absent as well unborne as borne freely and willingly consented agreed approved and concluded and therein sufficiently accorded and did promise as faithfull religious and true sincere meaning Subjects to performe the same They the Councell State c. of Sueden did underwrite and seale
Not consented unto The Regall Declaration Unsatisfactory to the Duke Regall assecuration Propositions made by Duke Chalres King Sigismund retires to Lincopia Letter of Duke Charles Answer Reply Another Letter from the Duke Safe conduct interchangable granted Assertions of the Suethes Further assertions Vide Exegis Historiaca Sueciae page 233 234. Treaty of Pacification at Lincopia between the King and Duke Shipping restored The King steers to Calmar in stead of Stocholme Friendly Letter from King Sigismundus to Duke Charles The Dukes answer Second Letter Ducall reply King Sigismundus requires more Ships for the transporting of his Army and sundry things to be restored The Prince was born in England An. 1565 whose Mother the Lady Cecily Daughter to King Gustavus Erickson and Sister to Erick Iohn and Charles all Kings of Suethland Wife to Christ Marquesse of Baden came then into England to visite Queen Elizabeth and by the Queen his God-mother named Edvardus Fortunatus The Duke complains of the Kings going to Calmar King Sigism excuseth his going to Calmar Promiseth a repair to Stocholme Promise not kept the King returned to Dantzig Parliament at Ienecopis The Dukes Letter and Objections to King Sigismund Letter to King Sigismundus from the Parliament of Suethland The Prince his Son invited to be there educated and to receive the Crown No answer returned Parliament at Stocholme Rejection of King Sigism His Son Uladislaus accepted of conditionally Parliamentary Letters to King Sigismundus not answered Parliament at Lincopia Dnke John declined Dukedome of Ostrogothes conferred on Duke John King Sigism with his Heirs rejected Duke Charles designed King of Suethland Gustavus Adolphus to succeed After him Duke Iohn conditionally Triall of Captivated Senators Sentence of execution Others pardoned Some but repreived Sentence in Finland against Arvidus Gustavus and Axell Kurck confirmed by Parliament Other offendors for smaller Offences gradually punished by losse of goods or Fine Second Parliament at Stocholme Duke Charles again solicites King Sigism to send his Son into Suethen No answer returned but new broiles raised Further Objections The same continued Parliament at Norcopia Heads of what therein transacted Duke John renounceth his pretence to the Crown of Suethland Duke Charles contented to accept of the Crown Hereditary union renewed reformed Duke Charles pronounced King and his eldest to succed The younger to enjoy his Fathers Dukedomes Male issue of the eldest failing the second to succeed That also failing in him Duke Iohn to inherite the Crowne The Female Regall and Ducall issue adopted into the succession This hath reference to the fore-cited Parliamentary conclusions at Stocholme the seventh of March 1590. but is here imperfect in the Original as wanting the words Eldest unmarried as is there expressed Provision for younger Regall and Ducall daughters conditionall The daughters and sister of King Sigismund rejected No Prince of a contrary religion to inherit Such or Apostates to be deprived Hereditary Princes prohibited marriage with an wife of contrary religigion All seduceâ—s of Princeâ— to a contrary religion to be punished as 〈…〉 s. No hereditary Prince to accept of another Kingdome unlesse to live in the Patriall Soile Oration of Duke John in Resignation of his right Warrs between King Sigismundus and King Charles Continued by his Son Gustavus Adolphus Death of Sigismundus Uladislaus his Eldest Elected and Crowned A second treatie instituted Preface to the treaty The Mediators Englands Ambassador arrives at Dantzig Writes to the Commissioners of the Crownes interessed Answer of the Polanders The Suethes complained of The Suethes answer with reciprocall complaints The Treaties commencement Elector of Brandenburgs Ambassadors Commissioners of Poland Commissioners of Suethland Meet at Holland town in Prussia Interchangably exhibite their respective Plenipotentiaries and agree upon a second meeting His Lordship came to Holland Desects in the Suethish Procuratories The like in those of Poland Rupture appearing the parties depart The Mediators repair to the Suethes at Elbing Condescention of the Suethes conditionall Commissioners of Poland return to Warsaw His Lordships receives invitation to come to Warsaw There was but one and that for his Lordship He contracts sickness Difficulties about the place of treaty Mariemburg appointed to be the Mediators residence The Mediators meet and consult Repaire to the Suethes The conclusion certified to the Polanders The Subdelegates meet Difficulties about the place for the generall meeting The Mediators return to the Suethes Their propositions Not admitted Objections His Lordship repaires to the Polanders Their conditional conclusions Englands Agent sent to the Suethes Their finall resolution Intimated to the Polanders who promise complyance Instrument oâ— Security renewed The Ambassadors of France and Holland come to Mariemburg The Mediators intervisite and joyntly repaire to Stumbsdorff the place of Treatie The parties arrive Meane used for avoyding competitions Proposition Not consented unto Demand made by the Suethes Answer and demand of the Polanders Result of the Mediators Accepted by all That dayes conclusion The Mediators meete His Lordships proposition in Order to the whole matter The other Mediators deliver theirs The result The new Procuratories interchangably communicated new difficulty about the Title Reconciled Scope of the Procuratories Polish Protest The Suethes Protest Procuratoriall difficulties removed Former result communicated to the parties Suethes answer Negatively The like given by the Polanders Offer made by the Suethes The Poles desire respite The same granted The Suethes therwith offended The former offer waved by the Poles as insufficient Five other mediate means propounded Taken by the Poles into deliberation Rejected by the Suethes Reply of the Poles in point of resignation The Suethes refuse to meete His Lordship goes to the Suethes They consent to meete Certaine greivances complained of by his Lordship and the Hollanders to the Suethes Their answer The Polanders persist as before The Parties willed to propound The Suethes enter into passion Those of Poland add ten other Articles for a supplement to the former Things tending to a breach the Mediators desire respite Finall declarations demanded by the Mediators from the Parties The Suethes decline to declare further The Polanders likewise and give their reasons The Suethes againe incensed At end the finall resolution at their quarters A meeting with the Mediators desired by the Poles Prolongation of the Truce desired Result of the Polanders conditionall Prorogation of the Truce assented unto Purport of the Prorogation Continuation of Sequestrations insisted on by the Poles but refused by the Suethes The Prorogation signed The Mediators vepair to the King Their overtures uneffectuall The Poles desire a meeting with the Mediators Declaration ur 〈…〉 Ultimate result of the Polanders Treaty for finall Peace in termes desperate Complaints of the Poles D. Radzivils departure for Littaw A longer Truce insisted on The Suethes Declaration in point of longer Truce The Poles re 〈…〉 to the King Argument â—â—â—d by his Lordship Misconstrued The Suethes again in heat Yet ca 〈…〉 ed and contented to meet The Kings conde scention
to a Treaty for Truce Conditions of Truce propounded by the Suethes New difficulty Obviated Conserence with the Generall de la Garde His reply The Poles retire discontented The Suethes more complying Their conditions for treaty of Truce Cessation of Armes prolonged Consentâ—h unto by the 〈◊〉 ders The Mediators consult with the King and â—enators of Poland upon fifteen heads Addition made by the Hollanders The result of the Suethes upon the former heads Cessation conditionall The Kings result The Suethes reply more mild then expected The Mediators return to the King Audience appointed in the Camp A view of the Polish Army It s constitution Discipline Habiliments Number The King inclining to War The Suethes not verse to Peace Cessation prorogued eigh 〈…〉 s A meeting consented unto Competition between the Hollanders and those of Brandenburg Articles of the whole treatie exhibited by the Suethes Referred to the King by the Poles Necessarie caution Former competition removed Parliaments ratification insisted upon by the Suethes Polishreply Sequestration of places propounded by the Mediators Sequestration of places propounded by the Mediators The Suethes persist Their reasons Impossibility alledged by the Poles Seasonable proposition Assented unto by the Suethes Waved by the Poles The King of Poland averse to the proposition The Suethes excuse their not appearing Complain of the Polanders The Suethes reply and Compliance Both parties stiff Mutuall concessions Cessation for foure daies Second interview of the Parties Exhibition of Articles by the Suethes Additions by the Polanders The Truce to be for 26. years Hopes of amicable conclusion A rub cast in French Ambassador stickling for the Romish Religion in Leifland Positively refused by the Suethes and why The Poles insist The other Mediators propounded a Medium Sueci hominibus Catholicis in Livonia toto induciarum tempore cultum ritum in privato permissuri nullamque in eos inquisitionem ut hactenus facturi neminique qui Religionem Catholicam professus fuerit id ipsi noxae futurum Arguments used by the French Ambassador Rejected by the Suethes Cultus Ritus Exemption from enquiry granted by the Suethes Referred by the Poles to their King French Amb. Solicitations Uneffectuall The former forme insisted on by the Poles Again by the Suethes rejected Bellum Bellum Sudden tumult Threatning danger Appeared The Suethes exasperated The Poles purge themselves A conference between his Lordship and the Poles Hostility began The former tumult excused Apology by the French Ambassador Digression Cessation of Armes for a day onely The second form rejected by the Suethes Rejected by the King The last forme propounded by the Poles Disrelished by the Suethes At length admitted Attestation desired Particulars insisted on Plausible answer Vneffectuall Cessation for three dayes His Lordship insists as befâ—â—e The Poles promise future satisfaction Transport of Forces And other points discussed New Scruple of the Suethes Demand thereon Answered by the Poles Judgement of the Mediators Referred to the King Other difficulties composed Cessation continued one day onely The Kings resolution Concerning remove of the Army Accepted by the Suethes Generall meeting of Mediators and parties in the Mediators Tent. Objection made by his Lordship Waved by the Poles Deserted by the Suethes Precedency of nomination challenged by his Lordship Declined by the Poles Contest for precedency of subscription Meeting of the Generals of each side And accord Attestation granted to the Polanders by his Lordship and the Hollanders Competitions renewed between the Mediators Mediatoriall subscription concluded unnecessary The French insists on subscription Afterwards declines it No subscription of Mediators promised The parties meet to conlude The Articles signed Publike rejoycements His Lordship and the Hollanders give to the Suethes an attestation concerning Catholicks in Leifland His Lordship invited by the Suethes He takes leave of the King of Poland in his Camp Coldnesse discovered French and Hollanders take leave The Armyreviewed Reference to what followes Preface concerning his Lordship His birth Education Entrie into Military employment Designed to be Governour of Creutznach Seldome subject to passion Refuseth the foresaid Government Takes shelter under Englands Ambassador Presents himself to the King at Noremberg Againe committed His release moved by the Ambassador Duglass released Returns for England Lutzen â—â—ild The King of Suethland staine The Suethes win the Feild Some months dead er'e so beleived King of Bohemia deceased soone after Protestant Dyet or assembly Countenanced by Englands Ambassador And by the French and Brandenburg Landt-grave of Darmestadt solicited in vaine Saxons Elector likewise waves the conjuncture Oxenstierne director of the Protestant Affaires in Germany The Palatinate exhausted Recovered and entirely restored to the Electoral Administrator Confederates defeated at Ratisbo 〈…〉 Their retreat into the Palatinate Duglass Knighted and sent Agent into Germany Digression concerning Sir Robert Anstruthar That Kings eldest Son had then lately married a Daughter of that Duke Duglass acquits himself satisfactorily And is designed Ambassador into Poland Credentials and Instructions sent ro Duglals Enters upon his commission by visiting the Chancellour of Suethen The Chancellors discourse His Lordships reply Their farewell His Lordship takes journey from Francfort Is entertained at Hanaw Entertained by the Elector of Brandenburg Comes to Stettin in Pomerania To Dantzig French Ambassador Signes the Articles of the Treatie His Lordship offended Expostulates sharply with Zavatzkie By him smoothed with promise of satisfaction not performed He returned to Dantzig Delayes advertising Receives notice by letter of Polands distast Englands Agent returnes to Dantzig Sent unto the Parliament at Warsaw Two Errours in â—ne Grudges covered the King and his Lordship meet A mandate obtained in behalfe of the Eastland Merchants Zavatzkie sent Ambassador for England and with him Gordon Their sinceritie distrusted by his Lordship Suspected in England Made visible soone after and Polands Ambassador not admitted to Audience His Lordship comes to Damin Portentuous accident His Lordships Comment theron His sickning Agony Death Embalming advertisement and Inventary and Mournings concluded on Orders for finall dispose required Convoy for security desired Inventary taken Remove commenced Due Thanks tendred to the Chancellour of Suethen His death condoled by the Chancellour The Chancellors desire The like formerly elsewhere intimated The Corps brought neere Hamburg The Senate advertised and Scruple about the entrie Yet consented unto as desired Manner of Entrie The Corps disposed of by Order Servants strangers rewarded dismissed Eis Character The portent aforesaid enquired into and asserted Attestation from the Senate of Damin Observations upon the whole Vide Exegesis Historica page 350. 1. Article 2. Article 3. Article 4. Article 5. Article 6. Article 7. Article This Act hath not come to my hands otherwise the Heads therof had been particularized Observations on the Treaty On the Ambassadour Great beginnings Have not alwaies equall endings Mutual Greatnesse glittering Misery Happy closure