King of Persia which we cannot value at less then Fourscore thousand Royals 2000 l. 00 s. 00 d. 5. We demand Satisfaction for Four Houses Maliciously and Unjustly Burnt at Jocatra together with the Warehouses Magazines and Furniture occasion'd by the Dutch Governour there of all which we had Information from the Place it self after we had exhibited our first complaints the total of which damage we value at 50000 l. 00 s. 00 d. We demand Satisfaction for 32899 Pound of Pepper taken out of the Ship Endymion in 1649 the total of which damage amounts to 6000 l. 00 s. 00 d. 220796 l. 15 s. 00 d. A Summary of some particular damages sustain'd also from the Dutch East-India Company 1. FOR Damages sustain'd by those who Besieg'd Bantam whence it came to pass that for Six years together we were excluded from that Trade and consequently from an opportunity of laying out in Pepper Six hundred thousand Royals with which we might have laden our homeward bound Ships sor want of which lading they rotted upon the Coast of India In the mean time our Stock in India was wasted and consum'd in Mariners Wages Provision and other Furniture so that they could not value their Loss at less then Twenty hunder'd and four thousand Royals 600000 l. 00 s. 00 d. 2. More for Damages by reason of our due part lost of the fruits in the Molucca Islands Banda and Amboyna from the time that by the slaughter of our men we were thence expell'd till the time that we shall be satisfi'd for our Loss and Expences which space of time from the year 1622. to this present year 1650. for the yearly Revenue of 250000 lib. amounts in 28 years to 700000 l. 00 s. 00 d. 3. We demand Satisfaction for one hunder'd and two thousand nine hunder'd fifty nine Royals taken from us by the Mogul's People whom the Dutch protected in such a manner that we never could repair our Losses out of the Money or Goods of that People which lay in their Junks which we endeavour'd to do and was in our Power had not the Dutch unjustly defended ' em Which lost Money we could have trebled in Europe and value at 77020 l. 00 s. 00 d. 4. For the Customs of Persia the half part of which was by the King of Persia granted to the English Anno 1624. Which to the year 1629. is vrlued at Eight thousand Royals to which add the Four thousand Lib. which they are bound to pay since 1629. which is now One and twenty years and it makes up the Sum of 84000 l. 00 s. 00 d. From the First Account 220796 l. 15 s. Sum Total 1681996 l. 15 s. The Interest from that time will far exceed the Principal LETTERS Written in the Name of OLIVER the Protector To the Count of Oldenburgh Most Illustrious Lord BY your Letters dated January 20. 1654. I have bin given to understand That the Noble Frederick Matthias Wolisog and Chirstopher Griphiander were sent with certain Commands from your Illustrious Lordship into England who when they came to us not onely in your Name Congratulated our having taken upon us the Government of the Eoglish Republick but also desir'd that you and your Territories might be comprehended in the Peace which we are about to make with the Low Countries and that we would confirm by our present Authority the Letters of safe Conduct lately granted your Lordship by the Parlament Therefore in the first place we return your Lordship our hearty thanks for your Friendly Congratulation as it becomes us and these will let you know that we have readily granted your two Requests Nor shall you find us wanting upon any opportunity which may at any time make manifest our Affection to your Lordship And this we are apt to believe you will understand more at large from your Agents whose Fidelity and Diligence in this Affair of yours in our Court has bin eminently conspicuous As to what remains we most heartily wish the Blessings of Prosperity and Peace both upon you and your Affairs Your Illustrious Lordship's most Affectionate Oliver Protector of England Scotland and Ireland c. To the Count of Oldenburgh Most Illustrious Lord WE receiv'd your Letters dated May 2 from Oldenburgh most welcome upon more then one account as well for that they were full of singular Civility and Good-will toward us as because they were deliver'd by the hand of the most Illustrious Count Antony your beloved Son Which we look upon as so much the greater Honour as not having trusted to Report but with our own Eyes and by our own Observation discern'd his Vertues becoming such an Illustrious Extraction his noble Manners and Inclinations and lastly his extraordinary Affection toward our selves Nor is it to be question'd but he displays to his own People the same fair hopes at home that he will approve himself the Son of a most Worthy and most excellent Father whose signal Vertue and Prudence has all along so manag'd Affairs that rhe whole Territory of Oldenburgh for many years has enjoy'd a profound Peace and all the blessings of Tranquility in the midst of the raging confusions of War thundring on every side What reason therefore why we should not value such a Friendship that can so wisely and providently shun the Enmity of all men Lastly Most Illustrious Lord 't is for your Magnificent Present that we return you Thanks but 't is of Right and your Merits claim That we are cordially Westminster June 29. 1654. Your Illustrious Lordship's most Affectionate Oliver c. Superscrib'd To the Most Illustrious Lord Anthony Gunther Count in Oldenburgh and Delmenhorst Lord in Jehvern and Kniphausen Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England Scotland and Ireland c. To the most Serene Prince Charles Gustavus King of the Swedes Goths and Vandals Great Prince of Finland Duke of Esthonia Carelia Breme Verden Stettin in Pomerania Cassubia and Vandalia Prince of Rugia Lord of Ingria Wismaria as also Count Palatine of the Rhine and Duke of Bavaria Cleves and Monts c. Greeting Most Serene King THough it be already divulg'd over all the world that the Kingdom of the Swedes is translated to your Majesty with the extraordinary Applause and Desires of the People and the free Suffrages of all the Orders of the Realm yet that your Majesty should rather chuse that we should understand the welcome News by your most friendly Letters then by the common voice of Fame we thought no small Argument both of your good-will toward us and of the honour done us among the first Voluntary therefore and of Right we Congratulate this Accession of Dignity to your egregious Merits and the most worthy guerdon of so much Vertue And that it may be Lucky and Prosperous to your Majesty to the Nation of the Swedes and the true Christian Interest which is also what you chiefly wish with joynt supplications we implore of God And whereas your Majesty assures us That
most beloved Friends what you were always wont to be with God's assistance still continue Magnanimous and Resolute suffer not your Privileges your Confederacies the Liberty of your Consciences your Religion it self to be trampled under foot by the Worshippers of Idols and so prepare your selves that you may not seem to be the Defenders onely of your own Freedom and Safety but be ready likewise to Aid and Succour as far as in you lies your Neighbouring Brethren more especially those most deplorable Piedmontois as being certainly convinc'd of this that a Passage was lately intended to have bin open'd over their Slaughter'd bodies to your sides As for our part be assur'd that we are no less anxious and solicitous for your Welfare and Prosperity then if this conflagration had broken forth in our Republick or as if the Axes of the Schwits Canton had bin sharpen'd for our Necks or that their Swords had bin drawn against our Breasts as indeed they were against the bosoms of all the Reformed Therefore so soon as we were inform'd of the condition of your Affairs and the obstinate Animosities of your Enemies advising with some sincere and honest Persons together with some Mininisters of the Church most eminent for their Piety about sending to your Assistance such Succour as the present posture of our Affairs would permit we came to those Results which our Envoy Pell will impart to your consideration In the mean time we cease not to implore the Blessing of the Almighty upon all your Counsels and the Protection of your most just Cause as well in War as in Peace Westminster Jan. 1655. Your Lordships and Worships most Affectionate Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. to the most Serene Prince Charles Gustavus by the Grace of God King of the Swedes Goths and Vandals Great Prince of Finland c. Most Serene King SEeing it is a thing well known to all men that there ought to be a Communication of concerns among Friends whether in Prosperity or Adversity it cannot be but most grateful to us that your Majesty should vouchsafe to impart unto us by your Letters the most pleasing and delightful part of your Friendship which is your joy In regard it is a mark of singular Civility and truly Royal as not to live onely to a man's self so neither to rejoyce alone unless he be sensible that his Friends and Confederates partake of his gladness Certainly then we have reason to rejoyce for the Birth of a young Prince Born to such an excellent King and sent into the world to be the Heir of his Father's Glory and Vertue and this at such a lucky season that we have no less cause to Congratulate the Royal Parent with the memorable Omen that befel the Famous Philip of Macedon who at the same time receiv'd the Tydings of Alexander's Birth and the Conquest of the Illyrians For we make no question but the wresting of the Kingdom of Poland from Papal Subjection as it were a Horn dismembred from the Head of the Beast and the Peace so much desir'd by all Good men concluded with the Duke of Brandenburgh will be most highly conducing to the Tranquility and Advantage of the Church Heaven grant a conclusion correspondent to such signal beginnings and may the Son be like the Father in Vertue Piety and Renown obtain'd by great Atchievments Which is that we wish may luckily come to pass and which we beg of the Almighty so propitious hitherto to your Affairs Westminster Feb. 1655. Your Majesty's most Affectionate Oliver Protector of the Comonwealth of England c. To the King of Danemark Most Serene and Potent Prince JOhn Freeman and Philip Travess Citizens of this Republick by a Petition presented to us in their own and the Name of several other Merchants of London have made a complaint That whereas about the Month of March in the year 1653. they Freighted a certain Ship of Sunderburgh call'd the Saviour Nicolas Weinskinks Master with Woollen Cloth and other Commodities to the Value of above Three thousand Pound with Orders to the Master That he should Sail directly up the Baltick for Dantzick paying the usual Tribute at Elsenore to which purpose in particulor they gave him Money nevertheless that the said Master Perfidiously and contrary to the Orders of the said Merchants slipping by Elsenore without paying the usual Duty thought to have proceeded in his Voyage but that the Ship for this reason was immediately Seiz'd and detain'd with all her Lading After due consideration of which Complaints we Wrote in favour of the Merchants to your Majesty's Embassador residing at London who promis'd as they say that as soon as he return'd to your Majesty he would take care that the Merchants should be taken into consideration But he being sent to Negotiate your Majesty's Affairs in other Countries the Merchants attended upon him in vain both before and after his departure so that they were forc'd to send their Agent to prosecute their Right and Claim at Copenhagen and demand Restitution of the Ship and Goods but all the Benefit they reap'd by it was onely to add more expences to their former damages and a great deal of labour and pains thrown away the Goods being condemn'd to Confiscation and still detain'd Whereas by the Law of Danemark as they set forth in their Petition the Master is to be Punish'd for his Offence and the Ship is to be Condemn'd but not the Goods And they look upon this misfortune to lye the more heavy upon 'em in regard the Duty which is to be paid at Elsenore as they tell us is but very small Wherefore seeing our Merchants seem to have given no cause of Proscription and for that the Master confess'd before his death that this damage befel them onely through his neglect and the Father of the Master deceas'd by his Petition to your Majesty as we are given to understand by laying all the blame upon his Son has acquitted the Merchants we could not but believe the detaining of the said Ship and Goods to be most unjust and therefore we are confident that so soon as your Majesty shall be rightly inform'd of the whole matter you will not only disapprove of these Oppressions of your Ministers but give command that they be call'd to an account that the Goods be restor'd to the Owners or their Factors and Reparation made 'em for the Losses they have sustain'd All which we most earnestly request of your Majesty as being no more then what is so just and consentaneous to reason that a more equitable demand or more legal satisfaction cannot well be made considering the Justice of our Merchants Cause and which your own Subjects would think but fair and honest upon the like occasions To the most Serene Prince John the Fourth King of Portugal c. Most Serene King THE Peace and Friendship which your Majesty desir'd by your Noble and
Splendid Embassy sent to us some time since after certain Negotiations begun by the Parlament in whom the Supreme Power was vested at that time as it was always most affectionately wish'd for by us with the assistance of God and that we might not be wanting in the Administration of the Government which we have now taken upon us at length we brought to a happy conclusion and as we hope as a sacred Act have ratifi'd it to perpetuity And therefore we send back to your Majesty your extraordinary Embassador the Lord John Roderigo de Sita Meneses Count of Pennaguiada a person both approv'd by your Majesty's judgment and by us experienc'd to excel in Civility Ingenuity Prudence and Fidelity besides the merited applause which he has justly gain'd by accomplishing the ends of his Embassy which is the Peace which he carries along with him to his Country But as to what we perceive by your Letters dated from Lisbon the second of April that is to say how highly your Majesty esteems our Amity how cordially you favour our Advancement and rejoyce at our having taken the Government of the Republick upon us which you are pleas'd to manifest by singular Testimonies of Kindness and Affection we shall make it our business that all the world may understand by our readiness at all times to serve your Majesty that there could be nothing more acceptable or grateful to us Nor are we less earnest in our Prayers to God for your Majesty's safety the welfare of your Kingdom and the prosperous success of your Affairs Your Majesty's most Affectionate Oliver c. Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. To the High and Mighty States of the United Provinces Most High and Mighty Lords our dearest Friends CERTAIN Merchants our Countrey-men Thomas Bassel Richard Beare and others their Co-Partners have made their complaints before us That a certain Ship of theirs the Edmund and John in her Voyage from the Coast of Brasile to Lisbon was set upon by a Privateer of Flushing call'd the Red-Lyon Commanded by Lambert Bartelson but upon this condition which the Writing Sign'd by Lambert himself testifies That the Ship and whatsoever Goods belong'd to the English should be restor'd at Flushing where when the Vessel arriv'd the Ship indeed with what peculiarly belong'd to the Seamen was restor'd but the English Merchants Goods were detain'd and put forthwith to Sale For the Merchants who had receiv'd the Damage when they had su'd for their Goods in the Court of Flushing after great Expences for Five years together lost their Suit by the pronouncing of a most unjust Sentence against 'em by those Judges of which some being interested in the Privateer were both Judges and Adversaries and no less Criminal altogether So that now they have no other hopes but onely in your Equity and uncorrupted Faith to which at last they fly for Succour and which they believ'd they should find the more inclinable to do 'em Justice if assisted by our Recommendation And men are surely to be pardon'd if afraid of all things in so great a struggle for their Estates they rather call to mind what they have reason to fear from your Authority and high Power then what they have to hope well of their Cause especially before sincere and upright Judges Though for our parts we make no question but that induc'd by your Religion your Justice your Integrity rather then by our Intreaties you will give that Judgment which is Just and Equal and truly becoming your selves God preserve both you and your Republick to his own Glory and the defence and Succour of his Church Westminster April 1. 1656. Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England Scotland and Ireland c. To the most Serene Prince Charles Gustavus King of the Swedes Goths and Vandals Great Prince of Finland Duke of Esthonia Carelia Breme Verden Stettin Pomerania Cassubia and Vandalia Prince of Rugia Lord of Ingria and Wismaria Count Palatine of the Rhine Duke of Bavaria Juliers Cleves and Monts Most Serene Prince PEter Julius Coict having accomplish'd the Affairs of his Embassy with us and so acquitted himself that he is not by us to be dismiss'd without the Ornament of his deserved Praises is now returning to your Majesty For he was most acceptable to us as well and chiefly for your own sake which ought with us to be of high consideration as for his own deserts in the diligent acquittal of his Trust The Recommendation therefore which we receiv'd from you in his behalf we freely testifie to have bin made good by him and deservedly given by your self as he on the other side is able with the same Fidelity and Integrity to relate and most truly to declare our singular Affection and Observance toward your Majesty It remains for us to beseech the most Merciful and All-powerful God to Bless your Majesty with all Felicity and a perpetual course of Victory over all the Enemies of his Church Westminster Apirl 17. 1656. Your Majesty's most Affectionate Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. To the most Serene and Potent Prince Lewis King of France Most Serene Prince JOhn Dethic Mayor of the City of London for this Year and William Wakefield Merchant have made their Addresses to us by way of Petition complaining That about the middle of October 1649. they freighted a certain Ship call'd the Jonas of London Jonas Lightfoot Master with Goods that were to be sent to Ostend which Vessel was taken in the mouth of the River Thames by one White of Barking a Pyrate Robbing upon the Seas by Vertue of a Commission from the Son of King Charles deceas'd and carri'd to Dnnkirk then under the Jurisdiction of the French Now in regard that by your Majesty's Edict in the year 1647. renew'd in 1649. and by some other Decrees in favour of the Parlament of England as they find it recorded it was Enacted That no Vessel or Goods taken from the English in the time of that War should be carri'd into any of your Majesty's Ports to be there put to Sale they presently sent their Factor Hugh Morel to Dunkirk to demand Restitution of the said Ship and Goods from M. Lestrade then Governor of the Town more especially finding them in the Place for the most part untouch'd and neither Exchang'd or Sold. To which the Governor made Answer That the King had bestow'd that Government upon him of his free Gift for Service done the King in his Wars and therefore he would take care to make the best of the Reward of his Labour So that having little to hope from an Answer so unkind and unjust after a great Expence of Time and Money the Factor return'd home So that all the remaining hopes which the Petitioners have seem wholly to depend upon your Majesty's Justice and Clemency to which they thought
they might have the more easie access by means of our Letters and therefore that neither your Clemency nor your Justice may be wanting to People despoil'd against all Law and Reason and contrary to your repeated Prohibitions we make it our request Wherein if your Majesty vouchsafe to gratifie us since there is nothing requir'd but what is most just and equitable we shall deem it as obtain'd rather from your innate Integrity then any intreaty of ours Westminster May 1656. Your Majesty's most Affectionate Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. To the High and Mighty Lords the States of the United Provinces Most High and Mighty Lords our dearest Friends JOhn Brown Nicholas Williams and others Citizens of London have set forth in their Petition to us that when they had every one brought in their Proportions and Freighted a certain Ship call'd the Good-Hope of London bound for the East-Indies they gave Orders to their Factor to take up at Amsterdam Two thousand four hunder'd Dutch Pounds to insure the said Ship that afterwards this Ship in her Voyage to the Coast of India was taken by a Ship belonging to the East-India Company upon which they who had engag'd to Insure the said Vessel refus'd to Pay the Money and have for this Six years by various delays eluded our Merchants who with extraordinary Diligence and at vast Expences endeavour'd the recovery of their just Right Which in regard it is an unjust Grievance that lies so heavy upon the Petitioners for that some of those who oblig'd themselves are Dead or become Insolvent therefore that no farther Losses may accrue to their former Damages we make it our earnest request to your Lordships that you will vouchsafe your Integrity to be the harbour and refuge for People toss'd so many years and almost shipwrack'd in your Courts of Justice and that speedy judgment may be given according to the rules of Equity and Honesty in their Cause which they believe to be most just In the mean time we wish you all Prosperity to the Glory of God and the Welfare of his Church Westminste May 1656. Your High and Mighty Lordships most Affectionate Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. To the High and Mighty Lords the States of the United Provinces Most High and Mighty Lords our dearest Friends THE same Persons in whose behalf we wrote to your Lordships in September the last year Thomas and William Lower the lawful Heirs of Nicholas Lower deceas'd make grievous complaints before us that they are oppress'd either by the Favour or Wealth of their Adversaries notwithstanding the Justice of their Cause and when that would not suffice although our Letters often pleaded in their behalf they have not bin able hitherto to obtain Possession of the Inheritance left 'em by their Father's Will From the Court of Holland where the Suit was first Commenc'd they were sent to your Court and from thence hurri'd away into Zealand to which three Places they carry'd our Letters and now they are remanded not unwillingly back again to your Supream Judicature for where the Supream Power is there they expect Supream Justice If that hope fail 'em eluded and frustrated after being so long toss'd from post to pillar for the recovery of their Right where at length to find a resting place they know not For as for our Letters if they find no benefit of these the Fourth time Written they can never promise themselves any advantage for the future from slighted Papers However it would be most acceptable to us if yet at length after so many contempts the injur'd Heirs might meet with some Relief by a speedy and just Judgment if not out of respect to any Reputation we have among ye yet out of a regard to your own Equity and Justice Of the last of which we make no question and confidently presume you will allow the other to our Friendship Westminster May 6656. Your High and Mighty Lordships most Affectionate Oliver Protector of the Common-wealth of England c. Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. To the most Serene Prince John King of Portugal Most Serene King WHereas there is a considerable Sum of Money owing from certain Portugal Merchants of the Brasile Company to several English Merchants upon the account of Freightage and Demorage in the years 1649 and 1650. which Money is detain'd by the said Company by your Majesties Command the Merchants before-mention'd expected that the said Money should have bin paid long since according to the Articles of the last League but now they are afraid of being debarr'd all hopes and means of recovering their Debts understanding your Majesty has order'd That what Money is owing to 'em by the Brasile Company shall be carri'd into your Treasury and that no more then one half of the Duty of Freightage shall be expended toward the Payment of their Debts by which means the Merchants will receive no more then the bare Interest of their Money while at the same time they utterly lose their Principal Which we considering to be very severe and heavy upon 'em and being overcome by their most reasonable Supplications have granted 'em these our Letters to your Majesty chiefly requesting this at your hands to take care that the aforesaid Brasile Company may give speedy Satisfaction to the Merchants of this Republick and pay 'em not onely the Principal Money which is owing to 'em but the Five years Interest as being both just in it self and conformable to the League so lately concluded between us which on their behalf in most friendly manner we request from your Majesty Your Majesties most Affectionate Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth c. From our Palace at Westminster July 1656. Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. To the Most Serene Prince Charles Gustavus King of the Swedes Goths and Vandals c Most Serene King AS it is but just that we should highly value the Friendship of your Majesty a Prince so Potent and so Renown'd for great Atchievements so is it but equally reasonable that your Extraordinary Embassador the most Illustrious Lord Christiern Bond by whose sedulity and care a strict Alliance is most sacredly and solemnly ratifi'd between us should be most acceptable to us and no less deeply fix'd in our esteem Him therefore having now most worthily accomplish'd his Embassy we thought it became us to send back to your Majesty though not without the high Applause which the rest of his singular Vertues merit to the end that he who was before conspicuous in your esteem and respect may now be sensible of his having reap'd still more abundant fruits of his Sedulity and Prudence from our Recommendation As for those things which yet remain to be transacted we have determin'd in a short time to send an Embassy to your Majesty for the
such as we unwillingly dismiss him laden with the real Testimonials of our Applauses Almighty God grant all Prosperity to your Affairs and perpetuate our Friendship to his Glory and the support of his Orthodox Church From our Court at Westminster November 1657. Your High and Mightinesses most devoted Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. To the High and Mighty Lords the States of the United Provinces Most High and Mighty Lords our dearest Friends and Confederates GEorge Downing is a Person of Eminent Quality and after a long trial of his Fidelity Probity and Diligence in several and various Negotiations well approv'd and valu'd by us Him we have thought fitting to send to your Lordships dignify'd with the Character of our Agent and amply furnish'd with our Instructions We therefore desire your Lordship to receive him kindly and that so often as he shall signify that he has any thing to impart in our Name to your Lordships you will admit him free Audience and give the same Credit to him and entrust him with whatsoever you have to communicate to us which you may safely do as if our selves were personally present And so we beseech Almighty God to bless your Lordships and your Republick with all prosperity to the Glory of God and the Support of his Church From our Court at White-Hall Decemb. 1657. Your High and Mightinesses most Affectionate Oliver c. To the States of Holland THere being an Alliance between our Republick and yours and those Affairs to be transacted on both sides that without an Agent and Interpreter sent either by your selves or from us matters of such great moment can hardly be adjusted to the advantage of both Nations we thought it conducing to the common good of both Republicks to send Geroge Downing a Person of Eminent Quality and long in our knowledge and esteem for his undoubted Fidelity Probity and Diligence in many and various Negotiations dignifi'd with the Character of our Agent to reside with your Lordships and chiefly to take care of those things by which the Peace between us may be preserv'd entire and diuturnal Concerning which we have not onely written to the States but also thought it requisite to give notice also of the same to your Lordships Supreme in the Government of your Province and who make so considerable a Part of the Vnited Provinces to the end you may give that reception to our Resident which becomes him and that whatever he Transacts with your High and Mighty States you may assure your selves shall be as firm and irrevocable as if our selves had bin present in the Negotiation Now the most Merciful God direct all your Counsels and Actions to his Glory and the Peace of his Church Westm Decemb. 1657. Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. to the most Serene Prince Ferdinand Great Duke of Tuscany Most Serene Great Duke our much Honour'd Friend YOur Highness's Letters bearing date from Florence the 10th of Novemb. gave us no small occasion of content and satisfaction finding therein your Good will toward us so much the more conspicuous by how much Deeds then Words Performances then Promises are the more certain marks of a cordial Affection For what we requested of your Highness That you would command the Master of the Little Lewis William Ellis who most ignominiously broke his Faith with the Turks and the Ship and Goods to be Seiz'd and Detain'd till Restitution should be made to the Turks least the Cnristian Name should receive any Blemish by Thieveries of the like nature all those things and that too with an extraordinary zeal as we most gladly understood before your Highness writes that you have seen diligently perform'd We therefore return our Thanks for the kindness receiv'd and make it our farther request That when the Merchants have given security to satisfie the Turks the Master may be discharg'd and the Ship together with her Lading be forthwith dismis'd to the end we may not seem to have had more care perhaps of the Turks Interest then our own Countreymen In the mean time we take so kindly this surpassing favour done us by your Highness and most acceptable to us that we should not refuse to be branded with ingratitude if we should not ardently desire a speedy opportunity with the same promptitude of Mind to gratifie your Highness whereby we might be enabl'd to demonstrate our readiness to return the same good offices to so noble a Benefactor upon all occasions From our Court at Westm Decemb. 1657. Your Highnesses most Affectionate Oliver c. Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. To the most Serene and Potent Prince Charles Gustavus King of the Swedes Goths and Vandals c. Most Serene and Potent Prince our most Invincible Friend and Confederate BY your Majesty's Letters dated the 21st Of February from your Camp in Seland we found many reasons to be affected with no small joy as well for our own particular as in regard of the whole Christian Republick in general In the first place because the King of Danemark being become an Enemy not induc'd thereto as we are apt to believe by his own Inclinations or Interests but deluded by the Artifices of our common Adversaries is reduc'd to that condition by your sudden irruption into the very heart of his Kingdom with very little blood shed on either side that what was really true he will at length be perswaded that Peace would have bin more beneficial to him then the War which he has enter'd into against your Majesty Then again when he shall consider with himself that he cannot obtain it by any more speedy means then by making use of our Assistance long since offer'd him to procure a Reconciliation in regard your Majesty so readily intreated by the Letters onely deliver'd by our Agent by such an easy concession of Peace most clearly made it apparent how highly you esteem'd the Intercession of our Friendship he will certainly apply himself to us and then our Interposition in so Pious a work will chiefly require that we should be the sole Reconciler and almost Author of that Peace so beneficial to the Interests of the Protestants which as we hope will suddenly be accomplish'd For when the Enemies of Religion shall despair of breaking your United Forces by any other means then setting both your Majesties at variance then their own fears will overtake 'em lest this unexpected Conjunction which we ardently desire of your Arms and Minds should turn to the destruction of them that were the Kindlers of the War In the mean time most Magnanimous King may your Prowess go on and prosper and the same felicity which the Enemies of the Church have admir'd in the Progress of your Atchievements and the steady Careir of your Victories against a Prince now your Confederate the same by God's assistance may you enforce 'em to behold once more in their subversion From our Palace at Westminster March 30.
1658. Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. To the most Serene Prince Ferdinand Great Duke of Tuscany Most Serene Prince THE Answer which we have given to your Agent here residing we believe will fully satisfy your Highness as to our Admiral who but lately put into your Ports In the mean time John Hosier Master of a Ship call'd the Owner has set forth in a Petition to us that in April 1656. he hir'd out his Ship by a Charter-party Agreement to one Joseph Arman an Italian who manifestly broke all the Covenants therein contain'd so that he was enforc'd lest he should lose his Ship and Lading together with his whole Principal Stock openly to set forth the fraud of his Freighter after the manner of Merchants and when he had caus'd it to be register'd by a Publick Notary to sue him at Leghorne Joseph on the other side that he might make good one Fraud by another combining with two other Litigious Traders upon a faign'd Pretence by Perjury seiz'd upon Six thousand Pieces of Eight the Money of one Thomas Clutterbuck But as for his part the said Hosier after great Expences and loss of time could never obtain his Right and Due at Leghorn Nor durst he there appear in Court being threaten'd as he was and way-lay'd by his Adversaries We therefore request your Highness that you would vouchsafe your Assistance to this poor Opprest Man and according to your wonted Justice restrain the Insolence of his Adversary For in vain are Laws ordain'd for the government of Cities by the Authority of Princes if Wrong and Violence when they cannot abrogate shall be able by Threats and Terror to frustrate the Refuge and Sanctuary of the Laws However we make no doubt but that your Highness will speedily take care to punish a daring Boldness of this nature beseeching Almighty God to bless your Highness with Peace and Prosperity From our Court at Westminster April 7. 1658. To the most Serene and Potent Prince Lewis King of France Most Serene and Potent King and most August Friend and Confederate YOUR Majesty may call to mind that at the same time when the renewing the League between us was in agitation and no less auspiciously concluded as the many Advantages from thence accrewing to both Nations and the many Annoyances thence attending the Common Enemy sufficiently testify those dreadful Butcheries befel the Piedmontois and that we recommended with great fervency of mind and compassion their Cause on all sides forsaken and afflicted to your Commiseration and Protection Nor do we believe that your Majesty of your self was wanting in a Duty so pious that we may not say beseeming Common humanity as far as your Authority and the Veneration due to your Person could prevail with the Duke of Savoy Certain we are that neither our selves nor many other Princes and Cities were wanting in our Performances by the Interposition of Embassies Letters aud Intreaties After a most bloody Butchery of both Sexes and all Ages at length Peace was granted or rather a certain Clandestine Hostility cover'd over with the name of Peace The Conditions of Peace were agreed in your Town of Pignerol severe and hard but such as those miserable and indigent Creatures after they had suffer'd all that could be endur'd that was oppressive and barbarous would have been glad of had they been but observ'd as hard and unjust as they were But by false Constructions and various Evasions the Assurances of all these Articles are eluded and violated Many are thrust out from their ancient Abodes many are forbid the Exercise of their Religion new Tributes are exacted a new Citadel is impos'd upon them from whence the Soldiers frequently making Excursions either plunder or murther all they meet Add to all this That new Levies are privately preparing against 'em and all that embrace the Protestant Religion are commanded to depart by a prefix'd day so that all things seem to threaten the utter extermination of those deplorable Wretches whom the former Massaker spar'd Which I most earnestly beseech and conjure ye Most Christian King by that RIGHT HAND which sign'd the League and Friendship between us by that same goodly Ornament of your Title of MOST CHRISTIAN by no means to suffer nor to permit such liberty of Rage and Fury uncontroul'd we will not say in any Prince for certainly such barbarous Severity could never enter the breast of any Prince much less so tender in years nor into the female thoughts of his Mother but in those sanctifi'd Cut-throats who professing themselves to be the Servants and Disciples of our Saviour Christ who came into this World to save Sinners abuse his meek and peaceful Name and Precepts to the most cruel slaughter of the Innocent Rescue you that are able in your towring Station worthy to be able rescue so many Suppliants prostrate at your feet from the hands of Ruffians who lately drunk with Blood again thirst after it and think it their safest way to throw the Odium of their Cruelty upon Princes But as for you great Prince suffer not while you reign your Titles nor the Confines of your Kingdom to be contaminated with this same Heaven-offending Scandal nor the peaceful Gospel of Christ to be defil'd with such abominable Cruelty Remember that they submitted themselves to your Grandfather Henry most friendly to the Protestants when the Victorious Lesdiguieres pursu'd the retreating Savoyard o're the Alpes There is also an Instrument of that Submission register'd among the Publick Acts of your Kingdom wherein it is excepted and provided among other things That from that time forward the Piemontois should not be deliver'd over into the Power of any Ruler but upon the same Conditions upon which your Invincible Grandfather receiv'd them into his Protection This Protection of your Grandfather these Suppliants now implore from you as Grandchild 'T is your Majesty's part to whom those People now belong to give 'em that protection which they have chosen by some exchange of Habitation if they desire it and it may be done Or if that be a Labour too difficult at least to succour 'em with your Patronage your Commiseration and your admittance into Sanctuary And there are some Reasons of State to encourage your Majesty not to refuse the Piemontois a safe Asylum in your Kingdom But I am unwilling that you so great King should be induc'd to the defence and succour of the miserable by any other Arguments then those of your Ancestor's pledg'd Faith your own Piety Royal Benignity and Magnanimity Thus the Immaculate and intire Glory of a most Egregious Act will be your own and you will find the Father of Mercy and his Son King Christ whose Name and Doctrine you have vindicated from nefarious Inhumanity so much the more favourable and propitious to your Majesty all your days The God of Mercy and Power infuse into your Majesty's Heart a Resolution to defend and save so many Innocent Christians and maintain your
c. To the most Serene and Potent Prince Lewis King of France Most Serene and Potent Prince our most August Confederate and Friend BY so speedily repaying our profound Respect to your Majesty with an Accumulation of Honour by such an Illustrious Embassy to our Court you have not onely made known to us but to all the People of England your singular Benignity and Generosity of Mind but also how much you favour our Reputation and Dignity For which we return our most cordial Thanks to your Majesty as justly you have merited from us As for the Victory which God has given most fortunate to our United Forces against our Enemies we rejoyce with your Majesty for it and that our People in that Battel were not wanting to your Assistance nor the Military Glory of their Ancestors nor their own Pristin Fortitude is most grateful to us As for Dunkirk which as your Majesty Wrote you were in hopes was near Surrender 't is a great addition to our joy to hear from your Majesty such speedy Tidings that it is absolutely now in your Victorious hands and we hope moreover that the loss of one City will not suffice to repay the twofold Treachery of the Spaniard but that your Majesty will in a short time Write us the welcome News of the Surrender also of the other Town As to your Promise That you will take care of our Interests we mistrust it not in the least upon the Word of a most Excellent King and our most assured Friend confirm'd withal by your Embassador the most accomplish'd Duke of Crequi Lastly we beseech Almighty God to prosper your Majesty and the Affairs of France both in Peace and War Westminster June 1658. Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. To the most Eminent Lord Cardinal Mazarin Most Eminent Lord WHile we are returning Thanks to the most Serene King who to Honour and Congratulate us as also to intermix his Joy with ours for the late glorious Victory has sent a splendid Embassy to our Court we should be ungrateful should we not also by our Letters pay our due acknowledgments to your Eminency who to testifie your Good-will toward us and how much you make it your study to do us all the Honour which lyes within your power have sent your Nephew to us a most Excellent and most Accomplish'd young Gentleman and if you had any nearer Relation or any Person whom you valu'd more would have sent him more especially to us as you declare in your Letters adding wlthal the Reason which coming from so great a Personage we deem no small advantage to our Praise and Ornament that is to say to the end that they who are most nearly Related to your Eminency in Blood might learn to imitate your Eminency in shewing Respect and Honour to our Person And we would have it not to be their meanest strife to follow your Example of Civility Candour and Friendship to us since there are not more conspicuous Examples of extraordinary Prudence and Vertue to be imitated then in your Eminency from whence they may learn with equal Renown to Govern Kingdoms and manage the most important Affairs of the World Which that your Eminency may long and happily Administer to the Prosperity of the whole Realm of France to the common Good of the whole Christian Republick and your own Glory we shall never be wanting in our Prayers to implore From our Court at White-Hall June 1658. Your Excellency's most Affectionate Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. To the most Serene and Potent Prince Charles Gustavus King of the Swedes Goths and Vandals c. Most Serene and Potent Prince our dearest Confiderate and Friend AS often as we behold the busy Counsels and various Artifices of the common Enemies of Religion so often do we revolve in our Minds how necessary it would be and how much for the safely of the Christian world that the Protestant Princes and most especially your Majesty should be united with our Republick in a most first and solemn Confederacy Which how ardently and zealously it has bin sought by our selves how acceptable it would have bin to us if ours and the Affairs of Swedeland had bin in that posture and condition if the said League could have bin sacredly concluded to the good liking of both and that the one could have bin a seasonable Succour to the other we declar'd to your Embassadors when first they enter'd into Treaty with us upon this Subject Nor were they wanting in their duty but the same Prudence which they were wont to shew in other things the same Wisdom and Sedulity they made known in this Affair But such was the Perfidiousness of our wicked and restless Countrey-men at home who being often receiv'd into our Protection ceas'd not however to machinate new disturbances and to resume their formerly often frustrated and dissipated Conspiracies with our Enemies the Spaniards that being altogether taken up with the preservation of our selves from surrounding dangets we could not bend our whole care and our entire Forces as we wish'd we could have done to defend the common Cause of Religion Nevertheless what lay in our power we have already zealously perform'd and whatever for the future may conduce to your Majesty's Interests we shall not onely shew our selves willing but industrious to carry on in union with your Majesty upon all occasions In the mean time we most gladly Congratulate your Majesty's Victories most Prudently and Couragiously atchiev'd and in our daily Prayers implore Almighty God long to continue to your Majesty a steady course of Conquest and Felicity to the Glory of his Name From our Court at White-Hall June 1658. Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. To the most Serene Prince the King of Portugal Most Serene King our Friend and Confederate JOhn Buffield of London Merchant has set forth in a Petition to us That in the year 1649. he deliver'd certain Goods to Anthony John and Manuel Ferdinando Castaneo Merchants in Tamira to the end that after they had sold 'em they might give him a just account according to the Custome of Merchants after which in his Voyage for England he fell into the hands of Pyrates and being Plunder'd by 'em receiv'd no small Damage Upon this News Antony and Manuel believing he had bin Kill'd presently look'd upon the Goods as their own and still detain 'em in their hands refusing to come to any Account covering this Fraud of theirs with a Sequestration of Englisb Goods that soon after ensu'd So that he was forc'd the last year in the middle of Winter to return to Portugal and demand his Goods but all in vain For that the said John and Anthony could by no fair means be perswaded either to deliver the said Goods or to come to any Account and which is more to be admir'd justifi'd their private detention of the Goods by the Publick Attainder Finding therefore that being a
more reason you will have to be assur'd of our singular Love and Kindness for your Lordships From our Court at White-Hall August 1657. Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. To the most Noble the Senators and Consuls of the City of Lubeck Most Noble Magnificent and Right Worshipful our dearest Friends COllonel William Jepson a Person of great Honour and a Senator in our Parlament is to pass with the Character of a Publick Minister from your City to the King of Sweden encamping not far from it Wherefore we desire your Lordships that if occasion require upon the account of the Friendship and Commerce between us you will be Assistant to him in his Journey through your City and the Territories under your Jurisdiction As to what remains it is our farther pleasure That you be Saluted in our Name and that you be assur'd of our Good-will and ready Inclinations to serve your Lordships From our Court at Westminster August 1657. Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. To the City of Hamborough Most Noble Magnificent and Right Worshipful PHilip Meadows who brings these Letters to your Lordships is to Travel through your City with the Character of our Agent to the King of Danemark Therefore we most earnestly recommend him to your Lordships that if any occasion should happen for him to desire it you would be ready to Aid him with your Authority and Assistance And we desire that this our Recommendation may have the same weight at present with your Lordships as formerly it wont to have nor shall we be wanting to your Lordships upon the same Opportunities From our Court at White-Hall August 1657. Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. To the most Sereae Prince Frederick Heir of Norway Duke of Sleswic Holsatia and Ditmarsh Count in Oldenburgh and Delmenhorst Most Serene Prince our dearest Friend COllonel William Jepson a Person truly Noble in his Countrey and a Senator in our Parlament is sent by us as our Envoy Extraordinary to the most Serene King of Sweden and may it prove Happy and Prosperous for the common Peace and Interests of Christendome We have given him Instructions among other things That in his Journey after he has Kiss'd your Serenities hands in our Name and declar'd our former Good-will and constant Zeal for your Welfare to request of your Serenity also That being Guarded with your Authority he may Travel with Safety and Convenience through your Territories By which kind act of Civility your Highness will in a greater measure oblige us to returns of answerable Kindness From our Court at Westm August 1657. Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. To the most Serene Prince Ferdinand Great Duke of Tuscany Most Serene Great Duke our dearest Friend THE Company of our Merchants Trading to the Eastern Coasts of the Mediterranean Sea by their Petition to us have set forth That William Ellis Master of a Ship call'd the Little Lewis being at Alexandria in Egypt was hir'd by the Basha of Memphis to carry Rice Sugar and Coffee either to Constantinople or Smyrna for the use of the Grand Seignior but that contrary to his Faith and Promise given he bore away privately from the Ottoman Fleet and brought his Ship and Lading to Leghorn where now he lives in Possession of his Prey Which Villanous Act being of dangerous Example as exposing the Christian Name to scandal and the Fortunes of our Merchants living under the Turks to Violence and Ransack we therefore make it our request to your Highness That you will give Command that the said Master be Apprehended and Imprison'd and that the Vessel and Goods may remain under seizure till we shall have given notice of our care for the restitution of those Goods to the Sultan Assuring your Highness of our readiness to make suitable returns of gratitude whenever opportunity presents it self From our Court at Westm Septemb. 1657. Your Highness's most Affectionate Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. To the most Serene Prince the Lord Frederic William Marquiss of Brandenburgh c. Most Serene Prince our most dear Friend and Confederate BY our last Letters to your Highness either already or shortly to be deliver'd by our Embassador William Jepson we have imparted the substance of our Embassy to your Highness Which we could not do without some mention of your great Vertues and demonstration of our own Good will and Affection Nevertheless That we may not seem too superficially to have glided over your transcending deservings of the Protestant Interests we thought it proper to resume the same subject and pay our Respect and Veneration not more willingly or with a greater fervency of Mind but somewhat more at large to your Highness And truly most deservedly when daily Information reaches our ears That your Faith and Conscience by all manner of Artifices Tempted and Assail'd by all manner of Arts and Devices Solicited yet cannot be shaken or by any Violence be rent from your Friendship and Alliance with a most Magnanimous Prince and your Confederate And this when the Affairs of the Swedes are now reduc'd to that condition that in adhering to their Alliance 't is manifest that your Highness rather consults the common Cause of the Reformed Religion then your own Advantage And when your Highness is almost surrounded and besieg'd by Enemies either privately lurking or almost at your Gates yet such is your Constancy and Resolution of Mind such your Conduct and Prowess becoming a great General that the burthen and massy bulk of the whole Affair and the event of this important War seems to rest and depend upon your sole determination Wherefore your Highness has no reason to question but that you may rely upon our Friendship and unfeigned Affection who should think our selves worthy to be forsaken of all men's Good word should we seem careless in the least of your unblemish'd Fidelity your Constancy and the rest of your applauded Vertues or should we pay less respect to your Highness upon the common score of Religion As to those matters propounded by the most Accomplish'd John Frederic Schlever your Counsellor and Agent here residing if hitherto we could not return an Answer such as we desir'd to do though with all assiduity and diligence labour'd by your Agent we intreat your Highness to impute it to the present condition of our Affairs and to be assur'd that there is nothing which we account more sacred or more earnestly desire then to be serviceable and assisting to your Interests so bound up with the Cause of Religion In the mean time we beseech the God of Mercy and Power that so signal a Prowess and Fortitude may never languish or be oppress'd nor be depriv'd the Fruit and due Applause of all your Pious Undertakings From our Court at Westminster September 1657. Your Highness's most Affectionate Oliver Protector of the