and all its Ammunition was delivered up This written Inventory with all the things set down therein were delivered and really received by me under-writen Lieutenant-General of the most Serene King of Denmark and Norway after the performance of the Surrender of the Fort of Tonningen and I do engage my Faith that all shall be fully restored according to the promise of his most Serene Royal Majesty and as it ought to be and to that end have subscribed this with my own hand Charles Arenstorff Out of the Instrument of Peace at Roschild 12. May 1658. As to the pretended satisfaction for the damages received by the last War the most Serene Duke of Gottorp the most excellent Mediators judging it fit condescends out of friendship and affection to remit all his pretensions thereunto for all the Vassalage remitted to him that the Amty between his most Serene Royal Majesty and the Duke and also the Kingdom of Denmark the Dukedoms and the Subjects of both Princes may remain firm and entire and that the good correspondence which ought to be between Allies Brothers and Neighbours may be preserved Out of the League between Sweden and Gottorp made May 24. 1661. And as there is no other cause for the making of this Alliance than to keep the Peace between the Princes of the North inviolate and render the security of the House of Gottorp established thereby more entire and the most Serene Duke of Gottorp not obliging himself in any thing to the King and Kingdom of Sweden but what relates to this Peace and Security and the preservation of the Friendship and Amity between them so no other Leagues whether already made or which shall be hereafter made shall prejudice either of the Parties nor be a hindrance to this Treaty or take place against it Besides the most Serene Duke that he may remove all suspition of his proceedings desires that the extension or interpretation of this League may no ways reach his Imperial Majesty or the Empire or any other Kings Electors and Princes if they do not injure the Duke contrary to the Peace of the North and he also reserves to himself the liberty to keep and improve by the best ways he shall think fit that good correspondence with the King of Denmark which may and ought to be between Neighbours and may be most advantageous to his Family Provinces and Subjects without derogating from the Peace of the North. Out of the Peace of Roschild made the 26 Feb. 1658. Art 22. His most Serene Majesty of Denmark shall be obliged to satisfie Prince Frederick Duke of Sleswick and Holstein-Gottorp according to Equity which satisfaction shall be treated of by his Royal Majesties and his Highnesses Commissioners yet so as that this Treaty be finished before the second of May. Out of the Instrument of Peace between the most Serene King of Denmark and the Duke at Copenhaguen 12 of May 1658. Art 6. And so in the Name of God the Grievances and Demands exhibited are either absolutely or provisionally taken off to the satisfaction of the interessed and the King and Prince do promise bona side and in words without equivocation that they will keep this Treaty and not recede from it under any pretence whatsoever whatever it may be and observe these Articles as faithfully as those of the Peace at Roschild employing all their cares to transmit and propagate this Friendship now renewed perfect and entire to their Posterity We Frederick III. King of Denmark and Norway c. declare by these Presents that we have after mature deliberation upon all that has been proposed by the Lords Mediators either by word of Mouth or in Writing concerning the Treaty and Conclusion of a Peace consented and by vertue of these Presents do consent to the same as far as they agree with the Acts passed by the three States for the establishing a Peace between Us and the King of Sweden Copenhaguen August 23. V. S. 1659. Another Declaration of his most Serene Royal Majesty upon the business of the Peace to be made with the King and Kingdom of Sweden presented to the Lords Mediators Plenipotentiaries at Copenhaguen We Frederick III. by the Grace of God King of Denmark and Norway Duke of Sleswick and Holstein c. To all and every one whom it doth or may any way concern Be it known that as we have among other things as well by our Declaration of the 14 24 August shewed our great propensity to a Peace to the Lords Mediators of the three States as by another of the 25 4 August Sept. delivered by Our Order into the Hands of the same Mediators by which we declare that after a due consideration of the Propositions of their Excellencies made as well by word of Mouth as in Writing the 18 28 of the same Month for a happy Issue of this present Peace We do consent to them all as far as they are agreeable with the resolutions past by the three States the 11 21 of May the 14 24 of July and 25 4 July August about the Peace to be made between Us and the King and Kingdom of Sweden so we do hereby testifie and confirm that VVe adhere still to the same Declaration and to give a greater proof of our said Inclination for Peace and to take away all sort of suspition of the contrary VVe declare by these Presents that VVe desire nothing more than that the Commissioners of both Parties without any delay of time may meet at the place before appointed for the Treaty of Peace and by the Mediation of the Ambassadors of the three States make a happy conclusion of the same without any further delay And VVe relying entirely upon the Integrity and Equity of the said Lords do also hereby declare That if it shall be thought fit to add or change any thing in the Treaty at Roschild we remit and leave it all to their discretion and care In greater trust and certainty whereof we have to these Presents set Our Royal Hand and Seal at Our Court at Copenhaguen the 19. of March 1660. Frederick III. Out of the Instrument of Peace at Roschild renewed in the Year 1660. Art 27 28. VVhereas it was agreed by the 22th Article of the Treaty at Roschild that his Royal Majesty of Denmark should be obliged to give an equitable satisfaction to the most High Prince the Duke of Sleswick and Holstein-Gottorp and his said Majesties and his said Highnesses Commissioners after several Conferences held at Copenhaguen the 12 22 of May 1658 having at last come to a final Agreement and Conclusion it is hereby stipulated that all those Treaties and Transactions shall be exactly observed and fulfilled faithfully on both sides Moreover if there has happened any thing in this or the precedent VVars which may any way create animosities and jealousies between his most Serene Royal Majesty and Kingdom of Denmark and his most Serene Highness the Duke of Holstein-Gottorp or any thing between
of these two Countries was left to both Princes joyntly and they to command in them every year alternatively and to have the whole Nobility and other the States subject to them And as it cannot be denied but that this conjunction contributed very much to the peace and qulet of Denmark so the Dukes of Gottorp have used this Right so carefully and discreetly that none of their Acts have in the least derogated from these Treaties of Union which is more than can be said of the Danes for though they talk of the Union when it is advantageous to them yet have they often violated the same in things of the greatest Importance which is proved by this That the Kings of Denmark cannot without breach of the Treaties as most manifestly appears by the Articles of the Union enter into a VVar nor carry it on at their own pleasure without first acquainting the Dukes of Gottorp with their Designs and obtaining his consent to it nor in time of VVar dispose at his will of their Subjects or their Estates who are either in his or in the Dukes Territories But as the will and authority of the Kings of Denmark have sometimes prevailed in other Affairs relating to these Dukedomes so have they affected hitherto to take greater power than the Dukes though but their equals there And this having happened many times before the Danish Monarchy was Hereditary and the Danes since strengthning themselves by little and little are now come to that as to make and expound all manner of Treaties for the advantage of their King and either think themselves no longer oblig'd to them then as they are found such or as they may by them ensnare the Dukes of Gottorp For the Danes publish openly that their King will hereafter order matters in these Provinces the Government whereof is joyntly in him and the Duke as a Prince having the Soveraign Power and consequently use the Duke as his Vassal This Joynt-Government being by the Treaties extended to both Dukedoms it is easily to be seen that the King intends to exercise a Soveraign and Independent Power in Sleswick and afterwards by little and little Usurp the same under divers pretences and especially that of the Union in the Dukedome of Holstein and so wholly abolish the Dignity and Authority of the Dukes of Gottorp either by the Right of a Military Power or by degrees in time of Peace Therefore what one of the Fathers says of Religion That she brought forth Riches but the Daughter devoured the Mother may be said upon this occasion The Vnion brought forth this Joynt-Government but the quarrelsome Daughter has destroyed her Mother The Danes have no reason then to deceive the House of Gottorp and the VVorld with the specious word of Union since every one may see that the former condition thereof is much alter'd and the farther this Danish Soveraignty shall extend her VVings the more the House of Gottorp will be endangered thereby And no body can look upon this as a meer Conjecture and Guess since the Danes have in times past and of late confirmed the Truth hereof and forced the most incredulous to Believe it For in the beginning of May 1677 the King began to demolish the VValls of the Fort of Tunderen in the Dukedome of Sleswick though it appertained to the Duke of Gottorp without speaking a word to him of his design or reason for it Not long before a laden Ship belonging to some Merchants of Lubeck was stranded upon the Shore near Newstadt a Town of the Duke of Gottorp's in the Dukedome of Holstein Now this being without dispute in the Territories of the House of Gottorp and some monys being due to the Duke as Lord of the Place for salvage of the Goods and the keeping of them the Officer of the Place to keep his Masters right caused the Goods to be brought a-Shore and to be shut up in a Barn c. The Duke intending they should be restored to their Owners But soon after came some of the Kings Officers with orders to confiscate the Goods and having broken open the Barn-door without any regard to Law or the Soveraignty of the Place conveyed the Goods away upon several Waggons to Hilgenhaven one of the Kings Towns and thereby manifestly violated the Dukes right having no Orders for the same but from the Kings Commissioners Besides in the latter end of March 1677 the King of Denmark signified to the Duke of Gottorp that he thought fit some Publick days should be appointed for the Subjects to Pray for the Preservation of the Country But herein likewise was a design for it being usual to set three days apart for publick Prayers yearly in his Highnesses Territories in the week before Rogation-Sunday the King resolv'd to take that time and would not expect the consent of the Duke for it but taking no notice thereof commanded those days to be kept in the Dukedome of Sleswick in his own Name alone and in the Dukedom of Holstein in his and the Duke of Holstein's Name thereby infringing the Articles of Union in several respects And though the King publishes he acquainted the Duke of Gottorp with this design yet the Duke did never consent to the thing nor the manner of it It is by meer force and no right that the King deteins that part of the Dukedome of Sleswick which does and did belong to the Duke of Gottorp as we shall at large prove The Duke of Gottorp having already contradicted and firmly contradicting all what his Majesty shall publish or command there in his Name alone Besides the King alone has no right to order matters of the Government of the Dukedome of Holstein which ought to be setled by both Princes not having the consent of the Duke though he cause his Orders to be Published and Proclaimed in the Dukes name as well as his own For a thing is not done by two persons unless there be a joynt consent It is evident therefore that this also has been done contrary to the ancient Treaties and because that the Kings Order had only his Majesties Seal and that the King alone cannot enjoyn the States of the Provinces any thing and especially because that all this hath been done at a time when the Duke according to course ought to have had the direction and Prerogative of the Soveraign Power and Joint-Government from whose Power and Right herein howsoever the Danes endeavour to detract by these pretended Novelties the most Serene Duke did on the first of May 1677 protest against it and having appointed the usual days for publick Prayers doth again hereby repeat his publick Protestation in that behalf Lastly this Calumny has also been added to the above-mentioned as if the Duke of Gottorp though almost entirely ruined by the Danes should intend dangerous practises against their state And first this Story has gone about that he was raising Eight Thousand Men in Ireland to Transport into his Territories and a great
the War the Danes have no reason to complain of them for it the Swedes having then a just right by the Law of Nations to require yet more from Denmark And here this Rule of the Civil Law must take place Whatsoever damage a man suffers through his own de 〈…〉 is to be accounted no damage 2. Not only 〈…〉 nd the States of the Kingdome of Denâ—â—â—◠〈…〉 with the Duke of Gottorp have Sworn each of 〈…〉 eep those Articles inviolate but the King of Great Britain the Most Christian King and the States of the Vnited-Provinces by whose care the Peace of Roschild was procured have also approved the same as Guarantees and thence it is manifest that whosoever of the Parties shall violate this Treaty or refuse to be obliged by the same doth not only offend against God and his Conscience but also the Law of Nations and particularly provokes the Arms of those Princes who are engaged solemnly in the Guaranty of the Treaty 3. The Danes have consented to this Agreement twice already first by a general Approbation in the 22 Article of the Peace of Roschild made the 26 of Feb. 1658 and then more specially by the Agreement made at Copenhaguen the 12 of May the same year A little after the War between the Swedes and the Danes being renewed of a sudden the Danes besieged Tonningen and the Duke with all his Court residing in it to make him renounce the Articles above-mentioned and renounce his Soveraignty in the Dukedome of Sleswick The Danes indeed complained at that time that the Swedes had retaken Arms against them but whether justly or unjustly is not our business now to dispute For what has the Duke of Gottorp to do with it The King of Sweden his Son-in-Law did not give him the least notice that he intended to pass into Denmark and renew the War there neither was his Highness charged of having committed any offence against the King of Denmark But suppose this second War of the Swedes was unjust as the Danes alledge must therefore the Innocent and the Guilty be treated alike what the Duke enjoyed was as a just satisfaction the Justice whereof he never did any thing against Therefore when there was an end put to this War by the Peace of 1660 the Swedes indeed remitted again into the hands of the King of Denmark some things that had been granted them by the Treaty of Roschild But all that had been yielded or promised to the House of Gottorp remained as before without the least diminution The Most Christian King the King of Great Britain and the States General of the Vnited Provinces thinking it just to leave it so the Danes for the third time now approving that Treaty and agreeing besides with the Duke of Gottorp to pass a general Amnesty for all Injuries and other matters committed before that time as appears by the 27 and 28 Articles of that Treaty 4. Besides when the Treaty of Peace was concluded between the Swedes and the Poles with their Allies the Emperor and Elector of Brandenbourgh at Oliva 1660 the King of Denmark and the Duke of Gottorp were not only included therein But the Treaty between them the Swedes and the Duke made at Roschild and renewed afterwards 1660 was also included in it as if it had been transcribed word for word the Danes ratisying what the Kings of Sweden and Poland and the Emperour and Elector of Brandenbourg had stipulated to that purpose and so now the fourth time solemnly approved the Agreements between themselves and the House of Gottorp And to the intent that this Peace might be strictly kept by all Parties not only the Danes and Poles with their Confederates promise one another a mutual Guaranty but the King of France also entred into the same agreeing amongst other things That if any Prince thought himself grieved by any other way than force of Armes he should not Revenge it by way of Arms but complain to the several Princes who were Parties in this Treaty desiring them to procure him a present and sufficient satisfaction Vid. Artic. 22. 26. 31. 35. of that Treaty I would fain have the Danes tell us what Injuries the House of Gottorp has done them either by way of Arms or otherwise If they cannot tell nor prove any the Duke of Gottorp has reason to expect to be restored to all his Rights by the Princes that have engaged their Faith in this Treaty and that the Danes should be used as breakers of the Peace If the Danes will make these trivial objections which have been already answered pass for Injuries and especially the League made with Sweden by the Duke of Gottorp for his own defence I am afraid they will find few expert Ministers of their mind It has always and ever will be lawful to make such Leagues Nay if the Danes will but remember their own Designs and examine their Conscience they must needs own themselves the Authors or occasion of this League For such Principles must never be neglected nor the Power of any ever be raised to such a greatness or it must not be left in any ones power to do hurt who has a mind to do it that afterwards you may not be in a condition to dispute your right upon equal terms Saith Polyb. lib. 1. 5. The dissenting minds of Princes having been in all Ages happily reconciled by Marriage and their Animosities thereby laid down and sometimes totally extinguisht the Duke of Gottorp thought fit to use this Remedy and having humbly demanded and obtained as a Pledge of sincere Friendship between both Princes the Daughter of Frederick King of Denmark of happy Memory for his Wife and several Articles being at the same time agreed upon by the King and the Duke as well relating to the Dowry as other things the King then again ratified all that had been so many times agreed between them concerning this Dukedome So that the King now for the fifth time gave his consent to it in the year 1667 most freely and without the least appearance of constraint by War or otherwise 6. The Danes without the least provocation or new injury all former matters being by an Amnesty in the Treaty abolished on both sides but out of a desire of Revenge and hope of regaining their losses have first broken this Peace and Agreement made and concluded between the King and States of Denmark and the House of Gottorp so often Sworn to and approved by both partly by committing Violences upon old abolish'd pretences and which by several Conventions have been before adjusted and partly by doing things either directly against the tenor of the Articles or the necessary consequences of them for whatever is acted contrary to Friendship breaks the Peace which subsists by nothing else And what other men are obliged to by Friendship alone Princes are further tied to by their Promises and Treaties And therefore we hope it will find little credit what the Danes falsly accuse
against another Prince that is Soveraign as well as he and his Equal the injur'd Prince or any for him may perform the Office of Pretor use all means to procure a full and ample Reparation of his damages If the Duke of Gottorp is not strong enough to do it himself all Christian Princes and Commonwealths must make this cause theirs and employ all their Power to restore him For Wars may be undertook not only for Friends and Allies but for men as such if they are barbarously injured Grot. lib. 3. de I. B. P. c. 25. n. 1. seq And who is more injur'd than he who by a Cousin of the same Family his near Ally and Brother against his Faith so many times sworn is so ill used as to be deprived of all his Authority and Dignity Therefore since other Princes are not a little concerned when the condition of any Prince is brought so low contrary to all Justice and when perhaps his entire ruin is endeavoured especially if these base Counsels proceed from Ministers who in their actions and speeches have no regard to the great Asserter of Faith and consequently less to Faith it self the foundation of Justice and the tie of all human Societies all Princes and States ought first of all to take care that Faith be kept inviolable and Treaties and Contracts between them be not violated lest this tie of Friendship and Society being broke the world should fall into confusion by their câ—nnivence before the time decreed by Divine Providence And those Princes and States are chiefly obliged to take care of this Restitution who have guaranted the Treaties between the King of Denmark and the House of Gottorp and have signed the Instruments of Peace between Sweden and Germany and that of Roschild and Oliva engaging for the performance of them in such terms and expressions that if they were meant as they are set down which is not at all to be doubted no man but will believe they intend to perform their Promises And to induce them thereunto without any delay let the great danger of this example and the greatness of the Injuries be considered and that it is also the earnest request of the Duke of Gottorp who is every day more and more oppressed with new Injuries And since amongst these Princes that are Securities the good will of the most Serene and Potent King of Great Britain towards the House of Gottorp appears above the rest his Majesty having not only engaged himself with other Princes and States for the preservation of the Peace at Roschild and the Treaty of Copenhaguen made between the King of Denmark and the House of Gottorp soon after that at Roschild but having also passed his word and Guaranty for the Soveraignty yielded by the King and Kingdom of Denmark to the House of Gottorp and most especially his Majesty being now the Mediator of all publick Differences Give us leave most Potent King to let all the World know this great affection of your Majestie 's towards the House of Gottorp and to put you in mind of your special Engagement to our Duke for the Soveraignty of Sleswick which you can as easily make good as you were pleased to engage for it that you may be known for as great a Defender of the Civil as of the Christian Faith and in judging the Differences between the King of Denmark and the House of Gottorp or disposing all things to a Peace make use of that Equity and Moderation which may prove a Remedy to the Injur'd a Defence to the Oppressed and a Reward of Eternal Glory to your Majesty and the Noble People of England THE ARTICLES Of the TREATY at Rendsbourgh KNow all Men to whom these Presents shall come That whereas for the common Security and Safety several Treaties of Union and Conjunction have been heretofore made between the Kingdom of Denmark and the Dukedoms of Sleswick and Holstein which have been renewed augmented and changed according to the Exigence of times and that the most Serene and Potent Prince and Lord Christian the V. King of Denmark and Norway Goths and Vandals Duke of Sleswick and Holstein Stormar and Dithmars Earl of Oldenbourgh and Delmenhorst and the most Reverend and Serene Prince and Lord the Lord Christian Albert Heir of Norway Coadjutor of the Bishoprick of Lubeck Duke of Sleswick and Holstein Stormar and Dithmars Earl of Oldenbourgh and Delmenhorst judging it very necessary in these dangerous and troublesome times that such Treaties of Union be renewed after the Example of their Ancestors and be accommodated to the present condition and State of their Kingdoms and Dominions And his said Majesty having appointed on his part Here the Names of the Kings Commissioners were inserted and the said Duke on his part Here the Names of the Dukes Commissioners were inserted and the said Commissioners having accordingly met together have agreed upon the following Articles I. As his Royal Majesty and his most Serene Highness do Govern joyntly the Dukedom of Sleswick and Holstein and the Countries incorporated therein so they shall both endeavour according to the Contents of the former Treaties of Union unanimously to direct all their Counsels for the safety and augmentation of the said Dukedoms and to preserve them from all damage danger and detriment II. Therefore as often as necessity shall require it or any danger seems to threaten these Dukedoms they shall both do all they can by united Counsels and Forces to prevent it and if the thing comes to a War let no Truce be made nor Peace contracted before the danger be removed from both their Heads and satisfaction be made to both by the Enemy and the publick security provided for III. And as therefore his Royal Majesty by this takes entirely upon him the Guaranty and Defence both of the most Serene Duke and the part he has in the Dukedoms so his said most Serene Highness promises again that as often as his Royal Majesty shall be necessitated to draw Forces from his Kingdomes for the defence of these Dukedoms and the Countries incorporated therein or shall be in War against any Forrein Prince whosoever he be none excepted though his Majesty thinks it already his due by the Union he shall not only give him free passage through his Land and all his Towns but liberty to List and Muster Souldiers assigning them quarters and places to Encamp and helping the King with all his Power IIII. Because also during these troublesome times his Royal Majesty could not forbear by an unavoidable necessity to ask leave for his further security to put Garrisons of his own into the Forts of Gottorp and Tonningen and the Fortress of Stapelholme which his most Serene Highness has granted upon this certain hope that these troubles being over and the Peace made all things should be entirely given back and restored as they were And his most Serene Highness having made certain Leagues in which there are some things which give
A Manifesto OR An Account of the State of the present Differences between the most Serene and Potent KING OF DENMARK and NORWAY CHRISTIAN the V. And the most Serene DUKE of SLESWICK AND HOLSTEIN-GOTTORP CHRISTIAN ALBERT Together with some Letters of the KING of Great Britain the King of Denmark and the Duke of Holstein-Gottorp concerning a Mediation in these Differences which the KING of Great Britain most Generously offer'd and the King of Denmark refused and slighted As also some other Letters of the Dukes of Brunswick-Lunenbourgh the Emperor c. Whereby the Calumnies of a certain Danish Minister are plainly Detected Printed in the Year 1677. A Praemonition to the Reader BEcause some Danish Ministers have publish'd Books full of lying Stories in the Courts of Princes and forg'd many Calumnies to the prejudice of the most Serene Duke of Holstein-Gottorp lest the Reader should doubt of the Truth of what is contain'd in this Manifesto we have added at the end hereof the Authentick Papers of several Treaties and Agreements which do clearly justifie every thing that is herein asserted An Account of the State of the present Differences between the most Serene and Potent King of Denmark and Norway Christian the V. And the most Serene Duke of Sleswick and Holstein-Gottorp Christian Albert. THE Differences between Christian the V. the most Serene and Potent King of Denmark and Norway and Christian Albert the most Serene Duke of Sleswick and Holstein-Gottorp wherein the Treaty made at Rendsburg on the X. day of July 1675. is to be in the first place fairly considered being the subject of this present discourse We hope we may with his Sacred Majesties leave Publish by command from the said Duke and in his name what-ever we can with truth alledge either as to the matter of Fact or Law in behalf of the most Serene House of Gottorp submitting it to the just Censure of the whole World And we are perswaded that these our endeavours can offend no person who loving true Piety follows the precepts of Christianity which allows of no War to be lawful but when it is just and necessary and especially betwixt such as profess the same Religion and are so nearly related in blood In the examination of the merits of this Cause we shall strictly observe this Rule To alledge nothing that is false and likewise neither omit nor disguise any truth to the prejudice of so just a Cause since the Justice of any cause cannot appear but by truth and faithfulness without which Justice is but imperfect And that Christian Princes and their most illustrious and excellent Ministers and Ambassadors who perhaps may at this time be employed in adjusting the Publick differences at N 〈…〉 eguen Ratisbone or elsewhere together with other great Men lovers of Justice may not be tyred with a prolix discourse We shall propose thed state of the case in a few words and then proceed to the Accusations wherewith the House of Gottorp is charged which we do not question but to answer so fully that all unprejudic'd persons may clearly judge of the matter of Fact upon which the said Accusations are for the most part grounded These Aspersions being wip'd off we shall add the Laws and Constitutions in vertue whereof the Duke of Gottorp ought notwithstanding the Treaty to which he was forced at Rendsburg to be entirely restored It is manifest to all that know any thing of our affairs that the most Serene House of Gottorp possessing several Provinces bordering upon Denmark which they have hitherto governed jointly with the Kings of Denmark pursuant to a Treaty between them That King has no reason to fear any thing from the House of Gottorp if he will but suffer it to enjoy it 's own Rights quietly VVhereas on the contrary the House of Gottorp lyes exposed to the Invasion of the Danes whenever they shall have a mind to lay hold of any fair opportunity and abuse their Power contrary to Justice and the Publick Faith For although heretofore the Earls of Holstein have had grievous Wars with the Kings of Denmark yet the state of Holstein and the neighbouring Provinces being much altered from what it was the Danes can have no reason to suspect the House of Gottorp and much less fear any harm from it except what they may bring upon themselves by provoking it by frequent Injuries and Assaults to it 's own Defence Since the Crown of Denmark is come to the Family of Oldenburg and that these Provinces have been more than once divided between these Kings of Denmark and the Dukes of Sleswick and Holstein the Power of the said Kings has been much encreased by the said Divisions and by their Successions to the Crown of Norway however it will appear that the Royalties of the House of Gottorp have not been therefore in the least diminished The Dukedomes of Sleswick and Holstein have been both so divided and the first held at least for many years from the Kingdom of Denmark as the other alwayes from the Empire The whole Dukedome of Sleswick is a part of Juitland reaching from the borders of Holstein to the Bridge of Coldingen one part of it being possessed by the House of Holstein-Gottorp and the other by the Kings of Denmark as Dukes of Sleswick Amongst the several Conditions from time to time agreed upon the following have been more than once confirmed viz. That the King of Denmark should not engage in any War unless for his own defence or the maintenance of his Dignity and then not till after having communicated the same to the said Dukes and that if thereupon a War should be agreed upon that then the Dukes of Sleswick of whom the King of Denmark is one should send to the said Kings assistance a certain number of Horse and Foot maintaining them at their own expences the King contributing proportionably for his part of the Dukedome and promising to defend both their Vassals Chytr lib. 24. Sat. p. 719. And we find that upon the said Kings not regarding this Agreement but making War of their own heads the Dukes of Gottorp have not been obliged to send the assistance stipulated though it has been demanded from them There have been almost perpetual VVars between the Danes and Swedes which in former Ages have had different successes but in this last Age been more favourable to the Swedes especially since the success of their Arms in Germany Hence it is come to pass that the Danes exasperated by the remembrance of the Losses they had sustained by their Provinces and Places which they had lost in hopes of better success and by the Instigation of evil Counsellors pouring oyle upon the Fire have taken all opportunities of making VVar against the Swedes without acquainting the Dukes of Gottorp much less consulting with them about it but with so ill success that they have been still punisht with greater Losses having likewise thereby involved the Provinces and Subjects of the said Duke
the Duke of Gottorp has not yet been able to learn the particulars and conditions of the Agreement The King of Denmark in the mean time challenging to himself the whole Power in these Countries against all Right and excluding the Duke of Gottorp from all share not only there but also in the District of Stad-budjad a Fief of the House of Brunswick and Lunenbourg For when this Cause was under debate in the Imperial Court the King of Denmark himself by Letters to the Duke of Lunenbourg desired him amongst other things to intercede with the Emperour that the said District Stad-budjad no ways belonging to those Provinces might not be involved in that Controversie The Duke obtained his desires from the Emperour and therefore when the Sentence given by his Imperial Majesty concerning these Countries came to be put in Execution The Dukes of Brunswick Lunenbourg exempted again the said District from the Execution and in express terms reserved to the House of Gottorp their Rights in it Notwithstanding all this the King commanded Homage to be paid to him alone by all the Subjects of that District not only excluding the Duke but using his Ambassador ill who had entred his Protestation against it and attempting also to Usurp to himself the Toll of E 〈…〉 upon Weser belonging by Inheritance partly to the House of Gottorp and partly to the Kings of Denmark endeavouring to dispossess the Duke of both While these Differences encreased more and more the King of Denmark in order to the carrying on his designes against the Swedes and the House of Gottorp the more secretly and succesfully caused the Swedish Ambassador then at Copenhaguen negotiating a Marriage for the King his Master and thereby a firm Peace to be received with the greatest demonstrations of kindness and friendship And at the same time the Chancellor of Denmark wrote very civilly to the Resident of Gottorp then at Hambourgh telling him he would meet him half way to endeavour a fair composition of all the differences betwixt the King and the Duke which he said he desired above all things and doubted not but a few hours would put an end to what had been kept on foot so many years if he would be pleased to meet him accordingly The King himself afterwards declared his mind to the same purpose to the President more than once and last of all by the Earl of Oldenbourgh who told the President that the King desired nothing more then to have his Presence and assistance to accommodate these difficulties in so critical a juncture by which compliance of his he would oblige his Majesty who was inclined to hearken to an accommodation After this the Earl was sent by the King to the Duke of Gottorp to assure him of his Friendship and let him know the necessity of the President 's going to his Majesty and after a short stay went to Hamborough with Letters from the Duke to the President for whose further security to come to the King at Rensbourgh his Majesty sent him a Passeport and one of his Trumpets Soon after the King of Denmark going to Holstein to put his designs in Execution acquainted the Duke of Gottorp with his Journey desiring him not to be troubled at it as having no other intention therin but to compose all things to both their satisfactions The Duke of Gottorp trusting to several Letters full of the like assurances when the King was on his way with all his Army to Holstein sent one of his Gentlemen to Hadersleby to complement him and went himself soon after with his Brother the Bishop of Lubeck and the Earl of Aldenburgh then returned from Hambourgh to meet his Majesty waiting upon him at Hensbourgh after which the King being to go through Dennewerk and his Highness having entertained him there with all imaginable respect and splendour the King desired him to come and see him at Rendsbourgh where he was to stay for sometime and for a larger expression of kindness both his Majesty and his Chancellor drunk several times to the good success of the approaching Consultation After this Adolphus Kielmannus chief Minister to the Duke of Gottorp notwithstanding his Sickness and the dissuasions of his Friends went directly from Hambourgh to Rensbourgh where having confer'd with the Chancellor of Denmark above eight hours about the principal matters in debate he offer'd the Government of Tunderen for the County of Oldenbourgh and Delmenhorst and having removed all other Impediments he could think upon and taking the business to be near its conclusion and to want nothing but the ratification and subscription of the Princes he went to Gottorp to let his Master know how far they had proceeded and with what success The Prince himself that nothing might be wanting on his part for composing the remaining Differences deputed Adolphus Buchwaldius Governour of Sleswick Frederick Kielmannus the President and Andrew Cramer one of his Counsellors of State with a special Commission to go to Rendsbourg June 22. 1675. being Arrived there they confer'd the next day with the Earl of Rantzo and the Lord Wibius and Gloxinius his Majesties Counsellors of State and they being the same that had assisted at the Assembly of the States at Kilon on the part of the King without effecting any thing renewed the matter of the Taxes saying That the King persisted still in his demand of the greater part of them for the maintenance of his Army which granted his Majesty would bind himself by Reversal Letters as they call them a thing not so much as mentioned in the Assembly of the States never to make this a President for the future But the newness of that being a prejudice great enough the Duke of Gottorp thought it not secure to recede from the Antient Customs yet to gratify the King he made this Proposal That the greater Taxes should be paid but to be equally divided and employed by each Prince in raising and maintaining Souldiers for the defence of the said Dukedomes and that the States might the easier consent thereunto he desired the whole business might be proposed to them it being most agreeable to Antient Customes and former Treaties especially that of the Union to consult the States about raising of an Army maintaining and quartering it and then proceed according to their resolutions While they were thus debating concerning Taxes and other things the Chancellor of Denmark wrote from Rendsbourgh to the President Kielmannus acquainting him that the King being ready for a Treaty it would be advantageous to both Princes if the Duke of Gottorp would please to come to the King at Rendsbourgh and by his Presence promote an Amicable composure of all these matters The Duke remembring his Majesty had desired the same thing of him at Dennewerk to shew at once his duty to the King and his inclinations to Peace sent one of his Gentlemen upon St. John Baptists day to his Majesty to acquaint him that his Master was ready to wait upon him
John Meurs an excellent Writer of the Danish History relates of Margaret the prudent and careful Queen of Denmark that she made a Peace with Gerhard Duke of Sleswick and those of Holstein Covenanting That the sole Jurisdiction over Sleswick and Holstein should remain to their Dukes and Earls and that for the future she should not meddle in the Affairs thereof nor they in those of Denmark lib. 5. Contin Hist Dan. p. 9â— But Gerhard being Dead Margaret and her Husband Eric demanded the Guardianship of his Children and under that pretence seizing upon many Castles and Places of the Dukedome at last endeavoured to get the whole and reunite it to the Crown of Denmark which being perceived by Gerhards Sons and other Princes and that she demanded of them first absolutely to resign that Dukedome to the King and Kingdom of Denmark before they should receive the Investiture of it occasioned a sharp War for Thirty years At last when the Dukedom came to Adolph the last Duke of the House of Schawenburg and that by his Interest Christian the first Son to Theodorick Earl of Oldenburgh and Hedewig Adolphus's Sister had been Elected King of Denmark He promised by a solemn Deed to his Vnckle and the States of the Province of Sleswick that he would never unite or incorporate the Dukedom of Sleswick to the Kingdom of Denmark and that they should Swear Allegiance to him as Duke of Sleswick and not as King of Denmark And Adolph dying Ten years after without Children Christian succeeded him and from that time the Fief of the Dukedome of Sleswick was not solemnly granted by the Kings of Denmark to any Body that I know says the Learned David Chytraeus lib. 24. Saxon. Hist p. 717. seq for above 120 years after There have been besides other disputes about this Dukedome as That this Fief should be exempted from the performance of all Services That the Succession should come to Women as well as Men by which it appears that it was not always granted or held upon the same conditions and that there is little Reason to envy the House of Gottorp for having at its own great charges and cost obtained for that Dukedome an Independent Authority and thereby taken away all occasions of discord between them and the Danes For after this Independent Soveraignty was granted though they might have justly demanded other satisfactions to be made them the Duke preferred a Peace which they had justly sought by the alteration of this Dukedome and which was confirmed by the consent of the King and States of Denmark as most advantageous both to the King and the House of Gottorp to all the Monies they might expect And as all other humane things or goods may by commerce pass from one hand to another so there is no doubt but the Right of an Independent and Supreme Power may likewise be transmitted and alienated Therefore if a proportioned satisfaction be demanded to a great loss sustained it may be given not only in paying so much mony or delivering up so many Towns and Provinces but by quitting and transferring the Right of Supreme Power by those who have a right to Alienate so that a Person who before he had due satisfaction made him had but a Dependent Power may receive and retain it Supreme and Absolute This being confirmed by a late instance of the Elector of Brandenburg who not many years ago obtained Prussia in this manner To say that the most Serene Dukes of Gottorp have fortified Tonningen levied Forces entred into a League with the Swedes and made a Journey to Stockholme is but a frivolous Accusation For what should hinder the Duke of Gottorp or by what Law is he prohibited to fortifie a Town or raise a Fort and Building one in the Dukedome of Holstein he only does what all the Princes and States of the Empire think they may do and do every day And if he would do the same in his Dukedome of Sleswick we know no Law or Treaty by which he is prohibited to do it Frederick Duke of Gottorp having to his own cost found that he was exposed to all sorts of injuries and damages when-ever the Enemies of the Kings of Denmark were by War or otherwise drawn into his Territories and that he was secure no-where towards the latter and of the year 1644. during the War began to fortifie Tonningen which was not opposed by the King of Denmark as there was no just reason to do it But about the year 1660. that King laid Siege to the place to force the Duke to abolish and annul the Treaty made at Roschild for the benefit of the House of Gottorp whence you may well judge with how little sincerity the Danes intended to keep this Treaty which they had so solemnly agreed and bound themselves to But the Duke refusing to hearken to so unreasonable a demand endured the Siege stoutly till after some time a Peace was concluded without the least mention that these Fortifications ought not to have been raised or promise of demolishing them For as this Fort was built only for the security and defence of the House of Gottorp that the Dukes might have a Place to retire to in times of danger so they never raised more Forces than were necessary for the defence of the Place And if the Duke had intended to invade Denmark he must have provided much greater Forces and taken other Measures That the Duke has entred into a League with the King of Sweden is not denied but it is only such an one as may enable him to resist an unjust Force and defend himself If the Danes do accuse him of making any other Leagues to the Ruin of Germany or Denmark his Highness denies it absolutely and desires no credit may be given them in a thing for which they can bring no evidence But if they alleadge that the Conditions by which the Duke has sought to secure his own House from their Oppressions are Hostile and against them they plainly shew that they have a mind to wrong those they ought rather to Protect and not provoke to a just Defence which in the end may prove dangerous to Denmark it self That Objection of the Dukes journey into Sweden is much of the same nature For although his Highness would not be diverted by the Councils and demands of the King of Denmark tending to nothing but a War from going to see the King and Queen Mother his near Relations and take their advice yet this Journey was never undertaken to enter into new Alliances those Princes being entred into one long before but in respect and deference to the most Serene Queen his Sister who had promised to come and see him Nay if the Danes who are generally very clear-sighted in the affairs of the House of Gottorp did not interpret all that which the House of Gottorp does in the worst sence they could have satisfied themselves easily that that Journey was never intended against their
Interest But some may say that it was not lawful for the Duke of Gottorp to make a League with the King of Sweden because he was declared an Enemy to the Empire Such fooleries are so ridiculous that they deserve no Answer But because they are spread abroad and may deceive the simple who are the greater number we must say something to them VVhy the French and Swedes have been declared Enemies of the Empire is a matter we shall not meddle with The Duke of Gottorp is not concerned in the Quarrel of either of them and so ought not to be involved therein The Duke has been allied with Sweden since 1661 long before the Swedes were declared Enemies of the Empire and at a time when all the Parties in War even the Emperor and also Spain courted the Friendship of Sweden and earnestly desired their Mediation to compose the differences then on Foot Besides there is no Article of that Treaty with Sweden which may endanger the safety of the Empire or any of its Members since it is wholly Defensive Nay the Duke has by express words excepted the Empire declaring he would not be bound by this Treaty whenever any thing should happen to the prejudice of the same And also the King of Sweden in it recommends to the Duke by all means to entertain a friendship with the King of Denmark And the Danes themselves will not deny but that they the Elector of Brandenbourgh and others have invited Sweden to enter into a League with them and therefore cannot blame in the Duke of Gottorp what they themselves did or would have done especially since the Duke sought nothing more than to render the Peace and publick Safety more firm and secure It is then a meer cavil to object that the Dukes of Holstein have made a League with the Swedes who are Enemies of the Empire as such since their help was never intended to be used but for a just defence against those who contrary to the Faith of Treaties would invade them and not to the prejudice of the Empire or any body else there being reason enough to fear an Invasion by the face of things then as the event has too unfortunately shewn But because the Danes are of opinion as to the Taxes that their Kings demand of the greater part of them for himself was very just and that the Duke had no reason to deny it since his Majesty had an Army in Pay or at least more Troops than his Highness to defend both Dukedomes this must be more particularly examined And first 't is certain that the King would never acquaint the Duke nor the States of the Province with the designs of this VVar though it was to be carried on with their Monies and so was far from undertaking it with their will and consent according to the Treaties and antient Customs Moreover though he had undertaken this VVar with the consent of the Duke and States he could not demand more mony than was agreed by the antient Treaties and was wont to be granted Besides this VVar was not entred into for the defence of these Dukedomes but that the King of Denmark might take that occasion of invading the Swedes and recover his losses in the last VVar. Again if the King of Denmark thought that because of his League with the Emperour and the Elector of Brandenbourgh he could justly attack the Swedes yet could he not violate the Agreements made by the Treaty of Roschild trample it under feet ruin the House of Gottorp and to that end demand first the greater part of the Taxes then overcharge the Dukes Subjects with Impositions exhaust them almost totally by forcing from them in less than half a year several Millions of Gold Nay when the King of Denmark is put upon a necessary and defensive War 't is but just he should bring into the Field a greater Army than the Duke for the Dukedoms of Sleswick and Holstein lying as a fence to Denmark and its security depending upon theirs each Prince is bound to find Forces proportionably to the Land they possess and which are to be secured from the Enemy And though perhaps the King of Denmark may say that he will with his own Souldiers alone defend those Dukedomes and therefore has right to demand money from them and all other necessaries for War at his pleasure yet it is to be considered that this cannot be done but by violating in the highest manner the Rights of the Duke of Gottorp for we must not think that by reason of a War the King may do every thing and the House of Gottorp have no Power left in their own Territories Nay that Serene House pretends to as much Power and Right as to the making and carrying on a VVar as the King of Denmark in quality of Duke of Sleswick and Holstein can any ways pretend to The Danes now do not question whether the House of Gottorp hath the Power of VVar since they have enjoyed it in all Ages and made use of it against the oppressions of the Danes but that King endeavours to get it to himself having in these late troubles manifested his designs of absolutely depriving the House of Gottorp of the Power and Right of VVar for when the Duke and all his Territories were in the Kings possession at Rendsbourgh the Danes demanded an account of what Troops the Duke had sent for the defence of the Empire ordering that they should be paid only by the Kings Commissioners as they are called that the Duke of Gottorp might understand from thence that he was not to keep any more Souldiers for his Defence nor to have any part of the Right and Power of VVar in the affairs of the Empire or the Circle of Lower-Saxony but that the King would challenge it wholly himself to the great injury and oppression of the House of Gottorp and danger of other Princes But the Proceedings at Rendsbourgh are covered with this further pretence as if by it the Antient Union between the Kings of Denmark and House of Gottorp was restored and those Provinces re-establisht in their most flourishing Condition and therefore since the greatest Masters of Prudence teach us that that Government which makes both the Prince and his Subjects most happy ought to be preferred and kept the King seems to have rather done well than ill by having disposed and brought the Dukedomes from a less to a more happy nay most happy state by the transactions of Rendsbourgh This is a fair Speech but if we consider it a little nearer we shall easily discover its fraud For whereas the Kings of Denmark and Dukes of Gottorp have their Lands Governments and Towns in the Dukedomes of Sleswick and Holstein not only contiguous but intermixed with one another and the safety and happiness of Denmark depending not a little upon the good Government of these Dukedomes there were Treaties of Union made confirmed and exchanged on both sides by which the Government
shall endeavour by a Friendly Mediation or by opposing all necessary means against force that these Countries Dominions and Territories with all the Rights Royalties Soveraign and absolute Dominion or Soveraignty thereof may remain whole and safe to him And for the greater security of all and singular the Premises VVe have subscribed this Instrument of Guaranty with Our own hand and have caused Our Great Seal of England to be affixed thereunto Given at Our Palace of Westminster the 23. day of February in the year one Thousand six Hundred Sixty five and in the Eighteen year of Our Reign Charles R. SOME LETTERS OF THE KING OF Great Britain THE King of Denmark AND THE DUKE OF Holstein Gottorp The King of Great Britains Letter to His Majesty the King of Denmark concerning a Mediation in the differences between His Majesty and the Duke of Holstein Gottorp CHarles the Second By the Grace of God King of Great Britain c. To the most Serene and Potent Prince Christian the Fifth by the same Grace of Denmark Norway Goths and Vandals King Duke of Sleswick c. Greeting VVe were extreamly troubled to hear of the Differences lately arisen between your Majesty and Our good Cousin the Duke of Holstein for the nearness and tie of Blood and common Interests between you and therefore out of the Affection VVe bear to both your Families and the good and advantage of the same VVe did almost a Year ago offer our Mediation and good Offices between you and VVe had long since charged Our Minister residing at your Court to do it more solemnly if your Majesties Envoy residing with Us had not induced and desired Us as in favour of himself that all VVe should resolve to do therein might be done through his hands which We the rather consented to then because he charged himself seriously to represent to your Majesty the offers VVe made of Our Offices and Mediation But your Majesty having not hitherto sent Us any direct Answer thereunto and your said Envoy having only by the by insinuated to Us that your Majesty rather desisired that since this Affair seemed to be purely Domestick and concerned only the private Interests of two Princes of the same Blood it might be left to be determined among your selves VVe hoped not to have found your Majesty in this mind which VVe perceive by your Envoys discourse you are of However VVe cannot but out of the desire VVe have to reconcile two Princes that are of a Blood so nearly Related to Us and for other considerations which induce Us to concern Our Selves with a more special care in this matter than perhaps VVe should otherwise repeat again in the most solemn manner the first Offer of Our Mediation and good Offices not doubting but that your Majesty after having seriously reflected upon the thing will think fit to admit of Our good Offices and Mediation which you may be confident VVe shall always apply on all occasions which may concern your Majesty in such manner as you have reason to expect from the mutual Friendship between Us of which VVe shall always give your Majesty those Proofs and Arguments which you can desire c. July 2. 1677. The King of Denmark's Answer to his Majesty the King of Great Britain CHristian the Fifth By the Grace of God King of Denmark c. To the most Serene and Potent Prince Charles the II. by the same Grace King of Great Britain c. Greeting By your Majesties Letters of the 10th of July last past VVe have understood more at large what Reasons induced you to offer Us your Mediation and good Offices for composing the Differences arising between Us and Our Cousin and Kinsman Christian Albert Duke of Holstein This Offer of your Majesties has been the more pleasing to Us because VVe do not doubt at all but it proceeds from a sincere and Brotherly affection towards Us and We put so great a trust in your Friendship that if there were place for any Mediation in these Differences VVe would as readily accept of your Interposition for the composing of them as VVe have accepted of the same in the present Negotiation for an Universal Peace which We have constantly endeavour'd should remain solely in your Majesty But the Disputes and Controversies complained of by the Duke of Gottorp to your Majesty being grounded upon no other foundation than his endeavours to lay aside all the Alliances and Treaties which have subsisted for many Ages betwixt Our Royal Predecessors and his and especially that which he Voluntarily made with Us at Rendsbourgh and approved several times after and so to free himself from all those ties by which he is bound to Us as a Vassal of Our Kingdom of Denmark and Our Dukedoms of Sleswick and Holstein are united together hoping after the Example of his Father who in the last unhappy VVar supported by the Arms of the King of Sweden his Son-in-Law and by the favour and unjust Authority of the English Usurper Cromwell without any respect of his obligations to Our Kingdom under colour of some frivolous and groundless pretensions extorted most unjust and almost intolerable conditions from Our Lord and Father of blessed and glorious Memory to accomplish and perfect his pernicious designs and unjust attempts in these troublesome times as well by the help of his Neighbours Armes as your Majesties Authority The Truth hereof appears also by this that though VVe have divers times proposed to his Dilection to restore him unto the former condition of his Ancestors if he would keep to the aforesaid Treaties and fulfil their Tenor he does not cease nevertheless to complain of Force and to sollicite the help and succours of other Princes and States to finish those unjust Enterprises he has proposed to himself From whence your Majesty according to your singular Prudence will easily judge whether VVe can without the greatest prejudice to Our Rights recede from the ancient Treaties and those which have been made between Us and the Duke of Gottorp upon which the safety of Our Kingdoms and Dominions in great measure depends or suffer them to be disputed and thereby expose Our Selves to new and everlasting Differences and Quarrels especially since it is expresly covenanted by the said Treaties that if any disputes shall hereafter arise they shall not be composed by the Mediation of other Princes but by other friendly and amicable means For these and other Reasons which we have ordered Our Envoy Extraordinary Resident at your Majesties Court to represent more amply to your Majesty We do not doubt in the least but your Majesty will not only think it wholly unjust that We should consent to such prejudicial Treaties and so contrary to the aforesaid Conventions and Domestick agreements but also that by vertue of the Alliances VVe have with your Majesty by which each of Us is obliged to promote the good of the other and to keep all dangers from him your Majesty will compel the
will find that the English Ambassador who Resided at that time at Copenhaguen was unknown to the King of Sweden brought to his Majesty by the Danish Commissioners and by them Sollicited to employ his utmost endeavour for a Peace It appears from hence that all Our Complaints of the great Injuries We have sustained by the Danes are just and that We never designed any thing to the Kings prejudice but that what may perhaps have displeased his Majesty was solely intended for the defence of Our House and Dominions which is every way lawful and therefore VVe are most unjustly reproached of intending and having such pernitious Designs since we have only sought for a lawful Defence against an unusual Domination and Oppression VVhich things being thus as your most Serene Majesty may be more particularly informed by a deduction we have lately caused to be Printed of this whole Affair or by Our Envoy Extraordinary Residing in London we hope nothing will appear more reasonable than that we should be admitted into the Treaty for an universal Peace and that your most Serene Majesties Mediation should not be rejected by the King of Denmark especially since he seems willing to admit of the good Offices of other Princes of the Empire Neither will their Objection as if the matters between the King and us were purely Domestick be any ways material seeing it is known by all the world that a Peace confirmed by so many Protestations was broken and no regard had of any Domestick considerations and therefore your Majesties Mediation is declined for no other reason but that which makes Criminals fly from their Tryals For your Majesty will by what follows see how improper a Jury of Sixteen men as they call it is to decide this Domestick business In the year 1533 a Treaty was made between the Kingdom of Denmark and the Dukedom and between the Princes and States of both which usually bears the name of the Vnion and among other things a certain form of Judicature was agreed upon according to which all the Controversie that should arise between the two Princes or between them and the States ought to be determined viz. That the differences between them should be left to the Arbitration of Sixteen Counsellors to be in equal number named by both Parties And though by the Articles of this Treaty a very ample power seems to be given to these Judges of examining and deciding all sorts of causes yet we do not remember that ever disputes of Moment and about the Dukedom of Sleswick were brought to them but they have always been left to the Mediation of Forrein Princes For there is not only not a word in this Treaty by which it may appear that these Princes have renounced all other Judgments and Arbitrations but the express words of it as well as the usage and custom which is the best interpreter of Laws and Treaties have confined the Power of this Tribunal of Sixteen men to affairs of lesser importance That is to say when the complaint concerns any Lands or private Subjects Therefore not long after the Vnion made several Transactions have been about the Fief of the Dukedome of Sleswick first at Coldinga 1547 and then by the Interposition of the Elector of Saxony of Vlrick Duke of Mecklenbourgh and William Landgrave of Hesse at Odensea 1557 though nothing was then agreed on but at last 1579 in the same place it was expresly provided by a solemn Convention That if there should happen any dispute about the Succession to the Dukedom of Sleswick which was not decided by this Transaction the Dukes of Sleswick should either themselves or by the help of other Princes and Friends endeavour to compose the same or that it might be determined by a Judicial Sentence Here is no mention of this Judgment by Sixteen men but rather all Controversies that may arise about the Dukedome of Sleswick are in express words exempted without any contradiction from the States And therefore the question about the Soveraignty is so much the less to be referred to their determination because in that Age wherein the Vnion was made such a thing was not so much as thought of and therefore its Articles cannot extend to affairs of this nature and which are wholly above the condition of Subjects And though we can without prejudice to Our cause allow that sometimes feudal differences about the Dutchy of Sleswick have been left to this sort of Arbitration which it seems may be done by the consent of both Princes yet there has happened so great a change in the Danish affairs and Ours that we cannot be forced to consent thereunto against Our will and the like Controversies can no longer be debated there at least without great inconvenience because such Constitutions remain only in force so long as the state of publick Affairs is the same and unalter'd which being entirely changed as well in Denmark as in these Duckedomes and all the Power of the States of Denmark being devolved unto the King and in his hand and there being no such thing now as Senators of the Kingdom who had great Authority when the Vnion was made it is not reasonable his Majesty should sit as Judge in his own cause and that a matter of so great moment should be submitted to the decision of those who for fear of the Kings Power or to gain his favour may be so much byassed that Our loss may be irreparable And therefore seeing that amongst free people and Princes it has been always allowed to refuse to stand to the Arbitration of a Judge justly suspected and that this present conjuncture of Affairs as well as the Transaction at Odensea shows Us another way VVe earnestly desire your most Serene Majesty will endeavour to prevail with the King of Denmark that Our Differences may be Treated of at Nimeguen that so We may find some Remedy abroad for those vast Damages and Injuries VVe have sustained and received which VVe cannot hope for at home For as the Peace at Roschild was made by the Interposition of several Kings and States so it is of publick concern that it should be restored and confirmed by the like means All who think themselves injur'd contrary to the Treaties of Westphalia Roschild and Copenhaguen have liberty to come to Nimeguen And why should VVe who are oppressed contrary to all these Treaties be hindred from it At Nimeguen a general Peace is Treated of why should our cause then not be admitted there who have without all reason suffered most grievous injuries from the Danes and been almost undone by them We suppose the Objection is not considerable that none are to be admitted there but those who have joined their Arms to either of the Parties now in War For if those who were in a condition to resist Arms by Arms and return Force by Force are admitted with how much more reason ought VVe to be received who being deprived of all Our Arms and other helps
exclude us from that Treaty of a General Peace at Nimeguen and consequently from all hopes of redress and lately Navigation hath even been by open Proclamations absolutely Interdicted to all our Inhabitants and Subjects of the Dukedoms of Sleswick and Holstein without affording us as Prince Regent the least knowledge thereof much less designing us to joyn in the said Publication if the same had been required We therefore have had good reason to wave the sending over our Deputies the second time again after they were thus dismissed before but rather have taken a firm resolution to get our Cause ventilated and discussed at the Treaty of the General Peace at Nimeguen with this certain hope and confidence that no Potentate concerned therein will dispute our admission in regard that amongst other high concerns the re-establishment of the Northern Peace will be also treated there which is not only the foundation of our Soveraignty over the Dukedom of Sleswick with the other advantages stipulated for us and our Family but also is an essential part thereof and stands comprehended under the undertaken General and Special Warranty Neither do we think that your Majesties Ministers in Holland have had any orders to render difficult the impetrating of the Pasports by us desired from the States General of the Vnited Provinces for our Ministers destined to Nimegâ—n seeing they have not been able to alledge any thing at all which should deserve the least reflection and exclude us from the general-General-Treaty if we were but to be considered as a German Prince and had no concerns in the re-establishment of the Northern Peace which nevertheless hath first of all been endangered on our side But concerning those machinations discovered by a singular accident whereby as we do conceive some endeavours are used to justifie that in all points formally commenced Sequestration we have not the least cause to clear our selves in that respect before any particulars are nearer touched and it be duly made appear to us that we have been concerned in any of those Machinations represented to your Majesty However we are sure and confident that we never have been so deservedly suspected privy to any thing as that thereby just cause should have been given to charge us therewith by Potentates both within and without the Empire and to alienate their former inclination from Us and our Family much less can a Pretext thereby conveniently be taken to sequestrate that part of the Dukedom of Sleswick which with all right Hereditarily and Properly doth belong to us and to menace us with a total deprivation thereof and we do also fully perswade our selves that your Majesty will put this to the serious consideration of your Ministers who have brought this Process upon the Stage and perhaps do endeavour to assert it's consistency with the Feudal Laws That as your Majesty doubtless makes great doubt to assume a Judges part in your own Cause so neither the Sequestration of the Fief nor the Deprivation of the same can or may consist after that manner as it is intended against us although we should be indisputably oblig'd to that Vassalage of the Dukedom of Sleswick which yet saving all due respect to your Majesty we find our selves necessitated solemnly to contradict except one would presume to Act by nullities or by making no reflection upon the Law And the common Feudal Laws whereupon likewise the ancient Unions and Hereditary Agreements in case any difference as well in Feudal as other matters should arise are usually grounded do shew That not only in the total deprivation of a Fief but also in the Sequestration the hearing of the Cause before a Competent Judge ought solemnly to precede it notwithstanding one should presume to assert the necessity of a Sequestration in case the Parties shew themselves unwilling the reasons whereof nevertheless will never be made out of those pretended Machinations Having therefore pondered all the above-mentioned and such other concomitant circumstances we cannot but still keep to our resolution once deliberately taken and remit that point of our undeservedly questioned Soveraignty over the Dukedome of Sleswick with all the other alienâ—ted Dignities Prerogatives Territories and Fortresses as also all due and equitable satisfaction and what else can conduce to our future Security to the place of Congress for a general Peace at Nimeguen patiently expecting from God and time what Conclusion there will be made and come forth about the restoring the Northern Peace and consequently also of our Rights and Concerns But we do in the mean time very kindly and instantly intreat withal your Majesty that out of an Inclination to Justice and in regard of that desolate condition whereunto we and ours thus undeservedly see our selves more and more reduced your Majesty would be pleased till then and till the speediest God grant ensuing conclusion of a general Peace to preserve all peaceable thoughts and not to press upon us any further with the said Investiture and any other demands but on the contrary without delay to recal that unjust and ungrounded Sequestration and not only leave to us the enjoyment of all our Rights and Prerogatives undisturbed but also to take off the exceeding Contributions from our quite exhausted Subjects and to restore that part of Stadt and Budjadinger-Land and also of the Customs at Elistiet properly appertaining unto us and amicably and friendly to interpret this our unavoidable Justification and Declaration with this assurance that as we have in all Points carefully observed that high respect due to your Majesty so likewise we have intended to say or write nothing which should tend against the same All this is very consentaneous to equity and to your Majesties inbred Generosity and we shall be ready for our part every-where to praise such your Majesties kindness and with due thankfulness and all possible services always acknowledge the same most faithfully recommending withal your Majesty to God Almighty's Protection Dated Hambourgh the 16th of Jan. 1677. Your Majesties Obsequious Cousin and Brother-in-Law Christian Albrecht THE EMPERORS LETTER TO THE Duke of Holstein LEOPOLD by the Grace of GOD Elected Roman-Emperor Serene Duke c. BY these We give your Dilection to understand that We are informed how you have not only for your part approved of those proposals which were made to you by Graventable the Swedish Minister lately residing in Our Imperial City of Hamborough about certain Levies to be made in Foreign Parts and are come to a certain conclusion with him in that affair but also that your Dilection for the promoting of the said Levies hath made use of Kielman your late President 's Monys that lie there and taken thereof the Sum of 200000 Rix-dollars and that your Dilection doth employ in this affair the Swedish President Kley who hitherto hath pretended to live there as a private man and also another person named Vlke. And although We do repose a far better confidence in your Dilection than to think that you