Dutch to assist England in case that France should turn its Forces upon these Kingdoms Neither could He demand any Aid by the League of Guaranty except his most Christian Majesty did Declare and make it to APPEAR that He Invaded the King of England on purpose to revenge his entring into the TRIPLE ALLIANCE for the defence of Flanders At the same time his Majesty had notice of the secret Applications and Overtures which the Dutch had made unto the Crown of France and He perceived how dangers multiplied every way upon Him that the Source and Original of all these Perils was the Ambition and Treachery of the Hollanders and the implacable Animosity of the De Wits against England and that if He did not by some suddain Councils secure Himself that Winter his Affairs would be but in an evil Condition in the succeeding Spring The Dutch had of a long time formed a Design to ensure themselves of the Universal Empire of the Seas and to give Laws thereon to all Princes and States in point of Traffick HOW AND WHETHER THEY SHOULD TRADE These Projects had been insinuated into the People by Mr. Schookius one of the Professors at Groninghen and were the Dictates of in the States General Their Actions in the East and West Indies Russia and the Baltick Sea were evident Arguments of such Intentions Their Annually building a determinate number of Capital Ships their driving upon our Fisher-men and spoilling their Fishing within the proper Seas of his Majesty Their Attaquing of forein Ships under the Protection of our Castles and Ports their Attempts upon the Navy of the pretended Parliament in the Downs and the Burning of our Ships at Chatham when a Peace was even concluded were all Results and plain Consequents of the said Design Now it seemed they would finish it as to the English and consequently upon all Europe by their great preparations of Capital Ships and others which though purposed against France yet had their influence and carry terrour amongst all their Neighbours And the refufal of the Flag was but a Degree towards those demands which ensued That his Majesty should relinquish his usurped Dominion of the British Seas His Majesty had already yielded at Breda enough to satisfie a moderate Ambition but where the desires are boundless those concessions become ineffectual which are not proportionate thereunto If he entred into a New Treaty who could ascertain Him where the Hollanders would begin or when they would end Their consultations are generally slow and most commonly dilatory Who knew how they would protract time in this Juncture and draw Advantages thereby from the necessities of his Majesty It seemed evident that his Majesty must make as great preparations to procure a tolerable Treaty from them as to make War upon them and in the mean space whilst We pursue no oâ—…her aims then a sirm Defensive League with the Dutch and remain separate from France who can Imagine otherwise then that the Dutch would to Crush the Rising Power of England and to busie France prosecute the Overtures privately and contract an Offensive League with his most Christian Majesty What straights his Majesty had then been reduced unto the most Vulgar capacity can apprehend But to gratifie the Credulous and Ignorant suppose his Majesty had prevailed with the Dutch for a speedy and real Treaty which He could not by his Embassadour Sir G. Downing Is it not now visible which the Elevated Spirit his Majesty did easily foresee That they would demand of us to Relinquish the Dominion of the Seas Which if he had assented unto what Debates would it have occasioned amongst the Lawyers and in Parliament con-the giving up of such a Royalty What anger and discontents would it have excited in the Breasts of all his Subjects to see so much of Pusillanimity in the King and Court and to find themselves their Families and Estates exposed as a Prey to any Invader who might sail our Seas and possess our Ports and Territories without giving any warning and Fish upon our Seas without our License Nothing is more clear and certain then that His Majesty must have lost the Love of all His Subjects to purchase the suspitious Amity of the Hollanders I call their Amity suspicious because they never observe any Articles how solemnly soever ratified beyond their Interest and pleasure And who knows but They might have imagined it their Interest to prolong a War with France until the expense thereof had exhausted England Is not Mony the Nerves of War and is it not in long Wars as in long wrestlings and scuffles where the Victory depends upon the strength of the sinewes Is it not likewise evident that upon so tedious a War the King of England must have been reduced to the same condition as if He had been vanquished by France The Dutch would thereby have survived as Masters of the Sea by the power of their more numerous Fleets and his Majesty have been necessitated to an unseasonable breach with them not being able to perform Covenants or to pawn the Isle of Wight which upon an exigency they desired as a Mortgage from Cromwell or Portfmouth or Plimonth or Hull or All. Let us but remember that the defensive Articles must have been renewed and calculate what the annual expense of forty Ships six thousand Foot and four hundred Horse amounts unto and observe that We should pay them and not be reimbursed till three Years after the War is ended Let us but ruminate hereon and think how the Dutch served Queen Elizabeth upon the like Articles and all the precedert Evils will seem no futile apprehensions and dreams I know the present humour of the Nation there is not a Fop or Simpleton but is a Statesman and esteems himself wise enough to censure the Actions of the Privy Council and to agitate in a Caball would the King but vouchsafe Him a place in His Cabinet Let any of those profound Polititians but phansie themselves Embassadours to negotiate with the Dutch in such a Treaty as is related hereaster betwixt the pretended Common-wealth and the States General and I am confident that as vain as They are there is not one will say He could have concluded it with expedition And if so these men may forbear to condemn their King for not involving Him self in tedious and uncertain Treaty with these perfidious States at such a time when it was necessary for Him to fix unto some Resolution speedily In February indeed the Dutch did send over a Latine Memorial penned by De Wit and delivered by Boreel but it is so dubious and Equivocal that no wise Man can think such a Paper a sufficient ground for a Treaty They modestly offer to strike the Flag and lower the top Sails of their Fleets to single Ships of Ours in token of honour and respect to their good Ally not as it is His Right as long as we shall adhere to the defensive Articles And that we shall
Avarice Gruelty and Insolence of the Spaniard which qualities since he was not likely to change it was in vain for Her to think of a safe and durable Peace The same Inclinations the same Incentives continuing wouldin a short space produce their usual effects that by this Amity she would but give him time to Recruit that Strength which would be employed against Her The conclusion with a little Change runs thus Those Kings and States have taken wiser Courses who without any particular Provocation have made a timely Opposition to growing Empires lest the Conquest of their Neighbours should render them a Prey to the Victour They knew that there are some Wars made to procure a Peace some because no Peace can be had For as betwixt Fire and Water both being of a contrary Nature so between those that are ambitious to Rule over all and those that scorn to become Tributaries and Vassals to any there is a perpetual Strife and everlasting Enmity wherein 't is too late to revenge Injuries when received It becomes the Wise and it is most Glorious to prevent them whilst they are yet only Threatned or Imminent Heaven hath not given unto Kings their Power and Government only that they might redress and punish Evils their chief Business and Care ought to be to provide that they may never happen He doth not so much as defend himself who contains within the narrow bounds of Defence Wicked minds are excited by Impunity Whether the Dutch make War with France or enlarge their Conquests in both Indies or Fight with the Dane or Swede or with great Fleets guard their Fishermen and Merchants those dangers which we do not yet feel do still hang over our Heads and whilst they are in Arms England must be in a continual Jealousie and at a constant Expense The question is Whither it be best to perpetuate or dispel our Fears And which is the most prudent course to spend our own Incomes or subsist upon the Spoils of others These considerations prevailed with that Queen whose Memory and Actions are to this day Celebrated and Reverenced in England Were that Queen now alive let us examine what Maxims She would inculcate to this Age upon the present Juncture and if we may conjecture by her past Deportment what She would urge it would be to this effect Never to Relinquish any thing of Honour A Prince despised and contumeliously used is already half-ruined If he endure it long he is totally lost at Home and Abroad She made the States decree Death to such as should Libel or revile her Majesty and one reason of Her quarrel with Spain was that the King had slighted her Embassadours Never to abandon the Dominion of the Sea but to maintain constantly such a Fleet of Ships as may secure it and strike an Awe into the Neighbouring States To propagate Trade by all possible means into all Parts as the principal means of encreasing the Riches of private Men the Revenues of the Prince and the Renown and Puissance of the Realm To improve the Fishery by all manner of Contrivances as observation of Lent and Fasting-days encouraging and protecting the Fisher-men whence will arise besides the effects for a gainful Trade a constant Seminary of Mariners inured to the Sea acquainted with the Coast and skill'd in Navigation Never to suffer any Nation to grow more Powerful at Sea or greater Traders then our selves but by sundry Artifices or open War to dâ—…stress them and draw the Trade to England Thus She undermined the Hanse-Towns because they did prejudice the English Trade notwithstanding that many of them did profess the Reformed Religion Such Aphorisms as these would She instil into the English were She now living And I am confident had She lived to see France and the United Provinces both in their grandâ—…ur last Winter She would neither have stood Neutral nor joyned Her Forces with those of the Dutch Against a Neutrality it is a Rule in Politicks That in a War begun betwixt two mighty States it is dangerous for a Thâ—…rd and Neighbour to them both not to be a Party being called into the Action For he is in peril of becoming a Prey to the incensed Victor Except the Neutral Prince be so Potent as to be able to secure himself from the Conquerour But this not being our condition at present the next Debate is Whether we ought to adhere to the United Provinces or to France Against the United Provinces so many Arguments have been already Alledged that it is a shame not to assent unto them except the like or greater can be produced against the League with France Although it be true Policy for every Prince to oppose the excessive growth and strength of another State that it arrive not at that heighth of Puissance as to be able to reduce the rest under obeisance yet Wise men suggest many considerations before a War be commenced against this so Potent Empire For if we judg of Events by the ordinary course of Humane Affairs whosoever makes War upon a State infinitely surpassing his in Power doth but occasion his own Ruine Neither is it providentiâ—…l for a weak Prince though he foresee that he shall be at last subdued by this puissant Empire therefore to run Precipitously into a War against it any more then it would seem Wisdom for a company of Men to Accelerate their own Destruction because they are ascertained that in time they shall be Destroyed If the Question were now the same that it was in the days of Cromwel which way the Scales should be turned betwixt Rising France and Declining Spain the debate might end in favour of the House of Austria but since that Cromwel by Assisting France and Depressing of Spain hath contributed much to the paramount Greatness of that Monarchy and that His Majesty of Great Britain hath since his Restauration been enforced to emplóy his Cares upon those most necessary and urgent Affairs of composing his distracted Kingdoms Re-establishing the Government Securing and Advancing the Trade of his Subjects in opposition to the Hollanders without leisure to regard the growth of the French Monarchy The Case now seems different from what it was and it doth not seem prudential to oppose the greatness of France now that it is Arrived unto its present Heighth under so Haughty Martial and Wise a King so able Council so plentiful a Treasury so Vast Well-commanded and Well-disciplined Armies There is no one State that is able to Counter-poise the Forces of his most Christian Majesty and great Leagues which are to be made up of a multitude of Parties and Confederates are so uncertain Strengths to be relied on by the Wise that History doth not acquaint us with any Instances almost of their succeeding well and 't is manifest to any who understands the Genius of this Age that any such League would become Ineffectual Let Us therefore resolve that it is at present best for
by the Lord Buckhurst Though She were by the Articles to protect them only until they could obtain an assured peace not till they could form themselves into a Republick yet did They constantly reject all overtures made by Her for their reconciliation with Spain Whereat Shee was so angry that Shee writ to them How the indignities they put upon her Majesty were such and their Ingratitude for the eminent favours conferred by her so villancus that She might very justly desert the League and relinquish their Amity They formed a New Assembly of The States General distinct from the Council of State and thereby excluded Her Embassadour from being privy to all important affairs of State which ought to have been communicated unto Him by the League and was intended when He was admitted to sit in the Council of State This Oldenbarnevelt said was no violation of the Treaty because the Embassadour retained His due place but the cognisance and debates of the chief affairs were transferred thence It was then laid down for a Maxim of that Republick That whensoever any received usages or leagues become inutile or prejudicial to the State and yet to prevent the imputation of Treachery the Republick cannot but adhere to them some new expedient must be found out whereby those customs or contracts may not seem violated and the publick detriment be also avoided This fraudulent beginning had the High and Mighty States General and as the foundations of that Assembly were layed in Treachery so the fabrick hath ever since been supported by the same Artifices Hereby they gained an opportunity of transacting with the French and sending Him assistance without ever acquainting of the Queen or her Embassadour Whereas by the Articles All matters of moment that related to the war were to be first communicated to Her Majesty or those that sate by her appointment in the Council of State At this She was so angry that She was ready to recall Her forces and desert them and being urged with the Capitulations Sir Thomas Bodley replied for Her that It did not become such as observed no Covenants for to press them upon others Neither were They more faithful in their Leagues with K. James notwithstanding that He prevailed with the Spaniard to own them as Free States and upon easie terms surrendred the cautionary Towns After a firm Treaty in 1619. ensued the murther of the English at Amboyna and other depredations in the East Indies They were to make satisfaction for that fact by the year 1625. but K. Charles never lived to see any given though He menaced them severely with Reprisals or a War in case He had not reparations within eighteenth months for the dammage His Subjects had received and the indignities done to His Crown and Honour In the year 1625. King Charles made a League with the Dutch in which a sincere Amity was mutually agreed unto each being to do what they could for the benefit safety and security of the other In the year 1627. They form a League with France to aid that Realm in case the English invaded it and that they would prohibit as far as they could possibly do that the English should be supplied with forces ships or ammunition to the prejudice of the French during all which time the Treaty of South-hampton was in full force Nor have the English only cause to complain of their perfidiousness the Crown of France hath more then once been deluded by them A. D. 1630. The Dutch made a League with France obliging themselves never to make any Truce or Peace either directly or indirectly without the privity of that King This League was to continue Seven years and the K. of France paying them 200000 l. sterling annually Notwithstanding the assistance and moneys received in 1632. They treat with the Spaniard publickly without giving any advertisement thereof to the French or communicating any Articles The Treaty came to nothing and thereupon They ratified the fâ—…rmer League of 1630. with France adding other Articles for to make it offensive and Defensive April 15 1634. This League was to endure 7. years from the date thereof and France to pay annually 300000 l. to the Dutch besides other advantages This League was made by the States General without being communicated first to the Provincial States Least this should vacate it another was contrived Febr. 8. 1635. Here they oblige the K. of France immediately to invade Flanders with 25000 foot and 5000 horse and Neither party is to conclude any cessation or peace but in conjunction with the other and with mutual consent and the War to continue until the Spaniard be totally driven out of the Netherlands the Provinces being to be divided betwixt the French and Dutch according to agreement Notwithstanding all this when the French had begun the war according to the League the Dutch privately sent their Secretary Musch upon another Treaty at Cranebergh and after that unto Turn-hout thereof they gave no notice to the French but denied absolutely that He went upon any such employment until the Treaty was frustrated by the arrogant demands of the Spaniard The French to secure themselves against these treacherous actings ratifie the former Treaties by another September 6. 1636. and they oblige themselves to pay the Dutch greater sums of money the next year Every year these Treaties were thus renewed during the Reign of Lewis xiii And after his decease The same Treaties were confirmed anew August 30. 1643. In 1644. the Munster peace being entred upon and Plenipotentiaries to be sent from France and Holland a League of Guaranty was concluded in order thereunto in which it was agreed that Neither party should enter upon nor conclude any Treaty without the conjunction and consent of the other and to the end that one might not circumvent the other it was agreed that the Plenipotentiaries should inform the Spanish Ministers that there was a mutual confederacy betwixt France and the United Provinces so that they were obliged to treat conjoynedly and with mutual consent and so to proceed that the Treaties of both were to be dispatched with equal expediâ—…ion After this March 10. 1645. all the former Treaties were again ratified and a new sum of 120000 l. extorted from the French The same was again done Apr. 6. 1646. and a greater sum disbursed by the French But notwithstanding all this the States General did not send out the Forces they promised but rather contrived how to retard the success of the French Arms They made their Plenpotentiaries swear to proceed conjunctly and according to the League of Guaranty with France March 1. 1644. And presently after the said Plenipotentiaries came to Munster they entered into a separate Treaty first for a long Truce and afterwards for a Peace with Spain Amusing the French and all the Provinces except Holland with this pretext that They did but conclude provisional Articles which
encroaching Dutch to grow too potent thereon nothing being so certain as this That the Dutch wheresoever they mingle themselves do undermine and destroy the Trade of all other Nations that resort unto those parts The Convention summoned by the Council and vulgarly stiled Praisegod Barebone's Parliament were as averse from the Dutch as any men They looked upon them as carnal and worldly politicians Enemies to the Kingdome of Christ and such as would upon all occasions retard the progress of the Saints and People of God in overturning the powers of this world that Antichrist the Man of Sin could never be destroyed in Italy whilst the Dutch retained any considerable strength in the United Provinces The Nicety of the Flag they did not much insist upon nor assert the dominion of the Seas but they did hold it necessary in order to the coming of Christ and the personal Reign that the Seas should be secured and preserved as peaceable as the Land and that all Powers whether by Sea or Land ought jointly to submit unto the Sceptre of King Jesus whose wayes They and not the Hollanders were to prepare As for the procedure of the Dutch by way of Petition they thought it might be continued since the power of the Council of State was all one with that of the Saints and theirs derived from Him to whom all power is given And upon that account the Dutch ought to continue their addresses of Messeigneurs and Tres-illustres Seignâ—…urs most honourable Lords unto the said Council not in that sense wherein it is forbid by the Gospel but in that whereby our Lord Christ assumes such Tâ—…les and likewise confers them on the Saints that the signification not sound of words was to be attended unto that there is a great equivocation in Language that King and Kingdom Power and Dominion are names equally communicable to Christ and Satan but yet there is a vast difference in their import on such dâ—…stant cases The Saints therefore might tolerate them without scruple and the Dutch ought not to refuse them least it should be deemed a rejection of the Kingdom of Christ which was now approaching that the Dutch ought to kiss the Son least he be angry and they perish and should have a care how they contemned his holy ones least they were chastised with the rod of Iron In sine so little did they value these empâ—…y Titles in reference to the world that if the Deputies would salute every masiiff dogg or barking curr in England with the complement of Monseignor they would not resent it as an Indignity The Embassadours were now móre perplexed then before it was difficult to treat with and impossible to prevail upon these Men they were now in danger to be absolutely ruined as Enemies of Christ rather then of England and a Coalition with England would not satisfie except they likwise annexed their Provinces unto the Fifth Monarchy In Holland the distractions were so great that the common people obeyed no longer their Governours The Placaris of the States General were despised and They in danger to be plundered and ruined by the ignorant and impetuous rabble However the Provincials met and consult about new Instructions for their Embassadours in this juncture The opinion of Holland was that The Coalition should never be assented unto but a strict League Defensive should be proffered in the same manner as before that They ought to contract forreign Amities especially with France and equip out a Fleet with all possible expedition The other Provinces advised that assistance should be given to the Scots and no satisfaction yielded unto the English and that a League should be made with France Brandenburgh and the German Princes After this Nieuport and Joâ—…aestall depart for England with instructions to protract time according as they saw disorders to encrease there upon the male-governance of that pretended Parliament to be ample in the Ganerals concerning the defense of the Reformed Religion and of the houshold of faith to reject the Coalition absolutely and to offer a strict and intimate League but dealing as tenderly as They could in point of Reparation Satisfaction and Security Being come to London their Reception was somewhat cold The most secret transactions of the States General were known to the Council as also their private Instructions They knew also that They were distracted into innumerable factions at home the which were not to be reconciled That Holland complained it was exhausted by the losses they had sustained and contributions paid in this war that some other Provinces excused themselves by their poverty from contributing to the publick that they were afraid least the Electors of Colâ—…gne and Brandenburgh should repossess their Towns or the Emperour in right of the Empire seize them They were jealous of Spain and uncertain least France should resent the Munster-peace so as to delay their Amity Neither was it to be doubted but that all these Princes would make them dearly purchase their Allyance nor was it possible for them ever to man forth their Fleets so great a consternation had the last fight and the death of Van Trump infused into them The Fifth-Monarchists were animated against them by the news of their Forreign Alliancâ—…s It was no more then was prophesied in Scripture and in course to be expected that the Gentiles should rage and the Kings of the earth set themselves against the Kingdom of Christ but they should all fall before him and be broken to pieces They were fierce to encounter Gog and Magog and by a series of victories inflamed to the combat with this Antichristian host After the Deputies had consulted together a few dayes they repaired to Mr. Jessop Octob. 27. 1653. to deliver this Petition to the Council in French and English A Messeigneurs dú Conseil d'Estat de la Republique a'Angleterre THe subscribed Deputies of the States General of the United Provinces being charged by their Superiours to propose to the Council of State several points of importance doe thrice humbly and instantly beseech that to them favourable Audience may be granted as soon as it is possible and the important affairs of the said Council will permit On the next day They obtained Audience Octob. 28. 1653. and with great submissions delivered the following Paper in French and English The Translate of the said Paper in English as the same was then delivered by the said Deputies Most honourable Lords OUr fellow Deputies Nieuport and Jongstall having with all integrity and fidelity related to the Lords the States General of the United Provinces all the Propositions which on our part since our first arrival here have been exhibited to your most honourable Lordships and the answers which you have been pleased to return are come back again with express orders of our Lords Superiours that we together should make our addresses again to this most honourable Assembly and renew yet once again the most sincere and cord al protestations of their
A FURTHER IUSTIFICATION OF THE PRESENT WAR AGAINST THE United Netherlands Illustrated with several SCULPTURES By Henry Stubbe a lover of the Honour and Welfare of old ENGLAND Everard Reidan Annal. Belgic lib. 17. A. D. 1600. Decretum Ord. General advers Groninganos Quod ad pactiones foedus toties ruptum provocarent absurdum nec audiendum neque vitio Patribus vertendum esse quod securitati rerum suarum consulere velint LONDON Printed for Henry Hills and John Starkey and are to be sold at the Sign of the Miter near Temple-Barr in Fleetstreet MDCLXXIII The Contents of the Epistle to the READER THe Reason why this Treatise is called the Apology of the Parliamentarians The Insolence of the Dutch against the Parliamentarians in particular An account of the Loevesteine-faction the powers of the State-holder and Advocate of Holland A Relation of the folly of John de Wit in subverting the fundamental Government of the United Provinces The Contents of the Preface unto the loyal Subjects of His Majesty THe necessity of writing the ensuing Treatise for the full satisfaction of the King's Subjects about the lawfulness of the present War pag. 1 Several just and approved Causes of War which yet His Majesty did not insist upon p. 1 2 A true and full account concerning the true grounds of this War and how it was unavoidable on the part of His Majesty p. 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Reasons why the League betwixt England and Holland was not endeavoured nor ought to be renewed after its violation p. 9 10 11 12 13 14 What advise Q. Elizabeth would have suggested in the case p. 15 16 17 Arguments against the Neutrality of England during the War betwixt France and Holland p. 17 Arguments for the English to combine with France p. 17 18 19 Two Objections against the Alliance with France urged by an unknown Casuist and fully answered p. 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 The regard which His Majesty still preserved for the security of Flanders according to the Triple Alliance p. 26 27 The prudence of His Majesty in transacting the League with France with so much Secrecy p. 27 The prudence with which His Majesty penned and signed the Declaration for liberty of Conscience March 15. 1671 2. The parallel proceedings of the primitive Christian Emperors during the fourth Century That 't is the interest of the Church of England that Liberty of Conscience be granted at present That the Christian Church at first was setled by such contrivances as His Majesty now pursues That His Majesty hath in that Declaration provided better for the security of the Church of England than the antient Emperors did for Christianity in their times And consequently the Church of England is in no danger to be subverted by the present Indulgence That the present Indulgence is consonant to right reason of State and not repugnant unto civil Policy or likely to prove destructive to the Government p. 27. unto p. 73 A confutation of some assertions relating unto the Dominion of the Sea tendered to the Parliament in 1640. p. 76 Certain projects of Q. Elizabeth whereby she advanced the Honour and Trade of England p. 83 An Exhortation unto the English to be Unanimous and Couragious notwithstanding the troublesom condition of Europe p. 87 The Contents of the Apology THe Apology of those that were unhappily engaged in the service of the pretended Commonwealth and O. Cromwell for the King's Majesties Declaration and Proceedings against the United Provinces The Congratulation of the Parliamentarians for and their brief vindication of the Declaration of March 15. 1671 2. p. 57 Though the Dutch were Protestants yet this War is lawful p. 58 The Right of the Flagge a just cause of War with the Dutch the demands of the Parliamentarians and the Dutch concessions about it heretofore p. 58. 59 60 61 The English Channel not the sole Brittish Sea p. 61 62 The demands of the Parliamentarians concerning the Fishing the debate betwixt them and the Dutch about the Right of England thereto p. 62 63 64 65 66 The villanous composition made betwixt Oliver and the Dutch about the said Points and against His Majesty p. 66 The King's interest in the English Planters at Surinam afferâ—… p. 67 The Barbarity and Insolence of the Dutch towards the English in the East-Indies p. 67 68 69 A parallel betwixt the indignities done to His Majesty and those put upon the Parliamentarians formerly the defence of the Parliamentarians for their Resentments thereof p. 67 70 The perfidiousness of the Dutch illustrated at large p. 70 71 72 73 74 75 An account of the Dutch Religion p. 75 76 77 The Parliamentarians resolve that no secure peace can be made with the Hollanders except they submit to a Coalition or be reduced to an incapacity of hurting England p. 77 78 An account of the Treaty betwixt the Parliamentarians and Hollanders The States of Holland and West-Friesland confess their errors in fighting against England p. 78 79 The Parliamentarians reply and how they out-witted the Hollanders p. 79 80 The Parliamentarians refuse unto the States General the Title of High and Mighty and they discontinue it p. 80 81 Hugh Peters intercedes for the Dutch the voluntary proffers of the Dutch they amidst their solemn professions of Love unto the Rump perswade Cromwell to depose them and then cheat him p. 81 The Council of State beats the Dutch and makes them proceed by way of Humble Petition p. 82 83 The stark loving-kindness betwixt the Dutch and the Council and their joint concern for the Glory of God p. 84 The Council demands that the Dutch submit unto a Coalition the reciprocal Arguments about it p. 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 The Dutch refuse all Coalition and depart the sense of the whole Nation and particularly of the Fifth-Monarchists concerning them p. 91 92 The distressed condition of the Hollanders their Petition and submissive Memorial unto the Fifth-Monarchists p. 92 93 94 95 The Dutch are hated and scorned p. 96 Effectual projects to curb the insolence of the Dutch p. 97 Cromwell's dissimulation with the Dutch p. 97 98 The Dutch temporise with the Commissioners p. 98 9â—… A Preamble and draught of Articles tendered by the Commissioners 〈◊〉 99 100. 101 The exceptions of the Dutch thereunto their Papers slighted p. 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 The Dutch and English do again debate the point of Coalition p. 108 109 110 The Dutch perswade Cromwell to discard the Fifth-Monarchists and to assume the Government their Promises and Submissions unto him p. 110 111 Cromwell betrays the English interest unto the Dutch and yet is cheated by them several times before the Conclusion of the Treaty p. 111. unto p. 117 Both Parties agree to omit the general concernment of Religion p. 117 The Dutch observed not that Peace ibid. A large Memorial penned by the pretended Parliament of the Commonwealth of England concerning the English Rights to
the Flagge Dominion of the Sea and Fishery with the Importance thereof p. 118 c. A Relation concerning the passages of Amboyna and how Cromwell connived at the Actors contrary to his own Articles p. 134 c. The Sculpture A. is to be placed before the Title-Page B. page 3. C. D. page 124. E. page 134. THere are several proofs in the Preface and sometimes elsewhere which the Printer for his convenience hath placed together whereas they relate to passages not opposite to them but the inquisitive Reader will find that the citations in each page do fully prove the Text. To the Reader Reader I Could not well discharge my promise concerning the publishing of the Speech of Mr. St. Johns at the Hague the Copy which I had was so imperfect in names places and Sums mentioned and demanded that I would not injure such a piece by exhibiting those fragments and I have not been able by any industry to supply that deficiency But I think I have sufficiently recompenced that omission by bringing to light the Narrative of the Treaty betwixt England and the United Provinces in 1653. In which if it appear that Cromwel was not so wise as the world apprehended him to be nor so honest as some of his Partisans would now insinuate who is to be blamed It hath been observed that Usurpers and Tyrants do always fix upon some particular Projects whereby to endear their Government to the people Those subtle men who ruled in the Council of State and pretended Parliament did pursue those courses and esteemed nothing more beneficial just and generous great considerations with English Spirits than to assert the Dominion of the Seas the Rights of the Fishery and to vindicate the English commerce thorough all parts of the world They did rightly apprehend that the strength of this nation consisted in Naval forces and the life thereof was Commerce It is true that Trading furnisheth the Land with Riches and Sea-men but it is likewise certain that the Trading can never be managed securely without a constant Naval force wherein whosoever is most powerful He becomes immediately master of the Seas and of Trade Our Rich Commerce cannot be discontinued in time of war without so great prejudice that I cannot reckon upon that navigation as a Seminary of Seamen of our inferiour Commerce what have we but the Colliery and Fishing of New-found land which may be reckoned upon to the purpose aforesaid and both of these yield us not a proportionable number of Seamen to what the Dutch have nor will they prove good Coasters or half man our Ships should we as we cannot even disfurnish our Colliers and Fishermen It remains then that we must either retrive the Fishery which is the grand Seminary of Mariners in the United Provinces and whereby they far exceed us or abandon our selves to despair poverty and perhaps protection of our puissant neighbours This that Council of State most prudently foresaw and therefore readily embraced that occasion of a war which the Treachery of the Hollanders did present them with and you will here see that their opinion was that there was no confidence to be put in any League or Union with those people except they were united to us by a Coalition or confined by very rigorous Articles so as that they might never be Competitors with the English for strength or renown I thought the designs of his Majesty could not be better justified unto his enemies if he have any such in England which is but a Dutch tenâ—…t then by shewing that the intendments of the Court are the same with those of the Council of State and those the most popular advantageous and necessary for this Nation in this juncture that can be put in execution I call this Treatise an Apology of the Parlamentarians for His Majesties Declaration Because it is extracted out of the Declaration and other papers printed or Manuscript which that party did pen in those times I do value the writing upon the certainty of the Allegations I have followed the most authentick Memorials and the best intelligence I could attain to and particularly I must say of Leo ab Aitzma that his credit is equal to that of Mr. Rushworth in England he negotiated for the Dutch here at that time and transcribed His Book out of the Originals of Holland The other Authors which I cite are generally the best that have writ on those subjects be they Historians or Politicians The marginal notes and proofs were all added by me even in that eminent Memorial which is here added at the end the which I was forced to alter much that it might be compleat as it is I had another motive to publish to the world this Treatise as an Apology for that party which may induce them to prize it for the Dutch have proclaimed them in print to be the veriest Rogues the world did ever produce two-legged wolves that carry sheep-skins on their backs Bibles in their hands and dissimulation in their hearts a sort of men that worship a Deity called preciseness the mother whereof was superstition the God-mother Hypocrisie and the Nurse ambition They say the Parlamentarians were their Eleemosynatiâ—…s that having got a vast Collection in the United Provinces A. D. 1644. for the relief of the Irish protestants they turned it to their own use ruined their king and then quarrelled with their Benefactors and of ingrateful Alms-people turn'd barbarous Pirates that they neither shewed valour or conduct in that war nor acted any thing that might eclipse the renown of the Dutch That it was no wonder if six English men of war did take one Hollander but that one Hollander with eight guns and two and twenty men should fight three Flag-ships of England for eight hours and after that escape by running on ground this is a miraculous fortitude yet did this happen in September Assist me Gallant Fanaticks but with the name of this Argo-naut the year and the day for my Author doth not and consider with your selves to what degree of misery you are to bring an Hollander that you may abate his insolence I think you reduced them to a low condition I think the Council of State did treat with them as they deserved and in their Articles proposed nothing but what was reasonably to be domanded from Hollanders But the villanous Ambition and solly of Cromwel did subject you to these abuses and those that professed such implacable love towards you during the Treaty published these things after the Peace Mingle then your concerns with those of His Majesty and the Nation revenge your own indignities as well as those of the King Court Parliament and Realm beat them a third time that they may at length confess they were once well beaten I need not to excite you by any greater examples then what Sr. John Harman and others of your friends continue to give you and an English Spirit whatsoever his perswasion be needs
revenues of the Provinces were much less than they were thereby to draw from her the greater sums And whereas it was covenâ—…nted betwixt the Qâ—…een and the States that the Earl of Leicester should continue all such in their employments which he should find already preferred this Barnevelt did solicite the States of Holland and West-Friesland that they and also Zealand would choose Grave Maurice State-holder before the arrival of the Earl thereby to disappoint him of that Government at which he aimed and unto which by a custome received in Brabant the Earl might well pretend He did also further contrive that Grave Maurice should be dignified with the Title of Prince though it did not of right appertain unto him he not being the Heir but Administrator of the Principality of Orange during the imprisonment of his elder brother Philip William in Spain Both these actions the Queen being already engaged did think fit to dissemble though the Earl did not conceal his resentments but construed the one as a diminution of his power and the other as a lessening of his esteem and glory The Election of Grave Maurice to the said State-holdership was purely a provincial act he had not any Commission from the Generality yet he had thereby the disposal and managing of the affairs of war by land in Holland and Zealand and particularly the besetting or garrisoning of all Cities and Forts of those Countries by the advice of the States thereof or their Commissioners and also the removing or trans-placing the encreasing diminishing or altering of the Garrisons of the said Provinces was to be done by the Orders of his aforesaid Excellency of Nassau with the advice of the States afore named or their Commissioners To allay the Indignation of the Earl of Leicester upon his arrival at the Hague the States contrary to the mind of the Queen made him by a publick instrument and absolute Commission to be Governour and Captain General not simply of the Leaguers or over the Souldiery only without the voicing Provinces so as the successive Princes of Orange had their Commissions of Captain General limited and circumscribed but absolutely over all the United Provinces themselves thère being yielded up unto him powerfully and absolutely to make use of the words of Authorization given by the States General unto the Earl Jan. 10. 1586. to command in the matter and point of war and that which depends thereon by Sea and Land over all the aforesaid Provinces Cities and Members thereof c. accordingly as he should think best The collation of this absolute power which all the Dutch Historians acknowledge was the voluntary and unanimous deed of the Deputies of the Generality and Olden Barnevelt as Pensioner of Roterdam was instrumental in the promoting it but no sooner did the Earl begin to put in exeoution the power which they had given him without applying himself most humbly unto the Council of State and the then pittiful Magistrates of each Province and City but the confederates of Olden-Barnevelt begin to repine clamour and contrive how to invalidate the Commission of the Earl and to elude that obedience which they had so solemnly sworn unto In the same year 1586. Olden-Barnevelt is put into the place of Advocate General of Holland whereupon he was no sooner entred but he informs the people and Provincials of Holland that all their former Customes were inverted their priviledges infringed the Government in danger to be altered the Union of Utrecht violated by the excluding Papists from the Magistracy that they had done ill to confer so great power on the Earl and to permit the English in the Council of state to be acquainted with all the Secrets of their Government Having possessed that province herewith designs were formed against the Earl of Leicester to invalidate his Authority Remonstrances framed Libels Medails and scurrilous pictures scattered abroad jealousies fomented betwixt Pr. Maurice and the Earl the Count Hohenlo is exasperated and spreads dissentions in the Army a devi ce is found out for the introducing an Assembly of the States General with an Authority and Superintendency over the Council of State All oaths taken unto the Earl are either forgotten or annulled and it is declared that the People are the original of the Magistrates power which is so transferred upon them that it still remains in the donors that the Majesty of the Government is not fixed in the persons of thirty or forty assembled and ruling as States but in the Provinces themselves who might reject or admit of the decrees of the Council of State as they saw cause A declaration to this purpose was sent unto the Earl by the States of Holland and West-Friestand being penned by Olden-Barnevelt This Notion of Government and of the States Generall was at first laugh'd at and exploded universally in a manner and the persons of the provincial States rendred contemptible but in time Olden-Barnevelt and his associates made the Government so uneasie unto the Earl that he departed and resigned it up and because the Ministers were extreamly devoted to the Earl and asserted his power and the obligation of the Oaths of fealty taken unto him to distract and divide them this Olden-Barnevelt introduceth amongst some of them the Tenets afterwards denominated from Arminius whence arose such fâ—…uds amongst them that they were forced to divert their thoughts from State-affairs to those of Religion and and to demand a National Synod for the composing of Church-Divisions The Advocate by his artifices and private insinuations eludes the calling thereof and thereby necessitates the Ministers to seek their support by a greater compliance with the Burgo-masters The Earl having relinquished his titular Authority the States General assume all power to themselves the Office of Governour general is extinguished they make Pr. Maurice Captain General whose power extended only to the Souldiers in the Leaguer and field he not having any command over the particular Governours or State-holders of the Provinces within their respective jurisdictions but these particular Governours notwithstanding the Captain General appointed over the Souldiery were themselves Captains General over the Souldiers lying in the respective provinces Neither could the Captain General transplace any Garrisons or enquarter in any City without the Consent of the Province and Magistracy of the City The prerogative of the Advocate General 's Office consists chiefly in this viz. To have a priority in all matters and to defend the Soveraignties and rights of the States provincial and the immunities of the Countrey to have a care of calling the publick Assemblies in them to have a voice in all businesses to take charge of Remonstrances and Petitions tendred unto them and to exhibite them at convenient times to consult and deliberate with the Nobles concerning them and all other things propounded in those meetings That being done to pronounce the verdict passed either by joint consent or at least plurality of
indirectly by their Negative Suffrage Though the death of Olden-Barnevelt did put some stop to the designs of that party yet did the interest continue and in John deWit the Spirit of Olden-Barnevelt sâ—…ed to be risen again The States General under Pr. William in 1650. would willingly have brought the Government unto some certainty and adjusted the power of the States General and State-holders sâ—… as that it might have some form in it But the province of Holland were so animated by their Pensionaries that the design succeeded not and upon the death of that Prince this faction proceeded to introduce that Anarchy which hath at last occasioned the general desolation of the Republick It was a maxime transmitted unto them from the first Pr. William that this Polyarchical Government could not subsist without a State-holder who was to reconcile all emergent differences betwixt the Towns and Provinces and the continuance of that office was a branch of the Union at Utrecht Nor was the said provision ever cancelled or altered by the joynt approbation of the Consederates But this faction did abolish this office in Holland and did partly by perswasion partly by over powring the other Provinces extinguish it in all places except Grâ—…ninghen and to decide emergent differences a new expedient of Arbiters and Super-arbiters was found out who being men no way elevated above the vulgar by extraction and degree could not answer the general aim and intent but the final power would reside in Holland the disposal of the Militia and Commands was principally fixed in the Council of State not in the Generality that the said Province might rule all their affairs in the Council of State It being managed by plurality of personal and not provincial votes and the Hollanders being always present upon the place In fine the Union was so infringed that Gelderland Over-yssel Utrecht and Friesland were in a manner subject unto Holland and the Nobility and Gentry were every where depressed and despised by the Merchants and Commonalty of that Province One might justly apply to that State what was said of the Romans heretofore Socii Romanorum tacite redigebantur in servitutem By little and little the Roman allyes became their Bondmen As for Zealand the Hollanders did seemingly yield unto them greater regards and deference but withall complotted how to weaken that Province so by an alteration of the Government and intestine divisions that they might in effect be reduced under their tuition The Prince of Orange had three voices or Member-ships in Zealand of seven as Primier Noble man and Marquess of the Vassal-cities Terveer and Flushing besides the power of placing the Magistrate in Middleburgh Ziricksee and Tolen Goes only being exempt so that he seemed to have the full direction of that Province To depress this power of the Pr. of Orange there was dissention raised betwixt the Grandmother and the Princess Royal and also John deWit with some others were sent into Zealand where they revived the jus directum Universitatis the power of the people telling them that their liberties were undermined and the Government committed unto the hands of a few and those none of the best Whereupon the Burghers began to seek a Reformation demand that several Magistrates be deposed attempt to kill and plunder some and cause the Burgomaster of Middleburgh Tibant Landsbergen c. to be banished and after that the people were thus animated and the States there changed or intimidated John deWit and the rest acquaint the Towns of Terveer and Flushing with their fundamental rights that the Earldome of Zealand was by the revolt from Spain devolved to the Province in general that the Pr. of Oronge's power over them was an usurpation though it were expresly contained in the deed of Sale 1581. when the Prince bought the Towns and that they ought to dispose of their own votes in the States provincial A long deduction to this purpose with a multitude of quirks in point of Law was exhibited by them and readily believed by the people against all reason and notwithstanding any allegations made by the Guardians of the infant Prince whereby that Province lost much of the influence it had in the Councils of the Generality and became subordinate to Holland the faction of deWit ruling every where To secure themselves for the future against the Pr. of Orange this faction privately contracts with Cromwel to assist him against the Royal line of England provided he will support them against the house of Orange and by the credit of his amity they proceed first to seclude the Infant-Prince from ever being elected State-holder Admiral or Captain General by their suffrage and afterwards draw all the Provinces to swear a perpetual Edict against it In vindication of their actings they publish a Deduction wherein the whole succession of Princes from the first to the last William are defamed as if they had all designed to themselves the Soveraignty of the United Provinces they upbraid them with the revenues and emoluments which that family had gained by the wars and avowed that the said family was obliged unto them for the dignities and opportunities to advance themselves which the States had given thereunto they reckon up each minute gratification which they had publickly given them and declare them to be most ingrateful for abusing their power and not the Hollanders for discontinuing it Out of the precedent Narration any one may collect how little interest the Princes of Orange have always had in the Government of that Common-wealth and upon what faction all the villany of that State is to be charged nor will it be difficult for any to calculate the original and source of the present calamities and distractions there The want of a State-holder left all emergent controversies difficult to be reconciled for that office together with the hereditary reverence which the generality had for the Princes of Orange was the cement of the Republick The Union of Utrecht was pretendedly owned by Hollard but yet openly violated or by subtleties of Law invalidated so that whereas the Provinces were to sharein the publick management of affairs as they were Provinces and not according to the Quota or Raâ—…es which they contributed now the rest were despised and imposed upon by Holland the Gentry with the House of Orange sunk under the Commonalty and the six Provinces under the seventh all which was done without reducing the Government unto any form or settlement all things were acted not by a Rule to be substituted unto the Union of Utrecht but by the Artifices of the Pensionary and the violent resolutions of the provincials of Holland who seemed to design unto their Province an Aristocracy as it were above the rest As to the Government the authority of the States General became insignificant and precarious the decrees and resolutions thereof being not obligatory in Holland especially any further than the States Provincial and each Town pleased Each Province was independent
to merit his esteem and affection Such like insinuations have heretofore been made by such as the world valued for policy but we request not any benefit therefrom but upon the regards of Piety desiring to serve the same God and pray for the same Soveraign under our several forms of worship How zealously the Fathers justifie the present Declaration of his Majesty it is a thing well known to the Learned and Mr. Chillingworth a Book licensed by the greatest Episcoparians and reprinted under no less Authority since his Majesties return doth make a large harangue in the behalf of it And if to impose upon men the profession of what they do not believe seem the most ready way to Atheism and if Atheism be much more pernicious to Government then Superstition the late procedure of his Majesty is authorized by the most prudential documents and we do heartily wish that the reign of his Majesty may be as prosperous and as glorious as was that of Constantine Valentinian Theodosius c. who are the illustrious presidents in this way of Royal clemency It is most certain that nothing did more in bolden the Dutch in their insolences against his Majesty and the English Nation then the opinion they had that we being subjected to the rigour of the penal Laws must needs be thereupon discontented with the present Government and inclined to favour them during the war But how cogent soever were those motives which made us desire greater indulgence we have not so learned Christ as thereupon to become rebels and enemies to our native Country Neither should ever De Witte by his artifices and soâ—…hisins convince us of the equity of their Cause who in the heighth of religious extravagancies and fanaticism did so vigorously assert those English rights in the defense of which His Majesty is now embarked We are not at all concerned in favour of the Dutch because They profess the same Protestant Religion which the English adhere unto It is most certain that the sense of Religion doth not extinguish Civil rights neither ought Injuries therefore to be tolerated because the Authors are Protestants No Judge no man regards the Effusion of Christian blood when a cut-â—…urse or a Robber is to be put to death we consider here the demeanour not the Creed of the criminals and injurious The Dutch pressed us with such Arguments as these when they had in â—…ain assaulted our Fleet in the Downs A. D. 1652. They harangued unto us by their Embassadour Adrian Pauw about the Interest of Protestancy in general and the mutual regards that ought to be betwixt Nations avowing the same Reformed and Orthodox Religion But the Council of State then would not be amused with such expressions nor relinquish thereupon the Rights and Honour of England They challenged the Right of the Flag as anciently and indubitably appertaining to this Nation and esteemed that no trivial Ceremony but so important a matter as to bottom the Quarrel and pursue the War thereupon We did not look upon the thing as a Civility which 't was indifferent if payed or omitted but beheld it as Land-lords do those small acknowledgments of a Capon or Pepper-corn by which their Tenants hold their Lands We esteemed it such a Ceremony as whereby wo preserved our Title to the Dominion and Soveraignty of the Brittish Seas the which Seas if we like Prodigals do not improve to all Advantages yet we would not bereave our Posterity of their Right to do it We said 't was a Right which All Princes and States even those of Holland and their Ancestours had allowed to belong unto England that a long Usage and Prescription which 't was easie to deduce out of Authent'ck records had confirmed unto us The Dutch were not then so insolent as to demand of us any Declaration that we pretended not thereby to the Dominion of the Brittish Seas but we know very well that Our Soveraignty over those Seas was suspended thereupon and that they did not refuse the Flag but that they might deprive us of and usurp to themselves the other The Dutch then were not so impudent as openly to justifie their Admiral and other Captains which refused to shew that Obeisance They did not commissionate them to deny it but intimated to them their displeasure at it whilst they publickly avowed That they had ordained them to continue those civilities and testimonies of affection which were usual upon any rancounter with the English Men of War Their Pride was not become so extravagant as of late it shewed it self against His Majesty and yet we thought fit to abate it then and therefore we cannot be justly suspected to be averse from this quarrel All our claim All our prescription was deduced from Crowned Heads and we do not imagine the Rights of England to be lessened because that His Majesty doth sway the Brittish Sceptre We prosecuted that War with so much courage and conduct that our valour amazed the whole world until the atchievements of his Royal Highness did give Men greater occasions for wonder And what we demanded by way of Treaty this Article will attest ARTIC XV. That the Ships and Vessels of the said United Provinces as well Men of War as others be they single Ships or in Fleets meeting at Sea with any of the Ships of War of this State of England or in their Service and wearing the Flag shall strike the Flag and lower their Topsail until they be passed by and shall likewise submit themselves to be visited if thereto required and perform all other respects due to the said Common-wealth of England to whom the Dominion and Soveraignty of the Brittish Seas belong This was one of the Articles delivered to their four Embassadors Novemb. 18. 1653. And the pretended Common-wealth did so peremptorily insist thereon that without the Solemn declaration and acknowledgment of the English Soveraignty over the Brittish Seas they could not any way treat with the Hollanders And it is well known to those which were commissioned to treat with their Embassadours I had this relation from Sir Robert Reynolds who was one of them that the said Embassadours being introduced and recommended to their pitty by Hugh Peters did offer to the several Commissioners that the States General should by a publick deed acknowledge that The Dominion and Soveraignty of the Brittish Seas did belong unto the pretended Common-wealth of England and that Thus much should be expressed in the several Commissions and Instructions issuing out of their Admiralties and Their Ships upon this account avowedly to strike the Flag and lower their Topsail We so much the more insisted thereon because we knew the usual evasions of the Dutch would otherwise reduce affairs to a second dispute if ever They recollected their strength We wonder that They should so far obliterate in their minds all sense of the respect due to Crowned Heads above the Republicks and so extreamly forget what
they owe to his Royal Ancestours as to entreat His Majesty so uncivilly in this case whereas in June 1652. after their Fleet had been repulsed by Blake to appease Us They of their own accord did declare by the Lord Adrian Paaw that The States General had no intention to lessen the Honour and Dignity of the Parliament of the Common-wealth of England but that They had given command heretofore and also since the late unhappy Accident New Order That upon meetings and salutings of the Fleets or Ships of War concerning the striking down of the Flag and what belong to it there should be the same Honour done to the Parliament of the Common-wealth of England as was formerly done during the other Government We cannot but wonder that They should be so ready then to exhibit those Honours to such as they were not due unto and now refuse to pay them when they are due by an immemorial custome which They cannot plead ignoranâ—… to The Rights of the Crown of England being the basis of the Parlamentary pretensions and the measures for the adjusting those Honours were taken from what had been done during the Monarchy of England To the Article aforesaid as it is worded their Embassadours Nov. 22. 1653. did not make any exception either as to the striking of the Flag or Soveraignty of the Sea but they protested against the visiting of their Ships as repugnant to the practise of their Country and subject to a thousand disorders and disputes and injuries to their State besides the visiting is not to be reciprocal Whereupon Cromwell in the name of the Commissioners replyed That the searching of their Ships was no new thing but an undoubted right which naturally followed from the Soveraignty of the Sea the which did appertain to England It was likewise an efflux of the same dominion for the English to prescribe unto them with what number of Ships of War they should pass the British Seas That they ought to be much more zealous now for the asserting the said ancient dominion of the Sea in all its branches because it had been so lately and so notoriously disputed and invaded And whereas the Embassadours had somewhat boastingly said in their Memorial that Their people were of such Generosity that they would never endure such Terms To this Cromwel said he would reply no more Then that we were English-men and had not lost our Courage After this the Embassadours came to be more calm and Dec. 23. 1653. gave in a particular Answer to the Articles exhibited and as to this They desired it might be extended in this manner That the Ships and Vessels of the United Provinces as well Men of War as others meeting with any of the Ships of War of the State of England shall honour and dignifie them with the striking of the Flag and lowering the Topsail in such a manner as ever under any form of Government in times past they have been honoured and dignified and to prevent all quarrels for the future the particulars thereof shall be regulated by the advise of the Generals and Commanders But hereunto the Council of State would not assent being resolved to have the Dominion of the Sea recognized by them And the Embassadours did at last resolve to comply with them in that demand beseeching them that they would mitigate the other Articles But Cromwel having deposed first that pretended Parliament and then the Council of State to ingratiate himself with them and secure his usurpations the better He consented Decemb. 26. 1653. That the Article should run thus That the Ships and Vessels of the United Provinces as well Men of War as others meeting with any of the Ships of War of the State of England shall strike their Flag and lower their Top-sail The Embassadours hereupon Decemb. 28. 1653. moved That it might be limited within the Narrow Seas which commonly are called the Brittish Seas and by a special Order it may be regulated with a distinction of places and shores in such a manner That the same honour and dignity of striking the Flag and lowering the Topsail be observed for the future as in tiâ—…e past under the former Government it hath been observed On the same day Cromwel returned them this Answer that For the inserting of those words the Brittish Seas He did adhere thereto but it seems He thought it a Diminution of his Glory to have the respects payed to his Highness compared with those which were usual to the former Kings of England Whereupon the Embassadours rejoyn That the words In such a manner as it hath been observed in times past under any former Government derogate nothing from the State or Nation 〈◊〉 but are necessary for them to justifie it to their Superiors and People supposing it to be no Novelty By these degrees was the Thirteenth Article of the Treaty betwixt Cromwel and the Dutch modelled into what is printed in Aitzma And thence it was transcribed into the Tenth Article of the English League made at White-hall Sept. 14. 1662. and afterwards into the Nineteenth Article at Breda In the management hereof we may observe that Cromwel the better to ensure himself against his forreign and domestick Enemies did rather leave untouched and undecided the Soveraignty of the Seas then relinquish the Right Secondly by the Brittish Seas in the Article about the Flag are meant the Four Seas and not the Channel only Which is evident hereby in that Art 3. He doth not distinguish the Brittish Sea from the North-Sea as in the Seventh Article of the Treaty of Breda but includes the North Sea in the Brittish Seas where He mentions depraedations happening twelve dayes after the Peace being signed It is also to be remarked that the pretended Common-wealth did explain what They meant by the Brittish Seas ARTIC XIV That the Inhabitants and Subjects of the United Provinces may with Their Ships and Vessels furnished as Merchant-men freely use their navigation sail pass and repass in the Seas of great Brittain and Ireland and the Isles within the same commonly called the Brittish Seas without any wrong or injury to be offered them by the Ships or People of this Common-wealth but on the contrary shall be treated with all Love and friendly offices And may likewise with their Men of War not exceeding such a number as shall be agreed upon in this Treaty sail pass and repass thorough the said Seas to and from the Countreys and Ports beyond them But in case the States General shall have occasion to pass the said Seas with a great number of Ships of War they shall give three months notice of their intentions to the said Common-wealth and obtain their consent for the passing of such a Fleet for preventing all jealousies and misunderstandings betwixt the States by means thereof This therefore being the notion of those times must contain the sense of Cromwel and we wonder that the Considerer should offer
to intimate as if because the Article had been varied in the words as aforesaid that therefore it was suited to his sense No less strange is it that He should expound the intentions of his Majesty by the privacy of Cromwel's Conclave and not according to the true legal and known import of the words We add that if He found in our ordinary Maps the Channel and Brittish Sea as equipollent and Synonymous terms yet He never found the Channel to be called the Brittish Seas and therefore that allegation is most impertinent and fallacious And He must seek to the common vogue for a more authentick explication thereof As little doth it avail Him to find in the Seventh Article a distinction betwixt the Brittish Sea and North Sea for seeing that the Number is varied 't is most certain the Sense is also However it is a Rule in the Civil Law Dubitationis gratia quae apponuntur nocere non praesumuntur Such clauses or words as are put in to prevent disputes ought not to occasion any or prejudice the inferter Surely Pride or Passion transported the Considerer beyond his reason when He esteemed that Objection invincible as it did beyond Truth when He distinguished betwixt Fleets and Ships and made Cromwel to do so too of which there is not the least appearance to our knowledge How willing soever the Dutch were to acknowledge the Rights of England as to the Dominion of the Brittish Seas and Flag They still insisted upon the Freedom to fish without License or Letters of Safe-conduct This they proposed in a draught of Articles tendered by them to Mr. St. Johns and after to the Council of State But the pretended Common-wealth refused absolutely to assent thereunto nor would They admit of any Treaty with the Dutch except they would first acknowledge The English Soveraignty of those Seas and contract for the Liberty of Fishing The Article which They imposed was this ARTIC XVII The people and inhabitants of the said United Provinces of what condition or quality soever They be shall with their Busses and other Vessels fitted for that purpose have liberty from time to time for the term of one and twenty years next coming to sail and fish as well for Herrings as all other sort of Fish great and small upon any the Coasts and Seas of Great Britain and Ireland and the rest of the Isles adjacent where and in such manner as they have been formerly permitted to fish In consideration whereof the States General shall during that Terme pay into the publick Treasury of this Common wealth at the City of London the sum of at two equal payments upon every twenty fourth day of June and twenty fourth day of December The first payment to begin on the twenty fourth day of June next Hereunto the Dutch excepted That by the taking of such a Lease for the Fishing the States General should be put out of an Immemorial possession without Cause or Reason Having alwayes enjoyed the freedom of Fishing As they were ready to prove by an ample deduction of Arguments and Evidences And instead of this Article They thought it reasonable to urge the Fourteenth Article of the Treaty called Intercursus Magnus A. D. 1495. viz. That the people and Inhabitants of either State of what condition or quality soever they be shall freely without any molestation safe-guard or pass sail and fish every where at Sea The Council of State were very angry at this plea of the Embassadours and told them that They wondred with what confidence the States General could pretend to an Immemorial possession of the Fishery seeing that the time was not yet Immemorial since They first were owned to be Free States If according to the Civil Law we allow an 100 years as a just prescription yet was it not so long since their Ancestours first possessed themselves of the Brill A. D. 1572. That the time wherein they fished as Subjects of the House of Burgundy by vertue of a League made betwixt England and those Dukes did not establish an Immemoridlpossession or prescription in favour of the States General That since the Fishery was held by the Subjects of Burgundy and they exempted from the paying for Licenses and Convoyes onely by vertue of a Treaty Nothing was more manifest than the Immemorial Right of the English whereby before that Treaty they did exact mony for Licenses and Convoyes That what was held by League did expire with the said League That this League of Intercourse was expired upon the subsequent Wars betwixt Qu. Elizabeth and the Crown of Spain and had never been confirmed again since that time That the Dutch could not claim any Liberty by vertue of that League now partly because the Alterations of the Government in the Netherlands and other accidents have deprived the English of those great benefits which accrued to them by that Treaty and in consideration whereof it was assented unto by them and consequently It was lawful and just for them to resume their Right of the Fishery and that the Effect should cease with its final Cause partly because that the United Provinces are not to be deemed the same people since their Union into a Republick and alienation from the other Provinces and Dominion of the Dukes of Burgundy that they were before They are not the persons with whom the English made any such Contract or ever renewed it It is most certain that Qu. Elizabeth did deprive the Hanse Towns of their privileges in London upon these reasons That since the English had acquired the manufacture of Cloth and could manage that Trade themselves therefore there was no need no reason to continue the priviledges of the Hanse Towns which had been granted purposely for the better exportation and vending of our Cloth Also because that most of the Hanse Towns were extinguished and esloigned from the first and ancient confederation which consisted of 72 Towns and therefore the Corporation or subject of those priviledges being ceased the priviledges themselves were ceased It was further urged that since the expiration of the said Treaty whatsoever Liberty the Dutch had taken in Fishing it was an usurpation upon the English rights that by the Civil Law they were possessores malae fidei and consequently could not claim any Prescription They knew that the Right of the Fishery was vested in the English and since They fished in those Seas during the Burgundian League in right of the English and afterwards by a notorious usurpation 't was no less evident that They had not any possession then it is that whatsoever They had was not Immemorial And therefore the English expressed a great kindness unto them in not demanding Satisfaction for the past Fisking Besides their possession had been at several times disturbed and therefore the claim invalid For not only Philip. II. had taken a lease of it in the dayes of Q. Mary for one and twenty
years but K. James had asserted his right and prohibited the Dutch to fish without License A. D. 1609. the like was done by K. Charles and the E. of Nâ—…rthumberland enforced them to recognise the English rights These Arguments were vehemently urged by the Commissioners of the Council of State at several conferences and notwithstanding the boast of the Hollanders that they would largely and plainly deduce their possession and rights All that They did alledge was That they had Immemorally fished there without License That this was assented unto by the Treaty of 1495. That before that League they did not take Licenses nor could it well be imagined that they did for the Herring-fishing since the Invention to pickle Herrings was not much more ancient then that Treaty It being discovered A. 1414. That They did not know upon what grounds K. Philip did take the Lease aforesaid since He needed not to do it by reason of the said Treaty That the Proclamation of K. James was never put in execution but at the request of the Hollanders either suspended or totally abrogated That the enterprise of the E. of Northumberland was an act of force and violenâ—…e and his expedition meerly praedatory That They expected more from the Justice of the Republick then that They should follow so evil presidents Hereunto the Commissioners replied That the English were obliged to vindicate their proper Rights which were conveyed to them by a Prescription and possession truly Immemorial And of the reality thereof They had in the beginning of the War convinced their Embassadour the Lord of Hemsted That the Kingdoms of France and Sweden were not less potent nor less considerable then the United Provinces and might as well insist upon the Freedom of the Fishing as they but They did not but did seek leave for to fish in the Brittish Seas That the Dutch ought to follow so illustriâ—…us examples in recognising the English rights rather then create an ill precedent for others to dispute them That it was not the intention of the Parliament to exact any vâ—…st sum of money from them â—…nnually but to acquiesce with a moderate recognition But They would never do England that dishonour as to relinquish totally that Right These Dutch are alwayes arrogant in their Language but empty in their proofs How vain is their Immemorial possession Coâ—…mon Impudence would not embolden a man to insist thereon It is evident They never fished without License except that it was otherwise agreed upon by League And if that the modern way of pickling Herring were of so late an Invention yet They had some other way of ordering them heretofore For it appears by the Treaties betwixt the Crown of Denmark and the Dutch A. D. 1324. and afterwards by other Leagues betwixt that Realm and the Hanse-Towns A. D. 1370. as also by the Records of Scotland and England that the Herring-fishing was very great and considerable long before that the Fisherman of Bierâ—…let was born The reason K. â—…hilip proceeded to take the Lease was because that His Spanish Subjects could not fish otherwise in the Irish Seas they not being comprehended in the Intercursus magnus and and He well knowing the English rights as to the Fishery If K. James did not execute his Proclamation He never did suspend or renounce it but with great fervour pursued his claim and forced the Dutch to acknowledge his rights and desert the pleas of Immemorial possession and Freedom of the Sea I do not find any violence or depredation used by the E. of Northumberland nor that the Dutch did protest against his actions I have already given an account of that expedition and I had rather believe what that Honourable Person sets his hand unto then all the clamours of these impudent Hollanders It is most certain that the pretended Common-wealth did suspend the whole Treaty upon this one point of the Fisâ—…ing they duly considered that it would be impossible that the English should be able to counterpoise the Naval force of the United Provinces without a numerous Seminary of Sea-men and that in order thereunto the English had no other means at present but the Colliery at New-castle which did not bear any proportion with the Dutch Fishery They supposed that it would be impossible for the English ever to replenish the maritime Towns to advance Trade and render themselves terrible or usefull to forreign Princes which motives sway chiefly in Alliances unless they did regain the Fishery unto England And they esteemed these reasons so powerful that they seemed impregnable against the most amicable and religious harangues of the Dutch and also against the tender of 300000 l. offered to purchase their Amity On the other side the Dutch not minding the title of Soveraigns of the Sea nor the glory of the Flag but the real prejudice whereto they should subject themselves if they relinquished the Fishing or made a temporary and precarious contract for it with a people jealous of the growth and power of Holland and therefore determined to encrease their Naval force Sea-men and Trade did resolutely declare They would treat no longer but must return to their Superiours Decemb. 15. 1653. In the mean while Oliver determines openly to proclaim himself Protectour and having effected that the Embassadours were stayed and the Treaty resumed and Oliver sends them this Answer to their last Memorial concerning the Fishing The Lords Deputies having by their former Papers desired that Freedom of Fishing in these Seas might be declared in this Treaty the seventeenth Article was thereupon propounded whereby License is granted to the people of the United Provinces upon the Terms therein expressed which notwithstanding is in their Lordships power to accept or refuse But it cannot be admitted that any thing should be inserted in this Treaty that may prejudice the right of this State in the Fishery No sooner had Oliver enstated Himself in the Protectorship but He found the Dutch to dally with His Highness They listened to His proposals and essaied how far He would condescend offering to stand uncovered in his presence but protesting They had no power from their Superiours to conclude and sign any Articles with this New Government Whereupon They desired a pass and departed Jan. 6. 1653. In the ensuing Spring the Treaty was resumed and concluded The points of the Soveraignty of the Seas and Of the Fishery were left undecided The Protectour thinking it most for His convenience to decline the mentioning of those particulars since He had gain'd other Articles that did conduce to His personal security against the Sectaries and Commonwealth-men at home and the Royalists abroad The Dutch not being to aid or suffer any in their Territories to assist with Ships Arms Money Victuals or advise any of His Enemies but to assist Him upon any occasion of danger with Souldiers and Ships in what proportion should be agreed upon Nor should They receive into their
Inquisition By the pacification of Ghent A. D. 1576. the Hollanders and Zelanders united with the other more Catholick Provinces it being agreed that They should not attempt any thing against the Roman-catholick Religion or molest any for professing it but demean themselves without any offense except it were within their proper Provinces Governments and Commands were promiseuously disposed of to Papists and those of the Reformed Religion And by the Union at Utrecht A. D. 1579. The Provinces of Holland and Zeland are to be of what Religion they please the rest of the confederates are to continue the Roman Cotholick Religion or at least to make no alteration therein but by General consent or the Authority of the proper Magistrates When they tendered the Soveraignty of their Provinces to France it appears by the Articles and Instructions that They did not insist upon the having Protestant Magistrates but left that King to choose others so they were but honest peaceable men who would not persecute or molest those that were of a different Religion When the Earl of Leicester came to be Governour there He found not only Papists but even Ecclesiastics at Utrecht to rule in the Senate and Province and the original of the quarrel and complaints against Him were that He depressed the Papists and advanced Protestants contrary to the League at Utrecht in Their defense did Holland remonstrate against the Earl's proceedings this was the reason why the Ministers and all the zealous protestants honoured and loved the Earl and only the Atheistical politicians of Holland opposed him If we look upon them in their more flourishing condition All Religions are tollerated there as well as Protestants even such as are most repugnant to the Deity and Gospel of Christ. Their actions are regulated by principles of State and upon those grounds do they invite and encourage all Sects to live in their territories When their interest doth sway them they desert or fight against Protestants Thus they assisted the King of France with twenty Ships of war against Rochel A. D. 1627. 1628. When the Bosch Maestricht and Breda were conquered the Popish Religion was alwayes tolerated openly in those districts in such manner as it was exercised before and so it was intended if Antwerp had been taken and at the Munster-Treaty the States General did include as a part of their Treaty another private one made betwixt the Crown of Spain and the Prince of Orange in which it was agreed that in the districts of Sevenberg Turnhout and other places the Roman-Catholick Religion should be preserved entire and in the same manner as it was when that League was made and that All the Ecclesiasticks should enjoy their Endowments Estates Immunities and Priviledges At Munster their Excellencies the Embassadours and Plenipotentiaries of the High and Mighty States General those pure Protestans out of meer ostentation not business sent to the Pope's Nuncio twice to acquaint Him that They intended Him a visit The Nuncio was not at home to receive the first Complement Upon the second message He was solicitous what Answer to return It was most true That He might entertain them as the Embassadours from a Free State whereupon neither the Catholick King nor Catholick Church had any pretensions the one having relinquished His temporal claim and the other having no Spiritual Power over Locusts Infidels and Divels Yet He considered That where the Keys of Saint Peter were of no value those of His porter ought not to be made use of That in this visit He should rather give then receive Honour That these Dutch were very arrogant and had instructions to dispute every punctilio of Ceremony and Respect That in His Palace These Fishermen would take place of any Roman Fisher and quarrel with Him as They did with Mr. D. Avaux for lolling a little upon their Half of the Table That He must attend them to their Coaches and instead of Benedictions Excommunications or Exorcisms He must teach them to pay respect not Reverence by beginning it Upon such motives as these He sent them word That he was undressed and not in a condition to see Them The which Answer They took as if They had been interdicted his sight Sub sigillo Piscatoris If the Devil had sent a Plenipotentiary thither who would pay them all the punctilities of Honour which their Instructions obliged them to insist upon with the Agents of Spain and France These Embassadours to shew their grandeur would at Noon-day have made a visit to the publick Ministers of the Prince of darkness In that peace They pursued nothing but their private advantage for if they had joyned in the makeing of one General peace as France and Sweden offered the Prince Palatine had been restored and the Protestant Religion â—…etled in Germany according as it was before the war in 1618. This consideration was pressed by some of the Provinces earnestly and as a motive for the adhering to the Treaty with France But these High and Mighty professours of the Reformed Religion were swayed too much by the Maxims of Holland to prosecute any such matter and instructed their Embassadours to the contrary their demeanour at Japan is not the onely Scandal they have given unto Christendom In the Kingdom of Pegu when the English Merchants had refused being commanded to attend the Emperour at a Solemnity modestly to sacrifice some parched-Rice to the Idol in the Temple as also did the Portugueses spitting upon the said Rice the second man of the Dutch factory the principal declining it briskly takes the Rice and addressing himself to the Idol offers it as became a Christian of Holland And Mr. Bevernâ—…ngk being Embassadour to the pretended Common-wealth did say occasionally upon discourse with a great Man in those dayes That it was impossible for England to continue a Republick by reason of the violent animosities arising from the differences in Religion That in Holland Christianity had no such effects upon the spirits of Men so as that it might be said There were many opinions indeed in Holland yet but one Religion which was their Interest And we dare confidently avow that of all that have lived as exiles there not one found his reception to be bettered by the State upon the account of Protestancy or Puritanism Seeing the Cause of Religion did so little intercede for the Dutch and their Treachery having been such as is expressed the pretended Parliament and Council of State weighing well their extraordâ—…nary success at Sea did conclude that Treaties of Allyance how express and solemn soever could not yield any security to the English against the perfidious Hollanders that no contracts were able to ensure them that the Dutch would not attempt again to surprise their Fleets in the time of peace and when they professed as great kindness as they had done in May 1652. Whereupon 't was determined to put no
end unto the war until the Dutch should assent unto a Coalition so as that the two Soveraign powers should be united into one to consist of persons of both nations as should be agreed upon and All the people to enjoy the like priviledges and freedom in respect of habitations possessions trade ports fishing and all other advantages whatsoever in each others Countrey as Natives without any difference or distinction Other course they saw none in which they might with prudence and safety acquiesce The Province of Holland being particularly sensible of the expense and other detriments which that war brought upon them did privately employ Col. Doleman and others gaining unto them Hugh Peters to try the inclinations of the pretended Parliament this was concealed from the States General and known to few of the Provincials of Holland The English did not seem averse to a good peace upon just and honourable terms but refused to treat either in Holland or any neutral place nor would they condescend to any such negotiation except the Hollanders did make the first overtures by a Letter For as their necessities not affection to peace protestancy or the English Republick made them to seek it so it was requisite for the Honour of England which had been so despised and ignominiously treated by them that They should repair the pass'd Infamy and disgrace by effectual submissions The States of Holland and West-friesland considering the miserable distress and incorrigible disorders of their people did submit thus to confess their Errours March 8. 1653. THe States of Holland and West-friesland considering that without doubt it is a remarkable punishment from the just judgment of God irritated by the sins of the people that notwithstanding the communion of the pure Reformed Religion which ought to oblige the two Nations to Love Unity and a reciprocal care to procure each others good at home and mutual lustre abroad whereto Nature it self by the vicinity of the Countreys on both sides seems to have contributed and given advantage yet contrarily the present differences have caused that the prudence of nature is forced against Her aims and the means which might tend to mutual Conservation are employed to the ruin of each other and that the Religion the most dear and precious pledge which by the Grace of God hath been so long and until this present marvailously preserved between the two Nations against the machinations of the Enemies of its Honour is become endangered And also the Lord God having furnished both Nations with matter of thanks and praise to his clemency in that by his grace they may subsist of themselves and that they have the convenience of assisting each other in case of necessity and where his honour shall require it by these very Nations in lieu of due acknowledgment of these his said mercies matter is afforded to the Enemies of God and of both Nations of rejoycing by their present confusions and to hope for at length those will effect for them that which they themselves have not been able to bring to pass And that which adds to the reciprocal misfortune is that by the alternate and uncertain successes and daily effects of Arms seen by the great effusion of blood of the Houshold of Faith on the one and on the other side both waies apprehended by the Enemies of Gods glory and his Church so precious He that overcomes considering the thing in true Christianity ought to lament the victory equally with the other who seemeth to be defeated Wherefore the abovesaid States carried on by a pious zeal and being through the Grace of God in no wise constrained by any other consideration have not in the least scrupled to represent the abovesaid to the Parliament of the Common-wealth of England to the end that They having the same apprehensions with the said States concerning this affair Consideration may be had what ought to be done for maintaining the Honour and Glory of God and for the good of each other State whereupon without doubt the Good God for His Name 's sake by the inspiration of proper and fit expedients will give his blessing Or in case the said Parliament be of another mind the said States having abundantly discharged themselves may with much more peace of Conscience attend the issue which it shall please God to give to the present Confusion and Disorders Done at the Hague March 18. 1653. By order of the States of Holland and Westfriesland Herbert van Beaumont Secretary to the abovesaid States The Speaker received this Letter by a special Messenger the Secretary of the Lord Adrian Paaw whereupon it was referred to the Council of State to answer it as They thought fit These considered that this Letter was the act of a Cabal and not of the States General and that They had to do with Hollanders whose integrity they much suspected They determined to write one Answer to the Authours and another to the States General acquainting them with the private overtures of Holland intending thereby either to make the States General own the same recognition or to create jealousies and animosities betwixt the other Provinces and Holland which had acted separately and clandestinely in a matter of that nature contrary to the Union These Letters were dispatched April 1. 1653. wherein they told the Hollanders in a dialect not less specious and pious that the inconveniencies to Religion in general and to the Trade and Liberties of each Nation were such as any man might have foreseen and that none could be ignorant how requisite it was for both Nations to preserve a good correspondence and amity together That the English had not omitted any thing on their parts But the Dutch had assaulted them in the midst of a Treaty for a strict Union and their Embassadour had used such tergiversation as made them justly imagin that their sense of things was different from what They now professed That the good endeavours of the Parliament were answered with unusual Preparations Acts of hostility and other extraordinary proceedings thereupon That they had this comfort and satisfaction in their own minds amidst the troubles and calamities of War that they had with all sincerity done what lay in their power to obivate all the evils specified That they did look upon the overtures of Holland if approved of by the States General to be an effectual means for composing this unwelcome war That they should insist upon nothing but what was reasonable and just However the Parliament having discharged their duty would in all Events with patience acquiesce in the Issues of providence whereof they had so gracious Experience This was the import of the Letter to the States of Holland and Westfriesland that to the States General was more brief though to the same purpose Viz. That there could be no doubt of the sincere affection and good will which the English did bear unto the United Provinces so that it might be well imagined
that they were really inclined by Just and Honourable means to extinguish the fire of war stop the effusion of Christian blood and restore Amity betwixt the Nations That as They had not been wanting in the beginnâ—…ng to prevent the ensuing calamities so they were not altered with successes from their former good Intentions That they were ready upon the grounds expressed in the Letter from the Proâ—…incial States of Holland and West-friesland friendly â—…to compose differences c. These Letters had that effect which the Parlamentarians proposed to themselves The other Provinces complained of Holland that They had broke the Union by treating privately and separately The States of Holland and West-friesland denied they ever writ such a Letter The Commonalty raged thereat and cryed it was more safe to fight then to trust that Parliament But wiser men thought it impossible for them to continue the war and Count William of Nassau induced Friesland and Groninghen to joyn with Holland and afterwards the other Provinces did consent to a Treaty They were somewhat angry that the pretended Parliament had given no Titles in the inscription of their Letter and that They had now lost the Elogies of High and Mighty They saw that this Treaty was not likely to be so Glorious for them as that of Munster where Their Plenipotentiaries were stiled Their Excellencies and the States General never mentioned but with the addition of High and Mighty when the Count Penneranda waited on their Embassadours unto their Coaches and Mr. le Duc de Longville with D' Avaux and Sevaient gave them the precedence and accompanied them to their Coaches That the K. of France in a thousand Treaties and Letters had given them These Titles and verified them by an Edict upon complaint that His most Christian Majesty had robbed Them of the Titles of The Most Invincible The Most Mighty The Most Renowned in some addresses of His and presumed to name them Sieurs Estats instead of Seigneurs Estats in the draught of the League of Guaranty 1644. But these Parlamentarians were people of no breeding since They omitted these so usual Titles and gross Sectaries from the Reformed Religion to deny them all the Attributes of God Almighty viz. The Most High The Most Mighty The Most Fore-seeing States General c. Yet since they had to do with the Commors of England not with Kings and Princes with such persons They would not now dispute Titles the omission whereof did not argue their weakness but the rudeness of the English and consequently the disparagement was on Their side A Letter therefore was sent From the States General of the United Provinces to the Parliament of the Common-wealth of England Wherein they declared that They had alwaies endeavoured with a good and sincere intention not only to keep but to augment more and more all manner of friendship and correspondence with the said Parliament and would now do any thing that might contribute to so pious and Christian an Union desiring a Neutral place and Plenipotentiaries might be appointed forthwith on both sides Apr. 30. 1653. Whilst these things were thus transacting at the Hâ—…gue Col. Dâ—…leman and those that transacted for the Province of Holland together with Hugh Peters did make very submiss applications to the Members of the Council of State and Parliament confessing That they were not able to conâ—…est with the puissance of England offering to acknowledge the English for Soveraâ—…gns of the Brittish Seas to express this in each Captains instructions and declare it by an Act of State and withal to purchase their Aâ—…y with a sum of 300000 l. These overtures being made to Gen. Cromwel amongst others did raise in him an Ambition to aggrandise himself by deposing His Masters who began to suspect his Greatness and designs whereunto the Dutch animated Him into the hopes of that or a greater sum The pretended Parliament being secluded the Army placeth the power pro tempore in the Council of State it being constituted of many of the former Members and some additional Officers of the Army The old Rumpers were befoold by Cromwel as if He by a kind of Dictatorship would settle that equal Republick which 't was impossible to institute and effect by the Parliament To the more devout and Fifth-monarchists He promised to erect a Dominion of Saints both became hereupon divided in their intents though equally animated against the Hollanders To them doth G. Cromwel impart the Letter from the States General which their Messenger Mr. Thilman Aquilius had delivered unto Him The Council returned an Answer May 6. 1653. signed J. Lambert President J. Thurloe Secretary declaring That not withstanding the late change and alteration of affairs which it had pleased the wise and all-disposing hand of God to bring to pass in the Common-wealth yet They had the said amicable intentions for the United Provinces with sincere desires to put an end unto the war and establish a firm and lasting peace betwixt the Nations That it would be tedious to send Plenipotentiaries to a Neutral place but if The States General would send any to London the Council would begin a conference with Them and yield to any terms that might reasonably be expected This revolution in England added new life to the drooping Dutch they begin to contemn the new Government and think to extort any conditions from the distracted Nation they flatter themselves with an opinion that the conduct of affairs will be altered that the Fleet would not fight that the pretended Parliament would attempt to re-establish themselves Whereupon they equip out a great Fleet under Van Trump De Wit the two Evertsons and De Ruâ—…ter And withal design sour Deâ—…uties Mr. Beverning Nieuport Vande Perre and Jonstall to go upon an Embassy unto England whereof the first should go away presently there to spy into the posture of the Nation the intentions of the Council and to keep on foot a Treaty which they would seriously pursâ—…e as occasion required Their Fleet was much more numerous then that of the Englâ—…sh the Commanders stout and expert yet were They beaten June 2. and 3. upon the Coast of Flanders about thirty four of their Ships buâ—…nt and taken and the rest chased home towards their ports This ill success hastned the dispatch of the Deputiâ—…s and Van Beverning is immediately sent to London not staying for a Pasport where He arrives about June 16. there He found a welcome answerable to what He deserved For His Superiours did hope to have retarded the English preparations and Counsils whilst They encreased the Strength of their own Navy so as that They doubted not to put a more speedy end unto the war by Battle then by Composition and the Council being aware of these intendments and that They did not really and cord ally embrace the Treaty for Peace They determined to use them with such haughiiness as Their present Victory inspired Them with and since but one of the
four was come and He not likely to make any serious overtures The Fleet was commanded to lye upon and infest the Dutch coasts about the Texel new reinforcemen's being expedited Nor did They doubt but the Terrour of the late bloody and gâ—…llant fight together with the sight of the same Enemies constantly before Their eyes would fill Holland with consternation and make them with more sincerity and submissness pursue the negotiation Van Beverning finding Himself so little respected and considering How deplorable the condition of His Countrey was at last applies Himself by way of Petition to Cromwel and the Council of State in these words To his Excellency and the Lords of the Council of State of the Republick of England THe subscribed Deputy of the Lords the States General of the Unâ—ted Provinces having order on their behalf to propound divers points of importance to his Excellency and the Lords of the Council of the State of England prayeth most humbly and instantly that He may obtain a favourable Audience as soon as their other affairs and deliberations may permit them and if it might be to day or to morrow Done at London the 20 30 of June 1653. But He could not prevail to be heard until the last day of the Month He was very submiss in his address gave the Council of State the Title of Illustrious and termed them Messâ—…igneurs and praied that God with his holy Spirit might preside at all their consultations and bless their Government and the Nation with all prosperity and happiness he desired that the memory of the past actions might be obliterated and that a perfect Amity and indissoluble Union and more entire correspondence then ever might be established betwixt both Nations That He and three more out of the States General were sent to renew with all candour and sincerity the protestations of their whole affections towards this Common-wealth and to assure His Excellency and their Lordships that They remain also continually in the same mind and in the same intentions They desire with all their hearts that with a mutual consent upon honest and reasonable conditions this unhappy and bloody war might be ended and a firm and perpetual peace established betwixt the Nations You see My Lords added He the freedom and ingenuity of their deliberations They oblige not themselves to formalities and have made no scruple to send their Deputies to your Honours without insisting so much as upon a Pasport expecting from you a reciprocal candour and freedome After this He tendered to Cromwel a Proposition for a streight Alliance betwixt the two Nations to be sincere perpetual and inviolable desiring They would relinquish the demands of Satisfaction and Security and acquiesce in a Defensive League whereby each Republick should assist the other with all their sorces to preserve and defend reciprocally the Liberty and Freedom of the People of both Nations against all that should endeavour to trouble them by Sea or Land Never doing or permitting that directly or indirectly any Act of hostility be done to the prejudice of this Alliance neither that any Counsil or aid â—…e given to the Enemies or Rebels of the one or other part But to the contrary hindering effectually and really all such and the like enterprizes and rigorously punishing the Authors as it is fitting This besides matters of commerce was the subject of his Proposition which He concluded with a prayer That the Great most good and most mereiful God would preside in their Counsils with his Spirit of peace c. Thus did He make an introduction to that Treaty which the other Three Embassadours were joyntly to carry on They arrived July 2. 1653. and all joyned in one Petition for a common Audience praying thrice-humbly and instantly they may have a favourable answer to the Proposâ—…tion made by the Lord Van Beverningh beseeching the God of peace to co-operate After that their Credentials and Power had been enquired into the Council of State returned Them a peremptory Answer that without satisfaction for what had been acted agaiâ—…st England and befitting Security that no such thing should be attempted again they could not proceed to any League of Alliance The Dutch replied that It was strange They should press so vehemently for Reparation who had so effectually satisfied themselves already by the prizes taken which were so many that the loss of their Subjects was inestimable As to Security They beseeched them not to doubt the sincerity of their Intentions nor to imagine that their Superiours would refuse to secure them by any just means and equitable ways and prayed a Conference Many conferences ensued in which the English treated them with much haughtiness accordingly as They deserved They wholly insisted upon Satisfaction for all the charges they had been put unto and for Security declaring that protestations of sincerity and love or written compacts could never assure them sufficiently of the Faith of the Dutch or That they would continue sincere who had dealt so treacherously in attacquing their Fleet. Both parties did talk of nothing but sincerity of affection and integrity of their thoughts and hearts Both were for laying the foundations of a godly peace the promotion of the Glory of God the advancement of the Reformed Religion Both were impatient for an eternal intimate and strict Union such as never intervened betwixt two Nations But they could not agree upon the means wherby all this was to be effected The Dutch were so zealous for the prosecution of the Glory of God and the benefit of the Reformed Religion that they held it a great Impiety against Heaven and a most enchristian deed to protract by any Scruple whatsoever the strict good sincere and mutual Amity betwixt the two Nations because it was so important for the Honour of God and propagation of the Gospel The Council of State did not come short of them in general expressions of kindness and the like but since the matter in agitation did Involve the welfare of the people of God and the support of the cause of God in these Nations they could not betray these by neglecting to take requisite security The Embassadours were much perplexed with this intricate procedure and found a necessity to prepare for another fight since the Treaty was thus delayed They urged the Council to come to the particulars wherein they would place their Security July 15. 1653. To which they received this Answer That albeit they might justly pursue to the highest point the Article of Reparation yet to shew their Candour and hearty inclinations to the strict Aâ—…ity they would not aim at great sums of money from the United Provinces very much preferring a Peace upon just and honest grounds before any consideration of that nature And as to Security since they were all so well agreed in the General expressions the Council thought fit to declare that This State is willing the said Security be by
Uniting both States together in such manner as they may become one People and Common-wealth for the good of both By which means not only the present breach will be made up and the difficulties of adjusting of each others interest by Articles of Alliance and Confederation will be overcome but all occasions of future difference removed and the strength and riches of both Nations which are now employed one against another will be united for the common defense and preservation of the whole July 21. 1653. The Embassadours being desired to give in a speedy Answer hereto seemed not well to understand the Proposal They were very ingenuously and sincerely ready to make and establish such an Union and Confederacy with England whereby both the States conserving their several present constitutions of Government may be so closely United and so nearly bound together that they may remain as one people and one Common-wealth They were exceeding glad to find that God had put into the Hearts of their Lordships likewise so good and pious intentions and did beseech most instantly that after these general and mutual declarations their Lordships would descend to the particulars which thereto shall be judged by them fit and convenient July 22. 1653. The Council returned Answer on the same day that They did not approve these delayes That the Embassadours did not speak about any Satisfaction to be given and did also where they speak of strict Union interlace words of Confederation and other expressions inconsistent with the common and genuine notion of Coalescence The Embassadours hereupon replied on the same day That the Lords of the Council having expressed themselves so as if they did not value money in comparison of a just firm and honourable peace the Embassadours thought they had relinquished the claim of Satisfaction That they used the term of Confederation because their instructions were so worded and by reason it was most significant to that near and intrinsick Union which they desired They confess ingenuously that not having found that word Coalition in the Answer of the Council July 21. but that of Confederation and Union They do not conceive what the Lords of the Council do understand thereby unless they shall please to explicate themselves The Council rejoyned That as to the Satisfaction demanded the Embassadours did mis-alledge their sayings who only expressed How moderate they would be but never intended to decline that demand totally As to Coalition it was sufficiently insinuated in their proposal at first That they did not now urge the word but the Thing which was emphatically enough declared unto them That their intendments were that both Nations should become One in Government not pretensions of Amity and that they should indistinctly fish c. with the English and the English indistinctly Trade with them every where c. Concerning this their Categorical Answer was speedily expected the Council having clearly explained their minds concerning Treaties and Leagues of Amity and Confederation between these Nations The insufficiency whereof to attain the ends of a lasting and durable peace is apparent by the attempt and war made upon this State contrary to these Treaties unless the same may be otherwise secured then heretofore they have been July 25. 1653. The Dutch Embassadours finding themselves necessitated to reply directly unto the point of Coalition did give in A Memorial thereupon the which and the Answer of the Council of State were as follows To the Lords of the Council of State of the Common-wealth of England THe subscribed Deputies of the Lords the States General of the United Provinces having nearer considered the Proposition expressed in the paper which from the said Lords of the Council in the Conference Munday last was delivered to them find themselves obliged to declare that the said Lords the States General have alwaies had a singular good affection to the English Nation and endeavoured not only inviolably to observe the Ancient friendships and correspondencies established by the Treaties of former times But further to make a more firm and streight Union upon grounds of the common Interests of the One and Other Republick and upon the offers of a mutual and more intrinsick Allyance on the behalf of the Parliament of this Common-wealth They have presently used all possible means to facilitate the advancement and the conclusion of such a Treaty and have from time to time continued by all convenient wayes by sending over their extraordinary Ambassadours by their Letters and lastly by the said Deputies to reassume the interrupted Negotiations and to advance the same to such a perfection that by a Treaty of a nearer alliance and intrinsick Union the Glory of God and the propagation of his Gospel may be advanced and the liberâ—…ies of the people assured to the mutual good and interests of both Nations And Considering the Lords the States General have from the first beginning till this present time proceeded in all the said Premisses with an iâ—…reprehensible candour and integrity the subscribed Dâ—…puties confess that the said Proposition in such terms was Unexpected having never seen or heard in any of the Propositions of former times the least mention of a Coulâ—…tion or mixture of the several Soveraignties Fully perswading themselves that such Imaginations had never been in the thoughts of either And because the words Of a near Union and Confederacy have alwaies been most proper and significant to express the sincere intentions concerning the mutual Allyance They marvail at it that now in the said Propositions of the Lords of the said Council it is expressed That nothing more was offered by the said Deputies but a streight and close allyance between the two Nations by a League of Amity and Confederation being glad that in the same Paper the Lords of the Council do openly confess that the very sâ—… had been propounded by the said Deputies at their first Audience and that the same Overtures have been made before ever the war began and confess ingeniously that yet they are not able to find a more convenient expression to the intention of their Lords and Superiours or to the nature of the business it self the intention of the Lords the States General having manifestly been propounded from time to time and especially in their last Papers dated 22 2 and 23 2 July August and the nature of the business it self being so conform to this intention cannot be otherwise managed or expounded unless with the unusual novelty of such a Coalition and Mixture all be put in hazard to be imbroil'd in all sorts of Confusions and Impossibilities If the Treaty of Allyanâ—…e and Confederation of the year 1495. be considered there will be found a good sincere true entire perfect and firm Amity league confederation peace and union by Land by Sea and the fresh waters for ever And if the Other succeeding Treaties from time to time be examined the same or like words will also be found but of Coalition of Nations and
Republicks and of mingling the Soveraignties in such manner as is propounded not the least mark will appear nor in any former ages in any Histories or any Treaty of any Nation The Amphictiones in Greece the Associated Cities in Italy in the first times of the Romans who were so straightly and closely confederated that they had the same friends and enemies have yet maintain'd every one of them an absolute Soveraignty The same is and hath been observed by the Switzers Grisons and others in their confederation the Princes of the house of Burgundy having obtain'd by succession and time the Dominion of the seventeen Provinces have endeavoured to Unite them Under one head and supream absolute Authority the Princes of the house of Austria in the same quality and being supported by the German Empire and so many Kingdoms have not only imployed all sorts of Policy but all their Arms and Forces to the same effect but the States of the said Provinces have not only opposed themselves with all sorts of reasons and remonstrances but at last to maintain their Rights and the Priviledges of their Provinces have imployed their forces to the utmost hazards of their lives and fortunes and by God's blessing have had an happy Issue and being necessitated to a mutual defense for the future stand united by the most compleat and firm confederation that could possibly be made yet with great precautions of their several Soveraignties and Priviledges which cannot admit any mixture and consequently no Coalition so qualified as is here propounded And how can it be conceived for us to joyn or unite our selves more strictly to others then we are amongst our selves The same incongruities which offer themselves in the general would be discovered in the particulars if all the circumstances of such a Coalition should be represented at large the marks the rights the effects the execution practice of Soveraignty considered apart would include a thousand impossibilities which are needless to specifie in this Paper Assuring themselves that the Lords of the Council of State do easily comprehend them And to Answer again to this Proposition the subscribed Deputies are obliged to say that having been invited hither to a negotiation honourable and just They cannot comprehend that the Lords of the Council would now retard a business of so high a consequence for circumstances which they themselves cannot but judge impossible but will rather condescend to reasonable Articles and Conditions by a Treaty tending to a firm and mutual union and confederacy wherein might be found the reciprocal satisfaction and security so much desired And if contrary to their expectations the Lords of the Council persist still in the same resolutions expressed in their last Paper the said Deputies will be necessitated to return to their Superiours to relate and give an account to them of their negotiations here And to that end do earnestly desire that as soon as possibly they can the Lords of the Council will be pleased to afford them the opportunity of taking their leaves being very sensible that after more then five weeks expectancy they shall be forced to return without any effect of their wished and sincere intentions so often reiterated in their several Papers Protesting before the Almighty God that to their Power they have not been wanting to set a just and fitting period to this bloody and Unchristian War and will be no wayes guilty of the Innocent blood and sad inconveniencies that will of necessity fall upon both Nations they having such pregnant Reasons to seek each others mutual good and prosperity The Answer of the Council to the aforesaid Paper THe Council of State having perused the Paper which the Deputies of the Lords the States General of the United Provinces sent unto them upon Wednesday night at seven a clock do confess themselves to be very much surprised therewith having in no sort expected the Answer given thereby to the Proposition of the Council conteined in their last Paper delivered unto them in a Conference the Monday before and cannot yet comprehend the particular reasons and grounds which have moved their Lorships thereunto And therefore find it necessary to declare that having seriously weighed and considered with themselves the true Interest of both Common-wealths the state and posture of each others affairs and the grounds and causes of the present differences with the security which this State was in justice to expect It was not obvious to them by what other means this breach could be throughly healed a peace secur'd and those ends professed by both sides to be aimed at in this present Treaty accomplisht then by the Uniting both States into one Common-wealth whereby a security would not only be obtained but great advantages arise out of it to both States especially to the people of the United Provinces which is so demonstrable that if the said Deputies had by their Answer given opportunity for the Consideration of particulars instead of having under the General terms of Confusions Impossibilities and Novelties condemned and concluded against it upon Allegations that they have not found such Coalition and mixture of Soveraignties in the first times of the Romans or in the Histories of former Ages No doubt would have remained concerning the Candour and entire affection of this State in the propounding it or of the real benefits which would accrue thereby and it is such an Instance of friendship and goodwill on the part of this State that all circumstances considered no age can procuce a Parallel And therefore the Positive refusal of this Tender is no less strange unto the Council then it is to find also in the same Paper that the said Lords Deputies do confess openly and in express terms that no more is meant by their often repeated words of more Intrinsick Union and close and straight confederation that what is contaiâ—…'d in the Propositions offered by them at their first Audience whereby they do demand free trade to the Islands and Plantations of this Common-wealth in America prohibited by an Act of Parliament to all Strangers and in the same Article restrain this Common-wealth from trading to their Plantations in the East-Indies or elsewhere save in Europe the recalling as to them the Act lately made for the Encouragement of Trade and Navigation the taking away of Strangers-Customs liberty for their people to buy land in these countries equally with the Natives Nay by the first article of these Propositions They do in effect demand to share with this State in the Soveraignty of the Narrow Seas and in their rights of Fishing so that whereas the Council dâ—…d propound the Uniting of the two Common-wealths into one whereupon would follow an equal communication of all priviledges and advantages without distinction of Place or Persons and wherein the Advantage would be to the People of the United Provinces in respect of the greatness of this State the multitude of â—…orts the fishing and other Advantages which the
Netherlands have not they on the other part would unite in an allyance so farr as might only give to One side a right to what is peculiar to the Other And these things being askt and vehemently insisted on by the Three extraordinary Ambassadours of the United Provinces before and at the time of the Attempt made by their Admiral Tromp upon the English Fleet and the same being now again revived and prest in every Paper as it cannot be otherwise understood but that the Present War was begun in a great measure to obtain these by force seeing they were not likely to be had by a Treaty so doth it so much the more justifie the demand of this State for satisfaction and concern them to insist upon security for the future which latter they have not in any of their Papers confined to Coalition as excluding all other wayes or means of security having propounded it no otherwise but as that which in their judgment is most just and equal in it self most honourable and profitable unto both most easie and practicable in respect of the present difficulties and lastly the most likely means by the blessing of God to obviate and prevent the designs of the Enemies to the Interest of Christ and his People in both the Nations And seeing the said Lords Deputies are of another mind the Council did expect to have understood from them by what other particular wayes and means this State shall be secured nothing having hitherto been propounded by them but what gives rather ground of Jealousie then Confidence with their direct Answer to the Demand of Satisfaction that thereupon the Council might speedily have applyed themselves to a reasonable and moderating ascertaining of the sum are sorry that after six weeks time They have not been able to obtein either Notwithstanding this State have not omitted at large to explain and evince the justice and reasonableness of their demands on that behalf nor to declare the same by their Letters writ as well to the States of Holland as to the States General before the sending of the said Deputies hither expressing themselves therein ready to proceed upon the same grounds for making up the present breach as formerly they offer'd in Answer to that part of the Paper of the Lord of Hempsted desiring This State to propound what might be just and reasonable for composing the present differences and without other alteration then what is incident to that which hath since happened in this unwelcome War which the said Deputies themselves acknowledge in their said last Paper to be an Invitation honourable and just and Therefore the Council doth the less understand why They delay to conform themselves thereunto Seeing no more is insisted now upon then was plainly expressed in the afforesaid Letters which they call their Invitation hither And this being in brief the true State of the Proceedings hitherto if the said Deputies of the Lords the States General shall judge it best for the Interest of both States and the Protestant Religion to return home without giving any satisfactory answer to the Demands of Repuration and Security and thereby leave the Nations imbroyled in this bloody War when it is put into their power to End it Although the Council cannot deny to give them Audience to take their leaves at what day and hour they shall desire it yet this State will be able to acquit themselves before the Lord and all good men that with all uprightness and sincerity they have contributed their Endeavours to make up the breach and to unite the two Nations more firmly and entirely then heretofore This Paper amazed the Dutch Embassadours it being manifest that the English were inexorable and resolute not to entrust their future safety and peace upon any pretensions promises or assurances which the United Provinces could give them that it was impossible to divert them from these sentiments by any Artifices or by the interposition of any forreign Prince in regard that the Council of State had declined the mediâ—…tion of the Crown of Sweden telling Mr. Lagerveldt Embassadour thence that They thanked Her Majesty of Sweden for the zeal which she expressed for the resettlement of peace betwixt England and the United Provinces That the Parliament hoped and did pray to God that the hearts and minds of the States General might be seriously disposed to accept thereof Wherefore they desire a Pass for two of them W. Nieuport and Allard Peter Jongstall to go unto the Hague there to give unto their Superiours a full relation with all the circumstances of these proceedings The which was readily granted Aug. 3. 1653. The Council adding That as They had omitted no just and sitting means to testifie their readiness to a peace with the United Provinces so do They continue the same good intentions and shall still contribute their endeavours to effect the same for the mutual good and security of both States upon the grounds and principles expressed in their former Papers The Embassadours Mr. Van Beverning and Van de Perre which remained in England omitted not to sollicite any persons that they thought might influence the Council of State The total defeat of their Naval forces accompanied with the Death of Van Trump ensued the departure of those Deputies and the States General were about the same time acquainted with the demand of the Council of State and with the Successes of the English under the Admirals Blake and Monk who had sunk and fired about thirty Men of war no quarter being given till the end of the battail six Captains and about a thousand Men were taken prisoners and about six thousand slain This added much to the courage of the English Nation in general at home and to their renown abroad the Royalists had no commiseration for the Dutch because they had refused to mix the interests of the King with those of the United Provinces from whence They did collect that the Hollanders did really intend the subjugation of England and that their purpose was to reduce the Nation to a perpetual dependence upon them as to Navigation and Commerce The Parlamentarians did not doubt of the sinister ends of the Dutch and that They most perfidiously intended the destruction of the English Fleet The Munster-peace was fresh in every ones Memory and none could promise to themselves any security in the Leagues and Promises of the Hollanders who had so horribly deluded France The point of Coalition seemed most just and eqâ—…itable since it brought the Dutch into that condition which they begged upon their knees to be received unto in the dayes of Q. Elizabeth and the effects of all the English conquests appeared moderate and Christian being to terminate in the making an union of the two Nations and putting the vanquished in the same estate with the Victors As to the dominion of the Sea none doubted that it was the Right of England and that we ought not to abandon it and suffer the
inviolable affection to this Common-wealth and have charged us to declare that as in general the name and bloody effects of so sad a war are to them most abominable so more particularly they derest it in regard of the Government and Nation wherewithal They are ingaged We are likewise perswaded that there are no Christian considerations nor rules nor maxims of State or particular reflections which do not oblige Us reciprocally to joyn and unite us closely and firmly with heart and affection of Will and Deeds against the machinations of all them who endeavour to disturb together with the truth of God and his holy Word the â—…ommon interests of both Common-wealths We consider also that all Soveraign powers are from God and that the same Lord of Lords hath ordained them to the Glory of his blessed Name for the advancement of his Truth and the lawful liberty of his people We consider further that the form and constitution of our Governments and the intrinsick interests of both Nations do lead and invite us yea urge and press us to a streight and sure union for the discharge of our duties of piety and justice which we owe to God and the People of both States And finally we consider that we are reciprocally obliged to stop and prevent the further effusion of innocent blood of the Professours of the same faith and to maintain with a mutual agreement and with all our forces the Cause of God and his holy Gospel Therefore most honourable Lords for the Glory of God and the love of his Truth and the welfare of both States and Nations let us joyn our hearts our hands our wills and all our forces against all them that shall undertake to attack and disturb us by Sea or Land We protest before God who is a Judge of the integrity of our intentions that we offer you Ours with all condour and integrity expecting of your Generosity the like from your Lordships The merciful God we hope will preserve and keep us from the abomination of the Midianites falling by their own swords and from the punishment of Israel when Ephraim did rise against Manasseh Manasseh against Ephraim and both together against Judah Truly that saying of the Apostle is infallible If we do bite and devour one another the one shall consume the other Let us rather as Gods people be as one body and march as one man that England as formerly be a nursing mother of brave men to maintain our goods and liberties and the united Provinces a Bulwark to this Common-wealth against all who shall presume to disturb the Constitution of your Government and the just interest of both Nations so that those that attack your liberty may be regarded as attacking our Government and those that shall provoke our State as if provoking yours To that end we do propound on the behalf of our Lords and Superiours that there may be established between both States and Nations to the glory of God the advancement of his Truth the protection of the Professours of the same Faith the liberty of our States the freedom of our People and the lawful defence of their common interest a 〈◊〉 faithful and everlasting league in the best form and with sâ—…ch expressions and comprehension of the mutual interests so firm and intrinsick as ever between two Soveraign States hath been or can be made and established And to fasten it with a more firm more straight and more sure knot to the end aforesaid that this Union may be extended to the other Protestant States of Christendome and such as protect and tolerate the free exercise of the Orthodox Reformed Religion in their Dominions And for the greater assurance of this mutual security that neither shall make any Treaty of Alliance or Gonfederation with any State Prince or Potentate in Europe without the knowledge and communication of the other to be comprehended in the same if they think it convenient and however that in the said Alliances and confederations nothing shall be concluded or established which shall be any waies prejudicial much less contrary to the Articles of this straight and sure Union which we desire might be established between the two Republicks And whereas the consent and agreement of such an Union ought to be a sure and solid foundation whereupon in pursuance many other interests and particular conveniencies may be setled The Lords the States General have thought fit that we should begin with the said Proposition and have given us sufficient Instructions upon all particulars thereto belonging And therefore we most earnestly beseech your Lordships that after a mature consideration you will be pleased to appoint us Commissioners well instructed to confer and debate together the particulars of it And because that time is much considerable for many reasons and respects in this business We wish it may be as soon as the important affairs of this illustrious Council will any ways permit The Commissioners of the Council of State did not comprehend by these General overtures what the Dutch intended except it were to amuse them in their preparations and counsils Wherefore They desired at a conference Octob. 31. that They would in writing explain themselves more particularly which they did in a Paper tendered Nov. 3. wherein They gave them a brief Analysis of their first address viz. that it consisted of three Articles 1. In the first Aâ—…ticle there were two points viz. The propagation of the holy Gospel with the protection of the Professours of the same Faith And a straight faithful sure and everlasting Union betwixt the two Common-wealths For the first They are of opinion that it ought to be concluded in general Terms with such an intention that if it happeneth that any particular wrong or prejudice be done against it and the professors of the same faith be any where oppressed That both States shall agree according to the constitution of times and affairs concerning the means by which they shall be best able to redress it And to the next point That this straight firm and intrinsick Union shall comprehend all the publick and private interests of both Common-wealths for to maintain and preserve them against all those whosoever they be without any exception that shall undertake to cross attack or disturb them by Sea or Land and concerning the means wherewith the same with Gods blessing is to be effectuated and the assistance that is mutually to be given they are ready to confer and agree with their Lordships either that it be generally expressed or specified 2. To the second Article They think it convenient to adde a greater efficacy to the aforesaid ends that the protestant States be invited and comprehended in this Union as the protestant Cantons and Free Towns of â—…rmany together with the Protestant Princes there and the Crowns of Sweden Denmark and France also since they are there tolerated and protected 3. The third Article being perspicuous and couched in significaÌ„nt
terms they think it needless to expound it with other particulars as not requiring any further agreement the subscribing Deputies persuading themselves that it is an infallible and necessary consequence that after the Conclusion of so strait and everlasting an Union there ought to be such a Correspondence and confidence that never any thing be done and undertaken against the mutual good and interest of either or of both Commons Beseeching therefore most instantly that their Lorships would agree to the aforesaid Articles c. This Paper being read in the Council so far incensed them that They would not vouchsafe any Answer thereto though the Embassadours did twice Nov. 7. 9. beseech the most Honourable Lords of the Council to gratifie them as soon as might be with a favourable answer and resolution to the said Propositions and Memorial Some there were who apprehended that the Analysis was contumeliously penned as if by so many subdivisions the Godly that usually preached had been scorned These aggravated the Dutch insolence Others concluded that the whole procedure of the Embassadours was dilatory and inconsistent with the present distractions at home that Parliament having irritated the Clergy and Nation and dangerous factions encreasing and with the greatness of the Naval exploits that there was no sincerity in the Dutch protestations of Faith no imaginable Truth in their expressions of so ardent a Love for the English which the continual Libels and infamous pictures did proclaim and any man might conjecture at by estimating what dammage what disgrace the victorious English had done unto the United Provinces That it was intolerable in them not to propose any â—…paration to the English nor any acknowledgment of those Rights which they had so openly and perfidiously violated and the vindicating whereof had cost so much Christian blood and Treasure If matters passed thus the Dutch would insinuate it and the world would be prone to believe that the English did unjustly commence the war and were guilty of all the blood shed therein That 't was unreasonable for them to desire to be informed of all the affairs of the English State when they could not reciprocally per form the like to England It being evident that though the States General should undertake to do it yet such is the constitution of that Government so weak the Union that each Province can manage the highest affairs of State secretly and separately as appeared at the Munster-treaty in the late address of Holland for peace and at other times and the Province of Holland alone gives laws to the counsils of the States General by paying or refusing their moneys as they please It did rather become the English now to impose then receive Laws This is the Right of Conquerours and that the fortune of the vanquished That The English should be false to themselves and unworthy of the present mercies God had shewed them in this war If they did not improve this opportunity to a safe peace If they reaped no other benefits thence then a little space to breath and prepare for new engagements A Coalitiâ—…n being thus arrogantly and obstinately rejected by which we in a most Christian manner would have done by them as by our selves reconciled all interests secured all quarrels for the future and as it were entailed peace upon both Nations We must establish our safety by other means which if rigorous are yet just and Christian because they are necessary to our just preservation and put in practise against those who by an unjust war and a fallacious way of treating have subjected themselves to the extreamest courses If They cannot endure to live as our equals by Coalition We must continue them so far our Inferiours not by shadows but substantial contrivances that they may never attempt this Nation again Let us make them pay the usual Submissions at Sea this is due to your repute Let them pay for the Liberty of Fishing this is due as you are Soveraigns of the Sea Let them pay for Convoyes and ease themselves of the charge of Wafters 't is you are the proper Guardians of the Brittish Seas Let them never equip any number of great Ships without giving you a real account long before of their intentions and ask leave to pass your Seas and to all this adde but the payment of such a sum as will satisfie this war which in conscience they ought to reimburse and make reparation to each Merchant for the damages sustained by them in several parts of the world which to demand is a discharge of the Trust this Nation reposeth in Us and if you gain these points you will contribute as much to a firm everlasting peace as humane prudence can attain unto After some debates of this nature the Council ordered a draught to be framed of such Articles as might be the foundation of a straight firm and everlasting League and which might prevent all matter of future quarrels and wars and appointed a Conference with the Embassadours Nov. 17. 1653. the which was principally managed by Cromwel who though He did nothing in the point of Coalition or in the recited advise then the casâ—…iered Members of the Long Parliament designed and suggested intended to pursue his ambitious projects by seeming the sole manager of this affair and by whose aid the Dutch must expect to find the conditions moderated Cromwel began his discourse with large protestations of the sincere and great desires of the Parliament to make a firm peace and intimate Union with the United Provinces He layed his hand upon his breast and called God to witness that the Council of State had a most sincere and hearty affection for the United Provinces and that the Parliament being Fifth-Monarchy men was so devoted to do them all good offices that they equally studied the welfare of England and the Netherlands As an evident testimony thereof They had proposed this Coalition of people by which they might unite the interests as well as hearts of both Nations and commuâ—…icate the felicities of England with their good neighbours of the United Provinces But since it had pleased the Deputies to decline that so amicable and extraordinary offer and to insist upon a confederation and stricter Union then ever had been before The Commissioners were ready to enter upon those debates protesting before God the searcher of hearts and from whom nothing is concealed that They hated war and desired peace especially with the United Provinces And although They thought they had great reasons still to insist upon those preliminaries about Satisfaction and Security the which demands They found to have been enâ—…cted and urged by the late Parliament yet they did intend frankly to lay open their very bosoms unto the Deputies and acquaint them with Their further thoughts It is an agreed thing on both parts that the Peace here agitated is not an ordinary one but a most streight intrinsick everlasting Amity and Union such as never was heretofore betwixt
two Nations To effect this 't is requisite that all obstacles all such scruples be removed as may at any time give occasion to new quarrels the several Rights of both Nations must be clearly adjusted and therefore in the first place and before any thing else thus much must be yielded to the English that They are Lords of the Brittish Seas and Proprietours of the fishing therein These two things being premised and granted all subsequent Articles would admit of a facile determination The Dutch Embassadours were somewhat amazed at this Harangue the professions of great sincerity and affection with appeals to God animated them a little the passing by the Articles of Satisfaction and Security with a promise to descend to plain and special Articles made them hope for a good issue of this conference But whither They did intend to prâ—…tract the time in expectation of those necessities whereinto the distracted Government of England was then running or apprehended that This unusual condescension was the effect of an alteration for the better in the minds of the Council or the product of some unknown fears in them whereupon they intended to take advantage or whither They acted cautiously and prudently as suspecting the favours of Men in open hostility with Them Certain it is They replyed with a great deal of reservedness First They protested that nothing They should say by way of discourse nothing that should perhaps seemingly be agreed unto and admitted of should any way oblige them to adhere thereunto except the whole Treaty took effect and were concluded upon Then They proceeded to say That the United Provinces would not refuse to pay unto the English all those honours and respects at Sea which their Ancestours had formerly rendred to this Nation As to the Fishing They desired that might not be controverted before the Articles of strict and intimate Union were accorded and after them it would be seasonable to treat of Commerce and the Fishing The English Commissioners replyed That what the Embassadours said was nothing to the purpose The Soveraignty of the Sea and the Fishing were the unquestionable Rights of England and there was no Equivocation in the Terms no doubt nor scruple of the Things themselves The Deputies rejoyned that They had spoken clearly and distinctly enough to both points but They would adde further That the Sea was to be considered either â—…s Ships met thereon and one Nation paies respect to another or in respect of Free Navigation As to the first They had explained themselves As to the second there was another distinction to be made for as to the simple use of the Sea that is open to All As to some particular profits and emoluments arising thence There might indeed be some plea for propriety but this discourse would be most suitable when They were to treat of Commerce The English were angry at this reservedness of the Deputies and told them they did not come to hear or confer about Scholastick subtilties but the real legal Rights of England which They desired might be assented unto in such manner as They had alwayes been understood and not eluded by such disputes and distinctions That if old Rights were thus disputed what security would there be in any New Treaty What foundation of a lasting and intimate Union if the proper Rights were not antecedently determined of That on the morrow They would transmit to the Deputies such Articles as were equitable and whereupon a perpetual Friendship and Union might be well bottomed and established And accordingly Nov. 18. A draught of such Articles was delivered unto them by the Commissioners with this Preamble The Preamble to the Articles delivered by the Commissioners for the Dutch Treaty to the said Deputies Novemb. 18. Anno 1653. THe Deputies of the Lords the States General cannot make the least doubt of the sincere love and entire affection of this State towards the United Provinces of the low Countries nor of the integrity of their intentions towards them If among other things the last Papers delivered by the Council of State to the said Lord Deputies be reflected upon and considered wherein were made such tenders and propositions on the behalf of this Common-wealth as through the blessing of God would have been effectual means not only to stop the further effusion of Christian blood in the presentwar but to bring both States into such an Union and consistency of Interests as might totally have extinguished the seeds of all future differences and rendred their forces and other advantages more serviceable for promoting those great ends of Liberty and Religion professed to be aimed at by both sides And though They have expected these three months for an Answer to their last Paper delivered in upon this subject and found their endeavours of this kind to be hitherto without their desired fruit Yet such is the tender sense that this State hath of the present condition of affairs between the two Nations and of the sad consequences and effects of this bloody war that they were resolved to leave no just and honourable means unattempted which may put an end thereto and unite both States together more firmly then heretofore and accordingly they have prepared and digested into several Articles the Body and Form of a Treaty and do herewith propound the same to the said Lords Deputies the substance whereof being assented to by them and fitting Caution and Security given to be now likewise agreed upon for the just performance thereof on the part of the said United Provinces we hope They will prove the means of establishing a lasting peace and firm friendship between the two Nations And the Council doth nevertheless reserve full power to adde and to alter or enlarge any of the said Articles before the conclusion of the Treaty as they shall find occasion for the same in the future management thereof And whereas several demands were heretofore made and exhibited by the Council of State in the name of the Parliament of the Common-wealth of England to the Lords Catz Schaep and Vande Perre Ambassadours of the States General for Satisfaction to be given and reparation made for several wrongs injuries and depredations done and committed upon the English as well in the East Indies as elsewhere by the People of the United Provinces The Council hath the same under their further consideration And in what manner the East-India-trade may be setled between both Common-wealths with Justice and shall in convenient time deliver the Particulars thereof to the said Lords Deputies It would be too prolix to transcribe them All at this time They are pretty faithfully recorded in Leo ab Aitzma p. 837. Those which most aggrieved the Dutch were these By the third Article The Ships Guns and Furniture and the Goods and Merchandises and other things which had been taken at Sea in Harbour or at Land from the Dutch by the English during the war should be accounted as part of satisfaction and
reparation for the Charges and Dammages which the English hath been put to during the war And the States General shall pay unto the English such further sum for reparation as aforesaid and in such manner as shall be agreed upon in this Treaty and thereupon all offenses c. to be forgotten By the fourteenth Article They were not to enter or pass the Brittish Seas but with a certain number of Men of War to be agreed upon in this Treatie But in case the States General should have occasion to pass the said Seas with a great number of Ships of War that They should give notice of their intentions to the English and obtain their consent before they put to Sea By the fifteenth Article They were to strike the Flag and lower their Topsails be they Fleets or Ships unto any Man of War wearing the English Flag and in their Service and likewise submit to be searched by the English as Lords and Soveraigns of the Brittish Seas The Preamble also of the sixteenth Article did perplex Them viz. And as the Common-wealth of England have declared their Resolutions that They will from time to time take care to put forth upon their Seas a convenient number of armed Ships for the defense and safeguard thereof and to maintain and preserve all lawfull Navigation Trade and Commerce therein against Pirates and Sea-rovers and all others that shall act or do any thing to the disturbance thereof So for the greater freedom of Commerce and Navigation that neither of the Common-wealths shall give reception to any Pirates c. The seventeenth Article obliged Them to take a Lease for One and twenty years for the Fishing and to pay an annual Rent As hath been related in the precedent discourse The twelfth Article did oblige Them not to permit the Prince of Orange or the Princess Mary to relieve with counsil victuals any Rebels or Enemies of the Common-wealth of England c. And to seclude the Princes lineage from being State-holder Admiral General or Governour of any of their Towns The Dutch Embassadours were extreamly aggrieved at these Articles finding all the amicable protestations of the English to end in these so rigorous impositions whereupon They delivered in a complaint to the Commissioners Nov. 22. which was that day reported to the Council but not vouchsafed any Answer thereupon they sent another Paper to Secretary Thurloe Nov. 25. which was the same day read in the Council Whereunto They received a Reply some dayes after The three Papers were these following A Paper delivered by the Deputies of the States General of the United Provinces to the Commissioners for the Dutch Treaty Novemb. 22. 1653. and the same day reported to the Council Most Honourable Lords TO the 27 Articles which his Excellency and the Lords Commissioners of the Council of State have been pleased to deliver to us in the last Conference on â—â— 28 Novemb. We find our selves obliged to answer that After a Preface of the love and affection of this State towards the United Provinces of the low Countries and such a solemn protestation of their integrity and Candour many times reiterated yea with a calling to Witness God Almighty in the two last Conferences We are amazed to see a draught with an extension of Articles wherein we find nothing at all that is suitable or conformable to the particular demonstrations that we did look for nor to our expectations in the Proposals of a firm and streight Union which was to be the Scope and end of our Negotiation but contrary that examining all the Particulars we find that the Lords of the Council have been pleas'd to compile together some Articles of the Treaty of Entercourse of the year 1495. and to draw some parts thereof out of the Retroacts passed between the Extraordinary Embassadours of both Common-wealths heretofore at the Hague and at London also so framed and composed that in both the Intention and Interest of the Lords the States General together with their Considerations and Proposals are not regarded but put to Oblivion And contrarily all is set down propounded according to the intention and meaning of this Government and to their greatest advantage Insomuch that concerning the same points we find our selves yet after a negotiation of so many moneths in the same state and condition as at the first beginning and some other Articles of greâ—ter Concernment newly added thereunto which were never yet debated far against and beyond our expectation Therefore we find our selves obliged reserving also the same full power to debate hereafter the Articles of less moment which we pass for the present and to propound all which we think necessary for the interest of our Superiours In this conference to represent some points of greater importance justly and lawfully shewing that the same are no wayes to be admitted Protesting before the Omniscient Lord who is to be Judge of our Intentions that we have alwayes proceeded with an irreprehensible sincerity and candour and that for the future we are most willing according to our so many times reiterated protestations to confer and agree if it be possible with all fidelity and uprightness of heart without reserving any thing of the Orders of our Superiours in a business of such an high concernment And therefore to the third Article forasmuch as there is mention'd in it of satisfaction we must say there is no justice nor reason in the proposal And to the Twelfth forasmuch as it toucheth the Prince of Orange excluding the same and all his line for ever out of the free Election which the Lords the States General or Provincial might make of his or their persons that it is a point absolutely appertaining to the disposition of the said States wherein with no more Reason or Equity the Lords of this Council are to meddle then we in their elections in the like occurrences in this Nation And to the Fifteenth Concerning the submission to be visited as well for Men of War as Merchants that it is against the Practice of our Country and subject to a thousand disorders and disputes and injurious in the point of Dominion and Soveraignty especially in that all reciprocation is wholly excluded And to the Seventeenth Article of permission of fishing for a certain Recognition of money We say that thereby the Lords the States General should be put out of an immemorial possession without Cause or Reason having alwayes enjoyed the freedom of fishing And we shall at all times be ready to express our selves more particularly and to justifie with a Convenient deduction of Arguments and reasons our Intention concerning the before-mentioned Articles But before we come to any farther debates of the said points we are obliged to declare our mind to the Fourteenth Article speaking of the limitation of the Number of the Men of War and notice of their intention to be given to this Common-wealth and theiâ—… Consent to be obtained for the passing and before they
put them forth upon the Seas Truly my Lords we can hardly perswade our selves that it is in good earnest that so unreasonable and extravagant a proposal is offered and indeed if you do intend to give place to such thoughts we are obliged to tell you plainly we are so far from it that we should esteem our selves unworthy of the goodness and favour of God whereby his Divine Majesty hath blessed the endeavours of our Superiours in the lawful prosecution of their liberty If we did â—…ut enter thereupon into a Conference or if we did make the least scruple of an absolute negative We confess ingenuously that though we have no special orders or instructions of our Superiours concerning that point and how is it possible to have any upon such an unreasonable and incredible a proposal yet we are so well informed of the Generosity of our Superiours and the Constitution of their affairs and interests as also of the intention and goodwill of our people that no living soul without an absolute indignation could hear of such overtures How many times hath his Excellency and the Lords praised our Ancestours who with so much zeal and vigour have fought for the liberty of their Counâ—…y And how is it possible that they should now have the opinion that their posterity is grown so base that they would suffer themselves without reason or necessity to be deprived or frustrated of so notable a part thereof Liberty we say that permitteth them being a free and under Gods grace a Soveraign independent State to go and return to be in action or rest to take up arms or lay them down according as their interest and their just and lawful defence requireth We must needs say that we did not expect from his Excellency and the Lords after so many Protestations and obtestations before God and men in publick and private so many times reiterated that they would confine their good affections their sincerities and candours to such an inapparent proposal but that they would rather which we beseech most instantly confer and agree with us on conditions whereby the glory of God and the propagation of the Gospel may be advanced and a full faithful and everlasting Union on Reasonable and Equitable conditions rereciprocally may be established between the two Common-wealths in such a manner as we have represented in our last Propositions and Memorials or any other better and more convenient so as we together may agree To all which we shall expect an Answer assoon as may be A Paper from the said Deputies sent in a Letter to Mr. Secretary Thurloe Novemb. 25. 1653. and the same day read in Council To the Council of State of the Common-wealth of England THE subscribed Deputies of the Lords the States General of the United Provinces being bound by the express orders of their Superiours to neglect no time in the present transaction with the Common-wealth of England for the Reasons and Motives several times represented in their formâ—… Memorials are once more obliged to address themselves to the most honourable Lords of the Council of State most instantly desiring that the sincere and cordial offers made in the behalf of their Superiours to the re-establishing a good Christian love peace straight and firm Union between the two States and Nations on just and equitable Conditions for the Considerations more at large expressed in our Papers formerly exhibited might be received with a mutual readiness But because we have observed that in the three last Conferences his Excellency and the Lords of the Council have alleged that in the former Proposal on the behalf of the Common-wealth of England it was thought the fittest and surest expedient not only for the removing of the present differences but to prevent any others in future times that the Interests between the two Nations and States should be made Common without any distinction which being by us as his Excellency and their Lordships supposed absolutely contradicted and only a bare Union and Confederacy offered had moved the Council to frame such Articles whereby the Interests being separate the Rights of either are to be setled distinctly We cannot omit to beseech that his Excellency and the Lords of the Council will be pleased to remember that on Thursday and Friday the 17th and 18th of November we have with all â—…ndour and integrity of heart expressed our selves and declared that Distinguishing the Interests which are of the Nature that they are Communicable and such as cannot admit a mixture or communion as is the supream Power and Government without a total subversion thereof We conceived that all other interests of both States and Nations might as well be made Common between them under the Notion of a streight and sure Union as of a Coalition as by the Examples and Presidents hath been by Us demonstrated and that we had shewed with several Reasons and Arguments in our former Paper that the supream Power and Constitution of our Government only could not admit such an unpracticable alteration But for all other Interests and Advantages such as by the blessing of God both Nations do enjoy that the Union might be extended and established in such a manner that in the United Provinces and all the places thereunto belonging in Europe all the People and Inhabitants of the Common-wealth of England should enjoy and have all the same Priviledges Liberties and Immunities and benefits as our own Natives without any distinction at all and so vice versâ that the people and inhabitants of the United Provinces should be used in the Common-wealth of England and places in Europe thereunto belonging And that further by the said streight and intrinsick Union all the Liberties Franchises and other common interests of both States and People should reciprocally be maintained and protected against all such as should undertake or attempt to disturb or attack either of the two States and Nations in the Premisses by Sea or Land with such forces and means as should be agreed And that We Conceived that in such grounds and others expressed in our former Papers being muâ—…ual and reciprocal the Hearts of the Nations could be best united to the glory of God and advancement of the Gospel removing all Enay and Jealousies and re-establishing a good Christian love in peace and amity Protesting before the Lord to whom no secrets are hidden that we never had nor have the least thought or intention to diminish prejâ—…dice or controvert any known Right or Pre-eminence whereof the Common-wealth or People of England have been in lawful Possession Thinking it likewise unreasonable that in this time the Council of State after such serious protestations of love and tenderness toward the United Provinces should endeavour to put upon them harder Conditions and more intolerable then ever by all former Governments in this Nation have been offered to our Ancestours Yet because We cannot perceive in the Paper or Preface before the 27. Articles nor in the Articles
themselves that any reflection by the most honourable Council hath been made thereunto but that contrarily other very strange Points and unusual proposals are therein inserted We do apprehend that our true and sincere meaning being only delivered by word of mouth hath not been regarded as it should have been And therefore we have thought it our Duty seeing that in a business of such a high Concernment nothing ought to be neglected that could conduce to hinder all further effusion of innocent Christian blood and the ruine of thousands of honest and godly people on both sides to represent the Premisses in writing Beseeching most instantly that the Council of State may be pleased to take to heart the sad inconveniencies between the two so near neighbour States and Nations in continuing this unwelcome war and to gratifie us with a good and favourable Answer and Expedition A Paper agreed upon in Council Novemb. 1653. and ordered the same day to be delivered to the said Deputies which was done accordingly IF the Paper signed by the Deputies of the Lords the States General of the United Provinces and presented to the Council the 20. Inst. had not been delivered by the said Lords Deputies themselves to the hands of our Commissioners We should have made some doubt whither their Lordships trusted in so great affairs and fully acquainted with all that hath passed in the present Treaty had indeed been the Authors thereof several passages and expressions being contained therein which are altogether unusual and no way agreeable to the nature of transactions between States and rather tend to irritate and disturb then to moderate and compose the minds and affections and for which no ground or cause was given in the 27. Articles delivered unto them the 18 28 Septemb. Instant now in the Preamble thereunto And therefore considering the aforesaid Paper and likewise reflecting upon what hath passed in former Papers We most ingenuously profess our selves to be yet to seek of the meaning and intention of their Lordships upon the Whole matter of this Treaty When the Council by their former Papers of the 22. and 25. of July last propounded the uniting of both States into one the aforesaid Lords the Depuâ—…ies were pleased without coming to the debates of the practicableness thereof and of the Advantage and Utility accruing thereby to both States to reject and condemn the same under the General terms of Novelty Confusions and Impossibilities as appears in their Papers of the 27. of the said moneth of July offering nothing in the stead thereof but general professions of their desires to enter into a strict union with this State And now We having compiled and put together the Articles aforesaid as the means to establish a just peace and to effect the desired league and union being also at several Conferenees pressed by the said Lords the Deputies to descend unto particulars and delivered them to their Lorships When we expected by free debate with them to have considered and examined from point to point every particular thereof as they lie in Order They were pleased by a Paper without any debate under General terms of unjust extravagant and unreasonable to express their dislike of and declare themselves against them Whereas if their Lordships had thought it fit to come to a discussion of the Particulars the method used in all Treaties of this kind as the proposing of them would have appeared to be very suitable and conform to the professions and protestations of Candor and Ingenuity made by the Council or their Commissioners upon this occasion so the Articles themselves having been considered and examined might have been setled and adjusted according as the justice and reasonableness should appear upon the Arguments produced by both sides which to do by Papers would consume too much time as affairs now stand And because much mention is made in the Paper of the said Lords the Depuâ—…ies of the Protestations made by the Council and their Commissioners We find our selves obliged further to say that Certainly we did never declare our selves by any profession or protestation from asking and insisting on those things in the Articles which are the undoubted and unquestionable Right of this Common-wealth nor give any ground to the said Lords the Deputies to expect that we should part with them as a Demonstration of the affection of the State to the United Provinces Our Commissioners having to the contrary in the two last conferences mentioned in the beginning of their Paper of the 22. Instant declared that since their Lordships had refused the Coalition and mingling of Soveraignties whereby the two States might not onely be one in name but in Truth that now they were to be considered as distinct in Interests and as having peculiar Rights and Priviledges belonging to each other the setling and fixing whereof was to be considered in this Treaty of Union and Confederation That when the Rights of both sides were agreed upon they should sooner become friends and longer continue so And we do not yet understand upon what other grounds either side can proceed in this Treaty as it is now stated unless the expectation of the said Lords the Deputies be that this State should part with whatsoever is peculiar to them both at Sea and Land without having any thing in Recompence thereof more then the bare name of a strict Union according to what seems to be held forth in both their Papers of the 22. and 25. Instant In the last whereof they say that distinguishing the Interests which are communicable from those which can admit no mixture or communion as the Supream Powers and Government all other Interests of both States and Nations might be made common between them under the Notion of a straight and near union and what the Consequences of such an Union would be to this State it is altogether needless to unfold as it is to shew the inequality thereof Or if the meaning of their Lordships be otherwise and their minds be to make this peace upon just and equal grounds They may have opportunity upon the debate of the Articles to manifest and explain themselves in particulars and at any time during the Treaty to propound what they conceive just and reasonable to be insisted upon on the behalf of their Superiours further then is expressed in the said Articles But the said Lords the Deputies having most unexpectedly by their said Papers refused any Conferences or debate thereupon it appears not what is farther to be done therein on our parts while they continue in this mind Having already not in General and Ambiguous Terms but fully and particularly explained our selves and endeavoured in all sincerity and uprightness to put the Treaty in that way and method which might best discover the justness and Equity of each others propositions and the validity of these grounds and reasons they are enforced upon and thereby the sooner bring this negotiation to an happy Issue Notwithstanding the Rhodomonâ—…ade
Their Instructions and Mandates whereas This whole affair and this insuperable difficulty was still remaining to be transacted Such a demeanour hath not been read of but in the Annals of the United Provinces yet did their Provincial Superiours justifie them for Honest men and true Natives of Holland This and the interposition of Cromwel saved them from punishment and silenced all contests upon that subject This mutual defensive Alliance and secret Article did secure the greatness of Cromwel not only against the Republicans and Sectaries but Royalisis who together with His Majesty were excluded from any Aid or Assistance out of those Provinces and not permitted to reside there It depressed the House of Orange and all that party It advanced Holland so far above the other Provinces that They gave Laws to them ever since till their Arrogance and perfidiousness made them insupportable to the rest of the Provinces as well as to their Neighbours and so expedited their present calamities It is remarkable that notwithstanding that Cromwel and the Dutch had pretended so fervent zeal for the advancement and protection of the Reformed Religion and Houshold of faith during the Treaty yet in the Articles there is not any mention made thereof neither were All the Protestants comprehended in the League It is also observable that the said League was never well kept on the part of the Hollander but so violated in the East and West-Indies and elsewhere that Cromwel determined to fight them again upon the first opportunity and leisure The Lord Nieuport came over to pacifie Him a little before His death and attended in mourning at his Funeral and was the first Embassadour which condoled His late Highness's death and congratulated the advancement of Richard hoping that the same firm League and Peace might be continued between His Highness and those States which had been between them and his Princely Father He delivered His message in a publick Audience and received an Answer conformable to His desires But yet whereas by the Eighth Article of that League they were obliged to defend Him against all His Enemies The Dutch contributed nothing to his support but quietly permitted Him to be deposed and immediately before He had resigned courted those at an Audience within the House which had so injured their good Friend and Ally Upon a due regard unto the Considerations and Reasons alledged We think it our duty humbly to declare that We are entirely satisfied with the Righteousness of the present War with Holland and that Common Equity and the most infallible Reasons of State did oblige His Majesty to vindicate the Dignity of his Crown and the Honour of His Kingdoms as also to assert those ancient and inseparable Regalities which do not only adorn but chiefly support His Crown We do thankfully acknowledge the constant endeavours of His Majesty to promote the Trade and welfare of His subjects and to preserve them from being injured and oppressed by the depredations of the Dutch And seeing that the Perfidiousness of the Hollanders who have no regard to Oaths and Promises no sense of Religion Honour or Moral Honesty did render All Leagues with Them infirm and instable Seeing Their dilatory and treacherous Negotiations did render any Treaty with Them unsafe in so perillous a juncture as the puissance of the French King and their juglings with that Count made Us to be in We cannot but admire and celebrate those Counsils by which We enjoy an undisturbed peace and tranquility of our Consciences at home and are secured by a potent and victorious Navy at Sea It is the prudent conduct of His Majesty next under God which hath seasonably prevented that desolation whereunto the Hollanders would have subjected Us by transporting hither the French Armies We are not redevable to their care or kindness for that We are free from a calamitous war and all the miseries which the United Provinces do now sink under That Our condition is not the same with Theirs it is a felicity we derive from the wisdom vigilance and Generosity of our Prince who hath indefatigably busied Himself exposed his only Brother to all the dangers of the Sea and the perils of those dreadful Fights and exhausted His proper Treasury to supply the present exigence and to ensure the Estates of His Subjects May all his Subjects be sufficiently sensible How much They owe unto His Care and Goodness May their acknowledgments equal His merits May every one by His Royal Example contribute what He can to the General welfare of the Nation May no Animosities divide our Minds No impertinent quarrels No unnecessary and unseasonable debates retard or distract our Consultations and proceedings But may all advises and actions tend to the common utility which all Intelligent and Loyal persons must measure by the Riches Strength and Honour of their Soveraign Such ought to be the Prayers Wishes and Sentiments of every English Man Here followeth a Memorial read and delivered to the Lord of Hemsted Adrian Paaw extraordinary Embassadour from the States General of the United Provinces unto the pretended Parliament of the Common-wealth of England June 1652. Wherein the Importance of the Right of the Flag and of the Dominion of the Brittish Seas and of the Fishery together with the Rights of England thereunto are deduced and demonstrated This Memorial was originally very brief in comparison of what it is now It being not the mode of those Times to alledge any proof by way of Autority I have found out consulted and supplied the â—…eficient Citations which if they are not those They went upon are I am sure such as the Reader may rely upon And I have inserted them frequently into the Text as conceiving it more convincing and agreeable to the phansie of any Reader If the whole were represented as an entire piece and He not distracted with the multitude of References by way of Post-script Who prepared and penned it I cannot tell but it was as I am told supervised by Sir Henry Vane and others of the Commissioners and any man will find it answerable to that opinion which the world had of His parts and abilities who was the chief director and manager of that war and whose constant judgment it was that the Interests of England and the United Provinces were as irreconcileable as those of Rivals Trade being to both Nations what a Mistress is unto Lovers that there nevâ—…et since 〈◊〉 â—…ene any durable peace except both Nations did unâ—… Coalition or the English subjugate the others and reduce them into a Province or by strict conditions and contrivances ensure themselves against the growth and future puissance of the Dutch About the middle of June 1652. A conference was held betwixt the Commissioners from the Council of State and the Lord Adrian Paaw Kt. Lord of Hemsted Extraordinary Embassadour from the United Provinces In which the said Embassadour expatiated upon the mutual interest both Nations had to preserve peace and amity
Sozomen hist. Eccles. l. 7. c. 2. Socrates hist Eccles. l. 5. 〈◊〉 2. Constant. August Porphyrogennet in excerptisex Jo. Antiocheno Suidas iâ—… vote 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Jac. Gothofredus in Cod. Theod. l. 16. tit 5. lege 4. Sozomen l. 7. c. 2 3. Socrates lib. 5. c. 3 4 5. Jacob. Gothofredus in chronolog Cod. Theodos. A. D. 379. Socrates l. 5. c. 7. Sozomen l 7. c. 2 5. Socrates Hist. Eccles. l. 5. c. 7. Sozomen l. 7. c. 5. Jac. Gothofred dissertat in Philostorg l. 9. c. 19. Sozomen l. 7. c. 7. Socrates l. 5. c. 8. Cod. Theodos. lib. 16. tit 5. lege 6. tit 2. lege 3. Et graves quidem paenas legibus suis adscripsit haudquaquam tamen executioni mandavit Neque enim punire Sâ—…bditos sed terrere tantummodo studebat ut idem cum ipso de Divinitate sentirent Nam illos laudabat qui suâ sponte converterentur Sozomen l. 7. c. 12. Socrates Hist. Eceles l. 5. c. 10. Sozomen Hist. Eccles. l. 7. c. 12. lib. 8. c. 1. Socrates Hist. Eccles. l. 5. 20. Socrates Hist. Eccles. lib. 6. c. 8. Zozomen lib. lib. 8 c. 8. Procopius in Histor. Arcanâ ex edit Alemanni p. 51. Erant quidem Alemanne complures Christianorum Sectae quas vulgò Haereses vocant Manichaeorum Samaritarum c. Sed tamen templa fana ubique locorum possidebant Illa verò praesertim quae Arianorum furori serviebant auro argento gemmisque prâ—…sis lapidilus omni denique divitiarum opum genere incredibiliter abundabant Tho. Rivius in defens Justiaian adu Alemann p. 62. Cod. Theodos. lib. 16. tit 5. lege 21. Jacob. Gothofredus in Cod. Theodos lib. 16. tit 5. lege 39. Cod. Theodos lib 16. tit 1. lege 4 cum notis Jac. Gothofredi Alemannus in Procop. hist. arc p. 56. Jac. Gothofredus dissert in Philostorg l. 10. c. 3. Cyrill Bishop of Alexandria that See being raised â—…nto a Principallity did shut up about the same time the Churches of the Novatians at Alexandria and seized on the Furniture and afterwards confiscated all the Estate of Theopemptus their Bishop Socrates l. 7. c. 7. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Socrates lived in his dayes Jac. Gothofredus in Cod. Theodos. lib. 1â—… tit 10. in Paratitlo Id. Ibid. tit 8. in Paratitlo Athanasius nonaginta per Libyam AEgyptum episcopi in epistolâ ad Episcopos in Africâ P. AErodius Rer. judicat l. 1. tit 6. c. 1â— Quantum inde vulnus aerariis Regis inflictum sit quid attinet dicere cùm res ipsa omni testificatione luculentius clamet Sed vincit amor fidei cupido propagandae pietatis quam sibi cum sceptris prae sceptris commendatam tuendamque suscepit Alex. Patricius Atmacan Mars Gallicus lib. 2. c. 30. Tanta fuit in Theodoricho cura ejus quam non profitebatur ipse Religionis ut optimos ei semper Episcopos daret De quo sic nepos ejus Athalarichus Cassiodor varior l. 8. cp 15. Senatui Urbis Romae Gratissimum nostro profitemur animo quod gloriosi domini avi nostri respondistis in Episcopatûs electione judicio Oportebat enim arbitrio boni principis obediri qui sapienti deliberatione pertractans quamvis in alienâ religione talem visus est Pontificem delegisse ut agnosceretis illum hoc optâsse praecipuè quatenùs bonis sacerdotibus Ecclesiarum omnium religio pullularet Recepistis itaque virum divinâ gratiâ probabiliter institutum regali examinatione laudatum H. Grotius in Prolegom ad Hist. Gotthorum Cod. Theodos. lib. 16. tit 5. lege 26. tit 1. lege 2. Socrates hist. Eccles. l. 6. c. 8. Sozomen hist. Eccles. lib. 8. c. 8. AErodius ver judicat lib. 1. tit 6. c. 15. Salvian de gubernat Dei lib. 5. Vires quae supersunt tempestivè fovendae sunt nè penitùs deficiant In extremis consilia etiam necessitate honesta fiunt ac Sinuanda vela cùm tempestas jubet Omnia maris mala naufragio minora sunt Gubernator ut aureis Curtii verbis utar ubi naufragium timet jactura quicquid servari potest redimit Puteanus in Statera Belli Pacis Alberic Gentilis de jure belli l. 1. c. 10. in commentat de jure belli p. 28. Let our pseudo-politicians mark this and they will find that the Penal Lawes are much better suspended by an extraordinary Declaration then by an Act of Parliament The case of Ship-Money briefly discoursed according to the grounds of Law Policy and Conscience presented to the Parliament Nov. 3. 1640. The ancient strength of Shipping in England heretofore considering the condition of our Neighbors did farr transcend ours of late William â—…ulbeck's Pandects of the Law of Nations c. 4. See the Plea of Chizzola for the Venetian Sovereignty over the Adriatick Sea at the end of the English Selden and 〈◊〉 Archbishop of Jadera in â—…is supplement of the History of the Usâ—…chi Joan Palatius de domin Maris l. 1. c. 8. Joan. Marquardus J. Comitus de jure Mercator l. 2. c. 5. 41. c. Leo ab Aitzma p. 177. Jo. Loccenius de jure marit l. 1. c. 4. 10. Meminerimus etiam atque etiam claudum esse Imperium si non maris sit Imò Imperium maris imperare terrae quoque Alberie Gentilis disput Regal 2. Flores Historiar Radulfus Cestrensis Matheus Westmonasteriensis â—…um oram maritimam praedonibus liberasset Imperium maris populo Romano Restituisset Ex Asiâ Ponto Armeniâ Paphlagonia Cappadociâ Ciliciâ Syriâ Scythis Judaeis Albanis Iberiâ Insulâ Cretâ Bastarnis super haec de Regibus Mithridate Tigrane Triumphavit Plinius nat Hist. l. 7. c. 26. Gambden's Elizabeth An. Dom. 1561. Lord Bacon in his Answer to a Libell published in 1592 c. 7. Id. ibidem c. 2. Stat. de an 2 3 Ed. 6. c. 36. Philippus Honorius Praxis prudentiae Polit. pag. 466. Id. Ibid. pag. 202. Disquisit Politic cas 19. Ibid. Disquisit 41. Machiavel discurs l. 1. c. 8. id Ibid. c. 31. Alberic Gentilis de jure belli l. 1. c. 9. Clapmar de arcan â—…ip l. 4. c. 21. Machiavell disput l. 1. c. 4. Daillè de usu patrum l. 2. c. 6. Chillingworth against Knot ch 5. Sect. 96. Albericus Gentilis de juâ—…e belli l. 1. c. 9. See the Oration and Memorials printed with the Declaration of War 1652. See the Declaration and Anâ—…ers of the Council ofâ—… State â—…652 Adrian Pauw in his Memorial tendered to the Council of State ibid. MSS. Comment of the Treaty and Arâ—…icles betwixt the English and Dutch in 1653. Leo ab Aitzma hist. trac pacis Belgicae p. 841. De mari piscationâ—… mentio fuit de iis ante omnia conveâ—…endum c. Leo ab Aitzma p. 845. This is expressed in his Memorial given in to the Council of State and printed with the Declaration MSS. Comment Leo ab
bellum Regi movissent Reidanus ad ann 1570. A. E. Meteran A. D. 1576. Reidanus ad ann 1578. A. E. Materan ad ann 1579. Leo ab Aitzma's notable revolutions in the prefatory account of that Union Aâ—… 13. Reidanus ad ann 1584. Hic delectus magna in Belgicis motibus mala dedit Sape enim homines imperiti unum ob Religionis studium ad magistratum evecti rejectis viris praestantibus magnique in repub usùs quòd non in omnibus eadem cum Reformatis sentâ—…ent id ad ann 1586. Hacâ—…enus Ecclesiasticorum quibusâ—…unque reformatae relâ—…gionis odium aut caritas Hispani pretium non fuerant patrias sedes aut partes deserendi prima publâ—…è suffragia privatim bonorum â—…uique administratio Idque Gandavensi Trajectino foedere conditionibus iis convenerat quas de tolerandis quam vis diversum circa sacra sentientibus Patres statuerant quâ—…s contractus nunquam violari passus Arausionensis ut Gandavi totius Flandria exuio evenerat id ibid. Hujusâ—…e reipub operam fidam non solum sibi sedsuis quoque rebus perutileâ—… experâ—…us Christianissimus Galliarum Rex in obsidenda occupanda Rupella Martin Schoockius de marit Imper. c. 27. Leo ab Aitzma p. 402. 403. Deductio ord Holland cap. 9. Sect. 8. Leo ab Aizma p. 346. Navarrus manu c. 27. n. 13. Leo ab Aitzma p. 341. id p. 279. id p. 343. 3â—…4 id p. 514. id p. 342. Mr. Britton a Merchant of London now living was then present as chief of the English Merchants from Himself did I receive this Intelligence MSS. Comment Leo ab Aitzma p. 844. Leo ab Aitzma p. 816 817. MSS. Comment Leo ab Aitzma p. 817. What an impudent lye was this and how unseasonably is it inserted amidst so much sanctified language But you must remember it came from Holland and De wit contrived it MSS. Comment MSS. Comment Leo ab Aitzma p. 818. Leo ab Aitzma p. 820. malè serebant reliquae Provinciae id Hollandos fecisse contratium Unioni Ultrojectinae esse Memini me Amâ—…terodami cum primum epistola evulgeretur audivisse toto ejus Urbis Magistratu inscio decretam scriptam esse quod tamen nec erat nec esse poterat verum Alibi similiter id ibid. Leo ab Aitzma p. 350. 353. id p. 349. 266. id p. 269 270. Ab isthoc anno 1632. Gallos non rogatos Aransionensium Principi Titulos majores magisque honorarios concessisse contra verò huie Statui Inviâ—…tissimi Potentissimi Gloriosissimi Titulos suâ—…puisse id p. 268. Raâ—…e Lyes for a dying State MSS. Comment MSS Comment ibid. Leo ab Aitâ—…a p. 825. MSS. Comment Leo ab Aitzma p. â—…25 MSS. Comment Leo ab Aitzma p. 828. Leo ab Aitzma p. 828. Gloriam Dei propagationem fidei salutem utriusque populi sâ—… spectare velâ—…nt sine summâ impietate in hoc â—…ello ob nescio quos scrupulos continuari non posse id p. 829. MSS Comment Leo ab Aitzma p. 830. M S S. Comment Leo ab Aitzma p. 830. M S S. Comment Leo ab Aitzma Ibid. This is false it being usual in the Roman Empire for several Câ—…ies and Countries to be incorporated by Coalition into the City of Rome The Soveraignty being thereby mingled and yet the Municipal customs and Laws in many things or totally remaining distinguished They cannot because They will not The Union of Utrecht doth not meriâ—… the name of a firm Union the which â—…very Province breaketh when They please If it had been by entire Coalition it had been more political and valid As the Government and Strength of Italy was more regular and compact when all the Cities were reduced into one Republick then when the Cities were with distinction of Soveraignties confederated offensively and defensively together These Propositions with the Reply of the pretended Parliament are recorded in Leo ab Aitzma p. 7â—…0 c. Leo ab Aitzma p 816. At Black-friers Meeting they pronounced all the Reformed Churches but especially â—…he Dutch to be as the out works o Babylon and that they must be taken down before there could be any coming at the main fort They did devovâ—… them to destruction and presaged their destruction out of several Texts of Scripture accommodated thereunto Leo ab Aâ—…zma p. 853. It is observable that in the French they stile the Staâ—…es General Messeigneurs les Estats generaux which they omit in the English Oh! the extraordinary affection they bear to a Republick and to the Fanatick English The necessity of the Dutch to joyn with those English against the King and Royalists A Dutch Complement to the Parliament of Praise-God barebones It is observable that from the first beginning of the Treaty with Mr. St Iohns at the Hague in Iune 1â—…51 until the end of the wars All the tenders of a defensive Allyanâ—…e with the English did originally and voluntarily proceed from the Dutch who did at first offer to enâ—…er thereinto in their 36 Articles tendered to Mr. St. Iohns and the Council of State before the War They desire in the first place to begin with the Union of all Protestant States for the advancement of the Truth and honour of God and the protection of the professours of the same Faith And this out of compliance with the Fifâ—…-Monarchists then â—…eigning Leo ab Aitzma p. 857. Cum ipsissimá divini nominiâ—… invovocatione testatuâ—… de sincera Concilii intentione affectione erga foederatum Belgium Angliam ipsam Parlamento â—…ariorem non esse quà m dictâ—… Belgii curam id p. 844 846. id p. 8 6. It is not for the Good natured or timorous to treat with the Dutch except they would become a prey unto them Leo ab Aitzma p 836 8â—…7 Aliter Leges aliter Philosophi Cic. de off l. 3. Iurisconsulti non philosophorum decrâ—…tis sed populari captu ac sensu civilem sapientiam metiuntur Bodin de rep l. 1. c. 5. Viz. those about Coalition I follow herein the English Manuscript for the Latine of Leo ab Aitzma differs much from this This preface was omitted by Cromwel the residue was transferred into the fourteenth Article of his Treaty The Dutch would reciprocally have searched the English Ships Their Superiours were at that time in great perplexity their Fleets destroyed their people mutinous their Seamen cried out the Hand of God was against them and they would fight no more See how tender They are as to he trading of the East and West-Indies These Hollanders will con inue lying until their last Leo ab Aitzma p. 844 8â—…7 850. What will not these men say â—…hat daâ—…e avow this MSS. Comment Leo ab Aitzma p. 851 852. MSS. Comment MSS. Comment MSS. Comment Leo ab Aitzma p. 848. â—…d p 852. Quodâ—…uti â—…agni momenti negotium est ita necessitatem veluti quandam
trahit secum cùm omnibus manifestum sit in quantum Hollandia si in hanc vel illam partem inclinet conferre possit Deduct Ord. Ze'andiae contra Holland de seclus Pr. Auâ—…iaci Leo ab Aitzma Aitzma 8 2. Judge by this authentick narration how little truâ—…h there is in the vulgar reports and common writers as Florus Angâ—…us c that They went to fetâ—…h money for Cromwel I do not believe He had one farthing from them Ipsos tamen non obstante ejusmodi satisfactione Londiâ—…um quo compositis jam ab utraque parte concessis Articulis subsignarent atque universum Tractatum confirmarent neutiquam fuisse reversos sed rectâ—… itinere se in Hollandiam contulisse universo Tractationis negotio-infecto atque in incerto penitùs relicto Deduct ord Holland in Narrat facti Sect. 8. ibid. Sect. 〈◊〉 10 11. ibid Sect. 12 13. ibid Sect. 14 15. 16. ibid. Sect. 16 ibid. Sect. 19. ibid. Sect. 20. Sect 21. Sect. 22 23. ibid. Sect. 24. ibid. Sect. 25. ibid. Sect. 26 27. Leo ab Aitzma p. 869. In Legatione publicâ Foederatorum procerum officio tenus quamdiu eo sunguntur licitum non fuerit ab ullo mandatum multo minus contrarium circa tractationes suas recipereaut iis morem gerere atque adâ—… quia prohibitum erat contrarium Hollandiae procerum mandatum excusare debuisse Propos. D. Deputati Groning c. Item Deductio ordin Zeland Ingenti studio spectatâ fide placita procerum peragere â—…olitos fuisse denique juxta eorundem decreta atque mandata Tractatui finem imposuisse adeò quidem ut nihil amplius reliquum esset ad consummationem quà m ut utrinque fieret 〈◊〉 ibid. Interim in Articulis nihil dâ—…tum de Religione Leo ab Aitzma p. 852. Florus Anglicus part 2. p. 280. ib. p. 315. â—…he said Embassadour in a Memorial given into the Council of Sâ—…ate Iuly 24. 1652. acquainted them that the States General had by a publick Act declared and decreed thus much See it in the Declaration P. 3â—… p. 46. Leo ab Aitzma hist. tract pacis Belg. pag. 762. Declarat pag. 8. See Major Bourne's relation in the Parliaments answer to Three papers c. A. D. 1652. See the Depositions in the aforesaid Answer to the Three papers The Dutch in their Declaration of War at that time do confess He did not strike the Flag and Sail but that He was going to Lower hiâ—… Topsails which Blake prevented by a suddam â—…acque Leo ab Aitzma hist. tract Belg. p. 759. Declurat p. 7. 8. Selden Mare clâ—…us l. 2. c. 26. In omnitus rebus veâ—… ipsa plurinium habet dignitatis ita ut Massaâ—…ienses quorum praestantisâ—…ima creditur fuisse resoublica laudentur eo nomine quâ—…d gladâ—…o ad puniendos sontes usi sint eodem à condiâ—…â urâ—…e quò indicarent in minimis quoque relus antiqua consuetudinis momenta servanda Proxime eniâ—… ad Deum accedit Antiquitas AEternitatis quâdam imagine Grotius de anâ—…e p. Baâ—…av in praesat Cateris mortalibus in eo stare consilia quid sibi conducere putent Principum diveâ—…sam esse sortem quibus praâ—… rerum ad famam 〈◊〉 Tacitus Annal. l. 4. Kingdoms are preserved by reputation which is as well their strongest support in peace as their chiefest safety in time of war When once they grow despised they are either subject to forreign invasions or domestic troubles Card. Bentivoglio Relat. of Flaâ—…ders concerning the Prince of Conde's flight Si fama tua videtur necessaria ad rectam muneris tui administrationem non potes condonare Lessius de Justit l. 2. c. xi dub 24. Sect. 126. Declaration p. 9. Seld. mare claus l. 2. c. 24. Le Mere est del ligeans del Roy come de son corone d'Angleterre Fiâ—…zherbert â—…it Protection 46 Le Roy ses nobles progenitors de tout temps ont este Seigneurs del mere Sel'den ibid. c. 23. Selden mare claus l. 2. c. 27 28. Sir Iohn Boroughs Keeper of the Records of the Tower of London In a Treatise of the Soveraignty of the Brittish Seas Printed in 1631. The right unto the Sea aâ—…eth 〈◊〉 from the possession of the Shores the Sea and Land make distinct territories and as the loss of one Province doth not infer that the Prinâ—…e must resign up the rest so the loâ—… oâ—… tâ—…e land territory doâ—…h noâ—… by â—…ritancy argue the loss of the adjacent Seas It is no more neceâ—…y that 〈◊〉 Sea town should command â—…oo mileâ—… at Sea then that each City should command 100 miles byland Iul. Pacius de dom maris Adriatici G Malines Lex Mercatoria part 1. c. 35. Cambden Britannia in the description of Yorkshire and of Scarborough castle Hitchcocks New-years gift to Q. Elizabeth edit Londin 1530. Selden mare claus l. 2. c. 21. Rex Norwegia c. habet insulas aliquas videlicet Istandiam Feroy Hâ—…landt alias plures ad regnum suum Norwegia pertinentes ad quas nulli ab antiquo solebant accedere de terris alienis ex quibuscunque causis sive piscandi sive mercandisandi sub poenâ vitae membrorum non magis homines regni Norwegiae quâm aliarum terrarum praeter specialem licentiam regiae Majestatis c. Isacius Pontanuâ—… discus Histor l. 1. c. 21. Selden mare claus l. 2. c. 32. Is. Pontâ—…nns ibid. Selden ibid. id ibid. c. 21. Zuerius Boxhorn Apolog pro navigat Hollandor Thus the Hanse Towns by a perpetual League with Woldemar K. of Denmark though they had the Liberty to fish in the Sea near Schoneland yet for every last of Herrings brought on shore they paid 10 d. in the money of Schoneland and every vessel laâ—…en with herrings was to pay 11 s. for its passage thorough the Sound A. D. â—…370 Ioan. Angelius de rebusp hansâ—…at part 3. c. 24. Parlam 4. Jacob. R 6. c. 60. Parlam 6. ejusdem c. 86. Iacob 6. p. 15. c. 237. Gul. Welwodus de dominio maris c. 3. In a Treaty betwixt Mary Q. of Hungary Regent of Burgundy for Charles V. and the Tutors of Mary Q. of Scotland and renewed by Iames VI. 15â—…4 The whole Treaty is relaâ—…ed by Peter Borre l. 30. Statut. Hibernic 5. Edw. 4. c. 6. Sir â—…ohn Boroughs of the Soveraignty of the Seas Gerard. Malins Lex merâ—…at 〈◊〉 35. Rot Franc. 5. Hen. 4. Sept. 29. Selden mare claus l. 2. c 21 Sir Iohn Boroughs of the Soveraignty of the Sea Rot. Franc. 33 Hen. 6. Membrum 9. 14. Selden mare claus l. 2. c. 21. So in the Intercursus magnus it is said that the Fiâ—…hermen of both parties shall fish without License or impediment Thaâ—… is reddendo singulâ—… singulis the Dutch without License the English without impediment or molestation 〈◊〉 on the English did not use to fish upon the Flemmish coast but both upon the English Sir Ioâ—… Borought Rot. Eran. 8â—… 4.