the said John Dickins and those other Merchants to a vast deal of trouble about the said Caveare and solicite the Seizure of their Goods and Estates as Forfeited for Debt All which things and whatever else has hitherto bin done in our foresaid Court is more at large set forth in those Letters of Request aforemention'd which after we had view'd we thought proper to be transmitted to the most Serene Republick of Venice to the end they might be assistant to our Merchants in this Cause Upon the whole therefore it is our earnest Request to your Highness and the Most Illustrious Senate That not only those Letters may obtain their due force and weight but also that the Goods and Estates of the Merchants which the foresaid Piatti and David Rutts have endeavour'd to make lyable to Forfeiture may be discharg'd and that the said Defendants may be referr'd hither to our Court to try what Right they have in their Claim to this Caveare Wherein your Highness and the Most Serene Republick will do as well what is most Just in it self as what is truly becoming the spotless Amity between both Republicks and lastly what will gratefully be recompenc'd by the good Will and kind Offices of this Republick whenever occasion offers White-Hall Feb. 1652. Seal'd with the Seal of the Council and Subscrib'd President of the Councel To the Spanish Embassador Most Excellent Lord THE Council of State according to a Command from the Parlament dated the 2d of March having taken into serious deliberation your Excellencies Paper of the 15th of February deliver'd to the Commissioners of this Council wherein it seem'd good to your Excellency to propose that a Reply might be given to Two certain Heads therein specify'd as previous returns the following Answer to your Excellency The Parlament when they gave an Answer to those things which were Propos'd by your Excellency at your first Audience as also in those Letters which they Wrote to the most Serene King of Spain gave real and ample demonstrations how grateful and how acceptable that Friendship and that mutual Alliance which was offer'd by his Royal Majesty and by your self in his Name would be to 'em and how fully they were resolv'd as far as in them lay to make the same returns of Friendship and Good Offices After that it seem'd good to your Excellency at your first Audience in Council upon the 19th of December Oldstile to propound to this Council as a certain ground or method for an Auspitious commencement of a stricter Amity that some of their body might be nominated who might hear what your Excellency had to propose and who having well weigh'd the benefit that might redound from thence should speedily report the same to the Council To which request of yours that satisfaction might be given the Council appointed certain of their number to attend your Excellency which was done accordingly But instead of those things which were expected to have bin propounded the Conference produc'd no more then the abovemention'd Paper to which the Answer of the Council is this When the Parlament shall have declar'd their minds and your Excellency shall have made the Progress as above expected we shall be ready to confer with your Excellency and to treat of such matters as you shall propose in the Name of the King your Master as well in reference to the Friendship already concluded as the entring into another more strict and binding or as to any thing else which shall be offer'd by our selves in the Name of this Republick And when we descend to particulars we shall return such Answers as are most proper and the nature of the thing propos'd shall require White-Hall March 21. 1652. The Parlament of the Commonwealth of England to the Most Serene Prince Frederick the Third King of Danemark c. Greeting Most Serene and Potent King WE have receiv'd your Majesty's Letters dated from Copenhagen the 21st of December last and deliver'd to the Parlament of the Commonwealth of England by the Noble Henry Willemsem Rosenwyng de Lynsacker and most gladly perus'd 'em with that affection of mind which the matters therein propounded justly merit and request your Majesty to be fully perswaded of this That the same inclinations the same desires of continuing and preserving the ancient Friendship Commerce and Allyance for so many years maintain'd between England and Danemark which are in your Majesty are also in us Not being ignorant that though it has pleas'd Divine Providence beholding this Nation with such a benign and favourable Aspect to change for the better the receiv'd Form of the former Government among us nevertheless that the same Interests on both sides the same common Advantages the same mutual Allyance and Free Traffick which produc'd the former Leagues and Confederacies between both Nations still endure and obtain their former Force and Virtue and oblige both to make it their common study by rendring those Leagues the most beneficial that may be to each other to establish also a nearer and sounder Friendship for the time to come And if your Majesty shall be pleas'd to pursue those Counsels which are manifested in your Royal Letters the Parlament will be ready to embrace the same with all Alacrity and Fidelity and to contribute all those things to the utmost of their Power which they shall think may conduce to that end And they perswade themselves that your Majesty for this reason will take those Counsels in reference to this Republick which may facilitate the good success of those things propounded by your Majesty to our selves so desirous of your Amity In the mean time the Parlament wishes all Happiness and Prosperity to your Majesty and People Westminster April 1652. Under the Seal of the Parlament and Subscrib'd in its Name and by the Authority of it Speaker c. The Parlament of the Commonwealth of England to the most Illustrious and Magnificent the Proconsuls and Senators of the Hanse-Towns Greeting Most Noble Magnificent and Illustrious our dearest Friends THE Parlament of the Commonwealth of England has both receiv'd and perus'd your Letthrs of the 16th of January last deliver'd by your Publick Minister Leo ab Aysema and by their Authority have given him Audience at what time he declar'd the cordial and friendly Inclinations of your Cities toward this Republick and desir'd that the ancient Friendship might still remain on both sides The Parlament therefore for their parts declare and assure your Lordships That they deem nothing more grateful to themselves then that the same Friendship and Allyance which has hitherto bin maintain'd between this Nation and those Cities should be renew'd and firmly ratify'd and that they will be ready upon all occasions fitly offer'd what they promise in words solidly to perform in real deeds and expect that their ancient Friends and Confederates should deal by them with the same Truth and Integrity But as to those things which your Resident has more particularly in Charge in regard
they were by us referr'd entire to the Council of State and his Proposals were to be there consider'd they transacted with him there and gave him such Answers as seem'd most consentaneous to Equity and Reason of which your Resident is able to give you an Account whose Prudence and Conspicuous Probity proclaim him worthy the Publick Character by you conferr'd upon him Westminster April 1652. Under the Seal of the Parlament in the Name and by the Authority of it Subscrib'd Speaker c. The Parlament of the Commonwealth of England to the Illustrious and Magnificent Senate of the City of Hamborough Greeting Most Noble Magnificent and Illustrious our dearst Friends THE Parlament of the Commonwealth of England has receiv'd and perus'd your Letters dated from Hamborough the 15th of January last and deliver'd by the Noble Leo ab Aysenia yours and the rest of the Hanseatic Cities Resident and by their own Authority gave him Audience and as to what other particular Commands he had from your City they have referr'd 'em to the Council of State and gave 'em Orders to receive his Proposals and to Treat with him as soon as might be concerning all such things as seem'd to be Just and Equal Which was also done accordingly And as the Parlament has made it manifest that they will have a due regard to what shall be propos'd by your Lordships and have testify'd their singular good Will toward your City by sending their Resident thither and commanding his Abode there so on the other side they expect and deservedly require from your Lordships that the same Equity be return'd to them in things which are to the Benefit of this Republick either already propos'd or hereafter to be propounded by our said Resident in their Name to your City anciently our Friend and Confederate Westminster April 1652. Under the Seal of the Parlament in the Name and by the Authority of it Subscrib'd Speaker c. The Council of State of the Republick of England to the Most Serene Prince Ferdinand the Second Grand Duke of Tuscany Greeting THE Council of State being inform'd by Letters from Charles Longland who takes care of the Affairs of the English in your Highnesses Court of Leghorne That lately Fourteen Men of War belonging to the Vnited Provinces came into that Harbour and openly threatned to Sink or Burn the English Ships that were Riding in your Port but that your Serenity whose Protection and Succour the English Merchants implor'd gave Command to the Governour of Leghorn That he should Assist and Defend the English Vessels they deem'd it their duty to certify to your Highness how acceptable that Kindness and Protection which you so favourably afforded the English Nation was to this Republick and do promise your Highness that they will always keep in remembrance the Merit of so deserving a Favour and will be ready upon all occasions to make the same returns of Friendship and Good Offices to your People and to do all things else which may conduce to the preservation and continuance of the usual Amity and Commerce between both Nations And whereas the Dutch Men of War even in the time of Treaty offer'd by themselves were so highly perfidious as to fall upon our Fleet in our own Roads in which foul Attempt God as a most Just Arbiter shew'd himself Offended and Opposite to their Design but also in the Ports of Foreigners endeavour'd to Take or Sink our Merchants Vessels we thought it also necessary to send this Declaration also of the Parlament of the Commonwealth of England to your Highness the Publishing of which was occasion'd by the Controversies at present arisen between this Republick and the Vnited Provinces By which your Highness may easily perceive how unjust and contrary to all the Laws of God and of Nations those People have acted against this Republick and how cordially the Parlament labour'd for the sake of publick Tranquility to have retain'd their pristin Friendship and Allyance White-Hall July 29. 1652. In the Name and by the Authority of the Council Subscrib'd President To the Spanish Embassador Most Excellent Lord THe Council of State upon mature deliberation of that Paper which they receiv'd from your Excellency 27 May 6 of June 1652. as also upon that which your Excellency at your Audience the 6 16 of this Month deliver'd to the Council return this Answer to both those Papers That the Parlament c. was always very desirous of preserving the firm Friendship and good Peace setled at present between this Republick and his Royal Majesty of Spain from the time that first your Excellency signify'd the tendency of his Majesty's Inclinations that way and was always ready to ratify and confirm the same to the Benefit and Advantage of both Nations And this the Councel of State in the Name and by Command of the Parlament in their Papers oftimes made known to your Excellency and particularly according to your Excellency's desire made choice of Commissioners to attend and receive from your Excellency such Proposals as might conduce to the same purpose At which meeting instead of making such Proposals it seem'd good to your Excellency onely to propound some general Matters as it were previous to a future Conference concerning which it seem'd to the Council that the Parlament had in former Papers fully made known their Sentiments Nevertheless for more ample and accumulative satisfaction and to remove all scruples from your Excellency concerning those matters which they at that time propos'd the Council in that Paper dated 31 March 10 April declar'd themselves ready to come to a Conference with your Excellency concerning those things which you had in charge from his Royal Majesty as well in reference to the pristin Amity as to any farther Negotiation as also touching such matters as should be exhibited by us in the name of this Republick and when we came to such particulars as were to the purpose and the nature of the thing requir'd then to give convenient Answers To which it seem'd good to your Excellency to make no Reply nor to proceed any farther in that Affair for almost Two Months About that time the Council receiv'd from your Excellency your first Paper dated 27 May 6 June wherein you onely made this Proposal That the Articles of Peace and League between the Late King Charles and your Master dated the 6 16. of Novemb. 1630. might be review'd and that the several Heads of it might be either enlarg'd or left out according to the present condition of times and things and the late Alteration of Government Which being no more then what we our selves briefly and clearly signify'd in our foresaid Paper of the 31 March 10 April the Council expected that some particular Articles would have bin Propounded out of that League with those Amplifications and Alterations of which you made mention since otherwise it is impossible for us to return any other Answer concerning this matter then what we have already given
all our parts Westminster Feb. 4. 1649. To the Most Serene Prince John the Fourth King of Portugal The Parliament of the Commonwealth of England Greeting ALmost daily and most grievous complaints are brought before us that certain of our Seamen and Officers who revolted from us the last year and Treacherously and Wickedly carry'd away the Ships with the Command of which they were entrusted and who having made their escape from the Port of Ireland where being blockt up for almost a whole Summer together they very narrowly avoided the punishment due to their Crimes have now betaken themselves to the Coast of Portugal and the mouth of the River Tagus that there they practice furious Pyracy Taking and Plundering all the English Vessels they meet with Sailing to and fro upon the account of Trade and that all the adjoining Seas are become almost impassible by reason of their notorious and infamous Robberies To which increasing Mischief unless a speedy Remedy be apply'd who does not see but that there will be a final end of that vast Trade so gainful to both Nations which our People were wont to drive with the Portugueses Wherefore we again and again request Your Majesty that you will command those Pyrates and Revolters to depart the Territories of Portugal And that if any pretended Embassadors present themselves from ******* that you will not vouchsafe to give them Audience but that you will rather acknowledge us upon whom the Supream Power of England by the Conspicuous Favour and Assistance of the Almighty is devolv'd and that the Ports and Rivers of Portugal may not be barr'd and defended against your Friends and Confederates Fleet no less serviceable to your Emolument then the Trade of the English To Philip the Fourth King of Spain HOW heinously and with what Detestation your Majesty resented the Villanous Murder of our Agent Anthony Ascham and what has hitherto been done in the Prosecution and Punishment of his Assassinates we have been given to understand as well by your Majesty 's own Letters as from your Embassador Don Alphonso de Cardenos Nevertheless so often as we consider the horridness of that bloody Fact which utterly subverts the very Foundations of Correspondence and Commerce and of the Privilege of Embassadors most sacred among all Nations so villanously violated without severity of punishment we cannot but with utmost importunity repeat our most urgent Suit to your Majesty That those Parricides may with all the Speed imaginable be brought to Justice and that you would not suffer their merited Pains to be suspended any longer by any delay or pretence of Religion For tho most certainly we highly value the Friendship of a Potent Prince yet it behoves us to use our utmost endeavours that the Authors of such an enormous Parricide should receive the deserved Reward of their Impiety Indeed we cannot but with a grateful mind acknowledge that Civility of which by your Command our People were not unsensible as also your surpassing Affection for us which lately your Embassador at large unfolded to us Nor will it be displeasing to us to return the same good Offices to your Majesty and the Spanish Nation whenever opportunity offers Nevertheless if Justice be not satisfy'd without delay which we still most earnestly request we see not upon what foundations a sincere and lasting Friendship can subsist For the preservation of which however we shall omit no just and laudable occasion to which purpose we are likewise apt to believe that the presence of your Ambassador does not a little conduce To the Spanish Embassador Most Eccellent Lord THe Council of State so soon as their weighty Affairs would permit 'em having carried into Parlament the four Writings which it pleas'd your Excellency to impart to the Council upon the 19th of December last have receiv'd in Command from the Parlament to return this Answer to the first Head of those Writings touching the villanous Assassinates of their late Agent Anthony Ascham The Parlament have so long time so often and so justly demanded their being brought to deserved Punishment that there needs nothing further to be said on a thing of so great importance wherein as your Excellency well observ'd his Royal Majesty's Authority it self is so deeply concern'd that unless Justice be done upon such notorious Offenders all the foundations of Humane Society all the ways of preserving Friendship among Nations of necessity must be overturn'd and abolish'd Nor can we apprehend by any argument drawn from Religion that the Blood of the Innocent shed by a propensely malicious Murder is not to be aveng'd The Parlament therefore once more most urgently presses and expects from his Royal Majesty according to their first demands That satifaction be given 'em effectually and sincerely in this matter To the Most Serene Prince Leopold Archduke of Austria Governor of the Spanish Low-Countries under King Philip. SO soon as word was brought us not without a most grevious complaint that Jane Puckering an Heiress of an Illustrious and Opulent Family while yet by reason of her Age she was under Guardians not far from the House wherein she then liv'd at Greenwich was violently forc'd from the Hands and Embraces of her Attendants and of a sudden in a Vessel to that purpose ready prepar'd carri'd off into Flanders by the treachery of one Walsh who has endeavour'd all the ways imaginable in contempt of Law both Human and Divine to constrain a Wealthy Virgin to marriage even by terrifying her with Menaces of present Death We deeming it proper to apply some speedy remedy to so enormous and unheard-of a piece of Villany gave order to some Persons to treat with the Governours of Newport and Ostend for the Unfortunate Captive was said to be landed in one of those two places about rescuing the Free-born Lady out of the Hands of the Ravisher Who both out of their singular Humanity and Love of Virtue lent their assisting aid to the young Virgin in servitude and by down-right Robbery rifl'd from her Habitation So that to avoid the violence of her Imperious Masters she was as it were deposited in a Nunnery and committed to the charge of the Governess of the Society Wherefore the same Walsh to get her again into his Clutches has commenc'd a Suit against her in the Ecclesiastical Court of the Bishop of Ypre pretending a Matrimonial Contract between him and her Now in regard that both the Ravisher and the Ravish'd person are Natives of our Countrey as by the Witnesses upon their Oaths abundantly appears as also for that the splendid Inheritance after which most certainly the Criminal chiefly gape lies within our Territories so that we conceive that the whole cognizance and determination of this Cause belongs solely to our selves Therefore let him repair hither he who calls himself the Husband here let him commence his Suit and demand the delivery of the Person whom he claims for his Wife In the mean time this it is that we most
Lord Anthony John Lewis dela Cerda Duke of Medina Celi Governor of Andalusia The Council of State constituted by Authority of Parliament Greeting WE have receiv'd Advice from those most Accomplish'd Persons whom we lately sent with our Fleet into Portugal in pursuit of Traytors and for the recovery of our Vessels that they were most civilly receiv'd by your Excellency as often as they happen'd to touch upon the Coast of Gallaecia which is under your Government and assisted with all things necessary to those that perform long Voyages This Civility of yours as it was always most acceptâ—ble to us so it is now more especially at this time while we are sensible of the ill will of others in some places towards us without any just cause giv'n on our side Therefore we make it our request to your Illustrious Lordship that you will persevere in the same good Will and Affection to us and that you would continue your Favour and Assistance to our People according to your wonted Civility as often as our Ships put in to your Harbours and be assur'd that there is nothing which we desire of your Lordship in the way of Kindness which we shall not be ready to repay both to you and yours whenever the like occasion shall be offer'd us Westminster Nov. 7. 1650. Seal'd with the Seal of the Council J. Bradshaw President To the Illustrious and Magnificent Senate of the City of Dantzick Magnificent and Most Noble Lords our dearest Friends MAny Letters are brought us from our Merchants trading upon the Coast of Borussia wherein they complain of a grievous Tribute impos'd upon 'em in the Grand Council of the Polanders enforcing 'em to pay the Tenth part of all their Goods for the Relief of the King of Scots our Enemy Which in regard it is plainly contrary to the Law of Nations that Guests and Strangers should be dealt withal in such a manner and most unjust that they should be compell'd to pay publick Stipends in a Foreign Common-wealth to him from whom they are by God's Assistance deliver'd at home we make no question but that out of respect to that Liberty which as we understand you your selves enjoy you will not suffer so heavy a Burthen to be laid upon Merchants in your City wherein they have maintain'd a continual Amity and Commerce to the extraordinary Advantage of the place for many years together If therefore you think it convenient to undertake the Protection of our Merchants trading among ye which we assuredly expect as well from your Prudence and Equity as from the Dignity and Grandure of your City We shall take that care that you shall be sensible from time to time of our grateful Acceptance of your Kindness as often as the Dantzichers shall have any dealings within our Territories or their Ships as frequently it happens put into our Ports Westminster Febr. 6. 1650. To the Portugal Agent Most Illustrious Lord WE receiv'd your Letters dated from Hampton the 15th of this Month wherein you signify That you are sent by the King of Portugal to the Parlament of the Commonwealth of England but say not under what Character whether of Embassador or Agent or Envoy which we would willingly understand by your Credential Letters from the King a Copy of which you may send us with all the speed you can We would also further know whether you come with a Plenary Commission to give us satisfaction for the Injuries and to make Reparation for the Damages which your King has done this Republick protecting our Enemy all the last Summer in his Harbours and prohibiting the English Fleet then ready to assail Rebels and Fugitives which our Admiral had pursu'd so far but never restraining the Enemy from falling upon ours If you return us word that you have ample and fuâ—l Commission to give us satisfaction concerning all these matters and send us withal a Copy of your Recommendatory Letters we shall then take care that you may with all speed repair to us upon the Publâ—ck Faith At what time when we have read the King's Letters you shall have liberty freely to declare what further Commands you have brought along with you The Parlament of the Commonwealth of England to the Most Serene Prince D. Ferdinand Grand Duke of Tuscany c. WE have receiv'd your Highness's Letters dated April 22. 1651. and deliver'd to us by your Resident Signor Almerick Salvetti wherein we readily perceive how greatly your Highness favours the English Name and the value you have for this Nation which not only our Merchants that for many years have traded in your Ports but also certain of our young Nobility either Travelling through your Cities or residing there for the improvements of their Studies both testify and confirm Which as they are things most grateful and acceptable to us we also on our parts make this request to your Highness that your Serenity will persevere in your accustom'd good Will and Affection towards our Merchants and other Citizens of our Republick Travelling through the Tuscan Territories On the other side we promise and undertake that as to what concerns the Parlament That nothing shall be wanting which may any way conduce to the Confirmation and Establishment of that Commerce and mutual Friendship that now has been of long continuance between both Nations and which it is our earnest wish and desire should be preserv'd to perpetuity by all Offices of Humanity Civility and mutual Observance Westminster Jan. 20. 1651. Seal'd with the Seal of the Parlament and Subscribed by William Lenthal Speaker of the Parlament of the Common-wealth of England The Parlament of the Commonwealth of England to the Illustrious and Magnificent Senate of the City of Hamborough Most Noble Magnificent and Illustrious our dearest Friends THE Parlament of the Commonwealth of England out of their earnest desire to continue and preserve the Ancient Friendship and mutual Commerce between the English Nation and your City not long since sent thither Richard Bradshaw Esquire with the character of our Resident and among other Instructions tending to the same purpose gave him an express Charge to demand Justice against cert in persons within your Jurisdiction who endeavour'd to Murther the Preacher belonging to the English Society and who likewise laid impious hands upon the Deputy President and some of the principal Merchants of the same Company and hurri'd 'em away aboard a Privateer And although the aforesaid Resident upon his first Reception and Audience made known to your Lordships in a particular manner the Commands which he receiv'd from us upon which it was expected that you would have made those Criminals ere this a severe Example of your Justice yet when we understood our expectations were not answer'd considering with our selves what danger both our People and their Estates were in if sufficient provision were not made for their Security and Protection against the malice of their Enemies we again sent Orders to our afore said Resident to represent
And whereas your Excellency in your last Paper seems to charge us with delay the Council therefore took a second review of your foresaid Paper of the 27 of May 6 of June and of what was therein Propounded and are still of Opinion That they have fully satisfy'd your Excellency in that former Paper to which they can only farther add That so soon as your Excellency shall be pleas'd either out of the Leagues already made or in any other manner to frame such conditions as shall be accommodated to the present state of Things and Times upon which you desire to have the foundations of Friendship laid on your side they will immediately return you such Answers as by them shall be thought Just and Reasonable and which shall be sufficient Testimonials that the Parlament still perseveres in the same desires of preserving an untainted and firm Amity with the King your Master and that on their parts they will omit no honest endeavours and worthy of themselves to advance it to the highest perfection Furthermore the Council deems it to be a part of their duty That your Excellency should be put in mind of that Paper of ours dated Jan. 30. 1651. to which in regard your Excellency has return'd no Answer as yet we press and expect that satisfaction be given to the Parlament as to what is therein mention'd The Answer of the Council of State to the Reply of the Lords Embassadors Extraordinary from the King of Danemark and Norway deliver'd to the Commissioners of the Council to the Answer which the Council gave to their Fourteen Demands TO the end that satisfaction may be given to the foresaid Lords Embassadors in reference to the Answer of the Council to the Fifth Sixth Seventh Eigth and Ninth Article the Council consents that this following Clause shall be added at the end of their Answers That is to say Besides such Colonies Islands Ports and Places under the Dominion of either Party to which it is by Law provided that no body shall resort upon the account of Trade or Commerce unless upon special leave first obtain'd of that Party to which that Colony Island Port or Places belong The Receiving of any person into any Ship that shall be driven in by stress of Weather into the Rivers Ports or Bays belonging to either Party shall not render that Vessel lyable to any Trouble or Search by the Answer of the Council to the Eleventh Article as the foresaid Lords Embassadors in their Reply seem to have understood unless it be where such a Receiving shall be against the Laws Statutes or Custom of that Place where the Vessel put in wherein it seems to the Council That there is nothing of severity ordain'd but what equally conduces to the security of both Republicks As to the proving the Property of such Ships and Goods as shall be cast ashore by Shipwrack the Council deems it necessary that an Oath be Administred in those Courts which are already or shall hereafter be constituted where the Claimers may be severally heard and every Body's Right be determin'd and adjudg'd which cannot be so clearly and distinctly done by Written Certificates whence many scruples and doubts may arise and many frauds and deceits creep into that sort of proof which it concerns both Parties to prevent The Council also deems it just that a certain time be prefix'd before which time whoever does not prove himself the lawful Owner of the said Goods shall be excluded to avoid Suits But as to the manner of putting Perishable Goods to Sale that are cast A shore by Shipwrack the Council thinks it meet to propose the way of selling by Inch of Candle as being the most probable means to procure the true value of the Goods for the best Advantage of the Proprietors Nevertheless if the foresaid Lords Embassadours shall propose any other method already found out which may more properly conduce to this end the Council will be no hinderance but that what is just may be put in practice Neither is it to be understood that the consideration of this matter shall put any stop to the Treaty As to the Punishment of those that shall violate the propounded Treaty the Council has made that Addition which is mention'd in their Answer to the Fourteenth Article for the greater force and efficacy of that Article and thereby to render the League it self more firm and lasting As to the last Clause of the Fourteenth Article we think it not proper to give our Assent to those Leagues and Alliances of which mention is made in the foresaid Answers and which are only generally propounded before it be more clearly apparent to us what they are But when your Excellencies shall be pleas'd to explain those matters more clearly to the Council we may be able to give a more express Answer to those Particulars A Reply of the Council of State to the Answer of the foresaid Lords Embassodours which was return'd to the Six Articles propounded by the Council aforesaid in the Name of the Republick of England THE Council having view'd the Commissions of the foresaid Lords Embassadors giving them Power to Transact with the Parlament or their Commissioners concerning all things expedient to be Transacted in order to the reviving the old Leagues or adding new ones believ'd indeed the foresaid Lords to have bin furnish'd with that Authority as to be able to return Answers and Negotiate all things as well such as should be propounded by this Republick as on the behalf of the King of Danemark and Norway and so did not expect the Replies which it has pleas'd the foresaid Lords Embassadors to give to the First Second Third and Fifth demand of the Council whereby of necessity a stop will be put to this Treaty in regard it is but just in it self and so resolv'd on in Council to comprehend the whole League and to Treat at the same time as well concerning those things which regard this Republick as those other matters which concern the King of Danemark and Norway Wherefore it is the earnest desire of the Council That your Excellencies would be pleasd to return an Answer to our First Second Third and Fifth demand As to the Fourth Article concerning the Customs of Gluckstadt in regard they are now abolish'd as your Excellencies have mention'd in your Answer the Council presses that their Abrogation may be ratifi'd by this Treaty lest they should be reimpos'd hereafter As to the Sixth Article concerning Pyracy the Counil inserted it as equally appertaining to the benefit of both and to the establishing of Trade in common which is much disturb'd by Pyrates and Sea-Robbers And whereas the Answer of the Lords Embassadors as to this Article relates onely to Enemies but makes no mention of Pyrates the Council therefore desires a more distinct Reply to it And whereas the foresaid Lords Embassadors in their Reply to the Answer of the Council have pass'd over both their Tenth Article and the Answer
of the Council to it the Council have thought it necessary to add this following Article to their following Demands That the People and Inhabitants of the Republick of England Trading into any Kingdoms Regions or Territories of the King of Danemark and Norway shall not for the future pay any more Customs Tribute Taxes Duties or Stipends or in any other manner then the People of the Vnited Provinces or any other Foreign Nation that pays the least coming in or going out of Harbour and shall enjoy the same and as equally ample Freedom Privileges and Immunities both coming and going and so long as they shall reside in the Countrey as also in Fishing Tradeing or in any other manner which any other People of a Foreign Nation enjoys or may enjoy in the foresaid Kingdoms and throughout the whole Dominions of the said King of Danemark and Norway Which Privileges also the Subjects of the King of Danemark and Norway shall equally enjoy throughout all the Territories and Dominions of the Republick of England The Council of State of the Republick of England to the most Serene Prince Ferdinand the Second Grand Duke of Tuscany Greeting Most Serene Prince our dearest Friend THE Council of State understanding as well by your Highness's Agent here residing as by Charles Longland chief Factor for the English at Leghorn with what Affectiou and Fidelity your Highness undertook the Protection of the English Vessels putting in to the Port of Leghorn for shelter against the Dutch Men of War threatning 'em with nothing but Ransack and Destruction by their Letters of the 29th of July which they hope are by this time come to your Highness's hands have made known to your Highness how grateful and how acceptable it was to 'em and at the same time sent to your Serenity a Declaration of the Parlament of the Commonwealth of England concerning the present Differences between this Republick and the Vnited Provinces And whereas the Council has again bin inform'd by the same Charles Longland what further Commands your Highness gave for the security and defence of the English Vessels notwithstanding the opposite endeavours of the Dutch they deem'd this opportunity not to be pass'd over to let your Highness understand once more how highly they esteem your Justice and singular Constancy in defending their Vessels and how acceptable they took so great a piece of Service Which being no mean testimony of your solid Friendship and Affection to this Republick your Highness may assure your self that the same offices of Kindness and good Will toward your Highness shall never be wanting in us such as may be able to demonstrate how firmly we are resolv'd to cultivate both long and constantly to the utmost of our Power that Friendship which is between your Serenity and this Republick In the mean time we have expresly commanded all our Ships upon their entrance into your Ports not to fail of paying the accustom'd Salutes by Firing their Guns and to give all other due Honours to your Highness White Hall Sep. 1652. Seal'd with the Council Seal and Subscrib'd President To the Spanish Embassador Alphonso de Cardenas Most Excellent Lord YOUR Excelleny's Letters of the 1 11 of November 1652. deliver'd by your Secretary together with Two Petitions inclos'd concerning the Ships the Sampson and Sun Salvadore were read in Council To which the Council returns this Answer That the English Man of War meeting with the foresaid Ships not in the Downes as your Excellency Writes but in the open Sea brought 'em into Port as Enemies Ships and therefore Lawful Prize and the Court of Admiralty to which it properly belongs to take Cognizance of all Causes of this nature have undertaken to determin the Right in dispute Where all Parties concern'd on both sides shall be fully and freely heard and you may be assur'd that Right shall take place We have also sent your Excellency's request to the Judges of that Court to the end we may more certainly understand what progress they have made in their proceeding to Judgement Of which so soon as we are rightly inform'd we shall take care that such Orders shall be given in this matter as shall correspond with Justice and become the Friendship that is between this Republick and your King Nor are we less confident that his Royal Majesty will by no means permit the Goods of the Enemies of this Commonwealth to be conceal'd and escape due Confiscation under the shelter of being own'd by his Subjects White-Hall Nov. 11. 1652. Seal'd with the Council Seal and Subscrib'd William Masham President To the Spanish Embassador Most Excellent Lord BUT lately the Council has bin inform'd by Captain Badiley Admiral of the Fleet of this Republick in the Streights that after he himself together with three other Men of War had for two days together engag'd Eleven of the Dutch put into Porto Longone as well to repair the Damages he had receiv'd in the Fight as also to supply himself with Warlike Ammunition where the Governor of the Place perform'd all the good Offices of a most just and courteous Person as well toward his own as the rest of the Men of War under his Conduct Now in regard that that same Place is under the Dominion of the Most Serene King of Spain the Council cannot but look upon the singular Civility of that Garison to be the copious fruit of that stricter mutual Amity so auspiciously commenc'd and therefore deem it to be a part of their duty to return their thanks to his Majesty for a Kindness so opportunely receiv'd and desire your Excellency to signify this to your most Serene King and to assure him that the Parlament of the Common-wealth of England will be always ready to make the same returns of Friendship and Civility upon all occasion offer'd Westminster Nov. 11. 1652. Seal'd with the Councel Seal and Subscrib'd William Masham President The Parlament of the Commonwealth of England to the Most Serene Prince Ferdinand the Second Grand Duke of Tuscany Greeting Most Serene Prince our dearest Friend THE Parlament of the Commonwealth of England has receiv'd your Letters dated from Florence August 17. concerning the restitution of a certain Ship laden with Rice which Ship is claim'd by Captain Cardi of Leghorn And though the Judges of our Admiralty have already pronounc'd Sentence in that Cause against the foresaid Cardi and that there be an Appeal depending before the Delegates yet upon your Highness's Request the Parlament to testify how much they value the good Will and Alliance of a Prince so much their Friend have given Order to those who are entrusted with this Affair that the said Ship together with the Rice or at least the full Price of it be restor'd to the foresaid Captain Cardi the fruit of which Command his Proctor here has effectually already reap'd And as your Highness by favourably affording your Patronage and Protection to the Ships of the English in your Port of Leghorn has
in a more especial manner ty'd the Parlament to your Serenity so will they on the other side take care as often as opportunity offers that all their Offices of sincere Friendship and good-will toward your Highness may be solidly effectual and permanent withal recommending your Highness to the Divine Benignity and Protection of the Almighty Westminster Nov. 1652. Seal'd with the Seal of the Common-wealth and Subscrib'd Speaker c. The Parlament of the Commonwealth of England to the Most Serene and Potent Prince King of Danemark c. Most Serene and Potent King THE Parlament of the Commonwealth of England have received Information from their Admiral of that Fleet so lately sent to Copenhagen your Majesty's Port to Convoy our Merchants homeward bound that the foresaid Ships are not permitted to return along with him as being detain'd by your Majesty's Command and upon his producing your Royal Letters declaring your Justifications of the matter of Fact the Parlament denies that the Reasons laid down in those Letters for the detaining of those Ships are any way satisfactory to ' em Therefore that some speedy Remedy may be appli'd in a matter os so great moment and so highly conducing to the prosperity of both Nations for preventing a greater perhaps ensuing mischief the Parlament have sent their Resident at Himborough Richard Bradshaw Esquire a Person of great Worth and known Fidelity with express Commands to Treat with your Majesty as their Agent also in Danemark concerning this Affair And therefore we entreat your Majesty to give him a favourable Audience and ample Credit in whatever he shall propose to your Majesty on our behalf in reference to this matter In the mean time recommending your Majesty to the Protection of Divine Providence Westminster Nov. 6. 1652. Under the Seal of the Parlament and in their Name and by their Authority Subscrib'd Speaker c. The Parlament of the Commonwealth of England to the Most Serene Prince the Duke of Venice Greeting THE Parlament of the Common-wealth of England has receiv'd your Highness's Letters dated June 1. 1652. and deliver'd by Lorenzo Pallutio wherein they not onely gladly perceive both yours and the cordial Inclinations of the Senate toward this Republick but have willingly laid hold of this opportunity to declare their singular Affection and good Will toward the Most Serene Republick of Venice which they shall be always ready to make manifest both really and sincerely as often as opportunity offers To whom also all the ways and means that shall be propounded to 'em for the preserving or encreasing mutual Friendship and Alliance shall be ever most acceptable In the mean time we heartily pray that all things Prosperous all things Favourable may befall your Highness and the Most Serene Republick Westminster December 1652. Seal'd with the Parlament Seal and Subscrib'd Speaker c. The Parlament of the Republick of England to the Most Serene Prince Ferdinand the Second Grand Duke of Tuscany Greeting ALthough the Parlament of the Republick of England some time since redoubl'd their Commands to all the chief Captains and Masters of Ships arriving in the Ports belonging to your Highness to carry themselves peacefully and civilly and with becoming observance and duty to a most Serene Prince whose Friendship this Republick so earnestly endeavours to preserve as having bin oblig'd by so many great Kindnesses an Accident altogether unexpected has fallen out through the Insolence as they hear of Captain Appleton in the Port of Leghorn who offer'd Violence to the Sentinel then doing his Duty upon the Mole against the Faith and Duty which he ows this Republick and in contempt of the Reverence and Honour which is justly owing to your Highness the relation of which Action as it was really committed the Parlament has understood by your Letters of the 7th and 9th of December dated from Florence as also more at large by the most Worthy Almeric Salvetti your Resident here And they have so sincerely laid to heart your Highness's Honour which is the main concern of this Complaint that they have referr'd it to the Council of State to take care that Letters be sent to Captain Appleton to come away without stop or stay by Land in order to his giving an Account of this unwonted and extraordinary Act a Copy of which Letters is sent herewith enclos'd who so soon as he shall arrive and be accus'd of the Fact we promise that such a course shall be taken with him as may sufficiently testify that we no less heinoussy brook the violation of your Right then the Infringement of our own Authority Moreover upon mature debate concerning the recover'd Ship call'd the Phoenix of Leghorn which Affair is also related and press'd by your Highness and your Resident here to have bin done by Captain Appleton contrary to promise given whereby he was oblig'd not to fall upon even the Hollanders themselves within sight of the Lanthorn and that your Highness trusting to that Faith promis'd security to the Hollanders upon your word and therefore that we ought to take care for the satisfaction of those who suffer damage under the Protection of your Promise the Parlament begs of your Excellency to be assur'd That this Fact as it was committed without their Advice or Command so it is most remote from their Will and Intention that your Highness should undergo any Detriment or Diminution of your Honour by it Rather they will make it their business that some Expedient may be found out for your satisfaction according to the nature of the Fact upon Examination of the whole matter Which that they may so much the more fully understand they deem it necessary that Captain Appleton himself should be heard who was bound by the same Faith and is thought by your Excellency at least to have consented to the violation of it especially since he is so suddenly to return home And so soon as the Parlament has heard him and have more at large conferr'd with your Resident concerning this matter of no small moment they will pronounce that Sentence that shall be Just and Consentaneous to that extream good-will which they bear to your Highness and no way unworthy the favours by you conferr'd upon ' em Of which that your Highness might not make the least question in the mean time we were willing to certify your Highness by this Express on purpose sent that we shall omit no opportunity to testify how greatly we value your Friendship Westminster Dec. 14. 1652. Seal'd with the Parlament Seal and Subscrib'd Speaker c. The Council of State of the Republick of England to the most Serene Prince Frederick Heire of Norway Duke of Sleswick Holsatia Stormaria Ditmarsh Count in Oldenburgh and Delmenhort Greeting THough it has pleas'd the Most Wise God and Most Merciful Moderator of all things besides the Burthen which he laid upon us in common with our Ancestors to wage most just Wars in defence of our Liberty against Tyrannical
no less ready to make returns of all good Offices both of Friends and Brethren if in any thing we may be serviceable to your Lordships Westminster October 1653. Seal'd with the Parlament Seal and Subscrib'd Speaker c. To the Spanish Embassador Most Illustrious Lord UPON grievous Complaints brought before us by Philip Niel John Godal and the Society of Merchants of Foy in England that a certain Ship of theirs call'd the Ann of Foy an English Ship by them fitted out and laden with their own Goods in her return home to the Port of Foy about Michaelmas last was unjustly and without any cause set upon and taken by a certain Privateer of Ostend Erasmus Bruer Commander and the Seamen unworthily and barbarously us'd The Council of State wrote to the Marquis of Leda concerning it a copy of which Letter we also send enclos'd to your Excellency and expected from him that without delay Orders would have bin given for the doing of Justice in this matter Nevertheless after all this the foresaid Noel together with the said Company make further heavy complaint that altho our Letters were deliver'd to the Marquess and that those Merchants from that time forward betook themselves to Bruges to the Court there held for Maritime Causes and there asserted and prov'd their Right and the Verity of their Cause yet that Justice was deni'd 'em and that they were so hardly dealt with that though the Cause had bin ripe for Tryal above three Months nevertheless they could obtain no Sentence from that Court but that their Ship and Goods are still detain'd notwithstanding the great Expences they have bin at in Prosecuting their Claim Now your Excellency well knows it to be contrary to the Law of Nations of Traffick and that Friendship which is at present settl'd betwen the English and Flemings that any Ostender should take any English Vessel if bound for England with English Goods and that whatever was Inhumanly and Barbarously done to the English Seamen by that Commander deserves a rigorous Punishment The Council therefore recommends the whole matter to your Excellency and makes it their request that you would Write into Flanders concerning it and take such speedy care that this business may no longer be delai'd but that Justice may be done in such a manner that the foresaid Ship together with the Damages Costs and Interest which the English have sustain'd and bin out of purse by reason of that Illegal Seizure may be restor'd and made good to 'em by the Authority of the Court or in some other way and that care be taken that hereafter no such Violence may be committed but that the Amity between our People and the Flemings may be preserv'd without any Infringement Sign'd in the Name and by the Command of the Council of State appointed by Authority of Parlament To the Marquiss of Leda GREAT Complaints are brought before us by Philip Noel John Godal and the Company of Foy Merchants concerning a Ship of theirs call'd the Ann of Foy which being an English Vessel by them fitted out and laden with their own Goods in her return home to her own Port about Michaelmas last was taken unawares by a Freebooter of Ostend Erasmus Brewer Commander It is also further related that the Ostenders when the Ship was in their Power us'd the Seamen too inhumanly by setting lighted Match to their Fingers and plunging the Master of the Ship in the Sea till they had almost drown'd him on purpose to extort a false Confession from him that the Ship and Goods belong'd to the French Which though the Master and the rest of the Ship 's Crue resolutely deni'd nevertheiess the Ostenders carri'd away the Ship and Goods to their own Port. These things upon strict enquiry and examination of Witnesses have bin made manifest in the Admiralty Court in England as will appear by the Copies of the Affidavits herewith sent your Lordship Now in regard that that same Ship call'd the Ann of Foy and all her lading of Merchandize and Goods belongs truly and properly to the English so that there is no apparent reason why the Ostenders should seize by force either the one or the other much less carry away the Master of the Ship and use the Seamen so unmercifully and whereas according to the Law of Nations and in respect to the Friendship between the Flemings and English that Ship and Goods ought to be restor'd we make it our earnest request to your Excellency that the English may have speedy Justice done and that Satisfaction may be given for their losses to the end the Traffick and Friendship which is between the English and Flemings may be long and inviolably preserv'd To the Spanish Embassador THE Parlament of the Commonwealth of England understanding that several of the People of this City daily resort to the Houses of your Excellency and other Embassadors and Publick Ministers from Foreign Nations here residing meerly to hear Mass gave Order to the Council of State to let your Excellency understand That whereas such Resort is prohibited by the Laws of the Nation and of very evil Example in this our Republick and extreamly Scandalous that they deem it their duty to take care that no such thing be permitted henceforward and to prohibit all such Assemblies for the future Concerning which 't is our desire that your Excellency should have a fair Advertisement to the end that henceforth your Excellency may be more careful of admitting any of the People of this Republick to hear Mass in your House And as the Parlament will diligently provide that your Excellencies Rights and Privileges shall be preserv'd inviolable so they perswade themselves that your Excellency during your abode here would by no means that the Laws of this Republick should be violated by your self or your Attendants A Summary of the particular real damages sustaiu'd by the English Company in many Places of the East-Indies from the Dutch Company in Holland 1. THe Damages comprehended in Sixteen Articles and formerly exhibited Amounting to 298555 Royals ½ which is of our Money 74638 l. 15 s. 00 d. 2. We demand Satisfaction to be given for the incomes of the Island of Pularon from the year 1622. to this time of Two hundred thousand Royals ½ besides the future Expence till the Right of Jurisdiction over that Island be restor'd in the same condition as when it was wrestest out of our hands as was by League agreed to amounting of our Money to 50000 l. 00 s. 00 d. 3. We demand Satisfaction for all the Merchandize Provision and Furniture taken away by the Agents of the Dutch Company in the Indies or to them deliver'd or to any of their Ships bound thither or returning home which Sum amounts to 80635 Royals of our Money 20158 l. 00 s. 00 d. 4. We demand Satisfaction for the Customs of Dutch Merchandize laden on board their Ships in Persia or landed there from the year 1624 as was granted us by the