in Flanders but now he resides at Paris or rather flutters unpunish'd about the City and at Court enrich'd with the Spoils of our Merchants Once more therefore We make it our Request to your Majesty which it is your Majesty's Interest in the first place to take care of That no person whatever may dare to justify the wrongs done to your Majesty's Confederates by the contempt of your Royal Edicts Nor can this Cause be properly referr'd to the Commissioners appointed for deciding Common Controversies on both sides since in this Case not only the Rights of Confederates but your Authority it self and the Veneration due to the Royal Name are chiefly in dispute And it would be a wonder that Merchants should be more troubled for their Losses then your Majesty provok'd at Incroachments upon your Honour Which while you disdain to brook with the same labour you will demonstrate that you neither repent of your Friendly Edicts in favour of our Republick nor conniv'd at the Injuries done by your Subjects nor neglected to give due respect to our demands From our Court at Westminster Novemb. 1656. Your Majesty's most bounden by Good-will by Friendship and Solemn League Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth c. Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. To the most Serene and Potent Prince Frederic III. King of Danemark Norway the Vandals and Goths Duke of Sleswich Holsatia Stormatia and Dithmarsh Count in Oldenburgh and Delmenhorst c. Most Serene and Potent King our dearest Friend and Confederate WE receiv'd your Majesty's Letters dated the 16th of February from Copenhagen by the most worthy Simon de Pitkum your Majesty's Agent here residing Which when we had perus'd the Demonstrations of your Majesty's Good-will towards us and the Importance of the Matter concerning which you write affected us to that degree that we design'd forthwith to send to your Majesty some person who being furnish'd with ample Instructions from us might more at large declare to your Majesty our Counsels in that Affair And tho we have still the same Resolutions yet hitherto we have not been at leisure to think of a Person proper to be entrusted with those Commands which the weight of the matter requires tho in a short time we hope to be more at liberty In the mean while we thought it not convenient any longer to delay the letting your Majesty understand that the present Condition of Affairs in Europe has employ'd the greatest part of our Care and Thoughts while for some years to our great grief we have beheld the Protestant Princes and Supream Magistrates of the Reformed Republicks whom it rather behoves as being engag'd by the common Tye of Religion and Safety to combine and study all the ways imaginable conducing to mutual defence more and more at weakning variance among themselves and jealous of each other's Actions and Designs putting their Friends in fear their Enemies in hope that the Posture of Affairs bodes rather Enmity and Discord then a firm agreement of mind to defend and assist each other And this sollicitude has fix'd it self so much the deeper in our thoughts in regard there seems to appear some sparkles of jealousy between your Majesty and the King of Sweden at least that there is not that conjunction of Affections which our Love and Good-will in general toward the Orthodox Religion so importunately requires your Majesty perhaps suspecting that the Trade of your Dominions will be prejudic'd by the King of Sweden and on the other side the King of Sweden being jealous that by your means the War which he now wages is made more difficult and that you oppose him in his contracting those Alliances which he seeks 'T is not unknown to your Majesty so eminent for your profound Wisdom how great the Danger is that threatens the Protestant Religion should such Suspicions long continue between two such Potent Monarchs more especially which God avert if any symptom of Hostility should break forth However it be for our parts as we have earnestly exhorted the King of Sweden and the States of the Vnited Provinces to Peace and moderate Counsels and are beyond expression glad to behold Peace and Concord renew'd between them for that the Heads of that League are transmitted to us by their Lordships the States-General so we thought it our duty and chiefly becoming our Friendship not to conceal from your Majesty what our Sentiments are concerning these matters more especially being so affectionately invited so to do by your Majesty's most Friendly Letters which we look upon and embrace as a most singular Testimony of your Good-will toward us but to lay before your eyes how great a necessity Divine Providence has impos'd upon us all that profess the Protestant Religion to study Peace among our selves and that chiefly at this time when our most embittered Enemies seem to have on every side conspir'd our destruction There 's no necessity of calling to remembrance the Valleys of Piemont still besmear'd with the Blood and Slaughter of the miserable Inhabitants nor Austria tormented at the same time with the Emperor's Decrees and Proscriptions nor the impetuous Onsets of the Popish upon the Protestant Switzers Who can be ignorant that the Artifices and Machinations of the Spaniards for some years last past have fill'd all these places with the confus'd and blended havock of Fire and Sword To which unfortunate Pile of Miseries if once the Reformed Brethren should come to add their own Dissentions among themselves and more especially two such Potent Monarchs the chiefest part of our strength and among whom so large a Provision of the Protestants Security and Puissance lies stor'd and hoarded up against Times of Danger most certainly the Interests of the Protestants must go to ruine and suffer a total and irrecoverable Eclipse On the other side If Peace continue firmly fix'd between two such powerful Neighbours and the rest of the Orthodox Princes if we would but make it our main study to abide in Brotherly Concord there would be no cause by God's assistance to fear neither the force nor subtilty of our Enemies all whose Endeavours and laborious Toils our Union alone would be able to dissipate and frustrate Nor do we question but that your Majesty as you are freely willing so your willingness will be constant in contributing your utmost Assistance to procure this blessed Peace To which purpose we shall be most ready to communicate and join our Counsels with your Majesty professing a real and cordial Friendship and not only determin'd inviolably to observe the Amity so auspiciously contracted between us but as God shall enable us to bind our present Alliance with a more strict and Fraternal Bond. In the mean time the same Eternal God grant all things prosperous and successful to your Majesty From our Caurt at White-Hall Decem. 1656. Your Majesties most closely united by Friendship Alliance and Good-will Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. Oliver Protector
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
for promoting the Christian Interest should be in Friendly manner imparted to us by Letters from your self this afforded us a more plentiful occasion of Joy and Satisfaction to hear that God in those remoter Regions had rais'd up to himself so Potent and Renowned a Minister of his Glory and Providence And that this great Minister of Heaven so fam'd for his Courage and Success should be desirous to associate with us in the common Defence of the Protestant Religion at this time wickedly assail'd by Words and Deeds Nor is it to be question'd but that God who has infus'd into us both though separated by such a spacious interval of many Climates the same desires and thoughts of defending the Orthodox Religion will be our Instructor and Author of the ways and means whereby we may be assistant and useful to our selves and the rest of the Reformed Cities provided we watch all opportunities that God shall put into our hands and be not wanting to lay hold of ' em In the mean time we cannot without an extream and penetrating sorrow forbear putting your Highness in mind how unmercifully the Duke of Savoy has Persecuted his own Subjects Professing the Orthodox Faith in certain Valleys at the feet of the Alps. Whom he has not only constrain'd by a most severe Edict as many as refuse to embrace the Catholick Religion to forsake their Native Habitations Goods and Estates but has fall'n upon 'em with his Army put several most Cruelly to the Sword others more Barbarously Tormented to Death and driven the greatest number to the Mountains there to be consum'd with Cold and Hunger exposing their Houses to the Fury and their Goods to the Plunder of his Executioners These things as they have already bin related to your Highness so we readily assure our selves that so much cruelty cannot but be grievously displeasing to your ears and that you will not be wanting to afford your Aid and Succour to those miserable Wretches if there be any that survive so many Slaughters and Calamities For our parts we have Written to the Duke of Savoy beseeching him to remove his insenc'd Anger from his Subjects as also to the King of France that he would vouchsafe to do the same and lastly to the Princes of the Reformed Religion to the end they might understand our sentiments concerning so fell and savage a piece of Cruelty Which though first begun upon those poor and helpless People however threatens all that Profess the same Religion and therefore imposes upon all a greater necessity of providing for themselves in general and consulting the common Safety which is the course that we shall always follow as God shall be pleas'd to direct us Of which your Highness may be assur'd as also of our sincerity and affection to your Serenity whereby we are engag'd to wish all prosperous success to your Affairs and a happy issue of all your Enterprizes and Endeavours in asserting the Liberty of the Gospel and the Worshippers of it White-Hall May 1655. Oliver Protector to the most Serene Prince Charles Gustavus Adolphus King of the Swedes Greeting WE make no question but that the same of that most rigid Edict has reach'd your Dominions whereby the Duke of Savoy has totally Ruin'd his Protestant Subjects Inhabiting the Alpine Valleys and commanded 'em to be extirminated from their Native Seats and Habitations unless they will give security to renounce their Religion receiv'd from their Forefathers in exchange for the Roman Catholick Superstition and that within Twenty days at farthest so that many being kill'd the rest Strip to their Skins and expos'd to most certain destruction are now forc'd to wander over desert Mountains and through perpetual Winter together with their Wives and Children half dead with Cold and Hunger and that your Majesty has laid it to heart with a Pious sorrow and compassionate consideration we as little doubt For that the Protestant Name and Cause although they differ among themselves in some things of little Consequence is nevertheless the same in general and united in one common Interest the hatred of our Adversaries alike insenc'd against Protestants very easily demonstrates Now there is no body can be ignorant that the Kings of the Swedes have always joyn'd with the Reformed carrying their Victorious Arms into Germany in Defence of the Protestants without distinction Therefore we make it our chief request and that in a more especial manner to your Majesty that you would solicit the Duke of Savoy by Letters and by interposing your intermediating Authority endeavour to avert the horrid Cruelty of this Edict if possible from People no less Innocent then Religious For we think it superfluous to admonish your Majesty whither these rigorous begininnings tend and what they threaten to all the Protestants in general But if he rather chuse to listen to his Anger then to our joynt Intreaties and Intercessions if there be any Tye any Charity or Communion of Religion to be Believ'd and Worshipp'd upon Consultations duly first communicated to your Majesty and the chief of the Protestant Princes some other course is to be speedily taken that such a numerous multitude of our Innocent Brethren may not miserably Perish for want of Succour and Assistance Which in regard we make no question but that it is your Majesties Opinion and Determination there can be nothing in our opinion more prudently resolv'd then to joyn our Reputation Authority Councels Forces and whatever else is needful with all the speed that may be in pursuance of so Pious a design In the mean time we beseech Almighty God to Bless your Majesty Oliver Protector c. to the High and Mighty Lords the States of the United Provinces WE make no question but that you have already bin inform'd of the Duke of Savoy's Edict set forth against his Subjects Inhabiting the Valleys at the feet of the Alps Ancient Professors of the Orthodox Faith by which Edict they are commanded to abandon their Native Habitations stript of all their fortunes unless within Twenty days they embrace the Roman Faith and with what Cruelty the Authority of this Edict has rag'd against a needy and harmless People many being slain by the Soldiers the rest Plunder'd and driven from their Houses together with their Wives and Children to combat Cold and Hunger among desert Mountains and perpetual Snow These things with what commotion of Mind you heard related what a fellow-feeling of the Calamities of Brethren pierc'd your breasts we readily conjecture from the depth of our own Sorrow which certainly is most Heavy and Afflictive For being engag'd together by the same tye of Religion no wonder we should be so deeply mov'd with the same Affections upon the dreadful and undeserved Sufferings of our Brethren Besides that your conspicuous Piety and Charity toward the Orthodox where-ever overborn and oppress'd has bin frequently experienc'd in the most urging streights and calamities of the Churches For my own part unless my thoughts deceive
Splendid Embassy sent to us some time since after certain Negotiations begun by the Parlament in whom the Supreme Power was vested at that time as it was always most affectionately wish'd for by us with the assistance of God and that we might not be wanting in the Administration of the Government which we have now taken upon us at length we brought to a happy conclusion and as we hope as a sacred Act have ratifi'd it to perpetuity And therefore we send back to your Majesty your extraordinary Embassador the Lord John Roderigo de Sita Meneses Count of Pennaguiada a person both approv'd by your Majesty's judgment and by us experienc'd to excel in Civility Ingenuity Prudence and Fidelity besides the merited applause which he has justly gain'd by accomplishing the ends of his Embassy which is the Peace which he carries along with him to his Country But as to what we perceive by your Letters dated from Lisbon the second of April that is to say how highly your Majesty esteems our Amity how cordially you favour our Advancement and rejoyce at our having taken the Government of the Republick upon us which you are pleas'd to manifest by singular Testimonies of Kindness and Affection we shall make it our business that all the world may understand by our readiness at all times to serve your Majesty that there could be nothing more acceptable or grateful to us Nor are we less earnest in our Prayers to God for your Majesty's safety the welfare of your Kingdom and the prosperous success of your Affairs Your Majesty's most Affectionate Oliver c. Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. To the High and Mighty States of the United Provinces Most High and Mighty Lords our dearest Friends CERTAIN Merchants our Countrey-men Thomas Bassel Richard Beare and others their Co-Partners have made their complaints before us That a certain Ship of theirs the Edmund and John in her Voyage from the Coast of Brasile to Lisbon was set upon by a Privateer of Flushing call'd the Red-Lyon Commanded by Lambert Bartelson but upon this condition which the Writing Sign'd by Lambert himself testifies That the Ship and whatsoever Goods belong'd to the English should be restor'd at Flushing where when the Vessel arriv'd the Ship indeed with what peculiarly belong'd to the Seamen was restor'd but the English Merchants Goods were detain'd and put forthwith to Sale For the Merchants who had receiv'd the Damage when they had su'd for their Goods in the Court of Flushing after great Expences for Five years together lost their Suit by the pronouncing of a most unjust Sentence against 'em by those Judges of which some being interested in the Privateer were both Judges and Adversaries and no less Criminal altogether So that now they have no other hopes but onely in your Equity and uncorrupted Faith to which at last they fly for Succour and which they believ'd they should find the more inclinable to do 'em Justice if assisted by our Recommendation And men are surely to be pardon'd if afraid of all things in so great a struggle for their Estates they rather call to mind what they have reason to fear from your Authority and high Power then what they have to hope well of their Cause especially before sincere and upright Judges Though for our parts we make no question but that induc'd by your Religion your Justice your Integrity rather then by our Intreaties you will give that Judgment which is Just and Equal and truly becoming your selves God preserve both you and your Republick to his own Glory and the defence and Succour of his Church Westminster April 1. 1656. Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England Scotland and Ireland c. To the most Serene Prince Charles Gustavus King of the Swedes Goths and Vandals Great Prince of Finland Duke of Esthonia Carelia Breme Verden Stettin Pomerania Cassubia and Vandalia Prince of Rugia Lord of Ingria and Wismaria Count Palatine of the Rhine Duke of Bavaria Juliers Cleves and Monts Most Serene Prince PEter Julius Coict having accomplish'd the Affairs of his Embassy with us and so acquitted himself that he is not by us to be dismiss'd without the Ornament of his deserved Praises is now returning to your Majesty For he was most acceptable to us as well and chiefly for your own sake which ought with us to be of high consideration as for his own deserts in the diligent acquittal of his Trust The Recommendation therefore which we receiv'd from you in his behalf we freely testifie to have bin made good by him and deservedly given by your self as he on the other side is able with the same Fidelity and Integrity to relate and most truly to declare our singular Affection and Observance toward your Majesty It remains for us to beseech the most Merciful and All-powerful God to Bless your Majesty with all Felicity and a perpetual course of Victory over all the Enemies of his Church Westminster Apirl 17. 1656. Your Majesty's most Affectionate Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. To the most Serene and Potent Prince Lewis King of France Most Serene Prince JOhn Dethic Mayor of the City of London for this Year and William Wakefield Merchant have made their Addresses to us by way of Petition complaining That about the middle of October 1649. they freighted a certain Ship call'd the Jonas of London Jonas Lightfoot Master with Goods that were to be sent to Ostend which Vessel was taken in the mouth of the River Thames by one White of Barking a Pyrate Robbing upon the Seas by Vertue of a Commission from the Son of King Charles deceas'd and carri'd to Dnnkirk then under the Jurisdiction of the French Now in regard that by your Majesty's Edict in the year 1647. renew'd in 1649. and by some other Decrees in favour of the Parlament of England as they find it recorded it was Enacted That no Vessel or Goods taken from the English in the time of that War should be carri'd into any of your Majesty's Ports to be there put to Sale they presently sent their Factor Hugh Morel to Dunkirk to demand Restitution of the said Ship and Goods from M. Lestrade then Governor of the Town more especially finding them in the Place for the most part untouch'd and neither Exchang'd or Sold. To which the Governor made Answer That the King had bestow'd that Government upon him of his free Gift for Service done the King in his Wars and therefore he would take care to make the best of the Reward of his Labour So that having little to hope from an Answer so unkind and unjust after a great Expence of Time and Money the Factor return'd home So that all the remaining hopes which the Petitioners have seem wholly to depend upon your Majesty's Justice and Clemency to which they thought
they might have the more easie access by means of our Letters and therefore that neither your Clemency nor your Justice may be wanting to People despoil'd against all Law and Reason and contrary to your repeated Prohibitions we make it our request Wherein if your Majesty vouchsafe to gratifie us since there is nothing requir'd but what is most just and equitable we shall deem it as obtain'd rather from your innate Integrity then any intreaty of ours Westminster May 1656. Your Majesty's most Affectionate Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. To the High and Mighty Lords the States of the United Provinces Most High and Mighty Lords our dearest Friends JOhn Brown Nicholas Williams and others Citizens of London have set forth in their Petition to us that when they had every one brought in their Proportions and Freighted a certain Ship call'd the Good-Hope of London bound for the East-Indies they gave Orders to their Factor to take up at Amsterdam Two thousand four hunder'd Dutch Pounds to insure the said Ship that afterwards this Ship in her Voyage to the Coast of India was taken by a Ship belonging to the East-India Company upon which they who had engag'd to Insure the said Vessel refus'd to Pay the Money and have for this Six years by various delays eluded our Merchants who with extraordinary Diligence and at vast Expences endeavour'd the recovery of their just Right Which in regard it is an unjust Grievance that lies so heavy upon the Petitioners for that some of those who oblig'd themselves are Dead or become Insolvent therefore that no farther Losses may accrue to their former Damages we make it our earnest request to your Lordships that you will vouchsafe your Integrity to be the harbour and refuge for People toss'd so many years and almost shipwrack'd in your Courts of Justice and that speedy judgment may be given according to the rules of Equity and Honesty in their Cause which they believe to be most just In the mean time we wish you all Prosperity to the Glory of God and the Welfare of his Church Westminste May 1656. Your High and Mighty Lordships most Affectionate Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. To the High and Mighty Lords the States of the United Provinces Most High and Mighty Lords our dearest Friends THE same Persons in whose behalf we wrote to your Lordships in September the last year Thomas and William Lower the lawful Heirs of Nicholas Lower deceas'd make grievous complaints before us that they are oppress'd either by the Favour or Wealth of their Adversaries notwithstanding the Justice of their Cause and when that would not suffice although our Letters often pleaded in their behalf they have not bin able hitherto to obtain Possession of the Inheritance left 'em by their Father's Will From the Court of Holland where the Suit was first Commenc'd they were sent to your Court and from thence hurri'd away into Zealand to which three Places they carry'd our Letters and now they are remanded not unwillingly back again to your Supream Judicature for where the Supream Power is there they expect Supream Justice If that hope fail 'em eluded and frustrated after being so long toss'd from post to pillar for the recovery of their Right where at length to find a resting place they know not For as for our Letters if they find no benefit of these the Fourth time Written they can never promise themselves any advantage for the future from slighted Papers However it would be most acceptable to us if yet at length after so many contempts the injur'd Heirs might meet with some Relief by a speedy and just Judgment if not out of respect to any Reputation we have among ye yet out of a regard to your own Equity and Justice Of the last of which we make no question and confidently presume you will allow the other to our Friendship Westminster May 6656. Your High and Mighty Lordships most Affectionate Oliver Protector of the Common-wealth of England c. Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. To the most Serene Prince John King of Portugal Most Serene King WHereas there is a considerable Sum of Money owing from certain Portugal Merchants of the Brasile Company to several English Merchants upon the account of Freightage and Demorage in the years 1649 and 1650. which Money is detain'd by the said Company by your Majesties Command the Merchants before-mention'd expected that the said Money should have bin paid long since according to the Articles of the last League but now they are afraid of being debarr'd all hopes and means of recovering their Debts understanding your Majesty has order'd That what Money is owing to 'em by the Brasile Company shall be carri'd into your Treasury and that no more then one half of the Duty of Freightage shall be expended toward the Payment of their Debts by which means the Merchants will receive no more then the bare Interest of their Money while at the same time they utterly lose their Principal Which we considering to be very severe and heavy upon 'em and being overcome by their most reasonable Supplications have granted 'em these our Letters to your Majesty chiefly requesting this at your hands to take care that the aforesaid Brasile Company may give speedy Satisfaction to the Merchants of this Republick and pay 'em not onely the Principal Money which is owing to 'em but the Five years Interest as being both just in it self and conformable to the League so lately concluded between us which on their behalf in most friendly manner we request from your Majesty Your Majesties most Affectionate Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth c. From our Palace at Westminster July 1656. Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. To the Most Serene Prince Charles Gustavus King of the Swedes Goths and Vandals c Most Serene King AS it is but just that we should highly value the Friendship of your Majesty a Prince so Potent and so Renown'd for great Atchievements so is it but equally reasonable that your Extraordinary Embassador the most Illustrious Lord Christiern Bond by whose sedulity and care a strict Alliance is most sacredly and solemnly ratifi'd between us should be most acceptable to us and no less deeply fix'd in our esteem Him therefore having now most worthily accomplish'd his Embassy we thought it became us to send back to your Majesty though not without the high Applause which the rest of his singular Vertues merit to the end that he who was before conspicuous in your esteem and respect may now be sensible of his having reap'd still more abundant fruits of his Sedulity and Prudence from our Recommendation As for those things which yet remain to be transacted we have determin'd in a short time to send an Embassy to your Majesty for the
setling of those Affairs In the mean time Almighty God preserve in safety so great a Pillar of his Church and of Swedeland's welfare From our Palace at Westminster July 1656. Your Majesties most Affectionate Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. to the most Serene Prince Lewis King of France Most Serene King our most dear Friend and Confederate CErtain Merchants of London Richard Baker and others have made their complaint in a Petition to us That a certain hir'd Ship of theirs call'd the Endeavour William Jop Master Laden at Tenariff with Three hundre'd Pipes of rich Canary and bound from thence for London in her Voyage between Palma and that Island upon the 21st of November in the year 1655. was taken by Four French Vessels seeming Ships of Burthen but fitted and mann'd like Privateers under the Command of Giles de la Roche their Admiral and carri'd with all her Freight and the greatest part of the Seamen to the East-Indies whither he pretended to be bound Fourteen excepted who were put ashore upon the Coast of Guiney which the said Giles affirm'd he did with that Intent that none of 'em might escape from so Remote and Barbarous a Countrey to do him any harm by their Testimony For he confess'd he had neither any Commission to take the English Vessels neither had he taken any as he might have done before well knowing there was a firm Peace at that time between the French and our Republick But in regard he had design'd to revittle in Portugal from whence he was driven by contrary Winds he was constrain'd to supply his necessities with what he found in that Vessel and believ'd the Owners of his Ships would satisfie the Merchants for their Loss Now the Loss of our Merchants amounts to Sixteen Thousand English Pounds as will easily be made appear by Witnesses upon Oath But if it shall be Lawful upon such trivial Excuses as these for Pyrates to violate the most Religious Acts of Princes and make a sport of Merchants for their particular benefits certainly the sanctity of Leagnes must fall to the ground all Faith and Authority of Princes will grow out of date and be trampl'd under foot Wherefore we not onely request your Majesty but believe it mainly to concern your Honour that they who have adventur'd upon so slight a pretence to violate the League and most Sacred Oath of their Sovereign should suffer the Punishment due to so much Perfidiousness and daring Insolence and that in the mean time the Owners of those Ships though to their Loss should be bound to satisfie our Merchants for the vast Detriment which they have so wrongfully sustain'd So may the Almighty long preserve your Majesty and support the Interest of France against the Common Enemy of us Both. From our Palace at Westminster August 1656. Your Majesty's most Affectionate Oliver Protector c. Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England To his Eminency Cardinal Mazarine Most Eminent Lord HAving an occasion to send Letters to the King we thought it likewise an offer'd opportunity to Write to your Eminency For we could not think it proper to conceal the subject of our Writing from the sole and onely person whose singular Prudence Governs the most important Interests of the French Nation and the most weighty Affairs of the Kingdom with equal Fidelity Council and Vigilance Not without reason we complain in short to find that League by your self as it were a crime to doubt most sacredly concluded almost the very same day contemn'd and violated by one Giles a French-man a petty Admiral of Four Ships and his Associates equally concern'd as your Eminency will readily find by our Letters to the King and the Demands themselves of our Merchants Nor is it unknown to your Excellency howmuch it concerns not only Inferiour Magistrates but even Royal Majesty it self that those first Violators of solemn Alliances should be severely punish'd But they perhaps by this time being arriv'd in the East-Indies whither they pretended to be bound enjoy in undisturb'd possession the Goods of our People as Lawful Prize won from an Enemy which they Robb'd and Pilledg'd from the Owners contrary to all Law and the pledg'd Faith of our late sacrd League However this is that which we request from your Eminency That whatever Goods were taken from our Merchants by the Admiral of those Ships as necessary for his Voyage may be restor'd by the Owners of the same Vessels which was no more then what the Rovers themselves thought Just and Equal which as we understand it lies within your Power to do considering the Authority and Sway you bear in the Kingdom From our Palace at Westminster August 1656. Your Eminencies most Affectionate Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth c. Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. To the most High and Mighty Lords the States of the United Provinces Most High and Mighty Lords our dear Friends and Confederates WE make no doubt but that all men will bear us this Testimony That no considerations in contracting Foreign Alliances ever sway'd us beyond those of defending the Truth of Religion or that we accounted any thing more sacred then to Unite the Minds of all the Friends and Protectors of the Protestants and of all others who at least were not their Enemies Whence it comes to pass that we are touch'd with so much the more grief of Mind to hear that the Protestant Princes and Cities whom it so much behoves to live in Friendship and Concord together should begin to be so jealous of each other and so ill dispos'd to mutual Affection more especially that your Lordships and the King of Sweden then whom the Orthodox Faith has not more Magnanimous and Couragious Defenders nor our Republick Confederates more strictly conjoyn'd in Interests should seem to remit of your confidence in each other or rather that there should appear some too apparent signs of tottering Friendship and growing discord between ye What the causes are and what progress this alienation of your Affection has made we protest our selves to be altogether ignorant However we cannot but conceive an extraordinary trouble of mind for these beginnings of the least dissention arisen among Brethren which infallibly must greatly endanger the Protestant Interests Which if they should gather strength how prejudicial it would prove to the Protestant Churches what an occasion of triumph it would afford our Enemies and more especially the Spaniards cannot be unknown to your Prudence and most industrious experience of Affairs As for the Spaniards it has already so enliven'd their confidence and rais'd their Courage that they made no scruple by their Embassador residing in your Territories boldly to obtrude their Counsels upon your Lordships and that in reference to the highest concerns of your Republick presuming partly with Threats of renewing the War to terrifie and partly with a false prospect of Advantage
to sollicit your Lordships to forsake your Ancient and most Faithful Friends the English French and Danes and enter into a strict Confederacy with your old Enemy and once your domineering Tyrant now seemingly atton'd but what is most to be fear'd only at present treacherously fawning to advance his own Designs Certainly he who of an inveterate Enemy lays hold of so slight an occasion of a sudden to become your Counsellor what is it that he would not take upon him where would his Insolency stop if once he could but see with his eyes what now he onely ruminates and labours in his thoughts that is to say Division and a Civil War among the Protestants We are not ignorant that your Lordships out of your deep Wisdom frequently revolve in your Minds what the posture of all Europe is and what more especially the condition of the Protestants That the Cantons of Switzerland adhering to the Orthodox Faith are in daily expectation of new Troubles to be rais'd by their Countrey-men embracing the Popish Ceremonies scarcely recover'd from that War which for the sake of Religion was kindled and blown up by the Spaniards who suppli'd their Enemies both with Commanders and Money That the Councils of the Spaniards are still contriving to continue the slaughter and destruction of the Piemontois which was cruelly put in execution the last year That the Protestants under the Jurisdiction of the Emperor are most grievously harass'd having much ado to keep Possession of their Native Homes That the King of Sweden whom God as we hope has rais'd up to be a most stout Defender of the Orthodox Faith is at present waging with all the Force of his Kingdom a doubtful and bloody War with the most Potent Enemies of the Reformed Religion That your own Provinces are threatened with Hostile Confederacies of the Princes your Neighbours Headed by the Spaniards and lastly that we our selves are busied in a War proclaim'd against the King of Spain In this posture of Affairs if any Contest should happen between your Lordships and the King of Sweden How miserable would be the condition of all the Reformed Churches over all Europe expos'd to the Cruelty and Fury of unsanctifi'd Enemies These cares not slightly seize us and we hope your Sentiments to be the same and that out of your continu'd Zeal for the common Cause of the Protestants and to the end the present Peace between Brethren professing the same Faith the same Hope of Eternity may be preserv'd inviolable your Lordships will accommodate your Counsels to these Considerations which are to be preferr'd before all others and that you will leave nothing neglected that may conduce to the establishing Tranquility and Union between your Lordships and the King of Sweden Wherein if we can any way be useful as far as our Authority and the Favour you bear us will sway with your Lordships we freely offer our utmost Assistance prepared in like manner to be no less serviceable to the King of Sweden to whom we design a speedy Embassie to the end we may declare our Sentiments at large concerning these matterso We hope moreover that God will bend your Minds on both sides to moderate Counsels and so restrain your Animosities that no provocation may be given either by the one or the other to fester your differences to extremity But that on the other side both parties will remove whatever may give offence or occasion of jealousie to the other Which if you shall vouchsafe to do you will disappoint your Enemies prove the consolation of your Friends and in the best manner provide for the welfare of your Republick And this we beseech you to be fully convinc'd of that we shall use our utmost care to make appear upon all occasions our extraordinary Affection and Good-will to the States of the Vnited Provinces And so we most earnestly implore the Almighty God to perpetuate his Blessings of Peace Wealth and Liberty upon your Republick but above all things to preserve it always flourishing in the Love of the Christian Faith and the true Worship of his Name From our Palace at Westminster Aug. 1656. Your High and Mightinesses most Affectionate Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England to the most Serene Prince John King of Portugal Most Serene Prince UPON the 11th of July last Old-stile we receiv'd by Thomas Maynard the Ratification of the Peace Negotiated at London by your Extraordinary Embassador as also of the private and preliminary Articles all now confirm'd by your Majesty And by our Letters from Philip Medows our Agent at Lisbon dated the same time we understand that our Ratification also of the same Peace and Articles was by him according to our Orders sent him deliver'd to your Majesty And thus the Instruments of the foremention'd Ratification being mutually interchang'd on both sides in the begining of June last there is now a firm and settl'd Peace between both Nations And this pacification has given us no small occasion of joy and satisfaction as believing it will prove to the common benefit of both Nations and to the no slight detriment of our common Enemies who as they found out a means to disturb the former League so they left nothing neglected to have hinder'd the renewing of this Nor do we question in the least that they will omit any occasion of creating new matter for scandals and jealousies between us Which we however have constantly determin'd as much as in us lies to remove at a remote distance from our thoughts rather we so earnestly desire that this our Alliance may beget a mutual confidence greater every day then other that we shall take them for our Enemies who shall by any artifices endeavour to molest the Friendship by this Peace establish'd between our selves and both our People And we readily perswade our selves that your Majesty's thoughts and intentions are the same And whereas it has pleas'd your Majesty by your Letters dated the 24th of June and some days after the delivery by our Agent of the interchang'd Instrument of confirm'd Peace to mention certain clauses of the League of which you desir'd some little Alteration being of small moment to this Republick as your Majesty believes but of great importance to the Kingdom of Portugal we shall be ready to enter into a particular Treaty in order to those Proposals made by your Majesty or whatever else may conduce in the judgment of both Parties to the farther establishment and more strongly fastning of the League wherein we shall have those due considerations of your Majesty and your Subjects as also of our own People that all may be satisfi'd and it shall be in your choice whether these things shall be Negotiated at Lisbon or at London However the League being now Confirm'd and duly Seal'd with the Seals of both Nations to alter any part of it would be the same thing as to annul the whole which we
are certainly assur'd your Majesty by no means desires to do We heartily wish all things Lucky all things Prosperous to your Majesty From our Palace at Westminster August 1656. Your Majesties most Affectionate Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. To the most Serene Prince John King of Portugal Most Serene King WE have receiv'd the unwelcome News of a wicked and inhuman Attempt to have Murther'd our Agent Philip Medows residing with your Majesty and by us sent upon the blessed Errand of Peace the hainousness of which was such that his Preservation is onely to be attributed to the Protection of Heaven And we are given to understand by your Letters dated the 26th of May last and deliver'd to us by Thomas Maynard that your Majesty justly incens'd at the horridness of the Fact has Commanded inquiry to be made after the Criminals to the end they may be brought to condign Punishment But we do not hear that any of the Ruffians are yet apprehended or that your Commands have wrought any effect in this particular Wherefore we thought it our duty openly to declare how deeply we resent this barbarous outrage in part Attempted and in part committed And therefore we make it our Request to your Majesty That due Punishment may be inflicted upon the Authors Associates and Encouragers of this Abominable Fact And to the end that this may be the more speedily accomplish'd we farther demand That persons of Honesty and Sincerity Well-wishers to the Peace of both Nations may be entrusted with the Examination of this Business That so a due scrutiny may be made into the bottom of this malicious contrivance to the end both Authors and Assistants may be the more severely Punish'd Unless this be done neither your Majesty's Justice nor the Honour of this Republick can be vindicated neither can there be any stable assurance of the Peace between both Nations We wish your Majesty all things Fortunate and Prosperous From our Palace at White-Hall August 1656. Your Majesty's most Affectionate Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. To the most Illustrious Lord the Conderd ' Odemira Most Illustrious Lord YOUR singular Good-will toward us and this Republick has laid no mean obligation upon us nor slightly ti'd us to acknowledgment We readily perceiv'd it by your Letters of the 25th of June last as also by those which we receiv'd from our Agent Philip Meadows sent into Portugal to conclude the Peace in Agitation wherein he inform'd us of your extraordinary zeal and diligence to promote the Pacification of which we most joyfully receiv'd the last Ratification and we perswade our selves that your Lordship will have no cause to repent either of your pains and diligence in procuring this Peace or of your Good-will to the English or your Fidelity toward the King your Sovereign more especially considering the great hopes we have that this Peace will be of high Advantage to both Nations and not a little Inconvenient to our Enemies The onely Accident that fell out unfortunate and mournful in this Negotiation was that unhallow'd Villanany nefariously attempted upon the Person of our Agent Philip Medows The conceal'd Authors of which intended piece of Inhumanity ought no less diligently to be sought after and made Examples to Posterity then the vilest of most openly detected Assassinates Nor can we doubt in the least of your King's Severity and Justice in the Punishment of a Crime so horrid nor of your Care and Sedulity to see that there be no remissness of Prosecution as being a person bearing due veneration to the Laws of God and Sanctity among men and no less zealous to maintain the Peace between both Nations which never can subsist if such inhuman Barbarities as these escape unpunish'd and unreveng'd But your abhorrency and detestation of the Fact is so well known that there is no need of insisting any more at present upon this unpleasing subject Therefore having thus declar'd our Good-will and Affection to your Lordship of which we shall be always ready to give apparent demonstrations there nothing remains but to implore the Blessings of Divine Favour and Protection upon you and all yours From our Palace at Westm Aug. 1656. Your Lordship 's most Affectionate Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. to the most Serene Prince Charles Gustavus King of the Swedes Goths and Vandals c. Most Serene King our dearest Friend and Confederate BEing assur'd of your Majesty's concurrence both in Thoughts and Councels for the defence of the Protestant Faith against the Enemies of it if ever now at this time most dangerously vexatious though we cannot but rejoyce at your prosperous Successes and the daily Tidings of your Victories yet on the other side we cannot but be as deeply afflicted to meet with one thing that disturbs and interrupts our joy we mean the bad News intermix'd with so many welcome Tydings that the Ancient Friendship between your Majesty and the States of the Vnited Provinces looks with a dubious Aspect and that the mischief is exasperated to that heighth especially in the Baltick Sea as seems to bode an unhappy rupture We confess our selves ignorant of the Causes but we too easily foresee that the Events which God avert will be fatal to the Interests of the Protestants And therefore as well in respect to that most strict Alliance between us and your Majesty as out of that Affection and Love to the Reformed Religion by which we all of us ought chiefly to be swai'd we thought it our duty as we have most earnestly exhorted the States of the Vnited Provinces to Peace and Moderation so now to perswade your Majesty to the same The Protestants have Enemies every where enow and to spare inflam'd with inexorable revenge they never were known to have conspir'd more perniciously to our destruction witness the Valleys of Piemont still reaking with the Blood and Slaughter of the Miserable witness Austria lately turmoil'd with the Emperor's Edicts and Proscriptions witness Switzerland But to what purpose is it in many words to call back the bitter lamentations and remembrance of so many Calamities Who so ignorant as not to know that the Counsels of the Spaniards and the Roman Pontiff for these Two years have fill'd all these Places with Conflagrations Slaughter and Vexation of the Orthodox If to these mischiefs there should happen an access of Dissention among Protestant Brethren more especially between Two Potent States upon whose Courage Wealth and Fortitude so far as human Strength may be reli'd upon the Support and Hopes of all the Reformed Churches depend of necessity the Protestant Religion must be in great jeopardy if not upon the brink of destruction On the other side if the whole Protestant Name would but observe perpetual Peace among themselves with
Commonwealth of England c. To the most Excellent Lord M. d. 〈◊〉 Extraordinary Embassador from the most Serene King of France Most Excellent Lord LVcas Lucie Merchant of London has made his Complaint to the most Serene Lord Protector concerning a certain Ship of his call'd the Mary which in her Voyage from Ireland to Bayonne being driven by Tempest into the Port of St. John de Luz was there detain'd by vertue of an Arrest at the Suit of one Martin de Lazan nor could she be discharg'd till the Merchants had given security to stand a Tryal for the Property of the said Ship and Lading For Martin pretended to have a great Sum of Money owing to him by the Parlament for several Goods of his which in the year 1642. were Seiz'd by Authority of Parlament in a 〈◊〉 Ship call'd the Santa Clarâ—â—… 〈◊〉 in manifest That Martin 〈…〉 the Owner of the said 〈…〉 that he Prosecuted the 〈…〉 Owners Richard and 〈…〉 with his Paâ—â—ner whole 〈◊〉 was Antonio Fernandez and that upon the said Marâ—â—n and Antonio's falling out among themselves the Parlament Decreed that the said Goods should be stop'd till the Law should decide to which of the two they were to be restor'd Upon this Antony was desirous that the Action should proceed on the other side neither Martin nor any body for him has hitherto appear'd in Court All which is evidently apparent by Luca's Petition hereto annex'd So that it seems most unreasonable That he who refus'd to try his pretended Title with Antonio to other mens Goods in our own Courts should compel our People and the true Owners to go to Law for their own in a Foreign Dominion And that the same is apparent to your Excellency's Equity and Prudence the most Serene Lord Protector makes no question by whom I am therefore commanded in a particular manner to recommend this fair and honest Cause of Lucas Lucy to your Excellency's consideration to the end that Martin who neglects to try his pretended Right here may not under that pretence have an opportunity in the French Dominions to deprive others of their Rightful claims Westm Octob. 1657. Your Excellency's most Affectionate Oliver Protector of the Commonweolth of England c. To the most Serene Duke and Senate of the Republick of Venice Most Serene Duke and Senate our dearest Friends SO numerous are the Tydings brought us of your fortunate Successes against the Turks that there is nothing wherein we have more frequent occasion to employ our Pens then in Congratulating your Serenities for some signal Victory For this so recently obtain'd we give ye Joy as being not onely most Auspicious and Seasonable to your Republick but which is more Glorious so greatly tending to the Deliverance of all the Christians groaning under Turkish Servitude More particularly we recommend to your Serenity and the Senate Thomas Galily formerly Master of the Ship call'd the Relief who for these Five years together has bin a Slave tho this be not the first time we have interceded in his behalf yet now we do it the more freely as in a time of more then ordinary Exultation He having receiv'd your Commands to serve your Republick with his Ship and Engaging alone with several of the Enemies Gallies Sunk some and made a great havock among the rest but at length his Ship being Burnt the Brave Commander and so well deserving of the Venetian Republick was taken and ever since for Five years together has endur'd a miserable Bondage under the Barbarians To redeem himself he had not wherewithall for whatsoever he had that he makes out was owing to him by your Highness and the Senate upon the account either of his Ship his Goods or for his Wages Now in regard he may not want Relief and for that the Enemy refuses to discharge him upon any other condition then by exchange of some other person of equal value and reputation to himself we most earnestly intreat your Highness and the most Serene Senate and the Afflicted Old man Father of the said Thomas full of Grief and Tears which not a little mov'd us by our Intercession begs That in regard so many prosperous Combats have made ye Masters of so many Turkish Prisoners you will exchange some one of their Number whom the Enemy will accept for so stout a Seaman taken in your Service our Countreyman and the onely Son of a most sorrowful Father Lastly That whatsoever is due to him from the Republick upon the score of Wages or upon any other account you will take care to see it paid to his Father or to whom he shall appoint to receive it The effect of our first request or rather of your Equity was this that the whole matter was examin'd and upon an exact stating of the accounts the Debt was agreed but perhaps by reason of more important business intervening no payment ensu'd upon it Now the condition of the miserable Creature admits of no longer delay and therefore some endeavour must be us'd if it be worth your while to desire his wellfare that he may speedily be deliver'd from the noysome Stench of Imprisonment Which as you flourish no less in Justice Moderation and Prudence then in Military Fame and Victorious Success we are confident you will see done of your own innate Humanity and Free will without any hesitation without any incitement of ours Now that ye may long flourish after a most Potent Enemy subdu'd our daily Prayers implore of the Almighty From our Court at Westminster October 1657. Your Highnesses most Affectionate Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. To the High and Mighty Lords the States of the United Provinces Most High and Mighty Lords our dearest Friends and Confederates THE most Illustrious William Nuport your Extraordinary Embassador for some years residing with us is now returning to your Lordships but with this condition That after this respit obtain'd from your Lordships he shall return again in a short time For he has remain'd among us in the discharge of his Trust with that Fidelity Vigilance Prudence and Equity that neither you nor we could desire greater Vertue and Probity in an Embassador and a Person of unblemished Reputation with those inclinations and endeavours to preserve Peace and Friendship between us without any fraud or dissimulation that while he officiates the duty of your Embassador we do not find what occasion of scruple or offence can arise in either Nation And we should brook his departue with so much the more anxiety of mind considering the present juncture of times and affairs were we not assur'd that no man can better or more faithfully declare and represent to your Lordships either the present condition of Affairs or our Good-will and Affection to your Government Being therefore every way so excellent a Person and so well deserving both of yours and our Republick we request your Lordships to receive him returning
such as we unwillingly dismiss him laden with the real Testimonials of our Applauses Almighty God grant all Prosperity to your Affairs and perpetuate our Friendship to his Glory and the support of his Orthodox Church From our Court at Westminster November 1657. Your High and Mightinesses most devoted Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. To the High and Mighty Lords the States of the United Provinces Most High and Mighty Lords our dearest Friends and Confederates GEorge Downing is a Person of Eminent Quality and after a long trial of his Fidelity Probity and Diligence in several and various Negotiations well approv'd and valu'd by us Him we have thought fitting to send to your Lordships dignify'd with the Character of our Agent and amply furnish'd with our Instructions We therefore desire your Lordship to receive him kindly and that so often as he shall signify that he has any thing to impart in our Name to your Lordships you will admit him free Audience and give the same Credit to him and entrust him with whatsoever you have to communicate to us which you may safely do as if our selves were personally present And so we beseech Almighty God to bless your Lordships and your Republick with all prosperity to the Glory of God and the Support of his Church From our Court at White-Hall Decemb. 1657. Your High and Mightinesses most Affectionate Oliver c. To the States of Holland THere being an Alliance between our Republick and yours and those Affairs to be transacted on both sides that without an Agent and Interpreter sent either by your selves or from us matters of such great moment can hardly be adjusted to the advantage of both Nations we thought it conducing to the common good of both Republicks to send Geroge Downing a Person of Eminent Quality and long in our knowledge and esteem for his undoubted Fidelity Probity and Diligence in many and various Negotiations dignifi'd with the Character of our Agent to reside with your Lordships and chiefly to take care of those things by which the Peace between us may be preserv'd entire and diuturnal Concerning which we have not onely written to the States but also thought it requisite to give notice also of the same to your Lordships Supreme in the Government of your Province and who make so considerable a Part of the Vnited Provinces to the end you may give that reception to our Resident which becomes him and that whatever he Transacts with your High and Mighty States you may assure your selves shall be as firm and irrevocable as if our selves had bin present in the Negotiation Now the most Merciful God direct all your Counsels and Actions to his Glory and the Peace of his Church Westm Decemb. 1657. Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. to the most Serene Prince Ferdinand Great Duke of Tuscany Most Serene Great Duke our much Honour'd Friend YOur Highness's Letters bearing date from Florence the 10th of Novemb. gave us no small occasion of content and satisfaction finding therein your Good will toward us so much the more conspicuous by how much Deeds then Words Performances then Promises are the more certain marks of a cordial Affection For what we requested of your Highness That you would command the Master of the Little Lewis William Ellis who most ignominiously broke his Faith with the Turks and the Ship and Goods to be Seiz'd and Detain'd till Restitution should be made to the Turks least the Cnristian Name should receive any Blemish by Thieveries of the like nature all those things and that too with an extraordinary zeal as we most gladly understood before your Highness writes that you have seen diligently perform'd We therefore return our Thanks for the kindness receiv'd and make it our farther request That when the Merchants have given security to satisfie the Turks the Master may be discharg'd and the Ship together with her Lading be forthwith dismis'd to the end we may not seem to have had more care perhaps of the Turks Interest then our own Countreymen In the mean time we take so kindly this surpassing favour done us by your Highness and most acceptable to us that we should not refuse to be branded with ingratitude if we should not ardently desire a speedy opportunity with the same promptitude of Mind to gratifie your Highness whereby we might be enabl'd to demonstrate our readiness to return the same good offices to so noble a Benefactor upon all occasions From our Court at Westm Decemb. 1657. Your Highnesses most Affectionate Oliver c. Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. To the most Serene and Potent Prince Charles Gustavus King of the Swedes Goths and Vandals c. Most Serene and Potent Prince our most Invincible Friend and Confederate BY your Majesty's Letters dated the 21st Of February from your Camp in Seland we found many reasons to be affected with no small joy as well for our own particular as in regard of the whole Christian Republick in general In the first place because the King of Danemark being become an Enemy not induc'd thereto as we are apt to believe by his own Inclinations or Interests but deluded by the Artifices of our common Adversaries is reduc'd to that condition by your sudden irruption into the very heart of his Kingdom with very little blood shed on either side that what was really true he will at length be perswaded that Peace would have bin more beneficial to him then the War which he has enter'd into against your Majesty Then again when he shall consider with himself that he cannot obtain it by any more speedy means then by making use of our Assistance long since offer'd him to procure a Reconciliation in regard your Majesty so readily intreated by the Letters onely deliver'd by our Agent by such an easy concession of Peace most clearly made it apparent how highly you esteem'd the Intercession of our Friendship he will certainly apply himself to us and then our Interposition in so Pious a work will chiefly require that we should be the sole Reconciler and almost Author of that Peace so beneficial to the Interests of the Protestants which as we hope will suddenly be accomplish'd For when the Enemies of Religion shall despair of breaking your United Forces by any other means then setting both your Majesties at variance then their own fears will overtake 'em lest this unexpected Conjunction which we ardently desire of your Arms and Minds should turn to the destruction of them that were the Kindlers of the War In the mean time most Magnanimous King may your Prowess go on and prosper and the same felicity which the Enemies of the Church have admir'd in the Progress of your Atchievements and the steady Careir of your Victories against a Prince now your Confederate the same by God's assistance may you enforce 'em to behold once more in their subversion From our Palace at Westminster March 30.
our Resolution to continue the League concluded by our Father with your Majesty and to enter our selves into a stricter Engagement and so soon as we shall rightly understand the State of Affairs on both sides we shall always be ready on our part to treat of those things which shall be most chiefly for the United Benefit of both Republicks In the mean time God long preserve your Majesty to his Glory and the Defence and Safeguard of his Orthodox Church From our Court at Westminster Octob. 1658. Richard Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. To the most Serene and Potent Prince Charles Gustavus King of the Swedes Goths and Vandalls c. Most Serene and Potent King our Friend and Confederate WE have receiv'd two Letters from your Majesty the one by your Envoy the other transmitted to us from our Resident Philip Meadowes whereby we not only understood your Majesties unfaigned Grief for the Death of our most Serene Father in expressions setting forth the real thoughts of your mind and how highly your Majesty esteem'd his Prowess and Friendship but also what great hopes your Majesty conceiv'd of our selves advanc'd in his Room And certainly as an Accumulation of Paternal Honour in deeming us worthy to Succeed him nothing more Noble more Illustrious could befal us then the judgment of such a Prince nothing more Fortunately Auspicious could happen to Us at our first entrance upon the Government then such a Congratulator nothing lastly that could more vehemently incite us to take possession of our Father's Vertues as our Lawful Inheritance then the encouragement of so Great a King As to what concerns your Majesties Interests already under Consideration between us in reference to the Common Cause of the Protestants we would have your Majesty have those thoughts of us that since we came to the Helm of this Republick tho the Condition of our Affairs be such at present that they chiefly require our utmost Diligence Care and Vigilancy at home yet that we hold nothing more Sacred and that there is not any thing more determin'd by Us then as much as in us lyes never to be wanting to the League concluded by our Father with your Majesty To that end We have taken care to send a Fleet into the Baltic Sea with those Instructions which our Agent to that purpose empower'd by us will Communicate to your Majesty whom God preserve in long fafety and prosper with success in the Defence of his Orthodox Religion From our Court at Westminster Octob. 13. 1658. Richard Protector To the most Serene and Potent Prince Charles Gustavus King of the Swedes Goths and Vandalls c. Most Serene and most Potent King our Friend and Confederate WE send to your Majesty nor could we send a Present more worthy or more Excellent the truly Brave and truly Noble Sir George Ascue Knight not only fam'd in War and more especially for his Experience in Sea Affairs approv'd and try'd in many desperate Engagements but also endu'd with singular Probity Modesty Ingenuity Learning and for the sweetness of his Disposition caress'd by all Men and which is the sum of all now desirous to serve under the Banners of your Majesty so renown'd o're all the World for your Military Prowess And we would have your Majesty be fully assur'd that whatsoever high Employment you confer upon him wherein Fidelty Fortitude Experience may shine forth in their true Lusture you cannot entrust a Person more Faithful more Couragious nor easily more Skilful Moreover as to those things we have given him in Charge to Communicate to your Majesty we request that he may have quick Access and favourable Audience and that you will vouchsafe the same Credit to him as to our selves if personally present lastly that you will give him that Honour as you shall judge becoming a Person dignifi'd with his own Merits and our Recommendation Now God Almighty prosper all your Affairs with happy Success to his own Glory and the Safeguard of his Orthodox Church From our Court at White-Hall Octob. 1658. Richard Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. To the most Serene and Potent Prince Charles Gustavus King of the Swedes Goths and Vandalls c. Most Serene and Potent King our dearest Friend and Confederate SAmuel Piggot of London Merchant in a Petition deliver'd to Us sets forth that he lately sent from London into France upon the account of Trade two Vessels the one call'd the Post Tiddie Jacob Master the other the Water-Dog Garbrand Peters Master That from France being laden with Salt they Sail'd for Amsterdam at Amsterdam they one took in Ballast only the other laden with Herrings in Copartnership with one Peter Heinbergh Sail'd away for Stettin in Pomerania which is under your Jurisdiction there to unlade her Freight but now he hears that both those Vessels are detain'd somewhere in the Baltick Sea by your Forces notwithstanding that he took care to send a Writing with both those Ships Seal'd with the Seal of the Admiralty-Court by which it appear'd that he alone was the Lawful Owner of both the Vessels and Goods that part excepted which belong'd to Heinbergh Of all which in regard he has made full proof before us we make it our Request to your Majesty to prevent the Ruin and utter Shipwrack of the Poor man's Estate by the loss of two Ships at one time that you would Command your Officers to take care for the speedy discharge of the said Vessels God long preserve your Majesty to his own Glory and the safeguard of his Orthodox Church Richard Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. To the High and Mighty Lords the State of Westfriezland Most High and Mighty Lords our Dearest Friends and Confederates MAry Grinder Widow in a Petition presented to us has made a most grievous Complaint that whereas Thomas Killegrew a Commander in your Service has ow'd her for these Eighteen Years a considerable sum of Money she can by her Agents neither bring him to pay the said Money nor to try his Title at Law to the same if he has any Which that he may not be compell'd to do by the Widow's Attorney he has Petition'd your Highnesses that no body may be suffer'd to sue him for any Money that he owes in England But should we signify no more then only this to your Highness That she is a Widow that she is in great want the Mother of many small Children which her Creditor endeavours to deprive of almost all that little support they have in this World we cannot believe we need to make use of any greater Arguments to your Lordships so well acquainted with those Divine Precepts forbidding the Oppression of the Widow and the Fatherless to persuade ye not to grant any such privilege upon a bare Petition to the Fraudulent Subverter of the Widow 's Right and which for the same reason we assure our selves you will never admit From our Court at Westminster Jan. 27. 1658.