A PROJECT OF Conditions of Peace.

HIs Majeſties inviolable fidelity in adhering to his Alliances, hath induced him never to liſten to any Propoſals of Peace, other than ſuch as ſhall give a full and perfect ſatisfaction to the King of Sueden: which likewiſe having been abſolutely promiſed to his Majeſty by the King of Great Britain, who was earneſt to gain this point, both for him and for the States General; he now likewiſe makes it the firſt Article that he inſiſts upon, and without which he cannot come to any concluſion upon the reſt.

And becauſe the Intereſt of the Duke of Gottorp is ſo united to that of Sueden, that it makes a part of the Treaty of Copenhagen, for the performance of which, his Majeſty gave his Garranty to that Crown; his Majeſty deſires, that he may now likewiſe be comprehended within this Treaty, upon ſuch terms as ſhall be ſatisfactory to himſelf.

As for the Prince and Biſhop of Strasburgh, the King doth preciſely inſiſt upon the reſtitution of that Prince, and of all his Family, to all their Eſtates, Goods Honours, and Prerogatives; and particularly upon the reſtitution of his Brother Prince William of Furſtemburg: whoſe Liberty muſt be provided for by one of the firſt Articles of the Peace.

For what concerns the Empire, as his Majeſty doth ſtill continue in the ſame intention which he has expreſſed for its Peace, that he has been troubled to ſee it diſturbed; that it was with much trouble of mind he found himſelf compelled to carry the War thither; ſo he does yet adhere to theſe publick Declarations, which he has ſo often made, That he will inſiſt onely upon the reſtoring of the Treaties of Weſtphalia in all their points, and to have them once more to be the means of reſtoring Peace to Germany Which induces him to offer this Alternative to the Emperor; Either that the Emperor ſhall reſtore Philipsburg, and have Friburg reſtored to him; or elſe keep Philipsburg, and let his Majeſty continue in poſſeſſion of Friburg, without making any the leaſt alteration in the other matters contained in the ſaid Treaties.

As for what concerns Spain, ſince its Intereſt appears to be the moſt conſiderable in this War, and both England, Holland, and ſome Eſtates bordering upon Flanders have further expreſs'd their deſire, that that Crown ſhould retain ſuch a Frontier in the Low-Countreys, as might be able to make that a Bar, which they judge is ſo very important to their ſafety; his Majeſty has been pleaſed, at the inſtance of the King of Great Britain, to agree to the means for the ſetling it. And upon this conſideration it is, as his Majeſty declared himſelf to that Prince, that he has offered already, and doth yet offer to reſtore to Spain thoſe following Places, Viz.

The Place of Charleroy.

Limburg, and its Appurtenances.

Binch, and the Provoſtſhip thereof.

Aeth, and its Chaſtellany.

Oudenard, and its Chaſtellany there.

Courtray, and its Chaſtellany; the Verge of Menin onely excepted.

Gand, and its dependances.

St. Guillain; but with its Fortifications raſed.

For ſo many Places of importance, and which his Majeſty has taken ſo much care, and been at ſo great expence to Fortifie; he requires in exchange, that the King of Spain quit his right to thoſe Places which his Majeſty hath poſſeſſed himſelf of in this laſt War.

All Franche Compte.

The Town of Valenciennes, and its Dependances.

Bouchain, and its Dependances.

Conde, and its Dependances.

Cambray and Cambreſis.

Air, St. Omers, and their Dependances.

The Town of Ipre, and its Chaſtellany.

The Places of Werwick and Werneton, on the River Lis.

Bavay and Maubeage, with their Dependancies.

Poperingue, Bailleul, and Caſſel, with their Dependances.

In a word, that he quit his Right to all ſuch Places and Countreys as his Majeſty hath now in his poſſeſſion; excepting thoſe before mentioned, which his Majeſty is willing to reſtore to Spain; The Town of Charlemont, or in lieu thereof, the Towns of Dinant and Bouvines; upon condition that he, at the choice of the King of Spain, will charge himſelf, that the Biſhop of Liege ſhall quit his right to Dinant, and that the Emperor and Empire ſhall give their aſſent thereunto. By this means the Spaniſh Frontier in the Netherlands, would for the future begin from the Sea, to the Meuſe, Newport, Dixmude, Courtray, Oudenard, Aeth, Mons, Charleroy, and Namur.

As for the Articles which concern the States General, they are ſo very favourable, that they cannot but conclude, that his Majeſty doth fully purpoſe to receive them into the former Friendſhip, after the Peace ſhall be concluded. His Majeſty is willing to reſtore them Maeſtricht, and to agree to the Treaty of Commerce, in ſuch form as it was framed at Nimeguen with the Sieur Beverning.

And to the end his Majeſty may give the World the utmoſt teſtimony of his ſincere intentions for the Peace, his Majeſty, notwithſtanding any reaſon that might induce him to continue in poſſeſſion of Lorrain, is willing that Prince Charles be reſtored to it, upon one of theſe two Alternatives, of which he gives him his choice.

Firſt, That he be reſtored according to the Articles expreſſed in the Pyrenaean Treaty, without any change or alteration in any of them.

Or ſecondly, That he be reſtored generally to his whole Eſtate, except the Town of Nancy, which his Majeſty will retain, with plenary Right of Sovereignty, and excepting ſuch a way as was agreed upon at the Treaty of 1661. to paſs from the Frontiers of France into Alſatia, and all ſuch ways as ſhall be neceſſary to paſs from France to Nancy; and from Nancy to Metz, Briſac, and Franche Compte; upon condition nevertheleſs, that to make him ſome compenſation for the Town of Nancy, his Majeſty ſhall reſign to him that of Toul, conſiderable for its extent and ſituation, and much more in reſpect of its Biſhoprick.

His Majeſty demands likewiſe, that Long-Wic and its Provoſtſhip be quitted to him: but offereth withall to recompenſe the Prince of Lorrain with another provoſtſhip of equal value within one of the three Biſhopricks. And whereas Marſal having been quitted to his Majeſty by a particular Treaty, is not at preſent any part of Lorrain, ſo it is not to be underſtood to be compriſed in this reſtitution.

Theſe are the Terms which may, and ought to make the Platform of a General Peace, and upon which his Majeſty hath long ago declared himſelf to the King of Great Britain. His Majeſty deſires that they may be imparted to the Aſſembly at Nimeguen; and that his own Plenipotentiaries there propoſe them to the conſideration of the reſt, as containing the loweſt Conditions that he can admit; and upon which his Enemies may make choice either of War or Peace.

Given at St. Germans the 9th. day of April, 1678.

His Majeſties Letter to the States General of the United Provinces. Written from the Camp at Deinſe, the 18th. of May, 1678.

Moſt dear great Friends, Allies, and Confederates,

OUt of the ſincere affection which we have always born to the promoting of the Peace of Europe, we are very much ſatisfi'd to underſtand, by our Plenipotentiaries at Nimeguen, the account given unto them in your name, by one of your Ambaſſadors, concerning your thoughts upon the concluſion of ſo great a Work, which you had imparted to them by one of your Ambaſſadors. We are glad to underſtand, that the terms which we propoſed at that Aſſembly appear to you to be reaſonable, and that you are fully perſwaded of the ſincerity of our mind, in a matter of ſo great importance: And it is with the greater fatisſaction to our ſelves, that we confirm the ſame unto you by this Letter; becauſe notwithſtanding thoſe advantages which we have already acquir'd by our Arms, and may juſtly hope for by the proſecution of the War; yet we place our chiefeſt glory in making all the ſteps we can towards a Peace. But becauſe it appears by the Diſcourſes that have been made to our Plenipotentiaries by your order, that how deſirous ſoever you are to conclude the Peace, yet there remains ſome ſcruple with you concerning the Seventh Article of the Treaty of Commerce, which has been debated at Nimeguen between our Ambaſſadors and yours; and trouble of mind, leſt we ſhould make an entire Conqueſt of the Low-Countreys, in caſe Spain ſhould reject the Terms we have offered, we are willing to impart our thoughts unto you upon thoſe two Points. We cannot do it more favourably, as to the firſt of them, than by granting, that the Seventh Article ſhould be as your ſelves deſire it. And in taking ſuch meaſures with you upon the ſecond Point, as may eaſe you of the fear you expreſs for the loſs of Flanders. And this we will then do, when Spain having refuſed to conſent to the Peace, there ſhall be a Treaty concluded between us and you, upon ſuch Terms as have been already propos'd with relation to your ſelves, and that you ſhall have returned to our Alliance, and ſhall oblige your ſelves to continue Neuters during the War. We ſhall be always ready for your ſakes to grant to Spain the ſame Terms, with relation to Flanders, which they are at liberty now to accept: And we are further willing to aſſure you, that in all that time we will not Attaque any one Place in thoſe Provinces. Thus you ſhall always find us readily inclined, not onely to form that Bar which you think ſo neceſſary for your own ſafety, but to ſecure it; and to let you enjoy, together with the reeſtabliſhment of Commerce, whatever other advantages you can expect from our Friendſhip. And if for the proſecuting this Negotiation you ſhall think it neceſſary to ſend Deputies to us, they will find us near Ghent till the 27th. day of this Month, and in the ſame diſpoſitions we have declared to you in this Letter. In the mean time, we pray God to take you, moſt dear great Friends, Allies, and Confederates. into his holy protection. Given at our Camp at Deinſe, the 18th. day of May, 1678.

Your good Friend, Allie, and Confederate, LOUIS. Underneath was Signed, Arnauld.

A Letter from the States General of the United Provinces, to the Moſt Chriſtian King. Written from the Hague, the 25th. of May, 1678. To his Moſt Chriſtian Majeſty. SIR,

WE received with great reſpect the Letter which your Majeſty did us the honour to write to us, and were tranſported with an exceſs of joy to underſtand thereby your Majeſties unfeigned deſire to promote the peace of Europe, and that your Majeſty places your chiefeſt glory in making all the ſteps that may conduce to the effecting a matter of ſo great importance. Sir, we think our ſelves obliged to return your Majeſty our moſt humble thanks, and we have thought fit for this purpoſe to ſend to your Majeſty the Sieur Beverning, Baron of Teylingham, one of our Ambaſſadours Extraordinary, and Plenipotentiaries at the Treaty of Peace at Nimeguen, in quality of our Ambaſſadour Extraordinary, to acquaint your Majeſty with our earneſt deſire to give your Majeſt • 〈◊〉 aſſurances of our Sincere intentions for th • ••• d Peace; and we hope your Majeſty will grant him a favourable Audience, and give all credit to him as a Perſon throughly acquainted with our reſolution, ever to remain,

Sir, Your Majeſties Moſt Humble Servants, the States General of the United Provinces of the Low Countreys.

The Kings anſwer to the Letter of the States General of the Unitedd Provinces. Written at the Camp at Wetter, the firſt day of June, 1678.

MOſt dear, great Friends, Allies, and Confederates, We have with much pleaſure underſtood, as by the Letter you writ us, ſo by the Aſſurances which the Heer Van Beverning, your Extraordinary Ambaſſador, hath in your Name given us, the diſpoſitions, in which you profeſs your ſelves to be, to a Peace. We cannot let you better know, how firm and ſincere our intentions are, to procure ſo great and ſo general a good for Europe, than by the Writing, which we have commanded to be put into his hands. You will ſee the new Facilities we offer to put you in a ſtate to bring your Allies to conſent to the conditions, which we cannot doubt but you judge equitable. And having nothing farther to add thereunto, We onely aſſure you of the ſatisfaction we ſhall have, in giving you back with the Peace, our old and real friendſhip, and in entring with you into the ſtrongeſt and moſt capable Engagements, for ſecuring ever your Liberty; which we have more amply explained our ſelves upon to the Heer Van Beverning, whoſe Conduct and Perſon hath been very acceptable to us. There remains onely, That we pray God to have you, Moſt dear, great Friends, Allies, and Confederates, in his holy keeping. Given in our Camp at Wetteren, the firſt day of June, 1678.

Your good Friend, Allie, and Confederate, LOUIS. Underneath was Signed, Arnauld.

The Memorial which the King Ordered to be delivered to the Sieur Van Beverning, Ambaſſador Extraordinary from the States General of the United Provinces to his Majeſty.

THe King hath with pleaſure ſeen, as by the Letter of the Heeren the States General, ſo by the Aſſurances which they have given him by the Heer Van Beverning, their Extraordinary Ambaſſador, that their Intentions to a General Peace, correſpond with the deſire his Majeſty hath had to procure the ſame, and that they are ready to accept the Conditions which his Majeſty hath offered them by his Ambaſſadors and Plenipotentaries at Nimeguen. But at the ſame time that the Heer Van Beverning hath thus made known to him the Sentiments of the ſaid States General, he hath in their Name prayed his Majeſty would grant a Ceſſation of Arms for ſix Weeks, and hath repreſented to him, that they had need of that time, to communicate with their Allies, and to obtain their conſent for the concluding of ſo great a work. The condition in which his Majeſties Arms are at preſent, and the favourable opportunity that would be loſt in deferring their acting, would not permit him to conſent to this Propoſal, if the deſire to give Peace to Europe, did not much more prevail in him, than that of enlarging his Frontiers by new Conqueſts. It is in this conſideration to contribute to the Publick Repoſe, that he will agree, at the deſire of the ſaid States General, to a Ceſſation of Arms for ſix weeks, to begin the firſt day of the next month, ſuch an one as was ſtipulated between France and Spain in the year 1668. But foraſmuch as it would not be juſt, if the Enemies of His Majeſty ſhould let that time paſs fruitleſly, and that inſtead of its ſerving to advance the Peace, they ſhould make advanttge thereof, to avoid the effect of his Majeſties Arms, that he ſhould have loſt the advantageous conjuncture which is at preſent in his hand; His Majeſty deſires of the ſaid States General, that they do promiſe him in caſe, during the time of the ſaid Ceſſation of Arms, they cannot bring their Allies to accept the conditions which he hath offered, They will not aſſiſt them directly or indirectly againſt him, or againſt his Allies, during the whole courſe of the War. In exchange his Majeſty will in ſuch caſe renew to them the ſame Engagements which he hath taken with them by his Letter of the 18 of the laſt Month, as well for what concerns the ſame Conditions, which he will be always ready to agree to Spain, as for the ſecurity of the Places in the Netherlands. His Majeſty hath thought fit to make known to the ſaid States General, by this Memorial, which he hath appointed to be delivered to the Heer Van Beverning, the ſincerity of his intentions for a Peace. And to give them a yet far greater teſtimony thereof, he doth command the Duke of Luxemburg, General of his Army, to go and expect their Anſwer, during this Month, in the Neighbourhood af Bruſſels, with orders not to Attaque any Place during that time. Given in the Camp at Wetteren, the firſt day of June, 1678.

Signed, LOUIS. And underneath, Arnauld.

The Memorial of the Deputies Extraordinary of the States General, &c. to the Duke De Villa Hermoſa, of the 27th. of May.

THe Lords, the States General of the United Provinces, are extremely ſatisfi'd to underſtand, by the Anſwer your Excellency was pleaſed to return to the Memorial preſented on their behalf, by us their under-written Deputies Extraordinary, the 14th. inſtant, That your Excellency did agree, and conſented to treat of a Truce, or Ceſſation of Arms, for the ſpace of ſix weeks; and could have wiſhed, That you had as poſitively declared your ſelf touching the ſecond Point contained in the ſaid Memorial, namely, the Conditions of Peace propoſed ſome time ago, by the Ambaſſadors and Plenipotentiaries of the King of France at Nimeguen. But becauſe in the ſaid Anſwer, no mention is made of ſo conſiderable a Point, their Hi. and Mi. have again commanded us to make inſtance, and repreſent unto your Excellency, of how great moment it is, as well with relation to the common Cauſe, as more eſpecially for the preſervation of what remains to his Catholick Majeſty in the Low Countreys; that your Excellency declare, in the name of the King of Spain, your acceptance of the ſaid Conditions of Peace, ſuch as they are, conſidering the preſent ſtate of affairs, and the riſque and great danger there may be, in continuing the War againſt ſo powerful an Enemy as the King of France is, who has already brought his Army together, and is himſelf at the head of it in the Field, and that in the heart of the Low Countreys. For theſe and other reaſons repreſented in the preceding Memorials, we earneſtly entreat your Excellency to take ſuch a reſolution, as may be agreeable to the deſires of our Lords and Maſters, and that without loſs of time, ſince a few days, conſidering the condition wherein things are at preſent, may produce fatal Revolutions, and ſuch as would extremely embaraſs as well your Excellency as the Allies, and be likewiſe very prejudicial to the Peace of all Europe.

Done at Bruxels the 27th. of May, 1678. Jacob Boreal, De Weede.

A Declaration given by the Spaniards, containing their conſent to the Conditions propoſed by his Majeſty in order to a Peace.

HIs Excellency having ſeen and conſidered this Memorial, and at the ſame time made particular reflection upon the former ones of the 8th. and the 14th. of May; though the States General of the United Provinces know very well, that the terms upon which the King of France has offered to make Peace with Spain are very hard; yet conſidering the misfortune and extremities that the Low-Countreys are expoſed to, and that their Hi. and Mi. (though otherwiſe ſo much concerned alſo in the Intereſt of their preſervation) do yet find themſelves at preſent deprived of all means to effect it, their People not being in condition to carry on the War; and conſidering that in this Juncture of Affairs, nothing can be of ſo great importance, as the preſervation of that miſerable Remainder of Flanders, by ſtrict Alliances, which they perſuade us to accept of, and value. And whereas in the ſaid Memorial, the States General do repreſent their inſtances of, and deſire to admit of the ſaid Conditions, in order to the concluſion of a Peace; his Excellency being willing to ſecond them, as he hath done from the very firſt time that his Maſter entred into the War, which he undertook firſt for the preſervation of the Confederates Eſtates of the Low-Countreys, and has ſince continued to aſſert the common Intereſt, is now likewiſe willing to comply with the deſire of the States General, and to admit of a Peace upon ſuch terms as the King of France hath propos'd, to the end that ſo convincing a proof of his Excellencies ſervent deſire to unite him with the ſaid States General, may contribute to ſtrengthen their mutual Alliances, and conduce to the preſervation of both their Eſtates. Still provided, That whatſoever Conqueſts the moſt Chriſtian King may have made in any part of the World, within the Dominions of the King his Maſter, and not ſpecified in the above-ſaid Propoſitions, ſhall be reſtored to his Majeſty: Hoping moreover, that the States General will ſo far interpoſe with his moſt Chriſtian Majeſty, as that he will be pleaſed not to inſiſt upon thoſe terms, which it is not in his Majeſties power to perform; and to grant us ſuch terms as may be effectual for the preſervation of what we have left; and that the States General will likewiſe take care, that the Borders and Fronteers may be ſo fixed, as to prevent for the future any ſuch Accidents and Occurrences, as may prove the ſeeds of a new War, and contribute to the greater ſatisfaction of the Confederates High Allies.

Given at Bruſſels the 13th. day of June, 1678. Signed, The Duke de Villa Hermoſa, Earl of Luna.

A Declaration on the behalf of the King of Denmark.

THe Ambaſſador Extraordinary, and Plenipotentiary of his Majeſty the King of Denmark and Norway, at the Treaty of Peace held at Nimeguen; hath ſeen by the communication which the Deputies of the States General of the United Provinces, have made to the Miniſters of the Confederates at the Hague, what his Moſt Chriſtian Majeſty was pleaſed to Order the delivery of in writing to his Excellency the Sieur de Beverning their Ambaſſador Extraordinary, as well touching his conſent to a Ceſſation of Arms for Six weeks, as concerning his demand of a promiſe from the States General, that in caſe they ſhall not be able during that Ceſſation, to prevail with their Allies to accept of ſuch Terms as his Majeſty hath offered, that then they will no longer Aſſiſt them directly or indirectly, againſt him or his Allies during the continuance of the War; And having thereupon conſidered what he conceives is fit and neceſſary for the Kind his Maſter to do upon occaſſion of his Moſt Chriſtian Majeſties ſaid agreement and demand; He thinks it his duty to repreſent to their Excellencies, the Ambaſſadors Extraordinary, and Plenipotentiaries of the High Allies at this Congreſs, that preſuppoſing, which he does without any doubt, the conſtancy and reſolution of the States General, wherewith they have always hitherto maintain'd the Credit and Honour of their Treaties, which is the true band and moſt proper ſupport of a free Common-wealth, That they will not do any thing that may caſt the leaſt blemiſh upon the Reputation which they have hitherto honourably accquired and maintain'd, His Majeſty aſſures himſelf that in this juncture, they will not ſet one ſtep to the Prejudice of thoſe mutual engagements that are betwixt himſelf and them: in diſcharge of which he has vouchſafed to hazard his own ſacred Perſon, and the choiceſt blood of his Subjects, to the expence of what the utmoſt of the revenue of all his Kingdoms and Eſtates would amount to. Every one may remember into what extremity of Affairs his Majeſty was willing, when requeſted, to throw himſelf in the midſt of thoſe Calamities, that then oppreſſed the United Provinces, and ſome of the Confederates, with intention to deliver them from the ruine that threatned them, and to take part with them in their moſt dangerous Events: What courſe he took to effect this, and the benefit which has accrewed by his Engaging in it, both to the common cauſe of all the Confederates, and to their Hi. and Mi. the States General of the United Provinces in particular, is ſufficiently known to all the World: ſo that it would be to no purpoſe to make a repetation of them here. A ſure and honourable Peace is what every one now aims at: For the obtaining whereof, if the mutual engagements which the Confederates ſtand in one to another, continue in force, we ought to Treat upon terms, and not take them ready made to our hands. It has been demonſtrated more then once by pregnant and undeniable Arguments and Reaſons, that a Ceſſation of Arms muſt needs come attended with many great miſchiefs and inconveniences: if there are more cogent Arguments why the States General of the United Provinces, in reſpect of their own Affairs in particular, and the concerns of ſuch whoſe intereſt is the ſame with theirs, ſhould accept of a Truce with France, we may well hope at leaſt that that conſideration will not be thought ſufficient to oblige others, whoſe Affairs are in quit different circumſtances, to come into the Truce likewiſe: And that they will ſo qualifie the conditions of their Truce, as that what makes for the advantage of one part of the Allies, may not be to the utter ruine of all the reſt; though the Arms of France are attended with a ſtrange current of Succeſs, yet the faithfulneſs of which the Moſt Chriſtian King makes profeſſion, in adhering to his Allies, ought not to triumph over their conſtancy, whom common intereſt has linked together in a ſacred bond for their mutual preſervation. This vertue will make them reſpected even among their enemies; whereas the contrary would blaſt all their Reputations, and lead them one by one into Calamities, which they would diſcover the cauſe of too late, when the effects would be remedileſs. His Moſt Chriſtian Majeſty has given the States General a very ſhort time to declare themſelves upon the contents of his Memorial, the foreſight of his Councel ſaw very well, that the time would be too ſhort for all the parties concern'd to be well adviſed: and we may eaſily judge with what deſign the matter was ſo Ordered: But if we muſt take the things as they are, and make the beſt we can of them, we may certainly aſſure our ſelves that their Hi. and Mi. will not ſhorten the time, but will allow their Friends as large a Term as their Enemies have allowed them: and that they will not precipitate themſelves into ſuch reſolutions as the events that half a day may produce, may likely make them repent of their forwardneſs in taking up But above all things his Majeſty aforementioned, and his ſaid Ambaſſador Extraordinary, in his name and on his behalf doth moſt earneſtly entreat their Excellencies the Ambaſſadors Extraordinary of their Highneſſes, that they will interpoſe to the utmoſt of their power, and make uſe of the credit that they have with the States General their Maſters, to prevent their putting themſelves out of all poſſibility of doing any thing for thoſe that have done all for them (which power our Enemies reſerved to themſelves, for the ſakes of ſuch as have not contributed at all or but very inconſiderably to the putting them into the condition in which now they are in) and that at leaſt they will continue a readineſs of mind to do what may be in their power, though they ſhould happen to be deſtitute of ſuch means as might enable them to do what they ought. Their Hi. and Mi. may be well aſſured that his Majeſty will never reject their Councel and Advice in any thing whatſoever that may be reaſonably thought to conduce to the publick Peace, in which if he could have any aſſurance that he might find his ſecurity, he would immediately put an end to the War, and lay down his Arms as mildly, as he took them up generouſly, for the intereſt and at the requeſt of his Allies.

Given at Nimeguen, the 10th of June, 1678.

A Declaration on the behalf of the Elector of Brandenburg upon the Subject of the Peace.

THe Ambaſſador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of his Electoral Highneſs of Brandenburg; having ſeen what has been communicated to the Miniſters of the Confederates at the Hague; to wit, that his Moſt Chriſtian Majeſty, upon the overture made to him by his Excellence the Sieur de Beverning Ambaſſador of the States General, hath granted to their Highneſſes by a Declaration in writing, dated the firſt of June, at Wetteren, a Ceſſation of Arms for Six weeks, to commence from the firſt of July next, to the end that in the mean time they may confer with their Allies, and obtain their conſent to the Peace, upon condition that their Highneſſes would promiſe his Moſt Chriſtian Majeſty, in caſe they ſhall not be able during the ſaid Truce to perſwade their Allies to accept of the Terms which France had offered, that then they ſhould no longer aſſiſt them againſt him or his Allies, during the preſent War: To which Declaration the Duke of Luxemburg has Order to expect their Highneſſes anſwer to the end of this Month; hath not failed to acquaint his Electoral Highneſs his Maſter with the Contents of that Declaration, and to require his Order therein, which he now waits for. But in the mean time he thinks himſelf obliged to ſay beforehand, that his Electoral Highneſs having always repoſed great confidence in the Sincerity, Integrity, and Juſtice of their Highneſſes, the States General of the Low Countreys, as thoſe that have been his ancient Friends and Confederates, and whoſe intereſts are in many reſpects the ſame with his own, aſſureth himſelf that their Highneſſes will not make any promiſe to his Moſt Chriſtian Majeſty, that ſhall at all interfere with their Alliances, or be prejudicial to his Electoral Highneſs, who hath not ſpared his own Eſtates, nor his Blood, to ſave their Countrey from utter ruine and deſtruction, with which it was threatned when three whole Provinces were torn from it though ſince by God's great mercy they have been reunited. Beſides, his Electoral Highneſs promiſeth himſelf that their Hi. and Mi. will be ſo reaſonable, ſince even his Moſt Chriſtian Majeſty hath been willing to allow them the whole month of June to acquaint the Duke of Luxemburg with what they ſhall think fit to reſolve upon his ſaid Declaration, as not to anticipate the Term to the prejudice of his Electoral Highneſs, but will allow him a convenient time for mature deliberation, and the diſpatching of ſuch Order as ſhall be neceſſary to his Miniſters here and elſewhere. His Electoral Highneſs takes it likewiſe for granted, that their Hi. and Mi. will never come to a Treaty, much leſs conclude any thing whatſoever with France, without firſt procuring for his Electoral Highneſs the ſatisfaction promiſed him in the 14 and 24 Article of their Alliance, and without reſerving the ſame Liberty to themſelves with relation to their Allies, which his Moſt Chriſtian Majeſty might or ſhould reſerve in favour of his; Eſpecially ſince it is evident, that his Electoral Highneſs did not engage in this War out of an airineſs of mind, but for the ſafety of the Low Countreys, the preſervation of his own Eſtates, and to ſecure himſelf againſt the injuries and attempts of others, and that he hath not been more deſirous of any thing ſince the firſt beginning of this War, than of a firm and ſure Peace upon reaſonable Terms. And that he will always take in good part the good offices that ſhall be uſed to attain it, and that he will make appear as well his moderation with relation to the Terms and Conditions of it, as his due conſideration of the reaſons and neceſſities alledged by their High and Mighty for a Peace. Provided things may be ſo ordered, that he may obtain his ends, which are no other than the ſafety of the publick, and that of his own Countrey. This is what the ſaid Ambaſſador hath thought fit to repreſent by this writing to their Excellencies, the Ambaſſadors and Plenipotentiaries of their High and Mighty that are here preſent, deſiring them not onely to recommend the Contents thereof to their Lords and Maſters, to the end they may make their joynt Reflections, when they ſhall come to deliberate upon a matter of ſo great importance, but alſo to ſupport it as much in them lies by their own credit and wiſe conduct. Given at Nimeguen the 10th day of June, 1678.

A Declaration on behalf of the Emperor.

THe Ambaſſadors of his Imperial Majeſty being advertiſed, that the States General of the United Provinces will ſhortly meet, to conſult upon the Declaration which his Moſt Chriſtian Majeſty delivered in writing to their Ambaſſador Extraordinary Monſieur de Beverning, in the Camp at the Bourg of Wetteren on the firſt day of this preſent month, do promiſe themſelves aſſuredly from the eminent Wiſdom, Integrity, and Juſtice of the ſaid States General, upon which foundations their Common-wealth has hitherto ſtood and continued in a flouriſhing condition, that they will not upon any pretence whatſoever act contrary to the Faith of their Alliances, or prejudicial to his Imperial Majeſty, the Empire, and the reſt of the Confederates, who have allready engaged themſelves as well in the dangers, and expences of this long and Bloody War, not onely for their own common ſafety, to the end they might thereby deliver theſe United Provinces, together with the Publick, from utter ruine and deſtruction. It is needleſs to put them in mind of what hath formerly paſſed; this is evident, that the Confederates have to do with an Enemy, who as he is hard enough for them all, cannot but be terrible to any one of them apart. Perhaps ſome Provinces may reap a preſent advantage, but in lieu thereof, all thoſe that are near muſt inevitably fall under his yoke, and be deſtroyed. There are ſo many inſtances in Hiſtories how dangerous the neighbourhood of France is, that it hath given occaſion to a Proverb. This the States themſelves have found by experience in this very War, when the Bar of the Spaniſh Netherlands was ſtronger. What will they do now that thoſe Bars are almoſt broken down, and they ſhall have ſeparated themſelves, as the French earneſtly preſs them to do, from the reſt of the Confederates? Then their ſafety muſt ſolely depend upon the ſincerity and moderation of the French. His Imperial Majeſty undertook the War together with the reſt of the Confederates for their common ſafety, for the defence of the Empire, and particularly that of theſe Provinces: he hath carried it on hitherto, not for his own private intereſt, but in ſuch place and manner as was thought beſt good for the publick: And he is yet willing, if the Confederates pleaſe, to continue it in conjunction with them, and will be ready to lay down his Arms, when that ſhall make more for the Common intereſt. And whenever he ſhall make a Peace, he will have the ſame regard to the circumſtances of the United Provinces and of all the Low Conntreys, which he has appeared hitherto to have had in the undortaking and carrying on the War.

The King of France has propoſed ſome conditions of Peace, but in ſuch a manner as if he were giving Laws to us. He will not ſuffer us to Treat with him concerning them. Which to be ſo received by the Emperor, the Empire and the Confederates, is not only inconſiſtent with their Honour, Safety and Intereſt, contrary to the very nature of the thing it ſelf. Beſides which no ſpecification at all is made in theſe conditions, what ſatisfaction it is in particular, the French would have ſtipulated in behalf of Sweden, ſo it is but too evident they are far from any intentions of Peace, ſince they will not ſo much as treat concerning it, according to thoſe Forms and Methods which are obſerved betwixt Soveraign Princes and Eſtates, and are grounded upon the Law of Nations. It is not a Peace that France aims at, but a diviſion amongſt the Confederates: that conqueſt may be the more eaſie, when he ſhall have to do with them apart: if there be any urgent reaſon or neceſſity of making a Peace, the Emperor is willing to do it forthwith upon ſuch terms as will be neither dishonourable nor prejuaical to France, and manifeſt to the whole World his moderation, according to his High Function; and that although he has great regard to the ſafety of the Empire, yet that he prefers the common ſafety and the preſervation of the United Provinces and of all the Low Countreys before any particular intereſts of his own. This will be made apparent whenever a Peace ſhall be treated of, and the States General ſhall employ their offices for it, which will be always acceptable to his Imperial Majeſty, which being ſo, it cannot without injury to the conſtancy, prudence, and integrity of the States General be prefumed that they will upon any raſh reſolution abandon their moſt faithful Confederate, and thereby expoſe them to manifeſt danger. They have Twenty days time yet before the end of this month to reſolve in. But all our intereſts, our common liberty, and the ſafety of all the Confederates is now at ſtake. The enemy endeavours to precipitate their reſolutions, becauſe he is their enemy, and would lead them to a precipice: the Confederates Council is to proceed ſafely and deliberately, as being engaged in one and the ſame common cauſe with the States General, when once the Enemy ſhall obſerve that the States reſolve to Treat ſeparately, France will obtain what is deſired, the general Peace will be deſperate, which otherwiſe might have been expected, if all the Confederates would have made appear to the common Enemy their unanimous conſtancy and moderation. Let the States General therefore repreſent ſpeedily and ſeriouſly to the Ambaſſadors of his Moſt Chriſtian Majeſty, that it is that they hinder the reſtoring of Peace to Chriſtendom, in that they deny the Confederates liberty to Treat about thoſe matters without which there can be no Peace: the Ambaſſadors of his Imperial Majeſty do hereby oblige themſelves to repreſent the whole matter that the motives and neceſſiries which induced the States General to chuſe even a diſadvantageous Peace, rather than the continuance of the War, are not at all diſpleaſing to his Imperial Majeſty, who will be ready to comply therewith, and to concur with them as far as in him lies, to endeavour a Peace, ſo as the ſafety of the Empire be in ſome degree provided for; and that he will jointly conſult with the States General and the other Confederates, by what way and means the ſame may be eſtabliſhed and rendred ſecure.

And as the Imperial Miniſters have thought it their duty to remonſtrate theſe things to the Ambaſſador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the High and Mighty Lords, the States General of the United Provinces, ſo they do earneſtly beſeech and intreat them ſeriouſly to weigh of how great importance this matter is: and to ſupport it with their offices and recommendation, in which they will do a thing becoming themſelves, glorious and beneficial to their Countrey, deſired by the Confederates and every one elſe that loves the publick ſafety and ſecurity, and which will be tranſmitted to poſterity, to their immortal praiſe and merit.

Given at Nimeguen, the 10th of June, 1678.

A Letter from the States General of the United Provinces to the King, written at the Hague the 22th of June, 1678. SIR,

IT was with an equal mixture of Joy and Reverence, that we underſtood by your Majeſties anſwer of the firſt of this inſtant, from your Camp at Wetteren, which the Sieur De Beverning delivered us, the reality of your Majeſties intentions to put an end to the preſent war: to which end, your Majeſty was pleaſed to allow us all this month, to induce our Allies to accept the Peace upon the terms which your Majeſty hath propoſed: to which unfeigned purpoſe of your Majeſties, that we might anſwer with the like ſincerity on our parts, and give your Majeſty all the ſatisfaction we poſſibly could, we have left nothing undone to induce our Allies to a complyance: and though we could not promiſe our ſelves that they would joyn with us in making a peace upon thoſe terms, yet we have given orders to our Ambaſſadors at Nimeguen, to conclude and Sign the Treaty of Peace with your Majeſties Ambaſſadors and Plenipotentiaries, and ſuch of the Confederates as ſhould be diſpos'd to come into it before the end of this month. In the mean while, having ſome aſſurance that his Catholick Majeſty will joyn with us in accepting the Peace, we make it our requeſt that your Mejeſty will be pleaſed to give neceſſary orders to ſurceaſe all acts of hoſtility by Land, and to cauſe ſuch of your Mejeſties Forces as are in his Country, to retire about the end of this month, and that your Majeſty will be pleaſed to forbid your Majeſties Men of War and Privateers, to ſet upon any ſuch Ships belonging to this State, or any of our Subjects, as are imployed about the Fiſhing-Trade, and to give them Paſsports and letters of Safe-conduct, that they may follow their imployment with ſafety; accordingly we ſhall be willing to do on our part; hoping and promiſing our ſelves, that this will conduce to the good both of your Majeſties Subjects and our own, and to the encreaſing the good underſtanding, which ought to be firmly eſtabliſhed by the Peace. To conclude, We pray God,

SIR,

To heap proſperity upon your Majeſtics Reign, and to bleſs your Royal Perſon with Health, and a long Life. Hague the 22th of June, 1678.

Your Majeſties Moſt Humble Servants the States General of the United Provinces of the Low Countrys.

The King's Anſwer to the Letter of the States General of the United Provinces, written from St. Germain the 30th of June, 1678.

Moſt Dear, Great Friends, Allies, and Confederates,

You will eaſily judge, after all that we have done toward the Facilitating of a Peace, that we were very well ſatisfied to underſtand by your Letter, that before the time which we had agreed to allow for a Ceſſation of Arms, you had ſent inſtructions to your Plenipotentiary Ambaſſador at Nemiguen, to Sign the Treaty of Peace before the end of this month. And by the aſſurance which you give us, that at the ſame time thoſe of the Catholick King will accept of it, we ſee your inclinations are well diſpoſed toward the general quiet of Europe. We Promiſe our ſelves likewiſe that it cannot be long retarded by thoſe of your Allies, that hitherto, notwithſtanding all the good Offices which you have done towards it, refuſe to joyn with you in the procuring ſo great a good and ſo univerſally deſired. In the mean time as the Peace, which we doubt not but will immediately be concluded with you at Nimeguen, ſince we have your word for it, puts us into a condition of rendring you our entire affection, of which we take delight in letting you feel the effects, we are willing at your deſire from hence forward to ſurceaſe all acts of hoſtility to the Low Countreys, and whatever obſtruction our Men of War, or Privateers may give to your Commerce. Common uſage would require, that things ſhould continue in the ſame poſture they now are, till the Peace were fully conſummated by exchange of the Ratifications and publication of Treaties: but without ſtaying till they, that are now to be Signed betwixt our Plenipotentiaries Ambaſſadors at Nimeguen, thoſe of the Catholick King and yours, ſhall be come to our hands; out of our reſpect to you, we will ſend order immediately to the Duke of Luxemburg, to retire our Army from about Bruſſells into that part of the Country, that is now under our ſubjection. We will charge him to concert upon this ſubject with the Duke De Villa Hermoſa, and even with your Envoy there, and to ſettle ſome regulation for thoſe Officers to be under, that ſhall command the Troops which we are obliged to leave about Mons, and on what manner they may continue without any acts of hoſtility on either ſide, but in a good underſtanding, and ſo as the country may be open, till the Ratifications are exchanged with Spain. Having thus quieted all things at Land, we are willing at your inſtance to do the ſame by Sea. The Treaty which Our Ambaſſadors muſt Sign with Yours, will aſcertain the Places and Times, within which what ever ſhall be taken on either ſide, ſhall be deemed lawful Prize. But for the preſent ſecurity of ſuch Veſſels as ſhall Sail out of your Ports, whether for Trade, or Fiſhing, we think good to ſend a competent number of Paſsports to our Ambaſſadors at Nimeguen, whom we will order to deliver them to Yours, as there ſhall be occaſion. They ſhall do the ſame to the Ambaſſador of Spain. But upon this condition, that when the Ambaſſador of the Catholick King and your Ambaſſador ſhall receive them, they ſhall be obliged at the ſame time to put into my Ambaſſadors hands ſuch quantities of Paſsports as they ſhall demand of them. We are well ſatisfied in not ſuffering more tedious forms, though ordinarily obſerved in Treaties of Peace, to impair the benefit that ought to accrew to your people by this, and in letting them taſt the ſweetneſs of Peace from this very time, and in procuring the ſame eaſe to thoſe of the Catholick King, for your Sakes. You may ſee by this new teſtimony of our Friendſhip, that we retain the ſame good diſpoſition towards your Common-Wealth, which our Predeceſſors have had, who did ſo much toward the Raiſing of it, and which we hope will help to render it more happy and flouriſhing for the future. We pray God to take you, Moſt Dear, Great Friends, Allies and Confederates, into his Holy Protection. Written at St. Germain in Laye, the 30th of June, 1678.

Your Good Friend, Allie, and Confederate, LOUIS. Underneath was Signed, Arnauld.

Extract of the Reſolution of their Lordſhips the States of Holland, and Frieſland, at their meeting on the 11th of July, 1678.

THe Penſionary Fagel has ſhown to the Aſſembly a Letter of the 10th of this inſtant, from the Ambaſſador Extraordinary, and Plenipotentiary at the Treaty of Peace at Nimeguen, written to himſelf, importing that the Ambaſſadours of France have declared to them, that the King their Maſter is not minded to Evacuate Maſtricht, nor the other places of the Bar, till a compleat ſatisfaction be made to the King of Sweden. Where, upon deliberation, we have thought fit that this matter be put in as from the States aforeſaid to the States General, to the end that anſwer may be returned to the Ambaſſadors of the States: that it could not be believed nor expected that his Moſt Chriſtian Majeſty would have made the leaſt difficulty in the Evacuation of thoſe places, after the Peace Signed, concluded and ratified betwixt his Moſt Chriſtian Majeſty and Spain and this State: and that the States could not foreſee that there would ariſe any new obſtructions or difficulties on his Moſt Chriſtian Majeſti's part, after he had given them himſelf and by his Miniſters ſo many aſſurances of his unfeigned inclinations not only to a general Peace, but particularly to a Peace with this State.

It is very true, that when his Mejeſty compos'd a general platform for us to take our meaſures by, it was put down in the firſt Article, that his Majeſty would never liſten to any Terms of Peace, other than ſuch as ſhould give the King of Sweden full and compleat ſatisfaction: and his Majeſty might with good reaſon inſrſt upon it, and take care to have it effected, if we had been able to diſpoſe the Confederates to accept the conditions of that Project. But ſince the Confederates did not think it their intereſts to make Peace upon thoſe terms, as the States foreſaw at firſt they would not, and that his Catholick Majeſty would make ſome ſcruple, as the Ambaſſadors of the State intimated to thoſe of France, deſiring them to let them know what places the King their Maſter intended ſhould make the Bar in the Spaniſh Netherlands: and his Moſt Chriſtian Majeſty was pleaſed to aſſure the States by a Letter of the 18th of May, written from his Camp, in caſe his Catholick Majeſty ſhould refuſe the Peace upon the ſaid Terms, and that the States would conclude their Treaty, and oblige themſelves to remain neuters, that then his Majeſty would always be willing to grant to Spain the conditions of the Project, and promiſed not to lay Siege to any place in the Spaniſh Netherlands during the whole. War without making any mention of Sweden, or the reſt of the Confederates: Whereupon their Lordſhips the States confiding in the King's Word, did their duty for the inducing his Catholick Majeſty to accept of thoſe conditions, and laboured on the otherſide to the utmoſt of their power to perſwade the reſt of the Confederates alſo; with which they acquainted his Majeſty, by Monſieur de Beverning their Ambaſſador, declaring that for their own parts they accepted of his Majeſties Terms; and deſiring his Majeſty that he would be pleaſed to agree to a Truce for Six weeks, that they might labour with their Allies, and get them to conſent to a general Peace, and that his Majeſty was pleaſed to agree to ſuch a Truce for Six months, to begin from the firſt of July, and as himſelf wrote from his Camp at Wetter, the firſt of June, upon the ſame foot that the Truce in 1668 was agreed betwixt France and Spain, upon condition that the States would engage themſelves, in caſe they ſhould not be able in Six weeks time to perſwade their Allies to admit of the conditions, then not to aſſiſt their ſaid Allies directly nor indirectly againſt his Majeſty or his Allies during the War, and that in requital thereof his Majeſty would renew the engagements which he made in his Letter of the 18th. of May, both concerning the conditions to be granted to his Catholick Majeſty, and the ſecuring of the places in the Low Countreys: leaving the Duke of Luxemburg near Bruſſels to ſtay to the end of June for an anſwer, with Order not to attack any Place during that time; and without making any alteration in the ſaid conditions, or any mention either of the Allies of this State, or of giving ſatisfaction to the King of Sweden: that the States acting candidly, and being ready on their part to perfect that Treaty, and having induced his Catholick Majeſty to accept it alſo, as they adviſed his Moſt Chriſtian Majeſty by their Letter of the 22th of June, aſſuring him that they had given Order to their Ambaſſador, to conclude a Peace before the end of that month, with ſuch of the Confederates as would joyn with them in it, without ſo much as ſtaying for the Truee, which was to begin on the firſt of July; and that his Majeſty by his Letter of the 30th of June, declared himſelf to be extreamly well ſatisfied therewith: and was ſo far from obliging the States or his Catholick Majeſty to make any ſatisfaction to the King of Sweden, that he expreſſed in the ſame Letter, that he obſerv'd in the proceedings of the States a good inclination to the general Peace of Europe: and he perſwaded himſelf it would not be long delay'd by ſuch of the Allies as hitherto had not been able to help forward ſo great a good: that his Majeſty doubted not but the Peace would be concluded by his Ambaſſadors, and ſhould take delight in making this State ſenſible of its effects, and in forbearing all acts of hoſility in the Low Countreys, and obſtructions to Commerce by Sea, though it be cuſtomary to let things continue in the ſame condition, till the Peace be Ratified by exchange of Ratifications, and publiſhing of Treaties; without ſuspending the effects of the Peace upon any Treaty with the Confederates, or any ſatisfaction to be made to the King of Sweden That the States may ſay with good reaſon, that his Moſt Chriſtian Majeſty is the cauſe why the Peace is not concluded, and not they: ſince his Majeſty advances new Conditions, which never were propoſed to themſelves, nor to the King of Spain, it never having been pretended, that the Peace, or its effects, ſhould depend upon the King of Sweden's receiving ſatisfaction, but onely upon the States ſtanding Neuter, in relation to his Majeſty and his Allies, againſt thoſe that ſhould reject the Conditions of the Project. So that it is evident, that the moſt Chriſtian King hath promiſed to reſtore thoſe Places to the King of Spain, and to this State; and that himſelf hath directed to have the Treaty perfected, by Exchanging the Ratifications, and publiſhing it: That the States pretend to no new matter concerning the ſaid Evacuation: That the things of no ſmall concern to the Catholick King, and to this State, who cannot arrive at peace and quiet, in getting rid of the War, if at the ſame time they continue depriv'd of the effects of Peace; much leſs if they muſt be ſent back, and made to depend upon the chances of War betwixt other Parties; which who knows when it will end in a ſatisfaction, that is not limited to any thing in particular? Eſpecially conſidering, that the King of Sweden contimes an Enemy to this State, without giving order to put an end to the differences that are, and that daily grow betwixt him and it; and doth perpetually moleſt the Inhabitants of this State, contrary to the Treaty of Commerce made with him.

That order be given to the Ambaſſadors and Plenipotentiaries of this State, to enquire of the Ambaſſadors of the moſt Chriſtian King, in a friendly and loving manner, without the leaſt ſharpneſs, whether the King their Maſter be reſolved to perſiſt in his demand, and to adviſe the Eſtates as ſoon as may be, that they may take proper meaſures, and conſer with the Miniſters of the Confederates, to know whether they can either come to a reſolution to accept the Peace upon the terms offered, or find means, if there ſhall be occaſion, to make a more vigorous oppoſition to their Enemies, than heretofore.

A Memorial of the French Ambaſſadors, delivered the 17. July, 1678. to the Ambaſſadors of the States General of the United Provinces of the Low-Countreys.

THe Ambaſſadors of France being troubled to ſee, that the difficulties ariſen concerning the time for the Evacuation of the places, which the King their Maſter is willing to reſtore, give occaſion to thoſe that are averſe to the Peace, to render the ſincerity of his Majeſties intentions ſuſpected, have thought it their duty to manifeſt the ſame to the Ambaſſadors of the States General by this Memorial.

And to juſtifie the Reaſons his Majeſty hath, not to quit thoſe Places, until Sweden is entirely ſatisfied, it will be ſufficient to go no higher than the beginning of the Negotiation, by which the Peace is at preſent ſo far advanced. And we may ſay, that the ſame are grounded on the Conditions, propoſed in his Majeſties name by the ſaid Ambaſſadors of France, ſince they have been all of them accepted, firſt, by Holland, and not long after by Spain. We may farther ſay, that when the States General, in conſequence of the Letters his Majeſty writ unto them the 18th. of May laſt, and of the Memorial delivered the firſt of June to Monſieur de Beverning; as alſo of the meſſage of the Sieur de Lanoy to his Majeſty, and the Letter he preſented unto him on the part of the States, declared, they were ready to ſign the Treaty on thoſe Conditions, they obliged themſelves to the execution of that which relates to Sweden, it being the firſt of all of them. And as they were all joyned together, ſo they ought not to be ſeparated in the meaning of the ſaid States General, to cauſe his Majeſty to conſent unto them; and he doubts not at all, that ſince he made but one thing of his own Intereſt and that of his Allies, their meaning was not, but that he ſhould procure both the one and the other.

His Majeſty had likewiſe reaſon to hope, that by advantaging both them and Spain, in being willing to quit ſo many important Places for the ſake of Sweden, they would have joyned with him to procure the reeſtabliſhment of that Crown; and though his Majeſty hath not deſired them to unite their Forces to his, to put that Crown in poſſeſſion of the Places it hath loſt; yet they ought not to hinder him from making uſe of thoſe Means that are in his power, for the effectual executing of a Condition, to which they have ſo ſolemnly conſented. They know well, that his Majeſty hath no other effectual means, whereby to contribute to the re-eſtabliſhment of the King of Sweden in Pomerania and the Dutchy of Bremen, than by making War upon the Elector of Brandenburg, and the Princes that are poſſeſſed of the Eſtates of that Crown; and they know as well, that in order to his acting againſt thoſe Princes, his Majeſty will have occaſion for thoſe Places he now poſſeſſes, as being equally uſeful for the paſſage of his Armies, as for erecting Magazins there for them. Laſtly, they cannot look upon the Peace which his Majeſty is willing to make, otherwiſe than as one and the ſame Treaty, as well for himſelf as his Allies: nor think it ſtrange, if he take all neceſſary Cautions, to ſee all the Conditions of it performed.

This practiſe is conformable to that of all Treaties; and for an example might be alledged the practiſe of that of the Pyrenaeans, in which Treaty, the Places his Majeſty was to reſtore to the Catholick King, were evacuated proportionably as he on his ſide executed the Conditions he had agreed to; and Verceil, which the Catholick King was to ſurrender to the Duke of Savoy, was reſtored in the ſame manner: for that the Intereſts of his Majeſty and his Ally were not to be ſeparated. In like manner, the States General being obliged to look upon as one and the ſame convention, the Conditions offered by his Majeſty, and accepted of by them at Nimeguen, they ought to do what lies in them, that the ſame be executed all together, as well with relation to his Majeſty as to Sweden.

And his Majeſty hath the greater reaſon to believe they would concur with him in ſo juſt a thing, for that in the Project of the Treaty, which their Ambaſſador delivered to thoſe of France, there is no mention made therein of the time of the Reſtitution of the Places. This ſilence ſhows, that they did not pretend to it, till all the conditions that they had accepted ſhould be executed, and that therefore they would make the leſs difficulty, that Maeſtricht remained in the hands of his Majeſty, in order to oblige the Enemies of Sweden to Peace, for that the ſaid States General were by their Treaty to deliver that Place unto Spain.

And to evidence yet further to the States General, how ſincerely his Majeſty intended, after the many paces he made to give Peace to Europe, to reſtore unto them his firſt Friendſhip, to promote the advantage they might receive from it, and to deſiſt from all future Enterpriſes upon the Low-Countreys; they need but reflect upon his Majeſties Conduct, ſince they declared by the Letter, which the Sieur de Lanoy delivered to his Majeſty, that they would ſign the Peace before the end of June, and that Spain would likewiſe ſign it at the ſame time.

They may have obſerved, how at their entreaty, without expecting the Exchange of the Ratifications, his Majeſty gave order to his Army to withdraw from the Neighbourhood of Bruſſels: How he was ready to open again the free Commerce and Navigation, by the Paſsports he allowed his Ambaſſadors to Exchange: How he offered to take meaſures with them about the manner how his Troops ſhould live near Mons, and about the means for the ſubſiſtance of that City, till the exchange of the Ratifications: How for the eaſe of the Low-Countreys, and the ſpeedy obliging the Elector of Brandenburg to conſent to the Peace, his Majeſty hath re-inforced the Mareſchal de Schomberg with a conſiderable Detachment of his Army in Flanders, which he hath already cauſed to march into Germany, and was upon the point of ordering others to follow them. All which Conduct doth ſufficiently ſhow, that his Majeſty looking upon the Peace with Spain as certain, his intention onely was to employ his Forces againſt the Elector of Brandenburg, thereby to oblige him to make his Peace with Sweden.

But becauſe his Majeſty obſerves, by the Reports which his Enemies ſpread abroad, that they endeavour to render the fidelity of his words ſuſpected, and would make it believed, That when by the Peace he had broken the meaſures of Spain and Holland for the War, he wouldmake uſe of the Places he ſhould retain, to act with more, advantage againſt the Low-Countreys; his Majeſty is very deſirous, as much as in him lieth, to cure them of theſe vain apprehenſions. The onely aim he has, in what he inſiſts upon, is to procure the ſatisfaction of Sweden; and he is willing to believe, that the States General have always the ſame intention; and therefore he is ready to uſe all ſuch means, in conjunction with them, as they ſhall think fit to be effectual to that end, either by obliging themſelves to reſtore that Crown to th Places and Countreys it has loſt, or by diſpoſing its Enemies to ſurrender them; provided they give his Majeſty full ſecurity of its re-eſtabliſhment. His Majeſty will willingly embrace ſuch Expedients as they ſhall propoſe unto him, and ſhall be eſteemed moſt ſpeedy and effectual to make the Peace General. And for the treating of this buſineſs, they may either diſcuſs it with the ſaid Ambaſſadors of France at Nimeguen, or appoint ſome Miniſter to repair to his Majeſty, or ſend Deputies to the Frontiers of Flanders and Ghent, as neareſt to their Countreys, to confer thereupon with thoſe to whom his Majeſty ſhall entruſt the care of it. His Majeſty will reſt ſatisfied, if they can but agree upon a ſafe, ſpeedy, and certain way of procuring the reeſtabliſhment of Sweden.

The ſaid Ambaſſadors of France are perſwaded, that the ſaid Ambaſſadors of the States General, and all indifferent men, will be equally convinced, as well of the Right his Majeſty hath to demand the Execution of a Condition ſo poſitively accepted, as of procuring the ſame by ſuch means as are in his power, unleſs the States General ſhall adjuſt others with him, to obtain it.

The long time his Majeſty hath loſt in Flanders ſince the 18th. of May, that he writ unto the ſaid States, doth alſo ſhew, how ſincerely he deſired the Peace. Conſidering the Condition in which his Majeſty and his Enemies then were, every body will eaſily believe, that onely the deſire of giving Peace to Europe, was capable of making him looſe ſo favourable a Conjuncture: And it is from the ſame deſire, that he is ſtill diſpoſed to admit of Propoſitions, that may ſecure the entire ſatisfaction of Sweden, and procure the Tranquility, which Chriſtendom expects from this Aſſembly.

A Memorial delivered to the Plenipotentiaries of France, by the Plenipotentiaries of Holland, July the 26th. 1678.

THe Ambaſſadors Extraordinary, and Plenipotentiaries of their Lordſhips, the States General of the United Provinces, having received from the hands of the Lords Ambaſſadors of France, the 11th. inſtant, a Memorial, whereby they pretend to juſtifie the particular of the Retenſion of the Places, the Reſtitution whereof were promiſed by his moſt Chriſtian Majeſty; and wherein, at the ſame time, they invite their Lordſhips to enter into ſome way with his Majeſty, whereby they might draw and aſſure a perfect Satisfaction to the King of Swedes, are obliged by expreſs order from their Lords and Maſters, to repreſent to their Excellencies, That their Lordſhips making a due reflection upon the method of his Majeſties proceedings to terminate the preſent War; and upon the advantagious expreſſions, whereby he has particularly declared himſelf upon their account; they cannot entertain ſo much as a thought, that he would at preſent delay the accompliſhment and concluſion by the ſaid Retenſion; being fully perſwaded, that ſuch kind of obſtructions cannot proceed from ſo generous a Soul as his Majeſties, but rather from the perſwaſion of thoſe who are averſe to a Peace. They ſtrongly poſſeſs themſelves with this perſwaaſion, that they cannot lay a more ſolid Baſis for their juſtification, than to give an ingenuous account of the beginning and progreſs of this Affair.

Tis notorious, that the Lords the States General have done their utmoſt endeavours, without intermiſſion, to determine this preſent War by a General Peace, wherein all Parties Intereſted might have had that ſatisfaction which they have ſo paſſionately deſired, as might have diſpoſed all Perſons whatſoever thereunto. But ſuch was their misfortune, that the pretences of the other Allies being far different, and very far from it, and his moſt Chriſtian Majeſty having cauſed his Ambaſſadors at Nimeguen to propoſe thoſe Conditions, which might and ought to ſerve as a Platform to a general Peace; and upon that conſideration, explaining himſelf, that it was the laſt point that he could poſſibly diſpence with; and hereupon his Enemies might make choice either of Peace or War, without being obliged, after the 10th. of this preſent May. And the Lords the States General taking into their conſideration, that the major part of the ſaid propoſed Conditions, did concern their puiſſant Allies, did carefully explain themſelves, that they might find out ſome Expedients, and have endeavoured to diſpoſe of Affairs ſo, as that they might enter upon a Negotiation according to the ſaid Platform, to ſee what the Parties concerned at deſign'd but to their great regret, they have been inform'd, That it was not at all his Majeſties intention to cauſe a Treaty, or to admit any debate upon the Conditions propoſed; but that the Potent Parties, that were at War, ought ſimply to declare themſelves before the Term of the 10th. of May was expired, whether or no they would ſubſcribe the ſaid Conditions. Whereupon their Lordſhips have laboured continually with the Miniſters of their Allies, to underſtand their Sentiments. But they excuſing themſelves, upon the ſmall time allotted for this great Affair, and want of Order from their Maſters, wherewith they could not poſſibly be inſtructed before the Expiration of the term; therefore their Highneſſes not being able to aſſure themſelves of the intentions of their powerful Allies, eſpecially the King of Spain, in regard of the Acceptation or Refuſal of the ſaid Conditions: And conſidering, that the Stop propoſed by his moſt Chriſtian Majeſty, muſt alſo give them particular ſatisfaction, have applied their farther endeavours to inform themſelves, how this ſtop ſhould be conſidered, in caſe the King of Spain ſhould refuſe to accept the ſaid Conditions; and thereupon his Moſt Chriſtian Majeſty hath been ſo kind as to honour them with a Letter written from his Camp. May the 18th: and to acquaint them, that if the King of Spain denied to accept of the Peace, and they judged it proper to conclude a Peace with him, on the Conditions propoſed upon their account, and that they would engage to remain Neuter, during the whole courſe of this War: His Majeſty in ſuch Caſes, would upon their conſideration, grant the ſaid King of Spain the ſame Conditions, which he was at liberty to accept of at this preſent, and that during that time, he would not attack any place in the Low Countreys, and if my Lords the States General, in order to the advancement of this Negotiation, ſhould find it convenient to ſend Deputies to him, that they would find his Majeſty in the neighbourhood of Ghent, till the 25th. of the ſaid month, and under the ſame diſpoſitions.

Farthermore, the Lords of the States General, having declared before the 30th. of May, to the Lords, Ambaſſadors of France; that for their parts they were reſolved to conclude a Peace with his Majeſty, upon the Conditions propoſed on their account, and having deſired a convenient time, to the end that they might diſpoſe their Allies to the ſame Peace, and after the Receipt of the aforeſaid Letter from his Majeſty, having determined to ſend to him the Sieur Beverning, their Ambaſſador Extraordinary, to repreſent unto him, how earneſtly they deſired a general Peace, that they did accept of the Conditions offered, and that they deſired his Majeſty to grant them a Ceſſation of Arms for Six weeks, that they might have time to diſcourſe with their Allies, upon the affairs of Peace, and to gain their conſent, for the concluſion of ſo great a Work. His Majeſty was Graciouſly pleas'd to declare by his anſwer the firſt of June, dated in his Camp at Wetteren, that he did condeſcend to that Ceſſation, for the ſpace of ſix weeks, as it was deſired, to commence from the firſt of July, and the ſame according to the ſtipulation between France and Spain, Anno Dom. 1668. With this proviſo, they ſhould promiſe his Majeſty that in caſe, during the ſaid Ceſſation of Arms, they could not prevail with their Allies to accept of the Conditions offered, they would neither, directly nor indirectly aſſiſt them, againſt his Majeſty or his Allies, during the continuance of this War: And upon this conſideration his Majeſty was willing to Render by way of exchange, the ſame engagements that he had obliged himſelf unto, with them, in his ſaid Letter of the 18th. of May; as well in regard of the ſame Conditions, which he would be always inclinable to grant to Spain; as for the ſecurity of the Places in the Low Countreys. And to give them a larger Teſtimony thereof, his Majeſty hath charged the Duke of Luxemburg, General of his Forces, to attend their anſwer, during the month of June, in the neighbourhood of Bruſſels, with orders not to attack any place during that time.

That conſequently, the States General, to give pregnant proof of the deſire they have to conclude the War, and to teſtifie the Candour of their preceedings, would not wait till the expiration of the month of June, much leſs make uſe of the ſaid Ceſſation of Arms, which was to begin on the firſt of July, as it was at their liberty to do: but from the 22th of June, have aſſured his Majeſty by their Letter, that though they had laboured very ſtrenuouſly with their Allies, to diſpoſe them to the ſaid Peace, and that they could not be ſatisfied that all would concur therein; yet they had ordered their Ambaſſadors at Nimeguen, to Conclude and Sign the Troaty, with his Majeſties Ambaſſadors, together with thoſe of their Allies, who were willing to condeſcend thereunto; and that they were very certain, his Majeſty the King of Spain would alſo accept of the Peace, upon the Conditions propos'd on his account, And his Moſt Chriſtian Majeſty has been ſo gracious as to give them an anſwer, by Letter dated the 30th. of June, that he underſtood, with ſatisfaction, by their ſaid Letter, that without expecting the time which he had granted them for a Ceſſation of Arms, they had ſent the ſaid Orders to their Ambaſſadors, to Sign the Treaty of Peace, before the end of June, and that the aſſurance they gave his Majeſty, that thoſe of the Spaniſh King would accept of them at the ſame time, did give him to underſtand, that there were very favourable inclinations for the quiet of all Europe, and that likewiſe his Majeſty did perſwade himſelf, that he could not be long retarded by their Allies; who till this very hour, what inſtances ſoever they had made, had refuſed to give their Concurrence to ſo great a Benefit, and ſo Univerſally deſired.

His Majeſty Declaring farther, that though the uſual Cuſtom in ſuch Caſes requires, that things ſhould continue in the ſame condition they are in, till the Peace be abſolutely Conſummated by an exchange of Ratifications, and a publication of the Treaties; that yet upon their account, he had ſent his immediate Orders to the Duke of Luxemburg, to withdraw his Army from the adjacent parts of Bruſſels, and March them into his own Countreys; and that he Charged the ſaid Duke, for this purpoſe, to agree with the Duke de Villa Hermoſa, as alſo their Envoys with him, about the Conduct that ſhould be among the Officers that were to Command the Troops, which his Majeſty was obliged to leave in the places about the Town of Mons; as alſo how they ſhould live of one ſide as well as the other, without Hoſtility in a good underſtanding, and with Liberty in the Low Countreys, till the Exchange of the Ratiſications with Spain.

From all this, it evidently follows, that the Intentions, as well of his Majeſty as the Lords the States General, have been from the beginning, to make a General Peace, upon ſuch Conditions as all the Allies might have agreed unto; and being very uncertain, whether the ſaid Allies would regulate themſelves by the Conditions his Majeſty had propoſed, and having Explained himſelf, that he would admit of no Alteration, their Lordſhips have deſired an Explanation of his Majeſties Intentions toward them, and of the Conditions that concerned them, and have had the good fortune to receive Inſtructions, not only from the mouth of his Ambaſſadors, but alſo by two Letters from his Majeſty himſelf; that in reſpect to them, they ſhould enjoy the ſaid Conditions, and particularly thoſe relating to the Spaniſh Netherlands, though his Catholick Majeſty, or any other of his Allies ſhould obſtruct the Peace, upon condition, that when they Conclude the Treaty, they ſhould not directly. not indirectly Aſſiſt their Allies, againſt his Majeſty or his Allies whilſt the War ſhould continue; by which it is manifeſtly apparent, that it has been no ways his Majeſties intention to retard, or protract the Peace or the effects thereof by any means whatſoever: as to thoſe that ſhould, who would be ready, and in a condition to make a Concluſion, though ſome other perſons ſhould not as yet prove ſo; and to contract only, that thoſe who ſhould ſubſcribe the Peace, ſhould not aſſiſt directly nor indirectly thoſe that would continue the War againſt his Majeſty or his Allies. And thus it is altogether incredible that ſo Generous a ſoul as his Majeſties, after ſuch clear and Indiſputable Declarations, as are contained in his Letters could entertain ſuch a Sentiment; and certainly their Lordſhips the States General would be extremely ſurpriſed, if his Majeſties Intentions ſhould be found Conformable to the Expreſſions of the ſaid Memorial it being a very Erroneous Poſition, that their Lordſhips the States General did ever Declare, that they found all the Conditions equitable which his Majeſty had propoſed, having never explained themſelves, but in thoſe things which related to their own particular intereſts, and having alſo demanded time to Diſpoſe their Allies to what may farther be required.

Beſides that, it is moſt certain, a Declaration of that Nature was never required of them; that even his Majeſty himſelf having weighed the Scruple, which they were to be ſatisfied in, that all their Allies could not poſſibly be Inclined to accept of the Conditions propoſed, did anticipate them, by his Declaration, that not withſtanding all this, upon their own, as well as the King of Spains account, he would ever condeſcend to them, provided they would put a period to their Treaty upon the conditions that were offered, and hath given ſufficient Teſtimony, that it was neither his own, nor the Intentions of the States General, that they ſhould be obliged to the Loan or Payment of any other thing, but what concerned them particularly, or related to ſuch of their Allies, as were ready to Concur with them in making a Peace; and that his Majeſty as to thoſe that ſhould continue the War, would require only a Neutrality of them, having in no reſpect propoſed or agreed to Second his Allies, and to afford them that Satisfaction they pretend to; which nevertheleſs, the French Ambaſſadors do now lay claim to in the forementioned Memorial, directly contrary to his Majeſties Declarations, if the ſaid Ambaſſadors would pleaſe to call to mind the Anſwer they gave at the Conference on the 17th of June paſſed, when they openly clear'd themſelves upon the point of the Concluſion and Signing of the Treaties, they muſt neceſſarily agree in this, that he hath been, and that they were ready to Sign with all thoſe Allies, who would declare themſelves to Condeſcend thereunto without any ſtipulation for the Swede, or any Delay on that account, having only recommended to them the Continuance of their endeavours with the Allies, with a promiſe that they would effect as much with their own Confederates: being farther moſt certain, that during the whole Courſe; of the Negotiation they never intended any thing as to the Swediſh Intereſt; nay not when the Matter of the Reſtitution of the places, which ſhould ſerve as a Bar, was Debated.

And it is ſomewhat ſurprizing, that the foreſaid Ambaſſadors ſhould poſitively affirm in the ſaid Memorial, that his Majeſty did never Condeſcend to the Reſtitution of Places to the King of Spain, unleſs it were in Conſideration of an equal Reſtitution, which ſhould be made to the King of Swedes Advantage, ſince the Original and the very words of the ſaid Conditions do expreſly import, that thoſe Places ought to ſerve as a Boundary to the Spaniſh Netherlands, upon which the King of Great Britain, the States General, and the other Neighbouring States of the ſaid Countreys have ſo much inſiſted: and that his Moſt Chriſtian Majeſty would Surrender them with this Proſpect, and on ſuch Conditions, that the King of Spain ſhould yield up in Exchange all thoſe Places, which are likewiſe ſpecified in the ſaid Conditions; and that the aforeſaid Reſtitution to the King of Spain ſhould alſo be one part of the Satisfaction due to their Lordſhips without any manner of Limitation, nor be directly, nor indirectly tied to give any manner of Satisfaction to the Swediſh King: and it is very Clear, that the French Ambaſſadors are themſelves Convinced of this, ſince that they confeſs in the ſaid Memorial, that his Moſt Chriſtian Majeſty did not in the leaſt pretend, that They, or the King of Spain ought to joyn their Forces with his, to Repoſſeſs the King of Swedes with thoſe Territories and Places that he had loſt, Grounding it only upon the account of the Retention of them, in regard that in the Conditions of the General Peace, the Swede's Satisfaction is mentioned in the firſt Article; and that before all others; without conſidering that this intire and full Satisfaction of the Swede, cannot by any means be Applicable to their Lordſhips, who had never conquer'd or carried any Place that belonged to that Crown; and that it is very Irregular to pretend to Charge them with a Reſtitution who never took any thing, and have no manner of Poſſeſſion, that even they would draw a Conſequence from ſo General and Ambiguous a propoſition to all particular Conditions, which in purſuance of that propoſition are expreſſed by very different ways and Stipulations; no otherwiſe than if they would deduce the ſame Conſequence from that which is after mentioned concerning the Princes of Strasburg and Fuſtemberg: viz, That their Intereſts ought to make up one of the firſt points of that Peace, it being however an Affair that concerns none of the Confederates, the Emperor excepted, and that particularly too. Nor beſides have the Ambaſſadors conſidered, that his Majeſty by his Letters of the 18th of May, and 1ſt of June, did explain himſelf ſo clearly and ſo poſitively, that he was Content, provided the States General did on their part, Conclude and Sign the Peace, and that he would always agree to the Conditions profered to the King of Spain, they only promiſing not to Aſſiſt their Allies that are willing to continue the War againſt his Majeſty, or his Confederates: ſo that the Conditions offered, as well to the King of Spain, as their Lordſhips ought to be performed, though the other Allies will not Concur in the making of a Peace; not only when the King of Swedes ſhould be re-eſtabliſhed; and receive Satisfaction, but when they had promiſed the ſaid Neutrality.

The Lords the States General deſire ſervently and Cordially, that the War in the Northern parts ſhould be ended by convenient means: but his Moſt Chriſtian Majeſty and the King of Swedes, not being able to Agree upon Conditions with the Allies of their Lordſhips they will look upon the Continuation of the War with great Diſſatisſaction; but yet in the interim they are apt to believe, that the French Ambaſſadors are miſtaken, when they would Infer from thence, That his moſt Chriſtian Majeſty might lawfully make uſe of the Territories and Places belonging to the King of Spain, and their State, to make a more advantageous War.

They call his Countreys and Territories their own, becauſe that according to the Treaty of Peace, they ought to belong to them, by the ſame right as the other Lands and Provinces, which, beyond all controverſie, appertain to them.

It is very certain, that the Countrey of his Electoral Highneſs of Brandenburg may be infeſted, and alſo thoſe belonging to the Biſhop of Munſter, more commodiouſly by thoſe Countreys which the States General at preſent poſſeſs; but as his moſt Chriſtian Majeſty did never pretend, and his Ambaſſadors would do ill to pretend, that his Majeſty might lawfully make uſe of their Territories and Places to that purpoſe; nor can they pretend any more, that his Majeſty can make uſe of thoſe Places, which he hath engaged to reſtore, having reſerv'd no ſuch kind of Right to himſelf, nor any thing whatſoever in order to ſuch a deſign; but onely the ſaid Neutrality of the Parties contracting with him; it being obſervable, that nothing in the world can be more oppoſite to the Neutrality, than to grant one Party the power to employ thoſe Territories and Places to infeſt and indemniſie the other Parties, nor more prejudicial to the Intereſts of their Lordſhips, than thereby to bring upon themſelves the miſchiefs and inconveniences of a War in their Neighbourhood, and even to their very Frontiers; ſo that in lieu of enjoying the ſweetneſs and effects of a Peace, and being aſcertain'd of a Boundary for their ſecurity and repoſe, they ſhall find themſelves deſtitute on one ſide, and infeſted by a thouſand inconveniencies on the other.

What the French Ambaſſadors ſay farther in that Memorial, merits 2 very particular reflection, that their Sentiments in the preſent caſe are conformable to the practiſe in all other Treaties; it being very notorious, that when there is a General Treaty made, all the Contractors ought to have ſatisfaction, which cannot be applied to the caſe in hand. His moſt Chriſtian Majeſty having thought good to enter into a particular Negotiation with the King of Spain and the States General, without ſharing with the other Allies, which would not concur therein. Tis true, that if the King of Spain, or the States General, ſhould not perform the Conditions of ſuch a General Treaty, but fail therein, his moſt Chriſtian Majeſty might juſtly demand the effect of the Conditions agreed unto: but theſe two Powers being altogether diſpoſed to ſatisfie in all, and by all, which they are engaged to, on their behalf, his Majeſty cannot have the leaſt pretence, that they ſhould be fruſtrated of the accompliſhment of what ſhould be promiſed them by particular Treaties, and upon conſideration whereof, they ſhould ſet their hands. Over and above, that his Majeſty, having put into the firſt Article of his Propoſitions, the entire ſatisfaction the Swede ſhould have, which is now made the ground of all the preſent difficulties, explains himſelf in the ſame Period by theſe words, [That without them, he could not conclude upon all the reſt.] Whence it ought to be inferred, without all manner of diſpute, that he would not deſiſt in caſe of a General Treaty; but that it was not intended to apply it to the caſe of particular Conventions, which is now in queſtion.

The Allegations which are made to this Propoſal of the Pyrenaean Treaty, and the example of Verceil, the reſtitution whereof the King of Spain hath promiſed, are not at all applicable here; for that Places was in his own hands, and he might diſpoſe of it as he thought good: but in our caſe, they have not onely not demanded any reſtitution, either from the King of Spain, or the States General, as indeed it could not juſtly be required of them, becauſe they were not all poſſeſſed of any thing that appertained to the Swede; his moſt Chriſtian Majeſty propoſing no other matter to them, but the Neutrality onely: and there might, on the contrary, be drawn a ſolid Argument from the ſame Treaty of the Pyrenaeans, to juſtifie what is at preſent pretended to, concerning the Evacuation, alledging, that his moſt Chriſtian Majeſty hath conſented to the reſtitution of the Places to Spain, notwithſtanding the continuation of the War between that Crown and Portugal.

Tis true, that in the project of Treaties, there is no mention at all made of the Time when the Places ſhould be reſtored; but it is certain and notorious, that the Conſequence of a Treaty is the immediate Exchange of Ratifications, after which, full ſatisfaction ought to be given to all that is promiſed and agreed unto, without any limitation of time; and to that end there can be nothing applied more Authentick, than what his Majeſty. was pleaſed to alledge in his laſt Letter of the 30th. of June paſs'd, where he ſays, That it is the uſual cuſtom in all Treaties, for all things to continue in the ſtate they are in, till the Peace be abſolutely conſummated by Exchange of Ratifications, and the Publication of them; and that conſequently it were directly contrary to that uſage, for his Majeſty to pretend to detain the places, after the Ratifications duly Exchanged, and the Publication made. Their Lordſhips may diſpenſe with the Diſcourſe of the Conduct of his Majeſties Army in the Spaniſh Netherlands, after the return of Monſieur de Lanoy, who brought back his Majeſty's Anſwer of the 30th. of June, made to theirs of the 22d. of the ſame month; but in the mean time they afflict themſelves, not without reaſon, becauſe that by all theſe difficulties, ſo ill grounded, the Concluſion and Signature of the Treaties hath been retarded, and even refuſed; when as their Ambaſſadors did duly preſent themſelves to thoſe of his moſt Chriſtian Majeſty, according to their promiſe, becauſe that their Lordſhips could by no means endure, that the King of Spain, no more than they themſelves to their extreme prejudice, ſhould be diſappointed in the principal effect of Peace; namely, of the Evacuation of the ſaid Places, and conſequently of the Boundary, which his Majeſty had ſo frequently and ſolemnly aſſured them.

Their High and Mighty Lordſhips ſincerely declare, that they deſire nothing more cordially, than to ſee the Peace eſtabliſhed between his Majeſty, the King of Spain, and their own State joyntly together, with all the Confederates that will ſubſcribe it; and that they are willing, and ready alſo to cauſe the Treaties to be Concluded and Signed: But we cannot juſtly deſire of them, that the ſaid Evacuation ſhould depend upon the ſucceſs of Affairs, and a Reſtitution and Satisfaction, which according to all humane apprehenſion, will not be regulated, but by the ſucceſs of the War, the Accidents and Chances whereof are always expoſed to incertainty.

Tis further to be taken into conſideration, that the King of Sweden has not to this hour given any order for the ſatisfaction of their High and Mighty Lordſhips, in regard of the juſt complaints, and exceſſive damages of their Subjects; nay, not ſo much as to renew and re-eſtabliſh their ancient Amity with them; but contrarily, daily add new prejudices to their Negotiation, by Acts of Hoſtility, directly contrary to the Treaties proviſionally eſtabliſhed.

And as his Majeſty ought rationally to expect, from the Lords the States General, that they ſhould ever look upon his Royal Word as firm and inviolable, they cannot be perſuaded, that he would by any means whatſoever alter the Conditions which he hath propoſed by ſo remarkable a Change; and are ſo much the more aſſured thereof, in that their Ambaſſadors at London, having repreſented to his Majeſty of Great Britain the ſcruple of this new upſtart Difficulty, his Majeſty did anſwer them with aſſurance, that there ſhould be no ſtop upon it; and thereby they have been ſtrongly perſuaded, that this delay was to be imputed, not to his Majeſties Sentiments, but to the perſuaſion of thoſe who deſire not a Peace: but that however they hope his Majeſty, according to the greatneſs of his Generoſity, will take off that Delay.

As to the Propoſition the French Ambaſſadors made in their Memorial, the Lords the States General do conſider it two very different ways; either as an Expedient to accommodate the Affairs of the Northern Powers, by amicable means; or elſe to employ their Forces to oblige their Allies to return the King of Sweden their Conqueſts, obtain'd during this War. As to the firſt, they doubt not that the French Ambaſſadors are ſufficiently perſuaded, with what ſervor they deſired to ſee the accompliſhment of a General Peace; and they ſhall never be better ſatisfied in any thing, than in ſeeing it concluded, and that they will always continue to interpoſe, and uſe their utmoſt endeavours to obtain a Benefit ſo much deſired; intreating his Majeſty, that he will pleaſe to furniſh them with means in order thereunto, their Ambaſſadors being fully informed of their good intentions, without being obliged to the Evacuation of Places: But if it be his Majeſties inclination to engage them, in purſuance of that propoſition to violence, and conſtraint, they find themſelves obliged to ſay, That they underſtand no manner of ••• ity therein, and that it is diametrically oppoſite to, what his Majeſty did himſelf judge reaſonable, and that they can by no means ſubſcribe it, not being able at all to prevail with themſelves but by force; they muſt engage their Allies, with whom they have been concern'd in the ſame Obligations, to reſtore what they have taken from the Swediſh King, and ſo conſequently muſt be neceſſitated to take up Arms againſt their Friends and Confederates; a thing altogether unheard of, and which cannot juſtly be required of them; his Majeſty having ſeveral times declar'd, that as for himſelf and his Allies, and in confideration of their Mighty Lordſhips and theirs, he onely demanded the Neutrality before-mention'd.

And thus the Lords the States General do aſſure themſelves, that the French Ambaſſadors, as well as all thoſe that are not prepoſſeſs'd, will be 〈1 page duplicate〉 〈1 page duplicate〉 convinced, that their Lordſhips are no way in fault, if the Peace be not immediatly Concluded, and that the obligation to the Retention of the Towns cannot be imputed to them, it being ſo prejudicial to the Intereſt of their Affairs, that they can never be able to conſent to it.

They farther declare, that they will joyntly uſe their utmoſt endeavours, for the accomodation of the Northern Powers, who are now at War, and who in effect, Conform themſelves to the Expedient, which the French Ambaſſadors have propoſed: but if their Reflection be applied by way of Force and Conſtraint, it cannot be in their opinion and expedient, but a thing never heard of, that by the Treaty of Peace, inſtead of diſengaging themſelves from the War, they ſhould be conſtrained to turn it againſt their Allies. They do not at all doubt, that his Majeſty has a Deſign to procure the Quiet of Europe, and they will voluntarily Contribute on their part, all they can poſſibly, but they cannot by any means expect from his Majeſties Juſtice, that he would oblige them to it, after ſo prejudicial a manner as the Retention of the Places will prove, and upon ſo vexatious a Condition, as that of waging War againſt their Allies, their Mighty Lordſhips, as they are wholly bent upon the Contribution of all friendly Offices, for the accommodation of the ſaid Affairs in the North. So alſo, they promiſe themſelves farther, that his Majeſty will be willing to iſſue out neceſſary Orders for the Concluſion and Signing of the Peace upon the Conditions profer'd, and that he will furniſh them with Expedients, to Contribute alſo on their part, to the Repoſe of Chriſtendom.

This is that which the Lords the States General of the United Provinces have thought good to give in anſwer to the Memorial of the French Ambaſſadors, at the ſame time Ordering their own Ambaſſadors, to appear forward in the Concluding and Signing the Peace, and moſt carneſtly beſeech the ſaid French Ambaſſadors to Concur with them in that Buſineſs.

But if the Completing of ſo beneficial a Work, and ſo univerſally deſired, be delayed upon the account of retaining the Places, the ſaid Ambaſſadors of the Lords the States General, are obliged to proteſt in the name and behalf of the Lords their Maſters, that their High and Mighty Lordſhips do no ways obſtruct the Peace from being brought to a happy Iſſue.

A Memorial delivered to the Plenipotentiaries of France, by the Plenipotentiaries of Sweden; July, the 27th. 1678.

THe Declaration of his Moſt Chriſtian Majeſty, that the Places ſhould not be Surrendered to Spain and the States General, before the Swedes ſhould receive ſatisfaction, is ſo Juſt and Generous, that his Moſt Chriſtian Majeſty cannot but thereby come off with Honour, and the King our Maſter with great Satisfaction. We could wiſh that that Declaration might have reduced our Common Enemies to Reaſon; but ſince it hath met with great oppoſition, as appears by the Memorial of the Holland Ambaſſadors, his Moſt Chriſtian Majeſty will without doubt Examine, if to arrive at the end propoſed thereby; in conſideration of the Reeſtabliſhment of Sweden, it will be more proper to defer the Reſtitution of the Places with the proſpect of making a general Peace, of elſe agree to it as the States General deſire, to the end there may be procur'd a Compleat particular Peace with Spain and States General, as well for France as Sweden.

On our part, we are not ſufficiently informed what thoughts the King our Maſter may have upon this Affair; but as our Orders in general are, that we ought to Conform our ſelves to the pleaſure of France in the like Caſe, that we have good proof of the Intentions and Care of his Moſt Chriſtian Majeſty, and that we have not the Liberty to Correſpond with the King our Maſter, to underſtand his Orders, We can aſſure you, that the King our Maſter will remain ſatisfied with what his Moſt Chriſtian Majeſty ſhall judge ſit to Reſolve, upon the account of the ſaid Reſtitution of Places, as we do alſo put our whole confidence in his Majeſties Royal prudence, who one way or other will furniſh him with ſuch means as may tend to his own Glory; together with the abſolute Reeſtabliſhment of his Ally.

This is all we have Order to ſay; but if beſides this, we muſt explain our mind more particularly, we are apt to believe, that in this preſent juncture of Affairs, the Compleating a particular Peace, by the French and Swede, with the Spaniard and Hollander, would prove advantageous to the common Intereſt, and withall Glorious to his Moſt Chriſtian Majeſty. For it is for the advancement of the common Intereſt.

1. To diſengage themſelves from 2 Enemies, that are ſo much the more Conſiderable, becauſe they ſupport others by their Aids.

2. To avoid the new Rupture wherewith we are threatned, which being over, we cannot ſee how the Swedes will be able to make oppoſition, if you conſider only their Commerce.

3. To divert the Engagements that are made againſt France and Sweden.

4. To fruſtrate their Deſign, who endeavour ſtrictly to League together all the States of the Empire.

5. To be able to reduce to Peace the other Allies, who continue ſtill in War, and ſo procure a General one, for which there is ſome probability, ſince that upon the Rumor of Accommodation between France and Holland, we ſee they were troubled, and begin to yield.

6. To be able to act Victoriouſly by force of Arms, againſt the ſaid Confederates, in caſe that they refuſe an Accommodation; the War being to be carried on againſt them with greater eaſe, when they are ſeparated from thoſe that have aſſorded them the greateſt Supplies.

Beſides it will be very Honorable for his Moſt Chriſtian Majeſty.

1. To be able once more to reſtore Peace to Chriſtendom.

2. To break all the Intreagues of his Enemies.

3. To Eſtabliſh his Intereſts in what we have ſaid before.

4. To ſhew that he hath other ways for the Reeſtabliſhment of the Swedes, beſides that now in Queſtion.

5. To take occaſion to make them ſenſible of the effects of his juſt Reſentments towards them, who in theſe preſent Intreagues, have ſtood in oppoſition both to his good Deſigns and to his Glory.

6. To diſabuſe them who by the Inductions of thoſe that are evil inclined, have queſtioned the ſincerity of his Majeſties Intentions, in this Negotiation.

7. To let the World know that the intentions of others have been in effect to oppoſe the general Peace, ſince without that Impediment it might have been obtained.

Theſe are the Reaſons of our particular Sentiments, which we beſeech your Excellencies to take into your Conſideration; but for the remainder to teſtify to his Moſt Chriſtian Majeſty, that we have no other Order from the King our Maſter, but to depend upon his Care for our Security, as hath been before Specified.

The ſecond Memorial of the Ambaſſadors of France, given into the Ambaſſadors of the States General, the 29th. of July, 1678.

THe Ambaſſadors Extraordinary, and Plenipotentiaries of France, not thinking fit to give an anſwer at preſent to the Memorial of the Ambaſſadors of the States General of the 26th. of this month, when they ought rather to conſider how to remove the impediment that is riſen to obſtruct the concluſion of the Peace, than to enter into ſuch particulars of actions and reaſonings as may exaſperate, will ſay thus much onely, that ſince the States General declare themſelves to be fully ſatisfied as to the ſincerity of the intentions of the King their Maſter, and his Majeſty is no leſs perſwaded of their diſpoſition towards a perfect reconciliation with himſelf, all that remains to be done, is to find the moſt ready means to perfect this great Work. To which end, the Ambaſſadors of France do now again aſſure the Ambaſſadors of the States General, that his Majeſty will readily joyn with them in ſuch expedients as ſhall be moſt proper to remove the difficulties that hinder the Signing of the Peace. The ſaid Ambaſſadors of the States General may eaſily have obſerved that no other intereſt with-holds his Majeſty, than that of the King his Ally, whoſe ſatisfaction is the only end that he propoſeth to himſelf in this Affair. His Majeſty is alſo willing to admit of any propoſals to accommodate it, and queſtions not but that ſome expedient may be found, with which both himſelf and the States General may be ſatisfied. But to give a publick Inſtance of his real intentions for Peace, and of his unfeigned affection to the States General; his Majeſty deſires to hear himſelf what they can propoſe, to remove the impediments that ſtand in their way, and to joyn with them in. ſuch expedients as may equally anſwer the ſecurity, that both himſelf wiſheth and they deſire. To this purpoſe his Majeſty thinks fit to advance as far as St. Quentin, whither ſuch Deputies that they ſhall reſolve to ſend to him, may reſort; and if they ſhall accept, as his Majeſty believes they will, ſo beneficial an offer, his Majeſty will be in that Town ſix days, after he ſhall have underſtood by his Ambaſſadors, that the States have agreed to ſend their Miniſters thither: ſo that he and they may come thither at one and the ſame time. And as his Majeſty doth not queſtion but they will bring with them ſuch ſentiments as ſhall be juſt and reaſonable, they will find his Majeſty ſo fairly diſpos'd, that they will have no cauſe left to queſtion the Sincerity with which his Majeſty hath begun and continued his endeavours for Peace.

But becauſe the Ambaſſadors of the States General have remonſtrated to thoſe of France, at a conference held the 17th. of this month, that ſince his Majeſties promiſe not to attaque any Place in the Low Countreys is expired, it will be neceſſary to take ſome meaſures to procure a Ceſſation of all Acts of hoſtility, whilſt this Negotiation is on foot; the ſaid Ambaſſadors have already received inſtructions from his Majeſty, to aſſure their Excellencies, that his Majeſty will willingly agree with the Deputies of the States General, upon uſing all means that may prevent it's being interrupted by Arms.

The ſaid Ambaſſadors of France, cannot but think that it will be for the advantage of the States General, to diſcuſs this affair with his Majeſty, and to agree upon the Peace with him. But if they had rather treat of it nearer their own Fronteers, his Majeſty gives them liberty to ſend their Deputies to Gand, where ſuch perſons as ſhall be there on his Majeſties behalf, ſhall have power to Treat with them upon the difficulties than are riſen concerning the time for evacuating the Places, and to conclude upon ſuch expedients as may both ſatisfie his Majeſty, and content the States General, and alſo to agree forthwith upon a Ceſſation of Hoſtility; ſo as no moleſtation may be given to ſuch diſpoſitions for Peace, as this Negociation may produce.

A Memorial given in by the Ambaſſadors of the States General, to the Ambaſſadors of France, the 4th. of Auguſt, 1678.

THe Ambaſſador and Envoy Extraordinary of their Lordſhips the States General of the United Provinces, having ſent to their Hi. and Mi. the Memorial of the Lords Ambaſſadors of France, of the 29th. of July, have received expreſs order from their Maſters to anſwer their Excellencies, that they were tranſported to underſtand thereby the continuance of his moſt Chriſtian Majeſty's real intentions for Peace; and that themſelves will not be wanting on their part to do whatever may further the concluding it, and that they are extremely ſorry to ſee it ſtick ſolely upon giving the King of Sweden ſatisfaction, and that that ſhould be of ſuch conſideration to his Majeſty, as to be capable of giving a ſtop to the finiſhing a work that is ſo much deſired.

The States General think, that they have done all that could poſſibly be expected from a State, that is a Lover of Peace; having declared their acceptance of the Conditions which the King himſelf had propoſed, as far as they concern themſelves; and having laboured to the utmoſt of their power to bring their Allies to a compliance; in which endeavours they have been ſo ſucceſsful with the King of Spain, that he likewiſe accepts the Conditions that concern himſelf. And yet after all this, to their great ſorrow, they find themſelves deprived of the benefit of thoſe Conditions, not upon the account of any thing that might or ought to have been done by them, but becauſe the King of Sweden muſt firſt be ſatisfi'd, though neither his Catholick Majeſty nor themſelves poſſeſſed any thing that muſt make part of his ſatisfaction; and though the ſaid King continue daily to exerciſe all manner of Hoſtilities againſt their Inhabitants, directly contrary to Treaties ſolemnly ratifi'd.

Yet their Hi. and Mi. notwithſtanding their Inhabitants meet with ſuch bad uſage from the ſaid King, and though they have evidently had juſt cauſe to fall upon him, and make War upon him, as he does upon them, have choſen rather to endeavour a Peace in the North, and have offered to do all good offices in order to it; if his moſt Chriſtian Majeſty will be pleaſed to furniſh them with ſome Expedients; and they do yet perſiſt in the ſame mind, and ſhould be ready to propoſe Expedients themſelves, if they knew of any: But they cannot in any wiſe expect from his Majeſties generous diſpoſition, that after having teſtifi'd ſo much good will to them, he ſhould oblige them to act forcibly againſt their Allies; and that, not to procure his Majeſty better ſatisfaction, but meerly for the benefit of his Ally.

Their Hi. and Mi. will ever profeſs a great reverence for his Majeſty, and will bear him as much deference as he can poſſibly deſire; but they do not ſee of what uſe it will be to put his Majeſty to trouble, by ſending their Deputies to St. Quintin, not having any themſelves to propoſe to him; for the Places muſt be Evacuated when the Treaty is concluded, in diſcharge of that ſolemn promiſe which his Majeſty made to them; and as to that, there remains no difficulty. And concerning the King of Sweden, as his Majeſties Ally, they offer to do all friendly offices for his Accommodation; and certainly ſuch endeavours cannot be made with greater likelihood of ſucceſs any where elſe, than at Nimeguen, where all the Miniſters of the Confederates are: There we may labour to diſpoſe them, with hopes of ſucceſs; there we may be informed of what-ever may be neceſſary to promote the common good, and may uſe all manner of endeavours, which cannot be ſo ſucceſsful, either at St. Quintin or at Ghent.

The States General conceive the leſs hopes from ſuch a Deputation, becauſe the Ambaſſadors of France did not inſtance, as to what Expedients in particular their Deputies ſhould come inſtructed: and they think his Majeſty may propoſe what he would have, and do what-ever is to be done ſooner, and more readily at Nimeguen, than either at St: Quintin or any other Place. They deſire with all their hearts, that his Majeſty would propoſe ſome Expedients to further the Peace; and themſelves will at the ſame time make appear, how affectionately they deſire to help forward, as much as in them lies, the perfecting this great work: and they earneſtly deſire, that the time may be well husbanded, for that as yet they find themſelves in a condition able to conclude a Peace upon the terms that have been propoſed, though they have been involv'd in a great deal of trouble, and been put upon a neceſſity of entring into new Engagements, by their manner of acting, whoſe expectations are not anſwered by the Peace, and who repreſented the Evacuation of the Places to their Hi. and Mi. as a thing to be deſpaired of; though they made thoſe Engagements with ſuch caution and regard to his Majeſty, that they can be of no effect, unleſs the matter ſhould fall out ſo unfortunately, as that his Moſt Chriſtian Majeſty ſhould ſet ſuch a value upon the King of Sweden's Satisfaction, and not to reſolve to Evacuate the Places but upon thoſe terms, though the Exchange of the Ratifications enſued upon it.

The States General do inſtantly deſire his Majeſty to conclude the Treaties, and not to ſuffer the finiſhing them to ſtick at the King of Sweden's Satisfaction; and to make them ſo happy, as to give them ſome aſſurance, as ſoon as may be, by taking up a favourable reſolution, which is the thing they ſo greatly deſire.

The third Memorial of the Ambaſſadors of France, given in to the Ambaſſadors of the States General of the United Provinces, the 6th. of Auguſt, 1678.

THe Ambaſſadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiaries of France, to make appear more and more his Majeſties ſincere deſire to give quiet to all Chriſtendom, by the care that his Majeſty continues to take for the removing ſuch obſtacles as hinder the accompliſhing ſo great a work, declare to the Ambaſſadors of the States General, that as his Majeſty deſign'd to retain thoſe Places, till the King of Sweden were entirely ſatisfied; onely becauſe the Ambaſſadors of that Crown thought it neceſſary for the King their Maſter; ſo he is now willing to deſiſt, if thoſe Ambaſſadors will conſent, that he forbear to ſtand upon it.

It is evident, that his Majeſty doth not incline to any Party, but out of his deſire to finiſh the affair of the Peace as ſoon as may be; and out of the confidence that he repoſeth in the word of the States General, he hath always deſired, that they would ſend their Deputies, either to himſelf, or to Ghent, both to concert what will be neceſſary for the warranting to his Majeſty the Engagement that Spain is to enter into, of not aſſiſting his Enemies, nor thoſe of his Allies, and to agree upon ſuch means as his Majeſty ſhould propoſe to them, for the more eaſie reſtoring of Sweden, without obliging them to enter into a War in order to it: And one of the firſt effects that would enſue upon theſe Conferences, would be that of taking meaſures to ſuperſede all Acts of Hoſtility, and of providing for the ſubſiſting of Mons, while the Conferences ſhould laſt.

The ſaid Ambaſſadors cannot doubt, but that ſuch an overture will remove thoſe difficulties that have hindred the States General, and that as the ſigning their Treaty, and that of Spain, was delayed, onely by his Majeſties pretending to retain all the Places; ſo his deſiſting from that, will enable them to ſign the Peace. They conceive likewiſe, that the ſaid States General will be ſenſible of his Majeſties offers to ſurceaſe all acts of War, and aſſure the ſubſiſtance of Mons, which would perfectly be reſtored, if the Peace were concluded with their Deputies, ſo as there is ground of aſſurance that it will.

A Memorial given by the Ambaſſadors of Sweden, to the Ambaſſadors of France, this 9th. of Auguſt, 1678.

THe Ambaſſadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Sweden, being informed that the Ambaſſadors of the States General, at a conference with the Ambaſſadors of his Moſt Chriſtian Majeſty, held the 28th of July, would have imputed to Sweden the delay that was hapned to the concluſion of the Peace, that is making up betwixt the King their Maſter, and the States General, conceive it is their duty to acquaint the Ambaſſadors and Plenipotentiaries of his Moſt Chriſtian Majeſty, how they have acted throughout this affair, by which it will appear not to be long of them, that the Treaty is not at preſent ready to be perfected and Signed.

In the firſt place, as the regulation of Commerce makes the principal point of the Treaty on the part of the States General, the ſaid Ambaſſadors of Sweden have offered all the facilities that could be deſired of them in order to it. It was upon the 20th. of June, that the Count of Oxenſtierne preſented an Article for referring this affair to Commiſſioners, which not being agreed to, and the Ambaſſadors of the States General, declaring that their Principals and Maſters deſired to ſee the regulation finiſhed before the Peace were concluded, the ſaid Count of Oxenſtierne conſented to enter into the particulars of the States Project of Commerce, and thereupon, on the 27th. of June, acquainted Monſieur de Beverning, Ambaſſador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the States General, that he had drawn a Counter-Project upon ſome Articles not yet agreed; which Counter-Project having been read to the Sieur de Beverning, was immediately by his advice delivered to Sieur Silvercroon, Commiſſary of Sweden, with orders to go quickly to the Hague, and help to inform the States General more fully by Word of mouth, of the reaſons upon which the Counter-Project was grounded, the ſaid Sieur de Beverning affirming likewiſe that he had writ to his Principals and Maſters, to appoint Commiſſioners to confer all matters with him as ſoon as might be. Which though the ſaid Sieur Silvercroon immediately did, and the States General received the Counter-Project, yet now in ſeven weeks time they have not return'd their anſwer to it, and remitted the affair hither to be adjuſted and finiſhed, by the Ambaſſadors and Plenipotentiaries of both parties: in order whereunto the Ambaſſadors of Sweden have not failed all this time to make frequent inſtances, both here at Nimeguen, where they have been aſſiſted by the Ambaſſadors of France, and at the Hague by the Sieur Silvercroon. Beſides this point of Commerce, as there have been ſome complaints made that certain Veſſels laden with Corn, and belonging to the Subjects of this State, have been taken and carried to Straelſond, and that Count Conningſmark had taken out their lading to ſerve for food for his Army, the Ambaſſadors of Sweden having been informed of the ſaid complaints by the Ambaſſadors of the States General, gave in a Declaration the 18th of July, that the ſaid action of the Mareſhal of Connigſmark could not be reputed any other than a meer act of neceſſity, which he then was reduced to, through want of Victuals and Correſpondence; that the parties concern'd ſhould be ſatisfied to the full, and that he would paſs any ſuch Act to that end as ſhould be thought fit, knowing that ſuch was the King his Maſters intention. The ſame has likewiſe bin aſſured by the Commiſſary Silvercroon at the Hague, and an extract has ſince been delivered of a Letter from the Mareſhal de Coningſmark, containing the like aſſurances, together with a relation how he had acted, and that he had paid the Maſters of the Ships their Freight. Which things being ſo, the Ambaſſadors of Sweden believed that the States General would have received all the ſatisfaction they could poſſibly deſire, and that nothing was wanting to conclude a Peace betwixt the King their Maſter, and them, but to prepare ſuch Articles as are uſual almoſt in all Treaties of Peace, which would be no hard work for the Ambaſſadors of both parties to do. But in ſtead of that, they are ſurpriſed to underſtand, that there have been very bitter complaints againſt Sweden, in the anſwers that the Ambaſſadors of the States General gave on the 26th. of July, and the 7th. of Auguſt, to the Memorials of the Ambaſſadors of France, and though the Ambaſſadors of Sweden have heretofore explained and declared themſelves, as is before mentioned, yet they would not omit giving ſome proper anſwer to them, but that having agreed with the Ambaſſadors of France, that for the avoiding all ſharpneſs, neither of them will meddle in things of that nature, they are willing to paſs them all over with ſilence, and to endeavour ſomething of reality; to which end they repeat their inſtances here at Nimeguen, as Monſieur Boreel cannot but know, as well as at the Hague by the Sieur Silvercroon, that the States General would advance the Negotiation with Sweden, that the Peace may be concluded at the ſame time that it ſhall be with France, ſince one cannot be without the other.

And the Ambaſſadors of Sweden apprehended, that the reiterating their inſtances had produced a good effect, ſince the Sieur Silvercroon ſent word from the Hague, by the laſt Courrier, That he had been conferr'd with, and that the Anſwer to the Counter-project was ready to be ſent to Nimeguen.

But whilſt they were in this expectation, the Ambaſſadors of France inform them, That but yeſterday the Ambaſſadors of the States General renew'd their complaints againſt Sweden, for raiſing difficulties, and that Count Coningſmark exerciſed acts of Hoſtility, Confiſcating Ships and Cargo's belonging to the Subjects of this State; inſomuch that the States had more reaſon to continue the War, than to think of a Peace with Sweden.

By which the ſaid Ambaſſadors perceiving with ſorrow, that but little reflection is made upon what they have heretofore advanced, and being alſo very certain, that Monſieur Coningſmark hath not confiſcated any thing belonging to the Subjects of this State, nor done any acts of Hoſtility againſt them, ſince they agree to make amends for all; and ſeeing how lightly the good Offices are thought on, which the Ambaſſadors of Sweden have done ſince they came to Nimeguen, to further a Peace for the benefit of this State; and even the endeavours which they have but lately uſed with his moſt Chriſtian Majeſty, to facilitate the Evacuation of the Places; do entreat the Ambaſſadors of his Moſt Chriſtian Majeſty, to anſwer and repreſent to the Ambaſſadors of the States General, that they do ill to complain of Sweden, after it has offered ſo many facilities, and made ſo many advances; and conſequently to induce them, inſtead of exaſperating matters, rather to expreſs ſuch readineſs and facility on behalf of the States General, as may reaſonably be expected from them, that ſo both Parties may receive that ſatisfaction which they wiſh for, in the concluſion of a good Peace. The ſaid Ambaſſadors of Sweden hope, that the States General have no intentions of protracting the Negotiation of the Peace with Sweden, to the end that themſelves may be able to make a Separate Peace with his moſt Chriſtian Majeſty, excluding Sweden; but they think notwithſtanding, that to prevent all obſtacles, it were well, if all hopes of ſuch a Separation were taken away. And therefore they do again deſire the Ambaſſadors of his moſt Chriſtian Majeſty to renew this Declaration to the Ambaſſadors of the States General, ſince it was upon this proſpect, that the Ambaſſadors of Sweden adviſed the Reſtitution of the Places.

The Treaty made, and paſſed between the commiſſioners deputed on behalf of the King, and thoſe deputed likewiſe on behalf of the Catholick King, and of the States General of the United Provinces of the Low Countreys, about the demenour of the Troops, and Garriſons of both ſides, in the ſaid Low Countreys, till the Ratifications of the Treaty of Peace are Exchanged. The 19th. of Auguſt, 1678.

IT being neceſſary to regulate after what manner the Forces ſhall carry themſelves in the Low Countreys, till the Ratification of the Peace, for the avoiding all Acts of Hoſtility that may diſturb it, and for the eaſe of the People on both ſides, it is agreed by thoſe underwritten, in purſuance of their reſpective Authorities, as followeth;

That the day after the Ratification of this preſent Treaty, all Acts of Hoſtility ſhall ceaſe betwixt the Armies, and that in conſequence thereof from the morrow of the ſaid Ratification, the two Armies ſhall retire from the Neighbourhood of Mons.

That the Army of the Moſt Chriſtian King ſhall march toward Gevries or Merbepoterie; and that Commanded by the Prince of Orange beyond Havre towards Nivelle.

That notwithſtanding ſuch Troops as formed the Blockade of Mon's, under the Command of Monſieur du Montal and Monſieur de Quincy, ſhall not retire on that ſame day, but two days after the Ratification of the preſent Treaty, which will be the day after the two Armies ſhall have marched; and till ſuch time as the ſaid Blockade is raiſed, the Army Commanded by the Prince of Orange may continue encamp'd as aforeſaid.

That the Town of Mons ſhall remain after that in full and perfect Liberty, that all ſorts of Perſons, Proviſions, and Merchandiſes may go in and out, as they do in other Towns under the obedience of Spain.

That as for the Garriſons, ſix days after the Ratification of this preſent Treaty, or ſooner, if poſſible, that is to ſay as ſoon as the Convoys can arrive at each Place, no parties nor detatchments ſhall make incurſions into the Grounds and Countreys of one another, but the Troops and Armies of each Crown ſhall abide within the extent of ſuch Lands and Countreys as are under the obedience of each Crown.

That all ſuch Priſoners as ſhall be taken on either ſide after the day of the Ratifying of this preſent Treaty, ſhall be reſtor'd without ranſom; even Horſes alſo, Cattel, Equipages, and Merchandiſes, and generally all other things whatſoever.

That as at the time when the Treaty of Peace ſhall be executed, or betwixt this and then, it may be neceſſary for the Troops of one Crown or it's Allies to paſs into ſuch Lands and Countreys as now belong to the other: either ſide ſhall be at Liberty ſo to do, only for maintaining communication betwixt the ſeveral Places in the Low Countreys, and to go thence, without taking any thing in ſuch Lands and Countreys but Forrage only, or Sojourning there any longer than is uſual in ordinary marches.

That from the day of the Ratification of this preſent Treaty, as well the Subjects of each Crown as thoſe of the States General, ſhall be at Liberty to go and come without Paſs-Ports within ſuch Lands and Countreys as do at preſent belong to the Crown or State, of which they are Subjects; and that there ſhall be no other need of Paſs-Ports than for going from Lands now belonging to one Crown or State, to ſuch as do at preſent belong to the other.

That from ſix days after the Ratification of the preſent Treaty, the Troops and Armies of each Crown ſhall live upon the Lands and Countreys of which each is now in poſſeſſion, without forraging in one another's Countrey: it being underſtood that the word poſſeſſion is not meant to comprehend or paſs as in right of poſſeſſion, ſuch paſſages and poſts as the Armies and Parties have made or do now make in the places where they are or have been.

That from the day of the Ratification of this Treaty, all extraordinary demands of Contributions, Cows, Priſoners, and Carriages ſhall ceaſe on both ſides in one anothers Countrey, ſo as neither party ſhall be at Liberty to make ſuch demands upon emergent neceſſities, but within ſuch Countreys as each is in poſſeſſion of.

That the Arrears of Contributions for the year that will expire the 16th. of October next, from thoſe Countreys that are actually brought under ſuch Contributions, ſhall continue to be exacted on both ſides, but in ſuch manner only as ſhall be agreed by the Lords Plenipotentiaries at Nimeguen.

That if, contrary to all appearance, any difficulty ſhall happen as to the performance of this preſent agreement, in all or in part, the ſame ſhall be adjuſted in a friendly manner, by the Generals, or ſuch as ſhall be thereto authoriſed, without altering this agreement upon any ſuch occaſion, or ſuffering any recourſe to force.

All this the Deputies underwritten have reſpectively agreed, and have promiſed to produce to morrow the Ratifications of the ſame by Monſieur, the Duke of Luxemburg, Peer and Marſhal of France, Captain of the Garde-du-corps to the Moſt Chriſtian King, Commander in chief of his Majeſties Army in Flanders, and by the Duke de Villa Hermoſa Gentleman of the Bed-Chamber to his Catholick Majeſty, Governour, and Captain General of the Catholick Low Countreys.

At the Camp near Mons, the 19th. day of Auguſt, 1678. Robert Fagel de Contamougear. We approve and Ratifie all the Contents of the foregoing Treaty. Montmorgency Luxemburg. Duke de Villa Hermoſa, Conde de Luna. The Deputy of the United Provinces to the Army underwritten, authoriſed by his Highneſs the Prince of Orange, approves the foregoing Treaty, having been made in his preſence, and with his participation, for ſo much as it concerns his ſaid Highneſs, and the Army and Troops of the Lords the States General under his Command. De Weede. His Highneſs having ſeen the Convention foregoing, made by vertue of the authority which he granted, doth approve and Ratifie the ſame by theſe preſents. At the Camp at Roeulx, the 20th. of Auguſt, 1678. William Prince of Orange.

Treaties of Peace and Commerce, Navigation and Marine, betwixt France, and the States General of the United Provinces of the Low-Countreys, concluded at Nimeguen the 10th. of Auguſt, 1678.

LEWIS by the Grace of God, King of France and Navar, to all that ſhall ſee theſe preſents, Greeting. Since our moſt dear and well-beloved Couſin, the Sieur Comte D' Eſtrades, Marſhal of France, and Knight of oùr Orders; our faithful and well-beloved, the Sieur Colbert, Marquis of Croiſſi, Counſellor in Ordinary in our Council of State; and our faithful and well-beloved, the Sieur De Meſmes Comte d' Avaux, Counſellor alſo in our Councils; Our Ambaſſadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiaries, by vertue of the Plenary Powers which We had given them, have Concluded, Agreed, and Signed the 10th, of this month at Nimeguen, with the Heer Hieroſm van Beverningh, Baron of Teylingenham, Curator of the Univerſity of Leyden, late Counſellor and Treaſurer General of the United Provinces of the Low-Countreys; the Heer Wilhem van Naſſau Heer van Odyke, Cortgene and firſt Noble, and Repreſentative of the Nobility in the States and Councel of Zeland, and the Heer Wilhem van Haren Griedtman van Bildt; Ambaſſadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiaries of our moſt Dear and Great Friends the States General of the United Provinces of the Low Countries, inſtructed likewiſe with full Power, the Treaty of Peace according to the Tenour enſuing.

In the name of God the Creator: To all preſent and to come, be it known; that as during the courſe of the War that has been ſtirr'd for ſome years betwixt the Moſt High, Moſt Excellent, and Moſt Mighty Prince Lewis the 14th, by the grace of God Moſt Chriſtian King of France and Navar, and the Lords the States General of the United Provinces, His Majeſty always maintain'd a ſincere deſire to give back to the ſaid States his principal friendſhip, and they all the ſentiments of reſpect for his Majeſty, and of acknowledgment for the obligations and conſiderable advantages which they have received from his Majeſty, and the Kings his Predeceſſors, it is at laſt come to paſs that theſe good diſpoſitions, ſeconded by the powerful Offices of the Moſt High, Moſt Excellent, and Moſt Mighty Prince, the King of Great Brittain, who during theſe troubleſom times, wherein almoſt all Chriſtendom has been in War, hath not ceaſed by his Counſels and good Advertiſements to contribute to the publick weal and repoſe, induced as well his Moſt Chriſtian Majeſty and the ſaid States General, as alſo all other the Princes and Potents, that are concerned in the intereſt of this preſent War, to conſent that the Town of Nimeguen ſhould be made choice of for the Treaty of Peace, to which end his Moſt Chriſtian Majeſty named for his Ambaſſadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiaries, the Sieur Comte D' Eſtrades Marſhal of France, and Knight of his Orders, the Sieur Colbert Knight, Marquiſs of Croiſſi Councellor in ordinary in his Counſel of State, and the Sieur Meſmes Knight, Comte D'Avaux, Councellor alſo in his Counſels, and the ſaid States General, the Heer Hieroſme Van Beverning Baron of Teylingen, Curator of the Univerſity of Leyden, late Councellor and Treaſurer General of the United Provinces, the Heer Wilhem van Naſſau, Heer van Odyke, Cortgene and firſt noble, and repreſentative of the nobility in the States and Councel of Zeland, and the Heer Wilhem van Haren, Grietman van Bildt, Deputies in their Aſſemblies, on the behalf of the States of Holland, Zeland, &c. Which Ambaſſadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiaries, duely inſtructed with the good intentions of their Maſters, were to repair to the ſaid Town of Nimeguen, where after a mutual communication of their plenary powers, the copies whereof are inſerted word for word at the end of this Treaty, it was agreed upon Conditions of Peace and Friendſhip, according to this enſuing Tenour; viz.

I.

There ſhall be for the future betwixt his Moſt Chriſtian Majeſty and his Succeſſors Kings of France and Navar, and his Kingdoms on the one part; and the Lords the States General of the United Provinces of the Low Countreys, on the other part, a good, firm, faithful, and inviolable Peace, and all Acts of Hoſtility of what kind ſoever ſhall hereafter ceaſe, and be forborn betwixt the ſaid King, and the ſaid Lords the States General, as well by Sea and other waters, as by Land, in all their Kingdoms, Countreys, Lands, Provinces, and Seignories, and for all their Subjects and Inhabitans of what Quality or Condition ſoever, without exception of Places or Perſons.

II.

And if any Prizes are taken on either ſide, in the Baltcik Sea, or the North Sea, from Terneuſe to the channel's mouth, within the ſpace of four weeks, or from the ſaid mouth of the channel to the Cape of St. Vincent within the ſpace of ſix weeks, and further in the Mediterranian Sea, and as far as the Aequinoctial, within the ſpace of ten weeks and beyond the Line, and in all parts of the World within the ſpace of eight months, to be computed from the day on which the Peace ſhall be publiſhed at Paris and at the Hague, the ſaid Prizes and the dammages that ſhall happen on either ſide after the Terms prefixt, ſhall be brought to account, and whatever ſhall have bin taken, ſhall be reſtor'd, with recompence for the dammages that ſhall have happned thereby.

III.

There ſhall be moreover betwixt the ſaid King, and the ſaid Lords the States General, and their Subjects and Inhabitants, mutually, a ſincere, firm, and perpetual friendſhip, and good correſpondence by Sea and Land, in all things and in all places, within Europe and without, and no reſenting of the offences or dammages that have been received either in time paſt, or by reaſon of the ſaid Wars.

IV.

And in vertue of this Friendſhip and Correſpondence, as well his Majeſty as the ſaid Lords the States General, ſhall faithfully procure and further the good and proſperity of one another, by all Support, Aid, Counſel and real Aſſiſtances, upon all occaſions, and at all times, and ſhall not conſent for the future to any Treaties or Negotiations that may be to one anothers damage: but ſhall break them off, and give notice of them to one another with care and ſincerity, as ſoon as ever they come to their knowledge.

V.

They that have had any of their goods ſeized and confiſcated by reaſon of the ſaid War, their Heirs or Aſſigns of what Condition or Religion ſoever, ſhall enjoy ſuch goods and take them into poſſeſſion of their own private authority, and by vertue of this preſent Treaty, without ſtanding in need to have recourſe to Law, and that notwithſtanding any appropriations to the Exchequer, engagements, gifts in writing, ſentences preparatory or definitive given by default and contumacy in the parties abſence, or without their being heard, Treaties, Accords, and Tranſactions, and any Renunciations that may have been made at ſuch tranſactions, to exclude the right owners from any part of ſuch goods, and all and every the goods and rights, which according to this preſent Treaty ſhall or ought to be reſtor'd on either ſide to the firſt Proprietors, their Heirs and Aſſigns, may be ſold by the ſaid Proprietors, without obtaining any particular Licence ſo to do: and likewiſe the Proprietors of ſuch Rents as ſhall be ſetled by the Exchequers in lieu of goods ſold, as alſo of ſuch Rents and Actions as ſtand on charge in the Exchequers, may reſpectively diſpoſe of the Propriety thereof by ſale or otherwiſe, as of their other proper goods.

VI.

And ſince the Marquiſate of Bergenopzome, with all the Rights and Revenues thereunto appertaining, and generally all the Lands and Goods of Monſieur le Comte D'Auvergne, Colonel General of the Light Horſe of France, that were under the power of the ſaid States General of the United Provinces, have been ſeized and confiſcated by reaſon of the War, to which the preſent Treaty ought to put a happy end, it is agreed that the ſaid Sieur Compte D'Auvergene ſhall be reſtored to the poſſeſſion of the ſaid Marquiſate of Bergenopzome, it's appurtenances and dependances; and alſo to all the rights, actions, privileges, uſages, and prerogatives that he enjoy'd at the time when the War was declar'd.

VII.

Each ſhall continue ſeized of, and ſhall actually enjoy the Countreys, Towns, Places, Lands, Iſlands, and Seignories, within Europe and without, which they now hold and poſſeſs, without being diſturb'd or moleſted, directly or indirectly, in any manner whatſoever.

VIII.

But his Moſt Chriſtian Majeſty, willing to give back to the Lords the States General his Principal Friendſhip, and to give them a ſingular proof therof upon this occaſion, will immediately after the exchange of the Ratifications put them into poſſeſſion of the Town of Maeſtricht, with the Comte of Uronof, and the Comtez and Countreys of Fauquemond, Aalhem, and Rolleduc beyond the Maes, together with the Villages of Redemption, Banc d' St. Servais, and whatever is belonging to the ſaid Town.

IX.

The ſaid Lords the States General promiſe that what ever concerns the exerciſe of the Roman Catholick Religion, and ſuch as profeſs it enjoying their Goods, ſhall be re-eſtabliſhed and maintained in the ſaid Town of Maeſtricht and it's dependances, in the ſame ſtate and in ſuch manner as was regulated by the Capitulation made in the year 1632: and that ſuch as ſhall have been endowed with any Eccleſiaſtical goods, Canons Places, Parſonages, Provoſtſhips, and other Benefices, ſhall continue ſetled in them and enjoy them without any contradiction.

X.

His Majeſty reſtoring to the ſaid Lords the States General, the Town of Maeſtricht and Countreys thereunto belonging, may yet take and carry away all the Artillery, Powder, Bullets, Proviſions, and other War-like Ammunition, that ſhall be found there at the time of it's Reſtitution; and they that his Majeſty ſhall have appointed for this purpoſe, may if they pleaſe, make uſe of the Boats and Carriages of the Countrey for two months time: and ſhall have free paſſage by Water and Land for the carrying away the ſaid Ammunition: And the Governors, Commanders, Officers, and Magiſtrates of the ſaid Town, ſhall give them all the facilities they can for the carriage and conduct of the ſaid Artillery and Ammunition. Alſo the Officers, Soldiers, Men of War, and others that ſhall leave the ſaid Place, may take thence and carry away all their moveable Goods; but it ſhall not be lawful for them to exact any thing from the inhabitants of the Town of Maeſtricht or it's neighbourhood, nor to do any hurt to their houſes, or carry away any thing belonging to the ſaid inhabitants.

XI.

All Priſoners of War on both ſides ſhall be delivered, without diſtinction or exception, and without paying any ranſom.

XII.

The raiſing of contributions demanded by the Governour of the Town of Maeſtricht, of the Countreys ſubjected, ſhall continue for all that ſhall become due till the Ratification of the preſent Treaty, and ſuch Arrears as ſhall remain, ſhall be paid within three months after that, at convenient times; for which a valuable caution ſhall be given in ſome Town within his Majeſties Dominion.

XIII.

The ſaid Lords the States General have and do promiſe not only to maintain a perfect Neutrality, without being at Liberty to aſſiſt directly or indirectly the enemies of France or it's Allies; but alſo to garrant all ſuch engagements as Spain ſhall enter into, by the Treaty that is to be betwixt Their Moſt Chriſtian and Catholick Majeſties, and eſpecially that whereby the Catholick King ſhall be held to the ſame Neutrality.

XIV.

If through inadvertence or otherwiſe there happen any want of due obſervance of this preſent Treaty, or other inconvenience relating thereunto, on the part of his ſaid Majeſty, or of the Lords the States General, and their Succeſſors, this Peace and Alliance ſhall remain in full force notwithſtanding, ſo as no breach of friendſhip or of good correſpondence ſhall enſue thereupon, but ſuch contraventions ſhall be ſpeedily repaired; if they ſhall be occaſioned by any particular Subjects faults, thoſe Subjects only ſhall be puniſhed.

XV.

And for the better ſecuring Commerce and Friendſhip hereafter between the Subjects of the ſaid King, and thoſe of the States General of the United Provinces of the Low Countreys, it is agreed and accorded, that in caſe there ſhall be in time to come any interruption of friendſhip, or that a breach ſhall happen between the Crown of France, and the ſaid Lords the States General of the ſaid United Provinces (which God forbid) then ſix months after ſuch breach ſhall always be allowed to the Subjects of both parties, to retire with their effects, and tranſport them whitherſoever they think fit, which alſo they ſhall be permitted to do: as likewiſe to ſell or tranſport their goods and moveables with all freedom, ſo as no hindrance ſhall be given to them, nor any proceedings be to ſeize their effects, much leſs to ſecure their Perſons.

XVI.

As for the pretences and intereſts that concern the Prince of Orange, upon which there has been a ſeparate Treaty and Agreement by an Act this day Signed, the ſaid writing and all the Contents of it ſhall be effectual, and ſhall be confirmed, fulfill'd and executed according to the Form and Tenour thereof; neither more nor leſs than if all it's points in general, and every one of them in particular, were word for word inſerted into this preſent Treaty.

XVII.

And as his Majeſty, and the Lords the States General acknowledge the powerful Offices that the King of Great Brittain has inceſſantly imploy'd by his Counſels and good Advertiſements for the publick Weal and Repoſe; ſo it is agreed on both ſides, that his ſaid Majeſty of Great Brittain, and his Kingdoms, be comprehended by name within this preſent Treaty, according to the beſt form that may be.

XVIII.

Within this preſent Treaty of Peace and Alliance, ſhall be comprehended on the part of the ſaid Moſt Chriſtian King, the King of Sweden, the Duke of Holſtein, the Biſhop of Strasburg, and Prince William of Furſtemburg, as intereſſed in the preſent War: And there ſhall likewiſe be comprehended, if they will themſelves, the Prince and Crown of Portugal, the Duke and Seignorie of Venice, the Duke of Savoy, the Thirteen Cantons of the Ligue-Switzers and their Allies, the Elector of Bavaria, Duke John Frederick of Brunſwick Hanover, and all Kings, Potentats, Princes, and States, Towns, and particular Perſons, to whom his Moſt Chriſtian Majeſty ſhall grant at their requeſt, to be comprehended within this Treaty on his part.

XIX.

And on the part of the Lords the States General, the King of Spain, and all other their Allies, that within ſix weeks, to be computed from the exchange of the Ratifications, ſhall declare their acceptance of the Peace, as alſo the Thirteen laudable Cantons of the Ligue-Switzers and their Allies and Confederates, the Town of Embden, and moreover all Kings, Princes, and States, Towns, and particular Perſons, to whom they ſhall grant at their requeſt, to be comprehended on their part.

XX.

The ſaid King, and the ſaid Lords the States General do conſent, that the King of Great Brittain, as Mediator, and all other Potentats and Princes, that ſhall be willing to enter into the like engagement, may give his Majeſty and the ſaid States General their promiſe, and tie themſelves to garrant the performance of all that is contain'd in this preſent Treaty.

XXI.

This preſent Treaty ſhall be Ratified and Approved by the ſaid King, and the ſaid Lords the States General, and each parties Letters of Ratification ſhall be delivered in proper due form within the Term of ſix weeks, or ſooner if it may be, reckoning from the day of Signing.

In witneſs whereof, We the aforeſaid Ambaſſadors of his Majeſty, and of the Lords the States General, by virtue of our reſpective powers, have on their behalfs Signed theſe preſents with our ordinary Seals, and have ſet our Coats of Arms to the ſame:

At Nimeguen, the 10th. of Auguſt, in the year of our Lord, 1678. Le Ma' D' Eſtrades. H. Beverning. Colbert. W. van Naſſaw. De Meſmes. W. Haren. WE liking well the aforeſaid Treaty of Peace in all and every the points and Articles therein contained and declared, have for our Selves, our Heirs, Succeſſours, Kingdoms, Countreys, Lands, Lordſhips, and Subjects, accepted, approved, ratified, and confirmed; and do Accept, Approve, Ratifie, and Confirm the ſame, and do promiſe upon the Word and Faith of a King, to keep and obſerve the whole inviolably, without ever acting to the contrary directly or indirectly, in any ſort or kind whatſoever, and thereto we oblige and morgage all and every our goods that are or ſhall be. In witneſs whereof, we have Signed theſe preſents with our own hand, and have made our Seal to be ſet thereto. Given at St. Germain en Laye, the 18th. day of Auguſt, in the year of Grace, one thouſand ſix hundred ſeventy and eight, and of our Reign the thirty ſixth. Signed Lewis, By the King. And underneath, Arnauld.

The Ratification of the Treaty of Peace, by the States General.

THe States General of the United Provinces of the Low Countreys. To all that ſhall ſee theſe preſents, Greeting. Having ſeen and examined the Treaty of Peace and Friendſhip, made and concluded at Nimeguen, the 10th. day of Auguſt, 1678. By the Sieur Comte D' Eſtrades, Marſhal of France, and Knight of the Orders of the Moſt Chriſtian King, the Sieur Colbert, Marquiſs of Croiſſy, Counſellor in ordinary in his Councel of State, and the Sieur de Meſmes, Comte d'Avaux, Counſellor likewiſe in his Councels, Ambaſſadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiaries of his Moſt Chriſtian Majeſty at the meeting at Nimeguen, in the name and on the behalf of his ſaid Majeſty; and by the Heer Hieroſme de Beverning, Baron of Teylingham, Curator of the Univerſity at Leyden, late Counſellor and Treaſurer General of the United Provinces, the Heer Wilhem van Naſſaw, Heer van Odyke, Cortgene, &c. firſt noble and repreſentative of the Order of the Nobility in the States and at the Councel of Zeland, and the Heer Wilhem van Haren, Grietman du Bildt, Deputies in our Aſſembly on behalf of the States of Holland, Zeland and Frieſland, our Ambaſſadors and Plenipotentiaries at the ſaid Aſſembly at Nimeguen, in our Name and on our behalf, by vertue of their full reſpective powers; Having likewiſe ſeen and examined the Letter which our ſaid Ambaſſadors and Plenipotenries wrote to the ſaid Ambaſſadors and Plenipotentiaries of his Moſt Chriſtian Majeſty, the ſixteenth day of the ſaid month of Auguſt; and the anſwer that the ſaid Ambaſſadors and Plenipotentiaries of his ſaid Majeſty returned thereunto, concerning the explanation of the thirteenth Article of the ſaid Treaty; as alſo the Act of the 15th. of September this preſent year, by which his ſaid Majeſty declared his good liking of the explanation which his ſaid Ambaſſadors and Plenipotentiaries made upon the thirteenth Article of the ſaid Treaty of Peace, of which Treaties, Letters, Acts and Powers, the Tenour is as followeth:

In the Name of God the Creator. To all, &c. page.

And foraſmuch as the Contents of the ſaid Treaty import that the Letters of Ratification ſhall be delivered on both ſides in due and proper form within ſix weeks, or ſooner if it may be, from the day of Signing; We willing to give proofs of our ſincerity, and to diſcharge the promiſe which our Ambaſſadors made for us, have agreed, approved, and Ratified the ſaid Treaty, and every Article thereof above tranſcribed, and do Agree to, Approve, Ratifie, and Confirm the ſame by theſe preſents, promiſing Faithfully and Sincerely to keep, maintain, and inviolably to obſerve the ſame in every point, according to the Form and Tenour thereof; without ever acting contrary thereunto directly or indirectly, in any manner or kind whatſoever. In Witneſs whereof, we have made theſe preſents to be Signed by the Preſident of our Aſſembly, and Counterſigned by our Principal Regiſter; and our great Seal to be put thereto.

Given at the Hague, the 19th. day of Sept. in the year, 1678. D. van Wyngaerd. By order of the ſaid Lords the States General. H. Fagel.

Here follows the Tenour of the Power of his Majeſties ſaid Ambaſſadors.

LEWIS by the grace of God King of France and Navar; To all that ſhall ſee theſe preſents, Greeting. As we wiſh for nothing with greater ardency, then to ſee the War that at preſent afflicts Chriſtendom, end in a good Peace; and that by the Care and Mediation of our moſt dear and moſt beloved Brother, the King of Great Brittain, the Town of Nimeguen has been agreed upon by all the parties for the place of Conference: We out of this ſame deſire, to put a ſtop as far as in us lies, to the deſolation of ſo many Provinces, and the ſhedding of ſo much Chriſtian blood, Declare that confiding entirely in the Experience, Ability, and Faithfulneſs of our moſt dear and well beloved Coſen, the Sieur Comte d' Eſtrades, Marſhal of France and Knight of our Orders, of our faithful and well beloved, the Sieur Colbert Marqueſs de Croiſſy, Counſellor in ordinary in our Councel of State; and of our faithful and well beloved, the Sieur de Meſmes Comte d' Avaux, Counſellor alſo in our Councels, by reaſon of the advantagious tryal that we have made of them in divers Embaſſies and conſiderable Employments, wherein we have entruſted them, both within our Kingdom and without; For theſe reaſons and other good conſiderations us thereunto moving, We have Appointed, Ordained, and Deputed, and by theſe preſents Signed with our hand, do Appoint, Ordain, and Depute the ſaid Sieurs, Marſhal d' Eſtrades, Marqueſs de Croiſſy, and Comte d' Avaux, and have given unto them, and do hereby give full Power, Commiſſion, and ſpecial Order to repair to the Town of Nimeguen, in quality of our Ambaſſadors Extraordinary and our Plenipotentiaries for the Peace, and to Confer there, either directly or by the interpoſition of Ambaſſadors Mediators, reſpectively received and agreed to; with all Ambaſſadors and Miniſters of our moſt Dear and great Friends, the States General of the United Provinces of the Low Countreys, and of their Allies; being all qualified with ſufficient Powers, and there to Treat upon means for the determining and appeaſing the differences that cauſe the War at this day; And our ſaid Ambaſſadors and Plenipotentiaries all three together, or two of them in abſence of the third, through ſickneſs or other impediment, or one of them in abſence of the other two, in like caſe of ſickneſs or other impediment, may agree and conclude thereon, and Sign a good and ſure Peace, and generally may do, Negociate, Promiſe and Agree whatever they ſhall think neceſſary for the ſaid Peace, with the ſame authority that we ſhould do or might do, if we were there preſent in Perſon; although ſome things ſhould happen that might require more particular inſtructions than are contain'd in theſe preſents. Promiſing on the Faith and Word of a King, to hold firm and fulfil whatever by the ſaid Sieurs, Marſhal de' Eſtrades, Marqueſs de Croiſſy, and Comte d' Avauz, or by two of them in the abſence of the third, through ſickneſs or other impediment, or by one onely in abſence of the other two, in like caſe of ſickneſs or other impediment, ſhall have been ſtipulated, promiſed and agreed, and to cauſe our Letters of Ratification to be diſpatched within ſuch time as they ſhall have promiſed in our Name to exhibit them. For ſuch is our pleaſure; In witneſs whereof we have cauſed our Seal to be ſet to theſe preſents.

Given at St. Germain in Laye, the Twenty third day of December, in the year of Grace, one thouſand ſix hundred ſeventy and five, and of Our Reign the Three and thirtieth. Signed Lewis, and upon the fould, by the King, Arnauld; and ſealed with the great Seal in yellow Wax.

The Tenour of the Power of the ſaid Ambaſſadors of the States General of the United Provinces.

THe States General of the United Provinces of the Low Countreys, to all that ſhall ſee theſe preſents, Greeting. As we deſire nothing with greater ardency than to ſee the War that at this preſent oppreſſeth Chriſtendom, end in a good Peace, and ſince by the care and mediation of the Moſt Illuſtrious King of Great Britain, the Town of Nimeguen has been agreed to by all parties for a place of Conference, We deſiring as far as in us lies, to put a ſtop to the deſolation of ſo many Provinces, and the ſhedding ſo much Chriſtian blood, have been willing to contribute thereto whatever lies in our power, and to that end have deputed to that Aſſembly ſome Perſons of our own body, who have given manifold proof as well of their knowledge and experience in publick Affairs, as of their affection for the good of our State, and ſince the Heeren Hieroſme van Beverning, Baron of Teylingham, Curator of the Univerſity of Leyden, late United Provinces, Wilhem van Naſſaw, Heer van Odyke, Cortgene, &c. firſt noble and repreſentative of the Order of the Nobility in the States Councel of Zeland, and Wilhem van Haren, Grietman van Bildt, Deputed to our Aſſembly on the behalf of the States of Holland, Zeland and Friezland, have Signalized themſelves in many important employments, in our ſervice, wherein they have given inſtances of their fidelity, preſence of mind, and readineſs in the managment of Affairs. For theſe cauſes and other good conſiderations us thereunto moving, we have appointed, ordain'd, and deputed, the ſaid Heeren Van Beverning, Van Odyke, and Van Haren, and do appoint, ordain, and depute them by theſe preſents; and have given them, and do hereby give them, full Power, Commiſſion, and ſpecial Order to repair to the Town of Nimeguen, in quality of our Ambaſſadors Extraordinary and our Plenipotentiaries for the Peace, and there to Confer, either directly or by the interpoſition of Ambaſſadors Mediators, received and agreed to reſpectively, with the Ambaſſadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiaries of his Moſt Chriſtian Majeſty and his Allies, being qualified with ſufficient powers; and there to Treat upon means for the determining and appeaſing the differences that occaſion the War at this day; and our aforeſaid Ambaſſadors and Plenipotentiaries all three together, or two of them in abſence of the third by reaſon of ſickneſs or other impediment, or one onely in abſence of the other two, in like caſe of ſickneſs or other impediment, may agree and conclude thereupon, and Sign a good and ſure Peace, and generally may act, negotiate, promiſe and agree what ever they ſhall think neceſſary in order to the ſaid Peace, and generally may do whatever we our ſelves might do, if we were there preſent, even in ſuch things as might require more particular power and inſtructions than are contained in theſe preſents: And we do promiſe truly and faithfully to like well and hold for firm and ſtable whatever, by the ſaid Heeren our Ambaſſadors and Plenipotentiaries, or by two of them in caſe of ſickneſs, abſence, or other impediment of the third, or by one onely in abſence of the other two, on the like occaſion of ſickneſs or other impediment, ſhall have been ſtipulated, promiſed and agreed, and to cauſe to be diſpatched our Letters of Ratification within ſuch time as they ſhall have promiſed in our name to exhibit them.

Given at the Hague in our Aſſembly, under our great Seal, Signed by the Preſident, and with the ſign of our Principal Regiſter, this fourth day of January, in the year one thouſand ſix hundred ſeventy and ſix, Signed, J. Bootſma. And on the fould, By Order of the ſaid Lords the States General. Signed, H. Fagel. And ſealed with the great Seal with red Wax.

A ſeparate Article concerning the Prince of Orange.

LEWIS by the grace of God, King of France and Navar, to all that ſhall ſee theſe preſents, greeting. Since our moſt dear and wel-beloved Coſen, the Sieur Comte d' Eſtrades, Marſhal of France and Knight of our Orders, our faithful and wel-beloved, the Sieur Colbert, Marqueſs of Croiſſy, Counſellor in ordinary in our Councel of State, and our faithful and wel-beloved, the Sieur de Meſmes Comte d' Avaux, Counſellor alſo in our Councels, our Ambaſſadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiaries, by vertue of the plenary powers which we had given them, have Concluded, Agreed, and Signed, on the tenth day of this month at Nimeguen, with the Sieur Hieroſene van Beverning, Baron of Teylingham, Curator of the Univerſity at Leyden, heretofore Counſellor and Treaſurer General of the United Provinces of the Low Countreys, the Sieur Wilhem van Naſſaw, Heer van Odyke, Cortgene and firſt noble and repreſentative of the Nobility in the States and at the Councel of Leyden, and the Sieur Wilhem van Haren Grietman van Bildt, Ambaſſadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiaries of our moſt Dear and great Friends, the States General of the United Provinces of the Low Countreys, qualified likewiſe with plenary powers, this Article in Tenour as followeth; viz.

As in purſuance of the War which for ſome years has hapned betwixt the Moſt Chriſtian King, and the States General of the United Provinces of the Low-Countreys, his Majeſty cauſed to be ſeized all things belonging to the Prince of Orange, as well the Principality of Orange as other his Lands and Seignories lying in France, and granted the Revenues thereof to Monſieur the Comte d' Auvengne, who enjoys the ſame at preſent, and ſince by the grace of God a Peace is ſetled by the Treaty this day concluded, and ſo all the angry effects of War ought to ceaſe, his Majeſty hath promiſed to the ſaid Prince, and doth promiſe by this ſeparate Act, that immediately after the Ratifications exchanged, his Majeſty will take off the ſaid Seizure, and cauſe the ſaid Prince to be reſtored to the poſſeſſion of the ſaid Principality, and of the Lands which belong to him in France, Franche Comte, Charleroy, Flanders, and other Countreys depending upon his Majeſties Rule, and to all his rights, actions, priviledge, uſages, and prerogatives, in ſuch eſtate and manner as he enjoyed the ſame, till he was diſpoſſeſs'd by reaſon of the preſent War.

Nimeguen, the 10th. day of the month of Auguſt, in the year, 1678. Marſhal D' Eſtrades. H. Beverning. Colbert. W. de Naſſaw. De Meſmes. W. Haren. WE well liking the ſeparate Article aforeſaid in all and every point thereof, have by theſe preſents Signed with our hand, allowed, approved, and ratified, and do allow, approve, and Ratifie the ſame, promiſing upon the Faith and Word of a King, to fulfil, obſerve, and cauſe to be obſerved, the ſame, truly and faithfully, without ever ſuffering any thing to be acted directly or indirectly to the contrary thereof, for any cauſe or upon any occaſion whatſoever. In witneſs whereof we have Signed theſe preſents with our hand, and have cauſed our Seal to be put thereto. Given at St. Germain in Laye, the 18th. day of Auguſt, in the year of Grace, One thouſand ſix hundred ſeventy eight, and of our Reign the Thirty ſixth. Signed, Lewis, and underneath was Signed, By the King, Arnauld.

The Ratification of the ſeparate Article concerning the Prince of Orange, by the States General.

THe States General of the United Provinces of the Low Countreys. To all that ſhall ſee theſe preſents, Greeting. Since beſides the Treaty of Peace made and concluded at Nimeguen on the 10th. day of the month of Auguſt, 1678. There was likewiſe made a ſeparate Article by the Sieur Comte d' Eſtrades, Marſhal of France and Knight of the Orders of the Moſt Chriſtian King, the Sieur Colbert, Marqueſs of Croiſſy, Counſellor in ordinary in his Councel of State, and the Sieur de Meſmes Comte d' Avaux, Counſellor likewiſe in his Councels, Ambaſſadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiaries of his Moſt Chriſtian Majeſty at the Aſſembly at Nimeguen, in the name and on the behalf of his ſaid Majeſty, and by the Sieur Hieroſme de Beverning, Baron of Teylingham, Curator of the Univerſity of Leyden, heretofore Counſellor and Treaſurer General of the United Provinces, the Sieur Wilhem van Naſſaw, Heer van Odyke, Cortgene and firſt Noble, and repreſentative of the Order of the Nobility in the States and at the Councel of Zeland, and the Sieur Wilhem van Haren, Grietman van Bildt, deputies in our Aſſembly on the behalf of the States of Holland, Zeland, and Friezland, our Ambaſſadors and Plenipotentiaries at the ſaid Aſſembly at Nimeguen, in our name and on our behalf by vertue of their reſpective plenary powers, of which ſeparate Article, the Tenour is as followeth; viz.

A ſeparate Article concerning the Prince of Orange, ſince in purſuance of the War, &c. page.

We have Agreed, Approved, and Ratified, and do by theſe preſents Agree, Approve, and Ratifie the ſaid ſeparate Article, and that it be inſerted into the aforeſaid Treaty of Peace and Friendſhip, promiſing to keep, maintain, and inviolably to obſerve all that is therein contained, without ever acting directly or indirectly to the contrary, under any pretence whatſoever. In witneſs whereof we have cauſed theſe preſents to be Signed by the Preſident of our Aſſembly, and Counterſigned by our principal Regiſter, and our great Seal to be ſet thereto.

Given at the Hague, the 19th. day of September. 1678. D. van Wyngaerd. By Order of the ſaid Lords the States General. H. Fagel.

A Treaty of Commerce, Navigation, and Marine, betwixt France and the States General of the United Provinces of the Low Countreys. Concluded at Nimeguen, the 10th. of Auguſt, 1678.

LEWIS by the grace of God, King of France and Navar, To all ſuch as ſhall ſee theſe preſents, greeting. Since our moſt dear and wel-beloved Coſen, the Sieur Comte d' Eſtrades, Marſhal of France, Knight of our Orders, our faithful and wel-beloved, the Sieur Colbert, Marquiſs of Croiſſy, Counſellor in ordinary in our Councel of State, and our faithful and wel-beloved the Sieur de Meſmes, Comte d' Avaux, Counſellor alſo in our Councels, our Ambaſſadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiaries, by vertue of the plenary powers which we had given them, have Concluded, Agreed, and Signed, on the tenth day of this month in the Town of Nimeguen, with the Heer Hieroſme van Beverning, Baron of Teylingham, Curator of the Univerſity at Leyden, heretofore Counſellor and Treaſurer General of the United Provinces of the Low Countreys, the Heer Wilhem van Naſſaw, Heer van Odyke, Cortgene and firſt Noble, and repreſentative of the Nobility in the States and Councel of Zeland, and the Heer Wilhem van Haren, Grietman van Bildt, Ambaſſadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiaries of our moſt Dear and great Friends, the States General of the United Provinces of the Low Countreys, inſtructed likewiſe with plenary powers, a Treaty of Commerce, Navigation and Marine, in Tenour as followeth; viz.

The Treaty of Peace which has this day been concluded betwixt the moſt Chriſtian King and the Lords the States General of the United Provinces, putting an end to all the Subjects of diſcontent, which for ſome time had altered the affection which his Majeſty, following the example of the Kings his Predeceſſors, hath always had for their good and proſperity; and the ſaid Lords the States General entring again into the ſame deſire, which they have heretofore teſtified for the greatneſs of France, and into ſentiments of a ſincere acknowledgment for the obligations and conſiderable advantages which they have heretofore received from it, there is reaſon to believe that this good underſtanding betwixt his Majeſty and the States General can never be diſturbed. But as his Majeſty will not omit any thing that may ſtrengthen it, and the ſaid States General being leſs deſirous to perpetuate it, have thought that there was no better and more certain means than to eſtabliſh a free and perfect correſpondence between the Subjects on both Sides; and to this end to regulate their particular intereſts in matters of Commerce, Navigation and Marine, by the moſt proper Laws and Conventions for preventing all inconveniencies that might weaken the ſaid good correſpondence; his Majeſty aforeſaid, to ſatisfie the deſire of the ſaid States, hath ordained the Sieur Comte d' Eſtrades, Marſhal of France, and Knight of his Orders, the Sieur Colbert, Marquiſs of Croiſſy, Counſellor in ordinary in his Councel of State, and the Sieur de Meſmes, Comte d' Avaux, Counſellor alſo in his Counſels, to be his Ambaſſadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiaries at the Aſſembly of Nimeguen; and the ſaid Lords the States General, the Heer Hieroſme van Beverning, Baron of Teylingham, Curator of the Univerſity at Leyden, late Counſellor and Treaſurer General of the United Provinces, the Heer Wilhem van Naſſaw, Heer van Odyke, Cortgene and firſt Noble, and repreſentative of the Order of the Nobility in the States and Councel of Zeland, and the Heer Wilhem van Haren, Grietman van Bildt, deputed to their Aſſembly on behalf of the States of Holland, Zeland and Friezland, to confer and agree by vertue of their powers reſpectively to be produced, the copy whereof is here underwritten, upon a Treaty of Commerce and Navigation, in manner as followeth; viz.

I.

His Majeſties Subjects and thoſe of their Lordſhips the States General of the United Provinces of the Low Countreys, ſhall mutually enjoy the ſame freedom in matters of Commerce and Navigation, that they ever enjoyed before this War, throughout all Kingdoms, States and Provinces of either party.

II.

And conſequently they ſhall not exerciſe for the future any manner of Hoſtilities or Violence, the one againſt the other, neither by Sea nor Land, nor in Rivers, Roads, nor Sweetwaters, in any name or under any pretence whatſoever; neither may his Majeſties Subjects take any Commiſſions for Privateers, or Letters of repriſal from any Princes or States at enmity with the ſaid Lords the States General, much leſs moleſt or endammage them in any ſort, by vertue of ſuch Commiſſions or Letters of repriſal, nor ſo much as go to Sea with them, on pain of being proſecuted and puniſhed as Pirates. Which ſhall reciprocally be obſerved by the Subjects of the United Provinces, with relation to his Majeſties Subjects; and to this end whenſoever and as often as it ſhall be required on either ſide, there ſhall be publiſhed and renewed within ſuch Lands as are under his ſaid Majeſties obdience and within the United Provinces, moſt expreſs and moſt preciſe Prohibitions to make uſe in any ſort whatſoever of ſuch Commiſſions, or Letters of repriſal, on the pain above mentioned, which ſhall ſeverely be put in execution againſt the offenders, beſides a full reſtitution which they ſhall be bound to make to ſuch as they ſhall any wiſe have endammaged.

III.

And the better to obviate all ſuch inconveniencies as might happen by reaſon of prizes taken through inadvertence or otherwiſe, and eſpecially in places remote, it has been agreed and accorded, If any prizes ſhall be taken on either ſide in the Baltick Sea, or the North Sea, from Terneuſe in Norway, to the channels mouth, within the ſpace of four weeks, or from the mouth of the ſaid channel to the Cape of St. Vincent, within the ſpace of fix weeks, or beyond that within the Mediterranian Sea, and as far as the Equinoctial, within the ſpace of ten weeks, or beyond the Line and in all other parts of the World, within the ſpace of eight months, to be computed from the publication of this preſent Treaty, ſuch prizes as ſhall be taken and dammage done on either ſide, after the times prefixed, ſhall be brought to account, and whatever ſhall have been taken ſhall be reſtored, with recompence for all the dammage thereby ſuſtain'd.

IV.

All Letters of mark and repriſal that heretofore may have been granted for any cauſe whatſoever, are declared void: nor may any be granted hereafter by either of the ſaid Allies, in prejudice of the others Subjects, but onely in caſe of manifeſt denial of Juſtice, which ſhall not be ſuppoſed to be, unleſs the requeſt of the party that demands Letters of repriſal be communicated to the Miniſter of the State, againſt whoſe Subjects ſuch Letters ought to be granted, that ſhall be upon the place, to the end that in four months time or ſooner, if may be, he may either inform himſelf to the contrary, or procure a reſtitution of what ſhall be due by Law.

V.

Neither ſhall the private Subjects of his Majeſty be liable to actions, or their Perſons or Goods to arreſts and ſeizures, for any debt that may be owing by his Majeſty, nor the private Subjects of the ſaid Lords the States General, for the publick debts of the ſaid States.

VI.

The Subjects and Inhabitants of the Countreys under his Majeſties obedience and of the States General, ſhall live, converſe and frequent with one another in all good friendſhip and correſpondence, and ſhall enjoy freedom of Commerce and Navigation throughout one anothers Countreys in Europe, for all ſorts of Merchandiſes and Wares, the Traffick and Tranſportation whereof is not generally prohibited to all, as well Subjects as Forreiners, by the ſeveral Laws and Ordinances of each State.

VII.

And to this end his Majeſties Subjects and thoſe of their ſaid Lordſhips the States General, may freely frequent with their Marchandifes and Ships, the Countreys, Lands, Towns, Ports, Places, and Rivers of each State, may bring thither and ſell there to all Perſons indefinitely, may buy, traffick and tranſport all ſorts of Merchandiſes, the Importation and Exportation whereof ſhall not be Prohibited, both to all his Majeſties Subjects and thoſe of the ſaid Lords the States General; neither may this mutual Liberty be prohibited, limited or reſtrain'd by any priviledg, grant, or any particular conceſſion, neither ſhall either party be permitted to grant to their own Subjects any immunities, benefits, gratuitous conceſſions, or any other advantages beſides thoſe granted to the Subjects of the other party, or to their prejudice, neither ſhall the Subjects on either ſide be bound to pay greater or other duties, charges, payments or impoſitions whatſoever upon their Perſons, Goods, Wares, Ships or Freights, directly or indirectly, by any name or under any title or pretence whatſoever, other than ſuch as ſhall be paid by the proper and natural Subjects of either party.

VIII.

Ships of War belonging to either party ſhall always find the Roads, Rivers, Ports and Havens free and open for them to Sail in and out, and lay at anchor as long as they ſhall have occaſion, without being lyable to be ſearched; but with charge nevertheleſs to uſe this freedom with diſcretion, and not to give any ſubject of jealouſie by a too long and affected ſtay, nor otherwiſe, to the Governours of the ſaid Places and Ports, to whom the Captains of the ſaid Ships ſhall declare the cauſe of their arrival and of their ſtay there.

IX.

His Majeſties Ships of War and thoſe of the Lords the States General and of their Subjects, that ſhall be fitted out for War, may with all freedom conduct ſuch prizes as they ſhall have taken from their Enemies where they think good, without being tied to any duties, either of the Lords Admirals, or of the Admiralty, or any other; and ſo likewiſe that the ſaid Ships, or the ſaid, Prizes coming within his Majeſties Havens or Ports, or thoſe of the ſaid Lords the States General, ſhall not be liable to be ſtop't or ſeized, nor the Officers of the ſeveral Places have power to enquire into the validity of the ſaid prizes, but that they may go out, and be freely conducted, and with all freedom conveyed to the Places where the Captains of ſuch Ships of War by vertue of their Commiſſions ſhall be obliged to have them forthcoming. And on the other hand there ſhall be no refuge nor retreat allowed within their Ports and Havens, to ſuch as ſhall have taken any prizes from his Majeſties Subjects, or thoſe of the ſaid Lords the States General; but if any ſuch ſhall be driven in there by ſtreſs of weather or dangers of the Sea, they ſhall be ſent out again with all poſſible haſte.

X.

The Subjects of the ſaid Lords the States General ſhall not be accounted Aubains in France, and conſequently ſhall be exempted from the Aubain Law, and may diſpoſe of their goods by will, gift or otherwiſe: and their Heirs, Subjects of the ſaid States, as well living in France as elſewhere, may poſſeſs themſelves of their Eſtates, even though they died inteſtate, and that without purchaſing Letters of naturalization; and ſo as the effect of this grant ſhall not be liable to be drawn in queſtion or impeded upon pretence of any right or prerogative of Provinces, Cities, or private Perſons, likewiſe the Subjects of the ſaid Lords the States may without ſuch Letters of naturalization, ſettle themſelves in the Towns of his Majeſties Kingdom, for Commerce and Traffick, but ſo as not to be capable of acquiring the freedom of ſuch Towns, without having obtain'd his Majeſties Letters of naturalization in due form: and the inhabitants of the United Provinces ſhall be treated generally in all things and in all places as favourably as his Majeſties true and natural born Subjects: and particularly they ſhall not be liable to ſuch taxes as may be laid upon ſtrangers. And all contained in this preſent Article ſhall be obſerved within the Countreys that are ſubject to the ſaid Lords the States, with relation to his Majeſties Subjects.

XI.

Veſſels laden belonging to either of the ſaid Allies, ſailing by the coaſts of the other, if they ſhall be driven into any Road or Port by ſtorm or otherwiſe, ſhall not be conſtrain'd to unlade, or to utter their Merchandize or any part thereof, nor bound to pay any duties, but only when they ſhall unlade voluntarily and of their own accord.

XII.

Maſters of Ships, their Pilots, Officers, Souldiers, Marriners and other Sea-men, the Veſſels themſelves, nor the Wares and Merchandiſes wherewith they are Laden, ſhall be liable to be ſeized or arreſted, by vertue of any general or particular order of any whoſoever, nor for any cauſe or upon any occaſion whatſoever, no not under pretence for the preſervation and defence of the State: and generally it ſhall not be lawful to take any thing from the Subjects of either party without the owners conſent, and without payment of what ſhall be required. Wherein nevertheleſs it is not underſtood that ſuch ſeiſures or arreſts ſhall be compriſed as ſhall be made by order and authority of Law, and in the ordinary methods, for lawful debts, contracts or other legal cauſes, for which there ſhall be any proceeding by due courſe of Law.

XIII.

All the Subjects and Inhabitants of France, and of the United Provinces, may with all ſafety and freedom ſail with their Veſſels and traffick with their Merchandiſes, without any diſtinction to be made who are the proprietors, from their own Ports, Kingdoms and Provinces, and alſo from the Ports and Kingdoms of other States or Princes, to their Countreys who are already, or hereafter may be declared enemies as well to France as to the United Provinces, or either of them. As alſo the ſaid Subjects and Inhabitants may with the ſame ſafety and freedom ſail with their Veſſels, and traffick with their Merchandiſes, without any diſtinction to be made who are the proprietors, from the Places Ports and Roads of ſuch as are enemies to both or one of the ſaid parties, without contradiction or diſturbance from any whoſoever, not only directly from ſuch places at enmity to a place neuter, but alſo from one enemies Countrey to another, whether under the juriſdiction of one and the ſame Sovereign, or of ſeveral.

XIV.

This Tranſportation and Traffick ſhall extend to all ſorts of Merchandiſes, except contrabann'd Goods.

XV.

Within this kind of contraband Merchandiſes are only underſtood to be compriſed all ſorts of Fire-Arms, and their accoutrements, as Cannons, Muskets, Mortarpieces, Petars, Fire-Balls, Granadoes, Sauſages, Barrels of Pitch, Carriages, Pitch-Forks, Bandaliers, Powder, Match, Saltpeter, Bullets, Pikes, Swords, Head-pieces, Caſques, Cuiraſſes, Halberts, Javelins, Horſes, Saddles, Caſes for Piſtols, Belts, and other accoutrements for War.

XVI.

Within this kind of Contrabann'd Merchandiſes ſhall not be compriſed Wheat, corn, and other grain, Beans, Oil, Wine, Salt, nor generally whatever ſerves for nouriſhment and ſuſtenance of life; but they ſhall remain free as other Merchandiſes and Wares, uncompriſed within the foregoing Article, and it ſhall be lawful to tranſport them, even to places at enmity with their ſaid Lordſhips the States, except to Towns and Places beſieged, blocked up or inveſted.

XVII.

For the putting whereof in execution, it is agreed to be in manner following, viz. That the Ships and Barks with Merchandiſe belonging to his Majeſtics Subjects, having entred into any Haven of the ſaid Lords the States, and intending to paſs thence to thoſe of the enemies aforeſaid, ſhall be obliged only to ſhew to the Officers of the Havens of the ſaid Lords the States, from whence they ſhall depart, their Paſs-ports, containing the particulars of their Ships burthen, atteſted and marked under the ordinary and known Seal and Sign of the Officers of the Admiralty of the places from whence they firſt looſed, and declare to what place they are bound, all in the ordinary and cuſtomary form. After which exhibition of their Paſs-ports, in manner aforeſaid, they ſhall not be liable to be moleſted, ſearched, detained, nor retarded in their Voyages, upon any pretence whatſoever.

XVIII.

The ſame ſhall be obſerv'd with relation to ſuch French Ships and Barks, as ſhall come within any roads of Lands under the obedience of the ſaid Lords the States, without intending to enter into any Haven, or entring in, without intending to unlade or break their bulk; which Veſſels ſhall not be bound to give account of their cargoes, unleſs there ſhall be ſome ſuſpition, of their carrying to the enemies of the ſaid Lords the States, any Contrabann'd goods, as aforeſaid.

XIX.

And in caſe of manifeſt ſuſpition, the ſaid Subjects ſhall be obliged to ſhew within the Ports, their Paſs-ports, in manner aforeſaid.

XX.

If they ſhall have entred into any Roads, or ſhall be met upon the High-Sea, by any Ships of the ſaid Lords the States, or of Privateers their Subjects, ſuch Ships of the United Provinces, for avoiding all diſorder, ſhall not approach within Cannon-ſhot of the French, but may ſend their ſmall Boat or Shallop on board the ſaid French Ships or Barks, with two or three men only, to whom the Maſters of the French Ships ſhall ſhew the Paſsports, and Letters of Sea, in manner aforeſaid, according to the formulary for the ſaid Letters of Sea, that ſhall be inſerted at the end of this Treaty; by which Paſs-ports and Letters of Sea, may appear not only the Ships burthen, but alſo the place of abode and reſidence, as well of the Maſter or owner, as of the Ship it ſelf; to the end that by theſe two means it may be known whether they carry any Contrabann'd Merchandiſes, and the quality as well of the ſaid Ship as of it's Maſter and owner, may ſufficiently appear; to which Paſs-ports and Letters of Sea, full credit and belief ſhall be given. And that the validity of them may the better appear, and that they may not in any ſort be falsified or counterfeited, certain marks and counter-ſcriptions ſhall be given both by his Majeſty, and by the ſaid Lords the States General.

XXI.

And in caſe any ſuch Merchandiſes and Wares, as are above declared to be Contrabann'd and Prohibited, ſhall, by the means aforeſaid, be found within the ſaid French Veſſels and Barks bound for Havens, belonging to enemies of the ſaid Lords the States, they ſhall be taken out, condemned and confiſcated by the Judges of the Admiralty in the United Provinces, or other competent Judges; but ſo as the Ship and Bark, or other Goods, Merchandiſes and Wares found therein, being free and permitted, may not therefore be ſeized in any manner, nor confiſcated.

XXII.

It is moreover accorded and agreed, that whatever ſhall be found laden by his Majeſties Subjects, in any Ship belonging to the enemies of the ſaid Lords the States, though not being Contrabann'd goods, ſhall be confiſcated, together with all that ſhall be found in ſuch Ship, without exception or reſerve; but on the other hand alſo, whatever ſhall be, and be found in Ships belonging to the Subjects of the Moſt Chriſtian King, ſhall be free and affranchiſed, though the lading, or part thereof, belong to the enemies of the ſaid Lords the States, except Contraband goods, concerning which, ſuch regulation ſhall be obſerved, as has been ordered in the foregoing Articles. And for the more particular clearing of this Article, it is moreover accorded and agreed, in caſe it ſhall happen, that both the ſaid parties, or but one of them, ſhall be engaged in War, that the goods belonging to the Subjects of the other, and laden on board their Veſſels that are enemies to both, or either, ſhall not in any wiſe be confiſcated, by reaſon, or under pretence of being embark'd in an enemy's Veſſel; and this ſame ſhall be obſerved not only when ſuch Wares ſhall have been ſhipt, bèfore the Declaration of the War, but even after ſuch Declaration; provided that it be within the times and ſpaces following, viz. If they ſhall have been ſhipt within the Baltick Sea, or the North Sea, from Terneuſe in Norway, to the mouth of the channel, within the ſpace of four weeks, or from the channels mouth to the Cape of St. Vincent, within the ſpace of ſix weeks, and from thence in the Mediterranian Sea, and as far as the Aequinoctial, within the ſpace of ten weeks, and beyond the Line, and in all parts of the World, within the ſpace of eight months, to be computed from the publication of this preſent Treaty. So that the Merchandiſes and goods of Subjects and Inhabitants, ſhipped in ſuch Veſſels, belonging to enemies, during the ſaid Terms, and within the extents aforeſaid, may not in any wiſe be confiſcated, by reaſon of their being on board ſuch enemies Veſſel, but ſhall be reſtor'd to the proprietors without delay, unleſs they ſhall have been put on board after the expiration of the ſaid Terms. And yet it ſhall in no wiſe be permitted to tranſport to enemies Ports ſuch Contrabann'd goods, as ſhall be found on board ſuch enemies Veſſels; though they be reſtor'd for the reaſon aforeſaid. And as it has been ruled in what has gone before, that a free Ship ſhall affranchiſe the Wares that are on board it, it is moreover accorded and agreed, that this freedom ſhall extend to ſuch Perſons likewiſe, as ſhall be in free Ships; in ſo much that though they be enemies to both parties, or to one of them, yet being found in a free Ship, they may not be taken thence, unleſs they be Soldiers, and actually in the Enemies ſervice.

XXIII.

All the Subjects and Inhabitants of the ſaid United Provinces, ſhall reciprocally enjoy the ſame rights, liberties, and exemptions, in their Traffick and Commerce within his Majeſties Ports, Roads, Seas, and Eſtates, which it has but now been ſaid, that his Majeſties Subjects ſhall enjoy in thoſe of the ſaid Lords the States, and on the High Sea, it being to be underſtood, that the equality ſhall be mutual in all reſpects on both ſides, even though hereafter the ſaid Lords the States ſhould be in Peace, Friendſhip and Neutrality, with any Kings, Princes, or States, that ſhould become enemies to his ſaid Majeſty, yet each party ſhall reciprocally adhere to the Conditions and Reſtrictions, expreſſed in the Articles of this preſent Treaty, which concern Traffick and Commerce.

XXIV.

And the better to aſſure the Subjects of the ſaid Lords the States, that no violence ſhall be offered to them by the ſaid Ships of War, all Captains of the Kings Ships, and other his Majeſties Subjects, ſhall be forbidden to moleſt or endamage them in any thing whatſoever, on pain of being liable in their Perſons and Eſtates; for ſuch dammages ſuſtain'd, and to be ſuſtain'd, till due Reſtitution and Reparation made.

XXV.

And for this reaſon, each Captain and Privateer ſhall be obliged for the future, before their departure, to enter good and ſolvent bail, before competent Judges, in the ſum of Fifteen thouſand Livres tournois, to anſwer each for all ſuch miſdemeanors, as they ſhall commit in their Voyages, and for the contraventions of their Captains and Officers to this preſent Treaty, and to his Majeſties Ordinances and Edicts, which ſhall be publiſhed by vertue, and in purſuance of what is hereby regulated; on pain that their Commiſſions and Licences ſhall become null and void; which thing the Subjects of the ſaid Lords the States General ſhall do in like manner.

XXVI.

If it ſhould happen, any French Captain to take a Veſſel laden with ſuch Contrabann'd goods, as a foreſaid, ſuch Captains may not open or break the Coffers, Mails, Bundles, Bags, Tuns, and other Caſes, or Tranſport, Sell, or Exchange, or otherwiſe alienate them, unleſs they ſhall have been landed in preſence of the Judges of the Admiralty, and after an Inventory made by them of the ſaid Merchandiſes found in ſuch Veſſels: unleſs the ſaid Contrabann'd goods making but part of the Lading, the Maſter of the Ship, think good and agree to deliver the ſaid Contrabann'd goods to the ſaid Captain, and to purſue his Voyage, in which caſe ſuch Maſter or owner may not in any ſort be hindred from purſuing his courſe, and the deſign of his Voyago.

XXVII.

His Majeſty willing that the Subjects of the ſaid Lords the States General be treated in all Countreys, under his obedience, as favourable as his own Subjects, will give all neceſſary orders to have ſuch Judgments and Decrees, as ſhall be given and made upon prizes taken at Sea, paſſed with all juſtice and equity, by unſuſpected Perſons, and ſuch as are not concern'd in intereſt in the things in queſtion; and his Majeſty will give preciſe and effectual Orders, that all Decrees, Judgments, and Orders of Courts of Juſtice, heretofore given, and hereafter to be given, be ſpeedily and duly executed, according to their Forms.

XXVIII.

And whenever the Ambaſſadors of the ſaid Lords the States General, or other their Publick Miniſters, which ſhall be in his Majeſties Court, ſhall complain of ſuch Judgments, as ſhall have been given; His Majeſty will cauſe the ſaid Judgments to be review'd by his Councel, that inquiry may be made, whether the Orders and Cautions contain'd in this preſent Treaty, have been purſued and obſerved, and that ſuch proviſion may be made, as ſhall be reaſonable: which thing ſhall be done within the ſpace of three months at moſt: and yet neither before the firſt Judgment, nor after the ſame, hanging the review may the goods and effects which ſhall be reclaim'd, be ſold nor diſcharged, but with the conſent of the parties concern'd, to prevent their periſhing.

XXIX.

If proceſs iſſue at the firſt and ſecond inſtance, againſt any that ſhall have taken prizes at Sea, and the parties intereſted in the ſame, and the ſaid parties intereſted come to obtain a favourable Judgment or Decree, ſuch Judgment and Decree ſhall be executed upon giving ſecurity, notwithſtanding the appeal of him that ſhall have taken the Prize, but not contrariwiſe: and what has been ſaid in this and the foregoing Articles, for the doing of right and ſpeedy juſtice to the Subjects of the United Provinces, concerning Prizes taken by his Majeſties Subjects, ſhall be underſtood, that it is likewiſe to be perform'd by the Lords the States General, with relation to Prizes taken by their Subjects, from thoſe of his Majeſty.

XXX.

His Majeſty and the Lords the States General may at any time cauſe to be built or freighted in one anothers Countrey, ſuch number of Ships, either for War or Trade, as they ſhall think good, and may buy ſuch quantities of Ammunition as they ſhall have uſe for, and may uſe their authority for having ſuch bargains for Ships and Ammunition, driven honeſtly and at reaſonable prices; and yet neither may his Majeſty, nor the Lords the States General, grant the like permiſſion to one anothers enemies, in caſe ſuch enemies ſhall be the aggreſſours.

XXXI.

If it ſhall happen that Ships of War or of Trade be driven by ſtorm or other accident, on the coaſts of either Ally, the ſaid Ships, their furniture, goods, and Merchandize, and whatever ſhall be ſaved, or the proceed thereof, if the goods being periſhable ſhall have been ſold, the whole, if reclaim'd by the proprietors or others, having charge of the ſame, within a year and a day, ſhall be reſtor'd without any formal proceſs, paying onely reaſonable freight, and what ſhall be regulated betwixt the ſaid Allies to be due for ſaving: and in caſe any thing be done contrary to this preſent Article, His Majeſty and the ſaid Lords the States General, promiſe to uſe their authority effectually, for the puniſhing ſuch of their Subjects, as ſhall be found guilty of thoſe inhumanities, that have ſometimes, to their great grief, been committed upon ſuch like occaſions, with all poſſible ſeverity.

XXXII.

Neither his Majeſty, nor the ſaid Lords the States General, ſhall receive, nor ſuffer their Subjects to receive, in any Countrey of their obedience, any Pirates or exiles whatſoever, but ſhall cauſe them to be purſued and puniſhed, and driven out of their Ports, and as well the Ships, as goods taken by ſuch Pirates or exiles, which ſhall be found in being, ſhall forthwith, without forms of proceſs, be freely reſtored to the Proprietors reclaiming them.

XXXIII.

The Inhabitants and Subjects on both ſides, may throughout the Countreys, under the obedience of his Majeſty, and of the ſaid Lords the States General, make uſe of ſuch Advocates, Proctours, Notaries, and Sollicitors, as they ſhall think good: who likewiſe ſhall be appointed to them by the ordinary Judges; when there ſhall be occaſion, and ſuch Judges be thereto requeſted. And the ſaid Subjects and Inhabitants ſhall be permitted on both ſides, to keep their Books of Trade, and Correſpondence in their ſeveral places of reſidence, in what Language they pleaſe, without being liable for that matter to be moleſted or ſearched.

XXXIV.

The ſaid King, as alſo the ſaid Lords the States General, for the convenience of their trading Subjects, may ſettle Conſuls, of their ſaid Subjects Nation, in one anothers Kingdom and Eſtates, which Conſuls ſhall enjoy ſuch Rights, Liberties, and Franchiſes, as belong to them, by reaſon of their function and imployment: and they ſhall be ſettled in ſuch places, as by common conſent ſhall be Judged neceſſary.

XXXV.

His Majeſty, and the ſaid Lords the States General, ſhall not ſuffer any Veſſel of War, or other ſet forth by Commiſſion, or for the ſervice of any Prince, Commonwealth, or Town whatſoever, to come and make prize within the Ports, Havens, or any Rivers belonging to them, upon one anothers Subjects; and in caſe any ſuch thing ſhall happen, his ſaid Majeſty, and the ſaid Lords the States General, will uſe their authority and power, to cauſe reſtitution or reaſonable reparation to be made.

XXXVI.

If through inadvertence, or otherwiſe, there ſhould be any want of due obſervance of this preſent Treaty, or contraventions to the ſame on his Majeſties part, or of the ſaid Lords the States General, and their Succeſſours, it ſhall remain in force notwithſtanding, without coming for ſuch cauſe to a breach of Confederation, Friendſhip, or good Correſpondence; but ſuch contraventions ſhall be ſpeedily repaired; and if they ſhall be occaſion'd through the fault of any private Subjects, they only ſhall be puniſhed and chaſtiſed.

XXXVII.

And for the better aſſurance for the time to come, of Commerce and Friendſhip between the Subjects of the ſaid King, and thoſe of the ſaid Lords the States General of the United Provinces of the Low Countreys, it is accorded and agreed; That if hereafter any interruption of friendſhip or breach ſhall happen between the Crown of France, and the ſaid Lords the States General of the ſaid United Provinces (which God forbid) nine months time ſhall always be allowed to the Subjects of both parties, after ſuch rupture, to retire and withdraw their effects, and tranſport them whither they pleaſe; which likewiſe they ſhall be permitted to do: as alſo to ſell and tranſport their goods and movables with all freedom; nor ſhall any hindrance be given them, nor any proceedings be, during ſuch time of nine months, to ſeize their effects, much leſs to arreſt their Perſons.

XXXVIII.

The preſent Treaty of Commerce, Navigation, and Marine, ſhall be in force Five and twenty years, to begin from the day of Signing; and the Ratifications ſhall be made in due form, and be exchanged on both ſides, within the ſpace of ſix weeks, to be computed from the day of Signing.

A Formulary for Paſs-Ports, and Letters to be granted by the Admiralty of France, to Ships outward bound, in purſuance of an Article of this preſent Treaty.

LEWIS, Comte de Vermandois, Admiral of France, To all that ſhall ſee theſe preſents, Greeting. We do you to know, that we have given leave and prmiſſion to Maſter and Governour of the Ship called of the Town of of the burthen of Tuns, or thereabout, lying at preſent in the Port and Haven of to ſail to laden with after his Ship ſhall have been ſearch'd, who before he depart, ſhall make oath before ſuch Officers, as have the juriſdiction of Marine cauſes, that the ſaid Veſſel belongeth to one or more of his Majeſties Subjects, the Certificate of which oath ſhall be annex'd to theſe preſents, as alſo to keep and cauſe to be kept by his Ships crew, the ordinances and regulations for maritime affairs, and ſhall enter in the office a Catalogue, ſigned and certified of the names and ſurnames, and the places of birth and abode of his Ships crew, and of all ſuch as he ſhall have on board, whom he may not take in, without the knowledge and leave of the Officers for Maritime affairs; and in every Port or Haven, where he ſhall enter with his Ship, he ſhall ſhew to the Officers and Judges of Maritime cauſes, this preſent Licence, and ſhall give them a faithful account of what ſhall have happened in his Voyage, and ſhall carry the Kings Flags, Arms, and Enſigns, and ours, during his Voyage. In witneſs whereof, we have cauſed our Sign and Seal of Arms to be ſet to theſe preſents; and have cauſed them to be underwritten by our Secretary for Maritime affairs, at the day of one thouſand ſix hundred Signed Lewis, Comte de Vermandois. And underneath Signed, by A form of the certificate containing the oath. We of the Admiralty certifie that Maſter of the Ship named in the foregoing Paſs-port, has taken the Oath therein mentioned, Given at the day of one thouſand, ſix hundred

Another form of Letters, to be granted by the Sea-Port-Towns of the United Provinces, to Ships and Barks outward bound, in purſuance of the aforeſaid Article.

TO the moſt Serene, moſt Illuſtrious, moſt Mighty, Honourable, and prudent Lords, Emperors, Kings, Commonwealths, Princes, Dukes, Earls, Barons, Lords, Burgermaſters, Sherifs, Counſellors, Judges, Officers, Juſtitiars, and Governors of all good Towns and Places, as well Eccleſiaſtical as Secular, which ſhall ſee or read theſe preſents, We the Burgermaſters and Governors of the Town of do to know that Maſter of the Ship appearing before us, hath ſolemnly depoſed upon Oath, that the Ship called of the burden of about Laſtes, of which at preſent he is Maſter, belongeth to the Inhabitants of the United Provinces, as God ſhould help him, and as we ſhould be willing to ſee the ſaid Maſter aſſiſted in his lawful Affairs, ſo we require you all in general, and thoſe in particular, where the ſaid Maſter with his Ship and Wares, ſhall arrive, that they will be pleaſed to receive him courteouſly, and duly to treat him, if he ſhall be a ſufferer, with relation to the accuſtomed duties of Cuſtoms and Freights, within, through, and at your Ports, Rivers, and Demeſnes, ſuffering him to Sail, Paſs, Frequent, and Negotiate where he ſhall think fit, which we ſhall willingly acknowledge. In witneſs whereof, we have cauſed the Seal of our Town to be ſet hereto.

Here follows the Tenour of his Majeſties ſaid Ambaſſadors Power.

LEWIS, by the grace of God King of France and Navar, To all that ſhall ſee theſe preſents, Greeting. As we deſire nothing with greater ardency, then to ſee the War, with which Chriſtendom is at preſent afflicted, end in a good Peace; and ſince by the Care and Mediation of our moſt dear and moſt beloved Brother, the King of Great Brittain, the Town of Nimeguen has been agreed upon by all parties, for the Place of Conference; We out of the ſame deſire, to put a ſtop as much as in us lies, to the deſolation of ſo many Provinces, and the effuſion of ſo much Chriſtian Blood, give to underſtand that we confiding entirely in the experience, ability, and fidelity, of our moſt dear and well-beloved Coſen, the Sieur Comte d' Eſtrades, Marſhal of France, and Knight of our Orders, of our faithful and well-beloved the Sieur Colbert, Marquiſs of Croiſſy, Counſellor in ordinary in our Councel of State, and of our faithful and well-beloved the Sieur de Meſmes, Comte d' Avaux, Counſellor alſo in our Councels, by reaſon of the advantagious trials that we have made of them in diverſe Embaſſies, and conſiderable employments, wherein we have intruſted them, both within our Kingdom, and without, for theſe cauſes and other good conſiderations, us thereunto moving, we have appointed, ordained and deputed, and by theſe preſents Signed with our hand, do appoint, ordain, and depute the ſaid Sieurs, the Marſhal d' Eſtrades, the Marquiſs of Croiſſy, and the Comte d' Avaux, and have given them, and do hereby give them full Power, Commiſſion, and ſpecial Order, to repair to the Town of Nimeguen, in quality of our Ambaſſadors Extraordinary, and our Plenipotentiaries for the Peace, and there to confer, either immediately, or by the Mediation of the Ambaſſadors Mediators, reſpectively received and agreed to, with all Ambaſſadors and Miniſters of our moſt dear and great friends, the States general of the United Provinces of the Low Countreys, and their Allies, being all armed with ſufficient Powers, and to Treat there of means, for the determining and appeaſing the differences that cauſe the War at this day; and our ſaid Ambaſſadors and Plenipotentiaries may all three together, or two of them in abſence of the third, through ſickneſs or other impediment, or one onely in abſence of the other two, in like caſe of ſickneſs, or other impediment, agree thereupon, and conclude and ſign a good and ſure Peace, and may generally act, negotiate, promiſe, and agree, whatever they ſhall think neceſſary in order to the ſaid Peace, with the ſame authority that we ſhould or might do, if we were preſent there in Perſon, even though there ſhould be ſome things that might require more particular inſtructions then are contain'd in theſe preſents: Promiſing on the Faith and Word of a King, to hold firm and fulfil whatever by the ſaid Sieurs, Marſhal d' Eſtrades, Marquiſs de Croiſſy, and Comte d' Avaux, or by two of them, in abſence of the third, through ſickneſs or other impediment, or by one only, in anſence of the other two, in like caſe of ſickneſ, or other impediment, ſhall have been ſtipulated, promiſed and agreed, and cauſe to be diſpatched our Letters of Ratification, within ſuch time as they ſhall have promiſed in our name to furniſh them: For ſuch is our pleaſure. In witneſs whereof we have cauſed our Seal to be put to theſe preſents.

Given at St. Germain in Laye, the Three and twentieth day of December, in the year of Grace, One thouſand ſix hundred ſeventy five, and of Our Reign the Three and thirtieth. Signed Lewis, and upon the fould, By the King, Arnauld. And ſealed with the great Seal, in yellow Wax.

Here follows the Tenour of the Power of the ſaid Lords, the Ambaſſadors Extraordinary of the Lords the States of the United Provinces.

THe States General of the United Previnces of the Low Countreys, To all that ſhall ſee theſe preſents, Greeting. As we deſire nothing more ardently, then to ſee the War, with which Chriſtendom is at preſent afflicted, end in a good Peace, and that by the Care and the Mediation of the moſt Serene King of Great Brittain, the Town of Nimeguen has been agreed upon by all parties for the place of Con, ference; We out of the ſame deſire to put a ſtopas much as in us lies, to the deſolation of ſo many Provinces, and the effuſion of ſo much Chriſtian blood, have been willing to contribute thereto all that is in our power, and to this end, have deputed to that Aſſembly, ſome perſons of our own body, who have given many inſtances both of their knowledge and experience in publick Affairs, and of their affection for the good of our State; and as the Heeren Hieroſme van Beverning, Baron of Teylingham, Curator of the Univerſity at Leyden, late Counſellor and Treaſurer-General of the United Provinces, Wilhem van Naſſaw, Heer van Odyke, Cortgene, &c. and firſt noble and repreſentative of the Nobility, in the States and Councel of the Province of Zeland, and Wilhem van Haren, Grietman van Blidt, deputed to our Aſſembly, on the behalf of the States of Holland, Zeland, and Friezland, have ſignaliz'd themſelves, in many important employments in our ſervice, wherein they have given inſtances of their fidelity, their preſence of mind and readineſs in the management of Affairs; ſo for theſe cauſes and other conſiderations us thereunto moving, we have appointed, ordained, and deputed, and do by theſe preſents appoint, ordain, and depute, the ſaid Heeren van Beverning, van Odyke, and van Haren, and have given them, and do hereby give them full Power, Commiſſion, and ſpecial Order, to repair to the Town of Nimeguen, in quality of our Ambaſſadors Extraordinary, and Plenipotentiaries for the Peace, and to confer there, either immediately, or by the interpoſition of the Ambaſſadors Mediators, reſpectively received and agreed to, with the Ambaſſadors Extraordinary, and Plenipotentiaries of his moſt Chriſtian Majeſty, and his Allies, armed with ſufficient Powers, and there to treat upon means for determining and appeaſing the Differences that occaſion the War at this day: And our aforeſaid Ambaſſadors and Plenipotentiaries all three together, or two of them, in abſence of the third, through ſickneſs or other impediment, or one only, in abſence of the other two, in like caſe of ſickneſs or other impediment, may agree thereupon, and conclude and ſign a good and firm Peace, and generally may act, negotiate, promiſe and accord, what-ever they ſhall think neceſſary in order to the ſaid Peace, and generally may do what-ever we might do, if we were there preſent; though to that end, there ſhould be need of more particular Power and Order, than is contain'd in theſe preſents: Promiſing ſincerely and faithfully well to like, and firm and ſtable to hold, what-ever by the ſaid Heeren, our Ambaſſadors and Plenipotentiaries, or by two of them, in caſe of ſickneſs, abſence, or other impediment of the third, or by one only, in abſence of the other two, in like caſe of ſickneſs, or other impediment, ſhall have been ſtipulated, promiſed and accorded, and to cauſe to be diſpatched our Letters of Ratification, within ſuch time as they ſhall have promiſed in our Name to furniſh them.

Given at the Hague, in our Aſſembly, under our Great Seal: Signed by our Preſident, and with the Sign of our Principal Regiſter, the fourth of January; in the Year, One thouſand ſix hundred ſeventy ſix. Signed, J. Bootſma. Upon the Fould, By Order of the ſaid Lords, the States General. Signed, H. Fagel. And Sealed with the Great Seal, in Red Wax. In token whereof, we the Ambaſſadors aforeſaid of his Majeſty, and of the Lords, the States General, by vertue of our reſpective Powers, have, in their Names, ſigned theſe preſents with our ordinary Signs, and have cauſed our Seals of Arms to be put thereto. Nimeguen, the 10th of Auguſt, in the Year, One thouſand ſix hundred ſeventy eight. The Mal. d' Eſtrades. H. Beverningh. Colbert. W. Van. Naſſaw. De Meſmes. W. Haren. We liking well the foregoing Treaty of Peace, in all and every the Points and Articles therein contained and declared, have, for us, our Heirs, Succeſſors, Kingdoms, Countries, Lands, Seignories and Subjects, accepted, approved, ratified and confirmed, and do accept, approve, ratifie and confirm the ſame, and do promiſe upon the Faith and Word of a King, and bind and morgage all and every our Goods that are and ſhall be, to keep and obſerve the ſame inviolably, without ever acting contrary thereto, directly or indirectly, in any ſort or manner whatſoever. In witneſs whereof, we have ſigned theſe preſents with our own Hand, and have cauſed our Seal to be ſet thereto. Given at St. Germain in Laye, the 18th day of Auguſt, in the Year of Grace, One thouſand ſix hundred ſeventy eight, and of our Reign, the thirty ſixth. Signed, Lewis, and underneath, By the King, Arnauld.

A ſeparate Article concerning the Impoſition of Fifty Sols per Tun, upon Stranger's Ships, ſailing out of Ports in France.

LEWIS by the Grace of God, King of France, and of Navarre: To all that ſhall ſee theſe preſents, greeting. Since our moſt dear and wellbeloved Couſin, the Sieur Comte d' Eſtrades, Marſhal of France, and Knight of our Orders, our faithful and well-beloved the Sieur Colbert, Marqueſs of Croiſſy, Councellor in Ordinary in our Councel of State, and our faithful and well-beloved the Sieur de Meſmes, Comte d' Avaux, Councellor alſo in our Councels, our Ambaſſadors Extraordinary, and Plenipotentiaries, by vertue of the plenary Powers which we had given them, have concluded, agreed and ſigned, on the tenth day of this Moneth, in the Town of Nimeguen, with the Heer Hieroſme, Van Beverningh, Baron of Teylingham, Curator of the Univerſity at Leyden, late Counſellor and Treaſurer, General of the United Provinces of the Low-Countries, the Heer Wilhem Van Naſſaw, Heer Van Odyke, Cortgene, and firſt Noble, and repreſentative of the Nobility, in the States and Councel of Zeland, and the Heer Wilhem Van Haren, Grietman Van Blidt, Ambaſſadors Extraordinary, and Plenipotentiaries of our moſt dear and great Friends the States General of the United Provinces of the Low-Countries, armed likewiſe with full Powers, this ſeparate Article, in tenor as followeth, viz.

It hath been ſtipulated on the behalf of the Moſt Chriſtian King, and conſented to by the Lords, the States General of the United Provinces of the Low-Countries, That the Equality which is preciſely to be obſerved, with relation to the Subjects of each and the Natives, as to Duties, Charges and Impoſitions, according to the ſeventh Article of the Treaty of Commerce this day concluded, ſhall not derogate from the Impoſition of fifty Sols per Tun, impoſed in France upon Stranger's Ships, and that the Subjects of the Lords, the States General of the United Provinces of the Low-Countries, ſhall be bound to pay the ſame, as other Strangers, unleſs his Majeſty, upon ſuch Remonſtrances as may hereafter be made to him, on the behalf of the ſaid Lords, the States General, conſidering the ſame with that great affection, with which his Majeſty is pleaſed to honour them, ſhall order otherwiſe. But neceſſary Orders ſhall from this preſent be given by his ſaid Majeſty, That the ſaid Impoſition of fifty Sols be exacted from Ships belonging to the Subjects of the ſaid United Provinces but once in each Voyage, at their going out of the Ports of His Kingdom, and not at their coming in; and that the ſaid Ships, if laden with Salt, pay but a Moiety of the ſaid fifty Sols, upon condition, that if the ſaid Lords, the States, ſhall think fit to lay the like Impoſition upon Stranger's Ships with them (which they ſhall be free to do) they ſhall not exceed, with relation to his ſaid Majeſtie's Subjects, the proportion of what their own Subjects pay in France, the ſaid ſeventh Article remaining, in relation to all other Duties, Charges and Impoſitions, preſent and future, in full force and vertue, without being lyable to be limitted or exceeded by any other exception or reſtriction whatſoever, other than as above is expreſſed.

Which ſeparate Article ſhall be of like force and vertue, as if it were inſerted into the body of the aforeſaid general Treaty, this day concluded.

Nimeguen, the 10th day of Auguſt, 1678. Le Mal. d' Estrades. H. Beverningh. Colbert. W. Van Naſſaw. De Meſmes. W. Haren. We liking well the ſaid ſeparate Article, in all and every the Points thereof, have by theſe preſents, ſigned with our own Hand, allowed, approved and ratified, and do allow, approve and ratifie the ſame, promiſing upon the Faith and Word of a King, to fulfil, obſerve and cauſe to be obſerved, the ſame ſincerely and faithfully, without ever ſuffering any thing to the contrary, directly or indirectly, for any cauſe, or upon any occaſion whatſoever. In witneſs whereof, we have ſigned theſe preſents with our own Hand, and have cauſed our Seal to be put to the ſame. Given at St. Germain en Laye, the 18th day of Auguſt, in the year of Grace, 1678. and of our Reign, the ſix and thirtieth. Signed, Lewis, and underneath, By the King, Arnauld.

The States General's Ratification of the Treaty of Commerce.

THE States General of the United Provinces of the Low-Countries. To all that ſhall ſee theſe preſents, greeting. Since on the 10th day of this Moneth of Auguſt, in the year 1678. there has been made and concluded at Nimeguen, a Treaty of Commerce, Navigation and Marine, by the Sieur Comte d' Eſtrades, Marſhal of France, and Knight of the Orders of the Moſt Chriſtian King, the Sieur Golbert, Marqueſs of Croiſſy, Councellor in Ordinary in his Councel of State, and the Sieur de Meſmes, Comte d' Avaux, Councellor alſo in his Councels, Ambaſſadors Extraordinary, and Plenipotentiaries of his Moſt Chriſtian Majeſty, at the Aſſembly at Nimeguen, in the Name and on the behalf of his ſaid Majeſty; and by the Heer Hieroſme, Van Beverningh, Baron of Teylingham, Curator of the Univerſity at Leyden, late Councellor and Treaſurer-General of the United Provinces, the Heer Wilhem Van Naſſaw, Heer Van Odyke, Cortgene, and firſt Noble, and repreſenting the Order of the Nobility, in the States and Councel of Zeland, and the Heer Wilhem Van Haren, Grietman Van Blidt, deputed to our Aſſembly, on behalf of the States of Holland, Zeland and Frieſland, our Ambaſſadors and Plenipotentiaries at the ſaid Aſſembly at Nimeguen, in our Name, and on our behalf, by vertue of their reſpective plenary Powers, of which Treaty and Powers, the tenor is as followeth, viz.

The Treaty of Peace which has been concluded, &c. page

AND inaſmuch as the Contents of the ſaid Treaty import, That the Ratifications of the ſame ſhall be delivered in due form, and exchang'd on both ſides, within the ſpace of ſix Weeks, reckoning from the day of Signing: We willing to give proofs of our ſincerity, and to diſcharge our ſelves of the Promiſe, which our ſaid Ambaſſadors have made for us, have agreed, approved and ratified the ſaid Treaty, and every Article thereof above-written, and do by theſe preſents agree, approve and ratifie the ſame: Promiſing faithfully and ſincerely to keep, maintain, and inviolably to obſerve the ſame in all points, according to the form and tenor thereof, without ever acting any thing to the contrary, directly or indirectly, in any ſort or manner whatſoever. In token whereof, we have cauſed theſe preſents to be ſigned by the Preſident of our Aſſembly, and under-written by our Principal Regiſter, and our Great Seal to be ſet thereto.

Given at the Hague, the 19th day of September, 1678. Signed, D. Van Wyngaerd. By Order of the ſaid Lords the States General. H. Fagel.

By the King's Order.

WE do all to know, That a good, firm, ſtable and ſolid Peace, together with an entire and ſincere Friendſhip and Reconciliation, hath been made and accorded between the Moſt High, Moſt Excellent, and Moſt Mighty Prince Lewis, by the Grace of God, King of France and of Navarr, our Sovereign Lord, and the Lords, the States General of the United Provinces of the Low-Countries, their Vaſſals, Subjects and Servants, in all their Kingdoms, Countries, Lands and Seignories, under their obedience. That the ſaid Peace is general, betwixt them and their ſaid Vaſſals and Subjects; and that by means thereof, it is permitted to them to go, come, return, and ſojourn in all places of the ſaid Kingdoms, Eſtates and Countries, to negotiate and trade, hold correſpondence, and have communication with one another, and that with all liberty, freedom and ſafety, both by Land and Sea, and in Rivers, and other Waters, and in all reſpects, as it has been and ought to be, in times of good, ſincere, and loving Peace, ſuch as the Divine Goodneſs has been pleaſed to beſtow upon our ſaid Lord the King, and the ſaid Lords, the States General of the United Provinces, their Peoples and Subjects. And to continue them therein, all Perſons, of what quality or condition ſoever, are moſt expreſly prohibited to take in hand, attempt, or innovate any thing to the contrary, or in prejudice thereof, on pain of being ſeverely puniſhed, as breakers of the Peace, and diſturbers of the publick Quiet.

Given at Fountain-bleau, the 26th day of September, 1678. Signed, Lewis, and underneath was Signed, Arnauld.

By the King's Order. The Provoſt of Paris, Or Lievtenant Civil.

BY vertue of his Majeſtie's Order directed to us, given at Fountain-bleau, the 28th of this Moneth, Signed Lewis, and underneath Colbert. We require, the King's Proctor being heard to it, That his Majeſtie's Ordinance, that has this day been publiſhed, be poſted up at all croſs ways, and uſual places in the City of Paris; and that the Subſtitutes of the King's Proctor, take care to have it read and publiſh'd, in all the King's Courts of Juſtice, from which there lye Appeals to us, ſitting the Courts, all which ſhall certifie the ſame to us within fifteen days. And we forbid his Majeſtie's Subjects to oppoſe the ſame, on pain of being proceeded againſt as breakers of the Peace, and diſturbers of the publick Quiet.

Done and given by Meſſire John le Camus, Counſellor of the King in his Councels, Ordinary Maſter of Requeſts of the Houſhold, Lievtenant Civil of the City, Provoſtſhip and County of Paris, the 29th of September, 1678, De Riantz. Le Camus. Vaillant Principal Regiſter.

A Memorial of the Deputies Extraordinary, of the States General of the United Provinces, to the Duke de Villa Hermoſa, of the 8th of May.

THE Lords, the States General of the United Provinces, having Affairs of great importance to impart to your Excellence, have Commiſſionated us under-written their Deputies Extraordinary, and to this end their Hi. and Mi. have provided us of this Letter of Credit, to preſent to your Excellence.

The Aſſiſtances which his Catholique Majeſty gave to the State of the United Provinces in the beginning of this War, were ſo uſeful and advantagious to this Commonwealth, that their Hi. and Mi. ſhall ever be mindful of it: And to teſtifie, as ſoon as was poſſible, their reſentment thereof to his Catholick Majeſty, they failed not to come with all their Forces to his Majeſtie's ſuccour, when his Provinces were attack'd by the Arms of the King of France; and they aſſure themſelves that your Excellence is perſwaded of it, ſince your Excellence ſees how much their Hi. and Mi. do to this day contribute to the preſervation of his Majeſtie's Country. And notwithſtanding this War has been continued many years, and at an infinite expence, yet the effects have been ſo unfortunate, that the King of France, being puff'd up with his Victories and Conqueſts, will not come out of it, but upon the Conditions that have been delivered at Nimeguen to the Mediators, which your Excellence knows what they are.

Which Conditions, conſidered in themſelves, are indeed too hard, and of ſuch a nature as they ought to be rejected, which alſo their Hi. and Mi. would do in regard of their Allies, and chiefly in regard of his Catholick Majeſty, as concerning the Low-Countries, in the preſervation whereof they find themſelves ſo deeply intereſſed.

But when their Hi. and Mi. reflect upon the Power of the King of France, which hitherto and during this War has been ſuch, that he has not only made Head againſt the Armies of his Catholick Majeſty, and thoſe of the United Provinces, and their Allies, but has made great Conqueſts in divers Parts, they conceive a juſt apprehenſion, that theſe Conditions, how hard ſoever, ought yet to be prefer'd, conſidering the preſent ſtate of Affairs, to a continuance of the War, which in all probability would prove very fatal.

Which makes our Maſters the States General of the Low-Countries, incline to look upon theſe Conditions, as receivable, if they ſhould have the happineſs to find their Allies, and eſpecially his Catholick Majeſty in the ſame Sentiments.

And ſhould very much wiſh, That your Excellence, on the behalf of his Catholick Majeſty, would concur with them, to make them as agreeable, as may be, to the other Allies.

And in the mean time give Order to labour for a prolongation of the Term, which the King of France has given by his Propoſition at Nimeguen.

We expect your Excellencie's Anſwer as ſoon as may be, upon the premiſſes, as being the only Subject of this Commiſſion.

Bruſſels, the 8th of May, 1678: Jacob Boreel. De Weede.

Anſwer of the Duke de Villa Hermoſa, of the 9th of May, to the Memorial of the Deputies Extraordinary, of the States General of the United Provinces, of the 8th of May.

HIS Excellence having conſidered this Memorial, and that the loſs of Flanders, by the hardneſs of the Conditions of France, will be greater and more diſhonourable, than by the ill ſucceſs of Arms, muſt hope that the States General will not further it, ſince his Majeſty, wholly for its preſervation, has expoſed himſelf to the manifeſt hazards of War, which he has ſuffered ſo much by. Alſo the punctual and religious obſervance of ſuch ſtrict Treaties, with his ſaid Majeſty, to which the publick Faith obligeth them, will not permit him to make a doubt of it, eſpecially ſince his Majeſty hath and always will havè a firm deſire and intention, to contribute as much as poſſibly he can to their preſervation; and that in regard of the Expedient propos'd, of making new Alliances, for the making ſure the ſaid impracticable Conditions of France, it is to be conſidered, that the time in which preciſely they muſt be concluded, can be no other than that of the Campagne, from which, by means of our ſo late Alliance with his Majeſty of Great Britain, we ought to expect, by a more proſperous ſucceſs, ſome redreſs of Affairs; and it would be a breach of Faith, to abandon his Forces in this Conjuncture, by admitting Conditions ſo forlorn, and at the ſame time failing in our Fidelity to his Imperial Majeſty, and the other High Allies, eſpecially ſince the Emperour is reſolv'd to run to the defence of Flanders, rather than to the reparation of his own loſſes, and the other High Allies are upon a Treaty, of joyning and imploying all their Forces againſt France: His Excellence being able likewiſe to aſſure them, That the King, his Maſter, ſince the reduction of Sicily, is reſolv'd to imploy all his Power, as his Excellence likewiſe all his Cares, for the defence and re-eſtabliſhing of this Country; to which, his Excellence hopes, the States General will concur on their part, in an Occurrence, which as it is urgent, ſo it concerns the greateſt good of the common Cauſe, as being the only mean to obtain a juſt and laſting Peace.

Given at Bruſſels, the 9th of May, 1678.

A Memorial of the Deputies Extraordinary, of the States General, &c. to the Duke de Villa Hermoſa, &c. of the 14th of May.

THE Lords, the States General of the United Provinces, having ſeen and peruſed your Excellencie's Anſwer to the Memorial, that we, their under-written Deputies Extraordinary, preſented the 8th of this Moneth, could have wiſhed, That your Excellence had not only conſidered the Conditions offered by the King of France, as they are in themſelves, but had alſo made reflexion upon the preſent ſtate of Affairs, and conſidered, that the King of France, being become Maſter of all the Frontier Towns of his Catholick Majeſtie's Netherlands, was entred into the heart of them, and had made himſelf Maſter even of the Town of Gand, being very ſtrong in the Field, and at the Head of a very formidable Army, ready for any enterprize, and in the greateſt appearance in the world of ſucceeding and conquering where he will: Whereas the Troops of the Allies, not being yet come together, much leſs in a condition to make Head againſt him, and oppoſe his deſigns. Hence it is, that their Hi. and Mi. apprehend with great reaſon, that what remains to the King of Spain in the Low-Countries, will infallibly be loſt, if it be not ſaved, by accepting the Conditions of Peace that are offered; and it would be a thing very ſenſible to their Hi. and Mi. if what his Catholick Majeſty has yet left in the Low-Countries, ſhould be ſo loſt, after ſuch infinite expences, and ſo much blood ſpilt, for their preſervation. Your Excellence knows but too well, by what has lately happened, what Account one has to make of the Troops of the Confederates, upon occaſion. The Aſſiſtance which is expected from his Majeſty of Great Britain, is very conſiderable, and will be of great ſupport to our Party; but it deſerves your Excellencie's conſideration, that thoſe Troops are but newly raiſed, and that it will require ſome time to enure them to the War, that as yet there are but few of them in theſe Parts, and we are uncertain when the reſt will come; whereas on the other ſide, every moment is precious, and great misfortunes may happen in a ſhort ſpace. And moreover, the States, as they have made it to be declared to your Excellence, are not in a condition to carry on the War, in ſuch manner, and with ſo much vigor, as they have done hitherto, ſeeing their Treaſures are exhauſted, and their People not able to contribute ſo much any longer.

As the Lords, the States General, will always acknowledge to have received, in the beginning of this War, very important and uſeful Succours from his Catholick Majeſty, ſo they hope, your Excellence will do them the juſtice to confeſs, that they have not been wanting in the ſequel of it, to teſtifie their acknowledgment, by uſing their endeavours, and being at extraordinary charges to aſſiſt this Country; and at leaſt that it is not to be imputed to them, that the King of France has made ſo great a progreſs, and that he will not make Peace, but upon ſuch diſadvantagious Conditions, as whereby the Country will indeed be much weakned, and hardly able to maintain neceſſary Troops for its defence; but on the other hand, the Places will not be ſo diſ-joyn'd, nor the Country ſo divided, as it was before the War, which will make it eaſier to be kept and preſerved. Theſe Defects may likewiſe be ſupplyed by Alliances, and a little time may do much toward a redreſs of Affairs, and making the King's Subjects, and particularly thoſe of the United Provinces, capable of aſſiſting one another; who at preſent are in ſo lamentable a condition, and ſo utterly unable, that they cannot be obliged to a continuance of the extraordinary charges, without great hazard, and without expoſing them to the utmoſt extremity, and finding our ſelves reduced to a neceſſity, either of accommodating with the Enemy, whether we will or no, or of lying down under the burden. To which they do not think your Excellence will be of opinion, That they ſtand obliged by thoſe Treaties, that had no other end, than the good of the Allies, and the ſafety of their People. The ſaid Lords, the States General, have alſo thought fit, to have it repreſented to your Excellence, That being informed, That the Ambaſſadors and Plenipotentiaries of the King of France, would be authorized to conclude upon a Truce, to the very laſt Day of December next; they have Ordered their Plenipotentiaries at Nimeguen to diſcourſe it with them, and ſee whether they would make one for ſix Weeks, or three Months at moſt: Hoping, that if it can be obtain'd, your Excellence will not be diſpleaſed with it, but agree to it, for ſuch Reaſons as have been alledged to your Excellence, by word of mouth, and as your Excellence may conſider with your ſelf.

Delivered this 14th of May, 1678. Jacob Boreel. De Weede.

The Anſwer of the Duke de Villa Hermoſa, of the 16th of May, to the Memorial of the Deputies Extraordinary, of the States General, &c.

HIS Excellence having ſeen the Memorial of the Heeren Boreel and de Weede, Deputies Extraordinary of the Lords, the States General of the United Provinces, of the 14th of this Month, and deſiring on his part to contribute to the greater ſatisfaction of their Hi. and Mi. will agree to a ſuſpenſion of Arms for ſix Weeks, upon Conditions that ſhall be judged ſuch, as whereby the ſuſpenſion of Arms may not produce worſe effects, than a continuation of Hoſtility, and of the War, well underſtood, that regard ought to be had to the King of Great Britain's Anſwer, to the Repreſentation made to his Majeſty by their Hi. and Mi. according to that made to his Excellence by the ſaid Deputies on the 8th of this Month, and alſo that the Miniſters of his Imperial Majeſty, and thoſe of the High Allies, be acquainted with it. And to the end that this reſolution may be the more eaſie, his Excellence is of opinion, that the matter may be adjuſted at Nimeguen, or the Hague; whereupon the Lords, the States General, will have reaſon to acknowledge, what conſideration his Majeſty and his Excellence make of Repreſentations from their Hi. and Mi. and in the mean time it is not doubted, but they will uſe their utmoſt endeavours, to run to the defence of the Low-Countreys with all their Forces, that in this interval of time they may not ſuffer greater ſhocks.

Given at Bruſſels, the 16th of May, 1678.

A Declaration of the Emperour's Ambaſſadors, at a Conference Extraordinary of the Allies at Nimeguen, the 20th of June, 1678.

WE have heard the Propoſition that your Excellencies made to us two days ſince, containing in ſubſtance, That the Lords, the States General, could not carry on the War any longer, and found themſelves obliged to make Peace, for ſuch Reaſons as were then more particularly deduced. Your Excellencies would then have known our Sentiments thereupon, and you deſire the ſame thing again at this preſent. Not to fail therein, we hope above all things, that your Excellencies and all the World will do his Imperial Majeſty the juſtice to believe, that he has always behav'd himſelf like a good and faithful Ally towards all, both in Peace and War. We will not enlarge upon that. His Army has always been ſeen in the Field, in great numbers, in good order; it is evident, that he has imploy'd it for the good of the common Cauſe, and that he has made it act in ſuch places as were thought moſt ſurable; 'twere needleſs to particularize the Campagnes, where all was acted for the publick good. Moreover, his Imperial Majeſty has aſſiſted his Allies with all the Forces he could, if not with all he would: The Rebellion that has been raiſed againſt him in Hungary, is alſo publickly known, and how both his own Subjects, and the Turk and the Tartar have been ſtirred up againſt him; and yet ſo evident and ſo near a danger, has not been able to divert or decreaſe his Forces for the common Intereſts. Beſides, that it is known, he hath ſent his Army into the Low-Countries, to ſupport the acting there, whereby the Enemy had an opportunity to take Friburg from him, which makes ſo much difficulty now. As his Majeſty has been intent upon the Affairs of the War, ſo he has been no leſs upon thoſe of Peace: And, as your Excellencies can bear us witneſs, we his Ambaſſadors have neglected nothing that might promote it; and becauſe we believed, that the moſt effectual mean to obtain a reaſonable Peace, was to act vigorouſly, we have done all we could, as hath been already ſaid.

For the preſent, it cannot be doubted, but the Emperour will underſtand with ſorrow, That your Excellencies think Affairs reduced to ſuch extremities, that there is a neceſſity of making a Peace, to prevent greater: Your Excellencies have told us your Sentiments thereupon, and the Spaniards theirs. As for our own, we find, in the firſt place, That this manner of acting from France, to preſcribe Conditions of Peace, and admit no Treaties upon them, is againſt the ſtyle and the cuſtom always practis'd among Soveraign Powers; and we are far from being able to diſcover by that, any ſuch deſire of Peace, as the French make ſo great oſtentation of. For the Peace it ſelf, his Imperial Majeſty deſires it as much as any, and deſires it may be general, that the publick repoſe may be obtain'd, which is his only aim, and the common ſafety alſo, which is the chief thing that ought to be procur'd by the ſaid Peace. Your Excellencies confeſs your ſelves, that the Conditions contain'd in the Declaration of France, are too hard and violent; you have told us likewiſe, that your meaning is not, that we ought to paſs all the Contents of them. You have deſired to know our Sentiments upon this Subject, tendring the Offices of the States General, for reducing them to terms of Equity; and we, for our parts, told you then the Reaſons, why we cannot explain our ſelves fully thereupon.

Howſoever, we declar'd our ſelves here in the Aſſembly, to the Heer Ambaſſador Haren, that we could not admit of the Alternative, that concerns the Emperour and the Empire, barely as it is expreſſed. We have often deduced the Reaſons, as well why we cannot reſtore Philipsburg, as why we cannot leave Friburg in the hands of the French. We hope all the World will think them well grounded, and with all this we have not fail'd to acquaint the Emperour by a Courier Expreſs, whoſe return we expect. In the mean time, being willing to leave nothing undone on our ſide, that may further the Peace, we again pray your Excellencies, to interpoſe thoſe good Offices which you offered us, to diſpoſe the Ambaſſadors of France.

1. To admit of more equitable Conditions of Peace.

2. To treat with us upon them, ſince we are ready on our ſide, and deſirous to do it with all kind of moderation.

3. To take the ſame care for the Intereſts of our Allies, as for our ſelves, particularly for his Highneſs the Duke of Lorrain, who has been uſed worſt of all, and that the Eſtates of the Empire may alſo have due ſatisfaction.

My Lords, This is all that we are in a condition of ſaying to you at preſent.

A Declaration of the Ambaſſadors of Spain, at an Extraordinary Conference of the Allies, the 20th of June, 1678.

ALL that we can ſay upon the preſent Subject, is but to confirm and approve, as we do abſolutely, what Monſ. the Duke de Villa Hermoſa, hath ſaid and expreſſed in his Writing, dated at Bruſſels, the 3d of June, 1678. declaring only, that we will not ſeparate our ſelves from the Intereſts of our Allies, either in Peace or War, in whatſoever may depend upon the King our Maſter.

A Declaration of the Ambaſſadors of Denmark, at an Extraordinary Conference of the Allies at Nimeguen, the 20th of June, 1678.

WHoſoever ſhall compare the time that is elaps'd, ſince the return of his Excellence the Heer Ambaſſador van Beverningh, from the Journey which he took to his Moſt Chriſtian Majeſty, and ſince he communicated his Report only to the Miniſters of the High Allies at the Hague, with that within which they require of us a final Declaration, on behalf of his Majeſty the King our Maſter, upon ſo nice a matter, as concerns no leſs than an abſolute deciſion betwixt accepting a Peace, and continuing the War, may eaſily obſerve, that it has not been ſufficient for us to receive neceſſary Orders from our Maſter thereupon, and apprehend, that it is not in the power of Miniſters, to determine of their own heads ſo important a reſolution.

Fearing leſt this might happen, we required a convenient delay, by a Memorial delivered above eight days ago, into the hands of their Excellencies, the Lords, Ambaſſadors Extraordinary of the Lords the States General; but to this preſent no Anſwer thereunto has enſued, and inſtead thereof, the neceſſity of Affairs, the lamentable condition of the Spaniſh Low-Countries, the United Provinces not being able to raiſe ſupplies, for defraying the exceſſive expences of the War, what-ever hope we might have form'd to our ſelves of aſſiſtance from England, being utterly vaniſh'd, and the formidable Power of the Enemy, are now laid for a foundation, to the meaſures that are to be taken to prevent that by Peace, which 'tis believ'd cannot be hindred by continuing the War. The King our Maſter could not underſtand theſe extremities, but with the utmoſt compaſſion and perplexity of mind; and if he be thought capable of bringing any remedy on his ſide, we can give aſſurance on his behalf, that he will apply himſelf to it with the ſame generoſity, care and concern, out of which he has hitherto made appear by the effects, that his only content and repoſe conſiſts in the welfare of his Allies.

In the mean time, it is a very difficult thing to give any counſel and advice, in a matter that ſeems to be already determined, and which ſticks at nothing but the formality of its execution.

On Saturday laſt, their Excellencies, the Ambaſſadors of the Lords the States General, declar'd to us, That their Maſters ſaw no other mean to ſave themſelves from the ruine, which was like to drag them, through that of the Spaniſh Low-Countries, into the utter ſubverſion of their Common-wealth, than that of a ſudden Peace. They told us, That the Lords Ambaſſadors of France expreſſed themſelves diſpos'd, to conclude one ſeparately with them, and all thoſe that ſhould deſire to come into it, they invited us to joyn with them in it, and at the ſame time aſſur'd us, that ſince of neceſſity they muſt avoid the confuſion, that the Anſwer they ſhould have to make to the Moſt Chriſtian King, concerning the accepting a ceſſation of Arms, would bring them into, they found themſelves obliged to make a Peace alone, to their own beſt advantage, before the end of this preſent Month, though we ſhould not be able in that time to concur with them in it; this ceſſation of Arms not being neceſſary to them, for their own particular intereſts.

What room is left then for any counſel or advice in the Caſe? We ſee no other meaſures to take, for what concerns the King our Maſter, than to put their Excellencies, the Ambaſſadors of the Lords the States General, in mind of their own Aſſertion, to wit, That this Peace, even though they ſhould ſee themſelves obliged to make it with France, ſhould keep the Lords, the States General, their Maſters, no leſs under the power of their engagements, at the bottom of the mutual Treaties betwixt them and their Allies, and to pray them, as we do moſt inſtantly, to proceed in it with ſuch caution and wiſdom, as that it may not at the ſame time involve any prejudicial conſequence to that of the North.

The 18th Article of the Treaty betwixt his Majeſty, and the Lords the States General, upon the occaſion of the preſent War, ſhews plainly, how far his Majeſty and they ſtand mutually engaged to one another. We are bound in duty to inſiſt upon it, till we have received Orders from our Maſter to diſpence with it, which of our own heads we cannot do; and we conjure the Lords the States General, by what-ever is moſt ſacred in the publick Faith, and in ſuch ſolemn ſtipulations, not to do or take in hand any thing that may derogate from its force.

We wiſh for the Peace, as much as it can be wiſh'd for, and envy it not our Allies; if they will ſhew us a way to obtain a ſure and honourable Peace, we embrace it from this day forward; and if France will make a Peace with his Majeſty, we believe he is altogether ready to accept it, ſo it be founded upon Reaſon, and the good union, which will always keep him inſeparable from the fortune of his Allies.

Finally, We pray God to inſpire always the Lords the States General with Counſels worthy their moderation, and the conſideration which they ought to have, for thoſe whom themſelves have drawn into the perils of the preſent War, and to bleſs their Deſigns and Advances, for the ſecurity of the general Quiet of all Chriſtendom.

A Declaration of the Ambaſſador of the Elector of Brandenburg, on Munday the 20th of June, 1678.

THE Ambaſſador of Brandenburg ſays, That it was evident, that his Electoral Serenity his Maſter, before the Moſt Chriſtian King took up Arms againſt their Hi. and Mi. the States General, failed not to do all he could to divert him, and that likewiſe ſince the fire of this War has been kindled, he has deſired nothing more earneſtly, than to ſee it quench'd as ſoon as might be, and the publick repoſe every where eſtabliſh'd; and that it was upon the ſole conſideration of promoting the Peace, that his Electoral Serenity entred into ſuch ſtrict Bonds with his Allies, and eſpecially with their Hi. and Mi. that he hath expos'd and ſacrific'd his Perſon and Eſtates for that, and hath enjoyn'd his Plenipotentiaries at this Congreſs, and renews his Orders time after time, to labour for a Peace with their utmoſt endeavours, according to the Alliances betwixt the Confederates, which preſcribe a method to be obſerved for obtaining a general Peace, that was agreed on joyntly by them all. That their Excellencies, the Ambaſſadors of their Hi. and Mi. alledged two days ſince, that their Lordſhips, the States, both in reſpect of the condition of their own Provinces, and that of others, find themſelves at preſent reduced to a neceſſity of making a Peace with France, whether they will or no. That at the ſame time, to obſerve their Alliances, they expreſs a deſire to have their Allies joyn with them in it; but that withal they think themſelves neceſſitated, for the ſaving their Common-wealth from the ſhipwrack that threatens it, to make a Peace alone, or without the Confederates, in caſe they cannot accept the Conditions that France hath preſcribed; that thereupon they required the reſolution of their Allies with all ſpeed, that they might take their Meaſures thereby, at the Conſultation that is to be held this Week at the Hague.

The Plenipotentiary Ambaſſador of his Electoral Serenity ſays to it, That he knows not what reſolution his Maſter will take, for that he could not receive Inſtructions from him in ſo ſhort a time, upon the Declaration which the Moſt Chriſtian King delivered on the firſt of this Month of June, to the Heer Ambaſſador Van Beverning. That in the mean time he partly explain'd himſelf, as to his own private Sentiment, in the Memorial of the 10th of June, which he preſented to the Ambaſſadors of their Hi. and Mi. and that he doubted not, but they made all due and fitting Reflexions thereupon. That for the reſt, he was fully perſwaded, though ſome unconquerable neceſſity might diſpence with the States General, or ſhould oblige them to depart from any point of their Alliance with his Electoral Serenity, that yet they will always proceed in it with ſuch caution and ſincerity, as the foundation may ſubſiſt notwithſtanding, and his Electoral Serenity be at no prejudice, nor the band of their friendſhip and good underſtanding to be weakned.

The ſaid Ambaſſador added two Points, requiring the ſaid Lords the States to conſider them, when they ſhould take this matter into conſideration. The one, That France, in the Project of Peace, which its Ambaſſadors propoſed here, doth not mention any Conditions, upon which it is willing to make a Peace with his Electoral Serenity; whereas, on his behalf, there have been Propoſals made to that end, both with relation to France and Sweden, inſomuch that he knows not yet whether France will make any Peace with himſelf or no. The other, That the Conditions propos'd in that Project, with relation to Sweden, were ſo abject, and even ſo contrary to what their Hi. and Mi. have engaged themſelves to procure his Electoral Serenity, that it muſt be believed, that France is not willing that a Peace ſhould be made with Sweden, inaſmuch as their Hi. and Mi. that ſee there is no room left for his Electoral Serenity to enter into the Peace, in conjunction with themſelves.

Finally, The ſaid Ambaſſador promiſeth to communicate the reſolution of his Moſt Serene Maſter, upon the ſaid Declaration of France, as ſoon as he ſhall receive it, referring himſelf for other matters to his ſaid Memorial.

A Declaration of the Ambaſſador of Prince Charles of Lorrain, at a Conference Extraordinary of the Allies at Nimeguen, the 20th of June, 1678.

THis Declaration could not be opened at large, becauſe the Preſident Canon had only formed the Idea of it in his mind, and return'd but the night before from the Hague; he alledged that Journey, as an excuſe for his not having been preſent at the laſt Conference, ſaying, that he went to deliver the Lords the States General a Letter from his Maſter. Then he enlarged upon the injuſtice of the Alternatives, that were propoſed by France, as Conditions of Peace: The firſt, demanding a Country 35 miles in length, and 16 or 18 in breadth, with 26 Cities upon it, and 600 Burroughs and Villages: The other, depriving him of his Capital City, and the convenience of communication with his own Country, by pretending to paſs through ſome of the beſt of his High-ways. That both theſe Conditions were equally hard, he demonſtrated by the Election that was left his Maſter to chuſe either. For the avoiding ſuch Imperious Laws, he referr'd himſelf to the Alliances made between their Imperial and Catholick Majeſties, their Lordſhips the States General, and his late Uncle, and renewed ſince with his own perſon with all poſſible extenſion, and withal recommended himſelf to the friendſhip and protection of all his Allies, concluding with a formal proteſtation, that he would reſolve rather to live baniſh'd from his Country, and entirely to maintain the Juſtice of his Title, and have his Allies that had contracted with him, continue under their abſolute Engagements, than ever to return upon ſuch hard Conditions, and ſo ſcandalous to his Birth, and his undoubted Right of Succeſſion, never having deſerv'd ſo ill of France, as to be uſed ſo cruelly.

A Letter from the Lords the States General, to Monſ. the Duke of Luxemburg, the 22. of June, 1678. SIR,

WE have ſeen, with an equal mixture of joy and reverence, by the King's Anſwer of the firſt of this Month, from his Camp at Wetteren, which the Heer Van Beverning delivered us from his Majeſty, his ſincere intentions, to put an end to the preſent War by a Peace. In purſuance whereof, to ſhew the like ſincerity on our part, for his Majeſtie's greater ſatisfaction, we have ordered our Ambaſſadors at Nimeguen, to conclude and ſign the Treaty of Peace with his Majeſtie's Ambaſſadors and Plenipotentiaries, before the end of this Month, with ſuch of the Allies as ſhall be diſpoſed to come into it. In the meán time being aſſured, that his Catholick Majeſty will joyn with us in accepting the Peace, we entreated his Majeſty, that he would be pleaſed from hence-forward, to give neceſſary Orders to ſurceaſe all acts of Hoſtility by Land, and to cauſe ſuch of his Forces as are in his Country, to retire about the end of this Month. Sir, This is what we thought we ought to acquaint you with, his Majeſty having in a Letter to us, expreſs'd his deſire to have it ſo.

The Hague, 22 of June, 1678.

A Memorial preſented to his Majeſty of Great Britain at London, by M. de Borgomanero, &c. the 5th of June, 1678. SIR,

THE ſtate of Affairs being now ſo urgent, and the welfare or miſery of all Chriſtendom depending upon the ſafety of the Low-Countries, I conceive it is my duty to repreſent to your Majeſty, how neceſſary it is for your Majeſty, who alone can put a ſtop to the King of France's progreſs in theſe Parts, to maintain Forces by Sea and Land, and cauſe them to draw as near Flanders as may be, that they may ſerve as a Bridle to the common Enemy, and your Majeſty be in a condition to protect and defend Chriſtendom, from the utter ruine and oppreſſion, that the Moſt Chriſtian King threatens it with. In like manner I repreſent to your Majeſty for the ſame Reaſons, that it is altogether neceſſary, that your Majeſty make an Alliance Offenſive and Defenſive with the King my Maſter, and the Emperour, who will be conſtant Allies, and ready to run what-ever fortune your Majeſty ſhall hazard for the common Cauſe; not queſtioning, but thoſe other Princes, that are now in league with the King my Maſter, will immediately enter into ſuch Alliance, as your Majeſty ſhall make; and by this means, Chriſtendom will be ſecured againſt the oppreſſion of France.

London, the 5th. of June, 1678.

A Remonſtrance of the Ambaſſadors of the Elector of Brandenburg, to the Ambaſſadors of the Lords the States General, concerning the preſent Affairs of the Treaties of Peace. Given at Nimeguen, this 31. of July, 1678.

THE Ambaſſador of his Electoral Serenity of Brandenburg, for the Treaties of Peace at Nimeguen, having ſeen the Memorial of the Lords Ambaſſadors of France, of the 17th. of July, wherein they endeavour to take away the Jealouſies that might ariſe, of the ſincerity of his Moſt Chriſtian Majeſty's Intentions, and of his faithfulneſs to his Word, concerning the evacuation of the Places, which he promiſed to reſtore to Spain, and to their Hi. and Mi. the Lords the States General of the United Provinces, thinks it fit, and according to his duty, to repreſent to the Lords the Ambaſſadors of the States General, who communicated to him the ſaid Memorial: That as it is full of almoſt nothing elſe, in every paſſage, but great Deſigns, of the Moſt Chriſtian King, againſt his Electoral Serenity, his Maſter, and other Princes, that have made ſome Conqueſts upon Sweden; ſo his Electoral Serenity promiſeth himſelf, as well from the friendſhip of the Lords the States, and their fidelity of Word, as from their juſtice and exactneſs, in performing the terms of the Alliance, that they will not help forward ſuch perniclous Deſigns, nor ſuffer them to be put in execution, againſt one of their ancienteſt and moſt faithful Friend, Neighbour and Ally, and that has been no leſs concern'd, for the preſervation and re-eſtabliſhment of their Commonwealth, than of his own Inheritances, and has not ſtuck at expoſing, what-ever is moſt dear and precious to him in the whole World, for their ſakes.

It is evident, with what care his Electoral Serenity hath governed all his Actions, ſo as not to give the leaſt ground of diſcontent to Sweden; and the ſincerity, with which he has renew'd former Alliances with that Crown, is no leſs apparent, by his applying them even to the preſent Conjunctures, for the avoiding all manner of miſ-underſtanding and rupture, which yet happened, by the violent Invaſion, made by the Army of Sweden, towards the end of the year, 1674. upon Marchia and Pomerania, directly againſt thoſe, for whom ſuch ſolemn Stipulations had been, and contrary to the liberty, which each Party had reſerv'd to themſelves, in the ſaid Alliance: Which Invaſion was the more unjuſt, inaſmuch as it was made at a time, when his Electoral Serenity, relying on the publick Faith, had ſent his Forces ſo far off, that he was buſie with them in Alſatia. The Lords the States condemn'd and diſliked this Proceeding no leſs, than all other Chriſtian Potentates throughout Europe did; and God has made appear to all the World, by what has enſued, and by our marvellous ſucceſs, that his powerful Hand is able to protect the innocent, and puniſh thoſe that make ſo ſlight of Religion, Alliances, and Promiſes, that have had the ſanction of the publick Faith. Their Hi. and Mi. and all others, without doubt, will agree, that it were an unheard of piece of cruelty, to deal with his Electoral Serenity, as he is threatned in that Memorial, for having made ſo vigorous and glorious an oppoſition, to ſo unjuſt and forcible an Invaſion. The ſaid Ambaſſador does not intend to lay open the weakneſs of the reaſonings, in the ſaid Memorial of the Ambaſſadors of France, aſſuring himſelf, that their Hi. and Mi. will not fail to expoſe it to the World, for the refutation of thoſe, that for want of ſolid Reaſons, have been forced to betake themſelves, to ſuch weak and groundleſs Arguments; ſince it appears, that therein they contradict, and directly thwart, what the Moſt Chriſtian King has avow'd, and poſitively promiſed, by the Letters and Reſolutions, which his Majeſty has cauſed to be diſpatched, and delivered to their Hi. and Mi. and to their Miniſters. He will only repreſent, what wrong would be done to his Electoral Serenity, his Maſter, if their Hi. and Mi. ſhould give ear to ſuch Conditions, as conduce to no other end, but that of ſerving the Intereſt of a declared Enemy, by deſerting a faithful Friend and Ally, and, at the ſame time, expoſing their own Common-wealth, to the moſt dangerous hazard in the World, which they have endeavoured, out of their great prudence, and with ſo much care, to ſecure and ſhelter, by means of a Bar in Flanders, which the Moſt Chriſtian King himſelf thought neceſſary for maintaining their repoſe, but which will ſtand them in no ſtead, if ſuch another Bar be not likewiſe ſettled upon the Rhine. Certainly, there needs more then an ordinary aſſurance, to undertake the perſwading a whole Common-wealth, conſiſting of ſo many wiſe, and illuſtrious Members, to renounce whatever the Faith of their Alliances, and the true Intereſt of their own Common-wealth, requires of them, and ſubmit to ſuch prejudicial Councels; and to further the ſuffering an Ally, and Neighbour, to be oppreſſed, that has given ſuch extraordinary proofs of his Friendſhip to their State; and that in favour of a party, with whom at preſent they are engaged in open War, and that expreſſes by his exceſſive demands, ſo little of an inclination to come to ſuch a reconciliation, as may be fair, and at all proportionable to the miſchiefs, and inconveniences, that this fatal War has brought, and continues to bring upon Chriſtendom. I ſhall leave the reſt to the wiſe diſcuſſion of their Hi. and Mi. by reaſon of whoſe fidelity, affection, and Juſtice, his Electoral Serenity is well aſſured, that they will teſtifie in this occurrence, as great a paſſion for the ſecurity, and defence, of his Provinces of Cleve, which have always ſerv'd for a Bar; and whoſe preſervation, has always been ſo very dear to them, as his Electoral Serenity has an affection to their Common-wealth upon ſo many occaſions, and of which he has given ſuch remarkable inſtances, eſpecially, ſince the publick Faith, and the Welfare, and ſecurity of their own Eſtate, are equally concern'd in the Intereſt of it.

The Proteſtation of the Ambaſſadors, and Plenipotentiaries, of the King of Denmark, the Elector of Brandenburg, &c. againſt the ſeparate Peace of the States General, of the United Provinces. Made the 10th. of Aug. 1678. at Nimeguen.

THe Ambaſſadors, Plenipotentiaries, and Miniſters underwritten, underſtanding, with the utmoſt aſtoniſhment, that there was a likelihood of the Lords Ambaſſadors, of the States General, of the United Provinces; reſolving to Sign this day, a ſeparate Treaty of Peace, betwixt the Moſt Chriſtian King, and their Hi. and Mi. which has been likewiſe confirm'd to them, by ſome of the ſaid Ambaſſadors themſelves, though hitherto, they have not made any communication of the Contents of their Project, nor held any particular Conference, upon a matter of ſo great conſequence, in conformity to Treaties, by which their Hi. and Mi. are obliged ſo to do.

The ſaid Ambaſſadors, and Plenipotentiary Miniſters, have thought it their duty, to repreſent to the Lords Ambaſſadors, of their Hi. and Mi. the diſagreement of this proceeding, with the Tenour of the Alliances, ſo ſolemnly ſtruck with their Lords and Maſters; wherein the Lords the States, promiſe upon their Word, and upon the credit of the publick Faith, never to think of making ſeparate Treaties with their common Enemy, that was upon the point of overturning their Common-wealth, and from whoſe oppreſſion, they were ſaved onely by ſuch aſſiſtances, and diverſions, as were given from time to time in divers parts of the Empire, for their ſakes.

Then they required with all the inſtances imaginable, and conjur'd the ſaid Lords Ambaſſadors, by what ever is held moſt ſacred, and inviolable, not to precipitate the Signing this ſeparate Peace, being directly oppoſite to the ſaid Alliances, and to allow them a little time, to give their Lords and Maſters neceſſary information: ſince that delay could not be at all prejudicial to them, and that requeſt being but what every one might expect, from the publick Faith, and the ſincerity of the Lords, the States General. They promiſe themſelves the more aſſuredly, that both will be granted without any difficulty, eſpecially, becauſe there ſeems not to be any apparent neceſſity, why their Hi. and Mi. ſhould take up a reſolution, ſo contrary to all that they have taken, and concerted heretofore, and even after they had exhorted their Allies afreſh to ſtedfaſtneſs, in the obſervance, and performance of the Treaties, and after the ſaid Allies, our Lords and Maſters, had taken vigorous reſolutions thereupon, and in compliance with their deſires, had ſent ſuch numerous Forces into the heart of the Spaniſh Low-Countreys, to ſave Mons from the extremity, to which the Arms of France had reduced it, and to ſecond and execute, what other deſigns, and exploits, Spain, and the State, under the conduct of his Highneſs, the Prince of Orange, ſhould reſolve upon, for the good of the common cauſe, and the ſafety of the Low-Countreys, in particular.

They have ordered moreover, ſome ſelect Troops, that are now under march, to draw towards the Muſe, and to be employ'd for the ſame purpoſe; ſo that with God's aſſiſtance, we have yet reaſon to hope for good ſucceſs, in ſo juſt, and good a Cauſe.

However, if the Lords the States, ſhould find themſelves obliged, by ſome indiſpenſable neceſſity, (the occaſion and force whereof, is for all that unknown to the Allies) to proceed with ſo much precipitation, to a ſeparate Peace with France; the ſaid Ambaſſadors, and Miniſters, declare by this Memorial, that their Lords and Maſters, are diſpoſed, and ready to enter with them into this Treaty, and to conclude a Peace with his Moſt Chriſtian Majeſty, in conjunction with the Lords, the States General, upon ſuch honourable, and equitable Conditions, as ſhall be agreed on, in a ſhort time, towards the concluſion whereof, they will bring all manner of facility, and good offices, on their parts.

We promiſe our ſelves, that the ſaid Lords Ambaſſadors, will not refuſe ſo juſt and generous an offer; nor can we be perſwaded, that the intention of their Hi. and Mi. is not exactly conformable to this juſt deſire, or that they can ſo much as conceive a thought, of abandoning their good and faithful Friends, Neighbours, and Allies, that have employed what ever was moſt dear, and precious to them in the world, to ſave them from the ruine that threatned them, and to re-eſtabliſh them in their former Liberty, and Splendour. At leaſt, we promiſe our ſelves, from their Juſtice, and ſincerity, that they will not conclude upon any thing, that ſhall not comprehend the Intereſts of their Allies, which in effect are their own, nor joyn in the oppreſſion, and ruine, of thoſe that have ſo faithfully aſſiſted them, againſt ſo powerful an Enemy; who on the one hand, makes ſo much ſhow of the ſincerity of his deſire, to reſtore Peace to Chriſtendom, and on the other, refuſes to admit of ſuch means, as are capable of procuring it; beſides that, this abandoning their Allies, and the Neutrality, that they pretend to ſettle, was not ſo much as required by the Moſt Chriſtian King, in the platform of Conditions of Peace, which he Projected; the States, having always declared, againſt accepting the Ceſſation for ſix weeks, which the Moſt Chriſtian-King afterwards offered; becauſe the Neutrality, was made a Condition of it, which would have put them out of a poſſibility of aſſiſting their Allies.

But if the worſt came to the worſt, and that notwithſtanding, all theſe juſt and equitable Remonſtrances, they will proceed to Sign a Treaty of this nature; the ſaid Ambaſſadors, Plenipotentiaries, and Miniſters of the High-Allies, can do no other, then ſolemnly, and moſt formally, to proteſt againſt this ſeparate Treaty, as being directly contrary to the Alliances, and the ſolemn aſſurances, that have been given from time to time, of the ſtedfaſtneſs, and exactneſs, of their Hi. and Mi. in obſerving, and fulfilling their Treaties.

They challenge them likewiſe for all the misfortunes, inconveniences, loſſes, and dammages, that all Chriſtendom in general, and their Lords and Maſters, each in particular, may ſuffer by this ſeparation, and the non-obſervance of Alliances, ſo ſolemnly, and ſacredly contracted, ſaving to themſelves all their right, by vertue of thoſe Alliances, by the Law of Nations, and that of God and Man, ſubmitting to the ſound, and diſintereſſed judgment of all the World, the wrong done to their Lords and Maſters, contrary to all promiſes, engagements, Treaties, and that without any neceſſity, by a procedure equally raſh, and unheard of, in a time when God gives us hopes of redreſs, in a more decent, and reaſonable way; they challenge them, as thoſe, that out of blind paſſions, and prepoſſeſs'd ſentiments, even againſt their opinion, who are animated with a more generous ſenſe of honour, and the conſideration of their own engagements, to a rational ſtedfaſtneſs, ſacrifice the honour, and glory of their party, to proceedings unworthy a State that is governed by reaſon, and Juſtice; by which manner of acting, they contract ſuch a ſtain, as will never wear out of the memory of mankind.

Nimeguen, the 10th. of Auguſt, 1678. Signed, Hoegh, Blaeſpyl. St. Petkum, Zurmuhlen.

A ſecond Proteſtation of the Ambaſsadors, and Plenipotentiaries, of the King of Denmark, of his Electoral Highneſs of Brandenburgh, &c. Made, the 18th. of Auguſt, 1678. at the Hague, &c.

THe Counſellor, and Envoy Extraordinary, of his Majeſty, the King of Denmark, and Norway, &c. The Deputy Extraordinary, of his Electoral Highneſs of Brandenburg, and the Miniſter of their Highneſſes, the Dukes of Zell, and Wolsfembutel, underwritten, underſtanding by common fame, as if your Hi. and Mi. (after your Ambaſſadors having Signed a ſeparate Peace with thoſe of France, at Nimeguen, concerning which, they refer themſelves to the proteſtations, there made by the Miniſters, of all the High-Allies, and to the Memorials which they have preſented here, to the Lords, your Hi. and Mi. Deputies for Foraign affairs) had alſo been prevail'd with, to agree upon your own particular, upon a Ceſſation of Arms, with Sweden, for a certain time, could hardly give credit to a thing, ſo directly oppoſite, to the expreſs words of Treaties.

But, becauſe they find with great ſorrow, that many things are Negociated, and Treated, betwixt your Hi. and Mi. and the common Enemy of the Allies, of which the High-Allies, have no timely notice beforehand; the parties underwritten, have thought themſelves bound, to remonſtrate to your Hi. and Mi. how contrary ſuch proceedings are, to the very words of the Alliances, and not knowing for want of due communication, the truth of the news, which the Enemies give out, of this engagement, pretended to be entred into, by your Hi. and Mi. to Sweden, for a Ceſſation of Arms; they have thought fit, in diſcharge of their own duty, to put your Hi. and Mi. in mind of the very words of the Treaties, which in the 18th. Article run thus; viz.

That the Allies, ſhall from time to time, communicate to one another, what advances, or propoſals ſoever, ſhall be made at the Negociations of Peace, or Truce.

And a little before,

That the States General, ſhall not make any Truce with the Enemy, otherwiſe then in conjunction, and by common conſent.

And they conjure them, by all that is ſacred in ſolemn Treaties, and publick Faith, not to admit of ſo notorious a contravention, on their part, to the ſaid Treaties, in this point of a Truce, without a juſtifiable reaſon, or urgent neceſſity.

The parties underwritten, being moreover obliged, to enter ſolemn proteſts, in the names, and on the behalf of their Maſters, in caſe, contrary to all expectation, this Ceſſation of Arms ſhall fall out, to be ſeparately agreed upon with Sweden already, and in like manner, with relation to all other negotiations, and engagements, againſt the Tenour of the Treaties, that ſay, and require expreſly,

That not any of the Parties, ſhall come to any concluſion of a Peace, without comprehending their Allies.

We promiſe our ſelves, that your Hi. and Mi. according to your great knowledge, and the exactneſs, with which you have uſed inviolably, to obſerve the tenor of your Treaties, will be pleaſed to make reflexion, upon what the parties under-written have now alledged, ſo as not to ratifie what has been concluded at Nimeguen, with the Ambaſſadors of France, as being inconſiſtent with the ſaid Engagements, which, without doubt, will confirm all the Potentates of Europe, in the confidence which they have hitherto placed in your Hi. and Mi. concerning the fulfilling your promiſes made upon the publick Faith. However, the Miniſters under-written, find themſelves obliged to reſerve to their Lords and Maſters their Right, as well by the Law of Nations, as in purſuance of the fore-mentioned Treaties, clearing them at the ſame time, from what-ever inconveniences and misfortunes, this manner of proceeding may produce, both to the prejudice of the common Cauſe, and each of their particular Intereſts.

Given at the Hague, the 18th of Auguſt, 1678.

A Memorial of the Ambaſſadors of Denmark, and of the Elector of Brandenburg, given in to thoſe of the King of Spain, of the 22. of Auguſt.

THE Glory which the Crown of Spain has always acquired, and maintain'd hitherto, without the leaſt imputation, by its ſtedfaſtneſs and conſtancy, by its fidelity to its Allies, and by its religious adhering to its Faith, leaves the under-written Ambaſſadors, Plenipotentiaries, and Miniſters of the High Allies, no room to doubt, but that it will yet continue in the ſame generous Sentiments, and tranſmit this Reputation to poſterity, which all former Ages have been obliged to publiſh in its honour.

But becauſe, ſince the unforeſeen ſigning of the Peace betwixt France, and the Lords the States General, the moſt glorious opportunity has preſented it ſelf, that ever could have happened, to ſignalize this honourable firmneſs, and purchaſe a new ſplendor and luſtre to the ſaid Monarchy, the ſaid parties under-written would not be wanting to make uſe of it, to repreſent to their Excellencies, the Lords Ambaſſadors of his Catholick Majeſty, at this Congreſs, that their Lords and Maſters can promiſe themſelves no leſs, from the juſtice and equity of theirs, by their former experience, than the like behaviour upon the preſent occaſion; to the end, that all the World may judge with them, that Fidelity is the moſt precious Diadem of a well-ordered State, which no force can invade, no adverſity pervert, no neceſſity bereave it of; and that they juſtly and undoubtedly expect to ſee thoſe defects, that rather by the unfortunate conſtitution of Affairs, than out of any ill will, have hitherto intervened, in divers Articles of the Treaties, that are betwixt his Catholick Majeſty and themſelves, made up by this unſhaken conſtancy; ſo as his Majeſty will not in any ſort ſeparate or looſen himſelf from thoſe, that have not feared to expoſe themſelves on the very brink of a precipice, and to throw themſelves into the moſt dangerous events, wherein they yet continue, for his ſake, and to draw his Countries, in theſe Parts, out of the gulf that was about to ſwallow them up. The ſaid parties under-written can aſſure their ſaid Excellencies, upon their certain knowledge, and by their expreſs Orders, that their Lords and Maſters are entirely diſpoſed, and ready to take part with theirs, and with all thoſe that ſhall now think it their intereſt, or will be willing yet to joyn in the defence of ſo juſt a Cauſe, as the common Cauſe is, and in the eſtabliſhment of the publick ſafety, in all the hazards, perils, and dangerous events, that the Divine Providence ſhall be pleaſed to ordain, whether the event ſhould fall out to be that of accompliſhing ſo juſt a Deſign, by a general, a juſt, and a reaſonable Peace, or whether the Enemy ſhould be ſo hard, as to make the obtaining it, ſtick upon impracticable conditions and demands, and expoſe it to the continuance of a longer and a fiercer War.

Not any of our Lords and Maſters ever refuſed to take ſuch courſes, as reaſon and decency have eſtabliſhed between Soveraign Princes, to arrive at the firſt; they will yet joyfully embrace them, and will demonſtrate by their readineſs and facility, that the Quiet of Chriſtendom is the only object of all their wiſhes: But ſince it is evident to all the World, that the Enemies have hitherto refuſed to admit of any, but would preſcribe Laws to us, rather than ſuffer us to treat upon terms in order to it, it is eaſily diſcovered not to be their fault, that at preſent we are all involv'd in the latter.

A rational ſtedfaſtneſs is only capable of redreſſing theſe miſchiefs, and of bringing them back to more juſt and decent Meaſures, that have been led aſide out of the way of their Duty and Engagements, by the ſecret Cabals of ſome private Perſons, and the violence and inadvertence of ſome Men of fickle minds, that know not how dear and precious Faith and Truth ought to be to a free State; when they ſhall take notice, that his Majeſty is far from following ſo pernicious an example, and will keep faithfully to the Letter of the mutual Treaties, out of which your Excellencies will find ſome neceſſary Extracts hereunto annexed, and let the World ſee, that he chuſeth rather to run the ſame fortune with his Allies to the very laſt, than unmercifully to deſert them, contrary to all ſacredneſs of promiſes, and only to ſave himſelf to their coſt, by a notorious breach of ſuch ſolemn Alliances.

His Majeſty can loſe nothing by this means, but will be a gainer, by maintaining his Glory, his Honour, and his Reputation. The Bar that is ſetled for bounds to the Conqueſts of France, is rather a large career for it, to drive on its Deſigns in, as far as it liſteth. All that is left the King of Spain in the Low-Countries, ſerves rather to exhauſt his Treaſures, for the little time that he ſhall be permitted to enjoy it peaceably, than to give him any aſſurance of a ſetled poſſeſſion. And when they ſhall have looſen'd the ſacred Band of the Allies, and diſarmed the neighbouring Eſtates, who will hinder the reſt from falling under the dominion of a foreign Power, when-ever the Enemy ſhall have a mind to it? Certainly, they that for their good will, and all their endeavours, and all the hazards to which they have expos'd themſelves, ſhall find themſelves now either evil-entreated by their Friends, or deſerted by their Allies, and ſo ill rewarded for their affection and good will, will be wiſer at another time, when the fire ſhall be greater, than to run to quench it, and every one will content himſelf to provide for his own ſafety, when he ſhall conſider, how unworthily he has been recompenced, for what he has now done for that of the Publick.

But the ſtrength of all theſe Arguments is ſo well known, to their Excellencies aforeſaid, that it would be ſuperfluous to alledge new ones. They know very well, how neceſſary it is, for all that are concern'd in the Intereſt of the preſervation of the Low-Countries, not to let them utterly ſink, what-ever may be pretended outwardly. The Enemy's Arms have already got too faſt hold of theſe Rampiers, of the neighbouring Eſtates, for us to imagine, that they can be contented to ſee them entirely loſt. For this cauſe the Ambaſſadors, Plenipotentiaries, and Miniſters under-written, will not enlarge upon the debate of theſe Matters. They are only bound in duty, to conjure your Excellencies, by the ſacredneſs of reciprocal Engagements, by the force of mutual Alliances, by the Faith of the King your Maſter, and by the Glory and the Honour of your Nation and Country, not to make any ſtep on the preſent occaſion, that may be prejudicial to their Lords and Maſters, or be injurious to your own, or your ſelves, ſince we are perſwaded, you never will leave this Victory to the common Enemies, of being ſuperior to the King your Maſter in conſtancy, and ſtedfaſtneſs to their Allies, though Deſtiny may by the fortune of War, have made his condition at preſent ſomewhat worſe than theirs.

This is what the Parties under-written do moſt inſtantly beſeech your Excellencies, not only to conſider your ſelves with mature deliberation, but duelyto report it where 'tis proper, that we may both know, that theſe things have been repreſented in time, and promiſe our ſelves ſuch reſolutions and effects, as are worthy ſo great a King as yours, and becoming ſuch zealous, clear-fighted, and wiſe Miniſters, as every one knows your Excellencies are.

Nimeguen, the 22. of Auguſt, 1678.

A Letter of the Ambaſſadors of the Lords, the States General of the United Provinces of the Low-Countries, to the Lords Ambaſſadors Extraordinary, and Plenipotentiaries of France, for an Explanation of the 13th. Article of the Treaty of Peace. My Lords,

Since the 13th. Article of the Treaty of Peace, concluded and ſigned the 10th. of this Month, concerning the Neutrality promiſed by our Lords the States General, with relation to the Enemies of his Moſt Christian Majeſty, and his Allies, and the garranting ſuch Engagements as Spain ſhall enter into, with relation to the like Neutrality, is couch'd in ſuch a manner, as that an obligation may be inferr'd, not only for the preſent, and as long as the War ſhall continue, in which the Allies of our Lords the States are now engaged, but that conſequences may be drawn for the time to come, and ſuch occaſions as may ariſe, after all the preſent Wars are ended. And ſince your Excellencies know, that there never was any intention to agree upon ſuch Neutrality, but only for the preſent time, and during the continuance of this War, according to his Moſt Chriſtian Majeſty's Propoſals, We pray your Excellencies, to clear this Matter to us in a word, and declare, that his Majeſty's meaning, and that of your Excellency's, is, that the ſaid Article ſhall be applicable, to the time of the preſent War only, and your Excellencies will infinitely oblige,

Nimeguen, the 17th. of Aug. 1678. My Lords, Your Excellencies moſt humble, and moſt obedient Servants, H. Beverningh. W. Haren

The Anſwer of the Lords Ambaſſadors of France, to the Ambaſſadors of the Lords, the States General of the United Provinces, in Explanation of the 13th. Article of the Treaty of Peace. My Lords,

WE have received your Excellency's Letter, of the 17th. of this Month; and though the fidelity, wherewith the King our Maſter hath always acted, and the ſincerity, with which his Majeſty is willing to reſtore the Lords the States General, to the firſt degree of his friendſhip, ought not to leave your Excellencies under any apprehenſion, lest he ſhould endeavour to ſurprize you, or put a larger construction upon the 13th. Article of the Treaty, concluded and ſigned betwixt us, on the 10th. of this Month, then as we explain'd our ſelves to one another; yet We are willing to aſſure your Excellencies, that it was not his Majeſty's intention, nor conſequently ours, to make uſe of the ſaid Article any longer, than the preſent War ſhould laſt; nor, whenever it ſhall pleaſe God to put an end to it, to oblige the Lords the States General to more, than what their own Interest, and their good Union with his Majesty, ſhall require of them. We are,

Nimeguen, the 17th. of Aug. 1678. My Lords, Your Excellencies moſt humble, and moſt obedient Servants, Le M. D' Estrades. Colbert. D' Avaux.

The Ratification of the Explanation of the thirteenth Article, of the Treaty of Peace, betwixt France and Holland.

THe King, being inform'd by his Ambaſſadors Extraordinary, and Plenipotentiaries, at the Treaty of Peace at Nimeguen, of their explanation, by their Letter of the ſeventeenth of Auguſt, this preſent year, to the Ambaſſadors Extraordinary, and Plenipotentiaries of the States General, of the United Provinces, of the Low Countreys, of the thirteenth Article of the Treaty of Peace, Concluded, and Signed at Nimeguen; the tenth day of the ſaid month of Auguſt; betwixt the ſaid Lords Ambaſſadors, in which is mentioned, the Neutrality promiſed by the ſaid States General, as well in relation to his Majeſty, and his Allies, as the garranting ſuch engagements, as Spain ſhould enter into, with relation to the like Neutrality. His Majeſty having read and examined the ſaid Letter, by which his ſaid Ambaſſadors do declare, and aſſure, that his Majeſtie's intention, is not to benefit himſelf by the ſaid Article, any longer then the preſent War ſhall continue. His Majeſty was well pleaſed with the ſaid explanation, and hath allowed, approved, and ratified the ſame, as fully, as if it were inſerted into the ſaid Treaty of Peace, next after the thirteenth Article thereof, there allowed, approved, and ratified, Promiſing on the Faith, and Word of a King, to fulfil, and cauſe to be obſerved, ſincerely, and faithfully, whatever is therein contained, without ſuffering any thing, ever to be done to the contrary, directly or indirectly, for any cauſe, or upon any occaſion whatſoever. In witneſs whereof, his Majeſty hath Signed theſe preſents with his own hand, and hath cauſed his Privy Seal to be put thereto.

Given at Fountainbleau, the fifth day of September, in the year one thouſand ſix hundred, ſeventy eight. Signed, Lewis. And underneath was Signed, Arnauld.

A ſeparate Article, for a general indemnification of the Subjects, both of France, and Holland.

THe King having received the ſeparate Article, Signed by his Ambaſſadors Extraordinary, and Plenipotentiaries, at the Treaty of Peace at Nimeguen, and thoſe of the Lords the States General, of the United Provinces, of the Low-Countreys, whereof the Tenour is as followeth; viz.

The Ambaſſadors Extraordinary, and Plenipotentiaries, of the Moſt Chriſtian King, and the Ambaſſadors Extraordinary, and Plenipotentiaries, of the Lords the States General, of the United Provinces, declare by this preſent Act; that though the Treaty, which they Signed on the tenth of Auguſt, import a ſufficient aboliſhment, of whatever has been committed on either ſide, by reaſon of the War, to which the ſaid Treaty has put an end; whether by ſuch as being Subjects born of France, and obliged to ſerve his Majeſty, by reaſon of the Offices or Eſtates, which they poſſeſſed within the compaſs of France, have entred or continued in the ſervice of the Lords, the States General, or by ſuch as being born Subjects, of the ſaid Lords the States, or obliged to ſerve them, by reaſon of the Offices or Eſtates, which they poſſeſſed within the compaſs of the United Provinces, entered or continued in his Moſt Chriſtian Majeſtie's ſervice; yet for their more ſecurity, and to protect them from all proſecution, the ſaid Ambaſſadors Extraordinary, and Plenipotentiaries, have agreed, that all ſuch Perſons, of what quality or condition ſoever, without exception, may enter, re-enter, and ſhall be actually ſuffered to continue, and be ſettled, in the peaceable poſſeſſion, and enjoyment of all their Eſtates, Honours, Dignities, Priviledges, Franchiſes, Rights, Exemptions, Settlements, and Liberties, without being liable, all or any of them, to be proſecuted, vexed, or moleſted, either in general, or in particular, for any cauſe, or upon any pretence, by reaſon of any thing that has hapned ſince the beginning of the ſaid War. In purſuance of which Declaration, and after it ſhall have been Ratified, as well by his Moſt Chriſtian Majeſty, as by the Lords the States General, which ſhall be within a month, all and every of them ſhall be permitted, without any Letters of aboliſhment, or forgiveneſs, to return in Perſon to their Houſes, and enjoy their Lands, and all other their Goods, or to diſpoſe thereof, as they ſhall think fit.

Given at Nimeguen, the 24th. of September, 1678. The M. D' Eſtrades. Calbert. H. Beverning. W. Haren. His Majeſty having read the ſaid Article, hath Approved, and Ratified, and doth Approve, and Ratifie the ſame, Promiſing on the Faith and Word of a King, to fulfil, and cauſe to be obſerved, ſincerely, and faithfully, whatever is therein contained, without ever ſuffering any thing to be acted to the contrary, directly, or indirectly, for any cauſe, or upon any occaſion whatſoever. In witneſs whereof, his Majeſty hath Signed theſe preſents with his hand, and hath cauſed his Privy Seal to be ſet thereto. Given at Fountainbleau, the third of October, in the year, One thouſand ſix hundred ſeventy eight. Signed, Lewis. And underneath was Signed, Arnauld. Done at the Hague, the 30th. day of September, in the year, One thouſand ſix hundred ſeventy eight. Signed, Wilhem, van Naſſaw. By Order of the ſaid Lords the States General. H. Fagel.

The States General, of the United Provinces, of the Low-Countreys: To all that ſhall ſee theſe preſents, Greeting. Since on the 24th. of September, 1678, there was made and concluded at Nimeguen, by the Ambaſſadors Extraordinary, and Plenipotentiaries, of the Moſt Chriſtian King, and ours, an Act of oblivion, in Tenour, as followeth; viz.

The Ambaſſadors Extraordinary, and Plenipotentiaries, &c. We have Agreed, Approved, and Ratified, the ſaid Act, in all it's points, and do Agree, Approve, and Ratifie the ſame, by theſe preſents, Promiſing faithfully, and ſincerely, to keep, maintain, and inviolably to obſerve the ſame in every point, according to the form and purport thereof, without ever acting to the contrary, directly or indirectly, upon any pretence whatſoever. In token whereof, we have cauſed theſe Preſents to be Signed by the Preſident of our Aſſembly, and underwritten by our Principal Regiſter, and our Seal to be ſet thereto.

The Treaty of Peace, betwixt France and Spain, Concluded at Nimeguen, the 17th. day of September, 1678.

IN the Name of God the Creator, and of the moſt Holy Trinity; To all preſent, and to come, be it known, That whereas during the courſe of the War, that aroſe ſome years ſince betwixt the moſt High, moſt Excellent, and moſt Mighty, Prince Lewis the 14th. by the grace of God, Moſt Chriſtian King of France and Navar, and his Allies, on the one part; and the moſt High, moſt Excellent, and moſt Mighty Prince Charles, the ſecond, by the grace of God, Catholick King of Spain, and his Allies, on the other part; Their Majeſties have deſired nothing more vehemently; then to ſee it end in a good Peace; and whereas the ſame deſire to put a ſtop, as far as in them lay, to the ruine of ſo many Provinces, the tears of ſo much People, and the ſhedding of ſo much Chriſtian blood, hath induced them to comply, with the powerful Offices of the moſt High, moſt Excellent, and moſt Mighty Prince, The King of Great Britain, to ſend their Ambaſſadors Extraordinary, and Plenipotentiaries, to the Town of Nimeguen; ſo it is come to paſs through an effect of the Divine goodneſs, that hath been pleaſed to make uſe of the intire confidence, that their Majeſties have always repoſed in the mediation of the ſaid King of Great Britain, that at length the ſaid Ambaſſadors Extraordinary, and Plenipotentiaries; to wit, on the behalf of his Moſt Chriſtian Majeſty, the Sieur Count D' Eſtrades, Marſhal of France, and Knight of his Majeſties Orders; the Sieur Colbert Knight, Marquiſs of Croiſſy, Counſellor in ordinary, in his Councel of State, and the Sieur De Meſmes Knight, Count D' Avaux, Councellor alſo in his Councels, and on the behalf of his Catholick Majeſty, the Sieur Dom Pablo Spinola Doria, Marquiſs de les Balbaſes, Duke of Seſto, Lord of Guinoſſa, Caſalnoſetta, and Ponteucrone, Counfellor in his Councel of State, and Chief Protonotary in his Councel of Italy; Dom Gaſpard de Tebes, and Cordova Tello; and Guzman Count de Venazuza, Marquiſs de la Fuente, Lord of Lerena, of the Houſe of Arrucas, of the Iſles of Gundalupa, and Matalione, perpetual Maſter de la Victoire, perpetual Major, and Recorder of the Town of Sevil, Gentleman of the Bed-Chamber to his Imperial Majeſty, one of his chief Councel of War, and General of his Artillery; Dom Pedro Ronquillo, Knight of the Order of Alcantara, Counfellor in his Councels of Caſtile, and of the Indies; and Dom John Baptiſſe Chriſtin, Knight, Counſellor in the high Councel of Flanders, near to his ſaid Catholick Majeſty's Perſon, and one of his Councel of State, and of his Privy Councel in the Low-Countreys; by vertue of the Letters, and Commiſſions, which they have communicated to one another, and the Copies whereof, are word for word inſerted at the end of this Treaty, have come to an agreement and concluſion, upon mutual Conditions of Peace, and Friendſhip, in manner following, viz.

The Power of the Lords Ambaſſadors, of his Moſt Chriſtian Majeſty.

LEwis, by the Grace of God, King of France and Navarr: To all that ſhall ſee theſe preſents, Greeting. As we deſire nothing more earneſtly, than to ſee the War that now afflicts Chriſtendom, end in a good Peace; and whereas, by the cares and mediation, of our moſt dear and our moſt beloved Brother, the King of Great Britain, the Town of Nimeguen has been agreed upon, on all hands, for the place of Conference; We, out of the ſame deſire, to put a ſtop, as far as in us lyes, to the ruine of ſo many Provinces, and the effuſion of ſo much Chriſtian Blood, do make known, That We, repoſing entire confidence in the experience, ſufficiency and fidelity, of our moſt dear and well-beloved Couſin, the Sieur Count D'Eſtrades, Marſhal of France, and Knight of our Orders, our truſty and well-beloved, the Sieur Colbert, Marqueſs of Croiſſy, Counſellor in Ordinary in our Councels of State, and of our truſty and well-beloved the Sieur de Meſmes, Count D'Avaux, Counſellor alſo in our Councels, by reaſon of the advantagious tryals that we have made of them, in divers Embaſſies, and Employs of importance, wherein we have entruſted them, at home and abroad. For theſe Cauſes, and other good Conſiderations, us thereunto moving, We have appointed, conſtituted and deputed, the ſaid Sieur Marſhal D'Eſtrades, Marqueſs de Croiſſy, and Count D'Avaux, and do appoint, conſtitute, and depute the ſame by theſe preſents, ſigned with our Hand, and have given them, and do hereby give them full Power, Commiſſion, and ſpecial Order, to repair to the Town of Nimeguen, in quality of our Ambaſſadors Extraordinary, and our Plenipotentiaries for the Peace, and there to confer directly, or by the interpoſition of the Ambaſſadors Mediators, reſpectively allowed and agreed to, with all Ambaſſadors and Miniſters, of our moſt dear and moſt beloved Brother and Couſin, the Catholick King, and his Allies, having all of them ſufficient Powers, and there to treat upon the means, for determining and appeaſing the Differences, that cauſe the War at this day. And our ſaid Ambaſſadors and Plenipotentiaries, all three joyntly, or two of them, in abſence of the third, through ſickneſs, or other impediment, or one only, in abſence of the other two, in like caſe of ſickneſs, or other impediment, may agree thereupon, and conclude and ſign a good and ſure Peace, and generally may act, negotlate, promiſe and agree, what-ever they ſhall think neceſſary towards the ſaid Peace, with the ſame Authority, that we our ſelves ſhould or might do, if we were preſent there in perſon, though any thing therein ſhould require more particular Order, than is contain'd in theſe preſents: Promiſing on the Faith and Word of a King, to obſerve and fulfil, what-ever the ſaid Sieur Marſhal D'Eſtrades, Marqueſs de Croiſſy, and Count D'Avaux, or two of them, in the abſence of the third, through ſickneſs, or other impediment, or by one only, in abſence of the other two, in like caſe of ſickneſs, or other impediment, ſhall ſtipulate, promiſe and agree, and to cauſe our Letters of Ratification, to be diſpatched within ſuch time, as they ſhall promiſe in our Name to produce them; for ſuch is our pleaſure. In witneſs whereof, we have cauſed our Seal to be ſet to theſe preſents.

Given at St. Germain en Laye, the 23. day of December, in the year of Grace, One thouſand ſix hundred ſeventy five, and of our Reign, the three and thirtieth. Signed, Lewis; and upon the fold of the Letters, By the King, Arnauld, and ſealed with the Great Seal in yellow Wax.

The Powers of his Catholick Majeſty's Ambaſſadors.

DOn Charles the ſecond, by the Grace of God, King of Caſtile, Leon, Arragon, both Sicilies, Jeruſalem, Navar, Granada, Toledo, Valentia, Galicia, Majorca, Seville, Sardinia, Cordoma, Corſica, Murcia, Jaen, Algarves, Algeriza, Gibraltar, the Canary Iſlands, the East and Weſt-Indies, the Iſles of Terra Firma, and of the Occan-Sea; Arch-Duke of Auſtria, Duke of Burgundy, Brabant, and Melan, Count of Auspurg, Flanders, Tiroll, and Barcelona, Lord of Biſca, and Molina, &c. Since we deſire nothing with greater vehemency, then to ſee the War, that doth at this preſent ſo much afflict Chriſtendom, end in a good Peace, and the Town of Nimeguen having been choſen, and pitch't upon, by means of the Mediation, and good Offices of the King of Great Britain, and by the common conſent of all parties concern'd in the War, to be the place for meeting, and Treating of Peace; and I deſiring to contribute as much as in me lies, towards ſo good a Deſign, I have thought fit to nominate ſome Perſons to aſſiſtat the Aſſembly, with full power, and authority, in my name, and taking into conſideration the Sufficiency, Integrity, Prudence, Experience, Underſtanding, and Zeal for my Service, which are found in you, Don Paul Spinola Doria, Marquiſs de Los Balbaſes, one of my Councel of State, Don Pedro Ronquillo, of my Councels of Caſtile, and of the Indies, and Don John Baptiſte Chriſtin, of my Councel of Flanders; and by reaſon of the ſatisfaction which you have always given me, in many, and important Affairs, whereof you have had the management, and aſſuring my ſelf of the care that you will take in my Service, I have nominated you to be my Ambaſſadors, and Plenipotentiaries, and by vertue of theſe preſents, I give to you all joyntly, and to each of you in particular, in the abſence, or by reaſon of any other hindrance of the other, full and abſolute power to repair to the Town of Nimeguen, and there to Treat, immediately, or by the intervention of the Ambaſſadors Extraordinary, and Plenipotentiaries, the Mediators, reſpectively allowed, and admitted, with the Ambaſſadors, and Plenipotentiaries, of my moſt Dear, and moſt beloved Brother, and Coſen, the Moſt Chriſtian King, and his Allies, eſpecially authoriſed, and appointed, and having ſufficient powers, and to treat upon means for appeaſing the preſent War, and to this end to enter with them upon a Negotiation, to Confer, Propoſe, Agree, Capitulate, Conclude, and Sign, a good, firm, and durable Treaty of Peace, and Quiet, and generally to act with relation thereunto, as my ſelf might, if preſent there in Perſon, though more particular Order ſhould be requiſite, then is contain'd in theſe preſents. And I give my Faith, and Royal Word, for ever to obſerve preciſely, and punctually, without failure, whatſoever ſhall by you, Don Paul Spinola Doria, Marquiſs de Les Balbaſes, Don Pedro Ronquillo, and Don John Baptiſte Chriſtin, my Ambaſſadors, and Plenipotentiaries, all three joyntly, or by two of you, in the abſence, or in caſe of ſickneſs of the other, be agreed at the ſaid Treaty, with the Ambaſſadors, and Plenipotentiaries, of my moſt beloved Brother and Coſen, the Moſt Chriſtian King, and his Allies; and likewiſe to approve, and Ratifie the ſame, within ſuch time as ſhall be limited by both parties. In witneſs whereof, I have ordered theſe preſents to be diſpatched: Signed with my hand, and Sealed with my Privy Seal, and ſubſcribed by my Secretary of State, underwritten.

Given at Madrid the third day of Decem. 1675. I the King. Don Pedro Coloma.

DOn Charles the ſecond, by the Grace of God, King of Caſtile, Leon, Arragon, both Sicilies, Jeruſalem, Navar, Granada, Toledo, Valentia, Galicia, Majorca, Seville, Sardinia, Cordova, Corſica, Murcia, Jaen, Algarves Algeriza, Gibraltar, the Canary Iſlands, the Eaſt and Weſt-Indies, the Iſles of Terra Firma, and of the Ocean Sea; Arch-Duke of Auſtria, Duke of Burgundy, Brabant, and Milan, Count of Auspurg, Flanders, Tiroll, and Barcelona; Lord of Biſcay, and Molina, &c. Foraſmuch as by the Mediation, and good Offices of the King of Great Britain, the Town of Nimeguen has been choſen, and pitch't on, by the common conſent of all the parties now engaged in the War, for a place of meeting, in order to a Treaty of Peace: and I deſiring to contribute on my part, whatever lies in me, towards the appeaſing and ending the preſent War, that ſo much afflicteth Chriſtendom, through his means, have nominated to be my Ambaſſadors and Plenipotentiaries, to aſſiſt in my Name, at the ſaid Aſſembly, Don Paul Spinola Doria, Marqueſs de los Balbaſes, one of my Councel of State, Don Pedro Ronquillo, one of my Councels of Caſtille, and of the Indies, and Don John Baptiſte Chriſtin, of my Councel of Flanders, by vertue of the plenary Power, which I diſpatched the third of December, 1675. ſigned with my Hand, and ſealed with my Seal, and under-written by Don Pedro Coloma, my Secretary of State, as appears by the Original, to which I refer: To the end, that all three joyntly, or two of them, in caſe of abſence, or other hindrance of the third, or one only, in the like caſe of abſence, or other hindrance of the other two, might aſſiſt, treat and confer immediately, or by the interpoſition of the Ambaſſadors Extraordinary, and Plenipotentiaries the Mediators, allowed and admitted reſpectively, with the Ambaſſadors and Plenipotentiaries, of my moſt dear and moſt beloved Brother and Couſin, the Moſt Chriſtian King, and his Allies, ſpecially authorized and appointed; which accordingly they have done, and now actually do in my Name. And judging it to be for the intereſt of my ſervice, to add one Plenipotentiary more to the other three, to aſſiſt at the Conferences and Affairs there, with like character and authority. And conſidering the ſufficiency, integrity, prudence, experience, underſtanding, and zeal for my ſervice, which are found in you, Don Gaſpar de Teves, and Guſman, Marqueſs de la Fuente, Count de Venazuza; and by reaſon of the ſatiſfaction which you have always given me, in many and important Affairs, whereof I have intruſted you with the management, and that you will have regard to the intereſt of my ſervice, I nominate you to be my ſecond Ambaſſador and Plenipotentiary, to repair to the ſaid Town of Nimeguen, and joyntly with my three Ambaſſadors above-named, or with two of them, in the abſence, or in caſe of other impediment of the third, or by your ſelf alone, in caſe of abſence, or other hindrance of the other three, either by the mediation of the Ambaſſadors Extraordinary, and Plenipotentiaries the Mediators, reſpectively allowed, or immediately, with the Ambaſſadors and Plenipotentiaries, of my moſt dear and moſt beloved Brother and Couſin, the Moſt Chriſtian King, and his Allies, particularly appointed and authorized, confer, propoſe, agree, conclude and ſign a good, firm, and durable Treaty of Peace and Quiet, and generally to act, with relation thereunto, what-ever I my ſelf might do, if I were preſent there in perſon, though ſome more particular Order ſhould be requiſite thereunto, than is herein expreſſed. And I give my Faith and Royal Word, that what-ever you Don Gaſpar de Teves, and Guzman, Marqueſs de la Fuente, my ſecond Plenipotentiary, joyntly with the ſaid Marqueſs de los Balbaſes, Don Pedro Ronquillo, and Don John Baptiſte Chriſtin, my Ambaſſadors and Plenipotentiaries, or ſole, in the abſence, or other hindrance, of any of them, ſhall agree and capitulate at the ſaid Treaty; with the ſaid Ambaſſadors and Plenipotentiaries, of my moſt dear and moſt beloved Brother and Couſin, the Moſt Chriſtian King, and his Allies, I will always obſerve preciſely and punctually, without any failure, and will likewiſe approve and ratifie the ſame, within ſuch time as ſhall be reciprocally agreed on. Declaring from this time forward, that nothing. is hereby derogated from the Power, which I gave on the third of December, to the ſaid Marqueſs de los Balbaſes, Don Pedro Ronquillo, and Don John Baptiſte Chriſtin; but that, on the contrary, it remains in full and perfect force and vertue, notwithſtanding theſe preſents, or any other circumſtance whatſoever. In token whereof, I have ordered theſe preſents to be diſpatched, being ſigned with my Hand, and ſealed with my privy Seal, and ſubſcribed by my Secretary of State under-written.

Given at Madrid, the 16th. of July, 1678. I the King. Don Pierre Coloma.

Articles of Peace between the Emperor, and the French King, Concluded, and Signed at Nimeguen, the 5th. day of February, 1678. Tranſlated out of Latin, according to the Copy Printed at Nimeguen, by Adrian Moetiens.

IN the Name of the moſt Holy, and Undivided Trinity. Be it known to all and every one, whom it doth, or may any way concern, That whereas, from the beginning of the War, commenced ſome years ago, between the moſt Serene, and Mighty Prince, and Lord LEOPOLD, Elect Emperor of the Romans, always Auguſt, King of Germany, Hungary, Bohemia, Dalmatia, Croatia, and Sclavonia, Arch-Duke of Auſtria, Duke of Burgundy, Brabant, Stiria, Carinthia, Carniola, Marquiſs of Moravia, Duke of Luxemberg, of the Upper and Lower Sileſea, Wirtemburg, and Tecka, Prince of Swaben, Earl of Hapsburg, Tirol, Kyburg, and Goritia, Marquiſs of the ſacred Roman Empire, Burgovia, and of the Upper and Lower Luſatia, Lord of the March of Sclavonia, of the Port of Naon, and the Salt-Pits, on the one part, and the moſt Serene, and Mighty Prince and Lord, LEWIS the xiv. the Moſt Chriſtian King of France, and Navar, on the other part; Their Imperial, and Moſt Chriſtian Majeſties, have deſired nothing more paſſionately, than the prevention of the deſolation of ſo many Countreys, and the further effuſion of Blood, by reſtoring a Peace never to be broken. It hath, by the Bleſſing of Almighty God, been at length brought to paſs, that by the endeavours of the moſt Serene, and Mighty Prince and Lord, Charles the ſecond, King of Great Britain, Who being received as a General Mediator by all the Parties, hath, in theſe difficult Conjunctures of Chriſtendom, to his immortal Glory, with indefatigable care, employed his utmoſt Offices, and Counſels, for the Publick Tranquility, and General Peace, Their Imperial, and Moſt Chriſtian Majeſties, have agreed, that the Congreſs for treating the Peace, ſhould be held here at Nimeguen, in Guelderland; In which place, Ambaſſadors Extraordinary, and Plenipotentiaries, in due form authorized, having appeared on both ſides, viz. on the part of the Emperor, the moſt Reverend, Illuſtrious, and Excellent Lords, John Biſhop of Gurgg, Prince of the Sacred Roman Empire, and Counſellor to his Imperial Majeſty; as likewiſe Francis Udalrick, Count of the ſacred Roman Empire, of Khinscky, Chemitz, and Tettau, Lord of Klumetz, Counſellor to his Imperial Majeſty, of his Bed-Chamber, Lord Lieutenant, Aſſiſtant of the Royal Provincial Court, Preſident for Appeals, and Lord Steward of the Royal Court, in the Kingdom of Bohemia, and Theodore Athletus, Henry Stratman, of his Imperial Majeſty's Autick Council; And on the part of the Moſt Chriſtian King, the moſt Illuſtrious, and Excellent Lords, Godfrey Count D' Eſtrades, Marſhal of France, Knight of his Majeſties Orders, Viceroy in America, Governor of the City and Fort of Dunkirk, and the Places thereupon depending; Charles Colbert, Kt. Marquiſs of Croiſſy, Counſellor in ordinary to the Moſt Chriſtian King, and John Anthony de Meſmes, Kt. Count d' Avaux, one of his Moſt Chriſtian Majeſties Privy Council; after having humbly implored the aſſiſtance of Almighty God, and in due form preſented, and ſhewn their Commiſſions, the Copies whereof (are word for word, inſerted in the end of this Treaty) with the Interpoſition, and Pains, of the moſt Illuſtrious, and Excellent Lords, Lawrence Hyde, Eſq. Sir William Temple, Baronet, and Sir Leoline Jenkins, Kt. Ambaſſadors Extraordinary, and Plenipotentiaries of his Majeſty of Great Britain, who from the year 1675. until this preſent, have with great impartiality, Induſtry, and Prudence, performed the Office of Mediators, in order to the reſtoring the Publick Tranquility, to the Glory of God, and Welfare of Chriſtendom, they have mutually agreed on the following Conditions of Peace, and Friendſhip.

I.

Firſt, That there be a Chriſtian, Univerſal, true, and Sincere Peace, and Friendſhip, between their Imperial, and Moſt Chriſtian Majeſties, their Heirs, and Succeſſors, Kingdoms, and Provinces, as alſo between all and every the Confederates of his ſaid Imperial Majeſty, more particularly the Electors, Princes, and States of the Empire, comprehended in this Peace, their Heirs, and Succeſſors, on the one part; and all and every the Confederates of his ſaid Moſt Chriſtian Majeſty, comprehended in this Peace, their Heirs, and Succeſſors, on the other; Which ſaid Peace, and Friendſhip, ſhall be ſo ſincerely obſerved, and improved, that each party ſhall promote the Honour, Advantage, and Intereſt of the other; And there ſhall be ſo perpetual an Oblivion, and Amneſty, of all Hoſtilities committed on each ſide, ſince the beginning of the preſent Troubles, that neither Party ſhall, upon that, or any other account, or pretence, give, nor cauſe, or ſuffer to be given hereafter, to the other any Trouble, directly, or indirectly, under colour of Law, or way of Fact, within, or without the Empire, any former agreements to the contrary, notwithſtanding, But all and every, the injuries, Violences, Hoſtilities, Dammages, and Charges, ſuſtained on each ſide, by Words, Writing, or Deeds, ſhall without reſpect of Perſons, or things, be ſo entirely aboliſhed, that whatſoever may upon that account, be pretended againſt the other, ſhall be buried in perpetual Oblivion.

II.

And foraſmuch as the Peace concluded the 24th. day of October 1648. at Munſter, in Weſtphalia, is to be the Foundation, and Baſis of the preſent Friendſhip, and Publick Tranquility; The ſaid Peace ſhall from henceforth be reſtor'd, in all and every it's Points, and remain in full force and vigour, as if the ſame were, word for word, inſerted herein, except in ſuch Points as are derogated from it, by this preſent Treaty.

III.

And whereas in vertue of the ſaid Peace of Munſter, his Moſt Chriſtian Majeſty had Right to keep a Garriſon in the Fortreſs of Philipsburg, for it's Protection, and that the ſaid Fortreſs hath during this War been taken by the Emperor's Arms, and the Caſtle, and Town of Friburg, by the Arms of France, Their Imperial, and Moſt Chriſtian Majeſties, have agreed concerning thoſe Places, in manner following.

IV.

His Moſt Chriſtian Majeſty, as well for himſelf, as his Heirs, and Succeſſors, doth for ever renounce, and quit to his Imperial Majeſty, his Heirs, and Succeſſors, all Right of Protection, maintaining a Garriſon, and all other things which belonged unto him, with relation to the Fortreſs of Philipsburg, in vertue of the Treaty of Munſter, Reſerving nothing, under any pretence or Title, to himſelf, his Heirs, and Succeſſors, or the Kingdom of France, upon the ſaid Fortreſs, the Forts adjoyning to it, and erected as well on this, as on the other ſide of the Rhine, any Laws, Conſtitutions, and Statutes, or other things whatſoever, to the contrary notwithſtanding, all and every of which are expreſly derogated from by this preſent Treaty.

V.

In like manner, his Imperial Majeſty doth, as well for himſelf, as his Heirs, and Succeſſors, and the whole Houſe of Auſtria, renounce, and for ever quit to his Moſt Chriſtian Majeſty, his Heirs, and Succeſſors, the Caſtle, and Town of Friburg, together with the 3. Villages of Lehn, Mezhauzen, and Kirchzart thereunto belonging, with their Diſtricts, as they appertain to the Community of the ſaid Town of Friburg, together with all Propriety, Superiority, Right of Patronage, Sovereignty, and other things whatſoever, which belonged unto him with relation to Friburg, Reſerving to himſelf, his Heirs, and Succeſſors, or the Empire, no Right or Claim thereunto, under any Title, or Pretence whatſoever, any Laws, Conſtitutions, Statutes, or any thing to the contrary notwithſtanding, all and every of which, are expreſly derogated from by this preſent Treaty: Provided ſtill, that the Priviledges, and Immunities, formerly obtained of the Houſe of Auſtric, for the ſaid City remain inviolate, as alſo the Right of Epiſcopacy, Revenues, and other Emoluments, be reſerved to the Biſhop, and Church of Conſtance.

VI.

His Moſt Chriſtian Majeſty ſhall, as often as he has occaſion, without any hindrance or moleſtation, have a free and eaſy paſſage, from Briſach to Friburg, through the Territory of his Imperial Majeſty, and the Empire, by the High-Way called Landstras, for the marching of his Soldiers, and the conveying of Proviſions, and other things neceſſary for the Garriſon of Friburg.

VII.

Nor ſhall the Proviſions intended, and neceſſary for the Garriſon of Friburg, in their way and paſſage from Briſach to Friburg, be moleſted, or detained, through payment of any Tolls, Cuſtoms, Taxes, Duties, or Rights, new or antient. It is further agreed, That the Victuals requiſite, as well for the Garriſon, as Inhabitants, which ſhall be tranſported from any place of Briſgow, to Friburg, ſhall as hitherto, ſo likewiſe for the future, pay no Cuſtoms; and as for other Merchandiſe, and things whatſoever, no other nor greater Duties, and Cuſtoms, ſhall be laid upon them, than if they were carried to other Places, under the Obedience of his Imperial Majeſty, or are otherwiſe paid by the Subjects of his ſaid Imperial Majeſty.

VIII.

Commiſſioners ſhall, within a year after the Ratification of the Peace, be named, to determine, and conſider, what Debts lawfully contracted, are to be paid by the ſaid Town of Friburg.

IX.

His Moſt Chriſtian Majeſty ſhall take effectual care, that ſincerely, and without delay, all and every the Writings, and Deeds, which at the time of the taking of Friburg, were found in the Town and Caſtle, in the Chancery of the Government, and Chamber, or in the Houſes, and Cuſtody, of the Counſellors, and other Officers thereof, or elſewhere, be reſtored to his Imperial Majeſty; But if the ſaid Writings be publick, and do joyntly concern the ſaid Town of Friburg, and the 3 Villages thereunto belonging, the Commiſſioners abovementioned, ſhall agree in what place the ſame ſhall be kept, ſo that Authentick Copies of them may be obtained, as often as deſired.

X.

It ſhall be lawful not onely to the Chapter of Baſle, as alſo to all and every the Members of the Auſtrean Government, and the Univerſity of Friburg, but alſo to the Citizens, and Inhabitants, of what Condition ſoever, who have a mind to depart, without any hindrance, moleſtation, or impoſition, within a year after the Ratification of the Peace, to Tranſport themſelves, together with their Moveables, to whatſoever place they pleaſe, and to ſell, retain, or adminiſter by themſelves, or others, their Immoveables. All others ſhall likewiſe have the ſame power to retain, adminiſter, or alienate, who have any Goods, Revenues, or Rights, in the ſaid City of Friburg, or the 3 Villages belonging unto it.

XI.

Nevertheleſs, His Moſt Chriſtian Majeſty doth conſent, that the ſaid Caſtle, and Town of Friburg, with the 3 Villages thereunto belonging, ſhall be reſtored to his Imperial Majeſty, in caſe they can agree of an Equivalent for it, to the ſatisfaction of his Moſt Chriſtian Majeſty.

XII.

Whereas the Duke of Lorrain, is engaged in the War with his Imperial Majeſty, and deſires to be included in this preſent Treaty, The ſaid Duke ſhall for himſelf, his Heirs, and Succeſſors, be reſtored to the free and full poſſeſſion of all thoſe States, Places, and Goods, which Duke Charles his Uncle, poſſeſſed in the year, 1670. When the ſame were taken by the Forces of the Moſt Chriſtian King; Excepting only ſuch alterations, as are made and ſpecified in the following Articles.

XIII.

The Town of Naney, with it's Diſtrict, (commonly called Finage,) ſhall remain for ever, United, and Incorporated to the Crown of France, ſo that his Moſt Chriſtian Majeſty, his Heirs, and Succeſſors, ſhall poſſeſs the ſame with all Right of Superiority, Sovereignty, and Propriety, And to that end, the ſaid Duke of Lorrain, doth as well for himſelf, as his Heirs, and Succeſſors, for ever renounce, quit and transfer unto the ſaid Moſt Chriſtian King, his Heirs, and Succeſſors, without any retention, or reſervation, all Right of Propriety, or Sovereignty, all Prerogatives, and Pre-eminences, which did, or of right ought to belong to the ſaid Duke, with reference to the aboveſaid City of Nancy, any Laws, Cuſtoms, Statutes, Conſtitutions, or Agreements, made to the contrary notwithſtanding, all which, as alſo the annulling Clauſes of Derogations, are derogated from by this preſent Treaty.

XIV.

And to the end, there may be a more free communication between the ſaid Town of Nancy, and the Dominions belonging to the Crown of France, and a more eaſie paſſage for the French Soldiers, Ways half a league broad ſhall be marked out, by Commiſſioners to be appointed for that purpoſe, by the Moſt Chriſtian King, and the ſaid Duke of Lorrain; The firſt of which Ways ſhall be, from St. Didier to Nancy; the ſecond, from Nancy to Alſatia; the third, from the ſaid City of Nancy to Beſancon, in the County of Burgundy; And the fourth, from Nancy to Metz; yet ſo that the marking out of the ſaid Ways, be done in the ſame manner, as was obſerved in the Ways formerly conſented to, by Duke Charles, in the year, 1661.

XV.

All Places, Villages, Houſes, and Lands, together with their Dependencies, Scituate, and lying within the ſaid Ways of half a league broad, ſhall belong unto his Moſt Chriſtian Majeſty, together with all Rights, as well of Superiority, and Sovereignty, as Propriety, which the ſaid Duke, or his Anceſtors had, and enjoyed before this Treaty; yet ſo, that if the Diſtricts, or Dependencies of the ſaid Places, extend beyond the ſaid half league, whatſoever lies beyond that ſpace of ground, and the boundaries ſettled by the Commiſſioners, ſhall with all Superiority, Sovereignty, and Propriety, remain as formerly, to the ſaid Duke, his Heirs, and Succeſſors.

XVI.

The City, and Provoſtſhip of Longwic, with it's Appurtenancies, and Dependencies, ſhall for ever, with all Superiority, Sovereignty, and Propriety, remain to the ſaid Moſt Chriſtian King, his Heirs, and Succeſſors, and the ſaid Duke, his Heirs, and Succeſſors, ſhall lay no claim thereunto for the future; But in exchange for the ſaid City and Provoſtſhip, his Moſt Chriſtian Majeſty ſhall give unto the ſaid Duke, another Provoſtſhip, in one of the 3 Biſhopricks, of the ſame greatneſs and value, according as ſhall be agreed upon, by the aboveſaid Commiſſioners, which being ſo granted, and conveyed by the Moſt Chriſtian King, to the ſaid Duke, as well the ſaid Duke, as his Heirs, and Succeſſors, ſhall for ever enjoy it, with all Rights of Superiority, Sovereignty, and Propriety.

XVII.

In like manner, his Moſt Chriſtian Majeſty, for, and in compenſation of the ſaid Town of Nancy, doth for himſelf, and the Crown of France, quit, and convey to the aforeſaid Duke, his Heirs, and Succeſſors, the Superiority, Sovereignty, and Propriety, of the City of Thoul, and the Suburbs thereof, with all Rights thereunto belonging, eſpecially the Prerogatives, and Pre-eminences of Patronage, which did, or of right ought to have belonged to the Crown of France, in, and over the ſaid City of Thoul, it's Suburbs, and Diſtrict, (commonly called Finage) ſo as the ſaid Duke, his Heirs, and Succeſſors, may, without any retention, or reſervation, fully enjoy, and exerciſe the ſame; any Laws, Cuſtoms, Statutes, Conſtitutions, or Agreements made to the contrary, notwithſtanding; from all which, as alſo the annulling Clauſes of Derogations, the Moſt Chriſtian King, hath expreſly derogated by this preſent Treaty.

XVIII.

And in caſe the Diſtrict of the City of Thoul, ſhall be found to be of leſs bigneſs and value, than the Diſtrict of the City of Nancy, the ſame ſhall be otherwiſe compenſated to the Duke, ſo that the Diſtricts of both Cities ſhall be of an equal greatneſs, and value.

XIX.

The Moſt Chriſtian King ſhall, as by this preſent Treaty he doth, for ever renounce for himſelf, his Heirs, and Succeſſors, the Right of nominating, or preſenting the Biſhop of Thoul, unto the hands of the Pope, procured by him of Pope Clement ix. ſo that the ſaid Duke may make his recourſe to the Apoſtolick See, to obtain the ſame.

XX.

It is further covenanted, and agreed, That it ſhall in no wiſe be lawful for the ſaid Duke to make any alteration or change, in the Benefices beſtowed by his Moſt Chriſtian Majeſty, until the day of this preſent Treaty, and thoſe who are inducted into the ſaid Benefices, ſhall continue in quiet poſſeſſion of them, ſo that the ſaid Duke, ſhall in no wiſe trouble, or moleſt, nor diſpoſſeſs them of the ſame.

XXI.

It is further agreed, That all Proceedings at Law, Sentences, and Decrees, made, and given by the Council, Judges, or other the Officers of his Moſt Chriſtian Majeſty, in Suits, and Actions, that are finiſhed, as well between the Subjects of the ſaid Dutchy of Lorrain, and Bar, as others, during the time the ſaid States were under the Dominion of the Moſt Chriſtian King, ſhall take place, and have their full and entire effect, in as ample manner, as if the Moſt Chriſtian King had ſtill continued Lord, and Poſſeſſor of thoſe Countreys; nor ſhall it be lawful to queſtion, annull, delay, or hinder the Execution of the ſaid Sentences, and Decrees. But the Parties concerned, may according to what is preſcribed, and appointed by the Laws, deſire a Reviſion of the Proceedings that have been thereupon had, yet ſo that the Sentences ſhall remain in full force and vigour.

XXII.

The Charters, Deeds, and Writings, which were in the Exchequers of Nancy, and Bar, and in the two Chambers of accompts, or elſewhere, and have been ſince removed from thence, ſhall be forthwith reſtored to the Duke.

XXIII.

His Imperial Majeſty doth agree, that Prince Francis Egon, Biſhop of Strasburg, and his Brother, Prince William Egon, of Furſtenberg, together with their Nephew, Prince Anthony Egon, of Fuſtenberg, and their Officers, and Miniſters, ſhall be fully reſtored to the State, Reputation, Dignities, Rights, Suffrages, Seſſion, Benefices, and Offices, Goods holden in Fee-ſimple, Fee-baſe, and in Capite, together with the Profits that have been ſequeſtred, and generally to all other Goods, which they did, or of right ought to have enjoyed before their Deprivation, upon occaſion of this War, any Proceedings, Tranſactions, or Decrees whatſoever to the contrary, notwithſtanding. The ſaid Prince, William Egon ſhall immediately after the Ratification of the Peace, be reſtored to his full liberty. And whatſoever hath been ſaid, written, or done by the Chapter of Strasburg, and others who adminiſtred the Goods, and Benefices, belonging to the ſaid Biſhop, and Prince, ſhall be buried in perpetual Oblivion, nor ſhall they upon that account be impeached, or under any other pretence whatſoever, moleſted.

XXIV.

All the Vaſſals, and Subjects, Eccleſiaſtical, and Secular, of both Parties, ſhall be reſtored to the Honours, Dignities, and Benefices, which they enjoyed before the breaking out of the War, as alſo to all Goods, Moveable, and Immoveable, Revenues, caſual, and ſubject to redemption, ſeized, and confiſcated upon occaſion of the War, together with all Rights, Actions, and Inheritances, fallen unto them, even during the ſame, yet ſo that nothing ſhall be demanded for the Profits, and Rents, received for the ſaid Goods, Moveables, Revenues, and Benefices, from the time of the Confiſcation, and Seiſure, till the day of the Ratification of the Peace; and in like manner, the Debts, Effects, Merchandiſe, and Moveables, confiſcated before the ſaid day, ſo that neither the Creditors of private Debtors, nor thoſe in whoſe hands ſuch Effects, and Merchandiſe, have been depoſited, nor their Heirs, or Aſſigns, may proſecute, or pretend to any reſtitution, or ſatisfaction for the ſame, which reſtitutions ſhall be extended to thoſe alſo, who have been of the contrary Party; and conſequently, they ſhall in vertue of this Treaty, be reſtored to the favour of their Prince, as alſo to their Goods, in ſuch condition, as they ſhall be found to be, at the Concluſion, and Signing of this Treaty, all which things ſhall be effectually executed, any Donations, Confiſcations, Orders, Interlocutory, and Definitive, Sentences given, and made, without hearing, and in the abſence of the Parties, through contumacy; Which Sentences, and Judgments, ſhall be made null, and deemed to be of no more force, than if they had never been judged, and pronounced, full and entire liberty, remaining to the ſaid Parties, to return into the Countrey from whence they departed, and enjoyed the Goods, Moveables, Eſtates, and Revenues, or inhabit in what place ſoever they ſhall pleaſe, and make choice, without any violence, or compulſion; and in caſe they have a mind to tranſport themſelves to ſome other place, they may by Atturneys not ſuſpected, adminiſter, and enjoy their Goods, and Revenues, ſuch Benefices only accepted, as require reſidence, which they ought Perſonally to perform, and execute.

XXV.

The agreement this day made, between his Imperial Majeſty, and the Empire, and the King, and Kingdom of Sweden, as well with relation to himſelf, as to the Duke of Holſtein-Gottorp, ſhall be eſteemed to be comprehended in this Treaty, in ſuch manner, that as well this, as the aforementioned Treaty, between the Emperor, and Sweden, ſhall be judged, and looked upon, as one, and the ſame, and held to be of the ſame force, and vertue, as if it were word for word, inſerted in this Treaty.

XXVI.

And becauſe it is highly neceſſary, in order to the preſervation of the publick Peace, That the War, which yet continues between his Moſt Chriſtian Majeſty, and the King, and Kingdom of Sweden, on the one part, and the King of Denmark, the Elector of Brandenburg, the Biſhop of Munſter, and the Princes of Lunenburg, namely the Biſhop of Osnaburg, and the Dukes of Zel, and Wolfembutel, be with all ſpeed compoſed, as well his Imperial, as his Moſt Chriſtian Majeſty, ſhall employ their utmoſt Offices, towards the ſaid Princes, and the King of Sweden, That a Peace between the aforeſaid Parties, be ſpeedily made, and to that end, a Ceſſation of Arms in order to it, be forthwith agreed to by them. But if contrary to all expectation, the ſaid Offices ſhould want their deſired effect, His Imperial Majeſty, and the Electors, Princes, and States of the Empire, included in this Peace, do promiſe, that after the Term for the Ceſſation of Hoſtilities, is expired, they will in no wiſe, under any pretence whatſoever, directly, or indirectly, aſſiſt the aforeſaid Enemies of France, and Sweden, or in any wiſe hinder them in the carrying on of the War, nor ſuffer the Forces of the aforeſaid Enemies of France, and Sweden, to take any Winter-Quarters, without their Territories in the Empire. And for the aforeſaid end only, it ſhall be free for his Moſt Chriſtian Majeſty, to keep a Garriſon, in the following Places in the Empire, yet without endammaging the Owners of the ſaid Places, and their Subjects, and at the charges of the Moſt Chriſtian King, viz. in the Towns, and Cities of Chaſſelet, Huy, Verviers, Aix la Chapelle, Dueren, Linnick, Nuys, and Zons, in which Places, no new Fortifications ſhall be made, further than ſhall be neceſſary for the ſafety of the Garriſons, and without giving juſt cauſe of ſuſpicion: Nor ſhall it be lawful for the Moſt Chriſtian King, to retain thoſe Places upon account of the charges made therein, nor under any other pretence whatſoever, but ſhall evacuate, and reſtore the ſame to thoſe, from whom he took them, ſo ſoon as a Peace ſhall be concluded, and Ratified, between the aforeſaid Parties, as to the Provinces ſcituate in the Empire, or that more fit means, ſhall by common conſent be found out, to reſtore it. In like manner, his moſt Chriſtian Majeſty doth promiſe, that he will in no wiſe, nor under any pretence whatſoever, directly, or indirectly, aſſiſt the preſent Enemies, of the Emperor and Empire: It ſhall be likewiſe free for the Emperor, and Empire, to employ their Offices, Counſels, and Endeavours, joyntly with the Moſt Chriſtian King, for the ſpeedy compoſing the War, by common conſent.

XXVII.

Purſuant to the Peace of Munſter, confirmed by the ſecond Article, in all its Points and Clauſes, Places ſhall be reſtored, and ſuch as are to be reſtored, ſhall be bonâ fide evacuated. To which end, Commiſſioners ſhall be named, at the ſame time this Treaty is Ratified on both ſides, that the aforeſaid Evacuation, and Reſtitution, be without further delay made, within one month after the Ratification of the Peace, Thoſe Places only excepted, which are otherwiſe for a time to be diſpoſed of, by the preceding Article.

XXVIII.

Whereas, there hath been an ancient difference concerning the Caſtle, and Dutchy of Bovillon, between the Biſhop, and Prince of Liege, and the Dukes of that name, it is hereby agreed, That the Duke of Bovillon continuing in the poſſeſſion he hath of it, the ſaid difference, ſhall amicably, or by Arbiters, to be named by the Parties, within 3 months after the Ratification of the Peace, be compoſed, without proceeding to Acts of force.

XXIX.

Immediately after the Signing, and ſubſcribing of this Treaty of Peace, by the Extraordinary Ambaſſadors, and Plenipotentiaries, all Acts of Hoſtility ſhall ceaſe. And in caſe within 14 days, after the Signing of the Treaty, any thing ſhall be attempted, or altered, it ſhall be forthwith repaired, and reſtored to its firſt condition.

XXX.

Contributions ſhall continue to be demanded, and levyed, by the one, and the other Party, in thoſe Provinces, Countreys, and Places, where before the Signing of this Treaty, they were ſettled, until the Ratification of the ſame, and what ſhall then remain in Arrear, ſhall within 4 months after the ſaid Ratification be paid. Yet ſo that the payment of the ſame, ſhall not, after the Ratifications are exchanged, be forcibly required of thoſe Places, who will give ſufficient ſecurity to pay the Proportion aſſeſſed upon them.

XXXI.

Although in the ſecond Article of this Treaty, it hath been ſufficiently declared, that the Peace of Munſter, ſhall in all, and every its Points be confirmed, yet it hath been thought fit, particularly that all things ſtipulated in the ſaid Peace of Munſter, with relation to the buſineſs of Montferrat, remain hereafter in full force and vertue, amongſt which thoſe things ſhall more particularly continue firm, and valid, which are ſtipulated therein, in behalf of the Duke of Savoy.

XXXII.

Their Imperial, and Moſt Chriſtian Majeſties, retaining a grateful ſence of the Offices, and continual Endeavours the moſt Serene King of Great Britain hath uſed, to reſtore a general Peace, and the publick Tranquility, It is mutually agreed between the Parties, that he, with his Kingdoms be included in this Treaty, after the beſt, and moſt effectual manner that may be.

XXXIII.

In this Peace, thoſe alſo ſhall be comprehended, who ſhall be named by either Party, with common conſent, before the exchange of the Ratifications, or within 6 months after.

XXXIV.

The Emperor, and the Moſt Chriſtian King, do agree, That all Kings, Princes, and States, ſhall, and may give their Guaranties to their Imperial, and Moſt Chriſtian Majeſties, for the execution, and performance of all and every the Points, contained in this preſent Treaty.

XXXV.

The Peace being thus concluded, the Ambaſſadors Extraordinary, and Plenipotentiaries of both Parties, do promiſe, that the ſame ſhall be Ratified, in the manner mutually agreed on, by the Emperor, and Empire, and the Moſt Chriſtian King reſpectively, and take effectual care, that Authentick Ratifications be, within the ſpace of 8 weeks, to be computed from the day of the Signing thereof, or ſooner, if poſſible, reciprocally, and in due form exchanged here.

XXXVI.

And whereas his Imperial Majeſty, hath been humbly deſired by the Electors, Princes, and States of the Empire, in vertue of a Reſolution, dated the 31. May, 1677. under the Seal of the Chancery of Mentz, and delivered to the French Ambaſſadors, to take care by his Imperial Ambaſſadors, in this Congreſs, of the Intereſts of the ſaid Electors, Princes, and States of the Empire, as well the Imperial, as the French Ambaſſadors, have, in teſtimony, and for the greater validity of all, and every thing, and things, contained in this Treaty of Peace, Signed, and Sealed the ſame with their Names, and Seals, and promiſed interchangeably, to deliver ſufficient Ratifications thereof, within the ſpace abovementioned, and the form therein agreed on; nor ſhall any Proteſtation, or Contradiction, from the Directory of the Empire, againſt the ſubſcription of this Treaty, be received, or eſteemed valid.

Done at Nimeguen, the 5th. day of Feb. A. D. 1679. (Ls) John Biſhop, and Prince of Gurgh. (Ls) Francis Udalrick Count Kinsky. (Ls) T. A. Hen. Stratman. (Ls) The Marſhal D'Eſtrades. (Ls) Colbert.

Articles of Peace between the Emperor, and the King of Sweden, Concluded, and Signed at Nimeguen, the 5th. day of February, 1679. Tranſlated out of Latin, according to the Copy Printed at Nimeguen, by Adrian Moetiens.

IN the Name of the moſt Holy, and Undivided Trinity. Be it known to all and every one, whom it doth, or any way may concern, That whereas, from the beginning of the War, commenced ſome years ago, between the moſt Seiene, and Mighty Prince, and Lord LEOPOLD, Elect Emperor of the Romans, always Auguſt, King of Germany, Hungary, Bohemia, Dalmatia, Croatia, and Sclavonia, Arch-Duke of Auſtria, Duke of Burgundy, Brabant, Stiria, Carinthia, Carniola, Marquiſs of Moravia, Duke of Luxemberg, of the Upper and Lower Sileſea, Wirtemburg, and Tecka, Prince of Swaben, Earl of Hapsburg, Tirol, Ferrette, Kyburg, and Goritia, Marquiſs of the ſacred Roman Empire, of Burgovia, and of the Upper and Lower Luſatia, Lord of the Marck of Sclavonia, of the Port of Naon, and the Salt-Pits, on the one part, and the moſt Serene, and Mighty Prince and Lord, Charles King of Suedes, Goths and Vandals, Great Prince of Finland, Duke of Schonen, Eſtotiland, Lieftland, Carelia, Bremen, Ferden, Stetin, Pomerania, Caſſubia and Vandalia, Prince of Rugen, Lord of Ingria and Wiſmar; and alſo Count Palatine of the Rhine, Duke of Bavaria, Juliers, Cleves and Berghen, on the other part, His Imperial and his Royal Majeſty of Sueden, have deſired nothing more paſſionately, than the preventing the further deſolation of ſo many Countreys, and Effuſion of Blood, by reſtoring a Laſting Peace, It hath, by the Bleſſing of Almighty God, been at length brought to paſs, that, by the Endeavours of the moſt Serene, and Mighty Prince and Lord, Charles the Second, King of Great Britain, Who being received as General Mediator by all the Parties, hath, in theſe difficult Conjuncture of Affairs in Chriſtendom, to his Immortal Glory, with indefatigable pains, employed his utmoſt Offices, and Counſels, for the Publick Tranquility, and General Peace, His Imperial and his Royal Majeſty of Sweden, have agreed, That the Congreſs for treating the Peace, ſhould be held here at Nimeguen, in Guelderland; In which Place, Ambaſſadors Extraordinary, and Plenipotentiaries, in due form authorized, having appeared on both ſides, viz. on the part of the Emperor, the moſt Reverend, and the moſt Illuſtrious, and Excellent Lords, John Biſhop of Gurck, Prince of the Sacred Roman Empire, and Counſellor to his Imperial Majeſty; as likewiſe Francis Udalrick, Count of the Sacred Roman Empire, of Khinschy, Chinitz, and Tettau, Lord of Klumetz, of his Imperial Majeſties Privy Council, Chamberlain, Lord Lieutenant, one of the Judges of the Royal Provincial Court, Preſident for Appeals, and Lord Steward of the Royal Court, in the Kingdom of Bohemia, and Theodore Athletus, Henry Stratman, of his Imperial Majeſty's Aulick Council; And on the part of the King of Sweden, the moſt Illuſtrious, and Excellent Lords, Benedict Oxenſtiern, Earl of Korſhorlm and Waſa, free Baron in Mohrby and Lindholm, Lord of Kapuria and Kattila, Senator to his Majeſty and the Kingdom of Sweden, and Preſident of the Chief Court of Judicature at Wiſmar, alſo as Chief Judge of Ingria and Kexholm, and John Paulin Olivencrans, Lord of Ulffhol and Hofmanſtorp, Counſellor in Chancery to his Sacred Majeſty of Sweden, Secretary of State, and Judge of the Territory of Widloe; after having humbly implored the Aſſiſtance of Almighty God, and in due form exchanged, and ſhewn their Commiſſions, (the Copys whereof are, word for word, inſerted in the end of this Treaty) by the Intervention and means of the moſt Illuſtrious and Excellent Lords, Lawrence Hyde, Eſquire, Sir William Temple, Baronet, and Sir Leoline Jenkins, Kt. Ambaſſadors Extraordinary, and Plenipotentiaries for his Majeſty of Great Britian, who from the year 1675. until this preſent, have, with great Impartiality, Diligently and Wiſely performed the part of a Mediator, in order to the reſtoring the Publick Tranquility, to the Glory of God and Welfare of Chriſtendom, they have mutually agreed on the following Conditions of Peace, and Friendſhip.

I.

There ſhall be a Chriſtian, Inviolable, and Perpetual Peace, and a true and Sincere Friendſhip between His Imperial Majeſty, the German Empire, and all and every of their Allies comprehended in this Peace, and their reſpective Heirs and Succeſſors, on the one part; and his Majeſty, and the Kingdom of Sweden, and their Allies comprehended in this Peace, and their reſpective Heirs, and Succeſſors, on the other; and therefore all acts of Hoſtility ſhall forthwith ceaſe, throughout all and every the Kingdoms, States, Dominions and Countreys, of both Parties, whereſoever Situate, and between all and every their Subjects and Inhabitants, of what Degree ſoever they be; ſo as that neither Party hereafter, do any wrong or unkindneſs to the other, privately or openly, directly or indirectly, by himſelf or by others; but rather promote the Advantage, Honour, and Intereſts of the other, to the end that a faithful Neighbourhood and mutual Offices of Friendſhip and Peace, may remain and for ever continue between them.

II.

And for greater Security hereof, it hath been thought fit by both Parties, that there be a Perpetual Oblivion and Amneſty of all Enmities, or Hoſtilities committed on each ſide, ſince the begining of the preſent Troubles, in what place or manner ſoever, ſo that neither Party ſhall upon that, nor any other Cauſe, or Pretence whatſoever, do and give, nor cauſe or ſuffer to be done, and given to the other any Hoſtility, Trouble or Moleſtation, in their Perſons, Eſtates, Rights, or Security by himſelf, or by others, openly or privately, directly or indirectly, under colour of Right, or way of Fact, within or without the Empire; any former Agreements to the contrary notwithſtanding; But all and every the Injuries, Violences, Hoſtilities, Prejudices, Loſſes and Charges, ſuſtained on each ſide, as well before, as during the War, by Words, Writing or Deeds, ſhall without reſpect of Perſons or things, be ſo entirely aboliſhed, that whatſoever the one part, may upon that account pretend againſt the other, ſhall be buryed in perpetual Oblivion. Likewiſe all and every the Vaſſals, and Subjects of both Partys, ſhall enjoy this Amneſty, and have the benefit and effect of it, ſo that none of them ſhall be rendred culpable, endammaged, or prejudiced, for having taken part with the one or the other, from being fully reſtored to the ſame Condition, as to Honours, and Goods, that he was in, immediately before the War.

III.

According to this Foundation of an Univerſal and unlimited Amneſty, and to the end a more certain Rule of Friendſhip and Peace, may be ſetled between the Parties; it hath been by mutual Conſent agreed between them, That the Peace Concluded at Oſnabrug in Weſtphalia, on the 24th Octob. 1648. ſhall remain the Baſis and Rule of the preſent Pacification, in ſuch manner, that it ſhall be reſtored to its firſt Force and Vigour, and inviolably kept hereafter, and continue, as it was before the preſent War; a Pragmatick Sanction, and Fundamental Law of the Empire, whereby the Parties, ſhall ſtand bound and obliged to each other, any Acts, Decrees, Commands, or Alterations, made upon occaſion of the War, to the contrary notwithſtanding.

IV.

And for the greater ſtrength of this Friendſhip, and nearer Union; Neither of the Parties ſhall have any Treaties contrary to this, Nor ſhall hereafter give their Conſent to any Treaty or Negotiation tending to the Dammage, or Prejudice of the other, but rather ſhall oppoſe the ſame, Nor ſhall either of them afford any ſuccours by Soldiers, Arms, Ammunition, Ships, Mariners, or other things appertaining to War, or Subſidies in money, to proſecute it, directly or indirectly, either on publick or private account, to the preſent or future Enemys of the other, Nor ſupply them, or direct that they be ſupplyed with any Quarters, or Accommodation, within the Dominions of the Empire, and the Kingdom of Sweden, ſaving the Article of Guaranty, hereafter inſerted.

V.

And foraſmuch as it highly imports the Publick Tranquility, That the War, which yet continues between his Majeſty and the Kingdom of Sweden, and their Allies, and the King of Denmark, the Elector of Brandenburg, the Biſhop of Munſter, and the Dukes of Brunswick-Lunenbourg, namely, the Biſhop of Oſnabrug, and the Dukes of Zell, and Wolfembutel, be with all poſſible ſpeed compoſed; His Imperial Majeſty and the Empire, aſwell by themſelves, as joyntly with others, ſhall moſt effectually interpoſe their Offices to procure a Peace, ſaving always to the Emperour and the Empire, the King and Kingdom of Sweden, the reciprocal Obligation of not aſſiſting each others Enemys, ſtipulated in the preceding Article. And ſo long as the Peace ſhall not be made between the aforeſaid Partys, no hinderance or impediment ſhall be given to his Majeſty of Sweden, in the proſecuting the War againſt his ſaid Enemies; but the Peace being made, the ſame ſhall be deemed to be in ſuch manner comprehended in this Treaty, as if it were therein ſpecifically inſerted.

VI.

A free Liberty of Trade and Commerce by Sea and Land ſhall be reſtored on both ſides, and the ſame Freedom, Immunity, Rights, Priviledges and Advantages ſhall be and remain to the Subjects of his Imperial Majeſty and the Empire, more particularly to the Hanſe Towns, in the Kingdom, Countrys, Dominions, and Ports of Sweden; and in like manner to the Subjects of Sweden, within the Empire, that both Parties mutually enjoyed before the War.

VII.

His Imperial Majeſty ſutable to his Obligation, ſhall afford his Protection aſwell to the Lord Chriſtian-Albert, Duke of Sleſwick and Holſtein, Gottorp, as to the other States of the Empire, purſuant to the Laws and Conſtitutions of it, to the end his Dominions ſituate therein, and the Rights belonging unto him, may be preſerved entire, and ſhall interpoſe his Offices, that the other Diſputes depending between the King of Denmark and the ſaid Duke, be alſo compoſed.

VIII.

The Emperor and the King of Sweden do Conſent; That the King of Great Britain, as Mediator, as alſo all Kings, Princes and States, may give their Guaranties to his ſaid Imperial Majeſty, and his Majeſty of Sweden, for the due Execution and Performance of all and every thing and things contained in this preſent Treaty.

IX.

And whereas his Imperial Majeſty, and his Royal Majeſty of Sweden, retain a Grateful Senſe of the Offices, and continual Endeavours, the Moſt Serene King of Great Britain hath uſed, to reſtore a General Peace, and the Publick Tranquillity; it is mutually agreed, That he, together with his Kingdoms, be included in this preſent Treaty, in the beſt and moſt effectual manner that may be.

X.

In this Peace, thoſe alſo ſhall be comprehended, who ſhall be named by either Party with common Conſent, before the Exchange of the Ratifications, or within 6. months after. Thoſe things alſo which have been agreed between his Imperial Majeſty and the Empire, and the Moſt Chriſtian King, ſhall be deemed to be in the ſame manner comprehended in this Treaty, as if they were, word for word, inſerted therein.

XI.

The abovementioned Ambaſſadors Extraordinary, and Plenipotentiaries of the Emperor and the Empire on the one part, and the King of Sweden on the other, do promiſe, that the Peace thus concluded, ſhall be ratified in the manner mutually hereby agreed on, and that they will take effectual care, that Authentick Ratifications be within the ſpace of 8 weeks, to be computed from the day of the Signing thereof, or ſooner if poſſible, reciprocally and in due form exchanged here.

XII.

And whereas his Imperial Majeſty hath been humbly deſired by the Electors, Princes, and States of the Empire, in purſuance of a Reſolution of the 31. May, 1677. delivered, under the Seal of the Chancery of Mentz, to the Ambaſſadors of Sweden, to take care by his Imperial Ambaſſadors in this Congreſs, of the Intereſts of the ſaid Electors, Princes, and States of the Empire, as well the Imperial, as the Swediſh Ambaſſadors have, in teſtimony, and for the greater validity of all, and every thing and things contained in this preſent Treaty of Peace, Signed and Sealed the ſame with their Names and Seals, and promiſed, interchangeably to deliver ſufficient Ratifications thereof, within the ſpace of time abovementioned, and the former therein agreed on, nor ſhall any Proteſtation or Contradiction from the Directory of the Empire, againſt the Subſcription of this Treaty, be received or eſteemed valid.

Done at Nimeguen the 5th day of February. A. D. 1679. (Ls) John Biſhop, and Prince of Gurk. (Ls) Francis Udalrick Count Khinsky. (Ls) T. A. Henr. Stratman. (Ls) Benedict Oxenſtiern. (Ls) John Paulin Olivencrans.

FINIS.