Miltons republican-letters or a collection of such as were written by command of the late Commonwealth of England from the year 1648 to the year 1659 / originally writ by the learned John Milton, secretary to those times ; and now translated into English by a wel-wisher of England's honour. — Literae pseudo-senatûs anglicani Cromwellii. English

Miltons republican-letters or a collection of such as were written by command of the late Commonwealth of England from the year 1648 to the year 1659 / originally writ by the learned John Milton, secretary to those times ; and now translated into English by a wel-wisher of England's honour. — Literae pseudo-senatûs anglicani Cromwellii. English

Table of contents

Title page

Curteous Reader

LETTERS From the COMMON-WEALTH of ENGLAND, To forreign Princes, &c.

An Abstract of the particular Damages Susteind by the English East India Company thrò the meanes of the Dutch, in severall places of the East Indies.

An Abstract of some particular losses sustein'd by the English East India Company from that of the Dutch,

Here follow all the LETTERS Written by OLIVER CROMWELL, To forreign Princes and Potentates, while Protector of England.

LETTERS Written in the Name of RICHARD CROMWEL Protector Upon the death of OLIVER his Father.

The two following LETTERS Were written in the name of the long Parliament, when restrored, upon the Removeall of Richard Cromwell.

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MILTONS REPUBLICAN-LETTERS OR A Collection of such as were written by Comand of the LATE COMMONVVEALTH OF ENGLAND; from the Year 1648. to the Year 1659.

Originally writ by the learned JOHN MILTON, Seecrtary to those times, and now translated into English, by a Wel-wisher of Englands honour.

Printed in the Year 1682.

Curteous Reader

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WHEN these following Letters came first to my hand in Latine, I began to question with myselfe whether the usurpatious proceedings of their authors had not rather fitted them for the fire, then reading. But considering that whatever their proceedings, previous to their obteining the Goverment, might be, that, when obtein'd, the support thereof obliged them to consult the inclinations of the people, and square their actions by the most honourable of their humours: I adventured, and in their peruseall found the true Spirit of the English Nation soe livelyly displayed, that I was not onely glad I was swayed to their reading, but Resolved for the comon benefit of my Country, to translate them into English; that they might see how Zealous our predecessors have been in ascertaining and maintaining the liberty & property both of the Civill, and religious Rights, not onely of themselves, but also their Allies & Confederates, whensoever invaded, though by the most potent of their Enemies. And of what necessity they then found a protestaut Union to be, may easily be guest at by their continued Cares and endeavours for the obteining and strengthening the same both at home and abroad. And in what degree of honour our Nation must then have stood, when their Resolutions were a Ballance to the actions of Europe? Nor will it be unworthy of Consideration, that soe farr was the french King then from dareing to offer such violence to his Protestant Subjects, as of Late he hath, that he, at our Desire, became Mediator with the Duke of Savoy, on behalse of his; Whom that Prince for their close adherence to the Reformed Religion [Page] hath so barbarou [...]y butchered. Et Readily Disclaim [...]d the a [...]ions of such of his Forces as were Co-acters in that Cruelty as done vvithout his consent or privity. Neither rested he [...]ere▪ but uudertooke vvith that Prince for the future fidelity and obedience to Goverment of those persecuted people.

Novv, that the consider aeion of these things may stirr up [...] Zeal in every individuall Englishman, to be, so farr as in his station he legally may, an augmentor or at least a Pre [...]erver of those Libertyes, Priviledges, and honours, vvhich our vvorthily Ren [...]ned Predecessors transmitted to [...], Not onely to secure us in a happy enjoyment of our Lives and propertyes; but also in Trust for the Generations unborn. And in what dishonerable Characters those our Posteritys will be inforced to vvrite our memory, if vve prove so faithless in our Trust▪ as to leave them onely [...] bare Report of▪ vvhat our Progenitors have purchased for us and them, and, to their irrepairable vvrong, and our Everlasting Infamy, [...]ave imbezilled; is that vvhich no true English [...]eart, [...]ut must tremble at the very thought of.

Fare well.

LETTERS From the COMMON-WEALTH of ENGLAND, To forreign Princes, &c.

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The Parliament, & People of England, to the most Noble Senat, and Corporation of Hamburgh greeting.

WEE doe unanimously acknowledge the antiquity of, and shall be [...] willing also to revive the Correspondence, which has been, upon severall good inducement [...], erected and established by our Praedecessours, and to this day continued between this Government, and your most noble Corporation. And haveing by yours of the 25. of June understood of some alteration in the comportment of some of our people, who do not, it seemes, behave themselves with that punctualyty and integrity they formerly did among you, we did immediatly thereupon truly consult with some Persons of judgment in the point▪ whom we charged to inquire, narrowly among the Clothiers and the rest of the people concerned in that manufacture; assureing you withall, our further car [...] such to be, as may render you sensible of all our genuine inclination and affection towards you. But some thing also there appeares, which not on [...]ly we, but equity and [...]ason it selfe calls for from you, and that is, that some care, Suitable to the dignity of your Citty, be taken of the security of the Priviledges, Lives, and [...]ortunes of such of our Merchants as are present Liver [...] a [...]ong you. Which as it has been the main purport of our former letters, so the d [...]yly complaints broug [...]t us on behalfe of the said Merchants and Estates; (all at stake) render it necessary, that this repetition of the said Letter of ours, be looked upon as comeing with suitable earnestnesse: For albeit they seeme to owne the Recept of some Ease, (as to time) from our former interposition on [...]heir behalfe; and a proportionable Breathing from the offensive villany of their Enemies, yet, since th [...] arriv [...]le of Cochrane (of whom [Page] our former complaints made mention) who pretends I know not what of an Embassy from Charles the Son of the late decea [...]ed King, they seem to complaine of the want of that protection, which they were formerly won [...] to receive, upon demand made t [...]erof against some late indecencies, and mortal assaul [...]s made upon them. And that to such adegree that when one or more of the said Merchants, together with the Governour of the Company himselfe, were, by fraude, seduced on board a certain Privateer and thereupon applying to you for reliefe, they were deyed, so that the Merchants themselves were by force of armes constrained (not without hasard of their lives) to rescue their friends from out of the hands of their Enemies, and that at your very doore. Whom when by good fortune they brought home, and as if it were r [...]cued from slavery thro meere strength, and delivered t [...]e Pira [...]s alsoe into custody, [...]uch has been the insolent p [...]oceedings of that vagabonde and Rebell Cochrane▪ we understand, as to require not onely the discharge of the said Rovers, but the surrender of the said Merchants as his Prisoners. Wee therefore with all earnestness pray and desire, that if you are such as you [...]eeme to be, inclinable to the inviolable support of those contracts, alliances, and commerce for along time observed be [...]ween us, our people may be at some certainty to be at length relied upon, in your faith, prudence, and authority, and that in Order thereto you he prevailed with to assigne them afair hearing in reference as well to Cochrane and Party concern'd in this fact, as such also as were concern'd in the yet un-accounted for affront tendered the Curate, whom we exp [...]ct you woud see Right done unto; by exposeing to prosecution, and seeing brought to condign punishment, those that abetted in that assault, or expelling them your [...]urisdiction▪ and do not thinke, that people under their circumstances, and banished like Tarquins, are preferrable to the amity and power of England. For if you do thinke fit to suffer our Enemyes to practise what they list upon our Merchants in your Citty, consider among your selves how unsafeand dishonourable it may be for them to continne an [...] longer among you. All which we referre to your prudence and equity; recommendnig your selves, in the mean time, to the divine Diety. Adieu.

Westminster dated August 10. 1649.

To the Senat of Hamburgh.

THE Experienxe which we have had of your integrity towards us, when our affaires lay under a declineing condition, gives us an assuran [...] [Page] of the sincerity of your good will and affection to them now, at atime, when in a thriveing One. The determination of the Warr, and the Defeat of our Enemies on all hands, have been our inducements to judge nothing to be either more equitable, or more conduceing to the establishment af a firme peace, and settlement of publick matters, then that those, who thro Gods guidance, and our meanes, have either attain'd to their liberty, or who by our Gift, and Grace, have out of the Broyles of a Civill man, their lives and fortunes [...]ecured unto them, shoud on their part, if required, and that in a Solemn manner too testify unto us as their Governours a becomeing fealty and obedience; now espe [...]ally, at a time, when so many turbulent Persons in enimity, and more then once taken into favours still continue their restlesse and perfidious practice of disturbing us both abroad, & at home, and sollicitting fresh Ones against us. Wee have therefore caused a certain Forme of an Oath to bee [...]ramed & expresly be be sworn unto by all such, who are to bear either publick office, or enjoy the benefit of our Laws; such as peace, Tranquillity, or other the effects of a peaceable Being. Our care herein hath likewise extended to the forreige plantations, and where ever elce our Merchants reside abroad upon the account of trade, in order to answer the conveniency and necessity of secureing the fealty and allegiance of those whom we Govern Which heightens our admiration, when we reflect upon some tideings sent us from some of our Merchants liveing at Hamburgh, who write of theirbeing interrupted by some among you in their due obedience to our Commandment. The States of Holland a truly thinking, politick people in their Go [...]ernment of aff [...]ires, have judged it no way concerning them, [...] strangers; namely, English obeyd their Magistrates at home in this or that Method; And for you to act contrarily is, we confesse, a point we cannot get over. But it is not a charge which we impute to you, but rather reckon it as the [...]ffect either of a privatc designe or fear of some who are reported to have been scar'd away from their al [...]egiance unto us, by the insolent useage of some wandering and banish'd Scotchmeu. We [...] do in the meane time pray and desire (not on behalfe of Trade so much as that of the Commonwealth) that you [...]ill suffer none among you, here [...]n concern'd, to interfere under, any pretence whatever, or meddle with the exercise of our Gove [...]ment over our people, as being an intrinsick Jurisdiction of our owne without deferrence to any forreigne pow [...]r or authority whateve [...]. For w [...]o among yourselves would not resent any practise tending to the alienation of the allegiance of your people? Adieu.

Dated January 4. 16 [...].

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To the King of Spaine.

ANThony Ascan, a man of Justice, Learning, and splendid family comes to your Majesty in our name upon a message tending, we hope, to the mutnall and common profit as well of Spaine as this nation. Wee therefore desire that, as we are sincerely disposed to returne a suitable acknowledgment npon occasion, you will according to custome vouchsafe him a fair, and peaceable admission to, and Retreat from year Court: But if otherwise inclin'd, to order him a speedy intimation thereof, with liberty to repair with safety where he shall thinke fit.

Dated Eebruary the 4. 1649.

Ditto.

YOUR Majesty, nor any elce, who have Inpartially pereused our publick Edicts concerning this matter, can pretend ignorance of the present State of our affaires, and how we were necessitated to shake off oppression by takeing up Arms, rescuing our Liberty, and establishing the Forme of Government which we now exercise. Wee truly looke upon it as an easy taske to justify our proceedings to all the world, in referrence to our allegiance, equity and patience, nor ought we to under goe the harsh Censures of any that are competent Judges, for asserting our owne, and the Guard of our Authority, honour and dignity against the scandalous and infamous Barking of banished Wanderers. Now that which more particularly concernes the Intrest of forreign Nations is this; our Enemyes are dissipated and quelled, and we thereby, thro Gods assistance, arived at a wonderfull deliverance, and therefore do publickly and genuinly declare our readynesse to embrace and enter into an alliance athing preferrable to all (controwle, with our Neighbours: And previous thereto have deputed unto your Majesty Anthony Ascane a Person of knowne prudence and Integrity, in order to his treating with your Majesty on behalfe of the usuall alliance and correspondence between both Nations, or of entering into a new one if need be; Who we pray may have free accesse to your Majesty, and such furt [...]er provision made for his safety and honour as is fitting, dureing the time of his abode with you under that character; Together with liberty freely, to make knownsuch matters as he hath in command from us to communicate to your Maj. for [Page] that they tend, we hope, to the mutuall benefitof both Nations, Enableing him to return unto us the result of your sense of his said Errand.

Dated at Westminster February 4. 1649.

Ditto.

YOUR Majesty has ere this we presume, understood from what we have already publicky expos'd, the sundry mischiefes conveyed unto us fro [...] an unfaithfull peace, and the civill warr that followed it; the low condition which we were brought under of suffering the commonwealth either to sink under its own burthen, or altering, and that in a considerable degree, the Form of the Government. To which publick Declarations if there be more weight applyed, or credit given, as of right there ought to be, then to the most insolent calumnies of needy people, verily those persons who judge very uncharitably of our affaires abroad, might depe [...]d upon farr more moderate useage from ns. For to tax what ever we chearfully contended for, in imitation of our ancessours pnrsuant to our owne Right, and the nationall liberty of England censeriously, argues ill breeding. But uow in referrence to matters of community with other Nations, it is not our purpose to lessen, but rather promote and ratify all we can the alliance, and commerce usually observed by England with all other Nations what ever. And in as much as our Trade with your Kingdome may be considerable and suitably profitable to both, all becomeing care imaginable shall be by us taken to prevent the same's being impeded, or any way prejudiced. But yet all these our promisses are but wast paper, while Pirates, and our Revolters are tollerated to lay violent hands upon, carry in into your Ports, and, as it is reported, expose to publick sale at Lisbonemarket, our Merchant men and Goods loaded thereon. To your timely prevention of which practice, and to the end our desireof an alliance may appear more visible, we have sent your Majesty Charles Vane a very noble Gentleman under the figure of our Embassadour with Comands and Credential letters testifiing our said Trust committed to his Care. And do therefore pray that your Maj. may be pleased to admit & hear him Courteously, and make all becomeing provision for his honour and safety thro out the extent of your Empire. All which shall be kindly acknowledged by us from whom your Majesty may depend upon suitable returnes when occasion shall seeme to call for it.

Dated at Westminster February 4. 1642.

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To the King of Spaine.

DAYLY almost, and most lamentable complaints are brought us against certain Masters and Pilots, who being English men, and revolting from us the last year, carrying away villanously and treacherously, ships committed to their care as Masters, at length went off from that part in Ireland where they were all last sumer besieged, and have scarce escaped the reproofe due to their wickednesse, but they betake themselves to the port of Lisbone planting themselves at the mouth of the River. Tagi, where they exercise wi [...]hout controul, piracy upon all Eng [...]ish Merchant men tradeing to and again thither infesting; and renderiug infamous by Robbers all the neighbouring, as well as the sea berdering upon the streights of Gibraeltaer. To the speedy prevention and removeall of which practice if there be not some sudden remedy applyed, who cannot but discerne the drooping decay of the great Trade now carryed on between us and Portugall, and which intrinsically consist of vast advantage to both Nations. Wee therefore again and again pray, that you will forthwith Issue your commands for the speedy suppressing of our said Revolters, and Rebells, causeing them to be with all imaginlble speed rooted out and banished the Confines of Portugall; And if in case there be any false, conterfeited Embassadour resideing there from Charles Stuart, you vouchafe him no hearing, or take any other notice of him, but rather looke upon us as those to whom the Government of England is, thro Gods decree, descended, and that you woud, not Suffer the River and port of Lisbone to be blockt up against a people who reckon the Intrest of England and that of their yours as One.

To the King of Spaine.

YOUR Majesties, and Don Alphonso de Codenas your Embassadours Letters have demonstrated the quality and degree of your Majesties resentment of the most wicked murther of our Embassadour Anthony Ascane, and what has been hitherto done, towards the punishment of those that are suspected to have had a hand in his death. Yet when we seriously consider upon that act, and that it removes and [...]estroyes the very foundation of entering into, or manteining a correspondence, when the Right of Embassadours (most sacred among all Nations.) shall be [Page] found to suffer so great an affront, we cannot decline the repeating our instant Pressures unto your Majesty for due and speedy punishment to be exercised upon those Parricides, and that your will not suffer justice to be further suspended thro any deferrence to, or Restraint of Religion. And albeit we very much admire the friendship of a most potent Prince, yet we reckon it a breach of our duty to spare any endeavours tending to the reduceing to just acknowledgment, the Authors of so great a Villany

Wee kindly thanke your Majesty for that kindnesse which it has commanded to be shewen our people in the Ports of Spaine, and the great signification of your affection, received by the conveyance of your Embassadour; nor will it be less pleasant unto us to meet with an opportunity that may furnish us with a capacity of makeing you suitable returnes. But if justice be further resoited (as we have for a long time sollicitted that it shoud not) we cannot apprehend any foundation to e [...]ect a sincere and dureing alliauce upon, towards the support of which t [...]ere shall not be however any honest occasion slipt on our parts, and are of opinion that the presence of an Embassadour from you here, may not contribute a little thereto.

To the Spanish Embassadour

THE Councill of State have as soone ever as the other more weighty affaires of the Nation coud permit them, presented the Parliament with the four memorialls, which your Excellency gave in thereto upon the 21. of December last, and in answer to the first paragraph thereof relateing to the wicked Murther of Mr Ascane their late Embassadour are commanded to offer the following reply; viz.

That the Parliament haveing so long, so often, and so justly called for Justice against the said persons, judge it an act of superfluity to add any further sollicitation thereto, especially when as your Excelleu [...]y well observed, his Majesties owne honour was so much concern'd to do it without importunity; and [...]thing which, if not complyed with, will certainly defeat the foundation upon which humane society is erected. Nor can it be truly underastood by any argument borrowed from Religion, why innocent blood, basely drawen, ought not to be vindicated. Therefore the Parliament seemes earnestly to require, and no less to depend upon an effectuall compliance with their former Demands in referrence to a thro satisfaction to be given for the losse of their subject.

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To the most serene Prince LEOPOLD, Arch Duke of Austria, Praesident to King PHILIP in Flanders.

WHEN we were, not without great Clamour, made acquainted with the stealth of Jeane Puccheringam a maiden Gentlewoman of good extraction, plentifull fortune, and an heiresse, who yet under age, and consequently the care of a Guardian, has been seised upon, not far from the place of her habitation at Greenwich, forced on board a vessell ready at hand for that purpose, and suddainly hurried away out of the hands and embraces of her friends, by the contrivance of one Walsh, who since used indirect meanes; such as the Terrour of death &c. to freight the wealthy girle into a marriage with hm; We did immediatly thereupon, previous to the stopping the successe of a villany fo cruel & un heard of, direct some persons to apply to the Governours of Newport & Oostend (to one of which two places shee was reported to have been Snatched) on behalfe of her freedome out of the hands of her Ravishers, who both acted suitable to persons of singular integrity, & upright dealings to wards the reliefe of the poor captive thus felloniously hurried from home; But shees, to escape (in the mean time) the violence of these villans, retreating unto a Nunnery as a sequestred person, the said Walsh, to force her thence, brings his action at Law in the spirituall Court at Ipre where in his declaration, he lays his claine to her by Contract of Marriage. Now in regard the Thiefe, and the Heiresse are both our people, and that it, by good evidence, appeares, that this outrage has been commmitted within our Dominion; and withall that the considerable Bait, being the Estate, which he mainly and originally gaped at, lies under our Jurisdiction; as also that the cognisance of the whole cause, and consequently it's Judgment does in our opinion, properly belong to us alone; Let him repair hither with his claime, let him comence his Suit here, and make out the right he pretends unto her being his wife. This brings your Excellency in the mean time, an earnest Repetittion of what has been already very often pressed by our Envoy at Brussells, that the afflicted and forlorn maiden, the honesty of her exactation, the surreptitious method wherein shee was conveyed from out of her Country by theft, be prevalent Inducements to you to take care of her being in safety permitted to repaire home. Which, not onelywe, (who if there be occasion for it, shall make a suitably ready expression of our aknowledgments, [Page] but even humanity and modesty it selfe, which ought to influence the disposition of all good and valiant men and engage them in the de [...]nc of the honour & chastity of her sex, se [...]me, with united petition, to call for.

Dated at Westminster,March 28. 1650.

To the most Serene Prince, JOHN, the IV. King of Portugall.

THE consideration of your Majesties honourable Reception of, and curteous speedy audience allowed unto our Embassadour, hath induced us to let you know by the quick dispatch o [...] this our second, that we accept thereof very kindly, and that our purposes contain nothing more venerably to observe with deeds, as well as words, then the inviolable support (without we be first provoked to contrary dealings) of the peace, alliance, & commerce which we are engaged in with severall Nations, and which among the rest, have been for a long time ratified between us, and Portugall. Nor has our fleet gone to the River Tagus upon any other different Errand, then barely to chastise our Enemies, (who will not be warned by the many Flights, which we so often already instructed them with the experience of) and rescue such effects of ours, as, being by force and Treachery taken away from our people, the Murrain of these Reb Ils has carryed into your Ports and especially Lisbone it selfe, where they vend the proceed of their theft at open sale. But yet we are apt to believe that most of the peoole of Portugall have, by their depraved behaviours, discovered what sort of persons they are, how addicted to impudence, fury, and madnesse. The consideration of which strenghtens our confidence and hopes so much the more, of prevailing (in the first place) with your Majesty in favour of Edward Popham, a very worthy Gentlemen, whom we have appointed Comander in chiefe of this squadron; & sent for the overthrow of these Pirats; And that in the next place you woud treat them, and their Comanders not as persons worthy of hospitality, but [...]heeves, not merchants, but the Bane of thrade and Breakers of Nationall Laws, and consequently deny them admittance into, or shelter within the pro ection of your Kingdome, but rather banish them the limitts thereof: But if you shou'd thinke fit to be otherwise inclinable, that then we may be at liberty, to assault, r [...] duce, [Page] and, at our [...]ngle charge, force them to thatdue subjection from which they have Renegadoes, and Rogues like revolted. Which as it has been the substance of our former pressing D [...]es, so this comes to your Majesty as a repetition thereof, accompanyed with no lesse fervency and Earnestnesse. In which, be your compliance the effect either of Justice, or complement, it will not onely advance and add to the Glory of your j [...]stice in all other well governed Nations of the world, but oblige us and more particularly the people of England, before of no contrary disposition towards the people of Portngall, and your family in amore especiall manner.

Dated at Westminster Aprell 27. 1653.

To the Citty of Hamburgh.

LEtters have more then once interchangeably passed between us and you, concerning differences ariseing between Merchants, and some other matters also, which seemed more particularly to relate to, and touch the Dignity of our Republicke. But in as much as we apprehend that such matters can be scarcetransacted by letters alone, and understanding of the refort of certain seditious Persons thither from Charles Stuart, whose Errands consist of nothing so much, as to practise wickedness and insolence in order to the defeating and [...]oly removeing the trade, which some of knowne affection to their Country drove with your Citty. Wherefore having appointed Richard Bradshaw a very noble and worthy Gentleman to go under the Character of our Envoy thither, to propose and transact such matter at Large, as equally concerne the joint advantage of both Republicks and that in pursuance of our Commssiion and subsequent Instructions to him, we pray that you give him speedy, audience, and in all things, cause such provision to be made for the honout and Credit of his Errand, as custo [...]e has renderend practicable in all Nations to Persons of his Degree. Adieu.

Dated at Westminster Aprill II. 1650.

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To the Corporation of Hamburgh.

Most Noble, Magnificent and Worthy Gentlemen. Dear friende.

YOur Entertainment to our Resident, upon his arrivall with you, under that figure, has appeared so free, affectionate, and singular, that we owne it as such, and earnestly intreat your continuance of that inclination and disposition towards Us. And that the rather, for that we are told, that those under banishment hence, of whom our former letters tooke so much notice, do dayly more and more heighten in [...]heir Insolence among you, and that not onely in an instance of opprobrious language to our Envoy, but an open declaration of some ill designe to be practised upon him. This therefore brings an earnest repetition of our recommendation of his safety, and due honour to your Care. And the sooner you reprove those new, as well as old villains, and murtherers, the more acccptable shall we reckon the act [...]on, and performe a Deed very much consisting with your power and [...].

Dated at Westminster Mey 31. 1650.

To PHILIP the IIII. King of Spaine.

WEE are, to our great trouble, informed that Am hony Ascane lately deputed hence to your Majesty as our Embassadour, and as such, very civilly and publickly treated in his way thither, after haveing vanquished the hardships of a dangerous and tedious journey, was upon his first Entry into your Royall Citty, stript of all protection, filthily sett upon, and, with his Interpreter John Baptista de Ripa, most basily murthered at a certaine [...]nn where he tooke up his quartters, yet in as much as we apprehend that not onely we our selves, [...]ut your faith, and reputation also have been in this action stabb'd, [...]nd almost transfixt thro his fides, wee do with all imaginable earnestnesse pray your Majesty, to see imme diat jus [...]ice executed upon such of the Murtherers, as are reported to have been already taken, and committed to prison, their punishments [...]roportioned to their guilt, and their abe [...]s and confederates (who ever they be) exemplyed suitable to the quality of this crime, and as the [...] calls for. Albeit w [...] doudt not but that a King naturally pious [Page] and just, woud unsollicited, persorme neverthelesse what we seeme here to desire. Whereto what we have to add, is to pray that the body be deliver'd to the receipt of his Friends and relations in order to its transportationin to its owne Country, and our consulting a little, and provideing for the health of his survivers as we shall thinke fit; till they, accompanid with an answer hereto give us, upon their returne if possible, an account of your piety and justice herein.

Westminster Dat. 28. January, 1650.

To His Excellency Don ANTONIO JOANNI LUDOVICO, Duke of Corda, Medina Celi, Praesident of Andalitia. The Councill of State constituted by the Authority of the Parliament of England, Greeting.

THE Person intrusted with the command in chiefe of that fleet sent hence to the Coast of Portugall to persecute, [...]d recover the Damages sustein'd from our enemies in those parts, hath acquainted us with your Highness Friendship, upon the fleets touching upon the Coast of Galicia, a place belonging to your Jurisdiction, where thy were, he saith, very curteously used, and furnished with all manner of necessary supplies incident to the want of seamen. Which kindnes of yours, as it has always justly challenged our gratitude, so in a more particular manner now, at a time when experience acquaints us with the effects of some ill dispositions from abroad towards us un proveoked that we know of. We therefore pray you, most Illustrious Sir, to be pleased not to discontinue the same disposition, and affection towards us, and that as often as any of our ships may for the future happen to touch at any place in the said Coasts, they faile not of the same favour and help; Resting in the mean time assured, that upon any opportunity occuring, and that may be improved to your advantage and service, our Returnes shall be suitable.

Dated at Westminster November 7. 1650.

The Council-seale, affixed, and countersigned By JOHN BRADSHAW, President.

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To the Illustrious and Magnificent Senat of Switserland &c.

Magnificent and most Noble Sirs, most dear Friends,

WEE have, by Letters from our Merchants tradeing for Prusia, received heavy Complaints of an intolerable and inusual Tax; lately imposed upon them by a decree enacted by the great Coudcil of Poland, who seeme to have assessed them in the Tenth part of their Estates, with a designe of applying the same to t [...]e support of our enemy the King of Scots. Which as it is an act standing indirect opposition to the Laws of Nations to treat Merchants and sttangers after a method of this Make, it is also as pregnant with injustice to force such to contribute to the maintenance of one abroad, from whose Tiranny divine providence has so lately delivered them at home, and consequently do not doubt but that as we know you to be a free People, you will not abide, or give way to the laying of such Impositions upon Persons whose correspondence and traffique has for several yeares past been of no small advantage to your Citty. If therefore you will protect them as Merchants and strangers, it is no less then what we may undoubtedly expect, as being a thing becoming your justice, and prudence, and no less suitable to the dignity of your splendid Corporation, and what our endeavours shall render you sensible of our acknowledgment of, as often as any of your People, or Ships, which often happens, shall need the friendship of our Ports.

Dated at WestminsterFebruary 6. 1650.

To the Portugal-Envoy.

YOurs of the 15. current were delivered us at Hampton Court signifying your being sent from the Crowne of Portugal, with a message to the Representatives of the Common-wealth of England, but take no notice under what Character; whether of an Agent, Embassadour, Envoy, or what; which pray resolve us in, by remitting us with as much speed as you can, Coppys of such Letters, and Credentials as accompany you from your King; together with an account whether you come with full power to repair such injuryes, and makeing Amends for such Damages as your King has been the occasion of involving this Commonwealth in; in [Page] protecting (all the last sumer) within your harbours our enemies, and Rebels against the assault of our fleet while on the other hand, they were at liberty to invade us. If you say that you come with full power and directions to answer all these points, and that you send the aforesaid Coppies, care shall be thereupon taken for your publick, and safe accesse unto us who, when we peruse the King's Letters, shall direct liberty to be given you of expounding the Errand you are sent upon.

The Representatives of the Commonwealth of England, To the most Serene Prince, D. FERDINANDO the second, Great Duke of Toskany.

MR Almerico Salvetti, your Resident here, hath delivered us your Highnesse's Letter, dated at Florence the 22. of Aprile, plainly shewing the value your Highness retains for the English Nation; confirmed by the account we have not onely from such of our Merchants as have for several years, lived as Traders i [...] your Ports, but also young Gentlemen of our best Nobility, who have had the experience of your Country either by travelling throw, or liveing there to gaine the education thereof. Which as it is a thing that cannot misse of ouf gratefull approveall, so we earnestly pray, that you do not withdraw, or discontinue the like to such of our Merchants or other our Subjects, as may for the future have occasion of travelling thro your Highness's Dukedome: Assureing you, that as far as it concerns the Parliament, nothing shall be wanting that may conduce to the fortifying & establishing the commerce and mutuall affection with has (time out of minde) united both Nations, which we truly desire and wish may be perpetually maintain'd with all true endeavours, and mutuall observance of both hands reciprocally.

Westminster 20. January 1651.

Subscribed by William Lenthale, Speaker to the House of Commons, whose Seale he fixed hereto.

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The Parliament of England, to the Illustrious and Magnificent Senat of Hamburgh.

Most magnificent, Noble, & worthy Gentlemen, dearest Friends,

THE Parliament of England, to evidence their great disposition to the inviolable observance of the mutual correspondence and commerce antiently held between England and your Corporation hath lately deputed thither Richard Bradshaw Esq to reside with you under the Character of their Resident, who among other t [...]ings relating thereto, has it in expresse commands from them to demand Justice upon certain of your People, who made an attempt upon the Person of the Minister belonging to the English Company there, with a designe (we understand) of murthering him, as also their Deputy, who had violent hands laid upon, as well as some of the chiefest of the Merchants themselves, whom they dared to offer the like affront unto, by spiritting them on board a certain Privateer &c. And albeit the said Resident hath upon his first Entrance, after he had audience given him, made particular pressure to you relateing thereto, pursuant to the Parliaments said comands, in order to the obtaining of Justice upon these villains, yet when we found our selves dis [...]ppointed in our said expectation, and likewise considering the danger which our Merchants, and Estates should be alwayes exposed unto, [...]or want of a guard against the restlesse malice of their Enemies, we have comanded him to represent a fresh our sense of that affair: And that he shou'd, in the name of this Common-wealth sollicit your taking care of the preservation o [...] the amity and alliance ratified between this Republick and your Citty, and the considerable Comerce which intercedes between both, and with all to protect as well our Marchants themselves, as their Priviledges, without suffering them to be lyable to any violation what ever; and that in a particular degree in referrence to One Garmet whose deportment to this Commonwealth has appear'd very insolent, and wh [...], to the great dislquiet o [...] our Merchants, and in contempt of this Republick, has publickly cited certain Merchants of the English Company resi [...]eing in your Citty, into the Chamher of Spire: Wherein we depend upon such reparation, as may consist with equity and Justice.

All these Particulars, and if there be any thing further, that may affect the [...]riendship novv on foot betvveen this Repubblick and your Citty, vve have directed the said Resident to vvait upon you vvith: Whom vve [Page] desire that you give ample Credit unto in such things relating the reto as he shall propose.

Westwinster 12. March, 1651.

Subscribed by the Speaker of the House, whose [...] be fixed thereto.

To the most serene CHRISTIANA, Queen of Sweedland &c. the Parliament of England, greeting.

THis comes to your Majesty with an account of our recept and peruseall of your letters, dated the 26. of September last from Stokholme, directed to, and delivered the Parliament of England by Peter Spiering Silvercroon: and to intimate that we earnestly and cordially wish, that the alliance commerce, and great traffick anciently observed between England and Sweedland be permanent, and dayly thrive, Nor do we doubt but that an Embassadour had come from your M [...]jesty furnished with full power of makeing such proposalls, as principally tended to the mutuall Intrest, and reputation of both Governments, and such as we shoud very freely have received from him, and that should seem to imply more particularly the health and profit of both, and who shou'd have return'd upon the speedy accomplishment thereof: But it haveing pleased God▪ The c [...]iefe Moderator of things, to remove that person out of this world (whose losse we have as bitterly and sharply lamented, as consisted with our due deferrence to the will of God▪ be [...]ore he could have made knowne unto the Parliament the message he came upon from your Majesty, the same has kept them hitherto from the knowledge of your Majesties mind, so that the further progresse thereof lies under present suspence; wherefore we have thought fit to let you know by our Envoy expresly dismissed herewith to that purpose; what welcome your Majesty Letters and publick Minister may depend upon from the Parliament of England, and how ambitious we are of your Majesties [...]riendshipp; as also what weight we shall, as we ought, be found to lay upon the [...]avour of so great a Prince: And our regard to the augmentation of that commerce now in bei [...]g [...]etween this Government and your Majesties shall appear to be such, as we ought to retaine in re errence to a point in it sel [...]e every way valuable: and which, for that very reason, shall be of ultimat acceptance to the Parliament of England; in whose name, and pursuant to whoseauthority, first recommending your Majesty to the [Page] protection of God, their speaker has fixed their seale and counter signed this letters.

Dated at WestminsterMarch Anno Domini 1651.

The Parliament of the Comonwealth of England.

To the Most serene and potent Prince, Philip the IV. King of Spaine greeting.

GReat complaints have been made us from such of our people as exercise the faculty of merchandizeing within your Majesties Dominions, of great violence, and injurious practises, and of proportionably new customes imposed upon them by the magistrates and other officers of your respective ports and other places where the▪ trade, and more particularly in the Canaery Islands; and that contrary to the Articles wherein both Nations have engaged each [...]ther for the Support of Trade. The Truth of whick complaints they have by oath made appear, and tell us, that if in case they are not justly treated, and their damages repaired, as also their Persons and Estates secured against such oppressions and affronts, they purpole to withdraw, and trade no longer into those places. Which haveing seriously considering, and judgeing that the misbehaviours of your Ministers, were not at all known, or represented to your Maj. otherwise then as they really stood, They thought fit to transmit herewith their said complaints to your Majesty, not questioning but that your Majesty may, out of regard to Justice, as the incentive consideration of Trade, wherein your own people's, as well as the advantage of ours, is equally involved, be pleased to [...]ssue such directions to your officers, as may wean such vexatious practises, and that the English Merchants have speedy Justice done them in consideration of the damages sustain'd thro the meanes of Mr Peter de Carillo de Gusman and other persons, contrary to the said Articles, and that your Majesty may please to order that the said Merchants receive the benefi [...] of the said Articles, and so to be retain'd in your Majesty's Ey, as that they in their persons and estates be lyableto no future oppression what ever. This they thinke they may, in a great measure attaine unto, if your Majesty will grant them back again that Charter which protected them in cases of this kind; Otherwise they may be, for want of a due refuge from Injurys [Page] [...] to the discontinuance of that comerce, which is of no small advantage to both thrô these kind of violations, and encroachments upon the Articles of peace.

To the most Serene Prince the Duke of Venice. The Councell of State constituted by the Authority of the Common - wealth of England greeting.

JOhn Dickons, and John Throgmorton, with severall others of our Merchants have complain'd that haveing, pursuant to the constitution & Authority of our Admirality Court, about the 28. of November 1651. Seized upon a quantity of Camphire of about one handred Fatts on board a certain ship called the swallow, under the Command of Isaac Tayler, then in the downes, but loaded thereon at a place in Muscovy called the Archangel, obtein'd, according to Law, adecrre in that Court▪, directing the delivery of the said Goods to the receipt of the said petitioners, upon Caution first enter'd into by them, of standing to the award of the Court; that the said Court, by whom this matter was to be determin'd, writ, according to Custome, to the Magistrates and Judges of Venice, praying that John Perat a venetian; who pretended a propriety to the said Good, would, by proxy appear in the admiralty Court of England where that differrence depended, to prove the equity of his Claime. Yet the said Piatt and one David Butt [...] a dutch man have, while this quarrell lay under the debate of our Court; exposed the said John Dickons, and the other Merchants to very much trouble touching the propriety of the said Camphire, arresting their goods and effects at Venice▪ the particulars of all which, and the sum of all the proceedings hitherto acted in our Court, are in these Letters of request more succinctly and largely contain'd; Which, after they were inspected into and perused by us, we have thought fit to transmit to the most serene Rebublick of Venice, presumeing that they might help the Merchants in this case, earnestly praying that the said Letters carry not onely their owne force and weight, but that the Merchants Goods thus arrested by [...]he meanes of the said Pat [...]us and David Rutts be discharged; and the said controversys remitted to the determination of our Court, who are ready to decide by Law their Right to this Camphiré. In doing wh ch your Highnesse, and the most serene Republick will do an act that in it [Page] selfe is principally just; worthy the untainted friendship of both Republicks, and finally that shall be recompensed by this Republick upon any occasion that may offer of expressing their affection or good offices.

Dated at Whitehall Febr. 1652.

Sealed and sign'd by the President of the Councell.

To the Spanish Embassadour.

Most excellent Sir,

THe Councill of State haveing, in pursuance of a comand from the Parliament dated the 2. of March, taken into their serious considederation your Excellency's memoriall presented to a Committee of this board the 17. of February, wherein your Excellency has thought fit to propose a demand of an answer, to be before hand given to the two heads therein expressed: orderd your Excellency the following reply.

That the Parliament, when they gave answer to such proposalls, as were made by your Excellency upon your first audience, as also in the contents of the letters sent the most serene King of Spaine, declared at Large how gratefull & acceptable that friendships, and mutuall comerce offerd as well by the King himselfe, as you in his name was, and finally how much he stood disposed on his part towards the returning the like friendship and offices,

That Your Excellency, being afterwards heard in Councill, thought fit to propose thereto on the 19. of December old Stile, a kind of a project tending to the fortifying of this alliance, whereof you haveing then made an offer; as if certain of their board were appointed to receive, and debate such things as your Excellency had to propose, and after deliberation had thereon, to report their opinion of the advantage thereof forthwith to the Councill, the matter might receive no damage by it: They, did to gratify your said Proposalls, nominate certain of their Number, to give your Excellency a meeting▪ who haveing conv [...]n'd pursuant thereto, their said meeting, instead of what were expected to be proposed, amounted to noe more then the purport of the aforsai'd Memoriall, to which the Councill directed the subsequent answer.

That, considering the Parliaments declaration, when your Excellency is gott over the fere going progresse, we are ready to give your [Page] Excellency a meeting touching such Overtures as you shall have to make on behalfe of the King your Master, in referrence as well to the alliance already made, as a stricter to be enter d into, or if there be any thing that may occur, or we judge to move on behalfe of this Republic. And when we come to particulars, our Reply shall be meet, and consistent.

Whitehall March 21. 1652.

The Representatives of the Comonwealth of England, to the most Serene Prince Frederick the 3. King of Denmarke greeting

Most serene and potent King,

WE have by the conveyance of Henry Williamson Rosenwing of Lysaker a worthy person received, and, suitable to the merit of their proposalls, freely perused your Majesty's letters dated the 21. of December last from your Court at Hasnia, and desire that your Majesty woud rest assured, that we retaine the same disposition of mind, and the same affection to the continuance and preservation of the ancient correspondence, comerce, and friendship for so many yeares supported between England and Denmarke, which we apprehend your Majesty to do; knowing that albeit it has pleased God, in favour of the Peace, and tranquillity of this Nation, to alter (we hope to abetter (the formerly establisht Form of this Government, yet to continue imoveable the same correspondence, maintain the same Intrest, and recover its former vigour, to the mutuall Trade and comerce, which have been the Results of former Contracts and alliances between both Nations, and by improveing those alliances all that may be to engage each other in an united and joint endeavour o [...] perfecting and strengthering dayly more and more, that friendshipp, is what we understand to be our advantage. And when it shall please your Majesty to pursue those Councells mention'd in your Royall Letters, the Parliament will, with all alacrity, and sincerity, be ready to embrace them, and joyne all they can in any other contribution that may conduce to the promotion of such a designe, and are therefore inclinable to believe your Majesty's resolutions in referrence to this common-wealth to be such (it being also provided [Page] for in former contracts) as may consistwi [...]h that willingnesse mett with by your Majesty in us upon your [...] proposall thereof. The Parliament in the mean time wish your Majesty and subjects health and happinesse▪

Dated at Westminster April Anno Domini 1662.

Signed and sealed by the speaker, directed there to by Authority of Parliament.

The Rèpresentatives of the Comon-wealth of England, to the [...]llustrious and Noble Magistrates and Senators of the Hanseatick Cittys greeting.

THE Representatives of the Republick of England have received, and perused your letters of the 16▪ of January last, and conform [...]ble to their Demands admitted into audience Leo ab Aisem your publick Minister who brought'em, and withall represented the [...]nclination and affection your people bear this Republick, praying withall and solliciting the future inviolable continuance of the ancient alliance now in being between us. The Parliament therefore do, for themselves, [...] and assert it to be amost gratefull thing to them to renew and ratify that friendship and correspondence which have formerly interceded between this Nation and those Co [...]porations, and their Readynesse upon all fit occasions to evidence their promises in their Performances, expecting to be treated with suitable faithfulness and integrity by those their antient friends and confederates.

As to the other Branches more particularly comitted to, and urged by your Resident, no sooner were the same transmitted unto, proposed, and debated before the Councill of State, but such an answer was resolved upon as seem'd to consist with equity and reason, And which your Resident himselfe may remit to you, whose prudence and known integrity shew how much he deserves the honour of your present favour to him.

Dated at Westminster Aprill Anno Domini 1652.

Sign'd and sealed, pursuant to the authority of Parliament, by the speaker.

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The Representatives of the Comon-wealth of England, to the Illustrious and noble Corporation of Hambroug greeting.

Most noble, renowned, and Worthy Gentlemen. Dearest Friends

THE Representatives of the comonwealth of England have received and perused your Letters dated at Hambrough the [...]5. of January last, brought them by a noble Gentleman Mr Leo ab Aisem, who stiles himselfe under the character of yours, and the rest of the Hanseatique Cittys Resident, who has had audience allowed him pursuant to the Import of the said letteas; and what he had further in comand on the particular behalfe of your Citty, transmitted to [...]he Councill of State, whom having directed to receive such proposalls as he had to offer, and transact with him forthwithabout such thing as shoud consist with equity & Justice treated with him since accordingly. And as the Parliament has demonstrated the just regard that shoud be always had to such things as came from you, and testified it's singular affection to your City in the appointment of a Resident sent to reside there, so it canot but depend upon, and justly challenge a suitable returne to such practicable proposalls as their said Resident either already hath, or which he may for the future make in their name, to your Citty so long in amity and confederacy with us.

Westminster April 1652.

Subscribed ut supra.

The Council of State, &c. To the most Serene Prince FERDINANDO the II. Great Duke of Toskany greeting.

WHereas Charles Longland, Sollicitour for the English Merchants at Livorne, having advised thence, that upon the arrival there of a fleet consisting of about fourteen Sailes of Dutch men of warr, publickly declareing that the Errand they came upon was to burne within your Port, or otherwise destroy such English Ships as they found there, Your Highness was, upon application made on behalfe of the English, pleased [Page] to disappont the said Designe, by recommending them to the protection of your Governour there: The Council of State has judgedit becoming her duty and office to observe unto Your Highnesse how gratefully that kindnesse and protection so seasonably and curteously done the English Merchants, is accepted of by the Republick of England; promising and engageing unto Your Highnesse that the Memory of this good turne has made such an impression, as is never to be forgot, and their Readinesse to improve all opportunities that may offer of effectually returning Your People the like frindship and office and performing all other things that may conduce to the support of the usual benevolence and commerce of this, and Your Nation. And whereas the Dutch Fleet have, even while conferences of their owne dictation concerning an alliance were under debate; made perfidious attempts upon ours, and that not onely in our owne harbours even (in which wicked attempt God, as a most just Arbitrator, prevented their wickedness) but in forreign Ones also, where they would take, or sinke our Merchant Men▪ We have thought it necessary to transmit unto Your Highnesse this Paper on behalfe of the Parliament of England; which some controversies lately arisen between this Government and Holland; have occasioned the sending of. Whereby, how much the iniquity of that people in their behaviour to this Republick has been, and how void of regard to all Justice, and the Law of Lands themselves, is what may be very obvious to your Highnesse, and how studious the Parliament's endeavours have been to shew their Tenderness to the publick peace; coud the former friendship, and society of that people be any way continued.

Dated at Whitehall July 29. 1652.

Signed and sealed by the President of the Councill

To the Spanish Embassadonr.

THE Council of State having considered the two Memorials exhibited thereto by your Excellency; the one dated the 6. of June, or 27. May, and the other the 6▪ or 16. current, return the following Answer to both; that the Parliament of the Commonwealth of England is very w [...]ll▪ disposed towards the continuance of that Amity, and well constituted peace now in Existency between this Republick and the King [Page] of Spaine's Royal Majesty, since Your Excellency has intimated that to be the Bent of his said Majesti [...] too, and that all imaginable Readiness should be met with of improving the same to the common Good of both Nations. The which, the Council of State has in the Name, and by the direction of the Parliament so often demonstrated in their written replys to Your Excellency; and particularly, in conformity to Your Excellencies desire, has appointed a Comittee to give Your Excellency a meeting and receive such proposals as you had to offer conduceing to the aforesaid End. Which meeting afterwards has, in liew of other expectations, produced some things Consisting in general Tearmes, and as it were, previous to a future conference, which the Council believed the Parliament had in former replies made plaine its opinion concerning: Yet to give further satisfaction, and to remove any doubt which Your Excellency may pretend to remaine under, concerning the particular Instances of the Overtures you then made, the Councils Reply of the 31. March or 10. April, shewes that when all steps necessarily previous thereto, such as what Your Excellency had to offer on behalfe of his said Royal Majesty, in reference to the sormer, as any other stricter alliance to be entered into on the one hand, as what we should exhibit on behalfe of this Republicke, were discoursed about & determined, on the other hand, yea when all things were truely debated as they ought to be, and that Your Excellency came to confer accordingly, they were ready: To which Your Excellency made no reply, nor proceeded further in the matter these almost two months past. And Your Excellencie's of the 27. May or 6. June 52. is the first that the Council heard of since that time, which seemes to signify no more then to desire that the Articles of peace and alliance entered into by Charles the late King, and your Master, dated the 6. or 16. of November 1630. might be reviewed, and such alterations made in the heads thereof in reference to an addition to, or diminution therefrom, as the frame of the government and time now alter'd should call for; which as it amounted to no more, then what we, in our aforesaid Reply of the 10. Aprile or 31. March, fully and plainly signified: the Council did ere this expect some application from Your Exc [...]llecy, with an account of those particular Articles and alterations which you mention you would have made in the League, considering that it is otherwise impossible for us to give any other Reply different from what we have already done. But whereas Your Excellency seemes, by your late Memorial to lay the fault at our doore, the Conncil therefore resolved, & made a fresh inspection into your said Memorial of the [Page] 27. of May or 6. of June and its contents, and thinkes it has, in that former paper, fully satisfied your Excellency. In addition whereto, can say no more then that when your Excellency is at leisure to make known your desires of altering the alliances now establisht, or proposeing such other Tearmes conduceing to the accomodation of times, and affaires, as they now stand, and which you woud, on your part lay the foundation of an alliance upon; their answer thereupon shall be such as they judge may consist with equity, and testify the Parliaments inclination of persevering in the same sincerity of maintaining unstain'd, and [...]irme, it's friendship wi [...]h the King your Master; and contributeing to any other expedient, which becoming it, may tend to the prosperity of such an alliance.

The Councill doth moreover judge it abranch of her duty to remind your Excellency of our Memoriall transmitted unto you under the 30. of January 1651 which being yet unanswerd, we continue still under instant expectations of the Parliaments being satisfied in the contents of.

The Councill of State's answer to a Reply of the most serene King of Denmarke's Embassadours extraordinary delivered to the Committee of Councill, in answer to a former One of the Councills concerning their fourteen Demands.

THe Council, previous to the satisfaction of the a foresaid Embassadours, in her answer to the fifth, sixth, seaventh, eight and ninth Articles doth assent to the following paragraph's being added to the foot of their former answer: that is to say; Besides those Colonys, Islands, ports and places under the Government of either, whether it is by Law forbidd to resort upon the account of Trade, or traffique, without his speciall licence first obtein'd, to whose Jurisdiction the said Colony, Island Ports, or places shall appertaine. The takeing of any thing on board of a ship driven into the Rivers, Ports, or havens of either party, shall not render such a ship &c. liable to any molestation or search, as the said Embassadours woud, in their said Reply, seeme to have interpreted that of the Councill to the eleaventh Article, Saveing in places where such a Reception happens to fall contrary to the Laws, Statutes, and Custome of the place wherein such a ship tooke Port. In which case the Councill [Page] doth, thinke to have imposed nothing of hardship, but that is equally conduceing to the welfare of both Republicks.

As to the proofe of the propriety of such shipps, or Goods, as shall, by shipwrack, happen to be driven on shore: it is the opinion of the Councill that, in such cases, Oath be taken in such Courts as either already are, or hereafter may be erected for the hearing and determining such Cases, where, such as may at any time lay claime to such Goods, may be distinctly heared, and every one's Right knowne and determin'd; which by paper (comonly called Certificates) cannot [...]e so clearly and infallibly attain'd unto, whence a cloud of scruples and Doubts may of times arise, as also cover a deal of fraud, a [...]d deceipt often creeping under such a kind of proofe which concerne both partys equally to prevent. The Councill is also of judgment that a certain time be limitted not to be exceeded without the forfeiture of such a claime, by persons to bring their proofe with in the extent of, of their propriety, and to be excluded the benefit of the Court upon failing to make clear their Right within the space of) to avoid endles Suites of Law.

As to a method of vending such goods found in the wrack, as are perishable, the Councill has also thought fit to propose that of (the Inch of Ca [...]dle) which as it is a meanes very probable, so it is equally as expedient to secure th [...] O [...]ner a good price for his Goods; But if the aforesaid Embassadours shall come furnished with any other detected Expedient, that may be found more conduceing to this end, the Councill shall not withstand the promotion of what is equitable, nor can it see how it may occasion any demurr to the dispatch of this Treaty.

As to the forfeiture they are to be liable unto, that shall be found to incroach upon the proposalls herein contein'd, the Councill inserted the same in their Reply to the fourteenth Article, to the rendering the said Article of more efficacy, and the Treaty it sel [...]e more durable and firme.

As for an answer to the last clause of the 14. Article, it is inconsistent with our Judgment to give our assen to those alliances, and fraternity mentioned in the said Replys and which are proposed in Generall Tearmes onely, till, by a further explanation, we see what they may meane. Which when Your [...]xcellency is pleased to be plaine with the Councill in, we shall be able then to be more particular on our part.

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The Councill of States Reply to the said Embassadours Answer, given in Reply to theirs to the 16. Articles exhibited by the Council in the name of the Republick of England.

THE Council haveing perused the Letters Parents impowering the saids Lords Embassadours to treat with the Parliament it selfe, or it's Deputies in referrence to such matters as were expedient to be transacted towards the renewing the ancient alliances, and adding new ones, did truly thinke, that the said Lords Embassadours came with such authority, as to have been able to Answer, and transact all such things as should be proposed on behalfe as well of this Republick, as of the King of Denmark and Norway, and therefore did not expect those Replies which the said Lords Embassadours were pleased to give to the Council's first, second, third and fifth Demand, which renders it necessarily obvious to be prest to the consideration of the present Treaty; as a thing in it selfe most just, & accordingly determined in Council to comprimise, & take in the whole, as well vvhat concernes this Republick, as the Kingdomes o [...] Denmark and Norway. It is therefore the earnest Request of the Council, that Your Excellencie's Answer to our said first, second, third, and fifth Demand be made known.

As to the 4. Article concerning the Customes at Gl [...]kstadt, as Your Excellencie's Answer intimated their being antiquated, the Council seemes to presse that the same be expresly ratified in the Treaty, least they should be hereafter revoaked.

As to the 6. Article about Pirats, the mutual advantage of both parties has been the end of that Article, and to establish the repose of Trade in common against the disquiet and interruption of Rogues & Theeves, and as the Lords Embassadors Reply to this Article was peculiarly applicable to the Enemy, and therefore tooke no special notice of pirats: The Council therefore desires to be expressely dealt which in that point.

And whereas the aforesaid Lords Embassadours, in their Reply to the Council's Answer, in reference more especially to their 10. Article tooke no notice of the Council's Answer, the Council thought fit to add the following Article to their former demands; That the People, and Inhabitants of the Commonwealth of England, who held or exercised any Trade or Comerce with any of the Kingdomes, Dominions, or Jurisdictions belonging in the Crown of Denmarke and Norway; should be liable to the Payment of no excess of Castome Taxe, Toll, Tribute, or any other [Page] Imposition what ever for the future, beyond what the Dutch, and all other forreign Nations, exerciseing Trade, shall, or ought to pay, and to enjoy with freedome, the same full Liberty, Priviledges, and Imunities in their comeing in, stay, as well as departure; as also their FishingTrade, and all other circumstances what ever, equall, and in proportion with any other strangers inhabiting the aforesaid Kingdomes or Empire of the said King of Denmark and Norway; which Priviledges the said King of Denmark's and Norway's Subjects shall likewise enjoy throughout all the Provinces, and Jurisdictions belonging to the Republick of England.

The Council of State, to the most Illustrious Prince, FERDINANDO the II Great Duke of Toskany, Greeting.

Most Illustrious Prince, and dearest Friend,

CHarles Longland, Atturney for the English Factory at Livorne, as also Your High: Resident here haveing comunicated unto us with what affection and sincerity our Merchant-men were protected by Your Highnesse upon their repair to Livorne, to escape the designe of Dutch Rovers, who breathed nothing but ruine and destruction against them, the Council of State's Letters dated the 31. of July last, and come to hand ere this we hope, have signified unto Your Highness how grateful so seasonable a piece of kindness as that happened to be, was to them, where by the same conveyance, they transmitted unto Your Highnesse other Papers containing an account of the ground of the controversy now depending between the Parliament of England & the States of Holland; And upon such advise transmitted from the said Charles Longland, of your Highness's further care bestow'd upon the English, by warning the Dutch to supersede, notwithstanding their industrious sollicitation to the Countrey, the said Council has taken the Liberty of signifying unto Your Highness by this conveyance, that as your Justice and singular constancy in defending their Ships calls for the height of their esteeme, so it likewise doth their g [...]atitude. Which as it is no slight indication of your sound friendship, and affection to this Republick, so Your Highness may rest Confident [Page] that upon any occasion opportunely represented, our Returns shall lead your desires, & that in a method becoming the respect and affection we ow you and yours, and that in such a degree as may declare how much we make it our endeavour to render the Alliance between this Government and Your Highnesses both constant and permanent. We have in the mean time Issued our strict command to such of our Ships, as may happen to call at your ports, that they faile not saluteing you with a just Number of Canons, and paying you all other imaginable due respect.

Dated at Whitehal, September 2625.

Subscribed by the Praesident of the Council, whoseseale he fixed thereto.

TO ALPHONSO DE CARDENAS, the Spanish Embassador.

Most Excellent Sir,

YOUR Excellencies Letter, dated the 5. or 15. November 1652, together with two Petitions inclosed concerning the Ship comonly knowne by the Name of the Samson and Salvador, were by Your Secretary upon the 8. Ditto, delivered unto, and read in Council, who appointed the following Answer to both. That the said Shipp fell in the English-man's ways super altum mare not in the Downes, as Your Excellency seems to have understood it, where having sett upon & seized her as a Vessell belonging to the Enemy, brought her home, & proceeded against her as a lawful prize in the Admiralty Court, to which alone the cognisance of such cases is solely belonging, and where the pretences of all parties are audibly and freely debated, and lawfully determined. We have moreover transmitted Your Excellencies Demand to the [...]udges of the laid Court, with directions requireing our being informed concerning what proceedings were made towards the condemnation of th [...] said Shipp. Which when we have satisfaction given us in, such further care shall be taken therein, as is consistent with Iustice, and becomeing the friendship subsisting between this Republick and Your King, relying upon a suitable confidence that his Royal Majesty will not suffer himselfe to be made a Cloack of, to protect the goods of our Enemies, or see us [Page] otherwise ba [...]led under the pretence of their owning themselves his Subjects.

Subscribed by William Lenthal, President of the Council▪ whose Seale he caused to be affixed thereto.

Dated at Whitehal, November 11, 1652.

To the Spanish Embassadour.

Most Noble Sir,

BAldid, a Comander of one of the Men of War belonging to this Commonwealth, having lately advised the Council that being necessitated to put in at a place comonly called by the name of Longone, to repair some damages susteind in a Battle of two dayes constant continuance fought in the streights of Gibralter against eleaven Dutch Men of War, haveing but three besides himselfe, and furnish himselfe and Company with such further supplyes as he wanted for fight, the Gouernour of that place acquitted himselfe like a very just, and civil Person towards both him and the rest of his Ships. And whereas the said place lies within the King of Spain's Dominions, the Councill reckons the singular humanity of that Civility effectually demonstrated, to be the true & plenti [...]ul Result of the strict alliance so fortunately establish't, and so judge it an act becoming them to thanke His Majesty for so seasonable a piece of service, and desire Your Excellency to be pleased to signify the same without losse of time to His most Serene Majesty, and to assure him of a suitable Returne of friendship and kindnesse upon any occasion that may offer.

Dated at Westminster, November the11. Anno Domini 1652.

Signed and sealed by William Masham, Praesident of the Council.

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To the most Serene Prince FERDINAND the II. Duke of Great Toscany, the Representa [...]ives of the Commonwealth of England greeting.

Most Serene Prince, and dearest Friend,

THe Representatives of the Commonwealth of England, have received Your Highnesse's Letter, dated the 3. of August, from Florence, touching the Restitution of a Vessell loaded with Rice, challeng'd by a Master belonging to Livorns called Cardio, and albeit Sentence is already awarded in our Cour of Admiralty against the said Cardio concerning that affair, and that the appeal then hung before the Delegate, yet upon Your Highnesses interposition, the Parliament, to shew their opinion of the amity and friendship of so great a Prince, comanded those that were intrusted with the management of that affair, that that Vessel wit [...] her loadeing of Rice, or an equivalent value (at least) should be restored to the said Captain Cardeo, whose Correspondent has since received the effect of the said Comand accordingly: And as Your Highnesses Protection to the English Merchants, and principally in the Port of Livorne, has very much obliged the Parliament (of which Your Resident as well as Charles Longland, Sollicitor for the English Factor [...] at Livorne, have given us an account) so the Parliament is, on it's part, well disposed to the takeing care, that as often as there is occasion for it, no offices of sincere Friendship or love towards Your Excellency shall need to be complain'd of. Comendig You in the mean time fervently to the Tuition of Divine Providence.

Dated at Westminster November 1652.

Subscribed b [...] the Speaker of the House of Comons, whose seale he caused to be affixed thereto.

The Representatives of the Republick of England. To the Most Serene and Porent Prince the King of Denmarke.

Most Serene and Po [...]ent King.

THE Comander in chiefe of the Fleet, la [...]ely [...]ent hence to give Convoy homewards to such of our Merchant-men as attended, to that [Page] purpose,, at the Port of Hasnia haveing advised our Parliament, that upon his arrivall thore, he found an Embergo laid upon the departure of the said Mer [...]hant men, pursuant to an order of Your Majesties, comanding that none of them shoud be suffered to budge, notwithstanding his haveing produced your Majesties letters signifiing your pleasure to the contrary, and demanding the reason of such detention. To prevent therefore any ill consequences that may arise therefrom to either of the Nations so palpably concerned, and which may be pursued by a worse, the Parliament has directed Richard Bradshaw Esq. a worthy Gentleman, of knowne fidelity, and their Orator now at Hamburgh, to wait upon Your Majesty under the same Character, with expresse commands directing him to discourse and treat concerning that affair; Praying that Your Majesty would therefore please curteously to listen unto, & allow him full credit in what ever he shall propose unto Your Majesty in our Name r [...]lating to this affair; Whom we, in the mean time, heartily recomend to the care and protection of God.

Dated at Westminster, November, 1652.

Signed and sealed by the Speaker, in pursuance of the Parliaments direction.

The Representatives of the Commonwealth of England, to the most Serene Duke of Venice, greeting.

LAurence Paulet has delivered the Parliament Your Highness Letter, dated the first of June 1652. which as it testifys the good disposition of Your Senat, as well as Your Highnesses towards this Republick, so they on their parts, have thought fit to make known by this occasion the respect & affection they bearto the most Serene Commonwealth of Venice, and shall not grudge their continueing so to do, and makeing no difference between their performances and promises, as often as they are furnished with occasions that may enable them to act suitably, and also cheerfully pursue such meanes, as may be employed towards the support and improvement of the Amity and mutual comerce now existent. wishing [Page] and praying, in the meane time, that all happiness and prosperity may attend Your Highness and most S [...]rene Republick.

Dated at Westminster, December Anno Domini 1652.

Signed and sealed by the Speaker purs [...]ant to the comand and authority of the Parliament.

The Representatives of the Commonwealth of England, to the most Serene Prince Ferdinando the II. Great Duke of Toscany.

WHereas the Representatives of the Commonwealth of Englaud have, in former [...]nstructions to their Sea Comanders, strictly charged them, upon their touching at any Port within Your Highnesses Empire, to behave themselves peaceably, modestly and suitable to that observance which Your Civilityes to this Government justly call for from us, & to whose Kindnesses they cannot but owne themselves much obliged. Yet it proved matter of great Surprize to them to find all forgot, in the comportment of one of their said Officers, named Appleton, whose demeanour to the watch at Livorne is said to have been very insolent, and that contrary as well to the allegiance wherin be is indebted to this Republick, as well as the regard every Prince ought to have shewn him within his owne Territories. Which the Parliament had an account of as it happend, not onel from Your owne Letters under the 7. and 9. of December last from Florence, but more particularly from Master Almericus Salvetus Your Resident [...]ere, who is a very worthy Gentleman. Your Highnesses honour, which seemes to be involved in this matter, lies under that veneration with the State, as that this matter is wholly and particularly recommended to t [...]e care of the Council, with direction to write fortwith to Captain Appleton, for his repaiting home by land, to answer the insolency of this unpresidented misbehaviour of his (of which the inclosed is a Coppy) who upon hi [...] arrival, shall be examined, and such punishment awarded him, as shall testify that we are no lesse concerned, than if it were done in contempt of our owne Government.

As concerning the Phenix taken at [...]vorne, Your Excellency and Resident seem to say and urge, that the same was committed contrary to Appletons promise, who was obliged to make no attempt upon the [Page] Dutch vvithin sight of the Port or its Lantborne: that Your E [...]cellency relying thereon, entred into the like engagement to the D [...]ch, and that therefore they ought to depend upon satisfaction for the damage susteind from their depending upon Your protection and promise. The Parliament assure You, that as the same vvas comitted vvithout their Council or aduice, so it is a thing very distant from their inclination and mind to expose Your Excellency to any manner of inconveniency, or diminution of honour, upon the score of that Deed; Nay shall endeavour that away be found out of makeing You such satis [...]ction. as shall seem suitable to the demerit of the cause, after inquiry first made. To be more fully informed wherein, they thinke it a very necessary point to have Appleton himselfe examined before them, who was obliged by his promise, and consequently believed by Your Excellency to have a betted (at least) in that violation; especially considering that he is to returne in so short a time, who, when ever he is heard by the Parliament, and further debate had thereon with Your Oratour, shall have such sentence awarded him upon this so considerable a crime, as shall consist with equity and the extraordinary affection which they bear Your Excellency, and finally not unworthy Your Kindnesses. To confirme Your Excellencies beliefe of which, they have directed this present messenger to be forthwith dispatched away with these Letters, least they shoud be said to S [...]ip any opportunity that may be improved into a real Testimony of their sincerety towards You.

Dated at Westminster, 14. December Anno Domini 1652.

By authority and Command of Parliament signed, and sealed by the Speaker.

The Councill of State, to the most Serene Prince Frederick Heir of Norway, Duke of Slesvice, Alsace, Ha [...]mar, Ditmarse, Earle in Oldenburgh and Delmhorst greeting.

ALtho it has been the Decree of the all knowing God, and most mercifull Ruler of the universe, to engage us, (beyond that duty susteined by, and transmitted unto us from our Ancestors) in a most just quarrell, for the resuceing our Liberty's from the oppression of Tyrany, [Page] and lend us such singnall Marks of his divine help, and assistance, in preferrence to them, as to have enabled us not onely to lay the fury of a civill warr, but destroy the future growth thereof, as also withstand and repell the unexpected assaults of forreign Enemys. Yetunder as sincere acknowledgments as we can be, of the favour and loue of the most high Diety towards us, we are not neverthelesse so far transported with the consideration of our prosperity, as, pursuant to the singular providence and Justice of God, (which we have had a plentifull experience of) not rather to declare all we can our aversnesse to warr, and readinesse to embrace a willing peace with all people, then otherwise. Therefore as we our selves have not hitherto nor leaded, nor promoted in others, the violation of such friendship and Tearmes of alliances, as have formerly interceded between us, and all forreign People and Princes whatever, so your Excellency may rest assured, on behalfe of your people, as well as your owne, of all fair dealings from us, pursuant to the antient correspondence settled by your Ancestors with the English. And as we are ready to returne all due acknowledgments, for those affectionate offices already bestowed by your Highnesse upon us, soe our worke shall be to render you, and yours sensible of the want of none on our part: Recomending the while, as much as may be, your Excellency to the omnipotenty, and Diety of Almighty God.

Dated at Whitehall July Anno Domini 1653.

Sign'd and sealed (ut supra) by the President.

To the Earle of Oldenburgh.

Most Illustrious Sir.

THE Representatives of the Comonwealth of England have received your many Salutes, very carefully and curteously comunicated by Harmanus Miles Your Councellour, Deputy; and Sollicitor, who in your name wished that all happinesse might attend England and it's Parliament, and sollicited the continuance of the friendship now in being between this Republick and you; as also the grant of our letters of safe conduct, to the end your people might trade the securer and navigate and exercise comerce; together with our comands, to be transmitted to our publick Ministers abroad, in order to their being aiding with their councills and offices to you and yours. Which we have freely [Page] assented unto, and granted as well what his demand was in referrece to an alliance, as the other two, under the Parliaments seale: Albeit some monthes are slipt, since our sirst receipt of your Ministers address unto us. Yet that delay canot be properly imputed to any difficulty of ours to assent to your petition, nor neglect in your servant of pressing it (who to [...]ave his sollicitations answered, and he dismissed master of his errand, behaved himselfe dilligently, and with all pressure imaginable) it springing wholly from the great & weighty concernes of the Republick, whose Transactions have taken up most of this win [...]er. Which we thought fit to acquaint your most serene Honour with, that none, by inter preting this demurr otherwise then as it is occasioned, may take the liberty of saying that what the Parliament of England has freely granted, might be said to have been extorted therefrom, in whose name this was directed to be signed by.

HENRY SEOBELE, Cl. of the Parliament.

The Parliament of the Comonwealth of England to the Illustrious, and most noble Counsellours and States of the Cantons of Switzerland &c. greeting,

WEE have, (Illustrious, and dearest Friends) received yours Letter dated the 24 Decemb. 1652 pregnant with all humanity, kindness and great assection towards us and our Government; and which ought to sway more with us, breathing brotherly and truly Christian Charity: And must be more particular in our acknowledgments to the most good and great God, for that he has been pleased to raise and secure, (as a most firme bulwarke to the safety of the protestant Intrest there) you, and your so many most noble Corporations, surrounded and munified not so much by those muontains, with which you are impaled, as your naturable Courage, Piety, Prudence, and most just administration of publick affaires; together with the mutuall reputation of alliances: You afterwards, (who after the removeall of the Tirany of Barbarous Kings from the North, have been almost the sirst of all Europe, who, God favouring your Enterprise, purchased your Libertys, and mainteind it so purchased untainted, with no lesse prudence and moderation, thro the difficulty of so many yeares) to judge so charitably of us, and our lately [Page] purchased liberty, & being such sencere Admirers of the Gospell; to be so constant in your opinion of the love and affection we bear to the Orthodox Faith, is a thing which we canot but value at a [...] extraordinar rate. And as to the affection with vv [...]ich you sollicit us to a peace, vve novvay question the sincerity thereof, but that it proceeds from pi [...] ty and true affection; That intepposition ought to influence us very much, as vvell for vvhat it leades unto. (vvhich is in it selfe ver [...] desireable) as the Authority, vvhich in pref [...]ence to all others, is justly applicable to you, vvho among all the Stormes of warr, blovving from every Corner, have main [...]aind so long your peace abroad and at home, and vvere examples vvithout exception, and Persvvaders of peace to all other people; And because you Persvvade that vvhich vve endeavoured more then once (not so much o [...]t of regard to our ovvne, as the Intrest of the protestants universally) and sollicitted by Embassys and other publick Ministers to effect, that is; to contract astrict alliance and Friendship vvith the States Generall of the vnited Provinces. But they (or as vve ought to stile them) that Orange Faction our perpetuall enemys, addict [...]d to the Royall party, and among their owne club, of knowne affection to Tyranny, how have they entertained our Embassadours? not as people that came to discourse of Peace, but brotherly kindnesse and most strict alliance, what provocations have they given to a war afterwards may plentifully appear from what we publickly writ concerning it, and herewit [...] transmit nnto you, of their haveing, while their owne Embass [...]dours were treating, surprised and Saulted our ships with a fleet of theirs and that at a time, when ours lay in their stations, without as much as imagining such a thing. But thro Gods help such has been our care hitherto, as that altho matters happened to fall out so well, yet we do not take the glory to our selves, our strength, or Number of hands, but give all to God alone. Nor are wee troubled with the least extraordinary fit of Transportation upon the score of our prosperity; Wee are still the same people & very ready to embrace all occasions of makeing a just & honourable peace. In the mean time Illustrious and most noble Sirs, you who, under the impulse of Evangelicall love, make it your pious and sincere endeavour to reconcile, and compose brotherly misunderstandings, and who, wor [...]hy the esteeme of all mankind; entitle your selves doubtless to that Blessing awarded by the divine Sentence of Gods decree to the peace makers, and to whose most lofty affection and grace, we do most sincerely and heartily recommend you, if in any thing our service [Page] can be of service to you, we are ready to shew our selves not as friends but Brethren.

Dated at Westminster October Anno 1653.

Signed and sealed by the Speaker to the House of Commons.

To the Spanish Embassador.

Most Illustrious Sir,

UPon the receipt of a petition in the names of Philip Noel, John Goddall and other Merchants belonging to Foy in England, heavily bemoaning that a ship of theirs called the Ann of Foy of their own buildding in England, was about Michaelmas last most injustly sett upon, and seised by a certain privateer belonging to Ostend comanded by Erasmus Bruerus, who in his way homewards seised her loading, wholly belonging to the petitioners, and treated the marriners unworthily and barbarously: The Councill of State thereupon writ to the Duke of Leda (a copy whereof comes herewith to your Excellency) and expected that he woud, according to justice and equity, make speedy inquiry into that affair. But the said Noel, and the rest of the Petitioners renewing their said heavy complaint, and urgeing, that although the said Duke had our said letters delivered him, and that the said Merchants repaired since to Bruges, where at the Admiralty Court they made proofe of their cause and the integrity of their Claime, but that Justice is neverthelesse denyed 'em, and they exposed to so unjust use [...]ge; That albeit the case has stood ready for determination any time these three monthes and more, yet coud not obteine the sentence of that Court; but that their said shipp and goods are still nevertheless under the same Restraint, and they themselves, from this delay of Justice, exposed to considerable expences in the prosecution of their Right. Your Excellency is not ignorant of its being contrary to the Laws of Nations, as well as the Tearmes of Trade and correspondence [...]ow existent between the English and Flanders, that any Osteender shoud offer to touch any English ship, provided shee be loaded with Euglish goods, and bound for England, and that the said Captain's in [...]umane and barbarous useage of the Marriners ought to be severly punished. The Councill therefore recommends the case to your consideration, and prays that you woud write to Flanders [Page] about it, and endeavour that speedy care be taken, that this busynesse be no longer prolonged, but that Justice be done: as that the said shipp and Goods, together with the damages, expences, and loss which the said English have susteind upon the score of that injust interception, be by the Authority of the said maritime Court of Brussels, or some other good manner, restored them, and provision made against any such future interception, but that the correspondence now in being betvveen England and France be supported vvithout any Interruption.

Signed and sealed by the direction of the Councill of State appointed by the Parliament.

To the Duke of Lisle.

PHillip Noel, John Gad [...]ll, with severall other Merchants belonging to the Towne of Foy haveing made large complaints unto us concerning a Ship of theirs called the Ann of Foy, representing that the said Ship Anne built, and loaded at their sole and peculiar cost and charges, was about Michaelmas last in her way homewards, unawares sett upon, & seised by one Erasmus Bruerus a Master of a shipp belonging to Ostend. They moreover say, that the Osteenders, when they gott the vessell into their possession misused the marriners very inhumanely by dipping and almost stiffleing'em, to prevent their telling of Tales, and disposed of the goods, as if they were French propriety. Which albe it the Master as well as the Mariners positively denyed to be, yet the Ostenders carried both Ship and Goods to their owne homes. The truth of these things has, upon inquiry made, and the testimony of sworne witnesses been proved, as is evident by the Certificate herewith sent. In as much therefore as the said Ship, called the Anne of Foy, witth all the Goods truly, properly, and bonafide b [...]longed to the English, so as that there appears no cause why they of Ostend shoud lay violent hands on her or them, much lesse touch the Master or expose the Seamen to so much hardship; and whereas the constitution of the Laws of Nations, and the alliance now existent between England, and Flanders call for the restitution of the said Shipp and Goods, wee earnestly desire Your Excellency, that timely Right be done the English in haveing their owne forthvvith returned 'em, and satisfaction made for the dammages [Page] they suftein'd, and that the Trade and Commerce vvhich novv interceede betvveen England and Flanders may be supported firme a [...]d permanent.

To the Spanish Embassador.

WHereas the Representatives of the Commonwealth of England, being informed, that great many People about Towne relating as well to Your Excellency, as other Embassadours and for [...]eign publick Ministers attending here, resort to Your, as well as other Hou [...]es under the pretence of hearing Masse, Gave it in strict charge to the Coun [...]il to observe to Your Excellency, that as the [...]aid practice tends to the expresse prejudice of the Laws of this Nation, and of proportionable [...]ll example and offence to the Government: They judged it abranch of their ossice to prohibit such a practice for the future, and declare their dislike of such Assemblies for the ensuing time. Whereof we desire Your Excellency to take notice, and suffer none of the Subjects of this Republick to frequent Your House for the time to come to hear Masse. And as the Parliament shall take due care to have the Right of Embassadors as well as their Priviledges secured inviolable to Your Excellency, so they depend upon no encroachments to be made by You or Yours upon the Lawes of the Land dureing Your abode therein.

An Abstract of the particular Damages Susteind by the English East India Company thrò the meanes of the Dutch, in severall places of the East Indies.

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Imprimis,

THE Damages conteind in the 16. Articles lately exhibitted, amounting in pieces [...] 291555. in Sterling make-73638: lb. 15, ss.

2. Satisfaction is expected for the Croppariseing from the [...]sland of Pularon from between the year 1622. to this time, amounting in value to two handred thousane preces 5/8 besides future expence, till the same be restored, as it was when it was taken from us; and that according to articles of agreement. Which in sterling is.—50000. lb. 0: 0.

3. Wee expect satisfaction for all those Sea pr [...]visions and apparell aken from the English in the Indies, by the Dutch Factory, delivered to, or forc'd from their ships in their going to, or returning thence. Amounting to 10635. Royalls, and in sterling.—30158: lb. 0.

4. Wee expect satisfaction for the Custom of all Dutch comoditys imported into, & exported out of Persia from the year 1624. according to the King of that Countryes Grant unto us, which we canot calculat at less [...]n value then eighty thousand Royalls.——20000. lb. 0. 0.

5. Wee expect satisfaction for the reparation of four houses most malitiously and unjustly destroyed at Jocatra, together with warehouses and other necessarys, occasioned by the meanes of the Dutch Governour there. Of all which we have had an account send us thence before our former complaint was exhibitted, which damage amounts unto two hundred thousand pieces [...].——50000. lb. 0.

6. Wee expect satisfaction for 32899 pounds of pepper taken by force out of the shipp Endimion, in the year 1649. whose damage amounts unto———6003. lb. 0.

220796. lb. 16. ss.

An Abstract of some particular losses sustein'd by the English East India Company from that of the Dutch,

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1. For the dama [...]es sustaind from the siege of Bantham, which hindred our Trade with that place for the continued space of six years, and prevented our laying in a stok of 600000. pieces [...] for the buying of pepper according to our proportion. Which might serve to loade such of our shipps, as wandered up and downe the Indian Coast in their ballast, for want of freight: Our adventure haveing been, in the mean space, in seamens wages, victualls, and apparell diminished and exhausted among the Indians to that degree, that the loss canot amount to lesse then 103000. pieces 8/8 which in our coyne is.—6000000▪ lb. 0. ss▪ 0.

2. More for the damages sustaind by the losse of our just part of the Islands of Molluco, Banda and Amboyna, since the time we have been murthered, and driven thence. For the prejudice of which and other expences we expect to be satisfied, amounting (in time) from the year 1622. to che current year 1650. at the yearly Income of 25000. lb. for 28. yeares the Su [...]e of.——700000. lb, 0. ss.

3. Reparation is likewise expected for 12950. pieces [...] damage done us at Surrat by those of Mogul so protected by the dutch, that we coud not repay our selves either in money, or goods which we might otherwise, and had it in our power to have taken from them▪ had not the Dutch most unjustly stood in their defence. Which losse might in Europe be improved ere this, to triple the value. Whi [...] we judge to amount to.————77020. lb.

4 For Customs at Persia, whose moity the King of that place granted the English anno 1624. which to the year 162 [...]. is calculated to come to 80000. Mille Royalls as aforesaid. Which being substracted, they are obliged to pay from the year 1629. being twenty one yeares, at the rate off our thousand pounds a year, comes to the sume of. 84000. lb. 0. ss.

The Kings Hand.

From the other side 220976. lb. 15. ss. 0.

The Summe total 1681996. lb. 15. ss. 0.

The intrest for the said time having farr exceeded the principle.

Here follow all the LETTERS Written by OLIVER CROMWELL, To forreign Princes and Potentates, while Protector of England.

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To the Count of Oldenburgh.

Most Illustrious Sir.

I do, by Yours of the 20. of January 1654. apprehend, that Frederick [...] Wollisogg, [...] Noble Gentleman, and Your Secretary, with Christopher Griffie, were with certain comands sent from Your most Illustrious Dignity into England: Who, upon their approach unto Us, have in Your Name both congratulated our undertaking of the Administration of the Government of the Republick of England, and sollicited for an admittance for You and People into the Peace lately concluded between Us and the Hollanders: Petitioning (with all) our confirming the Grant lately obteind from the Parliament of Letters, commonly knowne by the name of Letters of safe conduct. We therefore, pursuant to our obligation, returne our thanks for so friendly a Complement, and [...]ave freely assented to the said two petitions, as being disposed to improve all future occasions, which may at any time expresse our affection towards You, And are of opinion that You have had the same communicated unto You at large, by Your said [...], whose fidelity and diligence in this affair have been apparent. What I have to add is sincerely to wish You and affairs prosperity and tranquility.

Westminster, June 27. 1654.

I am your &c. most affectionally OLIVER Protector of England, Scotland and Ireland, &c.

To the Count of Oldinburgh.

YOur Letters of the 2. of May from Oldenburgh, are come to hand, and obliged me not in a single degree, for that the Letters themselves were so pregnant with singular kindness & affection towards me and withall delive [...]ed [Page] by the hand of the most Illustrious Lord Count Antonio, Your most beloved Son. That that I apprehend my selfe most dignified by, being the knowledge I now have of his vertues, whorthy so noble Ancestors of his extraordinary behaviour, & finally of his singular affection testified unto me now beyond words. Nor ought it to be a thing disputable, whether he gives his Relations at home inducements, to hope his inheriting the qualities of his worthy, and Noble Father, whose clear vertue and prudence administred the continuance of many yeares interrupted Peace to the People of Oldenburgh, and cherished them with the effects of tranquillity among the severe Stormes of Warr, blowing from every Corner. Why should I therefore do otherwise then value the Alliance of such a Friend? whose conduct is so wise, and provident, so as to be able to avoide the enmity of all people. It is finally for that gift alone, Most Illustrious Sir, that I am thankfull; It is out of regard to justice, and Your merits that I [...] subscribe my selfe

Your most &c. OLIVER Protector of England, &c.

Westminster, 29. June, 1654.

To the most Illustrious Lord ANTHONY GUNTER, [...] of Oldenburgh & Delmhorst, Leid in Jehven & Kniphausen.

OLIVIER, Protector of the Republick of England, Scotland, Ireland, &c. To the most Serene Prince CHARLES GUSTAVUS, King of Sweedland, Goths and Vandals, Great Prince of Finland▪ Duke of Esthany, Carelia, Bremen, Verde, Stetin, Pomeranie, Castalies and Vandale, Prince of Russin, Lord of Ingry Wismare, as also Duke Palatin of the Rhine, Bavaria, Jul. Clivia, and Duke of Monts, greeting.

Most Serene King.

THe choice made by Your Majesty of communicateing unto us by your most friendly letters that in particular, which comon same has for some dayes disperst over all the world, of the delcent of the Government of the Kingdome of Sweedland upon you, and that to the great content of [Page] the people, and the free suffrage of all persons, i [...] no slender argument of your great affection towards us, and an honour not of the meanest degree. Wee therefore freely and with Justice congratulate that addition of dignity to Your most singu [...] merits, and reward very worthy of so great a vertue, and do, with united prayers to God, wish, that which we are confident you do, namely, that the same may prove to the good, and prosperity of Your Majesty the Kingdome of Sweedland, and the Intrest of all Christendome. But as to what you mention touching your disposition to the alliance lately contracted between England and Sweedland, and acting our part towards its support, as also that Your Majesty will endeavour not onely the [...], but likewise the improveing (if it were a thing fesible) the league now established, were an injustice to call to question the sinc [...]rity of: The faith of so great a Prince haveing engaged for't: whose extraordinary vertue has not onely won an everlasting inheritance in the affection of stangers abroad, but has been soe povverfull▪ as to have invited [...] most August Queen, daughter of Gustaves (whose m [...]tch in all manner of good qualitys many past ages coud not produce) to make a resignation of the Government to you without either your knowledge or seeking. Be pleased therefore to be confident that your so singular affection unto us, and so clear a signification of your mind, are circumst [...]nces of utmost acceptance unto us; and that nothing shall promote more our delight, then to oblige your kindnesse with our endeavours never to be wanting as farr as they can be made serviceable,

Westminster 4. July 1654.

Your Majestyes most affectionally OLIVER, Protector of England, Scotland, Ireland, &c.

To the most [...] Ludovico Mendesio de Haro.

WHat you write me, Illustrious Sir, of the most Serene King of Spains haveing appointed, and nominated a person to come hitheir under the character of his E [...]bassadour to congratulate with me my undertaking in the [...] of England, as it is a thing in it selfe justly gratefull, sovour [...] study and quicknesse of care has renderd it so much the more so, who to heighten the obligation, have been pleased to be the first admenisher your selfe: For to have the love and affection of one, [Page] who, by his prudence and vertue, [...] gaind so much Authority with his owne prince, as to influence, (like your selfe) matters of the greatest moment in that Kingdome, ought to be no less pleasure to me, then [...]nunderstand the good opinion of a most Excellent person, to be an ornament to me. But as to any disposition of mind to wards the most Serene King of Spaine, in referrence as well to the Support of an alliance with that King, as readynesse to improve it dayly more and more, I hope, I have satisfied the Embassadour here, in that point, and may do it plentifully to him that is to succede him. I wish that the figure Moreover, and favour, under which you now move most Illustrious Sir, may be dureable; and that what ever you manage, or administer for the good of the publick, may end in aprosperous and happy [...]. [...] am most Illustrious Sir, Your Excellencies most affectionatly.

OLIVER Protector of the Republick of England, Scotland, [...], &c.

Whitehall, September, 1654.

To the most Serene Prince, CAROLUS GUSTAVUS ADOLPHUS, King of Sweedland, Goths and Vandales, &c.

AS Your Majesties last Letter, answered by me with a suitable Reply, represented Your Majesties singular love to me, so the consideration of our Friendships seemed to establish such an obligation upon me for the future, that as I communicate occurrences answering our mutual desires, so to observe unto you, as a'most dear friend, my sense and griefe in instances of contrary effects. I am truly of opinion that the figure I make in this Republick, implyes a duty of studying, all [...] can, the comon Repose of the protestants in particular. Which heightens our concernednesse so much the more, when we hear of the battails and mutuall slaughters acted by those of Bremen and Sweedland upon each other. I am, in the first place sorry to see both our friends ingaged in such bloody differences, so much to the hazard of the Intrest of the protestant Religion; Next that peace of 52. which was believed to be a main Bulwarke to all reformed Churches, should prove the cause of such an uhappy [...] that the Armes of Sweedland are now employed to destroy those who, for Religion sake, they woud so lately engage in the vigarous defence of: and that [Page] now, at a time, when the Episcopacy is reported to persecute the [...] all Germany over, & revive former violences and oppressions upon them. Being therefore informed that the [...] of Bremen h [...]d few days Cessation of armes [...] it, I cou'd not truly decline the signifing unto your Majesty by this opportunity, how heartily I coud wish, and how earnestly I woud pray the God of peace, that that Truce may end in a happy reconcliation of both Partys, and that things be drawen to a peaceable composure equally conduceing to the advantage of both. To the promotion of which, if your Majesty can judge my endeavour capable of contributing oug [...]t, I do promise, and freely tender the same, as in apoint of utmost acceptance (without doubt) to God Almighty: And do in the mean time from my hart wish, that God Almighty may direct and steer all Your Majesty Councills, to the publick advantage of Christendom; a prayer which I doubt not but may [...] with your owne inclination too.

Whitehall October 26, 16545.

Your Majestys most affectionately. OLIVER Protector of the Repnblick of England.

To the most Magnificent and Noble Magistrates and Senators of Bremen.

I do, with so much the more [...] and griefe of mind, see by the account brought me by Henry Oldenburgh your Envoy, the difference arisen between your Corporation and your most potent neighbour, and the extremity which you are thence reduced unto, by how much I love and respect the Citty of Bremen for her affection to the Orthodox Religion beyond others; nor do I entertaine any thing more in my wishes, then that the universall name of the Protestants may at length be cemented into a brotherly Union and Concord▪ That the comon Enemy of the Reformation does, in the mean space, rejoyce at these our contentions, & promote th [...]m the more violently abroad, is a thing most certaine. But the controversy it selfe, as it is not the matter now to be debated, I pray God that the progress therefore already made towards a peace, may determine happily. I have, according to you desires, writ to the King of Sweedland touching this matter, sollicitting him to peace and Concord, as a thing of utmost acceptance to God, and acted freely and as [Page] Iough in a thing of th [...]r piety, and ofter it as my opinion that it is not [...] viseable for you to stand off, bat bear an affectionat inclination to any conditions of peace that are truly honourable. Comending you and your Citty, in the mean time, to Gods Tuition an Providence.

Whitehall October 26. 1654.

Your highnesses most aff ection ally O Protector, &c

OLIVER, Protector of the Republick of England, to themost [...] Prince Tarentine.

YOur affection to Religion, made apparent in Your Letters to me, together with Your extraordinary piety, and singular love to the reformed Church's; more especially the nobility and generosity of the manner wherein; and that in a Government, wherein so many of the Nobility dissenting from theProtestant Faith, receive such plentiful encouragements of preferment, w [...]ile on the other hand, such as adhere thereto, are, for that very reason, exposed to proportionable inconveniencies; are instances that have filled me with very much content and pleasure. Nor has it proved lesso delightful to me to have pleased You, by being of that Religion, which is the inducement which principally ought to endear and render you a Subject fit for my esteeme. But as to what you mention concerning what the Churches may hope or expect from me, I pray God I may be able to answer the same, one time or other, if they need it, and let the World see how I stand inclined towards it; For I should not truly judge my selfe better rewarded in any thing ariseing from the station I hold in this my Republicke, then to be able to promote the Intrest, safety, and (which exceeds all) the repaire of the reformed Churches. Let me therefore earnestly desire that the piety and affection with which You professe the Orthodox Faith, transmitted unto You from Your Ancestors, be to the end steddily and constantly adhered unto. Nor will there be any thing more truly worthy both Your selfe, and Your most Religious progeny, nor ought wherein I can wishingly expresse my gratitude in better and clearer acknowledgments of Your Obligations upon me, (albeit I wish all things well for Your sake) then to compose and accommodate Your selfe so, as that the Churches, (those of Your Countrey more especially, under whose Discipline You have had so [...] a [...] and [Page] education) may, in you, sensibly find a protection proportionable to those Merits, wherein you exceed others.

Whitehall April 1655.

OLIVER, Protector of the Republick of England to the most Serene Prince Emanuel, Duke of Savoy, Prince of Piedmont, greeting.

Most Serene Prince.

WEE are, by letters sent us from Geneva, as well as Delphin, and many other places bordering upon your Confines, informed of a proclamation lately published by your Royall Highnesse, implying that if such of your Subjects, as were Professors of the Protestant Religion, did not, within three dayes after the publication thereof, either declare their renunciation of their owne, and acceptance of the Popish Religion they were strictly charged to forsake their Lands and habitations, within twenty days after upon paine of forfeiting their lives and fortunes: And that haveing thereupon made humble supplication to your Royall Highnesse, praying that the same might be repealed, and that they, (taken into former favour) migt be restored to the Priviledges granted 'em by your most Serene Predecessors; yet they were sett upon by part of your Army, who cruelly murthered many, chain'd others▪ and drove the rest into wildernesses, and uninhabited mountaines covered with Snow and desolation, where hundreds of Familys are reduced to that extremity, that it is much to be fear'd whether their misery may not be such, as may soone draw utter Ruine upon them, under the oppression of Cowld and hunger. Upon our Receipt of this account, we coud not truly decline our being troubled at hart, at so unhear'd of a calamity imposed upon these most afflicted people. But as we owne our selves united to them, not onely as men, but (in communion of Religion) altogether related as Brethren also. We judged our selves imperfect in the discharge of our duty to God, the charity due to our Brethren, and our profession to Religion it selfe, did we barely pity this calamity and misery of our Brethren, without applying all the further endeavour we cou'd, towards the meeting 'em with Reliefe against so many unexpected mischiefs. Wee do therefore, in the first place pray and beseech your Royal Highness with all imaginable earnestnesse, to incline your heart to the continueing to your Subjects [Page] at Piedmont, those Institutions granted, and from time to times conf [...]irmed unto them by your most serene Predecessors. In the allowance and con [...] of which, as thoir Grants were, without doubt, conformable to Gods owne approvall (who has decreed and appropriated unto himselfe onely, the inviolable Goverment and Jurisdiction of Soules) so there was also due regard held (doubtless) to their meritts, who, in time of warr, were found equally positive in their loyalty and courage, and of peace, subjects suitably obedient to Goverment. And as your Royal Highnesse in all other things bravely and gloriously accomplished, has pursued directly the paterne of your Forefathers, so we do again and again beseech, that you woud not begin to act the contrary in this; but that this proclamation, and if their be any other demand made use of, to interrupt your Subjects, upon the score of their professing the Reformed Religion, be abolished; they restored to their native Country and habitations; their former Rights and libortys ratified unto 'em; their sustain'd damages repaired; and that you cause all their vexations to be drawen to an end. Which if your Royall Highness will See done, you will act a thing of utmost acceptance to God, raise and comfort those miserable and calamitous peopl [...], win the good opinion both of all your Neighbours, and those who admire the Reformed Religion, and more [...] Ours, who shall looke upon your kindness and clemency to them as the essectof this our Request. Which will draw us under an obligation o makeing all suitable Returnes; and lay a most solid found [...]tion not onely of an alliance and friendship to be raised, but improved upon, between this Goverment and yours. Nor do we truly entertaine a cheaper opinion of your Justice and moderation of mind in this case. To the [...] of whom, that Almighty God may incline your disposition and thoughts: and do heartily wish both your selfe and people, peace, truth, and a happy [...]ssue in all your affairs.

Whitehall May 1655.

OLIVER, P. of the Republick of England To the most Serene Prince [...] Transsilvania, greeting.

Most Serene Prince.

YOur Letters of the 16. of December 1654. whom this brings You an account of our receipt of, have shewen Us, the singular love [Page] and affection You bear Us; Your Envoy who brought and delivered e'm haveing declared at large Your ambition of contracting a fellowship and alliance with this Government. It did not truly please us in any small degree, to meet with this occasion of declareing and demonstrateing all we can, our inclination towards You, and how much we ought to value that of Your Highnesses. But considering that the account, which we have had of Your clear Obligations upon, and undertaking for the welfare of the Christian Republick, hitherto unknown unto us otherwise then by report, and that all these, besides what You designe further to be concerned in, either for the defence or promotion of the Christian Interest, are come confirmed in the letters which Your [...] ness has been so friendly pleased to send Us: The same have plenti [...]ully added to our satisfaction: Namely that it has been Gods pleasure to have raised in those Countrys, so powerful and worthy a Minister, to the service of his Providence and Glory; who notwithstanding the efficacy of his owne power and Arms, desires to joyne with Us for the Defence of the Protestant Religion, now groaning under the oppression and design of all hands. But God, whose providence has inspired us both (albeit at this distance) with the same inclination and disposition towards the support of the Orthodox Religion, he will doubtless become our Author in such future Resolutions, as may enable Us to be in, and among our selves as wel as all other Protestants and Corporations, a considerable Reliefe & advantage, in a matter of this consequence, as being truly bent upon all opportunity administred by God, which we shall not, thro the good help of the [...] God, decline the doing our part in the improvement of. We cannot in the mean time, without very great griefe observe unto Your Highnesse, with what inclemency the Duke of Savoy persecutes such of his Subjects, as (inhabitingabout the Alps) professe the Protestant Religion, and whom he has not onely [...] as many of, as denyed to embrace the Roman Religion; to quit their nature Country and abandon all their Possessions▪, but also set upon them with his Forces, who exposed many to most cruel murthers, dispatched others with barbarous and invented Tortures, and drove great Multitudes of 'em into the mountains, there to be consumed with hunger and cowld, having sett fire to their Houses, and goods, (if these Butchers did chance to leave any unplunderd for want of conveyance.) And are very apt to believe that Your Highnesse could not decline being much displeased at so great a cruelty, when first you heard it, (which I presume may be some time past,) and that you did what you could towards the Reliefe [Page] & assi [...]tance of those miserable wretches, if inhuman Murthers and Miseries have left any surviveing. We have writ to the Duke of Savoy to divert his Rage from off his People; as also the King of France, that he might do so too; together, with the neighbouring Protestant Princes▪ to let them understand how we resented so inhumane an instance of cruelty: Which albeit it was begun upon these needy wretches, yet its designe seemes to extend to all that are of the same Judgment in Religion: And so heightens the necessity conveyed unto them so much the mor [...], of taking care of ▪hemselves, and consulting the welfare of all their Friends: Which pursuant to that light, which God has inspired us with, shall always be the very levell of our pursuit. A thing Your Highness may depend upon the sincerity of, as that of our love and affection wherewith we heartily wish you a properous issue in all things; Praying that all Your Enterprises and Approaches towards the asserting the Liberty of the Gospel and its adherents may determine happily.

Whitehall, May 1655.

OLIVER, Protector, &c. To the most Serene Prince Charles Gustavus Adolphus, King of Sweedland, Greeting.

YOur Majesty has ere this (and to Your great trouble we presume) had an account of that most bitter Proclamation, reported to have b [...]en lately published, whereby the Duke of Savoy has afflicted to the marrow, such of his Subjects inhabiting about the Alpes, as stile themselves Reformed Protestants, and directed, that if in case they did not renounce their owne, and embrace the Roman Catholick Religion within twenty dayes, they should be rooted out of their Native Country & habitations, so that after the murther of many, the rest plunder'd & exposed to invented Deaths, they wander now with their Wives, and small Children over the wild Mountains in a continual Winter, Consum'd wit [...] hunger and cowld. For the universall hatred of the contrary party, even unto all Protestants, Demonstrates that albeit they differ in some frivolus things among themselves, their cause and intrest yet in the main ought to be the same, and almost one. And there is none but knowes, that how, upon all occasions, the Kings of Sweedland have joyned with the Reformed, and powred their Forces into Germany to defend without distinction the [Page] Protestant Religion there: Wee therefore (and that with more then ordinary earnestnesse) pray that Your Majesty would in the first place (if You have not already done it in imitation of Us and other Protestant Republicks) write to the Duke of Savoy, concerning this matter, and endeavour to reverse (if it be possible) by the interposition of Your Authority) the severitd of this so cruel a proclamation, from off of a People, that are innocent as well as religious: For these so cruel beginnings what do they mean, what may they threaten Us all; is a thing which we judge very unnecessary to advise Your Majesty of. If this man will sligth all our prayers to gratify his owne peevish humour, truly we shall, after haveing first con [...]ulted with Your Majesty and the rest of the Protestant Princes (as we ought [...]f, there be any obligation▪ any love or community of Religion to be regarded or observed) fix upon some speedy resolution that may serve timelily to prevent the miserable destruction of a multude of our most innocent Brethren destitute of all help. Which as vve do not in the least question to have beeu Your Majesties sense, and resolution too, nothing can, in our opinion, be more adviseable in this point, than that vve all, vvithout the least losse of time, unite our povver, Council, Purses, and if there be any thing else that can be judged to stop the further gro [...]vth of this evil. In the mean time we heartily recommend Your Majesties to the Tuitionof the most great omnipotent God.

OLIVER Protector of the Republick of England▪ to the high and mighty Lords, the States Generall of the united Provinces.

RUmor, and the frequent advices and Tideings which letters bring you from your correspondents abroad, have ere this we judge, informed you of the Duke of Savoyꝰs late proclamation issued against such under his subjection about the Alpes, as have been antient professors of the Protestant Religion, by verture of which proclamation, they, unlesse they embrace the Roman Catholick Religion [...]ithin twenty da [...]s, are comanded to quit their Lands and houses, being first stript of all they have besides. [...]nd with what cruelty the Authority [...]f t [...]at Edict has tyranyzed over inocent persons, and (which very much concernes us) our helplesse friends, and Brethren in Christ. Many of them being destroyed [Page] by a Limb of his forces appointed to that purpose, the rest plundred & forc't from home, so that they, with their wives and smalle Ones, have been for some time, driven into the roughest of mountains covered with continual snow, where they now labour under the oppression of hunger & cowld. But your concernednesse whereat, & how you Symphathyzed these calamities of our Brethren, is a thing we can easily gues [...] at by our own griefe which is truly very great. For we that are but One (as it were) in point of Religion, why should not we be equally such in our concernednesse at so unworthy a misuseage of our Brethren? And truly many are the experiences of your apparent piety to the Orthodox people in times of oppression, and no lesse favourable to many Ecclesiasticall difficultys and adversitys, As for my part, I had, (if I know my owne mind,) rather been outon in any thing elce, then in love and charity to Brethren labouring under affliction and persecution, upon the account of their Religion: For that I would freely give way to the health & repose of the Church, in preferrence to my owne par ticular safety. What we coud therefore hitherto act in it, was to writ to the Duke of Savoy, almost humbly praying him to entertain milder thoughts and disposition towards these his most inocent subjects and humble people; that he woud restore the wretches to their homes and Estates, and put them in possession of their former liberty of Religion. We did the like to the chiefest of the Protestant Princes and Magistrates, whom we judged it most concerning, to joine with us in our Mediation with the Duke of Savoy on behalfe of this people. You have done the same perhaps & more. For if this so dangerous example succeeds with the Instruments concerned, and this Revivall of their late cruelty upon the Protestants thrives with them, to admonish your prudence how farr the same may endanger the Protestant Intrest, is a thing we judge uunecessary▪ And this person, if he suffers himselfe to be perswaded by our united importunitys and prevailed with to give over, we shall reape a Noble and plentifull crop, and Recompence from our susteind care; But if we shoud find him wilfull so as to endeavour to bring into utter dispair, or destroy totally those, who with their owne strength, and (free from corruption,) have either preserved our Religion delivered by the originall Preachers of the Gospell, or long before it was restored to its primitive purity in all other Nations, Wee are ready to joine with you and the rest of our Reformed Brethren and confederates, in a comon Councill, whereby the support of the sincking just, may be, with most inconveniency [Page] provided for, and let him at length see how impossible it is for us to put up the Injuries and burthensome afflictions of the protestants. Fare yee well.

To the Evangelicall Cantons of Svvitzerland.

YOu have, ere we had it, doubtlesse, an account of that calamity which those of our Religion about Piedmont, were lately exposed unto, who, being under the allegiance and subjection of the Duke of Savoy, were by their own Prince's prolam [...]tion▪ strictly comanded to forsake their Native habitations, if th [...]t in three days they gave not satisfaction of their Turning to the Roman Religion, and thereupon soone set upon with Arms, and destroyed by the forces of their said Duke: many also driven into banishment, do now with their wives and children, wander most miserably over the deserted mountains loaded with Snow &c. where they are ready to perish under the afflictions of hunger, cowld, nakednesse & want of places of habitation There is lesse reason why we shoud doubt of your being equally troubled at your first receipt of these Tydeings, and it may be more, proportionable to your Neernes to them in point of Neighbourhood in excess of us. For your singular affection to the O [...]hodox faith, and great Stedd [...]nesse in adhereing as well to, as resolution in defending it, is a thing we very well know you to be inferiour to none in. Therefore as yee are in the str ctest comunion of Religion Brethren unto, or rather incorporated with these wretches equall with us; of which Body not one Member can suffer affl [...]ction without the sense, t [...]e smart, the detriment, and the hasard of the whole: wee have thought fit to write and signify unto you, how much we judge it concerning us all to help, [...] comfort (all we can) & that in a comon, [...]id and assistance; the want and distresse of our Brethren; and make timely provision for the removeing not onely their mischiefess and misfort [...]es, but also stopping the further growth of any danger, which (by example or chance may be created us▪ Wee likewise writ to the Duke of Savoy, earnestly intreating, that he vvoud out of his clemency, treat his most fa thfull people more gently, and that he vvou [...] restore [...]em already almost destroyed, to their goods and [...]. And do very vvell [...] that these our letters, or rather the joint importunity of this Nation may easily induce a most Glorious Prince to listen to vvhat [Page] we have, with so much Toyle, petitioned him for. But if he should happen to persist, we are ready to joine advice with you, concerning a meanes to be fixed upon, for the preservation of soe many most inocent Persons, labouring under the yoake of so m [...]ny oppressions and vexations; comfort and bear up our most dear Brethren in Christ, and protect them from most exquisit and unworthy ends. Whose health and safety your piety leads (lam confident) very much to study the preservation of: For my part I woud neglect my owne most important concernes, yea my life, to make way for it. Adieu.

Westminster May 19. 1655.

OLIVER Protector.

To the most Illustrious and Noble Lords the Councills and Senators of the Protestant and confederat Townes of Switzerland. greeting.

To the most Serene and potent Prince Lewis, King of France.

YOur Majesties letters in answer to mine of the 25. of May, plainly shew how little I was mislead by that opinion I entertained that those late most inhumane slaughters and barbarous butchery, comitted by certain squadrons of your Army, upon the persons of such in the Duke of Savoy's Country, as professe the protestant Religion, vvere not the effects either of your direction or Comand, and am exceeding gladd truly of your haveing so timelyly signified unto your Comanders (vvho unbidd committed these inhumane outrages pursuant to the dictates of their ovvne inclinations) hovv much the same displeas [...]d your Majesty, and the notice you tooke of so great a Cruelty to the Duke of Savoy himselfe, and vvithall your haveing vvith so much sincerity and humanity interposed and employed your Intrest, friendshipp and povver for the bringing back those miserable banished people, to the place vvhere they vvere driven from, and might vvell expect that that Prince vvond have done some thing at the desire and request of your Majesty. But apprehending that yours, nor the sollicitation and pressure of other Princes, can no vvay incline him in favour of the distressed, I hold it consistent vvith the duty of my province, to depute this noble person under the [Page] character of our Embassadour extraordinary to the Duke of Savoy, to tell him plainly, how I take his useage of the Protestants, thô for no other reason, then out of detestation to the Religion it selfe. And do truly hope, that the account which this Embassy comes to, may prove so much the more succesfull, if Your Majesty will be pleased to adhibit a fresh, and with more Instance, your Authority to, and endeavour in the thing. And as your Majesty has undertaken unto that Prince, for their future fidelity and Obedience to Government, so be pleased to make some provision likewise sor their safety and security, against any the like Injuries, and most cruel affronts, that may be offer'd for the future, to the Inocent and peaceable: This, as it is in it selfe an act of Justice, and truly becoming Majesty, and no lesse suitable to your benignity and Mercy, who secures the peace and safety of such of your owne Subjects in all places, as profess that Religion, so we canot in any reason decline the expectation of, from your Majesty, which, in this very worke, will make a thro conquest over the harts of all the Protestants inhabiting your owne Dominions, who in times of difficulty, have been already found of unexceptable affection and loyalty towards you, as well as shevv your Neighbours, that Royall Councill has no vvay abetted to this Mischiefe, whatever Royall Ministers and Magistrates might presume to have done: Especially if your Majesty exacts due punishment, to be examplified upon those Captains and Officers, who, pursuant to their owne Wills and Pleasures, have dared to be the Actors of such inhumane villanys, In the mean time, when your Majesty will thinke fit to shew your aversnes to the detestation this deserves, I do not doubt but that your Kingdome may, by your allowance, become a reception and secure refuge to those miserable and distressed People, when their address shall seeme to call for't, nor that you will suffer, that any of your Subjects give the Duke of Savoy any assistance to their prejudice. What we have to add, is to assure your Majesty how much I esteeme your friendship: To the improvement of which I assert to be wanting neither in faith nor [...]ndeavour.

I am your Majesty's most affectionatly OLIVER, Protector of the Republick of England.

Whitehall July 29. 16 [...]5.

[Page]

To his Excellency Cardiual Mazarine.

Most eminent Lord Cardinall.

Upon my resolveing to send the bearer with Letters (whereof the inclosed is a Copie) to the King, I did then direct him to accost your Eminency in my Name, and committed some things to his Trust, to be comunicated to you in particular: Wherein I desire your Excellency to give him full Credit, as being a person in whom I have reposed very great confidence.

Whitehall July 29. 1655.

Your Eminency's most affectionatly OLIVER, Protector of the Republick of England, &c.

OLIVER, Protector &c, to the most Serene Prince Frederick the 3. King of Denmarke, Norway, &c greeting.

YOur Majesty has (erè this we judge, and that as much to your griefe as becomes a champion and a Protestant Prince,) had an account of the unmercifull proclamation lately published by Imanuel, Duke of Savoy, for the overthrow of his own Subjects, inhabiting about the Alpes, inocent People and men of note and Renowne, and that for the sincerity of their Zeale to the true Protestant Religion, for many yeares past; haveing driven them out of their native Land, out of detestation to their Faith, and after butchering many, expos [...]d the rest, (needy naked, and lo [...]ded with all other miserys) unto all the mischiefs and hardships, which those desered mountains usually administer. If the principles of Christianity layes an obligation upon us in generall to resent or Sympathize the sufferings of any particular scan [...]leing thereof, we do not, if well acquainted with your piety & prudence, know of any that can clearlyer foresee what danger the example and consequence of this Fact bespeakes us all, as well as the protestant Intrest, then your selfe. Wee have therefore exercised all freedome in our letters, to let you know, that however you resent this calamity of our most inocent brethren, what opinion or judgment we expect you may entertaine of it, the same shoud be a paterne for our imitation. And, for that reason, [Page] have writ to the Duke of Savoy, where we earnestly prayed, that he wou'd treat the poore and meeke more spareingly, and prevent the said bloody proclamation's being of any further Force. Which if your Majesty and the rest of the Protestant Princes, have imitated, or otherwi [...]e perform'd, (as we believe you have,) it is to be hoped, that the most Serene Duk's, fury may be allayed, and this his Rage appeased, at the intercession and Instance of so many Neighbouring Princes at least. But if he will rather choose to continue his resolution, we declare our readynesse to joine with your Majesty, & the rest of our Confederats (concern'd for the [...]ntrest of the Protestant Religion,) in such a resolution as may provide for their speedy Reliefe, srom their distresse, and do what we can for their sasety and Liberty. Our prayers, in the mean time, bespeake your Majesty all health and happynesse.

Westminster May 1655.

OLIVER Protector &c. To the most Noble Magistrates and Senators of Geneva.

OUr Letters lately send you to shoud have intimated the very great griefe conveyed unto us from the vast, and unheard of calamitys, to which the Duke of Savoy has exposed the Protestants, inhabiting in, and about the Vallyes of Piedmont, did we not then make it more our businesse, to let you know, that we were not onely concern'd at such their miserys, as it was our care to provide (all we could) for their reliefe and comfort. Wherefore we have caused a Collection to be levyed over all this Republick: which we justly expect may prove such, as may expresse the passionat affection, which this Land bear to their Brethren' in time of such most inhumane persecution. And as we are One in point of Religion, so we ought to admit of a fellowfeeling of their Calamityes. In the meane time, while the Collection is a raising, which will take up time; And considering that their want and helplessnes canot admit of any delay; we have judged it necessary to transmit (with all imaginable speed, to be, before hand, distributed among'em, who shall appear most to need present help & comfort) the present sum: of 2000. li: But in as much, as wee know, how much the miserys and Injurys done Inocencyl, affect you, and that you will looke upon nothing either painfull or troublesome, that may tend to their help and assistance, we [Page] have ventured the transmitting the said sume to you, to be distributed among these calamitous people, and give you the trouble of considering in your piety and prudence, of the justest method, pursuant to vvhich, that money may be soonest disposed of among the needyest of those people, And albeit the sume is truly small, Yet some vvhat it may be at least tovvards their present Ease and refreshment, till vve grovv able to enlarge our charity by sending them a greater sume: And as vve doubt not of your accepting of this employment in good part, so vve pray the Omnipotent Great God to furnish his ovvne Protestant people vvith the courage of desending each other in common, and of being a mutuall assistance to each other, against the barbarity of their enemy; vvherein vve shoud be gladd, that our endeavour might be of any use to the service of the Church. Adieu.

Fifteen hundred pounds of the said sume of two thousand remitted by Gerard Hensh to Paris, the other five hundred shall be taken care of, by Master Stoupely in bills of exchange.

OLIVER, Protector of England, &c. To the most Serene Prince Duke, of Venice.

Most Serene Prince.

As we have been always found manifest [...] of your Outdoing your Enemys, in Instances [...] to the promotion of the Christain Interest more particularly, so now more especially, at the tydeing of the late Sea-battle which we no way repine at the success of, altho it seemes (as we are inform'd) to have happend some thing to the detriment of our people. For certain of our Traders▪ namely William, and Daniel Williams with Edward Beale Merchants, have, by petition, humbly represented unto us, that a ship of theirs called the Great Prince, employed for their account to Constantinople, was there ptessed by the Grand Signeur's Ministers, and employed to transport Provision and Soldiers to Crete, in which constrain'd Service vvhile sailing, vvas, among others of the Turcks Fleet, vvhich happend to engage vvith the Venetians, taken, carryed to Venice, and by the Gourt of Admiralty there, condemn'd to the use of the publicke. As the said shipp therefore vvas, [Page] contrary to the approvall and knowledge of her Owners, forc't into the Turcks Service, and that he cou'd not disintangle himselfe, out of the [...], being loaded with Soldiers, we earnestly intreat Your Serenity to repeal, (out of regard to [...] alliance) the sentence of that admiralty Court, and take care of the restitution of the said shipp (haveing no way deserved ill of your Republick), to her Owners. The allowance of which we have no reason to dispair [...] obtain (atour request especially) when we find the Merchants themselves entertain so good an opinion of your Clemency: And therefore hartily recommend your great Councills and the affairs of Venice both by sea and Land, to the happy guidance of God Almighty. I am

Westminster, 1655.

Your Serenity's, and the Republick of Venice's very affectionately. OLIVER Protector.

OLIVER, Protector of the Comonwealah of England, to the most Serene Prince, Lewis King of France.

Most Serene King.

SAmuel Mico, William Coran, George Poyner, with severall others of [...] Merchants have shewed us by their humble petition, that they, in the year 1650. [...] on board a certain shipp called the Unicorne a very considerable part of their Estates, and that the same Shipp, with her feight of raw silcks, Oyles and other goods (amounting, by their Estimate, to no lesse then four and thirty thousand pounds sterling) was, by two of your Men of Warr, set upon and taken in the [...] ranea Sea: that Our Subjects wou'd not, out of regard to the peace that was then between the English and the french, make any violent defence, but referr to the maritime Laws, as being induced thereto by the promisses of Paul & Terrer, the Comanders of the said Men of Warr, who engaged to dismisse the shipp upon peruseall of her bills of loading: That the said Merchants employd moreover, & sent into france an attorney to sollicit the restitution of the said ship and Goods: where after, the expence of three yeares and more, when matters were brought to that maturity, as that there was nothing [...] to be done but to award sentence for restitution [Page] his Emenency Cardinall Mazarine owned unto Hugh Morelly their Attorny, that the Merchants had wrong done 'em; and undertooke that they shou'd have satisfaction done 'em as soone ever, as the peace between both nations, and the alliance then under Treaty was ended and ratified: Yea his Excelleecy the Lord de Bordeaux your Majesties Embassadour has lately confirmed the same, in express words, pursuant to your Majesties comands, seconded by those of the Councill, and that the said shipp and Goods and the peculiar demurr, under which they lay, shoud be taken into consideration, a part from those other controversys provided for the decision of, by the generall Import of the Treaty. Of which promise the said Embassadour him selfe, who by good luck has repaired home upon occasions of his owne, can bear Testimony. Upon the allowance of such strong presumptions, and that the Right of these Merchants in the repetition of their Goods, lies so clear, It's our earnest request to your Majesty, that they be put off no longer, and that you woud be pleased (at our Instance▪) to render your compliance herewith the leading fruits of the Treaty lately revived, and restablish't. Which wee confide in the effect of: wishing that the Omnipotent Great God may influence your selfe and Kingdome with all imaginable felicity.

Westminster December 1655.

Your Majesties most affectionatly OLIVER Protector of England, &c.

To the Evangelicall Cantons of Svvitzerland.

THE account transmitted unto us from our Commissioners at Genova concerning your publick proceedings, as well as the substance of your Letters of the 27. of December from Tigur, sufficiently informe us in the posture of your affaires (being none of the best we doubt:) wherein albeit we apprehend, (to our trouble) that your peace, & so long continued collaterall alliance is dissolved into a Rupture, yet nothing appearing applicable to your fault, the Iniquity & perversnesse of your Enemys may (we doubt not) furnish you with an opportunity of repeating your knowne disposition & constancy to the Protestant Religion. For the Swi [...]zers▪ who condemn (for Traytors any who turne to our Religion, what have they attempted, what have their practises been, to raise [Page] malitious spirits against the Orthodox Faith; is a thing that can escape the knowledge of none, who has not totally forgot that most unworthy Massacre comitted upon our Brethren at Piedmont. Wherefore, dearest Friends, forget not your former wont, rouse up in Gods Name, yeeld not your Reights, Friends, your Liberty of Conscience, and conscience it selfe to be trampled in the dirt, under the heels of incroaching Idolatrous; Prepare your selves therefore, that you may not seeme to looke like Men, who cared not how the World went, so they themselves were well, but such as reckon the sufferings of their Neighbours their Owne, especially theirs of Piedmont; help and comfort those most distressed People all you can: Assureing your selves that your own sides were darted at, and their deaths and blood made but an Inled of, to reach you. As for my part, know, that your safety and prosperity, are no lesse the Subject of my care and trouble, than if this Massacre had been executed within the Bowels of this Republick and, as if the Switzers Axes and Drawen Swords (as they truly are against all Protestants) were ready to fall upon our own Necks. No sooner had we therefore had an account of your condition, & the virulency of your Enemys, but we presently entred into a strict consultation with persons of very great worth, & knowne piety and affection to the Church, in order to the makeing such provision for your subsistence, as the posture of our owne affairs at home cou'd bear, and came to such a determination, as you may know from our Comissary Mr Pell. What I have to add is the continuance of our petitions to Almighty God that he wou'd be pleased to stand by, and guide all your councills, and take under his more particular conduct, and defend by peace or warr (which he thinkes most adviseable) this your most just Cause.

Westminster January 1655.

Yours &c. most affectionatly OLIVER Protector of the Republick of England, &c.

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OLIVER, P. of the Republick of England, To the most Serene Prince Charles Gustavus, by the Grace of God, King of Sweedland, Gothes, and Vandalls, Great Prince of Finland, &c.

Most Serene Prince.

AS it is a custome of knowne antiquity, especially among friends, to admit of an obligation of useing all freedome in communicateing to each other, passages of adversity as well as prosperity and comunity, so that most delightfull part of friendship relateing to the import of the Letters, which Your Majesty has been pleased to give us the honour of, is what we cannot but take very kindly: Seeing that it is an indication of singular humanity, and true Royalty, to be as communicable in enjoyments, as way of liveing, and to believe nothing to be pleasant, without it be in community with Friends and Confederates▪ And therefore cannot but justly rejoyce at the birth of a young Prince to his Son, to inherit (we hope) the glory and vertue of so good a King, and gladly lay it in parallel with the felicity, and glory that befell Philip of Macedone both abroad and at home, whom Records cite to have conquer'd the most powerful Greeks, at the very time of the birth of his Son Alexander. For we do not doubt, but that Your kindness to Poland in dischargeing, and▪ as it were, forceing it by the very strength of Your Army, from the papall [...]oke▪ and the establishment of that Peace with Brandenburgh; which the desires of all pious men gaped for, notwitstanding the storming opposition made to the contrary, may conduce very considerably to the peace and advantage of the Church. That God may, in the mean time bless such Glorious Beginings with suitable Issues; that his Gift of a Son may pursue the patern of his Father in Piety, Vertue, and noble Deeds: That which we truly both hope, and from our hearts wish the Omnipotent and Great God, (always favourable to Your undertakings) may grant.

Westminster, 1655.

Your Majesties most affectionally, OLIVER, Protector of England, &c.

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To the King of Denmarke.

Most Serene and potent Prince.

JOhn Freeman and Phillip Traverse Subjects of this Republick, have, [...] their owne, and the names of severall other Merchants of London a petition'd humbly complain'd, that haveing in the month of October 1653. loaded on board a certain ship of Sunderbrugh called the Salvador, Nicolas Winskins Master, severall Merchandizes, woolen manufacture, Cloathes, and other woven comodities and Goods, amounting (according to Estimate) to the value of between three and foure thousand pounds sterling, charged the said Master, that as he sailed thro the Baltique sea, he shoud go directly to Dantzick, and pay the usuall duty at Elsenor, and for the same purpose furnished him with a competent sume of money. Yetnotwithstanding, t hat the said master most treacherously, and contrary to his Instructions from the Merchants, pass'd by the said place, without dischargeing that duty; so that the said ship, with her whole loading, had hue and Cry sent after them and were arrested, to the great damage of the Owners, in favour of whom we writ to your Majesties Embassadour then here in London, who, as they say, engaged, that as soone as he came to speake with your Majesty, he woud endeavour to [...] justice done the Merchants. But in as much as the said person has been dispatched upon Your Majesties affaires into other Countryes, and that their application to him before his departure, amounted to nothing; so that they were forc't to sen'd an Atturney purposely to sollicit their Right at Hafnia, and demand restitution of said shipp and Goods: which they also found coud amount to no more then an aggravation of the former Reckoning & heape of fruitless trouble upon trouble; & that the said Goods Ly under confiscation & present Restraint, notwithstanding that, according to the Laws of Denmarke, a Master of a ship ought, (as they seeme to urge in their petition upon any misdedmeanour of his own) to suffer corporall punishment, exclusive to any confiscation that shipp or Merchandises can be pretended to be liable unto: and reckon themselves so much the unkindlyer dealt with all, for that the custome which ought to be paid at Essen'or, is (as we apprehend) very inconsiderable. Therefore as our Merchants have given no provocation, that can be interpreted to the rendering their effects liable to forfeiture; and that the Master, a little before his death, confessed that the neglect was wholly applicable to his proper guilt, which exposed the Merchants to so [...] [Page] damage; and in as much as the Parent of the deceased Master himselfe▪ has, as we understand, by petition already presented unto Your Majesty, charged all the blame to his son's account, and quitted the Merchants: Wee coud not truly decline our condemning the detention of the said [...] and goods to be most arbitrary; and are so much the more strengthen'd in our confidence, that as soone as your Majesty has a clear State of this thing, you will not onely award a competent reproofe to the Ministers concernd in these Injuryes, but Issue your comands also for the doing the Mercha [...]ts Right, and direct speedy restitution to be made of those Goods and reparation of damages sustaind, to the said Owuers or Asfignes. Which we instantly pray your Majesties compliance in, as a thing guarded with so much reason and justice, that we canot appear in the sollicitation of ought on behalfe of our people, which we lesse ought to accept of a denyall in, as being ready to make suitable returnes on behalfe of your Subjects as often as there is like occasion for't.

To the most Serene Prince John the 4. King of Portugal.

THE Peace and alliance, which your Majesties most Noble and splendid Embassy, lately sent hither, sollicitted the Parliament about, (which then had the conduct of this Republick in their hand) Wee have now at length, thro Gods help, and pursuant to the [...] we hold in the Administration of this Goverment, as well as the affection we always bore theteto, drawn unto a happy [...], and such (we hope) as may continue to perpetuity. And therefore returne you Your Ambassader extraordinary, Mr John Roderick de Saa Menesses, Count Pennagavad, a per son whose Civill carriage, understanding, prudence and faithfulnesse, we have found very eminent, and worthy your esteeme, and one who haveing discharged this Trust with extraordinary applause, comes to you with the Ratification of the said Pe [...]ce. As to the Import of your letters of the second of April from Lisbona, intimating your good esteem of us, how much you tender our honour, and the excesse of your Gladness [...] at your [...]earing of our present undertakeing in this Goverment; the same are apparent indications of singular affection, and shall endeavour that all Men may hereafter see from my readynesse to serve Your Majesty at all times, that the same is of utmost acceptance unto me. Nor am I in the mean time, lesse painfull in the preferrence of my expres prayers to [Page] God for your safety, for the happy State of Your Kingdome, and the prosperity of your affaires.

Your Majestie's most affectionatl [...] OLIVER, Protector of England, Scotland, Ireland, &c

OLIVER, Protector of the Republick of England to the high and mighty States of Holland, &c.

High and mighty Lords, dearest Friends.

THomas Bushell and Richard Bear, with severall other of our Subjects have made their joint complaint unto us, setting forth, that a shipp of theirs called the Edmond and John did (being set upon in her way between Brasile and [...]) submit to the assault of a certain Privateor belonging to Vlushing, called the Red Lyon, whose Comander went by the name of Lambert Bartelson, but upon such conditions and Tearmes ( [...] by the said Lamberts hand and seale) as that upon their arrivall at Vluissing, restitution shoud be made of such Goods as shoud appear to belong unto the English; That upon their arrivall there, the shipp was acquitted, and the seamen their respective goods restored them, but the Merchants effects taken out, and exposed to imediat sale; That they, namely the Merchants, who had this affront put upon, did, (upon their repair to Vlushing to demand their effects at the Admiralty Court there) after five y [...]ares expensive prosecution, loose the cause with vast charges thro amost wicked sentence awarded against them, by those Judges, namely they who, concern'd in the said Privateer, were themselves both Juges and Jury in the thing; That they have no other hope left 'em, except it be in your equity and incorrupted uprightnesse, which they now at length fly unto, whom they judge some reliefe & favour from, if back'd with our [...] of their complaint to you. And truly this is a thing pardonable in the people▪ if in so great a hasard of their fortunes as this seemes to be, they, under an uuiversall dread from all hands, consider what they ought to fear from your power and authority, as wel as what they were to hope from the integrity of Judges especially in a case where they were themselves [...]. We do not doubt but that the influence you are under of Religion, Justice and Integrity may, in preferrence to any sollicitation of Ours, become an Incentive to you of comeing to such a determination herein, as you may [...] to consist with Equity and justice, and an act that may become you. God preserve [Page] both your selves, and Republick, to t [...]e service of his Glory, and the comfort of his Church.

Westminster April 1. 1656.

OLIVER, Protector of England, &c.

OLIVER, Protector of the Comonwealth of England. To the most Serene Prince Charles Gustavus King of Sweedland, Gothes, and Vandalls, Great Prince of Finland, Duke of Esthon, Carelia, Bremen, Verda▪ Stetin, Pomerania, Cassubia▪ and Vandalia, Prince of Russia, Lord of Ingry, Wismar; as also Count Pallatine of the Rhine, Bavaria, Jul Clevia, and Duke of the Mounains, &c.

Most Serene Prince.

PEter Julius Coitus, haveing discharged his Embassy here, and so discharged it, as that I thought it a thing unfit to dismisse him hence, without, accompanying him with my opinion of his just merits, which he now returnes to your Majesty with; as being a person who, upon your score (who have a just Right to our highest esteeme) was, as (well as for that of his owne meritts) very acceptable unto us, and no lesse praise worthy by the most dilligent discharge of this Trust. Therefore we freely certify (if any Testimony can add thereto) that he has answerd that character which he brought Us, as your Majestys most just gift to him: who may with the same fidelity and integrity relate the singular respect, which we bear towards your Majesty. What we have to add is to breath our wishes to the Omnipotent Great God to bless your Majesty with all prosperity, and continue the influence of your victorys over the enemys of the Church, to perpetuity.

Westminster Aprill 17. 1656.

Your Majestie's most affectionately OLIVER, Protector of the Republick of England, &c.

OLIVER, Protector of the Republick of England. To the most Serene and potent Prince Lewis King of France. S. D.

APplication being by petition made us, in the names of John Dethicke present Lord Mayor of t [...]is Citty of London, and William Wackfield [Page] Merchant, setting forth, that haveing about the Calends of the month of October Auno 1649. loaded a certaine shipp called the [...] of London, one Lig [...]tbagh Master, the whole freight consisting of their owne proper goods, to be transported to Ostend, the said shipp was seised upon in the mouth of the River of Thames, carryed away, and disposed of at Dunkirk, then under the obedience of the Crowne of France, and that by the contrivance of a certaine Privateer called White belonging to Berkin, who exerciseth piracy, by vertue of a Comission from the son of Charles the late deceased King, contrary to the purport of your Majest [...]s proclamations published to the contrary Annis 1647. and 1649; besides some resolutions of Councill in favour of the Parliament of England, whereby they (understanding that the transportation of any Goods, or ships taken from the English, dureing that [...], into any place under your Majesties jurisdiction, or suffered to be in any such place exposed to sale was provided against as unlawfull) dispatched Hugh Morrell their solliciter to Dunkirke, with directions to apply to Mr Lestrado Governour of that Citty, and demand restitution of the said shipp and Goods, as knowing that they were in a great measure yet untoucht in Towne; who upon such application replyed, not like a gentleman nor one that woud seem to be very observable of the Comands of his prince, that his present employ was a benefit comferr'd upon him in consideration of publick & past services, perform'd in the King of France s Service, & that he therefore intended to make as much improvement thereof as he coud (as if comisionated to Robb his neighbours.) Upon which disappointment, the said sollicitour, after a great expence both of money and time, comeing home, the peti [...]ioners (destitute of all other hopes other then what they imagin'd they might meet with upon appeal to your Majesties Clemency and Justice, and believing that our recomendatory Letters in their favour might render their access to your Majesty more facile) pray that you woud not decline your help from a people robbed in defiance of all Justice, and in derision of your repeated Comands to the Contrary. Which if obtainable at our importunity; albeit it is truly a thing which seemes ver equitable, yet we shall believe it to be rather the effect of your naturall [...] to Justice, then the fruit of my so [...]licitation.

Westminster May 1656.

Your Majestie's most affectionately OLIVER, Protector of the Republick of England, &c.

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OLIVER, Protector of the Republick of England, &c. To the high and mighty Lords, the States General of the United Provinces, S. D.

High and mighty Lords, Dearest Friends,

IOohn Browne, Nicolas Williams, with other Londoners, have in a Petition humbly shewed unto us, that having severally ventured to the East Indies, by the Ship Good Hope of London, then bound thither, directed their Correspondents at Amsterdam, about the Month of February, 1644. to ensure there two thousand and forty Pounds Flemish: That the said Ship being▪ in her way thither, taken upon the very East India Coast, by a certain Ship, belonging to the [...] East India Company; the Ensurer's denyed to fulfill their Contract in paying the ensured Summe▪ and have so far prevailed, as to be capable, by various delays, to elude our People now after the expensive consumption of Six yeares in prosecution of their Right Which in regard they looke upon as an usage of great oppression and injustice, and that some obliged for the Payment of the Money agreed for, are either already dead, or become insolvent, We earnestly pray that you would (to prevent [...]urther expences in addition to the said Losses▪ be pleased to suffer your equity, to be a safe Port and refuge to them after so many Yeares stormy useage, and almost Shipwrack in your Court of [...]udicature; and that Sentence be with all speed awarded concerning their cause, in whose [...]ustice they seeme very confident. Wishing (in the meane time) that happine [...]s and prosperity may attend all you undertake, to the Glory of God, & the safety of his Church.

Your High and Mighty Lordships most affectionally, OLIVER, Protector, &c.

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OLIVER, Protector of the Commonwealth of England, To the High and Mighty Lords, the States of Holland. S, D.

THomas and William Lower, lawfull Heires of Nicholas Lower, lately deceased, on whose account you have had some former trouble giveu you, (about the [...]des of September last I thinke,) do bawl now a fresh again, alleadging, that they still labour under the oppression of their Adversaries, who [...]e power, or other private Intrest has (notwitstanding the integrity of their claimes, and when that coud not doe, our Letters sent in favour of their cause) [...]o far prevailed, as to hinder them from entering upon the benefit of their Father's will: That being rejected by the Court of Holland, where the action first began, and thrown upon yours, pack'd thence to Zee-land, and thence hurryed back again to your high Court of Judicatorie (to their content) accompanyed to each place with our Letters (For where the hight and power is, there they depend upon the dispensation of Justice proportionably) If that fails they are at a losse to know where to cast anchor for reliefe after the pains they undertoke in pursuit of Justice: For if they find that this our fourth recomendation of their cause can do no good, it will be to little purpose for 'em to extend their hopes any further. Wee shall reckon it as a true instance of kindnesse, if after so many rejections, you let them see, that your apprehension of our Authority cou'd contribute somewhat to their Reliefe in bringing their claime to a speedy determination, as well altogether as have them believe it to be the intire effect of your own Justice and equity. As we can no way dispond of your allowance of the former of which, so we are confident that the consideration of our Friendship will incline you to the later.

Your's, &c. OLIVER, Protector.

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OLIVER, Protector of the Republick of England, To the most Serene Prince John, King of Portugal.

Most Serene Prince.

WHereas several Merchants, belonging the Brazil Company in Portugal, did in the Yeares 1649. and 1650. becom indebted unto sundry English Merchants, in a considerable Sume of Money, upon the account of freight and Moorage, & that the said Society respit the Payment thereof, pursuant to an order of your Majesties to that purpose; notwithstanding that they did truly depend upon the Payment thereof conformable to the Tearmes, and conditions of the league lately ratified: But fear they may be frustrated in their hope, and other meanes of recovering their Right, as being informed of your Majesty hayeing seized, and sent to the Exchequer their said debt, and assigned the repayment thereof upon the moity of your Customes, so that the Merchants are like to have no more then the bare Interest of their Money, the principal lying (in the mean while) wholly dead. Haveing taken the hardship of which under our strict consideration, the conviction of their just importunities prevailed upon our giveing your Majesty this trouble on their behalfe, requireing that instant satisfaction be by the Brazil Company, made the Merchants of his Republick, in reference as well to each ma ns demand respectively, as five Yeares Intrest. This as it is a thing in it selfe consistent with lustice, and conformable with the league lately contracted with you, let me on their behalfe desire in an amicable manner, that it be complyed with without further delay.

From our pallace at Westminster, July 1656.

Your Ma [...]esties most affectionally OLIVER, Protector of England, &c.

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OLIVER, P. of the Republick of England, To the most Sere [...]e Prince Charles Gustavus, by the Grace of God, King of Sweedland, Gothes, and Vandalls, Great Prince of Finland, &c.

Most Serene King.

AS the alliance of so great a Prince, and so famous for his actions, as Your Majesty is, hath [...] just Title to the height of our esteeme, so that person, thrô whose means we have been so strictly allyed, I mean that most [...]llustrious Gentleman Christernus Bondur, your Embassadour Extraordinary, must have been (upon that very consideration) necessarily gratful and welcome unto us. Whom therefore (having laudably discharged this Embassy) we cou'd not dismisse hence, without accompanying him with a Testimony of our being highly satisfied in the rest of [...]is singular vertues; as being one who seemes to entert [...]ine a bel [...]efe, that this our recommendation of him may add' considerably to that value and esteeme which he is already in possession of with Your Majesty, in reference [...] particularly to the diligence and prudence he exerted in this affair. What remaines to be further transacted, we have resolved to send Your Majesty an Embassadour soone about: Whose health God (in the mean time) preserve, for the defence of his Church, and that of the Kingdome of Sweedland.

From our Court at Westminster, July, An. Dom. 1656.

Your Majestie's most affectionally, OLIVER, Protector of the Republick of England, &c.

OLIVER, Protector of the Repbul. of England, &c To the most Serene Prince Lewis, King of France.

Most Serene Prince, Friend and dearest Consederate.

WE have had a petition in the names of Richard Baker, and severall other Merchants of London, and his Associates, wherein they humbly complaine, that an English built Ship, called the Endeavour, William Jopp Master, and hired into their service, was, about the 21. of [Page] Novemder 1655. set upon in her way, between a place called the Palm, and the Island of Tenerif (where shee put out for London from) & seized by four French Vessels who, in appearance looking like Merchant-men, but arm'd like Men of War, and under the chiefe comand of one Egedius de la Rocke, carried her with her whole freight, consisting in Medera, wines, to the East Indy's, whether they said they were bound; together with most o [...] the Mariners, saveing fourteen which they landed upon the shore of Guiny; Which the said Egidius declared the inten [...] of to be, to prevent (by planting them in so remote and inhumane a place) the escape of any who might by a declaration of the fact, hurht him For he did owne, that he had no directions to meddle either with the English, or others, which he might have troubled before; and with all that he was not ignorant of the English and French's being at Peace at that vety time: But designing to revictual at Portugal, but was prevented therein by contrary Winds, was necessitated to supply his Wants with what he found in that Ship: That he moreover believed he might content the Owners thereof in what damage they didthem. Which, by sworne Testimony, will appear to amount to above sixteen thousand Pounds damage to the Merchants. But yet if People will, upon such slender temptations, venture upon the rash violation, and turn into scorne (as it were) the Decrees of Princes, (whose force ought to be of utmost weight,) so as to exercise [...] licentiousnesse upon Merchants to serve their own Ends, it truly acts towards a totall dissolution of the Ty of alliances for the future, the word and authority of Princes will decline; and signify just nothing. We do therefore not onely pray, but [...]udge it very much concerning Your Majesty's Intrest that those who have dared, to make so slight a matter of being the first Breakers of their King's Contract, and most sacred Word, have speedy punishments executed upon them, suitable to the nature of their perfidiousnesse and insolency; and that the Owners of the said Ships, do in the mean time, make our Merchants full satisfaction for the damage, and prejudice which this act has injuriously exposed 'em unto. Gods care be Your Majesties continual Guard, and become the defence of the affaires of France against both our comon Enemy.

From our Court at Westminster, August An. Dom. 1656.

Y [...]ur Majesty's most affectionally OLIVER, Protector of England, &c.

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OLIVER, Protector of the Republ. of England, &c▪ To Cardinal Mazarine.

Most Eminent Sir

WHen the imporatance of any affair gives me a necessary Invitation of writeing to the King. I do judge the same, expediently to include an occasion of doing the like to your Excellency; for to conceale from his knowledge, whose singular prudence alone moderates, with suitable fidelity, advice and vigilancy, the weightyest affaires of France what I write about, is apoint I reckon' of utmost Inconsistency. That Treaty most strictly establisht by you, (whose sinceriry were a sin to dispute) we complain of the violation and contempt of, and that thro the Meanes of a [...] [...] called Egidius, who with his Abettors, broake the same the very sameday (almost) of its confirmation, as our Letters to the King, and the applications from the Merchants themselves can make appear to your Excellency, who must in particular know how much it concernes not onely the Magistrates, but his Majestys owne Intrest, to see the originall Infringers of this Contract brought to Justice. But these perhaps upon their arrivall in the Indies, whether they went, may looke upon the Goods of our Subject (seised upon, upon the heeles if so fresh an alliance contrary to all Justice and truth) as Prised Goods lawfully forc't from the Enemy. That that we woud have your Excellency (in the mean time) do, amounts to no more, then that [...] Owners of the said shipps woud make good the promise of this Comander in chiefe, in returning to our people that that may be equivalent to what he has taken from'em, to supply the necestary occasi [...]ns o [...] his voyage: wherein we understand Your Excellency to be able to do much by vertue of Your Authority.

From our Court at Westminster, August, A. D. 1656.

Your Eminency's most affectionatly OLIVER, Protector of the Republick of England, &c

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OLIVER, Protector of the Republ. of England, &c. To the High and mighty States of the united Provinces

High and mighty Friends and dearest Confederates.

WEE doe not (truly) doubt, but that all persons will say, that nothing has been more the designe of our making Friends abroad, then in order to the raising of them, as such, for the Intrest of the Protestant Religion, nor that has appear'd more the subject of our aim, then the uniteing of their hearts, who either were Friends and champions for the Protestants, or who were not their Enemys at least. Which raises our griefe and trouble of mind so much the higher, when we heare of their suspecting and entertaining of suspitions and animositys against each other, who, as Protestant Princes and Republicks ought to Cherish one another in all imaginable Sincerity; especially You, and the Kingdome of Sweedland, (two of the principallest Defenders of the Protestant Religion, and the best Friends this Republick hath) not to have that confidence in each other, whick you were wont to have, yea to [...]et appear signes either of a growing difference, or an evident decay of your Friendship. What the causes were, or how farr this alienation of mind has extended of either hand, are things which we profess our ignorance of. We coud not (neverthelesse) but be much troubled at these (thô never so inconsiderable) sparcks of disagreements between Brethren, which must necessarily convey a deal of inconveniency to the repose of the Protestant Religion's Intrest, and (whichif sufferd to goe on, (which God Farbidd) how will it endanger the Reform'd Churches, how will the Enemy swell and tryumph thereat, the (spaniards more especially); is a thing that canot escape the prudent Ey of one of your experience. The Spaniard will certainly so swell and swagger hereat, as not to faile of rendering it the business of his Embsssadour with you, to obtrude his advices (and that more Confidently) upon you to be guided by; and with the apprehension of raiseing new warr partly, and by the prospect, of a false advantage partly; tempt to sollicit you to forsake (at his Instance) your old and faithfull Friends; the French, English and Sweedes, and engage in a very strict fellowshipp with one, formerly your Enemy and Tyrant, thô now a seeming Friend, and (which is much to be feared) a a conterfeited One. Truly he, who from a most canker'd Enemy, shall, upon so slight an occasion, presse of a sudden, to become your [Page] Councellour, what is it that such a Man will not assume unto himselfe? what confidence will he raise to, if he can but once see with his Eys, such things as are now onely the b [...]re conceptions and imaginations of his heart; namely to plant discord and civill Warr amongst the Protestant Confederates? Wee know that you often, pursuant to your wisedome, take the State of all Europe, and the condition of the Protestant Religion more especially, into your consideration; that such of the Cantons of Switzerland as profess the Orthodox faith, are amused; [...]nd grow pregnant with the apprehension of new troubles from their neighbours the Papists, w [...]le yet scare cowld from the heat of that Wart levyed upon them by the Spaniard, upon the bare score of their Religion, who haveing inflamed and kindled that warr, supplyed their Enemys with men and Money; that the Massacre a [...]d destruction executed the last year upon the Protestant Inhabitants of Piedmont, were the effects of Spanish Influences; that the Protestants of Germany under the subjection of the Emperour, underwent intollerable disquiets and with much difficulty held their native habitations; That the King of Sweedland, whom God (we hope) raised as a most curagious champion for the Protestant Religion, was exposed to the necessity of maintaining with the strength of his whole Kingdome, a fowle aud rigid Warr against the most powerfull Enemy, that the Reformation has extant; how your own Provinces are threatend by the malicious confederacy lately struck by your Neighbours the Papists, who are the King of Spaine's Subjects; And sinally we, who are taken up by the warr declared against the King of Spaine. If, while things stand thus, a misunderstanding shoud happen to arise between you and the King of Sweedl [...]nd, what a sad and lamentable condition shoud Protestancy fall under, all Europe over being subjected to the cruelty, and fury of inhuman Enemys? The consideration of which doth not a little trouble us; and believe you to be of the same mind, and that you will withall, pursuant to the great affection you always expressed on behalfe of the Protestant cause in generall, and disposition to the maintaining uninterupted the peace of such, as are [...] both in their Judgment and desires, accommodate your counsells to these considerations, which are preferrable to all others whatever, and that you will not decline the doing of ought, that may conduce to the establishing of a peace between you and the King of Sweedland. Wherein [...] we can [...]e of any service; what ever opinion you may entertaine of our Authority or Intrest, we most freely offer you the tender of our endeavour, with the same readynesse, which we do it to th [...] King of Sweedland, to whom we [Page] designe likewise to send an Embassy out of hand, to let him know our opinion of this affair. And [...]ope that God will incline your minds on both sides to moderat Couucills, and prevent the falling out of any thing that may give cause of offence on either hand, or carry things to an extremity. But that contrarywise, both partys endeavour to remove what may offend or Administer matter of Iealousy to to'ther. Which if you concurr to, you will [...]oth disappoint your Enemys, and become a comfor't to your Friends, and finally provide plentifully for your owne, and the safety of the Republicke: And do pray you to rest likewise very confident in this, that we, as often as we are supplyd with an opportunity for it, shall employ our endeavour towards the rendering the united Provinces sensible of the great affection and love we bear'em. Sollicitting God wit [...]all, with our dayly prayers, that he woud be pleased to bless your Repulick with a flourishing peace, riches, Liberty and more especially love and true worshipp, to the Christian faith.

From our Court at Westminster, August 1656.

Your &c. OLIVER, Protector.

OLIVER, Protector of the Republ. of England, &c. To the most Serene Prince John King of Portugall,

Most Serene King.

THomas Maynard has, upon the 11. of July last (old stile) delivevered into our Receipt, your Majesties Ratification of the peace concluded by your Embassador at London, as well as of the private and preliminary articles thereof, and by letters then transmitted hither from Phillip Meaddaw our Envoy at Lisbona, understand that he has deliver'd your Majesty ours likewise, pursuant to our direction to him on that behalfe: the aforesaid Instruments of Ratification being about the beginning of June last interchanged. So that a most firme Peace is confirmed between both Nations. From which peace we have derived no small pleasure; for that we judged that as it bespeakes a general advantage to both, so it doth a proportionable detriment to the comon Enemy: Who as they have been the first Inventers of meanes to interrupt the former alliance, so they have lefr nothing unattempted to prevent its renovation novv. Nor do vve doubt of their slipping any occasion that can be [Page] improved tovvards the creating matter of suspicion and offence between Us. Which vve have truly resolved to employ our utmost endeavours and constancy in opposition of; yea it's our earnest desire that the alliance may strengthen our confidence in each other dayly more and more, so as to reckon those our Enemys, vvho, by any artifices, shall appear to employ any project tovvards the lesseningh our friendship among ourselves, and those contain'd in this Ratification; and are verily persvvaded that Your Majesty is much of the same mind. And vvhereas Your Majesty has been pleased (in it's Letters to Us under the 24. of June nevv Stile, and delivered unto our Envoy some days after the mutual exchange of the Instrument concerning the establih't Peace) to mention some Clauses of this Treaty, vvhich you vvould have alter'd, as things vvhich, thô of small moment to this Republick in Your Majesties opinion, yet of very great consequence to the Kingdome of Portugal, We shall be found ready to treat apart about such things as shall be propound on Your Majesties behalfe, and settleing such things as shall seeme to either party to conduce to the further strengthening or binding the same: Wherein we shall observe such measures as may equally conduce to the satisfaction of Your Majesty and People, as our owne, and referr to your choice where you will have all these things debated, either at London or Lisbona. But this Treaty being already confirm'd, passed the lawfull Firme of both Nations, and mutually interchanged; to alter any part of it, were to destroy the whole, which we know is a thing far from Your Majesties seeking. We wish Your Majesty all prosperi [...]y and happiness.

From our Court at Westminster August 1656.

Your Majesties most affectionatly OLIVER, Protector of England, &c.

OLIVER, Protector of the Republ. of England, &c. To the most serene Prince John, King of Portugal. S. D.

WEE have had an account of that base and wicked attempt, made towards the Murther of Phillip Meadowes sent hence under the Character of our Envoy, to treat with you touching a peace: The cruelty of [Page] which has appeared so great, that his escape is the sole effect of God providence and care of him. And do by your Majestys Letters of the 26. of May delivered by Thomas Maynard, understand, that your Majesty, moved at the indignity of the Fact, Issued your comands in pursuit of the Assacinates, in order to their being brought to condign punishment: but do not yet heare of the apprehension of any of them, nor that your Comands concerning them signified any thing. We have therefore thought fitt to declare openly how much we resent that base and barbarous attempt, and the approach it made towards its designe: And require that due punishment [...]e executed upon the Authors, Confederates and Instruments concern'd in that Villany: And the sooner its done, and People of honesty, utmost integrity, aud who study the Peace of both Nations, appointed to inquire into this affront, whereby the whole may receive a thro inspection, and the Authors of the villany, and those that employed'em, punisht with the great or severity the better. For without which, it will [...] raine your Majesty laws of [...]njustice, nor will the reputation of this Republick be vindicated; nor can any true friendshipp subsist between both Nations, without its correction. We wish Your Majesty all felicity and good luck: remaining

Erom our Court at Westminster, August 1656.

Your Maiesties most affectionately OLIVER, Protector of the Republick of England, &c

OLIVER, Protector of the Republ. of England, &c. To the most [...]llustrious Lord Connt Mariano. S. D.

Most illustrious Sir.

THE indication of Your singular Love both to me, and this Republick, contained in Your Letter of the 25. of June, last to me; as also the import of others▪ sent me from Phillip Meaddow, whom I sent to the King of Portugal to treat with him about the conclusion of a Peace, wherein he gives us a full account of your extraordinary Parts and endeavour in the Transaction thereof, has obliged us very much by what I [...] from the Import of the said Letters. This last consirmation I have received with very much content, and am so farr satisfied in the Issue of things, as that you shall never have cause to repent of whatever you have [Page] [...] contributed [...] the promotion of this Peace, [...] your sincerity to the English, nor of your faithfulness, exerted in this point to His Majesty: It [...] (thro Gods assistance) to be hoped, that this Peace may be very advantagious to both Nations, as well as of contrary effects to the Enemy. All the misfortune and ill luck that attended thi [...] affair consists in that wicked attempt basely projected against our Envoy Philips Meaddow, Against whose unknowne Authors there ought to be no lesse care taken, then in Instances of manifest Roguery: Nor [...] I doubt of Your Kings Justice and severity in punishing soo deepe a piece of villany, nor of your [...] promotion thereof in particular, as one, whose practice is Justice and Piety, and make it your businesse to continue both Nations in amity and peace: Which can no way subsist, if such wicked attempts shall be suffer'd to escape unpunishd and unvindicated. But your know [...] detestation of that villany renders it unnecessary for me to enlarge any further upon it for the present. As I have therefore assured you how ready I shall (at all times) be to demonstrate my sincerity towards you; That that remains is, to let you know of my haveing recommended very fervently both you and all yours to the favour and protection of the Almighty.

From our Court at Westminster,August 1656.

Yours, &c. OLIVER, Protector of England, &c.

OLIVER, Protector of the Republ. of England, &c. To the most Serene Prince Charles Gustavus, King of Sweedland, Gothes and Vandals, &c.

Most Serene King, Friend and dearest Confederated.

WHen I consider that Your Majesty and I, concur both in disposition and resolution, in reference to the defence of the Protestant Religion against it s now (if never before) malignant Enewys: Thence it comes to passe, that as your prosperous Successes & Tideings of your dayly (almost) Victories adds to our satisfaction, so I am very much troubled at that one thing, which disquiets, and destroys this our united content, and that is, to hear, among other news, that your former understanding with the States of Holland doth not stand as well as it did, and that [Page] things [...] carry'd to that State [...] you ( [...] the [...] Zea especially) as to draw seemingly towards a Rupture. The causes I know not I must confesse; I visibly see that without it please God divert it; it will very much devolve the Protestant Intrest. Wherefore we thought it becomeing that neerest relation wherein we are united to you both, and (pursuant to that love and affection to the Reformed Religion, which ought to be a principall inducement to us all) to repeat unto Your Majesty now those perswa [...]ions which we highly pres'st upon the States of Holland to list [...]n unto, of Peace and Quietnesse. Every Corner swells with Envy against the Protestants; they seeme to have conspired our destruction as being never pregnant with more malice. Witnesse Piedmont loaded but yesterday (as it were) with the blood and Massacre of those miserable wretches; Germany quashed by the late Edicts and proscriptions of the Emperour; witnes Switz [...]rland. What need there many words to overhall the memory and griefe of so many fresh calamity's? Who knowes not but that those Massacres, Distractions and Vexations, to which the Protestants were for three Yeares together exposed, were the effects of Spanish Couucils, and those of Roman Pontificates. If to so many mischiefs a civill dissention among Protestant Brethren be added; among you more especially, in whose Power, Riches and constancy the greatest safety left to the Reform'd Churches, is (as farr as human help is to be depended upon) lodged: It vvill unavoidably hasard the Reform'd Religion it selfe, & plunge it into the depth of danger. Whereas on the other side, if the Protestants universally joine in that brotherly unity vvhich becomes them to doe, vve neede fear nothing that the arts, or povver of our Enemy's can doe to hurt us; vvhom our Concord alone vvill baffle and disappoint. I therefore in an extraordinary manner pray and beseech Your Majesty, that you vvould be pleased to apply a vvilling and vvell disposed mind to the confirming the former understanding vvith the States of Holland, if in any point the same b [...] slacken or abated. If in any thing my endeavour, faith & diligence can be thought of use towards an accommodation; I do promised and tender you the same. God in the mean time bless, and prosper the success of vvhat I vvish; vvhich is, that Your Majesties affaires may prosper and run in an interrupted stream of felicity.

From our Court at Westminster, August 1656.

Your Majesties most affectionatly OLIVER, Protector of England, &c.

[Page]

OLIVER, Protector of the Republ. of England, &c. To the States of Holland.

High and mighty Lords, dearest Frirnds.

WIlliam Cooper a—Londone [...] and our Subject made his complaint, that John la Mair an Amsterdamer & his father in Law, did about thirty yeares agoe; invent a meanes of raiseing the Revenue of your Republick [...]arr higher then it was, and that without any extraordinary burthen to the people; and made a Covenant with one John van den Brooke, importing that upon some consideration between 'em, he should receive the moity of such [...] as should redound from the said Invention, which was the [...] of the small seal in the Provinees. In consideration of which your mighty Highnesse were pleased to settle the yearly allowance of three thousand Guilders (which amounts to three hundred pounds in English money) to be paid annually to the said van den [...] and posterity: But now, albeit the said Invention of the small seal has been found very easy and expedient, and of a considerable advantage to your Highnesses and the other Provinces, yet no part of the said settlement has been made good to this day, altho sought with much sollicicitation. So that he the said van den Brooke, and la Maire being tired out with delays, that affair lawfully descended to the said William Cooper our subject; who out of a desire of receiveing the effects of his Father in Laws Industry, applyed unto us by petition, praying that we woud recomend this his Request to the consideration of your Mighty Highnesses; which we thought unsit to de [...]y' him in. Wherefore make it our friendly request to Your Mighty Highnesses, that you would please to give a fair hearing to the petition of the said William Cooper, and take care that the stipulated Reward of Industry, and so just a stipend, and for so many yeares past, with a yearly [...] fot the time to come, be paid him. Which as we doubt not of your Mighty Highnesses free allowance of, as a just thing and worthy Your Bounty; so we shall be on ou [...] part ready to shew the like just disposition to your People in their Requests, as often as we are in that nature applyed unto.

From our Court at Westminster, September, Anno Dom. 1656.

I am your mighty Highnesses most affectionally, OLIVER, Protector of England, &c.

[Page]

OLIVER, Protector of the Republ. of England, &c. To the most Serene Prince Lewis, King of France.

Most serene King, Friend, and dearest Confederate.

IT is with violence to our inclination, that so many complaints of ours, against the injustice of your Subjects, should happen to pursue the peace reestablish't vvith Your Majesty: But as vve are confident that our sufferings are no vvay the effects of your consent, so vve cannot be vvanting to the Complaints of our People. It is evident that the Capture of the Ship Anthony of Deepe vvas lavvful prize, if the Sentence of our Admiralty Court be consulted vvith; vvhich says, that her seisure happen'd before the Treaty vvas concluded. Part of vvhich Prize, to the number of about four thousand Hides more or lesse, Robert Browne Merchant of London, bought of those vvho had the overseeing of the publick sale: Upon his sending, selling, [...]d calling for the price of about tvvo hundred of vvhich Hides from a certain Skinner at Deepe, he complaines that the same vvas stopt and arrested in his Correspondents hands, a quarrel fastend upon him, so that he cannot attain to Justice in that Court. Wherefore vve have thought fit to desire Your Majesty to cause the vvhole matter, to be brought before your Council, and that mony disengaged from that most u [...]just restraint. For if vvhat vvere comitted before the conclusion of the Peace, shall be liable to be called into question and Judgment after its confirmation: We do not see vvhat a Treaty can signify. For there can be no end of quarrels of this kind, if some severe punishment be not timely avvarded these frequent PeaceBreakers, vvhich vve hope Your Majesty vvill take speedy care to see done▪ Whom God honour vvith his most holy Def [...]nce.

[...]om our P [...]llace at Westminster, September, 1656.

Your Majesty's most affectionatly, OLIVER, Protector of England, &c.

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OLIVER, Protector of the Republ. of England, &c. To the most Serene and Potent Prince John, King of Portugall.

Most Serene King.

THe peace between this Republick and the Kingdome of Portugall, being now transacted, and all due provision and [...] [...]ken of Trade. Wee have thought it a thing [...] and necessary to dispatch the bearer Thomas Maynard to your Majesty, to act in your Kingdome as Consul; to hear and determine matters of debate usually ariseing amongst Merchan [...]. But in regard it often f [...]lls out, that the nature of his employ may necess [...]rily require [...] to your Majesty, relateing as well to the Intrest of this Nation, as Trade, in generall. Wee desire your Majesty, that as often as he has occasion of being h [...]ar'd, you will please to allow him the liberty of approaching to, and being heard by your Maj [...]sty, which shall pass with us for an evident argument and singular Testimony of your esteeme of us. That the omnipotent great God may (in the mean time) prosper all your Majestys undertakeings.

From our Court at Westminster October 1656.

Your Majestie's most affectionately OLIVER, Protector of England, &c.

To the King of Svveedland.

Most Serene a [...]d Potent King.

ALbeit your Majesties wonted and naturall disposition to men of merit is such, as to reckon all additionall comendations unecessary, yet we coud not dismiss this worthy Gentleman Sir William Vavasor Knight a person of note in warlike discipline, and now upon his Journey towards you, with out accompaining him with the trouble of a letter to your Majesty. Our freedome in the doing of which was prompted so much the mor [...], when we were tould that much of his time & blood has been spent in the pursuit of your service, and in many battells fought on your behalfe: So that the late Kings of Sweedland have, in consideration of his warlike skill and true courage, often exerted in warr, settled Landsand annuall Pensions upon him. Nor do we doubt but that he may be of future great [Page] use to your Majesty in the present Warrs, as being faithfull and of knowne skill in Martiall discipline. It is therefore but what he merits, if we recomend him to your Majesty; that the allowances granted him by them formerly, be paid. This we will take very kindly; nor shall we, upon any the like occasion that may offer grudge, to gratify your M [...] jesty, whom we wish all hapy [...] and prosperity unto.

From our Court at Westminster Octob. An. Dom. 1656.

Your Majesties most affectionatly OLIVER, Protector of England, &c.

OLIVER, Protector of the Republ. of England, &c. To the most Serene Prince, John, King of Portugall. S. D.

Most Serene King, Friend and dearest Confederate.

Thomas Evans Skipper, and one of the Subjects of this L [...]d, complains that, haveing served the Brasile Company Annis 1649. and 1650 in a small vessell of his, of about forty Tuns, and whereof he was himselfe Master, the said vessell, with all her Freight and apparell, was taken from him, pursuant to a comand of your Majestys: So that the damages done the man, besides the loss of six yeares profit, amounts (according to the Report of the Commissioner appointed by the League to decide differrences on both sides,) to above seaven thousand pounds sterling or twice that number of Milreis of Portugall, Which proveing such a great affliction to the a foresaid Thomas, so as to be constrain'd to repair to Lisbon to recover his Right according to Tearms of the Treaty, humbly prayed us, that we vvoud gra [...]t him our Letters to your Majesty: Wee, (altho we did the last year writ on behalfe of those merchants cause in Comon, to whom the Brasile Company is indebted, yet that we may be wanting to none justly requireing our help): pray, that the consideration of our friendship may be an inducement to your Majesty to take particular care of this mans case, & so direct your people, that nothing may, in your City, stand in this mans way, which may interrupt his demanding & without delay recovering forthwith what ever the said Company or any others [Page] [...]an accountable to him in. God incr [...]se your Majesty in perpetuall felicity, and render our friendship d [...]eable.

From our Court at Westminster Octob. An. Dom. 1656.

Your M [...]jesties most affectionatly OLIVER, Protector of England, &c.

OLIVER, Protector of the Republ. of England, &c. To the Illustrious and Magnificent Citty of Hamburgh.

Noble, Magnificent, and worthy Gentlemen, dearest Friends.

James and Patrick Hay, Subjects of this Republick made us their heavy complaint, setting forth, that being the lavvsul heires to a third brother called Alexander, vvho died intestate, and so declared by a sentence of your Court, pronounc'd thirteen yeares ago against his vviddovv, avvarding the petitioners the Estate of their said Brother, dedueting onely her portion; coud not hither to, either by by their ovvne solicitation, or the interposition of the late King Charles (vvho vvrit to that effect,) received he benefit of the said sentence; That the purse and [...]ntrest of one Albert van Eisen, a great Man among you, (in whose hands great part of this Estate lies) are made use of to keepe them out of their Right, who Acts all he can to prevent their Recepit thereof. Being thus eluded, sham'd oft with delays, and at length reduced to great poverty, and supplicateing that we woud not suffer them to sink under the oppression of a Corporation that's our Friend. And looking upon it as a principall branch of our Office to deny our assistance to none of our Subjects in cases, wherein our help and protection are justly called for and applicable, our Request to your Corporation shall not exceed what may be easily obtein'd, and that is; to give the said sentence its due force, without suffering your Justice to be further suspended, or the said Brethren exposed to any the like future delays whatever; for we have consulted and accordingly herewith send you under Hand & Sealed the opinion of our learn'd in the Law, awarded here concerning their cause. W [...]erein if Intreatys cano [...] doe, the Laws of Nations must [Page] [...] such other methods as we woud willingly avoid the pursuit of, and which we are confident your prudence will invite you to prevent.

From our Court at Westminster, Octob, 16. A. D. 1656.

Yours most affectionately OLIVER, Protector of England, &c.

OLIVER, Protector of the Republ. of England, &c. To the most Serene and Potent Prince Lewis, King of France. S. D.

Most Serene and Potent King, Friend, and dearest Confederate

OUr Letters of the 14. of the May last was twelve Month are (we suppose) come to Your Majesty's hands, containing acomplaint made by John Dethick, then Lord Mayor of the Cit [...]y of London, and William Wackfield Merchant, who declared that a Ship of theirs, called the John, laden with their proper Goods, to be transported to Ostend, was snatched away from out of the River of Thames's mouth, and carryed to Dunkirke, by a cer [...]ain Privateer Comissionated thereto, by th [...] Son of Charles Stuart: That they (pursuant to your Proclamations and Decrees of Councill prohibitting the admission into, or s [...]le of any Ship taken from t [...]e Parliament of England, in any of your Po [...]ts) praying Monsr. l'Estrade Governour of that Gitty to comand the restitution of the said S [...]ipp and Goods; had an answer [...]o way truly suitable to the worth of a Gentleman, nor such as would seem▪ inclinable to shew obedience enough to his Kings comands; namely that the King of France conferred that Governership upon him in Consideration of services in the Warrs; moreover, that he would take care to improve it all he coud (right or wrong for sooth he did not seem to matter which) As if your Majesty had bestowed this Governership and office upon him to robb his Neighbours vvith and Wipe his breech (as it were) with Edicts proclaimd in their favour. If the King of France will be no more concern'd at injurys done us by our [...], then b [...]ly to forbidd his Subjects from abetting therein a [Page] Royall Governour has, in his connivance thereat, not onely violated and dispised a Royall prohibition, in suffering us to be robbd, and made a prey of before your doores, but he himselfe is the Robber and made a prey of us, and owned himsel [...]e openly to be Author of the Fact. T [...]e Merchants therefore pu [...]t off with this answer; provoaked and eluded, went away with a flea in their Eares: Our letters of last yeares date carryed Your Majesty an account of this affair, tho to as little purpose wee must confesse (for we we have yet seen no answer thereto) The reason why was, we believe, because that Governour attended, about that time, your army in Flanders; he lives now at Paris, or rather Rants up and downe, Citty and Country loaded with the spoyles of our people unpunished. This therefore brings your Majesty a Repetition of our said demands, which concernes your Majesties owne Intrest principally to provide for, that none dare to heighten the thing by adding the contempt of Royall Edicts to Injuries done his Neighbours: This matter canot be properly referr'd, or carried before the Deputys or Commissioners appointed to the decision of Controversys on both sides; seeing it goes beyond the Right of Society, Royall Authority and the reverence due to that name is struck at. It is to be truly admired, if Merchants will be more concerned at their sufferings, then your Majesty at yours, namely the diminution of your honour. Which if you will not suffer, you will at one stroake shew, that it doth not repent you of any friendly office which those most friendly Edicts might have intended in favour of us and this Republick, nor that you have connived at the sufferings of our people, nor that you would not listen to our Demands. I am, in affection, friendship and fellowship,

From our Court at Westminster An. Dom. 1656.

Your Majesty's most affectionally OLIVER, Protector of the Republick of England, &c

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OLIVER, Protector of the Republ. of England, &c. To the most Serene and Potent Prince Frederick the 3. King of Denmark, Norway, Vandalls and Gothes; Duke of Slesvice, Holsatia, Stormaria and Dithmarsia, Earle of Oldenburgh and Delmenhort, &c. S. D.

Most Serene King, Friend and dearest Confederate.

THis brings you an account of our Receipt of your Majesties Letters of the 16. of Frebuary from Hasnia, brought by amost worthy Gentleman Simon de Perkinn your Embassadour here; The peruseall of which, and the very weight of their contents, did so affect us, that we did forthwith resolve upon sending unto your Majesty One, furnished with such Instructions as should enable him to open unto Your Majesty at large our sense of this affair. And altho we continue still under the same inclination, yet we cou'd not hitherto fix upon one fit to be intrusted with a Matter of that importance, as we hope we may in very little time. Wee did in the mean time, judge it inconsistent with conveniency to suspend any longer the letting you know for a truth, how much our thoughts and Care are taken up (and that in an imoderat measure) for the present State of Europe: Wee haveing, from severall Yeares observation, collected to our great [...], matter enough to inferr from, that the principall Protestant Princes and Corporations (who out of regard to their comunity in Religion and its support, ought to use all meanes tending to its confirmation and defence) grow dayly more and more animated against each other, and suspect, or put an ill meaning, upon whatever the rest attempt or project; freightening their friends, while on the contrary they dictat hopes to the Enemy of ensuing Enmity and dissent in this Bent of affaires, rather then a firme union of minds to the mutuall safeguard and defence of each other. And truly this anxiety made the deeper figure in our minds, and continues to gaine daily, from some sparkes of Jealousy, which seem to remain unquelled between Your Majesty and the King of Sweedland; or at last from your being at greater distance in your minds, then our comon love and affection to the Orthodox Religion seemes to call for; whilest your Majesty entertains (by what fate I know not) a Jealousy that the Trade of your Kingdome may receive some prejudice from the King of Sweedland; who is likewise little better satisfied, but [Page] that you may aggravat the warr, wherein he is now engaged, and render the Termes of peace, which he might otherwise make, more intricat. Your Majesty canot but, from that great prudence exerted in all your affaires, know, how much it will expose the protestant Religion, if such suspition continues long among you, and how much more, if, (which God forbidd) any token of hostility shoud breake out. However these things stand, we, as we have earnestly sollicitted both the King of Sweedland and States of Holland to peace and moderat resolutions, (and shou'd be extraordinarily gladd to see you reconciled to peace and concord, the States haveing sent us the heads of that league) so we reckon'd it our part, and very consistent with our friendshipp, not to co [...]ceale from your Majesty what ever we thought of this matter, especially when we consider the most friendly invitation given us by your Majesties Letters so to do; a thing we looke upon to be a singular argument, and embrace it as one, of your good disposition towards us. And lay before your Majesty what a charge divine providence has laid upon the professors of Protestancy, of maintaining peace among our selves, when our Enemyes (now especially if never before) seeme so violent against us, as to have conspired, as it were, from all places to our destructiom. It helps not to overhall the Blood and Massacre, wherein these at Piedmont lately Swam; nor those of Germany tore to pieces by the Edicts and proscriptions of the Emperour, nor finally the furious assaults of the Popish Swittsers upon their Protestant Neighbour. If to these misfortunes a falling ou [...] among protestant Brethren be added, as Oyle to quench fire; especially among you, who are so great a part of our strength, and in whom so much o [...] the Protestant Protection and strength is reposed in tickelish times; Reformation must (as farr as human power can reach,) go downe and be destroyed. When on the contrary, if you cherish peace among your selvas as Neighbours, and the rest of the Protestant Princes, if brotherly concord be of all hands studyed, we shall have no reason to fear (with Gods help) what the artifice or force of our enemy can do Us. The dissipation of whose designes depending wholly upon our agreement. Nor do we truly fear, but that your Majesty, will contribute all it can (and thats much) towards that end. Wherein I shall (my selfe) be very ready to joyne Issue with your Majesty as a Professor of true friendshipp, and one whose study shall be not only in maintaining the peace already so happily establisht, but also go as farr as God shall be pleased to suffer me to go, towards the improveing that now existent. [Page] God, in the mean time, bless and prosper all your undertakeings▪ Iam in friendship, alliance and affection.

From our Court at Westminster, Decemb. An. Dom. 1656.

Your Majesties most affectionately OLIVER, Protector of the Republick of England, &c

OLIVER, Protector of the Republ. of England, &c. To the most Serene and Illustrious Prince and Lord, the Lord William, Earle of Hasnia, Prince of Herefield Counte in Cattimelibock▪ Decia Lingehain, Nidda and Schaumburgh, &c.

Most Serene Prince.

WEE woud not have respitted the answering your highnesses Letters so long, (of which we are almost ashamed) did not many other affairs, of utmost importance truly (which our charge in the administration of this Government wou'd not suffer us to deferr the dispatch of, much against our inclination) prevent it. For what Letters ought I to entertaine with more regard, then such as come from a most vertuous Prince, and related to a Race suitably Religious, and which concerne nothing so much, as the Repose of Religion, and the reconcileing of Curches to concord; and which also, not onely in your, but in the opinion and judgment of the Christian world, ought to be generally attributed unto me as an honour to be the promoter of the Christian peace? And truly what we have endeavoured'd towards it, thro these three (formerly) Kingdomes, what have we accomplished (thro divine help) by perswadeing, suffering, and conquest; is a thing not unknowne to most of our owne people, and that which they are very sensible of in the great tranquility of their conscience. We have studyed the repose of all the Churches, thro out Germany more especially, where they have been most, and longest at variance; and have been, for a considerable time past, wanting in nothi [...]g that coud contribure thereto. We continue the same inclination still; We wish the said churches may be united among themselves in brotherly charity. But we are, to our very great griefe, more then sensible, how difficult a Taske he undertakes, who takes upon him the [Page] reconciliation of such (as pretend onely) to be Sons of peace▪ For it is a thing to be scarce hoped ever to see the Resormed and Augustins brought to one Church; nor preaching nor writeing will be able to reconcile their opinion, nor prohibitted without violence; But violence is a thing inconsistent with the peace of the Church: dissenters may be prevailed upon by Prayers, to act more meekly and moderately at least, nor ought they to grow the cowlder among themselves; Differing not as enemys but friends, [...] at variance in frivolous matters, yet most united in the main point of Faith. We shall never own our selves weary in the repeating and perswadeing of these things; which the strength nor councell of man can exceed: God▪ whose peculiar worke it is, will in his time do it. You have in the mean time, Most Serene Prince, left a samous declaration of your inclination to the Churches, as [...]n everlasting monument, becoming your family, and a patern fit for the imitation of all Princes hereafter. Wee do, pursuant to your deserts, pray that the great good God may bless all your other undertakeings with as much felicity as you your selfe can desire, and continue you in your present mind, no alteration being able to mend it▪

Westminster March An. Dom. 1656.

OLIVER, Protector of the Republ. of England, &c. To the most Serene Prince, the Duke of Courland.

Most Serene Prince,

YOur kind entertainment of our Embassadour, during those few dayes, he stayed in Your Country, in his way to the Duke of [...], has, beside other considerations, shewed Your Highness's opinion of us; who hope that your owne natural disposition, added to our interposition, may [...] Your Highnesse not toalter those inclinations of your kindnesse towards us now; [...]n the case of John Jameson a Scotchman, who having [...] you seaven yeares, and that faithfully, as Master at Sea, deliver'd a Ship of yours lately comitted to his charge, in her Ballast, to the care of a Pilot, upon her arrival (as the custome is) in the Mouth of the River, and made out by good evidence, that discovering the ignorance of the said Pilot, did all he coud to advise him, so that the miscarriage of the said Ship can be no way imputed to him, but wholly to the un skill fulnesse [Page] or obstinacy of the said Pilot. Admitting which, its our earnest Request to Your Excellency, that the said Shipwrack be not laid to the said John the Master's charge, nor the wages remaining due to him stopt therefore, upon that score; which is what he has left to subsist, comfort himselfe with, or take to in the end, having, by a precedent shipwrack, lost what he had a little before.

Westminster, March, Anno 1657.

OLIVER, Protector of the Repbul. of England, &c. To the Noble Consuls and Senators of the Commonwealth of Switzerland. S. P. D.

Most Noble, Magnificent Gentlemen,

WE have been alwayes of opinion, that in Industry, Riches, and Practise of Arts and Sciences, the Fame of your Citty might vie and stand in competition with any the Noblest Citty▪s whatever: Now having chosen to take part with Poland, rather then Sweedland, in that Warr, which has for▪ a considerable time raged upon the Frontiers of your Country, it were truly to be wished, that the consideration of that Religion which you professe, and of the antient Comerce between you and the English, had inclined you to the choice of such Resolutions, as shoud seeme to consist with the Glory of God, and the dignity and splendor of your Corporation. We therefore pray that the Alliance established by the length of custome and now extant between the English Nation and you, & my name, (if it may add any thing,) may induce you to set at liberty the Noble and famous Conismarek, the chiefest among the Sweedish Captains, a singular person in warlike discipline more especially, and who has been casually, and thro the Treachery of his People, betrayed at Sea and by the Law of Warr (not yet gott to the height of bitternesse) made Prisonner: But if you shou'd chance to Judge it inconsistent with the present posture of your affairs to free him that then you wou'd please to render his Confinement more easy. Whatever of these two you happen to resolve upon, you will resolve upon that which will be truly and principally consistent with the reputation of your Corporation; [Page] and consequently beget the esteem of all Noble Comanders & oblige us more especially in an extraordinary manner what ever you thinke it may avail you.

From our Court at Westminster, Anno Dom. 1657.

Your most affectionatly OLIVER, Protector of England, &c.

OLIVER, Protector of the Republ. of England, &c. To the most Serene and Potent Prince and Lord, the Emperour, and Great Duke of all Russia, Lord of Voladomar, Muschow, Novogrady, King of Kazin, and Astracan, Syboria, Lord of Vobsco, Great Duke of Novcgrod, and of the Law Countreys, Chernigoy, Rezanscoa, &c. Lord of all the North Seas, also Lord of Everscoa, Cartaluisa, and many other Places. S. P. D.

THe antiquity of the alliance, great and generally noted Trafficq, together with the vast and antient comerce for along time observed betvveen this Government and your people, but (Great Emperour) that [...] vertue more especially, wherein you outdo your Ancestors very much, with the opinion entertained thereof by all your Neighbouring Princes; have been our principall Inducement, to cherish that affection for your Majesty, which vve do, and communicate thereto, what vve may judge not a little conduceing to the Intrest of Christian affaires, and suitably subservient to the Glory of your Name. Previous whereto; Wee have deputed, under the character of our Embassadour to your Majeay, a very vvorthy Gentlemen Mr Richard Bradshaw, in whose fidelity, Integrity, Prudence, and experience, we have been sufficiently satisfied by his discharge of former Embassys, and who comes fully capacitated, to make kowne the singular affection and observance we bear you; and suitably impower'd to treat with your Majesty concerning the affaires above mentioned Be plased therefore to receive him curteously in our name, and order him, as he shall have occasion for [Page] it, [...] access to your speech and Ear, with proportionable credit to what he shall propose or transact and that in as full a [...] as you woud unto us if personally present. Wee wish that the Almighty and Great God may bless Your Majesty and Kingdome of Russia with all properity.

From our Court at Westminster April An. Dom. 1657.

Your Majesties most affectionatly OLIVER, Protector of England, &c.

OLIVER, Protector of the Republ. of England, &c. To the most Serene and Potent Prince Charles Gustavus▪ King of Sweedland, Gothe aud Uandals, Great Prince of Finland, Duke of Esthon, Carelia, Bremen, Verd, Stetin, Pomerania, Cassuby and Vandall, &c.

Most Serene and Potent King, Friend and dearest confederate

WIlliam Jepson Kinght, and a member [...] our Parliament, vvho reckons it an honour to have the delivery hereof to your Majesty, comes to let your Majesty knovv, vvith vvhat trouble and griefe of mind [...] vve surprised at our receipt of the [...] of that fatall warr arisen between your Majesty and the King of Sweedland, and how much its become our study and care to advance as [...] as God will enable us to go, towards the [...] stopping of this growing mischiefe, and [...] to beat back those calamitys which this warr must necessarily beget to the generall concerns of Religion; now more especially, at a time when our adversarys are visibly seen united in their most pernicious counsells, and consequently in their strength against us. These and many other considerations and reasons, of utmost moment to the publick advantage of both Nations, have been our inducements to dispatch this very worthy Gentleman under the character of our Envoy Extraordinary to your Majesty, whom we pray you to [...] kindly, and throly confide in, in referrence to such things as he shall comunicate in our name to your Majesty; as being a person whose fidelity & prudence we confide very much in; praying withal that you woud not in the least suspect our singular affection [Page] and sincerity we bear Your Majesty. Which our disposition of mind, and redynes to Serve you upon all occasions, shall contain real demonstrations of.

From our Court at Westminster, 1656.

Your Majestie's most affectionatly OLIVER, Protector of England, &c.

To this Excellency the Lord of Bourdeaux, Embassadour Extraordinary from his most [...] Majesty the King of France,

Most Excellent Sr.

SAmuel Dawson, John Campsey, and John Nevin Merchants of London, have preferred a petition to the most Serene Lord Protector, setting forth, that they, upon their being informed of the conclusion of the Treaty between this Republick and France, freighted Anno 1655. a ship (called by a Name not answered by her luck; viz. the Speedwel, whereof John Karr war Master) with [...] comodities, to be thence transported to Portugall; where haveing unloaded, and taken in fresh freight consisting in Wines, and other comodities, was, in her way back, set upon about the 24. of November in the said year, and seized by two Men of Warr belonging to Brest, whose Comanders were called, the one Adrian Vindmain Swart, and the other James Jonshon, who carried her to a place comonly called Brivat; where shee was condemn'd as lawfull prize, and exposed to publick sale, the goods taken from'em being bona fide and really worth eleaven hundred pounds, besides the further damage of a thousand pound: That they pursued all lawfull meanes with the Governour and Magistrates of that place to recover'em: That all amounted to nothing hitherto: That they [...], pursuant to the Customes of the Admiralty Court, sued out a publication, whereby they were to be sumond and cited to Justice, who were concern'd in the capture of the said shipp, who [...] to insist upon the legalty of their Seizure. That this publication was duely & orderly published & delivered, & [...] the publick Ministers of the saide Court, timelily [...] to the French Embassadour; That when none appeared on the contrary side, it was desired that witnesses might be [...] and examin'd concerning the matter under [...]. [Page] Which, as it was presented to the Lord Protector by the petitioners, and by him referred to the cognisance and opinion of the Councill; and whereas the affidavits of witnesses annexed to the petition make plain enough, that the petitioners were at liberty to trade with Portugall; and seeing none can be so blind but may see, that the after-seisure of Goods bought and loaded there, is (as we said before) an act contrary to the reputation of the alliance: who canot but judge it a very [...] demand to have the said shipp and goods restord, or full satisfaction made of the damage [...] from this [...], in referrence as well to the expence [...] in the prosecution at Law, as the goods and shipp themselves? Let me therefore desire you in the name of the most Serene Protector, added to my own request to Your Excellency, that you woud endeavour all you can, (and therein to employ the Authority of Your Employment too) towards the speedy effecting of either of the two. In regard you canot labour in a cause more equitable, nor that you can please me more in; who, by how much the earlyer Your Excellency shall appear to have acquitted your [...] in what you ought to do herein; by so much the more that diligence shall appear, which I am always inclinable to observe in the allowance of the demands made upon me by my people.

Whitehall August An. Dom. 1657.

OLIVER, Protector of the Republ. of England, &c. To the most Serene Prince, the Lord Frederick Williams, Duke of Brandenburgh, High Chamberlain of the Holy Roman Empire, and Prince Elector of Magdeburgh, Prussia, Julia, Clivia▪ the Mountains of Stetin, Pomerania, Cassubyes, and Vandalls; as also in Silesia, Crosna and Carnovia, Duke Burgrave, Norinbergin, Prince of Halberstad and Mind, Earle of Marca and Ravensbergh, Lord in Ravestein, S. P. D.

Most Serene Prince, Friend, and dearest Confederate.

WHereas you [...] singular vertue in peace & Warr, haveing sounded all over the world with that Renowne (such is your Greatnes [Page] and [...] of courage that the ambition of your friendship is gaped at by the neighbouring Princes about you,) so as that none need to desire a friend and neighbour of more fidelity or constancy. Wee have also (to let you know of our being one of thsoe, who entertaine high and clear thoughts of you, and Your Exttaordinary obligations upon the Christian Republick) [...] you a very worthy Gentleman William Jepson Knight, and one of our Parliament Men, who comes to Salute [...] in our name, bespeake and wish your affaires all happynesse, and finally to make knowne at large the love and great affection. vve bear Your Highnesse: Praying that vvhatever proposalls he makes you, you listen thereto vvith as much attention and confidence, as you vvoud to our selves if personally present at the delivery thereof.

From our Court at Westminster August Dom. 1656.

OLIVER, Protector of the Republ. of England, &c. To the most Noble Magistrates and Senators of the City of Hambrough. S. P. D.

Most Noble, Magnificent and worthy Gentleman, Dearest Friends▪

HAveing directed a very worthy Gentleman William Jepson Knt, and member of our Parliament (upon his going thrô [...] Citty, in his way to the most Serene King of Sweedland, whether we sent him on an Embassy) not to pass by, without saluteing you in our name; and praying that if in ought he judged your Authority and advice to be of any service to him, you woud deny him in neither: The freelyer you shew you selves wherein, the more sensible shall you be made of our disposition towards you.

From [...] Court at [...] August An. [...]. 1657.

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To the most noble Magistrates of the Citty of Bremen. S. P. D.

Most Noble, Magnisicent and Worthy Gentlemen, Dearest Friends.

YOu have heretofore, and shall as often as there is occasion for it, be made sensible, how you stood in our opinion, and affection, and that as well out of regard to your Religion as the Renowne of your Citty. Now; whereas William Jeps [...]n Kut, a member of our Parliament, and a very worthy person, may in his way to the most Serene King of Sweedland (whether he goes on an Embassy) pass thro [...]our Citty, our present request to you amounts to no more then this, that upon his delivery of our Salutes, which he is directed to hand to you, if in any thing he happens to need your help or [...]iendshipp, we have ordered him to propose our [...]ntrest with you as an inducement to your complying with him in any demand he shall make upon you wherein we no lesse rely upon your allowance of, then you ought to doe upon our love and singular affection towards you.

From our Court at Westminster August An. Dom. 16 [...]7.

OLIVER, Protector of the Republ. of England, &c. To the most Noble Corporation of Lubeck.

Most Noble, Magnificent, and worthy Gentleman, Dearest Friends.

WIlliam Jepson Knt, a very worthy person, and a Member of our Senat, proceeds under the character of our publick minister, to the most Serene King of Sweedland's Court, held not farr distant from yours. Do therefore pray that while his Journey happens to continue within the limits either of your Citty or Jurisdiction, our alliance and comerce may be inducements to you to aid, if need be, and protect him. We moreover directed him to salute you in our name very kindly. and invite you to an assurance of our Clear disposition of mind and [...] towards you.

From our Court at Westminster, August An. Dom. 1657.

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OLIVER, Protector of the Republ. of England, &c. To the most Noble Magistrates and Senators of the Citty of Hambrugh. S. P. D.

Most Noble, Magnificent, and worthy Gentlemen, Dearest Friends.

PHillip Meddow, who brings you this, takes your Citty in his way to Denmarke, (whether wee have sent him as our Embassadour to the most Serene King of that C [...]ntry.) Whom we earnestly recomend to your favour, if in any thin [...] he may judge it needfull to make use of your Authority or help. Praying that our Recomendation be of no less weight now, than it was always wont to draw with you; who shall [...] of nothing from us of an acknowledgment upon a like occasion.

From our Court at Westminster August An. Dom. 1657.

OLIVER, Protector of the Republ. of England, &c. To the most Serene Prince Frederick Heir of Norway, Duke of Slesvice, Holsatia, Flormaria, Ditmarsia, Count in Oldenburgh and Delmenhorst.

WEe have sent William Jepson to the most Serene King of Denmarke, (being a Gentleman of a noble Family, & member of our Parliament,) to treat with him as our Embassader, about an affair that concernes the felicity and prosperity of the peace of Christendome. And have, among other things, directed him to visit and salute (in his way shither) your in our name, and make mention of our former kindness and most constant affection. And desire that your Authority may be employed to secure and [...] his Journey thrô your Country. In which your Highness will oblige us and ours in a more speciall manner to suitable Returnes.

From our Court at Whitehall August An. Dom. 1657.

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OLIVER, Protector of the Republ. of England, &c. To the most Serene Prince Ferdinando, Great Duke of Toskany.

Most Serene great Duke, Dearest Friend.

APplication has been made unto us by petition, in the names of severall Merchants tradeing to the Levant Seas, setting forth, that one William Ellis master of a certain shipp called the Little L [...]wis being by an Otoman Peere hired in the [...] of Alexandria, to carry Rice, Suggars with other comodities thence [...] Constantinople or Smirna, there to be disposed of to his directions; the said person withdrew from the [...] fleet, and, contrary to his Trust, [...] the said [...] to Livorne: where he disposes of it as prized Goods. Which misbehaviour as it is of utmost [...] example, of great infamy to the name of Christians, and a passage that may expose the fortunes of such English Merchants as live in the Ottoman Empire, to Reprizall. Wee desire that your Highnese woud Issue your Comands for the apprehension and laying up of the said perfon, secureing (in the mean time) the said shipp and Goods, till intimation be transm [...]tted hence to the said Ottoman Prince of the care taken of the Re [...]titution of his said Goods. Promiseing that if your Excellency shall happen to need the like from us, in any Instance of this kind, we shall be as ready to answer it, as we are now to aske.

From our Court at Westminster, An Dom. 1657.

Your Highness's most affectionatly, OLIVER, Protector of England, &c.

OLIVER, Protector of the Republ. of England, &c. To the most Serene Prince and Lord, the Lord Frederick William, Duke of Brandeburgh, &c.

Most Serene Prince, Friend, and dearest Conf [...]derate,

OUR last to Your Highnesse by William Jepson, who either already has, or soone may deliver'em, will shew you what errand we have sent him upon; and how that we could not have done the same without [Page] doing you the Justice of inserting som mentions of your vertues, and the affection we bear you. But to prevent any mans thinking, that our notice of these great obligations of yours conferr'd upon the Protestant Interest, and celebrated as such in the Report of all Men, is the slight effect of ordinary Custome; we must [...]ay hold upon the same argument now, where, tho we cannot be more sincere, yet a little more large we have thought fit to be then we have been, in our expressions towards Your Serenity. And not without cause truly, considering that we are dayly told, that notvvithstanding all the attempts, that are made upon you by the supple address of Trick and artifices, yet your constancy and loyalty is found to give no way, nor be perswaded to part from the friendship of a most couragious King and Confeder [...]t; and that at a time, when the condition of Sweedland is such, as that it is manifest, that your regard to the welfare of the Protestant Religion in general, is the onely inducement that keepes you to their Society, and no privat end of your owne: As also when hem'd in, and, as it were, besieged by private as well as publick enemy, peeping from every Corner: to continue neverthelesse that steddynesse and comanding-vertue, as that the Judgment of the whole matter & the Issue of this very great Warr seeme to acquiesce in whatever your shall determine. Wherefore your Highnesse has no re [...]son to question, but promise it sel [...]e any thing that may be expected from our friendshipp; who woud arraign our selfe of all Delinquency, if we did seeme to entertaine cheaper thoug [...] of your fidelity, constancy, and other Merits, or seeme less in our acknowledgments to your particular Government upon the comon account o [...] Religion. As to the delay met with by John Frederick [...] your Councellour and Embassadour here, and our respitting hitherto that reply which, according to our inclinations, we ought to have made to his proposalls, we pray that our Highnesse woud impute the same to the condition [...] our affaires, and not the said person, whose Industry and diligence act and contend for it; and rest assured, that we looke upon nothing more dear or desireable, then to be serviceable and assisting to your affaires so inseperable from the Intrest of the Protestant Religion. Wee, in the mean time, pray in our prayers to to the most Great and Omnipotent God, that your apparent vertue and courage may never saile, fall under oppression, or misse of its due reward and praise.

From onr Court at Westminster September An. Dom. 1657.

Your Highnes's most affectionately OLIVER, Protector of England, &c.

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To the most Excellent Lord, Monsieur de Bourdeux, Embassadour extraordinary from his most Serene Majesty the King of France.

Most Excellent Sir,

THE most Serene Lord Protector has had a demand, made upon him by Luke Lucius' Merchant of London, concerning a Ship of his, called the Maria, which, in her way between Ireland and Bajone, (being by distress of weather forced into a place called the Bay of divi Johannis de Luce,) was there retain'd and arrested in the name of one Martine de Lawson; nor to be discharged, till satisfied by his Merchant Correspondents, and the propriety of the said Ship and Goods decided by a law-suit to be comenced between them and the said Martin. The said Martin pretending to a considerable debt due from the Parliament of England upon the account of some Goods of his, which were laid hold o [...], pursuant to the authority of Parliament Anno 1642. But whereas it is manifest that the said Martin had nothing to doe with the propriety of the said Goods, but sollicited the Right of two Persons Richald and Triat, against one Anthony Fernand, and the said Anthony and Martine at variance among themselves, the Parliament directed that the said Merchandises should be laid up, till the law did determine who of the two had most Right to 'em; the said Anthony, being always ready to goe to Law; whereas; nor Martin, nor any for [...]im has hitherto appeared in Court, as may appear throly in the former proceedings annexed to the humble address of the Petitioner; It is a point of very great Injustice t [...]at the person who denyes to try his pretended Title with Anthony his Collegue, concerning other mens Goods here, shoud be able to force our people and the true Owners too, to the trouble of proveing their Right to their owne Goods there: The most Serene Lord Protector is of opinion, that to be of the same judgment i [...] a thing consistent with your equity and prudence too, by whom I have it in comand to recomend this case of Luke Lucius the petitioner to your Excellency in an Extraordinar namer: that Martin, who neglects to prosecute the Right of another here, be not sufferrd in that restraint to lay hold upon other mens goods [...]here.

Westminster October An. Dom. 1657.

Your Excellencys most affectionatly

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OLIVER, Protector of the Republ. of England, &c. To the most Serene Duke and State of Venice.

Most Serene Duke, and Senat, dearest Friends,

WEE have such frequent Tideings da [...]ly brought us of your happy successe against the Infidels, that nothing happens to be oftener the Subject of our Pen, then to congratulate with you concerning some signall victory or other. Wee wish, that this very last One may prove comfortable and of advantage to your Republicke, & which is of utmost Glory, a Deliverer of all the Christians laboureing under the slavery of the Turke; More particularly of Thomas Galile, formerly Master of a shipp called the Reliefe, whom albeit this is not the first time of our recomending to your Government, yet we do it with so much the more freedome now, by how much we consider the length of his Captivity, being now the fifth year: When you comanded him and shipp into the service of Your Rebublick, he did, in an engagement with many Gally's belonging to the Enemy, depresse some, and comitted a great Massacre among others; He was at length (the good Man) taken, his ship burnt, after the good service he did the Venetians, and lives now in the fifth year of his Captivity under the slavery of Barbary: He has nothing left to pay his Ransom; for whatever there was either in goods, shipp, or sallary, he says it remains yet due from Your Government. But, that meanes may not be wanting for his Redemption; ( [...]et the Enemy say they I part with him upon no other Termes, then in exchange of one of theirs of an equivalent price.) We earnestly desire your's, and the serenity of the Senat, jointly, (as doth the most miserable antient Man his father, pregnant with griefe aud yeares, which have truly engaged us in his behalfe) that you wound, as soone as may be, out of the multitude of Turkish Prisoners, which so many prosperous battells must have furnished you with, pick out some person which they may accept of, in exchange of one, who has fought so well for you, and is the onely son of the most afflicted old man as well as our Subject. And thereupon see that, whatever appeares due unto him from your Government upon the account of wages or otherwise, be forth with paid unto either his father, or atturney. Our former interposition, or rather your owne Justice has induced you, upon a former inspection made into this matter, and examination of accounts, [Page] to order the imediat [...] of what was his due: but no payment has pursued that direction, the intervention of other urgent considerations haveing possibly prevented it. Now the poor man's health can bear with no further delay. You must, if you desire he may live, endeavour to discharge him forthwith out of the filthy sestraint of imprisonment. We are confident that your own most naturall inclination will (without any importunity of ours) prompt you to his speedy enlargement: considering that, in justice, moderation, and prudence, you are no less considerable and flourishiug, then in glory and warlike Tryumphs. And that you may long continue therein in prejudice of your most iminent Enemy, is the content of our supplications to the Omnipotent Greatest God.

From our Court at Westminster October An. Dom. 1657.

Your Highnsse's most affectionally OLIVER, Protector of the Republick of England, &c.

OLIVER, Protector of the Republ. of England, &c. To the High and Mighty States of Holland. S. P. D.

High and Mighty States, Friends, and dearest Consederates,

WIllam Newport, that very worthy Person, who for some yeares past, attended here as your Embassadour Extraordinary, brings you this upon his returne home: But goes with your permission onely, leaveing us, in the mean time, under hopes of his returne hither quickly again. His conversation, while here, has been accompanyed wi [...]h so much faithfulnes, vigilance, prudence and Justice, as that we woud not, nor can expectmore vertue & integrity (in all respects) from an Embassadour, and a very good Man, so addicted was he to the study and practice of manteining a fair understanding, (void of all deceit and fraude) between us, as that dureing his continuance among us under that Character, we cou'd not see any thing of offence or jealousy that cou'd arise or spring up among us: And truly we wou'd have been much more troubled at his departure (as things seem now to stand) were we not very assur'd, that none being better, or that with more faithfulness can represent the General [Page] State of our affaires, or the sincerity of the love and affection, we bear your Excellency, will force his returne hither a gain. Wherefore wee pray that you wou'd please to receive him both as a Person, who in all circumstances, has done both our governments extraordinary good service: and dismissed him, (tho as) such almost against our will, accompanyed with the most genuin' Testimony of our thought of him. God prosper your affaires, in subserviency to his owne Glory, the defence of the true Protestant Religion, and perseverance of friendshipp.

From our Court at Westminster, Nomember, Anno Dom. 1657.

Your Highnesses most affectionatly, OLIVER, Protector of England, &c.

OLIVER, Protector of the Republ. of England, &c. To the High and Mighty Lords, the States Generall of the United Provinces.

High and Mighty Lords; Friends, and dearest Confederates,

WEE have (in consideration of the long and clear experience had of his fidelity in several affaires, uprightness, and knowledge) sent you George Downing, Gentleman, under the Character of our Envoy, and furnished him with ample directions accordingly. We therefore pray that you wou'd, according to your wont, receive him kindly, and give credit to what he shall say; as often as he shall signify his haveing ougt to be (in our name) comunicated to Your Excellency; and likewise comit to him with as little distrust, as if it were to ourselves, whatever you wou'd have imparted unto us. What we have to add, is fervently to wish you all prosperity, in subserviency to t [...] Glory of God, and the keeping up of the Church.

From our Court at Westminster, December 1656.

Yours Highnesse's most affectionatly OLIVER, Protector of England, &c.

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To the States of Holland.

Wher [...]as such is the correspondence between this Republick and Yours, and such is the mutuall Trasficq, that unless an Envoy or Agent be sent hither thence, or hence thither, matters of that great importance to t [...]e advantage of both Nations, canot be so conveniently carryed on. We have, in pursuance of comon Custome, determin'd upon the sending you under that Character, George Downing Gentleman, a Person whom, in the discharge of many and various former Trusts, we found of great faithfullnesse integrity and knowledge; To continue there in our name, and spend his time in such offices, as may seem most conduceing to the inviolable preservation and continuance of our alliance. Haveing comunicated these things in writeing to the High and Mighty States, we have thought it requisit to do the like to you also, (who in your Province bear so great a part of the government, and are so considerable a limb of the States of Holland) to the end you might receive our Envoy with all convenient decency. And assure yourselves that what ever he treates with the States Generall about, or conclude we shall stand thereto as imoveable and steddy, as if we our selves were personally present there at. God direct all your Councils and Actions to his owne Glory, and the Repose of the Church.

Westminster, &c. Deeember, 1657.

OLIVER, Protector of the Republ. of England, &c. To the most Serene Prince Ferdinando, Great Duke of Toskany.

Most Serene Great Duke, much to be honoured Friend.

YOur Highness▪s Letter of the 10. of November from Florence, has added considerably to our delight, in that the contents thereof shew much of your affection towards us, and that in a nature so extraordinary, as to [...] the true Image o [...] a sincere mind: Your Excellency writes of it [...] haveing, with all imaginable care (we understand) performed our Request, [Page] which sollicited, that you woud [...]ssue forth your comands for the appre [...]ending of Wiliam Ellis Master of the ship called the Little Lewis (who very dirtily broake his word to the Turcks) and stopping in port the said shipp and Goods, till the Turcks had restitution made them, to prev [...]nt any disgrace that might ari [...]e from such Theft to the reputation of Christianity. Wee therefore both thanke you for this kindnesse, and withall desire this; that in regard thè Merchants undertooke to satisfy the Turkes, you forthwith discharge the said Master, shipp, and Goods; least we shoud seem to take more care of the concernes of Infidels, then those of our owne people. Your Highness es affection has been (in the mean time) so apparent, so [...], and so acceptable unto us, that to deferr our wishes of being supplyed with an occasion of makeing you suitable Returnes, were to own the stain of being reputed ungratefull persons▪ and whereby we might also demonstrate our dispofition of mind in the ready returne of our effectuall acknowledgments.

From our Court at Westminster December An. Dom. 1657.

Your Highness's most affectionately OLIVER, Protector of the Republick of England, &c.

OLIVER, Protector of the Republ. of England, &c. To the most Serene and Potent Prince, Charles Gustavus King of Sweedland, &c.

Most Serene, &c.

YOur Majesties Letter of the 21. of February from your Court at Selandia, came pregnant with matter enough to fill us with satis [...]action of no small degree, in reference as well to our own private, as the concerne of the intire welfare of Christendome: First that the King of Denmarck, (to gratify I believe no private Inclination or end of his owne, but driven into hostility, rather by the artifice of the comon Enemy) shoud be, upon your entry into the bowles of his Countr [...], suddainly so reduced, and that without much blood, (that as the case stood) he judged his takeing up of armes against you, might be ameanes of his atteining at length to a more advantagious peace: Next concluding that the onely means of [Page] accomplishing such a peace, was to make use of our interposition if he coud obteine it; that your Majesty, prevailed upon at the single [...]nstance of our Envoy in his letter, shoud, in so easy a condescention, shew what value it had for the interposition of our friendshipp and Intrest: and to have been pleased to lodge my endeavour in the front of so pious aworke; so as to become the main Instrument and author my sel [...]e of a peace so promiseing as this (I hope) may be to the Protestant Intrest. For whereas the Enemys of Religion dispaired of disuniteing yours, by any other meanes then that of setting you by the Eares among your selves, they must now certainly have reason to apprehend▪ that this suddain conjunction of your forces, and of your minds (we hope) may turne to the destruction of the kindlers of this Warr; Go on in the mean time, (most valiant King) in prosperity, and see that the Enemys of the Church smart now (thro Gods help) under the weight of that felicity, which they lately admired in your exploits and stream of victories, against a King now your friend.

OLIVER, Protector of the Republ. of England, &c. To the most Serene Prince Ferdinando, Great Duke of Toskany.

Most Serene Prince.

OUr answer to your Envoy here, may, we suppose, prove of satisfaction to your Highnes, concerning the Comander in chiefe of our fleet lately arrived in your Roade. Wee have been in the mean time) petitioned unto by John Hosier a Londoner, and Master of a certain vessell called the Mistriss, wherein he says, that, haveing in the Month of Aprill 1656 comited by charter party his shipp to one Joseph Harman an Italian. and finding that the said Italian apparently broake the Termes of the said Charter party, was forc't, (to prevent the losse of ship, goods and adventure, to call him to Justice at Livorn [...], haveing previous thereto published, (according to the custome of Merchants in like cases) and recorded the Cheat. But that he, to back one fraud by another, seized (by a feign'd attach'ment) upon six thousand Pieces of eight of one Mr Thomas C [...]atterbuck money in the name of the Petitioner, having (to promote the design) drawen in, two other litigious fellowes: That he, after the expence of much money and time, [...] not attain [Page] to justice at Livorne; nor indeed dared to appear at that Court, for [...] of the threatenings and snares [...]aid for him by his adversaryes. Wee therefore pray Your Highness to be pleased to lend your help to this Petitioner thus oppressed, and, according to your wonted custome, checque the artifice of his adver [...]aries: For it totally defeates the d [...]signe of such Lawes as the authority of Princes confines Corporations unto, if what violence and injury, for want of the force of a Law, canot doe, terror and Threatenings must supply the place of, to keepe the Lawes from being appealed unto. Yet we do not doubt but that Your Highnesse whom the Almighty and most High God blesse with Peace & Prosperity, will order timely reproof to be awarded these methods of presumption.

Dated at Westminster 7. April, Anno Dom. 1658.

To the most Serene and potent Prince Levis, King of France.

Most Serene and potent King, Friend, and a [...]gust Confederate,

YOur Majesty may call to mind, that when we treated about renew [...]ning of the league, (the fortunately laid fundation of which has proved the spring, whence arose so many advantages to both Parties concern▪d, as well as expose the comon enemy to [...] [...]) that miserable Massacre befell at Piedmont; whose cause ( [...] and afflicted on all hands) we did, with great [...] and [...] of mind, recomend to your pity and Reliefe. Nor do we thinke that Your Majesty has, as far as concernes your own particular, been wanting to a worke of that piety; yea so human, as not to have employed the extent of what you ought to have of favour or intrest, with the Duke of Savoy. Our interposition by Embassyes, Letters, and Prayers has, in imitation of other many Princes and Corporations, not been wanting. After the execution of a most bloody Massacre upon both Sexes of all ages, a peace is at length given, or rather a secret kind of hostility, wrapt up and laid under the vizard of a seeming peace: The Conditions of this peace are brought to your Towne of [...], yea those hard Ones, but such, as those wretched and needy people (tired out with all imaginable hardship and cruelty) wou'd gladly have condescended unto, as hard and unjust as they were, provided they were stood unto; [Page] [...] the Faith of every single one of 'em is eluded and violated, under false constructions & quibleing equivocations; many being thrown out of their [...] habitations; prohibited the exercise of the Religion of their Forefathers; new Taxes exacted; new yokes clapt to their Necks; to that degree, that such as happen to fall in the way of the Soldiers, (who often [...]ally out upon 'em) are either robb'd or murther'd. To which, add the new Levyes lately and secretly raised against 'em; and such of 'em as are Roman Catholicques comanded to stepp out of the way within a certain time limitted; so that all things seem now a fresh to threaten the Ruine and Destruction of those few, which the last Massacre left undispacht. Which I beseech and pray, tha [...] by that Right hand of Yours (most Christian King) which has confirmed the League and Alliance with us, by the most holy reputation of that most Christian Title, you will not suffer to be carryed on, nor give countenanceto (I do not mean any Prince for no Prince, much lesse one of his tender yeares and motherly Spirit, can entertain so much▪ Tyrany, but those most sanctified Murtherers) to the promotions of so much li [...]entious Tyrany; The persons concern'd, [...] they pretend to act as servants and Pursuers of the [...] [...] our saviour Christ, who came into the mansion of flesh to becom a sacrifice for the sins of mankind▪) a buseing his most meeke name and Lawes in the cruel murther of the [...]. Releive, (you that can, and who, in such a case, are worthy of the power) so many humble petitioners of yours out of the [...] of Men - Bu [...]chers, who lately drunk with Blood, woud [...] [...] thirst with the same liquor; and who judge it very aduiseable to charge the effect of their cruelty, to the account of Princes. But do not you [...] your Titles, or the hem's of your Kingdome▪ nor the most [...] Gospell of Christ to be (while you reigne▪) [...] with that envy or cruelty. Remember, that these very People, in the time of Your [...] King He [...]ry, a great Friend of the Protesta [...]ts, [...] a submissive People; and Promoters of the entrance of Digvierius, when he, thro the most accessible places o [...] Italy, victoriously invaded the yeeldieg People of Savoy, over the Alpes▪ The instrument containing that submission remains yet extant among the Record [...] of Your Kingdome; wherein it is, among other things, excepted and provided for, that the Protestants about the [...] shou'd not [...]e yeelded to Any, except it were under the Tea [...]mes which Your most invincible Father received em upon, into his allegeance.

This they now lay claime to▪ they humbly require a Grandfather from [Page] You his Nephew: They woud wish that, if by any exchange it might be done, they might be come yours, rather then remain his, whose Subject [...] they now are. Which if it canot be; you may lawfully become a harbour (at least) comfort, & refuge unto 'em. There are some Intreagues of State, which may render it adviseable for you, not to reject the revolt of the Protestants of Piedmont to you; But I woud not, considering the greatness of such a King as you are, propose any other inducement to invite you to the defense of the Calamitous, different from the engagements of your Predecesser's piety, Royall benignity, & Greatnesse of Spirit: So that the praise and Glory of a most noble deed will be uncomunicably and intirely your ovvn, and you your selfe find, that the father of Mercy, and his son Christ, King, whose name and doctrine you will thereby vindicate from all wicked cruelty, will so much the more favour and prosper the remaining part of all your life time. The Omnipotent most Great God inspire Your Majesty with this inclination, for the service of his owne Glory, the salvation of so many most inocent Christians now at stake, and your own reputation.

Dated at Westminster May 1658.

To the Evangelicall Cantons of Switzerland.

WEe have judge it an unnecessary worke, to write you about matters, which (you your selves knowing better byfarr then we) we abhor in our Soules to remember▪ & that out of detestation to the barbarity of the things themselves, imposed upon your most afflicted Neighbours the Protestants of Savoy▪ and the intollerable persecutions which their own Prince has exposed 'em to, upon the account of their Religion. Wee have also seen a copy of the Letter, which your Embassadours, sollicitours and other persons present at the late Peace at Pinaroll, writ to the Duke of Savoy; and the Praesident of his—Councill, wherein they shew, & evince, that all the conditions of peace (broke, as soon as made) tended ratherto amus & impose upon the poore people, then provide in any sense for their security. The violation of which, following upon the veryheeles of the grant of the peace, is to this day continued, & their su [...]ferings likely to grow worse. If they do not submit patiently, if they do not prostrate & cast themselves downright, to be kicked, & have the Dirt strained thrô their bodies, & forsake [Page] their Religion the same calamity still hang's over their heads, the same Massacre, which has raced & afflicted them, their wives & children most lamentably, but three yeares a goe, is still in view & which if they undergo again, will destroy 'em stock and branch. What will you have the Wretches doe? on whose behalfe no prayers can prevaile, no Ease can be had, no Refuge yet open for; they have to do with wild beasts and Furyes, whom the memory of former slaughters canot call to the grace of Repentance, nor pitty towards their Countrymen, quench their Thirst of shedding inocent blood. These things are not, in plain Termes, to be boarn vvith, if we either bear any love to the safety of our Brethren, so an [...]ient adherers to the Orthodox Religion, or if we tender the safety of Religion it selfe. Wee have, albeit at this great distance, already done it, & shall not forbear our cordiall supplying, of what we can, either of help or subsistence towards their Reliefe. You that are, not onely within call of the Groanes & clamours of your Brethren, but also stand in the mouth of their Enemyes fury, looke about you, in the name of the Imortal God, and see timelily what you ought to do on your part, Advise with your owne prudence, piety and courage, and consider what you can, or ought to contribut of help or protection towards the support of your perishing neighbours and Brethren. You may certainly assure your selves that the very same Enemy woud, for the very same reason, (being Religion) rejoyce at your destruction too; yea consume your confederates in the flames of an [...] warr the very same time of the a [...]oresaid year. The power, next to God, seemes to remain in your hand, of preventing the ultimat decay of the reformed Religion, in the ashes of that remaining scantleing of antient fidelity▪ vvhom if you novv neglect in the height of their distresse, take care that the next Turne prove not your ovvne, & that in little time. While vve are employing our selves in the promoteing of these persvvasions, as Brethren and plaine Dealers, they languish: What vve can do at this great distance tovvards the purchase of the safety of the afflicted, as vvell as easeing the vvant of the needy; vve have, and shall do all vve can. God provide us both that tranquility and peace at home, and put our affaires in such a conditiou of settlement, as that vve may employ all our povver and strength and affection for the d [...]fence of his Church against the fury and Rage of the Enemy.

Dated at Westminster May An. Dom. 1658.

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To his Eminency Cardinall Mazarine greeting.

Most Eminent Sir.

THe inclosed to his Royall Majesty, as well as the other to your Eminency, are the effects of the intollerable calamityes and most cruel Massacre lately exercised by the Duke of Savoy upon such of his Subjects, as professe the Protestant Religion, And albeit I canot judge so uncharitably, as not to believe, that to a most Glorious King such barbarous proceedings, of destroying the Inocency and helpesnesse of people, must imply much displeasure and offence, yet I am of opinion that what I move about, on behalfe of their condition (which is miserable) may not misse of your furtherance & favour towards the procureing of its end; [...]t being a very plain thing that nothing can goe further towards the establishing a good opinion of France in the harts of her Protestant neighbours abroad, then to assert, the grant of the Liberty and Priviledges settled upon 'em by the publick acts of former times. And truly this was (among other considerations) a Maine One, to induce this Republicke to engage in an Alliance and League with France▪ Previous to the establishment of which his Majesties Embassadour has sollicitted here for a considerable time, and things seem now to draw towards a conclusion. The singular sincerity & moderation, which in the conduct of the considerable concernes of the Kingdome, you have testified to the Protestants of France, doth truly induce me to hope for, and rely upon this; and from which, a bottome will be also laid by your Excellency [...]or the raiseing an alliance upon of stricter friendshipp between England and France, and oblige me in particular to the makeing all imaginable Returnes of friendshipp and kindnes: and woud have your Excellency think soe.

Your Eminency's most affectionately

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OLIVER, Protector of the Republ. of England, &c. To the most Serene and Potent Prince, Lewis King of France.

Most Serene and Potent King, Friend, and August Confederat.

ALbeit the affability of his society coud scarce suffer me to give way to the departure of Thomas Vicount Falkonbridge my Son in Law, who, bent upon a present Visit into France, desired to beenabled to testify the duty and reuerence he beares your Majesty, by haveing a view of, and kissing your Royall hand; yet I did not thinke fit to baulke or withstand his said purpose, or decline his request: When I canot doubt but that upon his Returne after little time from the Court of so great a King, where the conversation of so many very prudent and valiant men is to be had, he may come back better instructed, and as it were, perfected in all manner of good accomplishments, And albeit he is, if I mistake not, one who carries his owne Recomendation wherever he goes, yet if he finds himselfe the more so, upon my account, I shall reckon the favour done my selfe. God preserve your Majestys safety, and long continue our friendshipp steddy for the Comon Good of all Europe.

Dated at our Court at Westminster May An. Dom. 1651.

OLIVER, Protector of the Republ. of England, &c. To His Eminency Cardinall Mazarine.

Most eminent Lord.

HAveing recomended Thomas Vicount Falconbridge my Son in Law▪ now bound for France, to the most Serene King, I coud not decline [...]omunicateing the knowledge thereof, with a repetition of the like trouble to your Excellency, as being unignorant of the weight and moment the same May be of to the former one. The benefit which he proposes to himselfe from his stay among you (and he hopes this may be no small one) he canot but own the most part of to your favour and kindnesse; whose Judgment and vigilance alone beare so great a share in the Goverment of that Kingdome. What ever kindness your Eminency will please to shew him, reckon it to my account; who shall add it to the ma [...] [Page] other Instanc [...]s of friendshipp which you have been curteously and amicably concern'd in upon my account.

Dated at Westminster May An. Dom. 1658.

OLIVER, Protector of the Republ. of England, &c. To His Eminency Cardinall Mazarine▪

Most Eminent Lord.

HAveing sent a very worthy Gentleman Thomas Bellasis Vicount Faulcounbridge my Son in Law, to compliment the most Serene King upon his arrivall at Dunkirke; I comanded him to attend upon, and salute your Eminency in my name, and thanke you, as the person to whose fidelity, prudence, and vigilance alone, the affaires [...] France in divers places, and in the neighbour hood of flanders, more especially ovv their prosperity against the [...] Enemy the Spaniard; whom I hope, open & prepared force may soon bring to a Reckoning for his fraudulent & underhand dealings▪ wherein consisted much of his defence: Towards the speedy promotion of which, our Prayer and Pikes shall not, as farr a [...] we are able, be wanting.

Dated at Court at Westminster An Dom. 1658.

OLIVER, Protector of the Republ. of England, &c▪ To the most Serene aud Potent Prince Lewis King of France.

Most Serene and Potent King, Friend, and August Confederate.

AS soone ever as I had an account of Your Majestys comeing into the field, and with such a force, to lay a siege to Dunkirke, that infamous Recess for Theeves; I grew much affected thereat, and began to entertain sure apprehensions that little time might, with Gods assistance, render the sea more navigable and less inflected with Rovers, th [...]n it has hitherto been; that Your Majesty woud bring the fraudulent Spaniards to an account for Hesden and Ostend (being both the purchase of corruption and Bribery) by w [...]ning that with your sword, which was Iost thrô [Page] the treachery of ill servants. I therefore send Thomas Vicount Falkonbridge my Son in Law, and a very worthy person, to bidd you, and the approach of your Camp so neeer, welcome; and to let you know personally, how ready are, not onely our wis [...]es, but also our united strength, to testify the affection we bear to t [...]e good successe of your conq [...]ests, and our supplications to the Almighty Great God for your safety, and the long continuance thereof, for the comon good of Christendom and the friendshipp wherein we are now engaged.

Dated at Westminster May An. Dom. 1658.

To the most Serene Prince Ferdinando, Great Duke os Toskany.

Most Serene Great Duke.

THe Purport of all your Highness s former letters haveing invited us into a dependance upon the sincerity of the disposition you bo [...]r us, Wee are troubled to find that the same has been so obscurely signified unto [...]our Governours and publicke Ministers, or soe ill understood, as that in the port of Livorne (where your good Inclinations towards us ought most to be knowne) we canot receive the benefit or Eflect thereof; but the contrary rather; from the Tryalls which we are forced to contend dayly vvith, of animosities and strangness. Wee seem to have more then knovvne the unfriendlynesse, vvith vvhich those of Livo [...]ne lately treated our Fleet, how little help or supply it cou'd receive, and fin [...]lly with what hostility entertained, and how it was forc't [...]o quit that Port, (as the Testimony of several credible wiltnesses belonging to that place makes appear, as well as that of the Comander in chiefe of the Fleet, whom as we have intrusted therewith, we canot den [...] beliefe unto in this point) Upon his first arrival & the delivery of our Letters to Your Highnessse about the Calends of [...], your Promises of all Friendship and good Offices passed to our Men, were very large. When, praying the liberty of makeing use of the conveniency of Port Ferara, the following Reply was given; that the same cou'd not be granted least the King of Spaine (our Enemy) shoud be offended at it forsooth. And yet what is it that a friendly Prince is more usual in the grant of to his Neighbours, then the liberty of his Port and shore? What is it that we can propose of advantage [Page] from such a Friendship, which, rather then offend our Enemys shall be found ready er to incomode, then act the contrary, or supply, us in the least of our necessities? And more particularly, that out of every of our Ships, there were not above two or three suffer'd to goe a shore and that conditionally too, videlicet Praticque; That as soone ever as the Towne understood and had notice of our haveing intercepted a Dutch Vessel design'd for Sapine with a supply of Corne, there was present admittance. Mr Longland, President to our Factory there, was denyed the Liberty of going a board our Fleet: Fresh Water, which is a comodity free for the use of all Nations, that are not dovvne right Enemys, vve cou'd not obtaine, but at an ext [...]aordinary price, and that under the difficulty of a Guard too: So many of our Merchants, vvhose Residence there is of no small advantage to your Country, are forbid to visit or help their Countrymen vvith any thing: Upon the approach of our Fleet about the latter end of March last, none were suffer'd to go a shore: Five days a [...]ter; vvhen by chance one of our Men of vvarr [...]ell fo vvl of a little inconsiderable Boat belonging to the States of Venice, and tooke her▪ your City tooke it in such a Dudgeon I warrant you as to have accosted us vvith tvvo hundred Guns, or thereabouts, tho vvithout damage, vvhat ever they intended. Which argues how farr into the sea from the reach of your Castle and the privilege of your Port these things were comitted which you woud causlely pretend to be an incroachment upon the priviledge of [...] port. For presently our Waterboates (then a shore) vvere set upon before your doores, one taken & detained, and vvhen demanded that vvithout restitution of the said Naple's boot, notwitstanding the justifiableness of her capture, considering vvhere it happen'd; nor men [...] boate were to be parted with, so that our People were [...] at last, to rest contended under their losses, and pack away without carrying along what they so dearly paid for.

If all these things were, (as we hope they were) committed without the consent or comand of Your Highnesse, we desire that you shew it in the punishment of that Governour, who made so slight a matter of [...] [...]is masters [...]. But if otherwise, and that you were privy to it, thinke that as we alwayes valued your friendship at an extraordinary Rate, so we have learn'd the lesson of distinguishing between kindnesses, and open Injuries. Iam. &c.

Dated at our Court at Westminster, May, An. Dom. 16 [...]8.

Your Friend as far as I may, OLIVER, Protector of England, &c.

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OLIVER, Protector of the Republ. of England, &c. To the most Serene and potent Prince, L [...]vis King of France.

Most Serene and potent King, Friend, and august Confederate,

THE double amends made me by the quickness by Your Majesty's so Illustrious an Embassy, as it has testified your singular goodness and Grandeur of mind, so it has laid open not onely to me, but all England also, the height of the regard you bear to my honour and dignity: For which I do, in theirs and my ovvne name (render a [...] I ought,) you very great thanks. I wish you Joy of that signall victory, which God and our aid has blessed you with over your Enemy, and looke upon it as a thing of utmost acceptance to us, to find that our people have not, in that battle, been wanting to your help, the warlike Glory of their Ancessors, nor their owne former valour. As to Dunkirk and the hopes your write to be under, of haveing it soone surrendered; it adds to my content to be able to take notice in writeing so soone of its capture: Hopeing vvithall that the double fraud of the Spaniard may be punished beyond the loss of a single Citty; that the takeing of another Citty may furnish your Majesty with an occasion of being as quick in your Reply hereto concerning the takeing of another. As to what you add of your Intentions towards my concernes, that is a thing I no was distrust, as haveing the word of so good a King confirmed by so worthy a Noble ma [...] as Captain Crequi's your Envoy for it; And do wish that the Almighty High God may endow your Majesty, and the Affaires of France with prosperity both at home and abroad.

Dated at Westminster Jun. An. Dom. 1685.

OLIVER, Protector of the Republ. of England, &c. To his Eminency Cardinall Mazarine.

Most Eminent Sir.

IN the comunication of my acnowledgments to the most Serene King by Letter, (who, to give me the honour of a salute, and an account [Page] of his late most noble victory d [...]spatcht hither a most splendid Embassy) I shoud own the guilt of Ingratitude, if I failed in [...] your Eminency mutuall payment of my acknowledgment in the same Met [...]od, who▪ to testify your good disposition towards me, and st [...]dy of doing me all the honour lying within your power, have sent your nephew, a ve [...]y worthy exquisit Gentleman, adding that if you had a neerer relation, or whom you esteem'd more, you would not fail of [...]aveing sent him to choose. To which consideration adding also, that the comei [...]g under the approveal of the judgment of so [...] a man, is a thing which I deeme for no small honour, or ornament unto me; namely that the nearest of your relations, shoud, in the payment of their resp [...]cts and kindnes to me, follow the patterne of your Excellency: They may (its probable) looke upon this example of your worthynes, Candor and friendshipp in loveing of me, as none o the least; others they may find in you, which for great vertue and prudence, are farr fitter to be imitated, as leading to the knowledge o [...] Governing and managei [...]g the Reins of State affaires. Your Eminencie's long and happy conduct of which, the comon Good of the Kingdome of France, the intire Christian Republick, and your owne reputation, are instances vvhich vve vvish all happyness unto.

From our Court of Westminster June An. Dom. 16 [...]8.

Your Eminency's most affectionately.

OLIVER, Protector of the Republ. of England, &c. To the most Serene and Potent Prince Charles Gustavus King of Sweedland, &c.

Most Ssrene and Potent King, Friend and dearest Confed [...]rate▪

AS often as the councels and various artifices of the comon Enemy of Religion come under our deliberation, soe often do vvee enter into a consultation vvith our selves, and calculate hovv necessary and hovv conduceing to the future vvelfare of the Chri [...]ian vvorld it vvoud be, if the Protestant Princes did among themselves, and more especially your Majesty and this Republick, engage in a very strict alliance, in order to the easy disappointing of the projects of the adversary. The subject of our conversation vvith your Embassadours, ever since first they came hither to treat about this busynesse, has evidenc'd unto'em, hovv ear [...]estly [Page] and painfully have our vvishes been, and withall hovv much it vvoud have ansvverd our aime, if ours, and the Concernes of Sweedland were putt into such a condition and posture, as that the said alliance might be settled under such an establishment, as might answer both partys expecta tions equally, and enable'em to be in a capacity of supplying each other with timely help upon any emergent occasion. Nor were they wanting on their parts, who exercised that prudence and dilligence in this, which they usually observed in all the rest of their sollicitations. But we have been soe taken up in looking a [...]ter the Treachery of some insolent people at home, (who tho often forgiven, yet imbark upon new attempts and desist not in conjunction of Rebells (and those Spaniards too) to venture upon Resolutions wherein they were often shaken & defeated) that, employed in removeing of Domestick dangers, we coud not hitherto apply that care (which vve wished we might) or intire help to the comon defence of Religion. Yet what we coud have done, we have (as farr as we were able) carefully perform'd before, and if vve are apprehended capable of conduceing Ought, that may be thought of future service to Your Majesties affaires, vve shall be not onely vvilling, but also ready to joyne vvith you to the utmost, upon any occasion in the promotion of it. Wee do (in the mean time) congratulate, and from our hearts vvish you Joy in your most prudently and resolutely managed enterprizes: and continue our constant prayers to God, that he vvoud be pleased to enable your course of felicity and victory to be permanent to the service of his Glory.

Dated at our Court at Westminster June An. Dom. 1658.

OLIVER, Protector of the Republ. of England, &c. To the most Serene Prince, the King of Portugal.

Most Serene King, Friend, and Confederate,

JOhn Buffield of London, Marchant complains of his haveing deliver'd in the Year 1649. certain Comodities to Antony Jones & Manuel Ferdinand [...]astaneo of Tamarin, to be by them disposed of by sale, and to be, accordi [...]g to the custome among [...], accounted for with him: That Fallin [...], in his way to England, into the hands of Pirats, and sufficiently damaged; the said Anthony and Manuel, upon an account had thereof, [Page] and beleeveing that he was dead, looked upon the said Goods as their owne, and accordingly retaine 'em hitherto, denying to come to any account for 'em; And subsequent to this fraud, exposed the said English Goods to open sale; the better to paliate their designe: Of his being himselfe forc't at length to repair in the depth of last Winter to Portugal to challenge his owne; but in vaine; for that he cou'd not prevaile with these Persons to returne him either Goods, or Money; But found them (which is to be wondered at) justifying the private possession of these Goods, with the pretence of their being the result of a publick sale: Being a stranger, and haveing to do with a People in their owne C [...]untry (which is worse) he appealed to Your Majesty, and humbly petitiond for his Judgement; who is appointed to the decision of differences relating to the English; but was sent back again by Your Majesty to that Court, that had rejected him. Which albeit it is in it selfe an act full of iujustice, yet in regard it is apparent that these Tamiran Merchants have incroached upon the reputation of that publick Edict of yours, in perverting its intent to serve their owne fraudulent Ends: It is our earnest request to Your Majesty, that the cause of these Persons, whose afflictions are manifold thro the poverty which they are reduced unto, be wholly referr'd, (as the effect of your Clemency) to the Determination of the proper Judge: Whereby, the unfortuna [...]e may rescue the remainder of theirfortunes out of the hands of such a perfidious society, which (the thing, being apparent and clear) we doubt not of Your Majesties concurring with us in.

Dated at our Court at Westminster, August A. D. 1658.

To the most Serene Prince Leopald, Arch - Duke of Austria, Praesident to Philip, King of Spaine▪ now in Flanders.

Most Serene Sir,

CHarles Harbert, Knt; Petitioned unto us; that haveing directed the transportation of some certain Goods and other houshold stuff out of Holland into Bruges, within your Jurisdiction, to prevent their being taken from him by forme of injustice, is unexpectedly fallen into the hasard of looseing the same; Videlicet by the means of the Earle o [...] Suffolcke, [Page] for whom the P [...]titioner being engaged for the Payment of considerable Sumes of Money, and haveing in the Year 1643. sent out of England the said Goods as a security to the Petitione [...], to answer any de [...]and, which might be made upon him, upon the account of the said obligation: Richard Greenwill, one of the order of Knihthood also, broke in into the place, where they were laid up, seized and keepes'em, in violation of the Termes under which they came into the [...] possession: Under this pretence of Right onely, that there remain'd due [...]o [...] [...] know not what from Theophilus [...]arle of Suffolcke deceased, by vertue of a decree of our Court of Chancry, and th [...]t those Goods, as bein [...] the said E [...]rles, were Subject to the said decree, and therefore ar [...]ested them: Whereas according to our Lawes, the said Earle, who now is, and whose Goods these are, nor is obliged b [...] that decree, nor oug [...]t [...]is Goods to be liable to seisure or restraint upon it's score; as appeares by the Sentence of the said Court herewi [...] sent you, at the request of the said Charles Harbert. We pray your Highnsse to see the said Goods forthwith discharged from all restraint, as well as from the unjust action of the said. Richard Greenwill: in regard it is a thing soe plainly contrary to the Lawes and practice of Nations to give way to the legality of an action in another Land, which in the Land, where the cause of the action originally arose, canot be lawfully allowed of. The Consideration of Justice it selfe, and the reputation which you have abroad of an upright man, has induced us to recomend this cause to your Highnesse. Which if it falls out at any time, that the Right or Concernes of your Sub [...]ects come under debate with us in this kind, assure your sel [...]e of finding u [...] [...] way slack; but rather very r [...]dy to serve you upon all occasions.

Westminster.

Your Highness's most affectionately OLIVER, [...] of the Republick of England, &c▪

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To t [...] High Court of Parliament at Paris.

WEe the Commiss [...]yes of the great Seale of England make it our request [...]o the hig [...] ▪ Court of Parliament at Paris, that it woud be intreated [...]o s [...]e care taken, that Miles, William and Mary Sandys Children of [...] [...] and Ellsabeth soame his wife lately dece [...]sed, English Natives and under age; be at Liberty forthwith to repaire to us hither from Pa [...]is where they now remaine under the Tuition & Guarranty of the said Court: comitting them to the care of James Mowath a Scoth man, and a person of integrity and uprightnesse, to whom we have assign'd this trouble of takeing them thence and bringing of'em hither: engageing that upon any the like occasion or demand, the like Right and Justice shall be by this Court administred in favour of any of the Subjects of France.

LETTERS Written in the Name of RICHARD CROMWEL Protector Upon the death of OLIVER his Father.

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RICHARD, Protector of the Republ. of England, &c. To the most Serene and Potent Prince, Lewis King of France.

Most Serene aud potent King, Friend and Confederate.

WHereas my most Serene Father of Glorious memory Oliver, Protector of the Comonwealth of England haveing, pursuant to the will of Almighty God, departed this li [...]e the 3. of this instant September, I declared his l [...]wfull Successor in the administration of this Goverment, coud not decline, (not without very great griefe and troubie I must confesse) the giveing timely account of a matter of that importance, to Your Majesty, who I am confident ca [...]t, considering your friendly disposition as well towards him as this Republick, conceive any pl [...] at this so sudden an account of his death. It is now become my w [...]ke to invite Your Majesty into such apprehensions of me, as are fitt to be entertain'd of one, who hath nothing more in his thoughts, then a f [...]hfull and constant inclination to the support of that Society and amity, which my iaid most Glorious Father and Your Majesty were concern'd in with each other; and with the same study and affection maintaine and observe the alliances, Resolutions, and Intelligencie wherein he was engaged with you▪ It is my purpose to continue to our Embassadour there, the powe [...] formerly lodged with him. What ever he offers you in our name, accept thereof, I pray, as if tender'd you by our selfe. That that remains, is to tell you that I wish you all happynes.

D [...]ted at our Court at Westminster 5. September 1658.

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To his Eminency Cardinall Mazarine.

Most Eminent Sir.

ALtho nothing coud fall out more to my trouble, then to have an occasion given me of writeing concerning the death of my most Serene and Famous Father, and considering the mutuall esteem which fl [...]wed between your Eminency and him, and that I do not question but t [...]at the death of so faithfull and constant a friend, must affect one so much concern'd in the Government of France as your Eminency is, I have judged it very materiall to accompany the account I sent o [...] this m [...]st fatall bus [...]nesse to the King, wit [...] a Letter to you; and withall to act that that is just, in assureing you of a most sacred per [...]ormance of all those things by me, which my father of most Serene memory has been by agreement obliged to y [...]u to [...]eepe and performe: and take care that tho you may justly lament the l [...]sse of one so much your friend and admi [...]er, you may not misse him as farr forth as may concern the preservation of his promise to you: To the performance of which on your part also, that God may preserve Your Eminency long, and as an [...]nstrument for the promotion of the comon Good of both Nations.

Westminster September 1658.

[...]HARD, Protector of the Republ. of England, &c. To the most Sere [...]e and Potent Prince Charles Gustavus, King of Sweedland, Gothes and Vandals, &c.

Most Serene and p [...]tent King, Friend and Confederate.

WHen I co [...]sider that it is scarce possible for me to follow the patern of my fathers vertu [...]s, without I expres it in a desire of retaining & valuing those Intrests also, which were both the purchase of his valour, and that which [...] judged very adviseable to retaine and cherish, You [...] Ma [...]sty need no [...] q [...]stion whether I understand the incumbency of continueing that study and affection towards you, which my father of most famous memory seems to h [...]ve entertaind. Notwithstanding therefore that I do not, upon my entry upon this G [...]verment and its dignity, find things in such a posture [...] the present, so as to be able to be so quick in an answer to s [...]me heads offe [...]r'd by Your Embass [...]dours, as I woud, [...]et t [...] [Page] continue the League establish▪ by my father with Your Majesty, & enter into another also of stricter Tearins; is a thing I shall very willingly Listen to. And s [...] soone as I have a true state of things as they stand of both sides, shall, as far as concernes me, be alwayes very ready to come to such Resolutions, as shall seem to consist most with the advantage o [...] both Goverments: God, in the mean time, long preserve Your Majesty to his owne Glory, and the defence and protection of the Orthodox Church.

Dated at our Court at Westminster October 1658.

RICHARD, Protector of the Repub. of England, &c. To the most se [...]ene and potent Prince Charles Gustavus. King of Sweedland, Gothes Vandalls, Great Prince of Finland, Duke of Scania, Erthonia, Care [...]ia, Bremen▪ verda, & Vandal, Prince of Russia, Lord of Engria & Wismar, as also Count Pallatin of the Rhine, Bavaria, Julia, Clivia, and Duke of the Mounts.

Most Serene, Potent King, Friend, and Confiderate.

THis brings you an account of my receipt of both Your Majesties Letters, the one by your E [...]vo, and the other transmitted unto us from Mr Philip Meadow our Embassadour. Which denote not onely Your M [...] griefe concerning the death of my most Serene father evident & your opinion of him, but of me also his successor, & your expectations of me And as to my father, nothing can truly add to his future [...], which for nobility or wor [...]h can exceed the praise of so worthy a person; nothing that can portend m [...]re good Luck to my undertakeing of the administration of the Goverment, then to be c [...]ngratulated by so great a Congratulator nothing of an estate tho never so plentiful, coud have adv [...]nced so farr towards the kindleing an ambition of pursueing the v [...]rtue of a father, equall to so considerable a Councellour. As to what you mention concerning the comon safety of Protestancy, and the reasons you offer to draw us into a concurrence of with you, I would have your Majesty believe, that, albeit since my arrivall to this Goverment, the posture of our affaires has been such, as to have taken up and approprinted the Re [...]ult o [...] our dilligence, care and vigilancy to the speciall [Page] consideration o [...] matters at home, yet nothing has been, or is dearer, or more in our purposes, then to employ all meanes tending to the support of that alliance ratify'd in my fathers time with Your Majesty. I have therefore taken care of sending a fleet to the Baltique sea, with such Instrucons, as our Envoy, pursuant to such directions as we [...]ave given him at large relateing thereto, shall communicate to Your Majesty. Whom the Almighty God take care of the safety of, and make [...]ortunate and succesfull in all your undertakeing; in referrence more particularly to the Orthodox faith, for whose defence may he long stand by you.

Dated at our Court at Westminster October 13. 1658.

RICHARD, Protector of the Republ. of England, &c To the most Serene and potent Prince Charles Gustavus King of Sweedland, Gothes, and Vandalls &c.

Most Serene and potent King, Friend and Confederate,

I send Your Majesty the best thing I coud part with, both in w [...]rth and Excellency, I mean Sir George Ascue Knight, a very worthy and noble Gentleman, & a person of long knowledge and Tryed experience not onely in warlike affaires, especially those of the sea, but also inrich'd [...] integrity, Modesty, understanding, and learning, unwelcome upon the account of his most acceptable moralls to none; and, which is above all, now & [...]or some time, under a desire of serveing under Your Majesties [...], so famous every where upon the score of your power in warlike discipline. And woud have Your Majesty thinke, that what ever you please to comit to the care of this man, either of trust or otherwise, wherein faithfulnesse, experience, and courage is requisit to be shewn or exercised, you canot doe it to a more faithfull, stout, or probably skillfull person. As to what I committed to his Trust to be communicated to Your Majesty, let his admittance (I pray) be quick, his audience curteous, and that very weight laid upon what he says, which you woud upon our imediat delivery thereof: shew him such respect withall, as you shall judge convenient to be shewen to a person of his character, &, for his merits, very worthy of our recomendation. That God may blesse [Page] your affaires, and assign them a happy Issue, and that to his owne Glory and the support of the Orthodox Faith.

Dated at our Court at Westminster October 1658.

RICHARD, Protector of the Republ. of England, &c. To the most Serene Prince, Charles Gustavus King of Svveedland, Gothes and Vandals.

Most Serene and potent King, Friend, and confederate.

COmplaint has been made us by Petition, in the name of Samuel Piggot of London Merchant, setting forth; his haveing lately sent two shipps (the one called the Post, Jacob Tidd Master, and the other the Water dog Graband Pieters Master) from London into France. upon the account of Trade; thence to Amsterdam with their loading of salt; thence to Stetin neere Pomerania in the Baltique sea within your jurisdiction, the one in her Ballast, and the other with her freight of salt, loaded at the joint cost of the petitioner and one Peter Hensbergh, who was his Copartener; But that both the said shipps were, as he understands, sett upon and taken by some of your Forces in some part of the said sea, and retain'd; Altho he has (to prevent this mischiefe) sent a Certificate under the seal of the Admiralty Court, with both the said ships, testifying that, [...] the moity of the said herings, the sole propriety of both lay peculiarly in him. Which haveing made clear proof of before us, I [...] desire, that in regard the losse of both the ships canot be without very gre [...] prejudice to the man, and, it may be, the [...] of his whole fortune: Your Majesty wou'd charge and comand your Subjects to discharge the said ships without the least delay of time. God preserve your Majesty long, to the service of his owne glory, and the Protection of the Orthodox Church.

Dated at our Court at Westminster Jan. 27. Ann [...] Dom. 1658.

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RICHARD, Protector of the Republ. of England, &c. To the high and mighty Lords the States of West Friesland. S. D.

High and mighty Lords, Friends and dearest Confederates.

Mary Grindar Widdow has, in her petition to me, made a great complaint against one Thomas Killig rue now a soldier in your service, who to escape the paying of a considerable sum of mony due from him to the petitioner for about eighteen yeares, or being brought to any account either with her, or her atturney by Law, or other tendency to a satisfaction; is said to have petition'd your Highnesses, that he might not be prosecuted by Law upon the score of any debt contracted in England. But if I let your Highnesses see this onely, that shee is a widdow, poore, a mother of many small Children, whose entire support almost this man seemes to endeavour to divert, I shall keepe farr from thinking that I need the use of many arguments with you, who are too wel acquainted with Gods Comands, especially on behalfe of widdowes and Orphanes against oppression; as to imagine your giveing way to the grant of such a fraudulent priviledge: which I am confident you will never allow of.

Dated from our Court at Westminster January 27. 1658.

RICHARD, Protector of the Republ. of England, &c▪ To the most Serene and Potent Prince Lewis, King of France.

Most Serene and Potent King, Friend, and august Confed [...]rate.

WEe have, not without griefe, had and account of some unworthy interruption given, by some ill minded Persons, to the Protestants while in the exercise of their devotion in Province; to that degree, that when complaint was made thereof to the Magistrates at Gratianopoli, whom it lawfully concern'd, they condemn'd the thing as worthy of a severe reproofe: And that the Neighbouring Clergy did thereupon [Page] prevaile with your Majesty to remit the whole matter to the Judgment of your Royall Councill at Paris: W [...]o haveing done nothing hitherto, [...] Churches there, the Protestants more [...], conot peaceably [...] to the exercise of their devotion. Let my earnest desires therefore prevaile with Your Majesty, first that they, whose prayers sacrificed for your [...], and the prosperity of your Kingdome, were not rejected, their publick meetings to pray be not prohibitted: Next that the Disturber of Gods peace be, pursuant to their judgment, to whom alone belongs the law [...]ll and usual cognisance of such Cases at Gratianopoli, accounted with, Long and peaceable may God render Your Majestys days; And that if these our desires prove acceptable and judged (by you) of service to God, you declare them as such, by removeing that prohibition from off the Protestants Churchs, and laying a speedy injunction to have the same repealed,

Dated at Westminster February 18. An. 1658.

To his Eminency Cardinall Mazarine.

Most Eminent Mr Cardinall.

THe most illustrious Lady Richmond, widdow of the Duke of Richmond lately deceased, designes with her yong son, to visit and [...] [...] small stay in France. My earnest request therefore to Your Eminency is, that, if they chance to need, in any instance, you [...] [...], favour, o [...] help as strangers, you woud please to exercise that regard to their quality consisting with your wont in instances of extraordinary comendations; So as to let them see, that as farr as the usuall dispensation of your curtesys to all persons coud be render'd more then ordinary, our Letters were able to do it: and rest assured in this, that if an [...] comendation from your Eminency doe seem to call for any thing of this kind at my hands, my allowance thereof may be noe less depended upon.

Westminster February 29. 1658.

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RICHARD, Protector of the Repub. of England, &c To the most Serene and potent Prince [...], King of Portugall.

[...] [...] and Potent King. Friend, and [...]

ALtho I ought to write upon various Subjects to a Prince that is a Friend, and ver [...] much concern'd in the welfare of this Republick, yet there is nothing which I can with more freedome goe about, then what I now [...] of letting your Majesty and the people of [...] know how glad I am of the late sig [...]all victory [...] of the comon Enemy the Spaniard: tending in the apprehension of all men, not onely to your owne, but the most [...] peace and Repose of all Europe, and which may [...] entail thereon an advantage of many yeares continuance. The next thing is to owne Your Majestys Justice as the undoubted fountain, from whence spring Your victorys instance'd in the provision made by the 24▪ article of the League concluded b [...] the Arbitrators at London for the satisfaction of our Merchants, whose Merchant Men were hired into the service of the Brasile Company. Thereis one Alexandar Banck Merchant of London, whom the said Company denyes to pray the freight contracted for, for the service of a ship of his called the three Brothers John Wilk Master in consideration of two voyages perform'd in the said Company's service: Whereas the rest have been long ago paid, notwithstanding their haveing been in [...] [...] but once. Which I do not understand the reason of, except he; in their opinion, is beter worthy of a reward, who has serv'd them once, then he that did it twice. My earnest Request to Your Majesty therefore is, that this onely man, to whom a double reward is due, be not kept out, of the satisfaction of his hire, and cause, by the influenc [...] of your Authority, the said Company to fix upon some speedy day of payment, & repairing his damages, their delays haveing exposed the Merchant to inconveniencyes farr exceeding his hire. God increase your power and continue unto you the uper hand over your Enemies.

Dated at our Court rt Westminster An. 1658.

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RICHARD, Protector of the Republ. of Egland, &c. To his Eminency Cardinall Mazarine.

Most Eminent Sr.

THe Case of Peter Pett, a person of singular honesty, and very serviceable to us and the Republick in navall affaires, came recomended to your Eminency in ours of the 13. of June, being now about eight monthes past. It was about a vessell of his called the Edward, which was, as we observ'd, seised upon in the mouth of the River of Thames and sould at the Port of Bayon by one Bascon a Frenchman in the year 1646. And altho the King did by an order of Councill dated the 4. of November 1647. direct; that what ever the Councill shoud Judge equivalent in mony to answer the damage susteind, care shoud be taken of his being satisfied accordingly: Yet the petitioner complains of his haveing received no benefit hitherto from the said decree. But as I no way doubt, but that your Eminency will, at my request, comand the speedy application of what may be requisit, [...]revious to the execution of that order: This brings you an earnest Repetion of my said request, praying that you woud inspect where it sticks, inquire thro whose neglect or obstinacy it comes to passe, that the Kings order shall not, after ten yeares respit, be obeyed, & exercise your authority in the pressure of the execution of that Decree, and payment of that appointed sume, which we judge has been [...] long agoe: causeing'a speedy demand to be made thereof, and the Result paid to the Receipt of the Petitioner. Wherein your Eminency will act a thing conformable principally with Justice, and that shall oblige me besides in a singular degree.

Dated at our Court at Westminster February 22. 1659.

The two following LETTERS Were written in the name of the long Parliament, when restrored, upon the Removeall of Richard Cromwell.

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The Parliament of the Republ. of England, &c. To the most serene and potent Prince Charles Gustavus King of Sweedland, Gothes & Vandalls.

Most Serene and potent King, Dearest Friend,

IT haveing pleased the almighty God, with whom the power of all Changes in Kingdomes and Republicks is lodged, to restore us to our former charge in this the Government of the comonwealth of England, we have thought fit first to acquaint you therewith, and next to let your Majesty know of the very great affection we bear to so potent a prince as you are, and how ben [...] upon the support of that peace, which our industry and most sincere endeavour were the sole means of establishing between you and the King of Denmarke, also a potent protestant Prince. It is therefore ou [...] will that the authority, by which Philip Meddowes our ex [...]raordinary Embassadour there has in the name of this Republick hitherto acted, be now continued as from us: And do hereby confirme unto him the power of proposeing, acting, and transacting with your Majesty to be the same, with the Originall: What ever he acts or contracts in our name, we do, with Gods assistance, engage to make good: God take your Majesty into his continuall guide; with tendency to the safety and security of the Protestants.

Westminster May 15▪ An▪ 1659▪

Subscribed by William Leuthall, speaker to the Parliament.

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The Parliament of the Republick of England. To the most Se [...]ne Prince Frederick King of Denmark.

Most Serene King, dearest Friend.

IT gaveing pleased the Almighty great God, the chiefe Ruler of all things to [...] us [...] former S [...]ion and charge in the administration of this Republick, we held it apoint mainly becomeing our disposition to our Neighbour, and Ally, to observe the same to your Majesty, and to intimat how much we are concern'd at your troubles: the proofe whereof you shall see in the endeavour and dilligence, which we now do, and shall, as farr as there is necessity for it, exercise to reconcile your Majesty and the King of Sweedland to peace. To which purpose we have directed Phillip Meadows our extraordinary Embasadour at the Court of Swedland, that for the furure he wait upon your Majesty in our name concerning this affair, and let you know, that whatever he communicateth, proposeth, acteth or transact the, at he shou'd doe the same as the effect of our Comands. The Credit given him by your Majesty in the discharge of which Character, we pray that it be believed as given to our selves. God deliver your Majesty to your content, out of all those Difficultyes which you so resolutely contend with, and draw all to happy and pleasing Issue.

Westminster May 15. 1659.

Sign'd by William Leuthall Speaker to the Comonwealth Parliament.

FINIS.

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Information about this book

Title statement

Miltons republican-letters or a collection of such as were written by command of the late Commonwealth of England from the year 1648 to the year 1659 / originally writ by the learned John Milton, secretary to those times ; and now translated into English by a wel-wisher of England's honour.Literae pseudo-senatûs anglicani Cromwellii. English

England and Wales. Council of State.

Edition statement

1682

Publication

Publisher

Text Creation Partnership,

Place of publication

Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) :

Date

2003-01 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1).

ID [DLPS]

A50952

ID [STC]

Wing M2176B

ID [STC]

ESTC R42175

ID [EEBO-CITATION]

24119285

ID [OCLC]

ocm 24119285

ID [VID]

109658

Availability

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Series

Early English books online.

Notes

(EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A50952)

Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 109658)

Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 1707:9)

Source

— Miltons republican-letters or a collection of such as were written by command of the late Commonwealth of England from the year 1648 to the year 1659 / originally writ by the learned John Milton, secretary to those times ; and now translated into English by a wel-wisher of England's honour., Literae pseudo-senatûs anglicani Cromwellii. English, England and Wales. Council of State., Milton, John, 1608-1674., England and Wales. Lord Protector (1653-1658 : O. Cromwell), England and Wales. Lord Protector (1658-1659 : R. Cromwell).

Extent

[4], 136 p.

s.n.],. [Amsterdam? :: printed in the year 1682.. (Translation of: Literae pseudo-senatûs anglicani Cromwelli.) (Place of publication suggested by Wing.) (Reproduction of original in the University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign Campus). Library.)

Creation

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