A manifesto, or, An account of the state of the present differences between the most serene and potent King of Denmark and Norway Christian the V., and the most serene Duke of Sleswick and Holstein-Gottorp Christian Albert together with some letters of the King of Great Britain, the King of Denmark, and the Duke of Holstein-Gottorp, concerning a mediation in these differences, which the king of Great Britain most generously offer'd, and the king of Denmark refused and slighted : as also some other letters of the Dukes of Brunswick-Lunenbourgh, the emperor, &c., whereby the calumnies of a certain Danish minister are plainly detected.

A manifesto, or, An account of the state of the present differences between the most serene and potent King of Denmark and Norway Christian the V., and the most serene Duke of Sleswick and Holstein-Gottorp Christian Albert together with some letters of the King of Great Britain, the King of Denmark, and the Duke of Holstein-Gottorp, concerning a mediation in these differences, which the king of Great Britain most generously offer'd, and the king of Denmark refused and slighted : as also some other letters of the Dukes of Brunswick-Lunenbourgh, the emperor, &c., whereby the calumnies of a certain Danish minister are plainly detected.

A manifesto, or, An account of the state of the present differences between the most serene and potent King of Denmark and Norway Christian the V., and the most serene Duke of Sleswick and Holstein-Gottorp Christian Albert together with some letters of the King of Great Britain, the King of Denmark, and the Duke of Holstein-Gottorp, concerning a mediation in these differences, which the king of Great Britain most generously offer'd, and the king of Denmark refused and slighted : as also some other letters of the Dukes of Brunswick-Lunenbourgh, the emperor, &c., whereby the calumnies of a certain Danish minister are plainly detected.

Table of contents

[1]

Title page

A Praemonition to the Reader.

An Account of the State of the preſent Differences between the moſt Serene and Potent King of Denmark and Norway Chriſtian the V. And the moſt Serene Duke of Sleſwick and Holſtein-Gottorp Chriſtian Albert.

THE ARTICLES Of the TREATY at Rendsbourgh.

I.

II.

III.

IIII.

V.

VI.

VII.

VIII.

Out of the Articles of Vnion made 1533.

Out of the Tranſaction at Othenwaldt 1579.

Out of the Concordats of the Kingdom of Denmark, and the Dukedom of Sleſwick & Holſtein 1593.

Out of the Vnion renewed in the Year 1624.

Out of the Inventory 4 Jul. 1675. made when the Fort of Tonningen and all its Ammunition was delivered up.

Out of the Inſtrument of Peace at Roſchild 12. May 1658.

Out of the League between Sweden and Gottorp, made May 24. 1661.

Out of the Peace of Roſchild made the 26 Feb. 1658. Art. 22.

Out of the Inſtrument of Peace between the moſt Serene King of Denmark and the Duke at Copenhaguen 12 of May 1658. Art. 6.

Another Declaration of his moſt Serene Royal Majeſty upon the buſineſs of the Peace to be made with the King and Kingdom of Sweden, preſented to the Lords Mediators Plenipotentiaries at Copenhaguen.

Out of the Inſtrument of Peace at Roſchild renewed in the Year 1660. Art. 27, & 28.

Out of the Treaty of Peace at Oliva.

Out of the Tranſactions at Gluckſtadt, Octob. 12. 1667.

At the end of this Tranſaction theſe words are ſet down.

[2]

Title page

The King of Great Britains Letter to His Majeſty the King of Denmark, concerning a Mediation in the differences between His Majeſty and the Duke of Holſtein Gottorp.

The King of Denmark's Anſwer to his Majeſty the King of Great Britain.

The Duke of Holſteins Letter to his Majeſty the King of Great Britain in Anſwer to the King of Denmarks.

A Letter to his Majeſty the King of Denmarke, from the Dukes of Brunſwick-Lunenburgh, &c.

[3]

Title page

The King of Denmark's Letter to the Duke of Holſtein-Gottorp, concerning the Sequeſtration.

The Duke of Holſteins Anſwer to the foregoing Letter.

THE EMPERORS LETTER TO THE Duke of Holſtein.

The Duke of Holſtein's Anſwer to the foregoing Letter of the Emperor.

A manifesto, or, An account of the state of the present differences between the most serene and potent King of Denmark and Norway Christian the V., and the most serene Duke of Sleswick and Holstein-Gottorp Christian Albert together with some letters of the King of Great Britain, the King of Denmark, and the Duke of Holstein-Gottorp, concerning a mediation in these differences, which the king of Great Britain most generously offer'd, and the king of Denmark refused and slighted : as also some other letters of the Dukes of Brunswick-Lunenbourgh, the emperor, &c., whereby the calumnies of a certain Danish minister are plainly detected.[1]

§

§

[Page]

[Page]

A Manifeſto: OR An Account of the State of the preſent Differences between the moſt Serene and Potent KING OF DENMARK and NORWAY CHRISTIAN the V. And the moſt Serene DUKE of SLESWICK AND HOLSTEIN-GOTTORP CHRISTIAN ALBERT.

Together with ſome Letters of the KING of Great Britain, the King of Denmark, and the Duke of Holſtein-Gottorp, concerning a Mediation in theſe Differences, which the KING of Great Britain moſt Generouſly offer'd, and the King of Denmark refuſed and ſlighted.

As alſo ſome other Letters of the Dukes of Brunſwick-Lunenbourgh, the Emperor, &c. Whereby the Calumnies of a certain Daniſh Miniſter are plainly Detected.

Printed in the Year 1677.

A Praemonition to the Reader.

[Page]

BEcauſe ſome Daniſh Miniſters have publiſh'd Books full of lying Stories in the Courts of Princes, and forg'd many Calumnies to the prejudice of the moſt Serene Duke of Holſtein-Gottorp, leſt the Reader ſhould doubt of the Truth of what is contain'd in this Manifeſto, we have added at the end hereof the Authentick Papers of ſeveral Treaties and Agreements, which do clearly juſtifie every thing that is herein aſſerted.

An Account of the State of the preſent Differences between the moſt Serene and Potent King of Denmark and Norway Chriſtian the V. And the moſt Serene Duke of Sleſwick and Holſtein-Gottorp Chriſtian Albert.

[Page]

THE Differences between Chriſtian the V. the moſt Serene and Potent King of Denmark and Norway, and Chriſtian Albert the moſt Serene Duke of Sleſwick and Holſtein-Gottorp, wherein the Treaty made at Rendsburg on the X. day of July, 1675. is to be in the firſt place fairly conſidered, being the ſubject of this preſent diſcourſe; We hope we may with his Sacred Majeſties leave Publiſh by command from the ſaid Duke and in his name, what-ever we can with truth alledge, either as to the matter of Fact or Law, in behalf of the moſt Serene Houſe of Gottorp, ſubmitting it to the juſt Cenſure of the whole World: And we are perſwaded that theſe our endeavours can offend no perſon, who loving true Piety follows the precepts of Chriſtianity, which allows of no War to be lawful, but when it is juſt and neceſſary, and eſpecially betwixt ſuch as profeſs the ſame Religion and are ſo nearly related in blood.

[Page] In the examination of the merits of this Cauſe we ſhall ſtrictly obſerve this Rule, To alledge nothing that is falſe, and likewiſe neither omit nor diſguiſe any truth to the prejudice of ſo juſt a Cauſe; ſince the Juſtice of any cauſe cannot appear but by truth and faithfulneſs, without which Juſtice is but imperfect. And that Chriſtian Princes and their moſt illuſtrious and excellent Miniſters and Ambaſſadors, (who perhaps may at this time be employed in adjuſting the Publick differences at N [...]eguen, Ratisbone, or elſewhere) together with other great Men, lovers of Juſtice, may not be tyred with a prolix diſcourſe; We ſhall propoſe thed ſtate of the caſe in a few words, and then proceed to the Accuſations wherewith the Houſe of Gottorp is charged, which we do not queſtion but to anſwer ſo fully, that all unprejudic'd perſons may clearly judge of the matter of Fact, upon which the ſaid Accuſations are for the moſt part grounded. Theſe Aſperſions being wip'd off, we ſhall add the Laws and Conſtitutions, in vertue whereof the Duke of Gottorp ought, notwithſtanding the Treaty to which he was forced at Rendsburg, to be entirely reſtored.

It is manifeſt to all that know any thing of our affairs, that the moſt Serene Houſe of Gottorp poſſeſſing ſeveral Provinces bordering upon Denmark, which they have hitherto governed jointly with the Kings of Denmark, purſuant to a Treaty between them, That King has no reaſon to fear any thing from the Houſe of Gottorp, if he will but ſuffer it to enjoy it's own Rights quietly; VVhereas on the contrary the Houſe of Gottorp lyes expoſed to the Invaſion of the Danes, whenever they ſhall have a mind to lay hold of any fair opportunity, and abuſe their Power contrary to Juſtice and the Publick [Page] Faith. For although heretofore the Earls of Holſtein have had grievous Wars with the Kings of Denmark; yet the ſtate of Holſtein, and the neighbouring Provinces, being much altered from what it was, the Danes can have no reaſon to ſuſpect the Houſe of Gottorp, and much leſs fear any harm from it, except what they may bring upon themſelves, by provoking it by frequent Injuries and Aſſaults to it's own Defence.

Since the Crown of Denmark is come to the Family of Oldenburg, and that theſe Provinces have been more than once divided between theſe Kings of Denmark and the Dukes of Sleswick and Holſtein, the Power of the ſaid Kings has been much encreaſed by the ſaid Diviſions, and by their Succeſſions to the Crown of Norway; however it will appear that the Royalties of the Houſe of Gottorp have not been therefore in the leaſt diminiſhed. The Dukedomes of Sleſwick and Holſtein have been both ſo divided, and the firſt held at leaſt for many years from the Kingdom of Denmark, as the other alwayes from the Empire. The whole Dukedome of Sleſwick is a part of Juitland reaching from the borders of Holſtein to the Bridge of Coldingen; one part of it being poſſeſſed by the Houſe of Holſtein-Gottorp, and the other by the Kings of Denmark, as Dukes of Sleſwick. Amongſt the ſeveral Conditions from time to time agreed upon, the following have been more than once confirmed, viz. That the King of Denmark ſhould not engage in any War unleſs for his own defence, or the maintenance of his Dignity, and then not till after having communicated the ſame to the ſaid Dukes; and that if thereupon a War ſhould be agreed upon, that then the Dukes of Sleſwick (of whom the King of Denmark is one) ſhould [Page]ſend to the ſaid Kings aſſiſtance, a certain number of Horſe and Foot, maintaining them at their own expences, the King contributing proportionably for his part of the Dukedome, and promiſing to defend both their Vaſſals. Chytr. lib. 24. Sat. p. 719. And we find that upon the ſaid Kings not regarding this Agreement, but making War of their own heads, the Dukes of Gottorp have not been obliged to ſend the aſſiſtance ſtipulated, though it has been demanded from them.

There have been almoſt perpetual VVars between the Danes and Swedes, which in former Ages have had different ſucceſſes, but in this laſt Age been more favourable to the Swedes, eſpecially ſince the ſucceſs of their Arms in Germany. Hence it is come to paſs, that the Danes, exaſperated by the remembrance of the Loſſes they had ſuſtained by their Provinces and Places which they had loſt, in hopes of better ſucceſs, and by the Inſtigation of evil Counſellors, pouring oyle upon the Fire, have taken all opportunities of making VVar againſt the Swedes, without acquainting the Dukes of Gottorp, much leſs conſulting with them about it; but with ſo ill ſucceſs, that they have been ſtill puniſht with greater Loſſes, having likewiſe thereby involved the Provinces and Subjects of the ſaid Duke in all the calamities attending a VVar; by which, though the Houſe of Gottorp hath ſuffered infinite Damages and Violations in its Rights, yet were they never extinguiſhed, nor lest to the ſole pleaſure and determination of the King of Denmark as Supreme Prince.

But not to take the matter too high, and to come nearer to our Subject, let the beginning and end of the late VVar between the Danes and Swedes be diligently conſidered, [Page] for from thence ſprings all the miſchief. Carolus Guſtavus King of Sweden, making VVar againſt Poland, and having raiſed up many powerful Enemies, who ſeemed to have reduced his Army to great ſtreights; Frederick the III. King of Denmark, of happy Memory, taking that opportunity, declared VVar againſt the Swedes, making great preparations both of Men and Arms, as thinking he ſhould never have a more favourable opportunity to recover his Loſſes, and humble the Swedes. And the King of Sweden being by Marriage with the Daughter of Frederick, Duke of Gottorpe of happy Memory, become nearly allied to that Houſe; the ſaid Duke Frederick obtained a Promiſe from his Son-in-Law, that he would hearken to a Peace, which he undertook to mediate with the King of Denmark. The Duke therefore wrote ſeveral Letters with his own hand to the King of Denmark, to perſwade him to Peace, and not only profer'd his own aſſiſtance to conclude it, but earneſtly recommended the promoting of it to the Ambaſſador of the moſt Chriſtian King. Yet ſo far was the King of Denmark from taking this Office in good part, that he never thought fit to give the Duke any Anſwer herein. But the event of this unneceſſary War was, that the King of Denmark, inſtead of reaſonable conditions of Peace which the Duke of Gottorp might have obtained for him, having ſpent his Forces, was obliged at laſt to admit of ſuch as a Conqueror would impoſe upon him. And whilſt this Treaty was a concluding (by which Schonen and the neighbouring Provinces were yielded up to the Swedes) the King of Sweden thought himſelf obliged to take care of the Houſe of Gottorp, which having ſuſtained great damages in this War, he thought ought likewiſe to [Page] receive all juſt Satisfaction. Amongſt other things it was agreed, that the Houſe of Gottorp ſhould hold and enjoy the Dukedom of Sleſwick hereafter, not as formerly from the Crown of Denmark, but independently and abſolutely, without ſubjection to any other Power. To this the King of Denmark ſeemed at firſt very unwilling to conſent; but when the States of that Kingdom offered him the ſame Right over that part of the Dutchy of Sleſwick which was his, and thereby gave him occaſion to aſpire to the Monarchy of the whole Kingdom, he approved thereof both for himſelf and the Duke of Gottorp.

Not long after the King having compaſſed his deſign, and obtained the Monarchy of the Kingdom of Denmark, from that time governed all things by his ſole will and pleaſure, exerciſing an independent Authority, and abſolute Dominion over the Perſons and Eſtates of his Subjects. Thus the Daniſh Commonwealth being changed, and all things having put on a new Face, the King endeavoured all he could, ſo to order the affairs of the Kingdom, as might beſt eſtabliſh his Authority, enable him to repulſe his Enemies, and recover his Loſſes. And nothing ſeeming more to oppoſe his deſigns then the Dukedom of Sleſwick and Holſtein, eminent in Riches, abounding with Valiant men, and unaccuſtomed to ſuch kind of Dominion, which would adhere to the Duke of Gottorp, who had Souldiers and a well-fortified Town there, and that probably Holſtein might demand help from the Emperor and Empire; the Danes begun to have an ill Eye upon the Duke and his Fort of Tuningen, ſuſpecting his League with the Swedes, and Journey to that King; which they endeavoured many ways to traduce, [Page] inſomuch that their envy againſt the Houſe of Gottorp, and their Deſigns to break the Treaty made at Roſchild, appeared [...]ain enough, though they endeavoured to cover their deſigns by writing ſeveral Letters, pretending all friendſhip and ſincerity at the ſame time, [...] to put them in practiſe.

Theſe Deſigns of Denmark being now grown ſo ripe, that nothing but an opportunity ſeemed wanting, it quickly offered it ſelf. For the King of France having made War upon the Ʋnited Netherlands, and they having eaſed themſelves of the burthen thereof upon Germany, the Elector of Brandenburg joyned himſelf, together with others, with the Confederates, in oppoſition to the moſt Chriſtian King, and afterwards concluded a Peace with him by the Mediation of the King of Sweden upon moſt advantageous Terms, who having interpoſed his Guarantee to the King of France, and the Elector ſoon after taking up Arms contrary thereunto, the Emperor Elector of Brandenburg and others, fearing leſt the Swedes ſhould make good their Guarantee by force of Armes, drew the King of Denmark to their ſide for a diverſion to the Swedes. No ſooner had the King of Denmark got this opportunity, but he Muſter'd his Army in Juitland, and preſently after put them into Quarters; yet ſo as the Enemies of the Swedes, at the Court, had an opportunity ſtill to perſwade that King to a War againſt them; which the Swedes endeavoured to divert, by ſending a ſplendid Embaſſy to Copenhaguen, but without ſucceſs, being able to obtain only a ſhort delay of that Expedition.

In this conjuncture of Affairs, the King of Denmark had fully reſolved upon a War againſt the Swedes, but ſuſpecting that the Houſe of Gottorp, to which he had [Page] ſhewed ſo much ill-will, would not neglect their own Defence, whereby his Deſigns might miſcarry; He thought in the firſt place, by depriving it of all its Riches, Arms, Forts, and Force, to ruin it wholly; and in order thereunto, the King made ſeveral exorbitant Demands, and moveing frequently with his Army, ſeemed to Threaten open Violence; afterwards in the Aſſembly of the States of the Province, he challenged to himſelf the major part of the Revenues, which had always been equally divided between him and the Duke of Gottorp, leaving a very ſmall proportion to the Duke: But his Highneſs having ſignified by his Ambaſſadors to the Kings Commiſſioners, that he would oppoſe this Demand, as contrary to the Antient Cuſtoms, the Aſſembly was diſſolved without doing any thing, and Adjourned to another time, theſe Controverſies encreaſing daily more and more.

But the moſt remarkable was that about the Succeſſion to the County of Oldenburg and Delmenhorſt, which being long debated, was at laſt left to the Imperial Tribunal for a final deciſion, the moſt Serene Dukes of Holſtein-Ploen being Plaintiff againſt the King of Denmark and Dukes of Gottorp: whilſt theſe two laſt withſtood joyntly the Dukes of Ploen, according as they had agreed between them, the buſineſs remained undetermined; but the Duke of Holſtein-Ploen going another way to work, found means to tranſact with the King ſeparately, and ſo that obſtacle being removed, ſentence was given in the Emperours Court againſt the Duke of Gottorp. This Tranſaction was carried ſo ſecretly, that the Duke of Gottorp has not yet been able to learn the particulars and conditions of the Agreement.

[Page] The King of Denmark in the mean time challenging to himſelf the whole Power in theſe Countries againſt all Right, and excluding the Duke of Gottorp from all ſhare, not only there, but alſo in the Diſtrict of Stad-budjad, a Fief of the Houſe of Brunſwick and Lunenbourg.

For when this Cauſe was under debate in the Imperial Court, the King of Denmark himſelf by Letters to the Duke of Lunenbourg deſired him, amongſt other things, to intercede with the Emperour, that the ſaid Diſtrict Stad-budjad, no ways belonging to thoſe Provinces, might not be involved in that Controverſie. The Duke obtained his deſires from the Emperour, and therefore, when the Sentence given by his Imperial Majeſty concerning theſe Countries came to be put in Execution, The Dukes of Brunſwick, Lunenbourg, exempted again the ſaid Diſtrict from the Execution, and in expreſs terms reſerved to the Houſe of Gottorp their Rights in it. Notwithſtanding all this, the King commanded Homage to be paid to him alone by all the Subjects of that Diſtrict, not only excluding the Duke, but uſing his Ambaſſador ill, who had entred his Proteſtation againſt it, and attempting alſo to Uſurp to himſelf the Toll of E [...] upon Weſer, belonging by Inheritance, partly to the Houſe of Gottorp, and partly to the Kings of Denmark, endeavouring to diſpoſſeſs the Duke of both.

While theſe Differences encreaſed more and more, the King of Denmark in order to the carrying on his deſignes againſt the Swedes and the Houſe of Gottorp, the more ſecretly and ſuccesfully, cauſed the Swediſh Ambaſſador then at Copenhaguen, negotiating a Marriage for the King his Maſter, and thereby a firm Peace to be received with the greateſt demonſtrations of kindneſs and friendſhip▪ [Page] And at the ſame time the Chancellor of Denmark wrote very civilly to the Reſident of Gottorp, then at Hambourgh, telling him he would meet him half way, to endeavour a fair compoſition of all the differences betwixt the King and the Duke, which, he ſaid, he deſired above all things, and doubted not but a few hours would put an end to what had been kept on foot ſo many years, if he would be pleaſed to meet him accordingly. The King himſelf afterwards declared his mind to the ſame purpoſe to the Preſident more than once, and laſt of all by the Earl of Oldenbourgh, who told the Preſident, that the King deſired nothing more then to have his Preſence and aſſiſtance to accommodate theſe difficulties in ſo critical a juncture, by which compliance of his, he would oblige his Majeſty, who was inclined to hearken to an accommodation. After this the Earl was ſent by the King to the Duke of Gottorp, to aſſure him of his Friendſhip, and let him know the neceſſity of the Preſident's going to his Majeſty, and after a ſhort ſtay went to Hamborough with Letters from the Duke to the Preſident, for whoſe further ſecurity to come to the King at Rensbourgh, his Majeſty ſent him a Paſſeport, and one of his Trumpets.

Soon after the King of Denmark going to Holſtein, to put his deſigns in Execution, acquainted the Duke of Gottorp with his Journey, deſiring him not to be troubled at it, as having no other intention therin but to compoſe all things to both their ſatisfactions. The Duke of Gottorp truſting to ſeveral Letters full of the like aſſurances, when the King was on his way with all his Army to Holſtein, ſent one of his Gentlemen to Hadersleby, to complement him, and went himſelf ſoon after with his Brother the [Page] Biſhop of Lubeck and the Earl of Aldenburgh, then returned from Hambourgh to meet his Majeſty, waiting upon him at Hensbourgh, after which the King being to go through Dennewerk, and his Highneſs having entertained him there with all imaginable reſpect and ſplendour, the King deſired him to come and ſee him at Rendsbourgh, where he was to ſtay for ſometime, and for a larger expreſſion of kindneſs, both his Majeſty and his Chancellor drunk ſeveral times to the good ſucceſs of the approaching Conſultation.

After this Adolphus Kielmannus chief Miniſter to the Duke of Gottorp, notwithſtanding his Sickneſs and the diſſuaſions of his Friends, went directly from Hambourgh to Rensbourgh, where having confer'd with the Chancellor of Denmark above eight hours about the principal matters in debate, he offer'd the Government of Tunderen for the County of Oldenbourgh and Delmenhorſt, and having removed all other Impediments he could think upon, and taking the buſineſs to be near its concluſion, and to want nothing but the ratification and ſubſcription of the Princes; he went to Gottorp to let his Maſter know, how far they had proceeded, and with what ſucceſs. The Prince himſelf, that nothing might be wanting on his part for compoſing the remaining Differences, deputed Adolphus Buchwaldius Governour of Sleſwick, Frederick Kielmannus the Preſident, and Andrew Cramer one of his Counſellors of State, with a ſpecial Commiſſion to go to Rendsbourg, June 22. 1675. being Arrived there, they confer'd the next day with the Earl of Rantzo, and the Lord Wibius, and Gloxinius his Majeſties Counſellors of State; and they being the ſame that had aſſiſted at the Aſſembly of the States at Kilon, on the part of the King, without [Page] effecting any thing, renewed the matter of the Taxes, ſaying, That the King perſiſted ſtill in his demand of the greater part of them for the maintenance of his Army, which granted, his Majeſty would bind himſelf by Reverſal Letters, as they call them, (a thing not ſo much as mentioned in the Aſſembly of the States) never to make this a Preſident for the future. But the newneſs of that being a prejudice great enough, the Duke of Gottorp thought it not ſecure to recede from the Antient Cuſtoms; yet to gratify the King, he made this Propoſal, That the greater Taxes ſhould be paid, but to be equally divided and employed by each Prince, in raiſing and maintaining Souldiers for the defence of the ſaid Dukedomes; and that the States might the eaſier conſent thereunto, he deſired the whole buſineſs might be propoſed to them, it being moſt agreeable to Antient Cuſtomes and former Treaties, eſpecially that of the Union, to conſult the States about raiſing of an Army, maintaining and quartering it, and then proceed according to their reſolutions.

While they were thus debating concerning Taxes, and other things, the Chancellor of Denmark wrote from Rendsbourgh to the Preſident Kielmannus, acquainting him that the King being ready for a Treaty, it would be advantageous to both Princes, if the Duke of Gottorp would pleaſe to come to the King at Rendsbourgh, and by his Preſence promote an Amicable compoſure of all theſe matters. The Duke remembring his Majeſty had deſired the ſame thing of him at Dennewerk, to ſhew at once his duty to the King, and his inclinations to Peace, ſent one of his Gentlemen upon St. John Baptiſts day to his Majeſty, to acquaint him, that his Maſter was ready to [Page] wait upon him, if he would give him leave. The King commending this Reſolution of the Prince, ſaid twice, he hoped the Preſident Kielmannus would come along too. Accordingly next day, the Duke being perſwaded that all was ſincerely and honeſtly intended, begun that unhappy Journy with the Preſident and ſome others, and being near Rendsburgh, was received with the ſhooting of ſeveral Guns. But hearing there from ſome of his, what had been ſaid in the Kings Name about the Taxes, his Highneſs deſired it might be regulated according to former Treaties and Antient Cuſtomes; and as to other things, he declared himſelf as above, proteſting he would always obey the King, and wholly employ theſe Taxes in a War for the defence of his Country.

At laſt comes that fatal and unfortunate day, the 26. of June, in which all the deſigns that had been ſo long ahatching againſt the Houſe of Gottorp to its Ruin, were to be put in Execution, and that hidden Fire to break out into open Flames. It was haſtened by ſome Letters, that came that very day from the Elector of Brandenbourg, and brought the News of the defeat of the Swedes in the Province of La Mark: Aſſoon as they were read, all things ſeemed to favour the Kings deſigns, and conſpire to the Ruin of the Houſe of Gottorp. The Danes glad and proud of this good Omen, thought it not ſit to delay or diſſemble it any longer, but called a Council of VVar, ſhut the Gates, drew up their Draw-bridges, ſent their Forces to Sleſwick, Tonninghen, and up and down; ſhut up the Harbour with a Boom, diſarmed and ſecured the Dukes Troop of Guards, and permitted none to ſti [...], unleſs they could ſhow the Kings leave under his own Hand. The Duke himſelf, inſtead of being Invited to Dine with the [Page] King, as formerly, had his Dinner brought him apart in his drawing Room, and Guards ſet to watch him; his Chamber-doors being bolted every Night: None of the King Miniſters being ſuffered to come near him for ſome days, except the Sieur Winterfield, High-Marſhal of the Court, to whom the Duke, having called him to him, ſaid, That he was a Prince of the Empire, there unworthily Treated, contrary to his expectation, and undeſervedly; nay, contrary to the greateſt Proteſtations and aſſurances of Friendſhip, and Publick Faith, deſiring him to acquaint the King therewith, that his Majeſty might permit him to depart. But alas, all was in vain, it being reſolved, that the Blow ſhould be followed, this Detention being but a Prologue to more miſchief.

For the Duke and his Miniſters being now in their Power, and a fair opportunity preſenting it ſelf to invade the Swedes, weakned by their loſs at F [...]berlin, the Kings Deputies having ſent for Buchwaldius, Frederick Chriſtian Kielman, and Cramer, to Court, told them, that the Caſe being alter'd, they were no more to diſpute about giving the greateſt part of the Taxes to the King, who would now challenge the whole alone, and quarter his Army up and down in the Dukes Territories to preſerve them from the Enemy, and that the Emperors Requiſitorial Letters might be obeyed, which they would therefore now exhibite to them, ſhewing alſo by this their ill-will and premeditated Deſigns againſt the Houſe of Gottorp. Moreover they added, that the King had for a long time been jealous of the Dukes deſigns and inclinations, and being to carry his Army out of the Country, he thought he ought to take care to leave no Enemies behind him, wherein he could not ſecure himſelf [Page] but by ſeizing upon the Caſtle of Gottorp, the ſtrong Town of Tonningen, and all the Dukes Forces, till the change of Affairs might ſecure him otherwiſe. That it was not ſit for the Kings Majeſty to exchange the Counties of Oldenbourgh and Delmenhorſt, for that of Tunderen. That theſe and other things could not be done in haſte, but required more time than the King could now ſpare, fearing leſt ſome third Party might in the mean while ſeize thoſe Provinces. That the King therefore would put Garriſons into all the Fortified places of the Country, and provide all other things neceſſary for its Defence: proteſting withal, that if any loſs ſhould happen by the Dukes delay, the Reparation of it would be required from the Author thereof; but if the Duke would accept of one hundred and fifty thouſand Dollars offered him at Copenhaguen, to renounce his Right to them, they ſtill hoped his Majeſty might be prevailed upon at the Dukes requeſt to pay that mony.

The Danes having propoſed theſe ſevere conditions, and the Dukes Commiſſioners having been to conſult their Maſter, returned this Anſwer, That as to the Taxes, the Duke, without prejudice to his Right, was forced to yield to the preſent juncture of time in that Matter. That the Requiſitorial Letters of the Emperor concerned onely the Dukedom of Holſtein, not that of Sleſwick; and they being according to the Conſtitutions of the Empire, and the Pragmatick Sanction, could require nothing of him but a ſafe Paſſage, which his Highneſs would never deny, when ever the King ſhould deſire it. That the Caſtle of Gottorp was neither by Art nor Scituation ſo ſtrong as to be formidable, and therefore the King might well permit the Duke to ſecure the place [Page] of his Reſidence and Habitation, with ſome Souldiers; and for an evident proof of his reſpect, the Duke was contented his Majeſty ſhould have as ſtrong a Garriſon in Tonningen as he himſelf, provided both ſhould take the Oath of Fidelity to each Prince; and that the King would oblige himſelf, that upon the change of Affairs, all things ſhould be reſtored again as they were. That if the King would diſpoſe ſolely of all things in theſe Countries at his Pleaſure, the Duke muſt yield to it, but hoped his Right ſhould be ſaved entire: That he had never committed nor omitted any thing that might entitle the King to demand reparation of him; and for the Propoſals of an Exchange, they were neither ſuch as impoſed a neceſſity upon his Majeſties will, nor derogated from it. That he would leave the Tranſactions of Copenhaguen till they were ſet on Foot again. And laſtly, That he earneſtly begged, that the King would no longer delay to grant him and his, Liberty to go where they would.

This moſt reaſonable Anſwer of the Duke proved of no effect, the Danes being reſolved to paſs to the greateſt Extremities: For the Kings Deputies ſignified again in Writing, That their Maſter perſiſted firm in his firſt offers, hoping to provoke the Duke to diſcover his mind in the ſame manner. But he replyed only as before, requeſting again, That the King would not urge ſo much the Surrender of his Caſtles and Forts, but conſent to ſome eaſier Terms than theſe; which the Danes ſaid were only Bagatelles.

But that King and his Miniſter were ſo far from remiting any thing of the Rigour of their Demands, that they added Rebukes and Threats; For, ſaid they, the Dukes abſolute Power over Sleſwick, being extorted from the King [Page] by force of Arms, the Duke had thereby loſt the Fief of it▪ and his being in a League with the King of Sweden, an Enemy to the Empire, might probably cauſe him to be diſpoſſeſt of the Dukedome of Holſtein, and the King to be inveſted therein. Moreover, that the King was fully reſolved, That neither the Duke, nor any of his Miniſters, ſhould be ſet at Liberty, uniil he had ſeized all the Dukes ſtrong-holds, and that he would even confine his Highn [...]ſs apart from all his Miniſters and Servants, and proceed to the Execution hereof by force of Arms. For as we have before mentioned, they had already Body of Horſe and Foot in Sleſwick, which blocked up the Caſtle of Gottorp, where the Reverend Biſhop of Lubeck, Brother to the moſt Serene Duke, then was, and had alſo inveſted Tonningen and Holme: and that nothing might retard the Surrender of Tonningen, an Order was drawn by the Kings command for the Duke to Sign, and ſend to the Perſon that commanded for him there.

The Duke ſeeing himſelf betrayed, and without any help, deprived of his Liberty, and fallen into a very dangerous diſtemper, fearing greater Evils might be intended againſt him and his Miniſters, (which was not obſcurely given him to underſtand) ſuffered at length the Surrender of all his Forts and Forces to be extorted from him: and though he only deſired from the King that the Caſtle of Gottorp, the place of his Reſidence, might be free from a Garriſon, he could not obtain it, nor ſo much as that the King would annex to that fatal Surrender, a Promiſe to ſecure him by Reverſal Letters of the Reſtitution of his Forts, and what belonged to them. But though this was promiſed by the Chancellor of the Kingdom, in the hearing of the King and his Brother, who never contradicted [Page] it; yet his Majeſty refuſed to oblige himſelf to it in Writing, the Chancellor anſwering again for his Maſter, that a Kings promiſe by word of Mouth was more to be valued than any other Security. And when the Caſtle of Tonningen, with all his Magazins and Ammunition, was ſhortly after delivered up to Charles Arenſtorf for the King, he added theſe words to the foot of the Inventory, which was ſigned by him, That all things ſhould be reſtored fully and faithfully according to the Kings Promiſe.

The Danes being Maſters of the Caſtles of Gottorp, and all the other Forts, the Duke was carried to Gottorp on the 6. of J [...]ly from one Priſon to another: For the Danes had not only ſeized the Paſſages, Gates, and Fortifications of that place, but ordered a Company to watch night and day near his Highneſſes Chamber, to let him know that he was ſtill their Priſoner. The Prince being thus in their Power, the Princeſs his Wife, whom he had not been able by all his kind Letters to get out of Copenhaguen, where her Mother had invited her before all theſe Troubles, and kept her, was at laſt reſtored to him, perhaps for fear, leſt ſhe might prevail upon the King her Brothers mind, and avert thoſe great Violences deſigned againſt her Husband and Children.

VVho would not have thought the King fully ſatisfied with this? but it proved otherwiſe; For the Earl of Alefield Governor of Holſtein, having ſent for the Preſident Kielmannus, dictated to h [...]m eight Articles of great Importance, and bid him acquaint the Duke with them by Buc [...]wald, the Vice-Preſident Kielman, and Cramer, and get him to declare his opinion about them, detaining the ſaid Preſident Kielman ſtill at Rendsbourgh. This being [Page] done, and they returned to Rendsbourgh, did according to their Inſtructions declare his Highneſſes mind upon every Head, delivering alſo his Letters to the King and the Chancellor, and intreating them to have ſome regard at leaſt to Juſtice and Equity. But all was in vain; for the Chancellor and the Governor having ſent for the Dukes Deputies, and read to them theſe Eight Articles of their own Penning, demanded with great Threats, that the Duke ſhould ſign them without any Alteration or Limitation; adding, that if the Duke refuſed to obey the Kings will, both Dukedomes and all belonging to them, being now in the hands of his Majeſty, he could eaſily force a diſarmed and forſaken Prince to do what his Majeſty had a mind to, and then it would be too late to Repent. The Duke ſenſible of this new Violence, and of his being kept a Priſoner by the Danes, in his own Caſtle and Houſe, yielded at laſt to Force, and with great reluctancy ſubſcribed to theſe ſevere conditions, as thinking it in vain to hope for any more reaſonable, and with his Brother, the Biſhop of Lubeck, renounced their Supreme and Independent Right over the Dukedome of Sleſwick, which was extorted from them by meer Violence and Neceſſity.

At laſt the Duke being impatient to be kept always a Priſoner in his own Houſe, and to be forced every day to conſent to what the Danes would exact, and being informed that the City of Sleſwick, though unfortified, was yet full of Daniſh Souldiers, begun to be more jealous of the deſigns of the Danes, and ſeared either yet a cloſer Impriſonment, or to be conveyed God knows where. The moſt Serene Queen Dowager of Denmark was now come to Auguſtberg, and had ſent for her Daughter the [Page] Dukes Wife, who had acquainted the Duke her Husband with her intended Journey, in obedience to her Mother, praying him to accompany her: But the Duke remembring that when the King went to Holſtein juſt before theſe troubles, the Dutcheſs his Wife had been ſent for to Copenhaguen, upon which all theſe miſchiefs had befallen the Houſe of Gottorp, apprehended new Evils to him and his, from this ſecond Journey, and thought of his eſcape. Therefore to lay hold on the occaſion, his Highneſs cauſed ſome Horſes to be made ready, took a few of his Servants with him, commanded that his Dogs ſhould follow, pretending his intention was to accompany his Dutcheſs part of the way, and then recreate himſelf with Hunting; but having gone a few hours with her, taking his leave of her, he rid away as faſt as his Horſe could carry him to Kilonium. Being there, as he was reſolving to leave his tired Horſes, and proſecute his Journey in a common Coach, word was brought him, that the Daniſh Troopers were riding, not only about Sleſwick, but everywhere as far as Hambourgh, and guarded all the ways; not ſtaying therefore to Dine, he was ſcarce gone out of Town, but he was met with two Daniſh Troopers, who taking hold of the Reins of the Horſes to ſtop the Coach, the Duke telling them he was a certain Nobleman, eſcaped to Eutin, where he heard, that both the Kielmans were carried away Priſoners to Copenhaguen. From Eutin he came to Hambourgh indeed, but as a Baniſht Perſon, and one forc'd to leave his Country and Subjects, expoſed to the will and pleaſure of the Danes. For the King afterwards, contrary to the Engagement the 11. of March 1676. demoliſht the ſtrong Town of To [...]ngen, and the Caſtle of Holme to the ground, the Drums beating, and [Page] the Trumpets ſounding; and having cauſed the Dukes Armes upon the great Guns to be defaced, ſent them with all the Ammunition partly to Rendsbourgh, and partly to Copenhaguen; and exacting alſo Contributions to the value of many Millions of Gold, and a prodigious quantity of Corn, Chariots, and Horſes; waſting all the Dukes Villages and Towns with Quartering his Souldiers in them, and cauſing them continually to paſs and repaſs to and fro. This his Majeſty does to this day, not having remitted a penny of Taxes and Impoſitions for the Dukes Subjects thus expreſſed, though many times deſired to it by the Dukes Letters and his Ambaſſadors, and uſing the Duke at the ſame rate, not permitting his Subjects and Servants to pay him any thing of his Revenue, that both Prince and Subjects might at laſt periſh by Famine, and the many other Calamities they are forced to endure.

The King nevertheleſs being extreamly vexed, that the Duke had choſen his abode in a City ſo Famous and Populous, from whence the whole Story of the Barbarity exerciſed againſt him, and the breach of ſo many reiterated Engagements, might be ſpread over all the world, employed all ſorts of Perſuaſions and Cunning to get his Highneſs back, and have him again in his Clutches, and at his diſpoſal; but his Highneſs warned by his former Uſage, having learnt to diſtruſt, would not be prevailed upon. His Majeſty for all that, remitted nothing of his Proſecution againſt the Duke, and both by Letters and Envoys demanded eſpecially, with great earneſtneſs, that the Duke in compliance with the late Treaty (if it may be ſo called) at Rendsbourgh, would ſolemnly receive from the King the Inveſtiture of the Dukedome of Sleſwick, threatning for default thereof to Confiſcate the ſame. [Page] On the other hand, the Duke ſent him word, that the Tranſactions at Rendsbourgh were ſo unjuſt, that he thought his Promiſe leſs engaged thereby than the Daniſh Reputation. Yet for fear of expoſing his Subjects to greater Cruelties, and to comply with the Times and the advice of thoſe, who thought, that in Civility to the King, the Duke would do well to ſend ſome Gentlemen, to know his Majeſties pleaſure, and upon what conditions he was reſolved to grant that Fief; (for it is certain that it had been held formerly upon different conditions) the Duke thereupon ſent his Ambaſſadors to Copenhaguen to deſire the King, that he would be pleaſed firſt to remedy ſome of the chiefeſt grievances, which had Relation to the Fief it ſelf, and then declare his pleaſure about it. The Ambaſſador during their ſtay at Copenhaguen, had no ſucceſs, and having once mentioned the Grievances, were ſcarce ever after admitted or heard; the word Grievances offending the Danes extreamly, and the Kings deſign being, without any regard to them, to order all things according to his own Pleaſure. Therefore the Ambaſſadors, being adviſed by the Queen-Mother to return to their Maſter, and let him know the whole buſineſs, and the eminent danger a delay would caſt him into, and to return with new Inſtructions from him, agreeable to the Kings will; they parted from Copenhaguen without their Maſters knowledge, or effecting any thing. But the King interpreting this and other things in the worſt ſence, ſent a little after three Commiſſioners to Sleſwick, the Metropolis of the Dukedome, viz. The Earl of Rantzo, the Lord Gloxin, and the Baron Lenten Aſſeſſor of Gluckſtad, with Orders to Sequeſter the Dukedome in the Kings Name, and abſolving the Magiſtrates and People [Page] from their Allegiance to the Duke, oblige them to take an Oath of Fidelity to the King, and if any refuſed it, to deprive them of all their Offices; to bring in all the Dukes Revenues into the Kings Treaſury, and put a Garriſon again in the Caſtle of Gottorp; adding theſe ſecret Inſtructions, that if the Duke did not comply with the Kings pleaſure within ſix weeks, and accept this Fief upon the Kings terms, it ſhould for ever be annexed to the Kingdom of Denmark. And that theſe new Orders of the Kings might be more publick, and the better obſerved, the Kings Proclamation to that effect was publiſhed and affixed at Sleſwick; in oppoſition to which Uſurpation, the Duke publiſhed another, together with his ſolemn Proteſtation, commanding the States of the Dukedome and all his Subjects, to continue in their Loyalty and Obedience to his Highneſs.

The Narrative of the matter of Fact might very well end here, but that many calumnies thrown upon the Houſe of Gottorp muſt make part of it. Therefore, that the Truth and the Innocence of the moſt Serene Duke may appear the better, and to take off all ſubject of cavil from the Danes, we will ſay ſomething about what the Danes pretend to be moſt offended at, that ſo the Juſtice of the Dukes Cauſe may be more evident.

Firſt of all, we ſhall ſpeak about the Dukedome of Sleſwick, and ſhew that the Danes had not always the ſame right over it, but ſometimes little or none. For when antiently the Venedi had great Wars with the Danes, the Dioceſs of Sleſwick being chiefly in [...]eſted by their Inroades and Robberies, to prevent it, the Kings of Denmark erected it into a Lieutenancy to oppoſe them, as formerly the Emperor had erected Denmark into a [Page] Marquiſate. In the beginning of the twelfth Century, [...]he Vandals having invaded Sleſwick, and razed the chief City thereof, no body would accept of that Lieutenancy, till at laſt Nicholas King of Denmark turn'd it into a Dukedome about the year 1118, and made his Brothers Son firſt Duke of it, who being Murthered by his Subjects, was Canoniz'd, and call'd St. Canut. Now whether this Canut received the Dukedome to hold as a Fief of Denmark, is not only queſtioned, but rather denied by the great Hiſtorian Jo. Adolphus Cypraeus, in his Annals of Sleſwick, lib. 1. cap. 21. 'Tis true, it cannot be diſputed, but that the Kings of Denmark grant the ſame to be held as a Fief from them, but the terms upon which, have been different; and the Kings ſometimes reſerved nothing to themſelves but the Solemnity of the Inveſtiture. For Waldemar the Third, with the Advice of the States of the Kingdom, gave to Gerhard Earl of Holſtein his Ʋnkle, for him, and his lawful Heirs, the Dukedome of South-Juitland, cum Dominio utili & directo, and all things belonging to it, and all the Vaſſals in the Dioceſs of Sleſwick, to be enjoyed for ever by him and his, quietly and peaceably, and to be held as a Fief with the Armes of it. Renouncing for him, his Heirs and Succeſſors, all the Right that ever they had in the ſame. Two years after, King Chriſtopher made over the Iſland of Femeren, with the Propriety of it, to John the III. Earl of Holſtein, and all his Heirs, as well Male as Female, to be held likewiſe as a Fief; which Donation was confirmed by Waldemar the IIII. his Son. And Chriſtopher the II. being reſtored to his Throne, Waldemar the III. who had Reſigned it, had the Hereditary Dukedome of Sleſwick conferred upon him. John Meurs an excellent Writer of the Daniſh Hiſtory, relates of Margaret the [Page] prudent and careful Queen of Denmark, that ſhe made a Peace with Gerhard Duke of Sleſwick, and thoſe of Holſtein, Covenanting, That the ſole Juriſdiction over Sleſwick and Holſtein ſhould remain to their Dukes and Earls, and that for the future ſhe ſhould not meddle in the Affairs thereof, nor they in thoſe of Denmark, lib. 5. Contin. Hiſt. Dan. p. 9 [...]. But Gerhard being Dead, Margaret and her Husband Eric demanded the Guardianſhip of his Children, and under that pretence, ſeizing upon many Caſtles and Places of the Dukedome, at laſt endeavoured to get the whole, and reunite it to the Crown of Denmark, which being perceived by Gerhards Sons, and other Princes, and that ſhe demanded of them, firſt abſolutely to reſign that Dukedome to the King and Kingdom of Denmark, before they ſhould receive the Inveſtiture of it, occaſioned a ſharp War for Thirty years. At laſt when the Dukedom came to Adolph the laſt, Duke of the Houſe of Schawenburg, and that by his Intereſt, Chriſtian the firſt, Son to Theodorick Earl of Oldenburgh and Hedewig Adolphus's Siſter, had been Elected King of Denmark, He promiſed by a ſolemn Deed to his Ʋnckle, and the States of the Province of Sleſwick, that he would never unite or incorporate the Dukedom of Sleſwick to the Kingdom of Denmark, and that they ſhould Swear Allegiance to him as Duke of Sleſwick, and not as King of Denmark. And Adolph dying Ten years after without Children, Chriſtian ſucceeded him, and from that time the Fief of the Dukedome of Sleſwick was not ſolemnly granted by the Kings of Denmark to any Body, that I know (ſays the Learned David Chytraeus, lib. 24. Saxon. Hiſt. p. 717. ſeq.) for above 120 years after. There have been beſides other diſputes about this Dukedome, as, That this Fief ſhould be exempted from the [Page] performance of all Services; That the Succeſſion ſhould come to Women as well as Men: by which it appears, that it was not always granted or held upon the ſame conditions, and that there is little Reaſon to envy the Houſe of Gottorp, for having at its own great charges and coſt, obtained for that Dukedome an Independent Authority, and thereby taken away all occaſions of diſcord between them and the Danes. For after this Independent Soveraignty was granted, though they might have juſtly demanded other ſatisfactions to be made them, the Duke preferred a Peace which they had juſtly ſought by the alteration of this Dukedome, and which was confirmed by the conſent of the King and States of Denmark, as moſt advantageous both to the King and the Houſe of Gottorp, to all the Monies they might expect. And as all other humane things or goods may by commerce paſs from one hand to another, ſo there is no doubt, but the Right of an Independent and Supreme Power may likewiſe be tranſmitted and alienated. Therefore if a proportioned ſatiſfaction be demanded to a great loſs ſuſtained, it may be given, not only in paying ſo much mony, or delivering up ſo many Towns and Provinces, but by quitting and transferring the Right of Supreme Power by thoſe who have a right to Alienate; ſo that a Perſon, who before he had due ſatisfaction made him, had but a Dependent Power, may receive and retain it Supreme and Abſolute: This being confirmed by a late inſtance of the Elector of Brandenburg, who, not many years ago, obtained Pruſſia in this manner.

To ſay that the moſt Serene Dukes of Gottorp have fortified Tonningen, levied Forces, entred into a League with the Swedes, and made a Journey to Stockholme, is but a [Page] frivolous Accuſation. For what ſhould hinder the Duke of Gottorp, or by what Law is he prohibited to fortifie a Town, or raiſe a Fort? and Building one in the Dukedome of Holſtein, he only does what all the Princes and States of the Empire think they may do, and do every day. And if he would do the ſame in his Dukedome of Sleſwick, we know no Law or Treaty by which he is prohibited to do it. Frederick Duke of Gottorp having to his own coſt found that he was expoſed to all ſorts of injuries and damages, when-ever the Enemies of the Kings of Denmark were by War, or otherwiſe, drawn into his Territories, and that he was ſecure no-where; towards the latter and of the year 1644. (during the War) began to fortifie Tonningen, which was not oppoſed by the King of Denmark, as there was no juſt reaſon to do it. But about the year 1660. that King laid Siege to the place, to force the Duke to aboliſh and annul the Treaty made at Roſchild for the benefit of the Houſe of Gottorp; whence you may well judge with how little ſincerity the Danes intended to keep this Treaty, which they had ſo ſolemnly agreed and bound themſelves to. But the Duke refuſing to hearken to ſo unreaſonable a demand, endured the Siege ſtoutly, till after ſome time a Peace was concluded without the leaſt mention that theſe Fortifications ought not to have been raiſed, or promiſe of demoliſhing them: For as this Fort was built only for the ſecurity and defence of the Houſe of Gottorp, that the Dukes might have a Place to retire to in times of danger; ſo they never raiſed more Forces than were neceſſary for the defence of the Place: And if the Duke had intended to invade Denmark, he muſt have provided much greater Forces, and taken other Meaſures.

[Page] That the Duke has entred into a League with the King of Sweden, is not denied, but it is only ſuch an one, as may enable him to reſiſt an unjuſt Force, and defend himſelf. If the Danes do accuſe him of making any other Leagues to the Ruin of Germany or Denmark, his Highneſs denies it abſolutely, and deſires no credit may be given them in a thing for which they can bring no evidence: But if they alleadge, that the Conditions by which the Duke has ſought to ſecure his own Houſe from their Oppreſſions, are Hoſtile and againſt them; they plainly ſhew that they have a mind to wrong thoſe they ought rather to Protect, and not provoke to a juſt Defence, which in the end may prove dangerous to Denmark it ſelf.

That Objection of the Dukes journey into Sweden is much of the ſame nature: For although his Highneſs would not be diverted by the Councils and demands of the King of Denmark, tending to nothing but a War, from going to ſee the King and Queen Mother his near Relations, and take their advice; yet this Journey was never undertaken to enter into new Alliances, thoſe Princes being entred into one long before, but in reſpect and deference to the moſt Serene Queen his Siſter, who had promiſed to come and ſee him. Nay, if the Danes (who are generally very clear-ſighted in the affairs of the Houſe of Gottorp) did not interpret all that which the Houſe of Gottorp does in the worſt ſence, they could have ſatisfied themſelves eaſily, that that Journey was never intended againſt their Intereſt.

But ſome may ſay, that it was not lawful for the Duke of Gottorp to make a League with the King of Sweden, becauſe he was declared an Enemy to the Empire. Such [Page] fooleries are ſo ridiculous, that they deſerve no Anſwer: But becauſe they are ſpread abroad, and may deceive the ſimple, who are the greater number, we muſt ſay ſomething to them. VVhy the French and Swedes have been declared Enemies of the Empire, is a matter we ſhall not meddle with. The Duke of Gottorp is not concerned in the Quarrel of either of them, and ſo ought not to be involved therein. The Duke has been allied with Sweden ſince 1661, long before the Swedes were declared Enemies of the Empire, and at a time when all the Parties in War, even the Emperor, and alſo Spain, courted the Friendſhip of Sweden, and earneſtly deſired their Mediation to compoſe the differences then on Foot: Beſides, there is no Article of that Treaty with Sweden, which may endanger the ſafety of the Empire, or any of its Members, ſince it is wholly Defenſive. Nay, the Duke has by expreſs words excepted the Empire, declaring he would not be bound by this Treaty whenever any thing ſhould happen to the prejudice of the ſame: And alſo the King of Sweden in it recommends to the Duke by all means to entertain a friendſhip with the King of Denmark. And the Danes themſelves will not deny, but that they, the Elector of Brandenbourgh, and others, have invited Sweden to enter into a League with them; and therefore cannot blame in the Duke of Gottorp what they themſelves did or would have done, eſpecially ſince the Duke ſought nothing more than to render the Peace and publick Safety more firm and ſecure. It is then a meer cavil to object, that the Dukes of Holſtein have made a League with the Swedes, who are Enemies of the Empire, as ſuch, ſince their help was never intended to be uſed but for a juſt defence againſt thoſe, who contrary to the Faith of [Page] Treaties, would invade them, and not to the prejudice of the Empire, or any body elſe, there being reaſon enough to fear an Invaſion by the face of things then, as the event has too unfortunately ſhewn.

But becauſe the Danes are of opinion, as to the Taxes, that their Kings demand of the greater part of them for himſelf was very juſt, and that the Duke had no reaſon to deny it, ſince his Majeſty had an Army in Pay, or at leaſt more Troops than his Highneſs, to defend both Dukedomes; this muſt be more particularly examined: And firſt, 'tis certain that the King would never acquaint the Duke, nor the States of the Province, with the deſigns of this VVar, though it was to be carried on with their Monies, and ſo was far from undertaking it with their will and conſent, according to the Treaties and antient Cuſtoms. Moreover, though he had undertaken this VVar with the conſent of the Duke and States, he could not demand more mony than was agreed by the antient Treaties, and was wont to be granted. Beſides, this VVar was not entred into for the defence of theſe Dukedomes, but that the King of Denmark might take that occaſion of invading the Swedes, and recover his loſſes in the laſt VVar. Again, if the King of Denmark thought, that becauſe of his League with the Emperour and the Elector of Brandenbourgh, he could juſtly attack the Swedes; yet could he not violate the Agreements made by the Treaty of Roſchild, trample it under feet, ruin the Houſe of Gottorp; and to that end demand firſt the greater part of the Taxes, then overcharge the Dukes Subjects with Impoſitions, exhauſt them almoſt totally, by forcing from them in leſs than half a year, ſeveral Millions of Gold. Nay, when the King of Denmark is [Page] put upon a neceſſary and defenſive War, 'tis but juſt he ſhould bring into the Field a greater Army than the Duke▪ for the Dukedoms of Sleſwick and Holſtein lying as a fence to Denmark, and its ſecurity depending upon theirs, each Prince is bound to find Forces proportionably to the Land they poſſeſs, and which are to be ſecured from the Enemy. And though perhaps the King of Denmark may ſay, that▪ he will with his own Souldiers alone, defend thoſe Dukedomes, and therefore has right to demand money from them, and all other neceſſaries for War at his pleaſure; yet it is to be conſidered, that this cannot be done but by violating in the higheſt manner the Rights of the Duke of Gottorp; for we muſt not think, that by reaſon of a War, the King may do every thing, and the Houſe of Gottorp have no Power left in their own Territories. Nay, that Serene Houſe pretends to as much Power and Right, as to the making and carrying on a VVar, as the King of Denmark, in quality of Duke of Sleſwick and Holſtein can any ways pretend to. The Danes now do not queſtion, whether the Houſe of Gottorp hath the Power of VVar, ſince they have enjoyed it in all Ages, and made uſe of it againſt the oppreſſions of the Danes: but that King endeavours to get it to himſelf, having in theſe late troubles manifeſted his deſigns of abſolutely depriving the Houſe of Gottorp of the Power and Right of VVar; for when the Duke and all his Territories were in the Kings poſſeſſion at Rendsbourgh, the Danes demanded an account of what Troops the Duke had ſent for the defence of the Empire, ordering that they ſhould be paid only by the Kings Commiſſioners, (as they are called) that the Duke of Gottorp might underſtand from thence, that he was not to keep any more Souldiers for his Defence, nor [Page] to have any part of the Right and Power of VVar in the affairs of the Empire; or the Circle of Lower-Saxony, but that the King would challenge it wholly himſelf, to the great injury and oppreſſion of the Houſe of Gottorp, and danger of other Princes.

But the Proceedings at Rendsbourgh are covered with this further pretence, as if by it the Antient Union between the Kings of Denmark and Houſe of Gottorp was reſtored, and thoſe Provinces re-eſtabliſht in their moſt flouriſhing Condition; and therefore ſince the greateſt Maſters of Prudence teach us, that that Government which makes both the Prince and his Subjects moſt happy, ought to be preferred and kept, the King ſeems to have rather done well than ill, by having diſpoſed and brought the Dukedomes from a leſs, to a more happy, nay, moſt happy ſtate, by the tranſactions of Rendsbourgh. This is a fair Speech, but if we conſider it a little nearer, we ſhall eaſily diſcover its fraud: For whereas the Kings of Denmark and Dukes of Gottorp, have their Lands, Governments, and Towns, in the Dukedomes of Sleſwick and Holſtein, not only contiguous, but intermixed with one another, and the ſafety and happineſs of Denmark depending not a little upon the good Government of theſe Dukedomes, there were Treaties of Union made, confirmed, and exchanged on both ſides, by which the Government of theſe two Countries was left to both Princes joyntly, and they to command in them every year alternatively, and to have the whole Nobility and other the States, ſubject to them. And as it cannot be denied▪ but that this conjunction contributed very much to the peace and qulet of Denmark, ſo the Dukes of Gottorp have uſed this Right ſo carefully and diſcreetly, that none of [Page] their Acts have in the leaſt derogated from theſe Treaties of Union, which is more than can be ſaid of the Danes; for though they talk of the Union, when it is advantageous to them, yet have they often violated the ſame in things of the greateſt Importance, which is proved by this: That the Kings of Denmark cannot without breach of the Treaties, (as moſt manifeſtly appears, by the Articles of the Union) enter into a VVar, nor carry it on at their own pleaſure, without firſt acquainting the Dukes of Gottorp with their Deſigns, and obtaining his conſent to it; nor in time of VVar diſpoſe at his will of their Subjects, or their Eſtates, who are either in his or in the Dukes Territories. But as the will and authority of the Kings of Denmark have ſometimes prevailed in other Affairs relating to theſe Dukedomes, ſo have they affected hitherto to take greater power than the Dukes, though but their equals there. And this having happened many times before the Daniſh Monarchy was Hereditary, and the Danes ſince ſtrengthning themſelves by little and little, are now come to that, as to make and expound all manner of Treaties for the advantage of their King, and either think themſelves no longer oblig'd to them then as they are found ſuch, or as they may by them enſnare the Dukes of Gottorp. For the Danes publiſh openly, that their King will hereafter order matters in theſe Provinces, (the Government whereof is joyntly in him and the Duke) as a Prince having the Soveraign Power, and conſequently uſe the Duke as his Vaſſal. This Joynt-Government being by the Treaties extended to both Dukedoms, it is eaſily to be ſeen, that the King intends to exerciſe a Soveraign and Independent Power in Sleſwick, and afterwards by little and little Uſurp the [Page] ſame under divers pretences, and eſpecially that of the Union in the Dukedome of Holſtein, and ſo wholly aboliſh the Dignity and Authority of the Dukes of Gottorp, either by the Right of a Military Power, or by degrees in time of Peace. Therefore, what one of the Fathers ſays of Religion, That ſhe brought forth Riches, but the Daughter devoured the Mother, may be ſaid upon this occaſion; The Ʋnion brought forth this Joynt-Government, but the quarrelſome Daughter has deſtroyed her Mother. The Danes have no reaſon then to deceive the Houſe of Gottorp, and the VVorld with the ſpecious word of Union, ſince every one may ſee, that the former condition thereof is much alter'd, and the farther this Daniſh Soveraignty ſhall extend her VVings, the more the Houſe of Gottorp will be endangered thereby.

And no body can look upon this as a meer Conjecture and Gueſs, ſince the Danes have in times paſt and of late confirmed the Truth hereof, and forced the moſt incredulous to Believe it: For in the beginning of May, 1677, the King began to demoliſh the VValls of the Fort of Tunderen, in the Dukedome of Sleſwick, though it appertained to the Duke of Gottorp, without ſpeaking a word to him of his deſign or reaſon for it. Not long before, a laden Ship belonging to ſome Merchants of Lubeck, was ſtranded upon the Shore near Newſtadt, a Town of the Duke of Gottorp's, in the Dukedome of Holſtein. Now this being without diſpute in the Territories of the Houſe of Gottorp, and ſome monys being due to the Duke as Lord of the Place for ſalvage of the Goods and the keeping of them, the Officer of the Place, to keep his Maſters right, cauſed the Goods to be brought a-Shore, and to be ſhut up in a Barn, &c. The Duke intending they [Page] ſhould be reſtored to their Owners: But ſoon after came ſome of the Kings Officers with orders to confiſcate the Goods, and having broken open the Barn-door, without any regard to Law, or the Soveraignty of the Place, conveyed the Goods away upon ſeveral Waggons to Hilgenhaven, one of the Kings Towns, and thereby manifeſtly violated the Dukes right, having no Orders for the ſame but from the Kings Commiſſioners. Beſides, in the latter end of March 1677, the King of Denmark ſignified to the Duke of Gottorp, that he thought fit ſome Publick days ſhould be appointed for the Subjects, to Pray for the Preſervation of the Country. But herein likewiſe was a deſign, for it being uſual to ſet three days apart for publick Prayers yearly in his Highneſſes Territories, in the week before Rogation-Sunday, the King reſolv'd to take that time, and would not expect the conſent of the Duke for it; but taking no notice thereof, commanded thoſe days to be kept in the Dukedome of Sleſwick in his own Name alone, and in the Dukedom of Holſtein in his and the Duke of Holſtein's Name, thereby infringing the Articles of Union in ſeveral reſpects. And though the King publiſhes, he acquainted the Duke of Gottorp with this deſign, yet the Duke did never conſent to the thing, nor the manner of it. It is by meer force and no right, that the King deteins that part of the Dukedome of Sleſwick, which does and did belong to the Duke of Gottorp, as we ſhall at large prove: The Duke of Gottorp having already contradicted, and firmly contradicting all what his Majeſty ſhall publiſh or command there in his Name alone. Beſides, the King alone has no right to order matters of the Government of the Dukedome of Holſtein, (which ought to be ſetled by both Princes) not having [Page] the conſent of the Duke, though he cauſe his Orders to be Publiſhed and Proclaimed in the Dukes name as well as his own. For a thing is not done by two perſons unleſs there be a joynt conſent. It is evident therefore, that this alſo has been done contrary to the ancient Treaties: and becauſe that the Kings Order had only his Majeſties Seal, and that the King alone cannot enjoyn the States of the Provinces any thing, and eſpecially becauſe that all this hath been done at a time when the Duke, according to courſe, ought to have had the direction and Prerogative of the Soveraign Power, and Joint-Government (from whoſe Power and Right herein, howſoever the Danes endeavour to detract by theſe pretended Novelties) the moſt Serene Duke did on the firſt of May 1677, proteſt againſt it; and having appointed the uſual days for publick Prayers, doth again hereby repeat his publick Proteſtation in that behalf.

Laſtly, this Calumny has alſo been added to the abovementioned, as if the Duke of Gottorp (though almoſt entirely ruined by the Danes) ſhould intend dangerous practiſes againſt their ſtate. And firſt, this Story has gone about, that he was raiſing Eight Thouſand Men in Ireland, to Tranſport into his Territories, and a great many have believed it. But it being impoſſible to begin ſuch a thing, much more to perfect it, without the knowledge and conſent of the King of Great Britain, and the Daniſh Envoy at London having complained hereof, his Majeſty deſired him very prudently to prove it; which he not having hitherto been able to do, all good men are ſatiſfied of the Vanity of the Fable. Afterwards another Story has been raiſed and ſpread in the Court of the Emperor and other Princes, having been preſented in writing [Page] by the Danes to the Deputies of the Circle of the Lower Saxony at Brunſwick, that the Dukes Deputies being excluded from that Aſſembly, and the deliberations thereof, it might ſerve as a Preſident to help them to perfect their yet worſe Deſigns. It is alſo charged upon the Duke, that he has taken meaſures with the Duke of Mecklenbourgh, to contrive how they ſhould with their own Forces, or thoſe of the Swedes or others, retake Wiſmar and Gluckſtadt from the Danes. They endeavour to prove this Story by I know not what diſcourſe, of a certain Frenchman called De Luis, who was carried away Priſoner to Copenhaguen, and by ſome Letters they found about him.

VVe ſhall not now diſpute what the Duke of Gottorp, ſo unjuſtly oppreſſed by the Danes, may lawfully do againſt them, and why he ſhould not uſe all means for his own Defence: Neither is it neceſſary we ſhould plead anothers Cauſe, ſince it may be preſumed, that no man will deſert himſelf. But we ſolemnly affirm here with all ſincerity, in the Name, and by the Command of the Duke of Gottorp, that he never thought upon any ſuch thing, nor exchanged a word with the Duke of Mecklenbourg about it, as that Duke has himſelf aſſerted to the Duke of Gottorp's Miniſter ſent to him expreſly, promiſing to declare the ſame publickly, and that he never gave any Orders to this De Luis, nor truſted him with any Letters. The Danes themſelves, when they think of it, inſult over the Duke of Gottorp, and ſay, they wonder extreamly he will not ſubmit to the Daniſh Dominion, that is ſo eaſie, ſeeing himſelf deſtitute of all help, and no Prince willing to raiſe an Army in his behalf. And yet at other times they make him ſo formidable, and ſo full of pernicious [Page] deſigns againſt the Empire, the Kingdome of Denmark, and the Confederates, that they would have him declared an Enemy of the Empire, excluded from all publick Aſſemblies, and having almoſt entirely ruined him themſelves, to be quite oppreſſed by others. This is indeed a great Malice and Hatred, ſit for none but men full of Gall, who are not aſhamed to obtrude ſuch Lies upon their King and the whole Chriſtian world, that they may take away from the Duke all means of helping himſelf, and ſo ſtain his Innocence with calumnies▪ that ſo good a Prince might be thought not to deſerve any pitty, and much leſs the help of Juſtice againſt ſuch manifeſt Injuries, the greatneſs and ſplendor of whoſe Family is ſuch, that there is ſcarce any great Family in Germany, to whom he is not Allied and Related. In a word, ſince the diſcourſes or Letters of this De Luis, that are ſpread abroad, and pretended to be intercepted, do not at all concern the Duke, we deſire no Faith may be given to theſe Stories of the Danes, till they ſhew the Truth of them to the World, which undoubtedly they can never do.

The falſehood of theſe Stories and Inventions thus plainly appearing, it remains we ſhould give the Reaſons why the Duke ought in any impartial judgment to be entirely reſtored to all his Rights, which the Danes have ſo contrary to all Juſtice Uſurped. His Highneſs obtained three points chiefly by the Treaty of Roſchild, viz. The Soveraignty or Supreme Power over the Dukedome of Sleſwick, without any dependence from the King or Crown of Denmark; the Territory of Schwabſtadt, and the Cathedral Church of Sleſwick, with its Eccleſiaſtical Juriſdiction, and ſome other things. And becauſe the King of Denmark had at that time entred into an unneceſſary [Page] War againſt the Swedes, not only without conſulting the Duke of Gottorp, but contrary to his Opinion, and notwithſtanding his diſſuading the ſaid King from the ſame, and had brought great Calamities upon the Provinces and Subjects of the Duke, by drawing the Swedes, Imperialiſts, Brandenburgers, Polanders and Tartars into them; the King of Sweden would have procured a proportionable ſatisfaction to his Father-in-Law, and his Highneſs might juſtly have admitted of it; but was contented for all the damages he had ſuſtained, with the remiſſion of the Vaſſalage of the Dukedome of Sleſwick, and the yielding up of the Soveraignty thereof to him, without demanding any thing more for his ſatiſfaction. This occaſion of the Controverſies and Wars between them being cut off, and both Princes having ſolemnly Sworn to keep this Peace, it ſeemed as if none more firm and ſecure could have been wiſhed for; but the Danes continually tormented ſince the Peace at Roſchild, by the remembrance of their having yielded up this Soveraignty, have ſo far indulged their deſire of Revenge, that they have ſtudied nothing more than how to regain this Dukedome and its Soveraign Right, and wholly ſupplant the Houſe of Gottorp; which is fully proved by what we have ſaid already, and the moſt ſevere conditions of Rendsbourgh, and the means uſed to force the Duke and his Miniſters to conſent to them; which being neceſſary to be known by thoſe that would judge aright of theſe Differences, we ſhall, before we have done, give the world ſome account, leaving it to their juſt cenſure.

And though the Danes have obtruded theſe conditions upon the Duke of Gottorp, and have extorted from him the Authentick Inſtrument of the Peace of Roſchild; yet hereby they have done nothing but ſhown their own inſincerity, [Page] and the diſ-ingenuity of their Proceedings; and rendred themſelves obliged upon many accounts to make the Duke amends for their violating of his Rights, and to reſtore him entirely to the ſame; which if they refuſe to do, they deſerve to be forced thereunto by all Princes who have any conſideration for Faith, Juſtice, and Conſcience. And this we ſhall endeavour thus to demonſtrate.

1. VVhatſoever was given, yielded, and promiſed to the Duke of Gottorp, by the King and Kingdom of Denmark, at the ending of the laſt War 1658, was yielded deliberately With their Will and Conſent; and it was particularly provided, that neither of the Parties, under what pretence ſoever, ſhould ever recede from the Articles agreed upon, and that they ſhould be kept inviolable. Neither can the Danes object here, that they did not conſent to theſe things freely and frankly, but only as forced by the Arms of Sweden; for having freely and voluntarily attacked the Swedes, they were free certainly alſo to conſent to what ſatisfaction and compenſation the Swedes would inſiſt upon; and the Swedes having juſtly extended what they demanded to the benefit of the Houſe of Gottorp, which had ſuſtained ſo many loſſes by the War, the Danes have no reaſon to complain of them for it; the Swedes having then a juſt right by the Law of Nations to require yet more from Denmark: And here this Rule of the Civil Law muſt take place, Whatſoever damage a man ſuffers through his own de [...], is to be accounted no damage.

2. Not only [...]nd the States of the Kingdome of Den [...] [...] with the Duke of Gottorp, have Sworn each of [...]eep thoſe Articles inviolate; but the King of Great Britain, the Moſt Chriſtian King, and the States of the Ʋnited-Provinces, by whoſe care the [Page] Peace of Roſchild was procured, have alſo approved the ſame as Guarantees; and thence it is manifeſt, that whoſoever of the Parties ſhall violate this Treaty, or refuſe to be obliged by the ſame, doth not only offend againſt God and his Conſcience, but alſo the Law of Nations, and particularly provokes the Arms of thoſe Princes who are engaged ſolemnly in the Guaranty of the Treaty.

3. The Danes have conſented to this Agreement twice already; firſt, by a general Approbation in the 22 Article of the Peace of Roſchild, made the 26 of Feb. 1658, and then more ſpecially by the Agreement made at Copenhaguen the 12 of May the ſame year. A little after the War between the Swedes and the Danes being renewed of a ſudden, the Danes beſieged Tonningen, and the Duke with all his Court reſiding in it, to make him renounce the Articles above-mentioned, and renounce his Soveraignty in the Dukedome of Sleſwick. The Danes indeed complained at that time, that the Swedes had retaken Arms againſt them, but whether juſtly or unjuſtly, is not our buſineſs now to diſpute. For what has the Duke of Gottorp to do with it? The King of Sweden his Son-in-Law, did not give him the leaſt notice, that he intended to paſs into Denmark and renew the War there; neither was his Highneſs charged of having committed any offence againſt the King of Denmark. But ſuppoſe this ſecond War of the Swedes was unjuſt, as the Danes alledge, muſt therefore the Innocent and the Guilty be treated alike? what the Duke enjoyed, was as a juſt ſatisfaction, the Juſtice whereof he never did any thing againſt. Therefore when there was an end put to this War by the Peace of 1660; the Swedes indeed remitted again into the hands of the King of Denmark ſome things that had [Page] been granted them by the Treaty of Roſchild. But all that had been yielded or promiſed to the Houſe of Gottorp remained as before without the leaſt diminution. The Moſt Chriſtian King, the King of Great Britain, and the States General of the Ʋnited Provinces, thinking it juſt to leave it ſo; the Danes for the third time now approving that Treaty, and agreeing beſides with the Duke of Gottorp to paſs a general Amneſty for all Injuries and other matters committed before that time, as appears by the 27 and 28 Articles of that Treaty.

4. Beſides, when the Treaty of Peace was concluded between the Swedes and the Poles, with their Allies, the Emperor and Elector of Brandenbourgh at Oliva 1660, the King of Denmark and the Duke of Gottorp were not only included therein: But the Treaty between them the Swedes and the Duke made at Roſchild, and renewed afterwards 1660, was alſo included in it, as if it had been tranſcribed word for word; the Danes ratiſying what the Kings of Sweden and Poland, and the Emperour and Elector of Brandenbourg, had ſtipulated to that purpoſe, and ſo now the fourth time ſolemnly approved the Agreements between themſelves and the Houſe of Gottorp. And to the intent that this Peace might be ſtrictly kept by all Parties, not only the Danes and Poles, with their Confederates, promiſe one another a mutual Guaranty; but the King of France alſo entred into the ſame, agreeing amongſt other things, That if any Prince thought himſelf grieved by any other way than force of Armes, he ſhould not Revenge it by way of Arms, but complain to the ſeveral Princes, who were Parties in this Treaty, deſiring them to procure him a preſent and ſufficient ſatiſfaction, Vid. Artic. 22. 26. 31. & 35. of that Treaty. [Page] I would fain have the Danes tell us, what Injuries the Houſe of Gottorp has done them, either by way of Arms, or otherwiſe: If they cannot tell, nor prove any, the Duke of Gottorp has reaſon to expect to be reſtored to all his Rights by the Princes that have engaged their Faith in this Treaty, and that the Danes ſhould be uſed as breakers of the Peace. If the Danes will make theſe trivial objections, which have been already anſwered, paſs for Injuries, and eſpecially the League made with Sweden by the Duke of Gottorp for his own defence; I am afraid they will find few expert Miniſters of their mind. It has always, and ever will be lawful to make ſuch Leagues. Nay, if the Danes will but remember their own Deſigns, and examine their Conſcience, they muſt needs own themſelves the Authors, or occaſion of this League. For ſuch Principles muſt never be neglected, nor the Power of any ever be raiſed to ſuch a greatneſs, (or it muſt not be left in any ones power to do hurt, who has a mind to do it) that afterwards you may not be in a condition to diſpute your right upon equal terms. Saith Polyb. lib. 1.

5. The diſſenting minds of Princes having been in all Ages happily reconciled by Marriage, and their Animoſities thereby laid down, and ſometimes totally extinguiſht; the Duke of Gottorp thought fit to uſe this Remedy, and having humbly demanded, and obtained as a Pledge of ſincere Friendſhip between both Princes, the Daughter of Frederick King of Denmark of happy Memory for his Wife; and ſeveral Articles being at the ſame time agreed upon by the King and the Duke, as well relating to the Dowry as other things, the King then again ratified all that had been ſo many times agreed between them concerning this Dukedome. So that the [Page] King now for the fifth time gave his conſent to it in the year 1667, moſt freely, and without the leaſt appearance of conſtraint by War or otherwiſe.

6. The Danes without the leaſt provocation or new injury (all former matters being by an Amneſty in the Treaty aboliſhed on both ſides) but out of a deſire of Revenge, and hope of regaining their loſſes, have firſt broken this Peace and Agreement made and concluded between the King and States of Denmark, and the Houſe of Gottorp, ſo often Sworn to and approved by both, partly by committing Violences upon old aboliſh'd pretences, and which by ſeveral Conventions have been before adjuſted, and partly by doing things either directly againſt the tenor of the Articles, or the neceſſary conſequences of them; for whatever is acted contrary to Friendſhip, breaks the Peace which ſubſiſts by nothing elſe; And what other men are obliged to by Friendſhip alone, Grot. lib. 3. c. 20. n. 27. ſeq. Princes are further tied to by their Promiſes and Treaties. And therefore we hope it will find little credit what the Danes falſly accuſe the Duke of, as if he ſhould have provoked them juſtly to what they have done. For thoſe break the Peace who firſt commit Violences, and not thoſe that repel them, and much leſs thoſe that only endeavour to defend themſelves, ſaith Thucydides; wherewith agrees the common opinion of the Learned in the Law, who ſay, That to make a Defence lawful, it is not neceſſary to expect or receive the firſt blow. Therefore what is objected to Choſro [...] in Procopius, may be applyed here; Thoſe break the Peace, who in time of Peace or League are firſt found to endeavour to ſurprize others, and not th [...]ſe that are firſt in Arms. Now, if any one will impartially conſider all Tranſactions ſince the Peace of Roſchild, it [Page] can never be made out, that the Houſe of Gottorp has conſpired againſt the King of Denmark, but on the contrary, that the King hath laid ſnares for the Duke from time to time, and at laſt ſurpriz'd him at Rendsbourgh, as hath been before ſaid.

7. If we conſider well the means taken by the Danes to gratifie their deſire of Revenge, though they have covered their intentions with many fair words, we ſhall find them very falſe and unjuſt. For the Duke of Gottorp and his Miniſters having been drawn to Rendsbourgh upon the hopes given, and ſo many times confirmed of a fair compoſure of things, and ſeveral proteſtations of friendſhip and kindneſs, were preſently after ſhut up, and detained in Priſon, where they were forced to moſt unjuſt conditions: there was quite another thing intended than what was acted; and any man may eaſily ſee by what trick they were betrayed and trepanned. Therefore, whatever was concluded there, is void in Law; and the Danes have done nothing, either in forcing the Houſe of Gottorp to agree to theſe unjuſt conditions, or extorting fit and juſt ones from it. Neither have they hereby confirmed their old Right, nor got a new one. They have only taken Papers and Parchments from the Duke, but not the Right they lookt for; and in truth there has been only a Play Acted at Rendsbourgh, but it was a Tragedy. For if we weigh this by the Law of Nations, which is chiefly of Force between free Princes and People, the Convention at Rendsbourgh is abſolutely null and void; nothing being more contrary to Faith and Juſtice than ſuch tricks as theſe, and Princes being more ſtrictly bound not to depart from it than any private perſon; eſpecially ſince the Articles with the Houſe of Gottorp of 1658, were agreed [Page] upon, and ſigned with ſuch Ceremony, and in ſuch manner, as equal them to an Oath; and that by them, not the King, but the injur'd Duke is to be entirely reſtored. It was a ſaying of the Antients, That amongſt good men all proceedings ought to be ſincere. Now Princes ought not only to be counted good, but the beſt of men; and the more punctual and ſincere they are in their Treaties with others, the greater will their Reputation be.

8. This Tranſaction was likewiſe no ſmall breach of the Law of Nations. The King had deſired the Duke, after they had Feaſted together friendly and kindly at Dennewerk, to come and ſee him at Rendsbourgh, and the Chancellor of the Kingdom having repeated this deſire of the Kings, the Duke ſent word he would do himſelf the Honour to come and wait upon his Majeſty. His Highneſs was received with the ſhooting of Guns, and all other demonſtrations of kindneſs and reſpect, that he might believe himſelf welcome. But when he was detained a Priſoner, with Guards to watch him, and that thoſe who ought to have been uſed like Gueſts and well entertained, were not permitted to go away, nay, not ſo much as to ſtir out, the Law of Nations was eminently broken, and ſufficient occaſion given for Reparation. Many wonder that the Duke would truſt his Perſon and his Miniſters with the King, and that in a very ſtrong Town. But they will ceaſe wondering when they know all the repeated proteſtations of true Friendſhip made by the King and his Miniſters, ſo that the Duke, who has a generous and great Soul, was afraid to be thought miſtruſtful, or give a ſuſpition of it, eſteeming with Livy, that to truſt was the way to be truſted. Thus of old periſh'd Dio, who knowing that Calippus had laid ambuſhes [Page] for him, was aſhamed to uſe precaution againſt a Friend, and one whoſe Gueſt he then was, ſaith Plutarch.

9. And here we muſt not omit the Violences uſed towards the Duke of Gottorp and his Miniſters, and the Troubles they were put to. If a man puts another in Priſon or Cuſtody to extort from him, all what is done by it is null, ſay the Civilians, Vid. Paulus Ictus. Lib. 22. ff. quod met. cauſ. geſt. Nay, he that ſhuts any one in his houſe to get a Promiſe or Obligation from him, does force him to it. V. L. 1. Sent. Tit. 7. Sect. 8. Therefore in the Commonwealth of Rome, by the Julian Law, he was guilty of publick Violence, who had ſhut up a man with an ill deſign, reſtrained him, or got an Obligation from him by force; the Law declaring all ſuch void. l. 5. pr. ff. ad. l. Jul. de vi publicâ. As force impoſes a neceſſity upon the mind, and is commonly accompanied with fear, becauſe of the imminent danger that unſetles the Soul, lib. 1. quod met. cauſ. So the Duke of Gottorp, a Friend, a near Relation, a Gueſt, a Brother, &c. being come to viſit his Friend, Relation, Brother, &c. endured not only many hard violent injuries and unjuſt things, as well as all his Servants, but was terrified daily with new threats and apprehenſions of great Evils, by which his Mind and his Body were brought ſo low, that his grief caſt him into a dangerous diſtemper. Some of the Danes have endeavoured to conceal the diſguiſe, nay, deny too what paſſed at Rendsbourgh, and perhaps are yet unwilling to confeſs the truth; not becauſe they can ſtiffle what hath been done in the view of ſo many people, then at Rendsbourgh, but to ſuppreſs all they could the remembrance of this Infamous Story. For we do not doubt but that there are many good men among the Danes, who abhor the Counſel [Page] of that man, who was then the great man with the King, and never kept within bounds.

But however the Danes may be thought of by impartial judges of theſe things for his inexcuſable proceeding, they can neither reap any advantage thereby, nor cauſe any damage to the Houſe of Gottorp, or render its condition worſe. For though by the Principles of Philoſophy, whoſoever has promiſed any thing by force or fear, ſeems to be bound to it in ſtrictneſs of Law: Yet ſince the Ancients have been of opinion, that ſummum jus is ſometimes injurious, and that the Law of Nature abhors an unjuſt force or conſtraint; no Prince ought to be bound by this ſummum jus, when accompanied with force, but rather reſtored to what has been forced from him, which the following words of Grotius explain and confirm. I am wholly of the opinion of thoſe, who believe, that laying aſide the Civil Law, (by which the Obligation may be taken away or diminiſht) whoſoever has promiſed a thing through fear, is bound, becauſe he has given his abſolute conſent, and not a conditional one, as in the caſe of one that miſtakes. For as Ariſtotle ſays very well, he that throws his goods into the Sea for fear of Shipwrack, would willingly ſave them conditionally, viz. if the danger was not imminent; but he is abſolutely content to loſe them, conſidering the circumſtance of time and place. But I eſteem this moſt true, if the man to whom the Promiſe is made, has terrifyed [...]he other not juſtly, but unjuſtly, though but a little, and upon this has got a Promiſe, he to whom the promiſe was made, is bound to releaſe him from it, if the other deſires it; not becauſ [...] the Promiſe is of no force, but for the injury done. L. 2. de Jure B. & P. c. 11. n. 7. He explains theſe laſt words thus in another place; He that has by cunning, force, or unjuſt fear, obtained from another a Contract or Promiſe, [Page]is bound to releaſe the Perſon of his ſaid Contract; for he had a right neither to be deceived, nor to be forced; the firſt by the nature of Contracts, the other by the Liberty of Nature. Lib. 2. de Jure B. & P. c. 17. n. 17. And he repeats the ſame, lib. 3. c. 19. n. 4. 10. The King of Denmark can ſo much the leſs deny this right of Reſtitution to the Houſe of Gottorp, becauſe he himſelf would have challenged the ſame right when it was his own caſe▪ For his Majeſty having extorted from the Duke, by meer force, all he thought fit, his Highneſs was reproached, that he had gotten theſe things before by force, and the Arms of an Enemy, and had given juſt cauſe conſequently to the King to repoſſeſs himſelf the ſame way; It will then be very juſt, that the King ſuffer the Duke to make uſe of the ſame Law againſt his Majeſty, which he would have uſed againſt his Highneſs, ſince this is a Rule of the Law of Nature, which obliges all Princes without diſtinction. I ſay the King would have made uſe of this Law againſt the Duke, that having been forced to the Treaty in queſtion, he ought to have been reſtored unto his Rights again. But in this the Danes are very much miſtaken, that they do not diſtinguiſh by what kind of force or fear one is conſtrained, whether juſt or unjuſt; and have gone about fooliſhly to perſwade themſelves and others, that the King had recovered the Soveraignty of the Dukedom of Sleſwick, the ſame way he had loſt it. For as Juſtice offers Reſtitution with both hands to a man, forced unjuſtly to a promiſe or grant; ſo it denies it flatly to one juſtly forced. Therefore when any one has himſelf been the cauſe of his being compelled to promiſe o [...] give, he cannot recover it the ſame way, having loſt his right of Reſtitution, by giving a juſt cauſe to the other, who has [Page] juſtly employed a juſt force. Grot. lib. 2. c. 17. n. 19.

11. This Reſtitution due upon ſo many accounts, ought not to be denied, becauſe of the great Evils and dangerous Errours which may ſpring from ſuch a denial. For if we take the Treaty of Rendsbourgh into ſerious conſideration, we ſhall find the Duke of Gottorp deprived of all his Royalties, and the King alone inveſted with them, and all ſubmitted to his Pleaſure. For the King alone having undertaken the defence of both Dukedoms, declared all the Dukes Treaties null, deprived him of his Souldiers, demoliſht his Towns and Forts, detained him againſt his will in Cuſtody, raiſed ſuch great Taxes upon his Lands, that his Highneſs and his Subjects have nothing remaining; whence it is manifeſt that the Right of Peace and War, and the other great Royalties, are taken away from the Duke by this Treaty, or at leaſt ſo much incroached upon, that all the Authority which he might of right, and has hitherto, after the Example of his Anceſtors, enjoyed and exerciſed, is now in the King alone, and at his diſpoſe, under whoſe power and pleaſure his Highneſs muſt hereafter live, under the Notion of a Client or Vaſſal, but really as a Subject. So heretofore the Latins complained, That under the colour of a League with the Romans they lived in Slavery; and the Achaians, that their League was now become a precarious Slavery; and, as Tacitus ſpeaks, A miſerable Slavery was now falſly called Peace. And though Proculus be of opinion, that free Tenants are not under the Dominion or Subjection of the Patron, yet when a Prince or People come under the Protection of a Superiour Prince or People, we know by experience that a fall is eaſie in ſlippery ground, and that the Tenantſhip is ſoon changed into a ſoft Slavery, which [Page] the Duke of Gottorp has the more reaſon to fear and avoid; For that the King of Denmarks Power reaching from the further part of Norway, as far as Holland, is very great, and that under the pretence of the Union at the Treaty of Rendsbourgh, vainly called by the Name of Pragmatick Sanction, an occaſion may be taken to oppreſs or ſuppreſs the Authority and Dignity of the Houſe of Gottorp. Who ever ſaw a Soveraign Prince without Royalties? Who can ſhew a Duke of Sleſwick thus wholly diveſted of his high Prerogatives? If the Dukes of Sleſwick are to be inveſted hereafter by giving them a Banner, and with the Ceremony obſerved at Ottenwaldt in 1580, will not that be a Proclaiming of them Subjects with the greater Pomp only, and telling the world by this Inveſtiture, how proud they are of this Subjection? If the Dukes of Gottorp were caſt into this condition or abandoned in it, and on the contrary, the Kings of Denmark might govern at their Pleaſure the Dukedomes of Sleſwick and Holſtein, and that part of them alſo which belongeth to the Duke, what an augmentation of Power would that be to them, and how might they abuſe it if ever they would make uſe of it againſt Germany, and eſpecially the Circle of the Lower-Saxony? This may be made out by an exact account of the vaſt ſums of mony, and all other things they have extorted in a little time from thoſe Provinces; it is hardly credible how great the ſums are. And we know well enough what an ambitious Example they have ſhown, and there is no queſtion but opportunity and power will invite others to follow them. Therefore Prudence requires rather that the Duke of Gottorp ſhould be in time reſtored to his former condition, and all his Rights, than that ſo many Princes, Provinces, and Towns, be deſtroyed [Page] by his Ruin, which will be eaſily prevented, if the injury now done to his Highneſs be looked upon by every one of them as done to themſelves.

But ſuppoſe we ſhould grant that the Duke of Gottorp has effectually bound himſelf by the conditions of Rendsbourg to a Vaſſalage for the Dukedom of Sleſwick, (which ſuppoſition we yet conſtantly deny as falſe;) yet the delay of demanding the Inveſtiture cannot be imputed to the Duke, but to the King alone: for who does not know that the Strong-holds of Tonningen and Holme are ſeated in the Dukedom of Sleſwick? And the King without regard to his Word, having razed them both, taken away the Garriſons and all the Artillery, kept the Duke beſieged in his Caſtle of Gottorp; and all this relating to the Dukedome of Sleſwick, hath not the Duke juſtly demanded, that all theſe Grievances be firſt redreſſed, and ſatisfaction be made to him for them? If he had done otherwiſe, and blindly asked the Inveſtiture, truſting himſelf to the Kings pleaſure, there had never been any notice taken of the old and new Grievances, and his Highneſs had raſhly ſubmitted himſelf to a Vaſſalage, that had deprived him and his Poſterity of all his Royalties, and expoſed them to the eternal Scorn of the world. Beſides, ſince it was ſuggeſted to the Dukes Ambaſſadors ſent to Copenhaguen about the Fief and Grievances, that they would do well to return to his Highneſs for new Inſtructions about the Fief, without expecting any Orders from him; the King had certainly no cauſe given him for Sequeſtrations, and thoſe other acts of Hoſtility committed by his Order in the Dukedom of Sleſwick. And ſo we muſt not yield that the King, by doing Acts by which the Lord of a Fief uſes to loſe his Right, ſhould take [Page] away anothers Right; and not only gain by the Ruin of the other, but even by what ought to turn to his own loſs, contrary to the Laws of Nature; Nations, Feudal, and all others whatſoever. Eric Duke of Sleſwick, having left after his Death his Son Waldemar a Child, Chriſtopher the Second King of Denmark, poſſeſſed himſelf of that Guardian-ſhip of Waldemar, and at the ſame time of the whole Territory of Sleſwick, except Gottorp, which when he alſo beſieged to gain the whole Dutchy, Gerhard Earl of Holſtein, Unkle to Waldemar, with ſome others, oppos'd him ſtoutly, and for this Felony committed by the King in 1326, there was great Debate, which Meurſius thus relates; The Dukedom of Sleſwick having been held till then as a Fief from Denmark, and theſe Princes by reaſon of this Ʋſurpation of the Kings, being unwilling it ſhould continue ſo hereafter, was the occaſion of a long Contention, lib. 4. p. 70, which ended, as we have ſaid before. If this demand in the Name of Waldemar was not unreaſonable, with how much more Juſtice doth our Duke deſire that he might have his own, and a full Reſtitution from the King of what he detains from him ſo unjuſtly, and has Sequeſtrated by meer force; and God Almighty having ordered Reſtitution to be made where Covenants are broken, it is but juſt that his Vice-gerents upon Earth ſhould endeavour to put his Decrees in Execution.

13. If we look upon his Sequeſtration rightly, and examine it by the Rules of Juſtice, we ſhall find it wholly void by Law. For it was neither done by any Convention of the Parties, nor by any Judicial Authority. The Danes, I preſume, will confeſs the former, and the other we do not queſtion but to make them alſo agree to. The King of Denmark having made himſelf Plaintiff againſt [Page] the Duke of Gottorp, in the buſineſs of the Dukedome of Sleſwick, his Majeſty cannot be a Judge in the ſame cauſe: Which is explained by ſeveral Civilians, Ad. Tit. Cod. Nequis in ſuâ cauſâ judicet vel jus ſibi dicat; that is to ſay, Let no man be Judge in his own Caſe, or do himſelf juſtice. And this muſt not be underſtood, as if the Poſitive Roman Law only (by which the Danes are not bound) did prohibite any one to be Judge in his own cauſe, for the Law of Nature dictates the ſame, and right reaſon which obliges all the world, proclaims it. Men blinded by their affections do not ſee the truth in their own affairs, ſaith Ariſtotle. And for this reaſon the Kings of Denmark themſelves conſented heretofore, that all Diſputes about this Fief ſhould be determined by Impartial Judges, according to the contents of the Treaty of Union, and that both parties ſhould abſtain from haſty Sequeſtrations, Ord. jud. prov. part. 3. tit. 3. A judicial Sequeſtration being thus prohibited, becauſe it is a kind of Execution wherewith a State ought not to begin; This Sequeſtration of the Dukedome of Sleſwick cannot certainly be defended by any Law, nor by any Judicial Authority, nor by a previous cognizance of the cauſe, upon which a juſt Sentence had followed, but only by the way of violence and abſolute force; by which the Duke of Gottorp has been thrown out of a certain Poſſeſſion and all his Revenues, and an uſurped Poſſeſſion transfer'd by pure Fact upon the Sequeſtrator, againſt the nature of all Judicial Sequeſtrations, which are made uſe of only for the better keeping of things: ſo that this pretended Sequeſtration is really a violent ſpoil committed by the King (ſupported with more than one Army) upon the Duke naked and diſarmed: Now it is the Opinion of all wiſe men, [Page] that a perſon who has been ſpoiled, ought firſt of all to be reſtored.

14. And this Reſtitution is ſo much the more earneſtly to be preſſed, as this Sequeſtration may be dangerous both in Temporals and Spirituals. For the King having ſuffered himſelf to be perſwaded, that he could abſolve the common people, Prieſts, and Magiſtrates, Subjects to the Duke in the Dukedome of Sleſwick, from the Allegiance they have ſworn to their Prince, he has cauſed ſometimes one, and ſometimes another to be carried away by Souldiers from their habitations, and from their Sacred and Civil Functions, and ſome to Rend [...]bourgh (where this whole Tragedy was begun, and where they have been put in Priſon, at leaſt detained for ſome time.) Thoſe of the Dukes Officers and Subjects, that have ſeen and underſtood all that hath paſſed between the King and the Duke, muſt needs know, that his Majeſty has indeed a great Power over his Subjects, but none over thoſe of other Princes; at leaſt not ſuch a one as can free them from their Oath to God, and Allegiance to his Highneſs; eſpecially whilſt the matter in difference is not onely doubtful, but before no Judicial Court, much leſs determined. Nay, they know that they are bound to ſuffer rather the greateſt Miſeries, and the loſs of their whole Fortunes, than to act againſt their own Conſciences and Oaths, or do any thing to the prejudice of their Prince, leſt they ſhould provoke the Anger of God, and the Dukes juſt Revenge; no obedience being due to any body, that gives ſentence out of his own Territory, where he has no Juriſdiction. L. Vel. ff. de Juriſd. And if others frighted with the noiſe of an Army, or the fear of greater Evils, renounce their Allegiance, let them conſider how [Page] they enſnare their Conſciences, if not expoſe themſelves to the puniſhments for Perjury and Perfidiouſneſs. To prevent which, let a full and quick Reſtitution take away this illegal Sequeſtration.

15. The King cauſed this Sequeſtration of the Dukedome of Sleſwick to be Proclaimed with a Threatning of Deprivation. It is apparent from what has been ſaid, that this Sequeſtration is ſuch, executed with that Rigour, as if the Duke was actually deprived and deveſted of the Dukedome of Sleſwick; though this Deprivation be as unjuſt and violent as the Sequeſtration. How can the Authors of ſuch Counſels be ſufficiently wondred at, by thoſe that remember, that a Fief is a Contract obliging both Parties, and that the Obligation between the Lord and his Vaſſal is as reciprocal, as that between Husband and Wife, ſaith Cujacius. Therefore, as a Vaſſal promiſes to his Lord upon Oath to perform truly, ſafely, ſecurely, honeſtly, well, &c. ſo alſo doth the Lord to the Vaſſal, and is oblig'd to fulfil it; if he doth the contrary, he is declared of no Faith, Perjur'd and Perfidious by the Feudal Longobardick Law, 2 Feud. 6. Thence it is that all Felony which deprives a Vaſſal of a Fief, d [...]prives the Lord alſo of the Propriety thereof, if committed by him, and confers it upon the Vaſſal; moſt eſpecially if the Lord ſpoils him, that holds a Fief from him, of his Forts, wherein he may keep himſelf ſecure much more: if the Lord demoliſhes and deſtroys them to the ground; If he uſes the Vaſſal and his Subjects ill, charges them with Impoſts and Taxes, and Pillages them; if he lays Siege to the Vaſſals Caſtle, or other his place of habitation: If the Lord bereaves him of the Fief by his own Authority, without cognizance of [Page] the cauſe, and judgment thereupon; or if judging the cauſe himſelf, he alienates the ſame: For though the Lord accuſe his Vaſſal of having done ſome act deſerving Deprivation, yet he is not to be abſolutely believed, though he be a Supreme Prince, ſaith Vult [...]j [...]s lib. 1. c. 11. n. 55. In a word, to repeat the proper Terms of the Law, If the Lord enters into the Fief by a bad way, that is to ſay, as Baron Schenkius explains it, ad lib. 2. F [...]ud. Tit. 22. ſed. Si vero Vaſſallus. If he breaks i [...]o Poſſeſsion not by the way of the Law or Juſtice, but by Violence. For in ſuch a caſe, if he refuſes wholly to reſtore the Fief, and what belongs to it, he may be forced to it by the way of Arms. And therefore, if the Lord and Vaſſals are to be judged in the ſame manner, according to the opinion of all Feudiſts; certainly the King of Denmark hath loſt all his Right long before, if he had any, in that part of the Dukedom of Sleſwick which belongs to the Duke of Gottorp, and the Duke ought to be Reſtored againſt the King, according to all Laws.

16. For the Duke of Gottorp having received this Dukedome with the greateſt Right, and in the moſt abſolute manner, free from all Vaſſalage, and obtain'd and kept at a very chargable rate the Soveraign Dominion thereof by the ſo often repeated conſent of the King and States of Denmark; the unjuſt Convention at Rendsbourgh cannot ſavour the King of Denmark's cauſe in this, nor take away the leaſt part of the Dukes Soveraign Power in the Dukedome of Sleſwick. This forced Agreement his Majeſty himſelf having not a little receded from, and firſt broken, by demoliſhing the ſtrong Towns, in which, by this very Agreement, he was only to put a Garriſon for a while, and then to reſtore them: carrying away the [Page] Dukes Miniſters Priſoners, who had already bound themſelves to the King by the Allegiance he required from them; reducing the Dukes Subjects to the laſt extremities, though his Majeſty had promiſed before, that not a Hen ſhould be touched, and other like things; by which things his Majeſty ſeems not to deſire the ſaid Treaty ſhould remain in force.

17. Laſtly, an entire Reſtitution being the common refuge of Princes and Commonwealths, to which they have recourſe in their Afflictions, the Duke of Sleſwick cannot be excluded from this Priviledge of all Mankind. For though in the Commonwealth of Rome, Reſtitution was to be demanded from the Pretor within a certain time; this and the like are only Pleas of the Civil Law. Reſtitution abſolutely conſidered, is grounded upon the Principles of Equity, which takes its Original from the pureſt Springs of the Law of Nature; and is ſo much the fitter for injured Princes and free Nations, as it is more important to provide for the ſafety of Commonwealths than of private men. For why ſhould not a Prince, as well or rather than a private Perſon, be reſtored unto all his Rights, if he has been deceiv'd or injur'd by fraud; force, unjuſt fear, or the like? Certainly there is no reaſon againſt it, Equity requires this remedy for both. Neither is it limited to theſe alone, but it is applicable as often as there is any cauſe of Reſtitution. L. [...]. ff. de reſtit. in integ. Natural Equity it ſelf requires, that a man deceived in any thing, where others ought to have proceeded with ſincerity, be fully reſtored, eſpecially ſince by ſuch deceits whatever is done, is anaulled, ſaith a great Lawyer.

Now, who muſt reſtore the Duke unto all his Rights? What hath been ſaid before doth furniſh us with an anſwer. [Page] The King of Denmark, who has unjuſtly injur'd the Duke, is beyond all others obliged to do it in the Court of Equity and Conſcience, which demands as ready an obedience, as the King himſelf doth from his Subjects. For thoſe that do an ill act knowingly, or are inſtrumental to it, are to be put in the number of thoſe that cannot go to Heaven without Repentance. And true Repentance requires abſolutely, if there be time and power, that he that has done the Injury make ſatisfaction for it, Grot. lib. 3. de J. B. & P. c. 10. n. 3. & 4. From whence it appears too, that the King ought not only to reſtore what he hath extorted from the Duke at Rendsbourgh and afterwards, but make good alſo thoſe damages his Highneſs and his Subjects have ſuffered by the War, and the occaſion of it. What if the King of Denmark, for reaſon of State, excepting againſt this Court, refuſes to reſtore the Duke? Firſt, I ſay, that the great God is Judge, and the truth of his word will not ſo eaſily wear away as the Daniſh Coyn upon which it is ſtamped. Beſides, the King thereby would give the Duke juſt reaſon to endeavour to right himſelf. If an unj [...]ſt fear cauſed by another, has forced any one to make a Promiſe, he that hath promiſed may demand Reſtitution, and, if denyed, may take it himſelf, Grot. lib. 3. de J. B. & P. c. 23. n. 2. When any one demands ſatisfaction from his Fellow-Subject, the Authority of the Magiſtrate muſt be employed as Superiour, to force the Inferiours. And ſo in the Commonwealth of Rome, the Pretor having heard the cauſe, was wont to order Reſtitution. But when a Prince muſt be reſtored againſt another Prince, that is Soveraign as well as he, and his Equal, the injur'd Prince, or any for him, may perform the Office of Pretor, uſe all means to procure a full and [Page] ample Reparation of his damages. If the Duke of Gottorp is not ſtrong enough to do it himſelf, all Chriſtian Princes and Commonwealths muſt make this cauſe theirs, and employ all their Power to reſtore him; For Wars may be undertook not only for Friends and Allies, but for men, as ſuch, if they are barbarouſly injured. Grot. lib. 3. de I. B. & P. c. 25. n. 1. & ſeq. And who is more injur'd than he, who by a Couſin of the ſame Family, his near Ally, and Brother, againſt his Faith ſo many times ſworn, is ſo ill uſed, as to be deprived of all his Authority and Dignity? Therefore ſince other Princes are not a little concerned, when the condition of any Prince is brought ſo low, contrary to all Juſtice, and when perhaps his entire ruin is endeavoured, eſpecially if theſe baſe Counſels proceed from Miniſters, who in their actions and ſpeeches, have no regard to the great Aſſerter of Faith, and conſequently leſs to Faith it ſelf, the foundation of Juſtice, and the tie of all human Societies; all Princes and States ought firſt of all to take care, that Faith be kept inviolable, and Treaties and Contracts between them be not violated, leſt this tie of Friendſhip and Society being broke, the world ſhould fall into confuſion by their c [...]nnivence before the time decreed by Divine Providence.

And thoſe Princes and States are chiefly obliged to take care of this Reſtitution, who have guaranted the Treaties between the King of Denmark and the Houſe of Gottorp, and have ſigned the Inſtruments of Peace between Sweden and Germany, and that of Roſchild and Oliva, engaging for the performance of them in ſuch terms and expreſſions, that if they were meant, as they are ſet down, (which is not at all to be doubted,) no man but will believe they intend to perform their Promiſes. And to [Page] induce them thereunto without any delay, let the great danger of this example, and the greatneſs of the Injuries be conſidered; and that it is alſo the earneſt requeſt of the Duke of Gottorp, who is every day more and more oppreſſed with new Injuries.

And ſince amongſt theſe Princes that are Securities, the good will of the moſt Serene and Potent King of Great Britain, towards the Houſe of Gottorp, appears above the reſt, his Majeſty having not only engaged himſelf with other Princes and States, for the preſervation of the Peace at Roſchild, and the Treaty of Copenhaguen, made between the King of Denmark and the Houſe of Gottorp, ſoon after that at Roſchild; but having alſo paſſed his word and Guaranty for the Soveraignty yielded by the King and Kingdom of Denmark to the Houſe of Gottorp; and moſt eſpecially his Majeſty being now the Mediator of all publick Differences: Give us leave, moſt Potent King, to let all the World know this great affection of your Majeſtie's towards the Houſe of Gottorp, and to put you in mind of your ſpecial Engagement to our Duke for the Soveraignty of Sleſwick; which you can as eaſily make good, as you were pleaſed to engage for it; that you may be known for as great a Defender of the Civil as of the Chriſtian Faith; and in judging the Differences between the King of Denmark and the Houſe of Gottorp, or diſpoſing all things to a Peace, make uſe of that Equity and Moderation, which may prove a Remedy to the Injur'd, a Defence to the Oppreſſed, and a Reward of Eternal Glory to your Majeſty and the Noble People of England.

THE ARTICLES Of the TREATY at Rendsbourgh.

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KNow all Men to whom theſe Preſents ſhall come, That whereas, for the common Security and Safety, ſeveral Treaties of Union and Conjunction have been heretofore made between the Kingdom of Denmark and the Dukedoms of Sleſwick and Holſtein, which have been renewed, augmented, and changed, according to the Exigence of times; and that the moſt Serene and Potent Prince and Lord Chriſtian the V. King of Denmark and Norway, Goths and Vandals, Duke of Sleſwick and Holſtein, Stormar and Dithmars, Earl of Oldenbourgh and Delmenhorſt, and the moſt Reverend and Serene Prince and Lord, the Lord Chriſtian Albert, Heir of Norway, Coadjutor of the Biſhoprick of Lubeck, Duke of Sleſwick and Holſtein, Stormar and Dithmars, Earl of Oldenbourgh and Delmenhorſt, judging it very neceſſary in theſe dangerous and troubleſome times, that ſuch Treaties of Union be renewed after the Example of their Anceſtors, and be accommodated to the preſent condition and State of their Kingdoms and Dominions: And his ſaid Majeſty having appointed on his part [Here the Names of [Page] the Kings Commiſſioners were inſerted] and the ſaid Duke on his part [Here the Names of the Dukes Commiſſioners were inſerted] and the ſaid Commiſſioners, having accordingly met together, have agreed upon the following Articles.

I.

As his Royal Majeſty and his moſt Serene Highneſs do Govern joyntly the Dukedom of Sleſwick and Holſtein, and the Countries incorporated therein; ſo they ſhall both endeavour, according to the Contents of the former Treaties of Union, unanimouſly to direct all their Counſels for the ſafety and augmentation of the ſaid Dukedoms, and to preſerve them from all damage, danger, and detriment.

II.

Therefore, as often as neceſſity ſhall require it, or any danger ſeems to threaten theſe Dukedoms, they ſhall both do all they can, by united Counſels and Forces to prevent it; and if the thing comes to a War, let no Truce be made, nor Peace contracted, before the danger be removed from both their Heads, and ſatisfaction be made to both by the Enemy, and the publick ſecurity provided for.

III.

And as therefore his Royal Majeſty by this takes entirely upon him the Guaranty and Defence, both of the moſt Serene Duke, and the part he has in the Dukedoms; ſo his ſaid moſt Serene Highneſs promiſes again, that as often as his Royal Majeſty ſhall be neceſſitated [Page] to draw Forces from his Kingdomes for the defence of theſe Dukedoms, and the Countries incorporated therein, or ſhall be in War againſt any Forrein Prince whoſoever he be, none excepted (though his Majeſty thinks it already his due by the Union) he ſhall not only give him free paſſage through his Land, and all his Towns, but liberty to Liſt and Muſter Souldiers, aſſigning them quarters and places to Encamp, and helping the King with all his Power.

IIII.

Becauſe alſo, during theſe troubleſome times, his Royal Majeſty could not forbear by an unavoidable neceſſity to ask leave for his further ſecurity to put Garriſons of his own into the Forts of Gottorp and Tonningen, and the Fortreſs of Stapelholme, which his moſt Serene Highneſs has granted, upon this certain hope that theſe troubles being over, and the Peace made, all things ſhould be entirely given back and reſtored as they were: And his moſt Serene Highneſs having made certain Leagues, in which there are ſome things which give no ſmall jealouſies to his Royal Majeſty; that he may hereafter be more ſecure of the intentions of his moſt Serene Highneſs, and all occaſion of miſtruſt be wholly taken away; it is agreed and covenanted on both ſides, that it ſhall not be lawful hereafter for his moſt Serene Highneſs to make any Alliances with Forrein Princes and States without a previous communication with his Majeſty and his conſent obtained, nor make uſe of any of thoſe already made to the prejudice and detriment of his Royal Majeſty.

V.

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And that the Forts and Strong-holds that are neceſſary for the Defence of theſe Dukedoms and Countries therein incorporated, may be provided and furniſhed with all neceſſaries, according to the Exigencies of times, and the threatning dangers, with leaſt trouble to the States of the Provinces; both Parties have agreed, that hereafter the Contributions ſhall be brought into a common Treaſury, and ſhall not be imployed to any other uſe than this now mentioned.

VI.

But becauſe the Contributions that have been paid till now, have been ſo far from keeping the Souldiers which are appointed for the Defence of theſe Dukedoms, that his Majeſty has been neceſſitated to add conſiderable ſums out of his own Revenue; and his moſt Serene Highneſs having put into his Coffers the beſt part of the Contributions he has received, and employed the ſame to other uſes, for which his Majeſty pretends a ſatisfaction to be made to him: Therefore in lieu of a compenſation, and that all things, as much as is poſſible, may be reeſtabliſht in the ſame ſtate, and reſtored according to the Rule of the antient Diviſion, which Hereditarily has been granted to each Houſe; His moſt Serene Highneſs quits wholly and for ever to his Royal Majeſty the Territory of Swabſtadt, with half of the Chapter of Sleſwick, and of the Cathedral Church, which together with the ſaid Territory of Swabſtadt, was heretofore yielded to his moſt Serene Highneſs by his Sacred Royal Majeſty of glorious Memory, with all the Appurtenances, Revenues, [Page] Profits, Domains, Prerogatives, and Royalties, as his moſt Serene Highneſs had the ſame yielded to him, and has quietly poſſeſſed till now.

VII.

As to the Controverſies about the limits, and other things relating to the Territories of Ripen and Tundern, the diſcuſſion whereof remains in ſuſpence till now, they ſhall be decided by Equity, and according to the Opinions of the Royal Commiſſioners, who were preſent at the laſt Aſſembly held for that purpoſe; and if hereafter any differences or diſputes ſhould ariſe, either between his Majeſty himſelf and his moſt Serene Highneſs, or their ſubjects, which cannot be determined by them, they ſhall be compoſed amicably and according to the Articles of Union.

VIII.

And nothing being intended on both ſides by the renewing of this Union and Treaty but to re-eſtabliſh a perpetual and moſt neceſſary good underſtanding between the Royal and Ducal Families, and to keep the ſame inviolable for ever, and the novelties and changes which have happened in proceſs of time, having given not a little occaſion of miſtruſt; it is at laſt agreed and Covenanted, that to reduce all things to their former condition as ſoon as may be, his moſt Serene Highneſs and his Succeſſors, ſhall renounce fully and for ever their Soveraignty over the Dukedom of Sleſwick and it's appurtenances, together with the Iſland of Femaria, which they obtained by the Peace of Roſchild, and the Treaty of Copenhaguen, in the ſame manner as if they had never obtained or been in poſſeſſion [Page] of the ſaid Soveraignty, and ſhall be obliged, no leſs than heretofore, within a year and a day, as often as the caſe, either by the death of the Lord or of the Vaſſal, ſhall happen, to demand and receive in due manner (as heretofore hath been uſed) from the Kings of Denmark, the Inveſtiture of the ſaid Dukedom of Sleſwick and it's Appurtenances, together with the Iſland of Femaria, and to perform all things according to the form preſcribed by the Act of Renuntiation to be made by his moſt Serene Highneſs; for which end his moſt Serene Highneſs has alſo obliged himſelf to deliver up again, and conſign into the hands of his Royal Majeſty the Inſtrument he received from his late Sacred Majeſty of glorious Memory, and from theſe Senators of the Kingdom then in being, which is hereby made void and rendred null.

Laſtly, this Union and Tranſaction ſhall remain entire and firm, as the Baſis and foundation of an everlaſting Friendſhip and Alliance between both Houſes, and as a ſtrong obligation by which his Royal Majeſty and his moſt Serene Highneſs are joyned together, and ſhall be inviolably obſerved by both parties and their Succeſſors, neither ſhall any of them do any thing contrary hereunto, or ſuffer the ſame to be done; and beſides, all that is not here altered, ſhall by vertue of the antient Treaties, remain in full force. For the greater aſſurance of the performance of theſe Preſents, theſe Articles of Union and Agreement have been by Us, as well his Majeſties, as his Highneſſes Commiſſioners, deputed for this affair, ſigned and Sealed at Rendsbourg the 10. of July 1675.

Out of the Articles of Vnion made 1533.

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Neither Party ſhall enter into a War without the Counſel and conſent of the other.

And the ſame is confirmed by the other Treaties of Ʋnion.

Out of the Tranſaction at Othenwaldt 1579.

If his Majeſty for the defence of his Provinces and Subjects or the Conſervation of his Dignity, is neceſſitated to take up Arms, ſo that the buſineſs cannot be determined by way of Juſtice or a fair Compoſure, the moſt Serene Duke of Gottorp (if the War hath been undertaken and ended by his advice, and with his full conſent, after a previous deliberation) ſhall be obliged to ſend the Succours agreed upon.

Out of the Concordats of the Kingdom of Denmark, and the Dukedom of Sleſwick & Holſtein 1593.

Neither of the Parties ſhall make War without the Advice and conſent of the other; but if it happen that the King and Kingdom of Denmark, and the Dukes of Sleſwick and Holſtein, conſent to refer their Controverſies to the Cognizance and Deciſion of a Judicial Court, and nevertheleſs either of them be attacked by force of Arms, the other Party ſhall ſend ſuch [...]roops to his Aſſiſtance, as by the following Articles are agreed upon.

Out of the Vnion renewed in the Year 1624.

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The Party whoſe Counſel and help is imployed, may and ought to make uſe of this Right, to profer his Mediation to the Parties entring into War, for the compoſing their differences without coming to Arms, and to this end muſt invite and joyn with him other Neutral Princes and States; and if there be time, and no danger will ariſe by delay, let him propoſe all juſt and equitable conditions, not derogating from the Dignity of the Princes engaged, nor prejudicial to the cauſe, and try what ſucceſs that may have before they come to an open Rupture.

Out of the Inventory 4 Jul. 1675. made when the Fort of Tonningen and all its Ammunition was delivered up.

This written Inventory, with all the things ſet down therein,—were delivered, and really received by me under-writen, Lieutenant-General of the moſt Serene King of Denmark and Norway, after the performance of the Surrender of the Fort of Tonningen; and I do engage my Faith, that all ſhall be fully reſtored according to the promiſe of his moſt Serene Royal Majeſty, and as it ought to be, and to that end, have ſubſcribed this with my own hand.

Charles Arenſtorff.

Out of the Inſtrument of Peace at Roſchild 12. May 1658.

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As to the pretended ſatisfaction for the damages received by the laſt War, the moſt Serene Duke of Gottorp (the moſt excellent Mediators judging it fit) condeſcends out of friendſhip and affection, to remit all his pretenſions thereunto for all the Vaſſalage remitted to him, that the Amty between his moſt Serene Royal Majeſty and the Duke, and alſo the Kingdom of Denmark, the Dukedoms and the Subjects of both Princes may remain firm and entire, and that the good correſpondence which ought to be between Allies, Brothers, and Neighbours, may be preſerved.

Out of the League between Sweden and Gottorp, made May 24. 1661.

And as there is no other cauſe for the making of this Alliance, than to keep the Peace between the Princes of the North inviolate, and render the ſecurity of the Houſe of Gottorp, eſtabliſhed thereby, more entire; and the moſt Serene Duke of Gottorp not obliging himſelf in any thing to the King and Kingdom of Sweden, but what relates to this Peace and Security, and the preſervation of the Friendſhip and Amity between them: ſo no other Leagues, whether already made, or which ſhall be hereafter made, ſhall prejudice either of the Parties, nor be a hindrance to this Treaty, or take place againſt it. Beſides, the moſt Serene Duke, that he may remove all [Page] ſuſpition of his proceedings, deſires that the extenſion or interpretation of this League may no ways reach his Imperial Majeſty or the Empire, or any other Kings, Electors and Princes, if they do not injure the Duke contrary to the Peace of the North; and he alſo reſerves to himſelf the liberty to keep and improve, by the beſt ways he ſhall think fit, that good correſpondence with the King of Denmark, which may and ought to be between Neighbours, and may be moſt advantageous to his Family, Provinces, and Subjects, without derogating from the Peace of the North.

Out of the Peace of Roſchild made the 26 Feb. 1658. Art. 22.

His moſt Serene Majeſty of Denmark, ſhall be obliged to ſatisfie Prince Frederick Duke of Sleſwick and Holſtein-Gottorp, according to Equity, which ſatisfaction ſhall be treated of by his Royal Majeſties and his Highneſſes Commiſſioners; yet ſo as that this Treaty be finiſhed before the ſecond of May.

Out of the Inſtrument of Peace between the moſt Serene King of Denmark and the Duke at Copenhaguen 12 of May 1658. Art. 6.

And ſo in the Name of God the Grievances and Demands exhibited, are either abſolutely or proviſionally taken off, to the ſatisfaction of the intereſſed; and the [Page] King and Prince do promiſe bona ſide, and in words without equivocation, that they will keep this Treaty, and not recede from it under any pretence whatſoever, whatever it may be, and obſerve theſe Articles, as faithfully as thoſe of the Peace at Roſchild, employing all their cares to tranſmit and propagate this Friendſhip now renewed perfect and entire to their Poſterity.

We Frederick III. King of Denmark and Norway, &c. declare by theſe Preſents, that we have, after mature deliberation upon all that has been propoſed by the Lords Mediators, either by word of Mouth or in Writing, concerning the Treaty and Concluſion of a Peace, conſented, and by vertue of theſe Preſents do conſent to the ſame, as far as they agree with the Acts paſſed by the three States for the eſtabliſhing a Peace between Us and the King of Sweden. Copenhaguen Auguſt 23. V. S. 1659.

Another Declaration of his moſt Serene Royal Majeſty upon the buſineſs of the Peace to be made with the King and Kingdom of Sweden, preſented to the Lords Mediators Plenipotentiaries at Copenhaguen.

We Frederick III. by the Grace of God King of Denmark and Norway, Duke of Sleſwick and Holſtein, &c.

To all and every one whom it doth or may any way concern; Be it known, that as we have among other [Page] things, as well by our Declaration of the 14/24 Auguſt, ſhewed our great propenſity to a Peace to the Lords Mediators of the three States, as by another of the 25/4 Auguſt / Sept. delivered by Our Order into the Hands of the ſame Mediators, by which we declare, that after a due conſideration of the Propoſitions of their Excellencies, made as well by word of Mouth as in Writing, the 18/28 of the ſame Month, for a happy Iſſue of this preſent Peace, We do conſent to them all as far as they are agreeable with the reſolutions paſt by the three States the 11/21 of May, the 14/24 of July, and 25/4 July / Auguſt about the Peace to be made between Us and the King and Kingdom of Sweden; ſo we do hereby teſtifie and confirm that VVe adhere ſtill to the ſame Declaration; and to give a greater proof of our ſaid Inclination for Peace, and to take away all ſort of ſuſpition of the contrary, VVe declare by theſe Preſents, that VVe deſire nothing more than that the Commiſſioners of both Parties, without any delay of time, may meet at the place before appointed for the Treaty of Peace, and by the Mediation of the Ambaſſadors of the three States, make a happy concluſion of the ſame without any further delay.

And VVe relying entirely upon the Integrity and Equity of the ſaid Lords, do alſo hereby declare, That if it ſhall be thought fit to add or change any thing in the Treaty at Roſchild, we remit and leave it all to their diſcretion and care. In greater truſt and certainty whereof, we have to theſe Preſents ſet Our Royal Hand and Seal at Our Court at Copenhaguen the 19. of March 1660.

Frederick III.

Out of the Inſtrument of Peace at Roſchild renewed in the Year 1660. Art. 27, & 28.

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VVhereas it was agreed by the 22th Article of the Treaty at Roſchild, that his Royal Majeſty of Denmark ſhould be obliged to give an equitable ſatisfaction to the moſt High Prince, the Duke of Sleſwick and Holſtein-Gottorp, and his ſaid Majeſties and his ſaid Highneſſes Commiſſioners, after ſeveral Conferences held at Copenhaguen the 12/22 of May 1658, having at laſt come to a final Agreement and Concluſion, it is hereby ſtipulated, that all thoſe Treaties and Tranſactions ſhall be exactly obſerved and fulfilled faithfully on both ſides. Moreover, if there has happened any thing in this or the precedent VVars, which may any way create animoſities and jealouſies between his moſt Serene Royal Majeſty and Kingdom of Denmark and his moſt Serene Highneſs the Duke of Holſtein-Gottorp, or any thing between his moſt Serene Royal Majeſty and his moſt Serene Highneſs, their Miniſters, Servants, or Subjects, which may be taken any other ways than in good part; It ſhall all, as well for the ſake of the mutual Conſanguinity, and eſpecially of her moſt Serene Royal Majeſty the Queen of Sweden, as for the perpetuating the friendſhip between both Houſes, from this day forward be forgotten, and be no more remembred to the prejudice of any one, but by vertue of this Tranſaction be wholly extinguiſhed. And his moſt Serene Royal Majeſty of Denmark, will alſo, when Denmark [Page] ſhall be evacuated, not only withdraw his Army and Forces out of his Highneſſes Country and Places, but likewiſe do his utmoſt endeavour to oblige his Allies to ſend away, and draw their Troops without any delay or [...]ergiverſation out of the Lands, Towns, and Forts of his Highneſs, which they have poſſeſſed themſelves of.

Out of the Treaty of Peace at Oliva.

Art. 22. The Duke of Holſtein-Gottorp, by the conſent of the Parties ſtipulating, ſhall be included in this Peace.

Art. 26. The ſame is repeated.

Art. 31. It importing very much to the eſtabliſhment of this Peace, that it be made to reach all parties in Difference, and that the ſafety of Trade between all the Parties engaged in the VVar be provided for, and therefore, though the Controverſies that are depending between the moſt Serene King and Kingdom of Sweden, and the moſt Serene King of Denmark, cannot be well determined here, but are now under diſcuſſion at Copenhaguen, and in a fair way of Compoſure, it is nevertheleſs Enacted, that the Kingdoms and Countries of the moſt Serene King of Denmark and Norway, included in the Daniſh Peace, ſhall be comprehended in this Treaty; ſo that all which has been agreed and concluded between the ſaid Kings of Sweden and Denmark, ſhall be part of this Peace, as if the particulars were ſpecifyed, and ſet down in this Inſtrument; yet ſo as not to derogate from any thing of the Treaty already concluded, or which ſhall be concluded in Denmark, between both Kings and Kingdoms.

[Page] 35. To the end that this Peace may be rendred more firm, permanent and ſecure, and remain inviolable on every ſide, the ſaid Parties, as well Principal as Allies, now Treating, do promiſe beſides, that they will and intend to keep this Tranſaction and Peace inviolably, with all its Articles, Contents, and Clauſes; and that it may not be violated hereafter, they oblige themſelves to a mutual Guaranty and reciprocal defence on all parts, promiſing by theſe, as firmly as it may be, that if it happen that any Party be attacked by another or others, either by Sea or Land, againſt the Contents of this Treaty, the Aggreſſor ſhall, ipſo facto, be accounted by all the reſt as the Breaker of this Peace, loſing all the benefit thereof, and the reſt of the Parties now Treating ſhall be obliged to aſſiſt the Party injured with their Forces and Arms, within two Months at the furtheſt after thereunto deſired by the injur'd Party, and proſecute the VVar againſt the Aggreſſor until a Peace can be made to the ſatisfaction of all. But if it happen that one Party ſhall receive any grievous injury by the other, or ſome by others without force of Arms, it ſhall not be lawful to the Injur'd to have preſently recourſe to Arms, but endeavours ſhall be uſed to compoſe ſuch kind of Controverſies amicably and in a friendly manner.

Out of the Tranſactions at Gluckſtadt, Octob. 12. 1667.

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And firſt, that a Friendly, kind, and filial affection may be reſtored between his moſt Serene Royal Majeſty and the Duke of Gottorp, all thoſe things which have been acted directly or indirectly againſt the Union, and and all thoſe Treaties that concern the Kingdom of Denmark, the Dukedoms of Sleſwick and Holſtein, and all the Princes belonging to the ſame, ſhall on both ſides be abſolutely forgotten, and are aboliſht for ever; and the ſaid Union (except as to what has been in 1658, and 1660, otherwiſe determined by the aforeſaid Treaties of Roſchild and Copenhaguen) ſhall ſubſiſt in its full force in Peace and VVar, any pretence or interpretation whatſoever notwithſtanding, and ſhall be conſtantly obſerved. And neither Party ſhall moleſt or oppoſe the other for any cauſe whatſoever contrary to the ſame.

At the end of this Tranſaction theſe words are ſet down.

VVe do Atteſt and Certifie, that we have approved the foregoing Tranſaction, and all and every the Articles and Clauſes of the ſame; and accordingly do approve, agree, and confirm it, promiſing for Us, Our Heirs and Succeſſors, upon Our Royal Faith, that We ſhall not directly, nor indirectly act, or ſuffer any thing to be acted againſt the ſame, and that we ſhall firmly adhere thereunto. Given under Our Hand and Signet.

Frederick.

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[Page] We CHARLES by the Grace of God of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, KING, Defender of the Faith, &c.

Make known and certifie, That whereas the moſt Serene Prince Frederick the III. by the ſame Grace of Denmark and Norway, Goths and Vandals King, Duke of Sleſwick, H [...]lſtein, Stormar and Dithmars, Earl in Oldenbourgh and Delmenhorſt, having wholly and fully freed and abſolved the moſt High Prince the Lord Frederick Heir of Norway, Duke of Sleſwick and Holſtein, &c. and his lawful Heirs Males, from a certain Feudal Homage and Vaſſalage for the Dukedom of Sleſwick, and having yielded up to him and his Deſcendents Males the Dukedom of Sleſwick, with the Supreme and abſolute Dominion thereof (commonly called the Soveraignty) and all its Rights and Appurtenances, as appears more fully by the Treaty or Inſtrument: And whereas the moſt High Prince the Lord Chriſtian Albert, Elected Biſhop of Lubeck, Heir of Norway, Duke of Sleſwick, Holſtein, Stormar, Dithmars, Earl in Oldenburgh and Delmenhorſt, Our Couſin, having deſired Us by the Illuſtrious Sir John Leyenberg Knight, Reſident in Our Court for the moſt Potent King of Sweden, that interpoſing our Authority, We would confirm and ratifie by way of Guaranty,See the Patent for the Grant of this Soveraignty in Lundorpius, Contin. part. 8. lib. 8. cap. 10. pag. 318. and elſewhere. the ſaid Treaty or Covenant concluded at Copenhaguen, with all and every one of its Clauſes, as it is ſet down word for word in the German Exemplar (which We have received from the ſaid Reſident of the moſt Serene King of Sweden upon his Faith.)

We therefore, as well to gratifie the demand and deſire of the moſt Serene King of Sweden, as to ſhew the affection VVe bear and will always bear to the aforeſaid [Page] Duke Chriſtian Albert, nearly joyned to Us both in Friendſhip and Blood, have thought fit to conſtitute Our Selves as Guarantee, and a Security for the obſervation of this Treaty or Convention concluded at Copenhaguen the 12 May 1658; as by theſe in the beſt, moſt ample, and ſecure form, We do conſtitute Our Selves Guarantee, and a Security for the ſame; Promiſing upon Our Royal Faith, that We will maintain the Duke Chriſtian Albert, his Heirs and Succeſſors in the ſaid, and all other and ſingular their Rights; and if any thing be attempted againſt his Highneſs, his Heirs and Succeſſors, VVe ſhall endeavour by a Friendly Mediation, or by oppoſing all neceſſary means againſt force, that theſe Countries, Dominions, and Territories, with all the Rights, Royalties, Soveraign and abſolute Dominion, or Soveraignty thereof, may remain whole and ſafe to him. And for the greater ſecurity of all and ſingular the Premiſes, VVe have ſubſcribed this Inſtrument of Guaranty with Our own hand, and have cauſed Our Great Seal of England to be affixed thereunto.

Given at Our Palace of Weſtminſter the 23. day of February, in the year one Thouſand ſix Hundred Sixty five, and in the Eighteen year of Our Reign.

Charles R.

A manifesto, or, An account of the state of the present differences between the most serene and potent King of Denmark and Norway Christian the V., and the most serene Duke of Sleswick and Holstein-Gottorp Christian Albert together with some letters of the King of Great Britain, the King of Denmark, and the Duke of Holstein-Gottorp, concerning a mediation in these differences, which the king of Great Britain most generously offer'd, and the king of Denmark refused and slighted : as also some other letters of the Dukes of Brunswick-Lunenbourgh, the emperor, &c., whereby the calumnies of a certain Danish minister are plainly detected.[2]

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SOME LETTERS OF THE KING OF Great Britain, THE King of Denmark, AND THE DUKE OF Holſtein Gottorp.

The King of Great Britains Letter to His Majeſty the King of Denmark, concerning a Mediation in the differences between His Majeſty and the Duke of Holſtein Gottorp.

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CHarles the Second, By the Grace of God King of Great Britain, &c. To the moſt Serene and Potent Prince Chriſtian the Fifth, by the ſame Grace of Denmark, Norway, Goths and Vandals King, Duke of Sleſwick, &c. Greeting.

VVe were extreamly troubled to hear of the Differences lately ariſen between your Majeſty and Our good Couſin the Duke of Holſtein, for the nearneſs and tie of Blood and common Intereſts between you; and therefore out of the Affection VVe bear to both your Families, and the good and advantage of the ſame, VVe did almoſt a Year ago offer our Mediation and good Offices between you; and VVe had long ſince charged Our Miniſter reſiding at your Court to do it more ſolemnly, if your Majeſties Envoy reſiding with Us had not induced and deſired Us, as in favour of himſelf; that all VVe ſhould reſolve to do therein, might be done through his hands, which We the rather conſented to then, becauſe he [Page] charged himſelf ſeriouſly to repreſent to your Majeſty the offers VVe made of Our Offices and Mediation. But your Majeſty having not hitherto ſent Us any direct Anſwer thereunto, and your ſaid Envoy having only by the by inſinuated to Us, that your Majeſty rather deſiſired, that ſince this Affair ſeemed to be purely Domeſtick, and concerned only the private Intereſts of two Princes of the ſame Blood, it might be left to be determined among your ſelves; VVe hoped not to have found your Majeſty in this mind which VVe perceive by your Envoys diſcourſe, you are of: However, VVe cannot but, out of the deſire VVe have to reconcile two Princes that are of a Blood, ſo nearly Related to Us, and for other conſiderations, (which induce Us to concern Our Selves with a more ſpecial care in this matter, than perhaps VVe ſhould otherwiſe) repeat again in the moſt ſolemn manner, the firſt Offer of Our Mediation and good Offices, not doubting but that your Majeſty, after having ſeriouſly reflected upon the thing, will think fit to admit of Our good Offices and Mediation, which you may be confident, VVe ſhall always apply on all occaſions which may concern your Majeſty, in ſuch manner, as you have reaſon to expect from the mutual Friendſhip between Us, of which VVe ſhall always give your Majeſty thoſe Proofs and Arguments which you can deſire, &c. July 2. 1677.

The King of Denmark's Anſwer to his Majeſty the King of Great Britain.

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CHriſtian the Fifth, By the Grace of God King of Denmark, &c. To the moſt Serene and Potent Prince, Charles the II. by the ſame Grace, King of Great Britain, &c. Greeting.

By your Majeſties Letters of the 10th of July laſt paſt, VVe have underſtood more at large what Reaſons induced you to offer Us your Mediation and good Offices for compoſing the Differences ariſing between Us and Our Couſin and Kinſman Chriſtian Albert Duke of Holſtein. This Offer of your Majeſties has been the more pleaſing to Us, becauſe VVe do not doubt at all, but it proceeds from a ſincere and Brotherly affection towards Us; and We put ſo great a truſt in your Friendſhip, that if there were place for any Mediation in theſe Differences, VVe would as readily accept of your Interpoſition for the compoſing of them, as VVe have accepted of the ſame in the preſent Negotiation for an Univerſal Peace, which We have conſtantly endeavour'd ſhould remain ſolely in your Majeſty. But the Diſputes and Controverſies complained [Page] of by the Duke of Gottorp to your Majeſty, being grounded upon no other foundation than his endeavours to lay aſide all the Alliances and Treaties which have ſubſiſted for many Ages betwixt Our Royal Predeceſſors and his, and eſpecially that which he Voluntarily made with Us at Rendsbourgh, and approved ſeveral times after, and ſo to free himſelf from all thoſe ties, by which he is bound to Us as a Vaſſal of Our Kingdom of Denmark, and Our Dukedoms of Sleſwick and Holſtein are united together, hoping after the Example of his Father, (who in the laſt unhappy VVar ſupported by the Arms of the King of Sweden his Son-in-Law, and by the favour and unjuſt Authority of the Engliſh Uſurper Cromwell, without any reſpect of his obligations to Our Kingdom, under colour of ſome frivolous and groundleſs pretenſions, extorted moſt unjuſt, and almoſt intolerable conditions from Our Lord and Father of bleſſed and glorious Memory) to accompliſh and perfect his pernicious deſigns and unjuſt attempts, in theſe troubleſome times, as well by the help of his Neighbours Armes as your Majeſties Authority. The Truth hereof appears alſo by this, that though VVe have divers times propoſed to his Dilection, to reſtore him unto the former condition of his Anceſtors, if he would keep to the aforeſaid Treaties, and fulfil their Tenor, he does not ceaſe nevertheleſs to complain of Force, and to ſollicite the help and ſuccours of other Princes and States, to finiſh thoſe unjuſt Enterpriſes he has propoſed to himſelf. From whence your Majeſty, according to your ſingular Prudence, will eaſily judge, whether VVe can, without the greateſt prejudice to Our Rights, recede from the ancient Treaties, and thoſe which have been made between Us and the Duke of Gottorp, [Page] upon which the ſafety of Our Kingdoms and Dominions in great meaſure depends, or ſuffer them to be diſputed, and thereby expoſe Our Selves to new and everlaſting Differences and Quarrels; eſpecially ſince it is expreſly covenanted by the ſaid Treaties, that if any diſputes ſhall hereafter ariſe, they ſhall not be compoſed by the Mediation of other Princes, but by other friendly and amicable means. For theſe and other Reaſons which we have ordered Our Envoy Extraordinary, Reſident at your Majeſties Court, to repreſent more amply to your Majeſty, We do not doubt in the leaſt, but your Majeſty will not only think it wholly unjuſt, that We ſhould conſent to ſuch prejudicial Treaties, and ſo contrary to the aforeſaid Conventions and Domeſtick agreements, but alſo that by vertue of the Alliances VVe have with your Majeſty, by which each of Us is obliged to promote the good of the other, and to keep all dangers from him, your Majeſty will compel the aforeſaid Duke to a better and more exact obſervance and execution of the Ancient Treaties, and all others, to the performance whereof he has bound himſelf, and ſeriouſly diſſuade him from his uſual pernicious deſigns againſt Us. The many proofs VVe have of your Juſtice, and your experienced commendable Conſtancy and Faithfulneſs in keeping your Treaties, makes Us promiſe Our Selves this from your Majeſties friendſhip; being alſo reſolved never to ſuffer any thing to be wanting in Us that may prove for the advantage of your Majeſty and your Subjects, and perſwade you of Our ſincere affection towards you. By which your Majeſty, &c. Given at Our Court at Landſcroon the 4th of Auguſt 1677.

The Duke of Holſteins Letter to his Majeſty the King of Great Britain in Anſwer to the King of Denmarks.

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Moſt Serene and Potent Prince, &c.

HAving had a view of the Letters written to your moſt Serene Majeſty by the King of Denmark, the 4th of Auguſt of this preſent Year, We find by them, that his Majeſty of Denmark does indeed commend your Majeſties offers of Mediation for compoſing Our Controverſies, but in reality ſhews an averſion thereunto, and declines it as unneceſſary, endeavouring to demonſtrate the ſame by colouring his Actions with the ſpecious pretence of ancient and late Treaties, and accuſing Our Lord and Father, and Us with a great many things. Theſe Letters being full of ſuch complaints, VVe cannot but defend Our Innocence, and free Our Honour from ſuch accuſations, by letting your moſt Serene Majeſty underſtand Our Reaſons, why the differences between Us and the King of Denmark ought not to be excluded out of the Negotiations for an Univerſal Peace, not indeed can be debated any-where elſe without great danger and prejudice to Us. VVe have been ſo obſerving of the ancient Treaties and Alliances, that for ſeveral Ages the Dukes of Gottorp have lived under the Authority and at the Devotion of the Kings of Denmark. But [Page] VVe are not by any Treaties to be oppreſſed by thoſe who are obliged by Vertue of Our Alliances to defend Us, nor are VVe to ſubmit Our Selves to a voluntary Slavery, but are rather by the ſaid Treaties freed from ſo ſad a Yoke. Let the Kings of Denmark but conſider how they could make VVars upon VVars, and involve the Dukes of Gottorp's Territories ſo often in the Calamities attending VVar, not only without conſulting the Dukes, but againſt their will and earneſt diſſuaſions from the ſame, without breach to the ancient Treat [...]es and Alliances, from which VVe are ſure it cannot be proved, that Our Anceſtors ever receded raſhly or unjuſtly. As to the Articles of Rendsbourgh, VVe confeſs that VVe do not think Our Selves further oblig'd to them, then either the goodneſs or equity of the cauſe, or of the way of proceeding will oblige Us. We came as Friends and Gueſts to Rendsbourgh, inticed with great hopes and ample Proteſtations, that all things ſhould be ſincerely and fairly tranſacted and determined. But We were againſt the Laws of Nations and Friendſhip Treated like Enemies, detained Priſoners, guarded with Souldiers, and at laſt ſent from one Priſon to another, every-where beſieged, and through fear and threatnings compelled unjuſtly to moſt unreaſonable conditions, (which the very way of proceeding argues to be null). Therefore VVe are ſo far from conſenting to them freely and voluntarily, that VVe have never ſo much as freely ratified them. For thoſe things that are done by force, and through fear, may be ſometimes made valid by a ſubſequent free conſent; yet no conſent is to be eſteemed ſuch, except the perſon who is ſaid to have conſented freely, be firſt ſet at full liberty: when on the contrary, fear once cauſed in any tranſaction [Page] is ſuppoſed to continue ſtill: and VVe were the more diſturbed thereby, becauſe VVe were by the King deprived of all good Counſels, Our Principal Miniſters being violently carried away Priſoners to Copenhaguen, and the reſt frighted from Us by this unheard-of Example. The Soveraignty of the Dukedom of Sleſwick, purchaſed with a very good Title, and at a dear rate, was yielded up to Our Houſe by Frederick the Third King of Denmark, by his own free and often repeated conſent, and has been quietly poſſeſſed by Us for above Sixteen years; neither is it any matter, that it was obtained partly by the fortunate Succeſſes of the Arms of Sweden, ſince it is undoubtedly true, that VVars may be made not only for O [...]r own good, but for the good of others, and that the King of Sweden was then juſtly provoked to take up Arms againſt the Danes, and that if the King of Denmark has ſuffered any force, it being but juſt, he cannot pretend to any Right of Reſtitution. VVe cannot like wiſe conceal, that by this and the foregoing Wars made by the Kings of Denmark, VVe have contracted many great Debts; and Our Subjects are ſo exhauſted by Contributions, that part of them have been forced to quit the Country, and the reſt are glad if they can get the coarſeſt ſort of Bread to eat. Now when VVe quitted, by the laſt Treaty, all Our pretenſions of ſatisfaction from the King of Denmark, in conſideration of the Soveraignty which was yielded up to Us; what have we got, I pray, that any one ſhould envy Us for? It is the King of Denmark only is the gainer, who by that opportunity got the Soveraignty of that part of the Dukedom of Sleſwick which is his, and thereby ſoon after an occaſion of getting the Monarchy of the whole Kingdom. Therefore, ſince that Our Lord and [Page] Father was by ſo many Solemn and publick Treaties abſolutely freed from the tie of Vaſſalage and Homage, it cannot certainly be imputed to him, that he had without any regard of his Alliance to the Kingdom of Denmark, extorted the Soveraignty of the ſaid Dukedome, unleſs the King will ſlight all the Treaties of Peace and Conventions that have been made upon that occaſion, and by his Example incite the Kings of Spain and Poland, nay his own Subjects to repoſſeſs themſelves of their loſt Provinces, and Ancient Rights and Authorities, as ſoon as they ſhall have an occaſion and power to do it. We do with all gratitude acknowledge your Majeſties favour, that beſides the general Guaranty of all the conditions of the Peace at Roſchild, you have been pleaſed to oblige your Self to a ſpecial one for the Preſervation and Aſſertion of this Soveraignty. It is without any ground the King of Denmark pretends, that VVe obtained the Soveraignty by the favour of Cromwell only: For beſides, that the good Offices and Mediations of other Kings and States intervened in this Affair, and the concluſion thereof; VVe do not well conceive how the King of Denmark can ſhow which of the Uſurpers Acts your Majeſty is pleaſed to hold [...]or good, and which not: For it will not conſiſt with reaſon of State, and the publick good, that they ſhould be all annulled. Nay, if the King of Denmark will be pleaſed to look into the circumſtances of this matter, he will find that the Engliſh Ambaſſador, who Reſided at that time at Copenhaguen, was unknown to the King of Sweden, brought to his Majeſty by the Daniſh Commiſſioners, and by them Sollicited to employ his utmoſt endeavour for a Peace. It appears from hence, that all Our Complaints of the great Injuries We have ſuſtained by [Page] the Danes are juſt, and that We never deſigned any thing to the Kings prejudice, but that what may perhaps have diſpleaſed his Majeſty, was ſolely intended for the defence of Our Houſe and Dominions, which is every way lawful; and therefore VVe are moſt unjuſtly reproached of intending and having ſuch pernitious Deſigns, ſince we have only ſought for a lawful Defence againſt an unuſual Domination and Oppreſſion. VVhich things being thus, as your moſt Serene Majeſty may be more particularly informed by a deduction we have lately cauſed to be Printed of this whole Affair, or by Our Envoy Extraordinary Reſiding in London, we hope nothing will appear more reaſonable, than that we ſhould be admitted into the Treaty for an univerſal Peace, and that your moſt Serene Majeſties Mediation ſhould not be rejected by the King of Denmark, eſpecially ſince he ſeems willing to admit of the good Offices of other Princes of the Empire. Neither will their Objection, as if the matters between the King and us were purely Domeſtick, be any ways material; ſeeing it is known by all the world, that a Peace confirmed by ſo many Proteſtations, was broken, and no regard had of any Domeſtick conſiderations; and therefore your Majeſties Mediation is declined, for no other reaſon, but that which makes Criminals fly from their Tryals. For your Majeſty will by what follows ſee, how improper a Jury of Sixteen men (as they call it) is to decide this Domeſtick buſineſs. In the year 1533, a Treaty was made between the Kingdom of Denmark and the Dukedom, and between the Princes and States of both, which uſually bears the name of the Ʋnion; and among other things, a certain form of Judicature was agreed upon, according to which all the Controverſie, [Page] that ſhould ariſe between the two Princes, or between them and the States, ought to be determined; viz. That the differences between them ſhould be left to the Arbitration of Sixteen Counſellors, to be in equal number named by both Parties. And though by the Articles of this Treaty a very ample power ſeems to be given to theſe Judges, of examining and deciding all ſorts of cauſes; yet we do not remember that ever diſputes of Moment, and about the Dukedom of Sleſwick, were brought to them, but they have always been left to the Mediation of Forrein Princes. For there is not only not a word in this Treaty, by which it may appear that theſe Princes have renounced all other Judgments and Arbitrations; but the expreſs words of it, as well as the uſage and cuſtom, (which is the beſt interpreter of Laws and Treaties) have confined the Power of this Tribunal of Sixteen men, to affairs of leſſer importance; That is to ſay, when the complaint concerns any Lands or private Subjects. Therefore, not long after the Ʋnion made, ſeveral Tranſactions have been about the Fief of the Dukedome of Sleſwick, firſt at Coldinga 1547, and then by the Interpoſition of the Elector of Saxony, of Ʋlrick Duke of Mecklenbourgh, and William Landgrave of Heſſe at Odenſea 1557; though nothing was then agreed on: but at laſt 1579, in the ſame place, it was expreſly provided by a ſolemn Convention, That if there ſhould happen any diſpute about the Succeſſion to the Dukedom of Sleſwick, which was not decided by this Tranſaction, the Dukes of Sleſwick ſhould either themſelves, or by the help of other Princes and Friends, endeavour to compoſe the ſame, or that it might be determined by a Judicial Sentence. Here is no mention of this Judgment by Sixteen men, but rather all Controverſies, that [Page] may ariſe about the Dukedome of Sleſwick, are in expreſs words exempted without any contradiction from the States. And therefore the queſtion about the Soveraignty is ſo much the leſs to be referred to their determination, becauſe in that Age, wherein the Vnion was made, ſuch a thing was not ſo much as thought of; and therefore its Articles cannot extend to affairs of this nature, and which are wholly above the condition of Subjects. And though we can (without prejudice to Our cauſe) allow, that ſometimes feudal differences about the Dutchy of Sleſwick have been left to this ſort of Arbitration, (which it ſeems may be done by the conſent of both Princes,) yet there has happened ſo great a change in the Daniſh affairs and Ours, that we cannot be forced to conſent thereunto againſt Our will; and the like Controverſies can no longer be debated there, at leaſt without great inconvenience, becauſe ſuch Conſtitutions remain only in force, ſo long as the ſtate of publick Affairs is the ſame and unalter'd; which being entirely changed, as well in Denmark as in theſe Duckedomes, and all the Power of the States of Denmark being devolved unto the King and in his hand, and there being no ſuch thing now as Senators of the Kingdom, who had great Authority when the Vnion was made, it is not reaſonable his Majeſty ſhould ſit as Judge in his own cauſe; and that a matter of ſo great moment ſhould be ſubmitted to the deciſion of thoſe, who, for fear of the Kings Power, or to gain his favour, may be ſo much byaſſed, that Our loſs may be irreparable. And therefore ſeeing that amongſt free people and Princes, it has been always allowed to refuſe to ſtand to the Arbitration of a Judge juſtly ſuſpected, and that this preſent conjuncture [Page] of Affairs, as well as the Tranſaction at Odenſea, ſhows Us another way, VVe earneſtly deſire your moſt Serene Majeſty will endeavour to prevail with the King of Denmark, that Our Differences may be Treated of at Nimeguen, that ſo We may find ſome Remedy abroad for thoſe vaſt Damages and Injuries VVe have ſuſtained and received, which VVe cannot hope for at home. For as the Peace at Roſchild was made by the Interpoſition of ſeveral Kings and States, ſo it is of publick concern, that it ſhould be reſtored and confirmed by the like means. All who think themſelves injur'd contrary to the Treaties of Weſtphalia, Roſchild, and Copenhaguen, have liberty to come to Nimeguen: And why ſhould VVe who are oppreſſed contrary to all theſe Treaties, be hindred from it? At Nimeguen a general Peace is Treated of; why ſhould our cauſe then not be admitted there, who have without all reaſon ſuffered moſt grievous injuries from the Danes, and been almoſt undone by them? We ſuppoſe the Objection is not conſiderable, that none are to be admitted there, but thoſe who have joined their Arms to either of the Parties now in War. For if thoſe who were in a condition to reſiſt Arms by Arms, and return Force by Force, are admitted; with how much more reaſon ought VVe to be received, who being deprived of all Our Arms and other helps by the King of Denmark, have been forced to endure all his affronts and injuries? VVe know that the Laws of Nature and Nations are for Us, and we do not think that any Prince will oppoſe it, but thoſe who over-byaſſed by Partiality, or the deſire of their own advantage, would have a Peace for themſelves and theirs though at Our Coſt, and the loſs of Our Dignities and Dominions; not reflecting that the ſum of Our Cauſe is [Page] only, whether VVe ſhall become a Subject, or be a free Prince again; and after Our Example, Whether the other Princes of the Empire muſt not hereafter rather become Subjects than enjoy their ancient Rights of free Princes. This being contrary to all Juſtice, to the Treaties ſo often repeated, and ſo Religiouſly Sworn to, to the common Intereſt of all Princes, and to the Honour and Authority of your moſt Serene Majeſty, and other the Princes who are Guarantees, VVe do earneſtly recommend Our Cauſe to their good VVill and juſt Affection, and VVe have particularly great hopes in your moſt Serene Majeſties Equity and Protection. And if the King of Denmark deſires to be admitted and heard at Nimeguen, ſure it cannot be upon any other Terms, than that he muſt in all things ſtand to that Law which he intends to uſe againſt others; and endure as patiently the juſt Complaints of thoſe who have been highly injur'd by him, preferred to that great Aſſembly, as he has perhaps reſolved vigorouſly to proſecute others there. Nay, let the King of Denmark be willing or not to accept of this Mediation and Place, certainly VVe will rely ſo entirely and conſtantly upon the Guaranty of the ſeveral Princes, who have entred into it, and eſpecially upon the general and particular one of your moſt Serene Majeſty, that VVe had rather ſuffer any thing whatſoever, then be forced away from that Sacred Anchor, being well aſſured, that your Majeſty will employ your Authority as well againſt thoſe that decline your Mediation, as for thoſe that have accepted thereof; and that Our Reſtoration and Safety will be ſecure and certain upon your moſt Serene Majeſties Faith, which the Kings of Great Britain have always Religiouſly kept to God and men. May it pleaſe [Page] God, that this Great Affair of the Peace may ſucceed under the Auſpices of your moſt Serene Majeſty, and to your Immortal Praiſe, That every body may have his own, and none be hereafter Injur'd. And ſo we moſt earneſtly recommend your moſt Serene Majeſty to his Grace and Protection. Given at Hambourgh the firſt of Octob. 1677.

Chriſtian Albert by the Grace of God, Heir of Norway named Coadjutor of Lubeck, Duke of Sleſwick, Holſtein, Stormar, Dithmars, Earl of Oldenbourg and Delmenhorſt, &c.

A Letter to his Majeſty the King of Denmarke, from the Dukes of Brunſwick-Lunenburgh, &c.

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Moſt Serene,

WE have thought fit to let your Majeſty underſtand, that his Highneſs the Duke of Holſtein-Gottorp, Our Beloved Couſin, has lately ſignified unto Us, that although the Affairs concerning the Succeſſion of the Imperial Feifs, the Counties of Oldenbourgh and Delmenhorſt, after a long diſpute, have at laſt been brought to a full and final determination, (and particularly the Town and Country of Bu [...]jading, a Feif of Our Princely Houſe, has been adjudged not to depend upon the ſaid two Counties, which alſo at the time of Execution ſhortly after in the Month of May, remained except and exempted accordingly); his ſaid Highneſs conceiving no other hopes, but that as he equally ſhares with your Majeſty in the ſame Rights and Regalities, and has 1674, received the Inveſtiture of the ſame from Our Princely Houſe, he ſhould accordingly enjoy the ſame quietly for the future: Yet his Highneſs found afterward in effect, that the Provincial Judge, conſtituted by your Majeſty and him joyntly, was removed [Page] from his Office without the knowledge or conſent of his Highneſs, and an other put into his room, who in Publick Prayers (contrary to the former Cuſtoms,) cauſed his Highneſs to be left out, pretending that your Majeſty had given him orders ſo to do, (a Copy of which being communicated to Us, we thought fit here to inſert it) and commanded all thoſe Officers, both Eccleſiaſtical and Secular, to do homage to none but your Majeſty, by which means, the ſaid Town and Country of Budjad ſeems in effect ſubject to the ab [...]veſaid Imperial Execution. VVherefore his Highneſs thought fit and neceſſary to mind Us of the Dominium directum which Our Princely Houſe holds over thoſe Lands, and that your Majeſty and He were joyntly inveſted therewith by Our Princely Houſe, and that (according to the Univerſal Laws of Fiefs, as well as by the aboveſaid Covenant, made at Hambourgh, and the Inſtruments thereof duly interchanged) we ought to Protect him as Feudatarie of Our Houſe, in this his manifeſt Right (ſo ſolemnly gotten by the ſaid Covenant and Agreement); and to deſire Us, that without delay VVe would do Our parts, and endeavour with your Majeſty, that his Highneſs neither directly, nor indirectly be diſturbed in the poſſeſſion of thoſe Regalities, and enjoyment of the Revenues of the ſaid Lands, but be ſuffered to continue therein quietly.

VVhereas now it is manifeſt by the ſaid Treaty, which praemeditatè, and after much pains, was at laſt concluded 1653 at Hambourgh, viz. That the ſaid Town and Country of Bu [...]jad is a ſeparate thing and Independent from the Imperial Fiefs, (the Counties of Oldenbourgh and Delmenhorſ [...]) and ſince your Majeſties Archives will ſhow, what between his late Majeſty, your Father of [Page] Bleſſed Memory, and Us has paſſed; and that his Majeſty during the ſaid Proceſs of Law about the Succeſſion of the ſaid Counties (in a Letter dated at Copenhaguen the 29 of January 1668) deſired of Us, that purſuant to the ſecond Article of the ſaid Treaty or Covenant (wherein it is expreſly provided, that not any of the Princes of Holſtein, either of the collateral, or any other line of that Houſe, ſhall ever have pretenſion now, or for the future thereupon, and that on the contrary it ſhall neither lie in Our Power to confer the ſame upon any of them) VVe ſhould make Our moſt humble Addreſs to his Imperial Majeſty to demonſtrate the Intereſt of Our Princely Houſe, and ſo prevent that the Town and County of Bu [...]jading from being drawn into the Controverſie about the Oldenbourgh Succeſſion, &c. which we have done accordingly; and the effect of it was, that that not only in the Sentence and Executions Commiſſion, (afterwards publiſhed) not one word of them was mentioned, but alſo when VVe, George William, the 22 and 24 of May at Oldenbourgh and Delmenhorſt, proceeded to the Execution upon the ſaid Town and County of Budjading, by Our Sub-Delegats, appointed for that purpoſe, in the preſence and hearing of the Duke of Holſtein-Pleun's Deputy, his Chancellor, they were purpoſely and in plain Terms excepted and exempted; as it appears by the Rolls kept for that Act.

VVherefore we could not but find Our Selves obliged at the requeſt of Our Couſin Duke Chriſtian Albert of Holſtein, to ſecond his deſires in ſo juſt a matter, which ſo evidently concerns the Intereſt of Our Princely Houſe: and as we have a ſure confidence in the great aequanimity of your Majeſty, that your Majeſty doth not intend to [Page] undertake, or ſuffer any thing to be undertaken, to ſo m [...] nifeſt a prejudice of Our Princely Houſe, contrary to th [...] Treaty concerning the ſaid Fief of the Town and Countr [...] of Budjading, and Our Letters-Pattents, and the Reverſales thereof paſſed in order thereunto; ſo VVe beſeeci your Majeſty to take ſuch order concerning the ſai [...] Country, that nothing may be committed which is prejudicial, but that purſuant to the ſaid Covenant and Tranſactions, joint Poſſeſſion and Enjoyment may for hereafter, as formerly, be permitted to his Highneſs Duke Chriſtian Albert of Holſtein, and that what already has been acted contrary to the Premiſes, (doubtleſs without your Majeſties command and knowledge) may be altered, aboliſhed, and all things reduced to their former condition.

In ſo doing your Majeſty will perform, what the Treaty, Covenant, and Laws do require, and we ſhall upon all occaſions be ready to do your Majeſty acceptable Service. 12 of Septemb. 1676.

George Wilhelm. John Frederick. Radolph. Auguſtus.

A manifesto, or, An account of the state of the present differences between the most serene and potent King of Denmark and Norway Christian the V., and the most serene Duke of Sleswick and Holstein-Gottorp Christian Albert together with some letters of the King of Great Britain, the King of Denmark, and the Duke of Holstein-Gottorp, concerning a mediation in these differences, which the king of Great Britain most generously offer'd, and the king of Denmark refused and slighted : as also some other letters of the Dukes of Brunswick-Lunenbourgh, the emperor, &c., whereby the calumnies of a certain Danish minister are plainly detected.[3]

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His MAJESTY the King of Denmarks LETTER To his Highneſs the Duke of Holſtein-Gottorp, CONCERNING The Sequeſtration of the Dukedome of Sleſwick: And the ſaid Dukes Anſwer thereunto. AS ALSO His Imperial Majeſties Letter to the Duke of Holſtein: With the Dukes ANSWER.

Printed in the Year 1677.

The King of Denmark's Letter to the Duke of Holſtein-Gottorp, concerning the Sequeſtration.

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Chriſtian the Fifth, by the Grace of God, King of Denmark, &c.

Serene Duke, &c.

IT is not unknown to your Dilection, what hitherto hath paſt about the receiving of the Inveſtiture over the Dukedome of Sleſwick, whereunto you have obliged your Self by the late Agreement of Rendsbourgh; and how your Dilection ſince that time, upon Our ſeveral well-meant Admonitions, by divers Letters directed to Us, hath promiſed the performance thereof; and in order thereunto, ſent hither ſome of your Miniſters, who nevertheleſs under the pretext of going for ſome more particular inſtructions from your Dilection, are lately parted again from hence, without having diſpatched any thing at all. And whereas We have hitherto in vain expected their promiſed return; the time likewiſe at the ſaid Agreement of Rendsbourgh appointed for the receiving of the above-mentioned Inveſtiture being already paſt in the Month of July laſt, beſides divers other Terms ſince indulg'd which are long ago expired; We alſo having a ſufficient and true information of thoſe moſt dangerous Machinations, which your Dilection hath in hand againſt Us and Our State; and beſides, it being very requiſite, that VVe carefully do mind what is neceſſary for [Page] the preſerving of this Inveſtiture, depending upon Us and Our Crown of Denmark: Therefore have VVe found Our Selves unavoidably, and as it were againſt Our will obliged, now to Sequeſtrate that part of the ſaid Dukedome, wherewith your Dilections Anceſtors have been heretofore Inveſted; and to iſſue out a Commiſſion to ſome of Our Counſellors and Officers there reſiding, for putting in Execution the ſaid Sequeſtration, and for performing all that is neceſſary to be done about the ſame. Since therefore We would rather have deſired any thing elſe, than to come to this Extremity, VVe have thought good to give notice of this Our Reſolution to your Dilection, and to appoint yet, out of a ſuper-abundance, another Term of Six weeks from the date hereof, for the receiving of the ſaid Inveſtiture, to the end th [...]t your Dilection and all the VVorld may ſee, how willingly we would uſe all poſſible moderation herein, without any over-haſtening of your Dilection. However, we do it with this further precaution and warning, that in caſe the ſaid prefixed Term, contrary to all expectation, likewiſe ſhould be diſregarded by your Dilection, VVe then ſhall be neceſſitated, though much againſt Our will, to proceed ad ipſam Privationem Feudi, or to the cutting off the Fief, and to take ſuch further courſes as the Feudal Laws do allow of. Of all this we have thought convenient to advertiſe your Dilection, Recommending, &c. Dated at Our Place of Reſidence at Copenhaguen the 19th of December 1676.

Your Dilections Affectionate Couſen and Brother-in-Law, CHRISTIAN.

The Duke of Holſteins Anſwer to the foregoing Letter.

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Moſt Serene and moſt Potent King, &c.

YOur Majeſties Letter of the 19th of December laſt paſt, from Copenhaguen directed to Us, hath been preſented to Our hands the ſecond of this inſtant, by an Expreſs from one of your Majeſties Commiſſaries; by the C [...]ntents whereof We have ſeen the ſame things, that already ſome days before had been publiſhed by ſome Letters Patents affix'd in Our Dukedome of Sleſwick, viz. That your Majeſty hath been induced to Sequeſtrate that part of the ſaid Dukedom, which doth belong to Us, and to nominate to that effect certain Commiſſaries, with the annexed warning, that in caſe we did not within Six weeks, from the date of the ſaid Letter, effectually accompliſh the receiving of the Inveſtiture over that Dukedom of Sleſwick, your Majeſty would proceed ad ipſam Privationem Feudi, or the cutting of the Feif, and take ſuch further courſes as the Feudal Laws do allow of, being moved thereunto by theſe Reaſons: That We in the point of the receiving of the ſaid Inveſtiture, neither had performed that ſo called late Agreement of Rendsbourgh, nor the Promiſes made by Our Letters under Our own hand, nor ſent back our Miniſters, who without any diſpatch of Affairs were gone from Copenhaguen; but that on the contrary we had in hand moſt dangerous, and, by a ſingular accident, diſcovered machinations againſt your Majeſty, and your State; and had alſo, as it were, unavoidably obliged [Page] your Majeſty to the preſervation of your Majeſties and the Crown of Denmark's Rights.

Whereupon we cannot but with all due reſpect return this our Anſwer to your Majeſty, that for the ſake of your Majeſty's own Glory, and high Reputation, and your Realms and Dominions welfare, We have moſt ardently deſired and wiſhed, that our thoughts at the firſt ſeeing of your Majeſty's afore-mentioned Letters Patents, (as if they might have been publiſhed without your knowledge) might have a ſure ground, and your Majeſty ſuch a kindneſs for us, as not to indulge any longer our Perſecutors, but rather to put a period to thoſe unuſual hard proceedings, which we undeſervedly have ſuffered from them, and to re-eſtabliſh and conſolidate that ancient tie and friendſhip, which hath proved ſo uſeful and beneficial to both Great Houſes, and their reſpective Kingdoms, Territories, and Subjects; ſeriouſly conſidering withal, that it cannot be available, neither to the repute of your Majeſties innate Generoſity, nor to your Majeſties Realms and Dominions, to ſee us, (who are in many regards ſo nearly related, and never failed either in due Reſpects, or required Faithfulneſs to your Majeſty,) thus oppreſſed, and reduced to a quite deſperate condition, without having been able to obtain the leaſt redreſs, which yet lies ſo abſolutely in your Majeſties own hands.

However, this is our only and eſpecial comfort in all our daily encreaſing calamities, that your Majeſty by your Letters doth furniſh us with an occaſion to make our juſtification before your ſelf, and briefly to refute thoſe accuſations ſo inhumanly invented by our ill-wille [...]s. For your Majeſties own Chriſtian Conſcience will be the beſt and ſur [...]ſt witneſs for us, that we never have entertained [Page] any other Counſels, nor have negotiated with any body whatſoever about any other things, but what to our beſt underſtanding we have deemed to be good, expedient, and lawful for a free Prince, to preſerve our ſelves in that State God Almighty hath been pleaſed to ſettle us in, by making us a lawful Heir and Succeſſor to the Duke our Father of Bleſſed Memory, and to tranſmit the ſame to our Poſterity, as we had got it. VVe our ſelves have not made that Agreement concluded at Copenhaguen on the 12th day of May, in the year 1658, but have inherited thoſe Rights, which in due conſideration of the manifold damages ſuſtained have thereby accrued to our Family. And it is alſo known to the World, that we have employed none at all at the Treaty and Concluſion of the reiterated Northern Peace in the Camp for Copenhaguen, on the 27th. day of May in the year 1660, although we had then already taken the Government upon Us; and the ſaid Treaty of Copenhaguen hath nevertheleſs been confirmed therein, and the Guaranty thereof undertaken by the three moſt Puiſſant States of Chriſtendom. And preſuppoſing his Majeſty the King of Denmark, Frederick the Third, our moſt Honoured Father-in-Law of glorious Memory, unwillingly and againſt his mind, (which yet is altogether unknown to us, ſince his Family as well as ours hath been benefited thereby,) ſhould have proceeded to the granting of that Sovereignty, and other advantages promiſed to our Family; yet it was but a meer ſpontaneous Act; nay, it hath been an evident token of his Royal Affection towards us, that having obſerved by our Addreſſes for a near Alliance of Marriage in his Royal Family, our ſincere inclination towards him, his Majeſty in the year 1667, when the Contract of Marriage in his own Fortreſs [Page] at Gluckſtadt was a-making up, hath in all and the ſingular Articles, Points and Clauſes, wholly, and to all perpetuity, confirmed to us the aboveſaid Treaty of Copenhaguen, grounded upon the Soveraignty over the Dukedom of Sleſwick, and eſtabliſhed the ſame joyntly with that ancient Union for a perpetual rule betwixt both Families, with this engagement, and Royal firm Parol, that himſelf and his hereditary Succeſſors in the Government, neither directly nor indirectly would act, nor cauſe to be acted againſt the ſame. But in what manner we have ſince been dealt withal at Rendsbourgh, in the year 1675, and how we have been conſtrained by a moſt troubleſome detention to ſurrender our Fortreſſes, Artillery, Ammunition and Militia; yet with this Comfort given us, that all differences therewith were ended, and upon change of Times, and an enſuing Peace, all ſhould be reſtored in ſuch a condition as it was taken from us: and how, notwithſtanding all th [...]s, (after we forſooth, for our Perſon, were diſmiſſed to Go [...]torp, yet ſtill had ſtrange Troops about us, and ſo only had changed place, but not detention,) certain Articles have been preſcribed to our Miniſters and Counſellors remaining behind in Arreſt, and we forced to the pretended Ratification thereof, even as we were to the ſurrender of our Fortreſſes without any liberty left us, only therein to alter things quite inconſiſtent with the Dignity of a free German Prince of the Empire: We are as unwilling to relate, as your Majeſty can be deſirous to hear, and ſhould alſo have forborn to mention it either to your Majeſty, or to any others, if we were not aſſured in our Conſcience that your Majeſty, out of an inbred Heroick Love to Juſtice, doth deteſt ſuch a way of proceeding, and in that regard hath laid a Ground for that high diſpleaſure your Majeſty thereupon conceived [Page] againſt him, who out of Reaſons unknown to us, hath occaſioned all that miſchief which then did befal us.

And ſince that time we have not been able to imagin, that your Majeſty ſhould ever have intended, to ſet up that ſo called Agreement of Rendsbourgh, proceeding from ſuch derogatory and extorted Principles, and conſequently made void by Law, into a Pragmatical Sanction, after your Majeſty hath charged our Subjects with ſuch Contributions as are intolerable, and do quite cut off both our extraordinary and ordinary Revenues, and hath quite demoliſhed to the ground our Fortreſſes, your Majeſty having thereby introduced an impoſſibility to perform what the pretended Agreement of Rendsbourgh doth import: For if we by virtue thereof are to receive the Inveſtiture over the Dukedom of Sleſwick, it muſt be done at leaſt after ſuch a manner, as the Duke our Father of Bleſſed memory the laſt time, viz. in the year 1648, received the ſame; and then we ought to be Inveſted not only with the bare Land, but alſo with thoſe Fortreſſes, ſince the laſt Feudal Letter doth make expreſs mention thereof. It is true, we do confeſs, that even after ſuch rigorous proceedings, to teſtifie our deference to your Majeſty, and our deſire of Peace, but chiefly, to eaſe our Subjects ſomething groaning under their burthen, and to promote their freedom according to our Power; we have come ſo far, as to condeſcend at length to the receiving the Inveſtiture upon theſe terms, that all things ſhould be reſetled in ſuch a ſtate, as they had been before the pretended Agreement of Rendsbourgh, and that the weighty burthen lying upon our Territories, ſhould be taken off, and due ſatisfaction effectually made for the damages ſuſtained: And for that purpoſe we have ſent [Page] ſome of our Miniſters to Copenhaguen; but our juſt deſires have been rejected, an unconditional performance of the Feudal duty inſiſted on, and the redreſs of our Grievances ſet out of doors, and our Miniſters having alleadged the want of full Powers thereunto, have been ſent back for new Inſtructions, without being recalled by us from Copenhaguen, as her Majeſty the Queen Mother by her own Letters deted at Copenhaguen the 19th day of November, 1676, hath informed us. And we do confeſs very freely, that in caſe our Subjects preſently after our Conditional Promiſe made, had been eaſed from their burthen, the Fortreſſes reduced to their former ſtate, and due ſatisfaction effectually given us, we would have done the utmoſt, and undergone afreſh that Feudal Duty. But whereas alſo, ſince poſſeſſion hath been taken of our part of Stadt and Butjadinger-Land, notwithſtanding the ſame hath no Relation at all to that Proceſs, which was made at Vienna in the Cauſe of Olden [...]ourgh, (beſides his deſcending as a Fief from the Ducal Houſe of Brunſwick-Lunenbourgh;) our Subjects likewiſe both in Holſtein and Sleſwick, have been forbid to pay us the few remaining ordinary dues; and furthermore ſuch aims are taken, as to exclude us from that Treaty of a General Peace at Nimeguen, and conſequently from all hopes of redreſs; and lately Navigation hath even been by open Proclamations abſolutely Interdicted to all our Inhabitants and Subjects of the Dukedoms of Sleſwick and Holſtein, without affording us, as Prince Regent, the leaſt knowledge thereof, much leſs deſigning us to joyn in the ſaid Publication, if the ſame had been required: We therefore have had good reaſon to wave the ſending over our Deputies the ſecond time again, after [Page] they were thus diſmiſſed before, but rather have taken a firm reſolution to get our Cauſe ventilated and diſcuſſed at the Treaty of the General Peace at Nimeguen, with this certain hope and confidence, that no Potentate concerned therein will diſpute our admiſſion, in regard that amongſt other high concerns, the re-eſtabliſhment of the Northern Peace, will be alſo treated there, which is not only the foundation of our Soveraignty over the Dukedom of Sleſwick, with the other advantages ſtipulated for us and our Family, but alſo is an eſſential part thereof, and ſtands comprehended under the undertaken General and Special Warranty. Neither do we think that your Majeſties Miniſters in Holland have had any orders to render difficult the impetrating of the Paſports, by us deſired from the States General of the Ʋnited Provinces, for our Miniſters deſtined to Nimeg [...]n; ſeeing they have not been able to alledge any thing at all which ſhould deſerve the leaſt reflection, and exclude us from the General-Treaty, if we were but to be conſidered as a German Prince, and had no concerns in the reeſtabliſhment of the Northern Peace, which nevertheleſs hath firſt of all been endangered on our ſide. But concerning thoſe machinations diſcovered by a ſingular accident, whereby, as we do conceive, ſome endeavours are uſed, to juſtifie that (in all points formally commenced) Sequeſtration, we have not the leaſt cauſe to clear our ſelves in that reſpect, before any particulars are nearer touched, and it be duly made appear to us, that we have been concerned in any of thoſe Machinations repreſented to your Majeſty. However we are ſure and confident, that we never have been ſo deſervedly ſuſpected privy to any thing as that thereby juſt cauſe [Page] ſhould have been given, to charge us therewith by Potentates, both within and without the Empire, and to alienate their former inclination from Us and our Family; much leſs can a Pretext thereby conveniently be taken to ſequeſtrate that part of the Dukedom of Sleſwick, which with all right Hereditarily and Properly doth belong to us, and to menace us with a total deprivation thereof; and we do alſo fully perſwade our ſelves, that your Majeſty will put this to the ſerious conſideration of your Miniſters, who have brought this Proceſs upon the Stage, and perhaps do endeavour to aſſert it's conſiſtency with the Feudal Laws, That as your Majeſty doubtleſs makes great doubt, to aſſume a Judges part in your own Cauſe, ſo neither the Sequeſtration of the Fief, nor the Deprivation of the ſame, can or may conſiſt after that manner, as it is intended againſt us, although we ſhould be indiſputably oblig'd to that Vaſſalage of the Dukedom of Sleſwick, which yet, ſaving all due reſpect to your Majeſty, we find our ſelves neceſſitated ſolemnly to contradict, except one would preſume to Act by nullities, or by making no reflection upon the Law. And the common Feudal Laws, whereupon likewiſe the ancient Unions and Hereditary Agreements, (in caſe any difference as well in Feudal as other matters ſhould ariſe) are uſually grounded, do ſhew, That not only in the total deprivation of a Fief, but alſo in the Sequeſtration, the hearing of the Cauſe before a Competent Judge, ought ſolemnly to precede it, (notwithſtanding one ſhould preſume to aſſert the neceſſity of a Sequeſtration,) in caſe the Parties ſhew themſelves unwilling, the reaſons whereof, nevertheleſs, will never be made out of thoſe pretended Machinations.

[Page] Having therefore pondered all the above-mentioned, and ſuch other concomitant circumſtances, we cannot but ſtill keep to our reſolution once deliberately taken, and remit that point of our undeſervedly queſtioned Soveraignty over the Dukedome of Sleſwick, with all the other alien [...]ted Dignities, Prerogatives, Territories, and Fortreſſes; as alſo all due and equitable ſatiſfaction, and what elſe can conduce to our future Security, to the place of Congreſs for a general Peace at Nimeguen, patiently expecting from God and time, what Concluſion there will be made and come forth about the reſtoring the Northern Peace, and conſequently alſo of our Rights and Concerns. But we do in the mean time very kindly and inſtantly intreat withal your Majeſty, that out of an Inclination to Juſtice, and in regard of that deſolate condition, whereunto we and ours thus undeſervedly ſee our ſelves more and more reduced, your Majeſty would be pleaſed till then, and till the ſpeedieſt (God grant) enſuing concluſion of a general Peace, to preſerve all peaceable thoughts, and not to preſs upon us any further with the ſaid Inveſtiture, and any other demands; but on the contrary, without delay to recal that unjuſt and ungrounded Sequeſtration, and not only leave to us the enjoyment of all our Rights and Prerogatives undiſturbed, but alſo to take off the exceeding Contributions from our quite exhauſted Subjects, and to reſtore that part of Stadt and Budjadinger-Land, and alſo of the Cuſtoms at Eliſtiet, properly appertaining unto us, and amicably and friendly to interpret this our unavoidable Juſtification and Declaration; with this aſſurance, that as we have in all Points carefully obſerved that high reſpect [Page] due to your Majeſty, ſo likewiſe we have intended to ſay or write nothing, which ſhould tend againſt the ſame. All this is very conſentaneous to equity, and to your Majeſties inbred Generoſity; and we ſhall be ready for our part every-where to praiſe ſuch your Majeſties kindneſs, and with due thankfulneſs, and all poſſible ſervices, always acknowledge the ſame; moſt faithfully recommending withal your Majeſty to God Almighty's Protection. Dated Hambourgh the 16th of Jan. 1677.

Your Majeſties Obſequious Couſin and Brother-in-Law Chriſtian Albrecht.

THE EMPERORS LETTER TO THE Duke of Holſtein.

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LEOPOLD by the Grace of GOD Elected Roman-Emperor.

Serene Duke, &c.

BY theſe We give your Dilection to underſtand, that We are informed, how you have not only for your part approved of thoſe propoſals which were made to you by Graventable the Swediſh Miniſter, (lately reſiding in Our Imperial City of Hamborough,) about certain Levies to be made in Foreign Parts, and are come to a certain concluſion with him in that affair; but alſo that your Dilection for the promoting of the ſaid Levies hath made uſe of Kielman your late Preſident's Monys, that lie there, and taken thereof the Sum of 200000 Rix-dollars, and that your Dilection doth employ in this affair the Swediſh Preſident [Page] Kley, (who hitherto hath pretended to live there as a private man,) and alſo another perſon named Ʋlke.

And although We do repoſe a far better confidence in your Dilection, than to think that you (ſetting aſide your ſtrict Ties and Duties towards Us, and the whole Roman Empire,) will thus loſe your Self, and by ſuch prohibited, and culpable advantages, take the Enemies part, contrary to the publick Statutes of the Empire, and Our Imperial Avocatories publiſhed thereupon; yet have We thought good kindly to acquaint, and ſeriouſly to admoniſh you by theſe, that in caſe things ſhould be thus, your Dilection might betimes deſiſt from ſuch Enterprizes, and embracing better Counſel, comport your Self according to what Duty doth require of a Loyal Member of the Empire, leſt otherwiſe We ſhould be obliged to cauſe your Dilection be proceeded againſt according to Our Imperial Avocatories; all which is for your Dilections Government: Tendring withal Our Imperial Grace and good VVill to your Dilection. Dated at Our Caſtle at Lintz the 6th of January in the Year of Our Lord 1677. of Our Reign in the Roman Empire the 19th. In Hungary the 22th, and in Bohemia the 21th.

LEOPOLD,

V. Leopold William Count of Konigſegg,

Ad mandatum Sacrae Caeſareae Majeſtatis proprium,

John Ambroſe Hogell.

The Duke of Holſtein's Anſwer to the foregoing Letter of the Emperor.

[Page]

Moſt Serene, &c.

YOur Imperial Majeſties moſt gracious Letter from Lintz of the 6th Inſtant, hath been ſome days ago delivered to Me by your Imperial Majeſties Miniſter here reſiding, the Lord Baron of Rond [...], and received by Me with all the humbleſt reſpects Imaginable: but with extream aſtoniſhment I underſtood by the contents thereof, that your Imperial Majeſty had got Information, as if I had not only, for my part, approved of thoſe Propoſals which had been made to me by Graventable the Swediſh Miniſter, lately Reſiding here in Hamborough, about certain Levies to be made in Foreign Parts, and had come to a certain concluſion with him in that affair; but alſo, that for the promoting of the ſaid Levies, I had made uſe of Kielman, my late Preſident's Moneys, that lie here, and taken thereof the Sum of 200000 Rix-dollars, and that I alſo did employ in this affair the Swediſh Preſident Kley, (who hitherto hath pretended to live here as a private man,) and another perſon named Ʋlcke: Wherefore your Imperial Majeſty moſt graciouſly hath thought good to acquaint me therewith, and ſeriouſly to admoniſh me, that in caſe things ſhould be thus, (which yet your Imperial Majeſty would ſcarce expect from me,) I may betimes deſiſt from ſuch Enterprizes, and embracing better Counſel, compor [...] my [Page] Self according to what Duty doth require of a Loyal Member of the Empire, leſt otherwiſe your Imperial Majeſty ſhould be obliged to cauſe Me be proceeded againſt according to your publiſhed Imperial Avocatories.

It is true, I can promiſe my Self nothing elſe from your Imperial Majeſties moſt mild and yet moſt juſt diſpoſition, but that your Imperial Majeſties very gracious Letter, (although occaſioned by the induſtrious contrivance of ſome envious perſons, who, by all ways and means, ſeek very watchfully the oppreſſion and ruin of my ſelf, and my Ducal Houſe) hath been ſent to me for no other end, but that your Imperial Majeſty might thereby get a fitter occaſion to diſcover my Innocency, and conſequently, by your Imperial Majeſties Authority and higheſt Power, to Protect me as a Loyal Member and Prince of the Empire, againſt thoſe who have made no Conſcience for the ſpace of theſe 19 Months, to Treat me unworthily, and oppreſs me undeſervedly, leaving me nothing of all my Princely Dignity but bare life. However, when I call to mind again, in what manner your Imperial Majeſties Requiſitorials concerning me, which were delivered into his Majeſty the King of Denmarks hands, have been (by the contrivance of ſome Miniſters, bearing an hatred to me) abuſed ſo far, that they begun almoſt from that very hour to exhauſt my poor Subjects, as well of Holſtein, as of Sleſwick, with intolerable Contributions, and to render them quite uncapable to contribute ſo much, as they were lawfully bound to do for the upholding my Princely State and Dignity; (which proceedings are yet till this very moment continued, to the utter deſtruction of my Territories, though no further Imperial Requiſitorials have been ſignified to [Page] me, which have been granted to other States of the lower Circle of Saxony in the point of Quarters:) Then have I juſt reaſon to fear, that they likewiſe now under your Imperial Majeſties higheſt Name and Authority, though againſt your Imperial Majeſties will and intention, do go about to colour, and palliate what they newly have contriv'd for the finiſhing of my premeditated ruin, and partly have already brought to an Execution. All which I have by my former complaints, with all ſubmiſſion repreſented to your Imperial Majeſty, and thereby moſt humbly implored your ſpeedy Protection; whereunto alſo I do now refer my ſelf, in hopes your Imperial Majeſty will be pleaſed, not only moſt graciouſly to hear, but alſo ſee them according to your Imperial Clemency forthwith redreſſed.

Concerning thoſe Accuſations brought before your Imperial Majeſty, and laid home at my door, I ſhould never have Imagined, upon what bottom and foundation they could be grounded, unleſs your Imperial Majeſty by the Nomination of certain Perſons had obliged me to a more exact Information; whereupon I moſt humbly can aſſure your Imperial Majeſty, by the true and faithful Word of a Prince, that I never had the leaſt knowledge of theſe ſpecified Projects, touching the Levies of ſome Forreign Forces, much leſs have I approved of the ſame, or dealt or agreed about them, directly or indirectly, with any man in the VVorld. And I can proteſt with Truth it ſelf, that Kleyhe the King of Sweden's Preſident, hath not, all the time of his abode here, made any Propoſitions to me concerning my Conjunction with Forreign Crowns againſt your Imperial Majeſty, and your high Allies, nor ever offered to perſwade me to any ſuch thing. [Page] But this I do declare willingly and freely, that I have cauſed my diſconſolate condition, whereunto I find my ſelf undeſervedly reduced, to be fully repreſented to his Majeſty the King of Great Britain, as Guarantee of the Northern Peace, which firſt of all began to bleed and ſuffer on my ſide; to whom I made it my humble Requeſt, that his ſaid Majeſty would be pleaſed, (in reſpect both of that General and Special Guaranty taken upon him concerning my Soveraignty over the Dukedom of Sleſwick, lawfully obtained,) to procure my Reſtitution, and due Satisfaction; which I have been ſo far from diſowning, that I was content that the Memorials about the ſaid Subject exhibited from time to time by my Deputy, ſhould be faithfully communicated to the Daniſh Miniſter reſiding in England. For which end I have alſo employed at that Court the ſame Ʋlcken my Counſellor there, whom I did for almoſt two years imploy at your Imperial Majeſties Court; and have amongſt other Negotiations alſo cauſed my moſt humble Remonſtrations and frequent Inſtances by him to be made to your Imperial Majeſty for my Protection, with certain hopes, that he hath behaved himſelf ſo well, that no cauſe is left to miſtruſt him, or to charge him with any ſiniſter and ill-grounded accuſations. Since therefore the aboveſaid foul aſperſions, ſtudiouſly contrived by my ill-wiſhers, can never be proved nor laid to my door; the reſt conſequently muſt fall to the ground, which charge me that for the carrying on of ſuch fictitious Levies, I ſhould have taken and employed the ſaid Sum of 200000 Rixdollers belonging to the Heirs of Kielman, which monies I do not know in the leaſt if they do lye here or no. Whereas now my Innocency, and the [Page] Fictitiouſneſs of thoſe Siniſter imputations do ſufficiently appear by the premiſes; I can with all ſubmiſſion aſſure your Imperial Majeſty that nothing in the World ſhall be ever forced from me, which may offend and interrupt my Loyal Duties tendred to your Imperial Majeſty, and to the Roman Empire, and that Devotion which my Anceſtors have Sealed with their Princely Blood to the Mighty Houſe of Auſtria. I do therefore again moſt humbly implore your Imperial Majeſty, as the moſt Sacred Head of the Empire, that your Imperial Majeſty would be pleaſed not to give way to the Suſpicions raiſed againſt me, but rather, out of your Higheſt Fatherly care provide ſuch ways and means, whereby I, as a devoted Co-member of the Roman Empire, may be upheld and freed from all my preſſing Calamities. Thus longingly I do look for your Imperial Majeſties effectual and gracious Reſolution, &c.

Dated at Hambourgh the 20 of Jan. Ann. 1677.

FINIS.

Information about this book

Title statement

A manifesto, or, An account of the state of the present differences between the most serene and potent King of Denmark and Norway Christian the V., and the most serene Duke of Sleswick and Holstein-Gottorp Christian Albert together with some letters of the King of Great Britain, the King of Denmark, and the Duke of Holstein-Gottorp, concerning a mediation in these differences, which the king of Great Britain most generously offer'd, and the king of Denmark refused and slighted : as also some other letters of the Dukes of Brunswick-Lunenbourgh, the emperor, &c., whereby the calumnies of a certain Danish minister are plainly detected.

Christian Albrecht, Duke of Holstein-Gottorp, 1641-1695.

Edition statement

1677

Publication

Publisher

Text Creation Partnership,

Place of publication

Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) :

Date

2008-09 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1).

ID [DLPS]

A51765

ID [STC]

Wing M428A

ID [STC]

ESTC R12344

ID [EEBO-CITATION]

12426308

ID [OCLC]

ocm 12426308

ID [VID]

61869

Availability

This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal. The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission.

Series

Early English books online.

Notes

(EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A51765)

Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 61869)

Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 945:7)

Source

— A manifesto, or, An account of the state of the present differences between the most serene and potent King of Denmark and Norway Christian the V., and the most serene Duke of Sleswick and Holstein-Gottorp Christian Albert together with some letters of the King of Great Britain, the King of Denmark, and the Duke of Holstein-Gottorp, concerning a mediation in these differences, which the king of Great Britain most generously offer'd, and the king of Denmark refused and slighted : as also some other letters of the Dukes of Brunswick-Lunenbourgh, the emperor, &c., whereby the calumnies of a certain Danish minister are plainly detected., Christian Albrecht, Duke of Holstein-Gottorp, 1641-1695..

Extent

[2], 123 p.

s.n.],. [London :: 1677.. (Reproduction of original in Huntington Library.) (Attributed to Christian Albrect. cf. NUC pre-1956.)

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