Amsterdam, August 8.

THe States of Zealand have so far declared themselves, that they are willing to own the Prince of Orenge as their Admiral General, when he shall be Eighteen years of Age, and for that purpose, they promise to communi­cate their intention with the other States, and endeavor to bring them to one consent with them, some of which shew themselves not very unwilling to this Propositi­on, they intend the Prince a yearly maintenance of 100000 [...]ders▪ The Navigation in the Baltick Sea begin [...] now to florish again, and the people are generally well satisfied with the peace in the North, and the happy effects thereof▪

Elsenore, July 21.

The Swedish forces are transported from this place almost day and night, and it is hoped, that before this night, they will be all gone.

It is advertised from Breslaw in Silesia, that some Officers were there arrived out of Transylvania, having been but three days upon their journey, who relate, that all Transyl­vania except two places, had put themselves under the pro­tection of the Great Turk, to injoy their free exercise of re­ligion under him, but the young Prince Rag [...]tzi hath sub­mitted himself to the Emperors protection.

Whitehall.

On Monday August 13. several Proclamations were given by his Majesty Against fighting of Duels: For calling in and suppressing Books of John Milton and John Goodwin, and for publishing a former Proclamation of the 30^th of May, entituled, A Proclamation against Vicious, Debauch'd, and Profane per­sons.

In the Proclamation against Fighting Duels, His Majesty doth now, having formerly in a Declaration published at Brus­sels Novemb. 24. 1658. manifested his dislike of impious and unlawful Duels, strictly command all his subjects whatever, that they do not by themselves or any others, either by Mes­sage, Word, Writing, or other ways or means, challenge, or cause to be challenged, any person or persons to fight in Duel, nor to carry, accept, or conceal any challenge, nor actually to fight, or to be a second to any therein.

His Majesty doth thereby further declare, That every per­son that shall offend against the said Command, shall not only incur his Majesties highest displeasure, but shall be incapable of holding any Office in his Majesties service, and never af­ter be permitted to come to the Court, or preferred, besides [Page 539] the suffering of such punishments as the Law shall inflict on such offenders.

All persons likewise that accept, or know of such chal­lenges, and do not reveal the same to one of his Majesties Privy Councel, or the next Justice of the peace, shall be lia­ble to the same penalties, and to be pleaded against accord­ing to Law.

In the conclusion of the said Proclamation, His Majesty doth forbid any intercession to be made for such offenders; declaring that his Pardon shall not extend to them.

On Tuesday August 14. His Majesty set forth a Proclama­tion, strictly charging and commanding all persons who ei­ther have, or know in whose custody there are any of the Plate, Jewels, Housholdstuff, Cabinets, Statues, Inscriptions, Pictures, Drawings, Sculptures, Rings, Stones, ancient Coyns, Medals, Books, Manuscripts, pieces of Art, or any other Goods and Chattels which did belong to his Majesties late Father, his Majesties mother the Queen, or Himself, which have been purloyned and imbezilled, or upon pretences seised, disposed into several hands, and are yet detained and conceal­ed, to deliver them, or make discovery thereof to the right Honorable Edward Earl of Sandwich, Master of his Majesties Great Wardrobe, in or before the 29 of September next, un­der the penalty of his Majesties high displeasure, and as they will answer the contrary at their peril; And in case of refu­sal and non-performance, his Majesty doth declare, That he will not only look upon the disobedience of such persons, but take a speedy course against them according to Law.

His Majesty doth further declare, That those which shall discover any of those Goods wilfully concealed, shall receive a reasonable re [...]d.

In the other Proclamation, all persons are commanded to deliver up these Books within ten days after the publication hereof, viz. Two books written by John Milton, the one En­tituled, Johannis Miltoni Angli pro Aopulo Anglicano defensio, contra Claudii Anonymi alias Salmas [...]i Defensionem Regiam. And the other in answer to a Book Entituled, The Pourtr [...]i­cture [Page 540] of his Sacred Majesty, in his solitude and sufferings: As also a third Book, Entituled, The Obstructors of Justice, written by John Goodwin, containing wicked and Traiterous princi­ples. The Authors being fled, or obscuring themselves from legal Tryal. If any person in whose hands the said Books are, or shall be, do live in any City, Burrough, or Town in­corporate, he is commanded upon pain of his Majesties high displeasure, and the consequences thereof, to deliver them to the Mayor, Bail [...]ffs, or chief Magistrate there; if living out of a City, then to the next Justice of the Peace.

The Lord Francis Hawley (who ever since the Isle of Ree hath had command in the Armies of his Majesty and his glorious Father) having now that Regiment which was Col. Hackers, hath been in Cheshire and Lancashire to order and settle his Regiment, which he hath performed with such noble discretion, by purging out the unsound, and fix­ing honester men in their places, besides those encourage­ments given to all such as he found well disposed, that we may clearly say, there is not a Regiment in the Kings Do­minions more absolutely devoted to his Majesties service.

The like care is taken for ordering other Regiments, as the Earl of Northampton's, Lord Ossory's, Lord Herbert's, Col. Norton's, and Col. Fairfax's; for all which, Com­missions are issued forth under the Great Seal for admini­string the Oath of Supremacy and Allegiance to all Officers and Soldiers in the respective Regiments, which they are ready to receive, since (if there were need) those Noble persons who now command them, would quickly convince them of the Benefit as well as the Security of those Legal Obligations. More particularly, the most Noble and Vali­ant Earl of Northampton, whose Lieut. col. is Sir Tho. Sands, and his Major Richard Barker.

The Noble Lord Ossory, to whom Col. Thomas Sheffield is Lieut. colonel, and Sir James Smith Major.

The Lord Herberts Lieut. col. is Tho. Pury, and Tho. French Major.

Col. Charls Fairfax, whose Lieut. col. is Charls Roge [...], and Baily Major.

[Page 541]Col. Norton, who hath obtained for his Lieut. col. that approved good Commander Col. Robert Legg, and his Major is Richard Fincher, whom the Rumpers committed prisoner to the Tower.

Where fairly we may observe how forward great Officers are to serve his Majesty; when some who heretofore were Major-generals, condescend to be Majors, and Lieutenant-colonels to become private Lieutenants, as in the Regiment of that Noble Lord Ossory, Sir James Smith and Lieut. col. Weeks verifie that assertion.

The Lord General himself in his tender care to his Ma­jesties service, hath ordered all Irish Officers to repair to their respective commands, whereof those whom Adjutant General Miller, appointed by his Excellency for that pur­pose, cannot yet speak with, may be pleased hereby to take present notice.

Here we cannot but advertise you, how that foolish lying spirit, that for many years hath f [...]ill'd this great City with con­tradictions and forgeries▪ did this week begin to peepe forth again, particularly a paultry Paper, called (forsooth) a Petition of one Rich lately a servant to Mr. Cleypoole, which pretends that some servant belonging to Charls Lord Gerard, had un­duly seized upon his Horse; but whether the Horse was his, or Mr Cleypooles, or Mr Cleypooles Father-in-law's, is now so manifest, that Rich himself, for his ridiculous lying Paper, must give his Apparence for so impudent a scandall against a Peer of the Realm.

And (since we mention Libels) take notice that the most impudent, dull, and sensless Pamphlet that even London it self hath known, crept yesterday upon a stall, by the help of Livewell Chapman (possibly acquainted with Praise God Bare­bone) telling you Tragicall stories of Frogs, Dogs, Toa [...]es, Men some suddenly dead, and yet alive, for reading Comon-prayer at Oxford; which pitifull Design, under pretence of piety, spread about such pretty, bottomless, impossible fictions, as those very Saints (if they knew how) would Blush at. But [Page 542] half a line, is too much by half, (though but in a News-book) to spread upon it.

From Brussels, July 31.

The Prince of Ligny having received Orders from the King of Spain by a Courrier express, to go for London in quality of Ambassador Extraordinary, to complement the King of England, concerning his restitution to his Kingdom, is now preparing of a splendid Equipage for that purpose.

We are informed, that his Catholick Majesty hath like­wise named the Baron of Bateville to reside as Ambassador in ordinary at the English Court, who also endeavors to ap­pear with a noble train, befitting a person of his quality.

Riga in Liefland, July 10.

The Duke of Courland having been magnificently treated by our Governor and Magistrates, departed hence the seventh of this month with all his Family and Retinue to go for Libaw; he was met and received by the way by a Captain, in the head of a Troop of 300 horse.

Dantzick, Iuly 16.

The Dyet at VVarsovia ended the sixth of this month, the States having ratified the Treaty of Peace concluded on at Oliva, and resolved to continue the War against the Moscovites; other Affairs are deferred to the next Assembly of the States of that Kingdom, which is to be held in De­cember next. There was no mention at all made of naming a Successor to the Crown of Poland, as being an unheard of thing, which was never yet done during the Life of the King.

Naples, July 3.

Our Viceroy having received the news of the consum­mation of the marriage of his most Christian Majesty of [Page 543] France with the Infanta of Spain, caused the Te Deum to be sung in the Royal Chappel of the Palace, and all the canon to be discharged round the castle; which was seconded at night with all the marks of exceeding joy and cheerfulness. This night we might perceive a huge flame and ashes in such a quantity, to soar up from the mount Vesuvius, that it put all the neighboring parts into a terrible fright.

Venice the 10. dito.

The Prince Almeric d' Esté, after he had taken a view of all those rarities which are to be seen in this city, where he was splendidly entertained at the cost of this Common-wealth, departed hence the sixth of this moneth in a brave vessel that was prepared for him, accompanied by a number of other vessels loaden with many Officers, and two famous Engineers, and store of provision. So soon as this Prince is arrived at Zante, he is to imbarque those Auxiliaries which attend him there, and to proceed on his voyage for Candia: From which place word is sent us, that the Turks are in such a manner astonished at this march, that although their army consists of 2000 horse and 8000 foot, yet they think themselves not sufficient to maintain their places; the which obligeth the Bashaw to reinforce the Garrisons of all those places which they hold there. The Duke of Mantua, at his return from Vienna, staid in this city three days incognito, after which he took his way to his capital city. The Cardinal Barbarigo is likewise arrived here from Rome, to go to his Bishoprick of Bergame; and the Mar­quis of Cerini is come hither from Vienna, to reside here in quality of Ambassador ordinary for his Imperial Majesty.

Madrid, July 14.

His Majesty is returned hither in perfect health, after he had assisted the first Ceremonies of the marriage of the Infanta with the most Christian King, concerning which [Page 544] such rejoycings have been observed here, that it is easie to judge, this happy and most important alliance must needs be of great advantage to both the Crowns who by it enjoy a wished for (and it is hoped) a lasting Peace. The 12 of this moneth which was the Birth-day of the young Infanta, who entred into the 10 year of her age, was solemnised with all the Gallantry and expressions of joy imaginable The Deputies of those Kingdomes and Cities that have voi­ces amongst the States of Castil, are arived here, in order to a convention which will be speedily held in presence of his Catholick Majesty. We are informed by our last Letters from Barcelona, of the 7 instant, that the Prince of Mon­tesarchio made some stay in that Haven with those Vessels and Soldiers he brought with him from Naples, upon a re­port spread abroad, that 22 English Frigots lay in waite for him in the Straits

From Marseilles, 27 Dito.

The Messenger his Majesty sent to Funis, came back hi­ther to this towne on the 21 of this moneth, bringing only 40 Slayes with him, touching whose liberty he was to treat there; for those Infidels had answered him, that they could resolve on nothing, till they had sent word to Constanti­nople about this affair. We have news from the Levant, that our squadron of ships which set sail from Toulon under the command of Cavalier Pol, was arived at Zant the 10 last past, and that the same was to go thence the next day to join with the Venetian armado in Candi [...], which was com­puted to be this year of 200 sails, as well Galeasses as Gal­lies, Vessels, Barges, Frigats and other boats; so that it was hoped there would out of them be landed about 1200 men, a sufficient number to ch [...]se the Turks out of the Isle of Candia, which seem to be very much alarmed at these great preparations of the Commonwealth of Venice, assist­ed by other Christian Princes and Republiques.

Hamburg, August 3.

Field Marshal Eberstein went yesterday on a sudden for Copenhagen, upon an Order from his Majesty of Denmark, to what intent is not known. The Swedes have discharged several Officers in the Dukedom of Bremen, and compleated their Regiments to the number of a thousand men. The Confederate Forces are now suddenly to leave Ho [...]stein, and to take their match through Mecklenburg and Pomerania, ex­cept six hundred men, who are yet to continue a while in the Country.

Hamburg, August 9.

Last night a little before the Gates of this City were shut up, arrived here Christina Queen of Sweden, with a great Train of Followers, it is said she intends to make some stay here, but of that there is no certainty. The Con [...]ederate Forces in Holstein and Pomerania (as the report goeth) are like to lie yet a moneth longer in their Quarters. Letters from Copenhagen intimate, that affairs were put there into a quiet posture, the Danes being now at some ease, since the Swedes have quitted their Islands, and are all gone over in­to Schonan, who [...]e transportation being much furthered by the Holland Vice Admiral de Ruyter, his Majesty of Den­mark hath given him many thanks, besides a noble presen [...]. This Vice Admiral is now in readiness to repair with his Fleet into Holland with the first opportunity. They write from Dantzick, that the several Ratifications of peace were brought thither, but were not yet mutally interchanged, The Plague begins to be brief again in those parts.

Dantzick, July 29.

The Polish Army being drawn together about Lablin, to their general Rendezvouz, their number was found to be above seventy thousand, of which his Majesty being adver­tised, he resolved to repair thither on the thirteenth of this [Page 539] moneth; especially since certain Intelligence was brought him, that the Muscovian Czar was in person on his march towards the Ukrain with an Army of an hundred thousand men, the Avantguards whereof were already arrived in the Territory of Wollin not far from Olita. At the Diet at War­sovia it is agreed on, that the Crown of Poland is to keep the City of Elbingen, and that his Highness the Elector of Brandenburg is to have possession of the City of Meser [...]z in Great Poland. Elbingen is now shortly to be delivered up by the Swedes, many of their Officers and Souldiers being already gone in two ships thence for Stockholm, whom the rest are suddenly to follow. The Duke of Courland is gone from Riga to Bauske, to take possession of that Castle from the Swedes, the Polish Governour of Milan will not surrender that place, till he receive express order for it from his General P [...]lubinsky. In Finland every sixth man is sum­moned to take up Arms; the commanded Forces are sent to Narva, where they are mustered. The Boors in the Ter­ritory of Kakenhuysen begin to rebel against the Muscovites.

Hamburg, August 11.

Queen Christina arrived in this City on wednesday night last, and it is believed she will continue here some time. It is reported, that the Confederate Forces in H [...]lstein will break up the thirteenth present, and are to have their Ren­dezvouz at Oldeslo on the twen [...]ieth. Letters from Stockholm mention, that Writs were gone out for the summoning of a Parliament to be held in November or December next; though it is believed by some, that it will not be a full Par­liament, but only a Convention of Deputies of the several States, and before that be over, the time of the deceased Kings funeral will not be certainly known. There is much spoken of an extraordinary Embassie to go for England, but who is to be the person to be employed in it, is not yet known.

Elseneur, August 4.

Count Uhlefeld and his Lady are for certain carried priso­ners to Bornholm, where they arrived on Saturday last, when they were brought to the water side, there was such a con­course of people, that they had stoned them to death if they had not been strongly guarded. The King of Denmark in­tends to bring the said Earl to a Legal tryal, and I believe, he had rather be now in Schonen, then where he is, for if he had stayed there but one day longer, the Swedish Field-Marshal Steinbock had Orders from Stockholm to release him.

Hamburg, August 12.

Last Wednesday night her Majesty Christina Queen of Sweden arrived here, with a retinue of eighteen persons: The French Ambassadour Monsieur Trelon, and Mr. Sidney went about half a League out of this Town to meet her Majesty, and waited on hither in her Coach. It is thought her Majesty will abide here some weeks, but what her chief designe is, and whether or no she will go in person for Swe­den, is not known. The Imperial and Brandenburghs for­ces are to remove their Quarters out of Holstein the thir­teenth instant, and to have their general Rendezvouz at Oldesloe on the twentieth. The Imperialists in Mecklenburg give out, that they have likewise received Orders to be gone out of that Country the seventeenth present. The Ratifi­cations of peace in Poland was to be performed on the se­venth of this moneth, the Instruments the [...]eof having been on all sides perused and found authentique. Letters from Dantzick make mention of a new great Victory the Poles have obtained against the Muscovites, but the particulars and certainty thereof are as yet more fully expected. The King of Poland is now in Ukrain, whether or no he will be able to appease and reduce to his party the rebellious Cos­sacks [Page 541] there, time will discover. The late peace of the North being now fully executed in Denmark, there passeth but lit­tle worth communication. It is confirmed from all hands, that the King of Denmark hath sent the Earl of Uhlefeld pri­soner to Bornholm, after he had made an escape from Malmoe in Schonen in a disguise, where (it is thought) he will be brought to a Legal tryal. The Convention of the States in Sweden is appointed on the two and twentieth of Septem­ber next, and the Funeral of the late King is to be in October following. The Hollands Ambassado [...]r Slingeland hath expedited his Negotiation in Sweden to his content and sa­tisfaction.

Hague, August 1 [...].

The differences between the Bishop and City of Munster do still continue, and hostilities are used on both sides, not­withstanding the endeavours of the Deputies of these States with the Bishop to condescend to a cessation of Arms, the which to obtain, application hath been made to Monsieur Triquet, Resident for his Imperial Majesty here, to perswade the said Bishop, and prevail with him to come to an Agree­ment with the City; what effect it is like to take will be known ere long. It is conceived the Extraordinary Em­bassies for Spain, England, and France, will be delayed yet a while, until the Assembly of the States have produced a certain resolution touching those Memorials delivered by the Princess Royal, and the Government of these Provin­ces for the time to come.

Westminster.

That Noble and accomplished person Francis Lord Newport, Baron of High-Arcal (who with his whole Fa­mily hath done and suffered so much for his Majesty, as well out, as in the Tower of London) is now made Gover­nour of his Majesties Castle at Ludlow, where his Lord­ships [Page 542] own Company of Foot are assign'd, besides what o­ther Command his Lordship hath over the County.

We must now acquaint you with a particular from Ire­land, which had we it not from unquestionable credit, we should not mention. In the Town of Dundalkchin (n En­glish Castle-Town) in the County, of Louth; there is a chief and very ancient Seat belonging to the Noble Fami­ly of Bellew, Sir Christopher Bellew being the four and twen­tieth Knight of that Family lineally descended, all faithful Subjects to the Crown. About this House and Town were many Ash-Trees, wherein many thousand Rooks did con­stantly breed, but when the late troubles began, about eigh­teen years since, all the Rooks quitted the place, which had been their constant habitation Winter and Summer, for a­bove three hundred years, and were never since discovered [Page 543] in that place till the end of April last (when our Gracious Soveraign's Restauration was visible) [...] which [...] many thousand Rooks came again to the same place, though the Trees were most of them cut down; where for want of Trees to rest on, the greater part [...]a [...] upon Hedges, and Banks of Ditches, spreading themselves upon the Mo [...]e-hill, whereof all the Country took notice, and remembring when they [...]led, concluded their return to be an Omen of his Majesties speedy and happy Restauration.

Whereas the enemies of Episcopacy have traduc'd [...], (Chaplain to the late Primate of Ireland, and n [...]w Elect Bishop of Waterford) a [...] guilty of some misdemeanors in Preaching a Funeral Sermon in St Margarets, Westminster, at the Funeral of M [...]. [...]risto­pher Walker, in which Church the said Mr. Baker never preached, nor was there present that day.

We whose names are subscribed, do hereby certifie that we were present at the Funeral of Mr. Christopher Walker, solemnized at St. Mar­garets Church, Westminster, the 19 of July last past, where there was a Sermon which was not Preached by Mr. George Baker, Chap­lain to the late Lord Primate of Armagh, as hath been sl [...]nderously re­ported, but by another Minister, nor did we see the said Mr. Baker that day, or of divers days before or after, In testimony whereof we have s [...]t our hands this fourth day of August, 1660.

Tho. K [...]k, Bryan Barnaby, Adam Prince, John Belchamber, Bartholomew Balman, George Walker, Joyce Walker, widow of the deceased, with divers of that Parish.

London.

You may remember when the Rump last lifted up it self, a Person adventured to blot out that monstrous In­scription which the bloody Rumpers had caused to be set over the place where stood the Statue of that glorious Martyr King Charles the first; several persons assumed that honest Enterprise to themselves, as there will never want such as will own a good action when crown'd with success▪ Know therefore, that it was Mr. Michael Darby now Painter to the Company of Mercers, who hearing how three emi­nent Members of that Society were troubled to behold that [...]nfamous Superscription: the said Mr. Darby freely offer­ed [Page 544] himself to blot it out, engaging to do it before he slept, and accordingly performed it at a full afternoons Exchange time; who as soon as he had finished it, with a loud voice said, God save King Charls the second; for which Act of Loyalty he hath had the Honour to beautifie the Statues of our gracious King and his glorious Father, with the Inscrip­tions under written.

From Lempster.

Major Theophilus Hart, Major to the Earl of Sand­wich drew together four Troops of Horse of his Lordships Regiment neer Litchfield, where after he had at large decla­red the weight and importance of a solemn Oath, he ten­dred to them the Oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy, which they all took with very much alacrity. Thence he rode to the other two Troops then at Kedderminster, where after the like Exhortation, they all with like cheerfulness took the foresaid Oaths.