meanes of the Dutch Governour there Of all which we have had an account send us thence before our former complaint was exhibitted which damage amounts unto two hundred thousand pieces 〈◊〉 50000. lb 0. 6. Wee expect satisfaction for 32899 pounds of pepper taken by force out of the shipp Endimion in the year 1649. whose damage amounts unto 6003. lb 0. 220796. lb 16. ss An Abstract of some particular losses sustein'd by the English East India Company from that of the Dutch 1. For the damaâ—…es sustaind from the siege of Bantham which hindred our Trade with that place for the continued space of six years and prevented our laying in a stok of 600000. pieces 〈◊〉 for the buying of pepper according to our proportion Which might serve to loade such of our shipps as wandered up and downe the Indian Coast in their ballast for want of freight Our adventure haveing been in the mean space in sea-mens wages victualls and apparell diminished and exhausted among the Indians to that degree that the loss canot amount to lesse then 103000. pieces 8 8 which in our coyne is 6000000 lb 0. ss 0. 2. More for the damages sustaind by the losse of our just part of the Islands of Molluco Banda and Amboyna since the time we have been murthered and driven thence For the prejudice of which and other expences we expect to be satisfied amounting in time from the year 1622. to che current year 1650. at the yearly Income of 25000. lb for 28. yeares the Suâ—…e of 700000. lb 0. ss 3. Reparation is likewise expected for 12950. pieces 〈◊〉 damage done us at Surrat by those of Mogul so protected by the dutch that we coud not repay our selves either in money or goods which we might otherwise and had it in our power to have taken from them had not the Dutch most unjustly stood in their defence Which losse might in Europe be improved ere this to triple the value Whiâ—… we judge to amount to 77020. lb 4 For Customs at Persia whose moity the King of that place granted the English anno 1624. which to the year 162â—… is calculated to come to 80000. Mille Royalls as aforesaid Which being substracted they are obliged to pay from the year 1629. being twenty one yeares at the rate off our thousand pounds a year comes to the sume of 84000. lb 0. ss The Kings Hand From the other side 220976. lb 15. ss 0. The Summe total 1681996. lb 15. ss 0. The intrest for the said time having farr exceeded the principle Here follow all the LETTERS Written by OLIVER CROMWELL To forreign Princes and Potentates while Protector of England To the Count of Oldenburgh Most Illustrious Sir I do by Yours of the 20. of January 1654. apprehend that Frederick 〈◊〉 Wollisogg â—… Noble Gentleman and Your Secretary with Christopher Griffie were with certain comands sent from Your most Illustrious Dignity into England Who upon their approach unto Us have in Your Name both congratulated our undertaking of the Administration of the Government of the Republick of England and sollicited for an admittance for You and People into the Peace lately concluded between Us and the Hollanders Petitioning with all our confirming the Grant lately obteind from the Parliament of Letters commonly knowne by the name of Letters of safe conduct We therefore pursuant to our obligation returne our thanks for so friendly a Complement and â—…ave freely assented to the said two petitions as being disposed to improve all future occasions which may at any time expresse our affection towards You And are of opinion that You have had the same communicated unto You at large by Your said 〈◊〉 whose fidelity and diligence in this affair have been apparent What I have to add is sincerely to wish You and affairs prosperity and tranquility Westminster June 27. 1654. I am your c. most affectionally OLIVER Protector of England Scotland and Ireland c. To the Count of Oldinburgh YOur Letters of the 2. of May from Oldenburgh are come to hand and obliged me not in a single degree for that the Letters themselves were so pregnant with singular kindness affection towards me and withall deliveâ—…ed by the hand of the most Illustrious Lord Count Antonio Your most beloved Son That that I apprehend my selfe most dignified by being the knowledge I now have of his vertues whorthy so noble Ancestors of his extraordinary behaviour finally of his singular affection testified unto me now beyond words Nor ought it to be a thing disputable whether he gives his Relations at home inducements to hope his inheriting the qualities of his worthy and Noble Father whose clear vertue and prudence administred the continuance of many yeares interrupted Peace to the People of Oldenburgh and cherished them with the effects of tranquillity among the severe Stormes of Warr blowing from every Corner Why should I therefore do otherwise then value the Alliance of such a Friend whose conduct is so wise and provident so as to be able to avoide the enmity of all people It is finally for that gift alone Most Illustrious Sir that I am thankfull It is out of regard to justice and Your merits that I 〈◊〉 subscribe my selfe Your most c. OLIVER Protector of England c. Westminster 29. June 1654. To the most Illustrious Lord ANTHONY GUNTER 〈◊〉 of Oldenburgh Delmhorst Leid in Jehven Kniphausen OLIVIER Protector of the Republick of England Scotland Ireland c. To the most Serene Prince CHARLES GUSTAVUS King of Sweedland Goths and Vandals Great Prince of Finland Duke of Esthany Carelia Bremen Verde Stetin Pomeranie Castalies and Vandale Prince of Russin Lord of Ingry Wismare as also Duke Palatin of the Rhine Bavaria Jul. Clivia and Duke of Monts greeting Most Serene King THe choice made by Your Majesty of communicateing unto us by your most friendly letters that in particular which comon same has for some dayes disperst over all the world of the delcent of the Government of the Kingdome of Sweedland upon you and that to the great content of the people and the free suffrage of all persons iâ—… no slender argument of your great affection towards us and an honour not of the meanest degree Wee therefore freely and with Justice congratulate that addition of dignity to Your most singu 〈◊〉 merits and reward very worthy of so great a vertue and do with united prayers to God wish that which we are confident you do namely that the same may prove to the good and prosperity of Your Majesty the Kingdome of Sweedland and the Intrest of all Christendome But as to what you mention touching your disposition to the alliance lately contracted between England and Sweedland and acting our part towards its support as also that Your Majesty will endeavour not onely the 〈◊〉 but likewise the improveing if it were a thing fesible the league now established were an injustice to call to question the sincâ—…rity of The faith of so great a
study the Peace of both Nations appointed to inquire into this affront whereby the whole may receive a thro inspection and the Authors of the villany and those that employed'em punisht with the great or severity the better For without which it will 〈◊〉 raine your Majesty laws of â—…njustice nor will the reputation of this Republick be vindicated nor can any true friendshipp subsist between both Nations without its correction We wish Your Majesty all felicity and good luck remaining Erom our Court at Westminster August 1656. Your Maiesties most affectionately OLIVER Protector of the Republick of England c OLIVER Protector of the Republ. of England c. To the most â—…llustrious Lord Connt Mariano S. D. Most illustrious Sir THE indication of Your singular Love both to me and this Republick contained in Your Letter of the 25. of June last to me as also the import of others sent me from Phillip Meaddow whom I sent to the King of Portugal to treat with him about the conclusion of a Peace wherein he gives us a full account of your extraordinary Parts and endeavour in the Transaction thereof has obliged us very much by what I 〈◊〉 from the Import of the said Letters This last consirmation I have received with very much content and am so farr satisfied in the Issue of things as that you shall never have cause to repent of whatever you have 〈◊〉 contributed 〈◊〉 the promotion of this Peace 〈◊〉 your sincerity to the English nor of your faithfulness exerted in this point to His Majesty It 〈◊〉 thro Gods assistance to be hoped that this Peace may be very advantagious to both Nations as well as of contrary effects to the Enemy All the misfortune and ill luck that attended thiâ—… affair consists in that wicked attempt basely projected against our Envoy Philips Meaddow Against whose unknowne Authors there ought to be no lesse care taken then in Instances of manifest Roguery Nor 〈◊〉 I doubt of Your Kings Justice and severity in punishing soo deepe a piece of villany nor of your 〈◊〉 promotion thereof in particular as one whose practice is Justice and Piety and make it your businesse to continue both Nations in amity and peace Which can no way subsist if such wicked attempts shall be suffer'd to escape unpunishd and unvindicated But your knowâ—… detestation of that villany renders it unnecessary for me to enlarge any further upon it for the present As I have therefore assured you how ready I shall at all times be to demonstrate my sincerity towards you That that remains is to let you know of my haveing recommended very fervently both you and all yours to the favour and protection of the Almighty From our Court at Westminster August 1656. Yours c. OLIVER Protector of England c. OLIVER Protector of the Republ. of England c. To the most Serene Prince Charles Gustavus King of Sweedland Gothes and Vandals c. Most Serene King Friend and dearest Confederated WHen I consider that Your Majesty and I concur both in disposition and resolution in reference to the defence of the Protestant Religion against it s now if never before malignant Enewys Thence it comes to passe that as your prosperous Successes Tideings of your dayly almost Victories adds to our satisfaction so I am very much troubled at that one thing which disquiets and destroys this our united content and that is to hear among other news that your former understanding with the States of Holland doth not stand as well as it did and that things 〈◊〉 carry'd to that State 〈◊〉 you 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 Zea especially as to draw seemingly towards a Rupture The causes I know not I must confesse I visibly see that without it please God divert it it will very much devolve the Protestant Intrest Wherefore we thought it becomeing that neerest relation wherein we are united to you both and pursuant to that love and affection to the Reformed Religion which ought to be a principall inducement to us all to repeat unto Your Majesty now those perswaâ—…ions which we highly pres'st upon the States of Holland to listâ—…n unto of Peace and Quietnesse Every Corner swells with Envy against the Protestants they seeme to have conspired our destruction as being never pregnant with more malice Witnesse Piedmont loaded but yesterday as it were with the blood and Massacre of those miserable wretches Germany quashed by the late Edicts and proscriptions of the Emperour witnes Switzâ—…rland What need there many words to overhall the memory and griefe of so many fresh calamity's Who knowes not but that those Massacres Distractions and Vexations to which the Protestants were for three Yeares together exposed were the effects of Spanish Couucils and those of Roman Pontificates If to so many mischiefs a civill dissention among Protestant Brethren be added among you more especially in whose Power Riches and constancy the greatest safety left to the Reform'd Churches is as farr as human help is to be depended upon lodged It vvill unavoidably hasard the Reform'd Religion it selfe plunge it into the depth of danger Whereas on the other side if the Protestants universally joine in that brotherly unity vvhich becomes them to doe vve neede fear nothing that the arts or povver of our Enemy's can doe to hurt us vvhom our Concord alone vvill baffle and disappoint I therefore in an extraordinary manner pray and beseech Your Majesty that you vvould be pleased to apply a vvilling and vvell disposed mind to the confirming the former understanding vvith the States of Holland if in any point the same bâ—… slacken or abated If in any thing my endeavour faith diligence can be thought of use towards an accommodation I do promised and tender you the same God in the mean time bless and prosper the success of vvhat I vvish vvhich is that Your Majesties affaires may prosper and run in an interrupted stream of felicity From our Court at Westminster August 1656. Your Majesties most affectionatly OLIVER Protector of England c. OLIVER Protector of the Republ. of England c. To the States of Holland High and mighty Lords dearest Frirnds WIlliam Cooper a Londoneâ—… and our Subject made his complaint that John la Mair an Amsterdamer his father in Law did about thirty yeares agoe invent a meanes of raiseing the Revenue of your Republick â—…arr higher then it was and that without any extraordinary burthen to the people and made a Covenant with one John van den Brooke importing that upon some consideration between 'em he should receive the moity of such 〈◊〉 as should redound from the said Invention which was the 〈◊〉 of the small seal in the Provinees In consideration of which your mighty Highnesse were pleased to settle the yearly allowance of three thousand Guilders which amounts to three hundred pounds in English money to be paid annually to the said van den 〈◊〉 and posterity But now albeit the said Invention of the small seal has
mean time Most Serene Prince left a samous declaration of your inclination to the Churches as â—…n everlasting monument becoming your family and a patern fit for the imitation of all Princes hereafter Wee do pursuant to your deserts pray that the great good God may bless all your other undertakeings with as much felicity as you your selfe can desire and continue you in your present mind no alteration being able to mend it Westminster March An. Dom. 1656. OLIVER Protector of the Republ. of England c. To the most Serene Prince the Duke of Courland Most Serene Prince YOur kind entertainment of our Embassadour during those few dayes he stayed in Your Country in his way to the Duke of 〈◊〉 has beside other considerations shewed Your Highness's opinion of us who hope that your owne natural disposition added to our interposition may 〈◊〉 Your Highnesse not toalter those inclinations of your kindnesse towards us now â—…n the case of John Jameson a Scotchman who having 〈◊〉 you seaven yeares and that faithfully as Master at Sea deliver'd a Ship of yours lately comitted to his charge in her Ballast to the care of a Pilot upon her arrival as the custome is in the Mouth of the River and made out by good evidence that discovering the ignorance of the said Pilot did all he coud to advise him so that the miscarriage of the said Ship can be no way imputed to him but wholly to the un skill fulnesse or obstinacy of the said Pilot. Admitting which it s our earnest Request to Your Excellency that the said Shipwrack be not laid to the said John the Master's charge nor the wages remaining due to him stopt therefore upon that score which is what he has left to subsist comfort himselfe with or take to in the end having by a precedent shipwrack lost what he had a little before Westminster March Anno 1657. OLIVER Protector of the Repbul of England c. To the Noble Consuls and Senators of the Commonwealth of Switzerland S. P. D. Most Noble Magnificent Gentlemen WE have been alwayes of opinion that in Industry Riches and Practise of Arts and Sciences the Fame of your Citty might vie and stand in competition with any the Noblest Citty s whatever Now having chosen to take part with Poland rather then Sweedland in that Warr which has for a considerable time raged upon the Frontiers of your Country it were truly to be wished that the consideration of that Religion which you professe and of the antient Comerce between you and the English had inclined you to the choice of such Resolutions as shoud seeme to consist with the Glory of God and the dignity and splendor of your Corporation We therefore pray that the Alliance established by the length of custome and now extant between the English Nation and you my name if it may add any thing may induce you to set at liberty the Noble and famous Conismarek the chiefest among the Sweedish Captains a singular person in warlike discipline more especially and who has been casually and thro the Treachery of his People betrayed at Sea and by the Law of Warr not yet gott to the height of bitternesse made Prisonner But if you shou'd chance to Judge it inconsistent with the present posture of your affairs to free him that then you wou'd please to render his Confinement more easy Whatever of these two you happen to resolve upon you will resolve upon that which will be truly and principally consistent with the reputation of your Corporation and consequently beget the esteem of all Noble Comanders oblige us more especially in an extraordinary manner what ever you thinke it may avail you From our Court at Westminster Anno Dom. 1657. Your most affectionatly OLIVER Protector of England c. OLIVER Protector of the Republ. of England c. To the most Serene and Potent Prince and Lord the Emperour and Great Duke of all Russia Lord of Voladomar Muschow Novogrady King of Kazin and Astracan Syboria Lord of Vobsco Great Duke of Novcgrod and of the Law Countreys Chernigoy Rezanscoa c. Lord of all the North Seas also Lord of Everscoa Cartaluisa and many other Places S. P. D. THe antiquity of the alliance great and generally noted Trafficq together with the vast and antient comerce for along time observed betvveen this Government and your people but Great Emperour that 〈◊〉 vertue more especially wherein you outdo your Ancestors very much with the opinion entertained thereof by all your Neighbouring Princes have been our principall Inducement to cherish that affection for your Majesty which vve do and communicate thereto what vve may judge not a little conduceing to the Intrest of Christian affaires and suitably subservient to the Glory of your Name Previous whereto Wee have deputed under the character of our Embassadour to your Majeay a very vvorthy Gentlemen Mr Richard Bradshaw in whose fidelity Integrity Prudence and experience we have been sufficiently satisfied by his discharge of former Embassys and who comes fully capacitated to make kowne the singular affection and observance we bear you and suitably impower'd to treat with your Majesty concerning the affaires above mentioned Be plased therefore to receive him curteously in our name and order him as he shall have occasion for it 〈◊〉 access to your speech and Ear with proportionable credit to what he shall propose or transact and that in as full a 〈◊〉 as you woud unto us if personally present Wee wish that the Almighty and Great God may bless Your Majesty and Kingdome of Russia with all properity From our Court at Westminster April An. Dom. 1657. Your Majesties most affectionatly OLIVER Protector of England c. OLIVER Protector of the Republ. of England c. To the most Serene and Potent Prince Charles Gustavus King of Sweedland Gothe aud Uandals Great Prince of Finland Duke of Esthon Carelia Bremen Verd Stetin Pomerania Cassuby and Vandall c. Most Serene and Potent King Friend and dearest confederate WIlliam Jepson Kinght and a member 〈◊〉 our Parliament vvho reckons it an honour to have the delivery hereof to your Majesty comes to let your Majesty knovv vvith vvhat trouble and griefe of mind 〈◊〉 vve surprised at our receipt of the 〈◊〉 of that fatall warr arisen between your Majesty and the King of Sweedland and how much its become our study and care to advance as 〈◊〉 as God will enable us to go towards the 〈◊〉 stopping of this growing mischiefe and 〈◊〉 to beat back those calamitys which this warr must necessarily beget to the generall concerns of Religion now more especially at a time when our adversarys are visibly seen united in their most pernicious counsells and consequently in their strength against us These and many other considerations and reasons of utmost moment to the publick advantage of both Nations have been our inducements to dispatch this very worthy Gentleman under the character of our Envoy Extraordinary to your Majesty whom
that God may preserve Your Eminency long and as an â—…nstrument for the promotion of the comon Good of both Nations Westminster September 1658. â—…HARD Protector of the Republ. of England c. To the most Sereâ—…e and Potent Prince Charles Gustavus King of Sweedland Gothes and Vandals c. Most Serene and pâ—…tent King Friend and Confederate WHen I coâ—…sider that it is scarce possible for me to follow the patern of my fathers vertuâ—…s without I expres it in a desire of retaining valuing those Intrests also which were both the purchase of his valour and that which 〈◊〉 judged very adviseable to retaine and cherish Youâ—… Ma â—…sty need noâ—… qâ—…stion whether I understand the incumbency of continueing that study and affection towards you which my father of most famous memory seems to hâ—…ve entertaind Notwithstanding therefore that I do not upon my entry upon this Gâ—…verment and its dignity find things in such a posture 〈◊〉 the present so as to be able to be so quick in an answer to sâ—…me heads offeâ—…r'd by Your Embassâ—…dours as I woud â—…et tâ—… continue the League establish by my father with Your Majesty enter into another also of stricter Tearins is a thing I shall very willingly Listen to And sâ—… soone as I have a true state of things as they stand of both sides shall as far as concernes me be alwayes very ready to come to such Resolutions as shall seem to consist most with the advantage oâ—… both Goverments God in the mean time long preserve Your Majesty to his owne Glory and the defence and protection of the Orthodox Church Dated at our Court at Westminster October 1658. RICHARD Protector of the Repub. of England c. To the most seâ—…ene and potent Prince Charles Gustavus King of Sweedland Gothes Vandalls Great Prince of Finland Duke of Scania Erthonia Careâ—…ia Bremen verda Vandal Prince of Russia Lord of Engria Wismar as also Count Pallatin of the Rhine Bavaria Julia Clivia and Duke of the Mounts Most Serene Potent King Friend and Confiderate THis brings you an account of my receipt of both Your Majesties Letters the one by your Eâ—…vo and the other transmitted unto us from Mr Philip Meadow our Embassadour Which denote not onely Your Mâ—…griefe concerning the death of my most Serene father evident your opinion of him but of me also his successor your expectations of me And as to my father nothing can truly add to his future 〈◊〉 which for nobility or worâ—…h can exceed the praise of so worthy a person nothing that can portend mâ—…re good Luck to my undertakeing of the administration of the Goverment then to be câ—…ngratulated by so great a Congratulator nothing of an estate tho never so plentiful coud have advâ—…nced so farr towards the kindleing an ambition of pursueing the vâ—…rtue of a father equall to so considerable a Councellour As to what you mention concerning the comon safety of Protestancy and the reasons you offer to draw us into a concurrence of with you I would have your Majesty believe that albeit since my arrivall to this Goverment the posture of our affaires has been such as to have taken up and approprinted the Reâ—…ult oâ—… our dilligence care and vigilancy to the speciall consideration oâ—… matters at home yet nothing has been or is dearer or more in our purposes then to employ all meanes tending to the support of that alliance ratify'd in my fathers time with Your Majesty I have therefore taken care of sending a fleet to the Baltique sea with such Instrucons as our Envoy pursuant to such directions as we â—…ave given him at large relateing thereto shall communicate to Your Majesty Whom the Almighty God take care of the safety of and make â—…ortunate and succesfull in all your undertakeing in referrence more particularly to the Orthodox faith for whose defence may he long stand by you Dated at our Court at Westminster October 13. 1658. RICHARD Protector of the Republ. of England c To the most Serene and potent Prince Charles Gustavus King of Sweedland Gothes and Vandalls c. Most Serene and potent King Friend and Confederate I send Your Majesty the best thing I coud part with both in wâ—…rth and Excellency I mean Sir George Ascue Knight a very worthy and noble Gentleman a person of long knowledge and Tryed experience not onely in warlike affaires especially those of the sea but also inrich'd 〈◊〉 integrity Modesty understanding and learning unwelcome upon the account of his most acceptable moralls to none and which is above all now â—…or some time under a desire of serveing under Your Majesties 〈◊〉 so famous every where upon the score of your power in warlike discipline And woud have Your Majesty thinke that what ever you please to comit to the care of this man either of trust or otherwise wherein faithfulnesse experience and courage is requisit to be shewn or exercised you canot doe it to a more faithfull stout or probably skillfull person As to what I committed to his Trust to be communicated to Your Majesty let his admittance I pray be quick his audience curteous and that very weight laid upon what he says which you woud upon our imediat delivery thereof shew him such respect withall as you shall judge convenient to be shewen to a person of his character for his merits very worthy of our recomendation That God may blesse your affaires and assign them a happy Issue and that to his owne Glory and the support of the Orthodox Faith Dated at our Court at Westminster October 1658. RICHARD Protector of the Republ. of England c. To the most Serene Prince Charles Gustavus King of Svveedland Gothes and Vandals Most Serene and potent King Friend and confederate COmplaint has been made us by Petition in the name of Samuel Piggot of London Merchant setting forth his haveing lately sent two shipps the one called the Post Jacob Tidd Master and the other the Water dog Graband Pieters Master from London into France upon the account of Trade thence to Amsterdam with their loading of salt thence to Stetin neere Pomerania in the Baltique sea within your jurisdiction the one in her Ballast and the other with her freight of salt loaded at the joint cost of the petitioner and one Peter Hensbergh who was his Copartener But that both the said shipps were as he understands sett upon and taken by some of your Forces in some part of the said sea and retain'd Altho he has to prevent this mischiefe sent a Certificate under the seal of the Admiralty Court with both the said ships testifying that 〈◊〉 the moity of the said herings the sole propriety of both lay peculiarly in him Which haveing made clear proof of before us I 〈◊〉 desire that in regard the losse of both the ships canot be without very greâ—… prejudice to the man and it may be the 〈◊〉 of his whole fortune Your Majesty wou'd charge and comand
your Subjects to discharge the said ships without the least delay of time God preserve your Majesty long to the service of his owne glory and the Protection of the Orthodox Church Dated at our Court at Westminster Jan. 27. Annâ—… Dom. 1658. RICHARD Protector of the Republ. of England c. To the high and mighty Lords the States of West Friesland S. D. High and mighty Lords Friends and dearest Confederates Mary Grindar Widdow has in her petition to me made a great complaint against one Thomas Killig rue now a soldier in your service who to escape the paying of a considerable sum of mony due from him to the petitioner for about eighteen yeares or being brought to any account either with her or her atturney by Law or other tendency to a satisfaction is said to have petition'd your Highnesses that he might not be prosecuted by Law upon the score of any debt contracted in England But if I let your Highnesses see this onely that shee is a widdow poore a mother of many small Children whose entire support almost this man seemes to endeavour to divert I shall keepe farr from thinking that I need the use of many arguments with you who are too wel acquainted with Gods Comands especially on behalfe of widdowes and Orphanes against oppression as to imagine your giveing way to the grant of such a fraudulent priviledge which I am confident you will never allow of Dated from our Court at Westminster January 27. 1658. RICHARD Protector of the Republ. of England c To the most Serene and Potent Prince Lewis King of France Most Serene and Potent King Friend and august Confedâ—…rate WEe have not without griefe had and account of some unworthy interruption given by some ill minded Persons to the Protestants while in the exercise of their devotion in Province to that degree that when complaint was made thereof to the Magistrates at Gratianopoli whom it lawfully concern'd they condemn'd the thing as worthy of a severe reproofe And that the Neighbouring Clergy did thereupon prevaile with your Majesty to remit the whole matter to the Judgment of your Royall Councill at Paris Wâ—…o haveing done nothing hitherto 〈◊〉 Churches there the Protestants more 〈◊〉 conot peaceably 〈◊〉 to the exercise of their devotion Let my earnest desires therefore prevaile with Your Majesty first that they whose prayers sacrificed for your 〈◊〉 and the prosperity of your Kingdome were not rejected their publick meetings to pray be not prohibitted Next that the Disturber of Gods peace be pursuant to their judgment to whom alone belongs the lawâ—…ll and usual cognisance of such Cases at Gratianopoli accounted with Long and peaceable may God render Your Majestys days And that if these our desires prove acceptable and judged by you of service to God you declare them as such by removeing that prohibition from off the Protestants Churchs and laying a speedy injunction to have the same repealed Dated at Westminster February 18. An. 1658. To his Eminency Cardinall Mazarine Most Eminent Mr Cardinall THe most illustrious Lady Richmond widdow of the Duke of Richmond lately deceased designes with her yong son to visit and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 small stay in France My earnest request therefore to Your Eminency is that if they chance to need in any instance youâ—… 〈◊〉 favour oâ—… help as strangers you woud please to exercise that regard to their quality consisting with your wont in instances of extraordinary comendations So as to let them see that as farr as the usuall dispensation of your curtesys to all persons coud be render'd more then ordinary our Letters were able to do it and rest assured in this that if anâ—… comendation from your Eminency doe seem to call for any thing of this kind at my hands my allowance thereof may be noe less depended upon Westminster February 29. 1658. RICHARD Protector of the Repub. of England c To the most Serene and potent Prince 〈◊〉 King of Portugall 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and Potent King Friend and 〈◊〉 ALtho I ought to write upon various Subjects to a Prince that is a Friend and verâ—… much concern'd in the welfare of this Republick yet there is nothing which I can with more freedome goe about then what I now 〈◊〉 of letting your Majesty and the people of 〈◊〉 know how glad I am of the late sigâ—…all victory 〈◊〉 of the comon Enemy the Spaniard tending in the apprehension of all men not onely to your owne but the most 〈◊〉 peace and Repose of all Europe and which may 〈◊〉 entail thereon an advantage of many yeares continuance The next thing is to owne Your Majestys Justice as the undoubted fountain from whence spring Your victorys instance'd in the provision made by the 24 article of the League concluded bâ—… the Arbitrators at London for the satisfaction of our Merchants whose Merchant Men were hired into the service of the Brasile Company Thereis one Alexandar Banck Merchant of London whom the said Company denyes to pray the freight contracted for for the service of a ship of his called the three Brothers John Wilk Master in consideration of two voyages perform'd in the said Company 's service Whereas the rest have been long ago paid notwithstanding their haveing been in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 but once Which I do not understand the reason of except he in their opinion is beter worthy of a reward who has serv'd them once then he that did it twice My earnest Request to Your Majesty therefore is that this onely man to whom a double reward is due be not kept out of the satisfaction of his hire and cause by the influencâ—… of your Authority the said Company to fix upon some speedy day of payment repairing his damages their delays haveing exposed the Merchant to inconveniencyes farr exceeding his hire God increase your power and continue unto you the uper hand over your Enemies Dated at our Court rt Westminster An. 1658. RICHARD Protector of the Republ. of Egland c. To his Eminency Cardinall Mazarine Most Eminent Sr. THe Case of Peter Pett a person of singular honesty and very serviceable to us and the Republick in navall affaires came recomended to your Eminency in ours of the 13. of June being now about eight monthes past It was about a vessell of his called the Edward which was as we observ'd seised upon in the mouth of the River of Thames and sould at the Port of Bayon by one Bascon a Frenchman in the year 1646. And altho the King did by an order of Councill dated the 4. of November 1647. direct that what ever the Councill shoud Judge equivalent in mony to answer the damage susteind care shoud be taken of his being satisfied accordingly Yet the petitioner complains of his haveing received no benefit hitherto from the said decree But as I no way doubt but that your Eminency will at my request comand the speedy application of what may be requisit â—…revious to the execution of that order This brings you an earnest Repetion of my said request praying that you woud inspect where it sticks inquire thro whose neglect or obstinacy it comes to passe that the Kings order shall not after ten yeares respit be obeyed exercise your authority in the pressure of the execution of that Decree and payment of that appointed sume which we judge has been 〈◊〉 long agoe causeing'a speedy demand to be made thereof and the Result paid to the Receipt of the Petitioner Wherein your Eminency will act a thing conformable principally with Justice and that shall oblige me besides in a singular degree Dated at our Court at Westminster February 22. 1659. The two following LETTERS Were written in the name of the long Parliament when restrored upon the Removeall of Richard Cromwell The Parliament of the Republ. of England c. To the most serene and potent Prince Charles Gustavus King of Sweedland Gothes Vandalls Most Serene and potent King Dearest Friend IT haveing pleased the almighty God with whom the power of all Changes in Kingdomes and Republicks is lodged to restore us to our former charge in this the Government of the comonwealth of England we have thought fit first to acquaint you therewith and next to let your Majesty know of the very great affection we bear to so potent a prince as you are and how benâ—… upon the support of that peace which our industry and most sincere endeavour were the sole means of establishing between you and the King of Denmarke also a potent protestant Prince It is therefore ouâ—… will that the authority by which Philip Meddowes our exâ—…raordinary Embassadour there has in the name of this Republick hitherto acted be now continued as from us And do hereby confirme unto him the power of proposeing acting and transacting with your Majesty to be the same with the Originall What ever he acts or contracts in our name we do with Gods assistance engage to make good God take your Majesty into his continuall guide with tendency to the safety and security of the Protestants Westminster May 15 An 1659 Subscribed by William Leuthall speaker to the Parliament The Parliament of the Republick of England To the most Seâ—…ne Prince Frederick King of Denmark Most Serene King dearest Friend IT gaveing pleased the Almighty great God the chiefe Ruler of all things to 〈◊〉 us 〈◊〉 former Sâ—…ion and charge in the administration of this Republick we held it apoint mainly becomeing our disposition to our Neighbour and Ally to observe the same to your Majesty and to intimat how much we are concern'd at your troubles the proofe whereof you shall see in the endeavour and dilligence which we now do and shall as farr as there is necessity for it exercise to reconcile your Majesty and the King of Sweedland to peace To which purpose we have directed Phillip Meadows our extraordinary Embasadour at the Court of Swedland that for the furure he wait upon your Majesty in our name concerning this affair and let you know that whatever he communicateth proposeth acteth or transact the at he shou'd doe the same as the effect of our Comands The Credit given him by your Majesty in the discharge of which Character we pray that it be believed as given to our selves God deliver your Majesty to your content out of all those Difficultyes which you so resolutely contend with and draw all to happy and pleasing Issue Westminster May 15. 1659. Sign'd by William Leuthall Speaker to the Comonwealth Parliament FINIS
altho it seemes as we are inform'd to have happend some thing to the detriment of our people For certain of our Traders namely William and Daniel Williams with Edward Beale Merchants have by petition humbly represented unto us that a ship of theirs called the Great Prince employed for their account to Constantinople was there ptessed by the Grand Signeur's Ministers and employed to transport Provision and Soldiers to Crete in which constrain'd Service vvhile sailing vvas among others of the Turcks Fleet vvhich happend to engage vvith the Venetians taken carryed to Venice and by the Gourt of Admiralty there condemn'd to the use of the publicke As the said shipp therefore vvas contrary to the approvall and knowledge of her Owners forc't into the Turcks Service and that he cou'd not disintangle himselfe out of the 〈◊〉 being loaded with Soldiers we earnestly intreat Your Serenity to repeal out of regard to 〈◊〉 alliance the sentence of that admiralty Court and take care of the restitution of the said shipp haveing no way deserved ill of your Republick to her Owners The allowance of which we have no reason to dispair 〈◊〉 obtain atour request especially when we find the Merchants themselves entertain so good an opinion of your Clemency And therefore hartily recommend your great Councills and the affairs of Venice both by sea and Land to the happy guidance of God Almighty I am Westminster 1655. Your Serenity's and the Republick of Venice's very affectionately OLIVER Protector OLIVER Protector of the Comonwealah of England to the most Serene Prince Lewis King of France Most Serene King SAmuel Mico William Coran George Poyner with severall others of 〈◊〉 Merchants have shewed us by their humble petition that they in the year 1650. 〈◊〉 on board a certain shipp called the Unicorne a very considerable part of their Estates and that the same Shipp with her feight of raw silcks Oyles and other goods amounting by their Estimate to no lesse then four and thirty thousand pounds sterling was by two of your Men of Warr set upon and taken in the â—…ranea Sea that Our Subjects wou'd not out of regard to the peace that was then between the English and the french make any violent defence but referr to the maritime Laws as being induced thereto by the promisses of Paul Terrer the Comanders of the said Men of Warr who engaged to dismisse the shipp upon peruseall of her bills of loading That the said Merchants employd moreover sent into france an attorney to sollicit the restitution of the said ship and Goods where after the expence of three yeares and more when matters were brought to that maturity as that there was nothing 〈◊〉 to be done but to award sentence for restitution his Emenency Cardinall Mazarine owned unto Hugh Morelly their Attorny that the Merchants had wrong done 'em and undertooke that they shou'd have satisfaction done 'em as soone ever as the peace between both nations and the alliance then under Treaty was ended and ratified Yea his Excelleecy the Lord de Bordeaux your Majesties Embassadour has lately confirmed the same in express words pursuant to your Majesties comands seconded by those of the Councill and that the said shipp and Goods and the peculiar demurr under which they lay shoud be taken into consideration a part from those other controversys provided for the decision of by the generall Import of the Treaty Of which promise the said Embassadour him selfe who by good luck has repaired home upon occasions of his owne can bear Testimony Upon the allowance of such strong presumptions and that the Right of these Merchants in the repetition of their Goods lies so clear It 's our earnest request to your Majesty that they be put off no longer and that you woud be pleased at our Instance to render your compliance herewith the leading fruits of the Treaty lately revived and restablish't Which wee confide in the effect of wishing that the Omnipotent Great God may influence your selfe and Kingdome with all imaginable felicity Westminster December 1655. Your Majesties most affectionatly OLIVER Protector of England c. To the Evangelicall Cantons of Svvitzerland THE account transmitted unto us from our Commissioners at Genova concerning your publick proceedings as well as the substance of your Letters of the 27. of December from Tigur sufficiently informe us in the posture of your affaires being none of the best we doubt wherein albeit we apprehend to our trouble that your peace so long continued collaterall alliance is dissolved into a Rupture yet nothing appearing applicable to your fault the Iniquity perversnesse of your Enemys may we doubt not furnish you with an opportunity of repeating your knowne disposition constancy to the Protestant Religion For the Swiâ—…zers who condemn for Traytors any who turne to our Religion what have they attempted what have their practises been to raise malitious spirits against the Orthodox Faith is a thing that can escape the knowledge of none who has not totally forgot that most unworthy Massacre comitted upon our Brethren at Piedmont Wherefore dearest Friends forget not your former wont rouse up in Gods Name yeeld not your Reights Friends your Liberty of Conscience and conscience it selfe to be trampled in the dirt under the heels of incroaching Idolatrous Prepare your selves therefore that you may not seeme to looke like Men who cared not how the World went so they themselves were well but such as reckon the sufferings of their Neighbours their Owne especially theirs of Piedmont help and comfort those most distressed People all you can Assureing your selves that your own sides were darted at and their deaths and blood made but an Inled of to reach you As for my part know that your safety and prosperity are no lesse the Subject of my care and trouble than if this Massacre had been executed within the Bowels of this Republick and as if the Switzers Axes and Drawen Swords as they truly are against all Protestants were ready to fall upon our own Necks No sooner had we therefore had an account of your condition the virulency of your Enemys but we presently entred into a strict consultation with persons of very great worth knowne piety and affection to the Church in order to the makeing such provision for your subsistence as the posture of our owne affairs at home cou'd bear and came to such a determination as you may know from our Comissary Mr Pell What I have to add is the continuance of our petitions to Almighty God that he wou'd be pleased to stand by and guide all your councills and take under his more particular conduct and defend by peace or warr which he thinkes most adviseable this your most just Cause Westminster January 1655. Yours c. most affectionatly OLIVER Protector of the Republick of England c. OLIVER P. of the Republick of England To the most Serene Prince Charles Gustavus by the Grace of God King of Sweedland Gothes and Vandalls
England to the high and mighty States of Holland c. High and mighty Lords dearest Friends THomas Bushell and Richard Bear with severall other of our Subjects have made their joint complaint unto us setting forth that a shipp of theirs called the Edmond and John did being set upon in her way between Brasile and 〈◊〉 submit to the assault of a certain Privateor belonging to Vlushing called the Red Lyon whose Comander went by the name of Lambert Bartelson but upon such conditions and Tearmes 〈◊〉 by the said Lamberts hand and seale as that upon their arrivall at Vluissing restitution shoud be made of such Goods as shoud appear to belong unto the English That upon their arrivall there the shipp was acquitted and the seamen their respective goods restored them but the Merchants effects taken out and exposed to imediat sale That they namely the Merchants who had this affront put upon did upon their repair to Vlushing to demand their effects at the Admiralty Court there after five yâ—…ares expensive prosecution loose the cause with vast charges thro amost wicked sentence awarded against them by those Judges namely they who concern'd in the said Privateer were themselves both Juges and Jury in the thing That they have no other hope left 'em except it be in your equity and incorrupted uprightnesse which they now at length fly unto whom they judge some reliefe favour from if back'd with our 〈◊〉 of their complaint to you And truly this is a thing pardonable in the people if in so great a hasard of their fortunes as this seemes to be they under an uuiversall dread from all hands consider what they ought to fear from your power and authority as wel as what they were to hope from the integrity of Judges especially in a case where they were themselves 〈◊〉 We do not doubt but that the influence you are under of Religion Justice and Integrity may in preferrence to any sollicitation of Ours become an Incentive to you of comeing to such a determination herein as you may 〈◊〉 to consist with Equity and justice and an act that may become you God preserve both your selves and Republick to tâ—…e service of his Glory and the comfort of his Church Westminster April 1. 1656. OLIVER Protector of England c. OLIVER Protector of the Comonwealth of England To the most Serene Prince Charles Gustavus King of Sweedland Gothes and Vandalls Great Prince of Finland Duke of Esthon Carelia Bremen Verda Stetin Pomerania Cassubia and Vandalia Prince of Russia Lord of Ingry Wismar as also Count Pallatine of the Rhine Bavaria Jul Clevia and Duke of the Mounains c. Most Serene Prince PEter Julius Coitus haveing discharged his Embassy here and so discharged it as that I thought it a thing unfit to dismisse him hence without accompanying him with my opinion of his just merits which he now returnes to your Majesty with as being a person who upon your score who have a just Right to our highest esteeme was as well as for that of his owne meritts very acceptable unto us and no lesse praise worthy by the most dilligent discharge of this Trust. Therefore we freely certify if any Testimony can add thereto that he has answerd that character which he brought Us as your Majestys most just gift to him who may with the same fidelity and integrity relate the singular respect which we bear towards your Majesty What we have to add is to breath our wishes to the Omnipotent Great God to bless your Majesty with all prosperity and continue the influence of your victorys over the enemys of the Church to perpetuity Westminster Aprill 17. 1656. Your Majestie 's most affectionately OLIVER Protector of the Republick of England c. OLIVER Protector of the Republick of England To the most Serene and potent Prince Lewis King of France S. D. APplication being by petition made us in the names of John Dethicke present Lord Mayor of tâ—…is Citty of London and William Wackfield Merchant setting forth that haveing about the Calends of the month of October Auno 1649. loaded a certaine shipp called the 〈◊〉 of London one Ligâ—…tbagh Master the whole freight consisting of their owne proper goods to be transported to Ostend the said shipp was seised upon in the mouth of the River of Thames carryed away and disposed of at Dunkirk then under the obedience of the Crowne of France and that by the contrivance of a certaine Privateer called White belonging to Berkin who exerciseth piracy by vertue of a Comission from the son of Charles the late deceased King contrary to the purport of your Majestâ—…s proclamations published to the contrary Annis 1647. and 1649 besides some resolutions of Councill in favour of the Parliament of England whereby they understanding that the transportation of any Goods or ships taken from the English dureing that 〈◊〉 into any place under your Majesties jurisdiction or suffered to be in any such place exposed to sale was provided against as unlawfull dispatched Hugh Morrell their solliciter to Dunkirke with directions to apply to Mr Lestrado Governour of that Citty and demand restitution of the said shipp and Goods as knowing that they were in a great measure yet untoucht in Towne who upon such application replyed not like a gentleman nor one that woud seem to be very observable of the Comands of his prince that his present employ was a benefit comferr'd upon him in consideration of publick past services perform'd in the King of France s Service that he therefore intended to make as much improvement thereof as he coud as if comisionated to Robb his neighbours Upon which disappointment the said sollicitour after a great expence both of money and time comeing home the petiâ—…ioners destitute of all other hopes other then what they imagin'd they might meet with upon appeal to your Majesties Clemency and Justice and believing that our recomendatory Letters in their favour might render their access to your Majesty more facile pray that you woud not decline your help from a people robbed in defiance of all Justice and in derision of your repeated Comands to the Contrary Which if obtainable at our importunity albeit it is truly a thing which seemes ver equitable yet we shall believe it to be rather the effect of your naturall 〈◊〉 to Justice then the fruit of my soâ—…licitation Westminster May 1656. Your Majestie 's most affectionately OLIVER Protector of the Republick of England c. OLIVER Protector of the Republick of England c. To the high and mighty Lords the States General of the United Provinces S. D. High and mighty Lords Dearest Friends IOohn Browne Nicolas Williams with other Londoners have in a Petition humbly shewed unto us that having severally ventured to the East Indies by the Ship Good Hope of London then bound thither directed their Correspondents at Amsterdam about the Month of February 1644. to ensure there two thousand and forty Pounds Flemish That the
has exposed 'em to upon the account of their Religion Wee have also seen a copy of the Letter which your Embassadours sollicitours and other persons present at the late Peace at Pinaroll writ to the Duke of Savoy and the Praesident of his Councill wherein they shew evince that all the conditions of peace broke as soon as made tended ratherto amus impose upon the poore people then provide in any sense for their security The violation of which following upon the veryheeles of the grant of the peace is to this day continued their suâ—…ferings likely to grow worse If they do not submit patiently if they do not prostrate cast themselves downright to be kicked have the Dirt strained thrô their bodies forsake their Religion the same calamity still hang's over their heads the same Massacre which has raced afflicted them their wives children most lamentably but three yeares a goe is still in view which if they undergo again will destroy 'em stock and branch What will you have the Wretches doe on whose behalfe no prayers can prevaile no Ease can be had no Refuge yet open for they have to do with wild beasts and Furyes whom the memory of former slaughters canot call to the grace of Repentance nor pitty towards their Countrymen quench their Thirst of shedding inocent blood These things are not in plain Termes to be boarn vvith if we either bear any love to the safety of our Brethren so anâ—…ient adherers to the Orthodox Religion or if we tender the safety of Religion it selfe Wee have albeit at this great distance already done it shall not forbear our cordiall supplying of what we can either of help or subsistence towards their Reliefe You that are not onely within call of the Groanes clamours of your Brethren but also stand in the mouth of their Enemyes fury looke about you in the name of the Imortal God and see timelily what you ought to do on your part Advise with your owne prudence piety and courage and consider what you can or ought to contribut of help or protection towards the support of your perishing neighbours and Brethren You may certainly assure your selves that the very same Enemy woud for the very same reason being Religion rejoyce at your destruction too yea consume your confederates in the flames of an 〈◊〉 warr the very same time of the aâ—…oresaid year The power next to God seemes to remain in your hand of preventing the ultimat decay of the reformed Religion in the ashes of that remaining scantleing of antient fidelity vvhom if you novv neglect in the height of their distresse take care that the next Turne prove not your ovvne that in little time While vve are employing our selves in the promoteing of these persvvasions as Brethren and plaine Dealers they languish What vve can do at this great distance tovvards the purchase of the safety of the afflicted as vvell as easeing the vvant of the needy vve have and shall do all vve can God provide us both that tranquility and peace at home and put our affaires in such a conditiou of settlement as that vve may employ all our povver and strength and affection for the dâ—…fence of his Church against the fury and Rage of the Enemy Dated at Westminster May An. Dom. 1658. To his Eminency Cardinall Mazarine greeting Most Eminent Sir THe inclosed to his Royall Majesty as well as the other to your Eminency are the effects of the intollerable calamityes and most cruel Massacre lately exercised by the Duke of Savoy upon such of his Subjects as professe the Protestant Religion And albeit I canot judge so uncharitably as not to believe that to a most Glorious King such barbarous proceedings of destroying the Inocency and helpesnesse of people must imply much displeasure and offence yet I am of opinion that what I move about on behalfe of their condition which is miserable may not misse of your furtherance favour towards the procureing of its end â—…t being a very plain thing that nothing can goe further towards the establishing a good opinion of France in the harts of her Protestant neighbours abroad then to assert the grant of the Liberty and Priviledges settled upon 'em by the publick acts of former times And truly this was among other considerations a Maine One to induce this Republicke to engage in an Alliance and League with France Previous to the establishment of which his Majesties Embassadour has sollicitted here for a considerable time and things seem now to draw towards a conclusion The singular sincerity moderation which in the conduct of the considerable concernes of the Kingdome you have testified to the Protestants of France doth truly induce me to hope for and rely upon this and from which a bottome will be also laid by your Excellency â—…or the raiseing an alliance upon of stricter friendshipp between England and France and oblige me in particular to the makeing all imaginable Returnes of friendshipp and kindnes and woud have your Excellency think soe Your Eminency's most affectionately OLIVER Protector of the Republ. of England c. To the most Serene and Potent Prince Lewis King of France Most Serene and Potent King Friend and August Confederat ALbeit the affability of his society coud scarce suffer me to give way to the departure of Thomas Vicount Falkonbridge my Son in Law who bent upon a present Visit into France desired to beenabled to testify the duty and reuerence he beares your Majesty by haveing a view of and kissing your Royall hand yet I did not thinke fit to baulke or withstand his said purpose or decline his request When I canot doubt but that upon his Returne after little time from the Court of so great a King where the conversation of so many very prudent and valiant men is to be had he may come back better instructed and as it were perfected in all manner of good accomplishments And albeit he is if I mistake not one who carries his owne Recomendation wherever he goes yet if he finds himselfe the more so upon my account I shall reckon the favour done my selfe God preserve your Majestys safety and long continue our friendshipp steddy for the Comon Good of all Europe Dated at our Court at Westminster May An. Dom. 1651. OLIVER Protector of the Republ. of England c. To His Eminency Cardinall Mazarine Most eminent Lord. HAveing recomended Thomas Vicount Falconbridge my Son in Law now bound for France to the most Serene King I coud not decline â—…omunicateing the knowledge thereof with a repetition of the like trouble to your Excellency as being unignorant of the weight and moment the same May be of to the former one The benefit which he proposes to himselfe from his stay among you and he hopes this may be no small one he canot but own the most part of to your favour and kindnesse whose Judgment and vigilance alone beare so great a share
a venetian who pretended a propriety to the said Good would by proxy appear in the admiralty Court of England where that differrence depended to prove the equity of his Claime Yet the said Piatt and one David Buttâ—… a dutch man have while this quarrell lay under the debate of our Court exposed the said John Dickons and the other Merchants to very much trouble touching the propriety of the said Camphire arresting their goods and effects at Venice the particulars of all which and the sum of all the proceedings hitherto acted in our Court are in these Letters of request more succinctly and largely contain'd Which after they were inspected into and perused by us we have thought fit to transmit to the most serene Rebublick of Venice presumeing that they might help the Merchants in this case earnestly praying that the said Letters carry not onely their owne force and weight but that the Merchants Goods thus arrested by â—…he meanes of the said Patâ—…us and David Rutts be discharged and the said controversys remitted to the determination of our Court who are ready to decide by Law their Right to this Camphiré In doing wh ch your Highnesse and the most serene Republick will do an act that in it selfe is principally just worthy the untainted friendship of both Republicks and finally that shall be recompensed by this Republick upon any occasion that may offer of expressing their affection or good offices Dated at Whitehall Febr. 1652. Sealed and sign'd by the President of the Councell To the Spanish Embassadour Most excellent Sir THe Councill of State haveing in pursuance of a comand from the Parliament dated the 2. of March taken into their serious considederation your Excellency's memoriall presented to a Committee of this board the 17. of February wherein your Excellency has thought fit to propose a demand of an answer to be before hand given to the two heads therein expressed orderd your Excellency the following reply That the Parliament when they gave answer to such proposalls as were made by your Excellency upon your first audience as also in the contents of the letters sent the most serene King of Spaine declared at Large how gratefull acceptable that friendships and mutuall comerce offerd as well by the King himselfe as you in his name was and finally how much he stood disposed on his part towards the returning the like friendship and offices That Your Excellency being afterwards heard in Councill thought fit to propose thereto on the 19. of December old Stile a kind of a project tending to the fortifying of this alliance whereof you haveing then made an offer as if certain of their board were appointed to receive and debate such things as your Excellency had to propose and after deliberation had thereon to report their opinion of the advantage thereof forthwith to the Councill the matter might receive no damage by it They did to gratify your said Proposalls nominate certain of their Number to give your Excellency a meeting who haveing convâ—…n'd pursuant thereto their said meeting instead of what were expected to be proposed amounted to noe more then the purport of the aforsai'd Memoriall to which the Councill directed the subsequent answer That considering the Parliaments declaration when your Excellency is gott over the fere going progresse we are ready to give your Excellency a meeting touching such Overtures as you shall have to make on behalfe of the King your Master in referrence as well to the alliance already made as a stricter to be enter d into or if there be any thing that may occur or we judge to move on behalfe of this Republic And when we come to particulars our Reply shall be meet and consistent Whitehall March 21. 1652. The Representatives of the Comonwealth of England to the most Serene Prince Frederick the 3. King of Denmarke greeting Most serene and potent King WE have by the conveyance of Henry Williamson Rosenwing of Lysaker a worthy person received and suitable to the merit of their proposalls freely perused your Majesty's letters dated the 21. of December last from your Court at Hasnia and desire that your Majesty woud rest assured that we retaine the same disposition of mind and the same affection to the continuance and preservation of the ancient correspondence comerce and friendship for so many yeares supported between England and Denmarke which we apprehend your Majesty to do knowing that albeit it has pleased God in favour of the Peace and tranquillity of this Nation to alter we hope to abetter the formerly establisht Form of this Government yet to continue imoveable the same correspondence maintain the same Intrest and recover its former vigour to the mutuall Trade and comerce which have been the Results of former Contracts and alliances between both Nations and by improveing those alliances all that may be to engage each other in an united and joint endeavour oâ—… perfecting and strengthering dayly more and more that friendshipp is what we understand to be our advantage And when it shall please your Majesty to pursue those Councells mention'd in your Royall Letters the Parliament will with all alacrity and sincerity be ready to embrace them and joyne all they can in any other contribution that may conduce to the promotion of such a designe and are therefore inclinable to believe your Majesty's resolutions in referrence to this common-wealth to be such it being also provided for in former contracts as may consistwiâ—…h that willingnesse mett with by your Majesty in us upon your 〈◊〉 proposall thereof The Parliament in the mean time wish your Majesty and subjects health and happinesse Dated at Westminster April Anno Domini 1662. Signed and sealed by the speaker directed there to by Authority of Parliament The Rèpresentatives of the Comon-wealth of England to the â—…llustrious and Noble Magistrates and Senators of the Hanseatick Cittys greeting THE Representatives of the Republick of England have received and perused your letters of the 16 of January last and conformâ—…ble to their Demands admitted into audience Leo ab Aisem your publick Minister who brought'em and withall represented the â—…nclination and affection your people bear this Republick praying withall and solliciting the future inviolable continuance of the ancient alliance now in being between us The Parliament therefore do for themselves 〈◊〉 and assert it to be amost gratefull thing to them to renew and ratify that friendship and correspondence which have formerly interceded between this Nation and those Coâ—…porations and their Readynesse upon all fit occasions to evidence their promises in their Performances expecting to be treated with suitable faithfulness and integrity by those their antient friends and confederates As to the other Branches more particularly comitted to and urged by your Resident no sooner were the same transmitted unto proposed and debated before the Councill of State but such an answer was resolved upon as seem'd to consist with equity and reason And which your Resident himselfe may remit
Memorial of the 27. of May or 6. of June and its contents and thinkes it has in that former paper fully satisfied your Excellency In addition whereto can say no more then that when your Excellency is at leisure to make known your desires of altering the alliances now establisht or proposeing such other Tearmes conduceing to the accomodation of times and affaires as they now stand and which you woud on your part lay the foundation of an alliance upon their answer thereupon shall be such as they judge may consist with equity and testify the Parliaments inclination of persevering in the same sincerity of maintaining unstain'd and â—…irme it 's friendship wiâ—…h the King your Master and contributeing to any other expedient which becoming it may tend to the prosperity of such an alliance The Councill doth moreover judge it abranch of her duty to remind your Excellency of our Memoriall transmitted unto you under the 30. of January 1651 which being yet unanswerd we continue still under instant expectations of the Parliaments being satisfied in the contents of The Councill of State 's answer to a Reply of the most serene King of Denmarke's Embassadours extraordinary delivered to the Committee of Councill in answer to a former One of the Councills concerning their fourteen Demands THe Council previous to the satisfaction of the a foresaid Embassadours in her answer to the fifth sixth seaventh eight and ninth Articles doth assent to the following paragraph's being added to the foot of their former answer that is to say Besides those Colonys Islands ports and places under the Government of either whether it is by Law forbidd to resort upon the account of Trade or traffique without his speciall licence first obtein'd to whose Jurisdiction the said Colony Island Ports or places shall appertaine The takeing of any thing on board of a ship driven into the Rivers Ports or havens of either party shall not render such a ship c. liable to any molestation or search as the said Embassadours woud in their said Reply seeme to have interpreted that of the Councill to the eleaventh Article Saveing in places where such a Reception happens to fall contrary to the Laws Statutes and Custome of the place wherein such a ship tooke Port. In which case the Councill doth thinke to have imposed nothing of hardship but that is equally conduceing to the welfare of both Republicks As to the proofe of the propriety of such shipps or Goods as shall by shipwrack happen to be driven on shore it is the opinion of the Councill that in such cases Oath be taken in such Courts as either already are or hereafter may be erected for the hearing and determining such Cases where such as may at any time lay claime to such Goods may be distinctly heared and every one's Right knowne and determin'd which by paper comonly called Certificates cannot â—…e so clearly and infallibly attain'd unto whence a cloud of scruples and Doubts may of times arise as also cover a deal of fraud aâ—…d deceipt often creeping under such a kind of proofe which concerne both partys equally to prevent The Councill is also of judgment that a certain time be limitted not to be exceeded without the forfeiture of such a claime by persons to bring their proofe with in the extent of of their propriety and to be excluded the benefit of the Court upon failing to make clear their Right within the space of to avoid endles Suites of Law As to a method of vending such goods found in the wrack as are perishable the Councill has also thought fit to propose that of the Inch of Caâ—…dle which as it is a meanes very probable so it is equally as expedient to secure thâ—… Oâ—…ner a good price for his Goods But if the aforesaid Embassadours shall come furnished with any other detected Expedient that may be found more conduceing to this end the Councill shall not withstand the promotion of what is equitable nor can it see how it may occasion any demurr to the dispatch of this Treaty As to the forfeiture they are to be liable unto that shall be found to incroach upon the proposalls herein contein'd the Councill inserted the same in their Reply to the fourteenth Article to the rendering the said Article of more efficacy and the Treaty it selâ—…e more durable and firme As for an answer to the last clause of the 14. Article it is inconsistent with our Judgment to give our assen to those alliances and fraternity mentioned in the said Replys and which are proposed in Generall Tearmes onely till by a further explanation we see what they may meane Which when Your â—…xcellency is pleased to be plaine with the Councill in we shall be able then to be more particular on our part The Councill of States Reply to the said Embassadours Answer given in Reply to theirs to the 16. Articles exhibited by the Council in the name of the Republick of England THE Council haveing perused the Letters Parents impowering the saids Lords Embassadours to treat with the Parliament it selfe or it's Deputies in referrence to such matters as were expedient to be transacted towards the renewing the ancient alliances and adding new ones did truly thinke that the said Lords Embassadours came with such authority as to have been able to Answer and transact all such things as should be proposed on behalfe as well of this Republick as of the King of Denmark and Norway and therefore did not expect those Replies which the said Lords Embassadours were pleased to give to the Council's first second third and fifth Demand which renders it necessarily obvious to be prest to the consideration of the present Treaty as a thing in it selfe most just accordingly determined in Council to comprimise take in the whole as well vvhat concernes this Republick as the Kingdomes oâ—… Denmark and Norway It is therefore the earnest Request of the Council that Your Excellencie's Answer to our said first second third and fifth Demand be made known As to the 4. Article concerning the Customes at Glâ—…kstadt as Your Excellencie's Answer intimated their being antiquated the Council seemes to presse that the same be expresly ratified in the Treaty least they should be hereafter revoaked As to the 6. Article about Pirats the mutual advantage of both parties has been the end of that Article and to establish the repose of Trade in common against the disquiet and interruption of Rogues Theeves and as the Lords Embassadors Reply to this Article was peculiarly applicable to the Enemy and therefore tooke no special notice of pirats The Council therefore desires to be expressely dealt which in that point And whereas the aforesaid Lords Embassadours in their Reply to the Council's Answer in reference more especially to their 10. Article tooke no notice of the Council's Answer the Council thought fit to add the following Article to their former demands That the People and Inhabitants of the Commonwealth of England who held
service can be of service to you we are ready to shew our selves not as friends but Brethren Dated at Westminster October Anno 1653. Signed and sealed by the Speaker to the House of Commons To the Spanish Embassador Most Illustrious Sir UPon the receipt of a petition in the names of Philip Noel John Goddall and other Merchants belonging to Foy in England heavily bemoaning that a ship of theirs called the Ann of Foy of their own buildding in England was about Michaelmas last most injustly sett upon and seised by a certain privateer belonging to Ostend comanded by Erasmus Bruerus who in his way homewards seised her loading wholly belonging to the petitioners and treated the marriners unworthily and barbarously The Councill of State thereupon writ to the Duke of Leda a copy whereof comes herewith to your Excellency and expected that he woud according to justice and equity make speedy inquiry into that affair But the said Noel and the rest of the Petitioners renewing their said heavy complaint and urgeing that although the said Duke had our said letters delivered him and that the said Merchants repaired since to Bruges where at the Admiralty Court they made proofe of their cause and the integrity of their Claime but that Justice is neverthelesse denyed 'em and they exposed to so unjust useâ—…ge That albeit the case has stood ready for determination any time these three monthes and more yet coud not obteine the sentence of that Court but that their said shipp and goods are still nevertheless under the same Restraint and they themselves from this delay of Justice exposed to considerable expences in the prosecution of their Right Your Excellency is not ignorant of its being contrary to the Laws of Nations as well as the Tearmes of Trade and correspondence â—…ow existent between the English and Flanders that any Osteender shoud offer to touch any English ship provided shee be loaded with Euglish goods and bound for England and that the said Captain 's inâ—…umane and barbarous useage of the Marriners ought to be severly punished The Councill therefore recommends the case to your consideration and prays that you woud write to Flanders about it and endeavour that speedy care be taken that this busynesse be no longer prolonged but that Justice be done as that the said shipp and Goods together with the damages expences and loss which the said English have susteind upon the score of that injust interception be by the Authority of the said maritime Court of Brussels or some other good manner restored them and provision made against any such future interception but that the correspondence now in being betvveen England and France be supported vvithout any Interruption Signed and sealed by the direction of the Councill of State appointed by the Parliament To the Duke of Lisle PHillip Noel John Gadâ—…ll with severall other Merchants belonging to the Towne of Foy haveing made large complaints unto us concerning a Ship of theirs called the Ann of Foy representing that the said Ship Anne built and loaded at their sole and peculiar cost and charges was about Michaelmas last in her way homewards unawares sett upon seised by one Erasmus Bruerus a Master of a shipp belonging to Ostend They moreover say that the Osteenders when they gott the vessell into their possession misused the marriners very inhumanely by dipping and almost stiffleing'em to prevent their telling of Tales and disposed of the goods as if they were French propriety Which albe it the Master as well as the Mariners positively denyed to be yet the Ostenders carried both Ship and Goods to their owne homes The truth of these things has upon inquiry made and the testimony of sworne witnesses been proved as is evident by the Certificate herewith sent In as much therefore as the said Ship called the Anne of Foy witth all the Goods truly properly and bonafide bâ—…longed to the English so as that there appears no cause why they of Ostend shoud lay violent hands on her or them much lesse touch the Master or expose the Seamen to so much hardship and whereas the constitution of the Laws of Nations and the alliance now existent between England and Flanders call for the restitution of the said Shipp and Goods wee earnestly desire Your Excellency that timely Right be done the English in haveing their owne forthvvith returned 'em and satisfaction made for the dammages they suftein'd and that the Trade and Commerce vvhich novv interceede betvveen England and Flanders may be supported firme aâ—…d permanent To the Spanish Embassador WHereas the Representatives of the Commonwealth of England being informed that great many People about Towne relating as well to Your Excellency as other Embassadours and forâ—…eign publick Ministers attending here resort to Your as well as other Houâ—…es under the pretence of hearing Masse Gave it in strict charge to the Counâ—…il to observe to Your Excellency that as the â—…aid practice tends to the expresse prejudice of the Laws of this Nation and of proportionable â—…ll example and offence to the Government They judged it abranch of their ossice to prohibit such a practice for the future and declare their dislike of such Assemblies for the ensuing time Whereof we desire Your Excellency to take notice and suffer none of the Subjects of this Republick to frequent Your House for the time to come to hear Masse And as the Parliament shall take due care to have the Right of Embassadors as well as their Priviledges secured inviolable to Your Excellency so they depend upon no encroachments to be made by You or Yours upon the Lawes of the Land dureing Your abode therein An Abstract of the particular Damages Susteind by the English East India Company thrò the meanes of the Dutch in severall places of the East Indies Imprimis THE Damages conteind in the 16. Articles lately exhibitted amounting in pieces 〈◊〉 291555. in Sterling make-73638 lb 15 ss 2. Satisfaction is expected for the Croppariseing from the â—…sland of Pularon from between the year 1622. to this time amounting in value to two handred thousane preces 5 8 besides future expence till the same be restored as it was when it was taken from us and that according to articles of agreement Which in sterling is 50000. lb 0 0. 3. Wee expect satisfaction for all those Sea prâ—…visions and apparell aken from the English in the Indies by the Dutch Factory delivered to or forc'd from their ships in their going to or returning thence Amounting to 10635. Royalls and in sterling 30158 lb 0. 4. Wee expect satisfaction for the Custom of all Dutch comoditys imported into exported out of Persia from the year 1624. according to the King of that Countryes Grant unto us which we canot calculat at lessâ—…n value then eighty thousand Royalls 20000. lb 0. 0. 5. Wee expect satisfaction for the reparation of four houses most malitiously and unjustly destroyed at Jocatra together with warehouses and other necessarys occasioned by the
Prince haveing engaged for 't whose extraordinary vertue has not onely won an everlasting inheritance in the affection of stangers abroad but has been soe povverfull as to have invited 〈◊〉 most August Queen daughter of Gustaves whose mâ—…tch in all manner of good qualitys many past ages coud not produce to make a resignation of the Government to you without either your knowledge or seeking Be pleased therefore to be confident that your so singular affection unto us and so clear a signification of your mind are circumstâ—…nces of utmost acceptance unto us and that nothing shall promote more our delight then to oblige your kindnesse with our endeavours never to be wanting as farr as they can be made serviceable Westminster 4. July 1654. Your Majestyes most affectionally OLIVER Protector of England Scotland Ireland c. To the most 〈◊〉 Ludovico Mendesio de Haro WHat you write me Illustrious Sir of the most Serene King of Spains haveing appointed and nominated a person to come hitheir under the character of his Eâ—…bassadour to congratulate with me my undertaking in the 〈◊〉 of England as it is a thing in it selfe justly gratefull sovour 〈◊〉 study and quicknesse of care has renderd it so much the more so who to heighten the obligation have been pleased to be the first admenisher your selfe For to have the love and affection of one who by his prudence and vertue 〈◊〉 gaind so much Authority with his owne prince as to influence like your selfe matters of the greatest moment in that Kingdome ought to be no less pleasure to me then â—…nunderstand the good opinion of a most Excellent person to be an ornament to me But as to any disposition of mind to wards the most Serene King of Spaine in referrence as well to the Support of an alliance with that King as readynesse to improve it dayly more and more I hope I have satisfied the Embassadour here in that point and may do it plentifully to him that is to succede him I wish that the figure Moreover and favour under which you now move most Illustrious Sir may be dureable and that what ever you manage or administer for the good of the publick may end in aprosperous and happy 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 am most Illustrious Sir Your Excellencies most affectionatly OLIVER Protector of the Republick of England Scotland 〈◊〉 c. Whitehall September 1654. To the most Serene Prince CAROLUS GUSTAVUS ADOLPHUS King of Sweedland Goths and Vandales c. AS Your Majesties last Letter answered by me with a suitable Reply represented Your Majesties singular love to me so the consideration of our Friendships seemed to establish such an obligation upon me for the future that as I communicate occurrences answering our mutual desires so to observe unto you as a'most dear friend my sense and griefe in instances of contrary effects I am truly of opinion that the figure I make in this Republick implyes a duty of studying all â—… can the comon Repose of the protestants in particular Which heightens our concernednesse so much the more when we hear of the battails and mutuall slaughters acted by those of Bremen and Sweedland upon each other I am in the first place sorry to see both our friends ingaged in such bloody differences so much to the hazard of the Intrest of the protestant Religion Next that peace of 52. which was believed to be a main Bulwarke to all reformed Churches should prove the cause of such an uhappy 〈◊〉 that the Armes of Sweedland are now employed to destroy those who for Religion sake they woud so lately engage in the vigarous defence of and that now at a time when the Episcopacy is reported to persecute the 〈◊〉 all Germany over revive former violences and oppressions upon them Being therefore informed that the 〈◊〉 of Bremen hâ—…d few days Cessation of armes 〈◊〉 it I cou'd not truly decline the signifing unto your Majesty by this opportunity how heartily I coud wish and how earnestly I woud pray the God of peace that that Truce may end in a happy reconcliation of both Partys and that things be drawen to a peaceable composure equally conduceing to the advantage of both To the promotion of which if your Majesty can judge my endeavour capable of contributing ougâ—…t I do promise and freely tender the same as in apoint of utmost acceptance without doubt to God Almighty And do in the mean time from my hart wish that God Almighty may direct and steer all Your Majesty Councills to the publick advantage of Christendom a prayer which I doubt not but may 〈◊〉 with your owne inclination too Whitehall October 26 16545. Your Majestys most affectionately OLIVER Protector of the Repnblick of England To the most Magnificent and Noble Magistrates and Senators of Bremen I do with so much the more 〈◊〉 and griefe of mind see by the account brought me by Henry Oldenburgh your Envoy the difference arisen between your Corporation and your most potent neighbour and the extremity which you are thence reduced unto by how much I love and respect the Citty of Bremen for her affection to the Orthodox Religion beyond others nor do I entertaine any thing more in my wishes then that the universall name of the Protestants may at length be cemented into a brotherly Union and Concord That the comon Enemy of the Reformation does in the mean space rejoyce at these our contentions promote thâ—…m the more violently abroad is a thing most certaine But the controversy it selfe as it is not the matter now to be debated I pray God that the progress therefore already made towards a peace may determine happily I have according to you desires writ to the King of Sweedland touching this matter sollicitting him to peace and Concord as a thing of utmost acceptance to God and acted freely and as Iough in a thing of thâ—…r piety and ofter it as my opinion that it is not 〈◊〉 viseable for you to stand off bat bear an affectionat inclination to any conditions of peace that are truly honourable Comending you and your Citty in the mean time to Gods Tuition an Providence Whitehall October 26. 1654. Your highnesses most aff ection ally O Protector c OLIVER Protector of the Republick of England to themost 〈◊〉 Prince Tarentine YOur affection to Religion made apparent in Your Letters to me together with Your extraordinary piety and singular love to the reformed Church's more especially the nobility and generosity of the manner wherein and that in a Government wherein so many of the Nobility dissenting from theProtestant Faith receive such plentiful encouragements of preferment wâ—…ile on the other hand such as adhere thereto are for that very reason exposed to proportionable inconveniencies are instances that have filled me with very much content and pleasure Nor has it proved lesso delightful to me to have pleased You by being of that Religion which is the inducement which principally ought to endear and render you a Subject fit for my
Corporations a considerable Reliefe advantage in a matter of this consequence as being truly bent upon all opportunity administred by God which we shall not thro the good help of the 〈◊〉 God decline the doing our part in the improvement of We cannot in the mean time without very great griefe observe unto Your Highnesse with what inclemency the Duke of Savoy persecutes such of his Subjects as inhabitingabout the Alps professe the Protestant Religion and whom he has not onely 〈◊〉 as many of as denyed to embrace the Roman Religion to quit their nature Country and abandon all their Possessions but also set upon them with his Forces who exposed many to most cruel murthers dispatched others with barbarous and invented Tortures and drove great Multitudes of 'em into the mountains there to be consumed with hunger and cowld having sett fire to their Houses and goods if these Butchers did chance to leave any unplunderd for want of conveyance And are very apt to believe that Your Highnesse could not decline being much displeased at so great a cruelty when first you heard it which I presume may be some time past and that you did what you could towards the Reliefe assiâ—…tance of those miserable wretches if inhuman Murthers and Miseries have left any surviveing We have writ to the Duke of Savoy to divert his Rage from off his People as also the King of France that he might do so too together with the neighbouring Protestant Princes to let them understand how we resented so inhumane an instance of cruelty Which albeit it was begun upon these needy wretches yet its designe seemes to extend to all that are of the same Judgment in Religion And so heightens the necessity conveyed unto them so much the morâ—… of taking care of hemselves and consulting the welfare of all their Friends Which pursuant to that light which God has inspired us with shall always be the very levell of our pursuit A thing Your Highness may depend upon the sincerity of as that of our love and affection wherewith we heartily wish you a properous issue in all things Praying that all Your Enterprises and Approaches towards the asserting the Liberty of the Gospel and its adherents may determine happily Whitehall May 1655. OLIVER Protector c. To the most Serene Prince Charles Gustavus Adolphus King of Sweedland Greeting YOur Majesty has ere this and to Your great trouble we presume had an account of that most bitter Proclamation reported to have bâ—…en lately published whereby the Duke of Savoy has afflicted to the marrow such of his Subjects inhabiting about the Alpes as stile themselves Reformed Protestants and directed that if in case they did not renounce their owne and embrace the Roman Catholick Religion within twenty dayes they should be rooted out of their Native Country habitations so that after the murther of many the rest plunder'd exposed to invented Deaths they wander now with their Wives and small Children over the wild Mountains in a continual Winter Consum'd witâ—… hunger and cowld For the universall hatred of the contrary party even unto all Protestants Demonstrates that albeit they differ in some frivolus things among themselves their cause and intrest yet in the main ought to be the same and almost one And there is none but knowes that how upon all occasions the Kings of Sweedland have joyned with the Reformed and powred their Forces into Germany to defend without distinction the Protestant Religion there Wee therefore and that with more then ordinary earnestnesse pray that Your Majesty would in the first place if You have not already done it in imitation of Us and other Protestant Republicks write to the Duke of Savoy concerning this matter and endeavour to reverse if it be possible by the interposition of Your Authority the severitd of this so cruel a proclamation from off of a People that are innocent as well as religious For these so cruel beginnings what do they mean what may they threaten Us all is a thing which we judge very unnecessary to advise Your Majesty of If this man will sligth all our prayers to gratify his owne peevish humour truly we shall after haveing first conâ—…ulted with Your Majesty and the rest of the Protestant Princes as we ought â—…f there be any obligation any love or community of Religion to be regarded or observed fix upon some speedy resolution that may serve timelily to prevent the miserable destruction of a multude of our most innocent Brethren destitute of all help Which as vve do not in the least question to have beeu Your Majesties sense and resolution too nothing can in our opinion be more adviseable in this point than that vve all vvithout the least losse of time unite our povver Council Purses and if there be any thing else that can be judged to stop the further groâ—…vth of this evil In the mean time we heartily recommend Your Majesties to the Tuitionof the most great omnipotent God OLIVER Protector of the Republick of England to the high and mighty Lords the States Generall of the united Provinces RUmor and the frequent advices and Tideings which letters bring you from your correspondents abroad have ere this we judge informed you of the Duke of Savoyê°s late proclamation issued against such under his subjection about the Alpes as have been antient professors of the Protestant Religion by verture of which proclamation they unlesse they embrace the Roman Catholick Religion â—…ithin twenty daâ—…s are comanded to quit their Lands and houses being first stript of all they have besides â—…nd with what cruelty the Authority â—…f tâ—…at Edict has tyranyzed over inocent persons and which very much concernes us our helplesse friends and Brethren in Christ. Many of them being destroyed by a Limb of his forces appointed to that purpose the rest plundred forc't from home so that they with their wives and smalle Ones have been for some time driven into the roughest of mountains covered with continual snow where they now labour under the oppression of hunger cowld But your concernednesse whereat how you Symphathyzed these calamities of our Brethren is a thing we can easily guesâ—… at by our own griefe which is truly very great For we that are but One as it were in point of Religion why should not we be equally such in our concernednesse at so unworthy a misuseage of our Brethren And truly many are the experiences of your apparent piety to the Orthodox people in times of oppression and no lesse favourable to many Ecclesiasticall difficultys and adversitys As for my part I had if I know my owne mind rather been outon in any thing elce then in love and charity to Brethren labouring under affliction and persecution upon the account of their Religion For that I would freely give way to the health repose of the Church in preferrence to my owne par ticular safety What we coud therefore hitherto act in it was to writ
this very worke will make a thro conquest over the harts of all the Protestants inhabiting your owne Dominions who in times of difficulty have been already found of unexceptable affection and loyalty towards you as well as shevv your Neighbours that Royall Councill has no vvay abetted to this Mischiefe whatever Royall Ministers and Magistrates might presume to have done Especially if your Majesty exacts due punishment to be examplified upon those Captains and Officers who pursuant to their owne Wills and Pleasures have dared to be the Actors of such inhumane villanys In the mean time when your Majesty will thinke fit to shew your aversnes to the detestation this deserves I do not doubt but that your Kingdome may by your allowance become a reception and secure refuge to those miserable and distressed People when their address shall seeme to call for 't nor that you will suffer that any of your Subjects give the Duke of Savoy any assistance to their prejudice What we have to add is to assure your Majesty how much I esteeme your friendship To the improvement of which I assert to be wanting neither in faith nor â—…ndeavour I am your Majesty's most affectionatly OLIVER Protector of the Republick of England Whitehall July 29. 16â—…5 To his Excellency Cardiual Mazarine Most eminent Lord Cardinall Upon my resolveing to send the bearer with Letters whereof the inclosed is a Copie to the King I did then direct him to accost your Eminency in my Name and committed some things to his Trust to be comunicated to you in particular Wherein I desire your Excellency to give him full Credit as being a person in whom I have reposed very great confidence Whitehall July 29. 1655. Your Eminency's most affectionatly OLIVER Protector of the Republick of England c. OLIVER Protector c to the most Serene Prince Frederick the 3. King of Denmarke Norway c greeting YOur Majesty has erè this we judge and that as much to your griefe as becomes a champion and a Protestant Prince had an account of the unmercifull proclamation lately published by Imanuel Duke of Savoy for the overthrow of his own Subjects inhabiting about the Alpes inocent People and men of note and Renowne and that for the sincerity of their Zeale to the true Protestant Religion for many yeares past haveing driven them out of their native Land out of detestation to their Faith and after butchering many exposâ—…d the rest needy naked and loâ—…ded with all other miserys unto all the mischiefs and hardships which those desered mountains usually administer If the principles of Christianity layes an obligation upon us in generall to resent or Sympathize the sufferings of any particular scanâ—…leing thereof we do not if well acquainted with your piety prudence know of any that can clearlyer foresee what danger the example and consequence of this Fact bespeakes us all as well as the protestant Intrest then your selfe Wee have therefore exercised all freedome in our letters to let you know that however you resent this calamity of our most inocent brethren what opinion or judgment we expect you may entertaine of it the same shoud be a paterne for our imitation And for that reason have writ to the Duke of Savoy where we earnestly prayed that he wou'd treat the poore and meeke more spareingly and prevent the said bloody proclamation's being of any further Force Which if your Majesty and the rest of the Protestant Princes have imitated or otherwiâ—…e perform'd as we believe you have it is to be hoped that the most Serene Duk 's fury may be allayed and this his Rage appeased at the intercession and Instance of so many Neighbouring Princes at least But if he will rather choose to continue his resolution we declare our readynesse to joine with your Majesty the rest of our Confederats concern'd for the â—…ntrest of the Protestant Religion in such a resolution as may provide for their speedy Reliefe srom their distresse and do what we can for their sasety and Liberty Our prayers in the mean time bespeake your Majesty all health and happynesse Westminster May 1655. OLIVER Protector c. To the most Noble Magistrates and Senators of Geneva OUr Letters lately send you to shoud have intimated the very great griefe conveyed unto us from the vast and unheard of calamitys to which the Duke of Savoy has exposed the Protestants inhabiting in and about the Vallyes of Piedmont did we not then make it more our businesse to let you know that we were not onely concern'd at such their miserys as it was our care to provide all we could for their reliefe and comfort Wherefore we have caused a Collection to be levyed over all this Republick which we justly expect may prove such as may expresse the passionat affection which this Land bear to their Brethren ' in time of such most inhumane persecution And as we are One in point of Religion so we ought to admit of a fellowfeeling of their Calamityes In the meane time while the Collection is a raising which will take up time And considering that their want and helplessnes canot admit of any delay we have judged it necessary to transmit with all imaginable speed to be before hand distributed among 'em who shall appear most to need present help comfort the present sum of 2000. li But in as much as wee know how much the miserys and Injurys done Inocencyl affect you and that you will looke upon nothing either painfull or troublesome that may tend to their help and assistance we have ventured the transmitting the said sume to you to be distributed among these calamitous people and give you the trouble of considering in your piety and prudence of the justest method pursuant to vvhich that money may be soonest disposed of among the needyest of those people And albeit the sume is truly small Yet some vvhat it may be at least tovvards their present Ease and refreshment till vve grovv able to enlarge our charity by sending them a greater sume And as vve doubt not of your accepting of this employment in good part so vve pray the Omnipotent Great God to furnish his ovvne Protestant people vvith the courage of desending each other in common and of being a mutuall assistance to each other against the barbarity of their enemy vvherein vve shoud be gladd that our endeavour might be of any use to the service of the Church Adieu Fifteen hundred pounds of the said sume of two thousand remitted by Gerard Hensh to Paris the other five hundred shall be taken care of by Master Stoupely in bills of exchange OLIVER Protector of England c. To the most Serene Prince Duke of Venice Most Serene Prince As we have been always found manifest 〈◊〉 of your Outdoing your Enemys in Instances 〈◊〉 to the promotion of the Christain Interest more particularly so now more especially at the tydeing of the late Sea-battle which we no way repine at the success of
said Ship being in her way thither taken upon the very East India Coast by a certain Ship belonging to the 〈◊〉 East India Company the Ensurer's denyed to fulfill their Contract in paying the ensured Summe and have so far prevailed as to be capable by various delays to elude our People now after the expensive consumption of Six yeares in prosecution of their Right Which in regard they looke upon as an usage of great oppression and injustice and that some obliged for the Payment of the Money agreed for are either already dead or become insolvent We earnestly pray that you would to prevent â—…urther expences in addition to the said Losses be pleased to suffer your equity to be a safe Port and refuge to them after so many Yeares stormy useage and almost Shipwrack in your Court of â—…udicature and that Sentence be with all speed awarded concerning their cause in whose â—…ustice they seeme very confident Wishing in the meane time that happineâ—…s and prosperity may attend all you undertake to the Glory of God the safety of his Church Your High and Mighty Lordships most affectionally OLIVER Protector c. OLIVER Protector of the Commonwealth of England To the High and Mighty Lords the States of Holland S D. THomas and William Lower lawfull Heires of Nicholas Lower lately deceased on whose account you have had some former trouble giveu you about the â—…des of September last I thinke do bawl now a fresh again alleadging that they still labour under the oppression of their Adversaries whoâ—…e power or other private Intrest has notwitstanding the integrity of their claimes and when that coud not doe our Letters sent in favour of their cause â—…o far prevailed as to hinder them from entering upon the benefit of their Father's will That being rejected by the Court of Holland where the action first began and thrown upon yours pack'd thence to Zee-land and thence hurryed back again to your high Court of Judicatorie to their content accompanyed to each place with our Letters For where the hight and power is there they depend upon the dispensation of Justice proportionably If that fails they are at a losse to know where to cast anchor for reliefe after the pains they undertoke in pursuit of Justice For if they find that this our fourth recomendation of their cause can do no good it will be to little purpose for 'em to extend their hopes any further Wee shall reckon it as a true instance of kindnesse if after so many rejections you let them see that your apprehension of our Authority cou'd contribute somewhat to their Reliefe in bringing their claime to a speedy determination as well altogether as have them believe it to be the intire effect of your own Justice and equity As we can no way dispond of your allowance of the former of which so we are confident that the consideration of our Friendship will incline you to the later Your's c. OLIVER Protector OLIVER Protector of the Republick of England To the most Serene Prince John King of Portugal Most Serene Prince WHereas several Merchants belonging the Brazil Company in Portugal did in the Yeares 1649. and 1650. becom indebted unto sundry English Merchants in a considerable Sume of Money upon the account of freight and Moorage that the said Society respit the Payment thereof pursuant to an order of your Majesties to that purpose notwithstanding that they did truly depend upon the Payment thereof conformable to the Tearmes and conditions of the league lately ratified But fear they may be frustrated in their hope and other meanes of recovering their Right as being informed of your Majesty hayeing seized and sent to the Exchequer their said debt and assigned the repayment thereof upon the moity of your Customes so that the Merchants are like to have no more then the bare Interest of their Money the principal lying in the mean while wholly dead Haveing taken the hardship of which under our strict consideration the conviction of their just importunities prevailed upon our giveing your Majesty this trouble on their behalfe requireing that instant satisfaction be by the Brazil Company made the Merchants of his Republick in reference as well to each ma ns demand respectively as five Yeares Intrest This as it is a thing in it selfe consistent with lustice and conformable with the league lately contracted with you let me on their behalfe desire in an amicable manner that it be complyed with without further delay From our pallace at Westminster July 1656. Your Maâ—…esties most affectionally OLIVER Protector of England c. OLIVER P. of the Republick of England To the most Sereâ—…e Prince Charles Gustavus by the Grace of God King of Sweedland Gothes and Vandalls Great Prince of Finland c. Most Serene King AS the alliance of so great a Prince and so famous for his actions as Your Majesty is hath â—… just Title to the height of our esteeme so that person thrô whose means we have been so strictly allyed I mean that most â—…llustrious Gentleman Christernus Bondur your Embassadour Extraordinary must have been upon that very consideration necessarily gratful and welcome unto us Whom therefore having laudably discharged this Embassy we cou'd not dismisse hence without accompanying him with a Testimony of our being highly satisfied in the rest of â—…is singular vertues as being one who seemes to entertâ—…ine a belâ—…efe that this our recommendation of him may add ' considerably to that value and esteeme which he is already in possession of with Your Majesty in reference 〈◊〉 particularly to the diligence and prudence he exerted in this affair What remaines to be further transacted we have resolved to send Your Majesty an Embassadour soone about Whose health God in the mean time preserve for the defence of his Church and that of the Kingdome of Sweedland From our Court at Westminster July An. Dom. 1656. Your Majestie 's most affectionally OLIVER Protector of the Republick of England c. OLIVER Protector of the Repbul of England c To the most Serene Prince Lewis King of France Most Serene Prince Friend and dearest Consederate WE have had a petition in the names of Richard Baker and severall other Merchants of London and his Associates wherein they humbly complaine that an English built Ship called the Endeavour William Jopp Master and hired into their service was about the 21. of Novemder 1655. set upon in her way between a place called the Palm and the Island of Tenerif where shee put out for London from seized by four French Vessels who in appearance looking like Merchant-men but arm'd like Men of War and under the chiefe comand of one Egedius de la Rocke carried her with her whole freight consisting in Medera wines to the East Indy's whether they said they were bound together with most oâ—… the Mariners saveing fourteen which they landed upon the shore of Guiny Which the said Egidius declared the intenâ—… of to be to prevent
of that importance as we hope we may in very little time Wee did in the mean time judge it inconsistent with conveniency to suspend any longer the letting you know for a truth how much our thoughts and Care are taken up and that in an imoderat measure for the present State of Europe Wee haveing from severall Yeares observation collected to our great 〈◊〉 matter enough to inferr from that the principall Protestant Princes and Corporations who out of regard to their comunity in Religion and its support ought to use all meanes tending to its confirmation and defence grow dayly more and more animated against each other and suspect or put an ill meaning upon whatever the rest attempt or project freightening their friends while on the contrary they dictat hopes to the Enemy of ensuing Enmity and dissent in this Bent of affaires rather then a firme union of minds to the mutuall safeguard and defence of each other And truly this anxiety made the deeper figure in our minds and continues to gaine daily from some sparkes of Jealousy which seem to remain unquelled between Your Majesty and the King of Sweedland or at last from your being at greater distance in your minds then our comon love and affection to the Orthodox Religion seemes to call for whilest your Majesty entertains by what fate I know not a Jealousy that the Trade of your Kingdome may receive some prejudice from the King of Sweedland who is likewise little better satisfied but that you may aggravat the warr wherein he is now engaged and render the Termes of peace which he might otherwise make more intricat Your Majesty canot but from that great prudence exerted in all your affaires know how much it will expose the protestant Religion if such suspition continues long among you and how much more if which God forbidd any token of hostility shoud breake out However these things stand we as we have earnestly sollicitted both the King of Sweedland and States of Holland to peace and moderat resolutions and shou'd be extraordinarily gladd to see you reconciled to peace and concord the States haveing sent us the heads of that league so we reckon'd it our part and very consistent with our friendshipp not to coâ—…ceale from your Majesty what ever we thought of this matter especially when we consider the most friendly invitation given us by your Majesties Letters so to do a thing we looke upon to be a singular argument and embrace it as one of your good disposition towards us And lay before your Majesty what a charge divine providence has laid upon the professors of Protestancy of maintaining peace among our selves when our Enemyes now especially if never before seeme so violent against us as to have conspired as it were from all places to our destructiom It helps not to overhall the Blood and Massacre wherein these at Piedmont lately Swam nor those of Germany tore to pieces by the Edicts and proscriptions of the Emperour nor finally the furious assaults of the Popish Swittsers upon their Protestant Neighbour If to these misfortunes a falling ouâ—… among protestant Brethren be added as Oyle to quench fire especially among you who are so great a part of our strength and in whom so much oâ—… the Protestant Protection and strength is reposed in tickelish times Reformation must as farr as human power can reach go downe and be destroyed When on the contrary if you cherish peace among your selvas as Neighbours and the rest of the Protestant Princes if brotherly concord be of all hands studyed we shall have no reason to fear with Gods help what the artifice or force of our enemy can do Us. The dissipation of whose designes depending wholly upon our agreement Nor do we truly fear but that your Majesty will contribute all it can and that 's much towards that end Wherein I shall my selfe be very ready to joyne Issue with your Majesty as a Professor of true friendshipp and one whose study shall be not only in maintaining the peace already so happily establisht but also go as farr as God shall be pleased to suffer me to go towards the improveing that now existent God in the mean time bless and prosper all your undertakeings Iam in friendship alliance and affection From our Court at Westminster Decemb. An. Dom. 1656. Your Majesties most affectionately OLIVER Protector of the Republick of England c OLIVER Protector of the Republ. of England c. To the most Serene and Illustrious Prince and Lord the Lord William Earle of Hasnia Prince of Herefield Counte in Cattimelibock Decia Lingehain Nidda and Schaumburgh c. Most Serene Prince WEE woud not have respitted the answering your highnesses Letters so long of which we are almost ashamed did not many other affairs of utmost importance truly which our charge in the administration of this Government wou'd not suffer us to deferr the dispatch of much against our inclination prevent it For what Letters ought I to entertaine with more regard then such as come from a most vertuous Prince and related to a Race suitably Religious and which concerne nothing so much as the Repose of Religion and the reconcileing of Curches to concord and which also not onely in your but in the opinion and judgment of the Christian world ought to be generally attributed unto me as an honour to be the promoter of the Christian peace And truly what we have endeavoured'd towards it thro these three formerly Kingdomes what have we accomplished thro divine help by perswadeing suffering and conquest is a thing not unknowne to most of our owne people and that which they are very sensible of in the great tranquility of their conscience We have studyed the repose of all the Churches thro out Germany more especially where they have been most and longest at variance and have been for a considerable time past wanting in nothiâ—…g that coud contribure thereto We continue the same inclination still We wish the said churches may be united among themselves in brotherly charity But we are to our very great griefe more then sensible how difficult a Taske he undertakes who takes upon him the reconciliation of such as pretend onely to be Sons of peace For it is a thing to be scarce hoped ever to see the Resormed and Augustins brought to one Church nor preaching nor writeing will be able to reconcile their opinion nor prohibitted without violence But violence is a thing inconsistent with the peace of the Church dissenters may be prevailed upon by Prayers to act more meekly and moderately at least nor ought they to grow the cowlder among themselves Differing not as enemys but friends 〈◊〉 at variance in frivolous matters yet most united in the main point of Faith We shall never own our selves weary in the repeating and perswadeing of these things which the strength nor councell of man can exceed God whose peculiar worke it is will in his time do it You have in the
we pray you to 〈◊〉 kindly and throly confide in in referrence to such things as he shall comunicate in our name to your Majesty as being a person whose fidelity prudence we confide very much in praying withal that you woud not in the least suspect our singular affection and sincerity we bear Your Majesty Which our disposition of mind and redynes to Serve you upon all occasions shall contain real demonstrations of From our Court at Westminster 1656. Your Majestie 's most affectionatly OLIVER Protector of England c. To this Excellency the Lord of Bourdeaux Embassadour Extraordinary from his most 〈◊〉 Majesty the King of France Most Excellent Sr. SAmuel Dawson John Campsey and John Nevin Merchants of London have preferred a petition to the most Serene Lord Protector setting forth that they upon their being informed of the conclusion of the Treaty between this Republick and France freighted Anno 1655. a ship called by a Name not answered by her luck viz. the Speedwel whereof John Karr war Master with 〈◊〉 comodities to be thence transported to Portugall where haveing unloaded and taken in fresh freight consisting in Wines and other comodities was in her way back set upon about the 24. of November in the said year and seized by two Men of Warr belonging to Brest whose Comanders were called the one Adrian Vindmain Swart and the other James Jonshon who carried her to a place comonly called Brivat where shee was condemn'd as lawfull prize and exposed to publick sale the goods taken from 'em being bona fide and really worth eleaven hundred pounds besides the further damage of a thousand pound That they pursued all lawfull meanes with the Governour and Magistrates of that place to recover'em That all amounted to nothing hitherto That they 〈◊〉 pursuant to the Customes of the Admiralty Court sued out a publication whereby they were to be sumond and cited to Justice who were concern'd in the capture of the said shipp who 〈◊〉 to insist upon the legalty of their Seizure That this publication was duely orderly published delivered 〈◊〉 the publick Ministers of the saide Court timelily 〈◊〉 to the French Embassadour That when none appeared on the contrary side it was desired that witnesses might be 〈◊〉 and examin'd concerning the matter under 〈◊〉 Which as it was presented to the Lord Protector by the petitioners and by him referred to the cognisance and opinion of the Councill and whereas the affidavits of witnesses annexed to the petition make plain enough that the petitioners were at liberty to trade with Portugall and seeing none can be so blind but may see that the after-seisure of Goods bought and loaded there is as we said before an act contrary to the reputation of the alliance who canot but judge it a very 〈◊〉 demand to have the said shipp and goods restord or full satisfaction made of the damage 〈◊〉 from this 〈◊〉 in referrence as well to the expence 〈◊〉 in the prosecution at Law as the goods and shipp themselves Let me therefore desire you in the name of the most Serene Protector added to my own request to Your Excellency that you woud endeavour all you can and therein to employ the Authority of Your Employment too towards the speedy effecting of either of the two In regard you canot labour in a cause more equitable nor that you can please me more in who by how much the earlyer Your Excellency shall appear to have acquitted your 〈◊〉 in what you ought to do herein by so much the more that diligence shall appear which I am always inclinable to observe in the allowance of the demands made upon me by my people Whitehall August An. Dom. 1657. OLIVER Protector of the Republ. of England c. To the most Serene Prince the Lord Frederick Williams Duke of Brandenburgh High Chamberlain of the Holy Roman Empire and Prince Elector of Magdeburgh Prussia Julia Clivia the Mountains of Stetin Pomerania Cassubyes and Vandalls as also in Silesia Crosna and Carnovia Duke Burgrave Norinbergin Prince of Halberstad and Mind Earle of Marca and Ravensbergh Lord in Ravestein S. P. D. Most Serene Prince Friend and dearest Confederate WHereas you 〈◊〉 singular vertue in peace Warr haveing sounded all over the world with that Renowne such is your Greatnes and 〈◊〉 of courage that the ambition of your friendship is gaped at by the neighbouring Princes about you so as that none need to desire a friend and neighbour of more fidelity or constancy Wee have also to let you know of our being one of thsoe who entertaine high and clear thoughts of you and Your Exttaordinary obligations upon the Christian Republick 〈◊〉 you a very worthy Gentleman William Jepson Knight and one of our Parliament Men who comes to Salute 〈◊〉 in our name bespeake and wish your affaires all happynesse and finally to make knowne at large the love and great affection vve bear Your Highnesse Praying that vvhatever proposalls he makes you you listen thereto vvith as much attention and confidence as you vvoud to our selves if personally present at the delivery thereof From our Court at Westminster August Dom. 1656. OLIVER Protector of the Republ. of England c. To the most Noble Magistrates and Senators of the City of Hambrough S. P. D. Most Noble Magnificent and worthy Gentleman Dearest Friends HAveing directed a very worthy Gentleman William Jepson Knt and member of our Parliament upon his going thrô 〈◊〉 Citty in his way to the most Serene King of Sweedland whether we sent him on an Embassy not to pass by without saluteing you in our name and praying that if in ought he judged your Authority and advice to be of any service to him you woud deny him in neither The freelyer you shew you selves wherein the more sensible shall you be made of our disposition towards you From 〈◊〉 Court at 〈◊〉 August An. 〈◊〉 1657. To the most noble Magistrates of the Citty of Bremen S. P. D. Most Noble Magnisicent and Worthy Gentlemen Dearest Friends YOu have heretofore and shall as often as there is occasion for it be made sensible how you stood in our opinion and affection and that as well out of regard to your Religion as the Renowne of your Citty Now whereas William Jepsâ—…n Kut a member of our Parliament and a very worthy person may in his way to the most Serene King of Sweedland whether he goes on an Embassy pass thro â—…our Citty our present request to you amounts to no more then this that upon his delivery of our Salutes which he is directed to hand to you if in any thing he happens to need your help or â—…iendshipp we have ordered him to propose our â—…ntrest with you as an inducement to your complying with him in any demand he shall make upon you wherein we no lesse rely upon your allowance of then you ought to doe upon our love and singular affection towards you From our Court at Westminster August An. Dom.
16â—…7 OLIVER Protector of the Republ. of England c. To the most Noble Corporation of Lubeck Most Noble Magnificent and worthy Gentleman Dearest Friends WIlliam Jepson Knt a very worthy person and a Member of our Senat proceeds under the character of our publick minister to the most Serene King of Sweedland's Court held not farr distant from yours Do therefore pray that while his Journey happens to continue within the limits either of your Citty or Jurisdiction our alliance and comerce may be inducements to you to aid if need be and protect him We moreover directed him to salute you in our name very kindly and invite you to an assurance of our Clear disposition of mind and 〈◊〉 towards you From our Court at Westminster August An. Dom. 1657. OLIVER Protector of the Republ. of England c. To the most Noble Magistrates and Senators of the Citty of Hambrugh S. P. D. Most Noble Magnificent and worthy Gentlemen Dearest Friends PHillip Meddow who brings you this takes your Citty in his way to Denmarke whether wee have sent him as our Embassadour to the most Serene King of that Câ—…ntry Whom we earnestly recomend to your favour if in any thinâ—… he may judge it needfull to make use of your Authority or help Praying that our Recomendation be of no less weight now than it was always wont to draw with you who shall 〈◊〉 of nothing from us of an acknowledgment upon a like occasion From our Court at Westminster August An. Dom. 1657. OLIVER Protector of the Republ. of England c. To the most Serene Prince Frederick Heir of Norway Duke of Slesvice Holsatia Flormaria Ditmarsia Count in Oldenburgh and Delmenhorst WEe have sent William Jepson to the most Serene King of Denmarke being a Gentleman of a noble Family member of our Parliament to treat with him as our Embassader about an affair that concernes the felicity and prosperity of the peace of Christendome And have among other things directed him to visit and salute in his way shither your in our name and make mention of our former kindness and most constant affection And desire that your Authority may be employed to secure and 〈◊〉 his Journey thrô your Country In which your Highness will oblige us and ours in a more speciall manner to suitable Returnes From our Court at Whitehall August An. Dom. 1657. OLIVER Protector of the Republ. of England c. To the most Serene Prince Ferdinando Great Duke of Toskany Most Serene great Duke Dearest Friend APplication has been made unto us by petition in the names of severall Merchants tradeing to the Levant Seas setting forth that one William Ellis master of a certain shipp called the Little Lâ—…wis being by an Otoman Peere hired in the 〈◊〉 of Alexandria to carry Rice Suggars with other comodities thenceâ—… Constantinople or Smirna there to be disposed of to his directions the said person withdrew from the 〈◊〉 fleet and contrary to his Trust 〈◊〉 the said 〈◊〉 to Livorne where he disposes of it as prized Goods Which misbehaviour as it is of utmost 〈◊〉 example of great infamy to the name of Christians and a passage that may expose the fortunes of such English Merchants as live in the Ottoman Empire to Reprizall Wee desire that your Highnese woud Issue your Comands for the apprehension and laying up of the said perfon secureing in the mean time the said shipp and Goods till intimation be transmâ—…tted hence to the said Ottoman Prince of the care taken of the Reâ—…titution of his said Goods Promiseing that if your Excellency shall happen to need the like from us in any Instance of this kind we shall be as ready to answer it as we are now to aske From our Court at Westminster An Dom. 1657. Your Highness's most affectionatly OLIVER Protector of England c. OLIVER Protector of the Republ. of England c. To the most Serene Prince and Lord the Lord Frederick William Duke of Brandeburgh c. Most Serene Prince Friend and dearest Confâ—…derate OUR last to Your Highnesse by William Jepson who either already has or soone may deliver'em will shew you what errand we have sent him upon and how that we could not have done the same without doing you the Justice of inserting som mentions of your vertues and the affection we bear you But to prevent any mans thinking that our notice of these great obligations of yours conferr'd upon the Protestant Interest and celebrated as such in the Report of all Men is the slight effect of ordinary Custome we must â—…ay hold upon the same argument now where tho we cannot be more sincere yet a little more large we have thought fit to be then we have been in our expressions towards Your Serenity And not without cause truly considering that we are dayly told that notvvithstanding all the attempts that are made upon you by the supple address of Trick and artifices yet your constancy and loyalty is found to give no way nor be perswaded to part from the friendship of a most couragious King and Confederâ—…t and that at a time when the condition of Sweedland is such as that it is manifest that your regard to the welfare of the Protestant Religion in general is the onely inducement that keepes you to their Society and no privat end of your owne As also when hem'd in and as it were besieged by private as well as publick enemy peeping from every Corner to continue neverthelesse that steddynesse and comanding-vertue as that the Judgment of the whole matter the Issue of this very great Warr seeme to acquiesce in whatever your shall determine Wherefore your Highnesse has no reâ—…son to question but promise it selâ—…e any thing that may be expected from our friendshipp who woud arraign our selfe of all Delinquency if we did seeme to entertaine cheaper thoug 〈◊〉 of your fidelity constancy and other Merits or seeme less in our acknowledgments to your particular Government upon the comon account oâ—… Religion As to the delay met with by John Frederick 〈◊〉 your Councellour and Embassadour here and our respitting hitherto that reply which according to our inclinations we ought to have made to his proposalls we pray that our Highnesse woud impute the same to the condition 〈◊〉 our affaires and not the said person whose Industry and diligence act and contend for it and rest assured that we looke upon nothing more dear or desireable then to be serviceable and assisting to your affaires so inseperable from the Intrest of the Protestant Religion Wee in the mean time pray in our prayers to to the most Great and Omnipotent God that your apparent vertue and courage may never saile fall under oppression or misse of its due reward and praise From onr Court at Westminster September An. Dom. 1657. Your Highnes's most affectionately OLIVER Protector of England c. To the most Excellent Lord Monsieur de Bourdeux Embassadour extraordinary from his most Serene Majesty the King
Testimony of our thought of him God prosper your affaires in subserviency to his owne Glory the defence of the true Protestant Religion and perseverance of friendshipp From our Court at Westminster Nomember Anno Dom. 1657. Your Highnesses most affectionatly OLIVER Protector of England c. OLIVER Protector of the Republ. of England c. To the High and Mighty Lords the States Generall of the United Provinces High and Mighty Lords Friends and dearest Confederates WEE have in consideration of the long and clear experience had of his fidelity in several affaires uprightness and knowledge sent you George Downing Gentleman under the Character of our Envoy and furnished him with ample directions accordingly We therefore pray that you wou'd according to your wont receive him kindly and give credit to what he shall say as often as he shall signify his haveing ougt to be in our name comunicated to Your Excellency and likewise comit to him with as little distrust as if it were to ourselves whatever you wou'd have imparted unto us What we have to add is fervently to wish you all prosperity in subserviency to tâ—… Glory of God and the keeping up of the Church From our Court at Westminster December 1656. Yours Highnesse's most affectionatly OLIVER Protector of England c. To the States of Holland Wherâ—…as such is the correspondence between this Republick and Yours and such is the mutuall Trasficq that unless an Envoy or Agent be sent hither thence or hence thither matters of that great importance to tâ—…e advantage of both Nations canot be so conveniently carryed on We have in pursuance of comon Custome determin'd upon the sending you under that Character George Downing Gentleman a Person whom in the discharge of many and various former Trusts we found of great faithfullnesse integrity and knowledge To continue there in our name and spend his time in such offices as may seem most conduceing to the inviolable preservation and continuance of our alliance Haveing comunicated these things in writeing to the High and Mighty States we have thought it requisit to do the like to you also who in your Province bear so great a part of the government and are so considerable a limb of the States of Holland to the end you might receive our Envoy with all convenient decency And assure yourselves that what ever he treates with the States Generall about or conclude we shall stand thereto as imoveable and steddy as if we our selves were personally present there at God direct all your Councils and Actions to his owne Glory and the Repose of the Church Westminster c. Deeember 1657. OLIVER Protector of the Republ. of England c. To the most Serene Prince Ferdinando Great Duke of Toskany Most Serene Great Duke much to be honoured Friend YOur Highness s Letter of the 10. of November from Florence has added considerably to our delight in that the contents thereof shew much of your affection towards us and that in a nature so extraordinary as to 〈◊〉 the true Image oâ—… a sincere mind Your Excellency writes of itâ—… haveing with all imaginable care we understand performed our Request which sollicited that you woud â—…ssue forth your comands for the appreâ—…ending of Wiliam Ellis Master of the ship called the Little Lewis who very dirtily broake his word to the Turcks and stopping in port the said shipp and Goods till the Turcks had restitution made them to prevâ—…nt any disgrace that might ariâ—…e from such Theft to the reputation of Christianity Wee therefore both thanke you for this kindnesse and withall desire this that in regard thè Merchants undertooke to satisfy the Turkes you forthwith discharge the said Master shipp and Goods least we shoud seem to take more care of the concernes of Infidels then those of our owne people Your Highness es affection has been in the mean time so apparent so 〈◊〉 and so acceptable unto us that to deferr our wishes of being supplyed with an occasion of makeing you suitable Returnes were to own the stain of being reputed ungratefull persons and whereby we might also demonstrate our dispofition of mind in the ready returne of our effectuall acknowledgments From our Court at Westminster December An. Dom. 1657. Your Highness's most affectionately OLIVER Protector of the Republick of England c. OLIVER Protector of the Republ. of England c. To the most Serene and Potent Prince Charles Gustavus King of Sweedland c. Most Serene c. YOur Majesties Letter of the 21. of February from your Court at Selandia came pregnant with matter enough to fill us with satisâ—…action of no small degree in reference as well to our own private as the concerne of the intire welfare of Christendome First that the King of Denmarck to gratify I believe no private Inclination or end of his owne but driven into hostility rather by the artifice of the comon Enemy shoud be upon your entry into the bowles of his Countrâ—… suddainly so reduced and that without much blood that as the case stood he judged his takeing up of armes against you might be ameanes of his atteining at length to a more advantagious peace Next concluding that the onely means of accomplishing such a peace was to make use of our interposition if he coud obteine it that your Majesty prevailed upon at the single â—…nstance of our Envoy in his letter shoud in so easy a condescention shew what value it had for the interposition of our friendshipp and Intrest and to have been pleased to lodge my endeavour in the front of so pious aworke so as to become the main Instrument and author my selâ—…e of a peace so promiseing as this I hope may be to the Protestant Intrest For whereas the Enemys of Religion dispaired of disuniteing yours by any other meanes then that of setting you by the Eares among your selves they must now certainly have reason to apprehend that this suddain conjunction of your forces and of your minds we hope may turne to the destruction of the kindlers of this Warr Go on in the mean time most valiant King in prosperity and see that the Enemys of the Church smart now thro Gods help under the weight of that felicity which they lately admired in your exploits and stream of victories against a King now your friend OLIVER Protector of the Republ. of England c. To the most Serene Prince Ferdinando Great Duke of Toskany Most Serene Prince OUr answer to your Envoy here may we suppose prove of satisfaction to your Highnes concerning the Comander in chiefe of our fleet lately arrived in your Roade Wee have been in the mean time petitioned unto by John Hosier a Londoner and Master of a certain vessell called the Mistriss wherein he says that haveing in the Month of Aprill 1656 comited by charter party his shipp to one Joseph Harman an Italian and finding that the said Italian apparently broake the Termes of the said Charter party was forc't to prevent the losse
in the Goverment of that Kingdome What ever kindness your Eminency will please to shew him reckon it to my account who shall add it to the maâ—… other Instancâ—…s of friendshipp which you have been curteously and amicably concern'd in upon my account Dated at Westminster May An. Dom. 1658. OLIVER Protector of the Republ. of England c. To His Eminency Cardinall Mazarine Most Eminent Lord. HAveing sent a very worthy Gentleman Thomas Bellasis Vicount Faulcounbridge my Son in Law to compliment the most Serene King upon his arrivall at Dunkirke I comanded him to attend upon and salute your Eminency in my name and thanke you as the person to whose fidelity prudence and vigilance alone the affaires 〈◊〉 France in divers places and in the neighbour hood of flanders more especially ovv their prosperity against the 〈◊〉 Enemy the Spaniard whom I hope open prepared force may soon bring to a Reckoning for his fraudulent underhand dealings wherein consisted much of his defence Towards the speedy promotion of which our Prayer and Pikes shall not as farr aâ—… we are able be wanting Dated at Court at Westminster An Dom. 1658. OLIVER Protector of the Republ. of England c To the most Serene aud Potent Prince Lewis King of France Most Serene and Potent King Friend and August Confederate AS soone ever as I had an account of Your Majestys comeing into the field and with such a force to lay a siege to Dunkirke that infamous Recess for Theeves I grew much affected thereat and began to entertain sure apprehensions that little time might with Gods assistance render the sea more navigable and less inflected with Rovers thâ—…n it has hitherto been that Your Majesty woud bring the fraudulent Spaniards to an account for Hesden and Ostend being both the purchase of corruption and Bribery by wâ—…ning that with your sword which was Iost thrô the treachery of ill servants I therefore send Thomas Vicount Falkonbridge my Son in Law and a very worthy person to bidd you and the approach of your Camp so neeer welcome and to let you know personally how ready are not onely our wisâ—…es but also our united strength to testify the affection we bear to tâ—…e good successe of your conqâ—…ests and our supplications to the Almighty Great God for your safety and the long continuance thereof for the comon good of Christendom and the friendshipp wherein we are now engaged Dated at Westminster May An. Dom. 1658. To the most Serene Prince Ferdinando Great Duke os Toskany Most Serene Great Duke THe Purport of all your Highness s former letters haveing invited us into a dependance upon the sincerity of the disposition you boâ—…r us Wee are troubled to find that the same has been so obscurely signified unto â—…our Governours and publicke Ministers or soe ill understood as that in the port of Livorne where your good Inclinations towards us ought most to be knowne we canot receive the benefit or Eflect thereof but the contrary rather from the Tryalls which we are forced to contend dayly vvith of animosities and strangness Wee seem to have more then knovvne the unfriendlynesse vvith vvhich those of Livoâ—…ne lately treated our Fleet how little help or supply it cou'd receive and finâ—…lly with what hostility entertained and how it was forc't â—…o quit that Port as the Testimony of several credible wiltnesses belonging to that place makes appear as well as that of the Comander in chiefe of the Fleet whom as we have intrusted therewith we canot denâ—… beliefe unto in this point Upon his first arrival the delivery of our Letters to Your Highnessse about the Calends of 〈◊〉 your Promises of all Friendship and good Offices passed to our Men were very large When praying the liberty of makeing use of the conveniency of Port Ferara the following Reply was given that the same cou'd not be granted least the King of Spaine our Enemy shoud be offended at it forsooth And yet what is it that a friendly Prince is more usual in the grant of to his Neighbours then the liberty of his Port and shore What is it that we can propose of advantage from such a Friendship which rather then offend our Enemys shall be found ready er to incomode then act the contrary or supply us in the least of our necessities And more particularly that out of every of our Ships there were not above two or three suffer'd to goe a shore and that conditionally too videlicet Praticque That as soone ever as the Towne understood and had notice of our haveing intercepted a Dutch Vessel design'd for Sapine with a supply of Corne there was present admittance Mr Longland President to our Factory there was denyed the Liberty of going a board our Fleet Fresh Water which is a comodity free for the use of all Nations that are not dovvne right Enemys vve cou'd not obtaine but at an extâ—…aordinary price and that under the difficulty of a Guard too So many of our Merchants vvhose Residence there is of no small advantage to your Country are forbid to visit or help their Countrymen vvith any thing Upon the approach of our Fleet about the latter end of March last none were suffer'd to go a shore Five days aâ—…ter vvhen by chance one of our Men of vvarr â—…ell fo vvl of a little inconsiderable Boat belonging to the States of Venice and tooke her your City tooke it in such a Dudgeon I warrant you as to have accosted us vvith tvvo hundred Guns or thereabouts tho vvithout damage vvhat ever they intended Which argues how farr into the sea from the reach of your Castle and the privilege of your Port these things were comitted which you woud causlely pretend to be an incroachment upon the priviledge of 〈◊〉 port For presently our Waterboates then a shore vvere set upon before your doores one taken detained and vvhen demanded that vvithout restitution of the said Naple's boot notwitstanding the justifiableness of her capture considering vvhere it happen'd nor men 〈◊〉 boate were to be parted with so that our People were 〈◊〉 at last to rest contended under their losses and pack away without carrying along what they so dearly paid for If all these things were as we hope they were committed without the consent or comand of Your Highnesse we desire that you shew it in the punishment of that Governour who made so slight a matter of 〈◊〉 â—…is masters 〈◊〉 But if otherwise and that you were privy to it thinke that as we alwayes valued your friendship at an extraordinary Rate so we have learn'd the lesson of distinguishing between kindnesses and open Injuries Iam. c. Dated at our Court at Westminster May An. Dom. 16â—…8 Your Friend as far as I may OLIVER Protector of England c. OLIVER Protector of the Republ. of England c. To the most Serene and potent Prince Lâ—…vis King of France Most Serene and potent King Friend and august Confederate THE double amends made
me by the quickness by Your Majesty 's so Illustrious an Embassy as it has testified your singular goodness and Grandeur of mind so it has laid open not onely to me but all England also the height of the regard you bear to my honour and dignity For which I do in theirs and my ovvne name render aâ—… I ought you very great thanks I wish you Joy of that signall victory which God and our aid has blessed you with over your Enemy and looke upon it as a thing of utmost acceptance to us to find that our people have not in that battle been wanting to your help the warlike Glory of their Ancessors nor their owne former valour As to Dunkirk and the hopes your write to be under of haveing it soone surrendered it adds to my content to be able to take notice in writeing so soone of its capture Hopeing vvithall that the double fraud of the Spaniard may be punished beyond the loss of a single Citty that the takeing of another Citty may furnish your Majesty with an occasion of being as quick in your Reply hereto concerning the takeing of another As to what you add of your Intentions towards my concernes that is a thing I no was distrust as haveing the word of so good a King confirmed by so worthy a Noble maâ—… as Captain Crequi's your Envoy for it And do wish that the Almighty High God may endow your Majesty and the Affaires of France with prosperity both at home and abroad Dated at Westminster Jun. An. Dom. 1685. OLIVER Protector of the Republ. of England c. To his Eminency Cardinall Mazarine Most Eminent Sir IN the comunication of my acnowledgments to the most Serene King by Letter who to give me the honour of a salute and an account of his late most noble victory dâ—…spatcht hither a most splendid Embassy I shoud own the guilt of Ingratitude if I failed in 〈◊〉 your Eminency mutuall payment of my acknowledgment in the same Metâ—…od who to testify your good disposition towards me and stâ—…dy of doing me all the honour lying within your power have sent your nephew a veâ—…y worthy exquisit Gentleman adding that if you had a neerer relation or whom you esteem'd more you would not fail of â—…aveing sent him to choose To which consideration adding also that the comeiâ—…g under the approveal of the judgment of so 〈◊〉 a man is a thing which I deeme for no small honour or ornament unto me namely that the nearest of your relations shoud in the payment of their respâ—…cts and kindnes to me follow the patterne of your Excellency They may its probable looke upon this example of your worthynes Candor and friendshipp in loveing of me as none o the least others they may find in you which for great vertue and prudence are farr fitter to be imitated as leading to the knowledge oâ—… Governing and manageiâ—…g the Reins of State affaires Your Eminencie's long and happy conduct of which the comon Good of the Kingdome of France the intire Christian Republick and your owne reputation are instances vvhich vve vvish all happyness unto From our Court of Westminster June An. Dom. 16â—…8 Your Eminency's most affectionately OLIVER Protector of the Republ. of England c. To the most Serene and Potent Prince Charles Gustavus King of Sweedland c. Most Ssrene and Potent King Friend and dearest Confedâ—…rate AS often as the councels and various artifices of the comon Enemy of Religion come under our deliberation soe often do vvee enter into a consultation vvith our selves and calculate hovv necessary and hovv conduceing to the future vvelfare of the Chriâ—…ian vvorld it vvoud be if the Protestant Princes did among themselves and more especially your Majesty and this Republick engage in a very strict alliance in order to the easy disappointing of the projects of the adversary The subject of our conversation vvith your Embassadours ever since first they came hither to treat about this busynesse has evidenc'd unto'em hovv earâ—…estly and painfully have our vvishes been and withall hovv much it vvoud have ansvverd our aime if ours and the Concernes of Sweedland were putt into such a condition and posture as that the said alliance might be settled under such an establishment as might answer both partys expecta tions equally and enable'em to be in a capacity of supplying each other with timely help upon any emergent occasion Nor were they wanting on their parts who exercised that prudence and dilligence in this which they usually observed in all the rest of their sollicitations But we have been soe taken up in looking aâ—…ter the Treachery of some insolent people at home who tho often forgiven yet imbark upon new attempts and desist not in conjunction of Rebells and those Spaniards too to venture upon Resolutions wherein they were often shaken defeated that employed in removeing of Domestick dangers we coud not hitherto apply that care which vve wished we might or intire help to the comon defence of Religion Yet what we coud have done we have as farr as we were able carefully perform'd before and if vve are apprehended capable of conduceing Ought that may be thought of future service to Your Majesties affaires vve shall be not onely vvilling but also ready to joyne vvith you to the utmost upon any occasion in the promotion of it Wee do in the mean time congratulate and from our hearts vvish you Joy in your most prudently and resolutely managed enterprizes and continue our constant prayers to God that he vvoud be pleased to enable your course of felicity and victory to be permanent to the service of his Glory Dated at our Court at Westminster June An. Dom. 1658. OLIVER Protector of the Republ. of England c. To the most Serene Prince the King of Portugal Most Serene King Friend and Confederate JOhn Buffield of London Marchant complains of his haveing deliver'd in the Year 1649. certain Comodities to Antony Jones Manuel Ferdinand â—…astaneo of Tamarin to be by them disposed of by sale and to be accordiâ—…g to the custome among 〈◊〉 accounted for with him That Fallinâ—… in his way to England into the hands of Pirats and sufficiently damaged the said Anthony and Manuel upon an account had thereof and beleeveing that he was dead looked upon the said Goods as their owne and accordingly retaine 'em hitherto denying to come to any account for 'em And subsequent to this fraud exposed the said English Goods to open sale the better to paliate their designe Of his being himselfe forc't at length to repair in the depth of last Winter to Portugal to challenge his owne but in vaine for that he cou'd not prevaile with these Persons to returne him either Goods or Money But found them which is to be wondered at justifying the private possession of these Goods with the pretence of their being the result of a publick sale Being a stranger and haveing to do with a People in their owne Câ—…untry which
Great Prince of Finland c. Most Serene Prince AS it is a custome of knowne antiquity especially among friends to admit of an obligation of useing all freedome in communicateing to each other passages of adversity as well as prosperity and comunity so that most delightfull part of friendship relateing to the import of the Letters which Your Majesty has been pleased to give us the honour of is what we cannot but take very kindly Seeing that it is an indication of singular humanity and true Royalty to be as communicable in enjoyments as way of liveing and to believe nothing to be pleasant without it be in community with Friends and Confederates And therefore cannot but justly rejoyce at the birth of a young Prince to his Son to inherit we hope the glory and vertue of so good a King and gladly lay it in parallel with the felicity and glory that befell Philip of Macedone both abroad and at home whom Records cite to have conquer'd the most powerful Greeks at the very time of the birth of his Son Alexander For we do not doubt but that Your kindness to Poland in dischargeing and as it were forceing it by the very strength of Your Army from the papall â—…oke and the establishment of that Peace with Brandenburgh which the desires of all pious men gaped for notwitstanding the storming opposition made to the contrary may conduce very considerably to the peace and advantage of the Church That God may in the mean time bless such Glorious Beginings with suitable Issues that his Gift of a Son may pursue the patern of his Father in Piety Vertue and noble Deeds That which we truly both hope and from our hearts wish the Omnipotent and Great God always favourable to Your undertakings may grant Westminster 1655. Your Majesties most affectionally OLIVER Protector of England c. To the King of Denmarke Most Serene and potent Prince JOhn Freeman and Phillip Traverse Subjects of this Republick have 〈◊〉 their owne and the names of severall other Merchants of London a petition'd humbly complain'd that haveing in the month of October 1653. loaded on board a certain ship of Sunderbrugh called the Salvador Nicolas Winskins Master severall Merchandizes woolen manufacture Cloathes and other woven comodities and Goods amounting according to Estimate to the value of between three and foure thousand pounds sterling charged the said Master that as he sailed thro the Baltique sea he shoud go directly to Dantzick and pay the usuall duty at Elsenor and for the same purpose furnished him with a competent sume of money Yetnotwithstanding t hat the said master most treacherously and contrary to his Instructions from the Merchants pass'd by the said place without dischargeing that duty so that the said ship with her whole loading had hue and Cry sent after them and were arrested to the great damage of the Owners in favour of whom we writ to your Majesties Embassadour then here in London who as they say engaged that as soone as he came to speake with your Majesty he woud endeavour to 〈◊〉 justice done the Merchants But in as much as the said person has been dispatched upon Your Majesties affaires into other Countryes and that their application to him before his departure amounted to nothing so that they were forc't to sen'd an Atturney purposely to sollicit their Right at Hafnia and demand restitution of said shipp and Goods which they also found coud amount to no more then an aggravation of the former Reckoning heape of fruitless trouble upon trouble that the said Goods Ly under confiscation present Restraint notwithstanding that according to the Laws of Denmarke a Master of a ship ought as they seeme to urge in their petition upon any misdedmeanour of his own to suffer corporall punishment exclusive to any confiscation that shipp or Merchandises can be pretended to be liable unto and reckon themselves so much the unkindlyer dealt with all for that the custome which ought to be paid at Essen'or is as we apprehend very inconsiderable Therefore as our Merchants have given no provocation that can be interpreted to the rendering their effects liable to forfeiture and that the Master a little before his death confessed that the neglect was wholly applicable to his proper guilt which exposed the Merchants to so 〈◊〉 damage and in as much as the Parent of the deceased Master himselfe has as we understand by petition already presented unto Your Majesty charged all the blame to his son's account and quitted the Merchants Wee coud not truly decline our condemning the detention of the said 〈◊〉 and goods to be most arbitrary and are so much the more strengthen'd in our confidence that as soone as your Majesty has a clear State of this thing you will not onely award a competent reproofe to the Ministers concernd in these Injuryes but Issue your comands also for the doing the Merchaâ—…ts Right and direct speedy restitution to be made of those Goods and reparation of damages sustaind to the said Owuers or Asfignes Which we instantly pray your Majesties compliance in as a thing guarded with so much reason and justice that we canot appear in the sollicitation of ought on behalfe of our people which we lesse ought to accept of a denyall in as being ready to make suitable returnes on behalfe of your Subjects as often as there is like occasion for 't To the most Serene Prince John the 4. King of Portugal THE Peace and alliance which your Majesties most Noble and splendid Embassy lately sent hither sollicitted the Parliament about which then had the conduct of this Republick in their hand Wee have now at length thro Gods help and pursuant to the 〈◊〉 we hold in the Administration of this Goverment as well as the affection we always bore theteto drawn unto a happy 〈◊〉 and such we hope as may continue to perpetuity And therefore returne you Your Ambassader extraordinary Mr John Roderick de Saa Menesses Count Pennagavad a per son whose Civill carriage understanding prudence and faithfulnesse we have found very eminent and worthy your esteeme and one who haveing discharged this Trust with extraordinary applause comes to you with the Ratification of the said Peâ—…ce As to the Import of your letters of the second of April from Lisbona intimating your good esteem of us how much you tender our honour and the excesse of your Gladnessâ—… at your â—…earing of our present undertakeing in this Goverment the same are apparent indications of singular affection and shall endeavour that all Men may hereafter see from my readynesse to serve Your Majesty at all times that the same is of utmost acceptance unto me Nor am I in the mean time lesse painfull in the preferrence of my expres prayers to God for your safety for the happy State of Your Kingdome and the prosperity of your affaires Your Majestie 's most affectionatlâ—… OLIVER Protector of England Scotland Ireland c OLIVER Protector of the Republick of