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
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
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
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
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
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
Bait being the Estate which he mainly and originally gaped at lies under our Jurisdiction as also that the cognisance of the whole cause and consequently it's Judgment does in our opinion properly belong to us alone Let him repair hither with his claime let him comence his Suit here and make out the right he pretends unto her being his wife This brings your Excellency in the mean time an earnest Repetittion of what has been already very often pressed by our Envoy at Brussells that the afflicted and forlorn maiden the honesty of her exactation the surreptitious method wherein shee was conveyed from out of her Country by theft be prevalent Inducements to you to take care of her being in safety permitted to repaire home Which not onelywe who if there be occasion for it shall make a suitably ready expression of our aknowledgments but even humanity and modesty it selfe which ought to influence the disposition of all good and valiant men and engage them in the deâ—…nc of the honour chastity of her sex seâ—…me with united petition to call for Dated at Westminster March 28. 1650. To the most Serene Prince JOHN the IV. King of Portugall THE consideration of your Majesties honourable Reception of and curteous speedy audience allowed unto our Embassadour hath induced us to let you know by the quick dispatch oâ—… this our second that we accept thereof very kindly and that our purposes contain nothing more venerably to observe with deeds as well as words then the inviolable support without we be first provoked to contrary dealings of the peace alliance commerce which we are engaged in with severall Nations and which among the rest have been for a long time ratified between us and Portugall Nor has our fleet gone to the River Tagus upon any other different Errand then barely to chastise our Enemies who will not be warned by the many Flights which we so often already instructed them with the experience of and rescue such effects of ours as being by force and Treachery taken away from our people the Murrain of these Reb Ils has carryed into your Ports and especially Lisbone it selfe where they vend the proceed of their theft at open sale But yet we are apt to believe that most of the peoole of Portugall have by their depraved behaviours discovered what sort of persons they are how addicted to impudence fury and madnesse The consideration of which strenghtens our confidence and hopes so much the more of prevailing in the first place with your Majesty in favour of Edward Popham a very worthy Gentlemen whom we have appointed Comander in chiefe of this squadron sent for the overthrow of these Pirats And that in the next place you woud treat them and their Comanders not as persons worthy of hospitality but â—…heeves not merchants but the Bane of thrade and Breakers of Nationall Laws and consequently deny them admittance into or shelter within the pro ection of your Kingdome but rather banish them the limitts thereof But if you shou'd thinke fit to be otherwise inclinable that then we may be at liberty to assault râ—…duce and at our â—…ngle charge force them to thatdue subjection from which they have Renegadoes and Rogues like revolted Which as it has been the substance of our former pressing Dâ—…es so this comes to your Majesty as a repetition thereof accompanyed with no lesse fervency and Earnestnesse In which be your compliance the effect either of Justice or complement it will not onely advance and add to the Glory of your jâ—…stice in all other well governed Nations of the world but oblige us and more particularly the people of England before of no contrary disposition towards the people of Portngall and your family in amore especiall manner Dated at Westminster Aprell 27. 1653. To the Citty of Hamburgh LEtters have more then once interchangeably passed between us and you concerning differences ariseing between Merchants and some other matters also which seemed more particularly to relate to and touch the Dignity of our Republicke But in as much as we apprehend that such matters can be scarcetransacted by letters alone and understanding of the refort of certain seditious Persons thither from Charles Stuart whose Errands consist of nothing so much as to practise wickedness and insolence in order to the defeating and â—…oly removeing the trade which some of knowne affection to their Country drove with your Citty Wherefore having appointed Richard Bradshaw a very noble and worthy Gentleman to go under the Character of our Envoy thither to propose and transact such matter at Large as equally concerne the joint advantage of both Republicks and that in pursuance of our Commssiion and subsequent Instructions to him we pray that you give him speedy audience and in all things cause such provision to be made for the honout and Credit of his Errand as custoâ—…e has renderend practicable in all Nations to Persons of his Degree Adieu Dated at Westminster Aprill II. 1650. To the Corporation of Hamburgh Most Noble Magnificent and Worthy Gentlemen Dear friende YOur Entertainment to our Resident upon his arrivall with you under that figure has appeared so free affectionate and singular that we owne it as such and earnestly intreat your continuance of that inclination and disposition towards Us. And that the rather for that we are told that those under banishment hence of whom our former letters tooke so much notice do dayly more and more heighten in â—…heir Insolence among you and that not onely in an instance of opprobrious language to our Envoy but an open declaration of some ill designe to be practised upon him This therefore brings an earnest repetition of our recommendation of his safety and due honour to your Care And the sooner you reprove those new as well as old villains and murtherers the more acccptable shall we reckon the actâ—…on and performe a Deed very much consisting with your power and 〈◊〉 Dated at Westminster Mey 31. 1650. To PHILIP the IIII. King of Spaine WEE are to our great trouble informed that Am hony Ascane lately deputed hence to your Majesty as our Embassadour and as such very civilly and publickly treated in his way thither after haveing vanquished the hardships of a dangerous and tedious journey was upon his first Entry into your Royall Citty stript of all protection filthily sett upon and with his Interpreter John Baptista de Ripa most basily murthered at a certaine â—…nn where he tooke up his quartters yet in as much as we apprehend that not onely we our selves â—…ut your faith and reputation also have been in this action stabb'd â—…nd almost transfixt thro his fides wee do with all imaginable earnestnesse pray your Majesty to see imme diat jusâ—…ice executed upon such of the Murtherers as are reported to have been already taken and committed to prison their punishments â—…roportioned to their guilt and their abeâ—…s and confederates who ever they be exemplyed suitable to the quality of this
crime and as the 〈◊〉 calls for Albeit wâ—… doudt not but that a King naturally pious and just woud unsollicited persorme neverthelesse what we seeme here to desire Whereto what we have to add is to pray that the body be deliver'd to the receipt of his Friends and relations in order to its transportationin to its owne Country and our consulting a little and provideing for the health of his survivers as we shall thinke fit till they accompanid with an answer hereto give us upon their returne if possible an account of your piety and justice herein Westminster Dat. 28. January 1650. To His Excellency Don ANTONIO JOANNI LUDOVICO Duke of Corda Medina Celi Praesident of Andalitia The Councill of State constituted by the Authority of the Parliament of England Greeting THE Person intrusted with the command in chiefe of that fleet sent hence to the Coast of Portugall to persecute â—…d recover the Damages sustein'd from our enemies in those parts hath acquainted us with your Highness Friendship upon the fleets touching upon the Coast of Galicia a place belonging to your Jurisdiction where thy were he saith very curteously used and furnished with all manner of necessary supplies incident to the want of seamen Which kindnes of yours as it has always justly challenged our gratitude so in a more particular manner now at a time when experience acquaints us with the effects of some ill dispositions from abroad towards us un proveoked that we know of We therefore pray you most Illustrious Sir to be pleased not to discontinue the same disposition and affection towards us and that as often as any of our ships may for the future happen to touch at any place in the said Coasts they faile not of the same favour and help Resting in the mean time assured that upon any opportunity occuring and that may be improved to your advantage and service our Returnes shall be suitable Dated at Westminster November 7. 1650. The Council-seale affixed and countersigned By JOHN BRADSHAW President To the Illustrious and Magnificent Senat of Switserland c. Magnificent and most Noble Sirs most dear Friends WEE have by Letters from our Merchants tradeing for Prusia received heavy Complaints of an intolerable and inusual Tax lately imposed upon them by a decree enacted by the great Coudcil of Poland who seeme to have assessed them in the Tenth part of their Estates with a designe of applying the same to tâ—…e support of our enemy the King of Scots Which as it is an act standing indirect opposition to the Laws of Nations to treat Merchants and sttangers after a method of this Make it is also as pregnant with injustice to force such to contribute to the maintenance of one abroad from whose Tiranny divine providence has so lately delivered them at home and consequently do not doubt but that as we know you to be a free People you will not abide or give way to the laying of such Impositions upon Persons whose correspondence and traffique has for several yeares past been of no small advantage to your Citty If therefore you will protect them as Merchants and strangers it is no less then what we may undoubtedly expect as being a thing becoming your justice and prudence and no less suitable to the dignity of your splendid Corporation and what our endeavours shall render you sensible of our acknowledgment of as often as any of your People or Ships which often happens shall need the friendship of our Ports Dated at Westminster February 6. 1650. To the Portugal-Envoy YOurs of the 15. current were delivered us at Hampton Court signifying your being sent from the Crowne of Portugal with a message to the Representatives of the Common-wealth of England but take no notice under what Character whether of an Agent Embassadour Envoy or what which pray resolve us in by remitting us with as much speed as you can Coppys of such Letters and Credentials as accompany you from your King together with an account whether you come with full power to repair such injuryes and makeing Amends for such Damages as your King has been the occasion of involving this Commonwealth in in protecting all the last sumer within your harbours our enemies and Rebels against the assault of our fleet while on the other hand they were at liberty to invade us If you say that you come with full power and directions to answer all these points and that you send the aforesaid Coppies care shall be thereupon taken for your publick and safe accesse unto us who when we peruse the King's Letters shall direct liberty to be given you of expounding the Errand you are sent upon The Representatives of the Commonwealth of England To the most Serene Prince D. FERDINANDO the second Great Duke of Toskany MR Almerico Salvetti your Resident here hath delivered us your Highnesse's Letter dated at Florence the 22. of Aprile plainly shewing the value your Highness retains for the English Nation confirmed by the account we have not onely from such of our Merchants as have for several years lived as Traders iâ—… your Ports but also young Gentlemen of our best Nobility who have had the experience of your Country either by travelling throw or liveing there to gaine the education thereof Which as it is a thing that cannot misse of ouf gratefull approveall so we earnestly pray that you do not withdraw or discontinue the like to such of our Merchants or other our Subjects as may for the future have occasion of travelling thro your Highness's Dukedome Assureing you that as far as it concerns the Parliament nothing shall be wanting that may conduce to the fortifying establishing the commerce and mutuall affection with has time out of minde united both Nations which we truly desire and wish may be perpetually maintain'd with all true endeavours and mutuall observance of both hands reciprocally Westminster 20. January 1651. Subscribed by William Lenthale Speaker to the House of Commons whose Seale he fixed hereto The Parliament of England to the Illustrious and Magnificent Senat of Hamburgh Most magnificent Noble worthy Gentlemen dearest Friends THE Parliament of England to evidence their great disposition to the inviolable observance of the mutual correspondence and commerce antiently held between England and your Corporation hath lately deputed thither Richard Bradshaw Esq to reside with you under the Character of their Resident who among other tâ—…ings relating thereto has it in expresse commands from them to demand Justice upon certain of your People who made an attempt upon the Person of the Minister belonging to the English Company there with a designe we understand of murthering him as also their Deputy who had violent hands laid upon as well as some of the chiefest of the Merchants themselves whom they dared to offer the like affront unto by spiritting them on board a certain Privateer c. And albeit the said Resident hath upon his first Entrance after he had audience given him made
esteeme But as to what you mention concerning what the Churches may hope or expect from me I pray God I may be able to answer the same one time or other if they need it and let the World see how I stand inclined towards it For I should not truly judge my selfe better rewarded in any thing ariseing from the station I hold in this my Republicke then to be able to promote the Intrest safety and which exceeds all the repaire of the reformed Churches Let me therefore earnestly desire that the piety and affection with which You professe the Orthodox Faith transmitted unto You from Your Ancestors be to the end steddily and constantly adhered unto Nor will there be any thing more truly worthy both Your selfe and Your most Religious progeny nor ought wherein I can wishingly expresse my gratitude in better and clearer acknowledgments of Your Obligations upon me albeit I wish all things well for Your sake then to compose and accommodate Your selfe so as that the Churches those of Your Countrey more especially under whose Discipline You have had so 〈◊〉 a 〈◊〉 and education may in you sensibly find a protection proportionable to those Merits wherein you exceed others Whitehall April 1655. OLIVER Protector of the Republick of England to the most Serene Prince Emanuel Duke of Savoy Prince of Piedmont greeting Most Serene Prince WEE are by letters sent us from Geneva as well as Delphin and many other places bordering upon your Confines informed of a proclamation lately published by your Royall Highnesse implying that if such of your Subjects as were Professors of the Protestant Religion did not within three dayes after the publication thereof either declare their renunciation of their owne and acceptance of the Popish Religion they were strictly charged to forsake their Lands and habitations within twenty days after upon paine of forfeiting their lives and fortunes And that haveing thereupon made humble supplication to your Royall Highnesse praying that the same might be repealed and that they taken into former favour migt be restored to the Priviledges granted 'em by your most Serene Predecessors yet they were sett upon by part of your Army who cruelly murthered many chain'd others and drove the rest into wildernesses and uninhabited mountaines covered with Snow and desolation where hundreds of Familys are reduced to that extremity that it is much to be fear'd whether their misery may not be such as may soone draw utter Ruine upon them under the oppression of Cowld and hunger Upon our Receipt of this account we coud not truly decline our being troubled at hart at so unhear'd of a calamity imposed upon these most afflicted people But as we owne our selves united to them not onely as men but in communion of Religion altogether related as Brethren also We judged our selves imperfect in the discharge of our duty to God the charity due to our Brethren and our profession to Religion it selfe did we barely pity this calamity and misery of our Brethren without applying all the further endeavour we cou'd towards the meeting 'em with Reliefe against so many unexpected mischiefs Wee do therefore in the first place pray and beseech your Royal Highness with all imaginable earnestnesse to incline your heart to the continueing to your Subjects at Piedmont those Institutions granted and from time to times confâ—…irmed unto them by your most serene Predecessors In the allowance and conâ—… of which as thoir Grants were without doubt conformable to Gods owne approvall who has decreed and appropriated unto himselfe onely the inviolable Goverment and Jurisdiction of Soules so there was also due regard held doubtless to their meritts who in time of warr were found equally positive in their loyalty and courage and of peace subjects suitably obedient to Goverment And as your Royal Highnesse in all other things bravely and gloriously accomplished has pursued directly the paterne of your Forefathers so we do again and again beseech that you woud not begin to act the contrary in this but that this proclamation and if their be any other demand made use of to interrupt your Subjects upon the score of their professing the Reformed Religion be abolished they restored to their native Country and habitations their former Rights and libortys ratified unto 'em their sustain'd damages repaired and that you cause all their vexations to be drawen to an end Which if your Royall Highness will See done you will act a thing of utmost acceptance to God raise and comfort those miserable and calamitous peoplâ—… win the good opinion both of all your Neighbours and those who admire the Reformed Religion and more 〈◊〉 Ours who shall looke upon your kindness and clemency to them as the essectof this our Request Which will draw us under an obligation o makeing all suitable Returnes and lay a most solid foundâ—…tion not onely of an alliance and friendship to be raised but improved upon between this Goverment and yours Nor do we truly entertaine a cheaper opinion of your Justice and moderation of mind in this case To the 〈◊〉 of whom that Almighty God may incline your disposition and thoughts and do heartily wish both your selfe and people peace truth and a happy â—…ssue in all your affairs Whitehall May 1655. OLIVER P. of the Republick of England To the most Serene Prince 〈◊〉 Transsilvania greeting Most Serene Prince YOur Letters of the 16. of December 1654. whom this brings You an account of our receipt of have shewen Us the singular love and affection You bear Us Your Envoy who brought and delivered e'm haveing declared at large Your ambition of contracting a fellowship and alliance with this Government It did not truly please us in any small degree to meet with this occasion of declareing and demonstrateing all we can our inclination towards You and how much we ought to value that of Your Highnesses But considering that the account which we have had of Your clear Obligations upon and undertaking for the welfare of the Christian Republick hitherto unknown unto us otherwise then by report and that all these besides what You designe further to be concerned in either for the defence or promotion of the Christian Interest are come confirmed in the letters which Your 〈◊〉 ness has been so friendly pleased to send Us The same have plentiâ—…ully added to our satisfaction Namely that it has been Gods pleasure to have raised in those Countrys so powerful and worthy a Minister to the service of his Providence and Glory who notwithstanding the efficacy of his owne power and Arms desires to joyne with Us for the Defence of the Protestant Religion now groaning under the oppression and design of all hands But God whose providence has inspired us both albeit at this distance with the same inclination and disposition towards the support of the Orthodox Religion he will doubtless become our Author in such future Resolutions as may enable Us to be in and among our selves as wel as all other Protestants and
Enemys with men and Money that the Massacre aâ—…d destruction executed the last year upon the Protestant Inhabitants of Piedmont were the effects of Spanish Influences that the Protestants of Germany under the subjection of the Emperour underwent intollerable disquiets and with much difficulty held their native habitations That the King of Sweedland whom God we hope raised as a most curagious champion for the Protestant Religion was exposed to the necessity of maintaining with the strength of his whole Kingdome a fowle aud rigid Warr against the most powerfull Enemy that the Reformation has extant how your own Provinces are threatend by the malicious confederacy lately struck by your Neighbours the Papists who are the King of Spaine's Subjects And sinally we who are taken up by the warr declared against the King of Spaine If while things stand thus a misunderstanding shoud happen to arise between you and the King of Sweedlâ—…nd what a sad and lamentable condition shoud Protestancy fall under all Europe over being subjected to the cruelty and fury of inhuman Enemys The consideration of which doth not a little trouble us and believe you to be of the same mind and that you will withall pursuant to the great affection you always expressed on behalfe of the Protestant cause in generall and disposition to the maintaining uninterupted the peace of such as are 〈◊〉 both in their Judgment and desires accommodate your counsells to these considerations which are preferrable to all others whatever and that you will not decline the doing of ought that may conduce to the establishing of a peace between you and the King of Sweedland Wherein 〈◊〉 we can â—…e of any service what ever opinion you may entertaine of our Authority or Intrest we most freely offer you the tender of our endeavour with the same readynesse which we do it to thâ—… King of Sweedland to whom we designe likewise to send an Embassy out of hand to let him know our opinion of this affair And â—…ope that God will incline your minds on both sides to moderat Couucills and prevent the falling out of any thing that may give cause of offence on either hand or carry things to an extremity But that contrarywise both partys endeavour to remove what may offend or Administer matter of Iealousy to to'ther Which if you concurr to you will â—…oth disappoint your Enemys and become a comfor't to your Friends and finally provide plentifully for your owne and the safety of the Republicke And do pray you to rest likewise very confident in this that we as often as we are supplyd with an opportunity for it shall employ our endeavour towards the rendering the united Provinces sensible of the great affection and love we bear 'em Sollicitting God witâ—…all with our dayly prayers that he woud be pleased to bless your Repulick with a flourishing peace riches Liberty and more especially love and true worshipp to the Christian faith From our Court at Westminster August 1656. Your c. OLIVER Protector OLIVER Protector of the Republ. of England c. To the most Serene Prince John King of Portugall Most Serene King THomas Maynard has upon the 11. of July last old stile delivevered into our Receipt your Majesties Ratification of the peace concluded by your Embassador at London as well as of the private and preliminary articles thereof and by letters then transmitted hither from Phillip Meaddaw our Envoy at Lisbona understand that he has deliver'd your Majesty ours likewise pursuant to our direction to him on that behalfe the aforesaid Instruments of Ratification being about the beginning of June last interchanged So that a most firme Peace is confirmed between both Nations From which peace we have derived no small pleasure for that we judged that as it bespeakes a general advantage to both so it doth a proportionable detriment to the comon Enemy Who as they have been the first Inventers of meanes to interrupt the former alliance so they have lefr nothing unattempted to prevent its renovation novv Nor do vve doubt of their slipping any occasion that can be improved tovvards the creating matter of suspicion and offence between Us. Which vve have truly resolved to employ our utmost endeavours and constancy in opposition of yea it 's our earnest desire that the alliance may strengthen our confidence in each other dayly more and more so as to reckon those our Enemys vvho by any artifices shall appear to employ any project tovvards the lesseningh our friendship among ourselves and those contain'd in this Ratification and are verily persvvaded that Your Majesty is much of the same mind And vvhereas Your Majesty has been pleased in it's Letters to Us under the 24. of June nevv Stile and delivered unto our Envoy some days after the mutual exchange of the Instrument concerning the establih't Peace to mention some Clauses of this Treaty vvhich you vvould have alter'd as things vvhich thô of small moment to this Republick in Your Majesties opinion yet of very great consequence to the Kingdome of Portugal We shall be found ready to treat apart about such things as shall be propound on Your Majesties behalfe and settleing such things as shall seeme to either party to conduce to the further strengthening or binding the same Wherein we shall observe such measures as may equally conduce to the satisfaction of Your Majesty and People as our owne and referr to your choice where you will have all these things debated either at London or Lisbona But this Treaty being already confirm'd passed the lawfull Firme of both Nations and mutually interchanged to alter any part of it were to destroy the whole which we know is a thing far from Your Majesties seeking We wish Your Majesty all prosperiâ—…y and happiness From our Court at Westminster August 1656. Your Majesties most affectionatly OLIVER Protector of England c. OLIVER Protector of the Republ. of England c. To the most serene Prince John King of Portugal S. D. WEE have had an account of that base and wicked attempt made towards the Murther of Phillip Meadowes sent hence under the Character of our Envoy to treat with you touching a peace The cruelty of which has appeared so great that his escape is the sole effect of God providence and care of him And do by your Majestys Letters of the 26. of May delivered by Thomas Maynard understand that your Majesty moved at the indignity of the Fact Issued your comands in pursuit of the Assacinates in order to their being brought to condign punishment but do not yet heare of the apprehension of any of them nor that your Comands concerning them signified any thing We have therefore thought fitt to declare openly how much we resent that base and barbarous attempt and the approach it made towards its designe And require that due punishment â—…e executed upon the Authors Confederates and Instruments concern'd in that Villany And the sooner its done and People of honesty utmost integrity aud who
is worse he appealed to Your Majesty and humbly petitiond for his Judgement who is appointed to the decision of differences relating to the English but was sent back again by Your Majesty to that Court that had rejected him Which albeit it is in it selfe an act full of iujustice yet in regard it is apparent that these Tamiran Merchants have incroached upon the reputation of that publick Edict of yours in perverting its intent to serve their owne fraudulent Ends It is our earnest request to Your Majesty that the cause of these Persons whose afflictions are manifold thro the poverty which they are reduced unto be wholly referr'd as the effect of your Clemency to the Determination of the proper Judge Whereby the unfortunaâ—…e may rescue the remainder of theirfortunes out of the hands of such a perfidious society which the thing being apparent and clear we doubt not of Your Majesties concurring with us in Dated at our Court at Westminster August A. D. 1658. To the most Serene Prince Leopald Arch Duke of Austria Praesident to Philip King of Spaine now in Flanders Most Serene Sir CHarles Harbert Knt Petitioned unto us that haveing directed the transportation of some certain Goods and other houshold stuff out of Holland into Bruges within your Jurisdiction to prevent their being taken from him by forme of injustice is unexpectedly fallen into the hasard of looseing the same Videlicet by the means of the Earle oâ—… Suffolcke for whom the Pâ—…titioner being engaged for the Payment of considerable Sumes of Money and haveing in the Year 1643. sent out of England the said Goods as a security to the Petitioneâ—… to answer any deâ—…and which might be made upon him upon the account of the said obligation Richard Greenwill one of the order of Knihthood also broke in into the place where they were laid up seized and keepes'em in violation of the Termes under which they came into the 〈◊〉 possession Under this pretence of Right onely that there remain'd due â—…o 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 know not what from Theophilus â—…arle of Suffolcke deceased by vertue of a decree of our Court of Chancry and thâ—…t those Goods as beinâ—… the said Eâ—…rles were Subject to the said decree and therefore arâ—…ested them Whereas according to our Lawes the said Earle who now is and whose Goods these are nor is obliged bâ—… that decree nor ougâ—…t â—…is Goods to be liable to seisure or restraint upon it's score as appeares by the Sentence of the said Court herewiâ—… sent you at the request of the said Charles Harbert We pray your Highnsse to see the said Goods forthwith discharged from all restraint as well as from the unjust action of the said Richard Greenwill in regard it is a thing soe plainly contrary to the Lawes and practice of Nations to give way to the legality of an action in another Land which in the Land where the cause of the action originally arose canot be lawfully allowed of The Consideration of Justice it selfe and the reputation which you have abroad of an upright man has induced us to recomend this cause to your Highnesse Which if it falls out at any time that the Right or Concernes of your Subâ—…ects come under debate with us in this kind assure your selâ—…e of finding uâ—… 〈◊〉 way slack but rather very râ—…dy to serve you upon all occasions Westminster Your Highness's most affectionately OLIVER 〈◊〉 of the Republick of England c To tâ—… High Court of Parliament at Paris WEe the Commissâ—…yes of the great Seale of England make it our request â—…o the higâ—… Court of Parliament at Paris that it woud be intreated â—…o sâ—…e care taken that Miles William and Mary Sandys Children of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and Ellsabeth soame his wife lately deceâ—…sed English Natives and under age be at Liberty forthwith to repaire to us hither from Paâ—…is where they now remaine under the Tuition Guarranty of the said Court comitting them to the care of James Mowath a Scoth man and a person of integrity and uprightnesse to whom we have assign'd this trouble of takeing them thence and bringing of 'em hither engageing that upon any the like occasion or demand the like Right and Justice shall be by this Court administred in favour of any of the Subjects of France LETTERS Written in the Name of RICHARD CROMWEL Protector Upon the death of OLIVER his Father RICHARD Protector of the Republ. of England c. To the most Serene and Potent Prince Lewis King of France Most Serene aud potent King Friend and Confederate WHereas my most Serene Father of Glorious memory Oliver Protector of the Comonwealth of England haveing pursuant to the will of Almighty God departed this liâ—…e the 3. of this instant September I declared his lâ—…wfull Successor in the administration of this Goverment coud not decline not without very great griefe and troubie I must confesse the giveing timely account of a matter of that importance to Your Majesty who I am confident caâ—…t considering your friendly disposition as well towards him as this Republick conceive any plâ—… at this so sudden an account of his death It is now become my wâ—…ke to invite Your Majesty into such apprehensions of me as are fitt to be entertain'd of one who hath nothing more in his thoughts then a fâ—…hfull and constant inclination to the support of that Society and amity which my iaid most Glorious Father and Your Majesty were concern'd in with each other and with the same study and affection maintaine and observe the alliances Resolutions and Intelligencie wherein he was engaged with you It is my purpose to continue to our Embassadour there the poweâ—… formerly lodged with him What ever he offers you in our name accept thereof I pray as if tender'd you by our selfe That that remains is to tell you that I wish you all happynes Dâ—…ted at our Court at Westminster 5. September 1658. To his Eminency Cardinall Mazarine Most Eminent Sir ALtho nothing coud fall out more to my trouble then to have an occasion given me of writeing concerning the death of my most Serene and Famous Father and considering the mutuall esteem which flâ—…wed between your Eminency and him and that I do not question but tâ—…at the death of so faithfull and constant a friend must affect one so much concern'd in the Government of France as your Eminency is I have judged it very materiall to accompany the account I sent oâ—… this mâ—…st fatall busâ—…nesse to the King witâ—… a Letter to you and withall to act that that is just in assureing you of a most sacred perâ—…ormance of all those things by me which my father of most Serene memory has been by agreement obliged to yâ—…u to â—…eepe and performe and take care that tho you may justly lament the lâ—…sse of one so much your friend and admiâ—…er you may not misse him as farr forth as may concern the preservation of his promise to you To the performance of which on your part also
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