to your Lordships our Judgment upon the whole Matter as also to exhort and perswade ye in the name of this Republick to be careful of preserving the Friendship and Alliance contracted between this Commonwealth and your City as also the Traffick and Commerce no less advantagious for the Interest of both and to that end that you would not fail to Protect our Merchants together with their Priviledges from all Violation and more particularly against the Insolencies of one Garmes who has carry'd himself contumeliously toward this Republick and publickly cited to the Chamber of Spire certain Merchants of the English Company residing in your City to the great contempt of this Commonwealth and trouble of our Merchants for which we expect such Reparation as shall be consentaneous to Equity and Justice To Treat of these Heads and whatever else more largely belongs to the common Friendship of both Republicks we have Order'd our Resident aforesaid to attend your Lordships requesting that ample credit may be given to him in such matters as he shall propose relating to these Affairs Westminster Mar. 12. 1651. Seal'd with the Parlament Seal and Subscrib'd Speaker c. The Parlament of the Commonwealth of England to the Most Serene Christiana Queen of the Swedes Goths and Vandals c. Greeting Most Serene Queen WE have receiv'd and read your Majesty's Letters to the Parlament of England dated from Stockholm the 26th of September last and deliver'd by Peter Spering Silvercroon and there is nothing which we more vehemently and cordially desire then that the ancient Peace Traffick and Commerce of long continuance between the English and Swedes may prove diuturnal and every day encrease Nor did we question but that your Majesty's Embassador was come amply Instructed to make those Proposals chiefly which should be most for the Interest and Honour of both Nations and which we were no less readily prepar'd to have heard and to have done effectually that which should have been thought most secure and beneficial on both sides But it pleas'd the Supreme Moderator and Governour of all things that before he had desir'd to be heard as to those Matters which he had in Charge from your Majesty to propound to the Parlament he departed this Life whose loss we took with that heaviness and sorrow as became persons whom it no less behov'd to acquiesce in the Will of the Almighty whence it comes to pass that we are prevented hitherto from knowing your Majesty's pleasure and that there is a stop at present put to this Negotiation Wherefore we thought we could do no less then by these our Letters which we have given to our Messenger on purpose sent with these unhappy Tydings to signifie to your Majesty how acceptable your Letters how grateful your Publick Minister were to the Parlament of the Commonwealth of England as also how earnestly we expect your Friendship and how highly we shall value the Amity of so great a Princess assuring your Majesty that we have those thoughts of encreasing the Commerce between this Republick and your Majesty's Kingdom as we ought to have of a thing of the highest importance which for that reason will be most acceptable to the Parlament of the Commonwealth of England And so we recommend your Majesty to the Protection of the Divine Providence Westminster March 1651. Seal'd with the Parlament Seal and Subscrib'd Speaker c. The Parlament of the Commonwealth of England to the Most Serene and Potent Prince Philip the Fourth King of Spain Greeting THE Merchants of this Commonwealth who Trade in your Majesties Territories make loud Complaints of extraordinary Violence and Injuries offer'd 'em and of new Tributes impos'd upon 'em by the Governors and other Officers of your Ports and Places where they Traffick and particularly in the Canary Islands and this against the Articles of the League which both Nations have Solemnly Ratifi'd upon the account of Trade the truth of which Complaints they have confirm'd by Oath And they make it out before us That unless they can enjoy their Privileges and that their Losses be repair'd Lastly That except they may have some certain Safeguard and Protection for themselves and their Estates against those Violences and Injuries they can no longer Traffick in those Places Which Complaints of theirs being duly weigh'd by us and believing the unjust proceedings of those Ministers either not at all to have reach'd your knowledge or else to have been untruly represented to your Majesty we deem'd it convenient to send the complaints themselves together with these our Letters to your Majesty Nor do we question but that your Majesty as well out of your love of Justice as for the sake of that Commerce no less gainful to your Subjects then our People will command your Governors to desist from those unjust Oppressions of our Merchants and so order it that they may obtain speedy Justice and due Satisfaction for those Injuries done 'em by Don Pedro de Carillo de Guzman and others and that your Majesty will take care that the Merchants aforesaid may reap the fruit of those Articles and be so far under your Protection that both their Persons and their Estates may be secure and free from all manner of Injury and Vexation And this they believe they shall for the greatest part obtain if your Majesty will be pleas'd to restore 'em that Expedient taken from 'em of a Judge Conservator who may be able to defend 'em from a new Consulship more uneasie to 'em least if no shelter from Injustice be allow'd 'em there should follow a necessity of breaking off that Commerce which has hitherto brought great Advantages to both Nations while the Articles of the League are violated in such a manner West Aug. 1651. To the Most Serene Prince the Duke of Venice and the Most Illustrious Senate Most Serene Prince Most Illustrious Senate our dearest Friends CErtain of our Merchants by name John Dickins and Job Throckmorton with others have made their Complaints unto us That upon the 28th of November 1651. having Seiz'd upon a hunder'd Butts of Caveare in the Vessel call'd the Swallow Riding in the Downs Isaac Taylour Master which were their own proper Goods and Laden Aboard the same Ship in the Muscovite Bay of Archangel and this by the Authority of our Court of Admiralty In which Court the Suit being there depending they obtain'd a Decree for the delivery of the said Butts of Caveare into their Possession they having first given security to abide by the Sentence of that Court And that the said Court to the end the said Suit might be brought to a conclusion having Written Letters according to custom to the Magistrates and Judges of Venice wherein they requested liberty to cite John Piatti to appear by his Proctor in the English Court of Admiralty where the Suit depended and prove his Right nevertheless that the said Piatti and one David Rutts a Hollander while this Cause depends here in our Court put
of the Council to it the Council have thought it necessary to add this following Article to their following Demands That the People and Inhabitants of the Republick of England Trading into any Kingdoms Regions or Territories of the King of Danemark and Norway shall not for the future pay any more Customs Tribute Taxes Duties or Stipends or in any other manner then the People of the Vnited Provinces or any other Foreign Nation that pays the least coming in or going out of Harbour and shall enjoy the same and as equally ample Freedom Privileges and Immunities both coming and going and so long as they shall reside in the Countrey as also in Fishing Tradeing or in any other manner which any other People of a Foreign Nation enjoys or may enjoy in the foresaid Kingdoms and throughout the whole Dominions of the said King of Danemark and Norway Which Privileges also the Subjects of the King of Danemark and Norway shall equally enjoy throughout all the Territories and Dominions of the Republick of England The Council of State of the Republick of England to the most Serene Prince Ferdinand the Second Grand Duke of Tuscany Greeting Most Serene Prince our dearest Friend THE Council of State understanding as well by your Highness's Agent here residing as by Charles Longland chief Factor for the English at Leghorn with what Affectiou and Fidelity your Highness undertook the Protection of the English Vessels putting in to the Port of Leghorn for shelter against the Dutch Men of War threatning 'em with nothing but Ransack and Destruction by their Letters of the 29th of July which they hope are by this time come to your Highness's hands have made known to your Highness how grateful and how acceptable it was to 'em and at the same time sent to your Serenity a Declaration of the Parlament of the Commonwealth of England concerning the present Differences between this Republick and the Vnited Provinces And whereas the Council has again bin inform'd by the same Charles Longland what further Commands your Highness gave for the security and defence of the English Vessels notwithstanding the opposite endeavours of the Dutch they deem'd this opportunity not to be pass'd over to let your Highness understand once more how highly they esteem your Justice and singular Constancy in defending their Vessels and how acceptable they took so great a piece of Service Which being no mean testimony of your solid Friendship and Affection to this Republick your Highness may assure your self that the same offices of Kindness and good Will toward your Highness shall never be wanting in us such as may be able to demonstrate how firmly we are resolv'd to cultivate both long and constantly to the utmost of our Power that Friendship which is between your Serenity and this Republick In the mean time we have expresly commanded all our Ships upon their entrance into your Ports not to fail of paying the accustom'd Salutes by Firing their Guns and to give all other due Honours to your Highness White Hall Sep. 1652. Seal'd with the Council Seal and Subscrib'd President To the Spanish Embassador Alphonso de Cardenas Most Excellent Lord YOUR Excelleny's Letters of the 1 11 of November 1652. deliver'd by your Secretary together with Two Petitions inclos'd concerning the Ships the Sampson and Sun Salvadore were read in Council To which the Council returns this Answer That the English Man of War meeting with the foresaid Ships not in the Downes as your Excellency Writes but in the open Sea brought 'em into Port as Enemies Ships and therefore Lawful Prize and the Court of Admiralty to which it properly belongs to take Cognizance of all Causes of this nature have undertaken to determin the Right in dispute Where all Parties concern'd on both sides shall be fully and freely heard and you may be assur'd that Right shall take place We have also sent your Excellency's request to the Judges of that Court to the end we may more certainly understand what progress they have made in their proceeding to Judgement Of which so soon as we are rightly inform'd we shall take care that such Orders shall be given in this matter as shall correspond with Justice and become the Friendship that is between this Republick and your King Nor are we less confident that his Royal Majesty will by no means permit the Goods of the Enemies of this Commonwealth to be conceal'd and escape due Confiscation under the shelter of being own'd by his Subjects White-Hall Nov. 11. 1652. Seal'd with the Council Seal and Subscrib'd William Masham President To the Spanish Embassador Most Excellent Lord BUT lately the Council has bin inform'd by Captain Badiley Admiral of the Fleet of this Republick in the Streights that after he himself together with three other Men of War had for two days together engag'd Eleven of the Dutch put into Porto Longone as well to repair the Damages he had receiv'd in the Fight as also to supply himself with Warlike Ammunition where the Governor of the Place perform'd all the good Offices of a most just and courteous Person as well toward his own as the rest of the Men of War under his Conduct Now in regard that that same Place is under the Dominion of the Most Serene King of Spain the Council cannot but look upon the singular Civility of that Garison to be the copious fruit of that stricter mutual Amity so auspiciously commenc'd and therefore deem it to be a part of their duty to return their thanks to his Majesty for a Kindness so opportunely receiv'd and desire your Excellency to signify this to your most Serene King and to assure him that the Parlament of the Common-wealth of England will be always ready to make the same returns of Friendship and Civility upon all occasion offer'd Westminster Nov. 11. 1652. Seal'd with the Councel Seal and Subscrib'd William Masham President The Parlament of the Commonwealth of England to the Most Serene Prince Ferdinand the Second Grand Duke of Tuscany Greeting Most Serene Prince our dearest Friend THE Parlament of the Commonwealth of England has receiv'd your Letters dated from Florence August 17. concerning the restitution of a certain Ship laden with Rice which Ship is claim'd by Captain Cardi of Leghorn And though the Judges of our Admiralty have already pronounc'd Sentence in that Cause against the foresaid Cardi and that there be an Appeal depending before the Delegates yet upon your Highness's Request the Parlament to testify how much they value the good Will and Alliance of a Prince so much their Friend have given Order to those who are entrusted with this Affair that the said Ship together with the Rice or at least the full Price of it be restor'd to the foresaid Captain Cardi the fruit of which Command his Proctor here has effectually already reap'd And as your Highness by favourably affording your Patronage and Protection to the Ships of the English in your Port of Leghorn has
in a more especial manner ty'd the Parlament to your Serenity so will they on the other side take care as often as opportunity offers that all their Offices of sincere Friendship and good-will toward your Highness may be solidly effectual and permanent withal recommending your Highness to the Divine Benignity and Protection of the Almighty Westminster Nov. 1652. Seal'd with the Seal of the Common-wealth and Subscrib'd Speaker c. The Parlament of the Commonwealth of England to the Most Serene and Potent Prince King of Danemark c. Most Serene and Potent King THE Parlament of the Commonwealth of England have received Information from their Admiral of that Fleet so lately sent to Copenhagen your Majesty's Port to Convoy our Merchants homeward bound that the foresaid Ships are not permitted to return along with him as being detain'd by your Majesty's Command and upon his producing your Royal Letters declaring your Justifications of the matter of Fact the Parlament denies that the Reasons laid down in those Letters for the detaining of those Ships are any way satisfactory to ' em Therefore that some speedy Remedy may be appli'd in a matter os so great moment and so highly conducing to the prosperity of both Nations for preventing a greater perhaps ensuing mischief the Parlament have sent their Resident at Himborough Richard Bradshaw Esquire a Person of great Worth and known Fidelity with express Commands to Treat with your Majesty as their Agent also in Danemark concerning this Affair And therefore we entreat your Majesty to give him a favourable Audience and ample Credit in whatever he shall propose to your Majesty on our behalf in reference to this matter In the mean time recommending your Majesty to the Protection of Divine Providence Westminster Nov. 6. 1652. Under the Seal of the Parlament and in their Name and by their Authority Subscrib'd Speaker c. The Parlament of the Commonwealth of England to the Most Serene Prince the Duke of Venice Greeting THE Parlament of the Common-wealth of England has receiv'd your Highness's Letters dated June 1. 1652. and deliver'd by Lorenzo Pallutio wherein they not onely gladly perceive both yours and the cordial Inclinations of the Senate toward this Republick but have willingly laid hold of this opportunity to declare their singular Affection and good Will toward the Most Serene Republick of Venice which they shall be always ready to make manifest both really and sincerely as often as opportunity offers To whom also all the ways and means that shall be propounded to 'em for the preserving or encreasing mutual Friendship and Alliance shall be ever most acceptable In the mean time we heartily pray that all things Prosperous all things Favourable may befall your Highness and the Most Serene Republick Westminster December 1652. Seal'd with the Parlament Seal and Subscrib'd Speaker c. The Parlament of the Republick of England to the Most Serene Prince Ferdinand the Second Grand Duke of Tuscany Greeting ALthough the Parlament of the Republick of England some time since redoubl'd their Commands to all the chief Captains and Masters of Ships arriving in the Ports belonging to your Highness to carry themselves peacefully and civilly and with becoming observance and duty to a most Serene Prince whose Friendship this Republick so earnestly endeavours to preserve as having bin oblig'd by so many great Kindnesses an Accident altogether unexpected has fallen out through the Insolence as they hear of Captain Appleton in the Port of Leghorn who offer'd Violence to the Sentinel then doing his Duty upon the Mole against the Faith and Duty which he ows this Republick and in contempt of the Reverence and Honour which is justly owing to your Highness the relation of which Action as it was really committed the Parlament has understood by your Letters of the 7th and 9th of December dated from Florence as also more at large by the most Worthy Almeric Salvetti your Resident here And they have so sincerely laid to heart your Highness's Honour which is the main concern of this Complaint that they have referr'd it to the Council of State to take care that Letters be sent to Captain Appleton to come away without stop or stay by Land in order to his giving an Account of this unwonted and extraordinary Act a Copy of which Letters is sent herewith enclos'd who so soon as he shall arrive and be accus'd of the Fact we promise that such a course shall be taken with him as may sufficiently testify that we no less heinoussy brook the violation of your Right then the Infringement of our own Authority Moreover upon mature debate concerning the recover'd Ship call'd the Phoenix of Leghorn which Affair is also related and press'd by your Highness and your Resident here to have bin done by Captain Appleton contrary to promise given whereby he was oblig'd not to fall upon even the Hollanders themselves within sight of the Lanthorn and that your Highness trusting to that Faith promis'd security to the Hollanders upon your word and therefore that we ought to take care for the satisfaction of those who suffer damage under the Protection of your Promise the Parlament begs of your Excellency to be assur'd That this Fact as it was committed without their Advice or Command so it is most remote from their Will and Intention that your Highness should undergo any Detriment or Diminution of your Honour by it Rather they will make it their business that some Expedient may be found out for your satisfaction according to the nature of the Fact upon Examination of the whole matter Which that they may so much the more fully understand they deem it necessary that Captain Appleton himself should be heard who was bound by the same Faith and is thought by your Excellency at least to have consented to the violation of it especially since he is so suddenly to return home And so soon as the Parlament has heard him and have more at large conferr'd with your Resident concerning this matter of no small moment they will pronounce that Sentence that shall be Just and Consentaneous to that extream good-will which they bear to your Highness and no way unworthy the favours by you conferr'd upon ' em Of which that your Highness might not make the least question in the mean time we were willing to certify your Highness by this Express on purpose sent that we shall omit no opportunity to testify how greatly we value your Friendship Westminster Dec. 14. 1652. Seal'd with the Parlament Seal and Subscrib'd Speaker c. The Council of State of the Republick of England to the most Serene Prince Frederick Heire of Norway Duke of Sleswick Holsatia Stormaria Ditmarsh Count in Oldenburgh and Delmenhort Greeting THough it has pleas'd the Most Wise God and Most Merciful Moderator of all things besides the Burthen which he laid upon us in common with our Ancestors to wage most just Wars in defence of our Liberty against Tyrannical
more at what our Merchants write from your City that they are not permitted to execute our Commands by some or other of your Order and Degree Certainly what the most Potent United Provinces of the Low Countries most jealous of their Power and their Interests never thought any way belonging to their inspection namely whether the English Foreigners swore Fidelity and Allegiance to their Magistrates at home either in these or those Words how that should come to be so suspected and troublesome to your City we must plainly acknowledge that we do not understand But this proceeding from the private inclinations or fears of some whom certain Vagabond Scots expell'd their Countrey are said to have enforc'd by Menaces on purpose to deter our Merchants from Swearing Fidelity to us we impute not to your City Most earnestly therefore we intreat and conjure ye for it is not now the interest of Trade but the honour of the Republick it self that lies at stake not to suffer any one among ye who can have no reason to concern himself in this Affair to interpose his Authority whatever it be with that Supremacy which we challenge over our own Subjects not by the judgment and opinion of Foreigners but by the Laws of our Country for who would not take it amiss if we should forbid your Hamburghers residing here to Swear Fidelity to you that are their Magistrates at Home Farewel Jan. 4. 1649. To the Most Serene and Potent Prince Philip the Fourth King of Spain The Parliament of the Common-wealth of England Greeting WE send to your Majesty Anthony Ascham a person of Integrity Learned and Descended of an Ancient Family to Treat of matters very advantageous as we hope as well to the Spanish as the English Nation Wherefore in freindly manner we desire that you would be pleas'd to Grant and Order him a Safe and Honourable Passage to your Royal City and the same in his return from thence readily prepar'd to repay the kindness when occasion offers Or if your Majesty be otherwise inclin'd that it may be signify'd to him with the soonest what your Pleasure is in this particular and that he may be at Liberty to depart without Molestation Feb. 4. 1649. To the Most Serene and Potent Prince Philip the Fourth King of Spain The Parliament of the Common-wealth of England Greeting WHAT is the condition of our Affairs and by what heinous Injuries provok'd and broken at length we began to think of recovering our Liberty by force of Arms what Constituted form of Government we now make use of can neither be conceal'd from your Majesty nor any other Person who has but cast an impartial Eye upon our Writings Publish'd upon these Occasions Neither ought we to think it a difficult thing among fit and proper judges of things to render our Fidelity our Equity and Patience manifest to all men and justly meriting their Approbation as also to defend our Authority Honour and Grandeur against the infamous Tongues of Exiles and Fugitives Now then as to what is more the concern of Foreign Nations after having subdu'd and vanquish'd the Enemies of our Countrey through the Miraculous Assistance of Heaven we openly and cordially profess our selves readily prepar'd to have Peace and Friendship more desirable then all enlargement of Empire with our Neighbour Nations For these reasons we have sent into Spain to your Majesty Antony Ascham of approv'd Dexterity and Probity to treat with your Majesty concerning Friendship and the accustom'd Commerce between both Nations or else if it be your Pleasure to open a way for the Ratifying of new Articles and Alliances Our request therefore is that you will grant him free Liberty of Access to your Majesty and give such Order that care may be taken of his Safety and his Honour while he resides a Publick Minister with your Majesty to the end he may freely propose what he has in charge from us for the Benefit as we hope of both Nations and certifie to us with the soonest what are your Majesty's sentiments concerning these matters Westminster Feb. 4. 1649. To the Most Serene Prince John the Fourth King of Portugal The Parliament of the Commonwealth of England Greeting AFTER we had suffer'd many and those the utmost Mischiefs of a Faithless Peace and intestine War Our being reduc'd to those Exigences that if we had any regard to the safety of the Republick there was a necessity of altering for the chiefest part the form of Government is a thing which we make no question is well known to your Majesty by what we have both publickly Written and declar'd in justification of our Proceedings To which as it is but reason if credit might be rather given then to the most malicious Calumnies of Loose and Wicked men perhaps we should find those persons more amicably inclin'd who now abroad have the worst sentiments of our actions For as to what we justifie our selves to have justly and strenuously perform'd after the Example of our Ancestors in pursuance of our Rights and for recovery of the native Liberty of English-men certainly it is not the work of Human force or wit to eradicate the perverse and obstinate Opinions of People wickedly inclin'd concerning what we have done But after all in reference to what is common to us with all Foreign Nations and more for the general interest on both sides we are willing to let the world know that there is nothing which we more ardently desire then that the Friendship and Commerce which our People have been accustom'd to maintain with all our Neighbours should be enlarg'd and settled in the most ample and solemn manner And whereas our People have always driven a very great Trade and gainful to both Nations in your Kingdom we shall take care as much as in us lies that they may not meet with any Impediment to interrupt their dealings However we foresee that all our Industry will be in vain if as it is reported the Pyrates and Revolters of our Nation shall be suffer'd to have Refuge in your Ports and after they have taken and plunder'd the Laden Vessels of the English shall be permitted to sell their Goods by Publick Outcries at Lisbon To the end therefore that a more speedy remedy may be apply'd to this growing Mischief and that we may be more clearly satisfy'd concerning the Peace which we desire we have sent to Your Majesty the most Noble Charles Vane under the Character of our Agent with Instructions and a Commission a plenary Testimonial of the Trust we have repos'd and the employment we have conferr'd upon him Him therefore we most earnestly desire your Majesty graciously to hear to give him Credit and to take such Order that he may be safe in his Person and his Honour within the bounds of your Dominions These things as they will be most acceptable to us so we promise whenever occasion offers that the same offices of kindness to your Majesty shall be mutually observ'd on
all our parts Westminster Feb. 4. 1649. To the Most Serene Prince John the Fourth King of Portugal The Parliament of the Commonwealth of England Greeting ALmost daily and most grievous complaints are brought before us that certain of our Seamen and Officers who revolted from us the last year and Treacherously and Wickedly carry'd away the Ships with the Command of which they were entrusted and who having made their escape from the Port of Ireland where being blockt up for almost a whole Summer together they very narrowly avoided the punishment due to their Crimes have now betaken themselves to the Coast of Portugal and the mouth of the River Tagus that there they practice furious Pyracy Taking and Plundering all the English Vessels they meet with Sailing to and fro upon the account of Trade and that all the adjoining Seas are become almost impassible by reason of their notorious and infamous Robberies To which increasing Mischief unless a speedy Remedy be apply'd who does not see but that there will be a final end of that vast Trade so gainful to both Nations which our People were wont to drive with the Portugueses Wherefore we again and again request Your Majesty that you will command those Pyrates and Revolters to depart the Territories of Portugal And that if any pretended Embassadors present themselves from ******* that you will not vouchsafe to give them Audience but that you will rather acknowledge us upon whom the Supream Power of England by the Conspicuous Favour and Assistance of the Almighty is devolv'd and that the Ports and Rivers of Portugal may not be barr'd and defended against your Friends and Confederates Fleet no less serviceable to your Emolument then the Trade of the English To Philip the Fourth King of Spain HOW heinously and with what Detestation your Majesty resented the Villanous Murder of our Agent Anthony Ascham and what has hitherto been done in the Prosecution and Punishment of his Assassinates we have been given to understand as well by your Majesty 's own Letters as from your Embassador Don Alphonso de Cardenos Nevertheless so often as we consider the horridness of that bloody Fact which utterly subverts the very Foundations of Correspondence and Commerce and of the Privilege of Embassadors most sacred among all Nations so villanously violated without severity of punishment we cannot but with utmost importunity repeat our most urgent Suit to your Majesty That those Parricides may with all the Speed imaginable be brought to Justice and that you would not suffer their merited Pains to be suspended any longer by any delay or pretence of Religion For tho most certainly we highly value the Friendship of a Potent Prince yet it behoves us to use our utmost endeavours that the Authors of such an enormous Parricide should receive the deserved Reward of their Impiety Indeed we cannot but with a grateful mind acknowledge that Civility of which by your Command our People were not unsensible as also your surpassing Affection for us which lately your Embassador at large unfolded to us Nor will it be displeasing to us to return the same good Offices to your Majesty and the Spanish Nation whenever opportunity offers Nevertheless if Justice be not satisfy'd without delay which we still most earnestly request we see not upon what foundations a sincere and lasting Friendship can subsist For the preservation of which however we shall omit no just and laudable occasion to which purpose we are likewise apt to believe that the presence of your Ambassador does not a little conduce To the Spanish Embassador Most Eccellent Lord THe Council of State so soon as their weighty Affairs would permit 'em having carried into Parlament the four Writings which it pleas'd your Excellency to impart to the Council upon the 19th of December last have receiv'd in Command from the Parlament to return this Answer to the first Head of those Writings touching the villanous Assassinates of their late Agent Anthony Ascham The Parlament have so long time so often and so justly demanded their being brought to deserved Punishment that there needs nothing further to be said on a thing of so great importance wherein as your Excellency well observ'd his Royal Majesty's Authority it self is so deeply concern'd that unless Justice be done upon such notorious Offenders all the foundations of Humane Society all the ways of preserving Friendship among Nations of necessity must be overturn'd and abolish'd Nor can we apprehend by any argument drawn from Religion that the Blood of the Innocent shed by a propensely malicious Murder is not to be aveng'd The Parlament therefore once more most urgently presses and expects from his Royal Majesty according to their first demands That satifaction be given 'em effectually and sincerely in this matter To the Most Serene Prince Leopold Archduke of Austria Governor of the Spanish Low-Countries under King Philip. SO soon as word was brought us not without a most grevious complaint that Jane Puckering an Heiress of an Illustrious and Opulent Family while yet by reason of her Age she was under Guardians not far from the House wherein she then liv'd at Greenwich was violently forc'd from the Hands and Embraces of her Attendants and of a sudden in a Vessel to that purpose ready prepar'd carri'd off into Flanders by the treachery of one Walsh who has endeavour'd all the ways imaginable in contempt of Law both Human and Divine to constrain a Wealthy Virgin to marriage even by terrifying her with Menaces of present Death We deeming it proper to apply some speedy remedy to so enormous and unheard-of a piece of Villany gave order to some Persons to treat with the Governours of Newport and Ostend for the Unfortunate Captive was said to be landed in one of those two places about rescuing the Free-born Lady out of the Hands of the Ravisher Who both out of their singular Humanity and Love of Virtue lent their assisting aid to the young Virgin in servitude and by down-right Robbery rifl'd from her Habitation So that to avoid the violence of her Imperious Masters she was as it were deposited in a Nunnery and committed to the charge of the Governess of the Society Wherefore the same Walsh to get her again into his Clutches has commenc'd a Suit against her in the Ecclesiastical Court of the Bishop of Ypre pretending a Matrimonial Contract between him and her Now in regard that both the Ravisher and the Ravish'd person are Natives of our Countrey as by the Witnesses upon their Oaths abundantly appears as also for that the splendid Inheritance after which most certainly the Criminal chiefly gape lies within our Territories so that we conceive that the whole cognizance and determination of this Cause belongs solely to our selves Therefore let him repair hither he who calls himself the Husband here let him commence his Suit and demand the delivery of the Person whom he claims for his Wife In the mean time this it is that we most
Lord Anthony John Lewis dela Cerda Duke of Medina Celi Governor of Andalusia The Council of State constituted by Authority of Parliament Greeting WE have receiv'd Advice from those most Accomplish'd Persons whom we lately sent with our Fleet into Portugal in pursuit of Traytors and for the recovery of our Vessels that they were most civilly receiv'd by your Excellency as often as they happen'd to touch upon the Coast of Gallaecia which is under your Government and assisted with all things necessary to those that perform long Voyages This Civility of yours as it was always most acceptâ—ble to us so it is now more especially at this time while we are sensible of the ill will of others in some places towards us without any just cause giv'n on our side Therefore we make it our request to your Illustrious Lordship that you will persevere in the same good Will and Affection to us and that you would continue your Favour and Assistance to our People according to your wonted Civility as often as our Ships put in to your Harbours and be assur'd that there is nothing which we desire of your Lordship in the way of Kindness which we shall not be ready to repay both to you and yours whenever the like occasion shall be offer'd us Westminster Nov. 7. 1650. Seal'd with the Seal of the Council J. Bradshaw President To the Illustrious and Magnificent Senate of the City of Dantzick Magnificent and Most Noble Lords our dearest Friends MAny Letters are brought us from our Merchants trading upon the Coast of Borussia wherein they complain of a grievous Tribute impos'd upon 'em in the Grand Council of the Polanders enforcing 'em to pay the Tenth part of all their Goods for the Relief of the King of Scots our Enemy Which in regard it is plainly contrary to the Law of Nations that Guests and Strangers should be dealt withal in such a manner and most unjust that they should be compell'd to pay publick Stipends in a Foreign Common-wealth to him from whom they are by God's Assistance deliver'd at home we make no question but that out of respect to that Liberty which as we understand you your selves enjoy you will not suffer so heavy a Burthen to be laid upon Merchants in your City wherein they have maintain'd a continual Amity and Commerce to the extraordinary Advantage of the place for many years together If therefore you think it convenient to undertake the Protection of our Merchants trading among ye which we assuredly expect as well from your Prudence and Equity as from the Dignity and Grandure of your City We shall take that care that you shall be sensible from time to time of our grateful Acceptance of your Kindness as often as the Dantzichers shall have any dealings within our Territories or their Ships as frequently it happens put into our Ports Westminster Febr. 6. 1650. To the Portugal Agent Most Illustrious Lord WE receiv'd your Letters dated from Hampton the 15th of this Month wherein you signify That you are sent by the King of Portugal to the Parlament of the Commonwealth of England but say not under what Character whether of Embassador or Agent or Envoy which we would willingly understand by your Credential Letters from the King a Copy of which you may send us with all the speed you can We would also further know whether you come with a Plenary Commission to give us satisfaction for the Injuries and to make Reparation for the Damages which your King has done this Republick protecting our Enemy all the last Summer in his Harbours and prohibiting the English Fleet then ready to assail Rebels and Fugitives which our Admiral had pursu'd so far but never restraining the Enemy from falling upon ours If you return us word that you have ample and fuâ—l Commission to give us satisfaction concerning all these matters and send us withal a Copy of your Recommendatory Letters we shall then take care that you may with all speed repair to us upon the Publâ—ck Faith At what time when we have read the King's Letters you shall have liberty freely to declare what further Commands you have brought along with you The Parlament of the Commonwealth of England to the Most Serene Prince D. Ferdinand Grand Duke of Tuscany c. WE have receiv'd your Highness's Letters dated April 22. 1651. and deliver'd to us by your Resident Signor Almerick Salvetti wherein we readily perceive how greatly your Highness favours the English Name and the value you have for this Nation which not only our Merchants that for many years have traded in your Ports but also certain of our young Nobility either Travelling through your Cities or residing there for the improvements of their Studies both testify and confirm Which as they are things most grateful and acceptable to us we also on our parts make this request to your Highness that your Serenity will persevere in your accustom'd good Will and Affection towards our Merchants and other Citizens of our Republick Travelling through the Tuscan Territories On the other side we promise and undertake that as to what concerns the Parlament That nothing shall be wanting which may any way conduce to the Confirmation and Establishment of that Commerce and mutual Friendship that now has been of long continuance between both Nations and which it is our earnest wish and desire should be preserv'd to perpetuity by all Offices of Humanity Civility and mutual Observance Westminster Jan. 20. 1651. Seal'd with the Seal of the Parlament and Subscribed by William Lenthal Speaker of the Parlament of the Common-wealth of England The Parlament of the Commonwealth of England to the Illustrious and Magnificent Senate of the City of Hamborough Most Noble Magnificent and Illustrious our dearest Friends THE Parlament of the Commonwealth of England out of their earnest desire to continue and preserve the Ancient Friendship and mutual Commerce between the English Nation and your City not long since sent thither Richard Bradshaw Esquire with the character of our Resident and among other Instructions tending to the same purpose gave him an express Charge to demand Justice against cert in persons within your Jurisdiction who endeavour'd to Murther the Preacher belonging to the English Society and who likewise laid impious hands upon the Deputy President and some of the principal Merchants of the same Company and hurri'd 'em away aboard a Privateer And although the aforesaid Resident upon his first Reception and Audience made known to your Lordships in a particular manner the Commands which he receiv'd from us upon which it was expected that you would have made those Criminals ere this a severe Example of your Justice yet when we understood our expectations were not answer'd considering with our selves what danger both our People and their Estates were in if sufficient provision were not made for their Security and Protection against the malice of their Enemies we again sent Orders to our afore said Resident to represent
the said John Dickins and those other Merchants to a vast deal of trouble about the said Caveare and solicite the Seizure of their Goods and Estates as Forfeited for Debt All which things and whatever else has hitherto bin done in our foresaid Court is more at large set forth in those Letters of Request aforemention'd which after we had view'd we thought proper to be transmitted to the most Serene Republick of Venice to the end they might be assistant to our Merchants in this Cause Upon the whole therefore it is our earnest Request to your Highness and the Most Illustrious Senate That not only those Letters may obtain their due force and weight but also that the Goods and Estates of the Merchants which the foresaid Piatti and David Rutts have endeavour'd to make lyable to Forfeiture may be discharg'd and that the said Defendants may be referr'd hither to our Court to try what Right they have in their Claim to this Caveare Wherein your Highness and the Most Serene Republick will do as well what is most Just in it self as what is truly becoming the spotless Amity between both Republicks and lastly what will gratefully be recompenc'd by the good Will and kind Offices of this Republick whenever occasion offers White-Hall Feb. 1652. Seal'd with the Seal of the Council and Subscrib'd President of the Councel To the Spanish Embassador Most Excellent Lord THE Council of State according to a Command from the Parlament dated the 2d of March having taken into serious deliberation your Excellencies Paper of the 15th of February deliver'd to the Commissioners of this Council wherein it seem'd good to your Excellency to propose that a Reply might be given to Two certain Heads therein specify'd as previous returns the following Answer to your Excellency The Parlament when they gave an Answer to those things which were Propos'd by your Excellency at your first Audience as also in those Letters which they Wrote to the most Serene King of Spain gave real and ample demonstrations how grateful and how acceptable that Friendship and that mutual Alliance which was offer'd by his Royal Majesty and by your self in his Name would be to 'em and how fully they were resolv'd as far as in them lay to make the same returns of Friendship and Good Offices After that it seem'd good to your Excellency at your first Audience in Council upon the 19th of December Oldstile to propound to this Council as a certain ground or method for an Auspitious commencement of a stricter Amity that some of their body might be nominated who might hear what your Excellency had to propose and who having well weigh'd the benefit that might redound from thence should speedily report the same to the Council To which request of yours that satisfaction might be given the Council appointed certain of their number to attend your Excellency which was done accordingly But instead of those things which were expected to have bin propounded the Conference produc'd no more then the abovemention'd Paper to which the Answer of the Council is this When the Parlament shall have declar'd their minds and your Excellency shall have made the Progress as above expected we shall be ready to confer with your Excellency and to treat of such matters as you shall propose in the Name of the King your Master as well in reference to the Friendship already concluded as the entring into another more strict and binding or as to any thing else which shall be offer'd by our selves in the Name of this Republick And when we descend to particulars we shall return such Answers as are most proper and the nature of the thing propos'd shall require White-Hall March 21. 1652. The Parlament of the Commonwealth of England to the Most Serene Prince Frederick the Third King of Danemark c. Greeting Most Serene and Potent King WE have receiv'd your Majesty's Letters dated from Copenhagen the 21st of December last and deliver'd to the Parlament of the Commonwealth of England by the Noble Henry Willemsem Rosenwyng de Lynsacker and most gladly perus'd 'em with that affection of mind which the matters therein propounded justly merit and request your Majesty to be fully perswaded of this That the same inclinations the same desires of continuing and preserving the ancient Friendship Commerce and Allyance for so many years maintain'd between England and Danemark which are in your Majesty are also in us Not being ignorant that though it has pleas'd Divine Providence beholding this Nation with such a benign and favourable Aspect to change for the better the receiv'd Form of the former Government among us nevertheless that the same Interests on both sides the same common Advantages the same mutual Allyance and Free Traffick which produc'd the former Leagues and Confederacies between both Nations still endure and obtain their former Force and Virtue and oblige both to make it their common study by rendring those Leagues the most beneficial that may be to each other to establish also a nearer and sounder Friendship for the time to come And if your Majesty shall be pleas'd to pursue those Counsels which are manifested in your Royal Letters the Parlament will be ready to embrace the same with all Alacrity and Fidelity and to contribute all those things to the utmost of their Power which they shall think may conduce to that end And they perswade themselves that your Majesty for this reason will take those Counsels in reference to this Republick which may facilitate the good success of those things propounded by your Majesty to our selves so desirous of your Amity In the mean time the Parlament wishes all Happiness and Prosperity to your Majesty and People Westminster April 1652. Under the Seal of the Parlament and Subscrib'd in its Name and by the Authority of it Speaker c. The Parlament of the Commonwealth of England to the most Illustrious and Magnificent the Proconsuls and Senators of the Hanse-Towns Greeting Most Noble Magnificent and Illustrious our dearest Friends THE Parlament of the Commonwealth of England has both receiv'd and perus'd your Letthrs of the 16th of January last deliver'd by your Publick Minister Leo ab Aysema and by their Authority have given him Audience at what time he declar'd the cordial and friendly Inclinations of your Cities toward this Republick and desir'd that the ancient Friendship might still remain on both sides The Parlament therefore for their parts declare and assure your Lordships That they deem nothing more grateful to themselves then that the same Friendship and Allyance which has hitherto bin maintain'd between this Nation and those Cities should be renew'd and firmly ratify'd and that they will be ready upon all occasions fitly offer'd what they promise in words solidly to perform in real deeds and expect that their ancient Friends and Confederates should deal by them with the same Truth and Integrity But as to those things which your Resident has more particularly in Charge in regard
Splendid Embassy sent to us some time since after certain Negotiations begun by the Parlament in whom the Supreme Power was vested at that time as it was always most affectionately wish'd for by us with the assistance of God and that we might not be wanting in the Administration of the Government which we have now taken upon us at length we brought to a happy conclusion and as we hope as a sacred Act have ratifi'd it to perpetuity And therefore we send back to your Majesty your extraordinary Embassador the Lord John Roderigo de Sita Meneses Count of Pennaguiada a person both approv'd by your Majesty's judgment and by us experienc'd to excel in Civility Ingenuity Prudence and Fidelity besides the merited applause which he has justly gain'd by accomplishing the ends of his Embassy which is the Peace which he carries along with him to his Country But as to what we perceive by your Letters dated from Lisbon the second of April that is to say how highly your Majesty esteems our Amity how cordially you favour our Advancement and rejoyce at our having taken the Government of the Republick upon us which you are pleas'd to manifest by singular Testimonies of Kindness and Affection we shall make it our business that all the world may understand by our readiness at all times to serve your Majesty that there could be nothing more acceptable or grateful to us Nor are we less earnest in our Prayers to God for your Majesty's safety the welfare of your Kingdom and the prosperous success of your Affairs Your Majesty's most Affectionate Oliver c. Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. To the High and Mighty States of the United Provinces Most High and Mighty Lords our dearest Friends CERTAIN Merchants our Countrey-men Thomas Bassel Richard Beare and others their Co-Partners have made their complaints before us That a certain Ship of theirs the Edmund and John in her Voyage from the Coast of Brasile to Lisbon was set upon by a Privateer of Flushing call'd the Red-Lyon Commanded by Lambert Bartelson but upon this condition which the Writing Sign'd by Lambert himself testifies That the Ship and whatsoever Goods belong'd to the English should be restor'd at Flushing where when the Vessel arriv'd the Ship indeed with what peculiarly belong'd to the Seamen was restor'd but the English Merchants Goods were detain'd and put forthwith to Sale For the Merchants who had receiv'd the Damage when they had su'd for their Goods in the Court of Flushing after great Expences for Five years together lost their Suit by the pronouncing of a most unjust Sentence against 'em by those Judges of which some being interested in the Privateer were both Judges and Adversaries and no less Criminal altogether So that now they have no other hopes but onely in your Equity and uncorrupted Faith to which at last they fly for Succour and which they believ'd they should find the more inclinable to do 'em Justice if assisted by our Recommendation And men are surely to be pardon'd if afraid of all things in so great a struggle for their Estates they rather call to mind what they have reason to fear from your Authority and high Power then what they have to hope well of their Cause especially before sincere and upright Judges Though for our parts we make no question but that induc'd by your Religion your Justice your Integrity rather then by our Intreaties you will give that Judgment which is Just and Equal and truly becoming your selves God preserve both you and your Republick to his own Glory and the defence and Succour of his Church Westminster April 1. 1656. Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England Scotland and Ireland c. To the most Serene Prince Charles Gustavus King of the Swedes Goths and Vandals Great Prince of Finland Duke of Esthonia Carelia Breme Verden Stettin Pomerania Cassubia and Vandalia Prince of Rugia Lord of Ingria and Wismaria Count Palatine of the Rhine Duke of Bavaria Juliers Cleves and Monts Most Serene Prince PEter Julius Coict having accomplish'd the Affairs of his Embassy with us and so acquitted himself that he is not by us to be dismiss'd without the Ornament of his deserved Praises is now returning to your Majesty For he was most acceptable to us as well and chiefly for your own sake which ought with us to be of high consideration as for his own deserts in the diligent acquittal of his Trust The Recommendation therefore which we receiv'd from you in his behalf we freely testifie to have bin made good by him and deservedly given by your self as he on the other side is able with the same Fidelity and Integrity to relate and most truly to declare our singular Affection and Observance toward your Majesty It remains for us to beseech the most Merciful and All-powerful God to Bless your Majesty with all Felicity and a perpetual course of Victory over all the Enemies of his Church Westminster Apirl 17. 1656. Your Majesty's most Affectionate Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. To the most Serene and Potent Prince Lewis King of France Most Serene Prince JOhn Dethic Mayor of the City of London for this Year and William Wakefield Merchant have made their Addresses to us by way of Petition complaining That about the middle of October 1649. they freighted a certain Ship call'd the Jonas of London Jonas Lightfoot Master with Goods that were to be sent to Ostend which Vessel was taken in the mouth of the River Thames by one White of Barking a Pyrate Robbing upon the Seas by Vertue of a Commission from the Son of King Charles deceas'd and carri'd to Dnnkirk then under the Jurisdiction of the French Now in regard that by your Majesty's Edict in the year 1647. renew'd in 1649. and by some other Decrees in favour of the Parlament of England as they find it recorded it was Enacted That no Vessel or Goods taken from the English in the time of that War should be carri'd into any of your Majesty's Ports to be there put to Sale they presently sent their Factor Hugh Morel to Dunkirk to demand Restitution of the said Ship and Goods from M. Lestrade then Governor of the Town more especially finding them in the Place for the most part untouch'd and neither Exchang'd or Sold. To which the Governor made Answer That the King had bestow'd that Government upon him of his free Gift for Service done the King in his Wars and therefore he would take care to make the best of the Reward of his Labour So that having little to hope from an Answer so unkind and unjust after a great Expence of Time and Money the Factor return'd home So that all the remaining hopes which the Petitioners have seem wholly to depend upon your Majesty's Justice and Clemency to which they thought
Punishment of a Spy By these two remarkable passages we may clearly discover the Industry and good Intelligence of those Times Here is a Catalogue added of every Book of his that was ever publish'd which to my knowledge is full and compleat TO Oliver Cromwell CRomwell our Chief of Men that through a Croud Not of War only but distractions rude Guided by Faith and Matchless Fortitude To Peace and Truth thy Glorious way hast Plough'd And Fought God's Battels and his Work pursu'd While Darwent Streams with Blood of Scots imbru'd And Dunbarfield resound thy Praises loud And Worcester's Laureat Wreath yet much remains To Conquer still Peace hath her Victories No less than those of War new Foes arise Threatning to bind our Souls in secular Chains Help us to save Free Conscience from the paw Of Hireling Wolves whose Gospel is their Maw To my Lord FAIRFAX FAirfax whose Name in Arms through Europe rings And fills all Mouths with Envy or with Praise And all her Jealous Monarchs with Amaze And Rumours loud which daunt remotest Kings Thy firm unshaken Valour ever brings Victory home while new Rebellions raise Their Hydra-heads and the false North displays Her broken League to Imp her Serpent Wings O yet a Nobler task awaits thy Hand For what can War but Acts of War still breed Till injur'd Truth from Violence be freed And publick Faith be rescu'd from the Brand Of publick Fraud in vain doth Valour bleed While Avarice and Rapine shares the Land To Sir HENRY VANE VANE Young in years but in Sage Councels old Then whom a better Senator ne're held The Helm of Rome when Gowns not Arms repell'd The fierce Epirote and the African bold Whether to settle Peace or to unfold The Drift of hollow States hard to be Spell'd Then to advise how War may best be upheld Mann'd by her Two main Nerves Iron and Gold In all her Equipage Besides to know Both Spiritual and Civil what each means What serves each thou hast learn'd which few have done The bounds of either Sword to thee we owe Therefore on thy Right hand Religion leans And reckons thee in chief her Eldest Son To Mr. CYRIAC SKINNER Upon his Blindness CYRIAC this Three years day these Eyes though clear To outward view of blemish or of Spot Bereft of Sight their Seeing have forgot Nor to their idle Orbs doth day appear Or Sun or Moon or Star throughout the Year Or Man or Woman yet I argue not Against Heaven's Hand or Will nor bate one jot Of Heart or Hope but still bear up and steer Right onward What supports me dost thou ask The Conscience Friend to have lost them over ply'd In Liberties Defence my noble task Of which all Europe rings from side to side This thought might lead me through this World 's vain mask Content though blind had I no other Guide A CATALOGUE OF Mr. John Milton's Works 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 In Answer to a Book Entituled 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The Portraiture of his Sacred Majesty in his Solitudes and Sufferings The Tenure of Kings and Magistrates proving That it is Lawful and hath been held so through all Ages for any who have the Power to call to Account a Tyrant or Wicked King and after due Conviction to Depose and put him to Death if the ordinary Magistrate have neglected or denied to do it and that they who of late so much blame Deposing are the men that did it themselves 4to Observations upon the Articles of Peace with the Irish Rebels on the Letter of Ormond to Collonel Jones and the Representation of the Presbytery of Belfast 4to The ready and easie way to establish a Free Commonwealth and the Excellency thereof compared with the Inconveniencies and Dangers of Readmitting Kingship in this Nation 4to Areopagitica A Speech of John Milton for the Liberty of Unlicensed Printing to the Parliament of England 4to Brief Notes upon a Sermon Entitled The Fear of God and the King Preach'd and since Publish'd by Matthew Griffeth D. D. and Chaplain to the late King wherein many notorious Wrestings of Scripture and other Falsities are observed By J. M. 4to Of Reformation touching Church-Discipline in England and the Causes that hitherto have hindred it Two Books written to a Friend 4to Of Prelatical Episcopacy and whether it may be deduc'd from the Apostolical times by vertue of those Testimonies which are alledged to that purpose in some late Treatises one whereof goes under the Name of James Archbishop of Armagb 4to Animadversions upon the Remonstrants defence against Smectymnuus 4to An Apology for Smectymnuus with the Reason of Church-Government 4to The Reason of Church-Government urged against Prelacy In Two Books 4to Of True Religion Heresie Schism Toleration and what best means may be used against the growth of Popery 4to The Doctrine and Discipline of Divorce restored to the Good of both Sexes from the Bondage of Canon Law and other mistakes to the true meaning of Scripture in the Law and Gospel compared Wherein also are set down the bad consequences of Abolishing or Condemning of Sin that which the Law of God allows and Christ abolisht not Now the second time Revised and much Augmented in Two Books To the Parliament of England with the Assembly In 4to Colasterion A Reply to a nameless Answer against the Doctrine and Discipline of Divorce Wherein the Trivial Author of that Answer is discovered the Licenser conferr'd with and the Opinion which they traduce defended 4to Tetrachordon Expositions upon the Four chief Places in Scripture which Treat of Marriage or Nullities in Marriage on Genesis 1 27 28. Compar'd and Explain'd by Genesis 2. 18 23 24. Deut. 24. 1 2. Matt. 5. 31 32. with Matt. 19. from the 3d. to the 11. verse 1 Cor. 7. from the 10th to the 16th Wherein the Doctrine and Discipline of Divorce as was lately Published is confirmed by Explanation of Scripture by Testimony of Ancient Fathers of Civil Laws in the Primitive Church of Famousest Reformed Divines And lastly by an intended act of the Parliament and Church of England in the last year of Edward the Sixth 4to The Judgment of Martin Bucer concerning Divorce written to Edward the Sixth in his second Book of the Kingdom of Christ and now Englished wherein a late Book restoring the Doctrine and Discipline of Divorce is here Confirmed and Justified by the Authority of Martin Bucer To the Parliament of England 4to The History of Brittain that part especially now called England From the first Traditional Beginning continued to the Norman Conquest Collected out of the Ancientest and best Authors thereof in 4to Paradice lost A Poem in Twelve Books in 4to Paradice regain'd a Poem in four Books to which is added Samson Agonistes Octav. Poems upon several Occasions both English and Latin c. Composed at several times A brief History of Muscovia and of other less known Countries lying Eastward of Prussia as far as Cathay gathered from the writings of
c. To the most Serene and Potent Prince Lewis King of France Most Serene and Potent Prince our most August Confederate and Friend BY so speedily repaying our profound Respect to your Majesty with an Accumulation of Honour by such an Illustrious Embassy to our Court you have not onely made known to us but to all the People of England your singular Benignity and Generosity of Mind but also how much you favour our Reputation and Dignity For which we return our most cordial Thanks to your Majesty as justly you have merited from us As for the Victory which God has given most fortunate to our United Forces against our Enemies we rejoyce with your Majesty for it and that our People in that Battel were not wanting to your Assistance nor the Military Glory of their Ancestors nor their own Pristin Fortitude is most grateful to us As for Dunkirk which as your Majesty Wrote you were in hopes was near Surrender 't is a great addition to our joy to hear from your Majesty such speedy Tidings that it is absolutely now in your Victorious hands and we hope moreover that the loss of one City will not suffice to repay the twofold Treachery of the Spaniard but that your Majesty will in a short time Write us the welcome News of the Surrender also of the other Town As to your Promise That you will take care of our Interests we mistrust it not in the least upon the Word of a most Excellent King and our most assured Friend confirm'd withal by your Embassador the most accomplish'd Duke of Crequi Lastly we beseech Almighty God to prosper your Majesty and the Affairs of France both in Peace and War Westminster June 1658. Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. To the most Eminent Lord Cardinal Mazarin Most Eminent Lord WHile we are returning Thanks to the most Serene King who to Honour and Congratulate us as also to intermix his Joy with ours for the late glorious Victory has sent a splendid Embassy to our Court we should be ungrateful should we not also by our Letters pay our due acknowledgments to your Eminency who to testifie your Good-will toward us and how much you make it your study to do us all the Honour which lyes within your power have sent your Nephew to us a most Excellent and most Accomplish'd young Gentleman and if you had any nearer Relation or any Person whom you valu'd more would have sent him more especially to us as you declare in your Letters adding wlthal the Reason which coming from so great a Personage we deem no small advantage to our Praise and Ornament that is to say to the end that they who are most nearly Related to your Eminency in Blood might learn to imitate your Eminency in shewing Respect and Honour to our Person And we would have it not to be their meanest strife to follow your Example of Civility Candour and Friendship to us since there are not more conspicuous Examples of extraordinary Prudence and Vertue to be imitated then in your Eminency from whence they may learn with equal Renown to Govern Kingdoms and manage the most important Affairs of the World Which that your Eminency may long and happily Administer to the Prosperity of the whole Realm of France to the common Good of the whole Christian Republick and your own Glory we shall never be wanting in our Prayers to implore From our Court at White-Hall June 1658. Your Excellency's most Affectionate Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. To the most Serene and Potent Prince Charles Gustavus King of the Swedes Goths and Vandals c. Most Serene and Potent Prince our dearest Confiderate and Friend AS often as we behold the busy Counsels and various Artifices of the common Enemies of Religion so often do we revolve in our Minds how necessary it would be and how much for the safely of the Christian world that the Protestant Princes and most especially your Majesty should be united with our Republick in a most first and solemn Confederacy Which how ardently and zealously it has bin sought by our selves how acceptable it would have bin to us if ours and the Affairs of Swedeland had bin in that posture and condition if the said League could have bin sacredly concluded to the good liking of both and that the one could have bin a seasonable Succour to the other we declar'd to your Embassadors when first they enter'd into Treaty with us upon this Subject Nor were they wanting in their duty but the same Prudence which they were wont to shew in other things the same Wisdom and Sedulity they made known in this Affair But such was the Perfidiousness of our wicked and restless Countrey-men at home who being often receiv'd into our Protection ceas'd not however to machinate new disturbances and to resume their formerly often frustrated and dissipated Conspiracies with our Enemies the Spaniards that being altogether taken up with the preservation of our selves from surrounding dangets we could not bend our whole care and our entire Forces as we wish'd we could have done to defend the common Cause of Religion Nevertheless what lay in our power we have already zealously perform'd and whatever for the future may conduce to your Majesty's Interests we shall not onely shew our selves willing but industrious to carry on in union with your Majesty upon all occasions In the mean time we most gladly Congratulate your Majesty's Victories most Prudently and Couragiously atchiev'd and in our daily Prayers implore Almighty God long to continue to your Majesty a steady course of Conquest and Felicity to the Glory of his Name From our Court at White-Hall June 1658. Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. To the most Serene Prince the King of Portugal Most Serene King our Friend and Confederate JOhn Buffield of London Merchant has set forth in a Petition to us That in the year 1649. he deliver'd certain Goods to Anthony John and Manuel Ferdinando Castaneo Merchants in Tamira to the end that after they had sold 'em they might give him a just account according to the Custome of Merchants after which in his Voyage for England he fell into the hands of Pyrates and being Plunder'd by 'em receiv'd no small Damage Upon this News Antony and Manuel believing he had bin Kill'd presently look'd upon the Goods as their own and still detain 'em in their hands refusing to come to any Account covering this Fraud of theirs with a Sequestration of Englisb Goods that soon after ensu'd So that he was forc'd the last year in the middle of Winter to return to Portugal and demand his Goods but all in vain For that the said John and Anthony could by no fair means be perswaded either to deliver the said Goods or to come to any Account and which is more to be admir'd justifi'd their private detention of the Goods by the Publick Attainder Finding therefore that being a
stranger he should get nothing by contending with the Inhabitants of Tamira in their own Countrey he betook himself for Justice to your Majesty humbly demanded the judgment of the Conservator appointed to determine the Causes of the English but was sent back to the Cognizance of that Court from which he had appeal'd Which though in it self not unjust yet seeing it is evident that the Merchants of Tamira make an ill use of your Publick Edict to justify their own private Couzenage we make it our earnest request to your Majesty that according to your wonted Clemency you would rather refer to the Conservator being the proper Judge in these Cases the Cause of this poor Man Afflicted by many Casualties and reduc'd to utmost Poverty to the end he may recover the Remainder of his Fortunes from the Faithless Partnership of those People Which when you rightly understand the business we make no question but will be no less pleasing to your Majesty to see done then to our selves From our Court at Westminster August 1658. To the most Serene Prince Leopold Arch-Duke of Austria Governour of the Low-Countries under Philip K. of Spain Most Serene Lord CHarles Harbord Knight has set forth in his Petition to Us that having sent certain Goods and Houshold-Stuff out of Holland to Bruges under your Jurisdiction he is in great danger of having them arrested out of his hands by Force and Violence For that those Goods were sent him out of England in the Year 1643. by the Earl of Suffolk for whom he stood bound in a Great Sum of Money to the end he might have wherewithal to satisfy himself should he be compell'd to pay the Debt Which Goods are now in the Possession of Richard Greenville Knight who broke open the doors of the place where they were in Custody and made a Violent seizure of the same under pretence of we know not what due to him from Theophilus Earl of Suffolk by Vertue of a certain Decree of our Court of Chancery to which those Goods as being the Earls were justly liable whereas by our Laws neither the Earl now living whose Goods they are is bound by that Decree neither ought the Goods to be seiz'd or detain'd which the Sentence of that Court now sent to your Serenity together with these Letters positively declares and proves Which Letters the said Charles Harbord has desir'd of us to the end we would make it our Request to your Highness that the said Goods may be forthwith discharg'd from the violent seizure and no less unjust action of the said Richard Greenville in regard it is apparently against the Custom and Law of Nations that any Person should be allow'd the liberties to sue in a Foreign Jurisdiction upon a plaint wherein he can have no relief in the Country where the Cause of Action first arose Therefore the Reason of Justice it self and your far Celebrated Enquanimity encourag'd us to recommend this Cause to your Highness Assuring your Highness that whenever any dispute shall happen in our Courts concerning the Rights and Properties of your People you shall ever find us ready and quick in our Returns of Favour Westminster Your Highnesse's most Affectionate Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. LETTERS Written in the Name of RICHARD Protector Richard Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. To the most Serene and Potent Prince Lewis King of France Most Serene and Potent King our Friend and Confederate SO soon as our most Serene Father Oliver Protector of the Commonwealth of England by the Will of God so ordaining departed this Life upon the Third of September we being Lawfully declar'd his Successor in the Supream Magistracy tho in the Extremity of Tears and sadness could do no less then with the first Opportunity by these our Letters make known a Matter of this Concernment to your Majesty by whom as you have bin a most Cordial Friend to our Father and this Republick we are Confident the Mournful and unexpected Tydings will be as sorrowfully received Our business now is to request your Majesty that you would have such an Opinion of us as of one who has determin'd nothing more Religiously and constantly then to observe the Friendship and Confedracy contracted between your Majesty and our Renowned Father and with the same Zeal and Good-will to confirm and Establish the Leagues by him Concluded and to carry on the same Counsels and Interests with your Majesty To which intent it is our pleasure that our Embassadour Residing at your Court be empower'd by the same Commission as formerly and that you will give the same Credit to what he transacts in our Name as if it had bin done by our selves In the mean time we wish your Majesty all Prosperity From our Court at White-Hall Septemb. 5. 1658. To the most Eminent Lord Cardinal Mazarine THO nothing could fall out more bitter and grievous to us then to write the Mournful News of our most Serene and most Renowned Father's Death nevertheless in regard we cannot be ignorant of the high Esteem which he had for your Eminency and the great Value which you had for him nor have any reason to doubt but that your Eminency upon whose care the Prosperity of France depends will no less bewail the loss of your constant Friend and most United Confederate we thought it of great moment by these our Letters to make known this Accident so deeply to be lamented as well to your Eminency as to the King and to assure your Eminency which is but reason that we shall most Religiously observe all those things which our Father of most Serene Memory was bound by the League to fee confirm'd and ratify'd and shall make it our business that in the midst of your mourning for a Friend so Faithful and Flourishing in all Vertuous Applause there may be nothing wanting to preserve the Faith of our Confederacy For the Conservation of which on your part also to the good of both Nations may God Almighty long preserve your Eminency Westminster Sept. 1658. Richard Protector of the Commonwealth of England c. To the most Serene and Potent Prince Charles Gustavus King of the Swedes Goths and Vandalls c. Most Serene and Potent King our Friend and Confederate WHen we consider with our selves that it will be a difficult matter for us to be Imitators of our Fathers Vertues unless we should observe and endeavour to hold the same Confederacies which he by his prowess acquir'd and out of his singular judgment thought most worthy to be embrac'd and observ'd your Majesty has no reason to doubt but that it behoves us to pay the same tribute of Affection and Good-will which our Father of most Serene Memory always paid to your Majesty Therefore altho in this beginning of our Government and Dignity I may not find our Affairs in that Condition as at present to answer to some particulars which your Embassadours have propos'd yet it is