or exercised any Trade or Comerce with any of the Kingdomes Dominions or Jurisdictions belonging in the Crown of Denmarke and Norway should be liable to the Payment of no excess of Castome Taxe Toll Tribute or any other Imposition what ever for the future beyond what the Dutch and all other forreign Nations exerciseing Trade shall or ought to pay and to enjoy with freedome the same full Liberty Priviledges and Imunities in their comeing in stay as well as departure as also their Fishing-Trade and all other circumstances what ever equall and in proportion with any other strangers inhabiting the aforesaid Kingdomes or Empire of the said King of Denmark and Norway which Priviledges the said King of Denmark's and Norway's Subjects shall likewise enjoy throughout all the Provinces and Jurisdictions belonging to the Republick of England The Council of State to the most Illustrious Prince FERDINANDO the II Great Duke of Toskany Greeting Most Illustrious Prince and dearest Friend CHarles Longland Atturney for the English Factory at Livorne as also Your High Resident here haveing comunicated unto us with what affection and sincerity our Merchant-men were protected by Your Highnesse upon their repair to Livorne to escape the designe of Dutch Rovers who breathed nothing but ruine and destruction against them the Council of State 's Letters dated the 31. of July last and come to hand ere this we hope have signified unto Your Highness how grateful so seasonable a piece of kindness as that happened to be was to them where by the same conveyance they transmitted unto Your Highnesse other Papers containing an account of the ground of the controversy now depending between the Parliament of England the States of Holland And upon such advise transmitted from the said Charles Longland of your Highness's further care bestow'd upon the English by warning the Dutch to supersede notwithstanding their industrious sollicitation to the Countrey the said Council has taken the Liberty of signifying unto Your Highness by this conveyance that as your Justice and singular constancy in defending their Ships calls for the height of their esteeme so it likewise doth their gâ—…atitude Which as it is no slight indication of your sound friendship and affection to this Republick so Your Highness may rest Confident that upon any occasion opportunely represented our Returns shall lead your desires that in a method becoming the respect and affection we ow you and yours and that in such a degree as may declare how much we make it our endeavour to render the Alliance between this Government and Your Highnesses both constant and permanent We have in the mean time Issued our strict command to such of our Ships as may happen to call at your ports that they faile not saluteing you with a just Number of Canons and paying you all other imaginable due respect Dated at Whitehal September 2625. Subscribed by the Praesident of the Council whoseseale he fixed thereto TO ALPHONSO DE CARDENAS the Spanish Embassador Most Excellent Sir YOUR Excellencies Letter dated the 5. or 15. November 1652 together with two Petitions inclosed concerning the Ship comonly knowne by the Name of the Samson and Salvador were by Your Secretary upon the 8. Ditto delivered unto and read in Council who appointed the following Answer to both That the said Shipp fell in the English-man's ways super altum mare not in the Downes as Your Excellency seems to have understood it where having sett upon seized her as a Vessell belonging to the Enemy brought her home proceeded against her as a lawful prize in the Admiralty Court to which alone the cognisance of such cases is solely belonging and where the pretences of all parties are audibly and freely debated and lawfully determined We have moreover transmitted Your Excellencies Demand to the â—…udges of the laid Court with directions requireing our being informed concerning what proceedings were made towards the condemnation of thâ—… said Shipp Which when we have satisfaction given us in such further care shall be taken therein as is consistent with Iustice and becomeing the friendship subsisting between this Republick and Your King relying upon a suitable confidence that his Royal Majesty will not suffer himselfe to be made a Cloack of to protect the goods of our Enemies or see us otherwise baâ—…led under the pretence of their owning themselves his Subjects Subscribed by William Lenthal President of the Council whose Seale he caused to be affixed thereto Dated at Whitehal November 11 1652. To the Spanish Embassadour Most Noble Sir BAldid a Comander of one of the Men of War belonging to this Commonwealth having lately advised the Council that being necessitated to put in at a place comonly called by the name of Longone to repair some damages susteind in a Battle of two dayes constant continuance fought in the streights of Gibralter against eleaven Dutch Men of War haveing but three besides himselfe and furnish himselfe and Company with such further supplyes as he wanted for fight the Gouernour of that place acquitted himselfe like a very just and civil Person towards both him and the rest of his Ships And whereas the said place lies within the King of Spain's Dominions the Councill reckons the singular humanity of that Civility effectually demonstrated to be the true plentiâ—…ul Result of the strict alliance so fortunately establish't and so judge it an act becoming them to thanke His Majesty for so seasonable a piece of service and desire Your Excellency to be pleased to signify the same without losse of time to His most Serene Majesty and to assure him of a suitable Returne of friendship and kindnesse upon any occasion that may offer Dated at Westminster November the11 Anno Domini 1652. Signed and sealed by William Masham Praesident of the Council To the most Serene Prince FERDINAND the II. Duke of Great Toscany the Representaâ—…ives of the Commonwealth of England greeting Most Serene Prince and dearest Friend THe Representatives of the Commonwealth of England have received Your Highnesse's Letter dated the 3. of August from Florence touching the Restitution of a Vessell loaded with Rice challeng'd by a Master belonging to Livorns called Cardio and albeit Sentence is already awarded in our Cour of Admiralty against the said Cardio concerning that affair and that the appeal then hung before the Delegate yet upon Your Highnesses interposition the Parliament to shew their opinion of the amity and friendship of so great a Prince comanded those that were intrusted with the management of that affair that that Vessel witâ—… her loadeing of Rice or an equivalent value at least should be restored to the said Captain Cardeo whose Correspondent has since received the effect of the said Comand accordingly And as Your Highnesses Protection to the English Merchants and principally in the Port of Livorne has very much obliged the Parliament of which Your Resident as well as Charles Longland Sollicitor for the English Factorâ—… at Livorne have given us an account
Prince haveing engaged for 't whose extraordinary vertue has not onely won an everlasting inheritance in the affection of stangers abroad but has been soe povverfull as to have invited 〈◊〉 most August Queen daughter of Gustaves whose mâ—…tch in all manner of good qualitys many past ages coud not produce to make a resignation of the Government to you without either your knowledge or seeking Be pleased therefore to be confident that your so singular affection unto us and so clear a signification of your mind are circumstâ—…nces of utmost acceptance unto us and that nothing shall promote more our delight then to oblige your kindnesse with our endeavours never to be wanting as farr as they can be made serviceable Westminster 4. July 1654. Your Majestyes most affectionally OLIVER Protector of England Scotland Ireland c. To the most 〈◊〉 Ludovico Mendesio de Haro WHat you write me Illustrious Sir of the most Serene King of Spains haveing appointed and nominated a person to come hitheir under the character of his Eâ—…bassadour to congratulate with me my undertaking in the 〈◊〉 of England as it is a thing in it selfe justly gratefull sovour 〈◊〉 study and quicknesse of care has renderd it so much the more so who to heighten the obligation have been pleased to be the first admenisher your selfe For to have the love and affection of one who by his prudence and vertue 〈◊〉 gaind so much Authority with his owne prince as to influence like your selfe matters of the greatest moment in that Kingdome ought to be no less pleasure to me then â—…nunderstand the good opinion of a most Excellent person to be an ornament to me But as to any disposition of mind to wards the most Serene King of Spaine in referrence as well to the Support of an alliance with that King as readynesse to improve it dayly more and more I hope I have satisfied the Embassadour here in that point and may do it plentifully to him that is to succede him I wish that the figure Moreover and favour under which you now move most Illustrious Sir may be dureable and that what ever you manage or administer for the good of the publick may end in aprosperous and happy 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 am most Illustrious Sir Your Excellencies most affectionatly OLIVER Protector of the Republick of England Scotland 〈◊〉 c. Whitehall September 1654. To the most Serene Prince CAROLUS GUSTAVUS ADOLPHUS King of Sweedland Goths and Vandales c. AS Your Majesties last Letter answered by me with a suitable Reply represented Your Majesties singular love to me so the consideration of our Friendships seemed to establish such an obligation upon me for the future that as I communicate occurrences answering our mutual desires so to observe unto you as a'most dear friend my sense and griefe in instances of contrary effects I am truly of opinion that the figure I make in this Republick implyes a duty of studying all â—… can the comon Repose of the protestants in particular Which heightens our concernednesse so much the more when we hear of the battails and mutuall slaughters acted by those of Bremen and Sweedland upon each other I am in the first place sorry to see both our friends ingaged in such bloody differences so much to the hazard of the Intrest of the protestant Religion Next that peace of 52. which was believed to be a main Bulwarke to all reformed Churches should prove the cause of such an uhappy 〈◊〉 that the Armes of Sweedland are now employed to destroy those who for Religion sake they woud so lately engage in the vigarous defence of and that now at a time when the Episcopacy is reported to persecute the 〈◊〉 all Germany over revive former violences and oppressions upon them Being therefore informed that the 〈◊〉 of Bremen hâ—…d few days Cessation of armes 〈◊〉 it I cou'd not truly decline the signifing unto your Majesty by this opportunity how heartily I coud wish and how earnestly I woud pray the God of peace that that Truce may end in a happy reconcliation of both Partys and that things be drawen to a peaceable composure equally conduceing to the advantage of both To the promotion of which if your Majesty can judge my endeavour capable of contributing ougâ—…t I do promise and freely tender the same as in apoint of utmost acceptance without doubt to God Almighty And do in the mean time from my hart wish that God Almighty may direct and steer all Your Majesty Councills to the publick advantage of Christendom a prayer which I doubt not but may 〈◊〉 with your owne inclination too Whitehall October 26 16545. Your Majestys most affectionately OLIVER Protector of the Repnblick of England To the most Magnificent and Noble Magistrates and Senators of Bremen I do with so much the more 〈◊〉 and griefe of mind see by the account brought me by Henry Oldenburgh your Envoy the difference arisen between your Corporation and your most potent neighbour and the extremity which you are thence reduced unto by how much I love and respect the Citty of Bremen for her affection to the Orthodox Religion beyond others nor do I entertaine any thing more in my wishes then that the universall name of the Protestants may at length be cemented into a brotherly Union and Concord That the comon Enemy of the Reformation does in the mean space rejoyce at these our contentions promote thâ—…m the more violently abroad is a thing most certaine But the controversy it selfe as it is not the matter now to be debated I pray God that the progress therefore already made towards a peace may determine happily I have according to you desires writ to the King of Sweedland touching this matter sollicitting him to peace and Concord as a thing of utmost acceptance to God and acted freely and as Iough in a thing of thâ—…r piety and ofter it as my opinion that it is not 〈◊〉 viseable for you to stand off bat bear an affectionat inclination to any conditions of peace that are truly honourable Comending you and your Citty in the mean time to Gods Tuition an Providence Whitehall October 26. 1654. Your highnesses most aff ection ally O Protector c OLIVER Protector of the Republick of England to themost 〈◊〉 Prince Tarentine YOur affection to Religion made apparent in Your Letters to me together with Your extraordinary piety and singular love to the reformed Church's more especially the nobility and generosity of the manner wherein and that in a Government wherein so many of the Nobility dissenting from theProtestant Faith receive such plentiful encouragements of preferment wâ—…ile on the other hand such as adhere thereto are for that very reason exposed to proportionable inconveniencies are instances that have filled me with very much content and pleasure Nor has it proved lesso delightful to me to have pleased You by being of that Religion which is the inducement which principally ought to endear and render you a Subject fit for my
this very worke will make a thro conquest over the harts of all the Protestants inhabiting your owne Dominions who in times of difficulty have been already found of unexceptable affection and loyalty towards you as well as shevv your Neighbours that Royall Councill has no vvay abetted to this Mischiefe whatever Royall Ministers and Magistrates might presume to have done Especially if your Majesty exacts due punishment to be examplified upon those Captains and Officers who pursuant to their owne Wills and Pleasures have dared to be the Actors of such inhumane villanys In the mean time when your Majesty will thinke fit to shew your aversnes to the detestation this deserves I do not doubt but that your Kingdome may by your allowance become a reception and secure refuge to those miserable and distressed People when their address shall seeme to call for 't nor that you will suffer that any of your Subjects give the Duke of Savoy any assistance to their prejudice What we have to add is to assure your Majesty how much I esteeme your friendship To the improvement of which I assert to be wanting neither in faith nor â—…ndeavour I am your Majesty's most affectionatly OLIVER Protector of the Republick of England Whitehall July 29. 16â—…5 To his Excellency Cardiual Mazarine Most eminent Lord Cardinall Upon my resolveing to send the bearer with Letters whereof the inclosed is a Copie to the King I did then direct him to accost your Eminency in my Name and committed some things to his Trust to be comunicated to you in particular Wherein I desire your Excellency to give him full Credit as being a person in whom I have reposed very great confidence Whitehall July 29. 1655. Your Eminency's most affectionatly OLIVER Protector of the Republick of England c. OLIVER Protector c to the most Serene Prince Frederick the 3. King of Denmarke Norway c greeting YOur Majesty has erè this we judge and that as much to your griefe as becomes a champion and a Protestant Prince had an account of the unmercifull proclamation lately published by Imanuel Duke of Savoy for the overthrow of his own Subjects inhabiting about the Alpes inocent People and men of note and Renowne and that for the sincerity of their Zeale to the true Protestant Religion for many yeares past haveing driven them out of their native Land out of detestation to their Faith and after butchering many exposâ—…d the rest needy naked and loâ—…ded with all other miserys unto all the mischiefs and hardships which those desered mountains usually administer If the principles of Christianity layes an obligation upon us in generall to resent or Sympathize the sufferings of any particular scanâ—…leing thereof we do not if well acquainted with your piety prudence know of any that can clearlyer foresee what danger the example and consequence of this Fact bespeakes us all as well as the protestant Intrest then your selfe Wee have therefore exercised all freedome in our letters to let you know that however you resent this calamity of our most inocent brethren what opinion or judgment we expect you may entertaine of it the same shoud be a paterne for our imitation And for that reason have writ to the Duke of Savoy where we earnestly prayed that he wou'd treat the poore and meeke more spareingly and prevent the said bloody proclamation's being of any further Force Which if your Majesty and the rest of the Protestant Princes have imitated or otherwiâ—…e perform'd as we believe you have it is to be hoped that the most Serene Duk 's fury may be allayed and this his Rage appeased at the intercession and Instance of so many Neighbouring Princes at least But if he will rather choose to continue his resolution we declare our readynesse to joine with your Majesty the rest of our Confederats concern'd for the â—…ntrest of the Protestant Religion in such a resolution as may provide for their speedy Reliefe srom their distresse and do what we can for their sasety and Liberty Our prayers in the mean time bespeake your Majesty all health and happynesse Westminster May 1655. OLIVER Protector c. To the most Noble Magistrates and Senators of Geneva OUr Letters lately send you to shoud have intimated the very great griefe conveyed unto us from the vast and unheard of calamitys to which the Duke of Savoy has exposed the Protestants inhabiting in and about the Vallyes of Piedmont did we not then make it more our businesse to let you know that we were not onely concern'd at such their miserys as it was our care to provide all we could for their reliefe and comfort Wherefore we have caused a Collection to be levyed over all this Republick which we justly expect may prove such as may expresse the passionat affection which this Land bear to their Brethren ' in time of such most inhumane persecution And as we are One in point of Religion so we ought to admit of a fellowfeeling of their Calamityes In the meane time while the Collection is a raising which will take up time And considering that their want and helplessnes canot admit of any delay we have judged it necessary to transmit with all imaginable speed to be before hand distributed among 'em who shall appear most to need present help comfort the present sum of 2000. li But in as much as wee know how much the miserys and Injurys done Inocencyl affect you and that you will looke upon nothing either painfull or troublesome that may tend to their help and assistance we have ventured the transmitting the said sume to you to be distributed among these calamitous people and give you the trouble of considering in your piety and prudence of the justest method pursuant to vvhich that money may be soonest disposed of among the needyest of those people And albeit the sume is truly small Yet some vvhat it may be at least tovvards their present Ease and refreshment till vve grovv able to enlarge our charity by sending them a greater sume And as vve doubt not of your accepting of this employment in good part so vve pray the Omnipotent Great God to furnish his ovvne Protestant people vvith the courage of desending each other in common and of being a mutuall assistance to each other against the barbarity of their enemy vvherein vve shoud be gladd that our endeavour might be of any use to the service of the Church Adieu Fifteen hundred pounds of the said sume of two thousand remitted by Gerard Hensh to Paris the other five hundred shall be taken care of by Master Stoupely in bills of exchange OLIVER Protector of England c. To the most Serene Prince Duke of Venice Most Serene Prince As we have been always found manifest 〈◊〉 of your Outdoing your Enemys in Instances 〈◊〉 to the promotion of the Christain Interest more particularly so now more especially at the tydeing of the late Sea-battle which we no way repine at the success of
by planting them in so remote and inhumane a place the escape of any who might by a declaration of the fact hurht him For he did owne that he had no directions to meddle either with the English or others which he might have troubled before and with all that he was not ignorant of the English and French's being at Peace at that vety time But designing to revictual at Portugal but was prevented therein by contrary Winds was necessitated to supply his Wants with what he found in that Ship That he moreover believed he might content the Owners thereof in what damage they didthem Which by sworne Testimony will appear to amount to above sixteen thousand Pounds damage to the Merchants But yet if People will upon such slender temptations venture upon the rash violation and turn into scorne as it were the Decrees of Princes whose force ought to be of utmost weight so as to exercise 〈◊〉 licentiousnesse upon Merchants to serve their own Ends it truly acts towards a totall dissolution of the Ty of alliances for the future the word and authority of Princes will decline and signify just nothing We do therefore not onely pray but â—…udge it very much concerning Your Majesty's Intrest that those who have dared to make so slight a matter of being the first Breakers of their King's Contract and most sacred Word have speedy punishments executed upon them suitable to the nature of their perfidiousnesse and insolency and that the Owners of the said Ships do in the mean time make our Merchants full satisfaction for the damage and prejudice which this act has injuriously exposed 'em unto Gods care be Your Majesties continual Guard and become the defence of the affaires of France against both our comon Enemy From our Court at Westminster August An. Dom. 1656. Yâ—…ur Majesty's most affectionally OLIVER Protector of England c. OLIVER Protector of the Republ. of England c To Cardinal Mazarine Most Eminent Sir WHen the imporatance of any affair gives me a necessary Invitation of writeing to the King I do judge the same expediently to include an occasion of doing the like to your Excellency for to conceale from his knowledge whose singular prudence alone moderates with suitable fidelity advice and vigilancy the weightyest affaires of France what I write about is apoint I reckon ' of utmost Inconsistency That Treaty most strictly establisht by you whose sinceriry were a sin to dispute we complain of the violation and contempt of and that thro the Meanes of a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 called Egidius who with his Abettors broake the same the very sameday almost of its confirmation as our Letters to the King and the applications from the Merchants themselves can make appear to your Excellency who must in particular know how much it concernes not onely the Magistrates but his Majestys owne Intrest to see the originall Infringers of this Contract brought to Justice But these perhaps upon their arrivall in the Indies whether they went may looke upon the Goods of our Subject seised upon upon the heeles if so fresh an alliance contrary to all Justice and truth as Prised Goods lawfully forc't from the Enemy That that we woud have your Excellency in the mean time do amounts to no more then that 〈◊〉 Owners of the said shipps woud make good the promise of this Comander in chiefe in returning to our people that that may be equivalent to what he has taken from 'em to supply the necestary occasiâ—…ns oâ—… his voyage wherein we understand Your Excellency to be able to do much by vertue of Your Authority From our Court at Westminster August A. D. 1656. Your Eminency's most affectionatly OLIVER Protector of the Republick of England c OLIVER Protector of the Republ. of England c. To the High and mighty States of the united Provinces High and mighty Friends and dearest Confederates WEE doe not truly doubt but that all persons will say that nothing has been more the designe of our making Friends abroad then in order to the raising of them as such for the Intrest of the Protestant Religion nor that has appear'd more the subject of our aim then the uniteing of their hearts who either were Friends and champions for the Protestants or who were not their Enemys at least Which raises our griefe and trouble of mind so much the higher when we heare of their suspecting and entertaining of suspitions and animositys against each other who as Protestant Princes and Republicks ought to Cherish one another in all imaginable Sincerity especially You and the Kingdome of Sweedland two of the principallest Defenders of the Protestant Religion and the best Friends this Republick hath not to have that confidence in each other whick you were wont to have yea to â—…et appear signes either of a growing difference or an evident decay of your Friendship What the causes were or how farr this alienation of mind has extended of either hand are things which we profess our ignorance of We coud not neverthelesse but be much troubled at these thô never so inconsiderable sparcks of disagreements between Brethren which must necessarily convey a deal of inconveniency to the repose of the Protestant Religion's Intrest and whichif sufferd to goe on which God Farbidd how will it endanger the Reform'd Churches how will the Enemy swell and tryumph thereat the spaniards more especially is a thing that canot escape the prudent Ey of one of your experience The Spaniard will certainly so swell and swagger hereat as not to faile of rendering it the business of his Embsssadour with you to obtrude his advices and that more Confidently upon you to be guided by and with the apprehension of raiseing new warr partly and by the prospect of a false advantage partly tempt to sollicit you to forsake at his Instance your old and faithfull Friends the French English and Sweedes and engage in a very strict fellowshipp with one formerly your Enemy and Tyrant thô now a seeming Friend and which is much to be feared a a conterfeited One. Truly he who from a most canker'd Enemy shall upon so slight an occasion presse of a sudden to become your Councellour what is it that such a Man will not assume unto himselfe what confidence will he raise to if he can but once see with his Eys such things as are now onely the bâ—…re conceptions and imaginations of his heart namely to plant discord and civill Warr amongst the Protestant Confederates Wee know that you often pursuant to your wisedome take the State of all Europe and the condition of the Protestant Religion more especially into your consideration that such of the Cantons of Switzerland as profess the Orthodox faith are amused â—…nd grow pregnant with the apprehension of new troubles from their neighbours the Papists wâ—…le yet scare cowld from the heat of that Wart levyed upon them by the Spaniard upon the bare score of their Religion who haveing inflamed and kindled that warr supplyed their
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
been found very easy and expedient and of a considerable advantage to your Highnesses and the other Provinces yet no part of the said settlement has been made good to this day altho sought with much sollicicitation So that he the said van den Brooke and la Maire being tired out with delays that affair lawfully descended to the said William Cooper our subject who out of a desire of receiveing the effects of his Father in Laws Industry applyed unto us by petition praying that we woud recomend this his Request to the consideration of your Mighty Highnesses which we thought unsit to deâ—…y ' him in Wherefore make it our friendly request to Your Mighty Highnesses that you would please to give a fair hearing to the petition of the said William Cooper and take care that the stipulated Reward of Industry and so just a stipend and for so many yeares past with a yearly 〈◊〉 fot the time to come be paid him Which as we doubt not of your Mighty Highnesses free allowance of as a just thing and worthy Your Bounty so we shall be on ouâ—… part ready to shew the like just disposition to your People in their Requests as often as we are in that nature applyed unto From our Court at Westminster September Anno Dom. 1656. I am your mighty Highnesses most affectionally OLIVER Protector of England c. OLIVER Protector of the Republ. of England c. To the most Serene Prince Lewis King of France Most serene King Friend and dearest Confederate IT is with violence to our inclination that so many complaints of ours against the injustice of your Subjects should happen to pursue the peace reestablish't vvith Your Majesty But as vve are confident that our sufferings are no vvay the effects of your consent so vve cannot be vvanting to the Complaints of our People It is evident that the Capture of the Ship Anthony of Deepe vvas lavvful prize if the Sentence of our Admiralty Court be consulted vvith vvhich says that her seisure happen'd before the Treaty vvas concluded Part of vvhich Prize to the number of about four thousand Hides more or lesse Robert Browne Merchant of London bought of those vvho had the overseeing of the publick sale Upon his sending selling â—…d calling for the price of about tvvo hundred of vvhich Hides from a certain Skinner at Deepe he complaines that the same vvas stopt and arrested in his Correspondents hands a quarrel fastend upon him so that he cannot attain to Justice in that Court Wherefore vve have thought fit to desire Your Majesty to cause the vvhole matter to be brought before your Council and that mony disengaged from that most uâ—…just restraint For if vvhat vvere comitted before the conclusion of the Peace shall be liable to be called into question and Judgment after its confirmation We do not see vvhat a Treaty can signify For there can be no end of quarrels of this kind if some severe punishment be not timely avvarded these frequent Peace-Breakers vvhich vve hope Your Majesty vvill take speedy care to see done Whom God honour vvith his most holy Defâ—…nce â—…om our Pâ—…llace at Westminster September 1656. Your Majesty's most affectionatly OLIVER Protector of England c. OLIVER Protector of the Republ. of England c. To the most Serene and Potent Prince John King of Portugall Most Serene King THe peace between this Republick and the Kingdome of Portugall being now transacted and all due provision and 〈◊〉 â—…ken of Trade Wee have thought it a thing 〈◊〉 and necessary to dispatch the bearer Thomas Maynard to your Majesty to act in your Kingdome as Consul to hear and determine matters of debate usually ariseing amongst Merchanâ—… But in regard it often fâ—…lls out that the nature of his employ may necessâ—…rily require 〈◊〉 to your Majesty relateing as well to the Intrest of this Nation as Trade in generall Wee desire your Majesty that as often as he has occasion of being hâ—…ar'd you will please to allow him the liberty of approaching to and being heard by your Majâ—…sty which shall pass with us for an evident argument and singular Testimony of your esteeme of us That the omnipotent great God may in the mean time prosper all your Majestys undertakeings From our Court at Westminster October 1656. Your Majestie 's most affectionately OLIVER Protector of England c. To the King of Svveedland Most Serene aâ—…d Potent King ALbeit your Majesties wonted and naturall disposition to men of merit is such as to reckon all additionall comendations unecessary yet we coud not dismiss this worthy Gentleman Sir William Vavasor Knight a person of note in warlike discipline and now upon his Journey towards you with out accompaining him with the trouble of a letter to your Majesty Our freedome in the doing of which was prompted so much the morâ—… when we were tould that much of his time blood has been spent in the pursuit of your service and in many battells fought on your behalfe So that the late Kings of Sweedland have in consideration of his warlike skill and true courage often exerted in warr settled Landsand annuall Pensions upon him Nor do we doubt but that he may be of future great use to your Majesty in the present Warrs as being faithfull and of knowne skill in Martiall discipline It is therefore but what he merits if we recomend him to your Majesty that the allowances granted him by them formerly be paid This we will take very kindly nor shall we upon any the like occasion that may offer grudge to gratify your Mâ—…jesty whom we wish all hapyâ—… and prosperity unto From our Court at Westminster Octob. An. Dom. 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 Portugall S. D. Most Serene King Friend and dearest Confederate Thomas Evans Skipper and one of the Subjects of this Lâ—…d complains that haveing served the Brasile Company Annis 1649. and 1650 in a small vessell of his of about forty Tuns and whereof he was himselfe Master the said vessell with all her Freight and apparell was taken from him pursuant to a comand of your Majestys So that the damages done the man besides the loss of six yeares profit amounts according to the Report of the Commissioner appointed by the League to decide differrences on both sides to above seaven thousand pounds sterling or twice that number of Milreis of Portugall Which proveing such a great affliction to the a foresaid Thomas so as to be constrain'd to repair to Lisbon to recover his Right according to Tearms of the Treaty humbly prayed us that we vvoud graâ—…t him our Letters to your Majesty Wee altho we did the last year writ on behalfe of those merchants cause in Comon to whom the Brasile Company is indebted yet that we may be wanting to none justly requireing our help pray that the consideration of our friendship
of ship goods and adventure to call him to Justice at Livornâ—… haveing previous thereto published according to the custome of Merchants in like cases and recorded the Cheat. But that he to back one fraud by another seized by a feign'd attach'ment upon six thousand Pieces of eight of one Mr Thomas Câ—…atterbuck money in the name of the Petitioner having to promote the design drawen in two other litigious fellowes That he after the expence of much money and time 〈◊〉 not attain to justice at Livorne nor indeed dared to appear at that Court for 〈◊〉 of the threatenings and snares â—…aid for him by his adversaryes Wee therefore pray Your Highness to be pleased to lend your help to this Petitioner thus oppressed and according to your wonted custome checque the artifice of his adverâ—…aries For it totally defeates the dâ—…signe of such Lawes as the authority of Princes confines Corporations unto if what violence and injury for want of the force of a Law canot doe terror and Threatenings must supply the place of to keepe the Lawes from being appealed unto Yet we do not doubt but that Your Highnesse whom the Almighty and most High God blesse with Peace Prosperity will order timely reproof to be awarded these methods of presumption Dated at Westminster 7. April Anno Dom. 1658. To the most Serene and potent Prince Levis King of France Most Serene and potent King Friend and aâ—…gust Confederate YOur Majesty may call to mind that when we treated about renewâ—…ning of the league the fortunately laid fundation of which has proved the spring whence arose so many advantages to both Parties concern d as well as expose the comon enemy to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that miserable Massacre befell at Piedmont whose cause 〈◊〉 and afflicted on all hands we did with great 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 of mind recomend to your pity and Reliefe Nor do we thinke that Your Majesty has as far as concernes your own particular been wanting to a worke of that piety yea so human as not to have employed the extent of what you ought to have of favour or intrest with the Duke of Savoy Our interposition by Embassyes Letters and Prayers has in imitation of other many Princes and Corporations not been wanting After the execution of a most bloody Massacre upon both Sexes of all ages a peace is at length given or rather a secret kind of hostility wrapt up and laid under the vizard of a seeming peace The Conditions of this peace are brought to your Towne of 〈◊〉 yea those hard Ones but such as those wretched and needy people tired out with all imaginable hardship and cruelty wou'd gladly have condescended unto as hard and unjust as they were provided they were stood unto 〈◊〉 the Faith of every single one of 'em is eluded and violated under false constructions quibleing equivocations many being thrown out of their 〈◊〉 habitations prohibited the exercise of the Religion of their Forefathers new Taxes exacted new yokes clapt to their Necks to that degree that such as happen to fall in the way of the Soldiers who often â—…ally out upon 'em are either robb'd or murther'd To which add the new Levyes lately and secretly raised against 'em and such of 'em as are Roman Catholicques comanded to stepp out of the way within a certain time limitted so that all things seem now a fresh to threaten the Ruine and Destruction of those few which the last Massacre left undispacht Which I beseech and pray thaâ—… by that Right hand of Yours most Christian King which has confirmed the League and Alliance with us by the most holy reputation of that most Christian Title you will not suffer to be carryed on nor give countenanceto I do not mean any Prince for no Prince much lesse one of his tender yeares and motherly Spirit can entertain so much Tyrany but those most sanctified Murtherers to the promotions of so much liâ—…entious Tyrany The persons concern'd 〈◊〉 they pretend to act as servants and Pursuers of the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 our saviour Christ who came into the mansion of flesh to becom a sacrifice for the sins of mankind a buseing his most meeke name and Lawes in the cruel murther of the 〈◊〉 Releive you that can and who in such a case are worthy of the power so many humble petitioners of yours out of the 〈◊〉 of Men Buâ—…chers who lately drunk with Blood woud 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 thirst with the same liquor and who judge it very aduiseable to charge the effect of their cruelty to the account of Princes But do not you 〈◊〉 your Titles or the hem's of your Kingdome nor the most 〈◊〉 Gospell of Christ to be while you reigne 〈◊〉 with that envy or cruelty Remember that these very People in the time of Your 〈◊〉 King Heâ—…ry a great Friend of the Protestaâ—…ts 〈◊〉 a submissive People and Promoters of the entrance of Digvierius when he thro the most accessible places oâ—… Italy victoriously invaded the yeeldieg People of Savoy over the Alpes The instrument containing that submission remains yet extant among the Recordâ—… of Your Kingdome wherein it is among other things excepted and provided for that the Protestants about the 〈◊〉 shou'd not â—…e yeelded to Any except it were under the Teaâ—…mes which Your most invincible Father received em upon into his allegeance This they now lay claime to they humbly require a Grandfather from You his Nephew They woud wish that if by any exchange it might be done they might be come yours rather then remain his whose Subjectâ—… they now are Which if it canot be you may lawfully become a harbour at least comfort refuge unto ' em There are some Intreagues of State which may render it adviseable for you not to reject the revolt of the Protestants of Piedmont to you But I woud not considering the greatness of such a King as you are propose any other inducement to invite you to the defense of the Calamitous different from the engagements of your Predecesser's piety Royall benignity Greatnesse of Spirit So that the praise and Glory of a most noble deed will be uncomunicably and intirely your ovvn and you your selfe find that the father of Mercy and his son Christ King whose name and doctrine you will thereby vindicate from all wicked cruelty will so much the more favour and prosper the remaining part of all your life time The Omnipotent most Great God inspire Your Majesty with this inclination for the service of his owne Glory the salvation of so many most inocent Christians now at stake and your own reputation Dated at Westminster May 1658. To the Evangelicall Cantons of Switzerland WEe have judge it an unnecessary worke to write you about matters which you your selves knowing better byfarr then we we abhor in our Soules to remember that out of detestation to the barbarity of the things themselves imposed upon your most afflicted Neighbours the Protestants of Savoy and the intollerable persecutions which their own Prince
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