Chapter VI: Part 6

_Wh._ Your Majesty will find more contentment and comfort in the study of this book than of all other books whatsoever, and therefore I do humbly recommend the often reading of it to your Majesty.

_Qu._ I doubt you have an ill opinion of me that you so earnestly persuade me to this, as if you thought me too backward in it.

_Wh._ I only give my humble advice to your Majesty, out of my own experience, of the great comfort, wisdom, and true pleasure which is to be met with in this book, and nowhere else, and that all things out of it are of no value.

_Qu._ I am full of the same opinion; but there are too many who have not so venerable an opinion of it as they ought to have.

_Wh._ There are indeed, Madam, too many who mock at this book, and at God himself, whose book it is; but these poor worms will one day know that God will not be mocked, and that they and their reproaches will sadly perish together; and I am glad to hear your Majesty's distaste of such wicked ones.

_Qu._ Surely every good Christian ought to distaste such men and such opinions.

They had much more discourse upon the same subject, wherein Whitelocke spake the more, because he found the Queen more inclined to it now than he had perceived her to be at other times.

Being come from the Queen, he spake with Grave Eric in another room, whose opinion was that it would be fit to sign the articles on the morrow, and said that his father would be returned time enough to do it. Whitelocke doubted that, by reason of his weariness after his journey, it might not be then convenient. Eric replied, that there would be nothing to be done that would occasion trouble, the signing and putting the seals to the articles already prepared and agreed on was all that was to be done. Whitelocke demanded if the power given by the Queen to her Commissioners were sealed. Eric said it was not, but that Canterstein would be in town this evening, and would see all done.

_April 26, 1654._

[SN: Whitelocke complains of further delays.]

Grave Eric came to Whitelocke's house, and this discourse passed between them:--

_Whitelocke._ It seems to me somewhat strange that after all things agreed between her Majesty's Commissioners and me, I should yet attend three weeks to obtain one half-hour for the signing of the articles.

_Grave Eric._ The Queen's going out of town hath occasioned it, and the great business touching her resignation, which hath so taken up all men's thoughts and counsels, that there hath been hardly room left for any other matter; and when the Queen goes away, those of the Council also take the liberty to go into the country; and upon such extraordinary changes as these are, it is no strange thing for public ministers to be retarded; and the same thing hath been practised upon your changes in England.

_Wh._ I have not observed, either in England or elsewhere, that after an agreement upon a treaty, and nothing remaining but to sign and seal, that they have used afterwards to delay it three weeks together; yet I am willing to promise myself that the servant of the Protector may expect from this Crown as much respect as any other public minister.

_Gr. Eric._ There hath been more respect showed to you than hath been accustomed to any other. I believe your business may be despatched in half an hour; and if my father return this evening time enough to do it, it may be done this night; if not, then without fail tomorrow morning.

_Wh._ I am the more earnest herein, looking upon it as my duty to the Protector and my respect to this Crown, to avoid any occasion of discontent between the two nations; and therefore I shall freely tell you that it will be very material to have the articles signed this day or tomorrow, before I receive this week's letters, by which I expect to understand that the articles between England and Holland are signed; among which articles one is, that neither the one nor the other confederate shall make any alliance with any other prince or state, without first giving notice thereof to the other confederate. Now if the articles between the Protector and the Queen be signed before I have notice of this by the Dutch articles being signed, the signing of our articles here first will be without exception in this point; but if I receive this information from England before the articles be signed here, it will be doubtful whether then I shall be in a capacity afterwards to sign the articles here, whereupon sundry inconveniences will ensue, which I would willingly prevent.

_Gr. Eric._ This is indeed a material point, and I am much startled at it. I shall go and see if my father be come to town, that I may acquaint him with it, and doubtless the business may be finished tomorrow.

_Wh._ What do you resolve to do in the matter I proposed touching Guinea?

_Gr. Eric._ The person concerned in that business is now in town; I shall bring him to you to give you information therein, and upon speaking together we may come to some conclusion in it. I think the best way will be to prepare an article to this purpose, that all injuries done by the one or the other party in the several plantations in Guinea, and the satisfaction and damages to be given to the parties grieved, be upon the whole matter remitted to the consideration and arbitrement of persons to be chosen, as well by the company of English merchants trading to those parts as of the merchants of this country having interest in the plantations there.

_Wh._ I think this may be a good expedient for this business; and I shall rather submit to it than depart from hence, without any agreement at all, to have this matter, either now or at some other time, to be taken into consideration; and therefore if you please to direct an article to be drawn up to the effect proposed by yourself, and to send it to me to be perused, I shall be willing to consent to any reasonable settlement of this business; so as my countrymen, the English merchants interested in that plantation, may have no cause to believe that I have neglected what was specially recommended to me on their behalf, and that my superiors may see my care in this as well as in other matters.

In the evening Monsieur Bloome sent word to Whitelocke that the Chancellor was come to town, and that Canterstein was expected this night.

Presently Whitelocke sent to the Chancellor to know how he did after his journey, and when he might have the liberty to visit him. The Chancellor answered that he was well, and purposed this evening or tomorrow morning to go to the Queen, and afterwards he would send to Whitelocke to let him know what time they might meet to finish his business. This seemed to Whitelocke a little different from the ordinary rules of civility--that when he sent to the Chancellor to know at what time he might come to him, the Chancellor answered that his purpose was to go to the Queen; but Whitelocke hoped that the intent was to receive her Majesty's direction in his business.

_April 27, 1654._

[SN: Signing the articles again deferred till the morrow.]

Lagerfeldt came to Whitelocke from the Chancellor to tell him that the Chancellor was come to town purposely for the signing of the articles. Whitelocke said he was much obliged to the Chancellor for so great a favour, and that, after three weeks elapsed since the articles were agreed, he might now hope it would be thought seasonable to confirm that agreement with hand and seal. Lagerfeldt answered that it might be done this day, and therefore he came to Whitelocke that his secretary might meet with the Queen's secretary, and they together might examine the books, which in the evening may be signed and sealed by both parties.

_Whitelocke._ Hath Monsieur Canterstein procured the Queen's patent to authorize her Commissioners to conclude this treaty?

_Lagerfeldt._ It must be done before the signing of the articles, and then you may have your audience when your Excellence pleaseth.

_Wh._ It were fit to have that done.

_Lag._ I know not whether the presents which her Majesty intends to make to your Excellence and your company be yet ready; and I know the Queen intends to express as much honour to you as she hath done to any ambassador whatsoever.

_Wh._ I desire no greater honour than the despatch of my business, and liberty to return home.

_Lag._ I shall serve your Excellence therein to the utmost of my power.

In the afternoon Whitelocke sent his son James and his secretary Earle, and Swift, with the articles and papers touching his business, unto Canterstein, where they examined them and corrected what was mistaken. They asked at what hour Whitelocke might repair to the Chancellor for signing the articles. Canterstein answered, that the Chancellor was weary with his journey; but he went to him and brought word that, if Whitelocke would come to the Chancellor about five or six o'clock this evening, he would be ready to confer with him. This being reported to Whitelocke by his son, he sent him back to Canterstein to know whether the Queen had sealed the grant of power to her Commissioners, who brought word that it was not done, and that the Queen went out of town this evening, and returned not till tomorrow.

After this message, and when Whitelocke saw that his letters of this week were not come, he sent to the Chancellor to let him know that he feared it might be troublesome to him for Whitelocke to come to him this evening, and that, if he pleased, Whitelocke would come to him the next morning. To which the Chancellor willingly agreed, and appointed their meeting tomorrow, betwixt eight and nine o'clock in the morning. The Chancellor inquired whether Whitelocke had yet received his letters from England. The servant of Whitelocke said that the letters were not yet come, but that by the last week's letters the news came that the peace between England and Holland was certainly concluded; to which the Chancellor said, I desire to be excused.

By these passages Whitelocke perceived that their little design was, notwithstanding all he had endeavoured, that before they would sign the articles they desired to see this week's letters; which he took as directed by the good hand of Providence, in regard that by this means he should be the more excused in what he intended to do, having staid for this week's letters and received none, and the politicians here would be deceived in their expectation. He wondered at the Queen's going out of town before she sealed the commission to her deputies: some thought the reason to be, because her intended presents were not yet ready.

Whitelocke received a letter from the Protector's Resident at Hamburg, wherein this was part:--

"_For his Excellence my Lord Ambassador Whitelocke, Extraordinary
Ambassador from England with the Queen of Sweden. Humbly these._

"The English letters are not yet come, but from Holland they write
that two expresses were come on the 21st instant, with letters
assuring that the peace was concluded and mutually signed, and that,
as soon as the ratification could arrive in England from the States
General, hostility should cease.

"I am, my Lord,
"With tender of my humble service,
"Your Excellence's most humble servant,
"RI. BRADSHAWE.
"_Hamburg, 15th April, 1654._"

Whitelocke made use of this intelligence as far as it would go; and some others in this town had the same news from Holland.

_April 28, 1654._

[SN: The signing of the treaty.]

At the time appointed Whitelocke and his company came to the Chancellor's lodging, with whom was his son Grave Eric and Secretary Canterstein. Whitelocke's son James and his secretary Earle were admitted into the room. All the time of their being there Secretary Canterstein was uncovered and did not sit. Whitelocke's son James was also bare, as became him, but was admitted to sit down at the lower end of the table, on the same side with his father, who sat at the upper end, and the Chancellor over-against him, and Grave Eric by his father.

The Chancellor acquainted Whitelocke that the Queen had shown the articles to the Prince, who did well approve of them, and desired to have a strict league and friendship with the Protector, and that the Prince was ready in what should appertain to him to contribute to that end. Whitelocke answered that the Protector would esteem the friendship of the Prince a great honour to him; and to show his desire of it, that Whitelocke intended to salute the Prince from the Protector. The Chancellor and his son said that it would be very necessary for Whitelocke to do so, and that the Prince intended to come nearer to this city, and then Whitelocke might have the better passage to his Court by water by the lake Meter, than to go to him by a land-journey; and that from the Prince he might, by the same lake, be transported to Stockholm.

After many ceremonies and compliments, with apologies for the delay of the sealing of the articles, they fell to their business. Grave Eric read the articles prepared by Whitelocke, and his father overlooked them; Whitelocke's son James read the articles prepared by the Chancellor, and Whitelocke overlooked them; and some mistakes being amended, Whitelocke asked whether the Queen's commission to give them power were sealed. They answered, it was prepared, and that the Queen would seal it, and it was usual to be done at any time after the sealing of the articles; that yesterday it was not fully ready for the Queen before her going out of town, but that she intended to be here again this day, and all would be ready for her sealing.

The Chancellor directed Canterstein to read the copy of the instrument for giving power to the Queen's Commissioners, and desired Whitelocke to give to him the commission of the Protector to Whitelocke, who said that he had formerly delivered to them a copy of it, which was then read; and the Chancellor took exception to it, because there was no mention in it of ratifying what should be here agreed upon by Whitelocke; who answered that this clause of ratification was in his first commission under the Great Seal of England, unto which the commission and powers given him since by the Protector do refer; and he offered to deliver into their hands that commission under the Great Seal. And if they should require that Whitelocke might yet have a larger power, whereof he thought there was no need, (they might perceive by the Protector's letters that he would not scruple to give it,) Whitelocke said that he would take it upon him, at his return to England, to procure it to be done; but he said he could not leave with them the Protector's letters and instructions to him, because part of them was secret.

The Chancellor said it was the custom to deliver the original letters of power into the hands of the other party, that they might be registered in the public acts of the Chancery, and that Whitelocke should receive their commissions to carry with him into England; that if he would pass his word that, at his return to England, he would procure new and larger powers, and take care to send the letters of them hither from the Protector, they should be satisfied therewith: which Whitelocke promised to do, and desired that the Queen would ratify all that should be done here before her resignation, and keep the ratification by her until the Protector should seal letters of ratification on his part, and then they might be exchanged and mutually delivered. The Chancellor consented hereunto, and asked what seal the Protector used in these public businesses. Whitelocke said he used his own seal. The Chancellor asked if he did not use the seal of the Commonwealth, in regard that this league was between the Queen and kingdom of Sweden and the Protector and Commonwealth of England. Whitelocke said that the Protector might, if he pleased, command the seal of the Commonwealth to be affixed to the letters of ratification, which he believed would be done if they desired it; and that, by the same reason, it was fit that the letters of ratification here should be under the Great Seal of Sweden.

The Chancellor said that in Sweden, when the Government was in the hands of Commissioners, the King or Queen not being crowned, it was usual for some chief men, of alliance to the deceased King, to make use of his private seal, and of no other; that if this treaty were with the Poles or Danes, or others, that being wanting in their letters which was in Whitelocke's, he would not proceed any further with them until they should procure a fuller power and commission; and he said he had been present at many treaties which had been broken off upon a less defect than appeared in Whitelocke's letters. But in regard their business was with the Protector, whom the Queen and himself did so much honour and had so great a confidence in him, and upon Whitelocke's promise to procure such a power as they desired to be enlarged to him from the Protector, the Chancellor said they were ready to confirm the articles with their seals. Whitelocke took upon him what they desired, and then the Chancellor and his son Eric sealed that part of the articles which Whitelocke had prepared, and Whitelocke sealed the other part of the articles which had been prepared by the Chancellor and his son Grave Eric.[168]

The Queen's Commissioners insisted to have the date of these articles 11th of April, because then they were fully agreed, and the time after was for engrossing and preparing them to be signed and sealed; and Whitelocke did not oppose their desire herein.

Thus, after a long and intricate (it might be said vexatious) transaction of this great affair for near five months together, all bitter oppositions, cunning practices, and perplexed difficulties being removed and overcome, through the goodness and assistance of the only wise Counsellor, the Prince of Peace, it pleased Him to give a good issue and happy success in the conducting of this treaty by him who accounts his great labour and hazards in this transaction well bestowed, and humbly prays that this treaty may prove to the honour of God, the interest of the Protestant cause, and the good of both nations therein concerned.

_April 29, 1654._

[SN: Whitelocke's passport through Flanders.]

Though Whitelocke received no letters this week from England, yet he had some from Hamburg and from Flanders, among which was one from Don Piementelle full of civility and compliment, giving Whitelocke notice of his safe arrival in Flanders, and advising him to take that way in his return; and in it was a letter in Spanish from Piementelle to the Prince of Mamines in Flanders, to be made use of by Whitelocke if he should have occasion there, for the more safety and accommodation of his journey. This letter Whitelocke caused to be translated:--

"Most excellent Sir,

"My Lord Whitelocke, the Lord Ambassador Extraordinary of England,
having finished his embassy in this Court, is resolved to return
through this province, having passed from Hamburg to Cologne, and
that he may go to Brussels with better security, he desires a
passport from your Highness to the Lord Archduke. I, having written
that it may be despatched, and added that it may be remitted to your
Excellence, do entreat you to order that the said despatch may be
delivered to the party whom the said Lord Ambassador shall send from
Cologne for it; and that, he passing through this town, his
Lordship, by his civil entertainment, may understand the favour your
Excellence doth afford me, I owing to this honourable person many
and singular respects, which I desire to manifest and acknowledge. I
am confident your Excellence will assist me herein, and will be
disposed to employ me in many services of yours in Madrid, whither I
am commanded to go, by order from my Lord the King, and shall begin
my journey within three or four days, by way of Brussels, where I
hope to find your Excellence's commands, which I assure you I shall
esteem in all places and obey with the highest punctuality. God
preserve your Excellence the many years of my desires.

"Your Excellence's greatest servant,
"ANT^O PIMENTEL."

In the letter which Whitelocke wrote to Thurloe, after an account of the passages since his last, he wrote thus:--

[SN: Report of the signing of the treaty to Thurloe.]

"Having received no letters by the post yesterday from England, I
was contented to seal the articles of our treaty; for if but a few
days should be intermitted, they could not have been signed at all,
because upon Tuesday next the Ricksdag, or Parliament here, is
appointed to meet, and within two or three days after their meeting
the Queen intends to resign her Government, and it will be some time
after before the Prince be crowned. I shall have much to do to
despatch the necessary ceremonies here of my public audience, to
take my leave of the Queen, with the many visits I am to perform,
according to the custom to which I am to conform, in regard of the
honour of his Highness and our nation; for he who neglects these
ceremonies here is censured for a mechanic or a boor. I intend from
hence to go to the Prince of Sweden, to salute him from my Lord
Protector, as I am advised that the Prince expects and desires it.
From thence I purpose to go to Stockholm, where I am to take ship
for Lübeck; and from thence to Hamburg, where I shall attend his
Highness's further commands, or some ships to be sent for my
transport into England, which I earnestly entreat you to procure in
time.

"I hope, before my going from hence, to receive his Highness's
order, which I long since wrote for, concerning my return; but
however, my business being effected here, I presume I may, without
displeasure to his Highness, be upon my return homewards; the
rather, because upon the change which is shortly to be here my
commission will be at an end.

"The Queen intends, shortly after her resignation, to go to the Spa,
which I have cause to believe. In those parts they say the King of
the Romans will wait upon her, but that I doubt.

"Her Majesty hath showed extraordinary affection and respect to my
Lord Protector; so hath the Chancellor and his son Grave Eric, and
my Lord Lagerfeldt, etc."

[SN: Whitelocke's interview with the Queen after the signing of the treaty.]

Whitelocke waited on the Queen, and gave her an account of the signing and sealing of his articles; whereupon she said:--

_Queen._ I am glad that this business is done to your satisfaction.

_Whitelocke._ There remains only your Majesty's sealing your letters of full power to your Commissioners who treated with me.

_Qu._ I sealed them this morning.

_Wh._ Then my humble suit is, that your Majesty would appoint a day for my audience to take my leave.

_Qu._ This is Saturday, but if you desire it you may have it on Friday next.

_Wh._ Would your Majesty's leisure permit to give me audience on Tuesday or Wednesday next, they being no holidays?

_Qu._ The Assembly is to sit on Tuesday, and at their first meeting I shall have a great deal of business with them, which will hinder me from any other affairs.

_Wh._ I humbly pray your Majesty to appoint it as soon as your own leisure will permit, for I shall have many businesses and ceremonies after it to perform, before my going away.

_Qu._ On Monday next I will appoint a day; and touching the secret article, about which I formerly discoursed with you, I have now altered my opinion, and am resolved to follow the advice that you and Mr. Woolfeldt have given me. I will write a letter under my own hand to the Protector to the effect you advised, and deliver it to you to be presented to him.

_Wh._ This will be much the better way.

_Qu._ I desire you to be careful of the letter; and before I seal it I will show it to you for your advice in it.

_Wh._ Madam, I shall have a special care of it, and to procure an answer of it from the Protector, I hope, to your Majesty's contentment, that you may make use of it if there shall be occasion; and I believe the Protector will be a firm friend to your Majesty.

_Qu._ I doubt it not, nor your respects to me.

_Wh._ I am engaged by your many favours to serve your Majesty with all faithfulness.

_Qu._ I had some clothes in a ship coming hither, and the ship is taken, and my clothes detained in England, so that I cannot get them to wear.

_Wh._ If your Majesty want clothes, I have a piece of English stuff at my house, which cost two shillings a yard; and, if that were not too dear for your Majesty's wearing, I would send it to you.

_Qu._ Two shillings a yard is dear enough for me: I pray send your stuff hither, and I shall willingly accept of it, and thank you for it.

_Wh._ Will your Majesty be pleased on Monday next to go into England?

_Qu._ Hardly so soon; yet perhaps I may one day see England. But what is your meaning in this?

_Wh._ Madam, Monday next is the first day of May, a great day in England; we call it May-day, when the gentlemen use to wait upon their mistresses abroad to bid the Spring welcome, and to have some collation or entertainment for them. Now your Majesty being my mistress, if you will do me the honour, that, after the custom of England, I may wait on you on May-day, and have a little treatment for you after the manner of England; this I call going into England, and shall take it as a very great favour from your Majesty.

_Qu._ If this be your meaning of going into England, I shall be very willing, as your mistress, to go with you on Monday next, and to see the English mode.

Lagerfeldt and the master of the ceremonies dining with Whitelocke, he inquired of them what was to be done by him as to presents to any of the Queen's servants or officers who had done him respect in his business, or being here, and what other things were requisite to be done by him, according to the usage of ambassadors in this Court before their going away, and when he might obtain his audience to take his leave. The master of the ceremonies gave him good and chargeable instructions; and Lagerfeldt agreed in most points with him, and, upon Whitelocke's entreaty, undertook to see that the letters of full power to the Queen's Commissioners, and the recredentials to Whitelocke, should be perfected and brought to him, and a day of audience appointed.

Lagerfeldt told Whitelocke that the Queen was willing to present him with some of this country's commodities, as copper, to carry with him into England, if it would be as acceptable to him as other presents of diamonds and the like; and he said he hoped there was no order of the Commonwealth of England to forbid the receiving of such presents by their public ministers. He said, that formerly he asked of Monsieur Chanut, the French Ambassador here, if he would accept a present of copper, and he willingly accepted it, and carried it with him, saying, that he rather desired copper than diamonds or jewels, because he could better sell the copper than jewels, and make money of it.

Whitelocke said, that whatsoever her Majesty pleased to bestow on him should be welcome to him, and that he liked the commodities of this country as well as those of the Indies, and that for Chanut's reason. He said that the Protector had not forbid him to receive any testimonies of the Queen's respect to him, as she used to do to all public ministers; that the order of the Commonwealth forbidding gifts or presents to public ministers was not now in force; that he thought her Majesty's bounty to him, and his justification of the acceptance of it, might be the more from such valuable presents as her Majesty had done him the honour to receive from him, and his intention to bestow all his horses upon her, and such as she would appoint, which, for the honour of the Commonwealth, he would not sell.

_April 30, 1654._

[SN: Whitelocke accepts a present of copper.]

Berkman and Monsieur Bloome dined with Whitelocke, and took occasion to magnify the respects of the Chancellor and his son, Grave Eric, to the Protector and to Whitelocke, who was not backward to join in those eulogies, and to acknowledge the respects. Berkman said that Canterstein was to bring some writings to Whitelocke, and that Lagerfeldt had spoken to the Queen to present Whitelocke with some copper; that she had given order for two hundred ship-pound of copper to be brought from the mines to Stockholm, to be put aboard Whitelocke's ship, ready to be carried away with him; that every ship-pound was here worth forty dollars, and was as much as three hundred English pounds, which he cast up in the whole to the value of about £2500 sterling. And Whitelocke was satisfied in his own conscience that he might honourably receive it, having given to the Queen as many presents already as were worth £1000, and engaged to her his horses, which were worth about £2000 more, besides the gifts and gratuities which he had liberally given, and intended to give, to the Queen's servants and officers; and that, in recompense of above £3000 given away, he might well receive a present of the value of £2500.

Grave Leonhough visited Whitelocke, and had much discourse with him, not so proper for this day.

FOOTNOTES:

[85] [An ingenious device of Whitelocke's to lead the Spaniard to hasten the business of the treaty with Sweden, which he was suspected of having retarded.]

[86] The French, and English copies of the passport were these:--

"Comme ainsi soit que Don Antonio Piementel de Prado, Envoyé Extraordinaire de sa Majesté le Roi d'Espagne à sa Majesté la Reine de Suède, soit maintenant sur son retour de ce lieu à Neufport en Flandres, dont son Excellence est Gouverneur; et qu'il ait jugé à propos d'envoyer partie de son train et bagage par mer de Hambourg à Dunquerque, ou public autre port des Provinces Unies à présent sous l'obéissance de sa dite Majesté le Roi d'Espagne; et pour leur procurer d'autant plus sur convoi, m'ait désiré, comme Ambassadeur Extraordinaire de son Altesse Monseigneur le Protecteur de la République d'Angleterre, d'Ecosse, et d'Irlande, vers sa Majesté la Reine de Suède, de lui donner passeport: ces présents sont pour requérir tous ceux qui ont commandement par mer ou par terre, et tous officiers et autres de la dite République auxquels il peut appartenir, de permettre le porteur des présents, Joos Froidure, serviteur du dit Don Antonio Piementel, avec son navire et biens sous sa charge (à savoir, vingt caisses contenantes toutes sortes de meubles, comme vaisselle d'argent, tapisseries, linges, habits, lits de camp, et autres coffres et choses pareilles, et tout conduit par le susdit Joos Froidure, et les caisses marquées D. A. P.), de passer paisiblement et sans empêchement quelconque jusqu'au dit Dunquerque, ou autre port des Provinces Unies de présent sous l'obéissance de sa dite Majesté le Roi d'Espagne. Donné sous ma main et sceau, à Upsale en Suède, ce 4ème d'Avril, 1654. B. WHITELOCKE."

"Whereas Don Antonio Pimentel de Prado, Envoy Extraordinary from his Majesty the King of Spain unto her Majesty the Queen of Sweden, is now upon his return from this place unto Newport, in Flanders, whereof his Excellence is Governor, and hath thought fit to send part of his train and goods from Hamburg by sea unto Dunkirk, or some other port now in obedience to his said Majesty the King of Spain, in the Low Countries; and, for the better conveyance of them, hath desired a pass from me, being Ambassador Extraordinary from his Highness my Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland, and Ireland, unto her said Majesty the Queen of Sweden; these are therefore to desire all commanders by sea or land, and all officers or others, of the said Commonwealth, whom it may concern, to permit the bearer hereof, Joos Froidure, servant unto the said Don Antonio Pimentel, with the ship and goods under his charge, viz. twenty chests or packages, containing all sorts of household stuff, as vessels of silver, tapestries, linen, apparel, field-beds, and other coffers and such like things, marked with D. A. P., to pass unto the said port of Dunkirk, or any other port now in obedience unto his said Majesty the King of Spain in the Low Countries, quietly and without any molestation. Given under my hand and seal, at Upsal, in Sweden, this 4th day of April, 1654. B. WHITELOCKE."

[88] [It is curious to remark at the present time (1855) how the same questions have arisen out of the state of war. The list of contraband articles established by Whitelocke's treaty is still in force as between England and Sweden, and Liége is still the great resource of the Continent for arms.]

[90] [Cromwell was already preparing the two armaments at Portsmouth, one of which afterwards became the Mediterranean fleet, under Blake, of thirty-five ships, and the other, of thirty-two ships, sailed in the following year under Penn and Venables for the West Indies.]

[91] [This gentleman is doubtless the same M. Woolfeldt whom Whitelocke frequently refers to; for in a manuscript addressed to his children, Woolfeldt is mentioned by name as a person entertaining similar sentiments towards his native country. He was a Danish nobleman nearly connected by marriage with the King of Denmark, but who had incurred the displeasure of the Court, and been driven into exile on account of this marriage.]

[130] "Whereas Peter Gerbrant, citizen of Stockholm, and commander of a ship belonging to her Majesty the Queen of Sweden, called the 'Sudermanland,' loaden with corn and other Swedish merchandises, is now bound for Lisbon, in Portugal, and, for his better passage, hath desired of me, being Ambassador Extraordinary from his Highness the Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland, and Ireland, unto her Majesty the Queen of Sweden, to give him my pass and letters recommendatory: These are therefore to desire all commanders and officers by sea or land, and all others of the said Commonwealth whom it may concern, to permit the said Peter Gerbrant, together with his said ship and lading, to pass unto the said port of Lisbon quietly and without any molestation; and so to return from thence unto Stockholm, with such lading as the said master shall there think fit to take into his ship. Given under my hand and seal at Upsal, in Sweden, this 14th day of April, 1654. B. W."

[131] "Whereas the bearer hereof, Lieutenant-Colonel Robert Halsall, had a pass from Colonel Robert Lilburne, Commander-in-Chief of the Forces in Scotland under his Highness the Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland, and Ireland, to transport himself, his servant, and necessaries into Sweden upon his occasions, and, having despatched his business, he hath made his request to me, being Ambassador from his said Highness the Lord Protector to her Majesty the Queen of Sweden, to grant him my pass for his return into Scotland: These are therefore to desire all commanders by sea or land, and all officers and others of the said Commonwealth whom it may concern, to suffer him, the said Lieutenant-Colonel Halsall, quietly to pass into Scotland, he acting nothing prejudicial to the Commonwealth aforesaid; and further I desire that the Commander-in-Chief in Scotland will be pleased to show unto him, the said Lieutenant-Colonel, such favour at all times as he shall there deserve. Given under my hand and seal, at Upsal, in Sweden, this 14th of April, 1654. B. WHITELOCKE."

[142] [These words show that the contest between the French and Spanish alliance in London was still going on; but they did not convey the truth to Whitelocke, for it was against Spain that the great armament previously mentioned was destined to be used, in the expedition to St. Domingo and the conquest of Jamaica.]

[168] The treaty thus signed ran in the following terms:--

[SN: Text of the treaty.]

"We whose names are subscribed, Axel Oxenstiern, Chancellor of the
Kingdom and Provincial Judge of the West Norlanders, of Lapland,
Heredalia, and Jemptia, Earl of South Morea, free Baron in Kimitho,
Lord in Tiholme and Tydoen, Knight of the Golden Spur; and Eric
Oxenstiern, son of Axel, General President of the College of Trade,
Earl of South Morea, free Baron in Kimitho, Lord in Tydoen, Viby, and
Gorwallen, Senators of the Kingdom of Sweden, and Plenipotentiary
Commissioners of the most Serene and most Potent Prince and Lady the
Lady Christina, by the grace of God Queen of the Swedes, Goths, and
Vandals, Great Prince of Finland, Duke of Esthonia, Carelia, Bremen,
Veherden, Stettin, Pomerland, Cassubia and Vandalia, Prince of Rugia,
and Lady of Ingria and of Wismar; do make known and testify that
formerly there hath been a great amity between the Swedish and
English nations, for which, to renew and increase the profit of it,
it very well happened that the most illustrious and most excellent
Lord Bulstrode Whitelocke, Constable of Windsor Castle, and at this
time one of the Keepers of the Great Seal of England, being
sufficiently authorized to treat of the following affairs, came to
the S.R.M. our Lady, by commandment and in the name of Oliver, Lord
Protector of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland, and Ireland,
Ambassador Extraordinary from these countries and of the aforesaid
Commonwealth. The same also our most S.R.M. hath benignly commanded
us, who have the same and sufficient power, that after we should have
considered with the aforesaid Lord Ambassador about the things which
would be judged the most convenient to establish the liberty of
commerce and navigation, and to corroborate the mutual amity in this
time, that some certain things should be determined and written in
form of articles of mutual alliance.

"Therefore we, after a good deliberation together, agreed touching
the affairs hereafter written, as they are by these following laws
which are in this treaty, and by their clear words and without
difficulty expressed. That is:--

"1. That hereafter there be a good, sincere, firm peace and
correspondence between the Queen and Kingdom of Sweden and the Lord
Protector and the aforesaid Commonwealth, and between all and every
one of the dominions, kingdoms, countries, provinces, islands, lands,
colonies, towns, peoples, citizens, inhabitants, and all and every
one of the subjects of either of the party, so that they may mutually
embrace in entire love and affection.

"2. The aforesaid confederates and subjects, people and inhabitants
of either, shall, when occasion shall be presented, advance the
common profit, and shall, if they know of any imminent danger or
conspiration or machination of the enemies, admonish one another, and
shall hinder them as much as lies in their power. Neither shall it be
permitted to any of the confederates to do or treat by him, or by any
other whatsoever, to the prejudice or damage of the lands and
dominions of either, whatsoever they be, or in whatsoever place,
either by sea or land. The enemies or rebels or adversaries shall in
nowise be suffered, neither shall the rebels or traitors who
undertake under the State of the other be received in his countries,
and shall much less give them counsel, aid, or favour, nor shall
admit that his subjects, people, or inhabitants should do anything
like.

"3. The Queen and Kingdom aforesaid and the Lord Protector and
Commonwealth aforesaid shall, as much as in them lies, endeavour to
take care, with all candour and affection, to remove all the
hindrances which hitherto have interrupted the liberty of navigation
and commerce between both the nations, as much in the dominions,
lands, seas, and rivers of either of the confederates with other
people and nations. They shall also endeavour to advance and defend
the liberty of navigation and commerce against all sorts of
disturbers for the reasons agreed upon in this treaty, or upon which
hereafter they may agree, nor shall suffer, either through
themselves, their subjects, or people, any offence to be committed or
done against this institution.

"4. For it is consented and agreed that the inhabitants and subjects
of the aforesaid confederates be free to travel by sea or land into
the kingdoms, countries, provinces, lands, islands, towns, cities,
villages, walled or unwalled, fortified or no, ports, dominions
whatsoever freely, or without safe-conduct, general or special, to go
and thence to return, and thence to stay or pass over, and all the
while to buy victuals and things necessary for their use, and are to
be treated with all benevolence. And also it shall be lawful for the
subjects, citizens, and inhabitants of either of the confederates to
exercise merchandise and commerce in all places wherein any commerce
hath hitherto been exercised, and the same merchandise may be carried
in or forth according to their pleasure, paying nevertheless the
usual tax, and observing the laws and ordinances of the aforesaid
Kingdom and Commonwealth; supposing on both sides that the people,
subjects, and inhabitants of either of the confederates shall have
and possess in the countries, lands, dominions, and kingdom of the
other as full and ample privileges, and as much freedom, liberty, and
immunity, as any stranger possesseth, or shall possess, in the said
dominions and kingdoms.

"5. The merchants, masters of ships, pilots, seamen, and others,
their ships, merchandise, and all goods in general of the said
confederates and their subjects and inhabitants, shall not be
apprehended or detained in the lands, ports, shores, harbours, or
dominions whatsoever in alliance with the other, for any public use,
expedition of war, or other cause, much less for any private man's
use by virtue of any edict, general or special; neither shall they be
molested or constrained by violence or injury or anything of that
kind: provided that arrests be not prohibited if they are made
according to the ordinary form of law, justice, and equity; they
shall not neglect the punishment of any for private affection.

"6. And if one or more ships of the subjects, citizens, or
inhabitants, be they of war or of burden and private men's, shall be
forced by tempests, or pursued by pirates and enemies, or any urgent
necessity to the harbour or shores of the other confederate, and be
forced to call for protection, they shall be received there with all
benignity, humanity, and friendship, and at no time to be hindered,
and all victual, reparation, and things fit for use at the ordinary
price; they shall not be prohibited to depart or go out of the port
or harbour by any pretence whatsoever, as long as they have not
committed anything against the statutes, ordinances, and custom of
the place where their ships are brought and where they shall sojourn.

"7. Likewise, if one ship or more of war or of private men of the
other confederate, and of the subjects and inhabitants, shall be
shipwrecked or cast on the coast of the dominions of the other
confederate, or for the future may suffer detriment, they may be
relieved and helped at a price agreed on, so that whatsoever shall be
saved from the shipwreck shall be preserved and restored to the true
owner or his factor.

"8. And if the subjects and inhabitants of the other confederate,
whether they be merchants, their factors, servants, masters of ships,
pirates, seamen, or others, have occasion to travel into the
dominions of the other confederate, or if anything shall come in
their name before a court of justice, or suits for their debts, or
for any other lawful reason wherein they may need the help of the
magistrate; in these things he shall be benign and ready for equity's
sake, and shall administer justice without delay or unnecessary
circumstances, and they shall not be hindered in their journey by any
pretence, but whithersoever they go are to be used friendly, and
shall have the liberty either in going or returning to carry and wear
arms for their private defence, and to walk into the harbours,
seaports, and in any public place of the other confederate armed;
provided they give no occasion of just suspicion to the governors or
magistrates of any place of any design against the public or private
peace, but chiefly they are to behave themselves modestly, and to
live without any injury.

"9. It is lawful for the foresaid confederates and both their people
to buy and export out of any of their countries, dominions, and
kingdoms, all sorts of arms and provision of war, and freely and
safely to carry their ships into what ports, stations, and harbours
of the other confederate they please, and there to sojourn and from
thence to go; and they are to carry themselves modestly, peaceably,
and conform to all the laws and customs of the place, and they may
trade there without any hindrance; likewise the ships of war have
free leave to come to the ports, havens, and stations of the other
confederates. But nevertheless, if there be a manifest suspicion in
their number, they may forbid their access, without they have
obtained leave of the confederate in whose ports they are (unless
they are drawn in by tempests, or force, or danger, or chief
magistrate), and are not to stay longer than the governor or chief
magistrate will give them leave.

"10. It shall be lawful for the subjects and inhabitants of the
kingdom of Sweden to travel into all the countries of England,
Scotland, and Ireland, and likewise to pass beyond land or sea, and
other people that commerce with them, to exercise trade in all kind
of merchandise, and to bring them thither and carry thence at their
pleasure. The people of the aforesaid Commonwealth shall enjoy the
same liberty in the kingdoms, dominions, and territories of the Queen
and kingdom of Sweden, but upon condition that they shall observe the
respective laws, ordinances, and particular rights of both nations,
and of those things which concern the traffic.

"11. Although it be prohibited by the former articles of this league
and friendship, that neither of the confederates shall give aid or
assistance to the enemies of the other, nevertheless it is no way to
be understood that it is denied to the confederate and his subjects
and people who is not in war to have commerce and navigation with the
enemies of that confederate who is in war: provided only in the
meantime, until it may be more fully agreed upon, all laws hereunto
pertaining, that none of those commodities called contraband (of
which a special designation or catalogue shall be agreed upon within
four months from this time) shall be carried to the enemies of
either, upon peril that if they be found out by the other
confederate, they shall be taken as prize without hope of
restitution.

"12. But lest this free navigation or passage by land or sea with
other nations, of the one confederate, his subjects, or people,
during the war of the other confederate, should be a deceit to the
other confederate, and may conceal commodities and hostile goods by
deceit, pretending the name of a friend, for that reason, to remove
suspicion and fraud, it is thought fit that the ships, waggons,
merchandises, and men belonging to one of the confederates, in their
journeys and navigations shall be armed with letters of safe-conduct,
commonly called passports and certificates, which shall be signed by
the chief governor or magistrate of the province or city from whence
they come, and in all them those forms to be observed which shall be
agreed upon within the space of four months next ensuing; but where
the merchandises, goods, shipping, and men of one of the
confederates, or of his subjects or people, in the open sea, straits,
ports, stations, lands, and places whatsoever, shall be met with by
the ships of war, public or private, or by the men, subjects, and
people of the other confederate, or by any means shall be in one
place together, then exhibiting only their letters of safe-conduct
and certificates, nothing shall be further required of them, nor
inquired of them, nor inquiry made as to their goods, shipping, or
men any further, much less shall any injury, damage, or trouble be
offered to them, but, as is before signified, they shall be freely
dismissed to proceed in their intended journey. And in case anything
be done by either party contrary to the genuine sense of this
article, either of the confederates shall cause severe punishment to
be inflicted upon those who shall do contrary hereunto, their
subjects and people, and shall take care that satisfaction be made
without delay to the other grieved confederate, or his subjects and
people, fully of all their losses and expenses.

"13. Also, if it shall fall out hereafter during this friendship and
league, that any of the people and subjects of either of the
confederates shall take part with, or design anything against this
league, the agreement between the aforesaid confederates shall not
thereby be interrupted or dissolved, but nevertheless shall continue
and wholly remain; but those particular persons only who have broken
this league shall be punished, and right and justice shall be
administered to those who have received injury, and satisfaction
shall be made of all damages and wrong within a twelvemonth's time
after restitution demanded. And if the foresaid delinquents and
persons guilty of the violence committed shall not yield themselves
and submit to justice, or within the prefixed time shall refuse to
make satisfaction, they, whosoever they are, shall at length be
proclaimed enemies to both States, and their estates, goods, and
whatsoever things they have shall be confiscated and sold for a just
and full satisfaction of the wrongs by them done, and those offenders
and guilty persons, where they shall come into the power of either
State, shall suffer also deserved punishment according to the nature
of their offence. But restitution and satisfaction for the losses and
damages which either of the confederates hath suffered by the other
during the war between England and the United Provinces of the
Netherlands shall be made and afforded without delay to the party
wronged, or to his subjects.

"14. The present treaty and confederation shall not at all derogate
from the pre-eminence, right, and dominion whatsoever of either of
the confederates in their seas, straits, and waters whatsoever; but
they shall have and retain the same to themselves in the same fulness
as they have hitherto enjoyed the same, and of right belongs unto
them.

"15. Whereas therefore it is the principal purpose of this league
that the same freedom of navigation and merchandising as is expressed
in the former articles should be and remain to either confederate,
his subjects and people, in the Baltic Sea, the Strait of the Sound,
the Northern, Western, British, and Mediterranean Seas, and in the
Channel and other seas of Europe, it shall therefore earnestly be
endeavoured by common counsel, help, and assistance, that the
foresaid mutual freedom of navigation and commerce shall be
established and promoted in all the before-mentioned seas, and, if
occasion require, shall be defended against disturbers who would
interrupt it, prohibit, hinder, constrain, and force it to their own
will and the injury of the confederates; and both the confederates
shall willingly and mutually afford their goodwill and readiness to
promote the benefit and to take away the prejudice of either of the
confederates, always saving to either nation the leagues with other
kingdoms, commonwealths, and nations which have been heretofore made
and are in force; but neither of the confederates for the future
shall make any league or alliance with any foreign people or nations
whatsoever to any prejudice of this present mutual league, without
the knowledge beforehand and consent of the other confederate; and if
anything shall hereafter be agreed otherwise, it shall be void, and
shall wholly give way to this mutual agreement; but of the manner of
mutual aid or assistance to be given for defence of this league, and
freedom of commerce and navigation, where it shall be necessary and
reason shall require it, it shall be specially agreed upon according
to the circumstances of time and all other things.