|
|
July 1.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives. |
123. Gerolamo Agostini, Venetian Secretary in England,
to the Doge and Senate.
In his retreat to Worcester the king encountered the forces of
the Earl of Dembi, which he engaged, winning the advantage,
and they would have been completely routed if the bulk of
Waller's army had not been following close behind. After spending
a few days at Shrewsbury and Worcester and augmenting the
garrisons of both, with orders to repair the forts, his Majesty
took 4,000 horse, with a few infantry on the crupper and returned
to Oxford by a forced march, thus deceiving Waller, and to the
detriment of his reputation, as he has not carried out his orders
better than Essex. This incident may possibly save Essex from
the persecution of the partisans of the other. These have obtained
orders from the Council to recall him, there being a strong
disposition to put him on his trial, notwithstanding that he has
tried by submissive letters to justify his actions. Meanwhile
he is trying to render himself both useful and necessary, as by
sending forward a part of his army into Dorset, he has relieved
Lyme and taken Weymouth on terms, with suspicion of an
understanding with the governor. He is now continuing his
march towards Exeter, to besiege the queen, who has been
delivered of her fourth son, (fn. 1) so Admiral Warwick writes, who is
on the river with some ships.
The king did not make a long stay at Oxford, but after burning
Abingdon which is in the best position of the circuit, so that the
new troops which they talk of sending from here to straiten the
place, may not have the advantage of it, he has gone out again
with a few guns, and it is thought that reinforced by the troops of
Prince Maurice from Lyme and by Obton, who is coming from
Bristol with more, he proposes to give battle to Essex.
Sergeant Major Brun is urged to set out from this city towards
Oxford, but he does not find his regiments so eager as he could
wish ; however he hopes to march next week.
The Marquis of Newcastle scores off the besiegers by various
military ruses, feigning weakness, and he cut up about 4,000
after pretending to parley. He caused false letters to fall into
their hands, which he sent to Prince Rupert, urging him to come,
describing the perilous state of the city, so the others weakened
their forces to send some troops to block the prince's passage.
The Prince is 20,000 men strong and there is nothing left for him
to take in Lancashire but the town of Manchester, which he is
not expected to undertake before settling the issue at York,
which will afford no little light for a forecast on affairs here.
Ven, who went to the Scottish army as reported, found them even
less disposed than the commissioners to depose the king. He has
gone on to Scotland with the greatest secrecy, but though he claims to
have great credit there he will not find it easy to gain their consent
to what is directly contrary to the interests of that nation on every
political consideration. The importance of the matter draws attention
to what the English will decide to do without that consent. After
having gone so far it will be difficult to keep up confidential relations
with that nation whose force is already growing weaker, as Ales,
Fairfax and Manchester have united with their forces, and the
English predominate in the counsel chamber (nella consulta).
The Dutch ambassadors are urging the commissioners appointed
to give them an answer to their request for an audience, but so
far they have not been able to get it, for fear that their proposals
made in public may arouse a sentiment in favour of such a plausible
offer of peace among the more moderate. They forestall this by
casting suspicion on the ambassadors, announcing that although
they had commissions from the States at the very outset to recognise
parliament, they have not done so. For this cause their letters have
been detained for ten days and they have talked of opening them.
It has been decided however to let the ambassadors have the letters
intact, and yesterday they saw the two presidents of parliament.
London, 1st July, 1644.
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.] |
July 8.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian.
Archives. |
124. Gerolamo Agostini, Venetian Secretary in England,
to the Doge and Senate.
The king having come out of Oxford and finding this part
exposed without any army, one being in Worcestershire and the
other gone to the West, he has entered Buckinghamshire making,
himself felt within 15 miles of this city, his troops sacking and
destroying the most rebellious places. He has brought arms to
distribute to loyal subjects, so that they may hasten to join him,
as some have done, and if he becomes strong enough he may
enter Essex and Kent, which is the sole and safe means of destroying
this poisonous plant at the root. At this news, brought by triplicated
couriers on Saturday night, there was no slight confusion
in London, where the guards have been strengthened and they
stand to arms. They have only sent out Sergeant Major Brun
with 3 regiments of auxiliaries who were all ready to go to Oxford,
and who have been sent towards Buckingham instead, but the
fear of an approaching and dangerous conflict causing many
soldiers to hide themselves has so weakened him that he will
not be able to stand unless he receives reinforcements from the
trained bands of the other counties or unites with Waller.
The parliamentarians were amazed and annoyed at being left
with no certain information of Waller's whereabouts, when letters
arrived from him on Tuesday reporting that as the king had had
the bridges cut, he was obliged to take a much longer way to
return ; but he had arrived near Gloucester, where he had tried
to obtain 2,000 men as a reinforcement, but without success, so
he demanded both men and money. He promises to go and take
up his quarters between his Majesty and Oxford.
Notwithstanding all these events and the successes gained by
Essex in the West by the relief of Lyme and the capture of Weymouth,
valued highly for the arms, munitions and ships found
there, the feeling against him had risen so high that articles of
accusation were presented. He has written very resentfully
about this protesting that he will prove his fidelity if they will
send him money and if he is confirmed in the West. Afraid of
forcing him to take some disagreeable step, parliament has acceded
to his requests, sending him men and a little money as well, reserving
for a more opportune moment the use of severity against him, his
letter having increased the ill feeling, while the partisans of the
competent (fn. 2) Waller are more envious than ever of the greater advantages
that he enjoys in his office. The general is at present near
Portland, which he wishes to take before passing to Exeter.
Prince Maurice is at Uniton, with Obton not far off, who will
join him to stop the progress of Essex, and who is endeavouring
to associate some counties in this district in the king's interest,
and collect men there. In Wales the Earl of Carberi has moved
in favour of his Majesty and collected 2,000 horse and foot, with
which he has gone to Pembroke to unite with the Irish, who
should soon be crossing the sea in numbers.
The besiegers at York fired a mine which injured themselves,
blowing up about 300 of Manchester's men. However they made
a breach in the wall and attempted an assault, in which they were
repulsed, and this incident has not increased their hopes of
taking the place soon. It is reported that Prince Rupert, joined
by other forces is advancing in that direction by crooked and
lengthy routes, so as to avoid those sent to oppose him, but there
is no certainty of his arrival yet, though it will soon be necessary.
The Scots assembled in their parliament have offered to send
10,000 more soldiers to England under Arghil and Calender to
besiege Newcastle. The English parliament has accepted the offer,
though there were some who would have liked to reduce the
number. However the consideration that those who have
already come are in some dependence on the English commanders
who are with them, has banished their fears, and they have also
sent some troops with the younger Fairfax to join the others.
These fresh troops may not be ready very soon, as Scotland is
very short of men, although the few there are ready to change
their country owing to the sterility of their own.
The commissioners about the audience of the Dutch
ambassadors have had long discussions these last days, but have
decided nothing except to ask them to make their demand in
writing, merely to gain time and to obtain this legal testimony
that they have commissions to recognise the parliament. Something
was said about the manner of receiving them, and there
was opposition to this being done by the two Houses united, as
the Commons object to standing uncovered, as is the custom.
So if they are heard, which will be avoided if possible, it will be
in each House separately.
Some secret correspondents of parliament in Paris have reported
the arrival there of the Secretary Talbot, who says he is going to his
king with offers of large contributions from your Serenity upon certain
articles which he brings. I have endeavoured to convince some
members of parliament who have spoken to me about it, of the
baselessness of this, in consideration of all the circumstances, I hope
with success.
London, the 8th July, 1644.
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.] |
July 15.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives. |
125. Gerolamo Agostini, Venetian Secretary in England, to
the Doge and Senate.
The king has boldly engaged Waller's army, who avoiding a
battle has suffered considerable losses in more than one skirmish,
abandoning six drakes (drachi). (fn. 3) Although he has been reinforced
and joined by Sergeant Major Brun and other troops from the
county of Essex, yet his Majesty does not abandon his traces,
as if he succeeds in dissipating this army there would remain no
obstacle to the realisation of his plan to arm the neighbouring
counties with the enemy's weapons, for his own service, and make
himself a way into Kent.
General Essex has not moved since he took Weymouth, being
watched by equal forces under Prince Maurice, united with Obton,
and the constant subject of suspicion, which has even resulted
in rendering disobedient some of the captains most favoured by
him. He does his utmost to defend himself and has sent here an
intercepted letter of the Secretary Nicolas to the governor of
Portland in which he refers to the great advantage the king has
from this mistrust between parliament and its supreme general.
But no reason or consideration can affect the obstinate determination
to abase the authority of the great, which is the sole crime against
Essex. To the same end of abasing the Upper House they have made
a law that the lords who took the king's side and afterwards came to
parliament, cannot be reinstated in it except with the consent of the
two Houses, and so many who are here are shut out, and thus grievances
are increased. These are rife also among the members of
parliament themselves, who realise that they made a mistake in setting
up the Council of the two Nations, a body which does everything
without so much as participating the state of affairs in full parliament,
where some have made complaint. On this ground they
have reduced the sessions to every third day in the week so that with
the multiplication of ordinary business there may be no time for such
motions.
Authentic news has come that Prince Rupert with 23,000
combatants is at Ripon, not more than 20 miles from York, so
the besieged have come out of their trenches and advanced
towards him. But as at the same time Lord Crever, a very rich
English nobleman and devoted servant of the Palatine House,
arrived at Scarboro from France with money, arms and officers,
the prince approached the sea to enjoy the benefit of this assistance,
so that the others missed him on their march. They cannot
fail to meet however, and the news of a sanguinary battle is
momentarily expected, which will prove of great advantage to
the side that is victorious.
Ven, who is back here, did not care to stop for the engagement,
but travelled post, arriving three days ago. He holds out no
good hopes of affairs there, indeed he told some one in confidence
that he feared he would very soon hear bad news from there.
He found in the leaders of the Scottish army and in Scotland itself an
equal opposition to the proposal to depose the king, the Scots being
quite determined to keep at least a shadow of monarchy in the person
of this king or his heirs.
It is announced here that 10,000 more Scots, in accordance with
the permission of parliament here, have already entered England
and are marching towards Sunderland, either for the siege of
Newcastle or to free coal for transport to this city. Without
this commodity there will be riots there this winter, and the
announcement of this unconfirmed report is to keep up the hopes
of the people.
The ceremonial of the audience being still under discussion,
the Dutch ambassadors have not yet had it. Annoyed by these
dishonest delays they are not exempt from a certain amount of ill
will and encourage the demands of some commissioners who have
come from Rotterdam to complain of a decree of parliament
forbidding the transport of goods of any kind, not only articles
for war, to the ports of the king. Commissioners have been
deputed for them, but they have not so far obtained the withdrawal
of the order or even the information they asked about the reason
for it.
A publication has appeared in English giving the reasons why
it is not good for England to allow Gravelines to fall into the hands
of the French. (fn. 4) It is believed that the Spanish ambassador has
had it published to draw some advantage therefrom, but it will be
difficult to persuade this government to preserve something which
it has not yet acquired.
The French Resident Sabran, after a long turn about the
country, has seen the king and the queen and is now on his way
back. He wrote asking General Essex to secure his passage to
this city, and to protect the queen in her stay at Bath, but was
told that the air of London would be even more healthy for her
Majesty, and no other passport was sent.
The Portuguese Resident here lighted bonfires before his house
last Tuesday to create the impression of a famous victory over
the Spaniards who had announced the opposite in the previous
week.
London, the 15th July, 1644.
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.] |
126. Gerolamo Agostini, Venetian Secretary in England,
to the Doge and Senate.
After I had closed my despatch this evening a post arrived in
great haste from the North with the news that the parliamentary
army engaged Prince Rupert 8 miles from York. The English
being repulsed at the first attack ; the Scots had charged with so
much determination that after a long and bloody battle the prince
was utterly overthrown, with the loss of his guns and baggage,
and had been forced to retire into York, with a few followers.
I do not venture on this first report to assert that the facts are
precisely as related, although I myself have seen the letters
of General Fairfax ; but as it is a matter of great importance and
of the worst consequences to the king, I did not wish to hold back
the news.
London, the 15th July, 1644.
[Italian.] |
July 22.
Senato,
Secreta.
Deliberazioni.
Corti.
Venetian
Archives. |
127. To the Secretary in England.
Acknowledge receipt of his letters of the 1st inst. You will
pass the office of congratulation with the king on the birth of the
fourth prince in the way and by the means which seem best to
you. (fn. 5) News of peace with the pope and of the Turkish fleet.
Ayes, 123. Noes, 1. Neutral, 4.
[Italian.] |
July 22.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Munster.
Venetian
Archives. |
128. Advices from the Hague of the 22nd July, 1644,
forwarded by Alvise Contarini, Venetian Ambassador to
the Congress at Munster.
Admiral Tromp, who commands the fleet of these Provinces
off Gravelines, has sent an intimation to their High Mightinesses
of a suspicion founded upon reports and incidents that the
parliamentary ships of England are contemplating joint action
with the Spaniards to procure the relief of Gravelines. He asks
for instructions and for reinforcements if he is required to fight.
It seems that he is required in any case to offer resistance and to
fight, the more so because by order of the parliament some ships
have been stopped which were proceeding from here to England
under the pretext that they were going for the service of the king.
In this way parliament wished to indemnify themselves for the
treatment of their ships going and coming from Dunkirk, a traffic
which was similarly contested by the Dutch.
[Italian.] |
July 22.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives. |
129. Gerolamo Agostini, Venetian Secretary in England, to
the Doge and Senate.
I reported the arrival of the courier with the news of the
sanguinary battle at York between the two armies, each exceeding
20,000 combatants. Other letters have arrived since, but all
directed to individuals, which confirm the great advantage
gained over Prince Rupert, with the capture of all his guns and
baggage. (fn. 6) But M. di Sabran the French resident, who returned
from Court on Saturday evening, reports that the king had
received letters from the prince, of which he brought a copy,
assuring him that the victory was on his side, having left 7,000
enemy on the field and captured guns and baggage, so that the
engagement was celebrated with bonfires. This announcement
kept up the uncertainty until two days ago, when an officer of the
army arrived with letters signed by the three parliamentary
generals, not only claiming the victory for their side, but adding
that they have made insistent demands upon the city of York to
surrender and hope that if it does not fall by treaty it will at least
be taken by assault.
With these directly contradictory reports, the truth is hard to
see and only time will show. Meanwhile I will relate what I have
gathered from the talk of both sides, received with a reserve which is
very necessary. I hear that prince Rupert attacked the rear guard,
led by Manchester and composed of inexperienced troops, completely
routing them. Pushing on he encountered a firm resistance from the
Scots, so that after a long fight his troops becoming disordered,
the prince was defeated, with the loss of guns, baggage and many
arms. However he collected a considerable number of cavalry and I
hear he has gone towards Scarborough to avail himself of the
commodities brought there by Lord Crever. He proposes after
collecting a few infantry to unite with the forces of Mantros, possibly
to oppose the entry of the 10,000 Scots which are reported all ready to
advance, or else to engage a new battle with the first, if he is equal to
it. In the council held at York before the battle the Marquis of
Newcastle and other military leaders were of opinion that as the
siege of the city was raised the prince should go against the four
associated counties, but the prince alone caused his own will to
fight to prevail, believing that the enemy were frightened and
would flee, so it is said that he and the Marquis have quarrelled.
The Council of the two Nations is much incensed with the French
resident for publishing news contrary to its own, and they discussed
sending a deputation of four commissioners to complain about it.
This is postponed, but they show their resentment against the nation
by imprisoning all the French Catholics who are in this city, with the
intention of forcing them either to change their religion or to go,
and so far there is no sign of their receiving any relief from his
interposition.
They have not yet begun to carry out the decision of parliament,
in their enthusiasm, to raise 10,000 infantry in London to send
against Oxford. The garrison there makes itself felt, having
gone out and raised the siege of Grindland House, a short distance
away. (fn. 7) The delay arises from the shortness of money and also
from the hope that Sergeant Major Brun who is selected for that
work, may be able to get away from Waller and go there, as the
king is scouring the country with cavalry only, without attempting
anything considerable, so they think Waller sufficiently strong to
follow him up, although his last losses were heavy. Essex also
remains idle, having before him the army of Prince Maurice,
which is at least equal if not stronger than his own, who prevents
him from approaching Exeter, although Essex is invited thither
by the disputes between the citizens and the garrison.
The queen, leaving her offspring there, has gone away without
waiting for the time usually prescribed, and passed to the castle
of Pendennis a very strong place on the sea, from which it will be
easy to cross to France, as she proposes to do, to the disgust, one
gathers, of Cardinal Mazarini, although invited by her sister in
law.
The Dutch ambassadors have at length obtained an audience
with a demand in writing stating that they have matters of great
importance to set forth. They are to have it to-day from both
Houses, but separately. I will report what happens in my next.
I know that up to the last some tried to upset everything by
making them first show their credentials.
A gentleman of the Duke of Orleans has arrived here sent
from the army under Gravelines. There are two motives for his
coming, one to instruct M. di Sabran to try and prevent the
English from sending any help to that place, since it was reported
here that on the strength of the arguments adduced by the
Spanish ambassador there was some inclination to give it, though
that is far from the intention of the rulers here, who are busy
with other matters. The other is to provide horses from this
country which has been permitted.
London, the 22nd July, 1644.
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.] |
130. Gerolamo Agostini, Venetian Secretary in England, to
the Doge and Senate.
Mr. John Brumal, an English merchant, who has lived for many
years in the islands of Zante and Cephalonia for the currant trade,
became creditor to the Levant Company in a considerable sum
for the purchase of the fruit, and is in consequence indebted in
large sums to the people of those islands, who gave him credit
for the same. When the importation of currants into this kingdom
was prohibited, he came to receive from the Company the payment
which he had already begun to collect upon the same by virtue
of sentences of the late Proveditore Zorzi and of the Rectors
at that date. (fn. 8) He could not get it in spite of all his efforts, owing
to present circumstances. Now that trade is resumed he has
started to return thither, but he will first present himself at the
feet of your Serenity, to whom he brings a letter from the king,
of which I enclose a copy, with one of a letter of the Secretary
Nicolas. His Majesty is induced to support his requests, not so
much for himself and for your Serenity's subjects, but in order
that the most rigorous justice may be exercised towards the
Company in question, which does not treat his Majesty with
perfect good faith. I have accordingly assured Brumal that the
royal recommendation will have the greatest influence in stimulating
the friendly disposition of your Excellencies to the whole of
this nation. But in order not to prejudice the resumed trade,
which is so profitable to both countries, I have adroitly suggested
to him that some declaration from the Company of consent
to this payment might possibly help his business. I know that he
has not neglected any effort to obtain this, but without success.
I report this to assist the deliberations of your Excellencies on
the subject.
London, the 22nd July, 1644.
[Italian.] |
| Enclosure. |
131. Charles, D. G., King of Great Britain, etc. to Francisco
Erizzo, Doge of Venice.
In behalf of John Bromhal, who bought currants at Zante
and Cephalonia on behalf of the Levant Company of London,
and pledged himself for payment for the same, so that he was
condemned to pay the entire debt in the Courts of those islands.
The Company has repudiated this debt and he has been unable
with all his efforts to obtain any satisfaction from them. He has
accordingly asked for the royal assistance against the Company.
Dated at Oxford, the last day of April, 1644.
[Latin, 4 pages.] |
132. The Secretary Nicolas to Gerolamo Agostini.
Forwards copy of his Majesty's letter on behalf of Mr. John
Bromhal. His Majesty will be much gratified if this can have the
advantage of your assistance, so far as your office permits. The
letter has been sent chiefly in the interest of the republic's subjects.
Dated the 1st May, 1644.
[Italian, from the English ; 2 pages.] |
July 29.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Munster.
Venetian
Archives. |
133. Advices from the Hague, of the 29th July, 1644,
forwarded by Alvise Contarini, Venetian Ambassador to
the Congress at Munster.
The idea of reprisals for the ships detained by the English
parliament which was mentioned, is all put on one side owing to
two important items of news, the first of the complete defeat of
the army of the king and Prince Rupert in Yorkshire, and the
other the good intentions expressed by parliament not to interfere
for the relief of Gravelines or in favour of the Spaniards.
[Italian.] |
July 29.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives. |
134. Gerolamo Agostini, Venetian Secretary in England,
to the Doge and Senate.
Although the defeat of Prince Rupert's forces is confirmed and
was celebrated yesterday, there is no certain news yet of the
surrender of York. Couriers arrived from there on Sunday,
which obliged the Council of State to meet even before church, but
no decision is announced except to accelerate the enlistment of
10,000 foot and 2,000 horse in the neighbouring counties. I
gather that the prince has not entirely lost courage and has
gathered some of his men, with whom he is facing his pursuers,
proving by the death of some of them that his sword has not
quite lost its edge. The most serious loss of all for the king, if it
proves true, would be what is announced here, that the Marquis
of Newcastle, disgusted with the prince, has left the realm and
crossed the sea, as he supported the king's cause in the North
with so much energy and success, while no one could take his
place, because of his influence and following among the people
there.
The queen left Exeter for Pendennis Castle with the intention
of crossing to France, but news comes that she has returned to
her first abode. The reasons given are that the people of
Cornwall would not allow her French regiment to follow her,
from fear of outrages ; and she saw her plan thwarted because
parliament, warned of her intention, had sent several ships to
prevent her crossing the sea. But the chief reason, confirmed by
the accounts of the physician Mayerne, is the deplorable state of
her health, and he cannot promise that she will be out of danger
for weeks. There is no fear of General Essex, who is much
weakened, undertaking the siege of Exeter, which has a garrison
of 3,000 foot, while Prince Maurice is close at hand with forces
not inferior to his own. The king also has moved towards Bristol
with his cavalry, Waller being in no condition to attempt anything
considerable. The trained bands who were with him being
worn out by their hardships have returned to London, so he has
sent a leading officer to ask for reinforcements of every kind,
which will be promptly supplied.
The Dutch ambassadors had their audience of the two Houses
separately last Friday. 25 coaches were sent to fetch them, most
with six horses, but the master of the Ceremonies was not accompanied
by any of the lords or members of the government, as they
would have liked, and as is the custom in Holland. They sat
in the Upper House on three special seats on the left of the royal
canopy. The audience was private as the lords did not wear
their robes or allow anyone to be present. They presented their
credentials and after a few dignified words had the enclosed paper
read, which by those who wish for peace are considered suitable
and effective. The president paid a brief compliment and then
they went on to the Lower House. At their entry no one rose,
as the lords had done. They handed in the same credentials
and before these were opened and returned they performed the
same office and presented the paper, to which, to their astonishment,
neither the president nor anyone else said a word. Just
before they entered parliament ordered an exhibition for their
benefit of all the flags and banners captured in the victory over
Prince Rupert, to the number of 44, desiring in this way to
display their strength and advantage and so oblige the
ambassadors to treat with reserve and respect.
Yesterday they began to discuss the reply, but it was immediately
adjourned to another day, to gain time. An inconclusive
answer is expected, and these ministers lament the fact. Although
their credentials were dated in December, from which the intention
of the States to recognise parliament is inferred, they have not acted
upon them until now, and it is said they would not still but for this
great victory. The ambassadors are also concerned about the
interests of their masters, as many rich ships have been sequestrated
without the least reason, so that besides what is said in
the paper, they have spoken very high, and they seem more likely
to be promoting war than introducing peace.
The French resident Sabran rages at his inability to squeeze
himself into the business in some way. I hear that he also is
drawing up a paper, but he does not know to whom or how to
present it, as he has no authority to recognise parliament, and
no one would listen to him, since he has become very suspect owing
to the news he published and for what I will relate.
Possibly by previous intelligence a certain Englishman has
been arrested on entering the Tower, where he was accustomed
to go to serve the prisoners. On him they found a letter, which
though without date, address or signature he confessed had been
given to him by a Frenchman to hand to Montegu. (fn. 9) This states
that the lady who loved him, meaning the queen, had three
infirmities, namely vapours, paralysis and depression of spirits.
She was working for peace, but the Dutch ambassadors would not
obtain it, yet he took consolation that he was loved not only by
that lady but by her sister in law as well. That very soon Gravelines
would belong to France so that the 30,000 men engaged in
that siege will soon be able to go anywhere. Parliament is
enquiring into the affair and puts the whole thing down to this
resident, though he has denied it. But as he is very talkative they
have obtained definite indications from persons sent to him covertly
by the parliament. So he is in disgrace and danger among this people,
which never at any time and least of all now, has recognised the
respect due to the ministers of princes.
The Spanish ambassador has made a request to the Council
of the two Nations in writing for some assistance for Gravelines.
He was told that they are not in a position to supply any, and even
if they were they do not desire a rupture with France.
London, the 29th July, 1644.
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.] |
| Enclosure. |
135. Paper presented in Parliament by the Ambassadors of
Holland on the 22nd July, 1644. (fn. 10)
Reasons of the republic for desiring to see peace in England.
Offer of mediation, which has been accepted by the king. Arguments
why parliament should take this into consideration.
Promise to act sincerely as ambassadors sent by their best
friends. Mischief caused to the Dutch by these dissensions,
whose trade is injured and goods seized without just cause as
shown by the attached memorial, with which restitution is asked. |
| W. Borel |
Ambassadors. |
| Jo. de Recde |
| Alb. Joachimi |
| [Italian, from the French ; 10 pages.] |